Ian McKay

SNAP But I have to follow the rules :emoticon-0179-headbang:

One left to be paid for PM sent last request then it will be offered to the under bidder It is so annoying it holds everything up I cannot issue the cheque to Charlotte Ian

Happy Birthday Guy's & Gal's Hope you both have a nice one :drinking-coffee-200: :drinking-coffee-200:

Total tragedy RIP Sean Ian

The Joe Murphy Column Received a note from Eddie Callaghan of Fauldhouse informing me that the next talent show will be held on Sunday the 27th March in the Miners Welfare Club in Fauldhouse, from 15.00 hours till 20.00 and tickets are £5.00 each. This is normally a ‘sell out’ as there are some outstanding acts appearing as a matter of interest the world famous Susan Boyle competed at this talent show prior to her success on Britain’s Got Talent. Eddie has also included a photograph of himself presenting a chequer for £800 to Mrs Christine Cook of Fauldhouse Old Age Pensioners association. This brings the total donated to the OAP of the village £31.000 over the years and we wish the committee all the best for this venture. Castlebrae club Received an email from Les Mitchell of the above club who are affiliated to Pentland Hills Federation the club are holding a young bird sale in Craigmillar Hearts Supports Club in Edinburgh on Sunday 3rd April 201 Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh EH16 4DZ. This sale is top drawer and reads like a who’s who of the top fanciers in East and Central Scotland and includes some fanciers from further afield and will be advertised in the BHW in the lead up to the sale. Auctioneer for the day will be Tam MacLeod and the main sponsors for the event are Craigmillar Pet Supplies. For sale particulars contact: Les Mitchell, 07588 662885, Eric Willis, 07809 772062 or Craigmillar Pet Supplies 0131 621 7058 Good SNFC Birds This week I’m going to cover birds that have excelled in the inland races with the SNFC. My reason for doing this was I received a phone call from Robert Armstrong asking if I would highlight his club mate Paddy Doherty of Linwood in this feature as his good chequer pied cock has won 5 section F prizes from 5 SNFC races. I explained to Robert that this gives me great pleasure to feature these wonderful Scottish national pigeons. Paddy’s cock SU12R 1382 has won the following; as a youngster he won 4th section F Leicester flying 263 miles. Then in 2014 he won 3rd section F from Maidstone a distance of 382 miles, then in 2015 he won 3 times from inland nationals being 6th section F Billericay flying 356 miles, then 2nd section F from Portsmouth flying 374 miles and won 16th section F from Eastbourne flying 404 miles. He now requires one more section F prize from an inland national to win a Meritorious Inland Bronze Award and we wish him luck in the process. My next pigeon is raced by J Lamb of Edinburgh whose blue bar cock SU10P 6155 has won the following; in 2012 he won 15th section B 34th open from Maidstone flying 364 miles. The following year he won 32nd section B 220tht open from Newbury a distance of 326 miles. In 2015 he won twice being 23rd section B 31st open from Eastbourne a distance of 389 miles and he also won 220th open from Billericay flying 337 miles unfortunately he did not win a section prize and we wish him well for the new season ahead. We now come to Willie Gray & son from Coldstream whose blue bar cock SU10SB 1791 has also won 4 times from inland nationals. In 2014 he won 111th section B 171st open from Maidstone flying 329 miles. Then in 2015 he won 3 times being 204th open from Billericay (no section prize) flying 302 miles, he then won 32nd section B 39th open Portsmouth flying 336 miles. Then from the Eastbourne national a distance of 355 miles he won 28th section B 39th open so twice in the top 40 in 2 nationals in ONE season is good flying. We now come to a man who needs no introduction to Scottish national racing namely John McNeil of Broxburn whose blue chequer cock GB13Z 37472 has also won 4 times from inland nationals. Starting with the young bird national from Leicester winning 6th section D 66th open flying 249 miles. The following year as a yearling he won 13th section D 100 open from Buckingham flying 290 miles. Then in 2015 he won twice being 32nd section D (no open position) from Billericay flying 340 miles, he was then sent to Portsmouth and wo 2nd section D 59th open Portsmouth flying 366 miles. I would like to wish the above fanciers all the very best for the new season ahead and hope these wonderful pigeon can achieve more SNFC success. This week’s pictures These are again from my dear friend Sheldon Leonard on his trip to Belgium, the first is of the Magnificent 7 before they robbed the bank at Ghent!!! Next are a reminder of a nice night out thanks to the generosity of Helene and Daniel Aerens. Joe’s Joke The pastor’s wife was expecting a baby, so he stood before the congregation and asked for a pay rise. After much discussion, they passed a rule that whenever the pastor’s family expanded; so would his pay check. After 6 children, this started to get expensive and the congregation decided to hold another meeting to discuss the pastor’s expanding salary. A great deal of yelling and inner bickering ensued, as to how much the pastor’s additional children were costing the church, and how much more it could potentially cost them. After listening to them for about an hour, the pastor rose from his chair and spoke, ‘Children are a gift from God and we will take as many gifts as he gives us.’ Silence fell over the congregation... In the back pew, a little old lady struggled to stand, and finally said in her frail voice, ‘Rain is also a gift from God, but when we get too much of it, we wear rubber boots.’ The entire congregation said, ‘AMEN’. 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 and www.pigeon-chat.co.uk also www.pigeonbasics.com who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland. © Compiled by Joe Murphy

Probably charged me for his extra 10kg he got without paying :emoticon-0179-headbang:

Cheers Ray Darren I had plenty with me. It's your daft country that don't accept Monopoly money :drinking-coffee-200:

Micky with Splendid Bolt & Donker Leo Splendid Bolt left pic Donker Leo right pic

Harry Ray is as bad as me with tea we got on well I can assure you there were a lot of Dodgy deals done Great weekend

Some more photos from the visit Marlene Donker Leo Micky Collins .................... Ray & Micky Micky watching the burglars CCTV of the theft Splendid Bolt in hand

Just back from a wonderful week in Yam Yam land with the Sandwich King, Ray Hunt and Mickey on the spot Collins and a good weekend it was Big breakfast every morning then doos all day with what can only be described as fantastic pigeon fanciers and the Sandwich King who is just a baby in the pigeon world but one to watch I predict big things from him in the future New summer bred stock have been ordered from the best cannot wait for delivery Need to make an appointment with Bank Manager on Monday ? So big Thanks to Darren , Ray and Micky for a very special weekend Ray and Darren for the taxi services Ian

Ian McKay and Kevin Elliott on a visit to Ray Hunt Marlene

Have a nice day guys don't drink too much :drinking-coffee-200: :drinking-coffee-200:

It's mine should be home soon :emoticon-0179-headbang:

OFF topic not pigeon related :emoticon-0136-giggle:

The Joe Murphy Column My first babies will be with me by the time you are reading this article and it is surprising how quickly they grow. I have put newspapers under the nest pans so when cleaning out each day I just lift the pan and take out the top one or two papers and put them in my bin. This is twofold as it does not take long and you are not disturbing the old birds or babies very much. Some of the youngsters are going to friends or fanciers who have ordered some birds to race and this will give me another angle on how the stock pairs are progressing as breeders. Kingdom Spirit Received a message left on the phone from Daren Hamilton asking if I would do a profile on George and Brian Hunter of Dunfermline’s wonderful hen ‘’ and her parents. Well Daren I have already done this and called it ‘A Pigeon in a Million’ you can check this out on the internet or by checking pigeon press back issues. Loft measured I had a visit from Gordon Turnbull federation secretary and Eric Reed of Dunfermline who came to measure my loft as per GPS under Scottish Homing Union rules. This only took a few minutes and I now await conformation from the SHU regarding my distances. It will be interesting to see if there is any difference between the old calculations and the new ones regarding race points. John Tyerman Spoke to old friend John last week after seeing his picture in the pigeon press at the BICC presentation. He was informing me that he has not been too great and is very tired due to the treatment he is receiving for his cancer. He did tell me that our mutual friend Ian Crammond (of the double NFC winning partnership of Crammond and Langstaff) had been to visit him the previous day and this was a great boost to him. I know that all his many friends within the pigeon sport will wish him all the best for the future and hopefully once the treatment is finished he can enjoy his beloved pigeons. Good SNFC Birds Before I start with this week’s birds I received a phone call from Jimmy Jackson of Dunbar whom I highlighted in this feature a couple of weeks ago. Jim told me that one of his hens 52777 whom I emphasized was with his hens inside the loft. He has a wire door that he can leave so the sun and air can shine in the loft while he is cleaning out. When all of a sudden all the hens in the corridor panicked and flew towards the inside of the loft, some of them hitting the walls and perches. Jimmy looked out and there was the cock sparrow hawk just outside the door. It must have seen the pigeons and tried to attack them but hit the wire instead, obviously it flew away when Jimmy moved towards it. His hens were very shaken by what had happened, however he did notice that 52777 looked a bit stunned as she must have banged her head against something in the panic to get away. Jimmy kept an eye on her but within a few days she died and needless to say he was ‘disappointed’ at loosing such a good hen. He could not believe it when he picked up his pigeon paper and read that I was featuring this hen, hence the phone call to inform me of her departure. My thanks to Jimmy for the call and I wish him well with his other birds during the 2016 season. I start with Tom McEwen and his son Scott’s of Elphinstone and their good blue chequer cock SU10E 1057 known as ‘TMAC’. This cock won 21st section B 85th open from Clermont a distance of 506 miles in 2012, the following year he won 3rd section B 5th open from the Gold Cup race from Alencon a distance of 533 miles. Then in 2014 he was again sent to Clermont and won 17th section B 82nd open winning a SNFC Silver Award for winning 3 section prizes from Channel racing. Last year he again competed in the Blue Riband Gold Cup race from Alencon and won 13th section B 47th open. Therefore now requires one more section prize to win a coveted Gold Award and we wish Tom and Scott all the very best in 2016. Not only in achieving this goal but health wise as Tom was very ill and had to undergo major heart surgery prior to Christmas. He is on the road to recovery however has to take it easy for the foreseeable future and winning a Gold Award would be a wonderful tonic. Next we come to Jim Ferguson of Eastriggs in the Solway whose blue bar cock SU10S 3798 had an exceptional year in 2015 winning 3 times in the SNFC. He was 2nd section A 27th open Billericay flying 277 miles, he then went to Eastbourne and won 9th section A 253rd open flying 326 miles he was then sent to the last old bird national from Clermont and won 14th section A 94th open flying 455 miles. When you add the above to his 9th section A 69th open Maidstone win in 2013 flying 304 miles he is a quality pigeon and hopefully does well in the national races in 2016. We now come to S Martin of Earlstone in the Scottish Borders whose Blue chequer hen SU10SB 1565 has also won 4 times in national racing. As a 2 year old in 2012 she won 162nd open from Clermont a distance of 484 miles unfortunately she never won a section prize. In 2013 she was entered into the Maidstone national and won 119th section B 297th open flying 334 miles. The following year she was sent to Ypres and won 54th section B 93rd open flying 403 miles. Then last year 2015 she was again sent to the last old bird national from Clermont and won 147th open again she did not win a section prize. However to win 4 times in the SNFC is an outstanding achievement and we congratulate Mr Martin and his wonderful hen. This week’s Pictures The first two are from Sheldon Leonard of Arklow and were taken on his trip to Belgium; the first is of J J Hurley buying some cocks at Daniel Aerens. Some of the birds had been injured during the racing season and in Daniel’s eyes their career is finished for long distance racing events. The second picture is of the ‘Legend’ Owen Kirwin holding one of Daniel Aerens top pigeons. My third picture is a ‘Blast from the Past’ I have to say it is not very good quality but you can still make out some famous names within the pigeon sport in Scotland. Starting with Jacky Bunch on the extreme left at the back, I also noticed Willie Wilson, George Rankin, Andrew Lockhart, Norman Orr, Andrew Deans, and at the front right hand side is David Brown who was judge at Blackpool Show of the Year in January 2016. Hope this brings back happy memories to fanciers. Joe’s Joke A distinguished young woman on a flight from Switzerland asked the priest beside her: "Father, may I ask a favour?" "Of course, what may I do for you?" "Well, I bought an expensive electronic hair dryer that is well over the customs limits and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through Customs for me? Under your robes perhaps?" ‘I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie." "With your honest face, Father, no one will question you." When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her. The official asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?" "From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare." The official thought this answer strange, so asked, "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?" "I have a marvellous little instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused." Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father." Next! ************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Everyone seems to be in such a hurry to scream 'racism' these days. A customer asked, "In what aisle could I find the Irish sausages?" The assistant asks, "Are you Irish?" The guy, clearly offended, says, "Yes I am, but let me ask you some-ting... If I had asked for Italian sausage, would you ask me if I was Italian? Or if I had asked for German Bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German? Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog would you ask me if I was Jewish? Or if I had asked for a Taco, would you ask if I was Mexican? Or if I asked for Polish sausage, would you ask if I was Polish?" The assistant says, "No, I probably wouldn't." The guy says, "Well then, just because I asked for Irish sausage, why did you ask me if I'm Irish?" The assistant replied, "Because you're in Debenhamsâ€. 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 and www.pigeon-chat.co.uk also www.pigeonbasics.com who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland. © Compiled by Joe Murphy

Welcome to PB hope you enjoy :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Subject: Sam Nelson, Glenmavis, Lanarkshire Federation, Scotland -1st Open Salisbury 347 miles 2012 On a lovely February afternoon I took the short trip to the village of Glenmavis. This is on the north region of the Lanarkshire Federation which is situated in the central belt of Scotland. Sam, who is in his seventy fifth year, has kept pigeons since the age of ten and has always felt the need for pigeons within his life. Sam's loft sits at the side of his home and is surrounded by corrugated fencing which keeps it private and secure from vermin with the added support of his lively terrier dog. Sam stated he keeps pigeons for the enjoyment of the sport and if he wins it's a bonus! He enjoys conditioning his birds for their selected races and seeing them return. Sam likes to keep himself active and that's the same for his pigeons, keeping them in a routine and everything simple. Sam is a member of Glenmavis club and his season is all geared around the Federation distance races. The club racing doesn't really interest Sam and in his opinion more experienced fanciers should leave the club prizes to the youngsters and less experienced fanciers and only compete for federation prizes.. Sam would also like to see the National races flown only from across the water and leave the Inland races to the Federations, Initially he started racing pigeons obtained from his uncle Alec White and Frazer McIntyre (both from Greengairs) and later birds from Alec Dees from Plains. He also invested in Busshaerts from Louella lofts that won well at club level for years scoring right through the programme His present family of birds originate from Stan Brimcome of Portsmouth -Ko Nipus breeding Sion breeding from Jimmy Hamilton, from Hamilton area Jan Aardeen breeding from Louella and also one pair of Janssens Sam likes to pair performance pigeons to each other so keeping the birds pure doesn't really matter, its getting birds that can win at the distance. The birds are well tested by single tossing mostly from the east coast which Sam feels gives them the confidence to fly long distances (Don't be frightened to train birds on their own) Sam's stock pigeons only rear the first round as he only breeds a small team. Sam likes to take some late breds of the six pair of stock pigeons just in case of heavy losses in the young bird programme. Sam's set up is a small garden with only 25-30 youngsters bred for racing and tested to the last race. Sam is not interested in winning it is more about the youngster getting experience and he couldn't care less if they take all day to return. Sam is hoping to build a team of birds that he can join the National with to enjoy the distance races. Sam’s Lofts and Management System. Lofts are self built by Sam with added finishing touches that are really unique and practical. Racing loft is 16 x 7 ft with plenty of ventilation at the front with sky light type vents in ceiling in each of the three sections with full length corridor for the old bird section. Everything about the loft feels relaxed with plenty of space and a feeling of wellbeing . The old birds are split after rearing and flown on roundabout system. Yearlings have their own section and fly on natural nest cycle as Sam stated yearlings are only learning their trade and roundabout for yearlings causes high losses. Sam has learnt this over the years. Young bird loft is 12 x 6 ft, is south facing with an open front design. The simple but effective perches allow droppings to fall to floor into light layer of shavings under perches. The youngsters learn to drink out of adapted basket type drinkers. They are also basketed by opening in corridor to prevent having to catch each individual bird. Sam has built all these ideas into his systems including his own feeders and nest boxes with mesh tray. Sam also has a unique way of keeping his drinkers from freezing, putting a light bulb on the top of his drinkers’ lids. This also allows light in the loft on those cold dark winter nights. (possibly not one for the safety conscious!!) This can be set on a timer when he is working. Everything is adapted for practicality! The birds are exercised around the loft twice per day and also trained from Edinburgh around 25 miles a couple of times per week. Always single tossed after the initial training flights which Sam feels is essential in their education for later . Sam works as a Gardener in Edinburgh and so the pigeons go with him and are liberated when ready, no hurry, no stress! No flying in batches making the pigeon think for itself. This system applies to both the youngsters and old birds Stock loft is 6ft with aviary at top with six pair of mostly older stock fro the original base pigeons Feeding - Old birds 1 - 1/2 oz morning and night ,Vesele Laga All round mixture with ground peanuts added. As the distance races approach birds fed as much as they wish the last few days, Young birds -Versele Laga young bird mix and then during racing same as old birds, light feed morning and all they wish at night. Sam stated if you feed the birds the right amount before you exercise them they will fly well around the loft and need less training. He uses very few products, 3 in 1 Harkers before racing Iodine once per fortnight, couple of drops in drinker. 3 types of grit, Kilpatrick, Matrix ,mixed grit, Black minerals and pick pot minerals Salt block also available Sprays the loft with Vicks sinus spray that he feels benefits the pigeons. Water is changed twice per day and the lofts also cleaned twice per day which he feels is essential. He uses Jay’s fluid to disinfect the lofts and has also got an electric Fly/Moth killer which he thinks is beneficial. He vaccinates his youngsters on leaving nest and feels this is essential, Sam feels that the Birds health can be judged through their eyes as, in his opinion the eyes tell you everything about the pigeon’s health and well being. He states his best product is clean grit and minerals each day, train your birds to get them into racing condition and routine is essential. When asked about who he admires in the sport, he names those fanciers who have stayed at the top of their game at the distance, Dave Donaldson of Peterhead and Mr Mrs D Elliot of Newbiggin stating these fanciers take some beating!!!. His Open winner was named Stan after the person who bred the parents Stan Brimcome from his Ko Nipus strain. This bird a 5yr old dark cheq cock and has always been a decent bird. Small to medium in size with good quality of feather, light body frame with long cast. Very much bred for the distance. His birds are paired around middle of February with the yearling not till mid March. Old bird racers don't start till around 150 miles and then go every week on the roundabout system thereafter. They will get a couple of 50 mile tosses from the east when being prepared for across the water. His ambition, Sam joked was to live long enough to see his next win from the distance!! Sam doesn't reflect on his past wins which have been there but looks forward to this year and trying to get a good timer at the distance, not necessarily winning the race just up with the winners. I would like to thank Sam and Nan for a very enjoyable afternoon , listening to a lifetime enjoyed in the pigeon sport and at a time of his life that winning isn't everything.- Buy maybe that's the secret, don't stress yourself or the birds. All the best to Sam with his cracking wee team of birds. Photos Small stock loft Young bird loft Old bird loft Two of the original KO Nipus stock pigeons ,pied sire of 1st Open Ventilation system in young bird loft Droppings pit under perches Yearling section Floor of racing section with self built feeder Unique bulb in drinker lid system Skye light type ventilation in each section in old bird loft Hens roundabout section Sam holding his open winner Front of young bird drinking area inside loft drinking area Trophies won in the Lanarkshire federation 2012 Tom Corrie Lanarkshire Press Officer corrietom@aol.com

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I would like to point out any club having gained a lottery grant must have given assurances that they do not keep members out by any kind of voting system all applicants should be made welcome

Have a nice day guys Clifton lad your an Auld Mannie but have a nice one :emoticon-0136-giggle: :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Thanks for your reply enjoy your Hols :emoticon-0136-giggle: :emoticon-0136-giggle: