Parkinson. L.J.
Social Nights
Years ago, we used to have regular nights out in the Cheshire area, but they dropped off the yearly calendar which was a shame because we had some good nights out. The social calendar was a real good part of pigeon racing and we had many events where fanciers could get together and discuss what they were going to do in the coming season. I guess we all know a lot of that was pie in the sky talk while we were out of season and feeling good about our feathered friends. Anyway, it is a while since we have seen Quiz nights around here but there will be one at the Rudheath Social Club on the 8th March 2019 commencing at 7.30pm. The panel consists of Roger Sutton who has been winning since I can remember. Bob Smith of the excellent R & B Smith partnership from Burtonwood. Gerry Clements another well-known National winner from Audenshaw. Keeping them under control is Ray Bullen from Cheadle. There will be a selection of young birds for sale and also a raffle. As always with these events there will be a steak pie, chips and gravy and all for £6. If you want to attend you can contact, Kenny Burke 07946651437. Malc Hewitt 07951622405. Anthony Evans 07840077515. There will be an advert in the BHW. I am left wondering at times if pigeon fanciers in general are not as sociable as they used to be, I say that because of the lack of social events compared to years ago. Yes, times are changing, and we all look at what we are going to do in a different way, but those social events were good nights out over the winter months. We can look at what we are doing in different ways and as we get older it appears to take longer to do things, so do we not think about such events like we used to do all those years ago. Could the lack of such events take the emphasis away from pigeon racing and that in some small way may contribute to a small number leaving the sport. Things to think about because if we are not communicating and socialising like we used to, are some going to think it’s a lonely game and about time I packed up. Look at the likes of Blackpool and Doncaster two big shows that attract a lot of fanciers who in the main enjoy their weekends away or for some a good sociable day out. The social side will mean a lot to some fanciers who spend a lot of time on their own which is why we need to make the most of it.
Fugare 2019
The show is once again nearly with us and this year they are presents more than 100 exhibitors and suppliers from over 15 countries. The fair, which is prepping for its 9th edition already, will again mark the number one international pigeon meeting of the year in Belgium. We have been there, and it is a good event and is on the 16 & 17 February 2019 at Kortrijk Xpo. The show has been advertised well in this magazine. All branches of the pigeon sport are represented at Fugare weather it is the manufacturers of feed and pigeon supplements present their latest developments and feed mixes. Lofts and aviary builders show their latest creations. Information about DNA and genetic advice can be sought from various veterinarians at the fair. You will even see conveyor belts, luggage carriers, young pigeon lofts, widowers' lofts, heating systems, drinking systems, etc. There are also top fanciers and of course, we cannot hold a pigeon fair without pigeons. The fair is again collecting several top enthusiasts and breeding centres at the fair including Clique Racing Pigeons, Verschoot Pigeons, Sonia Van der Malen, Annemie Vanhee, Marc Polin, Allemeersch-Van Parys, Emiel Denys, etc. Moreover, FUGARE also presents more than 10 one loft races that colour the international fair with awards ceremonies of races from all over the world: Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Tenerife and Portugal. After all, the side activities such shows also cater for the necessary entertainment. For example, pigeon sport historian Tom Aerts brings a small sample of his collection of old pigeon clocks to Fugare, especially unique pieces of which the majority has never been exhibited in Belgium before. Not to be missed for the real pigeon enthusiast. On top of that, also the Flemish youth clubs, BCK pigeon inspections, the Belgian KBDB and numerous presidents from various countries will be present. The ladies and children under 12yrs go in free. We have had a few good weekends at this show and hopefully we will be there again this year. I do know a few who are going from the UK so we will be represented. I had hoped to go to the Dutch Show this year, but I already have something booked so cannot go.
Middlewich FC
There are new hands on deck with the Middlewich FC this year with Anthony Evans taking over as secretary, a position that the Groom household have held for over 40yrs. First, we had Rhoda for many years before she passed away and then Alan took the job on and held the position until last year. If it were not for health reasons Alan would still have been running the club. Alan has been a good servant to the Middlewich clubs over the last 50yrs and was always at the front when it came to doing jobs. I think this keenness rubbed off on other members over the years because we have had some good officials in the town for as long as I can remember. Elimar are going to sponsor the club this year with £30 per race for all inland races when there are 50 or more birds entered. For the channel races there will also be sponsorship. Talking to members there looks to be more interest in the club this year, whether that will last into the racing season I have no idea, only time will tell.
George G.
Called to collect some Vior, he was saying he has been to everyone to try and stop his youngsters from getting young bird sickness, so this is his last attempt to keep a clean team to race the full programme. I was telling him that I used it none stop all the year round from 2002 to 2013 and did not have the problem. In 2014 I run out of it and guess what, for the first time in all those years the youngsters had young bird sickness. This is one of those things that you look at and wonder if that was the reason, it worked for me, and so I am not complaining. I have to say, I only mention it because if it worked for me then I don’t see why it should not work for others and in this area, we need all the help we can get.
Times have certainly changed since I first started racing pigeons, regarding what we gave or give them daily. There were only a few products about nearly 50yrs ago, but the market is full of them now. There was a time when fanciers used such products as Epson Salts and a few products that are produced for human consumption. We used them but I wonder how many fanciers knew whether they were overdosing them because of the strength that we needed to use. I once knew a fancier who used a few products that were not made for pigeons and he used to get something that was like a blister on the pigeons and he removed it by tying a piece of cotton around the base and in a few days it had gone. I had not seen one until a few days ago when I was handling a pigeon to take a photo and there was one that stood out, as I said a piece of cotton and they disappear. When I first came across them in the early 70’s the fancier concerned was a very good winning fancier and they did not affect his pigeons.
Talking about giving the pigeons products we were at a loft one day doing a report and Elizabeth asked the fancier what was in the water because of the colour, “vitamins” was his reply. How often do you put them in the water, “I put something in every day but that’s not for printing” I never asked what it was but from the colour of the water and the smell I think it was Metatone. This was a product many used in the 70’s and 80’s but only in small amounts, it is certainly good for the human population. Another product I heard was being used in the 80’s was Ginseng but I have seen the results of that and it was not very good and that person was using it as prescribed.
Brian Lee
I had a few photos from Brian Lee of some of his winners; Brian is a fancier who prefers to race in the National and Classic events. These races have been a good racing ground for Brian because he has had some really good results. Brian like everyone has his own system and this may seem harsh but the only time they go in the basket is to race, Brian does not train old birds! They are fed on Vanrobaeys diet and Bordeaux mix for old and young and supplement this with fats as we increase the distance and dependant on the weather. Brian use’s most of the Vanrobaeys products that are on sale at Astbury Pigeon Supplies just outside Congleton, the proprietor being Brian’s very good friend Roger Sutton. Brian is one of those fanciers who believes in a robust regime of maintenance is observed weekly whereby the birds have a rehydration mix in the water when returning from a race. This can be Diarolite or own brand off the supermarket shelf, half a sachet to two litres of water and in the evening, this is replaced with clean water and Virkon S at a rate of 2.5ml to 2ltrs water, a broad spectrum viricidal disinfectant. The double whammy here is that your bird and drinkers are thoroughly cleaned out, the drinkers most important as the risk of infection/cross infection from this source is massive. Monday Cider vinegar is added to the water to balance the gut flora, now you have your bird fit for purpose once again. All pigeons are raced on the roundabout which is done because it gives you two options and the pigeons share the burden when the longer races come along. Brian went on to say that he has tried the modern-day pigeons, but they do not last in the same way that his old established pigeons do. Brian believes that they can do two consecutive races across the channel into this area providing they have not had a real tough race. These are only a few brief details so perhaps later in the year I should call and compile a full report on Brian.
System changes
As with all big changes the rumour machine starts to roll and that is the case with the new system implemented by Walkers Transport. In the past Elimar have booked collections on behalf of vendors with Walkers but that has now changed in the best interest of the customer which is understood. Walkers have changed their system to take all bookings direct therefore there is no need for Elimar to make these bookings. This has been done in the best interest of both parties and contrary to rumours Elimar and Walkers have not fallen out.
Les. J Parkinson. 11 Rushton Drive,
Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 0NJ.
01606836036 Mobile 07871701585.
Email
web site www.elimarpigeons.com
