Ian McKay

Hope he is back in the morning

Nice one Walter :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Do you play for them Tony :emoticon-0136-giggle:

No only when you win the National it comes with a guarantee :emoticon-0136-giggle: :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Close Eh :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Happy Birthday John hope you have a nice one :drinking-coffee-200:

Well done Jason wishing you all the best Ian

Brilliant what would we doo without them :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Thanks Colin Can you e-mail it to me ?? ian.mckay@btinternet.com

I think that is me caught up with all the bids PM if I am incorrect :emoticon-0179-headbang: I have had major puter problems but should be OK now :emoticon-0136-giggle:

The Joe Murphy Column What a time of it we have had with the weather lately with gales and rain, everything is so wet and damp and to be honest you don’t want to venture outside in this weather. I have managed to clean out my next boxes and have introduced the pairs together for an hour or so. I intend to do this a couple of times prior to pairing up on the 11th February so far everything has been going well. I have been letting them out of the next boxes for a short time and then when the cock goes back into the box the hen follows so these are locked up and a new pair released. I have 2 sections so let a pair out in each end however it is very time consuming but hopefully will be well worth it when it comes to pairing up. Big Thank You I received a phone call from Ian French to inform me that he was inundated with calls regarding his decision to give his birds away for the price of the carriage. Ian wishes everyone who obtained the birds all the very best for the 2016 season and hopes his birds breed some winners. As I said in my first report Ian is now going to be involved in the Midland National One Loft race and he tells me that the spaces are filling up very quickly so if you are interested in joining then don’t dwell too long. It is hoped to have LIVE on line coverage of each race on the club’s website and also coverage from the liberation point prior to each race. They are hoping to have advance liberation news given in plenty of time so that fanciers can arrive at the loft prior to the birds coming home. I have preached this for the past few years we now have the technology within our fingertips and it is time our sport became more up to date with the present climate. National Racing into Scotland I noticed in last week’s pigeon paper that the SNRPC showed their proposed French race programme for 2016 from Arras, Reims and Troyes they state they have had successful racing from these points the past 10 years. They also highlight that their pigeons are basketed for these race points a day later (than the Scottish National) so therefore their birds are at home an extra day and they use Geraldy pigeon transportation. On the above points I have to give them credit as Arras and Reims favour the short channel crossing which has benefited their birds over this period. I’m not as sure about their longest race from Troyes as the returns are not so good with many pigeons failing to make it home. Now everyone knows that I’m as Scottish National Flying Club man and have been so all my life but I feel that the SNFC officials need to take a leaf out of the SNRPC book and make changes for the benefit of the birds and members. The most important item in our sport is that the pigeons must come FIRST and a day less in the transporter is a great advantage to the BIRDS. We did this at the young bird national in 2015 when the forecast for the Saturday was to be dreadful and we had a race on the Friday and the winner was timed just after 4 hours and the ALL the open positions were won within 2 hours and even the north of Scotland fanciers had won all their prizes on the day of the race. Then we come to the transportation of the birds and the SNFC is using older transporters with plastic drinkers put onto the baskets. Surely in this day and age we can afford to hire a Geraldy transporter for the channel races as we are not sending 7000 pigeons nowadays. From the Gold Cup race from Alencon we had 1416 birds, Clermont 1547 bird and from Ancenis we go with the Midland National and had 275 birds. I know there has been a conflict of attitudes hence the reason why we now have 2 nationals but the time is coming when fanciers are going to have to eat humble pie and go together to these races from France. Surely in with the drop in membership from our sport the time has come when we can transport both SNFC and SNRPC convoys to Reims. But we all know the reason why it will not happen - is because whoever wins the race will rub the other organisations nose in it by saying they won against both clubs and the total birdage. This is nothing more than trying to sell pigeons which have nothing to do with the reasons I’m putting this case to you. I think the time has come to put the differences aside and put the birds (and the Fanciers) first. This isn’t about the 2 organisations coming together as ONE National, it is about both organisations coming together to transport the birds to the race point and doing so in a civilised manner. Let us put the differences aside and agree that the best way forward is to share transportation for these channel races. Many people will not be happy with the above but at least I can see the wood from the trees. Our sport is coming to a crucial stage in everyone’s life and if we do not change then our sport is going to die. You just have to look at the decrease in membership within clubs and federations and see how many of organisations are now having joint convoying to weekly race points. To have 2 transporters, conveyors/drivers from Scotland at the SAME race point and all the birds going the same way home, is utter MADNESS Good SNFC Birds Before I go on about these pigeons I must apologise to Davie Allison who forwarded his 2 birds pictures and information on the birds a few weeks ago. I called him ‘Billy’ Allison after the man who was in my sporting challenge a few years ago and I’m so sorry Davie. Billy phoned me up and said ‘I wish I had 2 pigeons of this quality so that you could write about me’, then he highlighted my mistake, but by that time my article was away for the next week. This week I highlight 3 lofts from the west section of the national with the first Jock & Isabel Alston of Ravenstruther with their blue bar cock SU10 6368 named ‘Renstrie Reward’. This wonderful cock won the SHU DEWAR TROPHY in 2013 for Scotland Bird of the Year he is also a SNFC SILVER AWARD WINNER. His performances are as follows; in 2013 he won 81st section E from Newbury flying 313 miles. He was then entered into the Gold Cup race from Alencon a distance of 526 miles and won 4th section E 26th open he was then entered into the Clermont race and won 1st section E 2nd open flying 508 miles. In 2014 he was again set up for the Gold Cup race from Alencon and won 7th section E 37th open and won his Silver Award for 3 section prizes from France. Then in 2015 he again competed from Alencon and won 30th section E so requires ONE more section prize to achieve the coveted Gold Award and we wish Jock and Isabel all the best in 2016. We now come to another top fancier and bird Dave Donaldson of Glassford with his blue bar hen SU09L 10143 SNFC SILVER AWARD WINNER In 2012 she won 31st section E from Maidstone a distance of 364 miles, she was then entered into the last old bird race from Clermont and she won 17th section E. In 2013 she competed from the Gold Cup race from Alencon a distance of 531 miles and she won 1st section E 6th open. The following year she won 24th section E 103rd open Alencon and achieved her Silver Award with the SNFC for 3 section prizes from France. Last year she again scored from Alencon being 22nd section E 139th open and now needs ONE more section prize to achieve the coveted Gold Award and we wish Dave all the best in 2016. Our third west section loft highlighted is the Mr & Mrs Elliot of Newbigging with their mealy cock SU13L 7293 his performances are as follows; in 2014 he won 11th section E from Maidstone flying 354 miles, then last year he won 29th section E from the Gold Cup race point of Alencon flying 525 miles, he was then sent to Clermont and won 16th section E flying 505 miles. He now requires ONE more section prize to achieve his Silver Award and we which Mr & Mrs Elliot all the best in 2016. This week’s Photographs The first is of Kevin Godfrey and Roger Lowe checking out the Daniel Aerens birds in Sheldon Leonard’s single breeding pens. Next we have the Wallace and Ferguson families enjoying a celebration meal after their success at Blackpool show. The partnership won a 1st prize at the show which is a great achievement well done. I have also attached Struan’s mealy hen who has won 8 cards this year, and his wife’s Audrey’s dark chequer hen who won a card at Blackpool with 103 birds in the class. Joe’s Joke Before I go on with this week’s joke I must thank Jim Williams from Grove Park London for his letter and jokes, I’m sorry that I cannot put them in the paper but we had a good laugh. Jim also informs me in his letter that in one of my articles I mentioned Tommy Firmicer and his daughters from Bromley in Kent. Jim started Tommy with pigeons 65 years ago. Unfortunately he has not kept pigeons these last 2 years and he misses them very much. He is now 78 years old and can barely walk but he says ‘They cannot stop us from laughing’ Joe keep up the good work and enjoy the ‘Jokes’. My thanks to Jim and I wish him all the best hope he enjoys this week’s joke. ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************** A motorcycle police officer stops a driver for shooting through a red light. The driver is a real jerk, steps out of his car and comes striding toward the officer, demanding to know why he is being harassed by the Gestapo! So the officer calmly tells him of the red light violation. The motorist instantly goes on a tirade, questioning the officer's ancestry, sexual orientation, etc., in rather explicit offensive terms. The tirade goes on without the officer saying anything. When the officer finishes writing the ticket, he puts an "AH" in the lower right corner of the narrative portion of the ticket; he then hands it to the 'violator' for his signature. The guy signs the ticket angrily, and when presented with his copy points to the "AH" and demands to know what it stands for. The officer says, "That's so when we go to court, I'll remember that you're an *expletive removed*!" Two months later they're in court. The 'violator' has a bad driving record with a high number of points and is in danger of losing his license, so he hired a lawyer to represent him. On the stand the officer testifies to seeing the man run through the red light. Under cross examination the defence attorney asks; "Officer is this reasonable facsimile of the ticket that you issued to my client?" Officer responds, "Yes, sir, that is the defendant's copy, his signature and mine, same number at the top." Lawyer: "Officer is there any particular marking or notation on this ticket you don't normally make?" "Yes, sir, in the lower right corner of the narrative there is an "AH," underlined." "What does the "AH" stand for, officer?" "Aggressive and hostile Sir"; what do you mean "Aggressive and hostile?" "Officer, are you sure it doesn't stand for *expletive removed*?" Well, sir, you know your client better than I do. 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

:emoticon-0136-giggle: :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Happy Birthday guy's hope you have a nice one :emoticon-0136-giggle:

If your no in you cannot win Good luck Ken :drinking-coffee-200:

Mornin folks :drinking-coffee-200:

The Joe Murphy Column I have been getting the birds ready for pairing up for the new season and hopefully will do this task this coming week as Kevin and I are going to mate up at the same time. Then the eggs from the stock pairs can be moved up to him and placed under the race team and I can then put the stock birds back down on the drive. I’m going to try a couple of new ideas this year and hopefully fingers crossed they work. The first is I have been taking pictures of my bird’s throats and eyes during the winter months. I have done this for some years now and have always gone on the eyesign theory. However this year I’m going to add the throat theory into my selection and see if it makes any difference to the improvements of our performances. I have also purchased some top quality maple peas to add to some matured tic beans I have stored for a few years, these are like outstanding and have a mahogany colour about them. I also have purchased a couple of bags of malting barley and all 3 will be added to a breeding wean mixture along with some oil seed rape and this will be my mixture for rearing my youngsters. So plenty of protein and hopefully they should be good strong youngsters for the 2016 season. However I cannot complain about the babies I have reared in the past as they have all been strong healthy youngsters in fact I have often been complemented on the standard of youngsters that have gone on to other fanciers. SNFC Race Programme The SNFC annual general meeting seamed to go well with all the officials re-elected for the new season. The race programme for 2016 is as follows with the first inland national from Buckingham then onto Littlehampton (a new race point for the national). I’m happy to see that Reims passed and will be the Gold Cup race with the longest race point being from Ancenis (convoyed with the Midland National) then we have another new race point in Roye. This takes over from Clermont and it was highlighted that this was not a good liberation site for the birds and it was felt their welfare should come first. My concern is why it has taken all this time to highlight these problems as we have been going to Clermont for the past 6 years. Let us hope Roye has been checked out and we don’t experience this same scenario as above and have a good race. The young bird national will be held from Buckingham in September. The motion to have fanciers phone in their first bird from a national race was defeated but I personally don’t think this was a bad proposal. As I have already said the national would have to upgrade their web site to be in line with these other big national organisations. While on about race distances in accordance with SHU Rules ALL loft location MUST be plotted using Benzing GPS for the 2016 season. So if you have not already done this then please contact your club or federation officials to arrange this task to be carried out. There is no good waiting for the racing season to come round do it now to make sure you have the correct distances for each race or you will be disqualified. Good SNFC Birds This week I highlight the father and son partnership of Andrew Agnew & son of Kelso who I have discovered have 3 exceptional pigeons flying well within their lofts. The first is their chequer cock NEHU2010 BOR 2310 who won a SNFC SILVER AWARD in 2014 his performances are as follows; In 2013 he won 15th section B 52nd open Alencon 503 miles he then went back to Clermont a distance of 473 miles and won 16th section B 75th open. In 2014 he again won from Alencon being 17th section B 45th open and in 2015 he won 29th section B 91st open. The second pigeon I highlight is also a chequer cock SU13 355 he has won 4 times from SNFC races and his performances are as follows; 2014 he won 116th section B 178th open Maidstone flying 325 miles; he was then sent to Ypres a distance of 393 miles and won 47th section B 77th open. Then in 2015 he won 52nd section B 89th open Billericay a distance of 297 miles and was timed from Portsmouth without making the result he then went to Clermont a distance of 473 miles and won 155th open no section prize however proving what a good consistent cock he is. The 3rd of Andrew’s pigeons is a chequer hen SU13 363 as a yearling she won 5th section B 5th open Maidstone flying 325 miles, she then went to Ypres a distance of 393 miles and won 46th section B 76th open. Then in 2015 she was again to the fore in the first national winning 11th section B 12th open from Billericay a distance of 297 miles. She was then entered from the last national from Clermont and won 121st open but no section prize flying 473 miles. Again a very reliable hen and one to look out for in 2016 and we wish Andrew all the best for the new season. This week’s Photographs Some of these are from my good friend Sheldon Leonard of Arklow who had Eamon Kelly, Kevin Godfrey and Roger Lowe over visiting him from England he has highlighted this picture as the Last of the Summer Wine. Roger celebrated his birthday while in Ireland and they had a ‘great time’. Sheldon also included a picture of Herbie Thorpe the 2015Kings Cup winner and Lee Newman a previous Miller Gold Cup winner alongside The Legend. 1915 Either your parents or grandparents were living during this time and what a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for the year 1915 and some of the information will boggle your mind! The average life expectancy for men was 47 years. Fuel for cars was sold in chemists only. Only 14 per cent of the homes had a bath. Only 8 per cent of the homes had a telephone. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower. The average British wage in 1915 was £15 per year! A competent accountant could expect to earn £800 per year and a dentist £900 per year. A vet earned between £600 and £900 per year and a mechanical engineer about £2000 per year. More than 95 per cent of all births took place at home and 90 per cent of all Doctors had no university education! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "Substandard." Sugar cost two pence a pound. Eggs were 10 pence a dozen. Coffee was five pence a pound. Most women only washed their hair once a month, and, used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo. Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason. The Five leading causes of death were: 1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhoea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke The American flag had 45 stars and the population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30. Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet. There was neither a Mother's Day nor a Father's Day. Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and, only 6 per cent of all British pupils went to university. Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at local corner chemists. Back then chemists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach, bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health!" (Shocking?) Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help... There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.! In 2014 this figure had risen to 14,249. In the UK the murder rate in 1915 was 1420. In 2015 it was 537. (Perhaps we are doing something right!) I am now going to forward this to someone else without typing it myself. From there, it will be sent to others all over the WORLD all in a matter of seconds! Can you imagine what it may be like in another 100 years? Joe’s Joke A fifteen-year-old came home with a Porsche and his parents began to yell and scream, "Where did you get that car?" He calmly told them, "I bought it today." "With what money!?" demanded his parents. "We know what a Porsche costs." "Well," said the boy, "This one cost me fifteen pounds." The parents began to yell even louder. "Who would sell a car like that for fifteen pounds!?" they asked. "It was the lady up the street," said the boy. "Don't know her name -- they just moved in. She saw me ride past on my bike and asked me if I wanted to buy a Porsche for fifteen pounds." "Oh my goodness!" moaned the mother, "she must be a child abuser. Who knows what she will do next? John, you go right up there and see what's going on." So the boy's father walked up the street to the house where the lady lived and found her out in the garden calmly planting flowers. He introduced himself as the father of the boy to whom she had sold a Porsche to for fifteen pounds and demanded to know why she did it. "Well," she said, "this morning I got a phone call from my husband. I thought he was on a business trip, but I learned from a friend he has run off to Hawaii with his secretary. Then apparently she stole all his money and stranded him there! Well he called me, without a dollar to his name, and asked me to sell his new Porsche and send him the money. So that's exactly what I did." 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

I see you know your football :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Was the vote taken at Pittodrie :emoticon-0140-rofl:

Come on the DANDY DONS 2 0 :emoticon-0136-giggle: :emoticon-0136-giggle:

See the report with photos HERE Santa Cruz and 1st sea race report 2016 Tuesday 26 th January and the Arona one loft race has reached its final inland race point from the north eastern coast of Tenerife, from the port of Santa Cruz an approx. distance of 65 klm to the lofts in Guaza, and covers the well-known rugged volcanic terrain of mountains and valleys throughout their southerly flight to the loft. With the 1,964 pigeons basketed the evening before followed by an early start and uneventful journey north to the liberation site, the transporter arrived on site overlooking the port of Santa Cruz just after day break and with the sun and temperatures rising to a moderate 26 degrees Abel Ledesma was once again pleased to get the birds away early today at 9.15 into a light helping north easterly breeze and, we were pleased to be informed that once the pigeons were airborne they were reported to have cleared the race point on line for home. At the home end the usual participants were logged in via the internet, as we sat patiently for the first sighting of the pigeons, and with the usual estimated time of arrival once again doing the rounds, it was at 10am after forty five minutes of flying, it was seen that the pigeons had taken advantage of the helping breeze, as the first birds were spotted above, with the first six pigeon pitching directly onto the landing board they swiftly made their way in. image002 Team team Segers-Coppens-Minner Belgium 1st santa cruz The leading pigeons arrival times were dually announced with 1st place going to team Belgium with team Segers-Coppens-Minner and pigeon goldrush 1 taking the honours with an arrival time of 10.00.45.70, once again a few pigeons are starting to show some consistently as we progress, and this is one of them with previous positions of 51st, 6th and 50th before today’s outing with averages of 23rd in the country average and 414th internationally, close behind the winner in 2nd and 3rd was team Netherlands with syndicate of van den Bosse-Hoondert Lewedor recording their entry rut han on a time of 10.00.46.45 to take 2nd place, just holding off fellow countryman Team Bustraan Pigeons and el borracho into 3rd on 10.00.51.30, 4th position goes to the German fancier peter knocks with his pigeon zuzo at 10.00.51.80 5th goes to team Poland and syndicate Smge Rumik Krzysztof and pigeon myszka recording its presence at 10.00.55.55, the country of Asturias and syndicate Dionisio & Pandiellatakes 6th with their entry elmer at 10.01.02.75, Günter shneermann and pigeon martyns shep for team Germany takes the 7th position on 10.01.03.70 just ahead of the first arrival for the uk with team England and team ultimate and pigeon ultimate super taking 8thposition following on from 2nd position from race 10, on this occasion recording an arrival time of 10.01.05.05, for 9th we return to team Belgium and pek racing team adk with pigeon Andromeda at 10.01.05.60 followed into 10th by team astbury, with astbury kath timing in at 10.01.05 80. Van den Bosse-Hoondert Lewedor syndicate 2nd place from Santa Cruz Van den Bosse-Hoondert Lewedor syndicate 2nd place from Santa Cruz Upon reviewing the result, It was also encouraging to see that in a matter of a few minutes over 1,700 of the pigeons liberated, were recorded home, and as the remaining pigeons came throughout the afternoon, just the small number of thirty five pigeons are currently unaccounted at present, however to give each pigeon the same opportunity and race transparency and to clarify to questions being raised as to returned pigeons during these early stages, if any of the lost pigeons from previous outings, return in the future and are considered fit and healthy then they will re-join the race at which ever stage that they are currently at. Team Bustraan Pigeons 3rd place from Santa Cruz Team Bustraan Pigeons 3rd place from Santa Cruz So there we have it through the hard work and dedication of the arona team in preparing the pigeons and maintaining a balance of health, vitality and stamina over the past months these remaining 2,929 pigeons have overcome the first stages of island training on the programme and have now reached the coast in preparation for the first of six sea liberations from the atlantic ocean. This will be done as in previous years with the transporter positioned at the rear of the vessel and once the required distances are reached the vessel will reduce speed to allow the pigeons to be liberated, it is hopefully that this experience will encourage Team ultimate 1st uk/Ireland 8thinternational lsanta Cruz Team ultimate 1st uk/Ireland 8thinternational lsanta Cruz and eliminate any fears that the pigeons may have for the future, once they are required to cross open spans of water from island to island in future races. As an added feature, for sea race 1 and beyond the arona team have advertised complete coverage by filming both the liberation and pigeons arrival for both your enjoyment and to show the transparency of the arona olr which can be viewed on the website at www.derbyatlantic.com Seas race 1 On fri 29th the 1929 pigeons which safely returned from the previous race from Santa Cruz, took their first step out for the first sea liberations of the season, with a distance of 60 klm of land and an additional 5klm of water to overcome. With the transporter securely loaded on the rear of the fred Olsen ferry bentago express we followed its course via marine traffic as it made its way out to sea at a speed of 33 knots bound for gran canaria. Upon reaching its required distance the captain eased up on the throttle, reducing the speed to a more steady and moderate pace, giving a lower trailing breakwater behind the ferry, and with the island of Tenerife clearly visible to the rear, the all clear was given to release the pigeons at 08.55 into a light N.N.E. sea breeze. image006 The liberation is itself is done under a controlled environment to ensure the safety of both the pigeons, and the crew and ferry, so with the pigeons going out row by row once in the air and clear of the vessel they soon bunched together and were reported to be making a good line back towards land At the lofts and on the livestream we received confirmation of the liberation at 8.55 as everyone waited for the pigeons to arrive it was, at 9.37 three pigeons were seen circling above and as everyone waited to see their intentions they swiftly landed on the loft and landing board and dually made their way in, on doing so another two were approaching the loft, clearly indicating that a small number had broken clear of the bunch and had made a direct line for home down the coastal route, whilst in all probability the rest had flown back to land and were following their usual line south. The first pigeon to land and cross the finishing line to, take 1st place goes to team Croatia and Team Pudic Family Loft with their pigeon matija recording a winning time of 09.37.44.25 narrowly ahead of the 2nd place winner for team Malta and Team Tencho Loft and pigeon mimi at 09.37 49.05, the third of the three leading pigeons, goes to team uk/Ireland with pigeon named the aristocrat, for josh reily of Ireland recording a time of 09.37.52.75, Team Pudic 1st place sea race 1 Team Pudic 1st place sea race 1 4th place sees a 2nd arrival for team Croatia and pigeon highlander for Team Bosko Jenjic – Bild Jenjic syndicate at 09.37 59.30, Team Karl-Heinz & Ralph Schleifer of Germany and pigeon turbo takes 5th place on 09.38.07.90,6th position goes to team Scotland and garth rankin and show boy on 09.38.10.75, Josh Reily records his second arrival 09.38.18.80 with his pigeon beliver narrowly finishing in front of team England’s lucky devil syndicate pigeon royal wave that finished in 8th at 09.38.18.85, team Germany take 9thand 10th place with pigeon clay dark for Paul-Heinz Wesjohann claiming 9th on 09.38.19.15 shadowed by team ladys Germany in 10th with atlantic 73 on 09.38.31.45 Pigeon mimi for Malta team tencho 3rd place sea race 1 Pigeon mimi for Malta team tencho 3rd place sea race 1 With 1929 pigeons liberated and after reporting on the arrival of the leading pigeons the main draft of entries weren’t that far behind and pleasing to see was that just thirty minutes following the liberation 1,600 of the pigeons were safely perched, as for the pigeons away these drifted in through out the afternoon and added to the few that returned the following morning a total of 1,748 of the pigeons and a percentage of 90% have successfully overcome what has to have been one of the scariest moments of their young lives, being liberated from the rear of a moving vessel out at sea and successfully overcome this fear this will hopefully will give them the confidence in future races as the programme progress’s. Josh Reily 1st uk.ireland 3rd international sea race 1 Josh Reily 1st uk.ireland 3rd international sea race 1 As for the averages, and after overcoming the past twelve races the averages table is changing dramatically race by race and at the time of compiling this report team Italy are in 1st place with peaches with a score of 26582 followed by fellow countryman Lorenzo Ghiacci and super million on 26321 and in 3rd it’s the Germany Team Jung & Jupid and celerina with 26109, as for uk and Ireland team yellowbelly are once again on course to repeat or improve on their 2015 performance of runner up average winner, as pigeon megan is currently placed in 6th position with 25009 once again being an activated pigeon. Current international averages Current international averages We have received clarification from the Arona team following sea race 2 which has just been flown and will be reported on in our next report, that, there will be a further two sea races before we go forward to the first car race of the year and survival race from gran canaria in future days weather permitting As for the progress of the Tenerife one loft race over the past years it is clearly visible that interest has grown as and with the help of the internet and livestream facilities and the race has pleasure in reporting +6 millions views via Youtube and a further 15,444 fans that have viewed and liked what they have seen and experienced via facebook comments pictures and regular updates which indicates that the race is making progress in it ambitions in giving out the Arona experience to the wider audience. Tom harris

That's what you get for voting SNP :emoticon-0136-giggle: :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Happy Birthday guys have a nice day :drinking-coffee-200:

Have a nice day John remember not to much drink :drinking-coffee-200:

“INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE†THE 20th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR “PLATINUM EDITION†(THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD) (THE GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD) DUE TO BE HELD IN LINBRO PARK, SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA ON SATURDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2016. ANOTHER RACE SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE. THE FANTASTIC MONTECASINO COMPLEX, FOURWAYS, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA WILL BE HOSTING THE 20th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE. RESULTS FOR TRAINING RACE 14 & 15. We are now getting very close to THE FINAL RACE, which takes place from DOUGLAS 550km (342 miles) back to Linbro Park, Johannesburg on Saturday 6th February 2016 and the pigeons that are still left in the two race lofts a Linbro Park are now after scores of Training Tosses, numerous Training Races and five Hot Spot Car Races really getting used to the regular training programme and now have a great racing line back to the lofts. They are also now coping very well with the extremely hot and humid weather conditions this year, plus of course the regular South Africa thunderstorms. All the United Kingdom Team fanciers/entrants and syndicate shareholders have been kept up to date with weekly “NEWSLETTERS†plus any of them or in fact anybody can log on to the state of the art The South African Million Dollar Race web site:- www.samdpr.com and get all the information they might require during the 2015/16 race programme. LIVESTREAM was once again available for TRAINING RACE 14 so I duly logged on at 06.00 (GMT) or 08.00 South African time and noticed a cloudy sky and a not much breeze at the race lofts. I thought the winning pigeons would take about one hour. I did not have to wait very long before the first gang of about 150 pigeons duly arrived at 08.25 bang on line and did a few laps of honour before landing on loft 2, immediately they landed the tape recording was put on and these started to trap, within a few seconds of the arrival of the first gang another big gang of about 200 arrived, followed by two more gangs of aver 100 pigeons. All these pitched on the lofts and finally some started to trap. Within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons were officially recorded by the Deister Electronic Clocking System. Once again some of the early pigeons did not trap very well because the journey did not take much out of them. The tougher the race and the further the distance the pigeons always seem to trap quicker. TRAINING RACE 14 took take place on Wednesday 27th January from 76km (47 miles) slightly further than on the race programme. The convoy were liberated at 07.30 in fine and warm conditions, with little to no wind at liberation but slightly assisting them on route and with a temperature at liberation of 19c (66f) and a reasonable race was anticipated. The temperature was expected to rise to a 31c (90f) during the afternoon. CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to HARMEET SINGH from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with his pigeon named GREWALS’ RANI and bred by HARMEET SINGH, which was officially clocked at 08.26.50.71 to record a winning velocity of 1452ypm (50mph). Then 2nd Henning, Keller and Kornelius from Germany, 3rd Bartosz Morel from Poland, 4th Orlowski - Puzio from Poland, 5th Fayez Q8 from Kuwait, 6th Al-Abraq Loft from Kuwait, 7th Guys Lofts Elite from United Kingdom, 8th Christoph Mueller from Germany, 9th Lucky Devils Syndicate from United Kingdom, 10th Millys Loft from United Kingdom, 11th Bader M F Al-Jwesr from Kuwait, 12th Leo Heremans from Belgium, 13th Sheikh Abdulla Mohammad Al Thani from Qatar, 14th Cepero y Denis Loft from United States Of America, 15th Mr & Mrs Clayburn from United Kingdom, 16th another for Bader M F Al-Jwesr from Kuwait, 17th Andreas Moeller from Germany, 18th Peter Stephan from Germany, 19th Abdullah Bohaimed from Kuwait and 20th Team Club Muensterland from Germany. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 50.50 seconds and had 7 different countries represented in the top 20 and 9 different countries represented in the top 50, only 1 minute 08.11 seconds away from the actual race winner. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 7th OPEN went to GUYS LOFTS ELITE and with pigeon named DARK FLASH, which was bred by GRAHAM GUY from WOLVERHAMPTON and which was officially clocked at 08.27.17.96 just 27.25 seconds away from the actual race winner. Then 2nd UK, 9th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 3rd UK, 10th Open Millys Loft and with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 4th UK, 15th Open Mr & Mrs Brian & Mavis Clayburn from Ackworth, 5th UK, 45th Open Mark Gilbert GB from Southfields, Windsor, 6th UK, 64th Open Bartley & Tweats with pigeon bred by J+R Tweats, 7th UK, 65th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 8th UK, 79th Open Zandys Dream Team Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by this syndicate, 9th UK, 112th Open Lloyd & Kelly with pigeon by this partnership from Didcot, 10th UK, 120th Open Paul Smith Syndicate administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 11th UK, 133rd Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 12th UK, 168th Open Pet Shop Boys & Girls enter by John Alderslade from Bridlington and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 13th UK, 175th Open Orbital Lofts - NFC Winner and entered by Roger Lowe from Reading, 14th UK, 184th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred by this syndicate, 15th UK, 210th Open another for Lloyd & Kelly with a second pigeon bred by this partnetrship from Didcot, 16th UK, 223rd Open Ian Crammond & Nigel Langstaff with a pigeon bred by this partnership from Fontwell, 17th UK, 241st Open another for Mr & Mrs Brian & Mavis Clayburn from Ackworth, 18th UK, 285th Open a fourth pigeon for Lucky Devils Syndicate with another pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 19th UK, 337th Open Trainspotters with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs K, Wagstaff from the North East and then 20th UK, 345th Open another for Milly Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe. THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGE WINNERS has 92 pigeons competing for a First Prize of US$3,800 (£2,715) after 18 races the standings are as follows:- 1st UK ZANDYS DREAM TEAM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named ZANDYS CHOICE bred by this syndicate and with a total flying time 27.17.35.49 still leading this category by nearly 34 minutes. Then 2nd UK MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named MR DUNDEEE bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 27.51.19.65. Then 3rd UK LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named LUCKY HOTSPOT bred by BOB FENECH from ATTLEBOROUGH with a combined flying time of 28.12.57.08. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 21st OPEN went to KARL DONNELLY with his pigeon named MINNY and bred by KARL DONNELLY, which was officially clocked at 08.27.41.75, just 51.04 seconds after the actual race winner. Then 2nd Ireland, 75th Open James King, 3rd Ireland, 171st Open Pat Maher, 4th Ireland, 228th Open Safet Duran, 5th Ireland, 257th Open another for Safet Duran and then 6th Ireland, 678th Open Maurice O’Donnell. GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 14 showed 99 pigeons including 16 UK pigeons and no IRISH pigeon were entered with 345 Nominations and were flying for US$2,739.55c (£1,980) in Nominations. There were one UK winner as follows:- 7th OPEN GUYS LOFTS ELITE with pigeon named DARK FLASH bred by GRAHAM GUY from WOLVERHAMPTON that won US$1,283.50c (£924) for its efforts.. REGIONAL UNITED KINGDOM NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 14 showed 4 pigeons were entered with 28 nominations and were flying for US$639.20c (£460) and there was one winner taking 45th OPEN MARK GILBERT GB with his pigeon named GILBERT 1 and bred by MARK GILBERT from SOUTHFIELDS, WINDSOR which won US$639.20c (£460) for its efforts. GRAND OVERALL AVERAGES in the OPEN after 18 races are as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to TEAM NORDMANN from GERMANY with pigeon named ODIN T bred by RALF THEILER with a combined flying time of 27.16.52.95. Then 2nd OPEN ZANDYS DREAM TEAM from the UNITED KINGDOM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named ZANDYS CHOICE which was bred by this syndicate with a combined flying time of 27.17.35.49 just 43 seconds behind the leader in this category. Then 3rd OPEN goes to BARTOSZ MOREL from POLAND with his pigeon named ZOSIA and bred by BARTOSZ MOREL with a combined flying time of 27.18.31.96. GRAND OVERALL AVERAGES after 18 races in the UNITED KINGDOM TEAM are as follows:- 1st UK, 2nd OPEN goes to ZANDYS DREAM TEAM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named ZANDYS CHOICE bred by this syndicate with a combined flying time of 27.17.35.49 and still leading by just over 14 minutes. Then 2nd UK, 8th OPEN goes to SYNDICATE LOFTS UK with pigeon named CREAM bred by PETER FOX from BANGOR and with combined flying time of 27.31.49.19. Then 3rd UK, 21st OPEN goes to MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named MR DUNDEEE bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 27.51.19.65 and then 4th UK, 41st OPEN goes to LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named LUCKY HOTSTOT bred by BOB FENECH from ATTLEBOROUGH with a combined flying time of 28.12.57.08. GRAND OVERALL AVERAGES after 18 races in the IRISH TEAM are as follows:- 1st IRELAND, 97th OPEN goes to JOE KENNEDY & SON with their pigeon named EUBANK and bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 28.42.31.00. Then 2nd IRELAND, 99th OPEN goes to ROBBIE DALY with his pigeon named TURN UPTOWN DOLLY and bred by ROBBIE DALY with a combined flying time of 28.43.01.41. Then 3rd IRELAND, 597th OPEN goes to PHILIP & MARK SMITH with their pigeon named HOME FIRST and bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 32.00.17.18. ************************************************************************************************************************************** LIVESTREAM was once again available for TRAINING RACE 15 which is the last Training Race before The Final Race and I logged on at 06.30 (GMT) or 08.30 South African time. The transmission showed a lovely morning in Linbro Park, clear blue sky and virtually no clouds and a light breeze. I thought the journey would take about 55 minutes for the 76km (47 mile) journey. Just later than expected at 08.59 just one pigeon swung round and hit the landing board and trapped like a rocket, then about 100 pigeons were seen approaching the lofts, they swung round and hit the lofts and as they did another group of about 100 pigeons, followed by over 100 more all bang on line, they flew round the lofts and hit the trapping area, as usual a few trapped and the others sat out. These were followed by more small gangs bang on line and they hit the top of the lofts. The trapping of the first pigeon this morning was excellent the best of the series so far and once again those that went in first won the major spoils. Within a few minutes there were hundreds of pigeons waiting to be clocked by the Deister Electronic Clocking System. TRAINING RACE 15 took place on Saturday 30th January 2016 from 76km (47 miles) and the convoy were liberated at 08.00 with a light head wind at liberation and a temperature of 19c (66f) at liberation an a fairly fast race was anticipated. The weather forecast was for a good day rising to 33c (94f) as the day progressed. Hopefully, most of the pigeons would be tucked up in the lofts by then. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to from HANS and EVERT-JAN EIJERKAMP from NETHERLANDS with their pigeon named RALLE bred by HANS and EVERT-JAN EIJERKAMP, which was officially clocked at 08.59.03.79 to record a winning velocity of 1402ypm (48mph). Then 2nd also went to HANS and EVERT-JAN EIJERKAMP from Netherlands 3rd Erich Mueller from Germany, 4th Henning, Keller and Kornelius from Germany, 5th Manchester Maestros from United Kingdom, 6th another for Manchester Maestros from United Kingdom, 7th Aldahoum Lofts from Kuwait, 8th Mohammad Al Fezeir from Kuwait, 9th Orlowski - Puzio from Poland, 10th Leo Heremans from Belgium, 11th Reinhard Gebhardt from Germany, 12th Martin Hetzel from Germany, 13th Joerg Zeiher from Germany, 14th Millys Loft from United Kingdom, 15th Yokoyama - Hermans from Belgium, 16th Klaus Wuestefeld from Germany, 17th Floridian Loft from United States Of America, 18th Georg Oswald from Germany, 19th Kodl + Frenzi Team from Czech Republic and 20th Al-Abraq Loft from Kuwait. The top twenty were separated by just 1 minute 22.85 seconds and had 8 different countries represented in this result with 9 different countries represented in the top 50 and these were just 2 minutes 03.11 seconds apart. THE KNOCKOUT COMPETITION and its 1st Prize of US$25,000 (£17,857), all entries had to be paid for prior to basketing for the 1st HOT SPOT CAR RACE. This great competition offers the following conditions and one lucky winner will walk away with “THE POT OF GOLD†after the FINAL RACE. The rules are as follows:- This competition will take place over the last four Hot Spot Car Races and the Final Race. As mentioned earlier only entered and fully paid before basketing of HSCR1 are eligible. Should any Hot Spot Car Race be cancelled then one of the Training Races prior to the Final Race will be used to calculate the next round’s pigeons. This year there was a total of 2,114 pigeons entered, with 1,984 International pigeons which included 176 pigeons from the United Kingdom, 35 pigeons from Ireland, plus there were 130 South African pigeons in the total. KNOCKOUT ROUND 1 took place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 and 1,375 (65%) of the entered pigeons returning from this race moved forward to the next round. This total contained 1,273 International pigeons which included 111 pigeons from the United Kingdom, 23 pigeons from Ireland plus 102 pigeons from South Africa. KNOCKOUT ROUND 2 took place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 and 756 (55%) of the entered pigeons moved forward to the next round. It was revealed that 701 International pigeons including 57 from the United Kingdom and 12 from Ireland and 55 from South Africa pigeons went through to the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 3 took place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 4 and 265 (35%) of these entered pigeons will move forward to the next round. It has now been revealed after HSCR4 the 265 pigeons that have gone through to the next round are as follows:- 248 INTERNATIONAL pigeons, which include 17 from the UNITED KINGDOM and 4 from IRELAND and 17 pigeons from SOUTH AFRICA. KNOCKOUT ROUND 4 took place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 5 and then only 53 (20%) of these entered pigeons will move forward to the next round. It has now been revealed that the 53 pigeons that went through are as follows:- 1 from Australia, 2 from Belgium, 1 from Canada, 2 from Czech Republic, 8 from Germany, 10 from Kuwait, 5 from Netherlands, 1 from Poland, 1 from Puerto Rico, 1 from Qatar, 1 from Romania, 1 from Slovakia, 3 from South Africa, 4 from United Kingdom and 9 from United States Of America. KNOCKOUT FINAL ROUND will take place on THE FINAL RACE on SATURDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2016 and the first of the remaining KNOCKOUT PIGEONS clocked will win the US$25,000 (£17,857) “POT OF GOLDâ€. AS I AM SURE YOU CAN ALL REALISE THIS IS A REALLY A TOUGH INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION THAT CREATES A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF EXCITEMENT THROUGHOUT THE RACE SERIES AND AFTER 5 TOUGH HOT SPOT CAR RACES AND OF COURSE THE FINAL RACE THERE IS JUST ONE WINNER. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 5th OPEN went to MANCHESTER MAESTROS with his pigeon named LISA LOVE bred by JOHN CREHAN from MANCHESTER which was officially clocked at 09.00.14.70 just 1 minute 10.91 seconds away from the actual race winner. 2nd UK, 6th Open another for Manchester Maestros with a second pigeon bred by John Crehan from Manchester, 3rd UK, 14th Open Millys Loft from Crewe, 4th UK, 42nd Open Keeping Up With The Jones with pigeon bred by Robbie Jones from Southampton, 5th UK, 47th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from the Attleborough, 6th UK, 59th Open Ian Crammond & Nigel Langstaff with pigeon bred by this partnership from Fontwell, 7th UK, 61st Open Mr & Mrs Andy Gregson with pigeon bred by this partnership from Preston, 8th UK, 63rd Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 9th UK, 78th Open Guys Lofts Elite with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 10th UK, 79th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 11th UK, 104th Open Mark Gilbert GB and bred by this fancier from Southfields, Windsor, 12th UK, 107th Open Lloyd & Kelly with pigeon bred by this partnership from Didcot, 13th UK, 120th Open Zandys Dream Team, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by this syndicate, 14th UK, 128th Open another for Manchester Maestros with a third pigeon bred by John Crehan from Manchester, 15th UK, 138th Open Guys Lofts and with a second pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 16th UK, 142nd Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 17th UK, 151st Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a fourth pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 18th UK, 153rd Open Bartley & Tweats with pigeon bred by J+R Tweats, 19th UK, 167th Open another for Bartley & Tweats and with pigeon bred by Bailey + Proctor and 20th UK, 166th Open Dock FC with pigeon bred by Gary Jarvis from West Midlands. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 93rd OPEN went to PAT MAHER with his pigeon named JENNY ABU bred by PAT MAHER, which was officially clocked at 09.01.46.65 just 2 minutes 42.86 seconds behind the actual race winner. Then 2nd Ireland, 106th Open Safet Duran, 3rd Ireland, 144th Open Karl Donnelly, 4th Ireland, 157th Open Maurice O’Donnell, 5th Ireland, 163rd Open James King and 6th Ireland, 207th Open another for James King. GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 15 showed 119 pigeons were entered which included 18 UK and no IRISH pigeons and with a total 404 Nominations and a staggering US$3,439.10c (£2,457) was up for grabs and there was no United Kingdom fanciers that won any money. UNITED KINGDOM REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 15 showed 7 pigeons were entered with a total of 43 Nominations and US$899.30c (£643) was up for grabs. There was just one winner and they were 63rd OPEN LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named LUCKY BABE bred by BOB FENECH from ATTLEBOROUGH which won US$899.30c (£643) for its efforts. UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES WINNERS and which has a First Prize of US$3,880 (£2,772) to the leading pigeon after the Final Race, this prize money was generated by 92 pigeons from the UK being entered at US$120 (£86) per pigeon entry fee and the current standings after 19 races are as follows:- 1st UK ZANDYS DREAM TEAM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named ZANDYS CHOICE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and bred by this syndicate with combined flying time of 28.21.11.47 and leading this category by just over 38 minutes. Then 2nd UK MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named MR DUNDEEE bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 28.59.32.89. Then 3rd UK LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named LUCKY HOTSPOT bred by BOB FENECH from ATTLERBOROUGH with combined flying time of 29.14.00.08. GRAND OVERALL AVERAGES in the OPEN after 19 races are as follows and which carries three major cash prizes of 1st US$10,000 (£7,143), 2nd US$5,000 (£3,572) and 3rd US$2,500 (£1,786) for the three leading pigeon after the Final Race and the current standings are as follows:- at OPEN goes to BARTOSZ MOREL from POLAND with his pigeon named ZOSIA bred by BARTOSZ MOREL with a combined flying time of 28.19.37.46. Then 2nd OPEN goes to ZANDYS DREAM TEAM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named ZANDYS CHOICE bred by this syndicate with a combined flying time of 28.21.11.47, currently just behind the leader by 1 minute 33 seconds. Then 3rd OPEN goes to TEAM NORDMANN from GERMANY with pigeon named ODIN T bred by RALF THEILER with a combined flying time of 28.21.51.74. GRAND OVERALL AVERAGES after 19 races in the UNITED KINGDOM TEAM are as follows:- 1st UK, 1st OPEN goes to ZANDYS DREAM TEAM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named ZANDYS CHOICE bred by this syndicate with a combined flying time of 28.21.11.47 currently leading by just over 38 minutes. Then 2nd UK, 22nd OPEN goes to MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named MR DUNDEEE and with pigeon bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 28.59.32.89. Then 3rd UK, 30th OPEN goes to LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named LUCKY HOTSPOT bred by BOB FENECH from ATTLEBOROUGH with a combined flying time of 29.14.00.08. GRAND OVERALL AVERAGES after 19 races in the IRISH TEAM are as follows:- 1st IRELAND, 81st OPEN goes to ROBBIE DALY with his pigeon named TURN UPTOWN DOLLY bred by ROBBIE DALY with a combined flying time of 29.46.11.51. Then 2nd IRELAND, 97th OPEN goes to JOE KENNEDY & SON with their pigeon named EUBANK and bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 29.54.50.95. Then 3rd IRELAND, 502nd OPEN goes to MAURICE O’DONNELL with his pigeon named HALL bred by this fancier with a combined flying time of 32.39.55.40. The next race will be THE FINAL RACE from 550km (342 miles) and should take place on Saturday 6th February 2016. ***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** I am sorry that I can’t add all the information about who bred all the pigeons or where they live as I can only publish details which I am in possession of at the time of going to press. If there are no details besides your winning pigeon/s then please contact me on 01279-812005 or reglofts@aol.com with your details and I will include these in my later International Press Reports. I personally do my best to give all the fanciers, entrants and breeders all the credit they and their pigeons deserve when they manage to get in the race results so your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. As mentioned earlier only races of 50km (approx. 31 miles) will count towards The 20th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$10,000 (approx. £6,666), US$5,000 (approx. £3,333) and US$2,500 (approx. £1,666) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after the Final Race has been completed. NOMINATION RACES will be held on numerous TRAINING RACES, started on TRAINING RACE 2 plus the HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. See SAMDPR Web Site for full details. All these races will have US$1, US$2, US£5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 REGIONAL and US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 GLOBAL NOMINATIONS which can be placed on THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR Web Site. For HOT SPOT CAR RACES there will also be an optional US$200 Nomination. If you wish to enter any of these NOMINATIONS, you will have to have credit in your ASI Master Account. If you do not have credit then please forward funds to your Race Shipper so that this can be transferred to your Master Account in time to get your NOMINATIONS placed. Please do not leave it to the last minute to transfer funds as the transfer may not go through in time and this could result in your pigeon or pigeons not winning what they should be rewarded with. GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONCERNED AND REGULAR “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASESâ€, “NEWSLETTERS†AND “UPDATES†WILL BE SENT OUT TO ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATE SHAREHOLDERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS BY EMAIL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. ALSO WEEKLY “PRESS RELEASES†WILL BE SENT OUT TO BOTH OUR TWO PIGEON PUBLICATIONS NAMELY THE “BRITISH HOMING WORLD†AND “â€THE RACING PIGEON†PLUS IT WILL ALSO BE ON MY REGENCY LOFTS WEB SITE www.regencylofts.com FOR ALL TO VIEW. ***SPECIAL NOTICE*** One point that should be pointed out to all competitors and entrants is that only your NUMBER 1 pigeons is “ACTIVATED†(FULLY PAID UP ENTRY) with the other TWO (2) pigeons in each of your “TEAM OF 3†being your RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS. Another point worth mentioning is if you happened to lose your NUMBER 1 PIGEON, your NUMBER 2 PIGEON would replace it FREE OF CHARGE and likewise if you then lost your NUMBER 2 PIGEON, your NUMBER 3 PIGEON would then replace that one FREE OF CHARGE. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your entries of 3 pigeons in any of your “TEAMS†and they had won no “Special Prize Money†in the new HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 then you are entitled to a FREE ENTRY into the 21st SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping/export costs to your Country Shipper. This of course represents great value for your money. All pigeons go to every training toss and Saturday and Wednesday races providing they are fit enough but can only compete for any of the allocated PRIZE MONEY or SPECIAL AWARDS in the 5 x HOT SPOT CAR RACES if they are “ACTIVATED†and that means that these must be paid for prior to the HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1, which actually took place on SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER 2015 from 130km (approx. 81 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE†these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS†is US$1,100 (approx. £750) (THIS MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AT THE TIME OF ACTIVATION) but that will then entitle all these fully paid up pigeons to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to close to US$300,000 (approx. £200,000). The one thing to remember is that once your reserve pigeon or pigeons are fully paid for, if then they get lost and have won no prize money or special awards in the Special Money Races, then you get this money refunded (less about US$15 (£10) for bank charges) or you can have it added to your ASI account, which can then be used to purchase another pigeon at a later date and be entered into the Final Race under your name or syndicate or even under another name of your choice. So as you can see it is “BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY†and pay for them early, after all you have nothing to lose. The race entry fee for The 19th SAMDPR was actually increased by US$100, up to US$1,100. However, all cash refunds will be at US$1,000 per paid pigeon, which will give the race organiser US$100 per pigeon towards the feeding, training and quarantine costs. HOW MANY OTHER RACES IN THE WORLD OFFER THIS SORT OF OPTION TO COMPETITORS AND ENTRANTS? ***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2015/16 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and awards now add up to a staggering US$1.8 Million American Dollars £1.2 Million Pounds) and these include 5 x Brand New Motor Cars, 1 for each of the 5 x Car Races, 95 x US$1,100 Hot Spot Cash Prizes (it should be noted that the Motor Car Winner does not receive a US$1,100 Cash Prize), split into 19 x US$1,100 Cash Prizes for each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, a US$5,000 Car Race Hot Spot Ace Pigeon Award for the best pigeon in these 5 races, 5 x US$5,000 Country Cash Prizes on the Car Race Hot Spot 5, plus numerous other US$1,000 Cash Prizes, these prizes are for the first pigeon from each country in the result, the first five different countries take the US$5,000 prizes, then after that US$1,000 prizes. A Two Bird Average Competition and a US$2,000 Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, A Three Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, The South African Million Dollar Ace Pigeon Award carries US$17,500 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$10,000, 2nd US$5,000 and 3rd US$2,500 Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best overall average in all the Official Training Races over 50km (31 miles) and 5 x Car Race Hot Spots and the Final Race. There will also be a Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 Prize Money, which starts on the Car Race Hot Spot 2 and the winner is the first one to be clocked in the “FINAL RACE†(over the past few years there has been around 40/60 pigeons still left in this competition). Then in the “FINAL RACE†on the 6th February 2016 there are also 10 magnificent platinum pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 each and now over US$1 Million American Dollars in Prize Money and 300 cash prizes being on offer. THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £715) NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE†and the winning will be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £60,000). (ONLY “ACTIVATED†PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This new competition was very well supported in its first year and had over 160 entries and was so successful that it also paid out a staggering 2nd prize of US$54,000 (£38,600) cash prize. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to win a fabulous new car. The 19th SAMDPR attracted about 140 entries and two staggering prizes were once again won by two worthy winners. PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 20th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR FINAL RACE, “PLATINUM EDITION†ON SATURDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2016 IS NOW AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$150,000 (approx. £93,750), 2nd US$100,000 (approx. £62,500), 3rd US$75,000 (approx. £46,875), 4th US$50,000 (approx. £31,250), 5th US$40,000 (approx. £25,000), 6th US$25,000 (£15,625), 7th US$17,500 (£10,938), 8th US$15,000 (£9,375, 9th US$12,500 (£7,813), 10th US$15,000 (approx. £10,000), 11th/15th US$7,500 each (approx. £4,688), 16th/20th US$5,000 each (approx. £3,125), 21st/30th US$4,000 each (approx. £2,500), 31st/40th US$3,500 each (approx. £2,188), 41st/50th US$3,000 each (approx. £1,875), 51st/70th US$2,000 each (£1,250), 71st/100th US$1,750 each (£1,094), 101st/150th US$1,500 each (£938), 151st/200th US$1,250 each (£782) and then 201st/300th US$1,100 each (£688). (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates at the current time and may of course change at the time of each race depending what the currency exchange rate is on the actual race day. It is worth mentioning that six brand new cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott and Chris Gordon both won new cars during the 2005/6 race series and Paul & Dave McCarthy won one a new car during the 2006/7 series. During the 2011/12 race series fanciers from the UK won a staggering 3 x brand new cars and these were Nev & Angi Evans & Steve Cuthbert, Robert & Peter Montila and then Phil Bond. This in itself was an outstanding team performance. No other country has ever won three cars on the trot. The Irish fancier named John Nash also won a brand new car in the 2008/9 race series. I am hopeful that somebody from the United Kingdom or Ireland will also win one or maybe more brand new cars during the 2015/16 race series. GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS. I would also just like to notify fanciers that my weekly “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASEâ€, “NEWSLETTERS†and “UPDATES†can now also be seen on the following pigeon web sites:- www.regencylofts.com www.iprr.co.uk www.elimarpigeons.com www.pigeonportal.com www.pigeonglobe.co.uk www.cyberpigeon.co.uk www.pigeonbasics.com www.star-pigeons.com www.pigeonpixels.co.uk www.theloftreport.com www.oneloftracing.com www.hitchcock-pigeons.com plus of course they will also be published in the “â€BRITISH HOMING WORLD†and “THE RACING PIGEON†weeklies and other world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy. The race date for THE 21st SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2017. I have just been officially notified that once again there will be a staggering FIRST PRIZE of US$200,000 (£142,000) and a SECOND PRIZE of US$125,000 (£89,000) and a THIRD PRIZE of US$75,000 (£53,000) and a FOURTH PRIZE of US$50,000 (£36,000), plus 296 other top cash prizes on offer for this prestigious 21st SAMDPR. The Prize Money allocated in the Final Race will still exceed US$1 MILLION AMERICAN DOLLARS (£714,000-00p) POUNDS STERLING. If you want more details then please contact Paul Smith by email or telephone, he will be only too pleased to forward you a full list of Prize Money on offer. If you are interested in participating or acting a Country Race Team Shipper/Co-ordinator, then please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or SMS or email on reglofts@aol.com and I will give you all the information you require. My two proposed shipping dates for THE 21st SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2016 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2016. Of course these two dates will be confirmed nearer the time. I strongly recommend that you try to ship your race entries on the 1st shipping date as this then gives these pigeons much more time to settle into the race lofts. If you have any questions about any aspect of THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, then please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or by SMS or email at reglofts@aol.com and I will do my best to answer any of your questions or queries about this great race. These “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES†do take a lot of my time to prepare and I try to get as much into them as possible as I know fanciers and entrants like to know what is happening, unfortunately some time, some information will not be to hand when the print deadline is reached so can’t be included in that report. I can only apologise if I leave something out but I can assure everybody that I do my best to get as much information as possible to put into each of these international reports. IF ANY PIGEON FANCIER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR IN FACT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE MY WEEKLY “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASESâ€, “NEWSLETTERS†AND “UPDATES†BY EMAIL, THEN ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS EMAIL ME THEIR ACTUAL EMAIL ADDRESS I WILL PUT THEM ON MY EMAIL DATABASE AND I WILL THEN FORWARD THEM ALL THE INFORMATION BY EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL PIGEON FANCIERS, SYNDICATES AND ENTRANTS IN THE FINAL RACE OF THE 2015/16 RACE SERIES. ONE LUCKY PERSON or SYNDICATE WILL BE CROWNED “WORLD CHAMPIONâ€. Paul Smith. United Kingdom Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper & International Race Co-ordinator for The 20th South African Million Dollar, “Platinum Edition†(The Greatest & Biggest One Loft Pigeon Race In The World Today! and also The Race With The Proven Track Record), which is due to be held at the Montecasino Complex, Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 6th February 2016. Regency Lofts Limited, 2, Highmead, off Coltsfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. CM24 8LJ. England. Telephone/Facsimile:- 01279-812005 (Int. Code:- +44-1279-812005). Mobile:- 07860-568216. Email Address:- reglofts@aol.com Skype Address:- talbot7944 Regency Lofts Web Site Address:- www.regencylofts.com The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race Web Site Address:- www.samdpr.com

The Joe Murphy Column Since my article on the 15th of January where I highlighted a letter from Billy Holland who was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in 2013 and he read my article regarding Lemons. I have been asked by a few fanciers if I would repeat the article however I no longer have this but the following information was the base of the story. As we all know and have seen you can purchase a bag of Lemon’s in any supermarket and they do not cost the earth. You can now help a friend in need by letting him/her know that lemon juice is beneficial in preventing the disease. Its taste is pleasant and it does not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy. The source of this information is fascinating: it comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world, that says after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the extracts revealed that: It destroys the malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas and what is even more astonishing: this type of therapy with lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells. As you know, the lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. You can eat the fruit in different ways: you can eat the pulp, juice press, prepare drinks, sorbets, pastries, etc... It is credited with many virtues, but the most interesting is the effect it produces on cysts and tumours. It is considered also as an anti-microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, it regulates blood pressure which is too high and an antidepressant combats stress and nervous disorders. Billy did the following he washed the lemons and put them in the freezer till frozen then grated a lemon and sprinkle over his food. Cereals, Soup, Ice Cream, Noodles, Fish, etc. the list is endless. The foods will have an unexpected taste, something that you will take time to get used to. The entire lemon can be used without any waste as the lemon peel contains 5 - 10 times more vitamins than lemon juice itself and rejuvenates health and eradicates toxins from the body. On a pigeon point of view fanciers can use the lemon in their drinkers or by putting the juice on the bird’s food as this will eradicate worms within the birds. I hope the above has been of some help to the people who contacted me and thank you once again for your enquiries. Blackpool Show The Blackpool weekend seemed to go well once again (a bit cold) with Scotland’s John & Alice Bell of Ayrshire taking the top award as Show of the Year Supreme Champion and the best Show pigeon in BRITAIN, well done to you both. This couple are a hard working partnership and deserve every win they achieve and are a credit to the showing side of the sport. Struan Ferguson has forwarded me a few pictures of the show and I will include these over the next few weeks however he has included a picture of John & Alice’s Supreme Champion winner and one of his wife Audrey chequer hen who was runner up to the Supreme Champion. Well done to all the Scottish fanciers who participated at Blackpool (this is their Gold Cup National race to us racing fanciers) and to take awards against the Best in Britain is a great achievement so well done to one and all. I have also been informed that the pickpockets were out robbing some fanciers I know how they feel as they did this to me a few years back. As usual pigeons were making inflated prices at some of the sales round about Blackpool but it is the same old story of supply and demand so good luck to each individual. I was more than happy to see the price my Murphy Cock made in the charity sale and I wish the new buyer all the best with him in the future. I received a letter from Karen James but it does not tell me who purchased my bird which is a pity. Midland One Loft Race I received a phone call from Ian French who is now going to run the above One Loft from his venue and as such he does NOT wish to have any of his own pigeons at this address. So Ian is offering to the fancy groups of his stock birds (up to 6 per request) FREE of charge however fanciers must pay the carriage. Ian has some outstanding stock and he also informed me that he bred the sire of Bob Besant’s 1st International winner from Agen and you cannot get any better than this. I also admire Ian for departing with his own pigeons as this way no-one can say there is anything underhand going on. If you are interested then please give Ian a ring on 01789 772882 you won’t be disappointed that’s for sure. Norban / Frazer Products Received an email from Anna Norban informing me that Frazer’s Animal Feeds have taken over the day to day running of Norban and are dealing with all customer orders. Neil Frazer and the team will carry on with most of the Norban supplements (including the return of the ever popular Crop Care), the large DB drinkers, and the mini drinkers and feeders their website is - http://www.frazersanimalfeeds.com Or you can contact them directly to, Neil Frazer Frazer’s Animal Feeds 30 Cavehill Road Ballinaskeagh Banbridge County Down, BT32 5DS Tel - 028 4065 1272 or email Neil on - neil@frazersanimalfeeds.com the company are also active on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Frazers-Feeds-185436878164402/?fref=ts - where you can follow them and find up to date information. I believe they had a stall at Blackpool show good luck to them for the future. Good SNFC Birds This week I highlight 2 pigeons from the loft of Davie Allison of Burnbank in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. He was kind enough to forward the photographs of these 2 very good pigeons and it is my pleasure to add them to the column. The first pigeon highlighted is ‘Wee Ann’ named after Davie’s late mother, and her performances are as follows; She won 2nd club 3rd west section 8th open Lanarkshire Federation Yearling Derby from Woolaston a distance of 265 miles in 2012. The following year she won 1st club 3rd west section Lanarkshire Federation Otterburn: she was then 60th section E SNFC Maidstone flying 369 miles. In 2014 she was again sent back to Maidstone with the SNFC and she won 26th section E that same year she was entered from Ypres and won 1st club 4th west section 7th open Lanarkshire Federation (612 birds) 8th section E 139th open SNFC Ypres flying 446 miles 470 members 2404 birds. In 2015 she was set down to go back to Ypres but the race point was changed due to problems in France at the channel ports and she joined the SNFC convoy at Eastbourne. Flying 391 miles she won 28th section E against a convoy of 2494 birds entered by 454 members of the national. ‘Wee Ann’ was bred from a pair of birds purchased from Raymond Moleveld from Holland her sire was bred from a full brother to the Blauwe Bertus who won 1st national St Vincent against 37,239 birds when he was paired to a daughter of ‘Shady’ a top national performer for Raymond. The dam of ‘Wee Ann’ was inbred to the famous Bonte Couple of Nico Volkens and you will see she is bred in the purple and more importantly she has won 4 SNFC diplomas from the 4 races she has been entered with in the SNFC proving she is a very dependable ‘wee’ hen. Davie’s next pigeon is a chequer white flight cock named ‘Jack’ he won 1st Lanarkshire Social Circle 1st section E 1st west Region (only bird on the day into the west section) 5th open SNFC Ancenis flying 594 miles and recording a velocity of 1157. Jack won the British Homing World Trophy within the Scottish Homing Union for the Lowest Winning Velocity in Channel Racing in 2015. Jack was bred by Billy Allison good mate Billy Gordon of Cambuslang as they share birds from his stock loft. His sire was bred by R McGill and son of South Queensferry as Billy purchased this cock at the SNFC late bred sale. He was bred from a top channel performer that year containing a lot of the late Norrie Cochrane of Elphinstone bloodlines. The dam of Jack was bred by the late Dale Newcombe and she was a direct daughter of Kardale Style when he was paired to Kardale Regatta (these were 2 SNFC Gold Award winner’s paired together) As a matter of interest Billy Gordon timed in a full sister to Jack in the same race to win 6th section E 25th open Ancenis. Well done to both Billy’s on such fine performances and I wish them well in the national races in 2015. Joe’s Joke Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach & stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good. So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember its Gods will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath. Nine Important Facts To Remember As We Grow Older 9 Death is the number 1 killer in the world. 8 Life is sexually transmitted. 7 Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. 6 Men have 2 motivations: hunger and hanky panky, and they can't tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich. 5 Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years. 4 Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing. 3 All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. 2 In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal. 1 Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow. Don't ignore this message... This is your only warning. 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