The Joe Murphy Column
Had an email from my dear friend Les Parkinson who wrote ‘Hi Joe, I thought I would remind you about the Charity event that we are doing this year. I am hoping that we can run this event each year and have the help of scribes to gather birds from their area so that we can make it an even bigger success. This year it is for the ISG, next year it will be for something else, we are always open to suggestions, we have already had a couple of suggestions. In our last event we raised a substantial sum for the Harvey Fund, he can now walk so a lot of satisfaction is gained. I have attached the logo for the charity so that people are aware of what we are doing this for. Best regards yours Les Parkinson - CEO/Director. If any Scottish fancier would like to donate a bird to this cause then please let me know by email or phone once I have more details from Les then I will let everyone know the news.
Race Results
Angus Federation
Angus Federation result of the Ripon race flown on 11th May 2019 liberated 687 birds at 08-00am into a light north wind. Topping the federation and also in 5th 15th 18th & 19th places are the Macaulay, Ferguson and Curran partnership. Davie Glen is 2nf 9th 10th 12th and 20th open. Ian Scott is 3rd 11th & 14th with David Liddle in 4th & 13th places. Bob Baldie is 6th 7th & 8th with Kenny Droog & son in 16th & 17th positions. The East Section is won by Charlie & Glen Cameron of Arbroath with another 2 birds in 6th & 7th places club mate Kevin J Murphy in 2nd 3rd 4th 5th & 9th positions with G Campbell of Montrose in 8th & 10th position.
Club winners are as follows; Forfar 462 birds winner Macaulay, Ferguson and Curran; Montrose 45 birds winner G Campbell; Gourdon 25 birds winner W Dorward; Arbroath 146 birds winner Charlie & Glen Cameron.
Arbroath Racing Pigeon Club
From the Ripon race a distance of 174 miles 5 members sent 146 birds; liberated into a light north wind the winners doing a velocity of 1281 are Charlie & Glen Cameron with a 2 year old blue hen who was 11th open SNRPC Arras as a yearling in 2017. She is bred from the “Duracell Dorrie” who is one of the main breeders in the loft. He is bred from ‘Duracell’ who was times at 23-05 hours from SNFC Reims on the night when paired to ‘Little Dorrie’ who won 3rd open SNFC Reims. The dam of the blue hen is a direct daughter of ‘The Perpignan' of Leon Messiaen. ‘The Perpignan’ won 4 times at Barcelona and is the base pigeon of Leon’s current race team. 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th is Kevin Murphy with a full brother and sister winning 2nd & 3rd positions. Sire bred by Billy Bilsland from this 9th open Alencon cock crossed ‘Isla’ winner of 1st open Leicester young bird national winner. Dam of the winners was from Tom & Scott McEwen’s Paul Stobbs bloodlines. The cock won 5th club Tow Law, while his sister won 4th club Lauder and 2nd club Otterburn this year both being in the section result. Kevin’s 4th club is a Danial Aerens crossed Crammond & Langstaff Euro Diamond family. The 5th club is a direct daughter of ‘Lucky’ winner of 6 x 1st and also 4 SNFC diplomas she is bred from Ron Lilleby of Barrow in Furness ‘40’ cock lines. All the members of the club wish Chic Carrie a speedy recovery from his recent operation in hospital and we all hope he is back racing with the club soon.
Almond Valleys Federation
News from Lynne Stewart who wrote ‘Hi Joe we had 1166 birds going to Catterick liberated at 07-30 on 11th April 2019. Geordie Harris of Blackburn club tops the federation and is also 2nd 5th 6th 7th 8th & 19th open with his winner doing 1282. Ian Jamieson of Balerno is 3rd 9th 17th with John Bird of West Calder in 4th 11th to 15th 18th; 20th to 23rd , 25th 26th 28th to 31st open Freddie Jamieson & son of East Calder are 10th with Colin Ross of Balerno in 16th open. Law & Brady of Blackburn club are 24th with Vic Couper in 27th place.
Club Winners are as follows;
Balerno 222 birds; I Jamieson 1270.465, 1231.033, C Ross 1225.340, I Jamieson 1221.583
Bonnybridge 336 birds; G Harris 1282.455, 1281.598, 1236.340, 1236.041
Carnwath 148 birds; McArdle & Thomson 1182.92, Thomson Bros 1173.84, McArdle & Thomson 1122.25, Thomson Bros 1111.88
East Calder 168 birds; F Jamieson & Son 1230.061, 1198.024, 1197.167, 1197.060
West Calder 172 birds; J Bird 1254.677, 1228.860, 1228.639, 1228.198
Ayrshire Federation 2019 season finally kicked off on the 20th April from Stobbs Camp. Once again in the hot seat (race controller) we have Jim O’Hare with Kenny Young & Jimmy Rice as driver and convoyer for the 2019 season. Jim had the birds up and away at 10-30 into a light south west wind for a race of between 57 up to 86 miles to the top end of the federation. Reports from the liberation site were the convoy of 1,511 birds cleared well. Leading the way into the federation this week on 1273.6 is Ricky Young of Moscow flying with the Kilmarnock Invitation club. Ricky’s winning pigeon, is a 2 year old blue bar cock bred down from birds Ricky obtained from his good friend Tam Blair of Stirling. Tam himself is no stranger to the winner’s podium being a past Scottish National winner and a top class pigeon man. Picking up 2nd federation this week on 1270.6 is fellow Dalry HS club member Robert Trotter of Dalry. Robert timed a 2 year old natural hen bred down off his old Bob McDonald Ko-Nipius bloodlines. This hen never raced as a young bird and only had 2 races as a yearling. Taking 3rd federation on 1247.1 is another fellow Dalry HS club member William McKinlay of Largs. This is William’s first year back flying old birds having been out the sport for quite a number of years. Prior to leaving the sport William flew in partnership with his brother Derek and had numerous top prizes with in the federation and the SNFC.
William timed a yearling dark chequer late bred hen flying for her first ever race. Her sire was brother’s Derek’s No 1 stock cock called the ‘Maidstone Cock’ a winner from Maidstone in the federation numerous times as well as some top prizes in the SNFC. This cock is bred down from some of the best birds from a very good friend, the late Heb Allison. The dam was a purchase from Henry Mair of Irvine containing the blood of the ‘Frome Cock’.
William McKinley
Derek McKinley and his trusty dog
Winners from in and around the clubs;
North Section (660 birds); 1st Dalry HS is Robert Trotter 1270.6. 1st Ardeer HS is J & C Nicol 1232.5; 1st Kilwinning HS is J McNeil 1226.9
Robert Trotter's 2nd Fed
Central Section (322 birds) 1st Kilmarnock Invitation is R Young 1273.6, 1st Irvine HS is H Pollock 1233.0; 1st Crosshouse HS is I Noble 1209.0, 1st Darvel HS is R Donegan 1197.7.
Ricky Young's winner
South Section (529 birds) 1st Cumnock & District is J Auld 1225.5; 1st Mauchline & District is A Plenderleith 1202.2; 1st Whitletts & District is N Young 1182.5; 1st Annbank & District is D Graham 1177.8; 1st Carrick & District is Jamieson & Cameron 1099.1; 1st Dalmellington PC is M McLarty 1016.6
Ayrshire Federation 2nd race of the season was due to be flown from Appleby on the 27th April; however due to intermittent electrical issues with the transporter and not being able to resolve it in time for the Appleby 1 race, the top table had no option but to cancel the race for that weekend. Next up for Ayrshire was once again Appleby on the 4th May were we seen a convoy of 1,701 pigeons entered.
Jim had the birds up and away at 10-10 into a fresh to gusty north to north west wind for a race of between 94 miles up to 128 miles to the top end of the Federation. Reports from the liberation site was the convoy of 1,701 birds cleared the site well but this was not a reflection at clock checking with many clubs reporting members had around the 50% mark home. It turned out a very trying race for the pigeons (this being only there 2nd race of the season) as they headed NW into the Cumbria Region that has proven so often, a graveyard for the Ayrshire pigeons and this race was no different.
Leading the way in the federation this week on a velocity of 1118.6 for a distance of 104 miles is the partnership of Dunlop & Aitken of the Mauchline & District club. The partnership timed a yearling Vandenabeele blue bar pied cock sitting 12 days on eggs. Next up on to the podium taking 2nd federation on 1112.3 for a distance of 128 miles is the partnership of R & G McCallum of Largs flying with Dalry HS. Robin was saying they had timed a 3 year old blue bar hen flying on the roundabout system and the bird was one from yours truly; gifted to the partnership. The breeding on both sides of this pigeon go back to some of my original Herbot pigeons originating from Derek McCullen’s from his Rex Doe’s birds. Taking 3rd federation on 1107.7 for a distance of 128 miles is another fellow Dalry HS club member, Derek McKinlay of Largs. Derek timer was a 2 year old blue bar Soontjen cock flying on the roundabout system. This was one of a batch of young birds Derek purchased back in 2017 from Glyn Stone.
Dunlop & Aitken 1st Fed winners
Robert McCallum 2nd Fed Appleby
Winners from in and around the clubs; North Section (670 birds) 1st Dalry HS winner are R & G McCallum 1112.3; 1st Ardeer HS are J & S O’Hare 1088.6; 1st Kilwinning HS winner is J McNeil 1060.2
Central Section (371 birds) 1st Irvine HS is H Pollock 1064.2; 1st Crosshouse HS is I Noble 1059.7; 1st Darvel HS are Cowan & Findlay 1058.0; 1st Kilmarnock Invitation winners are C & K & K McKerrow 1032.1;
South Section (665 birds) 1st Mauchline & District are Dunlop & Aitken 1118.6; 1st Annbank & District are K Harris 1083.8; 1st Whitletts & District is W Lawrence 1073.5; 1st Cumnock & District is J MacKenzie 1065.5;
Broxburn & Uphall RPC result for yours Bernie.’
Bo’ness RPC
News from Martyn Brown who writes; ‘Hi Joe, this is the report for the Appleby race flown last week. I hope you are ok with me working a week behind as it gives me more time to prepare my report and do it in my own time. The week building up to the 4th April was looking to be a tough test for the birds with strong north winds forecast for the Saturday. None the less the race went ahead as scheduled, which proved to be the correct call by the race controllers: although the birds faced a stiff test returns were very good, myself having 16 out of 16 within an hour and half from my first bird. At 09:35 a convoy of 978 federation birds with 255 of them being from the Bo’ness club were liberated into a light north-west wind, with Appleby being roughly 110 miles to Bo’ness. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Henry Borthwick of Winchburgh on topping the Central federation with a blue 3 year old cock doing 1114ypm, the second time this pigeon has topped the fed I believe. Onto the Bo’ness birds now and 1st club 12th fed with a velocity of 1095ypm goes to Andrew Brown timing a yearling Janssen cock flown on the roundabout, this is now the second time this pigeon has took the red ticket in the Bo’ness club having won 1st club Ripon as a young bird. 2nd club Bo’ness and climbing one place from last week goes to the ever-present Martin Sneddon. Martin timed a chequer yearling cock doing a velocity of 1091ypm to claim the 15th position on the fed result. The sire of the pigeon was purchased from John Gerrard bred down through Miss Marrabella and a Kees Bosua lines. The dam is a Soontjen from Kevin Lawson of Ollerton. The cock was flying to overdue eggs and was another one that had been ‘as far as Broxburn’ in Martins words. 3rd place goes to the Philpstoun loft of Pat Ward recording a velocity of 1083ypm. Pat timed a 2 year old Corbett Busschaert hen that has had some minor positions as a youngster and a yearling and is now proving worthy being raced on the widowhood. Well done to Henry Borthwick and Andrew Brown respectively.
Andrew Brown's winner
Fife Federation
The federation of homing pigeon societies sent 2255 birds to the Catterick race liberated at 07-40 into a light north wind on 11th May. The federation top 10 open positions are won by the following; Jim & Gary Peggie of Methilhaven club are first with a velocity of 1290, Brian Chalmers of Kennoway is 2nd & 8th with A Whittaker of Methilhaven in 3rd place. O’Reilly & Park of Dunfermline are 4th with Dougie Barnes of Crossgates club in 5th place. D Baldie of St Andrews is 6th followed by Frank Mitchell of Dunfermline club in 7th spot. Willie Pratt of Crossgates is 9th with Jim Honeyman of Kennoway in 10th spot.Top 10 in East SectionKennoway 306 birds; Methilhaven 159 birds; St Andrews 145 birds; Tayport 88 birds; Leven 165 birds;1st are Jim & Gary Peggie of Methilhaven, Brian Chalmers of Kennoway is 2nd 5th 8th & 9th, A Whittaker of Methilhaven in 3rd place D Baldie of St Andrews is 4th with Jim Honeyman of Kennoway in 6th place. John Harcus of St Andrews is 7th with Tam Cook of Kennoway making up the top 10.West Section top 10;Birdage are as follows; Crossgates 396 birds; Dunfermline 291 birds; Lochgelly 222 birds, Perth 181 birds. 1st are O’Reilly & Park of Dunfermline velocity 1266. 2nd is Dougie Barnes of Crossgates club. 3rd is Frank Mitchell of Dunfermline with Willie Pratt of Crossgates in 4th sport Allister McCudden also of Crossgates is 5th & 6th with Jock Hynd & Son taking the last 4 places in the section.Centre section top 10; birdage being Glenrothes & Leslie club 130 birds, Novar 172 birds; Brain Kinnear of Glenrothes & Leslie takes the first 3 places plus 6th 7th & 10th with Sean Diamond of Kennoway in 4th & 5th and Novar’s Erskine & Son winning 8th & 9th positions.Dunfermline LRPS news from David Kennedy who writes ‘Hi Joe, 12 members sent 287 birds Catterick old bird with this week red card goes to the partnership of Mick O’Reilly and Hamish Park, they timed a 2 year old roundabout hen with a velocity of 1266 ypm. This hen also tops the West Section within the race. The bird was bred by fellow club mates Walker and David Kennedy Loft No2 and the bloodlines are a cross of Marshall & Smith of the Up North Combine and George Atkinson of Market Weighton. 2nd prize this week is won by Frank Mitchell who timed a 3 year old roundabout hen with a velocity of 1258 ypm. This hen was bred by Andrew Lawley of Elson from his M & D Evans family of pigeons. Frank also won 3rd club with another 3 year old roundabout hen with a velocity of 1239 ypm. This hen was also bred by Andrew Lawley of Elson being off his M & D Evans bloodlines. This week nomination was won by the club winner for Mick and Hamish and Frank Mitchell wins this week’s 2 bird competition; yours in sport David.Glenrothes & Leslie Pigeon Club
News from Rosie Armit who writes ‘Hi Joe, for the 2nd race the Glenrothes & Leslie 3 members sent 67 birds to Alnwick. 1st club was B Kinnear with a 2 year old chequer hen doing a velocity of 986.559. She returned injured after 3 days from the Buckingham National last year. She is a direct daughter of Brian’s dark hen who won 1st section C 4th open Ancenis in 2013 and 1st section C 22nd open Ancenis in 2014. Brian was 2nd club with a full sister of the winner doing 986.106. She was a later bred 2017 and only had 2 races last year up to Ripon 160 miles. Both hens are racing celibate this year. 3rd club are Turpie & McCord with a 2 year old blue cock doing 976.952. The sire was from Robert O Jones and the dam was bred by Jock Scott of Kennoway. This bird returned 1 month late from Maidstone in 2018 looking very dirty, yours Rosie’. |
Traprain Homing Society
Hi Joe, please find the result from for our Wakefield race; were 13 lofts sent 545 birds. The birds were away at 07-30 with no wind at the race point. Winning for the 3rd week on the trot is the partnership of Sinclair Thomson and son. The winning bird was 2nd from Sedgefield and is an Aelbrecht from Taylor Bros stock. They also take the 2nd spot with a granddaughter of their 1st open SNFC Clermont winner crossed with Taylor Brother’s stock. In 3rd place this week is the Newcombe & Black partnership with a bird bred from the Brian Kinnear stock crossed Meirlaen on the sire side with the dam from John Hadfield. We had excellent returns again this week Joe many thanks yours John B’.
Pentland Hills Federation
News from Andy Miller with the Sedgefield old bird race flown on Saturday 4th May 2019 with 14 clubs sending 2497 birds, the convoy were liberated at 10-30 am into a north wind. Taking 1st spot is S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier doing a velocity of 1217.6. A.W. Robertson of Danderhall is 2nd on 1217.4. 3rd place is won by F Robertson of Danderhall with J Robertson of New Lothian in 4th spot. Willie Pryde & son John of Arniston are 5th & 8th followed by J Watson & daughter of Bonnyrigg with E Willis of Castlebrae club in 7th spot. T Nolan & son of Danderhall club are 9th ahead of Willie Kinnear & son also from Danderhall club.
Club winners are as follows;
Edinburgh Premier 220 birds; Gilchrist 1228 Gilchrist 1193 Gilchrist 1181
Danderhall 590 birds; A.W. Robertson 1227 F. Robertson 1222 Nolan 1218
Arniston 256 birds; W. Pryde & Son 1222 W. Pryde & Son 1218 W. Pryde & Son 1204 Bonnyrigg 194 birds; Watson 1221 Stark & Benson 1174 Neill 1161
Castlebrae 95 birds; Willis 1221 Willis 1217 A. Mitchell 1216
Sighthill 119 birds; Girdwood 1215 Girdwood 1197 Bremner 1185
Woodburn 141 birds; Allen 1167 Lapinski 1161 Allen 1149
Easthouses 130 birds; Reilly 1109 Bertram 1088 Thomas 1066
Rosewell 107 birds; G. Tytler 1090 Mackie 1073 Cunningham & Ness 1036
Loanhead 35 birds; Murray 1081 Williamson 1072 Murray 1061
Edinburgh West 49 birds; Lamb 1081 Verth 1071 Verth 1024
Peebles 31 birds;
New Lothian 38 birds;
Traprain 445 birds; Thomson 1170 Thomson 1170 Thomson 1168
Others 47 birds;
The New Lothian RPC with the Pentland Hills Federation had their Wetherby race flown on Saturday 11th May liberated 1694 birds entered by 63 lofts at 07-30 am with no wind at the liberation site. First 2 places plus 10th go to Willie Pryde & son John of Arniston with their winner winning £113. Stevie Lapinskie of Woodburn is 3rd with Willie Kinnear & son of Danderhall are 4th & 5th with their winner lifting £379 for its efforts. Stewart Gilchrest of Edinburgh Premier is 6th followed by L Mitchell of Castlebrae club. Aniston’s J Pryde is 8th with Owenson Brothers in 9th spot.
Joe’s Joke
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a 2 full years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. ‘I’m ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side caused water to leak out all the way back to your house’. The old woman smiled, ‘Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?’ ‘That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them... .’ ‘For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house’. Each of us has our own unique flaw, but it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. SO, to all MY crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!!
Drew's dog Gem
Please continue to keep the news flowing; to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or you can also view online editions on: www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk - www.Pigeonbasics.com - Pigeon Racing the Basics! - thecanadianpigeoninternational.com www.internationalracingpigeon.com or
https://sites.google.com/site/internationalracingpigeon/
Who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland
© Compiled by Joe Murphy
