BS COUNCIL MEETING 5th November 2006
The final council meeting of the year, which had to be postponed from October took place on November 5th. It is a pleasure to report that, once again, there were no “fireworks” witnessed at the meeting Dave Cottrell , President, opened the proceedings, looking forward to a constructive day, held in a spirit of friendship and co-operation. The Chairman echoed these remarks. He then reflected that this year’s show season, which is approaching its end has given us cause to be optimistic: it has been a season of consolidation and in many cases shows have increased entries for the first time for some years. This year’s convention, at Southport, is still being talked about as a huge success and after the 2005 event had to be cancelled, because of the disastrous fire at our proposed venue, Stoke Rochford Hall, to get “under our belts” such a successful (albeit hastily-organised) event, which had a very different structure, was a cause for celebration in itself. He then reported that over the last few months, a programme of structural refurbishment of the society’s premises has been completed, thanks to Roger Carr and Dave Whittaker.
Show Cage Drinkers
The standard show cage drinkers have been a source of contention ever since I came into the hobby in 1959, and this has continued right up until the present day. Now, fanciers who are not happy with the current version have the option of using a small standard drinker, coloured blue, which is now produced solely for the Budgerigar Society. All the signs are that this has been welcomed enthusiastically by the fancy and already 8,500 have been sold. An order has been placed for an additional supply. Any enquiries on this should be directed to the BS office.
The British Bred Budgerigars committee
The British Bred Budgerigars committee will meet in the new year to consider a number of initiatives which are already in the partial-planning stage and a number of other points which have been raised. We are ever-conscious of the fact that there are probably far more budgerigar breeders who are not a member of any society than those of us who are, but that most will be experiencing problems in selling surplus stock, especially because of the competition provided by imports of birds from overseas. Among initiatives also under consideration is the possibility of raising a register of Pet Budgerigar Breeders, to include all fanciers who wish to be listed. This information would therefore be available to members of the general public and all connected with the pet bird fancy, by contacting the BS office, or by visiting the website. Opinions on this and other matters will always be welcomed.
Club Show 2006
The council received a very detailed report on the preparations in place for the BS Club Show 2006, from Geoff Capes and Dave Hislop. The main complaints in the past have been from the Area Society and Specialist Society stand holders who have felt both cut off and cold housed in the foyer. Their concerns have been seriously considered and this year they will be pleased to “come in out of the cold”, being accommodated in the main hall. To date, all Area societies except one have already signed up, ignorant of the pleasures to come, and we greatly appreciate and value their support. Additionally, there are some 34 Trade Stands. Many fanciers commented that it was not the same when there were no birds in the Auction of Promises, and this feature once again will be present.
Changed BS Show date.
In response to numerous suggestions for a considerable number of years now, the society and Show committee have agreed to a change of Show date and it is confirmed that next year’s show will be held on Saturday & Sunday 29th & 30th September. It is recognised that, while generally very acceptable to fanciers, this change will have many knock-on effects and a number of shows will feel that they are, or will be affected. The relevant committees will meet shortly in the new year to consider aspects which may be affected. This will include such matters as shows who feel that their entry is affected, and various national schemes which have formerly ended with the BS Club show. It is also appreciated that some show promoting societies may be loth to hold their annual event later in the year and inclined to move it even earlier than July, and it is felt by many that this in itself could instigate other demands. Again, members’ views are sought on all these matters.
BS Convention
When, where and how much will it cost? Hopefully, a firm decision will be made on all these questions at the May 2007 Council meeting, but meanwhile the appropriate committees will look at all aspects to be considered and bring their recommendations to those May meetings, including the cost of returning to the Southport venue as well as the Stoke Rochford Hall, rebuilding of which will hopefully be completed by the date we choose. Certainly, the enthusiastic response tends toward the view that there certainly must be a convention within the next few years, but there will certainly be a need to look very seriously at the financial situation before it can be decided how soon that could take place. Ideally, it will be in 2010, to bring us back on to the five-year cycle which had, until the fire mentioned earlier, been clearly established. It is perhaps only now that many folk will come to understand that we have in the past depended so much on the generosity of sponsors, and especially in the case of the convention that excellent group of fanciers who traded under the name of “Fanciers’ Stand”. All the more will we feel grateful for having had such folk to help us realise our aims and ambitions.
Judges’ Tie
Following a suggestion from Roger Carr, who pointed out that not many judges wear the present judges badge, for a number of reasons, it was agreed that we look into the possibility of producing a Judges tie for use at such engagements. Also agreed that we consider a lighter judges badge, which judges will find easier to wear and more modern in style.
Anniversary Shows
Our patronage structure having been revised in order that Championship certificates will be available to almost all but the smallest of budgerigar shows/sections, the council have taken a further look at ways in which it can recognise those shows which celebrate significant anniversaries, that is the 25th and 50th. It was agreed that it will not now be appropriate to temporarily “promote” such shows to the next band of patronage, but instead it will provide a special set of rosettes, printed on their tails, to mark the occasion. Additionally, a suitably worded message of congratulation from the society to the show, suitable for printing in the show’s schedule and thus highlighting the special nature of the event, will be provided. Hopefully this will help persuade the individual fancier to lend his/her support, by entries, to celebrate the special event.
Veterinary Diagnostic Service
Members are reminded that this excellent service continues. This is the best, and cheapest way that the average fancier can secure skilled veterinary services and none of us know when we will need to use it. We are pleased to report that Dr. John Baker has confirmed that he will be willing to continue to run this service for the foreseeable future, and has stated that he would welcome further referrals from members. As well as helping themselves by forwarding sick birds, etc, members of the scheme also help the fancy generally because every case can, in some way, add to our store of knowledge. Thought of as an insurance policy, it will be realised that our premium is extremely small. We urge all fanciers to seriously consider joining this service.
Dave Herring, BS Publicity Officer
6, Chatsworth Street, High Barnes
Sunderland
SR4 7TR
Email; david.herring@ukonline.co.uk