NEWS FROM SCOTLAND
Reports by Joe Murphy
The birds have settled down to their boxes and I intend to take the eggs up to Kevin soon as he puts the first round from the stock pigeons under his racers and that allows us to get two rounds from the stock pairs. Prior to pairing up I took pictures of the stock bird eyes and throats (I have to admit these are two of the fads that I have) and I’m over the moon with the quality of these pictures so will add a couple into this article to show readers.
Cock eye
Hen eye
Throat
Lanarkshire Social Circle
Received a phone call informing me about the photograph of Lanarkshire Social Circle for which I was asking for names of unknown fanciers. Well the second from the left back row is Willie Warwick of Symington and not Abbe Brown as I stated. Thank you to the caller and I enjoyed his chat about the old ‘great’ fanciers of yesteryear.
Flying Back To Nature Project
Had an email from Peter Humphries, Vice President Midland National Flying Club who wrote ‘Dear Joe, I read your article in the 7th February issue and the report about the work completed at Leswalt Primary School. As part of the Flying Back To Nature project with the MNFC I have written the website free of charge called http://secretmessages.org.uk I have also placed the project on the TES website at http://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/Secret-Messages-WW1-Cryptography-6406946/requestAction/update/
Leswalt Primary School may enjoy writing Secret Messages and the project can be replicated at any location. It is a cool way of getting another opportunity of having pigeons within schools. Please can you pass on the website through your contacts and if there is any further information anyone requires they can contact me and I will do my best to help yours sincerely, Peter Humphries, Vice President MNFC.’ My thanks to Peter for the above information and I hope other people will log onto the site.
Surrey Federation Transporter Fund
Welcomed an email from Paul Kelly whom I met at Blackpool Show. He wrote: ‘Hi Joe, further to your recent conversation regarding donations of pigeons towards the Surrey Federation Transporter Fund Young Bird Auction. Firstly I thank you for supporting us by donating a pigeon for our cause. We also have promises for pigeons from Ireland with your good friend Sheldon Leonard, Paul Byrne & Owen Kirwin (these two flyers are good friends of Sheldon}, Darren McFadden, Evans & Hawkins partnership, Julta Brothers, Roger Lowe, Derek Reid, Jimmy Connelly, Barnes Brothers of Gravesend, Terry Johnson, John Lane, Mr & Mrs Frank Carson, John Chipperfield, Colin Draper, Barlett & Jones, Jamie Clark, Jamie Law & Major Honey and Wicky Bullen. The above named people do not fly in the Surrey Federation and we thank them ALL for their support along with the many more Surrey Federation members who are also donating to the sale. The sale is being held on Saturday 15th March at the Sundridge Park Working Men’s Club, 134 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, Kent BR1 5AF, penning is 12pm sale starts at 1pm, and there will also be food available (see advert in the pigeon press). Many thanks for your help with this, it is much appreciated.’ Another deterrent against hawksGot an email from Andy Miller informing me of Bird Scaring Rockets that have been used to keep hawks away when liberating pigeons. If all conveyers who release race pigeons gave this a try prior to liberating their convoy it might be a deterrent against peregrines. It is suggested to let two rockets off before liberation. These Sky-Bird scaring rockets are designed to clear away birds in response to a very loud bang overhead. Launched at an angle of approx. 45°, by an out-of-view operator, the unexpected loud mid-air explosion ensures non return for many hours - especially if reinforced by a second rocket set off very soon after the first. Birds become accustomed to all conventional bird scaring equipment if regular changes are not made in location and timing (as we all know with farmers using these in their fields to keep birds from their crops). Sky-Bird Rockets are best used, not as a substitute for other methods, but to enhance their effectiveness by introducing a new element of shock and surprise and if it saves a convoy of racing pigeons from being attacked then it is worth the effort and money. You can find out more about these by looking at the Portek Bird Scaring Rockets on their website the product code is 71491004 and they cost £19.62 (including VAT) plus postage. Surely worth a try and if any convoyer does try them during the year I will be glad to hear their response.
Joe’s Joke
Sex at 79: I just took a leaflet out of my mailbox, informing me that I can have sex at 79. I'm so happy, because I live at number 81. Plus it is not too far to walk home afterwards, as it is on the same side of the street and I don't even have to cross the road!
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Last month, a world-wide telephone survey was conducted by the United Nations. The only question asked was:-
"Would you please give your honest opinion about possible solutions to the
food shortage in the rest of the world"
The survey was a complete failure because:
In Eastern Europe they didn't know what "honest" meant.
In Western Europe they didn't know what "shortage" meant.
In Africa they didn't know what "food" meant.
In China they didn't know what "opinion" meant.
In the Middle East they didn't know what "solution" meant.
In South America they didn't know what "please" meant.
In the USA they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant.
And in Britain everyone hung up as soon as they heard the Indian accent.
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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