By Alan Roscoe

I am currently going through a period of recuperation following heart surgery at the beginning of November. (Yes contrary to some opinion they did manage to confirm that I have got a heart.) Consequently I have not yet got my brain in gear (now THAT is a challenge) so rather than do a normal style of article I thought that for the final contribution of 2004 I would just meander around with a few random thoughts. Hopefully some of you will find them of interest but if you don't then just go onto the next page!

As I write these notes the annual event at Doncaster is just days away and I have to admit to suffering withdrawal symptoms. It will be the first Doncaster (or Harrogate) show that I will have missed since joining the pigeon hobby and miss it I certainly shall.

Doncaster has its problems and critics from time to time but for me it has always been 'the' event and its attraction has never dimmed. Over the years there have been many changes but the show has consistently attracted the most entries, the most exhibitors and the highest attendance. These factors speak for themselves. I'm sure that the 2004 Show will be a good one and I hope it is thoroughly enjoyed by all who show or attend.
Without doing an 'all our yesterdays' I recollect that when the show first moved to Doncaster, we had to wear a jacket and tie to be allowed into the dining room at the Earl of Doncaster (the normal Show Headquarters hotel). There was some begging, stealing and borrowing of ties and jackets I can tell you! How things have changed - they even let the Chinese Owl Club in these days!

The show season is already racing along and by the time you read this it will be getting towards the final shows. People say it every year but we no sooner start showing than we are planning the breeding season again. I'm certain that there are fewer days in each succeeding year, if not my clock must just be programmed to go faster and faster!

I am often asked about the advantages of early or late breeding and have to say that these days I prefer to start later. This has not always been the case as over the years I have tried everything from an early January start to waiting until late April.

Facts to consider are the breeds kept . . .

Read the rest of this article in Feathered World, December 2004 issue