The Old Codger - Old Hand
By Liam O Comain
Being a book-worm all my life ensured that whatever aspect of life compelled or interested me I sought a book or books to help me in my encounter. It could be an area of sport or spirituality, etc, but the printed word was always nearby to be consulted if required. Of course such knowledge from the printed word ran parallel with one's thought processes and experience. And because of this characteristic or habit I first encountered the writings of our subject in this article when I first entered the sport of pigeon racing.
To those who may not know our subject is a legend of the sport whose contribution to the sport was beyond measure. A person whose words of wisdom helped many a struggling pigeoner as they involved themselves in what is equally an art and a science. And who was he who wrote under the most appropriate of pseudonyms? Well to those who may not know he was the male part of the S. and D. Bishop partnership of Weybridge, Surrey, in England. The latter was revealed to me I believe shortly after my return to the sport after an absence of decades by a friend of Old Hand namely another fellow scribe 'Bilco'. And I have to admit I was taken by surprise when it was revealed to me via the contents of an email.
In his books which are still being published today and in back issues of the alas no longer existing 'Pigeon Racing News And Gazette' there prevails gems of wisdom arising from a committed regime of practical experience which leads me to admit that this scribe is my favourite writer of the sport. It was true in the 1950s and it is true today as we traverse the first decade of the new millennium.
His positive contribution to the sport went beyond his writing skills, however, for in fact The Gazette arose from his adept enterprise and wonderful enthusiasm. As did the famous British Berlin Flying Club ( the National East Route Club) which he founded and became first president. But even if he had not written one word their successes at racing would have ensured his and his wife's position in the history of English pigeon racing.
The Bishops lofts were founded upon the Logan's of J.W.Shearing and George Cross. Based upon four reference birds 'A' 'B' and 'C' 'D' the first couple were g- son and g- daughter respectively of Logan's San Sebastian King's Cup winner- 'Champion 1826'. Whereas couple 'C' and 'D' were of George Cross's 'Red Rose' bloodlines- a four times National hen. In due course based upon these lines came such outstanding champions as 'Top Score' who flew 500 miles eight times and won many prizes. Also the famous- 'Weybridge Cyclone' and 'Weybridge Tornado' - both of whom flew 500 miles seven times as big winners. And to name another of many - 'Weybridge Tempest '- who flew in the National, 550 miles, three years in a row.
The Bishop's also purchased some excellent pigeons to boost their colony such as Andrew's 'The Berlin Cock' who flew from Berlin at the end of World War 2 in a disastrous race. Another purchase were the offsprings of 'Champion Student'- the Open International Bilbao Winner at a distance of 600 miles. Which all added to the various racing successes of Old Hand. Of course two of the most famous purchases were the great ' Ruhr Express' ( a Dickin Medal winner) and 'Per Ardua' who flew the distance of 1,098 miles into England from Gibraltar at less than a year old and without any preparation. Both were purchased at £420 and £360 respectively. Steep prices in those days but Old Hand knew that to conquer the extreme distances into the Western Isles the best had to be the best. The tough realities of the routes warranted it.
To conclude this brief tribute and as written S. and D. Bishop have their place in the history of English pigeon racing. And to those budding champions with hopes of success in their hearts my advice is to buy or borrow the books of Old Hand and thoughtfully devour them for they are a sure way to the top in our sport. Go on listen to the Old Codger!
14/11/06
