Ian McKay

Kevin they have built a motorway outside my house for the last two years and rain never stopped play Stop being a wimp get yir big yellow coat on yir skin is waterproof yi big wally :emoticon-0179-headbang: :emoticon-0179-headbang:

Well done again Mr Jack :drinking-coffee-200:

What price are they?????????? Is pre ordered cheaper?? How many have you ordered ?? I know he only raced 25 per cent of his team

Silver City R P C had it's last young bird race of the 2017 season and what a season it turned out for one partnership Ripon 09/09/2017 saw 3 members send 25 birds to a distance of approx 210mls Liberated at 9.00am into a light north west wind it was always going to be a tough one 1st E & K Elliott 907.137 2nd M Mooney 887.940 3rd E & K Elliott 879.936 4th M Main 875.168 5th E & K Elliott 846.950 6th E & K Elliott 843.885 7th M Main 841.239 8th M Main 819.948 9th E & K Elliott 789.519 These were the only birds timed E & K Elliott have Won 7 young bird races on the trot Well done Kevin & Elsie great achievement and only flying a small team E & K Elliott also win's the food nominator with their first bird 2017 Food Nominator winners are: Elliott Bros 8 bags E & K Elliott 3 bags Arthur Baxter 2 bags Ian Ellis 1 bag C & M 1 bag

Good Elvan Make cheque out to: PBCF Ian McKay "Kingslea" Kingswells Aberdeen AB15 8SL

Silver City R P C Aberdeen 3 members sent 25 birds to Ripon approx distance of 205mls Good luck to all Please return your Trophys

1175 for me Andy

Bird belongs to Donald McPherson Aberdeen & District Club

The Joe Murphy Column This week end 8th / 9th September will be the last young bird race for most federations with only the young bird national to go next weekend. Many fanciers have stopped racing long before now and from talking to fanciers the losses within club level is horrendous. Many people will be glad to see the end of this season and we can only hope that next year is better. The Edwin Newcombe Memorial race will be held from Buckingham on Saturday 16th September 2017 in conjunction with the Scottish National Flying Club. There will be a FREE 3 bird nomination marked with (Astrix *) on race sheet and returning clock label. The winner to receive a trophy held for one year and memento regional prizes of 1st x £50.00: 2nd x £30.00; 3rd x £20.00 & 4th x £10.00. One prize per loft with special prizes of £30.00 for the longest flying bird in both the West and North sections; Many thanks to all the fanciers who donated pigeons and to the purchasers (I was one of these and won John Bosworth of Elphinstone birds) Also thanks to Newbigging Lofts and Coxydene Farm Feeds. Results Angus Federation From the Tow Law race on the 26th August the convoy of 513 birds were liberated at 07-30 hours with no wind at the race point. Topping the federation and also wining 4th & 16th open is Davie Glen of Forfar with club mates Macaulay Ferguson & Curran in 2nd & 17th open with David Liddle is 3rd 8th 11th 12th & 14th places. A S Whyte of Montrose is 5th with K Droog & son in 6th & 20th places with W MacKnight in 9th spot. D & D Hay of Gourdon are 10th & 15th with Ian Scott of Forfar in 13th place G Campbell of Montrose is 18th & 19th. East Section winners are as follows; A S Whyte of Montrose is 1st 6th & 7th with D & D Hay of Gourdon in 2nd & 3rd places. G Campbell of Montrose wins the remainder of the positions in 5th 6th 8th 9th & 10th. Club Winners; Forfar 319 birds’ winner D Glen; Gourdon 31 bird’s winners D & D Hay; Inchcape 85 bird’s winners C & A Carrie; Montrose 78 bird’s winner A S Whyte. Ayrshire Federation The federation were at Alnwick for their 4th young bird race of the season held on the 19th August with a convoy of 840 birds, a drop of 501 birds on the previous week race and a staggering 803 of a drop around 50% over the last two races. Jim O’Hare had the birds up and away at 06:45 into a light west wind for a race of between 104 miles up to 127 miles to the top end of the federation. Report’s from the liberation was that the birds headed off numerous times but kept returning to the liberation site for some unknown reason. A small batch did break off and headed in a westerly homeward direction with the remainder of the convoy remaining at the liberation site for some time before eventually heading south. The erratic behaviour of the birds at the liberation compiled with some heavy showers pushing through from the west certainly had a big impact on returns with some fanciers not timing in and most fanciers reporting less than 25% of their bird’s home. Leading the way in the federation this week to record their second 1st fed win in 4 young bird races is the partnership of John Grant & Stevie McGovern from the Ardeer HS. This partnership certainly had a great race recording, 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th from a convoy of 804 birds with the leading pigeon doing 900.2 ypm, not an easy race at all. In John own words, he describes his winning hen as a “Wee Cracker†and only said to his partner Stevie a few weeks prior to this race “She would win a raceâ€, not only has this hen won the race but goes on to top the fed as well. The partnership’s team are mostly darkness young birds and the partnership has been playing a type of roundabout with their team of young birds. The breeding of the “Wee Cracker†as John describes her is mostly of Robert Reid of Beith bloodlines. Robert needs no introduction as this man has been Ayrshire federation champion for many years and is a winner of many top positions in the SNFC. John would also like to thank Robert for the late bred they received a few years back and for the helpful tips Robert passed on. 2nd & 3rd fed from 804 birds, 1st & 2nd central section 195 birds on 896.1 and 895.8 this week is the partnership of Andy McKenna & Henry Diamond of Irvine Newtown HS. The winner of 2nd fed for Andy & Henry is a chequer pied hen bred by Tom & Scott McEwen from Elphinstone. There 3rd fed bird also contains Tom & Scott’s bloodlines, but this time the partnership bred this bird down from stock birds purchased from Tom & Scott. The partnership young birds are mostly darkness youngsters flying just to the perch. In and around Ayrshire clubs this week starting with the North Section: 458 Birds Dalry HS 139 birds: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Jim Shepherd 853.6, 849.9 and 806.4. Ardeer HS 234 birds: 1st & 3rd Grant & McGovern 900.2 and 881.1, 2nd J Simpson 893.3 Kilwinning HS 59 birds: 1st, 2nd & 3rd J McNeil 648.0, 630.4 and 567.4. Central Section: 195 Birds Kilmarnock Inv 48 birds: 1st C & K & K McKerrow 835.4. Crosshouse HS 36 birds: 1st W Julyan 694.4, 2nd D McTaggart 649.2. Darvel HS 68 birds: 1st H Wallace 828.4, 2nd &3rd Cowan & Findlay 818.4 - 809.1. Irvine HS 69 birds: 1st & 2nd McKenna & Diamond 896 & 895; 3rd E Diamond 875.8. South Section: 187 Birds Mauchline 37 birds: 1st E Stewart 699.3, 2nd & 3rd J Watters 677.2 and 595.5. Cumnock & Dist No bird’s race marked. Dalmellington. Birds: 1st and 2nd M McLarty 468.5 and 463.5, 3rd J Stark 447.6. Carrick & Dist.? Birds: 1st, 2nd and 3rd H Gray 466.0, 465.7 and 405.2. Whitletts? Birds; 1st & 3rd Boyle Bros 809.0 and 734.2, 2nd S Boyd 800.4 Annbank 20 birds: 1st, 2nd & 3rd J Mathieson 642.5, 540.8 and 470.7. Grant & McGovern 1st Fed Alnwick McKenna & Diamond 2nd Fed Alnwick McKenna & Diamond 3rd Fed Alnwick Almond Valley Federation News of the federation result from Lynne Stewart who informs us that they were racing from Catterick on 26th August with the convoy of 1038 birds liberated at 08:00 hours. Taking the first 2 places is Jimmy Young of East Calder club with S Fleming of Armadale taking the next 2 places. The remainder of the top 10 places is won by J Burnside of Armadale club my thanks to Lynne for the news. Club winners are as follows; Armadale 347 birds; S Fleming 1st & 2nd J Burnside 3rd & 4th Balerno 1171 birds; Jamieson 1st & 4th D Bald 2nd & 3rd Carnwath 103 birds; Thomson Bros 1st to 4th East Calder 135 birds; J Young 1st & 2nd F Jamieson & son 3rd Mr Mrs Fleming 4th Forth & Clyde 189 birds; G Harris 1st & 2nd Law & Brady 3rd V Couper 4th West Calder 147 birds; J Bird 1st to 4th Balerno news from Colin Bain who writes ‘We were at Catterick on Saturday 25th August with 6 members sending 117 birds these were liberated into south west wind at 08-00 hours with Ian Jamieson taking the red card with a blue hen on the darkness system doing a velocity of 1197. Ian is also 4th with a Staff Van Reet x Van Loon blue chequer hen on darkness she was doing 1146. In 2nd & 3rd places is Dougie Bald with a David Reed blue hen on 1168 and a blue chequer hen on 1151 this was a David Reed x with a stray that came into Dougie and the gentleman told Dougie to keep it. That’s it for another week Joe all the best yours Colin’. East of Scotland Federation News from John Baillie who writes ‘Hi Joe we are convoyed by Pentland Federation had the first of their 2 Friday races for the young birds. This week we moved on to Ripon and the birds were liberated at 10-00 am into light south west wind. Topping the federation for the 3rd week running is Tom & Scott McEwen of Elphinstone; they also take 4th open position. (I cannot think of any member ever winning 3 x 1st federations on consecutive weeks; so well done Tom & Scott. If I’m wrong then please let me know Joe Murphy). In 2nd open we have Rab Waddell of Prestonpans who is also runner up for the 2nd week running. In 3rd place is John Baillie of Tranent with Tam Hunnam of Port Seton in 5th open position. Taking 6th, 9th & 10th open places is Jim McNeil of Tranent with Graham Wardhaugh of Dirleton filling the 7th & 8th open places. Prestonpans HC, winning for the 3rd successive week in a row is Tom & Scott McEwen with this young hen a full sister to last week’s federation topper. Both parents bred by Paul Stobbs with the sire direct from the Golden Pair and the dam from Beauty which is bred from The Gypsy crossed Dream Girl. In 2nd spot is Rab Waddell with a Herman Ceusters bred from his Chris Vasey stock and in 3rd position is John Baillie with Van Lint from stock purchased from Dean Pallatt. Overall returns were good and we only have 2 more federation races to go then the SNFC National. Will be glad when this season is all over Joe! From your column last week’s which highlighted a few good points. I am now beginning to believe that lofts that have young bird sickness in its varying degrees / stages do tend to have larger losses with the yearlings and older birds the following year. It would be worth the question to see if any consistency of losses is due to this illness later on in life. This excludes the races where they have been close to disasters as we have had this year, cheers once again yours John B’ Fife Federation The federation were racing from Sedgefield 2 on 26th August with 1027 birds liberated at 08-30 hours into a light west wind. The east section had Leven with 112 birds; Kennoway with 93 birds; Methilhaven 79 birds, St Andrews 86 birds and Tayport with 41 birds. Winning the first 10 in the section and open is Dave Baldie of St Andrews with all the birds on the same minute only separated by seconds, outstanding flying well done Dave. The Centre section had Glenrothes with 67 birds; and Novar with 134 birds. Winning 1st & 4th section are Turpie & McCord with Brian Kinnear in 2nd 3rd 6th to 10th positions. R Cunningham of Tayport is 5th. From the Sedgefield 1 race the centre section 9th position should read R Cunningham of Tayport. The west section had Perth sending 111 birds; Crossgates 76 birds; Dunfermline 145 birds and Lochgelly 83 birds. Bob Wilson of Glenrothes club is 1st & 2nd with S Donaldson of the Perth club taking the remaining 8 places. St Andrews RPC news from the Sedgefield (1 race) were 111 birds were entered with Dave Baldie having 15 pigeons drop together and he wins the 1st x 10 positions with his team of Frans Zwols pigeons. They also win 2nd to 9th federation from an entry of 1438 birds, the winner is a direct son of ‘Fran-Tastic’ winner of 2 x 1st section C with the SNFC (see photo of Dave holding the winner). I have also enclosed a photo of Dave Jack of Newport who won 1st Fife federation from Sedgefield with a young Frans Zwols hen that was gifted as an egg to him from Dave Baldie out of his racing loft. The sire is a winner of 1st federation Alnwick 2259 birds this season, so well done to both Dave’s on their federation winners. From Sedgefield (2) the St Andrews club sent 86 birds and Dave Baldie once again takes the first ten positions when 12 pigeons dropped together, as you will see above they also won the 1x 10 positions in the federation the winner being a blue hen and a granddaughter of ‘Fran-Tastic’. Dave Baldie with his fed winner Dave Baldie's Fed Winner Davie Jack Glenrothes & Leslie PC News from Rosie Armit who writes ‘Hi Joe we had 5 members sending 102 birds to Sedgefield the winner was to M McMurchie on a velocity of 1129 with a chequer cock flying to the perch (not darkness),from direct Hardy Kruger (Champions of Germany) lines. His sire is direct from Hardy’s No 1 pair ‘Black Power" x "Letizia" His dam direct from "Highlander" x "Letizia" the No 1 hen. 2nd & 3rd is Brian Kinnear on 1126 & 1106 these are nest mate chequer cocks. Their sire has won 4 times from inland Nationals but unfortunately was lost at Bedhampton this year. The dam a yearling hen and both are line-bred to ‘Stitchy’. I can’t believe that’s half way through the young bird season already; how time flies; yours Rosie’. Dunfermline LRPS Sedgefield (2) news from David Kennedy who writes ‘Hi Joe we had 11 members sending 145 birds to the above race with this week’s winners my dad and yours truly. From Loft No2 with a velocity of 1033 ypm we timed a darkness hen bred by John Smith of (Duzwork Products) and the breeding is Van Hoecke. 2nd & 3rd places go to Frank Mitchell with his first bird doing a velocity of 1027ypm. Frank timed a darkness hen which is a half -sister to his SNFC Silver Award hen, who won 1st section C from the longest race from Ancenis in 2016. Frank’s 2nd bird on a velocity of 1011 ypm is a darkness cock and was bred by Andrew Lawley of Elson from his M & D Evans bloodlines, this bird has already won 1st club Alnwick this year. This week’s club nomination is won by Frank Mitchell and Walker & David Kennedy Loft No1 wins the 2 bird. This week saw the club race for the Golden Ring and it was won by Frank Mitchell and the 2nd share was won by Walker & David Loft No1; regards David’. Lanarkshire Federation Cambusnethan & Morningside club news from Andrew Eadie who writes ‘Hi Joe with the old bird season over (thank God) we move on to the youngsters. Racing from Longtown on Monday 24th July (due to adverse weather conditions over the weekend) the convoy of 3287 were liberated into a north wind at 10-45 am. The club had 19 members sending 632 birds and taking the ‘First 7 Positions’ and their 6th win of the season was the Eadie & Kelly partnership. In the federation they also take the "First 7 Positions in the section and 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11th open with 3287 birds competing. The pigeons are all ‘Vandenabeele’s’ raced on the roundabout to their 12 x 6 foot loft. Sadly the shine was taken away with the poor returns which in my opinion were down to the race point and liberating the birds too late. The heat factor certainly played its part in these youngsters were sitting at the race point at around 06-30 am and the losses could have been avoided. With the 2018 AGM race programme not too far away circumstances have to dictate new polices and the members and officials need to show a willingness to bury hatchets and look at race points and not East verses West routes. Lastly I would like to congratulate D Wood of Uddingston on topping the federation and well done to the other section winners and members who were fortunate enough to take positions in their respective clubs yours Andy Eadie.’ For our 2nd young bird race we are back at Longtown on 29th July with the convoy of 2073 birds liberated into south west at 09-30 am we had 16 members sending 356 birds and taking the 1st x 2 positions and his 1st win of the season is John Dougal who in the federation won 1st & 2nd section and 7th &10th open. In 3rd club 3rd section 13th open is Jimmy Curley. With 4th club 4th section 14th open going to A & J Cook with Cookaburrow flying for its perch. 5th & 6th club 6th & 8th section is the man from Shotts Zeek Fairley and finally Tam Richardson wins 7th club 9th section. I would like to congratulate McCormack & Hughes from the Uddingston club on topping the federation and ‘Big’ Tam McDonagh of the Tallis & McDonagh partnership from Greenfield club winning the west section and well done to all the other fanciers who were fortunate enough to take positions in their respective clubs and sections. Next week we move out of this ‘Hell Hole’ of a place Joe (Gretna, Carlisle area) and move to Appleby. Lots of differing views surround this area which need left to the politicians but the gulling thing is we were at this race point the week prior and got slaughtered. From our 3rd race of the season from Appleby on 5th August we had 19 members sending 495 birds these were liberated at 08-00 hours into a North West wind. Taking 1st place is I Fairley with 2nd 3rd & 7th places going to J K Millar.4th & 6th go to Tam Richardson and 5th position goes to Eadie & Kelly .Congratulations to Zeek Fairley on winning 1st section 5th open and to G W & P Macaloney on topping the federation and all other fanciers taking positions in their respective clubs. 4th race and we are back at Appleby with 15 members sending 286 birds these were liberated 12-15 into a North West wind the youngsters took a hammering with velocities ranging from 1055 down to 750. The returns were shocking to say the least with 1st & 5th going to J K .Miller with 3rd place going to T McGinn. Congratulations to J Short from the Clarkston club on topping the federation and to Kevin and Jackie Miller on winning 1st section and all other fanciers fortunate enough to take positions in their respective clubs and sections. See photograph of a delighted Kevin and Jackie Miller holding Wee Nimble winner of 1st club 1st section Appleby. Our 5th race was from Charnock Richards with 9 members sending 128 birds these were liberated at 07-00 am into a 25/30 mile per hour west wind. This has to be the worst inland race in history with velocities ranging from 934 to 357 and only 72 members entered 813 birds in the federation sums up the 2017 young bird season. Taking 1st ,3rd ,4th ,5th & 7th is Tam Richardson. In 2nd place and winning the K.O is W Smart and taking 6th position is I Fairley. Congratulations to J Wilkinson on topping the federation also to Tam Richardson (see photo) on winning 1st section 3rd open and all the other fanciers lucky enough to get their pigeons home and take positions in their respective clubs and sections. For those participating in the last 2 races good luck For the 6th race we are back at Appleby and the federation is down to around 560 birds which is absolutely heart breaking. In the club 7 members sent 78 birds liberated at 08-00 am into a south west wind. Taking 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th is Tam Richardson with Tony McGinn in 3rd spot. Taking 7th position the Man from Shotts Zeek Fairley Congratulations to this week’s federation winner and all who took positions in their respective clubs and sections. Unfortunately to many young pigeons are down when you think that Lanarkshire for example had over 16,000 rings and we can only send 560 birds to a comeback race has serious implications for all .It is certainly a sport for the ‘Hard Hearted’ and it is very important that we look back at decision’s that have been made. That these, are rectified to allow motivation for the oncoming seasons if not our wonderful sport is finished Andy Eddie’. J & K Miller Tam Richardson Pentland Hills Federation and New Lothian RPC news from Andy Miller who writes ‘Hi Joe we held our first Fridays race from Ripon with an excellent races. We had 13 clubs sending 3100 birds and Willie Pryde and son John (aka Bubba) won the federation and New Lothian on 1518 velocity. They timed in a Macaloney bred darkness hen flying separated she was one of a kit of 10 purchased from this well-known Scottish family. The Pryde’s took the first 3 places in the fed with J Moyes of Easthouses won 4th spot. Brown & Black of Woodburn keep up their good work by winning 5th & 6th with D & J Allen also of Woodburn in 7th spot. H Russell of Bonnyrigg is 8th with S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier in 9th spot. Making up the top 10 is A W Robertson of Danderhall club. Club Winners; Easthouses 420 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd W Pryde & Son Woodburn 205 birds; 1st & 2nd Brown & Black 3rd Allen Bonnyrigg 219 birds; 1st & 3rd Russell 2nd Smith Edinburgh Premier 154 birds; 1st Gilchrist 2nd Hutton Son & McCaig 3rd Dick Danderhall 786 birds; 1st A W Roberson 2nd Aitken 3rd Young Castlebrae 139 birds; 1st & 2nd McCormack & Fraser 3rd A Mitchell Sighthill 223 birds; 1st & 3rd Keenan 2nd Miller Edinburgh West 122 birds; 1st Ramage 2nd Lamb 3rd Bennett Loanhead 110 birds; 1st Lawrie 2nd & 3rd Anderson Rosewell 41 birds; 1st W Tytler 2nd & 3rd G Tytler Peebles 64 birds; New Lothian 80 birds; Traprain 475 birds; 1st & 3rd Thomson 2nd Mark Others 62 birds; The winners of Breeder/Buyer Ripon race are as follows; Breeder & Buyer was McCormack & Fraser - Winning a total of £300 with ring number SU17P1956 doing a velocity 1488 The New Lothian RPC had 62 members sending 1897 birds; winning £123 with their first bird is Willie Pryde & son John of Easthouses they are also 2nd 3rd & 10th. J Moyes of the same club is 4th with Brown & Black of Woodburn in 5th & 6th spots. D & J Allen of Woodburn are 7th & 10th with S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier club in 8th place he is followed by Danderhall’s A W Robertson. 40.00 D. & J. Allen Woodburn 2.41.14 North of Scotland Federation News from George Duthie to say; ‘The federation were going to basket on the Saturday for a Sunday race but their convoyer Davie took ill at Keith so the race was cancelled. It is hoped to go this weekend 2nd September from Consett this is our breeder buyer and Gold ring race with the first prize being £500.00 and many members are looking forward to the race’. We wish George luck and hope Davie is feeling a lot better. Many fanciers never think about the convoyer becoming ill. I remember many years ago the Fife federation convoyer died while away with the birds at France. He had liberated the birds and was waiting to join the ferry back to the UK and he sat out on a bench at the side of the port and he was found there. We held an auction sale of birds with the proceeds going to his family who had to cover the costs of having his body returned to Scotland. It makes you think and we should all appreciate our conveyers and not take them for granted as they are an important cog in the wheel (so to speak). Joe’s Joke A lone sniper was just about to assassinate Donald Trump; just at the last moment, one of the President's bodyguards spotted him. He immediately shouted "Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse!": A shot rang out and Trump fell dead. As his aides gathered round the body, one of them asked the bodyguard why he had shouted "Mickey Mouse". 'I'm sorry" he said "I meant to shout "Donald, duck!" 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 Pigeon Racing the Basics who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland. © Compiled by Joe Murphy

Aberdeen & District If anyone going to Ripon marking at the district club drop it off there Or you can drop it off to me or give it to Jumbo he will get it to Sunnybank or me Thanks

Your reply was a private message to me so no one can see it but you and me Problem getting a proper envelope but got one now posting tomorrow Posted this morning Good luck with it

PM sent

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

Silver City R P C saw 5 members sending 61 birds to Consett approx 158mls Liberated at 08.30am 1st E & K Elliott 1338.885 2nd E & K Elliott 1338.040 3rd E & K Elliott 1323.732 4th I Ellis 1317.342 5th I Ellis 1312.384 6th E & K Elliott 1294.433 7th M Mooney 1292.087 8th E & K Elliott 1291.476 That.s six in a row for E & K Elliott Well done Elliott Bros Wins the food Nom again !!!! that's 8 times this year and he has not raced a young bird One race to go and the Secrearty's job will be vacant so get your name's in guy's

Robert (Bob) McDonald Rathen Fraserburgh It is with a very sad heart to hear of the passing of my good friend. Bob, as most of us knew him by, was a very good friend to me. He always helped with charity sales and anything I asked of him. I have known Bob and Gina for over 40 yrs and could not wish to meet a nicer couple. Bob helped me in my business life as well giving me advice on what to do and what not to do which I was most grateful for. He was a brilliant pigeon fancier who won a lot more than his share in shows and in his racing career. He introduced the Ko Nipious pigeons into Scotland which were an instant success and was instrumental in getting the North Section a marking station with the SNFC in Aberdeen which we still have today. Bob was also the first to introduce the Stall perch for our birds, a fabulous system where the birds have a stall to stand in and the droppings fall into a tray underneath to be checked (if you wished) and emptied into a bin in one easy move. He was a successful businessman running saw mills throughout Scotland, a man with endless energy. I remember visiting him on a trip to the Broch as it is known. I worked for Schweppes at the time and went to the café at the harbour for my dinner then up to see Bob and Gina. On arrival Gina said to come in and have some lunch. I told her I had just eaten but Gina being a good mother did not believe me and sat me down. She produced a full lunch which I had to eat and learned a lesson that day; don’t argue with Mum (as I called her) I could write all day about Bob & Gina I have had great times with them, I will miss Bob’s ‘phone calls and send my condolences to Gina and her Family at this sad time RIP Bob we will miss you Ian McKay “Kingslea†Kingswells Aberdeen

Silver City R P C Aberdeen 02/09/2017 race from Consett saw 5 members send 61 birds Good luck to all who sent

PM sent

Just been to Tesco just sold out :emoticon-0136-giggle:

The Joe Murphy Column Quite a few fanciers have called an end to the season as they have only a few youngsters left. We have also decided to call it a day as Kevin is now back at work after and is finding it hard to put the time into the birds now as the nights are starting to ‘close in’. Plus the fact that we have not had good weather for the month of August in fact we have had more rain than sunshine. SNFC Meeting Report I have been forwarded a couple of copies of the management committee meeting held to discuss the reason or explanations for the poor races the club has experienced in 2017. My own personal opinion is this is a White Wash as they start with a report on the Ancenis race whereas it had been on the SNFC web site that the president was going to hold a meeting regarding the Gold Cup race from Alencon. All there is in this report on this race is the weather update nothing else. These are fanciers best birds sent to this race and only a handful made it home what the membership wish to know is WHY!. Then we have a quote that the transportation and baskets numbers were discussed and it was agreed that the current arrangements are more than adequate and have produced excellent races and returns previously – indeed fanciers have commended that the birds are returning from the races in good condition. Then tell me WHY did they drop the birdage in each basket for Ypres after the Alencon and Ancenis races? Plus they also put fewer birds in each basket for the Falaise race. But current arrangements are more than adequate nonsense. Regarding the reminder that the SNFC Committed to wicker baskets on the advice of the avian vet is something new to me as I and many other members have never been heard of this before. Maybe it is because the 2 transporters that are mostly used have wicker baskets, i.e. the Fife Federation and a person one owned by a fancier who hires it out to the national. I like many fanciers expected a more robust investigation into the losses, no mention of temperature in the baskets/ transporter, no mention of improvements to the watering or feeding of birds, no ideas (such as live video links showing birds being fed and watered and liberation etc.) for future racing. Very disappointing Results Angus Federation The federation had 602 birds at Ridsdale on 19th August these were liberated at 07-30 am into a brisk south west wind. Topping the federation are Macaulay Ferguson & Curran of Forfar with a velocity of 1179. David Liddle of the same club is 2nd 8th & 10th with Mike Leggett in 3rd spot. Ian Scott is 5th 6th 9th & 13th with Glen Cameron of Arbroath breaking the Forfar stranglehold on the result by winning 7th open W MacKnight of Forfar is 11th 15th & 17th and club mate Davie Glen is 12th 14th 16th 19th & 20th with the G Campbell of Montrose bird breaking into the top 20 federation winning 18th open. East Section is won by Glen Cameron of Arbroath with G Campbell of Montrose in 2nd 6th & 7th positions. Less McKay of Inchcape club is 3rd & 8th with Eddie Mann of Gourdon in 4th & 5th places. A & S Whyte of Montrose is 9th & 10th. Club Winners; Forfar 355 bird’s winner Macaulay Ferguson & Curran; Arbroath 61 bird’s winner Glen Cameron; Montrose 91 bird’s winner G Campbell; Gourdon 40 bird’s winner Eddie Mann; Inchcape 55 bird’s winner Less McKay. Arbroath RPS from the 4th young bird race from Ridsdale on 19th August 4 members sent 61 birds these were liberated at 07-30 am into a brisk south west wind. 1st & 3rd places are won by Glen Cameron the winner was a natural hen, nest mate to the club winner the previous week. Bred from a grandson of Leon Messiaen's Castres 5 times a prize winner at Barcelona paired to a direct daughter of the Castres. The 3rd club is also a natural cock just starting to pair up to the hen mentioned above who won the race. Sire is Prada: winner of 1st and 2nd north section when Glen lived in Aberdeen, Prada bred 24th open Bedhampton SNFC 2017. Prada is a grandson of Castres of Leon Messiaen and also contain the Tutsi line of Martin Ravelingien. The Dam is direct daughter of the St Vincent of Leon Messiaen one of the best long distance birds in Belgium in recent years. She was 8th best Belgian bird over 3 International races in 2013 and 9th best bird in 2014. The St Vincent was paired to a daughter of Castres. Kevin J Murphy was 2nd & 4th with his first bird the same pigeon that won 1st club 6th east section from Arniston being from a Billy Bilsland cock and a hen from Tom & Scott McEwen of Elphinstone. Kevin’s 2nd pigeon is direct from a brother to his 4th open SNFC Alencon winner when mated to an inbred Euro Diamond hen. Ayrshire Federation The federation were at Berwick for their 3rd young bird race of the season on the 12th August with a convoy of 1,341 a drop 302 birds on the previous week race. After waiting for the line of flight to improve, Jim had the birds up and away at 13:00 into a light north west wind for a journey between 91 miles to the bottom end of the fed up to 112 miles to the top end of the federation. The Ayrshire young birds have certainly not had it easy so far this season as they have had to face this westerly or north westerly wind on their nose coming across from the east side of the country to the west every race so far this year. Velocity’s across the federation this week look like the young birds are now starting to find their own line of flight as the early arrivals in the south section are not that far behind the north section birds this week compared to the first two week’s races. Leading the way in the federation this week to record 1st federation 1,341 birds, 1st centre section 328 birds on 1208.4 is Eddie Diamond from the Irvine Newtown club. This terrific win for Eddie comes as no surprise as his birds have been flying out their skins over the last few weeks. In last week’s race from Dunbar, Eddie took 1st, 2nd and 3rd club, 1st, 2nd and 3rd centre section 518 birds and just missed out on a top 20 position in the fed. I don’t have many details for Eddie’s fed topper but what I do have is, it’s off a direct son of Tyson and is a Jos Soontjens blood lines. 2nd fed 1,341 birds, 1st north section 731 birds and 1st club 308 birds on a velocity of 1203.4 this week is the partnership of G Hutchinson & J Tudhope of Ardeer HS. These lads have invested some of their hard earned cash on bringing in a new family of birds direct from Belgium over the last couple of seasons and are now starting to see some rewards from their investments. In the photo attached, George is holding the sire of their winning pigeon which they are expecting more from this pigeons offspring for the remainder of the 2017 season and from the seasons to follow. The partnership’s winning pigeon this week also lifted the primary share of the club pools and was clocked in the previous week’s race from Dunbar to also lift the second share of the money, well done George & Jim and thanks to Colin Nicol for the report. 3rd fed on 1199.2 this week is the partnership of Grant & McGovern of Ardeer HS. This partnership is certainly keeping their birds on top form recording another very good top federation position. John & Stevie’s winning pigeon is from their Koopman family of pigeons the partnership have been building up over the last few years. The grand sire is a Koopman pigeon the partnership purchased at the clearance sale of John Campbell of West Kilbride. This cock was the sire to John Campbell’s top racing hen that lifted 3 National positions and was also sire to numerous club and fed winners for John. The Dam is bred down from Koopman pigeons the partnership purchased from Galaxy Lofts. In and around Ayrshire clubs this week starting with the North Section: 731 Birds Dalry HS 306 birds: 1st Mr & Mrs Ramsay & Son 1193, 2nd and 3rd T Smith 1176 and 1175. Ardeer HS 308 birds: 1st Hutchinson & Tudhope 1203, 2nd Grant & McGovern 1199, 3rd J & J & C Nicol 1198. Kilwinning HS 79 birds: 1st J McNeil 1059, 2nd J & T Davidson 1057, 3rd J Pollock 1053. Central Section: 328 Birds Kilmarnock Invitation 79 birds: 1st C & K & K McKerrow 973, 2nd J & A Bunce 952, 3rd W Thomson 950. Crosshouse HS 31 birds: 1st, 2nd and 3rd A Wilson 1066, 1020 and 962. Darvel HS 108 birds: 1st Cowan & Findlay 1197, 2nd and 3rd H Wallace 1171 and 1169. Irvine HS 148 birds: 1st and 3rd E Diamond 1208 and 1112, 2nd T Blakely 1144. South Section: 282 Birds Mauchline 52 birds: 1st and 2nd J Watters 1047 and 1038, 3rd E Stewart 1013. Cumnock & District No bird’s race marked. Dalmellington 33 birds: 1st and 2nd M McLarty 1105 and 1103, 3rd J Stark 1024. Carrick & District 8 birds: 1st H Gray 1034. Whitletts & District 109 birds: 1st Boyle Bros 1122, 2nd Boyd Bros 1109, 3rd Cuthbert & Cree 1092. Annbank & District 80 birds: 1st D Graham 1062, 2nd and 3rd K Harris 1057 and 1053; my thanks to Archie for the above information. E Diamond 1st Fed Berwick G Hutchinson & J Tudhope 2nd Fed Berwick Grant & McGovern 3rd Fed Almond Valley Federation Received the federation result from Lynne Stewart the federation secretary who is going to supply it on a weekly basis so many thanks Lynne; From Otterburn on 19th August the convoy of 1171 birds were liberated at 08:30 hours. S Fleming of Armadale had a great race taking the 1st x 4 birds in the race plus 7th 9th 10th 11th 14th then 18th to 22nd so 14 pigeons in the top 22 great flying. J Burnside of the same club is 5th 6th & 8th open. Club Winners as follows; Armadale 382 birds; S Fleming 1266.283, 1266.081, 1264.872, 1264.872 Balerno 137 birds; D Bald 1244.799, 1242.582, I Jamieson 1239.797, 1239.160 Carnwath 168 birds; Thomson Bros 965.988, B Campbell 949.266, J Stokes 943.994, W Watson 929.838 East Calder 145 birds; J M Young 1228.869, 1226.806, 1225.982, 1225.159 Forth & Clyde 156 birds; G Harris 1251.831, 1250.996, 1250.162, V Couper 1211.497 West Calder 183 birds; J Bird 1236.385, 1235.988, 1235.988, 1235.394 Balerno news from Colin Bain who writes ‘Hi Joe we were at Otterburn on Saturday with the convoy liberated into a North West wind at 08:30 hours. We had 7 members sending 137 birds and the first 2 places are won by Dougie Bald with the winner a blue hen on 1244 she contains David Reed blood lines. The 2nd club winner is a chequer pied cock on 1242 he was a gift from Billy Bilsland Taking the next 2 positions is Ian Jamieson with a blue chequer hen and a blue cock both on 1239 they are Cooreman flying on darkness system that is it for this week Joe best wishes Colin’. Fife Federation News from Geordie Todd with the result of the Sedgefield race flown on the 19th August was 1438 birds were liberated at 07-30 hours into a west wind. Winning the federation and east section Kennoway 157 birds; Methilhaven 107 birds; Leven 144 birds; St Andrews 111 birds; Tayport 93 birds with the winner Davie Jack of Tayport on 1221.6. Dave Baldie takes the next 9 positions timing them all in within 6 seconds. Centre Section had Glenrothes with 102 birds; Novar with 125 birds the winner of the section is Mick McMurchie on 1129 with club mate Brian Kinnear in 2nd to 6th plus 9th & 10th he is split by club mate W Young in 7th position and R Cunningham of Tayport in 8th place. The West section had Perth with 170 birds; Dunfermline 139 birds; Lochgelly with 106 birds; and Crossgates with 154 birds. Topping the section and also winning 2nd 4th & 7th places is S Donaldson of Perth with C Wright of Lochgelly club in 3rd spot G Anderson of Perth is 5th 6th & 9th with Alastair McCudden of Crossgates club in 9th & 10th spots. Dunfermline Club with 3 results from David Kennedy who has been away on holiday. From Berwick young birds 8 members sent 121 birds and taking the red card is John Robertson with a natural young bird the breeding being off Black crossed Newcombe. John also takes 2nd place with another Black crossed Newcombe natural young bird flying to the perch. Dan McNeely takes third with a home bred Kilpatrick. Eric Reid wins this week’s nom and John Robertson wins the two bird. From Alnwick 9 members sent 223 birds and taking a clean sweep this week is Frank Mitchell with is 1st bird with a velocity of 1133 ypm, is a darkness cock bred by Andrew Lawley of Elson in Shropshire from his M & D Evans family of pigeons. Frank’s 2nd bird with a velocity of 1124 ypm is the nest mate to his winner (not a bad pair) and his 3rd bird is a darkness hen with a velocity of 1118ypm, she is bred by Wattie Sharp of Oakley from his Frank Tasker bloodlines. John Robertson takes this week’s nom and the two birds are won by Dan McNeely. From Sedgefield race 7 members sent 139 birds and first this week is Dan McNeely with a 959 ypm velocity, the bloodlines being a pure homebred Kilpatrick darkness hen feeding a 15 day old yb. Second this week is Walker and David Kennedy Loft No2 with a velocity of 908ypm. We timed a gift bird from John Smith (Duzwork Products) from his Jan Arden family of birds. Frank Mitchell takes 3rd with a velocity of 907 ypm he timed a darkness cock, a grandson of 1st section Ancenis SNFC 2016 containing Jock Traill bloodlines. Dan McNeely takes this week’s nom and Gordon Turnbull wins the two bird; we had a special Nom this year as our club were issued with the first rings in the federation. The nom was your first ring number issued to each member. Five members still had their first ringed young bird to race this week and the nom was won by our secretary Eric Reid. Kindest regards Joe and sorry for the delay yours David’. St Andrews RPC news from the first young bird race from Berwick the club sent 148 birds bird’s taking 1st place is Dave Baldie on 833 velocity with a young Frans Zwols hen a granddaughter of the ‘Tip Top Pair’ 2nd club is John Harcus with Dillon Hay winning 3rd, 6th, 9th & 10th positions. From the Alnwick race the members sent 151 birds; taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th & 8th places is Dave Baldie with the winner doing 1239.16 this was a grandson of the Frans Zwols ‘Tip Top Pair’. East of Scotland Federation News from John Baillie who writes ‘Hi Joe, results for federation race from Tow Law were the birds were away at 07.25 into a west wind. Topping the federation for the 2nd week running we have Tom & Scott McEwen of Elphinstone; they also take 4th & 8th open positions. In 2nd & 10th positions we have Rab Waddell of Prestonpans and 3rd open goes to Mr & Mrs Burgess of Ormiston, The 5th open place goes to Dougie Grieve of Longniddry with Jim McNeil Tranent taking the 6th open position, then we have John Bird of Prestonpans in 7th spot and finishing of the top 10 we have Graham Wardhaugh in 9th place. Prestonpans HC - Taking 1st & 3rd places we have Tom & Scott McEwen with the winning bird a 100% Paul Stobbs. The sire bred from Paul Stobbs ‘Golden Pair’ and the dam from ‘Beauty’ which is from the Gypsy and Dream Girl. The hen in 3rd position is from Mark Gilbert's Deweerdt the sire being a double grandson of Emiel and the dam is bred from Tom and Scott's 5th open SNFC Gold Cup winner who also won a silver award. When paired to his full sister who is bred from the Ted and Magnus lines. In 2nd place we have Rab Waddell with a Herman Clusters’ and returns overall were very good once again; many thanks Joe yours John B’. John Bird of Blackburn North of Scotland Federation From Arniston 2 young bird race flown on 19th August we had 34 members sending 563 birds these were liberated into a light west to northwest wind. In the east section 17 members sent 343 birds and taking the first 3 in both the section and open is Jim & Ann Donaldson of Peterhead club with Stuart Maskame of the same club in the next 3 places. H McAllister of the same club is 7th with C & M Williams again of Peterhead club are 8th & 9th with J (Ian) Gibb of Fraserburgh and District club in 10th & 11th section and open. West Section had 17 members sending 220 birds and winning the section and 24th open is A Wilson of Devern Valley club with club mates Fulton & Ritchie in 2nd & 4th section 29th & 32nd open. A Wilson of the same club is 3rd & 7th section 31st & 35th open with G Wilson of Devern Valley is 5th & 8th section 33rd & 36th open. G R Duncan of Keith in 6th section and 34th open. With J Abel of Devern Valley is 9th & 10th section 37th & 38th open. Clubs First Bird J & A Donaldson win Peterhead & District; J (Ian) Gibb wins Fraserburgh & District; A Wilson wins Devern Valley; R McKenzie wins Inverurie; G R Duncan wins Keith; J Cumming wins Buckie & District; Jack & Reid win Elgin & District. Well done once again to Jim & Ann on topping the federation and to Andy Wilson on winning the west section. Pentland Hills Federation & New Lothian news from Andy Miller who writes ‘Hi Joe we had their 4th young bird race from Tow Law on Saturday a distance of 90 to 100 miles across the federation. Race controller Bobby Graham gave the go ahead to lib at 07:25 hours and the crown for this week goes to Helen Aitken & Sons from Whitecraigs who fly in the Danderhall club. Their winner is a darkness pigeon the sire being a son of Kardale Style, the dam is a retired racer who won 3 x 1st club and 2 x 1st federations it was doing a velocity of 1313. Club Winners; Danderhall 854 birds; 1st & 2nd Aitken 3rd Sammels Castlebrae 146 birds; 1st Mitchell 2nd & 3rd Willis Woodburn 216 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd Allen Edinburgh Premier 185 birds; 1st & 2nd Gilchrist 3rd Black Bonnyrigg 218 birds; 1st Neill 2nd Stark 3rd Russell Easthouses 461 birds; 1st Allen 2nd J Pryde 3rd W Pryde & Son Edinburgh West 170 birds; 1st C Bennett 2nd McLaughlin 3rd Morrison Sighthill 238 birds; 1st & 3rd Miller 2nd Abbott Loanhead 119 birds; 1st & 3rd Lawrie 2nd Murray Rosewell 73 birds; 1st & 2nd Tytler 3rd Cunningham & Ness Peebles 0 birds; New Lothian 98 birds; Traprain 514 birds; 1st & 2nd Mark 3rd McLeod Others 64 birds; New Lothian had 65 lofts sending 2012 birds; taking the 1st x 2 places is Helen Aitken & sons of Danderhall with the winner winning nearly £140 the partnership are also 6th open. R Sammels of the same club is 3rd with and another club mate J McIvor in 4th spot. Sticking with Danderhall we have A Young in 5th place with L Mitchell of Castlebrae in 7th position. D& J Allen of Woodburn take the next 4 places. Pentland Hills Federation had 13 clubs sending 2985 birds to Ridsdale; winning 1st & 10th position is F Robertson of Danderhall club with S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier in 2nd & 3rd places. A Young of Danderhall is 4th with Willie Kinnear & sons of the same club in 5th & 7th positions. Halley & Kelly of Woodburn club are 6th with J Douglas of New Lothian in 8th position. Edinburgh Premier members Hutton Son & McCaig are 9th. Club Winners; Danderhall 778 birds; 1st Robertson 2nd Young 3rd Kinnear Edinburgh Premier 151 birds; 1st & 2nd Gilchrist 3rd Hutton Woodburn 190 birds; 1st & 2nd Halley & Kelly 3rd Brown & Black Castlebrae 180 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd L Mitchell Easthouses 420 birds; 1st J Pryde 2nd & 3rd W Pryde & Son Sighthill 163 birds; 1st & 2nd Miller 3rd Girdwood Bonnyrigg 233 birds; 1st Lannan 2nd & 3rd Russell Edinburgh West 98 birds; 1st & 3rd Verth 2nd Lamb Loanhead 85 birds; 1st Lawrie 2nd Murray 3rd Simpson Rosewell 39 birds; 1st Tytler 2nd & 3rd Cunningham & Ness Peebles 80 birds; New Lothian 107 birds; Traprain 406 birds; 1st Whitson 2nd & 3rd Bosworth Others 55 birds; Joe’s Joke I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered –Heaven’s door, not by the beauty of it all, nor the lights and décor. But it was the people in Heaven – who made me, sputter and gasp. The thieves; the liars; the sinners; the alcoholics and the trash: There stood the kid from my school grade who stole my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbour who never said a nice thing to anyone in his life. There was Bob, who I always thought was rotting away in Hell; he was sitting pretty on a cloud nine, looking incredibly well. I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal? I would love to hear your take on it. How did all these sinners get up here? Surely God must have made a mistake. ‘And why is everyone so quiet, so gloomy please give me a clue’ Hush child he said ‘They are all in shock; no one thought they would be seeing you. 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 Pigeon Racing the Basics who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland. © Compiled by Joe Murphy

1308 for me Andy Good luck :drinking-coffee-200:

PM sent

Don't think live link is OPEN till 12 pm !!!

He could not pick his nose he has won the food nominator two weeks in a row and his brother John has picked it for him :emoticon-0179-headbang: :emoticon-0179-headbang:

Silver City R P C Aberdeen 5 members sent 105 birds to Alnwick Liberated at 8.30am into light South West Wind 1st E & K Elliott 1325.803 2nd E & K Elliott 1227.762 3rd E & K Elliott 1227.185 4th E & K Elliott 1213.152 5th E & K Elliott 1208.322 6th A Baxter 1205.207 7th E & K Elliott 1204.197 8th I Ellis 1191.970 E & K Elliott wins the food nominator :emoticon-0136-giggle:

Good luck with them hope you get them all :emoticon-0136-giggle: