Motives

Jack Prescott
(Internet Published) Jul 2000

The reason why Tippler flying is a declining sport is because there is no money in it. There are a few cases, where a few suckers pay out $100. for a Tippler with the hope of recovering the outlay with subsequent progeny and with profit. Such people have no ambitions about creating a new USA record--they wouldn't know how or they don't even try. The great fanciers of Britain were never seriously involved as dealers. They exported and maybe covered expenses at best.

No man actually retired on the proceeds gained from Tipplers exported from Britain. At present the USA and Canadian market is flooded with "Irish Delights" Reckoned to have some connection with Harry Shannon, who, most definitely is the most distinguished tippler man who ever lived, yet he has not "cashed in" on his success. He does not propagate stock in any magazine or Tippler bulleting. He indulges in a SPORT not a racket. In Oct 99 Harry offered to give me some of his tipplers when he and his wife visited me. No mention of money.

Likewise with the great Gordon Hughes. In no way commercially motivated. Ask our honorable friend Stan Ogozalek and he will testify to the fact that in 1977 Gordon Hughes declared that he was not about sales and that any man, who was keen, could get fixed up with birds from him at a nominal fee of L5.00 ($7.50) per bird which was even then, very very cheap. He emphasised that such a deal was only available to men who convinced him that they were very very serious and were likely to be dedicated.

The great Jack Heaton exported his Tipplers to Canada at a loss and for the goodwill only. Harry White exported a few Sheffield Tipplers to USA along with two men, Connibear and Pike about 1960. They just about broke even. Likewise, I believe Wilf Lovatt. All very very poor business men not really desperate for the trade.

Martyn Lewis donated eggs to Bob Adams with not even a whisper of a fee, June 2000. The eggs failed. Bob Adams mailed $20.00 for expenses which Lewis and I promptly returned. This egg caper was an act between honorable men. No need to degrade the goodwill with money. The experiment proved that mailing of eggs does not work, unless next day delivery is guaranteed. It never can be--not in England anyway. Few men in the USA are seriously trying for a new USA record which has froze at 18:05 for about 8 years. On the long day fly 2000 only 12 Americans made any attempt to fly at all and five of those were on the honor system. The results of that fly were to say the least, not a treat to Michael Beat and his 18:05. J

I have earned the respect of Michael Beat since Dec 1999. Before then I didn't know him. I say that I'd trust Michael Beat and his USA record. He encourages people to have a crack at his record and would be the first to congratulate any man who created a new USA record. So here's to you Michael and all men of goodwill, no matter what creed or color.

Jack Prescott