Norbet Norman

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THROWBACK: The Legacy of the late Norbert Norman

Norbert Norman, a flax manufacturer, left his father’s home in 1945 and settled in Oostrozebeke, about 10 km from Oeselgem. He immediately began keeping pigeons at his new house and raced there with great success until 1978.  The key foundation birds then were the unbeatable pigeons from the Catrysse brothers of Moere and a hen from Van Hee’s “Atomic” line in Wervik.  

In 1970, under DESMET-LIPPENS name, they entered the Barcelona race for the first time and stunned everyone by winning 1st International Barcelona, a victory that Norbert’s father had predicted. This champion was the only National winner ever sold by father and son Norman, and it became the most expensive bird ever sold at the time.  

In 1971, Norbert made a 250,000 Bfr bet with André Busschaert that he could place a bird in the top 100 National at Barcelona. He succeeded, placing two birds—91st and 96th. That same year, Norbert and Filip claimed their second National win, taking 1st National Limoges in Oostrozebeke with a 20 m/min lead. In 1977, they outdid themselves by sweeping 1st, 2nd, and 3rd National Limoges and placing six birds in the top 10 National.  

Over the years, they added many more titles, including 1st National Pau hens 1973, 1st International Pau hens 1973, 1st National Limoges 1984, 1st National Limoges Derby 1984, 1st National Argenton 1989, 1st National Argenton 1991, 1st Primus Interpares in 1982, and 1st Ace-pigeon.