Mossgiel Posted February 20, 2015 Report Posted February 20, 2015 That's some stamp of a pigeon, "Glen Hero", featured in this weeks Joe Murphy column - quite something !
Whats it called Cumbernauld Posted February 20, 2015 Report Posted February 20, 2015 In addition to this John Houston writes about Maintaining Tradition in a great article about fanciers of the past. Good stuff John well done
ALF Posted February 20, 2015 Report Posted February 20, 2015 i have to be honest here and say am no a liker of joe Murphy's column and i have to say it is a last resort for me to be honest!!!
lanarkshire lad Posted February 20, 2015 Report Posted February 20, 2015 That's some stamp of a pigeon, "Glen Hero", featured in this weeks Joe Murphy column - quite something ! Think I have seen it before is it a Red cock? if its the same one I am thinking about then aye its a bit special.
Mossgiel Posted February 20, 2015 Author Report Posted February 20, 2015 In addition to this John Houston writes about Maintaining Tradition in a great article about fanciers of the past. Good stuff John well done Yip, a very good article. Was interested to note that Tommy Morgan, Cairnhill called his good hen "Champion Agnes", I am virtually certain H. & T. McNeil's Gold Award winner, [ First Gold Award in the West Section] mentioned in the last paragraph of the article, was also named "Agnes".
Mossgiel Posted February 20, 2015 Author Report Posted February 20, 2015 Think I have seen it before is it a Red cock? if its the same one I am thinking about then aye its a bit special. Yes a Red Cock, he's been included in several articles over the years.
Delboy Posted February 20, 2015 Report Posted February 20, 2015 Outstanding pigeons Brian , Glen Queen is a bit special too.
alec guinness Posted February 20, 2015 Report Posted February 20, 2015 Yip, a very good article. Was interested to note that Tommy Morgan, Cairnhill called his good hen "Champion Agnes", I am virtually certain H. & T. McNeil's Gold Award winner, [ First Gold Award in the West Section] mentioned in the last paragraph of the article, was also named "Agnes". Yep first gold in the west won by Harry McNeil!! Great guy Harry who still races in caldercruix today and loves telling the story about timing all three of his Rennes entries before Eddie Newcombe had a bird home with 30 away!!! Great national memories! :partick-thistle-Crest:
Mossgiel Posted February 21, 2015 Author Report Posted February 21, 2015 In addition to this John Houston writes about Maintaining Tradition in a great article about fanciers of the past. Good stuff John well done Perhaps another couple of lofts worthy of a mention from the Greengairs area - Linden & Shaw, winners of 1st West section 5th open Rennes, with their great pigeon "Red Hackle". The other - Alex Geddes who was responsible for breeding and racing some exception pigeons. One of his birds, a Red Grizzle hen ended up with Davie Scott, Brechin via his cousin Albert Scott. The Geddes Grizzle hen crossed with his own family, bred many good channel pigeons for Davie. I have no doubt that Jim Donaldson, Peterhead base family would relate back to the Geddes Grizzle hen via Davie Scott.
Delboy Posted February 21, 2015 Report Posted February 21, 2015 Perhaps another couple of lofts worthy of a mention from the Greengairs area - Linden & Shaw, winners of 1st West section 5th open Rennes, with their great pigeon "Red Hackle". The other - Alex Geddes who was responsible for breeding and racing some exception pigeons. One of his birds, a Red Grizzle hen ended up with Davie Scott, Brechin via his cousin Albert Scott. The Geddes Grizzle hen crossed with his own family, bred many good channel pigeons for Davie. I have no doubt that Jim Donaldson, Peterhead base family would relate back to the Geddes Grizzle hen via Davie Scott. Hi Brian, all the Greengairs boys were friendly with my grandfather, Wull Mccrae.He was responsible for a lot of their channel pigeons and vice versa.Red Hackle was a grandson of my grandfathers good red cock. This cock was rated one of the best pigeons in Europe and never really got the recognition it was due in Scotland . The Old Red Cock won 1st,2nd or 3rd in every club race it went to in a six year racing career. The Kirkintilloch fanciers didnt pool their birds if he was entered in any race. To top all that, he was a champion distance bird as well scoring 4 times from Rennes in 4 attempts( no Silver/Gold awards in those days or he would've went again )He won a fortune and I think his best was 31st Open timing at 11.15pm on the night. There were over 20 folk at the lofts waiting and they were all ready to go when someone shouted,'theres an owl' it was the red cock landing in the pitch dark. A cheer went up when he was clocked. He scored high up the following year timing at 7.30pm on the 2nd night, a real stinker.This pigeon never failed at any race he entered in 6 years, unreal!!!The funny thing is,seemingly 'The Old Red cock' was and ugly bassa, wide as he was long but had long wings. His legs were wide apart and he walked like a bulldog lol.He was as rough as a badgers azz. He was the complete dream pigeon, champion breeder/racer and I wish I could get the equal of him in my loft some day.I could write a book about the top pigeons my grandfather had and bred for others, he was a quiet unassuming old man that didn't seek any recognition but I can tell you, he had fantastic pigeons and bred many champions for people.Off the top of my head I can tell you he had at least 3 pigeons to score 4 times from Rennes!!Ah , the good old days!!
Mossgiel Posted February 21, 2015 Author Report Posted February 21, 2015 Hi Brian, all the Greengairs boys were friendly with my grandfather, Wull Mccrae.He was responsible for a lot of their channel pigeons and vice versa.Red Hackle was a grandson of my grandfathers good red cock. This cock was rated one of the best pigeons in Europe and never really got the recognition it was due in Scotland . The Old Red Cock won 1st,2nd or 3rd in every club race it went to in a six year racing career. The Kirkintilloch fanciers didnt pool their birds if he was entered in any race. To top all that, he was a champion distance bird as well scoring 4 times from Rennes in 4 attempts( no Silver/Gold awards in those days or he would've went again )He won a fortune and I think his best was 31st Open timing at 11.15pm on the night. There were over 20 folk at the lofts waiting and they were all ready to go when someone shouted,'theres an owl' it was the red cock landing in the pitch dark. A cheer went up when he was clocked. He scored high up the following year timing at 7.30pm on the 2nd night, a real stinker.This pigeon never failed at any race he entered in 6 years, unreal!!!The funny thing is,seemingly 'The Old Red cock' was and ugly bassa, wide as he was long but had long wings. His legs were wide apart and he walked like a bulldog lol.He was as rough as a badgers azz. He was the complete dream pigeon, champion breeder/racer and I wish I could get the equal of him in my loft some day.I could write a book about the top pigeons my grandfather had and bred for others, he was a quiet unassuming old man that didn't seek any recognition but I can tell you, he had fantastic pigeons and bred many champions for people.Off the top of my head I can tell you he had at least 3 pigeons to score 4 times from Rennes!!Ah , the good old days!!A fantastic pigeon Derek What a brilliant occasion these Rennes races must have been . I had an article on you and your grandfather, a couple of Blue Hens had exceptional results too if my memory is correct ? It may have been written by John Cushley and appeared in The Gazette. I have searched high and low for it but unable to find it ?? If you have it, sure it would be of real interest to others on here too.These outstanding distance pigeons give me a real buzz and thanks for sharing.
Delboy Posted February 21, 2015 Report Posted February 21, 2015 A fantastic pigeon Derek What a brilliant occasion these Rennes races must have been . I had an article on you and your grandfather, a couple of Blue Hens had exceptional results too if my memory is correct ? It may have been written by John Cushley and appeared in The Gazette. I have searched high and low for it but unable to find it ?? If you have it, sure it would be of real interest to others on here too.These outstanding distance pigeons give me a real buzz and thanks for sharing. I remember that write up Brian, that was the year before my grandfather passed, 1990 I think. Yes, great distance pigeons give everyone a buzz m8, that's what its all about imo. Im sure I have that write up somewhere but I don't think it would interest many m8 lol.
andy Burgess Posted February 21, 2015 Report Posted February 21, 2015 Hi Brian, all the Greengairs boys were friendly with my grandfather, Wull Mccrae.He was responsible for a lot of their channel pigeons and vice versa.Red Hackle was a grandson of my grandfathers good red cock. This cock was rated one of the best pigeons in Europe and never really got the recognition it was due in Scotland . The Old Red Cock won 1st,2nd or 3rd in every club race it went to in a six year racing career. The Kirkintilloch fanciers didnt pool their birds if he was entered in any race. To top all that, he was a champion distance bird as well scoring 4 times from Rennes in 4 attempts( no Silver/Gold awards in those days or he would've went again )He won a fortune and I think his best was 31st Open timing at 11.15pm on the night. There were over 20 folk at the lofts waiting and they were all ready to go when someone shouted,'theres an owl' it was the red cock landing in the pitch dark. A cheer went up when he was clocked. He scored high up the following year timing at 7.30pm on the 2nd night, a real stinker.This pigeon never failed at any race he entered in 6 years, unreal!!!The funny thing is,seemingly 'The Old Red cock' was and ugly bassa, wide as he was long but had long wings. His legs were wide apart and he walked like a bulldog lol.He was as rough as a badgers azz. He was the complete dream pigeon, champion breeder/racer and I wish I could get the equal of him in my loft some day.I could write a book about the top pigeons my grandfather had and bred for others, he was a quiet unassuming old man that didn't seek any recognition but I can tell you, he had fantastic pigeons and bred many champions for people.Off the top of my head I can tell you he had at least 3 pigeons to score 4 times from Rennes!!Ah , the good old days!! great story Del ,the description of the red cock made me laugh . thanks for sharing .
lanarkshire lad Posted February 21, 2015 Report Posted February 21, 2015 Hi Brian, all the Greengairs boys were friendly with my grandfather, Wull Mccrae.He was responsible for a lot of their channel pigeons and vice versa.Red Hackle was a grandson of my grandfathers good red cock. This cock was rated one of the best pigeons in Europe and never really got the recognition it was due in Scotland . The Old Red Cock won 1st,2nd or 3rd in every club race it went to in a six year racing career. The Kirkintilloch fanciers didnt pool their birds if he was entered in any race. To top all that, he was a champion distance bird as well scoring 4 times from Rennes in 4 attempts( no Silver/Gold awards in those days or he would've went again )He won a fortune and I think his best was 31st Open timing at 11.15pm on the night. There were over 20 folk at the lofts waiting and they were all ready to go when someone shouted,'theres an owl' it was the red cock landing in the pitch dark. A cheer went up when he was clocked. He scored high up the following year timing at 7.30pm on the 2nd night, a real stinker.This pigeon never failed at any race he entered in 6 years, unreal!!!The funny thing is,seemingly 'The Old Red cock' was and ugly bassa, wide as he was long but had long wings. His legs were wide apart and he walked like a bulldog lol.He was as rough as a badgers azz. He was the complete dream pigeon, champion breeder/racer and I wish I could get the equal of him in my loft some day.I could write a book about the top pigeons my grandfather had and bred for others, he was a quiet unassuming old man that didn't seek any recognition but I can tell you, he had fantastic pigeons and bred many champions for people.Off the top of my head I can tell you he had at least 3 pigeons to score 4 times from Rennes!!Ah , the good old days!!Good stuff very Interesting Derek.
Delboy Posted February 21, 2015 Report Posted February 21, 2015 I was disappointed the red cock or my grandfather weren't mentioned in the SNFC Centenary book, when Red Hackle was mentioned.???The red cock was way before my time but I remember the blue hen ( bred by Jimmy Mather ), 4 times Rennes diplomas and she was mated to the old blue cock, 4 times Rennes Diplomas and they produced some crackers to score and breed 500 ml winners. Many fanciers had great success through these blues including local fanciers Billy Holland and John Harwood. The Mather hen timed at 5 am one Rennes race and the Linden brothers came down to see it at 6 am and couldn't believe she was at the race.She was like a show pigeon, a lovely powder blue. Heres an example of her breeding prowess. We sent our full team, all 18 ybs to a disaster Gretna yb race and only got 4 home, all were off her and all 4 went on to score at 500 miles.Thats 100% strike rate, 4 from 4 bred that year from her went on to score at 500 miles!! Jack McGuigan, the Glasgow fed secretary,said he had counted and she was responsible for at least 10 open winners . Some of my pigeons today go back to my grandfathers Old Blue family.
Mossgiel Posted February 21, 2015 Author Report Posted February 21, 2015 I was disappointed the red cock or my grandfather weren't mentioned in the SNFC Centenary book, when Red Hackle was mentioned.???The red cock was way before my time but I remember the blue hen ( bred by Jimmy Mather ), 4 times Rennes diplomas and she was mated to the old blue cock, 4 times Rennes Diplomas and they produced some crackers to score and breed 500 ml winners. Many fanciers had great success through these blues including local fanciers Billy Holland and John Harwood. The Mather hen timed at 5 am one Rennes race and the Linden brothers came down to see it at 6 am and couldn't believe she was at the race.She was like a show pigeon, a lovely powder blue. Heres an example of her breeding prowess. We sent our full team, all 18 ybs to a disaster Gretna yb race and only got 4 home, all were off her and all 4 went on to score at 500 miles.Thats 100% strike rate, 4 from 4 bred that year from her went on to score at 500 miles!! Jack McGuigan, the Glasgow fed secretary,said he had counted and she was responsible for at least 10 open winners . Some of my pigeons today go back to my grandfathers Old Blue family. A section winner sometimes gets the credit, whereas a pigeon with several national diplomas can be overlooked But nevertheless some doo ! Not many about with these quality performances, EVEN IN THE GLORY YEARS
paddymac Posted February 21, 2015 Report Posted February 21, 2015 Hi Brian, all the Greengairs boys were friendly with my grandfather, Wull Mccrae.He was responsible for a lot of their channel pigeons and vice versa.Red Hackle was a grandson of my grandfathers good red cock. This cock was rated one of the best pigeons in Europe and never really got the recognition it was due in Scotland . The Old Red Cock won 1st,2nd or 3rd in every club race it went to in a six year racing career. The Kirkintilloch fanciers didnt pool their birds if he was entered in any race. To top all that, he was a champion distance bird as well scoring 4 times from Rennes in 4 attempts( no Silver/Gold awards in those days or he would've went again )He won a fortune and I think his best was 31st Open timing at 11.15pm on the night. There were over 20 folk at the lofts waiting and they were all ready to go when someone shouted,'theres an owl' it was the red cock landing in the pitch dark. A cheer went up when he was clocked. He scored high up the following year timing at 7.30pm on the 2nd night, a real stinker.This pigeon never failed at any race he entered in 6 years, unreal!!!The funny thing is,seemingly 'The Old Red cock' was and ugly bassa, wide as he was long but had long wings. His legs were wide apart and he walked like a bulldog lol.He was as rough as a badgers azz. He was the complete dream pigeon, champion breeder/racer and I wish I could get the equal of him in my loft some day.I could write a book about the top pigeons my grandfather had and bred for others, he was a quiet unassuming old man that didn't seek any recognition but I can tell you, he had fantastic pigeons and bred many champions for people.Off the top of my head I can tell you he had at least 3 pigeons to score 4 times from Rennes!!Ah , the good old days!!Thanks for sharing Derek, very good and enjoyable read
Mossgiel Posted March 7, 2015 Author Report Posted March 7, 2015 In addition to this John Houston writes about Maintaining Tradition in a great article about fanciers of the past. Good stuff John well done An interesting second article this week too, "Simply The Best"
sammy Posted March 7, 2015 Report Posted March 7, 2015 I was disappointed the red cock or my grandfather weren't mentioned in the SNFC Centenary book, when Red Hackle was mentioned.???The red cock was way before my time but I remember the blue hen ( bred by Jimmy Mather ), 4 times Rennes diplomas and she was mated to the old blue cock, 4 times Rennes Diplomas and they produced some crackers to score and breed 500 ml winners. Many fanciers had great success through these blues including local fanciers Billy Holland and John Harwood. The Mather hen timed at 5 am one Rennes race and the Linden brothers came down to see it at 6 am and couldn't believe she was at the race.She was like a show pigeon, a lovely powder blue. Heres an example of her breeding prowess. We sent our full team, all 18 ybs to a disaster Gretna yb race and only got 4 home, all were off her and all 4 went on to score at 500 miles.Thats 100% strike rate, 4 from 4 bred that year from her went on to score at 500 miles!! Jack McGuigan, the Glasgow fed secretary,said he had counted and she was responsible for at least 10 open winners . Some of my pigeons today go back to my grandfathers Old Blue family. now yi have started dont stop tell us more about yir GRANDA big man he was a legend and loved hearing the stories of macrea
dava Posted March 7, 2015 Report Posted March 7, 2015 Del when I was a very young boy in cambuslang there was a very famous doo that was raced by a partnership called Gilles and Kane they were very friendly with your grandfather .your grandfather bred this great hen which was called the loner that scored very high up on the Rennes race I think 3 times do you remember this one I'm no sure at all of the positions this hen had I think it was around the late seventies ,they called her the loner as she used to fly for hours on her own around the loft never flew with the rest of the team .i think that's the right story as it was a long time ago cheer D
Delboy Posted March 7, 2015 Report Posted March 7, 2015 Del when I was a very young boy in cambuslang there was a very famous doo that was raced by a partnership called Gilles and Kane they were very friendly with your grandfather .your grandfather bred this great hen which was called the loner that scored very high up on the Rennes race I think 3 times do you remember this one I'm no sure at all of the positions this hen had I think it was around the late seventies ,they called her the loner as she used to fly for hours on her own around the loft never flew with the rest of the team .i think that's the right story as it was a long time ago cheer D Aye Davy, Tam Gilles came about us a lot along with a lot of other Lanarkshire fanciers. The Loners best result was 5th or 8th Open Rennes im sure? My grandfather was a very generous man and his pigeons were well sought after. I said to him he must start taking money for pigeons going out as he was retired and short of cash. He said to me he agreed with me but it would have to be me that asked for the money as he couldn't be there when this happened. It wasn't a problem for me as I ran a business at the time and business was business lol. Anyway, the first guy to come and buy was a big fella from Cambuslang and I was cleaning the loft when he arrived.I said, are you down to buy the 2 grizzles, he hesitated and said, aye, you bet.I said , fine, £30 each, he said super and put them in a box I had and off he went, with a smile on his face. I went down to the house and gave my grandfather the money . Then the door bell wrang, I answered the it and a guy came in and said , Im fae Cambuslang and im down for the pair of doos Wull promised me. I said, expletive remove, one of your club mates is just away with them.My grandfather was mortified this had happened but hey ho, if your not fast yer last lol. The air was blue for a while but the good thing was the guy that got the grizzles scored in the yb nat with their ybs that year, what an opportunist he was lol.
Mossgiel Posted March 7, 2015 Author Report Posted March 7, 2015 Aye Davy, Tam Gilles came about us a lot along with a lot of other Lanarkshire fanciers. The Loners best result was 5th or 8th Open Rennes im sure? My grandfather was a very generous man and his pigeons were well sought after. I said to him he must start taking money for pigeons going out as he was retired and short of cash. He said to me he agreed with me but it would have to be me that asked for the money as he couldn't be there when this happened. It wasn't a problem for me as I ran a business at the time and business was business lol. Anyway, the first guy to come and buy was a big fella from Cambuslang and I was cleaning the loft when he arrived.I said, are you down to buy the 2 grizzles, he hesitated and said, aye, you bet.I said , fine, £30 each, he said super and put them in a box I had and off he went, with a smile on his face. I went down to the house and gave my grandfather the money . Then the door bell wrang, I answered the it and a guy came in and said , Im fae Cambuslang and im down for the pair of doos Wull promised me. I said, expletive remove, one of your club mates is just away with them.My grandfather was mortified this had happened but hey ho, if your not fast yer last lol. The air was blue for a while but the good thing was the guy that got the grizzles scored in the yb nat with their ybs that year, what an opportunist he was lol. Brilliant !
bullcock Posted March 7, 2015 Report Posted March 7, 2015 Hi Brian, all the Greengairs boys were friendly with my grandfather, Wull Mccrae.He was responsible for a lot of their channel pigeons and vice versa.Red Hackle was a grandson of my grandfathers good red cock. This cock was rated one of the best pigeons in Europe and never really got the recognition it was due in Scotland . The Old Red Cock won 1st,2nd or 3rd in every club race it went to in a six year racing career. The Kirkintilloch fanciers didnt pool their birds if he was entered in any race. To top all that, he was a champion distance bird as well scoring 4 times from Rennes in 4 attempts( no Silver/Gold awards in those days or he would've went again )He won a fortune and I think his best was 31st Open timing at 11.15pm on the night. There were over 20 folk at the lofts waiting and they were all ready to go when someone shouted,'theres an owl' it was the red cock landing in the pitch dark. A cheer went up when he was clocked. He scored high up the following year timing at 7.30pm on the 2nd night, a real stinker.This pigeon never failed at any race he entered in 6 years, unreal!!!The funny thing is,seemingly 'The Old Red cock' was and ugly bassa, wide as he was long but had long wings. His legs were wide apart and he walked like a bulldog lol.He was as rough as a badgers azz. He was the complete dream pigeon, champion breeder/racer and I wish I could get the equal of him in my loft some day.I could write a book about the top pigeons my grandfather had and bred for others, he was a quiet unassuming old man that didn't seek any recognition but I can tell you, he had fantastic pigeons and bred many champions for people.Off the top of my head I can tell you he had at least 3 pigeons to score 4 times from Rennes!!Ah , the good old days!! Del, how influential do you think Reds and Mealys in general have been in molding the Scottish distance blood from years gone by in the history of the SNFC pigeons?
Delboy Posted March 7, 2015 Report Posted March 7, 2015 Del, how influential do you think Reds and Mealys in general have been in molding the Scottish distance blood from years gone by in the history of the SNFC pigeons? I don't think they are any more prominent than any other colour.I personally have a good few reds at the moment and the likes of Davy Elliot is the same but colour means nothing unless its a throw back imo.
bullcock Posted March 7, 2015 Report Posted March 7, 2015 I don't think they are any more prominent than any other colour.I personally have a good few reds at the moment and the likes of Davy Elliot is the same but colour means nothing unless its a throw back imo.Thanks for that, you do seem to see a lot of reds and mealy's winning now and historically, but considering that they make up a small percentage of the convoy they do pop up alot.
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