THE GENEROSITY OF FANCIERS
by Jim Emerton
In the cynical and cold world of the competitive psyche are some lovely people noted for their simple generosity of spirit. Old JACKIE ROSS of Holtby said ‘good pigeons are given Jim’. His warm sentiment echoes in my mind now. I do not take any money now for birds of my origin, although some are sold. I like the kind feeling generated by the exchange of friendship, do you not? Believe me the commercial waters are shark infested, and great whites too! I sold birds to China in the 80s, and now I face the reality that most birds bred from any source will never succeed as racers or breeders - despite the hype associated with fame. Marathon racing hardens and it is nice to share communion with likeable folk.
I enjoy the people I mentor, which adds an extra human dimension to my life. My writings over the years have been open as to how I created my overall system, which is in capable hands. Modern racing is dominated by specialists, and I like to see genuine generosity in donation of trophies and charity birds, even though it may be free advertising and self satisfying. Despite my awareness of many negativities of the sport, my overall feeling and perception embraces optimism, and to fly Barcelona International into the UK, dreams maketh the man and results in good birds.
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Elimar - March 2014
