The Budgerigar Society - General Archive
This page is still very much under construction - the society holds many records, recording a host of historical facts and a wealth of opinion. Like History itself, it will perhaps never be finished!
They show us how knowledge of the budgerigar, held both by individuals and the society collectively, developed over the years: for example, our understanding of the laws of inheritance discovered and developed by Gregor Mendel.
The archive also records the growth of the society itself, starting with those pioneers of the society in those early days
1924 Before the beginning… During 1924, several letters appeared in Cage Birds suggesting that a specialist club for Budgerigars should be formed. As a result, Allen Silver wrote to Fred Longlands and a meeting was arranged for the 1925 Crystal Palace Show. (RS)
1925 Here we go !
On February 14th 1935 a notice appeared in Cage Birds announcing: "At a meeting held at the Crystal Palace, 6th February 1925, presided over by Allen Silver and attended by Capt. Rattigan, Messrs. W. Whitley, C.T. Maxwell, J. Frostick, J. Goodall, A.J. Wickham and myself it was decided to form a club to further the interests of the Budgerigar. Signed, F.C. Longlands, Hon Secretary."
The Budgerigar Club, as it was first known, was formed on 6th February, 1925 at the Grand National Show at Crystal Palace by just 18 founder members.
The meeting was attended by Mr Allen Silver ( far left), who acted initially as the chairman for the meeting, Cpt. G E Rattigan (second left),Mr H Whitley Mr J Frostrick (third left), Mr C T Maxwell, Mr J Goodhall, Mr A J Wickham and Mr F Longlands (right). Allen Silver was recognised throughout the world as a leading authority on aviculture. John Frostrick lived to a great age, Herbert Whitley, from Paignton, had a superb collection of birds, Captain Rattigan and Fred Longlands also had very good reputations in the realms of aviculture. ( I. I.)
First Officials The first officers elected to serve the "Budgerigar Club" were : President Mr H Whitley; Chairman, Allen Silver; Secretary Fred C Longlands, Treasurer C T Maxwell.
Vice Presidents C P Arthur, The Hon. Mrs Bourke (right), J W Marsden FZS, Capt. G E Rattigan FZS, Capt H S Stokes MC FZS (I. I.)
The first committee elected: Dr Jeanne du Berrie, Messrs A Barnard, W R H Bearby, W J Child, H Tod Boyd, J Frostick, J Goodall, T Goodwin (right), F Geo. Hedges FZS, A Martin, Denys Weston, Cyril M Whale FZS, J York White.
A list of "Club Judges", authorised to judge at 'patronised events', was drawn up and was published in that first issue, as follows : The Most Honourable The Marquis of Tavistock, G P Cooper, John Frostick, W T Marsden FZS, A Martin, C T Maxwell, Capt. G E Rattigan, FZS, Allen Silver FZS, R J Watts. (DH)
The annual subscription rate was set at five shillings (25p).
A standard of excellence and scale of points were suggested. It was proposed to put this recommendation to the full committee of officials once elected. It was approved a standard show cage to be used when exhibiting, reflecting the cages used at the Crystal Palace show by Mr Goodhall & Mr York White. These stipulated black exterior, interior by choice, with type and size standardised
The printing of a year book to contain the names and addresses of all officials and members of the Budgerigar Club at that time, was discussed and enacted. A standard and scale of points was approved for publication in the year book. The colours covered were: Greens, Yellows, Light Blues (Skyblues) and Dark Blues (Cobalts). ( I Instone)
The Budgerigar Club did not make it compulsory to ring any birds bred. The option of ringing was left to individual fanciers. The ring code number system we use today was in operation from the formation of the Budgerigar Club who used as their official ring makers A C Hughes. The only difference in the rings was that, unlike those used today, the first rings were split and made from aluminium. ( I Instone)
At this time all breeding of Budgerigars was by the colony system because members believed this was the only way to breed Budgerigars in captivity was by keeping them in conditions as near as possible to their native conditions. Coconut husks were used as nests for the breeding birds. ( I Instone)
Already and albeit relatively early in the stages of developing strains of budgerigars, one report asserted that wild blood should be introduced periodically to strengthen the strain and beautify the plumage.
1926
Officers elected at the A.G.M held at the Club Show were:-President Herbert Whitley FZS, Chairman Allen Silver FZS, Secretary Fred C Longlands, while Denys Weston (right) succeeded C T Maxwell as Treasurer
Vice Presidents C P Arthur, Major G H Barker, John Frostick, J W Marsden FZS, C T Maxwell, Mrs Arthur A Prestwich FZS, Lt. Col. H Legh de Legh, Capt. G E Rattigan FZS, The Hon Mrs Bourke, Mrs Dames Longworth, Capt H S Stokes MC FZS
Committee: A Barnard, W R H Bearby, Dr Jeanne du Berrie, H Tod Boyd, W J Child, J Goodall, T Goodwin, F Geo. Hedges FZS, A Martin, A J Shipton, Cyril M Whale FZS, J York White.
Show Committee: Mr F Hedges, Mr C T Maxwell and Mr C M Whale. One of the main subjects discussed at the meeting was the show cage which led to much heated discussion. ( I Instone)
By the end of the year, membership had soared to 116 and birds were being rung - with split metal rings!
No Blues we’re British
The first Annual Show of the Budgerigar Club was held on February 4th, 5th and 6th of February 1926, at the Crystal Palace in conjunction with Dulwich & Peckham CBS. At the time, the Club’s membership numbered 112. Nine classes attracted an entry of 100 exhibits. Most of the birds benched were Normal Light Greens and Light Yellows, the only common varieties in Britain. The few Blues, Cobalts, Mauves and Olives on view had been procured mainly from France.
1927 saw the appointment as secretary of H Humphries (left), following Mr Longlands' death. The patronage rules tell us that to obtain patronage, a show must put on at least two Budgerigar classes. A judges' panel had been formed and contained 11 members, led by the Marquis of Tavistock. The balance sheet showed subscription income as £32.6.6d and the printing of receipt books, the year book and colour pamphlets, all came to £18.19.6d. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
"Boom time"
1927
Numero Uno
The first Budgerigar Bulletin was posted to 350 members in June 1927. Under the editorship of Allen Silver, its issue was delayed by a lack of articles for publication. Then, like the number seven ‘bus, several arrived all at once.
1927
Dripping insects
Capt. H.S. Stokes reported widespread egg binding – but not among his own–bred stock. His birds were kept in indoor flights heated to 55 deg F. Within a fortnight of being paired, his own young hens, which had not laid before, were sitting on clutches of eggs. By contrast, "Every bought hen has been badly egg bound, and had to be oiled, coddled and fussed." He attributed his success to an insectivorous mixture that was put in a biscuit tin and had ¾ lb of best beef dripping, melted over the fire, poured over 5 lbs of food. Stirred thoroughly and mixed with the hands, the mixture kept for weeks without going sour.
1927
That’s all folks!
M.T. Allen offered advice on colour breeding – covering Greens, Blues, Yellows and Whites in their three shades of darkness. He concluded, "The foregoing data cover practically the whole field of colour breeding at present explored…"
1927
Neither fur nor fowl
John W. Marsden FZS advised newer members to take published theoretical colour expectations with a pinch of salt. He wrote, "I should like to warn novice breeders against the Mendel theory, which as one of the oldest colour breeders, I have never found to work out in breeding birds and believe it is right in Horticulture, and am not so sure about the fur section."
General Cremer analysed Mr Marsden’s breeding results and came to the conclusion that they did, in fact, follow Mendelian theory. He wrote, "Surely the birds themselves do not believe in Mendel either, yet they follow his natural rules with astonishing consistency."
1927
Flecking First?
"The Treasurer would particularly like particulars of any case of Head Barring coming under Members’ notice. Head barring has never been an uncommon occurrence among adults to those who have known Budgerigars in quantity… Its appearance from time to time may be an acquired character, an inherited character or a physiological disturbance of a melanistic order."
1927
Fighting fit?
The Editor reported having caught up between 56 and 60 full-winged young – pure Yellows and pure Greens. "No crawlers have appeared, practically no sickness but excessive fighting of both cocks and hens, a good many birds young and old killed and scalped, otherwise a much heavier total would have been caught up."
1927
Clearflights?
"Mr R.J. Watts (Cambridge) reports that among his 1927 young Olives one left the nest exhibiting yellow flights and another a yellow tail."
1927
No canary
Wm R.H. Bearby had conducted an experiment. He had fed his Budgerigars on only seeding grasses "found growing profusely in our English meadows, country lanes and even on any waste ground". He claimed to have proved that "Budgerigars will live, thrive and rear bigger and better young on this seed alone." He warned against grass that had been fouled by dogs or other animals.
1927
Budgies not going cheep
"We notice that commercial offers for colour varieties of Budgerigars have been in the region of £21 per pair for Blues and £45 per pair for Cobalts. We understand from a reliable source, that one firm handling Budgerigars of all colours turned over an amount (dating approximately from April 1st 1926 to April 1st 1927) of about £50,000."
1927
Breakthrough
"We have now seen show managements (not receiving our patronage) providing one or more classes for Budgerigars at their exhibitions."
1927
Bad day at the office?
"Whilst the history of the breeding and formation of definite varieties of our birds may consist of brilliant achievement and accident, it will also, like other matters, be a record of opposition and obstruction… advocates of truth always run the gauntlet of hostile criticism and in some cases persecution."
1927
Galloping novices
During the last two years, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of Budgerigar fanciers in this country. Whether the formation of the Club or the natural attractiveness of the birds has been the greater factor in the situation is a moot point. Many of the new recruits have not been content to walk before they begin to gallop, but have plunged at once into the rarer colours. Without doubt, the recent high prices have something to do with this and it is to be feared that much of the enthusiasm will ebb, even as it flowed with the boom, which cannot last forever.
1927
Not many people knew that!
Mendel published papers in 1866 and 1867, but the scientific world was so occupied with Darwin’s Origin of the Species, that these were overlooked until 1900 when Correns & Tschermak brought his work to the notice of scientists.
1927
In the Pink
S.N. Andrews wrote, " I have repeatedly seen a sensation of red in Violet, Mauve, Jade and Bronze birds. I have also seen a distinct orange cast in some Yellow birds. This I consider to be proof of its presence." He set out to breed a Pink Budgerigar from Violet x White matings. The closest he got was a bird the breast feathers of which he described thus, "… the usual white down near the quill, then a bar of pink about an eighth of an inch broad right across, next a bar of green about the same width, the remainder of the tip was a semicircle of blue."
One of the main subjects discussed at the meeting was the show cage which led to much heated discussion. ( I Instone)
In his editorial on September 1927 the editor of "Cage Birds" wrote "No bird has made such extraordinary progress in the cage bird fancy in recent years as the handsome little Budgerigar. A pair of really snowy white Budgies would fetch nearly '£200'. Generally speaking show promoters were not catering for Budgerigars although the growing popularity of the Budgerigar had quickly spread to the North. (I Instone)
The end of the year saw membership rising to 229, almost double that of the previous year.
1928 The second AGM held on February 4 1928 at Crystal palace was attended by ninety members. Capt H S Stokes (left) became the new President. There was great discussion on the confusion that surrounded the variety we call today the Greywing Green. In addition to the Apple Greens and Jades described earlier some fanciers were calling this colour Olives or Bronzes. The matter was referred to the colour committee who abolished the descriptions of the colour: Apple Green, Jade and Bronze. (I Instone)
By March 1928 the membership of the "Budgerigar Club" had risen to 454. A new name coming to prominence at this time was Mr F S Elliott (who was later to become the "Bulletin" editor). He was also to become joint editor and compiler along with Mr E W Brookes of "Budgerigar Matings & Colour Expectation", an informative book for the Budgerigar breeder. (I Instone)
In the 1928 year book Mr Silver and Mr Watts wrote of "the development of the Budgerigar fancy and the increasing –entries now seen at shows". At this time the "Budgerigar Club" had five trophies for presentation. These were: the Bernard Mott; the Longlands; the Dame Longworth, the Breeders and the Magnet. In addition there was the Chairman's gold medal donated by Mr Silver. (I Instone)
The Budgerigar fancy was steadily increasing and on June 18 1928 "Cage Birds" published a special' Budgerigar issue which included a full colour reproduction of a Light Green and a Dark Blue Budgerigar. Through the advertisement pages of the "Cage Birds" of the time we read that Messrs Chapman were advertising "Blue Budgerigars for sale at £20 per pair and Dark Blues at £40 per pair. ( I Instone)
Classification Extended
The colour committee suggested to show promoting societies that they should schedule classes for Greens, Yellows, Skyblues, Cobalts and Lilacs or Mauves. The colour description Lilac was still acceptable at this time. Some classes were scheduled for pairs and some for single birds. (I Instone)
1928 ??? The first Budgerigar Bulletin was published and it was decided to issue four per year commencing in 1928. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
.......after a suggestion by Mr Ted Boyce, a knowledgeable fancier on the genetics of Budgerigars, the Budgerigar Club considered producing a magazine for members. A committee was formed which agreed the suggestion was an excellent idea. So a magazine was launched and named the "Budgerigar Bulletin". The first editor was Allen Silver. (I Instone)
Western Counties BS was also formed in 1928 and created a mystery. It was to be almost 20 years before Western Counties affiliated to the BS. The founder members were mainly drawn from the same group who had founded the Budgerigar Club just three years earlier so why did Western Counties, the first area society formed, become the last area society to affiliate to the parent body? Perhaps we shall never know. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
In 1928, in Paignton on November 28 & 29 the best recorded show of the time, with an entry of around 200 exhibits, was held. Judge John Frostrick judged the nine classes of which Allen Silver won four. The other five classes were shared by Mrs Wall and Messrs Humphries, Mott, Cyril Rogers, and Mr York White. (I Instone)
1928
Marked improvement
With Budgerigar exhibiting being in its infancy, there were some problems with show cage variations. "One exhibitor, all in good faith, one is sure, had secured the doors of his cages in such a way as to make them conspicuous… In another case, a name and address was actually on the cage!"
1928
Copying Canaries
F.S. Elliott was wondering about the use of closed rings for Budgerigars. "Closed rings are extensively used for canaries, but it must be remembered that the hen Budgerigar’s beak is a formidable weapon…if breeders are trying closed rings for the first time on Budgerigars, they are advised to make the experiment on birds which are not of any great value."
1928
57 Varieties
Notes on Olives by W. Stanley Sutton: "Olives need no special treatment of any kind. In fact the more they have to rough it, the better they seem to like it. When next you visit your grocer ask him to show you a bottle of Heinz’s Olives as this gives you a good idea of the colour of the breast plumage in young Olive Budgerigars."
1928
Oooh you are awful!
General Cremer was upset about Mr J. Bradshaw’s attack on his and Dr Duncker’s writings on genetics. He wrote, "Mr Bradshaw has busied himself… with trying to be as abusive as possible in his remarks with regard to ideas and facts about heredity in Budgies, as put forward by Dr Duncker and myself. Poor manners are generally accounted for by neglect in nursery training, and while they have the tendency to be lasting in individuals inflicted, they are not necessarily inheritable. Let us hope for the best!
If Mr Bradshaw has put his scurrilous questions in the expectation of getting an answer… his unblushing cheek even surpasses his ignorance…Being a good humoured naturalist I gladly concede to any donkey to make his melodious voice heard.
I much appreciate… that his excursions into print are rare. This is a redeeming feature and if he sticks to it, the members of the Club…should thank him for it."
1928
Gottle of Geer
F.S. Elliott proposed new names – BLEEN for a Green with a Blue parent, BRELLOW for a Yellow with a Blue parent and WHEEN for a green with a White parent.
1928
First picture
The first photograph to be published in the Budgerigar Bulletin appeared in June 1928. It was
of a sectional aviary for control breeding designed by W. Stanley Sutton of Horsham.
1928
Before their time
M.T. Allen wished to hasten his supply of Cobalt-bred Olives so he decided to copy poultry breeders and use electric light. A time switch was set to give light from 5.30 to 8.00 am. He paired his birds in November and from four Cobalt cocks and four Cobalt-bred Olive hens he produced 14 chicks in the first round. The 20 chicks from the second round left the nest-boxes in February. Some of the youngsters were the strongest and handsomest that he had ever seen.
William Bearby was also into winter breeding. His lights came on at 5.00 am and stayed on until 9.00 pm. After experimenting with oil stoves and gas heaters, he found the ideal heating apparatus for birdrooms – a thermostatically controlled tubular electric heater.
1928
Dream on
V.V. Pedlar was confused. There was so much conflicting information being published she appealed for questionnaires to be sent to all member and the average of the answers to be published.
1928
Benefits of membership
While on holiday the Hon. Secretary called upon a Budgerigar breeder who was not a member of the Club. He found that the gentleman was selling Cobalts at £25 a pair, at a time when they were fetching £100 a pair. The Secretary concluded, "Had he been a member, he would now be richer by many thousands of pounds."
1928
Radiation treatment
C.H. Cremer reviewed "Modern Expedients in keeping Birds". Among his favourites was the mercury vapour lamp – "partly for treatment of weak and rickety birds and partly for radiating foodstuff – soft, mixed food – in which the presence of vitamins seems to be increased."
The AGM held on February 9 at Crystal Palace was attended by 64 members. lt was decided that at all future patronage shows birds must be shown in a standard show cage approved by the "Budgerigar Club". However the colour of paint to be used on the interior of the cage was left to the discretion of the exhibitor. (I Instone)
In April the original chairman Allen Silver resigned. In recognition of his service he was presented with a cheque and an illuminated address.
His successor was Mr Andrew Wilson (left) , who was elected one month later. Mr Denys Weston (right) took over from Allen Silver as the new editor of the "Budgerigar Bulletin". (I Instone)
The "Budgerigar Club" show held at Crystal Palace in 1929 attracted 253 entries and nearly 500 birds, the difference between the two figures being the showing of pairs. The judge was Mr Watts who selected a C
1929 Also to emerge in 1929 was the first opposition to the "Budgerigar Club" with the founding of the "British Budgerigar Breeders Society. The original idea for the new club apparently started in Yorkshire. Mr H D Hornby from Ilkley was the secretary. The new club would not accept membership from dealers, only bona fida fanciers were allowed membership. However this new club did not survive long. Indeed, neither Mr Hornby nor Mr J D Mander another prime mover in the new club appear to have played any part in the formation of the Yorkshire Budgerigar Society in 1926. (I Instone)
1929 brought in a rule which made standardised show cages compulsory and the first team class was staged with 16 exhibits. A colour committee was formed to decide if a bird was a new colour. Although they were not yet being used by the Budgerigar Club, A. C. Hughes had begun to make closed coded rings - at 5/- (25p) for 100. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
At most shows staged throughout the country the Budgerigar classes were on the increase. At the Bradford National on December 6/7/8 1929 fanciers from Yorkshire were able to see the yellows belonging to Mr Watts which had become very successful on the show bench and of which much was being written. Mr W Watmough was so impressed with them that he disposed of all the Yellows belonging to his wife. Mr Watmough also remembered this show as "one of the first where a White Budgerigar won a very highly commended award".( I Instone)
King George Accepts Gift
The records of the club show that "His Majesty King George V had begun to take more than a Passing interest in Budgerigars and graciously accepted a gift from the "Budgerigar club". This consisted of a pair of Yellows, a pair of Mauves, a pair of Olives, a Blue hen and a pair of Green and a Blue. These were sent to the Royal Aviary at Sandringham.
The "Budgerigar Club" had grown swiftly and progressed far during those first five years. Having seen off the rival "British Budgerigar Breeders Society" it was well equipped to move forward yet further. ( I Instone)
1929
Ten per cent solution
Fifty-nine members signed the attendance book at the 1929 Annual General Meeting of the Budgerigar Club – just over 10 per cent of the membership of 570.
1929
Early Clearwing?
Denys Weston wrote: "Many years ago, Mr Blanchard produced a type of Budgerigar described as a Satinette. This bird had a green body and yellow wings. I have seen no mention of this variety by our Colour Committee… The winner of the Premier award at the 1928 Palace Show was acclaimed as a wonderful new variety, and I was surprised that none of our experts recognised it as a Satinette. The judge eventually did! The variety should either be standardised or barred – the former I hope."
1929
By any other name
Mrs D.E. Wall announced that she had been fortunate enough to get a pair of Greywings. She revealed that they were called ‘Azurblau’ in Switzerland, ‘Grauflugel’ in Germany, ‘Silverwings’ in Japan and ‘Griz’ in France.
1929
Long Jane Silverwing?
"The Hon. Sec. Tells me that he has succeeded in getting fertile eggs from a hen that is minus one leg. The bird is mated, of course, to a cock not so afflicted."
1929
From the Daily Express
"I understand, by the way, that a palatial aviary is being specially constructed at Sandringham. It will house two exquisite Blue Budgerigars, which have been given to the King." The birds were Greywing Cobalts – called Royal Blues – bred and presented by Mr Harold E. Peir, of Peakhurst, New South Wales, Australia.
1929
From the Daily Chronicle
"One of the sights of the parrot house at the zoo is a Budgerigar of great rarity, which has just arrived. The newcomer is unique in being half green and half blue. The separation between the colours is so distinct that the division forms a straight line down the breast. This bi-coloured Budgerigar is valued at £50."
1929
Ring scheme
Major J.S.S. Clarke had advice for members who had "birds that were no good". 1) "Ring their necks" (sic) or 2) "Sell them to ladies for pets."
1929
As if it wasn’t difficult enough!
P.F. Gosling preferred the term "Blue-bred Green" to Green split Blue. So he proposed using the former for Green chicks from Green x Blue matings and the second term for Green chicks from Blue-bred Green x Blue-bred Green matings.
1929
Not so rare
"Now that so many members are breeding, all, or most of the rarer colours and shades it has been suggested that no further reference be made in the Year Books of the colours bred by individual members. Instead, it is the intention of the Hon. Sec. To insert the year that each member joined the Club."
1929
Night sight?
"We believe that the Black Budgerigar is in sight at last. Our opinion is that this will eventuate from pairing together the darkest Mauves."
1929
The impossible dream
H.C. Humphries declared that he had absolute proof that you could breed Greens from a Cobalt x Cobalt mating. He had heard of four cases and "in none of these cases is there any room for doubt".
1929
Wheeler-dealer
J.S.S.C. wrote: "There have been indications that there are a certain number of breeders definitely antagonistic to dealers." It seems that some dealers were advertising Budgerigars at very low prices but when a buyer called he was told that the cheaper ones had all been sold. Having got the buyer into the premises "the issue is in the hands of a glib-tongued salesman". He went on to express concern that there were dealers involved in the running of the Budgerigar Club.
1929
Messy Mouse Trap
"Mice can often be caught by leaning a board, about 3 or 4 feet long lengthways against the darkest side of the birds’ sleeping place, leaving about enough space for a mouse to get behind it; a little pressure on the board will dispose of the mouse."(F.S. Elliott).
Royston,
The last one is so politically incorrect that I was not going to include it but as a contrary view has been expressed – here it is for you to do what you will with it. Roy
1930
A ROYAL PATRON
This was one of the most historic years of the Society. His Majesty, King George V accepted an invitation to become Patron of the club, but requested that the name should be changed to The Budgerigar Society. The request was acceded to with alacrity and the name has remained ever since. Membership passed the 500 mark. A larger, new style Year Book was introduced. Dr Hans Duncker began to revise his New Colour Work to include plates of all eight established colours. A Scale of Points was suggested and a rule was passed to allow the committee to suspend members who were found guilty of acting contrary to the interest of the Society. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1931
A referendum to obtain members' views on a number of issues was held and out of 557 members, 108 returned their referendum cards. A full page photo in the Bulletin shows a Blue cock which won the club show - most pets of today would give it competition. An 'All Budgie' show was mooted and the secretary agreed to try to run it. Dealers were offering 30/- a pair for young Cobalts, that would be over £100 now. Against the secretary's advice, members won a proposition to introduce novice classes. An article in the Bulletin argued learnedly on the drawbacks of using closed coded rings. It stated unequivocally that the hens would throw out the ring, complete with chick, as she cleaned out her nest. A member was suspended for sending a letter to the Bulletin insulting the chairman and committee. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
FANCY SPREADING
1932 Western Counties BS proposed alterations to the standard show cage and a slightly longer cage was allowed - if desired. The Society had its first lady president, E. Kathleen Goddard. (right) In her opening message, she springs to the defence of the officials against the criticism being levied at them, giving the impression that those dedicated fanciers who sit in the hot seat have ever been unpopular with a section of the members. New rules were adopted, one was very similar to one in the March 1985 Bulletin, 'A vacancy occurring in the council shall be filled by the next name in order on the voting slip’. Shows throughout the country reported record entries of 176, 122, 163 and at Cambridge a massive 299.
There was criticism of the big ugly birds winning shows. A suggestion was made that there should be two standards, one for exhibition and one for breeders. The BS club show boasted 723 exhibits in 1933 and the membership figure reached 1,300. At approved diploma shows the BS guaranteed the prize money. Seed became mandatory on show cage floors. The old coverings of oat husks and sawdust were now prohibited. The first area society, Northern lreland BS, affiliated to the parent body. Show entries were increasing by leaps and bounds.
1933
1934
By now, the club show had 1,119 exhibits and 37 classes. Another society, the Midlands Budgerigar Association was formed. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
TEN YEARS OLD AND GOING STRONG
1935
A new secretary, G. Weston, took over to commence the second decade and the press was given permission to attend the AGM. An intermediate section was introduced at diploma shows. The first anodised closed coded rings were introduced by A. C. Hughes. The first sketches of the 'Ideal Budgerigar' were made by R. A. Vowles and Dr Armour, and the Lancashire and Cheshire BS was formed. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1936
saw another change of secretary, as C. H. Rogers took over. Two new area societies were formed, the Yorkshire BS and the Northern BS (???. ). W. Watmough first published the book which was to become the Budgie breeder's bible, ‘The Cult of the Budgerigar'. News was given of the discovery of the Opaline mutation and of a Yellowface mutation which had been bred in this country
THE TREE GROWS BRANCHES
1937
All area societies who agreed to recognise the Budgerigar Society as the ruling body were granted affiliation in 1937. Membership continued to rise, reaching I,632
1938
The colour committee banned the use of blue tint in the washing and spraying of Budgerigars. Membership rose to 2,200 and the Welsh BS affiliated to the BS. Research into French Moult was instituted by the Budgerigar Society in collaboration with Cage Birds. It was to be carried out by Professor Hare and funded by donations. The cost of the first year's work would be 25 guineas (£26.25).
WARTIME FANCY
1939
was the beginning of a black period for the fancy as for the country. Shortage of suitable seed was to decimate the Budgerigar population, but throughout the dark days, the Budgerigar Society continued to function and run shows to help the Red Cross. From 1939 onwards, young bird classes became known as Breeders' classes. A sculptor's model of the 'ideal Budgerigar' was made but the war stopped its reproduction. In 1940 the South Midlands society was formed. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1940
1941
The year of the formation of the London & Southern Counties BS. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1942
G. H. McCreery took over as secretary. All members serving in HM Forces were granted free membership for the duration of their service which strained the finances of the society. For the first time in 17 years, the subscription was increased to 6/- (30p) and badges went up to 4/- (20p). Wartime shortages meant that rings would cost more, the BS had to pay l/9 per dozen (8.5p). A new written standard of excellence and new colour standards were published. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1943
By now, the war was beginning to take its toll. Printed slips took the place of the year book due to the restrictions of the use of paper. Because of increased costs and large numbers of Forces, members enjoying free membership, the society was running at a considerable loss. Bulletin advertisement rates were increased, the subscription rose again to 10/6d (52p), Life membership was temporarily suspended, the administrative panel and area delegates (equivalent to the present GC) were asked to meet their own expenses for travelling to meetings and the honorariums were cut. Another affiliation was announced, that of the South African BS (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1944
1945
AMNESTY TO ALL SUSPENDED MEMBERS
W.Watmough (right) became Chairman of the society and Will Addey (left) was appointed its secretary in 1945 and the society was given a complete restructure. The first item of the restructured society read: 'That there be one, and only one, Budgerigar Society in Great Britain, the name to be the Budgerigar Society'. To celebrate the end of the war and the restructure of the society, an amnesty was given to all suspended members. The subscription was reduced to 7/6 (37.5p) and the honorariums were restored, the secretary to receive £104 and the editor £25 per issue of the Bulletin. The area societies listed as affiliated were. the Scottish BS, Northern lreland B&FBS, Midland BA, Northern BS, Yorkshire BS Lancashire and Cheshire BS, South Midlands BS, London & Southern Counties BS and South Wales BS. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1946
FRENCH MOULT 'CURED'
The first year of peace, and the secretary was able to tell the 1946 AGM that the financial position was now sound, there was £350 cash in the bank which was too much and some must be invested. The BS agreed to pay one night's hotel expenses (15/- or 75p) plus third class rail fare for its representatives. The Society's trophies were insured for £250, Dr Armour reported that he had found the cure for French Moult, it was DDT powder! (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1946
A BS Scottish Club Show was inaugurated in and a three day show held in Glasgow. This was the year that the new status rules were applied, a beginner was allowed one show season or two firsts, once he became a novice he was allowed three firsts and the same went for the intermediate section. Anyone who was successful at the shows would obviously rush through the sections at the rate of one a year in those days. This was the year of the formation of The Lincolnshire and East Anglia area society which became immediately affiliated. Rings were sold at 3/- (15p) a dozen. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1947
The Western Counties B&FBS affiliated to the BS. The BS membership was 1,250 yet only 265 voted in the ballot. A proposal from the Lancashire and Cheshire BS called for the general council to be halved - by a strange coincidence, a prominent member of the LC&NWBS was advocating exactly the same thing in a 1984 Bulletin. For the first time, the BS allocated financial assistance to the area societies. £55 was to be shared according to the number of members of each society. Will Addey suggested and described the ring prize scheme. A resolution was passed prohibiting a judge engaged in any patronage show of the society from exhibiting in one section and judging in another. The judges' panel that year totalled 71 members. The year book for 1947 contained 112 pages and 2,000 copies were ordered at a cost not to exceed £150. The ring price was reduced to 2/6d (10p) per dozen. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
MEMBERSHIP GROWS
The membership rose by 450 members to 1,700 in 1948 and 88,920 rings were sold to 1,974 fanciers. It was reported that the South Wales area society had ceased to function and the executive committee was asked to explore a suggestion that the Western Counties should be asked to administer the area but the Cardiff society offered to become the nucleus of a new affiliated area society for South Wales and an official of the Lancashire and Cheshire society stated that they would be willing to cease to administer those Welsh counties which would come within the boundaries of the South Wales society. The present BS closed ring was patented in 1948 and a new 'ideal Budgerigar' drawing approved. An idea of prices being charged for Budgies in those days can be gleaned from an insurance claim for four stolen Budgies - claim £150! (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1949
A Private Member's Bill entitled the Pet Animals Act,1949, threatened to make all fanciers who made a practice of selling surplus stock into 'traders', with all the implications of form filling and tax paying. Fortunately after a campaign by the fancy press, the bill did not succeed in its original state. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
HALCYON DAYS
1950
opened with a positive explosion of new members and a huge increase in the secretary's workload. The ring secretary reported, for example, that one member had ordered 840 rings. A request that the Grey Yellow should be standardised was turned down. The Isle of Man was taken in by the Lancashire and Cheshire BS, prior to that they had not had any status either as an area or affiliate. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1951
The membership figure passed the 6,000 mark and a new target for membership was set at 10,000. The assets climbed to over £8,000 – which would be over £100,000 today (1989). An executive committee meeting commenced at 2.30 p.m. and continued until 2.15 a.m. the following morning. A firm of Christmas card manufacturers sought permission to use the BS 'ideal' in colour on Christmas cards but permission was refused. The BS provided an aviary filled with Budgies for the Festival of Britain. A rule was passed debarring the administration of antibiotic 'growth drugs'. Proof was shown that birds treated would temporarily increase in size astonishingly, but life was shortened and fertility affected. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1952
and still the membership grew. Ring orders-were being received at the rate of 8,000 rings a day at one time. A new scale of points was approved and the Ivorine labels proposed for the show cage to identify cages which complied with the standard. The YBS asked the BS to increase the subscription to 10/6d because they found it necessary to increase their subscription but could not go above the BS (Other area societies were to make the same plea later). The BS declined to increase the subscription because they were so financially buoyant but the area society allocation of the ring prize scheme was doubled. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1953
It was decided to rotate the BS club show between the North, Midlands and South, plus the established Scottish Club show of the BS, the first to be held in the Midlands. Later issues of the Bulletin show that this experiment did not work very well and was discontinued Membership was still rising, 16,500 copies of each Bulletin were being ordered. A rumble of discontent was made apparent in a stern speech from the chairman in which he threatened the Lancashire and Cheshire area society with disciplinary action if their 'anti BS' actions did not stop therewith. A highly successful World Budgerigar "Convention" was held at Harrogate. The seventh edition of Budgerigar Matings and colour Expectations was published and it was decided to hold the club show at the prestigious royal Horticultural Hall. London. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
With 19,000 members the secretary's honorarium was fixed at £500 but he was to have a full time chief clerk and a female clerk to cope with the extra work. 23,000 copies of the Bulletin were ordered and each contained about 100 pages. The prices paid for pet birds had dropped dramatically, the average price was quoted at 8/- (40p) each. The number of entries at the club show rose to 3,138. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
THE PEAK IS REACHED
1955
There were over 21,000 members in 1955, a figure never to be attained again during the first 60 years of the Society. To cope with new members coming in the Bulletin order was increased to 27,000 copies. £898 was given in ring prize specials, £772 distributed to the area societies and the assets stood at over £14,000. The research committee investigated various avenues but reported that £5,000 a year was nothing like enough to instigate a research- programme'
Overseas members were given the right to vote in the ballot this year. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1956
The American BS organised the next world Budgerigar congress, it was held in Indiana in 1956 and the BS was represented. This year saw the formation of the junior section. Western counties appeared to be very critical of the society.
Records of members were microfilmed and deposited at the bank in case they were destroyed by fire. Judges were rapped for allowing birds with 'long-flighted' characteristics to take awards at shows. Things were not quite as bright as they had been and it was decided to cut by half the number of pages in the Bulletin to cut costs and save postage. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1957
A new ‘Ideal' came into force. The Northern Ireland BS disaffiliated from the BS. Postage rates went up and the ringmakers asked for an increase to cover this cost. The Chairman told members that W. Addey had been severely ill and he was surprised he had been able to attend the meetings. Cuts in the Bulletin was suggested as a possible cause of dropping membership. The third world Budgerigar congress as held at Harrogate. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1958
The 1958 club show had been pronounced a great success and showed a profit of £ ... There were thirty four members on-the show committee. Fallow Green was added to the standard and a new show rule was made that an exhibitor may no longer enter in more than one section at the same show, i.e. Intermediate and Champion. Mr Addey, the secretary, went to Scotland to clear up the misunderstandings between the BS and SBS but it doesn't tell us what they were' (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1959
The BS suffered a grievous loss at the death of W. Addey in 1959 (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1960
The chairman was trying to find reasons for the drop in membership to only 13,000. The SWMBS asked if they could take control of the Welsh societies then under the jurisdiction of Lancashire and Cheshire and the LEA asked to take Cambridgeshire from the SMBA but both changes were refused. The subscription rose to 8/6d (42.5p) C D Somerfield (right) became the new secretary.
The club show report showed a loss of £71.9s. There was a long debate on a proposition that all birds exhibited in any age classes should be owner bred but this was not made a rule. Long term badges were introduced with different colours for 20, 25 and 30 years membership. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1961
Another rise in subscriptions took place in 1961 after losses of £600 in 1959 and £700 in 1960.The new rate was 10/-. A new standard for Pieds was agreed. The membership was dropping fast it was now down to 9,000. Although assets exceeded £6,000 economy was advocated. A suggestion mooted was not to issue the Year Book annually, saving £600. It was decided unanimously to accept affiliation from all overseas societies which applied. A proposal from the SBS that the beginner section should be dropped was taken back to area societies for consideration. Challenge Certificates was the name chosen for the certificates to be awarded by the BS. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1962
was the first year that a Year Book had not been issued. The chairman, W. Watmough, announced that there were 4,500,000 Budgies in the country. BS gave first guidance on judges' fees, £3.3.0d plus expenses was considered reasonable. Ring prices were increased to 4/6d per dozen plus 6d postage. Crested Budgerigars were classified for the first time. A new rule was passed that an exhibitor must not show a bird purchased from a judge, under that judge, for 12 months following the date of purchase. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1963
FRIGHTENING FIGURES 1963 dawned with alarming figures for the GC to contemplate. Membership was still dropping rapidly and with fewer members, subscription income was reduced and ring revenue cut. Great concern was felt and ideas were sought to retain members who came in for a couple of years and then fell by the wayside. £1,000 loss had been made in the last two years, the club show had also made a big loss, desperate measures were needed. No year book was published, the GC meeting was held at the National show and the club show was held at Harrogate in conjunction with the YBS club show to save the expense of hiring a hall. The subscription was more than doubled to £1.05. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1964
By now, the membership was down to 4,668 and the chairman was talking about some area societies being 'anti BS' and members being 'agin the government', he appealed for unity. Lancashire and Cheshire fought for the GC to be reduced from 40 members to 20, the motion was lost. Western Counties suggested that the BS made a definite rule to delete beginner classes but this was not taken up. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
BRIGHTER DAYS
1965
The falling membership figures turned around in 1965 and the secretary was able to announce that they had increased to almost 5,000. 1,302 voting papers were returned. A Year Book was issued, the cost being £1,000 and the club show moved to Granby Halls, Leicester. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1966
The upward trend continued in 1966 with the reserves climbing to £9,265 . A meeting with the Pied BS was arranged to try to adopt a single standard to prevent difficulties for judges. The MBA proposed that championship shows should be abandoned, but received little support. The Budgerigar Information Bureau was formed by Pedigree Petfoods which was to give much assistance to the BS over its years of existence. The first plastic show cage was produced as an experiment but it was never adopted. A rule came in that flecking in Opalines should be treated as a fault. To the consternation of all members, Mr. W. Watmough announced that due to advancing years, he would be resigning as chairman at the end of 1967. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1968
W Watmough took the chair for the final time until the election of officers, when R Frayne (left) was appointed as the new Chairman. It was stated that the society had 5,300 members in 1968, still rising: a revised 'ideal Budgerigar' drawing and revised colour standards were published which included Lacewings and Dominant (Australian) Pieds. The first Clearwing Budgerigar Breeders' Association club show was held in conjunction with the BS club show. The 10 year membership rule for judges was introduced. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1969
R. Frayne took over the chairmanship in 1969. The ticked head controversy raged throughout the year. It was decided to standardise the Crested variety and specialist societies were allowed associate membership of the BS. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1970
Ring prices were increased to 5/- for 10 plus 6d postage, causing dissatisfaction among members. A letter to the editor stated that with an average man's wage at £22, the subscription plus rings was causing hardship. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1971
W. Watmough died, a great loss the fancy. Despite a campaign in the fancy press and members, countrywide, lobbying their MPs , Purchase Tax at 22.5 % was levied on seed. The years of high inflation had begun. GC members were wondering whether the BS could still afford the Bulletin but others felt it was the one thing which united and kept members. The club show supplement was dropped. Rings were increased to 6/- for 10 and to crown a black year, the secretary, C D Somerfield resigned. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
THE TURBULENT YEARS
1972
R Frayne stood down as chairman and T D Rothery (right) took his place. From 19 applicants, A R Secombes (left) was chosen to be the first salaried secretary of the BS. Only 800 voting papers were received in the annual ballot. New judges' panel conditions were laid down. After a long and heated debate the AGM turned down a recommendation that the subscription be increased to £2. The officers called a special general meeting to consider increasing the subscription to £2, but again the members rejected the proposal. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1973
the subscription increase to £2 was passed. The AGM was told that the employees for the previous year had been A R Secombes and his wife with his son, daughter and two married women as part timers. W Bancroft described a scheme for challenge certificates for breeders' classes. GC members suggested small committees to cut down work at GC meetings and electoral addresses by candidates for the GC to be printed in the Bulletin. The scale of points for Crested Budgerigars was changed. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1974
Membership was dropping again and a loss of 107 was reported. The chairman resigned but was persuaded to carry on, the scrutineer resigned and was persuaded to continue. The rule forcing juniors to show in the same status as their parents caused a furore and another rule that no judge should be allowed to judge the club show more than once in three years was made. A prominent fancier was suspended from membership by the executive committee who then had to reinstate him the following year when the High Court ruled them out of order. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
FOURTH WORLD BUDGERIGAR CONVENTION
1975
promised to be as turbulent as the past few. The chairman announced he would not be seeking re-election. The rules were to be re-drafted by the Society's legal advisers, one Bulletin was cut because of rising costs, rings were increased to £1.20 for 20. Two bright notes were that the club show made a profit of £299 and a highly successful Fourth World Budgerigar Convention was held at Harrogate to celebrate the Society's golden jubilee. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1976
W Bancroft (left) took over as chairman and faced another troubled year. The ballot returns were the lowest for years, the club show secretary resigned and the editor resigned. A proposition that the subscription should be increased to £4 was defeated as was one to reduce the GC to 30. British Rail proposed a ban on all unaccompanied livestock and all members were urged to write to their MP's. Fortunately this had effect and the ban was not imposed. A special general meeting was held at Leicester to consider the position of the secretary and his suitability for the post. This broke up in disarray. The chairman stated he would not seek re-election. A proposition that the subscription be increased to £5 was defeated. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1977
J Vickers (left) took the chair at the annual general meeting and presided while a vote of no confidence in the way the financial affairs of the Society were conducted and calling for the resignation of the general secretary was proposed and failed.
Subscriptions were increased to £3.50. The new editor took over the Bulletin. A special general meeting approved a new set of rules. The club show secretary, reported an entry of 4,888. It was decided to discontinue having an executive committee. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
ANOTHER SGM CALLED FOR
1978
The challenge certificates were redesigned and qualified overseas judges were permitted to judge in the UK. Flecked heads were still a major point of debate. The reserves stood at almost £19,000. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1979
opened with the sacking of the editor for refusing to publish an item she felt was libellous. A special general meeting was called for by a solicitor member and many others asking for the resignation of the chairman, secretary and whole general council. The meeting was called by three officials in Scotland on a Thursday evening. Mr Hine declared that the meeting had not been called within the rules of the Society and eventually legal proceedings were instigated to right the matter. The show secretary and a number of the show committee resigned. Retford laboratories were engaged to carry out a programme of research including an autopsy service at a cost of £4,000. A £1 levy was added to the subscription to cover the cost. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1980
A new drawing by E H Peake of the 'Ideal Budgerigar' was approved in 1980. The membership was 5,300. Bulletin dates were changed to April, July, October and January because it had been found impossible to keep to original dates. It was reported that the research programme with Retford was running well. 1,400 post mortems had been performed. The subscription was raised to £5. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
MUSICAL CHAIRS
1981
Saw the retirement of another chairman and A Bracey took over the duties.
The membership was 5,500. A joining/rejoining fee of £2 was introduced.
A review of the research to date was published. The Hine case continued with High Court hearing set for December 1, 2, and 3.
1982
It was announced that the Hine case had cost £2.776 to date. The chairman and special committee saw the solicitor who informed them they were in a 'no win' situation. Mr Hine was contacted and agreed to withdraw the case provided an enquiry was held and rules revised. He was asked to draft the new rules and an enquiry under an independent legal expert was promised. A special general meeting to approve the rules was held and the new rules passed. The chairman requested a management committee to be part of the rules, and the finance and general purposes committee was approved.
A new full coloured magazine on Budgerigars was launched towards the end of the year.
RESEARCH COMES TO AN END
1983
Was a year of change. The general secretary was dismissed. The 'Sims ' enquiry was held on the sacking of the editor and calling of the SGM in Scotland. The annual general meeting voted out all further research at Retford Laboratories. Barbara Moizer was re-appointed as editor.
The first Budgerigar World show was held a week before the BS club show causing some bitterness, and what were considered to be anti BS articles and letters published by BW began to cause worrying splits in the fancy. The Bulletin was redesigned and included colour. It was restored to its original publishing dates.
FORWARD ALL THE WAY
1984
Was a year of challenges and progress. A new, highly praised Year Book was published, new Colour Standards were printed. 'Budgerigar Matings and Colour Expectations' was republished after 15 years, the Beginners' Guide was reprinted, new challenge certificates and membership certificates were produced, a Budgerigar Bulletin Show Supplement in full colour came out in addition to the four Bulletins. One dark note was that the former secretary's claim for unfair dismissal had to be settled out of court, costing the Society a considerable sum.
After much debate, the AGM approved an increase in subscriptions to £7.50. A C. Crook (left) took over as part-time secretary, becoming full time when the office moved from Hemel Hempstead to Northampton at the end of the year. The formation of the World Budgerigar Association, an organisation which appeared to be in direct competition with the Budgerigar Society caused consternation throughout the fancy. The general council met with the proprietors of Budgerigar World and appointed a team to negotiate with them.
1985
Happily, as the year opened, all differences were settled amicably. WBA was no more and BW and the BS began to run happily side by side. The difficult years were behind the Society as the world met at the diamond jubilee convention, the fifth international gathering arranged by the Budgerigar Society. The 60th anniversary of the BS and a great Diamond Jubilee Convention planned. An inexplicable anti-convention movement was spread around the fancy. Stories of astronomical prices, even claims that the draw prizes were not genuine caused many who would have attended to miss the event. However, the Convention, held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham in May, was greatly enjoyed by all participants. Representatives from every area of the UK and a large contingent from overseas were delighted with the friendly and co-operative atmosphere, with the quality and variety of the lectures, film shows, demonstrations, the bird show and the many social occasions. At the final meeting and prizegiving, the first mammoth draw held by the BS was drawn. A lady from Wales, Mrs M Tidley, became the proud owner of a brand new 5-door Austin Metro car, Mrs M Read learned that she would soon be off to Florida for two weeks and many members had won such things as television sets, videos and food mixers.
The international meeting brought forth a number of interesting ideas, one of which was a training scheme for judges. This was taken up by the colour standards and judges committee who announced a new scheme to be introduced into the BS, whereby prospective judges would serve a three year "apprenticeship" followed by written and practical examinations before being accepted for the main judges' panel. The general council decided to accede to the requests of members and hold another convention on the society's 65th anniversary in 1990. A series of AGM's was held when at the first one, it was necessary to adjourn discussion of rules revisions because the hall had not been booked late enough to allow for "extra time". At the second one called at the same venue, there were not enough members present to form a quorum, nor at another at Leicester. Not until a fourth AGM was called in Southport in 1986 could the rule amendments be debated and the 1985 AGM formally declared closed. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE JUDGES' PANEL
1986
Saw a number of firsts. It was the first year of the judges' training scheme with subsidiary panel judges accompanying their main panel tutors around the championship shows and the first batch of candidates sitting the tests at the club show. It saw the first new look Budgerigar Bulletins, now A4 size and with coloured covers. For the first time tickets were sold in advance for the Club Show.
New trophies were donated to enable there to be special prizes for best breeder of the year, best champion breeder of the year, best intermediate, novice, beginner and junior. Club Show entries transferred back to the BS office. It was announced that all sales classes must be judged, to comply with a new law. Genetics for Budgerigar Breeders by Taylor and Warner was published by the BS after having been out of print for many years. The general council issued a directive that no flecked headed bird could win a first prize, a directive which caused a furore among the judges. Eric Peake produced paintings of the ideal hen, showing two aspects, and these were approved by the general council. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
..BEST OF COLOUR'' SHOWS INTRODUCED
1987
A National Judges' Meeting was held and considered so popular that it became an intention that it should be an annual event. The main topic was the controversial ruling on flecked headed birds and this was rescinded at the next meeting of the GC. Another decision of the GC was to accept sponsorship for the BS and Pedigree Pet Foods (Trill) came forward with an offer of sponsorship by funding two annual nationwide competitions, the Trill Diploma Shows and the Trill Top Breeders of the Year Competitions. Budgerigar Bulletin became "The Budgerigar" and six issues a year were to be distributed to members in place of the former four. The Club Show was renamed "The BS World Championship Show".
The schedule for the BS World Championship Show was to be included with "The Budgerigar" so that every member would receive a schedule and entry form. Sets of distinctive rosettes would be sent to all overseas affiliated societies. A new "best of colour" certificate was introduced and the new patronage for best of colour shows came into being. A decision was taken to have the Membership List a a separate publication from the Handbook so that the Membership List could be issued more frequently. Subscriptions for 1988 were increased to £9. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
TRILL BECOMES MAJOR SPONSORS
In 1988 plans for Convention '90 were unveiled. There would be another mammoth draw with a City 5-door Metro car as the main prize, followed by a holiday for two in Florida and many other prestige prizes. Trill became convention sponsors and plans were set in motion to make this a convention that every member could afford. Because of business commitments A Bracey, the chairman, stepped down from the "hot-seat" and became vice-chairman while Ron Bissell (left) became the new chairman. Frank and John Punchard relinquished their leadership of the show committee for personal reasons and Dennis and Beverley Brown became show director and show secretary respectively.
Subscriptions for 1989 were set at £9.50. A decision to scrap the Membership List because of the expense of production and to offer a facility to buy full or partial lists from the BS office caused widespread dissent among members and pleas from many for the GC to reconsider this decision. The decision was reconsidered at the October meetings and the Membership List restored, albeit in a less expensive form. A completely new patronage packet was introduced, with the championship level of patronage to be based on the number of exhibitors as well as catalogue entries. Three grades of Challenge Certificates (based on the number of exhibits in the colour classes) were another new feature. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
Varieties & Shows
1925
SHOWS At the 1925 Crystal palace show, there were two classes for Budgerigars which, at that time, were exhibited in pairs. The show was judged by Allen Silver. The class for Light Greens or Yellows had thirteen exhibits and was won by Mr J Goodhall. The other class was for any other colour and attracted only four entries. The first was a pair that were described in a report in "Cage Birds" as Skyblues or Azures. The second was a pair of Cobalts or Dark Blues. Both were exhibited by Mr Tom Goodwin. (I Instone)
In the winter of 1925 only a few shows had made provisions in their schedules for separate' classes for Budgerigars.
1926
It was not until the Crystal Palace show in February 1926 that Budgerigar enthusiasts had the opportunity of seeing classes in anyway respective of the species. At this time the Budgerigar was just another "foreign bird" to all but the officials of the ................ The first club show was held in 1926 at Crystal Palace in conjunction with the National. Members felt that nine classes were too extensive but the committee proved to be justified in their decision when 100 birds were entered.
Although not mentioned in the colours included above there were other colours available. In the first year book Grey Greens were stated to be in existence. According to Allen Silver they had been first seen in 1920. In 1925, in Germany, Grey Greens were referred to as May Greens. In England the colour description was Apple Greens. Adding to the confusion was the fact that some fanciers called them Jades. It was reported that Mrs Dalton Burgess had bred Mauves from her Cobalts (I Instone)
1935
The first breeding of English Fallows, by a Mr F. Dervan was credited with the feat (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1936
German Fallows, Albinos and Lutinos were all recognised for the first time by the BS colour committee. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1937
F. Bowman gave details of breeding a Slate variety from a Skyblue paired to a Cobalt. New mutations had occurred in Australia, the name given to one group was Whitewings and Yellow-wings; the others were called Crests. Details were given of breeding the Australian Grey and then the Grey Green. The first Violet was exhibited. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1938
New colours and varieties were corning thick and fast. The Opaline variety was recognised by the colour committee and a description was given of the English Grey. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1947
This was the year that the Violet variety was standardised. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1960
Another new mutation was reported - the Australian Pied. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)
1966
A rule came in that flecking in Opalines should be treated as a fault.
1968
A revised 'ideal Budgerigar' drawing and revised colour standards were published which included Lacewings and Dominant (Australian) Pieds. The first Clearwing Budgerigar Breeders' Association club show was held in conjunction with the BS club show.
1979
Details were given of a new Australian mutation - the Spangle. (Ron Bissell/Barbara Moizer)