MASTERS OF BARCELONA.
This area of expertise belongs to a minority of men, and for manifold reasons. For most it is too far, takes too long and too hard on the birds. An intrepid few persevere with this endurance race of patience and perseverance. I have loved the race for 22 years, since my Barcelona Dream at 879 miles. Men of distinction have made their names on this race of races e.g. Padfield/Delea/ Goddard and Robinson. Have a go for the ultimate challenge in pigeon racing.
Jim Emerton.
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TRANSCENDING THE SPORT.
Certain people are large in our minds and perceptions of the sport. Publicity brings the personalities to our conscious attention as they become famous figures of the times. Recognition of good results, is often at the heart of this or a great pigeon. We need people to celebrate and write on in our times. More to the sport than money and pretty pigeons, we have the dreams, desires and ambitions of people who stand up and be counted. I am thinking of Jim Biss and Geoff Kirkland and The Padfield?s.
Jim Emerton.
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HOW TO BECOME A TOP SPORTSMAN?
Along with a natural gift and talent, it needs to be perfected by years of practical dedication. An enduring focus, sustained through life is a must. The top sportsman will be a singular, perhaps egocentric individualist. I like to see fire, drive, zeal and fierce determination in the psyche of the person. With success in your chosen field, media publicity is a must to become famous, if this is wanted. The process starts from within the mind in the form of dreams, aspirations and ambitions. These must not remain as delusions of grandeur or narcissistic daydreams, as they must be converted into tangible reality. Wise to recognise and credit all the people who will act as catalysts on your way to recognition and records. Believe me it is a long and arduous journey to take.
Jim Emerton.
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THE NEIL BUSH PHENOMENON.
There is a man at Amcotts with a distinguished and unique record in the NFC Grand National races over 700 miles. He stands alone, despite publicity hype for others, as he has been in the open result every year since 1982 to 2017. An old teacher the man is remarkable for his dogged and monasterial persistence. On a simple, open loft system, the birds are entered in rugged, hard and natural fitness. Not caring of money, commerce, publicity and fame, the man is an intellectual visionary with a single focus on the one race. I find his efforts truly inspirational, and enjoy his ongoing jousting with Denney and Gordon for supremacy. To me he is true to the essence of the sport and a purist-long may it continue.
Jim Emerton.
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WHAT DOES HE COVERT?
Our motivations and reasons for our efforts are complex. What is it that forges an identity, a personality in the sport. I go for self -expression and gratification, yet many seek fame, power, recognition and money. These are very human drives that makes us tick and colour the sport in rich diversity. Competitors like to be acclaimed as top dog, and nothing wrong with that pursuit of dominance. So, what floats your boat then my friends?
Jim Emerton.
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