Tomorrow sees us off to our first retail show of the year, the Royal Pigeon Racing Association's "Show of the Year", which is held every year at the Winter Gardens, in Blackpool.  The weather has sorted itself out just in time!

Far from being an 'anorak' pastime the sport of pigeon racing is highly popular, truly international, and with prizes not to be sniffed at.  Racing pigeon breeding and training is studied and technical, and champion birds change hands for large sums of money.  However at its heart pigeon racing remains, according to the RPRA website "a sport for the whole family in a highly social environment".

The Show of the Year reunites fanciers and exhibitors from all over the world.  Fanciers see it as an opportunity to renew associations, collect ordered breeding or racing pigeons, buy new birds in pigeon auctions, and catch up on the latest gadgets, supplements, and training techniques.  Exhibitors see it as an opportunity to make contact with pigeon fanciers who, in the main, refuse to be seduced by the attractions of websites and e-commerce, preferring to meet face-to-face and to touch and feel what they want to buy (normally for cash!).

When we first considered developing our pigeon products we knew very little about racing pigeons or pigeon fanciers.  We only knew that racing pigeons had problems similar to any other furred or feathered athlete and we felt that herbs had their part to play.

Little did we know that hidden away in our home town of Crewkerne was the pigeon loft of Mike Staddon, breeder and producer of racing champions and a legend in the world of pigeon fanciers.  Mike advised us on common pigeon problems thus helping Hilary, our herbalist, select the most appropriate ingredients for our pigeon mixes.  He has trialled our products and endorses them wherever he goes.  His telephone number appears on the back of our catalogue and he is happy to talk to fellow fanciers who are considering using Hilton Herbs products for their birds.

One of the first things Mike told us was that the lovely photo we had chosen for the front of our new pigeon leaflet was in fact a feral pigeon!!  Unfortunately it was too late to change the photo at that time but, in deference to his knowledge, we have recently reprinted the pigeon leaflet with pedigree racing pigeons on the front cover!

Some of our pigeon products

So, if you are visiting The Show of the Year this weekend come and see us on Stand 41 in the Arena.  We will have a 15% show discount, plus a 33% discount on the Mike Staddon special packs.  We are also offering a 20% discount to Young Fanciers, on production of their card.  There will be the usual giveaways as well!  Additionally Mike Staddon will be the stand for the duration of the show to give advice about the best Hilton products to use.

See you there!