The Pigeons.
At least some of the pigeons.
I started out on The International Trail with the firm intent of doing it with English pigeons. Unfortunately I lost all of my original acquisitions and, while I still have a few of their progeny in the race team, I was really forced to start again. By this time I had noticed the achievements of Robert Ben of Calais and set out to meet him and discover something about him. That journey took rather longer than I first thought but it was a very pleasant journey because it took me to Carlier Petit and Eric Vanacker, two of the finest International lofts in Europe. The first lesson I learnt on this journey was that the successful pigeons were essentially Dutch, and so I went Dutch.
This cock, “BEN HIM” F2004-508520, is the pigeon I bought that at last got me to meet Robert Ben. Essentially he is a blend of the Sprenkels and Peter van de Eijnden pigeons that Robert started with. He is, to my mind, typical of the pigeons that have brought Robert his success and I have every hope that he will bring some success this side of the channel.
A hen from Carlier Petit, closely related on the sire's side to “PETRUS” 16th International Morcens 2002 and on the dams to “THE MACOT” 50th International Barcelona 2004
This is a son of Jac Steketee’s “DEN BARCA” four times in the result from Barcelona. The Steketee pigeons are an expertly maintained close-knit family of pigeons derived from the stock of J. Cools and J.B. Hendriks that have formed the basis of many famous International teams on the continent. Now we must see if they can cope with the challenge from this side of the channel.
Here a beautiful daughter of Ad Pegels “DE CRACK” 12 prizes in overnight races including 28th National St.Vincent, 44th National Bergerac and 105th National Dax.
A son of Jan Dirk van Egmonds “DE PAU” 8th National Pau 2006 when paired to “DE MON” 5th National Bergerac 2002. Jan Dirk has an astonishing record in National and International races, including 3rd International Barcelona 2002, but modestly attributes his success to the family of pigeons of his near neighbour Hans Knestch. Again this is an expertly managed family of pigeons that has, apparently, similar origins to that of Jac Steketee.
A hen I am especially fond of from Familie Huizer of Rhoon near Rotterdam. This hen is a blend of Gebr. Hagens and G. van Tuyl bloodlines.
This is a magnificent little cock from Frans Belleter primarily being a cross between H. Wijands and Jan Theelen stock but containing a very important element, Frans Belleters “DE LADY”, from whom I believe he has derived his looks and character.
My latest acquisition, a daughter of “SHREK” 618th National Narbonne, 927th National Barcelona when paired to “BARCELONA DUIVEN” 133rd, 350th, and 144th Barcelona 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively flying to Jelle Outhuyse way up in the north of Holland. Most of the stock I have now derive from Barcelona pigeons flying similar distances to those they will encounter from my loft. I am now adding to that base with a few from Jelle who has a family that can fly that extra distance that may be necessary from here.
Not deserting British pigeons altogether here is a son of Pat Newell’s “FEAR NOT” 338th NFC Pau and 1st National Perpignan 2005. This is a splendid little cock that will I hope blend in well with the Dutch blood.
Finally a pigeon I know very little about. I had the opportunity to buy a pair of squeakers from Alan Darragh and jumped at it. I am not disappointed. This is a family of British pigeons that have consistently shown themselves highly capable of negotiating the trying conditions conjured up by the channel and the Irish Sea. They have great navigational qualities and determination, which I hope will be passed on to the progeny.
One of the most interesting aspects of the International Racing scene for me is meeting and visiting flyers from the various countries that go to make up our community. There are many types and many characters but one thing they all seem to have in common is a quiet determination to do well. Another characteristic, which confounds the view that commercialism is spoiling the sport, is a basic generosity. In trying to establish my basic stock I have bought a number of pigeons, mostly through TOPIGEONS auctions, but I have also been the beneficiary of many wonderful gifts. I am not going to embarrass anybody by listing names but I would like to make a public statement of my gratitude and hope that I can do their generosity justice.
