sapper756

Totally shocked to hear of the sudden death of Fife Federation member Dodd Caffrey. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. RIP Geordie pal

Grasshoppers Chronicles:The Way of the Pigeon Health, Honesty, and Hard Truths As the festive season draws closer and the nights grow longer, the lofts are settling into their winter rhythm. Most pigeons have now completed their moult, shedding the worn-out feathers of the racing season and stepping into winter with pristine new plumage. For many fanciers, this is also a time of separation. The sexes are split, and for those not yet ready to pair, there’s a quieter, more contemplative feel around the lofts. During this period, one peculiar problem seems to crop up more often than usual: wet droppings. Not all pigeons, not all the time, but the occasional bird will leave a watery mess in the boxes. For novices, this sight can cause panic, often leading them to reach for the medicine cupboard. But in my experience, medication isn’t always the answer. In fact, nine times out of ten, it’s not needed at all. Stress, Diet, Weather – and the Power of Beans. So, why do wet droppings seem to appear more often at this time of year? In my view, it’s largely down to stress, diet, and weather. Separation after a season of companionship can leave even the steadiest birds feeling unsettled. Add to that the lighter diets often fed in the off-season, and you’ve got conditions ripe for mild digestive upset. And then there’s the weather. These cold, damp days aren’t good for man or beast, and the drop in temperature can have a noticeable effect on your pigeons. If you’re quick to medicate every time you see wet droppings, take a moment to pause. Try something different: beans. Put the affected bird on a high-protein diet and watch how quickly the droppings transform. From watery puddles to tight, brown balls, the difference can be remarkable. Now, consider the temperature’s role as well. On a mild, warmer day, you’ll notice your pigeons eat less than their usual measure. But on a cold day, watch how they eat with real relish, finishing their feed and often looking for more. Are you observing how your birds respond to these changes? Are you adapting their management accordingly? Often, a simple change in feed is all that’s required to resolve the issue. If you’re still unsure, a dropping test from a vet will usually confirm what you already suspect—there’s nothing wrong at all. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been one to challenge the status quo. I recall advice from a legendary scribe I admire greatly, a man with his finger on the pulse of the pigeon world. He told me, “Always tell the truth and be honest. You won’t be liked for it, but you can always hold your head high.” Those words have stayed with me and still guide me today. For years, I’ve read loft reports in publications like the BHW, RP, De Duif, and Squills. Inevitably, there’s always a claim along the lines of, “We never treat our pigeons—only good pigeons stay healthy.” Every time, it makes me laugh. Let’s be realistic—there isn’t an animal on this planet that doesn’t, at some stage in its life, need treatment. Yes, building natural immunity is vital. Yes, breeding hardy, healthy pigeons is a must. But let’s not pretend that cider vinegar, garlic, and clean water are enough to keep pigeons in top form all year round. If that were the case, the companies selling supplements and medications wouldn’t exist, and pigeon vets wouldn’t have a job. Good pigeons don’t come from a bottle, but good health is absolutely key to success in this sport. Ignoring health issues or refusing to treat out of misplaced pride isn’t noble—it’s foolish. Thankfully, the sport has come a long way. Decades ago, pigeon vets were few and far between. Now, we have a wealth of experienced veterinary practices that can analyse droppings, swabs, and sensitivity tests at reasonable prices. These services allow fanciers to treat with precision rather than blindly administering medications and hoping for the best. If you’re blind-treating and not seeing results, it’s often because your pigeons aren’t sensitive to the medication you’re using. Sensitivity tests can pinpoint the exact product that will be most effective for your birds’ specific ailments. Yes, it costs more than guessing, but it’s also far more effective. As the saying goes, “Do not fear those who are educated; fear those who refuse to learn.” On a more sombre note, the fancy recently saw the end of an era with the clearance sale of Duncan Goodchild, loft manager for the late, great Dave Hales. Duncan has been nothing short of legendary in the BICC international racing scene, overseeing some of the finest distance pigeons this country has ever seen. It’s a sad day to see those lofts emptied, but those lucky enough to purchase birds from the sale will have secured pigeons of the highest calibre. I’ve been fortunate enough to handle many of the champions bred and raced under Duncan’s care, and they are truly remarkable specimens. The sport will feel his absence deeply. My final thoughts, this game of ours is full of challenges, from wet droppings to health scares, from saying goodbye to legends to embracing new methods. But that’s the beauty of pigeon racing—it’s a constant journey of learning, adapting, and striving for improvement. Master Po once said, “The wise learn not from their victories, but from their struggles. For in struggle lies growth, and in growth lies greatness.” So let us face the challenges head-on, whether it’s questioning the status quo, learning from modern vets, or simply observing how weather, diet, and stress affect our birds. In doing so, we can hold our heads high, knowing we’ve done right by our pigeons—and by the sport we love.

RESULT

GOOD LUCK FOLKS

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members on pigeonbasics.com a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Rab Henderson Bo'ness homing society funeral arrangements 28th December 10am cuthills parlour 10 45 Carriden cemetery

Copied from Facebook IMPORTANT NOTICE Unfortunately, we at Performance Pigeons UK are calling it a day. John sold his main business recently after 29 years and the new owner will require all the rooms we use for breeding the pigeons. In the last five years since starting the breeding stud, our birds have excelled for many, many people in club, fed and national racing, as well as one loft races. Every season our birds have topped feds throughout the UK up to a birdage of around 6,000. It has been a great experience with many new friendships made. Thank you to one and all. We are now in the process of selling all birds - none kept back. Updates to follow.

Copied from Facebook Pigeon lofts at West Mills Dairy, Kirkcaldy, early 20th century. The pigeons are released at various distances and trained to return to their home loft. The competing birds are banded to identify them, they can fly for several thousand miles and can reach speeds of ninety miles per hour! Pigeon racing started as a sport in Belgium in 1818, when a hundred mile race was held. The late 1800s saw the sport grow in popularity in the United States, France and Britain. Today, pigeon racing is particularly popular in former mining communities in Scotland. Also looks like my grandad in the photo.

The Joe Murphy Column As there is not much happening within the sport up here in Scotland just now; except some of the household names within this area have decided to call it a day. With Tom McLeod of Tranent and Jim Hannah of Blantyre just 2 of the very best fanciers we have produced over the years calling it a day. As far as obtaining information to keep my article going it is like drawing blood from a stone. Fanciers don’t even speak to each other nowadays and as far as shows go, they are no defunct. I used to enjoy going to the shows in the winter months as it was a good indicator if your birds were having a good moult or not. If you won in the shows, you could then see how the birds did in the race basket and nine times out of ten you would be on the race result with them in the summer. It was all about looking after your birds 365 days of the year. I was having a good look at the youngsters I bred this year and now that they are out of the moult, I have been taken their pictures and also photographing their eye sign. I will add a couple of photos (chequer pied and blue bar)to go with this column. As there is not much feedback from fanciers nowadays; so therefore, I have been going through old articles to keep the column going. Tayside Highlights It was rather a barren year for Tayside fanciers in the National races in (1967) and this was highlighted by their absence. However, amidst the gloom one star shone brightly and that star was the Mealy Hen named ‘Wellbank Pride’ owned and raced by Jock Ellis. This hen earned the admiration of the fancy for her courageous performance in the Rennes race. While 6000 other birds faltered, this game hen plodded her lonely but resolute way northwards through the dusk, to be clocked in at 10-32pm on the night into a north-west wind. This performance was worthy of winning any National but ‘Pride’ had to be content with being 8th open and 1st East section, and the thought from Jock was ‘Well, there’s always next year’. Jock had 4 other morning stars who came trickling in to give him a full house while most of us were still waiting for their first bird. Another performance worthy, of note was that of David Ree, of Broughty Ferry, in the tough Nantes race where velocities were once again very low. Dave’s Blue Chequer hen 60T4603, was clocked at 06-16 to take 31st open 9th east section with a velocity of 657. A really excellent performance from a distance of 645 miles with only 121 birds on the result sheet out of 2000 sent. I believed Dave’s birds come down from the old Ed Harrow strain, ‘Nuff said!!’ North of the Forth An article written by ‘Taysider’ whom I’m assuming was the late Jim George (Round O) from Arbroath; who wrote. ‘After what has been regarded as the most arduous racing season for some years, the title of ‘Fancier of the Year’ in this part of the country must inevitably go to Robert Strachan, the Invergowrie ACE. Robert’s birds flew consistently well all season and finished with a great flourish by taking 1st and 3rd positions from the Federations 550 miles Dol race (under very trying conditions). This grand-slam finish gave him the bulk of silverware, including the R J Blair and Whitbread Trophies, for 1st bird Dol, The Melrose Drover for best average Christchurch 400 miles and Dol. Plus the much sought after Fyfe-Jamieson Trophy for the best average in the three longest federation races. However, his proudest moment ever, came when he won his own father’s memorial trophy- ‘The Strachan Memorial Cup’ for best average in ALL Federation races. Since Bob started racing in the Dundee Club in 1947 (the year I was born Joe M) he has been to the fore on more than one occasion, winning club and federation averages frequently. The fact that he is confined to a wheel-chair makes his triumphs all the more remarkable. Although he is a very successful club flyer it is his national performances that made the name of ‘Strachan of Invergowrie’ a household statement throughout the country. His finest hour was recorded by the great-hearted Blue Pied Hen ‘Tayside Princess’, who was 4th open Rennes flying 580 miles in 1955 and went one better the following year winning 3rd open, surely one of the greatest ever double triumphs at the distance in this part of the country. ‘Tayside Princesses’ lived to a good old age and left some excellent stock to carry on her line. Then one day she just disappeared and Robert never knew the fate of his fabulous hen. (It would have more probably been a hawk attack Joe M). Another of the birds which helped make the name of ‘Strachan’ famous was the courageous Red Cock ‘Starlight Special’, who was clocked at the unbelievable time of nine minutes to midnight on the day from Rennes to win 72nd open, two great efforts in this neck of the woods where day birds are very rare indeed. Robert owes a lot of his success to his great friend and ex-partner Willie Wilson of Larkhall, (another great name in the fancy Joe M), they exchanged birds from time to time, and this no doubt keeps each other in the forefront of the racing fraternity. A recent introduction is a son of J & P Dora’s 1st open Rennes national winner ‘The Fifer’ which was a surprise birthday present from his wife. This year’s Dol winner was a long cast racy-looking red hen SU59T4866, who was timed in at 11-06am on the second morning, recording a velocity of 769 ypm and collected a nice cheque for £62. Known as ‘Leading Lady’, this grand hen is a grand-daughter of the legendary ‘Tayside Princess’. Next bird home was his more fancied contender blue chequer 62T5715, one which can be considered to be a channel veteran with several 500-mile jaunts behind her. She was timed at 11-26am and registered a velocity of 741 ypm and took the lion’s share of the pools with a fine total of £92. So much for the joys of pigeon racing on to the hard knocks one has to take in his stride. Bob lost the bulk of his young bird team at the Riccarton smash, however, those that were left pressed on to the bitter end, in the true tradition of the Strachan pigeons, and no doubt next season they’ll be doing their best to make their master once again the Tayside Fancier of the Year. I hope readers have enjoyed this short story on 2 of Scotland’s Great Fanciers. Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to joejmurphy1@gmail.com REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com - cogeco.ca -forum@pigeonbasics.com who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland Cheq Pied Eye-1.BMP

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The Joe Murphy Column The Fife and Tayside fanciers have done very well in the national races this season; which is not unusual for fanciers north of Forth as they have obtained excellent records from long distance races for many a year. However as hard as I have tried to obtain information on the present-day winning pigeons it is like drawing blood from a stone. I don’t know if they have been warned off not to give me information; So, to be honest it is their loss. My article will still appear in the BHW and I will always find something interesting to add to it. Recently my column has not appeared every week, however after speaking to the editor; he explained to me that the paper has to match a capacity of 56 pages on a weekly basis; which will include adverts. When you see an advert that takes up 8 pages of the magazine, (remember these people are paying for the privilege of advertising in the paper). Any business cannot afford to turn these down so therefore scribes’ articles can only take up so much more of the paper. Richard has informed not just me but others that we may have to go on a two-weekly issue, so that everyone article will be included. To all the fanciers who have contacted me regarding why I’m not in the BHW every week, I hope this clarifies this situation; and I thank Richard for his explanation. Robert Strachan So much so that I came across an article on one of the most famous fanciers from this area; the late and great Robert Strachan of Invergowrie who won the Tayside Fancier of the Year in 1965 written by ‘Taysider’ whom I’m assuming was the late Jim George (Round O) from Arbroath; who wrote. ‘After what has been regarded as the most arduous racing season for some years, the title of Fancier of the Year in this part of the country must inevitably go to Robert Strachan, the Invergowrie ACE. Robert’s birds flew consistently well all season and finished with a great flourish by taking 1st and 3rd positions from the Federations 550 miles Dol race under very trying conditions. This grand-slam finish gave him the bulk of silverware, including the R J Blair and Whitbread Trophies, for 1st bird Dol, The Melrose Drover for best average Christchurch 400 miles, and Dol and the much sought after Fyfe-Jamieson Trophy for the best average in the three longest federation races. However, his proudest moment ever, came when he won his own father’s Memorial Trophy-The Strachan Memorial for best average in ALL Federation races. Since Bob started racing in the Dundee Club in 1947 (the year I was born Joe M) he has been to the fore on more than one occasion, winning club and federation averages frequently, the fact that his confined to a wheel-chair makes his triumphs all the more remarkable. Although he is a very successful club flyer it is his national performances that made the name of Strachan of Invergowrie a household word throughout the country. His finest hour was recorded by the great-hearted Blue Pied Hen ‘Tayside Princess’, who was 4th open Rennes 580 miles in 1955 and went one better the following year taking 3rd open, surely one of the greatest ever double triumphs at the distance in this part of the country. ‘Princesses lived to a good old age and left some excellent stock to carry on her line, then one day she just disappeared and Robert never knew the fate of his fabulous hen. (It would have more probably been a hawk attack Joe M). Another of the birds which helped make the name of Strachan famous was the courageous Red Cock ‘Starlight Special’, which was clocked at the unbelievable time of nine minutes to midnight on the day from Rennes to take 72nd open, two great efforts in this neck of the woods where day birds are rare indeed. He owes a lot of his success to his great friend and ex-partner Willie Wilson of Larkhall, another great name in the Fancy, they exchanged birds from time to time, and this no doubt keeps each other in the forefront of the racing fraternity. A recent introduction is a son of J & P Dora’s National winner ‘The Fifer’ which was a surprise birthday present from his wife. This year’s Dol winner was a long cast racy-looking red hen SU59T4866, who was timed in at 11-06am on the second morning, recording a velocity of 769 ypm and collected a nice cheque for £62. Known as ‘Leading Lady’, this grand hen is a grand-daughter of the legendary ‘Tayside Princess’. Next bird home was his more fancied contender Blue Chequer 62T5715, one which can be considered to be a Channel veteran with several 500 -mile jaunts behind her. She was timed at 11-26am and registered a velocity of 741 ypm and took the lion’s share of the pools with a fine total of £92. So much for the joys of pigeon racing on to the hard knocks one h as to take in his stride. Bob lost the bulk of his young bird team at the Riccarton smash, however, those that were left pressed on to the bitter end, in the true tradition of the Strachan pigeons, and no doubt next season they’ll be doing their best to make their master once again the Tayside Fancier of the Year. Tayside Highlights It was rather a barren year for Tayside fanciers in the National races and highlights were conspicuous by their absence. However, amidst the gloom one star shone brightly. That star was the Mealy Hen ‘Wellbank Pride’ owned by Jock Ellis, who earned the admiration of the fancy for her courageous performance in the Rennes race. While 6000 other birds faltered, this game hen plodded her lonely but resolute way northwards through the dusk, to be clocked in at 10-32pm on the first night into a north-west wind. This performance worthy of winning a National but ‘Pride’ had to be content with 8th open and 1st East section, and the thought, ‘Well, there’s always next year’. Jock had 4 other morning starts who came trickling in to give him a full house while most of us were still waiting for the first bird. Another performance worthy, of note was that of David Ree, of Broughty Ferry, in the tough Nantes race where velocities were once again very low. Dave’s Blue Chequer hen 60T4603, was clocked at 06-16 to take 31st open 9th east section with a velocity of 657. A really excellent performance from a distance of 645 miles with only 121 birds on the result sheet out of 2000 sent. I believed Dave’s birds come down from the old Ed Harrow strain, ‘Nuff said!!’ Scottish Central Fed trophy winners 2024 My thanks to Bernie Britton and Peter Keogh who have forwarded the list of successful trophy winners within the federation this year; these are as follows. Old Birds; Race Point; Otterburn winner H Borthwick Winchburgh Trophy (1); Hexham G MacKenzie Broxburn; Trophy (2) Thirsk M Noble Newbridge Trophy (3) Ackworth C W Job Winchburgh Trophy (4) Newark C Heeps Bo’ness Trophy (5) Kettering P Keogh Winchburgh Trophy {6) Thirsk G MacKenzie Broxburn Trophy (7) Maidstone J Ferguson Broxburn Trophy (8) Thirsk G MacKenzie Broxburn Trophy (9) Young Birds Otterburn M Brown Bo’ness Trophy (10) Otterburn J Boyd Bo’ness Trophy (11) Hexham P Keogh Winchburgh Trophy (12) Thirsk J Boyd Bo’ness Trophy (13) Harrogate C McReight Newbridge Trophy (14) Ackworth T&G Weir Winchburgh Trophy (15) Trophy Winners; Victory Cup Newark O/B C Heeps Bo’ness Stanley Cup Ackworth T & G Weir Winchburgh P Barrett Trophy Maidstone J Ferguson Broxburn G Duff Trophy Kettering P Keogh Winchburgh Scottish Central Fed Billericay Nat P Keogh Winchburgh Owen Sweeney Kettering P Keogh Winchburgh T Muirhead Cup Y/B open No winner T Manger Trophy Y/B National Kettering Mr Mrs Forrest Newbridge Nantes Cup Alencon G/Cup J Strang Bo’ness J Ferguson Trophy B/A open races No winner Mr & Mrs McKinnon Norte-sur-erde No winner T Muirhead Trophy 3 Longest o/braces Mr &Mrs Forrest Newbridge Avranches Trophy Brighton National P Keogh Winchburgh Ypres Trophy Billericay P Keogh Winchburgh Haliburton Trophy Lowest winning velocity G MacKenzie Broxburn Victory Trophy Highest winning velocity M Noble Newbridge Most points Trophy won by Broxburn Fancier of The year most points trophy G MacKenzie Broxburn Dickie Graham Trophy most points channel races P Keogh Winchburgh Please continue to keep the news flowing; to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to joejmurphy1@gmail.com REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland © Compiled by Joe Murphy

Dumbarton Open Show - Winners Again a great day of doos and craic enjoyed by all members and guests.. massive thanks to everyone involved… all the organisers, sponsors, donators and supporters.!! Thanks to judges Andy Miller Lewis McCalley Barclay McCrindle.. a great standard on display.. Winners - Best In Show - Law & Brady £130 Best Opposite Sex - Law & Brady £100 Best Young Bird - Law & Brady £70 Old Cock Handling - 1st - Law & Brady £40 2nd -Andrew Suckle £30 3rd - Law & Brady £20 4th - Baz Nicol £10 Old Hen Handling - 1st - Winter Family £40 2nd - J Mackie & Son £30 3rd - Baz Nicol £20 4th - J Mackie & Son £10 Young Cock Handling - 1st - Winter Family £40 2nd - Law & Brady £30 3rd - J Mackie & Son £20 4th - Winter Family £10 Young Hen Handling - 1st - Law & Brady £40 2nd - Law & Brady £30 3rd - Baz Nicol £20 4th - Team Anderson £10 Massive congratulations to all the winners.. but especially to Law & Brady on an outstanding performance.. On behalf of all Dumbarton Pigeon Club we wish you all the very best thru the Festivities and health, happiness and good luck for 2025 and the coming season. ⁸

Dumfries Part2 Another superb fancier who competed into Dumfries was Alex Maxwell. Alex was reared in Dalbeattie and joined the local Club in 1937 as a schoolboy. In 1940, he enlisted for National Service and was for a time stationed at R.A.F. Kinloss where he worked as an Air Frame Mechanic on operational aircraft. Whilst in North East Scotland he met his good lady and married in 1942. He was demobbed in 1945 and residing at Forres immediately re-started in the Fancy, competing in Elgin Club. One prominent Elgin fancier of the time was Sandy Mutch and he and Alex became close friends. Although several experienced local fanciers kept fancy pigeons, there was no Club in Forres; nevertheless, younger fanciers were emerging in the community who kept racing pigeons and in time a Club was formed with Alex being appointed Secretary. Whilst he participated with the Club, he chose to send his primary pigeons with Elgin as the new Club comprised inexperienced fanciers and he didn’t want to discourage them. Whilst resident at Forres, he worked as a joiner but being from a farming background, moved to Huntly in 1949 to manage a farm. He took pigeons with him to his new address but after several months, decided to part with them due to time constraints. He subsequently moved once more to Bucksburn where he took up a position with the North of Scotland College of Agriculture and at the new address raced in the local Club for several years, winning more than his share. When he resided at Bucksburn, he was one of the instigators in the formation of the Bucksburn Northern Fed. along with Bert McKenzie and George Gillan. He then relocated to Fife to manage a smallholding near Dunfermline and on moving residence, took three pairs of pigeons with him, which were initially housed in the farm steading. In time up went a loft and he joined Rosyth Club. Again he was one of the top fanciers, in one season timing the only bird of the day from Selby, the longest YB race and winning the YB Average. The Club disbanded with the former members joining Dunfermline Club and once again Alex was one of the leading prize winners. Dunfermline Club competed with West Fife Fed., in one season he was runner-up for the Fed. Average and the following season won the Averages. West Fife Fed. then disbanded with Dunfermline Club arranging to be convoyed by Charlie Graham’s Fed. across the Forth. My understanding is that the Club was not part of the Fed. and when Charlie prepared his Fed. result he listed Fife pigeons separately. On two occasions Alex had birds record velocities to head the entire result. In 1964 he and Mrs. Maxwell were on the move once more returning to the South of Scotland to manage a farm at Beeswing, midway between Dalbeattie and Dumfries. He took several pigeons with him to his new address but was initially unable to race them as he was outwith the radius of a Club. In 1967, however, the members of Dumfries Flying Club opened their radius to enable him to join and whilst he was flying to a disadvantageous loft location, he soon made his mark. During his first season in the Club he twice timed the first arrival into Dumfries but was beaten on overfly. During his first season also he was 2nd West Section 8th Open Solway Federation from the Fed. Open race from Avranches. He subsequently moved into Dumfries and the success story continued, year after year. I must say also that whilst resident in Dumfries he chose on several occasions to part with his pigeons and move to Australia, to be near a family member but the call of home always brought him back to Dumfries. Each time he returned he would literally ‘gather up’ a handful of pigeons and within months was back again winning out of turn. He was without question a truly superb pigeon fancier. Alex Maxwell and loft

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The tour of the Solway Fed continues westward to Dumfries, thanks Bill. Several of the Dumfries fanciers who have coloured the annals of the local pigeon fancy. By Billy Wortley There has been a pigeon presence in Dumfries from the early part of the last century with a good number of talented fanciers and administrators from the town having participated in our hobby and within the following paragraphs I mention several examples of fanciers from the town who have coloured the annals of the local pigeon fancy. At the outset it should be noted that The Solway Federation was born out of a Meeting that was held in Dumfries in 1928, that was organised by James R. Jardine, who was Honorary Secretary of Dumfries and Maxwelltown Club. It was James Jardine who took the Chair at the Meeting, he was appointed Federation Secretary and was additionally selected as the Federation representative to sit on the S.H.U. Council. Some months ago friend David Osborne informed me about a good pigeon that was timed into Dumfries in 1931 from Rennes and I believe that it was the first real good National performance into the town. The 1931 Rennes race was flown on 10th July with a convoy of 4,749 birds being liberated at 5.50am with the race being won by R. Duncanson from Leven if Fife who timed on the day at 7.55pm. W. Wilson and Son timed at 6.49pm from 488 miles to gain 7th Open National recording a velocity of 1,103ypm. W. Wilson and Son resided at Gasstown, which is located at the entry to Dumfries from the East. At the time the majority of the residents of Gasstown and the conjoined community of Gateside of Trench were employed on the Railway, with Dumfries Station being a busy junction. An even better pigeon was timed into the town from Nantes, in 1934. The convoy comprised 1,383 birds and with a following wind, there were a number of pigeons home on the day of liberation. Matthew Thorburn from Lockerbie won the race on 1239ypm, followed by J. Maxwell from Dumfries, who was 2nd Open. Having explained that the original Club in the town was titled Dumfries and Maxwelltown, in time Dumfries Social Circle was formed, which became one of the three largest Clubs in Scotland. As the years moved forward, Dumfries Social Circle fragmented and amongst other Clubs that were formed were Dumfries Flying Club and the Nith Valley Club, which are currently, the two active Clubs in the community. Amongst the fanciers who emerged in the town, Post War, were Cairns Brothers and Sloan, Ally Aitken, Sandy Ross, Dinky Watson, Johnny Richardson, Tommy & Keith Lynn etc. A fancier who made a real impact was Andy Wilson and one cannot write about Dumfries and not mention Andy. Andy resided in a beautiful bungalow in Locharbriggs, which had the most marvellous tiered garden. He was a joiner by profession and housed his pigeons in an impressive self-built loft set at the head of the garden. Having previously competed in the Social Circle, he then joined Dumfries Flying Club and was indeed a founder member. In 1953, Andy was 6th Open S.N.F.C. Rennes and this was to remain the best position into Dumfries from the Rennes National for thirty years. The winning pigeon was a Blue Cheque hen, the Dam of which was purchased from John Kirkpatrick whilst the Sire was bred from two pigeons introduced directly from John Kirkpatrick. Andy became one of the most consistent competitors from the National in the Solway area and amongst positions gained were 2nd Section 8th Open Avranches 1972, 4th Section 6th Open Nantes 1978 and 2nd Section 5th Open Nantes 1981. As he moulded his team of pigeons he introduced stock from several of the best fanciers in the U.K. including F. Cheetham, J. Warren and Son, Billy Gardiner and John Jamieson. Amongst the quality pigeons raced by Andy was ‘Quarry Boy’ that was clocked on nine occasions from ten channel races. He was 15th, 61st and 98th Open Nantes, 140th & 212th Open Rennes. Another top pigeon raced by Andy at the time was ‘Roscoe’s Pied Hen’ that contained Kenyon x Marien bloodlines. She was 2nd Sect. 8th Open, 23rd Sect. 62nd Open & 17th Sect. 94th Open Avranches and 6th Sect. 16th Open Rennes. He also bred a number of superb pigeons for others including the parents of ‘Jubilee Victor’, Ralph Whyte’s 1977 Nantes National winner and the great ‘Andy's Boy’ that was raced by Alasdair Muir to be 1st, 9th & 34th Open LSECC Pau, also 14th & 23rd Open LSECC Bordeaux; 240th Open NFC Saintes, 36th LSECC Poitiers etc. all in NE winds. Andy stopped racing in 1980 as not being a driver, he found it difficult to get his birds trained and raced. He never lost his interest in his hobby, however and continued to breed pigeons for friends. Amongst the birds introduced into the loft in later years were top quality examples of the Van der Espt and Van Bruane families. Having explained that Andy’s birds were housed in a very impressive self-built loft set at the head of his garden, the entire set-up was ever so impressive and was a tremendous advert for the pigeon hobby. Andy Wilson

The North of Scotland Racing Pigeon Federation Meeting Notes The notes following are a synopsis of my notes from the AGM held on the 8th December 2024 these are not to be confused by the official minutes which will be issued by Ruth the Federation Secretary. Any errors etc please drop me a note and i will correct. My notes from the 56th Annual General Meeting and prize giving, held on Sunday the 8th December 2024 at 11am in the Deveron Community & Sports Centre (Room 6), Bellevue Road, Banff AB45 1BY Paul Thomson welcomed all to the meeting. Meeting Update 1. Adoption of the minute for the 55thAnnual General Meeting held on the 17th December 2023. Mintes agreed 2. Matters arising. None outstanding 3. Balance sheet for the year to 9th November 2024. Balance sheet agreed 4. Presidents address Various people were thanked for their participation in making this a very successful season for the Federation. 5. 2025 office bearers President Paul Thomson Senior Vice President Stuart Maskame Junior Vice President Alex Fulton Secretary/Treasurer Ruth Cordiner Race Controller George Duncan Transport Manager Abby Milne Driver John Harvey Results Co-Ordinator George Duthie SHU Delegate George Duncan PRO Sandy Milne Fed Show Convenor 6. Correspondence- Letter of application for membership from Inverness club received 10thSeptember 2024 This was discussed and agreed however Paul to discuss terms with the club 7. Proposals 1. Pick up for Scottish races to be increased by half an hour to allow members that work time to get their birds to club room. (DV) Rejected 2. Pick up times to be put back one hour. (PHD) Rejected (pick up times status Quo) 3. Race programme to be decided by clubs putting in a YB & OB race programme and members present at the AGM to decide on the best race programme. (DV) Agreed 4. Competitions should only be run if agreed by the federation. (DV) Agreed 5. Federation to consider convoying other federations birds going to the same race point for the longer OB & YB races to help with costs of running transporter. (DV) Agreed 6. This Federation should be offering other feds convoying to longer races. (FDFC) Agreed 7. Federation to be flexible on start date of OB & YB race programmes if convoying birds for other federations is passed. (DV) Defeated 8. No one loft race birds to be conveyed on the federation transporter for all races as these races are a private enterprise. (DV) Agreed 9. Incorporate an old hens race with longest young bird race. (PHD) Defeated 10. Birds to go to racepoint on stated day (as per race card) (PHD) Defeated 11. Basketing/liberation info to be put on pigeon basics Defeated 12. OB & YB racing to have a one week extension available in the event of a race being missed. 2 weeks max. to completion of original schedule. (FDFC) Agreed 13. The Race Committee to have the authority to amend the race programme dates to accommodate possible shared convoying. (FDFC) Defeated 14. North of Scotland Federation to join and compete with the Central and East of Scotland Amal. (FDFC) Defeated 15. All aspects and decision making of race controlling to be carried out by a 3 person team. (FDFC) Defeated 16. Race controlling goes back to a team of 3 fed members (excluding any top table members) (INV) Defeated 17. Crate allocation to be revised. (K) Agreed 18. If possible, birds not to be liberated before 09:00 for Scottish races. (K) & (INV) Agreed 19. Race programme must be followed. (INV) Agreed in conjunction with item 12 20. Racing to start 1st Saturday in May (3rd May) (INV) & (E) Defeated 21. Old bird racing to start 19th April (PHD) Defeated 22. Old bird racing to start 26th April (FDFC) Agreed 23. Young bird racing to start 12th July (PHD) Defeated 24. Young bird racing to start 19th July (FDFC) Carried 25. 2025 Race Programme AOB A question was asked with regard to the situation with Alan Foster, the reply given by the Federation being that he has been suspended however he has the statutory seven days to appeal. A lively discussion then ensued with Stuart Maskame standing up and giving a speech worthy of the great JFK himself where JFK said the following: - “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” If you substitute country with Federation, you got it! The basis being that we should stop listening to people who are only interested in stirring up trouble and we should all work together for the benefit of the Federation. When he finished, he was given a resounding ovation from the attendees, how can you better that. Gogs has requested agreement that, he will during the next few months be moving the transporter into a large garage/shed provided by Abby Milne whereby he is going to paint the back of the transporter with the colours Blue and White after first rubbing down the back of the lorry. Well done to Gogs and Abby as this will be a great improvement to the transporter! Meeting then Closed.

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