Promoting the keeping

and flying of any

All Flying Cropper Club Croppers
Affiliated to the National pigeon Association
February 2005 All Flying Cropper Club
allflyingcropperclub@ntlworld.com

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions of club members are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily represent those of
The All Flying Cropper Club

Inside this issue:

Welcome to the April edition of the AFCC
newsletter
Since the last newsletter
the AFCC in January 2005
the club continues to grow
. club in Holland, AICF and
One of the aims of the club
is to get more people flying
the wide variety of fantastic
croppers whatever the
breed. In this we are suc-
ceeding.
The clubs aim to create a
network of contacts so birds
can be sourced or swapped
without incurring great costs
when purchasing stock is
well on the way with not only
UK contacts being made but
links with International
friends.
I have already been to Hol-
land once this year and
brought back some wonder-
ful specimens with the help
of my great friend s Jack and
Martin Van Duin. All the
Dutch guys always make me
feel very welcome and I
thank each and everyone of
them for their hospitality and
comradeship.
Some of our members and
friends are showmen, others
keep racing pigeons and
some even keep bears (Arian We live in uncertain times
Munster from Holland) . We with the fear of a flying/show
have members from the SIS ban because of bird flu, thus
affecting our sport but hope- Welcome by Dennis 1
ASCC in the UK, to name a fully common sense will
few. prevail. Murray,
Committee list
By now , I assume everyone I wish you all a Happy sum-
is well into the breeding mers flying and breeding
season and trying out those and I cant wait to hear about
Dr Danny Finnigan 2&
weird and wonderful some of the results that
crosses. Good luck with the come about from your trials. health tips, 3
results.
Regards
Send me your pictures of the Holland versus Glasgow 4&
results and I'll get them on
the website. Similar but different. 5
Guess who?
Dennis Murray
This year I am trying a few Pen ideas?
birds from different blends President AFCC Articles wanted.
of cropper. I'm trying to Affiliated to NPA Feb 2005
make a tool kit of birds so
that when and if someone
starts the birds up near me I Focus on Spanish breeds 6&
will have a doo for every
7
scenario to catch their birds.
I have asked Mick McGinley Word search 8
to complete an article on the
Scottish version of flying Quiz answers. 9&
Croppers. This along with a Spanish breeds 10,
glossary of terms should Marcel Fehling writes 11
make good reading Watch
out in future issues.
Moroncello by Graeme 12&
Boyd. 13,
14
Frequently asked ques-
tions.

Flying Marchys. 15, 16& 17

Committee Year 2006 Deputy Treasurer. SIS AGM
Dennis Murray 07976 751 273 Other matters
President/Treasurer Julie Murray Politics
allflyingcropper- Secretary Suggestions
club@ntlworld.com
allflyingcropper- Members letters
Danny Finnegan club@ntlworld.com
Publicity Officer.. Anthony Kellers
dmfinnigan@aol.com Marketing / International
Phil Walsal Liaison.
anthony@fda-uk.com
 Page 2
DR DANNY FINNIGAN HEALTH TIPS
Paramyxovirus infection
Paramyxovirus
infection Paramyxovirus infection occurs
in pigeons as an acute dis-
ease, taking an epidemic
course.
Pathogen:
“Paramyxovirus The paramyxovirus is related
infection occurs in to the Newcastle disease
pigeons as an acute pathogen, but not identical.
The virus is highly pathogenic
disease, taking an
for pigeons, but not for other
epidemic course.” domestic bird species
.Course of the disease:
Within just a few days of infec-
tion, both visibly and latently
affected birds shed the virus in
secretions from the conjunc-
tiva, nose and throat, as well
as in the faeces. The incuba-
PARAMYXOVIRUS INFECTION
If infection is suspected in a
flock, emergency vaccination
can be carried out in all pi-
geons that appear healthy in
order to prevent the infection
spreading (see annual preven-
tion plan: paramyxovirus vacci-
nation plan, starting on day 4 =
vaccination day).
Visibly affected birds should be
excluded from emergency
vaccination and removed from
the flock, since by shedding
the virus they put the remain-
der of the flock at risk until
Paramyxovirus PARAMYXOVIRUS INFECTION
infectio
COMMONLY Faeces in paramyxovirosis: Formed faecal parti-
cles in a water puddle with renal failure. In para-
KNOWN AS myxovirosis the thin faeces are caused not by a
functional disorder of the intestine, but of the
kidneys.
“THE NODS”
All Flying Cropper Club
tion period ranges from 3 to 21
days. Up to 30% of affected
pigeons may recover spon-
taneously after around 4
weeks of illness.
Symptoms of the disease:
The initial signs of paramyxovi-
rosis are increased water in-
take combined with reduced
feed consumption, emaciation
and diarrhoea-like faeces due
to a pathogenic increase in
fluid excretion (= polyuria:
puddles containing floating
particles of faeces are formed
in the loft). This is typically
followed by uni- or bilateral
paralysis of the legs, timidity,
torsion of the neck, twisting
movements of the body, over-
turning and walking back-
Central nervous disorders in pigeons
with paramyxovirosis: Torsion of the
head
wards. Most pigeons die.
Recognition of the disease:
The virus can be demonstrated
in specially equipped laborato-
ries by virological examination
of organ samples (brain, kid-
neys) from dead pigeons. Anti-
body demonstration is per-
formed by serological exami-
nation of blood samples taken
from affected pigeons not ear-
lier than 2 weeks after infec-
tion.
Similar conditions:
Salmonellosis.
Treatment:
As with other viral diseases,
there is no effective treatment
for affected pigeons.
vaccine protection is acquired.
Administration of livimun®
and multivitamin EB12 is
recommended to boost the
birds' natural resistance.
Prevention:
Only active immunisation (see
annual prevention plan: para-
myxovirus vaccination plan)
protects the pigeons, which
then develop a stable immunity
within 3-4 weeks.
 All Flying Cropper Club Page 3

Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is an intestinal
disease that is widely distrib-
uted among pigeons through-
out the world. Coccidia inhabit
the small intestine of nearly all
pigeons.
Pathogen:
Along with trichomonads, coc-
cidia are the most commonly
found protozoa in pigeons,
occurring in the form of two
eimeria species: E.labbeana
and E.columbarum. Both spe-
cies only infest pigeons. Coc-
cidia form permanent stages
(oocysts), which only become
infective after maturing in the
environment.
Course of disease:
Following ingestion of the oo-
cysts, their subsequent devel-
opmental stages damage the
intestinal wall. Within 4-7 days
of infection, the pigeon starts
to excrete oocysts again.
There are two forms of coccidi-
osis:
The asymptomatic (or subclini-
cal) form occurs most fre-
quently. After ingesting small
quantities of oocysts for the
first time, pigeons develop an
immunity to infection due to
stimulation of endogenous
defence mechanisms, without
visibly succumbing to the dis-
ease. With this protection,
which is reinforced by constant
ingestion of low levels of
oocysts, the birds live in a kind
of equilibrium with the para-
sites, which also protects them
against severe intestinal dis-
ease.
The visible form of the disease
with an acute course and se-
vere generalised disturbance -
Coccidiosis
true coccidiosis - occurs when
still unprotected young pigeons
become infected by ingesting “Commonly
large amounts of oocysts or
when the immunity of older known as
pigeons is reduced or broken
down by stress factors. cocci”
Symptoms of the disease:
Asymptomatic form:
Infested birds appear healthy,
albeit rather less lively. The
droppings are sometimes
rather soft.

Coccidiosis
Acute course: Asymptomatic form:
Only a small quantity of oo-
Visibly affected pigeons pro-
cysts is identified in the faeces
duce malodorous, muco-
(finding = +).
aqueous, greenish and some-
times bloody diarrhoea. They
Acute form: Pulpy mucoid faeces at the start
The contents of the gut reveal
are listless, have puffed-up
moderate (finding = ++) or of an intestinal disorder caused
plumage and drink profusely,
with reduced feed intake.
severe (finding = +++) oocyst by bacteria or parasite infesta-
infestation.
Similar conditions:
Recognition of the disease:
Salmonellosis, E.coli infection,
Coccidial oocysts can be dem-
worm infestation.
onstrated by microscopic ex-
amination of faecal samples
(prepared according to the
flotation method).

Treatment:
Asymptomatic form:
Pigeons suspected of infec-
tion that show mild infestation
are not treated, in order not to
disturb the host-pathogen
equilibrium.
Acute form:
Diseased pigeons are treated
with chevi-kok. Treatment is
supported by administration of
multivitamin EB12 and the
best possible diet

.Note:
chevi-kok can be adminis-
tered during the
moult.Development of feath-
ers will not be disturbed.
Page 4 All Flying Cropper Club

HOLLAND VERSUS GLASGOW

...similar but oh so different!

Left: Dutch roof crate

Right: Glasgow roof

crate

They say bigger is better

and looking at these
comparisons the Dutch
seem to be streets
ahead. Can you UK &
Glasgow guys imagine
the grief if you put a roof
crate on your house like
the Dutch ……
And never mind the wife
or partner…. The ASBO
lot and the planning dept
would surely come a
knocking!
Just shows you what pas-
sion we have for these
birds though eh!

Left: Dutch window box

Right: Glasgow window box

Left: Dutch cabin

Right: Glasgow Cabin

 All Flying Cropper Club Page 5

HOLLAND VERSUS GLASGOW

...similar but oh so different!
Is it a Gaditano crossed I actually saw this bird
with a Budgie? No! flying at a guy called
Is it a picture that’s Joop,s house last year
been adapted on the in Holland. The Doo is
a mile ender and sticks
PC? No! out well. The hens
The Glasgow guys dye were still attracted too
their hens a creamy the doo albeit a few
sparrows gave chase
Yellow……….
when he flew. The col-
The Dutch dye their ours represent a Dutch
birds: football team he sup-
Red and yellow and ports.
pink and green, or- This guy has the kind of
ange and purple and birds you dream off.
blue……… Top fliers and cracking
looking. Our member-
Could be a good line
ship now have some
for a nursery
from him that I pur-
rhyme...oh it chased last year and
already is , sorry! imported into the UK.

Suggest an article?
If you want it, we
can ask someone in
the know to write it.
So get your requests
into the committee

Described by someone as two doo's flying into the holers!

Guess who? Turn to page 9 For the answer.

Cheap and easy Pens
Left: If your not handy at
making pens. These can be
bought from Boddy and
Ridewood relatively cheaply.
The birds stand on grills and
the droppings fall through
onto a sheet of newspaper.
Easy to clean without dis-
turbing the birds. Used by
racing men for widowhood
hens.
On the downside the birds
Toe nails grow quicker and
need clipping.
They can be delivered and are
assembled in minutes.
As you can see from the
photo top left. They are quite
effective. Solid plywood, lami-
nated grills and doors. Order
line incl overseas
01723 585858.
Mon-Sat 9am –5pm
We need your article for the
next magazine.
It can be funny.
Fact, fiction, pictures, draw-
ings, quiz….virtually anything!
Be an active part of your club
and send an article or snip it
too Dennis Murray now.
Go on you know you want
too!!!!
 Page 6 All Flying Cropper Club

FOCUS ON SPANISH BREEDS

THE MORONCELLO
These Moroncello,s were
bred by Dimitri De Jong,
and I imported them into
the UK for Graham Boyd
in the hope of getting a
hen to breed from, and
bring some new blood
into his stock.
Moroncello,s, are excel-
lent flyers and Dimitri
told me that his cock
birds dart into a pack of
racing pigeons scattering
them and then picks of
one bird and tries to bring
it back to his loft.
These birds are probably
one of the most active
Gaditano's croppers from Spain that
I have seen.
Below: One of Dimitri,s
prize Moroncello cocks There was a single cock
bird at the Avicultura
show and it was bouncing
around all day long.
This would be an excel-
lent thieving bird to fly
here in the UK or any-
where else for that mat-
ter.
I imported some March-
enero cross Mroncello
which Phil Walsal is flying.
They make a fabulous
cross .
Below: Squeakers im-
ported into the UK for
Graeme Boyd in 2004.

Moroncello,s,
Laudino's
Canaria,s
Morrillero,s

THE MARTENO, S

The Marteno is another Spanish breed that is present in Holland albeit they only have lim-
ited stock.
These birds fly with an upwards inverted tail in a Horseshoes shape, opposite to the March-
enero.
 All Flying Cropper Club Page 7

THE FLYING GADITANO'S

The flying Gaditaon's were flown by a guy called Peter who, s house had a
beautiful view of a windmill and some lovely scenery. The gaddys he flew
were excellent on the wing and were great at finishing into the dark boxes.
These guys love showing but like most of us they live for the flying.

THE FLYING LAUDINO, S

The one and only self

yellow Laudino hen in
Holland as far as we are
aware. Bred by Jack
Van Duin and flown
competitively by Martin
van Duin, this bird has
won many prizes and
looks absolutely beauti-
ful up close.

MOR- RILLERO

Left: Morrillero

Right; Canaria
 All Flying Cropper Club Page 8

Many a doo flyer has exchanged a cross

word so here's a word search for all of you instead.

C H I C K T G F G A D I T A N O Y F E H

C H S T R U E C A S H R F Z Z H M A R A

X K O J I I F L Y I N G C B V C J D O N

C G L O X J K B I G D O O G B B N A X T

Q K Z N D G T D D G H D J H U G C R P I

X A L I N M I L E E N D E R H C M K R N

T T R D W G G F E G L A S G O W D B I G

A M B U T C S D F G P J G T Q H N O C G

C F H A V O H K G Q B D K C C S L X E C

K C D L E C G S H S R A D H N T F A L V

L H V A B K S Y P C N W A F F I N G F H

E T V E O B D P Y A M S L G E F Z F E M

M C V Z M I J C H F N K N B S F P E N S

B N R B F R S T O K L I R D F F B M E W

V M E C T D O S L N P V S I P O U T E R

K C P O C K L E G P D S H H K X M T X E

C M P N C H R C A H Z S B F H X V R V N

U A O V C F F L G F S H O W J N B E V M

Q W R I X L C N A E D K M C B C M A V M

H V C M C V L V N N A M E S R O H D B L

1. BIG DOO 13. CLAPPING

2. CROPPER 14. TREAD

3. SPANISH 15. HANTING

4. HOOD 16. TACKLE

5. DARK BOX 17. POCKLE

6. HORSEMAN 18. STIFF

7. LAUDINO 19. SHOW

8. PENS 20. FLYING

9. GLASGOW 21. MILE ENDER

10. COCK BIRD 22. CHICK

11. WAFFING Answers are on page 9 23. POUTER

12. GADITANO
 Promoting the keeping and Page 9
flying of any Croppers
Well did you get them all?

C H I C K T G F G A D I T A N O Y F E H
C H S T R U E C A S H R F Z Z H M A R A
X K O J I I F L Y I N G C B V C J D O N
C G L O X J K B I G D O O G B B N A X T
Answers page
Q K Z N D G T D D G H D J H U G C R P I
X A L I N M I L E E N D E R H C M K R N
Club email address:
T T R D W G G F E G L A S G O WD B I G
allflyingcropperclub@ntlworld.com
A M B U T C S D F G P J G T Q H N O C G
C F H A V O H K G Q B D K C C S L X E C
All Flying Cropper Club K C D L E C G S H S R A D H N T F A L V
L H V A B K S Y P C N WA F F I N G F H
E T V E O B D P Y A M S L G E F Z F E M
M C V Z M I J C H F N K N B S F P E N S
B N R B F R S T O K L I R D F F B M E W
V M E C T D O S L N P V S I P O U T E R
K C P O C K L E G P D S H H K X M T X E
We have our own website: C M P N C H R C A H Z S B F H X V R V N
www.cropperclub.co.uk U A O V C F F L G F S H O WJ N B E V M
Q W R I X L C N A E D K M C B C M A V M
H V C M C V L V N N A M E S R O H D B L

Answer from page five . Yes you guessed it!

Jim Mullan showing his pair of Marchenero,s at a
show in Holland.
The things people will do to promote the sport.

I reckon this one hits rock bottom! :-)

Promoting the keeping and Page 10
flying of any Croppers

CHART OF SPANISH BREEDS

Due to poor picture text specifying breeds

was not available
All Flying Cropper Club Page 11

AFCC Members in Holland

Marcel Fehling
It’s nice to see that there are more countries where they keep Croppers for pouting. There
are various ways to keep the Croppers but I’ll tell you something about my way. I discovered
the Spanish croppers some ten years ago at the SIS club before that I only kept “tilduiven”or
baastards.
Now I only breed Laudino’s and got some baastards. I like them because of their manners
and their fly abilities.
The Laudino is a very good thief pouter but it takes a long time to select them for flying and
for the show.
I often loose some to the opponents so I breed some 12 – 14 youngsters per year. After that I
select the pigeons for the way they look and to the Laudino standard. So from all the young-
sters I breed, only a few will stay.
The only way to get a good and vital stock which also fly well is to select them very carefully.
I got some Laudino’s from Spain last year from a breeder which flies with his birds so the
Standard of my stock is rising. It’s very difficult to find some good pigeons and they’ll cost a
lot of money.
In Holland we’re not used to paying those kind of amounts.

The Laudino is also good for crosses with other races. Such as the Gaditano, Jiennense and
other Spanish races and also baastards.
You’ll get some more various colours in the Laudino which some breeders like.
For breeding I use racing pigeons as feeders but it’s also possible to let them breed by them-
selves.
I mostly have the original colours like chequered, black, red and blue and keep the baastards
for the different colours.
The first eggs are laid and will hatch in a few weeks. It’s always an exciting moment waiting to
see what colours they will be.

I am glad to have this opportunity to tell the membership something about myself in this
short story.
I hope you like the pictures of some of my flying stock.
Greetings to all the members,

Marcel Fehling
Secretary S.I.S.
And member of AFCC
My loft below
 Page 12 All Flying Cropper Club

El Buchòn Moroncelo

With some interest in this race among club members I have been asked to provide some in-
formation about them and my experience with the breed. My interest in the Moroncelo
started when I first saw them in the book “Palomas de Raza Buchonas Españolas”. I was in-
trigued with these little pouters, unusual among the Spanish races, their vigour and stylish
posture. I was interested in their colour, not unique within the Spanish races, as others have
pied patterns, but unusual as a requirement in the standard. They are only really recognised
in two patterns ‘Figura’ and ‘Blanco cola negra’ or ‘white with black tail’. Even in the pieds
no particular pattern is specified, simply that the plumage should be interspersed with
white, though a white bib and white ‘tips’ or ‘aliblanco’ is preferred, similar to the markings
depicted in the earliest known image of the Horseman Pouter. The nature of these markings
means that split or partial ‘bull’ eyes are common and whilst this trait would be penalised in
most exhibition varieties, it is desireable in the Moroncelo, but they are not really an exhibi-
tion breed, and comparatively untouched by the exhibition trend, another reason for my
interest.
I got my first pair in Holland in 97’ thanks to Huub Vermeulen who gave them to me. We
bred a couple of youngsters from this pair before the hen stopped laying so of course we
were keen to get some more and thanks to Jim Mullan, who sourced another pair for us, we
managed to develop the line we are currently working with. When I was invited to Jaen in
2000 by the Spanish Federation to make a presentation to Don Raphael Buch Brage of one of
my drawings, I had the good fortune not only to meet with Señor Buch-Brage, but also to
meet with Antonio Milan and Jose Angel Maestre Begines. Antonio was instrumental in
achieving recognition of the Palomo de Clase as a Spanish Race by the Federation and Jose
Maestre flies Moroncelos in the village of Los Palacios y Villafranca near Seville. Both of
them kindly took the time to demonstrate the finer points of these races to me and I had the
pleasure of watching Jose’s birds fly. This is when I really began to appreciate the Moron-
celo. Jose explained to me that there were many pigeon fliers in the village where he lives
and that they flew many varieties and crosses in competition to capture ‘zuritos’ or ferals.
Through time he observed that the most successful birds were often derived from a Moron-
celo cross and as a result he chose to breed and fly only Moroncelos. His birds are superb
fliers and excellent thieves; I watched one of them nudging another bird in flight to guide it
home. This is just one of the characteristics which make the Moroncelo stand out among all
the Spanish Croppers. Some people describe them as flighty, I have found they are just as
friendly as other pouters but they seem to prefer to keep a distance and seem reluctant to
become too familiar. When they are out on the wing they don’t tend to light on buildings
other than their own loft or at a suitable vantage point so you will occasionally see them on
the chimney pot or on the apex of a roof. The doos are never very aggressive towards the
hens but extremely persistent and very active. They fly well, ranging over a good distance
and disappearing for some time, usually returning with a stray or a feral, bear in mind I
don’t have any other fliers near me. Some of our birds are pictured here, I hope Dennis has
room to include them.

Obviously we were interested in crossing with

our own strain of flying birds, a blend of Horse-
man and Glasgow flying stock, with good re-
sults, one black pied hen in particular is clever
and a young doo from last year is showing prom-
ise.

Graeme Boyd
 Page 13

Message board
The message board feature on the club website has been amazingly popular.
There has been well over 2000 postings, and on a wide variety of subjects.
These range from the heart wrenching raptors debate to explanations of terminology about flying
the doos.
Log on and be a part of it. Rember views may differ but our passion remains the same.
The more people use it the better it will be for us all.
I look forward to reading your postings.

Dennis Murray

Reasons to be proud quotations from the message board

Without doubt the AFCC is great for Croppers, even the show side of it
Anyone in there right mind that flys birds here, should become a member of the club

Frequently asked question: What is Holers?

Holers are the area where the bird can go to upon land-
ing on its owners loft to lie with a mate.
It is a darkened area just inside the landing board
Which is similar to that of a Rabbit hutch.
The bird lies in the darkened area with its mate, or to
call to its mate.
Some lofts have a holer on both sides of the entrance
area (called a crate), and the bird can run from one side
to the other trying to entice another bird down,. (called
working the holers). They may also lie in the holer boo-
ing the potential mate to come inside. (called lying
solid)
When a bird successfully temps a mate into the holer
they will lay together calling and booing.
Other well trained birds will lye in the holer, periodi-
cally coming out to make sure the other bird is still
there.
If the other bird flies off (kicking or shifting) the bird in
the holer should run out and fly after it, in an attempt
to bring it back.
right: a set off holers under construction.
Right top: As you can see the holer can be blocked by
mesh, along with the outer opening to pair birds etc
although this is sometimes also used to cheat (pockle).
 Page 14 All Flying Cropper Club

MY RECENT TRIP TO THE NEDERLAND'S

In February 2006 I went to Holland once again for the SIS AGM. As always I took a few presents
which this time included a 2 and a half foot tall Santa Claus for Jack Van Duins mum. It had a fibre
optic beard and was very well received.
As usual I caught the 10.40 ferry from the port and headed off. On the boat I met an interesting
bunch of racing pigeon guys who were well worth chatting too as they have great contacts for medical
supplies along with reasonably priced boxes etc. I have details if required.
I presented the club with the AFCC flying trophy, as well as offering our thanks to their members for
all the help they have given.
I presented Ruben Freurberg with a set of Gaditano cufflinks, and also Jack and Martin Van Duin with
limited edition paintings and statues of race horses.
I spent 3 days in Holland and on the way out there was told that the Dutch authorities had banned
any movement of birds because of the bird flu saga. I was gutted. I rang the Dutch and English au-
thorities but they all stated that it was ok to buy bids, but I still had my doubts.
In the end I bought and was gifted 58 birds. I was offered some really nice pure breeds but I was very
scared that on my return the birds would be confiscated at the port despite the reassurances of my
phone calls.
Whilst there I saw some fantastic birds at the lofts of many fliers including Herman Warmehoven,
Marcel Fehling, Dimitri De Jong and many more.
As usual I went out with all the guys and drank far too much. Boy did I suffer on the Sunday.
Below are pictures of some of the fabulous flying Moroncello,s and Flying Marcheneros that I saw.
All the birds were brought back to the UK without any problems as my paperwork was all in order
and I had the relevant health matters sorted.
The birds were distributed to the membership and already I have had some amazing reports from
people such as Red Buchannan, Howard Palmer, Phil Walsal etc.
I had a fantastic weekend with some very good friends, and got to see some amazing birds being
flown.
I always come back from the Nederland's feeling a little bit sad as I always have a great time there
and hate leaving.
Dennis Murray
 Page 15 All Flying Cropper Club

Flying Marcheneros

These pictures speak for themselves, quality birds, excellent fliers. They
were really good on the wing.

SIS Annual General Meeting 2006

Dennis Murray President AFCC presenting

the AFCC flying trophy to the SIS President
Offering the thanks of the AFCC to the SIS
along with Dutch member Ruben Freurberg

SIS winners, and members of the AFCC Other matters

Best wishes Best wishes

Go to Marcel and
Simone Fehling who
are expecting there
2nd child in May.
Our best wishes go out
to Ruben Freurberg who
suffered a heart attack
recently.
We wish him a speedy
recovery from all the
membership
 Page 16 All Flying Cropper Club

Suggestions
Road Trip Flying competition On line auction

A suggestion has been A suggestion for a flying Dave Frost has decided to
made for a get together of competition has been donate a few birds for an
some of the membership. raised. auction.
I am personally in favour I think this is another Could this be combined
but I need some expres- great idea but would only with the meeting up sug-
sions of interest before I be workable with a lot of gestion.
can even try and make cooperation and good will. Can we make this sugges-
things happen. Anyone lese interested? tion work.
So if you fancy a road trip, Let me know your ideas We will only get out of the
to put names to faces etc, and views please. club what we put in so get
lets have some responses cracking with those ideas
please. please.

Politics
Having desperately tried not of which they are not happy
to get involved in any form of with or have died. This is
politics I unfortunately man- news to me, however as I
aged to do so over an article have distributed over 400
written by an unhappy flyer in birds prior to and since the
the West Midlands regarding formation of the AFCC I
croppers purchased from a dare say that it is possible
non club member. My involve- albeit this seems an isolated
ment was purely representa- case only reported after my
tive of the membership who involvement in the afore-
It's your had raised issues over similar mentioned matter.
magazine so get matters and to ensure any
If anyone has received a
links made to the AFCC were
the articles to clarified. A suggestion was
free bird from me with
which they are unhappy or
me ASAP. made that this was personal. that has died please contact
We all have me and I will replace it.
knowledge and I assure you it was not. I have This article ahs been posted
spoken to all persons involved
comments we and have replaced the birds
as all members do not have
email.
could share so which the fancier in the West
lets do it! Midlands says he lost, through
kind donations from the mem-
Dennis Murray
bership. He is more than
happy and has agreed to leave
the matter at that.
Furthermore he has wished to
join the AFCC membership.
As a result of this matter It
has been suggested by a mem-
ber who is a friend of the fan-
cier who the article was aimed
at that I have supplied at least
two people with birds, (other
than the person making the
suggestion)
hope this is of some use.-taken from-pigeons and the pigeon world nov 1959-50years in Scottish pouter
fancy. by john d. Duncan- as it is over half a century since i first took an interest in the pouter fancy in
Scotland, I trust that a few rambling recollections might be of interest to some,especialy of the older
generation. my earliest memories are of my father keeping pouters, and from the time i learned to
walk i seamed to be attracted to the birds. my brother, on the other hand, had no interest in them
whatever. the pouter fancy in Scotland in Scotland in those days was a strong body, comprising of at
least 40 members, and there was quite a few who kept a substantial number of birds. heading the list, i
would say, was john Craig, of Kilmarnock, a massive man who was as big as his stock of pouters and
who always headed his advertisements as the" pouter king". i have heard he once had 12 firsts at the
palace, which was quite a feat as the opposition was strong. however he by no means had it all his own
way. prominent among his contemporaries were such names as a.k marr, w. Lindsay, a.veitch, w.reid,
p. Mackie and many others. sandy marr produced many wonderful birds and they were always turned
out in tip-top form. he lived in a lonely spot some miles from ayr, and sometimes had difficulty in get-
ting his birds to and from a show, but sandy could always surmount these difficulties. i once heard of
him returning from a show carrying a basket in each hand, on reaching a certain point he discovered
the road was impassable owing to floods. however, sandy had to get home that night, so he set off
through the flood. he arrived safely all right, but alas, his precious cargo were all dead when the baskets
were opened. Willie Lindsay and alec veitch i once heard described by a prominent fancier as the two
most skilful breeders of pouters he had known. that statement may be open to question, but there is
no doubt they both produced some fine specimens. Willie Reid, who outlived all of those i have men-
tioned and who only died at the beginning of this year, was the man who held the pouter fancy together
for the last twenty five years. as his memory is still fresh in our minds and as tributes were paid to him
through your paper, i will content myself with saying that his death left a blank that can hardly be filled
in present circumstances. one feature of the men i have mentioned was that, apart from john Craig,
they all lived to a ripe old age. Alex marr lived to eighty- four, w.mackie eighty-seven, a.veitch eighty-
six, p.mackie eighty-four and Willie Reid eighty-four. i once heard the longevity of pouter fanciers was
that they had contented minds. surely a good inducement for anyone to enter the pouter fancy. well,
the pouter fancy in Scotland has certainly undergone a great change since those golden days of fifty
years or so ago, and although at present we are small in number, we have, in bert.macrae, our secre-
tary, a man of personality and drive and if we all rally round and give him our support, i am sure there
are still good times ahead for the pouter men of Scotland. vic.

Hello, Members from over the big pond, Dennis needed an article from hi Dennis
us so I guess maybe it's my turn, so I will tell you about me and what's its Nigel Westbury
up, My name is Rich Walter I have had pigeons for nearly 40 years, After I got the two lots of birds from
conversing with Will Brown and Mike Hughes, I thought it would be in- the Scottish lads. They are real
teresting to get into the Thief Pouter Horseman in particular, Never in good quality, I am more than happy
my wildest dreams did I think it would become an epidemic as all I seem with them. People like these are
to do is fly the Doo's anymore, I have had reasonable success with my the sort of lads we need in the
pigeon world. thanks alot mate talk
birds flying Glasgow style, and really enjoy it. We have had many replies to you soon all the best Nigel
for people looking for birds, and it takes alot to find Doo's for everyone
but we are trying to keep the interest up, Whereas we can't ask the
neighbour about what to do alot of m flying involves trial and error but.
Vic Mc Donald has been alot of help as he calls about once a week, I
Ants new loft . Check out the link
really enjoy this organization and think it's great you guys can help us
over here with what you may take for granted, So keep us informed and
I will keep asking questions, Someday I hope to visit everyone but in the http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b2
meantime if any of you ever make it to the states I sure hope you would 28/antsw/
let me know, Rich walter

Hi, I just thought I would put a few lines together as an open flyer of cropper
type pigeons. this is only my second year in the breed so ive lots to learn. I
don't fly my croppers thief style as most do but keep them for the pleasure
they provide. My birds are kept very similar to racing pigeons, sputnik traps, v
perches . My feeders are the Dutch type crosses witch I fly everyday in a kit.
they are great to watch in the air. this year im breeding some pure breds,
Laudino, Gaditano, Rafeno, and Granadino. If im lucky in breeding this year I
intend to start flying the pure breeds. Many thanks to Dennis and all members
of the club, Howard