I Bared My Sole

I Bared My Soul

                

In my articles, books and in the making of a film for Countryside Audio and Visual, no stone was left unturned in the pursuit of truth as i know it. I touch the essence in most areas of how it is to train and race birds in the evolution of a family to have success from 71 to 879 miles. Beyond the practical and objective sides of the sport, I touch on the knowledge gleaned in the process, and emotional, intellectual and spiritual elements of racing psychology. Some agree with me and some do not, yet in the last analysis I have loved the sport and cherished all the good birds that have graced my lofts. I dedicate my books to the memory of my parents who sacrificed so much for a dreamy and introverted little boy, who took a chance on success.

The Contribution To Film Of Countryside Audio And Visual.
Stewart and Janet have a touch of genius and great flair in the creation of their singular and masterful DVD films. I have watched those of The Kirklands, Frank and George Bristow, and R.J.Goddard and son, with a keen eye. The expertise, individual skill and personality of them all illustrate their wonderful achievements in pigeon racing, and they are all legends in their singular lifetime. All have been driven by a love of birds and a fervent desire to do great things within a modern and competitive sport where no quarter is given. The charm of Geoff Kirkland, eccentricity of Dave Goddard, and kindliness of Frank Bristow shine amongst a panoply of good pigeons. I support the ethos and sound principles in the making of these penetrating and insightful films into the essence of the varied and modern pigeon sport. Enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.

Adopting And Following A System: I reveal how I do it in print and on film. It is ironic that no one person will replicate it, as they are not inside my head-they all have subjective interpretations of an external reality. However Nick Harvey has evolved practices that work-he is the exception to the rule and has kept my strain alive after 41 years in the making. Teaching what you do is very hard, apart from the obvious facts within it. Every man is a lone and different island, yet the top fanciers contribute to the fund of knowledge of the times. Racing out of Barcelona is difficult enough to deter most people from attempting it in the first place. It is the ultimate race in Europe-have a go.

My Friend The Barcelona Monk: He is a complex and remarkable man. After a long, and colourful life he has evolved into a Barcelona purist. Each developing thought is geared from year to year to the creation of a performing strain in the greatest race on planet earth. To my perception and sensibility he is totally unique in a powerful and dramatic sense. With 9 timings we hope for more in pursuit of the perfect pigeon. It will not happen, yet the journey is both exciting and stimulating on a deep and profound level. It is an exercise of the soul. Taking a week’s holiday he sits in silent contemplation and anticipation of the heady arrival of another good bird. My early inspiration was The Bird Man of Alcatraz who went on a singular trip in the company of his birds that he cherished so dearly. We like to encapsulate all that is good and beautiful in the sport. The quintessence of it all is the buzz of waiting in the garden of expectation.

Jim Emerton