The Budgerigar Society - Febuaray 2006 Council Meeting Report
The Chairman, Grant Findlay welcomed everyone to the meeting and said that these were very challenging times for the society, bearing in mind we had to deal with Avian Flu, The Wildlife Bill going through Parliament and our own BS Club Show. He was happy though that the society had got the members to deal with such problems and paid tribute to the Secretary, Vice Chairman and President who took the initiative and attended the meeting at the DEFRA offices in London. He added that this was the last meeting of the current elected General Council. He felt that the last three years had been a challenging time, with Reovirus through 2003, the introduction of the "Guidelines in October 2003 and February 2004" and the subsequent flack taken by the society for their introduction. These same guidelines stood the society in an ideal position in 2005 with the problems of Avian flu resulting in the BS Club Show being the first major event to be granted a licence. These Guidelines are now in use by many livestock societies throughout the UK. We have also had to make the difficult decision to reduce our staff hours which resulted in Sue Lunn taking redundancy.
Despite all of this the General Council has also tackled the declining membership numbers with, in particular, a couple of initiatives from councillors which the General Council backed including the membership Aviary Draw Promotion driven by Les Martin and recently the promotional CD championed by David Herring. Both proving that councillors can come forward with ideas which are taken on board, developed and implemented by the General Council.
The Chairman continued by advising that it is imperative at the first meeting of the new Council in May that the General Council must discuss in what direction it is going for the next three years, and how and when. He appealed to all to come forward to that meeting with ideas whether they would be part of the new Council or not.
Standardisation of Show Schedules
The Secretary informed the meeting that a disc is now available with all Area and Specialist society information on it in both A4 and A5 format. However, it was suggested that the front cover and inside pages be added and also all necessary show paperwork be included. Clubs will be given the choice of receiving patronage on disc or hard copy.
Watering of birds at shows
The society has over recent months looked into the possibility of a better drinker than that currently in use and has now opted for a "mini flomatic" drinker. These are extremely neat and unobtrusive and the main point of doubt arose over the colour to be adopted. Many felt that white would be far more suitable, but it was finally agreed that in order to aid the BS obtain exclusivity on this item, the colour blue was accepted. The suppliers have given us sole use of this colour and their name "Christino" on the bottom of each item will be the stamp of authenticity. They will be retailed at 50p each. If approved both the flomatic type and the finger drawer would be allowed, and the BS rules would be amended to include these points. The drinkers may be used on a voluntary basis and birds could be watered by the exhibitor prior to judging.
Budgerigars for Beginners (Powerpoint Presentation)
Herring Bros were congratulated on producing such an excellent disc which will be used for distribution to new members and promoting the hobby of keeping Budgerigars. D. Herring asked that if anyone had any amendments, they let him know as soon as possible. He also added that it was quite easy to add to or revise the disc as addition/ improvements are decided. The meeting agreed that the disc should now be produced for circulation, and this is now available from the Budgerigar Society Office, Spring Gardens, NORTHAMPTON. NN1 1DR. A C5 stamped addressed envelope should be sent with the request.
Review of the General Council
The structure of the General Council has been under constant review since that last change and a Chairman's meeting have come up with the following proposals, which have been adopted :-
The present set-up of the GC, i.e. 22 Councillors with 12 elected nationally by the BS membership and 10 elected by the BS membership in each of the 10 Area Societies remains and then the council to sub divide the elected members and make sure that the right people are elected to the appropriate positions. It would also ensure that everyone could participate and work in areas to which they felt they could contribute. Officers will be elected in the normal way as per current rule 14. The recommendation was aimed at not re-writing the rules book, as if the board was dispensed with completely, then the rules would need a very considerable amendment.
The management of the Society will remain with the GC but in Disciplinary situations the Board will have authority to meet and make the necessary recommendations to the GC.
At the first meeting the GC will identify and elect the various officers who will be elected to the various committees as detailed within the policy document. The new proposals will identify mainstream officers for the main officials of the society to contact as necessary and also the new "board" would only be used for disciplinary matters.
Once approved the policy document will serve the General Council for a period of three years. The remaining members of the General Council will volunteer to join one of the three sub-committees subject to the minimum numbers being met on each committee. The Chairman or Vice Chairman shall be the Chairman of all the Sub-committees, the Chairman or Vice Chairman have authority to delegate that responsibility at their discretion. The GC will also have the power to co-opt members on to committee's without voting powers. (Current Rule 16c). Full details will be published in the March issue of The Budgerigar.
Patronage Review
The new proposals recognize the difficulties under which the fancy has laboured for some time and seeks to take a progressive view towards rebuilding the fancy, alongside the other initiatives that the society seeks to promote. The new proposals give an opportunity to Cage Birds Societies to qualify for BS Patronage in a way that has not, hitherto, been possible. As well as this, the structure gives much needed support to Budgerigar societies which have found continuing to quality for Championship Patronage a worrying struggle, because of lower entries.
The following proposals after vigorous debate and discussions were agreed and the relevant rules for both the GC Structure and Patronage will be amended for presentation at the AGM in 2006 to be adopted with effect from 2007 should they be successful. On the Chairman's recommendation all 2006 shows will be granted the same level of patronage that they received in 2005, except for those who increased their entry who will be awarded the appropriate higher grade patronage.
Rosette Patronage - 6 Open Rosettes (for Best Young Bird in the 5 sections plus Best in Show). BIS Certificate (only to be awarded if the exhibitor is a BS member). Award Rosette Patronage to any society upon application to schedule at their show. No closing date for application and no returns required by the BS office. To be used as a promotional tool with details of the BS on the reverse of the awards. No minimum or maximum birds benched at previous shows required.
Bronze Championship Patronage - based on a previous years benched entry of 150+ with 19 CC's pre graded (1 point) and a BIS certificate with a value of 2 points.
Silver Championship Patronage - based on a previous years benched entry of 300 and over with 19 CC's graded on the day and a BIS certificate with a value of 4 points - 3 Breeder Certificates of merit - 17 Rosettes.
Gold Championship Patronage - based on a previous years benched entry of 650 and over with 21 Any Age and 21 Young Bird CC's graded on the day and a BIS Certificate with a value of 6 points - 6 Certificates of Merit - 5 Diplomas and 31 rosettes.
Area Championship patronage - with 25 any Age and 25 Young Bird CC's pre graded with a minimum value of 7 points and a BIS Certificate with a value of 10 points - 6 Certificates of Merit - 5 Diplomas and 31 Rosettes.
The Budgerigar Society Specialist & Rare Variety Patronage - with 12 Any Age and 12 Young Bird CC's pre graded with a minimum value of 7 points - 22 Rosettes. (To be awarded to the National Show organised on behalf of the Specialist Societies).
Area Society Specialist & Rare Variety Patronage - with 11 CC's graded on the day - 22 Rosettes. (Subject to a maximum of 1 show per area society).
Gold Specialist & Rare Variety patronage - based on a previous years benched entry of 400+ with 11 Any Age and 11 Young Bird CC's graded on the day - 22 Rosettes.
The Budgerigar Society World Championship Show Patronage - pre graded certificates with a minimum value of 10 points for both Any Age and Young Bird - Colour Champion Bird Certificate for the Best Any Age and Young Bird (BIS and BYB in Show Certificates with no value) plus certificates for Best Opposite Sex in each colour for both Any Age and young Bird (with no value) - 6 Certificates of Merit - 5 Diplomas and 177 Rosettes.
Challenge Certificate Points 1 point to be awarded for every 10 birds benched up to a maximum of 10 points. i.e. benched between 2 & 10 birds 1 point. 11 & 20 birds 2 points. 91 and over 10 points.
Champion Certificates
Colour Champion Bird - Gained by 21 points with a minimum of 3 CC's or 6CC's.
Grand Champion Bird - 21 points from a minimum of 3 Best in Show Certificates.
Supreme Champion Bird - 21 points from a minimum of 3 Best in Show Certificates with a young bird.
The value of CC's awarded prior to 2006 - A =8points. B = 6 points. C = 4 points. D = 2 points.
The BIO Security Matters/Avian 'FLU
DEFRA have continued to be very impressed with the BS Bio-Security Guidelines, and that with the present situation recommended that the BS should carry on with them. The following proposals were all carried unanimously:-
That the Bio-Security Guidelines should continue. That an amendment should be added to the guidelines stating that; Bio-Security Guidelines should be in place for the full duration of a show. A statement be added to entry forms to the effect; "All exhibitors agree to abide by the BS Bio-Security Guidelines". With regard to display aviaries at shows - All birds must come from the same aviary and be covered by Bio-Security and returned to the same aviary. The Chairman advised that the revised Guidelines would be sent to all members with the May issue of The Budgerigar.
British Bred Budgies
P Reaney suggested, that in view of the doubts that many are bound to feel about imported birds, the BS should be having a campaign to get pet shops to sell only British bred budgies and also members of the public to buy only British bred budgies. It was felt that this was an idea worthy of further consideration, and a committee was set up to progress the idea. The committee to consist of: D Cottrell. G Capes. D Herring with P Reaney, E Peake and Royston Simpson also being asked to join the committee. D Herring also agreed to incorporated a page or two on these lines in the presentation "Budgerigars for Beginners". The committee will meet shortly and report back to the May General Council meeting.
Ring Sequence
After consultation with COM it was decided to fall into line with them and change the ring colour sequence, replacing gold with purple, making the sequence now: red, black, blue¸ purple, green. Some doubts were raised on the subject of a five year cycle for ring colours, various fanciers pointing out that there are still some very fit "old stagers" carrying rings the colour of which has been duplicated in more recent years -e.g. 2000 and 2005.WBO Matters
GC Members recently had the opportunity to examine and pass judgement on the latest proposed model of the WBO Ideal. For a number of reasons, the model was rejected.
The current WBO Chairman, R Carr, has decided he will not seek re-election in March 2006. The WBO agreed that their next meeting will be held at the BS Convention in Southport next June.
Society's Trustees
Mr C Pendleton having decided to retire from his position of Trustee, his place has been taken by G Booth.
Disciplinary cases
1. At a meeting of the General Council Board held on 6 November 2005, it was decided to suspend the following BS Member in accordance with General Rule 5 (n) under the Society's Rules 22(b) and Show Rule 1 (c):
N Shore S6499 - 107 West Avenue Rudheath, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7ET
Suspended from membership until 1 January 2007, for exhibiting a bird which he had not owned for 28 days.
2. At a meeting of the General Council Board held on 4 February 2005 it was decided to suspend the following BS Members in accordance with General Rule 5 (n) under the Society's Rules 5(m) "Bringing the fancy into disrepute" for trading or exchanging birds from the boot of a car in the car park at the BS Club Show on Sunday 20 November 2005 :-
F McGovern MGOV1 - 5 Chaffinch Close, Manor View, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 0NX
J Benn B6452 - 29 Polswarth Terrace, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9PX
Both F McGovern and J Benn are suspended from membership until 4 February 2009 with full loss of privileges in accordance with General Rule 5 (n) of The Budgerigar Society Rules 2003, which includes access to any event such as the Club Show or Convention.
Societies should bear this in mind should they receive an application for membership in the future.
Overseas Judges
In view of the confusion which has been apparent over the question of Overseas Judges' qualifications to judge at BS Patronage shows in the UK, it has been agreed that the Secretary be given the authority to approve any overseas judge providing they are on the WBO panel. Any other requests that fall outside that criteria be referred to the General Council.
BS Club Show 2005
The Chairman thanked all those who had been involved with Show. He felt that the event had been a tremendous success despite the problems encountered in the weeks before, which will have a serious financial effect on the Club Show account with the restrictions placed on the event by the authorities. He complimented the team responsible for The Budgerigar and its portrayal of the Show. George Booth thanked David Herring, Neil Randall the Magazine's Graphic designer, Lyn Sullivan who reads and corrects all the submitted material and finally the Photographers, Ray Brown, Dave Cottrell, David Herring and Mick Freakley. He advised that the magazine's success would not have been possible without their input.
Judging Matters
Arising from a written submission by G. Capes, a lengthy discussion took place about standards of judging as applied to attention to the importance of Variety Content in the various colours - many judges are obviously having little regard to the written standard for the variety. While one specific variety was originally mentioned, it was generally agreed that the problem is not just with the Rarer varieties, but also birds showing flecking, heavily suffused Albinos & Lutinos, Opalescence in Normals. Such birds are seen winning major awards at shows.
It was agreed that each future issue of The Budgerigar will carry a feature on one variety with accompanying photographs, showing good and bad points which could hopefully educate both Judges and Exhibitors. Additionally, the next General Council will be asked to consider setting up a sub-committee to look at the whole range of Colour Standards & Scale of Points.
A proposed standard for the Easley Clearbody
Was submitted by G. Al-Nasser and G .Norris, for the Council's consideration at the February meeting in an attempt to give guidance to Judges & Exhibitors as some examples of this variety had won Cc's in 2005 and others had been wrong classed. Some councillors admitted to almost total ignorance of the finer points of the variety and said that they would welcome more opinions on the subject before making a decision.
After some discussion it was agreed that the Proposed Standard should be adopted "Provisionally" and published as such and comments invited from fanciers to be taken into consideration before formally accepting the standard. We hope that all fanciers experienced in this variety will contribute their thoughts on the variety.
It was agreed that the Provisional Colour Standard would be published in The Budgerigar with photographs of the variety.
NCA / SPA
Following a debate on the merits of both the above societies and the duplication and similarity of work both carry out the chairman advised that the wheels had been put in motion for both SPA and the NCA to meet and discuss the future and to share ideas.
Dave Herring
BS Publicity Officer