The Budgerigar Society - 2007 Club Show Report
Once again, this prestigious event proved to be a distinct success – one of the happiest Club Shows that it has been my pleasure to witness, and first and foremost I would acknowledge the contribution of the society’s principal sponsors, Cranswick Pet Products (Buckton’s) who enable the society to present this show with such flair year on year. A spirit of friendliness and optimism seemed to pervade the show shall and environs throughout the show and, hopefully, those who attended this year will work hard to ensure that their local friends, colleagues and newer members will do what they can to “join in the fun” in 2008.
There was, of course, some spirit of apprehension before the show. Was what some see as a downward spiral over a good few years bound to continue, or would this change of date prove to be the panacea for which we have long been looking ? Many felt that this would indeed be the answer. In the event, the entry was increased – but only by a relatively small number, although the number of exhibitors actually increased by some 6%. However, in the good old tradition of British Show dates, this change still attracted as many critics- and suggested alternatives, including going back to the original fixture - as any other date would have! The uncertainty which lingers in the mind of so many as to when the show should be held will surely make consideration of a revised ring issue date unlikely
Perhaps what compounded disappointment that the entry was not greater, however, is the fact that of the total entry some 600 exhibits did not arrived to be benched. No clear picture as to the reason for this has yet emerged, except that of some of the exhibitors who sent teams, many said that their teams were ‘dropping to pieces’ and unable to be brought. On the other hand, others stated that they had benched all the birds that they entered (as did my partner and I), without substitution!
As ever, the Budgerigar Society invites comment on this and related subjects, but one question that was repeatedly asked by the enthusiastic exhibitors present was “Where are all those fanciers who cried out for an earlier show date?” Where are those fanciers, when those who come are so enthusiastic? Perhaps this show has been used for observation only and that more will join the exhibitor ranks next year!
The Seminars have become a well established feature that folk have looked forward to at the BS Club Show, and this fact was confirmed by the increased attendance at this years events, particularly on the Saturday when the Show Hall itself was not yet open to non-officials. Something in the region of 120 enthusiasts gathered for the first session, a presentation by Jac Cuyten from Holland, entitled “The importance of Feather” in which he analysed the varying degrees and ranges of feather structure, clearly demonstrating that it is not merely a question of whether a bird is ‘Buff’ or ‘Yellow’, but how the shape, quality and size of feather can vary within the generally accepted.
divisions.
After the refreshments break, Cor Booster completed this “Double Dutch” programme with his presentation “When the North Wind Blows”, in which he demonstrated that studies suggest that it is a mistake to pair up one birds at a time of prevailing North or East Winds, as they accompany dry weather which is not conducive to encouraging birds to reproduce.
Sunday’s seminar, also well attended featured the Canadian partnership of Carl Slavin and Al Consiglio, on a subject that will have rung true in varying degrees of ways with some of the fanciers present, “Coping with Disaster”. In their case, these quite courageous fanciers had faced up to an outbreak of Infant Beak & Feather syndrome, which had resulted in their culling most of their stock, a few years ago, a great setback from which they are emerging successfully. If the first part tended to strike fear into our hearts, the resolute way in which they have faced the future has surely proved an inspiration to most of us.
Our warm thanks to all four of these fanciers, but certainly not forgetting Ron Pearce who organised the programme throughout and acted as M.C on both days
The Tombola appears to have been a very successful feature this year, judging by the very few prizes which remained by the end of the show. Norman Cox and his team were certainly in heavy demand for much of the show and they contributed greatly to the fun of the occasion, as did Pete Hutchinson and his Sales Team in making the Raffles so successful
. One of my lasting memories is of one of the judges’ Alistair Cameron, clutching one of his ‘trophies’, a teddy Bear.
Auction of Promises How much the society owes to our President Elect, Geoff Capes, for his work on this very popular event, which is now as much a part of the show as the birds! Ably assisted by John Alcock and the rest of the team, this has raised literally thousands of pounds for the show over the years. This year’s was as popular as ever and our thanks to all involved
Area Societies competition & Trade Stands The Budgerigar Society Club Show has for many years been greatly enhanced by the presence of Trade Stands, which, as well as being individually decorative continue to provide a great service to fanciers in setting before them the various wares and products which are available. Once again, they seemed to attract a good level of customers/visitors and hopefully their weekend proved profitable in all aspects.
As to the Area Society Stands, these have been of particular personal interest to me since I prepared and took the first ever Northern Budgerigar Society stand (merely a collection of and (merely a collection of painted cards, paper and photographs to the BS Club Show at Granby Hall, Leicester some thirty-odd years ago, to establish the presence of that society at the Club Show. It therefore gave me great personal pleasure to hear that the Northern BS with its original design had won this year’s stand competition. Congratulations to all concerned.
Catering Upstairs and down Following the initial move to The Dome, there was some criticism about the general catering facilities, especially as there was not sufficient space available to serve everyone’s needs. This situation has been well addressed over the past couple of years, and most comments, which have reached me, are complimentary as to the service, quality and price of the food on offer. The kiosk in the show hall itself seemed to be doing a roaring trade for most of the time!
The judges, John Alcock, Janice Al-Nasser, Alistair Cameron, Michael Chapman, Les Cutler, Mick Freeborn, Rodney Harris, Dave Hislop, Steve Lambert, Bob McCabe, Donald McCallum, Geoff Murrells, Bill Searle, Carl Slavin, Peter Thorne, Geoff Tuplin and Bob Whattam carried, of course, a lot of responsibility for the success of the show. An onerous duty in many ways, but it is one which they carried off with considerable aplomb and verve. It is always our pleasure to have the team of judges at the BS Club Show headed by the society’s President, but this time it was a special occasion as the society has such a popular and graceful President this year in Janice Al-Nasser – the first lady president, it is believed, to judge the BS Club Show. Not only did her awards meet with universal approval, but she has also given us an excellent written report of her findings.
(In addition, a word about Dave Hislop – not two-faced, but nevertheless “he who wears two hats”. for he has steered the show committee in organising the show over the past year, but had to hand over the office to Pete Smith who took his lace as Show Manager and Bio Security Officer for the show itself and especially while judging was taking place. All seemed to run seamlessly, so no doubt Pete will be telling Dave how he achieved it, and giving guidance for the future.)
So to the awards and the judges themselves, explain the awards and identify the Award winners below. It was good to see how well the awards were distributed and shared among a large number of fanciers, through all the sections, thus demonstrating that competition in the fancy remains strong and in good heart. : -
MAJOR AWARDS
Best in Show - Freakley & Ainley (Skyblue Cock 5-11) “This Skyblue Cock, shown in good condition, possessed a vast brow and head, with excellent feather and blow. Good colour and excellent ‘Normal’ qualities added to a substantial body, displayed by its excellent stance and deportment completed the picture.”
Little wonders that throughout the course of the show, many fanciers made repeated visits to view it!
Best Young Bird in Show - R Aplin (Cinnamon Green Cock) “An outstanding Cinnamon Greygreen Cock led the field here. This bird has a very large head, good feather, and was in good condition. All the easier to judge because it never moved during judging.”
Again, it attracted many visitors, very impressed by its width of head and abundant feather!
Best Any Age in Show - Freakley & Ainley (Skyblue Cock- As above)
Best Opp. Sex Young Bird in Show - Freakley & Ainley (Opaline Grey Green Dominant Pied Hen) “A super hen in top class condition, there will be many fanciers who would like to take this bird home, myself included. She went on to win Best Opposite Sex Young Bird in Show. Congratulations to the breeders!”
One of those hens, which just about everyone would wish to own!
Best Opp. Sex Any Age in Show - A & D Woan (Light Green Hen) “A truly super Light Green Hen showed by this successful partnership. This over-year hen displayed a wonderful colour, enhanced by excellent deportment. All round sheer quality – unusual for a Light Green.”
Another hen which would also grace any breeding room as well as it does the show bench.
Best Junior in Show - L A Murray (Grey Green Hen 910-1) “This is a big bird, carrying a wide head and therefore also took the Certificate of Merit”
A real credit and encouragement to fellow juniors!
SECTION RESULTS
Champion Any Age - Bob Whattam & Geoff Tuplin write:-
Best Freakley & Ainley (Skyblue Cock) – Best in Show – see above
2nd Best H & D Hockaday (Grey Cock 11-18) This bird displayed a lovely top end & slight back line, but did not have the size of the section winner (Best in Show)
3rd Best D Swann (Grey Green Cock 9-18) A well sized cock but was not as strong in the top end as the first two in the section
4th Best A & D Woan (Green Hen—Best Opposite Sex Any Age), 5th Best B E Sweeting (Opaline Green Cock), 6th Best Freakley & Ainley (Dominant Pied Cock), 7th Best C C & M Wixon (Dark Green Cock),8th Best Freakley & Ainley (Spangle Green Cock), 9th Best C McGovern (Dark Blue Cock), 10th Best H & D Hockaday (Dark Blue Hen)
The top ten birds in this section were well in advance of the others. Condition was variable throughout.
Champion Young Bird - judged by Janice Al-Nasser and Steve Lambert -
Best R Aplin (Cinnamon Grey Green Cock 121- This is a very powerful bird with tremendous width, good stance, a lovely face - a very worthy winner of the Best Young Bird in Show award),
2nd Best Freakley & Ainley (Opaline Grey Green Dominant Pied Hen—Best Opposite Sex Young Bird 149-3). A powerful hen with good width of head and directional feathering. Excellent shoulder and staged in good condition.
3rd Best Freakley & Ainley (Dominant Pied Grey Green Cock). Another powerful Dominant pied, this bird stood well and showed
4th Best Devey & Wright (Skyblue Cock), 5th Best B E Sweeting (Dark Green Cock), 6th Best A Eassoon (Grey Cock), 7th Best I Fordham (Lutino Cock), 8th Best H & D Hockaday (Opaline Cinnamon Blue Cock) 9th Best D Havenhand (Cinnamon Blue Cock), 10th Best L & P Martin (Grey Cock)
Intermediate Any Age - Carl Slavin & Michael Chapman
Best R & M Miller (Violet Cock 207-1) This was a clear winner: he had terrific colour, well defined markings and a super blow. He was staged in excellent condition.
2nd Best R & M Miller (Grey Green Spangle Green Cock) A bird that sat on the perch all day long. Only a slight lack of backskull held it back . This was a bird of good width – and had a long tail.
3rd Best P Cunliffe (Cinnamon Grey Cock). With a very wide head enhancing other properties, this was a very worthy third placed bid. Somewhat inconsistent on the perch, he was, however, quite a showman when he wanted to
be.
4th Best R & M Miller (Skyblue Cock, 5th Best S Bailey (Spangle Blue Hen), 6th Best R & M Miller (Green Cock), 7th Best R & M Miller (Grey Green Cock), 8th Best C Hickman (Grey Cock), 9th Best D Scott (Spangle Blue Cock), 10th Best S Bailey (Dark Green Cock)
Best Intermediate Young Bird – John Alcock & Dave Hislop report:-
Best R & M Miller (Spangle Blue Cock 344-1) Normal Cobalt Spangle of good quality with a great amount of blow when it relaxed, this bird was a pleasure to judge and asked to be looked at with the way it showed.
.
2nd Best B Cattell (Dominant Pied Normal Light Green Cock 348-3) with a good amount of width between the eyes. It had a good length, but cut away a little at the back of the head.
3rd Best G Shepherdson (Normal Cinnamon Skyblue Hen 224-2). This hen was not quite through its first moult - still had bars showing – but was a very good quality baby.
The overall quality of this section was good.
4th Best A Murray (Dominant Pied Blue Hen), 5th Best A Murray (Green Hen), 6th Best G Shepherdson (Opaline Blue Cock), 7th Best G Shepherdson (Dark Blue Cock), 8th Best J Woods (Dominant Pied Blue Cock), 9th Best B Cattell (Light Green Cock),10th Best P Cunliffe (Spangle Blue Hen)
Novice Any Age - judged by Alistair Cameron
Best B A Wilson (Dominant Pied Skyblue Cock 450-2) Condition won this bird the award. Not as big as those just behind it, but perfect on the day. A stylish and well balanced budgie, with a wide, clean head, good frontal rise; big spots , round, but perhaps too close together.
2nd Best R Hall (Cobalt Hen 408-1). A stylish hen, excelling in deportment, and with good colour. The best hen in the section, let down by flights. When I looked at her again on Sunday a couple were on the cage floor, and she also dropped a spot, confirming my view that the show had come a week too late for her.
3rd Best B A Wilson (Skyblue Cock 405-7) A large bird with good all round head –width, rise and backskull. Missing flights but otherwise in good condition. Very upright stance.
4th Best B A Wilson (Grey Cock 411-8) Again from B A Wilson, this breeder was dominating the section. Arguably, this was the best of his three birds but it was broken above the cere. Lovely wing markings and substance.
5th Best C Williams (Grey Hen), 6th Best N Saunders (Lutino Cock), 7th Best B A Wilson (Green Cock), 8th Best J & T Ross (Spangle Green Cock), 9th Best S Wildes (Albino Cock), 10th Best S Wildes (Cinnamon Blue Cock)
Novice Young Bird - Geoff Murrells & Rodney Harris
Best B A Wilson (DF Spangle Yellow Cock 542-2) A lovely looking modern budgie this, with superb width of head and lovely lines throughout. Also took the Certificate of Merit.
2nd Best B A Wilson (Spangle Grey Green Cock 540-3) Another wonderful bird, staged in excellent condition. Given the choice, this is the bird to take home. Well done
3rd Best D J Spruce ( Yellowface Grey Cock 557-2). Not quite as good as the first two but still good enough for a Champion to take home
General Comment: Well done to all Novice breeders; a little more attention to bird presentation will come with experience.”
4th Best R Nawarauckas (Spangle Blue Cock), 5th Best S Wildes (Dominant Pied Cock), 6th Best D Page (Green Hen), 7th Best S Wildes (Grey Green Cock), 8th Best S Wildes (Grey Green Hen), 9th Best P Field (Skyblue Cock), 10th Best A Hoskins (Recessive Pied Green Cock)
Beginner Any Age - Mick Freeborn & Bill Searle report:-
Best B Moule (Opaline Light Green Cock 613-2) This bird was second in the CC line-up and was indeed a very good bird
2nd Best J McGovern (Grey Green Cock 609-11) A very strong bird this, in both body and colour,
3rd Best E & M Nee (Opaline Cobalt Cock 617-1) This was the winner of the Opaline Blue Young Bird certificate.
4th Best D Farrell (Cinnamon Green Cock), 5th Best B Verity (Skyblue Cock), 6th Best S McMullen (Yellowface Cock), 7th Best A Palmier (DF Spangle Green Cock), 8th Best A E Barrett (Spangle Green Cock), 9th Best A E Barrett ( Light Green Hen), 10th Best A N White (Albino Hen)
Beginner Young Bird - Les Cutler & Peter Thorne commented :-
Best T & A Wilson (Light Green Hen 702-6) A strong Light Green Hen which took the CC for Light Greens
2nd Best A McGovern (Grey Cock 711-4), Also a certificate winner, this is a nice cock with good width of head. But for a damaged tail, it would probably have headed this section
3rd Best P Tiller (Skyblue Cock 705-8) This bird was not far behind the first two and was a worthy winner of the Beginner Young Bird Certificate of Merit
The top three birds were of quite good, but quality fell away in the remainder of the section
4th Best J McLeman (Grey Hen), 5th Best J McGovern (Spangle Blue Cock), 6th Best A Palmier (Opaline Cinnamon Blue Hen), 7th Best J McGovern (Spangle Blue Hen), 8th Best The Richardson Partnership (Grey Green Cock), 9th Best J K Stevens (Opaline Grey Cock), 10th Best S McMullen (Cinnamon Blue Cock)
Junior Any Age - Donald McCallum placed these awards:-
Best L A Murray (Grey Green Cock 809-1) This is a browy bird with good width, face and mask. Worthy of the Certificate of Merit
2nd Best B Kyle (Cinnamon Grey Cock 823-1) Stylish, clean bird – a credit to its owner
3rd Best L A Murray (Skyblue Cock 805-1) Again, a clean and stylish bird benched in good condition
Junior Young Bird - Bob McCabe related:-
Best L A Murray (Grey Green Hen 910-1) This is a big bird, carrying a wide head and therefore also took the Certificate of Merit
2nd Best L A Murray (Grey Green Cock 909-1) A very good bird this Grey Green Cock and I found it difficult to choose between this and the winner
3rd Best B Kyle (Cinnamon Grey Green Cock 921-1) A long bird, this cock stood well and again, the choice between it and the first two was difficult to make.
There were quality birds throughout the section and it was a pleasure to judge it.
BEST OF COLOUR RESULTS
ANY AGE
Light Green group was judged by Rodney Harris, who reports --
Best (2-5) was a truly super Light Green Hen showed by the successful partnership of A & D Woan . This over-year hen displayed a wonderful colour, enhanced by excellent deportment. All round sheer quality – unusual for a Light Green.
2nd in the line-up (1-10) and Best Opp Sex of Colour came from Freakley & Ainley. A cock which has lovely capping and altogether a wonderful top end. It’s colour quality was not up to the standard of the Best of Colour , but it boasted superb deportment. A wonderful bird to own, marred on the day by the absence of a couple of flights
3rd came from the Intermediate section (201-1), another cock staged by R & M Miller and was a bird of good feather but lacking in wing carriage and deportment
4th 401-11 B A Wilson, 5th 601-7 S Flower, 6th 602-4 A E Barrett, 7th 801-2 P Fairbridge, 8th 402-1 R Hall
Dark or Olive Green John Alcock placed these awards and commented :-
Best (3-8), came from CC & M Wixon, a Dark Green Cock shown in perfect condition, with good even colour . Additionally, he was well balanced and had a very good mask. The runner up in the class was a super dark Green but was spoiled by too much opalescence.
2nd (203-1) came S Bailey’s Dark Green Cock which was a strong contender for the certificate but slightly lacked the overall balance of the winner
3rd (4-5) and Best Opp Sex of Colour came from the stud of L & P Martin , and was an Olive Green hen, which was very much the best of the rest
4th 403-3 Cheatley & Alcorn 5th 603-6 R A Higgerson 6th 604-3 T & A Wilson
Skyblue. Bob Whattam judged this popular colour group and summarises his awards as follows:-
Best (5-11) was Freakley & Ainley’s sky Cock, shown in good condition and possessing a vast brow and head, with excellent feather and blow. Good colour and excellent ‘Normal’ qualities added to a substantial body, displayed by its excellent stance and deportment completed the picture.
2nd (205-1) was another excellent Skyblue cock from R & M Miller, with deep mask, but it lacked the feather and head of the CC winner.
4th (6-5) The Best Opp Sex of Colour was taken by B E Sweeting’s solid hen, which was well presented, to display it’s good condition
3rd 405-7 D Mullally 4th 6-5 B E Sweeting 5th 605-4 B Verity 6th 806-1 7th 606-1 D Farrow-Browne
Cobalt, Mauve or Violet. John Alcock placed these awards as follows
Best (207-1) R & M Miller staged this award winner in perfect condition. This is a really super Violet cock, with excellent mask and spots.
2nd (7-15) C McGovern’s Cobalt cock – a good bird let down by poor deportment
3rd 8-3 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) H & D Hockaday’s strong Cobalt hen – a good bird
4th 408-1 R Hall 5th 407-2 R Hall 6th 808-1 L Hutt 7th 607-4 T & A Wilson
Grey Green - Judged by Geoff Tuplin who recalls:-
Best (9-18) D Swann staged this winner – a Grey Green cock which would have benefited from being in slightly harder condition, but it is a very nice bold bird and a good winner of this competitive colour group
2nd (609-11) was staged by a beginner, J McGovern, whose Grey Green cock bird was a long bird in good condition but its appearance was somewhat let down by its displaying a split mask at the time of judging.
3rd (10-4) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was a lovely bird from Freakley & Ainley This hen was staged in very good condition and was a very worthy Opposite Sex winner
4th 209-1 R & M Miller 5th 409-8 B A Wilson 6th 809-1 L A Murray 7th 410-1 8th 210-1 W A Welsh 9th 610-1 S Conlin
Grey - judged by Carl Slavin who described his placings thus:-
Best (11-18) was taken by H & D Hockaday, whose Grey Cock has excellent width of head, depth of mask and was shown in very good condition. It would be even better if it had a little more length of body. On the day it seemed not to relax sufficiently.
Second in class to this bird was an outstanding Grey cock, only placed second because of the excellent width of the winner.
2nd (211-4) Another good cock took the runner-up’s spot, for C Hickman. This very good bird had a nice stance but was just not sharp enough in condition to challenge for a higher placing.
4th (12-3) and Best Opp Sex of Colour A & D Woan’s strong Grey Hen which presented a good mask and spots, size and structure. The skull width is very good but more feather would have accented this feature better.
This section was very good in all respects, with many birds in condition.
3rd 411-8 B A Wilson 4th 12-3 A & D Woan 5th 611-7 B Verity 6th 412-1 Williams 7th 811-1 D Norman 8th 612-2 B Verity
Opaline Green Series (exc. Grey Green) - judged by Donald McCallum who comments:-
Best (13-9) was staged by B E Sweeting. An Opaline Light Green Cock which was bold, clean well spotted and an all-round very worthy winner, Staged in very good condition
2nd (613-3) B Moule, from the Beginner ranks, was runner up with a pleasant faced bird – another Opaline Light Green – also staged in good condition, but down in size in comparison to the winner.
3rd (14-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour came R Steele with a stylish Light Green Hen, marred only by a slight trace of flecking
The entry in this colour group was rather disappointing with the quality tailing off after the first three birds in the line-up. Flecking continues to be a problem except in very few cases.
4th 213-1 R & M Miller 5th 614-1 A Bane 6th 413-2 R Danks
Opaline Grey Green - judged by Steve Lambert who explained his awards:-
Best (15-3) B E Sweeting staged this CC winner, a well presented, good sold, Opaline GreyGreen cock which stood well throughout judging
2nd (415-1) D Page took the second place in the line-up with a well presented bird of good deportment
3rd (16-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour) came a good, solid hen from A & D Woan. She was staged in good condition but tended to lie across the perch.
4th 615-1 E & M Nee 5th 215-1 A Rees 6th 416-1 D Page 7th 216-2 T Armitt 8th 616-1 A E Barrett
Opaline Blue Series (Exc. Grey) - judged by Donald McCallum who noted:-
Best 617-1 E & M Nee led this colour group but the bird was not ringed and therefore could not take the CC. However, this is a stylish, clean, Cobalt cock of good length, Very good spots lay on a deep mask and these features enhanced this bird’s good head qualities.
2nd (17-3) C L Bowman therefore took the certificate with a very well spotted Opaline Violet cock, marred only by its masking tending to be a little short.
3rd (18-4) and Best Opp Sex of Colour went to J A Oxby’s Opaline Cobalt hen of good substance, which also had a good mask and well balanced spots
The entry in this colour group was again rather disappointing with the quality tailing off after the first three birds in the line-up. As with the Greens, flecking continues to be a problem except in very few cases. The quality of the group dropped off after the first three places.
4th 618-3 T & A Wilson 5th 417-3 Swan & Ford 6th 418-1 R Hall
Opaline Grey judge Peter Thorne who explained his decisions:-
Best (20-2) C & D Jones led this section with a good long hen – a real power bird with good spots. Unfortunately, the bird is badly flecked but was still far enough in front of its rivals to take the top award.
2nd (19-7) and (Best Opp Sex of Colour came J Horspool ‘s Opaline Grey Cock which displayed good spots and face, but did not have the impact of the winner. It stands well but needs more bulk.
3rd (619-4) from the Beginner ranks came S Conlin’s Opaline Grey Cock. This bird has a nice top end but is slightly ticked over the eye. However, it was still good enough to win a strong class
Generally, the better birds were flecked, creating the usual dilemma for the judge.
4th 219-1 R & M Miller 5th 620-1 S Conlin
Normal Cinnamon Green judged by Bob McCabe who recounted his awards:-
Best (21-13) R Aplin with a Normal Cinnamon Greygreen cock in excellent condition and was a true showman
2nd (22-2) and Best Opp Sex of Colour went to D Havenhand’s Greygreen hen. A large bird, this, again in good condition but does not possess the style of the winner.
The general quality of the birds except for most class winners, was rather disappointing and the group as a whole was dominated by the Champion classes.
3rd 421-1 D Page 4th 621-12 D Farrell 5th 821-1 6th 822-1 7th 422-2 D Page 8th 622-2 R A Higgerson 9th 221-1 J Cosby 10th 222-2 T Armitt
Normal Cinnamon Blue - Peter Thorne commented:-
Best (23-2) J Stainforth took the certificate with a Cinnamon Cobalt cock, a bird of exceptional width of face and mask, with fantastic directional feathering over the eye. A bit rough behind the legs, but overall an exceptional bird well ahead of the rest of the line-up.
2nd (223-2) P Cunliffe with a Cinnamon Grey cock which was very clean and stylish, with a nice face and mask, on which bigger spots would have sat better. All round, it did not have the impact of the winner
Best Opp Sex of Colour (24-9), was staged by S Wildes whose Cinnamon Grey Hen is a truly feminine bird, very stylish and with an upright stance
3rd 423-4 S Wildes 4th 24-9 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) C McGovern 5th 624-2 D Farrell 6th 823-1 B Kyle 7th 224-1 R & J Taylor & Son 8th 824-1 B Kyle 9th 424-1 P Field
Opaline Cinnamon Green Series - Les Cutler commented on his placings:-
Best (26-2) T & A Luke headed this colour group with their Opaline Cinnamon Light Green Hen. This was clearly the best of the Opaline Cinnamon Greens, with a very good head and width of shoulder
2nd 25-4 and Best Opp Sex of Colour was B E Sweeting’s Light Green Cock, which was not as powerful as the CC winner, but was nonetheless a good, smart, clean Opaline that stands well and was shown in good condition.
3rd (625-1) came from the Beginners, with B Verity’s Opaline Cinnamon Grey Green Cock. This bird does not have the same width of head as the first two and was slightly ticked over the eye. Nevertheless, it was quite a smart bird.
4th 626-1 The Richardson Partnership 5th 225-1 G P Sutton
Opaline Cinnamon Blue Series – Mick Freeborn explained his decisions :-
Best (27-5) H & D Hockaday This successful partnership took this certificate with an Opaline Cinnamon Grey Cock shown in good condition. A good overall winner
2nd (28-2) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was another Opaline Cinnamon Grey, this time from A & D Woan whose solid hen has good width of shoulder
This colour group was poorly supported by exhibitors who are letting the section down!
3rd 227-1 G P Sutton
Lutino - Michael Chapman placed the awards in this well supported group :-
Best (30-9) G & P Norris staged this CC winner, a lovely big, very well coloured hen who shows herself all the time -- a true show girl!
2nd (29-14) and Best Opp Sex of Colour came H W & M Hough’s very nice cock which pushed the hen hard but did not show its full potential.
The runners-up were all very worthy class winners. A very strong line-up. A special commendation to the fourth placed bird, staged by a Junior.
3rd 429-9 M R Saunders 4th 829-2 N S Saunders 5th 230-3 D Critchlow 6th 629-12 T & A Wilson 7th 229-5 A Rees 8th 430-3 R Danks 9th 630-1 C M Fuller
Albino - Dave Hislop, wearing his judges’ hat, placed these awards and said:-
Best (31-10) C McGovern’s Albino cock which displayed very good width of head and through the shoulder. Time had to be spent to persuade this bird to sit & stand.
2nd (632-2) and Best Opp Sex of Colour A M White’s hen was presented in good overall condition but was just not as good in quality through the shoulder as the CC winner
90% of the Any Age CC group were presented in good condition, but the general quality dropped off after the first three places in each section.
3rd 431-6 S Wildes 4th 231-3 J Woods 5th 32-8 R Day 6th 631-4 T & A Wilson 7th 431-2 R Danks 8th 232-1 J Cosby 9th 831-1 P Fairbridge
Yellow Wing awards were placed by Steve Lambert who explained his decisions:-
Best (33-2) M & P Freemantle’s Dark Green Yellowwing took the certificate. This bird was good in width, stood well on the perch and was very good in wing colour
2nd (34-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour M & P Freemantle’s once again with a good all round hen which also displayed very good shoulder and width.
3rd (233-4) T Garton – a bird which lacked slightly in condition on the crown
4th 633-5 D & C Husselbee 5th 833-1 N S Saunders 6th 634-1 A D M Tait 7th 234-2 M & D Walker
White Wing judged by Bill Searle who explained his awards
Best (36-2) Guppy & Barnes headed this section, taking the CC with a White wing Violet hen of good size and contrast, enhanced by its very good condition. This was clearly the best whitewing
2nd (235-1) Best Opp Sex of Colour M & D Walker’s Cobalt Cock which did not possess the size of the winning hen
Overall, the birds in this colour group were staged in good condition
3rd 35-1 M & P Freemantle 4th 835-1 N S Saunders 5th 236-1 M & D Walker 6th 636-3 A M White 7th 635-6 D & C Husselbee
Crested or Tuft - Bill Searle commented:-
Best (38-3) S & R Clarke This was a Normal Sky Full Circle staged in excellent condition, displaying a good full circle
2nd 438-1 Cheatley & Alcorn An Opaline Sky Pied Full circle cock, this bird would have taken the CC but was not in the same condition as the winner
3rd 39-4 and Best Opp Sex of Colour was S & R Clarke’s Normal Grey Hen, another Full Circle of good size but lacking in condition
I was disappointed with the overall quality and condition, but the winner was staged to win.
4th 638-2 J Hunter 5th 439-1 Cheatley & Alcorn 6th 637-1 J Hunter 7th 37-1 G M Grist
Spangle Green Series – Janice Al-Nasser made her Presidential judgement :-
Best (40-3) Freakley & Ainley A beautiful Spangle Grey Green cock with a wide head and good directional feathering. It has reasonable wing markings, only let down slightly by solid spots on one side.
2nd (43-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour went to J Donovan’s Spangle Double Factor Yellow Hen: a very good solid bird with lovely wide face and shoulders. Showed very well
3rd (42-4) from Watson & Doyle, another DF Yellow. A cock of good quality and feathering, which showed well
4th (41-8) was L & P Martin’s Spangle Greygreen Hen, a beautiful bird with good face, wing markings but lacking in the spot size of the winner
5th (240-1) R & M Miller showed a Spangle Grey Green Cock with good Spangle markings and depth of mask
6th 440-1 J & T Ross 7th 642-1 A Palmier 8th 643-4 9th 640-5 A E Barrett 10th 241-1 J Cosby 11th 641-1 S Conlin 12th 841-1 P Fairbridge 13th 243-2 G P Sutton
Spangle Blue Series judged by Mick Freeborn, who commented :-
Best (45-3) A & D Woan took the CC with a Spangle Blue Hen which was a very strong bird with excellent all-round qualities
2nd (44-2) and Best Opp Sex of Colour, came from the same partnership, this time with a Spangle Grey Cock, which could have been the overall winner but was somewhat lacking in condition.
Overall, this was a very strong colour section of an excellent standard.
3rd 245-1 S Bailey 4th 244-1 D Scott 5th 47-1 S & R Clarke 6th 46-3 J H Woods 7th 644-4 J W Fairbridge 8th 444-4 Cheatley & Alcorn 9th 445-4 M Anzara 10th 247-1 G P Sutton 11th 447-1 J & T Ross 12th 446-1 M Anzara 13th 646-1 C A Sutton 14th 645-2 C M Fuller 15th 844-1 P Fairbridge
Dominant Pied or Clearflight - Geoff Murrells judged this Colour group and reports:-
Best Freakley & Ainley 149-3 led the group with An Opaline Grey Green Hen; a super hen in top class condition, there will be many fanciers who would like to take this bird home, myself included. She went on to win Best Opposite Sex Young Bird and Best Opposite Sex in Show. Congratulations to the breeders!
2nd (148-2) Best Opp Sex of Colour Freakley & Ainley also took this spot with a smashing bird, also in good condition which came very close to the winner.
My job was made so enjoyable due to a super set of stewards, Mr & Mrs Jukes and Mr & Mrs Copeland. I had a lovely day, most enjoyable - Thanks to all of you.
3rd 348-3 B Cattell 4th 351-2 A Murray 5th 548-3 S Wildes 6th 150-3 B E Sweeting 7th 550-3 S Wildes 8th 350-3 J Woods 9th 948-1 B Kyle 10th 151-3 G & A Moore 11th 349-3 B Cattell 12th 950-1 D Norman 13th 748-6 14th 549-3 P Field 15th 951-1 L A Murray
Recessive Pied or Dark Eyed Clear - Dave Hislop, reported:-
Best (52-8) G L Capes A Dark Green Cock with good shoulder and width of head, but marred by slight flecking
2nd (55-1) D G L Stiling’s Dark Eyed Clear Blue cock , a nice typy cock that stood well
Best Opp Sex of Colour (654-2) D Farrow-Browne ‘s Light Green Hen with an amount of flecking, hence its 7th place in the CC line-up
The Champion Any Age cocks were a good class. “2nd in class was very clean with little body & wing markings.
3rd 652-3 D Farrell 4th 53-3 A Woods 5th 453-1 Briggs & Salt 6th 653-3 D Farrow-Browne 7th 654-2 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) D Farrow-Browne 8th 452-2 Briggs & Salt 9th 252-1 J Mears 10th 254-1 J Mears 11th 455-1 M Anzara 12th 56-1 A & N Michael 13th 456-1 M Anzara
Yellow Face Alistair Cameron, comments on these placings:-
Best (57-10) G & P Norris staged this Cinnamon Grey Cock, a wide-headed bird with deep mask and spots, good deportment and in good condition. It is also a very clean bird, which sat well throughout judging.
2nd in the Champion AA class (57-8) was very good but ragged in flights’
2nd (457-2) Cheatley & Alcorn’s Opaline Cobalt Hen, from the Novice section, which was well presented and showed well. It just lacked in width compared to the CC winner. Big spots but not uniform in size.
4th (657-2) S McMullen This was the highest placed Golden faced bird, a Grey Cock) – very similar to the same exhibitors 4th placed young bird, showing nice capping over the eyes
Best Opp Sex of Colour 458-1 Cheatley & Alcorn Opaline Cinnamon Grey Hen This was a good sized hen, but a nice head was spoiled by some blood. It was in otherwise good condition, with nice large round spots
The hens overall were disappointing.
3rd (257-2) N R Porter 5th 857-3 L Hutt 6th 458-1 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) Cheatley & Alcorn 7th 858-1 L Hutt 8th 258-1 J Mears 9th 658-2 A Perks
Rare
Best G & P Norris 61-4 G & P Norris with an Easley Clearbody Light Green, a bird carrying a head with which the Texas Clearbodies could not compete. The mask was slightly untidy, but it was still the best bird.
2nd (262-3) and Best Opposite Sex of Colour) was French & Ratcliffe’s Texas Clearbody Grey Hen. A nice hen with good stance and a reasonable flight colour.
3rd (261-3) R & J Taylor & Son’s Texas Clearbody Skyblue Cock. Another nice Clearbody, but smaller than the first two and also slightly narrower in the head and with darker wing flights.
4th 62-3 Graham & McLean 5th 462-1 M R Saunders 6th 65-1 Findlay & Flavell 7th 64-1 S & R Clarke 8th 66-1 R Day 9th 463-1 M Anzara 10th 461-1 M Anzara
Any Other Colour - Alistair Cameron judged this class and reports:-
Best (270-1)T Neil’s Greywing Cobalt Hen took the CC. A bird of good colour, it sat well throughout judging and could not be ignored. With good length and stance, its only real fault was a twisted tail
2nd 71-4 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) Brown & Hutt took this place with their Lacewing Yellow cock, which was held back by a missing spot. This was a substantial bird, with good length, colour and condition
3rd 67-4 A & D Woan staged a White Blue cock in excellent condition. This was a large bird with good body including shoulder but needed a little more width. However, a real showbird.
4th 269-1 T Neil 5th 268-1 R & J Taylor & Son 6th 267-1 M & D Walker 7th 667-1 8th 72-6 9th 271-1 G & A Hill 10th 68-4 A & D Woan 11th 674-1D Farrell 12th 668-1 J W Fairbridge
YOUNG BIRD
Light Green - judged by Rodney Harris recounts:-
Best (702-6) T & A Wilson, from the Beginners, staged the certificate winner here – a wonderful, strong, Light Green hen which excelled in colour and deportment: a picture throughout. Well done
2nd (102-7) C & M Snell Another strong bird competing for the certificate. Again, this was a strong bird, rich in colour.
3rd (101-160 and Best Opp Sex of Colour was B E Sweeting’s Light Green cock – a bird with modern frontal features, but had a flight missing and lacked the spot size that would give the bird complete balance.
4th 502-2 D Page 5th 302-2 A Murray 6th 301-13 B Cattell 7th 701-5 S McMullen 8th 501-4 R Hall 9th 901-1 L A Murray
Dark or Olive Green the group was judged by John Alcock, who comments:-
Best (103-7) B E Sweeting’s good young Dark Green cock which displayed a nice face and mask .
2nd 104-3 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) J H Woods staged the best hen in this group – a Dark Green Hen of good length, carrying spots which well suited this bird’s good mask.
After the first two places, this was a largely disappointing colour section
3rd 303-2 D Scott 4th 304-3 B Cattell 5th 504-1 R Hall 6th 703-4 D Farrell 7th 503-5 S Wildes
Skyblue
Best (105-8) Devey & Wright benched a quality young Sky cock, which displayed excellent width, only spoiled a little by a ragged tail.
2nd 106-10(Best Opp Sex of Colour) C McGovern’s young Sky hen is a long bird and very stylish, if somewhat lacking in width across the shoulder.
There were some excellent young birds in this colour section, despite the fact that it is still comparatively early in the season.
3rd 705-8 P Tiller 4th 505-8 P Field 5th 305-5 G Shepherdson 6th 905-1 D Norman 7th 706-3 T & A Wilson 8th 306-2 N R Porter 9th 506-2 M R Saunders 10th 906-2 D Norman
Cobalt, Mauve or Violet - John Alcock reports :-
Best (307-6) G Shepherdson ‘s quality Cobalt cock headed this young bird section. This bird is solid in head and body, but perhaps could benefit from better colour.
2nd (107-7) C L Bowman’s Cobalt cock is a smart bird, perhaps lacking in a little in width of head
3rd (108-4) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was staged by C McGovern. This is a hen of good length, which also carries a lovely face. It was easily the best hen in the line-up
4th 907-2 L Hutt 5th 507-2 M R Saunders 6th 908-1 D Norman 7th 707-2 D & C Husselbee 8th 708-1 J W Fairbridge 9th 508-3 P Field
Grey Green (307-6) Judged by Geoff Tuplin, who gives his opinion:-
Best (109-15) B E Sweeting headed this colour group with a good, solid young bird which presents a lovely mask and spots. However, it did not perform well and to full advantage.
2nd 309-7 A Murray staged this very good cock, in good condition, but it lacks the overall power of the winner
3rd and Best Opp Sex of Colour 110-8 A & D Woan’s Greygreen hen took this place. She is a hen which looks as if she will breed well. Slightly out of condition.
4th 509-10 S Wildes 5th 310-1 R & M Miller 6th 910-1 L A Murray 7th 909-1 L A Murray 8th 510-3 S Wildes 9th 709-1 The Richardson Partnership 10th 710-4 D Farrell
Grey - Carl Slavin explains his placings :-
Best (711-4) J McGovern’s Beginner entry , a strong Grey cock took this fiercely contested certificate. This bird is very good in feather over the eye and has great markings. He is very steady on the perch, allowing for full appreciation of his quality.
2nd (111-16) A Easoon benched this Grey Cock which is of good substance, carried on a large frame. Strong through the neck and shoulder.
3rd (712-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour J McLeman’s Grey hen is a very large bird with a little ticking and a slightly short mask, but she showed very well.
This was a strong section with many quality birds. However, there was much difference between the top and the bottom. The second hen in this section had a lovely cap and blow, but unfortunately had flights missing.
4th 112-12 L & P Martin 5th 911-1 D Norman 6th 511-8 S Wildes 7th 512-1 S Wildes 8th 311-3 M & D Walker 9th 312-2 P Cunliffe
Opaline Green Series (exc. Grey Green) - Donald McCallum placed these awards as follows :-
Best (113-1) R Steele’s young Opaline Light Green Cock is a substantial youngster which has good width of shoulder and mask
2nd (513-1) R Nawarauckas took the second spot with a youngster which is useful – just down a little on size and with a slight hint of flecking
3rd (314-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour came G Shepherdson’s Opaline Light Green Hen. This is a well spotted bird with a good deep mask, but again showing traces of flecking.
There was a disappointing number of birds in this colour section, with quality dropping off sharply after the leading birds. There seems to be fewer and fewer birds around without some degree of flecking!
4th 514-1 R Nawarauckas 5th 114-1 C & M Snell 6th 713-1 A Perks
Opaline Grey Green - judged by Steve Lambert who commented:-
Best (115-2) Freakley & Ainley took this CC with a young bird which possesses good width, shape and deportment and also presents very well
2nd (315-1) A Rees challenged with a good bird with a slightly larger spot than the winner’s, but marred by slight ticking
3rd (316-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour D Scott’s large hen stood very well, but some ticking on the crown left this bird down the order on the day
4th 516-3 S Wildes 5th 715-2 A Palmier 6th 515-2 P Field 7th 116-1 A & N Michael
Opaline Blue Series (Exc.Grey) - Donald McCallum comments on his awards :-
Best (118-1) Thorpe & Stanley’s young Sky hen took this certificate. She is a lovely long bird, very well spotted.
2nd 317-2 and Best Opp Sex of Colour G Shepherdson’s Opaline Sky cock was runner up. This is a massive young bird but very coarse in feather
As with the adults many of the young birds showed flecking to greater or lesser extent. Once again, the entry in these classes was poor.
3rd 117-5 B E Sweeting 4th 717-4 S Conlin 5th 518-2 Cheatley & Alcorn 6th 718-1 R A Higgerson
Opaline Grey - Peter Thorne explains his placings :-
Best (119-3) H W & M Hough headed this colour group with an Opaline Grey Cock which has a very good frontal rise and throw. Unfortunately, the bird is flecked but was so far in front of the others that I had to put it first. This is the bird that I would like to take home!
2nd 120-3 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) Mrs K Strong’s Grey Hen. This bird stood well and has a very good face and mask. Unfortunately it was also flecked, but still good enough to beat the others in the line-up
A very clean and stylish hen down the order had everything in proportion but not as big and powerful as the eventual winner
3rd 719-1 J K Stevens, 4th 319-2 G P Sutton, 5th 519-1 Briggs & Salt, 6th 720-1 B Verity
Normal Cinnamon Green - Bob McCabe adjudicated as follows:-
Best (121-10) R Aplin’s outstanding Cinnamon Greygreen Cock led the field here. This bird has a very large head, good feather, and was in good condition. All the easier to judge because it never moved during judging
2nd 122-1 and Best Opp Sex of Colour was D Havenhand’s Greygreen hen; again in good condition, this hen was however, difficult to judge because it was unsteady in the show cage
This colour section was dominated by the Champions. There were excellent birds in the line-up down to fourth place but both the hen and cock classes in the lower sections were disappointing
3rd 921-1 B Kyle 4th 721-1 D Farrell 5th 722-1 J McLeman 6th 521-1 B A Wilson 7th 922-1 B Kyle 8th 522-1 P Field, 9th 322-1 R & M Miller
Normal Cinnamon Blue - Peter Thorne comments on his awards :-
Best (123-1) D Havenhand took the certificate with a Cinn Grey cock which is a clean, stylish bird possessing good directional feathering over the eye
2nd (324-2) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was G Shepherdson’s Sky hen. This bird seems to be little more than a barrhead with head barrings still visible. It has great size and stance shown to effect in its overall deportment. A split mask and elongated spots were negative points but this is a great bird for the future
3rd (124-5) A & D Woan staged another large bodied hen – a Grey- with good spots. It needs more backskull but stood very well
4th 323-1 R & M Miller 5th 723-6 S McMullen 6th 523-1 Briggs & Salt 7th 724-2 S McMullen 8th 524-5 Briggs & Salt
Opaline Cinnamon Green Series - Les Cutler judged this colour group :-
Best (125-6) D Swann, with and Opal Cinnamon Grey Green Cock took this certificate. Once having won its class, this bird could not be touched by any other bird in the line-up
2nd (326-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour J Woods’ Grey Green Hen is a reasonably clean Opaline, but was a little short in the mask to trouble the CC winner.
3rd 126-6 A Easoon . Another Grey Green hen, this time a long bird without much substance and slightly flecked. Well behind the winner
4th 726-1 L & S Deuaney
Opaline Cinnamon Blue Series - Mick Freeborn judged this Colour group:-
Best (127-3) H & D Hockaday An Opaline Cinnamon blue cock, in excellent condition and a worthy winner, in what was unfortunately a poorly supported section
2nd (128-3) and Best Opp Sex of Colour H & D Hockaday, once again, this time with a Grey hen which was easily the best of a poor bunch of hens
This colour group was not up to the standard enjoyed in former years.
3rd 728-3 A Palmier 4th 727-1 A D M Tait
Lutino - Michael Chapman comments on his placings:-
Best (129-3) I Fordham took this certificate with a lovely big Lutino cock which displayed good colour, a nice head and very good condition. This is a real quality bird
2nd 730-2 (Best Opp Sex of Colour) K Critchley’s hen is a nice clean bird but was not quite as good as the cock. Shown in wonderful condition
3rd 329-1 I C Bellamy 4th 130-7 H W & M Hough 5th 330-7 J Woods 6th 729-5 T & A Wilson 7th 529-1 D R Archer 8th 530-2 D R Archer 9th 929-1 N S Saunders 10th 930-1 N S Saunders
Albino - Dave Hislop judged this Colour section:-
Best (131-1) C McGovern’s winner of this CC has a good size and frame. Marred by the fact that it was presented dirty, but in the end it was too good a bird, in my opinion, to be beaten
2nd (531-2) S Wildes cock – a nice type of bird, but not very largely framed.
3rd (132-5) Best Opp Sex of Colour L & P Martin’s hen was presented in good condition but was not of the same quality as the first and second.
I had a problem with the Champion class in that the bird I placed third was hinged of tail, the second had a short tail, and the first was dirty.
4th 732-2 T Wright 5th 331-1 I C Bellamy 6th 731-1 T Wright 7th 332-1 I C Bellamy
Yellow Wing - judged by Steve Lambert who comments:-
Best (133-3) Guppy & Barnes took the certificate with a Dark Green cock which has good width for its variety, good length and was well presented in good condition.
2nd (134-3) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was Guppy & Barnes’ Dark Green hen, whose wing carriage let her down on the day.
3rd 733-4 A G Beasley benched a bird of good colour, well balanced overall, but marked on the crown
4th 533-1 A Hoskins 5th 734-3 A G Beasley 6th 534-1 A Hoskins
White Wing judged by Bill Searle who explains:-
Best (135-2) Guppy & Barnes took this certificate with a White wing Cobalt cock which was staged well in good condition
2nd (136-5) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was R Day’s Cobalt hen, which was also in good condition but did not have the size of the winner
I was disappointed generally with the quality of the birds in this group, with the exception of the first two.
3rd 735-7 A G Beasley 4th 736-4 A G Beasley 5th 535-1 A Hoskins 6th 536-1 A Hoskins 7th 336-1 M & D Walker
Crested or Tuft - Bill Searle placed these awards as follows:-
Best Cheatley & Alcorn (538-1) A Normal Sky Full circular, staged to win, took this CC. The bird is of good size and was in good condition. This was my Crest in the show
2nd (138-2) A Miller took the second spot in the line-up with an Opaline Cobalt Full Circular cock, in good condition, but not blessed with the same size as the winner
3rd (539-1) and Best Opp Sex of Colour Cheatley & Alcorn’s Dominant Pied Sky which was of good size but lacking in condition
The remainder lacked quality and condition
4th 137-1 C Thorne 5th 737-1 A M White 6th 139-5 A Brown 7th 738-1 A M White
Spangle Green Series - Janice Al-Nasser made her awards as follows:-
Best (542-2) B A Wilson took this certificate with a Spangle Double Factor Yellow cock: a super double factor with a beautiful wide head, good blow, and directional feathering. A very worthy winner, and it went on to take Best Novice Young bird in the status section.
2nd (540-3) B A Wilson’s Spangle Grey Green cock: another wonderful young bird from this fancier, with a lovely face and good width of shoulder and head. A very close runner-up but now quite as powerful
3rd (140-10) C McGovern. A Spangle Opaline Light Green width good width of head, and which showed well at the time of judging
4th (141-6) and Best Opp Sex of Colour T & L Jukes’ really super quality hen. She showed very well and should have been placed higher up in the line-up had she not been marred by missing mask feathers on one side
5th 340-3 P Cunliffe with a Spangle Dark Green cock which has a wide head and good spangle markings
6th 341-2 P Cunliffe from the same fancier, a Dark Green hen which was a good solid bird of deep colour with well marked wings
7th 143-1 Thorpe & Stanley 8th 142-1 Thorpe & Stanley 9th 740-1 L & S Deuaney 10th 741-4 R A Higgerson 12th 543 1 J & T Ross 13th 343-1 G P Sutton
Spangle Blue Series - Mick Freeborn judged this Colour group:-
Best (344-1) R & M Miller took this certificate with an excellent young bird of good colour, super body structure and head qualities. A worthy winner of the section
2nd (144-5) A & D Woan
3rd (145-6) and Best Opp Sex of Colour T & L Jukes Opaline Grey Spangle which is very solid in structure, but lacked condition on the day.
4th 744-7 J McGovern 5th 345-3 P Cunliffe 6th 546-1 J & T Ross 7th 544-1 R Nawarauckas 8th 745-5 J McGovern 9th 146-3 J Copeland 10th 545-1 Briggs & Salt 11th 147-3 J Copeland 12th 347-1 G P Sutton
Dominant Pied or Clearflight - Mick Freeborn judged this Colour group and reports:-
Best Freakley & Ainley 149-3 led the group with An Opaline Grey Green Hen; a super hen in top class condition, there will be many fanciers who would like to take this bird home, myself included. She went on to win Best Opposite Sex Young Bird in Show. Congratulations to the breeders!
2nd (148-2) Best Opp Sex of Colour Freakley & Ainley also took this spot with a smashing bird, also in good condition which came very close to the winner.
My job was made so enjoyable due to a super set of stewards, Mr & Mrs Jukes and Mr & Mrs Copeland. I had a lovely day, most enjoyable – Thanks to all of you.
3rd 348-3 B Cattell 4th 351-2 A Murray 5th 548-3 S Wildes 6th 150-3 B E Sweeting 7th 550-3 S Wildes 8th 350-3 J Woods 9th 948-1 B Kyle 10th 151-3 G & A Moore 11th 349-3 B Cattell 12th 950-1 D Norman 13th 748-6 14th 549-3 P Field 15th 951-1 L A Murray
Recessive Pied or Dark Eyed Clear - Dave Hislop placed these awards:-
Best (154-3) C & D Jones An Opaline Cinnamon Grey Green Recessive Pied Hen which was a little short but has good width
2nd (155-4) and Best Opp Sex of Colour I & P Fielding’s Dark eyed Clear Blue – well presented, but small in size
3rd 753-2 T & A Wilson A Golden Faced Recessive Pied, very pleasing to the eye – even mine!
The quality through the CC line-up was not of the best
4th 553-2 Briggs & Salt 5th 152-4 A Wood 6th 552-1 A Hoskins 7th 754-1 E & M Nee 8th 554-1 A Hoskins 9th 153-2 D G L Stiling 10th 752-1 E & M Nee 11th 353-1 J Mears 12th 354-1 J Mears
Yellow Face Alistair Cameron recalls:-
Best (157-6) B E Sweeting’ Yellowface Skyblue cock – for me the best yellowface overall: a youngster with plenty of substance and style, presented in superb condition. A lovely wide clean head – good mask and well placed spots
2nd (557-2) D J Spruce’s Yellowface Grey Cock was unlucky to come up against the CC winner and it went on to be placed 3rd Best Novice Young Bird. Staged in good condition, its appearance was spoiled by overlapping spots. Good frontal rise and backskull.
3rd (958-3) and Best Opp Sex of Colour L A Murray, from the Junior ranks, presented this Yellowface Skyblue hen; a large, stylish hen with lovely width and of good size. It overall lacked the power of the two cock ahead of it.
4th 757-4 S McMullen, from the Beginner section gave us the highest placed Golden face in this group, a Grey Cock. A balanced, stylish, bird but not big enough to go higher in the colour section
A better standard than in the Any Age classes, but many lacked condition.
5th 158-2 C & M Snell 6th 358-1 P Cunliffe 7th 357-2 P Cunliffe 8th 558-2 B Newton 9th 758-4 H Dickie 10th 957-1 L A Murray
Rare Les Cutler placed these awards, and tells us:-
Best (162-1) Graham & McLean commanded this section and took the certificate. A Texas Clearbody Grey Green Hen, she was an easy winner, her only fault being that the wing flights were tending to be too dark
2nd (161-2) and Best Opp Sex of Colour C Thorne’s Texas Clearbody Grey Green Cock which only just beat the hen in third place. It needed more width of head and a deeper mask
3rd (762-3) H Dickie another hen, this time a Texas Clearbody Grey: a smart hen with good stance and wing flights colour. Not far behind the first two
4th 561-1 C Williams 5th 166-1 R Day 6th 962-1 D Norman 7th 361-3 G & A Hill 8th 761-1 E & M Nee
Any Other Colour - Alistair Cameron recalls:-
Best (167-4) A & D Woan took this certificate with their young Grey Yellow cock, benched in excellent condition. It sat very well during judging and was stylish – if anything, not quite big enough generally but length itself was quite pleasing
2nd (168-6) and Best Opp Sex of Colour was R Day’s Grey Yellow Hen, which was in very good condition. A nice stance but its spots are not so good. A long hen with nicely tucked in face
3rd 169-4 J G Grubb’s Greywing Grey Green cock was staged in 100% condition. Slightly restless in the cage, it was also smaller than the Yellows but well-balanced and with good deportment. A reasonable width, but I would have liked to see more backskull
General Comment 40 classes in AOC certificates group attracted 29 & 22 birds respectively. This vastly increases judging time and increases the potential for wrong classing of birds. Only one bird that I wrong classed was not in the AOC category. Some class reduction would ease administration.
4th 369-1 T Neil 5th 172-1 C Thorne 6th 968-1 N S Saunders 7th 370-1 T Neil 8th 170-2 J G Grubb 9th 568-1 A Hoskins 10th 372-1 A Rees 11th 767-1 A Perks 12th 572-1 A Hoskins
Exhibitors’ Reports
Allan Murray “ I took 4th & 5th Best Intermediate Young Bird. The pied hen (4th) was Best Young Bird in Show at the Northern BS Club Show, while the Light Green Hen (5th) was Best Young Bird in Show at the Scottish BS Show
As to this show, my main impression is that the lighting could be better, and this revised Show date is too early. I would therefore suggested it be put back.
Lewis Murray “ I took the awards for Best Junior Young Bird with a Grey Green Hen which has never been shown before. My 2nd Best Junior Any Age award was with a Grey Green Cock which had already won two CC at Area Shows, the Northern BS and Scottish BS
I was also 3rd Best Junior AA with a Skyblue Cock
I also took Best Oposite Sex Young Bird with a Yellow face – shown for only the second time
As to the show date, a couple of weeks later would be much better.”
Dave Herring BS Publicity Officer
Sunday, 14 October 2007
B.S. Club Show 2007– Fanciers’ Report
We asked in the region of fifty fanciers at this year’s Club Show – at random- to tell us their thoughts on a number matters, by filling in a questionnaire. Having done the same last year and received a rather poor response, we are pleased to record that about 25% of those who took forms have completed and returned them this is what they had to say. What did YOU think, if you were there?
Sam Wildes (SAM1) of Burton, who shows as a Novice, replied on behalf of both himself and his father: “ The show was an eventful day, well organised with a good team of workers. We do not agree with the change of show date because it has ruined our show season this year and now we have a huge gap in the hobby year. At this show, I did quite well with the birds that I was able to bring, but I had to leave six of my team at home and even some that I managed to bring are out of condition”
“Generally he felt that the birds were not in the best of show condition, most birds having that ‘end of show season’ look that comes in with the main moult. The birds he had at home were largely ‘in pieces’.. “My birds are going into the moult- not coming out of it!”
Similarly, Sam said, he said that he knows other fanciers who have stated that their birds were not in condition to allow them to enter them; they would probably have showed had the show been in November, which he feels is the better date He was impressed with all the major winners at this show. One bird which particularly caught his eye was J Stainforth’s Cinnamon Blue.
Changing the ring issue date will, he feels do nothing for the fancy and will ultimately lose the hobby more members. We are still losing members and there must be a reason for this – but what is the solution is a question he cannot answer except to say that we need to advertise and not only within the hobby itself.
John Cosby. Sandbach, Cheshire C5099 writes :- I show as an Intermediate and was relatively pleased with my results, three first and three seconds from eight birds Again a great weekend, but the show seems to have lost that special feeling since leaving the race course, it just seemed like a large championship show. I thought putting the sales classes upstairs , was a good idea, more room for the birds & stands. The change of date does not seem to have made much difference . I was disappointed by the change of date as I run a very successful championship show 2 weeks before the club show, but numbers & quality of birds were very much the same as last year. I am also the subscription secretary for S.B.B.A. and doubted if members would pay their subs in September, but pleasingly we took about the same amount as last year.
I drove up on Friday morning, took 3 hours from Cheshire, after taking down the staging on Sunday, drove back in the dark, so no change there then! At the end of the show season , many of the birds were out of condition, I think the birds need to be rested for a few weeks before the show, this happened when the show was in November. If the ring issue date is moved, will the complete show season move forward 2 months? Shows from April to July , club show in September? As to improving entries , is it possible to book in birds on the Saturday morning so fanciers will not need to have their birds (and themselves) away from home for two nights?Finally, the Gala dinner needs to be moved back to the Holiday Inn. It is ridiculous to have it at the tatty Earl of Doncaster when most of us stay at the Holiday Inn & have to take taxi’s both ways.
H M & W Hough (H2568) of Swadlincote who are successful Champions managed to get a team to the show, and commented “Our birds were more successful than we expected of them. We thought our Lutino Adult cock would push for the CC but in the event, he was beaten by a very good hen; we took the Best Opposite sex in the line-up. Our greatest surprise was in taking the CC with our young Opaline Grey Cock.
On the minus side, we had problems getting a show team together, as our birds just fell to pieces a couple of weeks before the show. However, the change of show date is fine by us.
As to the quality of the birds on display, we felt that it was not so high as in the past, although the Best in Show and Best Young Bird were excellent and a credit to their owners – particularly the Young Bird with its tremendous capping and width. Other than that the birds, like ours, were generally not in the best of condition this year
We were stewarding at the show and the only comment we would make is that we would have preferred not to judge all the cock classes first then have to return for the hens’ classes. We found that this increased our footwork
considerably.
Like many others, we are concerned about the drop in membership and conscious of the need to recruit more. We need to put leaflets in Libraries, Post offices and schools and possibly to advertise in National papers and glossy magazines. We know that this may be expensive, but we need to find out how much.”
Ian Bleasdale (B5477) – a very welcome visitor from Johannesburg, South Africa gave his views :-
“ this is a very well run show and suits visitors from abroad. I found the CC winners in general to be very good, the top three having excellent head quality. The birds generally seemed to be not in top condition and I had the impression that more birds were left at home, the birds’ condition being affected by season change.
I did not attend any of this year’s seminars”
Creigh Kenton from Durban South Africa also offered his views, which echoed Ian’s :-
“The birds generally lacked condition - it is my experience that when a show is held at a change of season this problem is inevitable as the birds invariably moult.
The Best in Show and Best Young Bird have outstanding head quality and the Best opposite Sex has a super top end. All, however, were lacking condition - probably due to the change of season...
Fred Wright needs no introduction to the vast majority of members. Very succinctly, he expressed his views:-
“I was very pleased to see the long-sought change of show date finally brought to fruition. I was therefore very disappointed to find that the benched entry was so relatively poor, but I would not write anything negative in to this fact.
As to the birds, I feel that the general quality of exhibit has improved over the past three years, despite the fact that the winners – along with my own birds – were not in condition.
My main concern at present is that I feel that we need to re-invent the Challenge certificates. I strongly feel that there are too many now. We need to find/invent/promote something to encourage fanciers to exhibit at top shows”
Ian Standley (S5409) of Bexhill-on-Sea enjoyed the show:-
“I felt that the show flowed very well; it was organised and this all contributed to a good atmosphere. The (outside) catering is good and is NOT overpriced. The show date is better as the evenings are lighter than in November (but it rained for three quarters of our journey – just like November) I am happy with the change.
As to the birds, they were generally in worse condition than in November. I feel that a date in mid-late October would be so much more suitable for the majority of fanciers. My birds are still coming through the moult.
I am an exhibitor, but feel that the distance involved is too much for my show team – but my opinion could change.”
As to the future of the fancy, I think that all hobbies are suffering from lack of participation and new people starting the hobby. We must encourage friendship in the fancy and I believe that word of mouth is the best possible advert. If each fancier could encourage a new member, we will grow.
Jim Bethune B 6961 expressed some concerns :
“I thought the show was very good this year, but at the outset I was little disturbed about the arrangements for entering the show, as I felt that the entry and exit provided something of a Health & Safety hazard because of the tea kiosk, which impeded passage somewhat.
I felt that the birds themselves did not benefit from the earlier show date- condition generally was very patchy and this extended to the top birds a few of which were not in top condition.
Lack of condition was the reason why I was unable to send a team.
As to how the society can encourage growth, I believe that the way forward may be to offer fanciers free membership in their first year (Inc joining fee). I would also like to see the show doing more to encourage children/young folk at the shows -- for instance, play areas, face-painting etc.
Finally, on the Ring Issue date, I would advance 1st December as more suitable”
Bob Francis of Neath:-
“The show was well organised, but there is a problem with entrance to the main hall because of the queues which form at the Refreshments Stall.
I thought that the birds were of very good quality, and could not detect any difference between the condition birds at this show and the former date in November
I don’t normally exhibit at this show”
Chris Anderson (CA1) of Swansea tells us that this was his first BS Club Show:-
“…..and I was very impressed... The birds were good, but would obviously have been better still in another month when their condition had hardened. If September is to remain as the Club Show date, then I think that the Ring issue date should be brought forward to compensate. Otherwise, only the earliest bred of young birds will be able to compete.
I attended the seminars on the Saturday and found them excellent, but I didn’t have time to go to the Sunday one. I am a Beginner exhibitor and had birds in at this show. I was quite pleased with my results with my young birds, although the oldest ones were only four and a half weeks old and this caused some difficulty. I very much intend to continue to support the Club Show should stop moaning and “get off their a..e!!! ” There were too many moaning spectators and not enough actual exhibitors.”
Mike Jerrold (J2547) of Boston, Links said that he is not normally an exhibitor at the Club Show ….”But certainly intends to do so in the future. I felt that the layout and general ambience of the show this year was much better than previously, although I would certainly like to see more birds benched. I fully understand why it was felt necessary to try a change of date, because travelling long distances in November is often not fun. I still believe that the BS Club Show should be the last major one of the year – the culmination of breeders’ efforts, but perhaps it should be scheduled for the end of October, but still in British Summer Time to aid travelling.
At to the birds this year, I would say that like most shows t any time some birds are in better condition than others. I feel that the judges have done their best and found us some winners. The Best young Bird in Show has a lovely top end, but I would like to have seen some improvement in the bird below the spot line.
How can we attract exhibitors back to showing? Perhaps it starts with attracting new members and that a greater emphasis should be placed on telling folk who are at all interested that this can be a rather inexpensive hobby to take up, wit the correct approach. For instance, buy a second-hand shed or build your own, make your own cages and do not be too extravagant in making initial purchases of stock.
I fail to see any purpose in our being in the World Budgerigar Association and the sooner we withdraw from this organisation the better. Additionally, how long can the society warrant a full-time secretary given the membership numbers this needs to be addressed.
Finally, I think that the last patronage package change has devalued the winning of a CC and therefore discourages people from showing.”
Rodney Harris of Redruth (H2509) was also one of the judges at the show, but gave us his thoughts on this:-
“I think that the change of date was a very good idea and the show, generally from a judge’s point of view was very good. My stewards were excellent
My main criticism concerns the lunch, which I feel is the worst one that I have found at a show in 35 years as a judge.
The standard of exhibit was high; I think that there were more good quality birds here this year. I do not show here because I feel that 350 miles is too far and causes too much stress to birds. I would certainly show if I lived nearer.
How to attract more exhibitors? Perhaps give away some worthwhile prizes for benched entries, but I think that the state of the fancy is more down to what happens at grass-root level. I believe that there are not enough top fanciers prepared to put anything back into the fancy, at National and local level – especially with newcomers. Too many are after their money! Tell me how many do you see helping to run our shows or local societies?”
B Mepham (M4799) of Hastings commented:-
“I am normally an exhibitor but feel unable to show at Doncaster because of the distance involved. However, I may try to show at some time in the future. This year’s show seemed to be very well organised but there were, I think, fewer Trade stands here than there were at the Racecourse.
The change of date was an improvement, weather wise, but this did not attract many more entries. I also felt that the quality of the exhibits seems to be down on that of previous years- perhaps because of the change of date.
I attended the seminars and feel that future ones should be more to do with information on birds rather than “what I do”
It might help to attract more members if the BS could send information packs to smaller local societies
When looking around the show, I got the impression that Rosettes and Challenge Certificates may now be too easy to win. If there were fewer of these, exhibitors would appreciate them more. For example, I saw a Best in Section Area Rosette on the cage of a bird which was 16th in the section line-up.”
Geoff Bowley (B2688) of Hatton, Derby had a number of points to make:-
“The organisation, as usual, was absolutely first class. We owe a great deal of gratitude to these unsung heroes. But, from my point of view, come back November Club Show!! The Club show should be the Blue Ribald at the end of the show season, with a break between the local shows and the Club show to give a build up to the ultimate, not tagged on to the end of a long season and then with still more shows to come afterwards.. The weather? - no different. The entry? – no different. It just did not have quite the same feeling. However, the question which arises is ‘Where were all the exhibitors who supposedly wanted this change?’
As to the birds which were present, I thought that there were some top quality birds on display in all sections. I was very impressed with the Best in Show – patience is a virtue, Mick. The Best Young Bird was super – just like its owner’s drawings. Condition in general seemed to be worse than in November – my birds are way out of condition.
I could not attend the seminars as I was Chief Steward to a very good judge, in Geoff Tuplin. Everyone I have spoken to said that the speakers were very good, especially Jac Cuyten. As many people like to steward and therefore have no opportunity to attend the seminars, perhaps the BS could look at making a DVD that could be hired by clubs at local level.
I am normally an exhibitor at this show, but this year found that I could not raise a show team as my birds were not in condition as a result of a long, hard show season. I always plan to show at the Club Show but you cannot support all the local clubs from early July and then expect your birds to be in top condition for Doncaster in September
Many people do not like their birds to be away for two nights. I was speaking to another well known fancier on this subject and a suggestion was made on the lines of booking the birds in on Saturday morning, judge Saturday afternoon, and open to the public on Sunday. I don’t know if this would be possible from an administrative point of view but the birds would only be away from home for one night. As for local clubs, I think that making our shows more of a sociable event might encourage more people to show.
Finally, we should be more positive about this truly wonderful hobby of ours, with less talk about it dying! Let us broadcast ourselves to the general public and not just to the converted. We fanciers are a happy, caring bunch and we need to spread the word.”
Compiled by Dave Herring
Publicity Officer