Jump to content

sapper756

Administrators
  • Posts

    33,755
  • Joined

  • Last visited

2 Followers

About sapper756

  • Birthday 03/11/1959

Profile Information

  • Location
    The Kingdom of Fife
  • Club
    Retired Doo Man
  • Gender
    Male

Recent Profile Visitors

79,898 profile views

sapper756's Achievements

TOP GUN

TOP GUN (8/8)

  1. Received an email from Carol Moreton who had purchased the Dewar Trophy Book for her husband and she wrote; ‘Hi Joe, have you written anything else regarding pigeons as my husband is nearly finished your book and is enjoying it immensely’. I informed Carol that the only other pieces that I’ve written are my weekly article in the BHW, RP and Pictorial. I thanked her for her lovely comments and wondered if she would mind if I included them in my weekly column. She replied ‘My husband reads your articles in the BHW and finds them interesting. He thinks your book is great and he will read it again. He is also telling his friends about your book too. Of course, you can put my reply in your column his name is Alvan Moreton’. I thanked Carol. I’m also glad your husband has enjoyed the book; as this is what matters; and it is worth all the hard work’. I also had a phone call from an ex-fancier (who continues to purchase the BHW and informed me that he reads my weekly column) if he could come to collect a Dewar Trophy Book, which he did and we spent an hour talking about fanciers and birds from the past. He also asked if I could tell him what position he won in the 1978 SNFC Rennes race; as it was so long ago that he could not remember. I checked this out for him and out of a convoy 7298 birds he won 176th open, which he was a good performance and he was happy to know this information. King’s Racing Pigeons My sister in Australia sent me a link regarding 3 of the King’s pigeons which were bought at Blackpool Charity Auction were purchased by Peta. Who have written to King Charles urging him to end any association with pigeon racing. They say that long distance races have too high a casualty race. In response, a Sandringham spokesperson said it’s pigeon loft ‘Adheres to all standard and regulations required’. Chris Sutton, chief executive of the RPRA, said, ‘We totally oppose the statement that pigeon racing is a cruel sport’. Mr Sutton, head of the body that governs the sport in the UK, added. ‘We recognise that racing pigeons are intelligent birds and always prioritise their health and well-being.’ But the animal-welfare campaigners say that pigeon racing is an ‘Often fatal pastime’ for the birds – and that they bought the pigeons at auction, ‘to spare the birds further suffering’. In their letter to King Charles, they say the pigeon they bought are now ‘getting the royal treatment’ in a sanctuary for birds in Wales. In particular, they criticise pigeon race that cross the English Channel, claiming these ‘kind and loyal animals’ are forced to take part in exhausting, disorientating flights, in which many do not survive. There has been a pigeon loft at Sandringham for 150 years, but the animal-rights group says it ‘Urges King Charles to cut ties with the cruel pigeon racing industry and turn his loft into a sanctuary for these magnificent birds’. Peta says it bought the pigeons earlier this year at a charity auction, for which the sale of the King’s Pigeons was advertised with a royal insignia on X. formerly Twitter. The sales documents show the transfer from the Royal Lofts in Norfolk. Mr Sutton rejected suggestions of cruelty or ill-treatment for pigeons and said that for long distance races, the welfare of the birds was ‘Paramount’. ‘Throughout their entire lifetime, during competition or at rest, we provide a secure and suitable environment’ he said. As fanciers we ensure that the pigeons receive the necessary training and support prior to competition, which we conduct at the appropriate time in the safest weather conditions. THE ONE THING THAT PETA; FORGETS IS THE AMMOUNT OF MONEY RAISED BY PIGEON FANCIERS FOR VARIOUS CHARITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. Joe M Continuing with my stories I came across an article written in the 1983 BHW Stud Book regarding ‘First National Race For Scotland’; which contained the report of the first meeting published in the Home News of 1st December 1893. A meeting of all gentlemen interested in the above was convened to be held in the Religious Institution Rooms, Buchanan Street, Glasgow, and in response some 30 or so gentlemen attended to decide this important question. Among those gentlemen present were Messrs, Dr Arthur and J Goldie of Airdrie, J B Clark of Bothwell, W Buchanan, G C Hutton of Glasgow, J H Johnstone Uddingston, J Tennant, R Tennant, J Smith, G Brownlie, J Wallace of Coatbridge; J Clinton, D McDevitt, G Hamilton of Glasgow. R D Brown of Paisley, J Clyde of Uddingston and Allan Carsewell of Glasgow and a large number of other gentlemen. On the motion of Mr J Smith, Dr Arthur was called to the chair, and on the motion of Mr C Hutton, Mr Alan Carsewell was appointed secretary pro term. The chairman in the course of his remarks, explained the object of the meeting, and cautioned the meeting to be very deliberate in all its doings, so that offence should be given to no one, and that, if at all possible, the race should be on such an equal footing that entries would flow in from North, East, South and West. He regretted that the Eastern fancy was not represented there tonight, but sincerely hoped, seeing that the south-west was a desirable route and lay favourably to them, and that the south east and thus unfavourable to western fanciers for racing from, they would still throw in their lot with us. The Chairman after some further remarks of the great desirability of inaugurating such a race, invited those gentlemen present to speak out and let their opinions on the subject be know, as to where the race should be flown from etc. Mr Buchanan of the Clydesdale H P S in response, rose and said he would very much like to impress upon the meeting the desirability of fixing the race point from some place that would suit everybody. Personally, he agreed with all the remarks made by the Chairman, and felt quite sure that if some point in Ireland was taken as the race point, that would suit fanciers, North East South and West and in fact that from his experience, Ireland was the only place where anything like equal conditions could be got. Mr J H Johnstone, of the West of Scotland FC concurred with Mr Buchanan in suggesting that the race should be flown from the south west. Mr James Goldie of Airdrie also concurred, and said that he believed that next season would see nearly all the clubs training the Irish route. Mr J B Clarke of Bothwell thought it would have been very desirable if we had the opinion of our eastern friends as to where and what distance the race should be flown. Mr James Goldie said that, in his opinion, this race, which was a race for the warriors, aye, and for old fanciers, not young fanciers, should be flown at least 300 miles and he would suggest Cork, as he thought a national race ought to be flown a distance that justifies its name and referred to the distance flown by some of the Eastern clubs. Mr Alan Carsewell, Clydesdale HPS quite agreed with all Mr Goldie said, but would point out that surely a race of 200 miles, with 100 competitors was much more of a national race, than a race of 300 with a dozen competitors, which he would very much like to see, was a race where every loft, of any standing was represented. Mr Smith Coatbridge FC proposed that the race be flown from Dublin, and this was seconded by Mr Don Clydesdale HPS and agreed to Unanimously. After several gentlemen present had been heard as to the place and date of the proposed race. It was unanimously fixed to take place on Saturday June 23rd 1894 and in the event of that day not being suitable for liberation, that the birds be liberated first good day (SUNDAY EXCEPTED) and that each competitor, at his own expense be advised by telegram of the liberation. It was agreed that a convoyer be sent with the birds, and that they be liberated between the 6 and 10am. Giving the convoyer in his option the power to liberate up to 11am, should he desire to do so. The race to close at 8pm same day. The closing date for entries was fixed for June 1st the entry fee per birds being 1 shilling, (which was 5 pence; 20 pence made £1) and entries made after that day were 2 shillings, per bird. All measurements be made from same map, miles and yards. It was agreed that to prevent any case of complaint, that only one loft take on prize, this is, even supposing two brothers fly separately, in their local club, in this race, they will fly under joint name. It was also agreed that the secretary invite all societies intending to compete, to forward to him the names and addresses of two representatives to act on the committee, and that without delay, so that arrangements may be furthered at once. It was the unanimous opinion, that all societies should lend their aid to make the race a thorough representative one. It was also agreed that diplomas to the extent of one for every eight birds entered be given. Mr James Goldie intimated that in the event of his cup which he offered last year in the Liverpool open race under certain conditions and not being forthcoming or available for the first prize in this race, that he would have very great pleasure indeed in presenting as a first prize similar cup value £5-5s. Mr Buchanan on behalf of the Clydesdale club, offered a similar prize. Mr R D Brown intimated his intention of giving a cup value £3 -3s for the first bird home in the National race; the property of a member who had not up to that date won during the year 1894m, 1st 2nd or 3rd prize. Several remarks by members followed, a very hearty vote of thanks being accorded to the donors of prizes for their liberality. A vote of thanks to the Chairman and Secretary closed one of the most successful and representative meetings ever held in Scotland. After the establishment of a National Race for Scotland, a meeting was held on the 19th February 1894, attended by James Goldie (Airdrie club) James Smith and James Wallace (Coatbridge) J B Clark & J C Hutton (Clydesdale) J McEwan and W Paterson (Blythswood) R Stewart and J Halliday (Hamilton West End). Mr James Goldie chaired the meeting, Mr Alan Carsewell, through illness was unable to attend, but Mr Johnstone acted in his stead as Secretary. Mr A Carsewell was confirmed as Secretary and Mr J B Clarke, Fairy Knowe was appointed treasure. A letter from the Secretary of the Bon Accord Club, Aberdeen, requested the date of the race be put back a month, so that their members could compete, but the request was turned down, as many clubs had completed their race cards. A letter from Mr William Grey, Berwick-on-Tweed, enquired if he would be allowed to compete in the National race. The committee agreed he could if loft situated North of the Tweed. A question arose as to the best station for the despatch of the birds, Central Station or St Enoch’s Station, the matter was left open until it was ascertained whether suitable accommodation can be got at either of these stations, for stamping the birds and as to service of train. The £5-5shilings Silver Cup to be presented by Mr James Goldie, be awarded to winner of 1st prize, the £5 5shillings prize to be present by Mr Williame Buchanan, be awarded to winner of 2nd prize. Mr Buchanan to be asked to give his prize in the form of a timepiece, instead of a silver cup. The Committee whilst thanking Mr R D Brown of Paisley for the offer of a cup competition in the National race, beg to intimate to him, that they can only accept his offer on condition that the cup shall be awarded to the person whose bird takes third place, irrespective of his having previously obtained prizes in club or federation competitions. On Wednesday, 7th March another meeting was convened in Glasgow, with Dr Arthur in the chair. The chairman made suitable reference to the death of the esteemed secretary Mr Alan Carsewell, Mr J H Johnston 194 St Vincent Street Glasgow as appointed Secretary, with Mr J N Walker as Asst Secretary. The Secretary reported that Central Station had a good service of trains to Ardrossan, by the Caledonian Railway, a room was available for stamping pigeons and accordingly that station was fixed for that purpose. A letter from Mr William Grey, Berwick-on- Tweed confirmed his loft north of the Tweed and it was decided he would be allowed to compete. Mr R D Brown Paisley appeared at the meeting and declined to agree to the Committee’s request, that his cup should be awarded unconditionally to the winner of third prize. It was intimated to him that his offer could not be accepted. At a future meeting held on Friday, 15th June, Mr James Don, 36 Portman Street, Glasgow was unanimously appointed to act as convoyer, Mr Don intimated his acceptance. On the 15th June, 1894, the Homing News printed a list of all members, their measurements and running times. The furthest flying member was J Forrest of Aberdeen, with one entry 312 miles 1480 yards, his running distance being 3450 yards and the time allocated by bicycle was 386 seconds. The other Aberdeen competitor was a Mr Caie 312 miles 845 yards, and so it was set for the first Scottish Grand National Race and the report appeared in a newspaper, thus: -- The first Grand National Race for Scotland was flown from Dublin on 23rd June 1894. One Hundred and ninety birds were entered, but owning to disastrous losses at Donaghadee and other training stages, many birds were lost and only 92 birds, belonging to 41 competitors took part in the race, which, notwithstanding, turned out very successful. The birds were dispatched on the Thursday prior to the race to Mr E Smith Dublin under the charge of the convoyer, Mr James Don, who liberated them at 6am weather clear, wind south west. In Glasgow the morning was bright and clear with moderate south west wind, but shortly after 11am rain began to fall, and continued with very little interruption throughout the afternoon. Result; - 1st G & H Hamilton (Govan) 1307; 2nd Forrest (Glasgow) 1304; 3rd J Robertson (Dunfermline) 1302; 4th J Tennent (Whifflet) 1286; 5th J Scott (Coatbridge) 1281; 6th H Arthur (Airdrie) 1268; 7th J Roberts (Tillicoultry) 1246; 8th J Wilson (Coaltown of Wemyss) 1225. With the following birds reported home next day too; W Crabb (Bonnyrigg); A Williams (Edinburgh); J Clyde (Uddingston) 2 birds. G & H Hamilton also wins silver cup presented by Mr James Goldie, president; West of Scotland Flying Club; W Forrest wins Timepiece presented by Mr William Buchanan, President, Clydesdale Homing Pigeon Society; W Black (Hamilton) and T Begg (West Kilbride) disqualified for wiring club secretary instead of national race secretary; R Wylie (Renfrew) disqualified for failing to verify race number, Murning & Curr (Airdrie) disqualified for wiring wrong number. It is noticeable in the report no velocity was given against the birds. From a newspaper cutting it was learned that a meeting of representatives was held on the 27th March, 1895, in connection with the Scottish National Race to be flown from Thurles on 20th July 1895; Mr J H Johnston was in the chair. After some discussion, Mr Wyse proposed that the entire management be vested in a committee consisting of two members from each club in Scotland, making application on or before 22nd April 1895. A meeting of said committee to be held on 30th April at 7-30 pm. Rules applicable to National are being printed, and may be had from Mr Buchanan; secretary, 486 Paisley Road Glasgow. At the next meeting held on 30th April, it was agreed to let all secretaries of club have copies and rules and entry forms for National Race. Applications were submitted and accepted for representatives on race committee from Mr E McDevitt (Caledonian Club) and Mr Alex McPhail (North Motherwell Club). Pictures ‘Liddle Supreme’ winner of 1st open SNFC Rennes in 1982; with a velocity of 1269.38 for the 491 miles competing against a convoy of 5.983 birds. Owned and raced by Shillinglaw & Wylie of Newcastleton. ‘Loan Frill Lady’ winner of 1st open SNFC Nantes in 1982, with a velocity of 970 from the 599 miles, competing against a convoy of 1536 birds. She was owned and raced by Jim Sanderson of Pathhead in Midlothian. ‘Dale Princess’ winner of 1st Scottish Central Combine, Sartilly 1982; velocity 1257.1 from an entry of 2928 birds; owned and raced by McCracken Brothers of Armadale. 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 www.pigeon-chat.co.uk who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland © Compiled by Joe Murphy
  2. sapper756

    e t s

    Is it Unikon, Bricon, ????
  3. Some top youngsters currently on sale in the Methilhaven breeder buyer sale on site just now
  4. Unfortunately online pigeon websites have suffered since Social Media platforms arrived, but this is progress apparently, and there are no monthly running costs for such platforms, unlike online websites. Basics must be one if not the only online pigeon website still running, although I have to be honest and say it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the monthly running costs. But I intend to carry on as long as Basics does not run at an annual financial loss. Thanks to all the Basics members who continue to support us.
×
×
  • Create New...