The 72nd  World Science Fiction Convention was held in London  at the Excel Arena on August 14th -!7th 2014,  the event was entitled Loncon 3.

The mascots for the event  were 'Pigeons'  and lots of colourful knitted pigeons appeared on various websites including pinterest.com leading up to the actual event.

 

One of the guests of honour was Robin Hobb who whilst writing  as Megan Lindholm wrote the cult classic " Wizard of the Pigeons ".  Robin had  in fact, as the book may have suggested,  kept fancy pigeons and mentions Charles Darwin  and his pigeon  studies in the early chapters. I was pleased that Robin found time to visit the Darwin's Pigeons  stand and enjoy the 13 birds present. It was clear that Robin  is at ease with pigeons as she explained to a young visitor to the stand some of the characteristics of fancy pigeon breeds.

 

Breeds present at the display were an almond and dun English Short-faced tumblers, Barb, Scandaroon, Damascene, Old German Owl, Frillback, Runt, Jacobin, King, Archangel, Moorhead muffed tumbler and an English Pouter.

 

I was joined on the day by Colin Ronald, National Pigeon Association Secretary  and Randal Keynes, Charles Darwin's great great grandson. My thanks to both gentlemen for talking to the many interested vistors and convention members who visited the Darwin's Pigeons display during our allotted time period on Saturday 16th August.

 

John Ross