The Joe Murphy Column reports on Newark

The Joe Murphy Column

We are nearing the end of the old bird season with only a few national races still to come. Kevin was racing from Newark a distance of 250 miles which is excellent with the distance racing about to begin. Plus the fact the birds started to show some form as he won the race and had 4 on the result and he had 2 birds make the federation result. His winner is a first cross; sire is from my good and dear friend Billy Bilsland of Ayton down from his SNFC winner ‘Isla’. The dam of the winner is bred by Tom & Scott McEwen of Elphinstone from their Paul Stobbs family. Unfortunately this stock hen took unwell and I had to kill her on the 13^th August 2017 however her daughter ‘106’ has done well in the race team. Kevin’s 2^nd bird is a Leo Van Rijn from stock from fellow scribe Adrian Duggins; sire is from Favour 402 a son of Ace 576 when he was mated to Beauty Hen a granddaughter of ‘Jannie’ winner of 1^st 12568 birds. The dam Kevin’s 2^nd bird is Angela who bred winners in her first year breeding she is from Blue Prince 814 and Royal Princess 814. I was talking to my old mate Graham White of Dumbarton the other day and asked how his son Strachan was getting on and he informed me that he was now 13 years old which Margaret and I could not get over.(see photograph) I have also added a photograph of Graham’s good mealy hen ‘Gilly’ named after his wife; she won 3^rd section F SNFC Leicester 270 miles young bird national in 2006 with a velocity of 528; 3^rd section F SNFC Eastbourne 411 miles velocity 1076 in 2007; 2^nd section F SNFC Alencon 555 miles velocity 631; 3^rd section F 152^nd open SNFC Falaise 527 miles in 2009 recording a velocity 719. She was bred and raced by Graham as flew as Baird; White & Barlow who were Graham’s silent partners. Gilly only ever had 4 national races and was never out of the top 3 in the section from all the above races, and when you take into account they were all a west wind so therefore where on her nose. A quality pigeon and a quality man is our Graham, good luck my old mate, nice to speak to you once again.

Strachan

Results

Angus Federation held their race Newark race on the 11^th of July with 327 birds competing, Kenny Droog reports the following. Hi Joe, this race from Newark was not at all easy and the birds were well spaced out possibly the hard race the week before may have had a bearing on it. Again the birds were away into a west North West wind but by Otterburn the wind was mainly west and by the time the birds were arriving was quite fresh pushing the birds up the coast. Liberated at 6-20am both Dundee and Angus go down the road together with some of their races being open combines, at Angus the winning bird is a two year old blue white flight cock raced on roundabout, he was a clear winner this week on 1202, raced by yours truly Ken Droog, his sire is a Marcel Aelbrecht bred by Taylor Bros of Newbiggin by Sea and is a direct son of old stock pair who are responsible for many big winners up to 1^st national level. His dam is a Van Dorp of Rotterdam from their old family her sire being a super racer breeder and her dam a combine winning hen. Last week this cock was 6^th federation on an even harder day from Wakefield vel 1084 in fact only three pigeon appear on this week’s result and were on last week’s. These belonging to Charlie and Glen Cameron on 1634 winning 14^th federation Wakefield and 18^th federation Newark, this birds sire is a son of ‘Little Dorrie’ winner of 3^rd open SNFC Reims crossed with a Keith Bush cock that had won 51^st open Reims, the dam of 1634 is a direct ‘Leon Messiaen’ from his best distance racer the ‘St Vincent’. This partnership had a very good race winning 6^th, 7^th, 12^th, 13^th and 18^th. The 6^th federation is a 4 year old hen she has previously flown Troyes and Reims, she is bred from a son of Leon Messiaen`s base pigeon the Perpignan, the Perpignan is grandfather of the partnerships great (Branch) winner of 1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> open SNFC Roye, their 7<sup>th</sup> Fed is a 3 year old cock who had previously won 2<sup>nd</sup> open SNRPC Arras, he is inbred to The Castres of Leon Messiaen with a touch of Keith Bush. The other bird who has appeared on both results is another belonging to Ken Droog a yearling cock who won 4<sup>th</sup> federation Wakefield doing 1085 and now 17<sup>th</sup> federation doing a velocity of 1144, he is a Geerinckx x Leo van Rijn his sire being bred by Taylor Brothers of Newbiggin on Sea. Ken also timed another yearling cock an Aelbrecht that wins 10<sup>th</sup> federation his sire being a inbred grandson to the Great Bak 17. Second and 3<sup>rd</sup> federation is Ian Scott one of Forfar`s best fanciers, he timed a mother and daughter on roundabout, they go back to Bob Baldie`s pigeon which he had direct from the late great Jim Biss, it was this same blood that Ian won the SNFC Roye race flying 533 miles a couple years ago. Fourth federation goes to Jim McCafferty who has been having a good season he is a widowhood cock Aarden crossed Ken Hine of England his g/g/sire being Ken`s famous ‘Palamos’ National winner. 1^st east section and 5^th federation goes to Kevin Murphy, he had a good day also winning 9^th federation. (You will have these details Joe) Eric Galloway wins 5^th club and 8^th fed with a yearling cock containing the Marshall bloodlines; he had previously won 12^th federation at Ripon 2 weeks ago. W Dorward of Gourdon is 11^th & 16^th with Davie Glen of Forfar winning 14^th & 15^th federation. Macaulay Ferguson & Curran are 20^th

East Section

Winner is Kevin Murphy of Arbroath who is also 4^th 8^th & 10^th with Charlie & Glen Cameron of the same club winning 2^nd 3^rd 6^th 7^th & 9^th positions. W Dorward of Gourdon is 5^th & 8^th.

Club winners; Forfar 207 bird’s winner Kenny Droog & son; Montrose 10 birds winner George Campbell; Gourdon 18 birds winners W Dorward; Arbroath 92 birds winner Kevin Murphy.

Arbroath Racing Pigeon Club from the

This week’s race was from Newark a distance of 205 miles with 5 members sending 92 birds liberated at 6-20 hours into a north to north west wind. Taking 1^st club is Kevin J Murphy with a 3 year old chequer hen. She has been a steady racer and has won 1^st prize from this same race point last year. Her sire is a Billy Bilsland cock that is a direct daughter of ‘Isla’ a winner of 1^st open SNFC young bird national who also turned out to be an outstanding stock hen.  Dam is a pied hen from Tom & Scott McEwen from their Paul Stobbs family of pigeons, who have done very well for us since their introduction. Unfortunately this pied took ill and had to be put down. Second and 3^rd club are father Charlie and son Glen Cameron with a 4 year old hen who has flown Troyes and Reims previously. She is bred from a son of Leon Messiaen’s base pigeon ‘The Perpignan’ who is the grandfather of ‘Branch’ winner of 1^st & 3^rd open SNFC Roye. Dam is also a granddaughter of Scherer’s -Hauben’s ‘Aurora Primus’ inter Pares 2006-2010 ace pigeon in Europe. This is awarded to the pigeon with best results over a 5 year period her highest position being 18^th National Barcelona. The partners 3^rd club with a 3 year old cock whose best result is 2^nd and 20^th open SNRPC Arras in 2018 and 2019. He is inbred to the ‘Castres’ of Leon Messiaen with a touch of Keith Bush and Martin Ravelingien long distance bloodlines added.

Almond Valley Federation

The federation held their race on the 11^th July from Billericay with 109 birds being sent by the members liberated at 5-45am the winner was G Young of West Calder; his namesake Jimmy Young of East Calder is 1^st 8^th & 9^th east section 2^nd 15^th & 22^nd open. John Jamieson of the same club is 2^nd 4^th 7^th & 11^th east section 3^rd 6^th 13^th & 26^th open with his brother Freddie and his son winning 3^rd 5^th 6^th & 10^th east section 4^th 7^th 10^th & 25^th open both brothers are having a great season. As is the next fancier John Bird of West Calder who is 2^nd 3th 7^th 10^th & 15^th west section 5^th 8^th 14^th 18^th & 24^th open. Another loft with a winning streak at the moment is Jock & Isobel Alston of West Calder who are 4^th 5^th 6^th 8^th 9^th & 11^th west section 9^th 11^th 12^th 16^th 17^th & 19^th open their club mates J Warwick & son are 12^th & 13^th west section 20^th & 21^st open they are followed by W Watson of the same club who wins 14^th west section 23^rd open with Burnside & Drysdale of East Calder winning 12^th east section 27^th open and the final positon is won by R Robertson of West Calder winning 16^th west section 16^th open. My thanks to Lynne for the result and may I wish all the federation members all the best for the national races which are coming up, look forward to seeing some of these names on the results, good luck everyone.

1st Fed Newark Kenny Droog

Ayrshire Federation

News from Archie McIntyre this week: Hi Joe, Hope all is well with the family and yourself. Please find attached race report from Ayrshire Fed for their 3rd race of the old birds of the season from Ripon flown on the 11^th July 2020. I have also attached 2 photographs. The first is of Derek McKinlay winner of 1^st & 3^rd federation. In the photo are 2 of Derek's granddaughters, Layla and Arwen. Would it be possible Joe to mention the girl’s names along with the photo please. The second photo is of Robert Reid with his 2^nd federation winner. Ayrshire Federation was due to race from Ripon on the 5th July, but due to the poor weather over that weekend and the federation not having a driver available to take them for a Monday race, the federation had no option but to cancel racing that weekend. Jim O’Hare had the convoy of 1,795 birds up and away at 06-45 into a light west wind for a race of between 142 miles up to 176 miles to the top end of the federation. Leading the way in the federation this week taking 1^st and 3^rd fed on 979.2 & 959.2 is Derek McKinlay of Largs. One of the furthest flying lofts in the our organisation. Derek timed 2 yearling’s flying on the roundabout system; both pigeons are bred down from his old family of pigeons that have put in many notable positions across federation and national level over the years.

Robert Reid

Picking up 2^nd federation this week on 963.5 is Robert Reid of Beith. It is not uncommon to see Roberts name up around the top of the leader board as he just follows on from where the season ended last year; when he won Ayrshires top award of ‘The Anderson Memorial Shield’ as well as 4 x 1^st section F awards from 300 miles to 580 miles in the SNFC. Robert timed a yearling hen sent sitting eggs, she had every race this year and is part of a trio of pigeons mated together. Her sire came from Jim Hannah while her dam is home bred. The dam is bred down from the John Anderson cock mated with a daughter of the SNFC Wanstead Flats section winner. The dam of the yearling hen also won 1^st club 7^th fed from Wetherby last year as a yearling.

Winners from in and around the clubs;

D McKinlay

North Section sent 756 birds; 1^st Dalry HS is D McKinlay 979.267, 1^st Ardeer HS is J Simpson 940.225, 1^st Kilwinning HS is M Salmon 936.404,

Central Section sent 295 birds; 1^st Darvel HS is R Donegan 931.603, 1^st Irvine HS are McKenna & Diamond 912.544. 1^st Kilmarnock Invitation is R Young 906.280.

Andy McKenna

South Section sent 744 birds; 1^st Whitletts & District are Cree & Cuthbert 952.971, 1^st Cumnock & District is W Johnstone 934.350, 1^st Annbank & District is J Mathieson 813.700, 1^st Mauchline & District is E Stewart 777.162, and 1^st Dalmellington Pigeon Club is J Sloan 708.900. Many thanks’ once again Joe.

Central Federation

Broxburn & Uphall Pigeon Club; news from Bernie Britton who wrote, ‘Hi Joe, our result from the Peterborough race flown on the 11^th July had the bird away at 07-00am into west wind. Taking 1^st club 3rd federation is Gordon MacKenzie flying a yearling hen on roundabout. Her breeding is a half Macaloney from his good friend Willie Macaloney she is a half-brother to their good pigeon ‘Caesar’. Dam is a Gabby late bred from Gordon’s original stock. In 2nd club is John McNeill winning 5^th fed his timer was a blue yearling Gabby cock on roundabout bred from his stock birds from his good friends D & J Hawkins & Evans. He won in the club & federation last year being 3^rd section D 55^th open SNFC young bird national. This year he has won 13^th federation Ripon, 11^th fed Newark. 3^rd club 6^th federation is John McNeill with a blue bar pied yearling hen, of Lambrecht stock on roundabout; He won in the federation last year and was bred by his good friend Terry Rigney; who has bred some good birds for other fancier’s. John was also 15^th 16^th & 17^th fed. With Pat Rafferty & son wining 7^th fed. WELL DONE to Peter Keogh from the Winchburgh club on winning 1^st & 2^nd in the federation. (Hope to have some information for you Joe on the Combine yearling winner Bernie) Wishing you and Kevin all the best for the national races; which are just round the corner yours Bernie’?

Dundee Federation

Billy McEwan

Kenny Droog also sent me in the above federation result were 20 member sent 216 birds to Newark with Angus federation liberated 06-20 am into a North West wind. Billy McEwan took the top spot and also won 2^nd 4^th 6^th 8^th to 13^th 16^th & 18^th great flying and well done Billy a truly great performance. Bruce McKenzie of Lochee is 3^rd with Danny Henderson winning 5^th 14^th 15^th & 20^th places. John Wiseman is too the fore again with a bird winning 7^th spot. Mark Young wins 17^th place with Jack & L (sorry Jack forgot your wife’s name) Alexander winning 19^th place. Fancier of the Year so far is as follows; Danny Henderson 77 points; Billy McEwan 74 points, John Wiseman 67^th; Bruce McKenzie 54 points: Mark Young & George Briggs both on 50 points with John McBride and George Brown both on 39 points.

East of Scotland Federation

George Veitch

News from Tom McEwen who wrote, ‘Hi Joe, please find our result from Newark with the convoy liberated at 6am into a west to North West wind. Topping the federation is former SNFC Gold Cup winner George Veitch of East Saltoun with a 2 year old blue cock gifted to him by Jim McNeil of Tranent, this cock was 4^th federation last week. Competing yet another top 10 treble is the inform John Bird of Prestonpans. This time John finished 2^nd 7^th & 8^th open. Completing a great double with 3^rd & 5^th federation is Keith Howie of Prestonpans club. The 3^rd open was Keith’s multi winning blue cock ‘Blue Arrow’ and 5^th open was last week federation winner a full sister to ‘Blue Arrow’. Tom & Scott McEwen of Elphinstone come in with a nice top ten double finishing 4^th & 10^th open. There again in 6^th open and keeping his name to the fore is Tam Hunnam from Port Seton. Willie & Maureen Smith of Macmerry celebrate their first season back in the federation with a 9^th open card.

Blue Arrow

Prestonpans Homing Society 1^st place with a yearling Vandenabeele blue bar hen direct from Woodside Lofts is John Bird. Her sire is a grandson of ‘Champion Shadow’ he is also the grandson of ‘Golden Gabby’. Her dam is a double granddaughter of ‘Champion Shadow’. As a youngster she race consistently out to Newark. 2^nd club is Keith Howie with his 3 year old blue cock ‘Blue Arrow’ this cock’s results is outstanding; winning the following federation positions; 1^st 2^nd 3^th & 4^th open. He is a pure Vandenabeele from Hawkins & Evans bloodlines. Blue Arrow was featured last season in a report Joe Murphy did on Keith Howie, 3^rd club are Tom & Scott McEwen with a yearling chequer hen; her sire being an inbred to their 5^th open Gold Cup winner and SNFC Silver Award winner. The dam is inbred to ‘Starlight’ both bloodlines are from Mark Gilbert of Southfield Lofts. That’s it once again Joe the nationals will soon be upon us it is going to be a shorter season than ever.  

Fife Federation

The members sent 995 birds to Melton Mowbray open a distance of 250 to 260 miles for the membership on the 12^th July with the convoy liberated at 6-30am into a light west wind. The form loft of Brian Chalmers of Kennoway tops the federation and east section he is also 5^th 8^th 9^th 10^th 11^th 12^th 13^th 14^th & 19^th east section 5^th 8^th 13^th 17^th 18^th 20^th 21^st 22^nd 23^rd & 29^th open outstanding flying. Dave Baldie of St Andrews is 2^nd & 21^st east section 2^nd & 32^nd open. Clark & son of Leven club are 3^rd east section 3^rd open Davie Hunter of Methilhaven club is 4^th & 7^th east section and 4^th & 9^th open with J Hynd & son of Crossgates club winning 1^st & 4^th west section 6^th & 14^th open with R Cunningham wins 1^st centre section 7^th open. Honeyman & son of Kennoway are 7^th east section 10^th open. Jim Doig of Lochgelly is 2^nd & 3^rd west section 11^th & 12^th open. Rab Purdie of Glenrothes is 2^nd & 3^rd centre section 15^th & 16^th open with Erskine & son of Novar winning 4^th 5^th & 6^th centre section 19^th 24^th & 31^st open. Willie Pratt of Crossgates wins 5^th west section & 34^th open.

Pentlandhills Federation

News from Andy Miller who wrote ‘Hi Joe, The New Lothian RPC with the Pentland Hills Federation held their 4^th race of the season on Saturday 11^th July from Newark a distance of 210-222 miles for the members. Liberated at 06-00 hours into a west to north west wind this turned out to be a good working fly for the 2223 birds entered by 12 clubs. Winning both organisations for the second time this season is the Granton (South Section of Fife) loft of Stuart Gilchrist (nicknamed ‘Cadger’), who timed their 3 year old De Klak Janssen based widowhood cock. This bird bred by Paul Morrison from Whitecross is turning into a real superstar as this is its 3^rd federation win along with a previous 10^th position, well done Stuart. Fred Robertson of Danderhall club is 2^nd 3^rd & 8^th with S Girdwood of Sighthill club in 4^th & 5^th places. Helen Aitken & sons of Danderhall are 6^th with Willie Kinnear & son of the same club are in 7^th spot. Brown & Black from Woodburn club are 9^th & 10^th.

Club Winners;

Edinburgh Premier 190 birds; 1^st & 3^rd Gilchrist 1224 & 1194 2^nd Dick 1201

Danderhall 560 birds; 1^st & 2^nd F Robertson 1222.6 & 1222.2 3^rd Aitken 1214

Sighthill 144 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Girdwood 1219.8 1219.7 & 1201

Woodburn 127 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Brown & Black 1204.1202 & 1179

Arniston 326 birds; 1^st J Dewar 1193 2^nd Milne 1182.7 3^rd W Pryde & son 1182.4

Bonnyrigg 118 birds; 1^st Massey 1193, 2^nd & 3^rd Stark & Benson 1161 & 1140

Castlebrae 95 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd L Mitchell 1168 1155 & 1140

Easthouses 130 birds; 1^st & 2^nd G Thomas 1154 & 1125, 3^rd Sanderson 1090

Loanhead 117 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Anderson 1126,1078 & 1070

Rosewell 82 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd G Tytler 1104, 1018 & 986

Edinburgh West 76 birds 1^st & 3^rd Verth 1103 & 1074 2^nd Bennett 1098

New Lothian 42 birds;

Others 146 birds:

New Lothian RPC

From the Newark Old Bird race flown on Saturday 11^th July 54 loft sent 1551 birds with the convoy liberated at 06-00 hours into a light west to north west wind. Top place & 11^th goes to Stuart Gilchrist of Edinburgh Premier who wins £121-40. 2^nd 3^rd & 8^th is Fred Robertson of Danderhall winning £68 Steve Girdwood of Sighthill is 4^th & 5^th with Helen Aitken & sons from Danderhall in 6^th place she is followed by club mates Willie Kinnear & son with Brown & Black of Woodburn making up the top 10.

North of Scotland Federation

News from George Duthie informs me that 50 members sent 689 birds to Ripon a distance of near 250 miles to the member’s lofts. The East section had 26 members sending 368 birds and the west section had 24 members 321 birds. The federation topper is Colin McRae of Fraserburgh & District who wins 1^st 4^th 14^th 15^th 20^th east section 1^st 4^th 15^th 15h & 20^th open flying 245 miles. C & M Williams of Peterhead & District club are 2^nd & 25^th east section 2^nd & 30^th open. A W Buchan of Fraserburgh & District is 3^rd 6^th & 18^th east section 3^rd 7^th & 19^th open. C Donaldson of Peterhead & District is 5^th 8^th 9^th 12^th 13^th east section 5^th 9^th 10^th 13^th & 14^th open. R Wilson of Keith wins 1^st 3^rd & 9^th west section 6^th 23rd & 35^th open. Stuart Maskame of Peterhead & District is 7^th east section 8^th open. R McKenzie of Inverurie club is 10^th & 23^rd east section 11^th & 27^th open with G Findlay of Peterhead & District winning 11^th & 19^th east section 12^th & 21^st open. J S Robertson of Inverurie club is 16^th & 21^st east section 17^th & 24^th open with Willie & A Ross of the same club winning 17^th east section 18^th open. The Keith partnership of Duncan & Thomson are 2^nd west section 20^th open with club mate J Reid winning 4^th west section 25^th open. R Adamson of Inverurie club is 22^nd east section 26^th open with R Hay & Family of Devern Valley club winning 5^th west section 28^th open and A Robb of Inverurie wins 24^th east section 29^th open. A Milne of Devern Valley club wins 6^th west section 31^st open; club mate J Abel is 7^th west section 32^nd open A Cruickshank of Keith club is 8^th section 33^rd open and G Wilson of Devern Valley is 10^th west section 36^th open.

Clubs First Bird plus velocity;

C MCRAE Fraserburgh & District 1234.311 -

C & M WILLIAMS Peterhead & District 1217.384 -

R WILSON Keith 1201.535-

R MCKENZIE Inverurie 1192.463 -

R HAY & FAMILY Devern Valley 1174.605-

R HIGGINS Fr. West End 1162.626 -

R BAIN Buckie & District 1148.493-

J THOMSON Elgin & District 1133.557-

Well done to Colin McRae on topping the federation and to R Wilson of Keith on winning the west section. George Duthie

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Joe’s Joke

Traveling through England on holiday, an old couple drives into a petrol station. The attendant asks the old man, "Where you folks from? as I know everybody in this town." The old man says, "We're from Scotland." Hard of hearing, the old lady nudges her husband, "What did he say, pop?" The old man answers her, "He asked us where we are from." "Oh," replies the old woman. The old man tells the attendant to fill up the tank and could he check the tires. When that's all done, the attendant tells the old man, "You know, the biggest backside I ever saw was a woman from Scotland." The old lady nudges her husband once more and asks, "What did he say, pop?" The husband replies, "He thinks he knows you, mother."

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

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