Don’t worry Trev. I’m thick skinned and it’s like water off a ducks back. I have to deal with members of the public everyday of the week with the shop. Most are very friendly but we have drug dealers, druggies, alcoholics that come in that are just downright rude. They think they know everything. You just get used to listening to their crap, keep smiling and taking their money. With a pub directly opposite and one next door it’s does get a bit lively sometimes. The pub next doors pub garden runs up the side of our garden. It does get a bit rowdy at times and I wonder how the poor birds get much rest some nights. A bit better since I moved the loft up to the end of the garden.Trev wrote: ↑Sun Sep 01, 2024 9:15 am I can't even be bothered to read this post anymore, after being involved in this sport for most of my 58, years it never ceases to amaze me how so many fanciers believe they have all the answers and that their way is the only way !! Yet so many do things so very differently yet still get the results they desire, of course there are some that just enjoy having the birds and the social aspect of the sport, where winning every now and then is just a bonus. In my experience you need the losers to be able to have winners, and it's often those guys who are at the bottom of sheet each week who are the grafters and the main stay of most organisations, so why can't we just respect each other and accept that we all have our own ways and very different goals !!
I've always said to any new fancier, that you will hear so many different ways of keeping and racing pigeons that it will blow your mind, just listen to as much as you can, set out your own personal goals, find the birds and the method that suits you and your lifestyle and stick to it, the main thing is to enjoy it, if it becomes a chore then you may as well pack it in.
Mike just doesn’t seem to like me. I don’t know why. I think it’s just because I wouldn’t do what he thought I should be doing. Since then every time I make a comment he says I’m wrong and I don’t know what I’m talking about. I don’t agree with some of the things he says but I’ve not got anything personally against him and if he helps novices turn their fortunes around good on him.
Someone mentioned his wealth of experience and knowledge.
As you know Trev we have been involved with pigeons with our dad almost from the time we learnt to walk. That’s 60 odd years with pigeons plus 30 years in farming and with many types of livestock. I have won races from 90 miles to 650 miles. Been top prize winner on occasions in different clubs. I was the chief clock setter for Worthing when we had 40+ members from the age of 18. I have been secretary of 2 different clubs. So I think I have a fair bit of knowledge and experience.
Of late because of running our own business and family commitments, made worse this last year due to losing our mum and my wife’s aunt I’m afraid I’ve had more important things to worry about than pigeons. I’ve also completely changed my system last year and my performances aren’t what they could be. But once things settle again I know what I need to do to be competitive but that still won’t be the way that Mike thinks is right. My experience and way of doing things is just different, but has always worked for me.