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Joe Saliba - not only collecting pigeon rings! - by Tony Harte

Joe Saliba, Seaspray Lofts, San Gwann, Malta - showing a typical roof-top racing loft in Malta.

Whilst on a recent trip to Malta, from Gozo, I visited Mr Joe Saliba, Sea Spray Lofts, of San Gwann Pigeon Club.

Joe Saliba together with his display of some of his collection of pigeon rings from around the world.

Pigeons with message attachments showing how they were used during World War I & II - plus for sending post.

Joe has been collecting “Pigeon memorabilia” and namely pigeon rings for over 15 years and at present has over 10,000 different pigeon rings. Amongst the collection are mugs, key chains, books, ring cards, badges, ornaments, etc.

Joe Saliba alongside some of his marvellous collection of pigeon memorablilia.

Joe has also been racing for over 50 years and competed in a special race from Portugal, 470Km, with over 25 countries competing, in this race Joe had the only bird home in Malta, being placed 20th overall. In 1973, Joe was 1st National Bari & Best Fancier Overall in the Federation.

Picture of one of Joe Salibas best racing pigeons - bred of direct stock from Eddie Newcombe, MacMerry, Scotland, before Eddie moved to Malta.

Certificate awarded for 20th place in the special race from Portugal(!) organised in 1997 involving over 25 countries. Joe Salibas pigeon was the only pigeon returning to Malta!

More recently in 2010/2011 he was Best Fancier Overall Distance, in his club and in 2011/2012 is runner – up, Overall Best Fancier.

Joe would like to make contact with other pigeon ring collectors and has Maltese pigeon rings to swap. Joe can be contacted at:

Joe Saliba, 52 White House, Fuxa Street, San Gwann, Malta.