NEWS FROM SCOTLAND
Reports by Joe Murphy
I have been struggling with time this past week as we had the grandchildren for 3 days as little Jamie had to go into hospital to have his tonsils and adenoids taken out so a bit of a stressful time for Beth and Craig. Plus the fact that I had just paired up the birds and have had to try and find time to spend with them but I’m glad to say they are fine and I had my first eggs in 9 days, which was good and I have the majority of them sitting now as I write this article. My good friend Guy Reed from the Isle of Wight was over in Belgium for the show and to visit our dear friend Bernard Deweerdt and he sent me the following.
‘Hi Joe, another year gone by and the beginning of 2014 brought me to my 4th visit to the Fugare in Kortrijk at the XPO. It is becoming a great place to meet the Belgian fanciers we have all become familiar with over the years, from the International results. The show offers something for everyone and I hope it grows in strength in the coming years. Personally I enjoy the scene and the opportunity to converse with fanciers, which is not so difficult as many speak such good English, and even if they don’t the camaraderie creates a fun time of trying to understand, with lots of well known “pigeon phrases” guiding the way. I particularly enjoy their standards of recognition in a fancier’s abilities as a team player, and consistency in loft performances. A system that honours not just first place! Their system recognises a wider picture of performances. This way, lofts of any size can gain the respect they deserve. It takes more than a single bird performance here. The first part of my journey this year started with a request from my travelling companions Mick Bunney (vice president BICC) and Kevin Bakes (both were brilliant company and their wit and banter kept me laughing all the way) to meet N&F Norman from Knokke Heist. They had a fabulous set up and we were entertained by their loft manager of 31 years’ service, and on his arrival, Nicolas was an interesting young man to speak with, about their wonderful performance racers. We all agreed it was a visit well worth while. Kevin was particularly interested in the line of “Zorro” and examined several of his offspring. While Mick and myself were very impressed with a black splash mealy cock of distance lines that the Normans were using to play on Barcelona. A great start to the trip. It was then off to the hotel to brush up and get down to some vitals, and some serious appreciation of Belgium’s famous Trappe’s Monk beers. This can be an interesting experience when offering it to your fellows who are not so familiar with its potency! Needles to say we had an interesting evening plus some guitar and songs thrown in from yours truly to help keep the locals happy too. Not an easy task next day, but rise and shine we did and flew off to the Xpo to be involved once again with a successful show, where we had the opportunity to meet new and old friends, including of course some chums from the UK, such as John Tyerman, with Scottish National winner Douglas Owen of Dumfries who won the SNFC from Ypres in 2008 and John and Lou McGee of Barcelona challenge lofts and Ian Crammond a gentleman as ever. Another evening supporting the Belgian brewers followed, including some very tasty food in a local restaurant, which started with a little surprise for my meat eating friend Mr Bunney who enquired, “Scampi doesn’t have bones does in it, does it?” At which point I revealed it was frogs’ legs. The waitress quickly replaced it for the Scampi after our laughter brought it to her attention. Well done Mick for giving it a try! Finally, Sunday and it has been a pleasure for me as always to take my colleagues to visit with one of the most genuine fanciers I know, Bernard DeWeerdt and family. This true family of distance birds definitely pleased my two pals, who had nothing but high praise for the quality of the birds on display. The DeWeerdt family are sure to continue their fame as you will be aware that Tim, Bernard’s son who also joined us, Freddy his brother, and his son Filip all race and assist on the affairs of the pigeon sport. Tim started our enjoyment of handling the birds by bringing in “Favori”, a consistent racer who at 8 years of age scored from Marseilles in 2013 winning 1st Club, 95th National, 281st International from 8848 birds. If you did not know his age you would believe him to be more like a three year old. Tim’s delightful son, who is growing so fast, also made an appearance, and seemed to be bilingual already. Though a little shy I am sure he will become another fancier some day soon, involved in the Deweerdt family sport. Mike and Kevin were enthusiastic, and had questions for Bernard and Tim who obliged with their experience of long distance racing. Many topics were discussed and we could have stayed longer but the clock was ticking and we had to leave a little earlier than planned to catch our ferry home. The whole trip went extremely well, and I would like to thank Kevin and Mick, who are real gents of the sport, for their wonderful company. They fully intend to return later in the season for more of the Deweerdt experience and it turned out a real good weekend.’
Unfortunately Guy has had problems with his phone and lost all the pictures he had taken on the trip which is a shame, however he has sent me a photograph of ‘Favori’ winner of 95th national 281st International Marseilles 8848 birds with a velocity of 855.414 mpm in 2013 for Deweerdt MW & Zoon of Kortemark.
Joe’s Joke
The mother-in-law arrives home from the shops to find her son-in-law Paddy in a steaming rage and hurriedly packing his suitcase. "What happened Paddy?" she asks anxiously. "What happened!!? I'll tell you what happened. I sent an email to my wife telling her I was coming home today from my fishing trip. I get home... and guess what I found? Yes, your daughter, my wife Jean, naked with Joe Murphy in our marital bed! This is unforgivable, the end of our marriage. I'm done. I'm leaving forever!" "Ah now, calm down, calm down Paddy!" says his mother-in-law. "There is something very odd going on here. Jean would never do such a thing! There must be a simple explanation. I'll go speak to her immediately and find out what happened." Moments later, the mother-in-law comes back with a big smile. "Paddy. I told you there must be a simple explanation... she never got your email!"
DCT
My other photo this week is of David Coward-Talbot of Essex on his trip up to Scotland.
Joe Murphy with David Coward-Talbott at the SHU Show
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;
© Compiled by Joe Murphy
