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A Weekend to Remember For many fanciers, the third weekend of January is circled in red on the calendar, marking the annual pilgrimage to the Blackpool Pigeon Show. This year, I made the 4½-hour drive on Thursday, a day earlier than the main events, allowing myself a chance to reset and recharge. After all, the next three days are a non-stop celebration of pigeons, camaraderie, and all things related to our great sport. For me, Blackpool is about so much more than the pigeons; it’s about seeing old friends—some of whom I only get to meet once a year—and taking the time to enjoy the social side of the fancy. One of the most heartwarming aspects of Blackpool is reconnecting with friends made over the years. This year, it was particularly special to catch up with some of my Scottish friends, many of whom I first met over 25 years ago through the old Pigeon Basics forum. Blackpool is more than just a show; it’s a reunion, a celebration of shared passion and experiences. Has the show declined in size? Yes, just as the fancy has shrunk over the years. However, what’s encouraging is the visibility the event still has, especially through social media, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and YouTube. This year, a wave of YouTubers shared videos of the show, giving the wider public an insight into what Blackpool is all about. Some of these YouTubers are not even pigeon fanciers which is fantastic. Whether they’re showcasing trade stands, auctions, or simply the atmosphere, these videos are invaluable for spreading awareness and keeping the sport alive. It was also good to see the press covering the event, as they do most years. Any publicity is good publicity, and hearing of no major trouble over the weekend especially with the amount of ale that is flowed is always a positive. A highlight of Blackpool is undoubtedly the auctions. This year, the auction numbers were down compared to last year, with 1,066 pigeons available last year dropping to just under 500 this time. Despite this, there were some truly outstanding pigeons on offer, with certain sales achieving fantastic prices. However, one recurring issue raised by many attendees was the fragmentation of auctions across various locations—be it the Savoy, the Ruskin, or other venues. Centralising all auctions under one roof, ideally within the Winter Gardens, would make the experience more cohesive and convenient for fanciers. Currently, people often find themselves leaving the show prematurely to attend an auction elsewhere, which can detract from the overall event. Centralisation would keep the foot traffic flowing within the show, benefiting both exhibitors, attendees and atmosphere. The trade stand area is another key aspect of the show, offering fanciers a chance to stock up on supplies without incurring shipping fees. However, with only 64 trade stands this year, the space felt underutilised. Last year, the new conference zone was used effectively, but its absence this year was disappointing. Could this space be repurposed to house all trade stands and auctions under one roof? The show pigeons due to their size could still be kept in the main Gardens. It’s food for thought and would help the aging population of fanciers having to battle with long walks and numerous stairs. Ticket prices were another topic of discussion. While the Winter Gardens is undergoing much-needed regeneration, some felt the costs didn’t reflect the value provided. One comment was “I remember 20 years ago when there was 60 trade stands in the horseshoe alone”. Remember we are 20 years further down the line, the sport does not have the numbers it once had. For many, Blackpool is as much about the social side as it is about the pigeons. Walking up to the Winter Gardens still gives me goosebumps, a reminder of why this weekend is so special. Whether it’s catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, or exchanging tips and stories, the show fosters a sense of community that is essential for the survival of the sport. This year, it was inspiring to see how auctions have expanded to include a wider variety of pigeons and formats. While some were clearly hosted by some newer names to the auction world, this diversity brings fresh energy to the show and allowed different strains of pigeons to reach the market. Could we also look at introducing more moots and seminars into the programme? In the past, these events have been well-supported, attracting fanciers eager to learn and exchange ideas. What about bringing in thoughtful, experienced voices into the Blackpool committee people like Jonesy from Scotland, who has done an incredible job fostering community through his sales and events—could add significant value to the show. People like some of the famous YouTubers like Dan from ‘How to train your pigeon’, who can add what the viewers/attendees want and could put an interesting twist and maybe something different. Remember if we keep doing the same things we get the same results, and sometimes we need to take a step backwards or steal an idea from the past to go forwards! Blackpool remains what you make of it. Whether you’re there to socialise, shop for supplies, or hunt for your next champion, it’s a weekend to savour. Yes, there’s room for improvement, but the essence of Blackpool—its sense of tradition, camaraderie, and celebration—remains as strong as ever. For me, Blackpool is a reminder of why we love this sport. It’s a chance to recharge, reconnect, and reignite our passion for pigeons. As we look ahead to next year, let’s hope the organisers continue to evolve and adapt, ensuring that this cornerstone of the fancy remains vibrant for years to come. As Master Po once said: "The bonds we nurture define the strength of our journey. Treasure those connections, for they are the heartbeat of true greatness." Blackpool, like our sport, thrives on connection. These connections are what make the show—and our sport—truly special. P.S thanks to those who allowed me to use their photos!

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Little D Got a nice little message from these two lads who got a stall in the winter gardens there had a young bird for him to try If your going to the winter gardens today have a look on there stall got some cracking birds at working people prices Good luck lads thanks for the young bird

Latest update from Nicky and Eric at the show 1) Three wise men 2) Show entrance 3) First young cock, also Best Racing Pigeon. Reserve Champion of show - E and N Yule 4) First Old Cock - E and N Yule 5) First Show Old Cock - Nicky Yule Great performance guys well done

Some updates from Blackpool show Photo one - Coutts Bros entering their birds Photo two - Nick with the loft manager Photo three - Show hall Photo four - The loft managers All the best for the morn Who would not be rather sitting in a pub which is full of pigeon guys looking forward to the show opening on Saturday.

£46,000 for a daughter of Murphy's Law in the Duif sale!!!!! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1781BbFPcG/

Fife Federation Breeder Buyer Sale Monday 23rd March - Saturday 29th March Organiser; Brian Chalmers aka Thunderbigbaws ----------------------------- -----------------------------

The Joe Murphy Column While in the process of trying to do articles to cover the Christmas & New Year holiday period, I came across an article written by our late son Kevin, which he sent into the year books in 1993. Which he called ‘A Family Affair’. Needless to say, at this time of the year we are ALL involved with our families and we will never get over the loss of Kevin. We still have a close contact with his 3 children and their families; and as a accolade to Kevin, I would like to add his contribution to this week’s column. ‘Firstly, I would like to thank the editor for inviting me to write an article, it is indeed a very great honour. Secondly, I would like to dedicate this article to my partner - my dad Joe. Never have I met anyone who is so dedicated to our sport and to whom I have learned everything from. Thanks Dad. My dad always says that; ‘If you put enough work into anything it will eventually pay off’. That was our secret - Hard Work! Owing to the fact that both of us were off work due to ill health; we were both 2 fulltime ‘Doo Men’ alas both with different views. I have been interested in the birds since I can remember. My granddad kept them and my dad started in 1970 when he caught a stray and it was put into the garden shed. My mum was caught in the shed feeding and speaking to it. Needless to say, the shed was soon converted into a pigeon loft. Our most important aspect of pigeon management is hygiene. Our lofts are scrubbed out every Sunday morning one week with Virkon S from Vetrepharm, the next with bleach. We have good ventilation in the loft; therefore, the loft dries very quickly. We hate to see pigeons in dirty conditions. The most important thing I think about national racing is the birds. It doesn’t matter how well bred it is, or how much it cost, if it isn’t fully conditioned - it will never win. Many people send birds 500 to 600 miles and very few can condition them. Having made alterations to the loft, a new apex roof, and renewing the outside but trying to keep the inside as unchanged as possible. Improving the ventilation with the help of my friend and dad’s mates during the winter, it was now down to us. Although my dad wasn’t working the birds were still cleaned out at 5am every morning. Every weekend the floor and nest boxes were scrubbed. A pigeon won’t be healthy if it is picking dirt and disease from inside the loft itself. In previous years I would look after the young birds and dad doing the old birds. This year we decided we would work together as a team. When dad started back to work, the groundwork was all laid. Dad was up at 5am cleaning the old birds before going off to work. I was up at 6-30am flagging the racing team as dad left. At dinner time the hens were given the open bowl as the loft was cleaned out and the water topped up. At 4pm the race team were flagged as the hut was cleaned out again and the water refreshed using Vetrepharm products (from past two years). The race team were kept going until dad came home from work. (When he left for work, I was standing flagging them and when he came home, he found I was still flagging them ha ha). Our winner is a four-year-old chequer hen named ‘Mystical Rose’ she was named by my mum. She was bred from a Victor Lough of Dunbar cock and a John Bosworth hen. Previously she’d won 1st club (only bird on the day) as a yearling winning 8th open Fife federation Sartilly, being 16 ¾ hours on the wing. As a two-year-old she flew Rennes; as a 3-year-old she won 1st club (again only bird on the day being 15 hours on the wing) 1st federation 1st region C 20th east section 83rd open SNFC Sartilly (1) 3180 birds (I have added the birdage JM). Five weeks late she won 144th east section 236th open SNFC Sartilly (2) 3673 birds. Then finally this year she won 1st club 1st federation 1st east section 1st open SNFC Sartilly (1) 3293 birds, also winning the Ogilvie Trophy for best individual performance in the SHU. ‘Mystical Rose’ tells you herself, when she is right. You just have to look at her. She goes a lot darker in colour, the same thing happened at the last SNFC Sartilly (2) race. About 3 weeks prior to winning the national we noticed that Mystical Rose’s cock wasn’t looking too well, so dad took him out of the loft. (He died during the night; we think he had been poisoned.) Mystical Rose was paired to this cock for 2 years and wouldn’t look at another cock. After trying 4 different cocks with her (she attacked all of them) Then one morning a young cock was showing off to her, so at night he was put into her box. She laid right on time sitting her favourite condition, 15 days eggs. We sent 7 birds to Sartilly (1) race with 3 on the result; winning 1st open, 141st open, 127th east section, and had 6 out of our 7 by the next morning. Next came the Rennes race 4501 birds we sent 6 birds timed in 2 on the day. Our first bird (Rising Star) won 39th east section 53rd open being 15 hours on the wing. Our 2nd bird was ‘Matt’s Mealy’ winning 55th east section 75th open being 15 ¼ hours on the wing. We failed to time out of Nantes. The final SNFC race was from Sartilly (2) 2915 birds and we sent 6 birds with 5 returning home. Our first timed was ‘Lady Janet’ who won 1st club 1st federation 1st region C 4th east section 5th open. Our 2nd bird was ‘Nick Faldo’ a young late bred cock who was looking outstanding. This late bred was sent with 2 nest flights to only his 4th race of his life, and was timed after 12 ½ hours on the wing, from 515 miles to win 18th east section 36th open 2915 birds. I must admit to being totally over the moon on winning the SNFC Sartilly race, and anybody who saw me that night will surely agree. It was more satisfying than winning 100 x 1st in your local club. The hard work had paid off. Before I end, I would like to thank the editor for asking me to write this article and also to everyone who congratulated us on our win. It was a lot easier getting up at 6-30am to flag the birds now. But I would personally like to say a special thank you to my mum, Margaret, who puts up with a lot, especially from dad and I on our ‘Different Views’. Also, to dad to him I am deeply indebted, for without his help, dedication and constant nagging I would never have been so proud to be his partner in winning 1st open Scottish National Sartilly. Finaly wishing all our friends and everyone else in the sport every success for 1993. Kevin J Murphy. 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.pigeonbasics.com www.thecanadianpigeoninternational.com who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland © Compiled by Joe Murphy

Safe journey to all Basics members travelling to Blackpool today and tomorrow. Have a great weekend folks

Just to let everyone know we will have some cracking deals on the stand at Blackpool. Due to family issues since October we have not sold many of our 2024 pigeons this year. We have had to miss some of the shows and missed sorting out 2 auctions. We would normally do. So all these will be on the stand. Come along and grab a deal. We are offering all pigeons at reduced prices compared to normal and then if you buy more than 1 pigeon there will be 20% off the marked price of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc pigeons. Most expensive pigeon will be at the full price. 20% discounts will apply to any others. Including if you buy 2 at the same price. Example buy 3 pigeons priced at £100, £100 and £60. Instead of paying £260 you would pay £228. On the stand will be direct children of our national winners and there parents where possible. Children of combine winners Children of our up and coming top breeders that are producing multiple top racers and breeders. Children of top racers and some retirees racers which would normally go to stock but as we have cut down on stock numbers this year we are also letting them go. Plus of course Grandchildren of the likes of D’artagain, Amor, Prince of Rekkem. Dreamy. Sky runner Dream girl 200, Tip Top goldmine and much more.

Copied from Facebook Federation Show For clarification, this show is open to any fancier with racing pigeons I.e. Aberdeen Fed, Highland Fed etc. Second part of the show will be open to fancy doos any member any organisation. The object is to fill the club with pigeons and all to have a great day. I was contacted by Henry to ascertain if the North Fed was interested in a joint show I.e. the show fraternity and the North Fed, they have a hall booked. Sent a request to the Fed officials and the request was agreed. I talked with Eric Yule who suggested we both run the show which we agreed in, during the discussion we suggested the possibility of the Fed holding a show and sale as well as the “joint” show and that we should look at the possibility of a Fed sale/show at the Deveronside football club in Banff. When we have both had a chance to discuss we will let the Fed officials know the possible dates and if agreed put the full details on the FB page. I hope that the show in Banff (if it gets off the ground) can also involve a sale of pigeons and the usual raffle and perhaps a cup of tea etc. Any suggestions for additional items to be included will be welcome. PS I know it’s only Jan but if we get a date etc then it will happen 😃

Enjoy the weekend

Things underway

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