From The Chair
By Chris Williams
Well, here we are, as I start this article it is Monday 13th December 2021, is it me or are the weeks flying by? It will soon be time to seriously start pairing the birds, looking on social media it seems one or two already have youngsters about which I am sure has raised an eyebrow or two in certain quarters of pigeon land, but the beauty of our great sport is that each fancier can do as he or she wishes. One of the key lessons any of us must learn if we are striving for success in pigeon racing is the vital role played by the stock loft and the all-important selection of its inhabitants, for only the very best one can afford is good enough for a place here. Of course, there is a tremendous difference between the price of a pigeon and its true value as a breeder which is only found in the passing of sound genetic traits to its offspring. This is perhaps why many an experienced fancier refers to the old adage of, “racing is silver but breeding is gold”, keeping these ancient words of wisdom at the forefront of our minds many fanciers make use of the winter months to seek out the vital reinforcements for our breeding lofts. For many the selection of pigeons with phenomenal breeding capability is an art form , one which few have truly understood. Over a period of 60 years, Piet de Weerd became established as the finest selector of pigeons that this great sport of our has ever known . His stellar fame was attained thanks to his extraordinary powers of observation and the sensitive finger tips of his left hand, which he would adeptly use to ascertain the quality of the muscles . Such skill is the envy of a mere mortal back garden fancier such as myself . Despite lacking these gifts every once in while you are lucky to stumble across pigeons which simply ooze quality and vitality to such a vast extent that you can feel it physically tremoring in every sinew and fibres of their athletic physique ,this was experienced by myself and Dad recently when we took delivery of our recently acquired introductions for the pending breeding season from the Northern Ireland based partnership of Gibb and Byrne, following their successful auction on the Pigeon chat forum website . The moment we opened the boxes we were well and truly over the moon at the excellent quality and condition of the pigeons we had purchased and are both now really looking forward to pairing these birds and seeing the type of youngsters produce and putting them to the test via the race basket. For many fanciers in the United Kingdom The National Flying Club is the premier pigeon racing organisation within our shores and since its establishment in the year 1898 many eminent individuals have held the office of President from J. W. LOGAN, ESQ, H.R.H. THE DUKE OF YORK, .H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES to H.M King GEORGE V and now in the 21st century this illustrious roll of honour has seen another great name added to its ranks .There can be no denying that in the pantheon of pigeon racing greats, the name of Geoff Kirkland stands head and shoulders above the competition and yet for his success he is a humble and quiet man who lets his pigeons do the talking, how fitting it is that this great ambassador for pigeon racing has now been appointed to the office of President of the National Flying Club. Good luck in your new role Geoff and all the best to you and Barbara for the 2022 racing season!
How happy I was when I opened The British Homing world of December 17th and saw the return of “pigeons past and present by my friend Owen J. Vaggers . I received a beautiful Christmas card from him and his Wife Kath and the note it contained informing me of his decision to once again take up his pen , thank you Owen for continuing to share with us the great wisdom of pigeon fanciers past and present it is very much appreciated.
Back in November we spent a lovely few day with our friend Celia Carter of Bristol , whose late husband Nick raced pigeons in the Weymouth area for many years before returning to Bristol. Over the years we have spent a great deal of time together enjoying trips to Belgium , Ireland and of course the wonderful island of Tenerife and of course Benidorm . Sadly for the time being with the covid situation and having had to shield put a halt on our foreign travels but certainly not on the laughter we share and this was definitely the case when we got together to celebrate myself and Dads birthdays where a great time was had by us all.
“The Greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think “, in many ways this applies not only to life but also pigeon racing , many fanciers are far more concerned with what the fancier up the road is doing and think as opposed to focusing upon the happenings within the confines of their own loft , as we are upon the cusp of a new year, let us turn our attention towards the wonderful and numerous positives and unique life enriching opportunities that pigeon sport has to offer us. Let’s embrace the coming season with all the triumphs and challenges it has in stall whatever they may be but most of all lets enjoy our pigeons and time with our friends in the sport , be they near or far, because unlike most things in this world you cannot put a price on precious memories! Well I suppose now I had better begin to prepare for the festive period with my family and friends , however you are spending this season I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New year, and look forward to seeing you all at the 50th anniversary of the BHW Show of the year in January.
Chris Williams
A real "Black Beauty" Gibb and Byrne hen
Dark Gibb and Byrne cock a stunning specimen, double G-son of the Raven
A real masterpiece Gibb and Byrne hen, what a Christmas cracker
Myself with our dear friend Celia (behind me) with Mum and Dad, celebrating an early Christmas and my 32nd birthday on November 25th
Mr Geoff Kirkland, a true legend of the sport and newly elected President of the National Flying Club
Gibb and Byrne partnership
