sapper756

Alan Cassidy of Kennoway Fife Have 2 unicorn ETA systems along with pads,£300 each one for all things drinkers,feeder,crates ,pidgeons,stock hut & racing lofts Lofts are £800 for the 2 If interested or require further information please contact Alan on 07875531922

Thanks

I have been asked to enquire, do any Basics members know any Couriers who pick up and drop off within Scotland? Any advice would be appreciated.

Bump

Cracking photo

If interested contact; Scott Russell 07719123144

At this time of the year everything seams to dry up and I very seldom hear from fanciers either by phone or email. I think everyone just goes into hibernation and the weather does not help this either. So I have continued to look for something to keep the column going. As I’m doing a lot of recherché for my book on the Dewar Trophy winners which covers the past 50 years, I have found some articles written by Scottish National winner which I thought might be of interest to younger fanciers who have not heard of these past SNFC Winners. I came across an article on the 1 st open SNFC Rennes 1976 winner ‘Murray’s Delight’. This fancier’s first introduction into the fancy was in 1929 at the age of 10, when he used to clean out the loft for his brother, Thomas, and at the end of the week he received a ‘tanner’ (six pence then) for his weeks work. He remembered one week he had the loft cleaned, but he forgot to clean the drinkers-----instead of getting the ‘tanner’ he got a kick up the backside. That taught him to make sure that the drinkers must be kept clean at all times; a lesson he never forgot. In 1950 he decided to keep pigeon on his own. His first two racing pigeons were a present from his good friend L Horsburgh, once owner of the famous ‘Fechan Lass’. These 2 yearling cocks had flown the Kings Norton as youngsters for Mr Horsburgh, a distance of 200 miles. He flogged these two pigeons every week from 45 to 3000 miles as yearlings to win the novice cup in the strong Brydekirk club. There were no novices in the club now as every member had scored at National level. He learned a lot by listening to these well-known National fliers, namely; J Soutar, J Dalgleish, T Little, L Horsburgh, Gilmour Brothers, W B Halliday, J B Halliday and not forgetting his old friend J Patterson of Lockerbie. The foundation of his loft were pigeons which his brother purchased from the late T Gray of Lanark. He presented him with six pairs of Gray’s strain in 1964. Now for some details of his SNFC Rennes winner ‘’Murray’s Delight’; she was a blue chequer hen. Dam was a blue chequer SU72D6695 which was 18 th section 50 th open Avranches in 1974, flying 448 miles doing a velocity of 880 ypm. She was 15 hours on the wing. Sire was a dark chequer, SU72S6679 which had numerous club positions from 45 miles to 306 miles; 6679 is a half brother to dark grizzle hen SU68S664 which was 14 th section 37 th open Beauvais, 450 miles, velocity 1120 ypm in 1970. Sure if 6679 and 6684 is a dark grizzle cock SU67S7616, which has flown the channel 8 times. Sire of 7616 was found in the loft in 1967 to win 22 nd section 38 th open Rennes in 1967 with a velocity of 1463 ypm. The dam of my Rennes winner had only one race in 1975, homing in a race of 100 miles with 4 flights in one wing; I was preparing this hen for Avranches 1976, but when I knew that I had won Rennes I decided not to race her again. The dam of S Scott’s 5 th section 14 th open Rennes is from the same family of birds as his Rennes winner; and he made him a present of this pigeon in 1973. His Rennes winner was 4 th club Redditch 200 mile as a youngster. She was also 18 th south of Scotland Channel Club Yearling Derby from Lymington flying 300 miles. Feeding At the start of the 1976 season, he could not get his birds fit. So, he changed to a better- quality mixture of 50% beans and 50% peas, which was much dearer in price, but well worth it. After a few weeks he saw a remarkable change in the appearance of his birds. He used a little linseed in the preparation of his Rennes birds. His pigeons are well fed, to the extent that he is inclined t over feed. Better this way than too little. He never starves his youngsters as they must be well nourished if they are to make good in their life. General Management My pigeons have the open hole from dawn to dusk, they are not forced to exercise in the morning, but fly well on their own accord. They are exercised one hour every night The Joe Murphy Column 2 during the racing season. I have a fox terrier dog which keeps all cats at bay, this was a present to my son from my fancier friend N Gardiner of Lockerbie. The worst problem of the open hole is to stop the birds from fielding. I have cut this down to a minimum by adding table salt, sugar and calcium to the minerals and using all kinds, of grit. My birds are fed in the mornings and evenings. My young birds are raced up to 224 miles if fit and yearlings up to 300 miles. Training My old birds are not trained. Some are sent to their first race of 45 miles. I usually send as many as possible to our third race a distance of 100 miles. After that it is more selection than quantity. During racing if I think a pigeon needs a bit of work, I take it north to fly against the wind, 30 miles north is better than 45 miles south. I have tossed my pigeons in the middle of the Lanarkshire hills to fly south. My best performances in club racing have all been with rested birds, but well exercised at home. To quote some; 1 st club 1 st federation Penkridge 168 miles. 1 st club 1 st federation Lymington 306 miles- this was a sister to my Rennes winner; 1 st club 5 th federation Charlton, 268 miles; 3 rd club Lymington (only 5 birds into the club on the day). 10 th open young bird national 1973, 224 miles;18 th open young bird national; 2 nd open Solway federation Worcester young birds. My advice to the novice is get your birds fit and do not be afraid to jump them into 100 miles or 200 miles. My Rennes winner had only four club races, Garstang 85 miles; Appleton 128 miles; Penkridge 168 miles; Charlton 268 miles. She was sent to Shap, 45 miles the Saturday before Rennes. She was feeding an eight-day old youngster when basketed for Rennes. Young birds are well trained up to 25 miles as often as possible. I usually try and give them a single up from 15 miles a week before our first race. All my young bird training is done in the evenings between 6pm & 7pm and my losses in training a slight. I am always looking at my youngster for any sign of weakness. If you don’t cull from the nest, you will be lumbering yourself with weaklings which later will go down when worked. Tragic setbacks and heartbreaks are reserved for those fanciers who shrink from perpetual culling. A bird which shows no promise at two years age is destroyed. My youngsters are never exercised in the morning until after their first race. They do not receive the open hole. My pigeons are not separated until the first week in February and then paired from the March 1 st onwards, my Rennes winner was mated on March 15 th . To produce a national winner your pigeon must have great homing ability, unlimited stamina, gameness and an unbreakable spirt that is reserved for all champions. Loft My loft is 18 feet long by 5 feet 6 inches wide, 7 feet at the front and 6 feet at the back. It is divided into three 6 feet sections with an aviary of 3 feet x 2 feet for each section. It is well ventilated at the front and rear. I trap my birds through a window board of 4 feed x 2 feet x 6 inches. Trapping is no problem. They are well schooled when youngsters. There is plenty of room for my 20 pairs of birds. The top of my loft is plastered with thorns, and tied down. You wont win races if they come home and sit on the top of your loft. I have written this article in the hope that some readers may find something that they can try for themselves, and if I have helped anybody, I will have considered it worthwhile. I would like to conclude by thanking all those who congratulated me on my success. J Murray of Ecclefechan. I hope readers of my column have enjoyed the above and if they have any requests then please let me know and I will try to cover them in the winter months which are ahead. The Joe Murphy Column 3 Update from Australia My sister texted me from Australia asking me if I had seen the story on ‘Winkie’ I said no and she forwarded it to me. On 23 rd of February 1942 a 4-man crew aboard a British Bristol Beaufort aircraft when it crashed in the North Sea as a result of being badly damaged by enemy fire following a mission to Norway. Struggling in the freezing waters, the crew remembers ‘Winkie’, a blue chequer hen, number NEHU40NSL. Sending her was their only chance, as the crew did not have time to radio an accurate position before ditching. Winkie was set free, and flew 120 miles home to Broughty Ferry (which is just outside Dundee), where her owner, George Ross, discovered the exhausted pigeon. He alerted the Air Base at RAF Leuchars in Fife, and a search and rescue mission was launched. Using the time difference from the plane ditching to the arrival of the pigeon in the loft, and taking into account the wind direction the inhibition to her flight speed caused by oil spoilage to her feathers, the RAF were able to approximate where the plane ditched. Within 15 minutes, the crew’s position had been located and a rescue vessel had been dispatched. The crew were rescued and later held a dinner for Winkie, who basked in her cage as she was toasted by the officers. On the 2 nd of December 1943 ‘Winkie’ was awarded the Dickin Medal. The citation read, ‘For delivering a message under exceptional difficulties and so contributing to the rescue of an Air Crew while serving with the RAF in Februarary in 1942. ‘Winkie’ received her medal by PDSA founder Maria Dickin CBE in March 1943. The Dickin Medal acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery displaced by animals serving with the armed forces. When ‘Winkie’ died, Ross donated and her Dickin Medal to Dundee Art Galleries and Museums. A new statue has been unveiled in Dundee to honour ‘Winkie’, the bronze statue is part of a new development of flood defences beside the River Tay and sits on the floodgates in Beach Crescent. The body and her Dicken Medal are both on display in the McManus;’ Dundee Art Gallery & Museum. The Bronze Casting has been created by renowned Scottish Sculptor David Annand. Joe’s Joke Sex at 73 I just took a leaflet out of my mailbox, informing me that I can have sex at 73. I’m so happy, because I live at number 71. So, it is not too far to walk home afterwards. and, it’s the same side of the street. I don’t even have to cross the road. 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

I have no objections to an online show being run, unfortunately since Oldyellow became unwell and decided to leave the site, there has been no online shows. How ever if any member would like to take on the task of running an online show, I would fully support this.

By Whitty

For members information

Copied from Facebook 22/11/24

The Joe Murphy Column There is not much news coming from clubs; federations etc. regarding prize winners, and it is therefore hard to keep the column going on a weekly basis. Hence the reason there was no column last week. So, I have decided to cover some of the outstanding pigeons and fanciers who have done well over the years especially at the distance racing which has a special place in my heart. So, with this in mind I start with an outstanding accomplishment of a pigeon flying 1000 miles from Palamos to its home loft in Scotland. This was to the loft of Bert Stewart of Carnoustie in Angus. (Many fanciers my know this little town for its famous Gold Course, which has been used for the British Open competition) Bert wrote the following article away back in 1977 regarding his winner ‘Betty’s Delight’. He continues; From an early age pigeons fascinated me, and it was not a surprise to me when my father brought home a pair from my uncle, who was a fancier. From that day I have always kept pigeons, except of course when I was in the Forces. On demob, my first thought was to obtain a loft and pigeons, and this I did in 1947. My aim was to cultivate a family of pigeon which would hold their own with the best from 500- and 600- mile races. This I have done with a fair amount of success both for myself and for others who have had birds from me. Winning the first Scottish 1000 Mile Club race (flying in conjunction with the British Barcelona Club) was a great thrill, and a climax to my endeavour to succeed in the long-distance races. But I have still to win the Scottish National, and, until then, I’m afraid I have not reached my goal, although I came close in 1956 when my good blue cock 53T4868, (Blue Cloud) won 6 th section 6 th open SNFC Rennes (582 miles). The following year his daughter 54T2652 won 20 th section 28 th open SNFC Nantes (642 miles). These two birds formed the foundation of my loft, as it was from 2652 that I bred 58T2366, the good producer hen. To the novice, I would say ---get the best of the family that you choose to cultivate. Race the youngsters from them out to the last yb race, your yearlings to the 400 miles stage, and two- and three-year-olds to 500 and 600 miles. If you adopt this system, you may have a lot of losses, but the birds you are left with will be the birds that have adapted themselves to your management, and the ones that you are interested in. The sport is too keen and the food too dear nowadays, to play the waiting game. If you class all your birds as equal and have not favourites, you will find you will have not problems with over-crowding for some years. One thing you will have, is a loft of pigeon which will do well for you in the longer races. As for feeding, I prefer a mixture, but it is up to the individual to choose what he thinks is best. Once chosen, stick to your method of feeding, and the birds will adapt themselves to it. Also, give you birds credit to having some brains, as you can try and mee them half-way by ‘thinking pigeon’ you will have gone a long way in solving the mystery of the racing pigeon, and how it will battle on to the last to reach its loft, it’s nest or its perch from the extreme distances. To go back to my Palamos bird, ‘Betty’s Delight’ credit must go to Alan Taylor of Dundee, who bred her from a red hen 2366 which I myself bred. This bird along with a cock was given to me by my good friend John Ellis when he started keeping pigeons. He, in turn, gave this pair to Alan Taylor, who as a friend of John’s when he started up with the birds. It was with Alan that 2366 proved her worth as a producer, breeding many winners right through to Palamos. It was a grandson of 2366 which was 2 nd to ‘Betty’s Delight’ for Alan Taylor. When Alan moved to his present address, he gave me back 2366 and a youngster bred from her. This turned out to be ‘Betty’s Delight’. Thus, proving that if you start with the right tools, it’s half the battle. To be a successful fancier you have to be dedicated, it’s not just a hobby, more a way of life. I have attached a photo of Bert Stewart; plus ‘Betty’s Delight’ and ‘Blue Cloud’ to go with Berts story. Gourdon & District RPC Annual Open Show Received a request from Margaret Hey of the above club asking if I could inform fanciers that the above club open show will be held on 26 th of November in the Masonic Hall, King Street in Inverbervie. With penning from 9-00 am to 10-30 am and judging will commence at 11-30 PROMPT. Entries are £1.00 per 2 bird. With prize money £20.00 i.e., 1 st £10.00 2 nd £6.00 & 3 rd £4.00. Teas and coffees, bacon rolls, sausage rolls and dumpling. Raffle and sale of 2024 young birds. Classes are as Follows; Class 1- AACTW; Class 2- AAHTW; Class 3-LOC; Class 4- LOH; Class 5-LYC; Class 6- LYH; Class 7- EYESIGN This can be duplicated. (to be decided) Entries to David Hay snr 01561 361526 or David Hay jnr 01561361588. Entries close Friday 24 th November at 10.00pm. Late entries if pens available. Thank you very much Joe; this is greatly appreciated; kind regards Margaret Hay. Letters Firstly, I would like to thank all the people who have contacted me regrading my column and for the support in my ‘Joe’s Joke’ fun part. I did not realise how many people obtained enjoyment from this little snippet. However, it seems that many people obviously did and are happy that it has now returned to my column. I found this letter amongst one of my files this week so I apologise to A Rosbottom for not adding it sooner to my column; He wrote; ‘Dear Joe, I first had pigeons as a 6-year-old in 1941 and with the exception of Army Service have had the BHW every week. I have along with my late friends Steve Spinks and ‘Mike on the Hill, wrote numerous letters to the editor and articles with the sole purpose of improving and ensuring the future of the sport. There have been many debates on many aspects through the letters page and gave fanciers the chance to express their feelings. Also used Joe’s Joke to liven things up every week. After 80 years of interest and mainly participation in our sport it appears ‘No Letters Page and No Joe’s Joke’. Have people with no sense of humour taken over Joe????? Kind regards to you A Rosbottom. I also received a letter from Graham Dalgliesh of Ecclefechan who forwarded me a photo of his Dewar Trophy winning hen ‘Ashgrove Elaine’ which I appreciate very much. Graham was sorry that he did not have a photo of himself and his son being presented with the trophy, however he does remember one being taken. My thanks to Graham for his kindness and support. Another letter through the post this time from Bob Noble from Plymouth who wrote; ‘Dear Joe, I hope you don’t mind me calling you Joe, but I feel as if I know you as I have read and enjoyed your column. I also admired your work to promote pigeon fanciers and their pigeons, even with problems and your own grief and I feel for you and your wife Margaret and your family. I’m an ex-fancier, having to give them up in 1990 after meeting my 2 nd wife to be and with her suffering a major illness a the end of that year. I had no choice. As they say ‘Once a fancier always a fancier’. I still receive the BHW and still scan the skies looking for racers. In my time I have been secretary of clubs, secretary treasure of a federation and even assisted in a bit of convoying. Ther are still in my blood!!!! The cuttings I have enclosed go back a long way but. when I lost my wife in December 2018. Before she fell so ill, I used to get some of the Joe’s Jokes and when friends came over and we all had a good laugh, Unfortunately no more. Please accept my belated condolences in regard to your son Kevin, my best wishes to you all and more power to you elbow. I know pigeon fanciers from my day can be difficult at times (and even now I believe) and sometimes hard to understand. Yours Sincerely, Bob Noble; PS I hope the jokes can return. Received another letter this time from Rosemay Smith who wrote; ‘Dear Joe, I was very very pleased when my husband showed me the comment about your Jokes in the last edition of the ‘Homing World’. You may recall that I have written to you in the past to say that I read your jokes out to the members of the MS Exercise Class on a Friday morning at the end of the session. Everyone went home with a smile on their face. When the new type magazine came out, it was a disappointment not to have your joke to tell. Some years ago my sone gave me a joke book called ‘Yorkshire Wit and Humour’ this has kept me going for some time but our members has given me a page of joke which I cannot imagine they could be classed as ‘Copy- Write’. 3 As you are asking for ‘Clean Jokes’, I am sending you a copy and hope they may be used. Best Wishes Rosemary Smith. I wish to thank all the above fanciers very much for their letters and the jokes. I’m privileged to know so many people enjoyed my column plus ‘Joe’s Joke’ I know that some are a bit old but if it puts a smile on one face then it has been worthwhile. Joe’s Joke The wife was counting all the 5ps and 10ps out on the kitchen table when she suddenly got very angry and started shouting and crying for no reason. I thought to myself, ‘She’s going through the change’. Joke 2 Subject; Satnavs. I have a little Satnav, it sits there in my car; a Satnav is a driver’s friend, it tells you where you are. I have a little Satnav, I’ve had it all my life, it’s better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife. It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive; ‘It’s sixty miles an hour’, it says, ‘You’re doing sixty- five.’ It tells me when to stop and start, and when to use the brake. And tells me that it’s never ever, safe to overtake. It tells me when a light is red, and when it goes to green. It seems to know instinctively, just when to intervene. It lists the vehicles just in front, and all those to the rear. And taking this into account, it specifies the gear. I’m sure no other driver, has so helpful a device, For when we leave and lock the car, it still gives it’s advice. It fills me up with counselling, each journey pretty fraught. So, why don’t I exchange it, and get a quieter sort? Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I’m properly fed. It washes all my shirts and things, and keeps me warm in bed!! Despite all these advantages, and my tendency to scoff, I only wish that now and then, I could turn the bugger off. 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

Just read this very sad news on Facebook. Mick was a great supporter of Basics. Met him on several occasions at the Basics meet ups in Blackpool RIP pal

Good luck with your show

I continue with Dawn Abbot’s stories she forward to me, this one is on Joe Newcombe of Gordon the SNFC Avranches winner; written by ‘Border Rover’ in 1970; which goes as follows. Here in the beautiful Scottish Border countryside, with all its vast but yet very fine sporting fields, we find champions in their own right, be it horse racing, fishing, breeding cattle or rugby, they all await the challenge. I must confess Border Pigeons under the care of many fine fanciers are holding this great tradition in the many SNFC Classic races from over the channel in competition where only the cream of lofts in good enough. When we consider the last 100 mile into the south east of Scotland in this very hilly country, only birds with the greatest of stamina will find a place in the great race results where distances from Rennes and Nantes are 520 and near enough 600 miles. Newcombe Brothers are a legend in the pages of history as far as Scottish pigeon racing is concerned and this family of birds is now making its presence felt in the many countries to where they have been exported, especially in the 500/600-mile events. I could see in the not too far distant future the signal honour would come when the SNFC national would be won by a Newcombe Loft and I was not particularly surprised when it was that of Joe Newcombe, Ewart Lofts, Gordon, Berwickshire. In this peaceful village Joe and his charming wife, Margaret, together with son Richard, run their butcher business under the name of J Newcome & S. Having procured this after the family all decided to move into the open country from Wester Hailes, their pig farm near Edinburgh. It was during the period of 1961 the three brothers Sid, Edwin and Joe decided to look for pasture new, Joe arriving at Gordon, Sid to Ettrick near Serkirk, and Edwin to White Loch Farm, Mackmerry. Here, however, I would like to furnish the information that it was Sid and Edwin that flew under the name of Newcombe Brothers and flies un that same heading today. Joe always showed great interest in the management and care of the birds and on many occasions timed big winners in from the SNFC races for France for his brothers to the Wester Hailes Loft. Joe always showed great interest in the management and care of the birds and on many occasions timed big winners in from the SNFC races from France for his brothers to Wester Hailes Lofts. Naturally, it was not until he settled down in the border at his new home in Main Street Gordon that Joe decided to let the ‘Pigeon Bug’ get a strong hold, so he enquired which was the nearest club and after much consideration it was Greenlaw HS that he joined in the spring of 1961, started racing in 1962. As one drives slowly through the peaceful village of Gordon, the home of the Newcombe’s cannot be missed. The fine spotter’s premises painted blue and white, and the large wrought iron gate, with the cats amongst the pigeons very clearly seen, denotes the home of a dedicated fancier. Once through the gates, there, in all its splendour, stands the fine structure of the lofts in full view of rear of Joe’s house. The Lofts Racing Loft, is 30 foot in length, 18 feet for old birds, divided by a partition, making this into a 12 foot and a 6 foot with 12 feet for young birds, again with a partition. That can make this into 2 x 6-foot compartments with box perches in a abundance. Nestboxes; are very large and roomy, with fronts that can be removed very easily. Birds enter the loft by way of a landing board, approximately 3 foot wide, running the whole length of the loft and drop holes leading to all compartments, a very natural system, well out of harm’s way for cats and vermin of any kind. Top half is dowelled and weather boarding completes the structure to the base, very neatly painted green and white with a very attractive lawn in front for birds to wander at their leisure, with a fine show of bedding plants in full bloom adding to the beauty of the surroundings. On the right of this loft is the grain store and all other utensils for cleaning, etc., with a staircase to the stock loft, which is situated above the grain store, all very well thought out indeed, and a perfect situation for old birds. There is no strain put on these birds. Everything is low, nest boxes, feeding hoppers, etc. No flying to drinkers, everything is near to hand for their comfort. Deep Litter Once inside the loft the ventilation is recognisable, pure air in abundance. Deep Litter is favoured. Joe uses coarse sawdust (As does Eddie at Macmerry) The fragrance of new cut wood is encountered as in a timber yard was my first impression. The interior air of the loft, is like that outside. When it comes to the lady of the House her full and lasting support is giving to both business and pigeons; son Richard is not so keen. Progress is the key word to success and it was not long after Joe, with the help of one or two others decided to begin the now very successful Scottish Borders Federation of which he is the vice president. With his eye fixed on the supreme task of winning from the SNFC race points of 500/600 miles, it was a case of obtaining the BEST. I feel sure this was the least of his worries. It was a case of White Loch Farm, Macmerry here I come, and this was the case. The Strain Newcombe’s and rightly so, after over 30 years of concentrated breeding from their best, have visited and handled all the White Loch Macmerry. This great establishment of Edwin was founded shortly after he moved down from Wester Hailes. To have a selection from a stud of champions one could not fail to make his presence felt very early in the pigeon world. Then he decided to visit Sid at Ettrick and select what he wished from his great time. Perhaps a few brief points as to how Sid actually started will be of interest. It was in 1950 he bought the loft and birds of Guy Paton at Stoneyburn near Edinburgh, but the birds did not settle to their new surroundings so he decided to make purchases from his long-standing friends, Leishman Brother of Douglas Water, great SNFC racers, and the late John Kirkpatrick of Annan. He obtained birds from Galabank Supreme, and Galabank Duke, and it was soon to be seen by results that he had in Sid Newcombe a fancier who was going to be a great national racer in the future, having taken 3rd open Rennes SNFC in 1961, and 10th open SNFC Rennes in 1956. From these it has gone onto the present time we have in Sid Newcombe of Ettrick one of the best national lofts in Scotland. His record of brilliant performances from over the channel speak for themselves. So, without doubt Joe has the finest stock of 500/600 mile blood, that could be introduced to his Ewart Lofts. A stud of birds installed from lofts that have won £1000’s in SNFC races. The Greatest Thrill After having heard that the likely winner of the SNFC Avranches race was Joe Newcombe of Gordon, I called on the Saturday and I could see by the joy all around it had been confirmed by Mr Graham jnr that morning. He had, in fact, won a lifelong ambition to win a Scottish National. He said ‘It is a wonderful thrill to time a good bird from a national race, but certainly a greater one when you have been told you have actually won it’. So here goes yet another name to the nominal role of ACE’S that is now SNFC fame and history. Well acquainted with Joe, I assume this will be one of his most cherished memories in pigeon racing, an experience that comes to so few out of the 1000’s that have waited and looked for so long. No doubt this has been achieved by the guidance of brothers who have spent years in the sport, strengthened by the claim to being a good listener on the many occasions when some of the greatest fanciers in the country (and visitors from abroad) called at the Wester Hailes Loft. Lessons obtained then are being put into practice today with the results so clearly shown. Joe confessed that a fancier with his birds in full view, from daylight to dark, flying out and in the loft, has a great advantage over a person who has to be away from home all day, at work or business, and perhaps does not see his birds until the evening. Personally, I have great admiration for those fancies who travel so far to their lofts. Having a nice comfortable view of the birds from your living room window makes matters so much more pleasant than having to sit from daylight in a cold situation that is a mile or so from your fireside at 5am in the morning, waiting for arrivals from channel races. Such is the price some unfortunate members have to pay. This I understand after the comfort of Joe’s lovely home, where one can look with comparative ease at the invariably changing formations that take off and go clapping round from time to time. Their physical fitness shows these birds are ready to encounter all conditions that may come their way. Management Lofts are opened early in the morning and the birds are at liberty until dusk, no forced flying. Joe stressed; accumulating success can only be maintained if your birds are in the ‘pink’ of condition. This can only be brought about by feeding on the best of grains and grit, of which Joe is a great believer. Feeding A mixture is given until the last inland race point is reached. Then onwards birds for the channel races are fed on tic beans and plate maise with a little tit bit of rice seeds. A little linseed is given sparingly but increased as birds go into the moult. Should you master a method of feeding that reaches success with it, DON’T CHANGE!! There are many roads home. Training Having a good eye for cattle, Joe also has a good eye for pigeons and by the actions of the birds in the air and around the loft, he knows when a bird is ready for the race pannier. No birds are killed by basket work training but twice a week (weather permitting) birds are taken by Joe (or a member of the family) to the caravan site at Ettrick, approximately south west of Gordon, right in the heart of the Ettrick Valley. Young Birds; after plenty of basket training at home, learning to eat drink and sleep in the confinement of the basket, are tossed from North, South, East & West at all distances. MANY TIMES, Then put on a line of flight training to 50 miles, before the race programme starts. All fit youngsters fly the young bird programme. Weaklings are never allowed to grow past the ringing stage. Joe usually has a team of 30/40 young birds, but all must prove their worth by performance. Yearlings and 2-year-olds go to the coast 300 miles, although often 2-year-olds are sent to France, 3-year-old and above go to the 600-mile stage. From early in life Joe is always on the lookout for champion potentialities. Regularity, in everything one does goes into the building of a successful team of racing pigeons, but it is the person who has the time for regulating the needs of attention who has the edge on his fellow fanciers. Methods carried at Ewart Lofts are very simple but certainly most effective. Pairing Up Prior to mating, birds were separated at the end of last racing season to complete a good moult. One important point, Joe did impress was the cleanliness of the birds and lofts during their winder nesting period. To see birds full of fire in the spring of the year always seemed a good sign for a successful mating period. So always take the greatest precautions of clearing parasites from the loft. This is a MUST FOR SUCCESS. One of the most important matters, is fresh air at all times of the year. Never put-up shutters on the loft unless rain and snow are blowing in; keep birds hardy all the year round. Plenty of clean water, baths during the day. Go Quietly about the loft and always try to build confidence between you and the birds. Yearlings, 2-year-olds & Stock Birds are mated on the 1st March. After these have settled down, channel birds are put together. All young birds are weaned at 24 to 26 days old and must be FAULTLESS in their makeup, clean vents, strong in frame and general, healthy and looking the part, sound in every degree. Joe has no colour fads, there are good pigeons in every colour. He has not seen a good champion in a bad colour yet!!! In the original foundation of his family, they are mostly red chequer, blue chequer, mealy and blue bars; with a few pieds. These colours remain the same on this fine colony today. Eye sign Despite the fact that there is much to be learnt on the subject of eye sign Joe is not a professor on the subject. He certainly is an under study on the eye and strongly recommends that this is one of the most important factors in a pigeon’s buildup, and certainly one of the best signs to judge fitness. No matter how old a person may be, he is never too old to learn, no matter what the subject may be, very sound advice. Birds First to hand was the SNFC Avranches winner ‘Tabby’. This medium built hen was up with 3350 birds at 06-00am into a south west wind, timed at 17-03pm on the day (vel 1290) having flown 486 miles, finishing in conditions that were far from ideal, rain and fog having closed in all over the country. Joe considered this to be a great pigeon long before her national victory and despite she had never put any brilliant performance before winning Avranches. She was always his first selection for visitors and never far from the first bird to the loft in her previous races. Sent with a 2-day young bird, and carrying 2 ½ new flights, proved her right condition on the day. Her make up is medium in size, with lovely velvet feathering, a mealy, with a very strong back and tail tapering to one cover feather. For eye sign expert, the VIOLET very strong and deep rich colour, with a full circle, very strong, which surrounds the pupil and fades into the iris. She is a very roomy bird, and one who would certainly make the stock loft her haven for future years. Bred and presented to Joe by brother Sid at Ettrick, as a young bird. The sire is a son of Leishman Brothers 10th open SNFC Rennes which is stock. Dam, is a blue hen ‘stock’ from a brother of Sid’s good mealy hen (3 times Rennes; her dam was Leichman good hen 5 times Rennes, 3 times on the day, G/dam was Sid’s 3 times Rennes; and the G/G/Dam is Festival Joy Hastings, one of Edwin’s champions. Her performances are 1st Hastings, 20th federation, 2nd Bournemouth 5th federation, 2nd Bournemouth 10th federation, 17th open SNFC Nantes 606 miles, also 1st section 3rd open SNFC Nantes. Total winnings over £530. Certainly, a wonderful line of 5/600 mile winners go into ‘Tabby’s’ Breeding. Next, the loft favourite named very appropriately after Mrs Margaret Newcombe. This is the ‘Tour’s Hen’ one of the gallant few home in race time (only 16 birds in the result of the SNFC Tours 1968) taking 3rd section 5th open birds 1353 birds (winning £208) This is another lovely blue bar, typical of this great Newcombe family and was timed in the result from Nantes 44th east section this year 1969. She has wonderful feather texture, all the qualities one finds in great 500 milers, very strong back, eye is rich golden Yellow Iris, with a faint chase of cherry red, but again the full circle very clearly supper imposed. And so, it follows on, winner after winner, from the 4-, 5- & 6-mile points. I handled many that are stamped with future channel potential that will come their way. Joe is certainly going from strength to strength it was a wonderful pleasure to handle such magnificent pigeons, all bred for the distance. Biggest Disappointment Joe considers his biggest disappointment was when he sent 4 birds to Beauvais in 1969 and failed to time in. He was certain a ‘good one’ would be there. Like all Scottish members, to win the Blue Riband from Rennes and the famous Gold Cup he will always be trying, hard as the task may be. The Border Rover concluded ‘Thanking Joe & Margaret for their kind co-operation and the wonderful hospitality. Written in February 1970. Scottish Homing Union 2023 Trophy winners The selection committee of Robert Cormack; Phil Lynch and Joe Murphy picked the following winners of the 2023 - SHU trophy winners; these are as follows. The Dewar Scotch Whiskey Trophy; - For the best channel performances by an old bird was won by A W Robertson of Edinburgh. His pigeon won 1st section 3rd open Alencon 801 birds; & 1st section 6th open Falaise 558 birds. Have attached a photograph of Ally’s winning pigeon to go with this article. The runner up for The Dewar Scotch Whiskey Trophy; - For the best channel performances by an old bird was won by Dennis Anderson of Annan. His pigeon won 3rd section 9th open Alencon 801 birds; & 6th section 15th open Falaise 558 birds. I have also added a photo of Dennis holding one of his pigeons to go with this column. The Ogilvie Trophy; for the Best Individual Old Bird Performance was won by H Gormley of Valleyfield. The Celtic Trophy; for Performances Old Bird up to 300 miles was won by J Hadfield The Unikon Trophy; for Outstanding Performance by a Young Bird won by D Hay of Kirkintilloch The British Homing World Trophy; for Lowest winning velocity in Channel Race won by D Hay of Kirkintilloch. The McCrae Battalion Trust Trophy; for Loft performances Old Birds & Young Birds; won by D Hay of Kirkintilloch. The SHU Friendship Cup; Yearling Trophy With Outstanding Performance won by E Hodgson & Son Annan ‘Scotland’s Own’ Fancier of the Year; winning the Ina Renwick Memorial Trophy is A W Robertson of Edinburgh. The Annie Ross Bowes Memorial Trophy; For Services to the Sport; was won by J Lawrie & son. The Mr & Mrs Murphy Trophy and the Duke of Edinburgh Trophy were not claimed for. Congratulations to ALL THE ABOVE Fanciers. Obituary I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Jock Alston of Ravenstruther which seaming happened a few weeks ago. Jock and his wife Isable were outstanding fanciers and had a fantastic team of pigeons. These contained the bloodlines of Davie Angus which went back to the famous Dr Anderson of Armadale. Jock won the SHU Dewar Trophy back in 2013 and I have added a photograph of Jock holding his Ancenis national winner; RIP. 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

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