NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010

Transcription

1 INTO AFRICA Felice and family go totally wild starts page 14 NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 visit: TRIBUTE TO BARRY A great bloke and fancier see page 13 FEEDING TIME AT GARY S see page 11 ANPA election information - see page 10 PAGE 1 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

2 OFFICE BEARERS President Bob Grant, 450 Devonshire Rd, Kemp s Creek, NSW (02) rmgrant@dodo.com.au Secretary Alan Strachan, P.O Box 330, Goulburn, NSW 2580 (02) astrachan@aapt.net.au Treasurer David Lewis, 21 Young St, Blackwood. S.A (08) dlewis@savingsloans.com.au Membership Coordinator Richard Darling, P.O. Box 1502, Loxton, S.A (08) mrpigeon@netspace.net.au Editor/Webmaster Brad Turner, 23 Alton Tce, The Gap Queensland 4061 (07) ; b.turner@uq.edu.au Ring Coordinator Terry Darling, (08) mydarl@optusnet.com.au Election Supervisor Larry Horder. (02) Victoria/Tasmania Vice President Douglas McClary, (03) douglas.mcclary@bigpond.com Committee Joe Puglia, (03) rzhevlofts@dodo.com.au Michael Spadoni, (03) ; spudxy@bigpond.com Matthew Hay, (03) matthay@dodo.com.au New South Wales/A.C.T Vice President Bill Vost, homerbuild@bigpond.com Committee Allan Makin (02) allanmakin@iprimus.com.au Steven Cummins, (02) ; John Hanson, (02) blenhaven@m2data.com.au Queensland Vice President Bob Kennedy (07) ; woodfordpool@yahoo.com Committee Ian Walsh. (07) ; electricfrill27@hotmail.com Dave Sandhoff, (07) ; dave@bellamoda.com.au Western Australia Vice President Dick Milner, (08) mrpigeon@optusnet.com.au Committee Peter Tripoli, (08) ; petertripoli@hotmail.com Mal Bergerson, (08) wbergers@bigpond.net.au South Australia/ Northern Territory Vice President Terry Darling, (08) mydarl@optusnet.com.au Committee Chris Schutz, (08) schutzfamily@bigpond.com. Graeme Lipsys, (08) candlish@optusnet.com.au ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 2

3 2011 PERTH National plans progressing By DICK MILNER The purpose of this and following progress reports is aimed at keeping the national pigeon fraternity abreast of progress with respect to the 29th National Pigeon Show. Venue and Date The Show will be held at the Pigeon and Poultry Pavilion of the Royal Agricultural Society Show Ground in Claremont Thursday July 28 to Sunday July 31, The Showground in situated in the western suburbs around 45 minutes from the Perth Airport. On the same weekend one of the largest events; the craft fair is being held at the showground and this has resulted the Show Railway Station being opened for the during of the Show. This in effect means those staying in the city or Fremantle can converge on the Show at minimal cost. The rail system is a modern mode of travel and perfectly safe. Pigeon Crate Transport All visitors to Western Australia will have access to pigeon crate transport from the airport to the showground and return. This applies to pigeons arriving on Thursday 28 July and returning 31 July. In due course you will be provided with full contact details of Russell Atthowe who is taking a week s annual leave to undertake this excellent service. Our intent is for fanciers to liaise direct with Russell by providing their name, flight details and number of crates. Russell has access to all QANTAS flight arrival information. By booking with Russell you are assured of pigeon crate transport. Preferred Air Travel From our own experience I suggest you only travel by QANTAS, not Jet Star otherwise you will be very disappointed. Accommodation The Perth Committee has identified a magnificent hotel for our interstate and international guests. The All Seasons Perth Hotel is situated at 15 Robinson Ave, Northbridge. Phone: Fax: h6394-sb01@accor.com We have been able to negotiate good room rates: * Standard Room: $129 per room per night (internal standard queen/twin room, with no opening window and only a small skylight window) * Superior Room: $159 per room per night (external queen/twin room, with a larger opening window to the outside) * The above rates are inclusive of a complimentary Continental Buffet Breakfast. Note: Standard Queen Rooms and Superior Queen Rooms have one queen bed in each room. Standard Twin Rooms and Superior Twin Rooms have one queen and one single bed in each room. The rooms and the facilities have been inspected and considered first class. It is our intention to hold the Saturday evening dinner and presentations in the function centre within the hotel complex. When booking please ensure you mention you are attending the Perth National Pigeon Show. This is the cue for your special deal. The hotel has 80 rooms: 30 standard (internal) queen rooms; 10 standard twin rooms. 20 superior queen rooms; 20 superior twin rooms. The hotel is 10 minutes walk from the Perth Railway Station, which runs a regular service to the venue. Those wishing to catch public transport will have access to the Blue Cat Bus Service. This is a free bus journey from the outer business district to the inner. The city is a 25 minute walk from the hotel. ANPA NATIONAL JUDGE NOMINATIONS Forms for the nomination of both local and International Judges for the 2011 National at the Claremont Showgrounds in Perth are available on the ANPA website ( au) and can be downloaded. They are no longer included with the Newsletter. Completed forms should be sent to the National Show Coordinator, Frank Hayes by (mach@netspace.net.au) or post (P.O. Box 8147 Wodonga. VIC. 3690) not later than Monday 31st Jan Exhibitors, Affiliated and Specialist Clubs are asked to please take the time to ensure that all information required on the form is completed correctly and that you have signed the form. Nomination of suitable Judges is vital for the success of any show and cooperation of all exhibitors is earnestly sought. In accordance with ANPA s selection criteria, nominations received via the Nomination Form will be treated more favourably as the Committee has the opportunity to consider the credentials noted on the Form. Please note that ANPA does not accept responsibility for any Judge s travel or accommodation costs. It is suggested that any private or Club financial support planned for any Judge should be arranged, clarified and agreed well in advance of any commitment. Reminder : No nominations will be accepted after Monday 31st Jan FRANK HAYES, NATIONAL SHOW COORDINATOR PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

4 2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16-18, Melbourne Bob Nolan and Eddie Kloprogge during the Blower judging. English Dragoon - Young Grizzle. R & R Lofts Peter Harvey is presented his trophy for Best Frill by Scotty Ross. English Dragoon - Young Mealy R & R Lofts. NOTE TO SPECIALTY CLUBS PERTH NATIONAL Specialty clubs should advise their show requirements for the 2001 ANPA National by mid-january. We want to know what you require to conduct your show within the National. For example, do you require a walking pen, bench space, chairs, seperate pens for judging as utilised by the King Club etc? Some clubs don t require prize cards. Another exampls is the Frill Club who need only 200 pens and will do the rest. This is your show, so tell us what you want. Contact Dick Milner mrpigeon@bigpond.net.au ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 4

5 2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16-18, Melbourne Champion Danzig HIghflyer - Marian Zukowskily. The Tassie connection. Best White LFT - Alan Watts. The Scots connection judge the British Show Racers The British Show Racer Club s classy set-up. PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

6 2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16-18, Melbourne Archangel Special Award - Anthony Wray Bob Nolan judges the English Trumpeters.. English Carrier AOC hen - Phil Lines Champion AOV Frill - Macedonian Turbit - Steve Hrup ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 6

7 2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16-18, Melbourne Best Opposite Sex Nun - Brad Turner Best Young Turbit - Boston Bay Lofts Best Young Nun - Michael Spadoni. Best Young Showpen Homer - Greg Kelleher. Peter Tripoli and Matthew Hay. PAGE 7 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

8 2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16-18, Melbourne Best Young Marked English LFT - Felice Esposito Champion Szegediner Tumbler - Aaron Koldas Young Silver English LFT - Jeff Krahenbring Best Young Lahore - Wayne Ralston ATTENTION QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN NSW MEMBERS Preliminary discussions about bidding for a 2012 ANPA National at Ipswich will be on the agenda at the Ipswich Pigeon Specialist Club s AGM on January 30 at 11.30am at the home of John Wiseman, 1138 Pine Mountain Rd, Borallon. Bid convenor Brad Turner is proposing a bid by a consortium (similar to the Victorian Show Pigeon Federation), rather than an individual club, although this is also up for discussion. Anyone interested in being part of the show bid who is unable to attend the IPSC meeting is asked to contact Brad on , or at b.turner@uq.edu.au ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 8

9 2010 ANPA NATIONAL SHOW - July 16-18, Melbourne Best Yellow Jacobin - Peter Smith Best Brown or Khaki Jacobin - Peter Smith THANKS TO GORDON JONES FOR THE JACOBIN PHOTOGRAPHS Best White Jacobin - Patrick Tenison PLEASE NOTE: EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO IDENTIFY FEATURED BIRDS. APOLOGIES IF THERE ARE ANY ERRORS. Best Barred Jacobin - Ian Campton PAGE 9 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

10 The champion Fairy Swallow at the 2008 ANPA National Show was again bred by prolific winner Darren Rafton of Mt Marshall in Queensland, who was also honoured by ANPA as a Master Breeder. See his story on page 21. The Dragoon Club of Australia is relatively new, but the breed has a long and proud history, having originally been known as the Dragon The Australian club promotes both the Birmingham style bird, almost extinct elsewhere, and the London style bird. In this issue we feature two stories on this stately pigeon, starting on Page ANPA National Champion English Dragoon. Exhibited by R&R Lofts. Photo copyright: Thomas Hellman ANPA ELECTIONS The election of officers at National and State level is to be held every year for approximately half the committee. By virtue of item 8 (a) of the Constitution, each election shall be for a two year term. In 2011, there must be an election for the National positions of Secretary, Treasurer and State officers for Queensland, South Australia with Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The State membership as at January 1, 2011, will determine the State representation. Nominations for all positions to be either in writing or sent by and should be with the Secretary by March 1, Nominations can only be made by financial individual members and must be seconded by a financial member. nominations and seconders must come from the nominator s and seconder s own address. Full name, postal address and contact phone number is to be included in the body of the . Current committee members are: Queensland: Vice President - Bob Kennedy. Committee Dave Sandhoff, Ian Walsh. South Australia: Vice President - Terry Darling. Committee Graeme Lipsys, Chris Schutz. Northern Territory: Nil. Western Australia: Vice President - Richard Milner,. Committee Mal Bergensen, Peter Tripoli. Secretary: Alan Strachan. Treasurer: David Lewis. Send all nominations to the Secretary, Alan Strachan, PO Box 330, Goulburn NSW 2580 or at astrachan@aapt.net.au by March 1, Note: Much of ANPA business is done by using , so nominees with computer and access would find it easier. Just joined, or want EXTRA NewsletterS FOR friends or your collection? ORDER BACK COPIES NOW Some editions already sold out ANPA NEWSLETTERS AVAILABLE AUGUST 2008 FEBRUARY 2009 MAY 2009 AUGUST 2009 NOVEMBER 2009 FEBRUARY 2010 (Hurry, limited number) AUGUST 2010 (Hurry, limited number) NEWSLETTER MAY 2009 LONG LIVE THE KING! Bob Kennedy s young King Mealy was reserve Champion at the Summerland Pigeon Club s show at Lismore in northern NSW on May 2-3. For more photographs, see page 22. INSIDE * Page 3... Top international photographer to visit 09 National * Pages Mario Fenech s meanderings (part 1) * Pages Judging Kings to the Standard by Chris Schutz * Pages Flying Birmingham Rollers by Ian Blackwell * Page QPFS Autumn Show * Page The Power of One by Phil Lines * Pages The Lewis Family legacy by David Lewis TO ORDER: Contact Brad Turner (07) b.turner@uq.edu.au NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2008 Work of a new MASTER INSIDE 2008 ANPA National Show SPECIAL EDITION Photographs from the US Grand National in Salt Lake City See Pages 8-9 An introduction to the Working Thief Pouter: an ideal sporting breed See Pages NEWSLETTER SHOW DATES FEBRUARY 2010 PAGE 24 visit: Enter the DRAGOON Page Frank takes Aussie folk to the Land of the Free Page Lahores - slipping away from the Standard? Page Queensland Pigeon Fanciers Society annual show Page From strength to strength - the Australian Jacobin Club Page South Australian Canary and Pigeon Society show Page The European Experience INSIDE ALSO AVAILABLE NEWS AND VIEWS Vol.12 No.2 Jan/Feb 1998 Muffed breeds special (2 available); Vol.12 No.3 Jun/July 1998 Blower special (13); Vol.13 No.1 Oct/Nov 1998 National show special (7); Vol.13 No.2 Jan/Feb 1999 Utility breeds special (11); Vol. 13 No.3 Jun/July 1999 Short faced breeds special (16); Vol.14 No.1 Sep/Oct 1999 Perth National special (8) Autumn 2001 (3); Jan/Feb (8) COSTS: $5 per edition, plus $3 postage for up to two copies; $5 postage for 3 or 4 copies; $8 postage for 5 to 8 copies. News and Views ONLY Cheques payable to ANPA c/o Alan Strachan, PO Box 330, Goulburn, NSW ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 10

11 PIGEON PARADISE IN THE BUSH Not far north of Brisbane on several bushland acres what could only be described as a pigeon paradise can be found. Gary Valko has lived in many parts of Australia, but no matter where he put down roots, there were always a host of pigeons in the backyard. Since he has had a large backyard to use, there are now around 2500 resident pigeons, not to mention a host of show poultry including his favourite, a Whistling Duck who thinks it is a chook (pictured bottom right). He has raced with great success and still has the foundation of his imported stock in one of his many lofts spread around his property. He also has a host of fancy breeds in just about every category from Utility to Frills, Colour Pigeons, Exhibition Tumblers - you name it, and you can find some pretty handy examples of each. Gary puts a lot of time into working out his matings and can rattle off the origins and bloodlines of his birds without hesitation. He certainly has no problem finding foster parents. A member of the Queensland Pigeon fanciers Society, he is at present also putting a lot of time into building new lofts to accommodate his growing feathered family. Visitors such as US judge Tony DeSantolo (pictured below left with Gary) are always astonished when Gary s homers and tipplers emerge for their morning feed and fly. It is a truly astonishing sight as the sky is literally a black mass of fluttering feathers. PAGE 11 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

12 FROM THE SECRETARY - Alan (Strawny) Strachan Elections Every year a ballot takes place to replace approximately half the ANPA committee (see Election Notice elsewhere within the Newsletter). In this cycle the National Secretary and National Treasurer as well as the State representatives for Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia are also elected. I ask the members to give due consideration to those whom you wish to represent you. It is most important that the best possible representation is available to serve and further the interests of our hobby. Paid-up members as of January 1, 2011 will comprise the various state electoral rolls and are those allowed to nominate themselves or others. Once the candidates have been determined those on the said electoral rolls will be sent their ballot papers. Please give it thought and not leave it too late. Rings The ring colour for the 2011 breeding season is yellow with black lettering. It may seem strange that we need to start thinking about next breeding season when this one is not yet finished. However in order to place a relevant and yet realistic order clubs will be asked to indicate during December/January what their 2011 ring order is likely to be. I ask fanciers to assist your Ring Secretaries by replying promptly to their requests. Judges for the National If you intend exhibiting in Perth at the 2011 National and have a preference for a particular judge I urge you to put your suggestion forward through your club promptly. As you will have seen in Frank Hayes article on page 3, nomination forms are available at Above: Strawny hard at work at the 2010 National. The Standards Book Updates The three-year moratorium of amendments to the Australian National Pigeons standards has now finished. Applications for the inclusion of new breed standards or the amendment to existing standards will be received and dealt with according to the Procedure - Standards Amendments and Additions. A copy of the procedure is available from the Secretary. The 2010 Updates (which cover several breeds) are available from the Secretary. Cost is $10 (Black & White version) $15 (Coloured version) plus $3 postage. Finally Whilst it is my duty to carry out the secretarial duties of ANPA I do remind you that ANPA is here to serve the fancy pigeon hobbyists as best it can and will do its best to work in the best interests of all. Please contact me if you have any anxieties or wish for assistance in any sphere of our hobby. I can be contacted at PO Box 330, Goulburn NSW 2580 or by at astrachan@aapt.net.au FROM THE PRESIDENT - Bob Grant wish all members and their families a Happy Christmas and a I rewarding New Year National Show Dick Milner and his crew are efficiently planning next year s Perth National, in this issue he asks for your input, so please assist with your views. Frank Hayes also asks for judge nominations and so please be prompt. Class Rationalization National Schedule Some might not be aware, but the number of classes on the National Schedule has grown enormously, mainly due to new breeds and requests from members for additional colour classes. It has become a large task for show managers to handle. The committee has endorsed Frank Hayes to lead a subcommittee to attempt to rationalize class numbers. Frank was seen as the optimum choice because of his experience and the respect he has earned for his service to the Fancy. As a guideline he wrote, I would be looking at long established pro and active ANPA names, and perhaps a fresh youngster for a fresh approach. Maybe need WA, Qld and Tas reps for a national committee? I would formulate a broad plan (rules for inclusion, timing etc) with a vision for say the 2012 Show Schedule at earliest, with specific provision for changes by formal protocol. This would be the starting point for discussion with a team who ultimately will seek input from appropriate sources and put to ANPA Committee QPFS Centenary The Queensland Pigeon Fanciers Society will celebrate their Centenary next year. Nick and Jan Baker deserve a lot of the credit for guiding the club for many years. More recently, Werner Zimmer, Barry Ross and their dedicated team guided QPFS to its affiliation with ANPA and they have since promoted ANPA s aims to their membership. I congratulate them for their efforts. The ANPA committee has agreed to sponsor the two major awards for their Centenary Show. Could you all do your best to attend and support QPFS in their celebration in May at Caboolture Showgrounds when they host the State Show. Your Newsletter Many members have commented to me how much they look forward to receiving their newsletter every three months and it has been a reason for increasing numbers joining ANPA. How often do you hear clubs say they have trouble getting someone to put together their own newsletter? Maybe the affiliated clubs should consider using this newsletter to communicate with their members. In this way your club could be promoted to the broader fancy and we all like to read interstate news ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 12

13 TRIBUTE - Barry Shepherd By IAN CAMPTON My fond memories of Barry Shepherd go back to my early days at PFS of NSW shows and monthly meetings and extend to our more recent morning talks when I would pass Barry on his morning walks on those days when our timing clicked on my way to work. I have borrowed some of Barry s background from a great article written by Trevor Joseph in a PFS Newsletter in 1996 when Barry was made a life member of the PFS of NSW, a club he was fiercely loyal to up to his passing. Barry apparently started in pigeons around the age of 14 with some racing homers, but these were soon taken over by his brother Roger who still has many racing birds right next door to Barry s place in Merrylands, Sydney. Barry didn t get back into the hobby until after he had started a family and his son got interested in some Frills and Fantails. This was around 1974 and Barry moved these breeds on when his son s interest waned and took up the Modena, which was to be his specialist breed. After an initial struggle to get good stock, (maybe some of the breeders saw what was to come and were very precious about passing on good stock to a newcomer, as we all knows it happens in most breeds), Barry eventually got some birds he liked through Paul Dempsey and became a very successful Modena breeder, being recognised by the then Modena Club with a Master Breeder s Award around 1993, and at about the same time was similarly recognised by the PFS of NSW. Barry was also a great and competitive Helmet breeder and Archangels are another breed he had for some years. I guess Barry will be remembered by many as the guy with a smile on his face and through his regular appearances at shows around the country and NSW. In more recent years at PFS shows Barry would greet the thirsty and hungry with that same broad grin and friendly manner behind the counter at the PFS canteen. My memories of Barry will remain with me as we had travelled to many a National Show interstate, Barry was always quick to see where the gang were staying and how we were getting about and if he couldn t go that year there would be that phone call a month or so out asking if we were going and if we could fit a small box of birds in for him, how could we refuse that broad grin and the good friend behind it? We had many a funny night at Nationals where he would have to deal with either a late night or early morning return from the boys night out where he would decline Colin Campbell presents Barry Shepherd with his award for Best Helmet at the 2001 National in Adelaide. and want to hit the sack early only to be awoken by the boys on return. By the time we got up next morning he would have been for his morning walk (his constitutional) and be there warming up the pan to cook the bacon and eggs for brekkie. Trevor Joseph summed it up well with some headings back in 1993 noting where Barry Shepherd had excelled; his presentation not only of his birds but of himself; he was an ambassador for the fancy not just for Modenas but as a whole with his attendance at many shows no matter how small or large, artist and sculptor his skill and craftwork has been shared with many through donations and trophies money could not buy the time Barry had put into this part of the hobby he enjoyed (I have a one off Barry Shepherd original Black Jacobin he refused to make any more after Breakfast time at the 2001 Adelaide National this one which he generously made for me as a personal gift); a supporter of many shows and clubs again through attendance and donations of his wonderful graft as trophies and his loyalty to the Modena Club, the PFS and ANPA (probably in that order), Barry was always very loyal to friends and family as well. I could not hope to cover all aspects of Barry s life, but I know he was a true family man who loved his wife, kids and grandkids and his family in general. What a privilege it has been for many and for me personally to have walked, and talked with a good friend of the fancy whose friendly smile cannot be replaced but is sorely missed anywhere the pigeon hobby gets together. I hope this small tribute helps mark the passing of The Good Shepherd, our mate Barry. PAGE 13 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

14 Into AFRICA By FELICE ESPOSITO Being asked in 2009 by Christo Britz to judge Tumblers at the Boxbeak Challenge in South Africa was an honour and something I was very much looking foward to. Arriving at Bloemfontein airport I was greeted by Christo, the driving force behind Tumblers in South Africa at the moment. Christo is a passionate and dedicated breeder who not only arranged to have an Australian judge, but also had the one and only Bob Witte from the USA, and also a Canadian tumbler breeder, Dan Cayer, present. I must also mention that Charles Marais was also present. Charles and Bob co-wrote a Tumbler special in the 80s, the very first Tumbler book I ever owned. To me this was like meeting the Rolling Stones of pigeons, a dream to me for many years. Christo drove us (myself, my wife Mary, son Antonio and daughter Claudia) to our accomodation facilities at the Tempe Military Base in Bloemfontein. A special thanks to Raymond Hohls who arranged our accomodation. Once settled in we walked over to the pavilion where 142 Tumblers were ready for the following days judging. The next morning it was up early for the judging to commence, me and Bob Witte being the main judges, with Dan Cayer being the Show Coordinator. Our wives and kids were escorted by Roefus Dreyer to a cheetah farm at Franklin game reserve where they patted baby cheetas and lions, something they still can t believe they did. Anyway back to the show. First was the junior class, a big surprise to me with five junior members entering, a very promising future for Tumblers in the RSA. Champion junior Tumbler was a beautiful Black old cock, owned by Minke Hohls. This bird also got Best Black in the senior classes out of nine in class, and almost got Best Black overall, only to be beaten by a very stylish young hen. Something also worth noting is that there were 39 blacks shown, impressive. The winning young hen was owned by Bertie Wessels. Great beak setting, and showed the whole duration of the show, although a little more body was needed she was a deserving winner. Champion clean leg Tumbler came from the Teager class, and was also won by Bertie with an old cock. An outstanding specimen, this bird was well balanced, box beak, round head, eye right in line with the ball of the foot and ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 14

15 also showed the whole time. Other birds worth mentioning were a White old cock, the best I ve seen to date, with a perfect head just a little to rangey to take out the title; a Blue Bar clean leg g with head equal to the white, but also a tad to long; and a very nice cobby Red and Yellow also caught my eye. There were also some nice Tumlbers in Cream, Khaki, Andalusian, Silver Mealy, these all belonging to Christo. Approximately 30 marked clean legs were shown, and the Champion was a superb Kite old hen, she was as good as I have seen anywere. She had style, body wedge shaped and one tail feather width, also loose featherd without creasing; an asset to any bald breeder. Also worth a mention was a beautiful Ash Red with great head properties, not to mention the rest. This bird may have easily taken out the title if it wasn t for a bulleye, otherwise outstanding for a baldhead, these also belonging to Christo. In the Muffs, the Champion self muff was a Yellow mottle old cock, a well balanced, good muffed Tumbler - to be critical a little thin in the beak and head did drop of at the back. Marked Muffs was won by an outstanding Opal Baldhead old hen, she had soft smooth feather, great colour, great muffs and was well marked. She would have won best muff, but lost to the Yellow Mottle due to her being a little down in condition, we put her aside to rest, otherwise she would easily have taken the crown for Best Muff. Both muff champions also belonging to Christo. Champion Tumbler overall went to the Splash clean leg old cock. Overall my impressions of the tumblers in the RSA is that they have all the ingredients to breed the best in the world if worked with. I will be watching over the next few years with anticipation on their progress. That night we were off to our presentation night, PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

16 first before the awards and dinner we were to watch the rugby between the RSA and Australia, only to be disappointed with RSA winning. Lucky I say this time! At the traditional Afrikaner dinner the awards were presented to all class winners and champions. Most awards were made by Jan Lombard. Jan makes them in all colours and the best part is that they are small. Easy to display without taking up to much room. Also all handpainted by him in all colours. Magnificent! Well, after a good night s sleep we were up at 5am to start our drive to Kruger National Park. Five days on safari was something me and my family were looking forward to. What can I say? You haven t been on a holiday untll you have been on a safari with Christo and Rob Lombard. We also stayed over for a night and were treated with a home cooked dinner made by Rob and his wife Chantel. Rob is also a dedicated pigeon breeder who specializes in breeding Pygmys, Brunners, Voorburg Shields, Show Racers, Machereno Pouters and also a kit of flying Rollers. I would need to write a book to fill you in on our experiences. I have been on many trips to many places and nothing can compare. If you are travelling to the RSA, book in a safari with Christo, even if its only for a few days. You will not be disappointed. The big five twice in two days, and as for food WOW traditional Afrikaner food with a taste like none other - the game meat was mouth watering. I think I could become a South African very easily with their meataterian diet. My kind of people. One word to describe the experience is unforgettable. Thank you Christo. I have already made a date to return to the RSA in 2015 to judge again - and not to mention safari again. Who knows, I may be back earlier than expected! ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 16

17 Editor s Note: Many thanks to Chritso Britz for supplying the photographs of the birds for tthis article. South African Fancy Pigeon Association s Championship Show By JAN LOMBARD The 64 th SAFPA Championship show (our version of the NPA National) was hosted by the KZN/Eastern Free State region in Pietermaritzburg. The show took place from July 6-9 at the beautiful and well maintained facilities of the Royal Agricultural Show. Close to 2000 birds were entered by 63 fanciers, of which some travelled over 2000 km (1250 miles) to attend. Provision was made for a For Sale section where well over 300 birds of good quality were made available to other fanciers. The show received good coverage in the local media. The fact that the show hall, function hall, catering facilities as well as accommodation in a high school dormitory was all within walking distance from each other, ensured that maximum time was available for fanciers to discuss their favourite topic fancy pigeons. A large number of new judges passed their practical exams, which will help the lighten the burden on those of us who regularly judge at the regional shows. The prize giving function on Friday night was a memorable occasion, during which Rob Lombard surprised us all with a Zulu dance in a traditional outfit! The Champion on Show was a beautiful Blue Bar Dragoon old cock (pictured above), entered by Wesmar Boerdery. First Reserve Champion went to Bruce Sandison for a Black Nun young hen. This bird was also awarded Champion Young Bird of show. Continued next page PAGE 17 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

18 The Second Reserve Champion was a Silver bar Lahore young cock entered by P&S Botha. Nico van der Westhuizen s Blue Bar Fantail was the Third Reserve Champion. A well marked Bronze Spangled Cauchois young cock of Chris de Bruin was awarded Fourth Reserve Champion. The Fifth Reserve Champion went to a silver bar English Turbit, entered by Stewart Patterson who also exhibited the Sixth Reserved Champion, a black Felegyhazaer Tumbler young cock, which made me very proud, as it was my privilege to judge this breed. In the junior section the following breeds/exhibitors ended up in the top seven: The Champion was a Mealy Old German Owl old cock enter by Minke Hohls, who also entered the Sixth Reserve Champion with a Red magpie marked Komorner Tumbler hen. M. Watson had the First Reserve Champion (Gimpel old cock) as well as the Third Reserve Champion (Egyptian Swift young cock). Divan Lourens exhibited the Second Reserve Champion (Birmingham Roller young hen). Roan Buitendag (Chinese Owl old cock) was awarded Fourth Reserve Champion. Corne Du Plessis exhibited the Fifth Reserve Champion. (Working Homer old hen). Well done and congratulations to these youngsters. We hope to see you at the shows for many years to come. ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 18

19 There are two major annual shows in South Africa, and thanks to National Fancy Pigeon Association South Africa President Fadiel Hendricks (pictured at right awarding NFPA and African plaques to exhibitor Jean-Lois Frindel) we also have photos of some of the winners on this page. PAGE 19 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

20 Long wait FINALLY pays off IAN BLACKWELL from Perth has had pigeons in his blood from a young age, and for the last 30 years has devoted himself to advancing the sport of flying Birmingham Rollers. This is the final in his series of articles on the history and development of his beloved performers. Bezance strain It all happened over the next eight months and in April 1996 I flew to Melbourne to pick up eight pair of Birmingham Rollers from Spotswood Quarantine Centre. Birds were generously donated by Jim Wilson (Stratford, Shackleton), Chris Havers (ex O.D. Harris and an odd cock bird Mason, Wheatley, Taylor cross), Les Bezance (orig. ex Dexter, Shackleton) and Peter Harper (ex Frank Pickles ex Len Harris). It should be noted that another consignment of Birmingham Rollers came in with the same importation. These were birds from George Mason imported by John Siotas and Peter Starsen from Melbourne. When the quarantine facility first opened in 1991 a consignment of Rollers came in from Canada on the back of a racing bird importation. Tony Drane from New South Wales arranged this consignment with Monty Neibel and included both Neibel and Clint Hollingsworth strains. It did not go altogether smoothly as some of the pigeons died in the quarantine facility; however it did give an initial opportunity M.Neibel/Hollingsworth strain O.D Harris strain to a small number of fanciers to trial and test the performing ability of these overseas strains. A number of other importations of Birmingham Rollers from both U.K. and Canada followed. Again this is not intended to be exhaustive but to give a thumbnail sketch off the top of my head of recent imports and their approximate timing although you will note I was involved myself to some extent. Tony Iuliano, who was a syndicate member for the English imports in 1996, made contact with Monty Neibel Canada and imported birds from him. Also birds from John Wiens (originally Neibel strain) in Canada. ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 20

21 Kevin Giddins, Jim Caruana, Paul Pacino and Marcus Callaco have also imported pigeons from Canada since Adrian Gasparini imported Neibel birds from Brian Krog after Monty died in a motor vehicle accident. Simon Risso and Shane Davies imported birds from George Mason and Ken Howat from John Lenihan in the late 1990 s. Adrian Gasparini, Ken Howat and myself imported further birds from Heine Bijker (Holland), John Lenihan (U.K.) and Peter Harper (U.K.) respectively in the 2003 importation. Well I hope you have found my ramblings of interest as they will set the scene for our entry into the different aspects of keeping and flying Birmingham Roller pigeons. EDITOR S NOTE: Many thanks to Ian for his extremely interesting and informative series of articles, many readers have commented on how much they have enjoyed them, and they are also to be reproduced in the Roller club newsletter. Harper strain John Weins strain STUDY FINDS PIGEONS LOVE A FLUTTER Some gamblers like to forgo their winnings for the chance of a much bigger win - and it seems pigeons like to take the same risk. Research by Thomas Zentall and Jessica Stagner from the University of Kentucky shows pigeons prefer an allor-nothing outcome than the guarantee of a much smaller reward. The researchers say this runs contrary to optimal foraging theory, which says animals evolve to make the most rational choices possible to guarantee their survival. Instead, it seems pigeons behave more like human gamblers, risking everything for the small chance of a big return. In the experiment, eight pigeons were taught the outcomes of two different sequences if they pecked either a vertical or a horizontal line on a screen. They learned that if they chose the vertical line, they had a 20% chance of a big food reward (10 pellets), or an 80% chance of no reward at all (0 pellets). If they chose the horizontal line, they had a guaranteed reward of three pellets - effectively a non-gambling option. When the pigeons were then presented with the choice of pecking either vertical or horizontal lines, to the surprise of the researchers, most chose the vertical line despite the fact that it gave them less food overall. Averaged over many trials, six of the eight pigeons made choices that gave them an average of two food pellets over an alternative three. This choice behaviour mimics human monetary gambling in which the infrequent occurrence of a stimulus signalling the winning event is overemphasised and the more frequent occurrence of a stimulus signalling the losing event is underemphasised, the researchers write. Commenting on the research, Dr K-lynn Smith who is a behavioural biologist in the School of Biology at Macquarie University says the results are interesting because they contradict accepted theory. Animals are supposed to make rational decisions, says Smith. An animal would normally think what s the easiest way to answer this question? or what s the fastest way to get the food? - that s why these results are so surprising. What we re seeing here is the concept of a jackpot - you have a very positive feeling when you suddenly get a huge amount of food and you remember that very well, whereas when you lose and you didn t get what you want, you discount that. Smith believes the pigeon s behaviour may have something to do with their lifestyle. Pigeons spend their time looking for seeds or trees that are blooming. These are patchy food sources where there might be a big win if you hit the right patch, she says. So it could be that they are being driven to find the big rewards where there could be a huge amount that will pay off and feed you all at one time, rather than staying on a food source where there is very little [reward]. It could also be that the pigeons weren t that hungry. They knew they were going to get back to their cage to get food. PAGE 21 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

22 A Master s PASSION By MAXINE POPE Rob Pope s passion for fancy pigeons was found at a very young age, and developed into a lifetime of wanting to breed the best of the best. Going to local Agricultural Shows in the area (Port Lincoln, SA) with his family, Rob soon became enthralled with fancy pigeons. Max Cox was living in Lincoln at the time and so Rob would run (another passion) up and back from the Primary School in his lunch break. This was quite some distance but Rob was always keen to see Max s birds. Pocket money was saved by doing chores on the family farm and so it was with much excitement and anticipation that Rob was able to then purchase his first pair of Fantail Pigeons. Max went on to be a great inspiration, support and friend to Rob in the years to come. Over the following years, Rob bred many different breeds of pigeons. Once Rob had his driver s license (at 16) he would load up his Dad s old Morris truck and head off to the district s Agricultural Shows. Much success followed and so in the early 60s Rob decided to box up a few of his birds and venture to the city to exhibit at the Tumbler & Frill Society Shows in Gawler SA, the Pigeon and Canary Society Show and the Adelaide Royal. In 1964 Rob was introduced to Doug Carlyle, Jim McLean, Bob Clarke and Jules De Brenni, just to name a few of the judges at these shows, all of whom encouraged Rob with his breeding program. Realizing that he had too many breeds to manage, Rob decided to concentrate on the frills, namely Turbits, Blondinettes and Satinettes. Doug Carlyle had decided to retire from his breeding program and so Rob was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a couple of pairs of both Blonds and Sats from Doug, who at the time told Rob that He was keen to support him as he felt that Rob was a well respected and honest young breeder who would take the quality of his birds to the next level! To quote Bob Clarke recently, he said Rob was a very studious breeder who dominated in his three breeds. This was evident by 1971 when Rob won the ultimate prize of Champion Bird at the National Show held in Adelaide, winning with a Black laced Blondinette cock bird. By this time Rob had also become a well known reliable judge who was in demand at both local and interstate shows. Rob also encouraged the younger generation who wanted to take up the hobby, and readily gave stock birds to them in the PERTH ANPA NATIONAL ADVERTISING Clubs and individuals interested in advertising in the Show Schedule and Show Catalogue for the Perth National in 2011 should submit their requirements by DECEMBER 24. Ad sizes and costs are (A4 sized publication): Full page - $240; Half page - $120; Quarter page - $60. This cost includes BOTH show publications and the make up of ads if needed. Please contact Dick Milner at mrpigeon@bigpond.net to discuss your ad, or for further information. hope it would get them started. It was with enthusiasm that he devoted time to help those who showed interest in becoming a Pigeon Fancier. He was also responsible for starting local Pigeon Clubs and worked tirelessly to establish more varieties and colours offered at shows along with getting better pens and facilities. Peter Harvey and Terry Darling both spent a lot of time in Rob s lofts in their younger years, and have continued on with their birds to this day saw Rob and his family move to Edenhope in Victoria to pursue farming. It was a huge upheaval at the time and the birds were housed in the woolshed, using mesh wool pens as dividers. These makeshift yards were used until such time the new lofts were built. Once again Rob was very instrumental in developing classes at local shows, including the Naracoorte Pigeon Club. Rob s son Alan inherited this desire, passion and love of pigeons, (also at a very early age) and it is wonderful to see Alan following in his Dad s footsteps, enjoying the success of breeding and showing. Unfortunately, Rob lost his battle with Cancer in 1992 and passed away at 49 years of age in the August of that year. He left behind a legacy for Alan, who is proudly carrying on his Father s quest to breed quality frills. It is now Alan s desire to establish a Memorial Perpetual Trophy to honour his Dad who was both his friend and mentor. Individual trophies will be for Champion Young Turbit, Blondinette and Satinette. These trophies are to be won three times at the National Show before the successful breeder/exhibitor will be recognised to take possession of these awards. Compiled by Rob s wife, Maxine, who always said that she married both Rob and his pigeons! ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 22

23 AROUND AND ABOUT The Southern Combined Classic Show is to be hosted by the Twin Cities Fancy Pigeon Club at Albury Showgrounds on Sunday, June 12. The show, traditionally held in Melbourne, has seen around 1000 exhibits penned and it is expected that this may be exceeded for 2011 as it will be held during the Queen s Birthday long weekend. Albury now has a major airport only minutes away and this may give more interstate exhibitors and judges a better opportunity to attend. Twin Cities Club usually holds its Annual Show at the end of April but for 2011, it has taken the opportunity of the later date to host the Classic in conjunction with its Annual Show, which was established in The venue provides single tier penning for 1000 birds and thanks to a large team of local fanciers who carry out setting up, exhibits can be penned the night before and may be left penned Sunday night to enable visitors to take advantage of a dinner evening at one of Albury s famous clubs. President, Frank Hayes, is inviting all fanciers to enjoy some regional border hospitality which provides a wide range of accommodation, sporting, shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The schedule will be available early in the New Year and it is planned to provide some assistance to guest interstate judges who will complement the local list. You can contact Frank on or mach@ netspace.net.au. Barry Ross, Secretary of the Queensland Pigeon Fanciers Society, has been busy doing historical research in preparation for the club s 100th Anniversary next year. The research into the founding of the QPFS has taken Barry into the Queensland State archives and John Oxley libraries. He has found a copy of the original constitution signed by the office bearers and a copy of the first show results in 1912, when the club took out a bank overdraft for 20 pounds to buy showpens, as well as a lot of highlights of the later years. He has a photo of the the first meeting of the club at the old Newmarket Hotel in Roma St, pulled down to firstly be replaced by the Windsor Hotel and then in the 1970s by the Crest Hotel. The results of Barry s research will be published in the ANPA Newsletter next year. Barry has also been combing his own pigeon records from the early 1950s to help Bob Weekes in his efforts to discover the origins of an old trophy presented to a Mrs Wilson by the now defunct Fantail Club of NSW. His research to date has found that in the 1950s the Fantail Club of NSW held its meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 133 Queens Rd, Five Dock. A R L. Brown was the President and K. Nairn was the Secretary. A Wilson Family showed Fantails in the early 1950s and later showed performing Tumblers (1960s). Their address at that time was in Warriewood on the Northern Beaches, and the woman of the house could well be the recipient of the trophy. For those wondering how the Budapest Shortface imported by Felice Esposito are getting on, the wait is over, as he sent the following about what he calls his ugly ducklings. I have five young at the moment (black rings) and raised 10 last year. From one pair these things breed like flies. Well, they lay eggs pretty quick anyway. Fertility 100 percent. I would have had around 25 I would say if it wasn t for some young dying, I don t know why but I found two within a week with full crops, feaders sitting, but dead young. They were fully feathered. The others were lost at young ages. Two of his young are pictured below. The ANPA Newsletter is the official publication of the Australian National Pigeon Association Inc. Material has been sourced from a number of contributors. For permission to reproduce the contents, contact Brad Turner on (07) The next edition will be published in February Send contributions to 23 Alton Terrace, The Gap, 4061, Queensland, or to b.turner@uq.edu.au Deadline for contributions: January 18, Advertising costs are $120 for a full page; $60 for a half page and $30 for a quarter page. Printed by: Rivercity Printing, Brisbane. Visit the ANPA website at PAGE 23 NOVEMBER 2010 ANPA NEWSLETTER

24 AROUND AND ABOUT At his tender young age, ANPA Life Member Keith Fitzgerald has finally seen the light and has been dabbling in Showpen Homers since last year after a lifetime in fancy breeds. I happened to be down in Melbourne late October and needed a bit of refreshment, so I dropped in. Among his menagerie of poultry, parrots, doves, finches, flying rollers and fancy breeds, there is a couple of pairs of Showpen Homers. No wonder Keith never leaves home without Joan. She would never be able to cope with tending the flock! Keith had just weaned a couple of young hens I spied which showed good promise. A Blue Bar (below) and a Red Chequer Pied. (bottom left). Both still wearing down, in great condition, nice station, outlook and pretty strong beaks. They should be pretty handy and we hope to see them with another new old face on the Showpen Homer circuit next season. - FRANK HAYES Message received from our Yank/Aussie member, Frank Povah. Congratulations to Chris Schutz and Doug McClary on their 2010 awards. They are truly well-deserved as both members have given a tremendous amount back into the hobby they both love. In the time I ve known both, they have been powerhouses of energy and great promoter of our hobby - and what Doug has managed to achieve for ANPA, not to mention the British Show Racer, in his short time in Australia is nothing short of amazing. Well done, fellers. Greetings and best wishes, also, to my many friends in Australia. Thanks to our German friend Martin Zerna, who sent the photograph (below) of one of the 2150 German Modenas exhibited at the recent VDT (German National Pigeon Association) show in the town of Erfurt. There was a total of 22,504 birds shown. The VDT each year gives memorial awards for select breeds, and in 2010 at Erfurt these were Thuringian Beetles, Thuringan Croppers and Coburg Larks. The awards commemorate German pigeon breeding and showing legend, Otto Friese. ANPA NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2010 PAGE 24