Introduction

Bob May was born in January 1926 at Hindmarsh, SA.  Bob is a widower, his wife Dorothy passed away a couple of years ago and has 3 sons one of whom is Peter, Bob’s youngest son and partner in pigeon racing.  Peter also shows champion Modenas and has won many champion’s of the show.  Peter works for Coca-Cola and Bob worked for Islington Railways prior to his retirement, at the railways Bob was amongst many pigeon flyers.

Bob first had pigeons for as long as he can remember as his older brother had pigeons.  Bob’s first race was in 1938 at the tender age of 12 in the Parkview club, on Torrens Road, in fact Bob competed against the famous Ron Eitzen in this Tin clock club!  Bob won his first race in the City & Suburban club in 1944.  Bob started in Nth Suburban in 1968, he had 18 years out of the sport until his son was interested & still flys to this day.  He also flew for 3 years in the Hampstead club.

Best Achievements

-Won the club aggregate five times.
-Won five South Derby club winners.
-Top 20 SAHPA Aggregate points 5 times, 9th in 1998 at 72 years of age.
-1st SAHPA Inglewood Cocks special 1999.
-2nd SAHPA twice in the South Derby.
-Has had all SAHPA positions up to 10th on a number of occassions.

Bob, where do your birds originate from?

Barney Horseman, who used to work with me at Islington Railways.
Laurie Lloyd (Stassart X Jurion)
One good cock a Bill Walford Janssen has been particularly good.

Bob, what qualities do you look for in stock?

-Always proven pigeons
-Cock’s that fly well, generally prove to be good for 10 years after.
-Not a major eyesign enthusiast

Bob, what is your most memorable moment racing pigeons?

I love winning club races in the North Suburban club.  Aim to always win in the club first!

Bob, what is your most forgettable moment racing pigeons?

I finished 2nd in the SAHPA from Finke one year after I slept in a bit.  My wife reminded me about the pigeons coming home but too late!!!

Bob, what is the best pigeon you have ever owned?

The dam of my Inglewood cocks special winner in the SAHPA in 1999.
She was 2nd SAHPA Morundah & 6th SAHPA Booroorban, beaten by 1 point for Bird of the year in the SAHPA in 1995.

My best stock cock was a RCC 8th SAHPA Cook, his nestmate brother was 14th in the same race(only 14 birds home on the day).

Bob, who are the best flyers you have competed against and why?

Allen Goodger & John Pryor.  I was in the Hampstead club for 3 years.  Both those men were consistent & dedicated pigeon flyers.  All they lived for was pigeons.

Bob, do you have any theories on feeding of pigeons for racing?

I am a great believer in peas & wheat, because pigeons are not Canaries, Cockies or Parrots.  I always feed on peas & wheat 50/50 early in the season, then more peas say 70-75% to 25% good hard wheat later in the season.  Shellgrit for calcium, Bath weekly (Mon or Tues).

Bob, what would you like to see in SA pigeon racing?

I’m starting to think things seem to be settling down, not as much bitching going on now.

Although, I haven’t been happy for the last couple of years with all the carrying on.

Thanks for your time Bobby.

Tim Fawcett