The research team was very busy at the Blackpool charity show this year and checked blood reactions in 421 fanciers in Blackpool. In addition, pulmonary function tests were carried out on 69 fanciers.

Part of the special research interest this year was to check changes in lung function in fanciers who were known to be suffering from pigeon lung and those who had no lung troubles.

The charity show continues to be the major sponsor of our research work and a cheque was presented to Dr. Boyd and Dr. Lynch for £25,000 to enable the research to continue.

Amongst visitors to BPFMR this year in Blackpool was Frank Greenhall, pictured left, the President of the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc. BPFMR receives many enquiries for help from America but has not yet attended a pigeon show there.

It was very noticeable this year that many fanciers came looking for blood tests in order to check on the severity of their lung problem and how successful they had been in adjusting their contact with the pigeons and the bloom to enable them to continue with their hobby. It is quite clear that one of the real successes of our research work has been to make people much more aware of the problems of ‘pigeon-lung’ and also how to deal with the problem. Most people who develop sensitisation to their pigeons can continue in the hobby provided they take proper precautions.

The blood test enables people to discover the level or sensitisation to their pigeons and therefore, be more able to treat the problem effectively. It is now quite a common sight at the Blackpool show to see people wearing their masks whilst mingling with the crowds. In this way, despite difficulties with pigeon lung, they are quite able to continue to enjoy their hobby by the use of a mask, which cuts down the amount of bloom that is breathed into the lungs. Without the mask, it is quite possible that they may not have been able to come to the show at all.

On the left we have picutres of two fanciers who were wearing there masks at the show, Alan Kelly – from Wexford in Eire and Mrs. Jean Birch.