| Author: R.P.R.A. | Title: Pigeon Racing - Background & Introduction |
| Date: 2002-10-02 22:54:06 | Uploaded by: webmaster |
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There are some 60,000 pigeon fanciers actively involved Racing throughout in the sport of Pigeon the United Kingdom.
Who are they
Our Patron Her Majesty The Queen, Member of the House of Lords, Architects, Solicitors, Doctors, Veterinary Surgeons,Accountants, Professors, Policemen, Schoolmasters, Professional Footballers and from all other sections of the Community.
How many of them
We have about 3,000 racing pigeon clubs in the United Kingdom which are located in one of 13 Regions of the country - London, Southern, West Midland, Western, Derbyshire & South Yorkshire, North West, East Midland, Welsh, North East, South West, Cumbria, Irish and Devon & Cornwall. Membership of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association is around 45,000. There will be a club near you. For further details please contact the RPRA, The Reddings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6RN Tel 01452 713529 Fax 01452 857119
Value of Racing Pigeons
Anything from £20 to the highest price paid so far of £106,000.
The Sport of Long Distance Pigeon Racing developed concurrently with the railway system, but the sport did not itself become organised until 1897 when the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA) was formed with its Headquarters at Leeds. In 1925 the Headquarters was moved to Gloucester and in 1967 they moved again, to its present location mid-way between Gloucester and Cheltenham.
Pigeons have been used by the Military as long as history itself. There are records of their use by the Ancient Egyptians. Pliny used them in the siege of Rome, and they were of great value in the siege of Paris. In the last two World Wars many thousands of lives were saved by the racing pigeon, either by sending messages from the front line or reporting the location of downed aircraft. Often called the Animals V.C., Pigeons have been awarded 31 of the 53 Dickin Medals, for bravery.
Each year the RPRA issues approximately one and a half million rings for the current year’s young pigeons. With the increase of leisure hours, people from all walks of life partake in this most fascinating and interesting sport, in which the affinity between man and pigeon plays a very great part.
Pigeon races are decided by velocity proper, that is to say, the pigeon flying the greatest number of yards per minute, wins the race. It will be appreciated therefore that no self-respecting owner of racing pigeons will permit them to lie about on roof tops because once they become accustomed to such a bad habit they would probably land on roof tops on race a prize. If for no other reason than this, the owner of racing pigeons will so discipline his birds that they will only land at the loft.
The velocity or speed of flight of a pigeon, is arrived at by dividing the time taken to fly the race into the actual distance flown. Recordings are precise, and not even the smallest decimal is disregarded. The speed of flight is expressed in yards per minute and speeds well in excess of 2,000 yards per minute have been recorded. Prior to being entered into a race each pigeon has a rubber race ring attached to its leg. On arrival home the owner must pick up his pigeon, remove the race ring and place it into a timing clock which records the day, hour, minute and second of timing in.
The distance pigeons are called upon to race commences at about 60 miles and by progressive stages is increased up to 500 miles plus for old birds and 200 miles for young birds. The exact location (expressed in terms of latitude and longitude) of the liberation point and each member’s loft is known and the distance between the two (race point and loft) is calculated to the nearest yard by computer.
Why do pigeons home?
This is a much-asked question and we do not know for certain. The most likely theory put forward by scientists is that the pigeons use some form of magnetic compass although there is also evidence that they use the sun as a compass and also geographical recognition.
When a pigeon is six days old a metal registration ring is placed on its leg and thereafter the pigeon is known by the number of its ring. A typical ring number is GB 01 A 12345 where GB indicates a ring issued by the R.P.R.A: 01 - the year of birth of the pigeon and A 12345 - the registration number. If you should find a tired or injured pigeon will you kindly take full note of its ring details and report them to the Headquarters of the RPRA at the number overleaf. You can also e-mail the bird’s details to strays@rpra.org who will advise you of the owner of the pigeon. The website also has information on how to assist a stray racing pigeon as well as a link to report the bird.
Tired racing pigeons require light food such as bird seed, groats, rice and clean water and may well, after one or two nights rest, be only too keen to continue on their way. The racing pigeon is a grain eater and bread does not really suit it.
Racing Pigeons are protected under Criminal Law Section of the Theft Act 1969 and Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. There have been successful prosecutions and often details are provided to the Police by way of a handout. A reward of £50 is paid.
One of the greatest threats to the pigeon is being taken by a bird of prey. Peregrines are a particular problem in Devon, Cornwall, Wales, Cumbria and Scotland. The Sparrowhawk is a nationwide problem, taking racing pigeons during races and from around the loft, often just killing for pleasure.
The Royal Pigeon Racing Association
Donations to Charity
The British Homing World Show of the Year, a two day annual Show held in January, has raised well over half a million pounds during the last six years alone. Benefactors include the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. We are their single biggest donor with over £350,000 over the last 30 years. Others include the British Heart Foundation, Hospitals, Hospices, Children’s Charities and Help the Aged where we have helped provide 21 minibuses around the country.
The Show of the Year has also funded research since 1974 at Glasgow Royal Infirmary into protein related lung allergies (Pigeon Fanciers Lung).
Individual R.P.R.A. Members and Clubs also raise about £250,000 a year for local Charities.
Publications
The British Homing World - Britain’s premier pigeon weekly
Pigeon Racing Gazette - monthly magazine
Check out their website www.pigeonracing.com
Used with permisson. © RPRA.
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