Latest from Joe Murphy 28/8/20

The Joe Murphy Column

While looking at this week’s pigeon papers it looks like whose / who; with Mark Gilbert winning the Pau national and the BICC Barcelona race on the same weekend truly outstanding well done Mark (and to my dear old friend Nigel Langstaff) . Another partnership who have had an excellent old bird season are David & John Staddon of Ditcheat with their photograph in EVERY addition, such is their success, winning from Bordeaux; St Vincent; Perpignan; Pau and Barcelona, a season to Dream About well done to you both.

Rathnew Pigeon Club

Received an email from Ron Fewings of the above club who wrote, ‘Good evening Joe, today the 30th July we had the Miller Gold Cup from St Malo a distance of 356 miles and I sent the red cock containing your bloodlines. GB 2018 S 87570 he has been my Challenge Cup bird but unfortunately we have NO King’s Cup this year. We also used this race for our club’s ‘Kings Cup’ which is very important race in our club members we had 12 members sending 110 birds. I clocked 3 birds within 25 minutes to take 1^st, 2^nd & 4th club unfortunately our federation result is not out yet. Anyhow I was delighted to clock the red cock (Murphy) taking 2nd club he really is a great little bird and I’m delighted with him. I have now picked him out for the King’s Cup race in 2021 all going well. I just wanted to touch base with you Joe and let you know how your birds bloodlines are doing well over here in the ‘Old Country’ all the best yours Ron’.

SNFC Reims

I said in last week’s article there were some outstanding performances achieve with very good pigeons in the above race and I start with 2^nd open John Hadfield of Blackburn who is having a ‘cracking season’ he timed his 5 year old blue chequer cock, to win 1^st section D 2^nd open and also won over £1000 for his efforts. I’ve looked on the SNFC results but cannot find his number in other results; however if he has if you send me them John I will add these to a future article. I did notice that Gordon Campbell of Montrose had timed his grizzle hen named ‘Gee Force’ in this Gold Cup race. As a yearling she was sent with Grampian Combine in conjunction with the SNFC (but Gordon was not a member of the SNFC at time) and the grizzle hen won 1^st club 3^rd federation and 3^rd combine. She was sent to the Buckingham national in 2019 sitting 12 day eggs and won 38^th section C 112^th open that same year she was entered into the Roye national race sitting a small young bird and she won 3^rd section C 6^th open 935 birds. This year she was entered into the Gold Cup race from Reims a distance of 584 miles and she won 3^rd section C 6^th open from an entry of 1490 birds recording a velocity of 1417 ypm. Sire is from a McSween & Sexton crossed with a David Liddle of Forfar. Her dam was bred from ‘Red Bull’ crossed with a Davie Glen of Forfar hen being a Gabby x Roland Janssen crossed hence the colour.

The consistent Davie Jamieson timed in his 4 year old chequer hen that was flying to a Davie’s new location of Linlithgow and she wins 2^nd section D 4^th open this hen had previously won 47^th open Reims in 2018 but no section prize and then last year she won 3^rd section D 14^th open Reims flying to East Calder. So she has won 3 open positions all within the top 50 from 3 Reims races, I think you will agree a very quality hen. Davie has an exceptional record from the SNFC Gold Cup races; in 2017 1st section 19th open; 2018 1st section 11th open; 2019 1st section 5th open; and now in 2020 2nd section 4th open. Moving onto Fife I noticed past SNFC winner Hugh Gormley of Valleyfield timed in his 4 year old chequer hen to win 4^th section C 8^th open, this hen has previously won 16^th section C 57^th open from SNFC Roye in 2018. One more ticket Hugh and she will get her Silver Award fingers crossed. Hugh H Menzies of Slamannan wins 1^st section E 1^st west section 6^th open with his 4 year old chequer white flight hen flying 570 miles, I have had a look at the national results but do not notice any diplomas for her. Billy McEwan jnr of Dundee who is having a ‘great season’ timed in his chequer pied cock who has previously won 3^rd section C 13^th open from Maidstone in 2018, the cock then went to the Ypres national and won 20^th section C and 34^th open and he now comes up and wins 2^nd section C 5^th open Reims flying 580 miles. He was bred by Willie’s father with the bloodlines being ‘Taverine-Rigole now Vanneste-Rigole (Son-in-law)’

Walter Boswell and below one of his many winners 

We now move to 11^th open 2^nd section G and I noticed that my dear old friend Walter Boswell of Hamilton timed in his outstanding pigeon ‘Louella Lady Helen’. This hen won a SNFC Silver Award for 3 times a winner from over the English Channel in the space of 21 days covering a distance of 1488 miles. I have checked the SNFC results and cannot find a pigeon doing this feat in such a short period of time. Many birds have done this over a 4 week cycle but I have never heard of one doing this before. ‘Louella Lady Helen’ won 3^rd section E 10^th open SNFC Liege flying 533 miles on the 29^th of June, she then won 49^th section E (no open position) from Ypres on 14^th of July flying 445 miles. Then 6 days later on the 20^th July she won 2^nd section E 33^rd open Roye flying 508 miles. In 2019 she was entered into the Burdinne Gold Cup race and won prize money but not a section prize flying a distance of 522 miles recording a velocity of 773ypm. From this year’s Reims Gold Cup race she wins 2^nd section E 11^th open with a velocity of 1308 for the 567 miles and also wins Walter £1712 for her efforts, ‘Walter likes a gamble on his birds’ so will be a very happy Walter. ‘Louella Lady Hen’ mother is a chequer hen named ‘Louella Wee Jenna’ she also won a SNFC Silver Award in 2018 winning 3^rd section E 10^th open from Liege Gold Cup race flying 533 miles; she then won 49^th section E from Ypres flying 446 miles and then 5 days later won 2^nd section E 33^rd open from Roye flying 508 miles. Walter’s 1^st SNFC Silver Award Winner was ‘Louella Jamie Boy’ who won 18^th section E 83^rd open Alencon 538 miles then 1^st section E 5^th open SNFC Clermont 521miles he then won 9^th section E 48^th open Alencon to gain his award. The 3 pigeons are ALL related with the base being De Barcelona a winner from 7 nationals with 2 races at 500 mile races and 5 from the 600 mile race points. A son of De Barcelona was purchased from Louella Pigeon World and crossed into the bloodlines of ‘The Spin’ from Kuyper Brothers a gift to Walter from Michel Massarella.

Gibby Reed of Aberdeen wins 1^st north section 13^th open with his blue chequer hen flying 605 miles, Gibby and I go a long way back so good to see him get a turn in this Gold Cup race, well done pal. Another SNFC winner from Sartilly Dennis Anderson of Annan timed in his 2 year old chequer cock to win 1^st section A 1^st South Section 21^st open is the section, did not see his ring number on any other national result but well done Dennis.

1^st section F 108^th open is J Moffat of Millerton with his blue chequer hen who won 14^th section F from Buckingham in 2019.

George & Brian Hunter

Another name that caught my eye was George & Brian Hunter of Dunfermline who timed their only entry to win 10^th section C 20^th open, this blue bar hen has won now won 4 times in the SNFC her first card was a 76^th section C from Buckingham a distance of 298 miles. Last year she was entered into the Maidstone race a distance of 374 miles and she won 36^th section C 146^th open being the partner’s only entry. She was then sent to the Gold Cup as their sole entry and she won 9^th section C 43^rd open flying 516 miles. So she now has 4 tickets and requires one more from the Channel to gain her Silver Award and I will look out for her on next year’s result, and a hearty well done to George and Brian on their very good hen. I could go on and on about the good quality pigeons we have up here in Bonny Scotland but the above winners will suffice for now.

Results

Angus Federation

From their 3^rd race from Newtongrange flown on the 8^th of August the convoy of 1018 birds were liberated at 08-00 hours into a light south west wind. Past SNFC winner Ian Scott of Forfar wins 1^st to 8^th then 11^th to 13^th and then 15^th to 17^th with Eric Galloway of the same club winning 9^th & 14^th open with Kenny Droog & son in 10^th place with Davie Glen wining 18^th & 20^th place. These 20 pigeons were timed in the space of 40 SECONDS. East Section has an entry of 317 birds and taking the first 3 places is Kevin J Murphy of Arbroath with D & D Hay of Gourdon in 4^th & 9^th places. W Dorward of the same club wins 5^th to 8^th and Arbroath’s Chic and Anne Carrie in 10^th spot.

Club Winners;

Ian Scott & Jake Brown

Forfar 701 birds winner Ian Scott on 1363.6; Arbroath 195 birds’ winner Kevin J Murphy velocity 1303.47; Gourdon 44 birds’ winner D & D Hay velocity 1278.22; Montrose 78 birds’ winner M Wallace & son velocity 1220.54.

Arbroath Racing Pigeon Club

From the Newtongrange race flown on the 8^th August 6 members sent 195 birds with the federation convoy liberated at 08-00 hours with No Wind at the race point. Taking the first 3 plus 5^th & 13^th with his 2 poolers is Kevin Murphy. Chic and Ann Carrie had an excellent race winning 4^th 6^th 7^th & 8^th positions, with Charlie & Glen Cameron winning 9^th just ahead of A & A Shepherd (10^th), Gordon McKenzie (11^th) and Les McKay 12^th. Kevin’s winner was bred by Robbie Levingston of New Malden in Surrey, sire of the winner is a double grandson of Padfield Brothers ‘Nearly’ cock while the dam is from German fanciers Freialdenhofen & sons hen. The 2^nd club winner is ‘Gerald’ bred by Gerald Macpherson from a son of John Ellis famous ‘Blue Boy’ a 7 times a national winner when he was mated to a ½ sister of the famous ‘Wing Down’. Dam of the 2^nd club winner is a Louis Thils hen down from Gaston Van Den Wouwer from Mick Moore. The 3^rd club winner is from Mallaburn Brothers Johnny & Martin from their Louis Cooreman family. Kevin’s son Matthew picked out a bird when he was helping his dad basket the babies for the race and Kevin pooled it for him and it won some pools for Matthew. This bird was bred by my good friend Frank Mitchell of Comrie down from his runner up to the Dewar Trophy winner of 2019 when he was mated to a granddaughter of ‘BMS Special’ winner of 19^th & 92^nd SNFC Alencon and 39^th Ancenis. Thank You to the lads mentioned above for the top quality pigeons they bred for us.

Ayrshire Federation

News from Archie McIntyre with the Ayrshire Federation 2^nd young bird race of the season was from Dunbar held on the 8^th of August. Jim had the convoy of 1,486 birds away at 10-30 into a light variable wind for a race of 75 miles up to 93 miles to the top end of the Fed. Reports coming in from the members returns were very good. One thing of interest from this week’s federation result was the locations of the pigeons making the fed result. Taking 1^st, 3^rd and 13^th fed are from the bottom end of the fed (Cumnock) and the remaining 17 positions from the top end of the fed in (West Kilbride). I have never seen a split like that in a federation result. It is good to see that young birds can take their own line of flight for home and not follow the main batch. Leading the way in the federation this week taking 1^st & 3^rd fed on 1464.7 and 1437.4 is Jim Moan of Cumnock. This is a super performance put up from Jim’s pigeons and shows that winning the federation is achievable regardless of where your location and race point is. Jim was telling me the sire was bred for him by J & A McDougall and the dam was bred by J & S Galloway, all members of Cumnock club and he has no info at hand of what their strains etc. are. Jim’s 3^rd fed winner was bred by Sandy Owen’s also from the Cumnock club. All these birds where gifted to Jim in 2019 after his breeding loft was practically wiped out by a sparrow hawk attacks, which left Jim with only a few young birds. The Cumnock club members and others in the fed rallied round and bred Jim a team of young birds to keep him in the sport and Jim would like to THANK them ALL for these pigeons. Picking up 2^nd, 4^th – 12^th, 14^th – 20^th, 17 prizes in the top 20 in the federation this week with the leading pigeon doing 1444.3 is Andy Barbour of West Kilbride. Andy timed a blue chequer natural hen. Sire is ‘Golden Cruise Missile 681’ (Vandenabeele) and is bred down from a son of ‘Cruise Missile’ x ‘Blue Lady’ a daughter of ‘Shadow’. ‘Cruise Missile’ was a winner of 46 prizes including 1^st Ace Pigeon MNFC Ace Pigeon in 2012 when paired to ‘Gold Bond’ dam of 5 x 1^st and she is a daughter of ‘Golden Gaby’ when paired to ‘Lady Bond’ a daughter of James Bond winner of 1^st nat Bourges from an entry of 13,166 birds. Dam was purchased from Steven Fenech and she is a inbred daughter of Steven’s top Cooreman/Sapin racing pigeon ‘Champion Bolt’ this cock is a winner of 13 x 1^st prizes including 1^st open Combine 2,956 Birds, 5^th open Combine 2,220 birds as well as 6^th, 8^th, 16^th, 20^th open Amalgamation.

Winners from in and around the clubs;

Andy Barbour

North Section sent 728 birds; 1^st Dalry HS is A Barbour velocity 1444.340, 1^st Ardeer HS are Grant & McGovern velocity 1425.580; 1^st Kilwinning HS is M Salmon velocity 1422.616.

Central Section sent 303 birds; 1^st Irvine HS is E Diamond velocity 1425.393, 1^st Darvel HS is H Wallace velocity 1392.023; 1^st Crosshouse is Ian Noble velocity 1351.759, 1^st Kilmarnock Invitation is O Pacala velocity 1290.640.

South Section 455 Birds

Jim Moran's winner

1^st Cumnock & District is J Moan velocity 1464.757, 1^st Whitletts & District is Boyd Bros & Son velocity 1400.607; 1^st Mauchline & District is E Stewart velocity 1321.345; 1^st Annbank & District is M Smith velocity 1318.136:

Almond Valley Federation

News from Lynne who informs us that the federation were at Stobs Camp on the 8th of August with the convoy of 1062 bird’s liberated at 08-00 hours. Bonnybridge member J Urquhart timed the winner doing a velocity of 1203 ypm to win the race he was also 11^th place. I Jamieson of Balerno is 2^nd 3^rd 16^th 17^th 19^th 21^st & 23^rd to 26^th open. Geordie Harris of Bonnybridge club is 4^th 5^th & 6^th with Freddie Jamieson & son of East Calder who win 7^th to 18^th plus 20^th & 22^nd . J McLelland of Bonnybridge winning 27^th place he is followed by East Calder Jamie Sweeney who wins 28^th & 30^th open. John Hadfield of West Calder is 29^th with J & R Fairley of Balerno in 31^st and 33^rd to 36^th plus 38^th with Mr & Mrs Fleming of East Calder in 32^nd & 37^th spot and the final 40^th place goes to Cairns & Hardie of Bonnybridge club.

Club Winners;

Balerno entered 202 birds; I Jamieson 1193. 1188. 1159.172, 1159.172

Bonnybridge sent 304 birds; J Urquhart 1203. G Harris 1184.482, 1184.482, 1184.061

Carnwath entered 116 birds; J & I Alston 1112. McArdle & Thomson 1034, and J Stokes 948 & 944.

East Calder sent 303 birds; F Jamieson & Son 1181.0, 1180.1, 1178.9, 1162.4

West Calder entered 137 birds; J Hadfield 1151. 1112. 1090.344, 1090.344

Fife Federation

Kennoway HS

Received an email from Nichola Honeyman who wrote, ‘Hi Joe, myself and my big sister Kelly took over our dad’s pigeons in May this year when he passed; Although we used to assist with cleaning/feeding them etc., dad done all the hard work. With dad paying his fees for 2020 in Kennoway pigeon club we took it upon ourselves with permission from the other members to continue with dads pigeons. We attended the first young bird race last weekend and we could not believe it, we were 1^st & 3^rd placed. Never in our dreams did we think we would achieve this, we have only been with the birds a few months but we have worked very hard with them. With caring for dad we were a good few weeks behind with our young birds but with hard work and dedication we have done it, I just thought that I would let you know, kind regards Nichola’. Well done to the girls believe me there are some outstanding fanciers in the Kennoway club with 3 National winners now in it, so Nichola and Kelly’s achievements are worth a mention. 

Central Federation

Broxburn & Uphall news from Bernie Britton who writes, ‘Morning Joe, please find the result of the Otterburn race flown on the 8^th of August with the 224 birds liberated at 7-00 am into a west wind. Winning the first 3 places is Gordon Mackenzie who also took the first 3 in the federation. His winner is a chequer hen. A Herman Cluster from the stock loft from Stewart Knowes; Gordon’s 2^nd club/ Fed was a Gabby x Cooreman a blue hen. His 3^rd club/fed was a chequer hen a gift from his pal Bobby Logan. Gordon was also 4^th 5^th 6^th 7^th 11^th & 12^th federation. John McNeill won 8^th 9^th 10^th & 13^th federation. Also a big well done to Mark Doran on winning 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd club 18^th 19^th & 20^th federation in Winchburgh club. Thanks Joe and when you sit down and look at your Kevin’s national results they are exceptional when you consider that he started with 24 old birds entered into the national races.

East of Scotland Federation

Tom McEwen with the above federation race news from the Ridsdale race flown on the 8^th August with the convoy being liberated at 08-30 hours with no wind at the liberation site. Topping the federation with a blue cock and celebrating their return to the sport are Maureen & Willie Smith of Macmerry. The winner sire is a pure Jan Aarden from Steve Wright, while the dam won 6^th open SNFC inland national and contains the Vandenabeele bloodlines. Ian ‘Spider’ Rowley of Prestonpans had a great top treble finish winning 2^nd 3^rd & 9^th open. Keith Howie of Prestonpans timed a direct daughter of his great blue cock ‘Blue Arrow’ to win 4^th open. Dougie Grieve from Longniddry follows his great race from last week to win 5^th open; Franny Collins of Tranent celebrating his return to the sport with this year’s young birds finishing with a very good foursome to win 6^th 7^th 8^th & 10^th places.

Prestonpans HS

1^st club is Keith Howie with a blue hen from Vandenabeele bloodlines; her sire being Keith’s multi-winning cock ‘Blue Arrow’. The dam of Keith’s winner was a Vandenabeele cock ‘Blue Arrow’. The dam of Keith’s winner was a Vandenabeele from ‘Spider’ Rowley. 2^nd club is Franny Collings with a chequer white flight cock purchased from Craig Booth from England. Franny was also 3^rd with a dark chequer cock purchased from a John Short of Cumbernauld.

Pentlandhills Federation

News from Andy Miller with the results of the New Lothian RPC and Pentland Hills Federation with their 2^nd young bird race of the season; this was held on Saturday 8^th August from Ridsdale. The convoy were liberated at 08-30 hours into a light variable wind with 11 clubs sending 3020 birds. This week’s winners are W Kinnear & sons, Barry & Brian who timed a youngster which was January hatched flown in darkness team. He was bred from a cock purchased directly from Fans Zwols at his Blackpool sale, when paired to a daughter from Willie Donachie Frans Zwols ‘Tip Top’ lines. As we all know Barry & Brian won the SNFC Gold Cup from Reims last weekend. Back to the Ridsdale race and Freddie Robertson from Danderhall club wins 2^nd 3^rd 5^th & 6^th open. Davie Brown of the same club wins 4th 8^th 9^th & 10^th with W Andress from New Lothian taking the 7^th open position.

Club Results

Danderhall; 1243 birds; 1st Kinnear 1318; 2^nd & 3^rd F Robertson 1312 & 1302:

Edinburgh Premier; 279 birds; 1st Dick 1279; 2^nd & 3^rd Gilchrist 1294 & 1293:

Sighthill; 244 birds; 1^st Summers on 1296; 2^nd & 3^rd Miller 1295 & 1291:

Arniston; 311 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Milne 1295, 1295

Woodburn; 111 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd Allen 1253.1251 & 1230:

Castlebrae; 99 birds; 1^st McCormack & Fraser 1246: 2^nd L Mitchell 1175 & 3^rd A Mitchell 1158.

Edinburgh West; 137 birds; 1^st Lamb 1237; 2^nd & 3^rd Bennett 1223 & 1219

Easthouses; 138 birds; 1^st Mercer 1226, 2^nd Grailis & Laing 1178, 3^rd Perring 1171

Bonnyrigg; 339birds; 1^st Massey 1217, 2^nd & 3^rd Stark & Benson 1216 & 1216

Rosewell; 67 birds; 1^st 2^nd & 3^rd W Tytler 1093, 1044 & 1032

New Lothian; 52 birds:.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: in conjunction with SHU rules; Race marking: basket numbers must be recorded for every bird entered on race sheet.

New Lothian RPC

From the Ridsdale (2) young bird race flown on Saturday 8^th August the convoy were liberated at 08-30 into a light variable wind with 45 members sending 2008 birds. W Kinnear & sons Barry & Brian take the top spot winning £138. Freddie Robertson of Danderhall is 2^nd 3^rd 5^th & 6^th winning £128 for his efforts. D Brown of Danderhall is 4^th 8^th 9^th 10^th & 12^th with W Andress of New Lothian winning 7^th place,.

North of Scotland Federation

News from George Duthie who informs us that the convoy of 1490 birds entered by 50 members were liberated at Dunfermline on the 8^th August with the East Section having 21 members sending 707 birds. They took the first 27 section prizes and open positions in the race with R H Whyte of Peterhead & District taking the first 3 with all 3 birds on the same velocity of 1337 decided by decimals. C & M Williams of the same club take the next 3 positions in the open with Stuart Maskame of the same club winning the next 3 places. Colin McRae of Fraserburgh & District wins 10^th 11^th & 13^th. G Findlay of Peterhead & District wins 12^th 14^th & 15^th his club mate S Glew wins 16^th 22^nd & 25^th and G Ritchie of the same club wins 17^th & 21^st. A W Buchan of Fraserburgh & District wins 18^th 19^th & 23^rd. W Henderson of Fraserburgh West End wins 20^th section and open with club mate A Higgins in 24^th & 30^th fed places. M Whittleton of Fraserburgh & District win 26^th place with R McKenzie of Inverurie taking 27^th spot. The West section had 29 members sending 783 birds and A Wilson of Devern Valley takes 1^st 2^nd & 6^th west section 28^th 29^th & 36^th open. A Mair (John) of the same club (this club won all the west section prizes). Is 3^rd section 32^nd open with J Abel winning 4^th 5^th & 10^th section 33^rd 34^th & 40^th open N Raymond wind 7^th section and 37^th open, with the Fulton & Ritchie loft 1 wining the remaining place of 8^th & 9^th west section 38^th & 39^th open.    

Clubs First Bird

Peterhead & District winner is R H Whyte velocity 1337.924

Fr. & District winner is C McRae velocity 1272.980

Fr. West End winner is W Henderson velocity 1216.782

Inverurie winner is R McKenzie velocity 1174.417

Devern Valley winner is A Wilson velocity 1167.555

Keith winner is Duncan & Thomson velocity 1086.701

Elgin & District winner is J Thomson velocity 1021.975

Elgin & District winner is R Bain velocity 982.072

Well done to R Whyte on Topping the federation and also well done to A Wilson on winning the West Section; George Duthie.

Joe’s Joke

We have all been through this; ‘When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.’

Running out of Joke’s so if you have any please email me some Joe M

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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