Matt Patten CHATS TO JIM EMERTON.
1 Matt, tell us all about you.
I am a 28yo, with two young girls ( 9yo & 3yo).
We have a small loft in the back yard, and run the YouTube channel (Winfort Lofts)
2 Why do you cultivate pigeons?
Pigeons have been in my life for as long as I can remember! My grandad has kept them since he was a young lad himself! He used to help the local butcher muck out, and clock race birds!
When we (my partner and two kids) moved into our current house, my mental health was not in great condition, it was December before the pandemic, and my depression was flaring up. When we went to the Blackpool show in January, my partner (Kat) and my brother (Stu) convinced me to setup up a loft at home. It was something I wasn't too sure about at the time, but so glad I took the jump to do so!!
3 Are you a lover of nature ?
I would say so, I often enjoy being outside, walking around our local lake, or going to the local country parks and walking through the woods with the kids looking to see what we can see and find!
4 What types of birds have you?
I currently have short to middle distance racing pigeons.
5 Do you read my books and watch my films?
Currently I don't, but that doesn't mean to say I won't in the future, the books on my shelf are ever increasing!
6 What is your target with the birds in your plan?
My target this coming season is to try and be competitive at club level. This year we only managed to complete one race, and then only served to support the rest of the results sheet!
7 Who are your hero’s in the sport?
The first name I always say when asked this will be my grandad (Gerald Howe).
He obviously introduced me to the sport, and to the birds! I have learnt so much from him, and he continues to offer me advice every day!
The next name here will be Derek Pedley from Blackpool. He is one of my grandads idols and close friends, we visit him most years, and he is always a font of knowledge, and happy to talk about everything!
8 Where do you race and which clubs?
I race back to Redditch, in the Romsley District Club, they fly in the Worcester Federation.
9 Will you race from France or Spain?
If the opportunity presents, I would like to race over the water.
10 What timing system have you?
I have the iPigeon V8 ETS system. It's truly incredible bit of kit!
11 Explain why you love pigeons?
I think pigeons are incredibly misunderstood birds, often dismissed as pests.
However you only have to spend a short amount of time with them to see how clever amazing they are!
Even people wouldn't be able to do the things these birds can do without the help of phones or maps!
12 Are you a people person-have they helped you so far?
I suffer with anxiety, so not a massive people person, but the people i have spoken to have been incredible and very helpful!
13 Any ideas on pigeon politics or meetings.?
I try to avoid the politics of the sport. However, sometimes you need to take stock and speak out when needed for the long term success of the sport!
14 How can we all help the sport?
I think we all need be able to highlight the benefits of the sport in positive light!
Try and get the public interested, and challenge the unhelpful message that lost birds will be killed by owners! That message is far too common amongst non-fanciers, and not good for the sport!
15 Have you a favourite bird?
Always do, the birds have their own individual personalities, so it's very difficult not to have favourites!
16 What is your job in life?
I am a Support Worker for adults with learning disabilities.
17 Any more ideas for us please?
N/A
18 How do you wish to be recalled in the sport?
I would like for my birds to be recalled more so than myself!
