6 Rallying the Troops

Next morning at daybreak Tubby flew off and met all the main pigeon families in Rosehill. As Chairman of the Pigeon Council he announced that there was to be an extraordinary meeting of the Council to take place at 'The Firs' at 10 o’clock that day.

Meeting of the Pigeon Council at 'The Firs'

Thirty pigeons attended the meeting and Tubby informed them of the plight of the SBS. He asked that everyone fly off to different towns and villages and pass on the distressing news. He also told them to encourage everyone they met to fly to more distant parts and inform other pigeon communities. He stressed that the need is for organic fruit, vegetables and herbs to be delivered to Malvern HQ as soon as possible.

Tubby, Polly and Peter then flew off to Malvern HQ to see what assistance they could provide. Surprisingly Nigel met them at the entrance to the loft. “How are you Nigel?” inquired Tubby. “A lot better Tubby,” said Nigel, “thanks to that salad stuff you provided yesterday. Got some bad news though two of the boys passed away last night; I hope your salads work for the rest of the boys.” “I’ll take over the kitchen,” said Polly. “I’ll make sure everyone gets proper food from now on; we will get the boys better.”

That day birds arrived every ten minutes or so, passed on their good wishes to the Squadron and left gifts of fresh fruit and vegetables. You could tell from the different pigeon accents that the birds were coming in from all over England and Wales. There was even two from Scotland and one from France who brought garlic.

As the evening drew in, Percy consoled the Commander, Brighton flew off to see his mates and Tubby, Polly, Peter and Nigel sat down for a rest and a meal. Barely had they started on their food when Percy entered the room. “More bad news,” he said, “another flyer has passed away. The organic food seems to be working for some of the chaps but not for others.”

“Well there is only one thing left that we can do,” said Polly. “What’s that Mum?” inquired Peter. “The boys must have the magic black seaweed,” said Polly, “it cures every ailment known to pigeons.” “That true,” said Tubby, “but it comes from Whitsand Bay in Cornwall at a secret location known only to Uncle Roy in Plymouth and a few Cornish birds; how can we contact him?”

Whitsand Bay, Cornwall

“Your not talking about Flying Officer Roy Wotton by any chance are you?" inquired Nigel. “Yes,” said Tubby, “that’s his full name.” “We did our basic training together at RAF Chivenor, at Barnstaple, many years ago; he flies for the Plymouth Arrows,” added Nigel. “That’s him,” said Tubby. “Roy is an old pal of mine, I’ll fly down there and see him,” added Nigel. “Your too weak after your illness,” said Polly, “you will never cover that distance.” “Duty calls Polly,” said Nigel, “it has to be done.” “His loft is at Plymstock,” said Tubby, “overlooking the River Plym. You can’t miss it,” added Tubby, “for some obscure reason their human carer has painted the loft green, black and white.”

An inlet of the River Plym near Plymstock

“Well no time to waste,” said Nigel, “see you tomorrow sometime.” And with that farewell he flew off into the evening sky.

To be continued....

Photographic Acknowledgements

The above images were provided, with thanks, from the following organisations:

Whitsand Bay - whitsandbayhotel.co.uk
Plymstock - plymouthdailyphoto.blogspot.com