NEWS FROM SCOTLAND
Reports by Joe Murphy
The past week has just ‘flew in’. Sunday and Monday was devoted to tidying up the garage with as much ‘junk’ taken away to the council skip and we can now get the car into the garage with no problems. Tuesday and Wednesday we watch our 2 year old grandson. Thursday is ‘Article’ time as I compile my report for the papers and web sites. Friday was spent doing some work in the garden (with a great help from Margaret). I thought that I would have a nice relaxing day on Saturday but ‘no chance’ as our oldest son and my grandson came and built some decking into the corner of our front garden. I have to say they did most of the work I was only the ‘go for or get me this’ but I have to say that the end product was worth waiting for and I have added a couple of photo to the column.
Our new decking feature
My Rhododendron bush in full bloom
First National
The first Scottish national race will be flown next week the 7th June from Buckingham a distance of just over 330 miles to Arbroath. I’m going to start helping Kevin this week with the training prior to this first event and hopefully we can have the birds fit for the task ahead. We are hoping for a good day and an early liberation as we have an event in the evening. My aunt (my dad’s sister) and husband have their Golden Wedding anniversary on the same day as the national and Margaret and I have been invited to the event in the evening. As you can imagine being married all this time they do not wish for presents but if the invited guests wish they can make a donation to ‘Mary’s Meals’ a charity that helps provide a daily meal for hungry children. This charity started with 2 brothers Magnus and Fergus MacFarlane-Barrow from Scotland, watched the TV news in 1992 from the Bosnian conflict with increasing horror. They were so moved that they decided to organise an appeal for food and blankets. They quickly gathered a jeep load, joined one of the convoys leaving the UK, and delivered the aid to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a place of international pilgrimage which they had visited with their family years previously. Believing their good deed done, they returned to their home in Argyll expecting to resume their jobs as fish farmers. However they came home to discover that public donations had continued to flood in, filling their parents’ shed with goods. Magnus decided to give up his job for a year to drive the aid out to Bosnia for as long as the public kept donating. The public did not stop and it soon became necessary to set up a registered charity, Scottish International Relief (SIR). The charity soon expanded and began to work in Romania, building homes for abandoned children, and in Liberia, helping returning refugees by setting up mobile clinics, while continuing to deliver material aid to Croatia and Bosnia, and funding additional projects. In 2002, SIR was operating a simple famine relief project in Malawi when Magnus met a family that led to a whole new area of work. The mother was dying of AIDS and lying on the floor of her hut surrounded by her six young children. She said that all that was left for her was to pray for her children, that someone might look after them after she had died. When Magnus asked her oldest son what he hoped for in life, his stark reply, “To have enough food to eat and to go to school one day,” was not easily forgotten. His was a key part of the inspiration that led to the Mary’s Meals campaign, which aims to provide chronically hungry children with one meal every school day. In this way the children are encouraged to gain the education that can lift them out of poverty in later life. This simple but effective idea has gathered momentum and today provides meals to impoverished children in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and South America. In 2012, Scottish International Relief officially changed its registered charity name to Mary’s Meals. Mary’s Meals began in 2002 as a one-off school feeding programme. Today they provide daily life changing meals to over 890,000 hungry children.So you will see that this is a wonderful gesture by my aunt and uncle and I hope they make a lot of money for Mary’s Meals. In closing this part of the column may I wish all competing fanciers in the SNFC all the very best for the Buckingham race and the season ahead with the club.
Results
Angus Federation had to bring their birds back to Ripon on 24th May for their 5th old bird race they also had 35 members sending 677 birds, liberated at 10.10am into a north east wind. Taking the first 2 places plus 5th in both the west section and federation is David J Liddle of Forfar with his first 2 birds doing 1140.2 and 1140.1 so a close thing. Davie Glen of the same club is 3rd 4th & 10th west section and federation with another club partnership of Macaulay & Ferguson & Curran in 6th west section and federation they were also 11th & 12th fed. Bob Baldie of the same club was 7th 8th & 9th west section and federation. The East section winners are 1st & 2nd is Charlie Cameron of Arbroath club with G Campbell of Montrose 3rd he is followed by L McKay of Inchcape club in 4th place with Montrose’s Willie MacKnight in 5th spot. B Main of Inchcape club is 6th with Kevin J Murphy of Arbroath taking the next 2 positions. Jim Peebles of Arbroath is 9th with G Scott of Montrose making up the top 10th place.
Club winners Charlie Cameron wins Arbroath: D J Liddle wins Forfar: D & D Hay wins Gourdon: M MacPherson wins Letham: G Campbell wins Montrose and L McKay wins Inchcape. Points League: D J Liddle 91 points and D Glen 83 points.
Arbroath RPC news from Kevin who informs me that the birds were brought back to Ripon a distance of 173 miles they had 5 members sending 122 birds. Taking the first 2 places is Charlie Cameron with his 1st bird a black hen a sister to last week’s winner her sire bred by Jos Claes and is a full brother of Jos. Dam is a Back Rik Cools stock bird. The 2nd bird was a yearling dark chequer cock on roundabout his sire was bred from a pair from Len Downie pigeons that won a minor position from Clermont and Alencon. Dam is a Ferdinand Malfait who had a minor position from Ypres. 3rd and 4th places are won by Kevin J Murphy with his first a yearling hen bred from a half brother and sister pairing from “Rocket” Kevin’s SNFC Silver Award Winner he won 422nd open Eastbourne 4.243 birds flying 419 miles; 59th open Falaise 1.619 birds flying 542 miles; 305th open Newbury 4.501 birds flying 360 miles; 94th open Ypres 1.243 birds flying 454 miles; 106th open Ypres 1.780 birds; 108th open Clermont 1.102 birds flying 539 miles. 86th open Alencon 532 miles 1.204 birds. Unfortunately ‘Rocket’ was lost going for an SNFC Gold Award. On the side Rocket was paired to a Brian Sheppard hen who was a ½ sister to his 1st SSCC Tarbes winner, 20th & 40th open Tarbes. The dam paired to ‘Rocket’ was a granddaughter of ‘Petite Rose’ winner of 1st open SNFC Tours 611 miles. My second bird was bred by Ian Anderson of Wick and has previously won a prize and is earmarked for Alencon this year.
Forfar RPC news from Gavin Ferguson who wrote Hi Joe, result of Ripon race (brought back from Wakefield) we had 12 members sending 290 birds. Taking the first 2 places is David J Liddle on 1140.2 with a yearling widowhood cock. This cock is from the Old Liddle stock crossed R Rome of Annan, the dam is a daughter of the Reims National winner and was bought at Blackpool show. This cock was 14th federation from Consett and 20th federation Ridsdale. David’s 2nd bird on 1140.1 was a 2 year old widowhood cock; this cock is from the Old Liddle bloodlines and was 15th federation from Consett. 3rd is Dave Glen on 1138.5 with a yearling widowhood cock bred by J Gardiner formerly of Letham now residing in Wales, this cock won 1st federation Ridsdale. Another great performance by David J Liddle with 3 x 1st and 2nd already this year also a big well done to the race control team who once again made the correct decision to move the birds back then in turn we had a good race returns wise. With velocities down in the 1100's it wasn't for the feint hearted but by the end of the day returns were very favourable: cheers for now Joe yours Gavin’.
Ayrshire news from Mark Finlay who forwarded the Cunningham 3 bird club result: ‘Hi Joe on Saturday 24th May 13 members sent to Appleby with 10-15 am liberation into a moderate east wind. First up with the red card is John Donald of Clyde Coast HS, this good 4 year old grizzle hen was a gift from neighbour and club mate Jim Howie & son she also wins the accumulator with a velocity of 1430. She now has 2 x 1st to her name and countless other minor tickets so well done John. 2nd place goes to the Ardeer HS partnership of Hutchinson & Tudhope, George and Jim timing their good 2 year old black pied cock from there Ken Buchanan stock won on a velocity of 1417. This cock being a gift from John Grant and Stevie McGovern (This partnership were the 2013 One Loft race ACE pigeon winners) this cock won Thirsk in 2013 and now has 6 tickets to its name and he is only a 2 year old. 3rd on 1391this week is Lindsay Cowan of Clyde Coast HS who timed in a 2 year old blue hen bred down from a sister to my 2nd open Bovingdon hen, thanks again for adding us into your column Joe all the best for now Mark’.
Almond Valley Federation Balerno HS news from Colin Bain who informs me that the birds were at Selby on 24th May with 6 members sending to the race. Liberated into a north east wind at 08-30 hours Colin Ross was 1st & 2nd both pigeons bred the same way from a Kit Carson crossed Bob Carruthers both birds were on roundabout and recorded velocities of 1041 and 1039. Chris McCann is 3rd & 4th with his first a 2 year old red pied cock on roundabout he is a Bob Cormack crossed Fred Jameson of East Calder and was doing a velocity of 1039 he has also topped the federation. Next is a 2 year old blue cock on 1013 again on roundabout is an Ellis crossed Donaldson, that’s me Joe best wishes Colin’.
Central Federation Broxburn & Uphall Pigeon Club result from Bernie Britton who writes, ‘Hi Joe hope you and the family are all well, you and Kevin will be getting ready for the nationals so good luck to you both. Here is the club result from Wakefield with 7 birds sending 329 birds this week Gordon MacKenzie took the first 3 positions in the club with 3 yearlings on roundabout. The winner is a blue chequer hen a granddaughter of Benetton from M & D Evens she was doing a velocity of 1230. Gordon’s 2nd bird was a blue bar cock from Mr Mrs G Kirkland bloodlines and he was a yard behind the winner. The 3rd placed bird is a blue bar hen ‘Gabby’ from M & D Evans and she was doing a velocity of 1226’.
East of Scotland News from Tom McEwen who tells us that they were at Newark on 24th May liberated at 06-00am into an east wind this proved to be a very testing race. Topping the federation and taking 5th place as well is Tom Waddell of Prestonpans who has had a great run of results. Finishing with a nice treble taking 2nd 3rd & 7th federation is Tom & Scott McEwen of Elphinstone. Richard & Jamie Combe of the same village complete a good double with 4th & 10th federation. Brian Lavery is always there and he pops up with 3 birds in 6th 8th & 9th federation positions. Prestonpans club is won by Tom Waddell with a yearling blue pied hen on 989 she was purchased from George McLean of Duns. 2nd & 3rd club are Tom & Scott McEwen with their first bird a late bred on 985 the sire is a full brother to Petite Rose the partners 1st open SNFC Tours winner while the dam is from Brian Cunningham bloodlines. Their 2nd pigeon was also a late bred last year and was doing 969 velocity the sire is a son of the BIB winner of 4 SNFC Diplomas and the dam was once again the Brian Cunningham bloodlines.
Fife Federation No federation result this week Dunfermline RPC news from Walker Kennedy who writes, from our Wakefield race a distance of 185 miles to most members the winner by a good margin is Alex Bryce velocity of 1131 with a 2 year old widowhood bred from Steve Gilbert from his Wildermeersch family. This bird should figure well up in the federation result this week so well done Alex. In second place is Andy Ritchie on 1097 this was a yearling Van Bruaene from Mickey Lock of the Wirral. In third place is Dan McNeely on 1035 with one from his long distant family grand dam won 1st section SNFC Tours and Eddie McWilliams ‘Gold Award’ that’s it for another week hope you are keeping well yours Walker’.
Glenrothes & Leslie Club news from Roy Cunningham but he has forwarded all the results since the start of the season but due to space and as a sign of respect to all the press officers’ who send in their results on a weekly basis I will only include the last result. 10 members sent 313 birds to Sedgefield and taking the 1st position is Brian Kinnear with a yearling chequer cock flying spare. His sire direct from Jimmy Gibbon of Sunderland and the dam being a granddaughter of Stitchy Brian’s good national cock. Ian Chalmers takes 2nd position with a grizzle cock sire being a Van Loon bought from Hans Eijkerkamp & son through the King Cole crossed Heaven lines, the dam was bought at Ponderosa UK stud which is inbred to Sinbad 2. Brian Kinnear takes 3rd place with a 2 year old blue cock flying roundabout bred from J Anderson Vandenabeele cock and a daughter of Stitchy.
Pentland Hills Federation News from Andy Millar who forwarded the Peterborough yearling open race result flown on Wednesday 21st May 49 lofts prepaid 162 bird with 44 lofts actually sending 123 birds competing for £2.800 prize money and a total of £7.125.50 including pools. Taking the top prize is Sinclair Thomson & son of Traprain with a velocity of 1369 and winning £1.255.00 for their efforts. John Bird of Prestonpans is 2nd winning £1.650.00 with Karen Newcombe of Traprain club in 3rd 4th & 11th open places winning £1900.00 Richard & Jamie Combe of Elphinstone are 5th lifting £480.00 for their efforts. A W Robertson of Granton is 7th winning £335.00 with Andy Miller of Sighthill club in 8th place winning £195.00 Brian Johnstone of Traprain club is 9th winning £143.00 and John Baillie of Loanhead club is 10th winning £70.00. Well done to all the competitors who entered the race and my thanks to Andy for the information? Andy also told us that the federation were at Newark old bird race on Saturday 24th May with 15c lubs sending 2295 birds liberated at 06-00am into an east wind. Topping the federation is S Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier with a yearling doing 1011. Club mate K Dick is 2nd with I & I Hunter of Danderhall in 3rd & 4th place. Willie & Barry Kinnear of Danderhall are 5th & 9th with E Willis of Castlebrae is in 6th spot. Owenson Brothers of Whitecraigs are 7th with Helen Aitken & sons of the same club in 8th place G Reilly of Danderhall makes up the top ten positions.
Club Winners
Edinburgh Premier 158 birds: Gilchrist 1011 Dick 1010 Gilchrist 952 Danderhall 359 birds: Hunter 1008.14 Hunter 1008.11 Kinnear 1004 Castlebrae 101 birds: Willis 1002 A. Mitchell 950 Napier 907 Whitecraigs birds: 108 Owenson 995 Aitken 994 Aitken 962 Bonnyrigg 163 birds: Smith 976.2 Smith 976.0 Gray 945 Gilmerton 188 birds: Baillie & Judd 959 McCue 953 Bennett 942 Edinburgh West 124 birds: C. Bennett 959 C. Bennett 899 Lamb 882 Loanhead 90 birds: Baillie 969 Morrison 949 Morrison 929 Sighthill 210 birds: Miller 963 Telfer 958 Keenan 936 Newtongrange 48 birds: Lawson 925 Power 879 Lawson 877 Penicuik 131 birds: Stark 902 Watt 858 Lawrie 817 Peebles 24 birds:Woodburn 173 birds: W. Pryde & Son 949 New Lothian 57 Traprain 361 birds: Thomson 994 Thomson 992 Lawrie 984 (No Result Joe M) Edinburgh Central -
New Lothian RPC had their 5th race on May 24th from Newark a distance of between 210-223 miles, liberated in an East wind. Winning 1st New Lothian and 1st Federation is Stuart Gilchrist & son Scott from Edinburgh Premier P.C. Their winning pigeon is a yearling cock raced on widowhood. The sire is of Van Loon origin via stock bred by Owensen Bros from Gorebridge who purchased their stock direct from Louis Van Loon. The dam also of Van Loon origin was purchased at a sale at the NEHU show. The race turned out to be a sticky affair with many reporting losses of approx. 20 to 30% although as usual many had good returns over the weekend.
West Lothian
Fauldhouse news from Daniel who writes Hi Joe, for our 5th race on 17th May 23 members sent 463 birds to Appleton a distance of between177 to 181 miles back to our area. Word arrived that the birds had been lib at 07 -15 into a south west wind and taking 1st & 2nd club this week goes to the Fauldhouse loft of C & C Smillie on 1568 & 1566 velocities. Sadly Joe I have no details of winning pigeons as you very seldom see young Charlie at the clubhouse. 3rd club is R McConnell of Whitburn with a yearling hen flying on the natural system and racing to eggs. Her breeding Robert tells me is from his Gunn & Cherrie crossed Preece Brothers of Wales’s birds which have been good honest birds for him. At clock checking only a few birds were missing which was a relief after the Charnock Richard disaster the previous week.’
Dalzell FC news from Joe Boyle who tells us that the birds were at Middleton on 17th May with 24 members sending 564 birds and the winner was Steven Selfridge on 1467 with a Jan Aarden crossed Chick McGinty. 2nd are Quinn Brothers with Brown McKeown 3rd with a bird gifted to him by D Walker from Gosport. Well done to Stevie on his first race win losing his novice status well done. From Uttoexter flown on 26th May 17 members sent 317 birds with King & Selfridge the winners on 1567 with a Jock Cosgrove breeding. 2nd Brown & McKeown on 1509 with a Jan Aarden crossed Busschaert (John McNeil Broxburn) 3rd is W McDonald on 1506 with a Sheldon Marchellie Janssen crossed Jim Cullen.
Joe’s Jokes
A blonde was driving home after a game & got caught in a really bad hailstorm. Her car was covered with dents, so the next day she took it to a repair shop. The shop owner saw that she was a blonde, so he decided to have some fun. He told her to go home and blow into the tail pipe really hard, & all the dents would pop out. So, the blonde went home, got down on her hands & knees & started blowing into her tailpipe. Nothing happened. So she blew a little harder & still nothing happened. Her blonde roommate saw her & asked, 'What are you doing?' The first blonde told her how the repairman had instructed her to blow into the tail pipe in order to get all the dents to pop out. The roommate rolled her eyes and said, 'Uh, like hello! You need to roll up the windows first.'
A blonde goes into work one morning crying her eyes out. Her boss asked sympathetically, 'What's the matter?' The blonde replies, 'Early this morning I got a phone call saying that my mother had passed away.' The boss, feeling sorry for her, says, 'Why don't you go home for the day? Take the day off to relax & rest.' 'Thanks, but I'd be better off here. I need to keep my mind off it and I have the best chance of doing that here.' The boss agrees and allows the blonde to work as usual. A couple of hours pass and the boss decides to check on the blonde. He looks out from his office and sees the blonde crying hysterically. 'What's so bad now? Are you going to be okay?' he asks. 'No!' exclaims the blonde. 'I just received a horrible call from my sister and her mother died, too!'
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 to my NEW EMAIL ADDRESS at;
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