The Joe Murphy Column

[Ian McKay]

The Joe Murphy Column

 

Margaret and I went away for a few weeks holiday to the Costa del Sol and the weather was excellent with sunshine all day with temperatures between 23 and 31 degrees. Needless to say we had time to relax and recharge our batteries as we look after our grandson after nursery every day, but by the second week end he had face timed us as he was missing us so much and his mum informed us they was counting the sleeps till we came home. Since we came back all he wants is ‘group’ hugs and kisses which is lovely. Regarding the pigeons my ‘apprentice’ (this will wind him up) Kevin has been doing very well and has his birds in tip top condition.

From the 4th old bird race from Ripon 4 Arbroath club members sent 100 birds and these were liberated along with the federation at 12-00 noon into a south west wind. Kevin won the first 3 places with his winner bred from a full brother of My Little Rachel winner of 4th open SNFC Gold Cup race from Alencon 574 miles. Sire of the winner is a direct son of Robbie’s Boy winner of 1st open SNFC Falaise for Gilmour Brothers of Leven. Dam of the winner is a daughter of ‘Rocket’ a winner of SNFC Silver Award for Kevin and a 7 times SNFC prize winner who was lost going for his Gold Award. The 2nd placed winner was bred by my good friend Sheldon Leonard of Arklow and is from his top distance winning birds. Her sire is Real Jam a son of the famous ‘Space Jam’ of F & J Vandenheede while her dam is a direct daughter of Daniel Aerens 1st National Orange winner. The 3rd placed pigeon is a full sister to My Little Rachel being from a son of Gilmour Brothers Robbie’s Boy and the dam is a Ritchie & Whyte of Fraserburgh hen who is dam of our 18th open Ypres; 19th open Clermont; 86th & 134th open Alencon all with the SNFC. From the Wakefield race 4 members sent 74 birds liberated at 09-45 am into a south west wind once again Kevin J Murphy takes the first 3 places again for the 3rd week running. The winner sire is a Daniel Aerens being inbred to 1st international Hens 5th open international Barcelona as he is from a son of the above hen when mated to a granddaughter of her. The dam of the winner is Joanna who contains the best of the Deweerdt distance lines her sire is a direct son of 1st Berlin while her dam is a full sister to Elva winner of 1st Perpignan. The 2nd placed bird is from a George Willie & Paul Macaloney cock when mated to our good hen Lucky a 4 times SNFC prize winner. She is from a Ron Lilleby cock and an Adrian Duggins hen. The 3rd placed pigeon is a nest mate to the pigeon I donated to Blackpool Show of the Year 2016. Sire is a son of ‘Clovis’ top racing and breeding cock for Bernard Deweerdt while the dam was bred by my good friend Mark Gower from a son of Bernard Deweerdt famous Kedirtje when mated to a daughter of Mark Gilberts Night Flight winner of 1st NFC Saintes. So you can see Kevin has been flying well and deserves all the credit for all the hard work he is putting into his team of pigeons. Well Done!!!!! I now have a few weeks results to catch up on so I apologies to the press officers who supply me with the weekly information.

 

Results

 

Angus Federation sent 627 birds to Ripon liberated at 12-00 into a south west wind. Ian Scott of the Forfar club takes the top spot plus 2nd 11th 15th & 20th federation. With Bob Baldie winning 3rd 4th 5th 12th 13th & 14th open David Liddle is 6th 7th 9th & 16th with club mates Macaulay Ferguson & Curran winning 8th & 17th federation Kenny Droog is 10th with Les McKay of the Inchcape club (east section) winning 18th & 19th open. The East Section winner is Les McKay who wins 1st 2nd 3rd & 10th section his club mate K Gourley is 4th with Kevin J Murphy of Arbroath club in 5th 6th & 7th section. Glen Cameron of Inchcape is 8th with his 2nd pigeon winning 9th position his first bird in Arbroath club.

Club winners are as follows: Forfar 366 bird’s winner I Scott: Arbroath 100 bird’s winner Kevin J Murphy: Inchcape 84 birds winner L McKay; Gourdon 35 birds winner D & D Hay; Montrose 42 birds winner G Campbell.

From the Wakefield race flown on 19th May the 586 birds were liberated at 09-15am into a south west wind. Topping the federation and also winning 2nd & 14th open is David J Liddle of Forfar with Macaulay Ferguson & Curran winning 3rd 4th 15th 19th & 20th open with Ian Scott back in form with 5th 10th 11tg 13th 16th 17th & 18th open. Bob Baldie of the same club wins 6th 7th 8th & 9th open with D Glen of Forfar winning 12th open.

The East Section winner is Les McKay with Kevin J Murphy of Arbroath club in 2nd 3rd & 4th section. G Campbell of Montrose is 5th & 10th with Glen Cameron of Arbroath club is 6th with D D Hay of Gourdon are 7th with Chick & Anne Carrie of Inchcape club winning 8th section and Charlie Cameron of the Arbroath club makes the top ten in 9th place.

Club winners are as follows: Forfar 371 bird’s winner D J Liddle: Arbroath 74 bird’s winner Kevin J Murphy: Inchcape 65 birds winner L McKay; Gourdon 27 birds winner D & D Hay; Montrose 49 birds winner G Campbell.

Ayrshire Federation

News from Archie McIntyre the federation race secretary who writes; ‘Hi Joe, can I firstly take this opportunity to thank you for including the Ayrshire federation report into your weekly column. Feedback has been very positive from the Ayrshire fanciers so more power to your pen. Please find attached report on our 3rd race of the season from Berwick I have attached a few phots for inclusion with 2 of the pictures showing the winner of the federation who was injured prior to the racing season starting and one as he looks now, the other photo is of the 3rd federation winner. Jim O’Hare our race controller had the convoy of 1,353 birds up and off at 10-30 hours into a brisk north east wind for a journey of between 91 to 111 miles for the birds. This turned out to be a strange race for some fanciers throughout the federation. The leading birds were recording velocities into the high 1800 yards per minute but come checking time, quite a few fancier were still waiting for around 50% of their birds and others reporting near full returns with maybe 1 or 2 still to come. Leading the pack this week is the partnership of Charlie, Kenny and Kieran McKerrow of Kilmarnock Invitation club. They win the federation on a velocity of 1883ypm to record their 1st ever federation win so well done to these lads. As a young bird this cock spent a few weeks sitting out after a horrendous training toss and never got any racing under his belt. Now a yearling, his run of bad luck looked to be continuing when out exercising one day in mid-March something happened to him as he returned to the loft with his face smashed up (see picture) and was lucky to survive it. After a few days in solitary confinement and a bit of TLC he started to come back round to the pigeon he was. After his spell in isolation he started to show signs of aggression towards the cock in the box directly below his. Noting this aggression the partnership put these two cocks on a sort of jealously system with both eyeing the same hen and it certainly worked out for these lads with their 1st ever federation winner. Charlie has supplied some information and pictures of the winning cock he is bred down from his late father (Charlie McKerrow) old Stoddart line with a cross in from G W & P Macaloney old Busschaert line. Taking 2nd federation on 1869 this week is the inform partnership of J & R Bryson of Galston. This is another remarkable result for this on form loft to add to their previous 4th, 6th & 8th federation Arniston: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th federation Dunbar. The sire of their 2nd open winner is once again a gift bird they received from their good friend Tom Smith of West Kilbride and the dam coming from the lofts of A Richardson of Whitby. Taking 3rd federation on a velocity of 1864 is Mr Consistent this year John Simpson of Ardeer HS. John’s winning pigeon SU 15 A 3963, is a 2 year old dark chequer white flight cock flown on the roundabout system. His sire is a dark chequer cock 5306 which has won the following tickets; 1st club, 1st 3BCC, 4th fed, 6th Region F SNFC Maidstone flying 397 miles. The dam is from John's good friend Ian Cameron of Lincoln. One morning when John went to the lofts he noticed the sire had unfortunately caught his ring leg and found him hanging with his leg very badly swollen. John managed to cut the ring off but unfortunately the cock passed away a few days later maybe due to the stress , a very promising pigeon not able to go on and further it's career but his son may be able to carry on from his sire. 3963 is no stranger to winning having previously taken a few club positions he won 7th Stobs Camp as a youngster and as a yearling was 5th club Melton Mowbray winning the yearling cup and 1st club, 1st 3BCC, 17th federation Stobs Camp. John Snr has his ever present son John Simpson Junior to thank for this win as Simpson Snr had crossed 3963 off their basket list for the race from Berwick as he arrived late from the Ardeer H.S. midweek (Barcelona) race from Carnwath. John Junior said to his dad on the Friday to get him out as he had been chasing everything all over the sky and when the birds were called in, 3963 was roaring like he was fit to burst, so Junior made the call and told his dad to get him in the basket, in fact he was the last pigeon to be put in the crate before going to race marking so well done John junior your observation, it paid off... thanks to Colin Nicol for the report and picture.

In and around the Clubs starting with the North Section (592 birds)

Dalry (262 birds) T Smith 1st 1783, 2nd 1781, 3rd 1778

Ardeer (201 birds) 1st J Simpson 1864, 2nd J McIntosh 1852, 3rd Grant & McGovern 1843

Kilwinning (94 birds) 1st J & T Davidson 1721, 2nd I Crossan 1711.7, 3rd J McNeil 1711.4

Central Section (309 birds)

Irvine (162 birds) 1st & 3rd E Diamond 1822, 1720, 2nd R Thornhill 1809

Crosshouse (35 birds) 1st & 3rd A Wilson 1797, 1538, 2nd A McCullen 1545

Kilmarnock (51 birds) 1st C & K & K McKerrow 1883, 2nd & 3rd T Logan 1860.7, 1860.4

Darvel (96 birds) 1st J & R Bryson 1869, 2ND Cowan & Findlay 1848, H Wallace 1846

South Section (452 birds)

Mauchline (51 birds) 1st A Plenderleith 1621, 2nd Mr & Mrs Galloway 1480, 3rd E Stewart 1285

Cumnock (20 birds) J Caldwell 1st 1187, 2nd 968, 3rd 845

Dalmellington (65 birds) 1st & 2nd G Mitchell 1455, 1406, 3rd S Boyce 1360

Carrick (92 birds) 1ST & 3rd A Lothian 1849, 1711, 2nd J Cannon 1732

Annbank (98 birds) 1st G Morrison 1681, 2nd K Harris 1639, 3rd D Paterson 1600

Whitletts (126 birds) 1st M Brown 1785, 2nd W Lawrence 1780, 3rd Cuthbert & Cree 1651

For the 4th race of the season from Sedgefield race controller Jim O’Hare had the convoy of 1,104 birds up and off at 08-45 hours into a light south west wind a distance of between 125 to 153 miles to most lofts in the federation. This race turned out to be a real testing racing day for the Ayrshire birds with many lofts reporting less than 50% returns at the clock opening. As usual with these types of races there are many theories banding about from clashing to birds of prey and the liberation site. I was at the lofts of Andy Barbour with our good friend and retired pigeon fancier John Campbell watching for the arrivals and as usual, we were looking south east as given the wind this is normally the direction they arrive from. Not this race, every pigeon arrived from the North East indicating the birds had travelled further up the country than they should have with the south in the wind then had to turn back into the south west wind on their nose to get back across to the west of the country with the majority of birds coming into the federation from the north and this is reflective in the result with the north section leading the way in the federation. Leading the pack this week taking 1st and 2nd federation is Andy Barbour of West Kilbride his 2 pigeons dropped together with only seconds separating them in the clock. First through the trap to record 1st federation was a yearling chequer pied cock on 1149 ypm he was flying on the roundabout system. As a young bird this cock only had 2 races up to 93 miles and was then stopped. The sire is a Bart Geerinckx from Premier Stud and the dam is a Heremans Ceusters again from Premier Stud. Taking 2nd federation for Andy is a chequer white flight yearling hen on 1148 ypm also flying roundabout. This hen also only had 2 races as a young bird out to Dunbar a distance of 93 miles then she was stopped. Her sire is a Van Loon full of the Planet Bros blood bred by Galaxy Lofts while her dam is a direct daughter of one Hardy Kruger top racers ‘Black Soul’ a son of Hardy’s champion producer ‘Black Power’. 3rd federation this week is Tom Smith of West Kilbride with a yearling dark chequer hen doing 1147 ypm Tom has his birds flying on the roundabout system and they have certainly been flying well and have been scoring for him in the club and federation in previous weeks. The sire and dam is mixture of sons and daughters of 4 National winners Tom purchased from the lofts of Jimmy Dalgleish and R S Rome in the borders and Mel Mayo of Wales.

In and around the clubs starting with the North Section (524 birds)

Dalry (256 birds) 1st & 2nd A Barbour 1149, 1148, 3rd T Smith 1147

Ardeer (180 birds) 1st Grant & McGovern 1089, 2nd J & S O’Hare 1067, 3rd J Stirrat 1051

Kilwinning (57 birds) 1st J McNeil 1091, 2nd & 3rd J & T Davidson 1090, 1089

Central Section (262 birds)

Irvine (112 birds) 1st & 2nd H Pollock 1084, 1043, 3rd D McCullen 1037

Crosshouse (49 birds) 1st & 2nd I Noble 1120, 1036, 3rd A Wilson 1013

Kilmarnock (58 birds) 1st, 2nd & 3rd T Logan 1129, 1041.8, 1041.7

Darvel (74 birds) 1st & 3rd Cowan & Findlay 1141, 1070, 2nd J & R Bryson 1083

South Section (318 birds)

Mauchline (39 birds) 1st J Watters 890, 2nd A Plenderleith 858, 3rd Mr & Mrs Galloway 747

Cumnock (21 birds) 1st, 2nd & 3rd J Caldwell 875, 749, 615

Dalmellington (35 birds) 1st, 2nd & 3rd M McLarty 989, 849, 764

Carrick (15 birds) 1ST & 2nd A Lothian 753, 646

Annbank (89 birds) 1st J Mathieson 953, 2nd & 3rd B Lenachan 930, 904

Whitletts (119 birds) 1st, 2nd & 3rd Cuthbert & Cree 918, 883, 872

 

Almond Valley Federation were at Catterick last week has Sam Fleming from Armadale club taking the 1st x 3 places, when I spoke to Sam he informs me that the winner was an exchange bird he got from D McBeath his club mate. Apparently in Armadale Club they have an exchange of young birds each year, this hen won the Billericay race last year also topping the federation, so D. McBeath did not give him a dumpling. The 2nd bird is a cock he purchased from Premier Stud and the 3rd open winner is a blue hen he purchased from D. Flowers and she is a Herman Ceuster which was supposed to be a cock.

Club winners;

Armadale 544 birds; 1st to 4th Sam Fleming

Balerno 170 birds; 1st & 2nd C Ross 3rd C Bain

Carnwath 140 birds; 1st & 3rd S McArdle; 2nd J Stokes

East Calder 101 birds; 1st Mr & Mrs Fleming; 2nd R Anderson; 3rd F Jamieson & son

Forth & Clyde 272 birds; 1st & 3rd Vic Couper; 2nd G Harris

West Calder 134 birds; 1st to 4th John Bird

Cheers for now Joe and once again many thanks yours Jimmy Young’.

Balerno club news from Colin Bain who writes ‘Hi Joe Balerno was at Thirsk this week and liberated on Sunday 14th May into a south west wind at 10-00 am we had 11 members sending 216 birds. Taking 1st club is yours truly Colin Bain with a 4 year old blue Staff Van Reet cock looking at his hen he was doing a velocity of 1421. In 2nd place is Dougie Bald with a David Reed Vandenabeele yearling cock sitting 6 days on eggs he was doing 1393 in 3rd place is Ian Jamieson with a 3 year old blue hen on roundabout she is from his father’s old distance family and was doing 1393. From the Weatherby race we had 7 members sending 145 birds liberated into a south west wind at 08-00 hours the first 2 places go to Dougie Bald with the winner a Staff Van Reet crossed Sandy Robertson Silver Hen sitting 10 days on eggs doing a velocity of 1572. Dougie’s 2nd pigeon was a 4 year old blue cock a David Reed Vandenabeele sitting on eggs doing 1560. 3rd place is yours truly with a red chequer cock feeding a 7 day young bird he was doing 1533 that is it for another week Joe best wishes Colin’.

East Calder RPC news from Jimmy Young who writes ‘Hi Joe after a long weekend and holding the basketting of the race birds to Saturday we got a great race on Sunday from Thirsk with 6 members sending 185 birds, as far as I know everybody seemed quite pleased. Our convoyer John Jamieson won the East Calder race with a 3 year old hen he hopes to put to the Gold Cup race this year she was sent to the race with her eggs hatching on the Thursday which made her keen. She is bred down from pigeons John bought in as young birds, so he has got something right well done John. 2nd are Mr & Mrs Fleming with R Anderson in 3rd place.

 

East of Scotland Federation news from John Baillie with the federation race from Wakefield with the bird’s race marked on the usual Friday night (think the majority of Federations delayed their marking for 24 hrs). John Parry had them away at 12-30 into a south west wind. As usual the winning birds done the times that were expected, but at the clocks some fanciers had a few birds to come with most working in during the evening and early Sunday. Taking 1st, 3rd and 7th open is Graham Wardhaugh of Dirleton. In 2nd, 9th & 10th federation is John Bird of Prestonpans with club mate Keith Howie winning 4th open. Mr & Mrs March also of Prestonpans club are in 5th spot with Spider Rowley of Prestonpans coming next in 6th position. Filling the top 10 is Tam Hunnam of Port Seton who wins 8th open position.

Prestonpans HC; winning for the 3rd time this year is John Bird with his winner a yearling cock Vandenabeele from Brian Shipley of Woodside Lofts, he won 2nd open from the same race point as a youngster. This week in 2nd place we have Keith Howie with another yearling his sire is a Wildermeech and the dam is a Soontjen bred through Frank Shedders ‘Docherty Cock’ with both birds bred by Graham Stewart of Whitecraigs; with the Wildermeech coming from the late Tam Young of Danderhall. In 3rd position are Mr & Mrs March with a 3 year old cock bred from Peter’s No One stock Kilpatrick cock crossed with a hen from J Brown & Son, which is bred from Foxwoods Lofts.

We had another race where the majority of Federations delayed basketting on the Friday night but Bobby Graham had it spot on again - liberating at 08-35 from Newark into a south west wind. We knew at the home end the weather would not be good but the birds made short work of this rain and full cloud cover. The result for the East of Scotland Federation race and taking pole position this week are Tom & Scott McEwen from Elphinstone with another 2 birds in to win 4th & 5th open positions. Mr & Mrs Burgess of Ormiston are 2nd with Tam Hunnam of Port Seton taking 3rd spot. Tom Davidson of Davidson partners of Prestonpans club is 6th open with club mage John Bird taking 7th and 10th positions. Dave Gillan of Tranent fills the 8th open position with Tam Waddell of Prestonpans in 9th place.

Prestonpans HC. Taking 1st and 3rd positions we have Tom & Scott McEwen with winning bird a 3 year old hen bred from Paul Stobbs crossed with Mark Gilbert’s stock. Her sire is a full brother to ‘Bob’s Choice’ and the dam is a Deweerdt being a double granddaughter of Emiel. The bird in 3rd position is a yearling cock, both parents from Paul Stobbs, the sire again a full brother to Bobs Choice crossed with a daughter of the Gypsy. In 2nd position is Tam Hunnam with a yearling cock; no other info given and at the clocks there were a few birds missing.

 

Fife Federation

News from Gordon Turnbull who forwarded the Berwick Race flown on the 6th May with 2103 birds was liberated at 14-00 into a north east wind. Topping the federation is Mick McMurchie of Glenrothes with McCord & Turpie of Perth in 2nd place with Stuart Donaldson of Perth is 2rd with Mook Honeyman of Kennoway in 4th spot Jock Brockie of Lochgelly club is 5th with Bob Wilson of Glenrothes in 6th place J Honeyman of Kennoway is 7th followed by Jimmy Mackie of Leven in 8th spot with Frank Mitchell of Dunfermline club in 9th place and making up the top ten is Davie Brown of Leven club.

Centre Section; Glenrothes & Leslie 179 birds; Novar 177 birds; Top spot and 7th section goes to Mick McMurchie of Glenrothes club with Erskine & Son of Novar in 2nd 3rd 4th 5th & 6th places Willie Frew of the same club is 8th with Turpie & McCord of Glenrothes club are 9th followed by club mate Ian Chalmers in 10th place.

West Section: Perth 207 birds; Dunfermline 203 birds; Lochgelly 215 birds; Crossgates 390 birds. Topping the section are Turpie & McCord of Perth club with S Donaldson in 2nd place Jock Brockie of Lochgelly is 3rd with Bob Wilson of Glenrothes in 4th place Frank Mitchell of Dunfermline club is 5th & 9th with Jock Hynd & son Ian (who is doing a good job as race controller) of Crossgates club are in 6th place with club mate Alistair McCudden following them in 7th spot. George Anderson of Perth club is 8th with A Graham of Lochgelly club makes up the top ten.

East Section: Kennoway 213 birds; Tayport 62 birds; St Andrews 127 birds; Leven 177 birds and Methilhaven 153 birds. Taking the top spot is Mook Honeyman of Kennoway with club mate J Honeyman is 2nd place Jimmy Mackie of Leven is 2rd with club mate Davie Brown in 4th spot Methilhaven club members Jim & Gary Peggie are 5th 8th & 10th with last year’s 1st SNFC Roye winner Jocky Scott of Kennoway in 6th & 7th positions with A Whittaker of Methilhaven is 9th position.

From the Ripon race the members sent 2135 birds these were liberated at 10-15 hours into a south west wind and topping the federation this week is Mook Honeyman of Kennoway with a 2 year old doing 1409 velocity. The Leven partnership of Clark, Clark & Page are 2nd with A Whittaker of Methilhaven in 3rd spot followed by his club mate Willie Hay in 4th spot Turpie & McCord of Glenrothes are 5th with Dave Baldie of St Andrew having 2 birds in 6th & 7th spot he is followed by J Scott of Kennoway in 8th place and John Harcus of St Andrews is in 9th place with Tam Cook of Kennoway making up the top ten.

East Section: St Andrews 167 birds; Leven 177 birds; Kennoway 211 birds; Methilhaven 138 birds and Tayport 48 birds.

Mook Honeyman of Kennoway is 1st with a 2 year old with Leven’s partnership of Clark, Clark & Page are 2nd place followed by A Whittaker of Methilhaven his club mate Willie Hay is 4th and 10th with Dave Baldie of St Andrew in 5th & 6th positions. Jocky Scott of Kennoway is 7th with John Harcus of St Andrews in 8th place with Tam Cook of Kennoway making up the top ten in 9th position.

Centre Section: Glenrothes 181 birds; Novar 179 birds;

First & 7th places go to Turpie & McCord of Glenrothes with club mate Brian Kinnear having a good race winning the following positions 2nd 3rd 5th 9th & 10th Leonard Erskine & son of Novar are 4th with Mick McMurchie of Glenrothes is 6th & 8th section.

West Section; Lochgelly 214 birds; Crossgates 409 birds; Dunfermline 226 birds and Perth 185 birds; taking the top spot is Jock Brockie of Lochgelly with S Donaldson of Perth club winning the following positions 2nd 3rd 5th 6th 8th & 10th section with G Anderson of the same club is 7th & 9th with Jim Doig of Lochgelly winning 4th section.

From the Wakefield race the convoy of 1929 birds were liberated at 09-00 hours into a south west wind taking the first 4 places in both the section and open is Dave Baldie of St Andrew with another 3 birds in 6th 8th & 10th open positions. A Suttie of the same club is 5th with R Anderson also from St Andrews in 7th place and making up the top 10th place in 9th spot is Davie Jack of Tayport.

East Section result same as above; Methilhaven 139 birds; Kennoway 199 birds; Leven 150 birds; St Andrews 156 birds; Tayport 63 birds.

Centre Section; Novar 120 birds; Glenrothes 161 birds. Topping the section and taking the first 5 places is Brian Kinnear of Glenrothes club his club mate Mick McMurchie is 6th & 7th with Turpie & McCord taking the next 3 places making up the top ten.

West Section; Perth 184 birds; Lochgelly 211 birds; Crossgates 391 birds Dunfermline 155 birds taking the 1st & 10th places is George Anderson of Perth club with club mate Stuart Donaldson taking the remaining 8 places (great flying) my thanks once again to Gordon Turnbull for supplying the federation results.

Dunfermline LRPS news from David Kennedy who writes ‘We had 8 members sending 226 birds to Ripon and taking the red card this week is Ricky Pearce who timed a 3 year old hen sitting 10 days on eggs. The bloodlines being Jocky King of Kirkcaldy with the dam bred from Jocky 6th open SNFC Falaise winner. Frank Mitchell takes 2nd & 3rd places this week with his 1st bird a late bred cock sitting 4 day eggs bred from his Jocky King SNFC winning family of pigeons. Frank’s 2nd bird was a yearling hen on roundabout bred by Andrew Lawley of Elson from his M & D Evans family of pigeons. Eddie McWilliams wins this week’s nomination and Andy Ritchie wins the 2 bird nomination. From the Wakefield race 8 members sent 151 birds and first this week is Walker & David Kennedy Loft No1 with a velocity of 1421 ypm. We timed a 2 year old widowhood cock, he is home -bred from a Paul & Jelle Rozier cock purchased at a Les Green sale in Blackpool in 2011 and the sale was on behalf of Syndicate Lofts. This cock has sired a bird for us that topped the Fife federation from Kelso in 2013. The dam was a 2012 late bred blue pied bred by Ken Gray from Bridlington from his Premier Stud Reyneart bloodlines. Second this week is Eddie McWilliams with a velocity of 1397 ypm he timed a home bred 2 year old cock on the drive, the bloodlines being from David Hunter of Plean. Taking 3rd spot this week is Frank Mitchell with a velocity of 1379 ypm Frank timed a yearling roundabout hen bred by Andrew Lawley of Elson, from his M & D Evans pigeons. This week’s nom was won by Alistair McInnes and Frank Mitchell wins the two bird nomination.

Glenrothes & Leslie RPC news from Rosie Armit who writes ‘Hi Joe, the 3rd race of the season the federation should have been from Aycliffe but due to adverse weather conditions the birds were brought back to Berwick. Glenrothes & Leslie sent 179 birds and 1st prize is won with M McMurchie on a velocity of 1404. He timed in a dark chequer widowhood yearling cock his sire is a Sablon direct from Marcel Aelbrecht while his dam is Broken Wing bred by Pete Patrick of Thornton who bred 2 good national prize winners for Pete and this is the 3rd x 1st prize winner from her. 2nd is R Wilson on 1368 with a 2 year old red chequer cock sent sitting 4 day eggs. His parents were bred by the late Martin Bell of Kirkcaldy and Bob is the first to admit that Martin’s birds fly well for him. 3rd is M McMurchie on 1276 with a 4 year old red widowhood cock bred by Bruce McKenzie of Dundee from the old Dundee mealy lines this cock also won the 1st race from Berwick. The members sent 181 birds to Ripon and taking the 1st position are Turpie & McCord with a velocity of 1403. They timed a 4 year old blue chequer white flight hen sent sitting 10 day on eggs. Her sire is a son of Austin Whittaker's 1st open Ypres, her dam a daughter of Kevin & Lee Buddle of Dover’s pied hen Buddy winner of 4th open Pau. She was 136th open Alencon SNFC in 2015, 135th Open Clermont SNFC and flew Reims in 2016 returning 2 weeks later hawked. 2nd and 3rd is B Kinnear on a velocity of 1365 with a 2 year old blue cock on roundabout he flew Roye as a yearling. Brian’s 2nd bird on 1337 is a 2 year old blue hen on roundabout, although she will pair to any hen that looks at her and was one of 3 hens sitting together on the floor. She is bred from the Ronnie Evans & Partners stock cock when he was mated to his granddaughter.

St Andrews & District HS from the Berwick race with 6 members sent 118 birds; winning 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th & 10th club is Dave Baldie with his team of Frans Zwols pigeons originating from William Donachie. John Harcus wins 2nd, 8th & 9th with R Anderson in 5th place. From Alnwick with an entry of 166 birds sent 7 members it is a clean sweep for Dave Baldie this week winning the 1st x 11 positions in the Club, with the Frans Zwols pigeons… and looking good for winning the Fife Federation, photo of winner is attached. From the Berwick race the members sent 167 birds with Dave Baldie winning a hat-trick of wins with the Frans Zwols pigeons, with a great team effort winning 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th & 10th. This week’s winner has been named ‘Christina’ who won in 2016 as a yearling 5th section C, 17th open SNFC Buckingham against 4328 birds, she also won 7th section C 16th open SNFC Ypres 2324 birds. R Anderson wins 5th, 8th & 9th positions.

Pentland Hills Federation

News from Andy Miller who writes ‘Hi Joe for our 5th race of the season from Wakefield flown on Saturday 13th May with poor weather forecast many federation delayed basketting for 24 hours. However race controller Bobby Graham saw a window for Saturday and the 3083 birds sent by 13 clubs were liberated at 12-30 into to a south west win. Between Bobby and convoyer John Parry a good race was had by most with the majority of bird’s home in jig time. Winning 1st in both organisations is Jimmy Rogers from Gilmerton who timed his 3 year old cock flown on roundabout. The sire and dam are of Janssen origin bred by former Kings Cup winner Davie Gunn of Gunn & Cherrie fame from his origin Allan Maul from Wales stock. 2nd & 5th open are Brown & Black of Woodburn club with D Anderson of Danderhall is 3rd with K Dick of Edinburgh Premier is 4th with T Nolan & Son taking the 6th & 7th places. J Robertson of New Lothian is 8th 9th & 10th.

 

New Lothian RPC had 61 lofts sending 1687 birds to Wakefield with J Rogers from Gilmerton taking top honours. The 2nd & 5th places are won by the Woodburn partnership of Brown & Black with Danderhall D Anderson in 3rd spot. K Dick of Edinburgh Premier is 4th with T Nolan & Son taking the 6th & 7th places. J Robertson of New Lothian taking the next 3 places.

Club Winners are as follows;

Danderhall 609 birds; 1st Rogers 2nd Anderson 3rd Nolan

Woodburn 146 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd Brown & Black

Edinburgh Premier 234 birds; 1st Dick 2nd & 3rd Gilchrist

Easthouses 397 birds; 1st & 3rd W Pryde & Son 2nd Milne

Castlebrae 97 birds; 1st L Mitchell; 2nd A Mitchell 3rd McCormack & Fraser

Sighthill 181 birds; 1st & 2nd Bremner 3rd Girdwood

Edinburgh West 166 birds; 1st & 3rd Lamb 2nd Bennett

Bonnyrigg 251 birds; 1st Watson & Daughter 2nd Neill

Loanhead 175 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd Simpson

Rosewell 116 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd Power

Peebles 42 birds;

New Lothian 73 birds;

Traprain 550 birds;

Others 46 birds;

For our 6th old bird race of the season from Newark flown on 20th May 13 clubs sent 2701 birds these were liberated at 08-35 am into a south west wind. The birds made short work of this race with excellent returns although they encountered heavy rain showers for the last 60-70 miles. Winning 1st New Lothian and Federation is the Gorebridge loft of Alistair Lawson who flies in Easthouses club. He timed his 2 year old hen flown on roundabout and bred from stock obtained from friends from the old Scottish families. He would also like to thank Curley White from Ormiston for looking after the birds while on holiday for a few days. 2nd open is Jimmy Pryde also of Easthouses with Willie Pryde & son of the same club is 3rd position the McCormack & Fraser partnership of Castlebrae are in 4th & 8th positions. A Mitchell of Castlebrae is 5th with A W Robertson of Danderhall in 6th place he is followed by D Anderson of the same club one place behind. The number 9 spot is won by J Milne of Easthouses with S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier making up the top ten.

 

New Lothian RPC had 58 lofts entering 1407 birds with Alistair Lawson of Easthouses club taking the top spot Alistair Lawson of Easthouses with 2nd open going to Jimmy Pryde of Easthouses who wins £139 for his efforts. Willie Pryde & son of the same club are 3rd with the McCormack & Fraser partnership of Castlebrae in 4th & 8th positions. A Mitchell of Castlebrae is 5th with A W Robertson of Danderhall in 6th place followed by D Anderson of the same club one place behind. The number 9 spot is won by J Milne of Easthouses with S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier making up the top ten.

Club Winners are as follows;

Easthouses 386 birds; 1st Lawson 2nd J Pryde 3rd W Pryde & Son

Castlebrae 83 birds; 1st & 3rd McCormack & Fraser 2nd A Mitchell

Danderhall 536 birds; 1st A W Robertson 2nd Anderson 3rd Nolan

Edinburgh Premier 188 birds; 1st 2nd & 3rd Gilchrist

Bonnyrigg 176 birds; 1st Mercer 2nd J Dewar 3rd Russell

Woodburn 121 birds; 1st & 2nd Allen 3rd Brown & Black

Loanhead 175 birds; 1st Cherrie 2nd Simpson 3rd Murray

Sighthill 172 birds; 1st Miller 2nd & 3rd Girdwood

Edinburgh West 166 birds; 1st Bennett 2nd Lamb 3rd Verth

Rosewell 86 birds; 1st Cunningham & Ness 2nd G Tytler 3rd McCormack

Peebles 19 birds;

New Lothian 69 birds;

Traprain 475 birds; 1st Bosworth 2nd Mark 3rd Thomson

Others 46 birds;

Pentland Midweek Peterborough race which had 39 lofts prepaid 136 birds with 35 actual lofts sending 102 birds flying for a total prize and pool money of £6189. The birds were liberated at 06-30 am into a light west wind and winning the treble of 1st 2nd & 3rd open are the father and son partnership of Willie & John Pryde of Easthouses winning a total of £1578 not bad lift at this time of the year especially with the nationals coming up. L Mitchell of Castlebrae is 4th and 9th winning over £700. S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier is 5th winning £500 with A W Robertson of Danderhall is 6th lifting £350. Willie Kinnear & son of Danderhall are 7th winning over £900 for their efforts. Andy Miller of Sighthill is 8th winning £167 with the 10th place going to Newcombe and Black of Traprain who win £43.

Lanarkshire Federation

News from Andrew Eadie who writes ‘Hi Joe for our 5th race of the season from Charnock Richards 4504 birds were liberated on Sunday 14th of May at 09-00 hours into a south west wind. Cambusnethan & Morningside club had 26 members sending 657 birds winning 1st club 2nd section and just missing the top spot finishing 2nd open is the well-known face of Tam Richardson with his 2 year old Wildermeech chequer cock sent feeding 2 big youngsters and chasing his hen.

2nd & 4th club 3rd section 3rd open is Wullie Smart with his 3 year old (Secret Family) flown on the roundabout system. 3rd club 4th section and 5th open the inform loft of Tony McGinn with a 2 year old blue Vandenabeele cock raced on (Buckfast) widowhood system. 5th club 5th section 11th open the man from Shotts Isach Fairley with his 2 year blue hen. From the 6th race of the season from Stafford a distance of 218 miles flown on Saturday 20th May the convoy of 3669 birds were liberated at 06-15 am into a light south wind. The club had 22 members sending 535 birds and taking 1st & 4th club 3rd & 7th section 8th & 21st open and their 3rd win of the season are the Eadie & Kelly partnership from the small outlying village of Bellside. They timed a 4 year old chequer hen bred from their winning family of Vandenabeele’s flown on the roundabout she has already won 1st section 16th open from an entry of 5417 birds in 2016. 2nd & 3rd club 5th & 6th section, 14th &15th open is Tam Richardson with his first bird a 2 year old blue hen and his 2nd pigeon is bred from the Great Jock Duthie of Dundee both flown on the roundabout . 5th club 8th section 21st open is the A & J Cook partnership with a 2 year old he calls ‘Tennent’s’ and is flown on the Cookaburraw system. Lastly well done to Wullie Millen on topping the Lanarkshire federation also the other 2 section winners East section D K Burnside of Lanark and Centre section winner J Wilkson of Airdrie. Hope the weather is fair with the 1st inland national coming up from Buckingham good luck to you and Kevin yours Andy’.

North of Scotland Federation

George Duthie has forwarded the federation Arniston result were 76 members sent 1742 birds these were liberated into a moderate south west wind. Topping the federation and taking the first 3 open and East section (who had 34 members sending 1036 birds) places is Colin McRae of Fraserburgh & District club. G Finlay of Peterhead & District is 4th 10th & 19th east section and open with A B Geddes of Fraserburgh & District club in 5th east section and open. Gordon Willox of Peterhead & District is 6th east section and open with R Barclay of Fraserburgh West End club in 7th section and open position. George Taylor of Peterhead & District is 8th 9th & 15th section and open with Stuart Maskame of the same Peterhead club is 11th 12th & 13th section and open and his club mates Jim & Ann Donaldson are 14th section and open. Craig Donaldson of the same club is 16th 17th & 18th open and section with Gordon Willox of the same club making up the top 20 place.

The West Section had 42 members sending 706 birds with the Devern Valley club members lifting all the section prizes with the winner A Wilson who also won 32nd open. A Milne is 2nd 3rd & 4th section 33rd 34th & 35th open. Fulton & Ritchie are 5th 9th & 10th west section and 36th 40th and 41st open. J Abel is 6th & 7th section 37th & 38th open with P Sherman winning 8th section 39th open. Well done to Colin McRae on topping the federation and also well done to Andy Wilson on winning the west section.

Club Winners;

Fraserburgh & District; winner is C McRae;

Peterhead & District; winner is G Findlay;

Devern Valley winner is A Wilson;

Fraserburgh West End winner is R Barclay;

Keith winner is A J Reid;

Inverurie; winner is A Foster;

Elgin & District winner is R Birnie;

Buckie & District winner is J Cumming;

Forres, Nairn & Inverness winner is B Hirst.

From the Alnwick old bird race flown on the 21st May 71 members sent 1342 birds these were liberated into a light south wind. Topping the east section (who had 31 members sending 703 birds) both is G Findlay of Peterhead & District who wins the first 3 places as well as 15th open. George Duthie of Fraserburgh & District is 4th 7th 8th & 13th section and open with Colin McRae of the same club in 5th 6th 9th 10th 11th & 12th positions. Eric & Nicky Yule of Inverurie are 14th in section and open with Gordon Willox of Peterhead & District in 16th open Stuart Maskame of the same club is 17th 19th & 20th and is split by club mage H Hailwood who wins 18th open.

West Section had 40 members sending 639 birds: Fulton and Ritchie of Devern Valley are 1st section 32nd open with club mate A Milne runner up in the section and 33rd open. Keith club member G R Duncan timed the next 3 birds to win 34th 35th & 36th open. J Abel of Devern Valley is 6th & 7th section 37th & 38th open with R Wilson of Keith club winning the remaining section prizes and open places.

Club Winners;

Peterhead & District; winner is G Findlay;

Fraserburgh & District; winner is G Duthie;

Inverurie; winner is E & N Yule;

Devern Valley winners are Fulton & Ritchie;

Fraserburgh West End winner is R Higgins;

Keith winner is G R Duncan;

Elgin & District winner is Jack & Reid;

Buckie & District winner is G Russell;

Forres, Nairn & Inverness winner is S Taylor.

Well done to Gordon Findlay on topping the federation and to Fulton & Ritchie on winning the west section George Duthie.’

 

1st Ayrshire Fed Sedgefield

 

1st Fed Berwick

 

Ist Fed Berwick(Injured)

 

3rd Fed Berwick

 

2nd Fed Sedgefield

 

Dave Baldies Fed Winner see results

 

Joe’s Joke

 

A small boy has a school homework question to answer, so he asks his father "Dad, what's the difference between 'theoretically' and 'realistically'?" His dad thinks and then says "Right-oh son, go and ask your mother if she'd sleep with David Beckham for a million quid." The boy toddles off and comes back saying "Dad, dad, she said she would! She would sleep with David Beckham for a million pounds." "OK son," says his dad. "Now go and ask your sister the same question."

The boy toddles off, and comes back saying "Dad, dad, she said she would too!"

So then his dad says "Right, son, now go and ask your brother if he'd sleep with David Beckham for a million pounds." The son comes back excitedly saying "Dad! Dad! He said he would too!" “Well there you have it, son," said his dad: “Theoretically we could have three million quid. Realistically we're living with two tarts and a poof."

 

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