24 / 36
SAHPA 2016 Year Book Page 24
Dixon and Watson Families
My cousin Barry Steele and I were given pigeons from
Peter Mathews who also helped to build our first pigeon
lofts. We both joined the Salisbury Pigeon club in
1969/1970. Robert flew in the Salisbury club as well in
the 1976/77 season, and at one stage he also flew with his
uncle Syd Dixon in Mansfield Park..
For advice Peter Mathews, John Jarzabek and Ivan
Wareing freely shared their considerable knowledge of
the sport. I have been fortunate to have good mentors and
good friends, especially my current flying partner,
Robert, who asked me to join him when I had to give the
pigeons up due to health concerns. He was unable to race
the birds because of work commitments so he allowed
me to race his pigeons this year.
Robert has great performing pigeons that he worked very
hard to produce over many years. My inspiration has
been family and friends. I like to be remembered as an
honest person who tried to help others get some success.
Winning a race is great but I don’t get excited until the results are on the board.
I would like to have won the SAHPA aggregate points, having come close on a couple of
occasions.
The stock I have are Gabby, Godfather, Goodger, Dordin, Delbars, Dangerfields, Janssens,
De Rauw Sablons, L. Loyds and Buschaerts. I do look for good pigeons at auctions. I’ve
purchased great pigeons from Steve Pradella in WA and Phil Murphy from Sydney. The
imported birds seem to do better on the North line.
Opinions and Advice
Loft position doesn’t matter – get good pigeons, look after them and train them. Talk to the
best and get their advice and then adjust it for your needs. Prepare in advance for the next
race.
Desire can be the difference between winning and losing. This was a quotation from a great
flyer, Ivan Wareing, many years ago, and I think it is still relevant. Retired people don’t
necessarily get an advantage. When you are younger you have a bit more energy!
The wind does have an effect but every now and then a pigeon beats the odds. The only real
“secret” is dedication and hard work.
I would like to see the race program back to 3 Carrieton, 3 Keiths, 2 Hawkers 2 Mittyacks
and 3 middle distance races on each line. This prepares the birds for the longer races and
gives the late breds half a chance. The Association flew successfully with this programme for
many years.
As far as drug testing is concerned I don’t think we do enough and we need to keep updating
our procedures. I do think the Management Committee could increase contact with their
groups / sections to obtain more members suggestions and feedback.
On the new unit, it appears to be well built but hot air removal concerns me. I guess we won’t
really know until we strike some hot weather. The new pre-paid system is probably not so
good for pensioners who are struggling with weekly bills. As far as the future goes, my time
on the Promotions Committee convinced me we should target retirees. I had pursued juniors
through the Education Department with not much success. I can see us having ten more years
unless a huge effort is made to promote the sport. More needs to be done to help the new
flyer.
ROBERT DIXON