Where does the passion begin.

[Devo1956]

This takes me back many years, and I must say great memories. At a young age going down the Pier Head on the waterfront, on a family trip to New Brighton. I would see pigeons with different rings on their feet, and some with no rings on their feet. So I started asking questions and I was told, the ones with the rings on their feet are racing pigeons. They have got lost on their way home, I asked so many questions that day. And to be honest, I wanted to find out more about these birds. I see a couple of lads trying to catch the ones with the rings on, and they were doing well. I have to say this planted the seeds in my head,

Throghout the years of my life, racing pigeons become part of me. Spending time with them building a bond, hoping if I ever raced my birds they would all return home. I found this over the years the last one home, is just as important as the 1st one home. We don't know what our birds go through to make it home, so being there to welcome them home was important to me. I would question myself on how the birds that returned later, from the
ones in front from the race. Could these birds need longer races?

Over time we learn something new about the sport, and that is why I love the sport so much. I found this in observation of my birds, they tell you things if you give them time. And treat them as individuals, they are no different to ourselves. We all want to be the winner.

[Murray]

I do identify with that.
60 years ago I was on the platform at Christchurch railway station in New Zealand.
There were hampers of racing pigeons waiting to be loaded to be carried to the release point.
I was fascinated. My parents had to drag me away.
I've been a jockey, I've been a trainer, I've raced dogs.
But now I'm retired and can do what I want, I am out at daybreak.
The pigeons are something only a few of us understand .

[Devo1956]

I do identify with that.
60 years ago I was on the platform at Christchurch railway station in New Zealand.
There were hampers of racing pigeons waiting to be loaded to be carried to the release point.
I was fascinated. My parents had to drag me away.
I've been a jockey, I've been a trainer, I've raced dogs.
But now I'm retired and can do what I want, I am out at daybreak.
The pigeons are something only a few of us understand .

When you look at it Murray, racing is in our DNA. We have both been involved in horse racing, greyhound racing, and pigeon racing.

[Murray]

Yep.

[Bowbroom]

I think for most of us our love of and involvement with pigeons began in our early years, for me it started in the early 60’s with me and a pal keeping a few in a converted chicken shed after having some in a couple of tea chests nailed to a wall.
When my late dad realised I was keen he bought the set up of a chap who was packing up.
I even enjoyed the 2 mile walk to the allotments before and after school everyday, there’s the rub I suppose I don’t think many kids today would be too impressed with that prospect.
ATB to all enjoy it while you can

[Murray]

That is very true.
We had the enjoyment of finding pigeons, building lofts and looking after them.
It might not have been much, but we did it ourselves.
I feel sorry for kids now. They have had any idea of adventure knocked out of them.

[Spieker-Loft]

Well as you know george racing pigeons been in my family Since forever with my grandfather beeing the founder of our club in 1954. Took a bit longer for me until i got hooked but i guess it was inevitable. And now its the only thing i do and spend time with pretty much 80% of the day. And from the missing growth in our combine i can tell that unless you grow up around pigeons it seems rather rare for someone to find to that path. Not saying it never happens but if i had to guess Majority of our combine is in the sport because their family or friends was involved in the sport.

I think the exact moment where what really did it for me was in 2018 On the final race 645Km (about 400 miles) and it was the best racing year my uncle ever had. Was a very tough race with bad weather strong winds and i remember it like it happened yesterday. Was standing on our balcony for 7-8 hours from the first pigeon ariving until the dark to wait for them to all get back home and it probaly was one of the most exciting races despite me not even participating in it. Following year i bought my first pigeon and 2022 started racing myself and i guess the rest is history. now im addicted and super glad that i eventually found my way to the sport

[Devo1956]

The sad thing is about the sport, we chat to other members in the sport. And we build up a good relationship in chatting daily, or even weekly because of time available. I really enjoy this part of the sport, but even better when I meet the other members, so to date on this subject I have met some really good members.

A trip to see George down in Oxford, Andy and Trev on a loft trip. And also to see Andy at his home, Buster came to my home and we had a great chat, Andy also came to my home, and did a loft report. I also had the chance to travel to Germany, and meet Christoph and Leon and the family. I have to say great memories from these meetings. And now making my trip to see Murray and Cathrine, is clocking up the miles.

But I must say I have really enjoyed meeting other members, and it then comes across we all have different views on the sport. But the bond we share with our birds, can never be replaced.

[MIL]

Birds were always on the garden since before I could walk

I was timing in (catch, remove rubber, into thimble, into drum) at 5

Striking was a little while later cos the Toulet wasn’t easy for a nipper

[Buster121]

The sad thing is about the sport, we chat to other members in the sport. And we build up a good relationship in chatting daily, or even weekly because of time available. I really enjoy this part of the sport, but even better when I meet the other members, so to date on this subject I have met some really good members.

A trip to see George down in Oxford, Andy and Trev on a loft trip. And also to see Andy at his home, Buster came to my home and we had a great chat, Andy also came to my home, and did a loft report. I also had the chance to travel to Germany, and meet Christoph and Leon and the family. I have to say great memories from these meetings. And now making my trip to see Murray and Cathrine, is clocking up the miles.

But I must say I have really enjoyed meeting other members, and it then comes across we all have different views on the sport. But the bond we share with our birds, can never be replaced.

Yes it was a good meet and chat mate, you have certainly got about a bit George and long may it continue