Racing pigeons ‘face bird flu cull’

A SCIENTIST advising the government on measures to prevent the spread of avian flu in Britain has warned that pigeon fanciers may have to cull their prize birds if pandemic strikes. Dr Douglas Fleming, director of the Royal College of General Practitioners research unit, said that racing pigeons may have to be slaughtered to prevent a spread of the virus.

Urban pigeon lofts, many of which are close to residential properties, could also have to be cleared and disinfected or destroyed to ensure that people living nearby are not at risk.

His comments follow a warning by ministers that Highland shooting estates could be stopped from releasing game birds into the wild to prevent the spread of the flu. Free-range and organic poultry farmers have been told they will have to confine their flocks in sheds.

The moves are in preparation for the arrival of avian flu in Britain after the disease was confirmed on a French turkey farm last month. It was probably carried there by wild birds whose migratory routes also pass over Britain.

Fleming, a member of the government’s joint committee on flu, fears it is inevitable that the H5N1 strain will arrive here. “If we got to a situation where the virus was widespread throughout the country serious policy decisions would have to be made, which could restrict close contact between birds and humans,” he said.

“If this was the case then the sport of pigeon racing would have to be stopped in this country. If you got a flock of pigeons that were affected, or suspected to be affected, we would have to have a cull.

“It would be the same as the precautions that were taken during the foot and mouth outbreak. You have got to look at whether pigeon fanciers could catch the virus from the bird.

“Also, if a person suffering from normal seasonal flu handles a bird suffering from avian flu, you have the potential for the viruses getting together and a new virus developing. Obviously we need to limit the opportunities for that.”

Fleming is to address a conference on pandemic flu co-organised by NHS Scotland and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, in the capital later this month. He was involved in attempting to contain Britain’s last flu pandemic in 1969.

“Quite clearly it is only a matter of time before avian flu comes into this country, just the same as it has come into France,” he said. “You cannot stop wild birds from flying across borders and spreading the disease.”

Peter Bryant, general manager of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, insisted there was a low risk of racing pigeons contracting bird flu.

The pigeon racing season is due to start next weekend and Bryant said voluntary restrictions had been implemented to address concerns of pigeons bringing bird flu into the UK.

“We would normally be racing from France and Belgium but we have taken the pragmatic approach and decided not to go ahead with that in the current climate,” he said.

“If there is an outbreak in the UK we expect to have some restrictions placed on us. We are in regular contact with the government and will implement any advice they give to us.”

QUESTION :What should be done with regard to having budgies in an outside aviary and other pet birds in aviaries?

The risk of such birds becoming infected, even if the UK's wild bird population were infected, is very small.

The budgies or pet birds would need to make contact with infected, wild birds or their droppings.

Whilst this is possible, from infected birds flying over the aviaries, the risk is very small.

As a precaution and in the event of avian influenza reaching the UK such birds should be brought indoors or the aviary proofed against wild birds and their droppings.

Contact details for Animal Health Divisional Offices (AHDO) and State Veterinary Service in your Area

Click HERE to find your Animal Health Divisional Offices in your Area.

GENERAL LICENSING FOR BIRD GATHERINGS

A ban on bird gatherings, including sales, the racing of pigeons and falconry events is to be lifted, Defra announced today.

A temporary EU-wide ban on bird fairs was introduced on 28th October as a precautionary measure against the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

However exemptions were made and some bird shows were able go ahead but only if organisers obtained a specific license following a veterinary risk assessment.

The ban has been kept under review and following subsequent risk analyses, it is now considered appropriate for the ban in England and Wales to be lifted allowing shows, sales, falconry events and pigeon racing within the British Isles to go ahead under general licence.

Defra has consulted stakeholders on how the events can proceed while maintaining high levels of bio-security.

Best Normal Cinnamon Green

50 Birds Die Of Avian Flu

Updated: 17:13, Tuesday November 15, 2005 The Government has been criticised for "confusion" surrounding its handling of the bird flu outbreak at a UK quarantine centre.More than 50 birds died at the Essex facility where H5N1 was found, a report published by Defra says. A consignment of Taiwanese mesia birds was the most likely source of the virus, which was first thought may have come from a South American parrot. Positive H5N1 results came from a pool of tissue samples taken from the blue headed parrot from Surinam and a mesia from Taiwan. Since the sample was pooled, it was not possible to say from which bird the virus came, the National Emergency Epidemiology Group report published by Defra says. But "on the balance of probabilities", the infection was introduced to the quarantine centre by the consignment of mesias from Taiwan, the report said. Shadow environment minister Oliver Letwin said: "This is yet another worrying indication that confusion reigns. "The infection was transmitted between mesias, but it did not appear to have been passed on to other species held at the facility, the report says. Some 53 of the 101 Taiwanese birds died, though the report was unable to say how many were killed by the flu.

The two website are a must for all bird fanciers to visit, click on the links below

DEFRA Avian influenza (bird flu)    update

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm051108/halltext/51108h03.htm#51108h03_spnew0
 

B.S. Club Show Statistics 2005

            No. of Exhibitors (235)  213         No. of Birds Entered. (3466) 2788

                                      Any Age                     Young Bird       Total

Champion          (655)     480                   (654)     697       1177    

Intermediate       (166)     245                   (247)     293         538

Novice               (189)     191                   (263)     292         483

Beginner            (350)     207                   (338)     251       458

Juniors              ( 95)        67                  (  55)       57         124

Teams               (  9)          8                                                 8

Sales                (207)        0                   (238)         0            0

Figures in brackets denote 2004 entry

Entries per Certificate Catagory.

Normal Light Green:                   203       Opaline Cinnamon Blue:   44

Normal Dark Green:                     86       Lutino:                          169

Skyblue:                                   157       Albino:                            85

Dark Factor Blue:                         91       Yellow-wing:                    67

Grey Green:                              215       White-wing:                     58

Grey:                                        178       Crested:                          88

Opaline Green:                            80       Spangle Green:              186

Opaline Grey Green                     63       Spangle Blue:                141

Opaline Blue:                               69       Dominant Pied:              138

Opaline Grey:                              39       Recessive Pied:             100

Normal Cinnamon Green:            142       Yellowface:                      80

Normal Cinnamon Blue:                96       Rare:                              59

Opaline Cinnamon Green:             64       Any other Colour:             81

The Budgerigar Society Club Show 2005

Will go a head as planned with certain restrictions. Further details will be released by The Budgerigar Society. No Sales Birds.

N. Markwell
Police Constable 4525
A.M.I.R.S.O.
Highway Liaison Officer,
Leeds Road, Newton Bar,
Wakefield WF1 2TX
01924 306549

Subject:  Federation Update - Phone Fraud.

Dear Colleague
 I thought the following was worth passing on:
This is something to take heed of!!
Phone Fraud - Warning from the Police 11.5.05
We have been advised of a telephone fraud currently in operation - this
applies to home and work telephones, landlines and mobiles.
If you receive one of these calls, upon answering the telephone you will
hear a recorded message congratulating you on winning an all expenses trip
to an exotic location. You will then be asked to press 9 to hear further
details. If you press 9 you will be connected to a premium rate line that
costs approximately £20 per minute. Even if you disconnect immediately, it
will remain connected for a minimum of 5 minutes costing around £ 100. The
final part of the call involves you being asked to key in your postcode
and house number, which has other serious consequences. After a further 2
minutes you will receive a message informing you that you are not one of
the lucky winners. The total bill by then will be £100.
Since the calls are originating from outside the UK, BT and other
telephone companies are left relatively powerless to act. The only safe solution is to
HANG UP before the message prompts you to dial 9, even safer HANG UP on
any unsolicited 'free offer calls'.
There is another scam operating on mobile phones as well. A missed call
comes up. The number is 0709 020 3840, the last four numbers may vary, but
certainly the first four will remain the same. If you call this number
back you will be charged £50 per minute.
People have complained about their phone bills, once they have realized
the cost of the call, but apparently this is completely legal.
So beware, do not call back numbers beginning with '0709'.
PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ONTO YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS.Further information http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/SiteInformation/E-MailDisclaimer/default.htm

Address:

                                New Client? Yes  No (please tick one)

Please enclose cheque with testing kit or ring with Visa no prior to sending in tests and ring for results please a day or two later

Budgerigar Society Annual General Meeting

Sunday May 8th 2005

Revision of Rules and Conditions

Resolution 1   For 238                  Against 501 Abstained 2

  Resolution 2   For 297                  Against 408 Abstained 37

  Resolution 3   For 412                  Against 253 Abstained 77

In addition 19 Forms were returned but no votes were recorded.

All resolutions failed because of the two thirds majority rule.

The Budgerigar Society

Summarised Report of the General Council Meetings

Held at the BS Office on Saturday May 7^th 2005

The President, John Herring opened the meeting and said he did so with mixed feelings as this was his last meeting as President. He said he had tried to fulfil his duties as President to the best of his ability and that he had enjoyed his 22 years on the General Council.

The Chairman, Grant Findlay welcomed members to the meeting and said it was a very full agenda and he hoped everyone would co-operate and ensure that the meetings would be both constructive and progressive. He welcomed Ray Brown to the meeting after he had missed the previous meeting due to being in hospital.

Apologies for Absence were received from: Marion Wixon who has had an operation on her foot.

The minutes of the General Council Meeting held on 5^th February were accepted.

Matters arising from the minutes

There had been no further response from the Northern Ireland Budgerigar ZF&FBS regarding their enquiry for affiliation.

Standardisation of Show Schedules. The Secretary informed the meeting that he was still awaiting responses from six societies, but he hoped to have a draft copies ready for the August meeting.

Future Research – Kevin Eatwell had replied with a letter suggesting that many of the problems being experienced were of our own making by continually using buff feathered birds and birds with feather problems. He suggested that rather than spend money on research, we should make an effort to put things right by more controlled breeding the General Council agreed with the sentiments of Kevin’s response. A copy of his letter will be published in the society magazine.

Minutes of the Special Events Committee meeting held on 20^th February 2005

The minutes outlined some of the problems encountered at last year’s show and some improvements planned for this year’s event. It also listed the names of judges invited to judge at the show in 2006.

The minutes were accepted.

Minutes of the Finance Committee meeting held on 18^th March 2005

Letters regarding the minutes were received from D Austin, (CC Winners Booklet, Joining Fee, Mileage Allowance) and G Norris, (Joining Fee, Ring Charges Increasing Membership).

Decisions resulting from the minutes were.

Instead of a separate booklet the list of CC winners will be posted on the website, members will be able to obtain a paper copy from the office.

A recommendation to the AGM that the Single subscription rate to be increased by 50p in line with inflation, and other rates to be increased in accordance with the rules.

That the Joining fee to be increased to £5.00 (this will go some way towards the cost of the new members pack which costs the society approx £11.00.

That the Rings prices be increased to 33p to members and 38p for non-members, with postage to cost 80p.

General Councillors mileage allowance to remain at 17p per mile.

The meeting gave permission for Roger Carr and Fred Wright to investigate the supply and use of plastic rings as it was felt that the society should have another ring supplier available should any problems arise with the present suppliers.

Quotations had been obtained from a number of printers for “The Budgerigar”. It was agreed that the contract for the next three years should be awarded to Pensford Printers and Randle Design.

New members joining the society in 2006 will be offered a free book to the value of £5.00, these books having been purchased by the society for £1.00 each.

The idea that any new member who pays three years subscription in advance would also be given a personalised ring number at no cost was felt to be a good idea and would be implemented.

A letter was received from AC Hughes suggesting a slight change to the sizes of rings. Following some discussion it was decided that this subject could also be looked at by R Carr and F Wright at the same time as they looked at the idea of the supply of plastic rings.

There had been a problem with the award of Junior Breeder of the Year 2004 at the Club Show with regard to C Shore. This was investigated and it was realised that a mistake had been made and that C Shore should have been the winner. It was felt that the award could not be withdrawn from L Murray and C Shore was notified that he would receive the award and L Murray would be declared Joint Winner. The meeting supported the Committees decision.

Chairman’s Annual Report

The Chairman tabled his report that commented on the Society Offices in Spring Gardens, principal sources of income and expenditure, the Club Show and the Budgerigar Society sponsors.

Secretary/Treasurer’s Annual Report

The Secretary tabled his report that showed that at the end of 2004, membership stood at 3623, a figure that included 244 new members, by the end of April this year the membership was 3345. Membership of the Veterinary Diagnostic Service is currently 16% of the membership. It was pleasing to note that more new members had joined the Society this year at the end of April than for the whole of 2004. This could be attributed to the New member promotion and the fancy regaining confidence following the events of 2003.

A new website will be launched this year offering members and potential members to make transactions on line. A popular addition to the website has been the “Diary of Events” page, although to date a number of societies contacted have not taken up the option to promote their activities.

Ring sales are slightly down on sales at the same time for last year, a total of 688 orders having been received so far for a total of 26,646 rings.

The Secretary was pleased to report that production and deliveries from Bucktons were now back to normal following the problems experienced earlier in the year.

Terms of Reference

An Updated Document to cover the trial period of holding four General Council meetings each year to deal with all society business had been circulated, and letters were received from G Al-Nasser and G Norris regarding these.

It was decided that no decision should be made on these at the present time as the matter will be reviewed at the August meetings regarding future meetings of the committees and the General Council. Members of the General Council are reminded that they should write in with their thoughts and ideas on the subject by the 10^th July.

As no committee meetings will be held during this trial period, a Chairman’s Emergency Committee was formed to deal with any emergencies during this time. It will consist of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the Chairmen of the present Sub Committees.

 Order of Priority

Letters received from G Al-Nasser, JM Allison, N Beevers and D Woan were discussed during the review on the Order of Priority.

After some discussion it was decided that Rainbows should be shown in the “Rares” class and the Yellow face class would cater for only Normal, Opaline, Cinnamon, Opaline Cinnamon and Ino Yellow Face. The current statement/definition of a Yellow Face will be amended to read that if they are combined with Crested, Spangle, Dominant Pied, Recessive Pied, Rare Variety or Any Other Colour varieties in which case they should be exhibited in the respective Crest, Spangle, Dominant Pied, Rare Variety or AOC classes only. The current order of priority will remain the same.

The meeting agreed to award additional CC’s to the Cinnamon and Spangles (splitting Green and Blue Series) to Area and 2* Shows from 2006.

Increasing membership

D Herring has produced a disc for the PC that could be used for introducing new members to the aspects of Budgerigars and their husbandry. It was felt that this was an excellent idea and the general concept is to be followed with the intention of producing a disc that can be used as both a learning tool for new fanciers and also a promotional item.

Other items regarding increasing membership had already been dealt with under the minutes of the Finance Committee. i.e. Free book and personalised ring number.

Other ideas will be discussed at the next GC meeting.

Convention Update

Geoff Capes presented a report that suggested holding a Convention in Southport on 9^th and 10^th June 2006 at the Royal Clifton Hotel. This concept is supported by both Eric Simister and Jack Singleton who will continue to sponsor the event in memory of Brian Redman. The GC agreed to proceed with this date and venue.

Watering of Birds at Shows

R Stone had supplied drawings of a drinker he felt could be used inside show cages.

D Cottrell showed the meeting a drinker that is used on small animal cages, but would need a clip making to make it usable on a show cage.

R Stone is to be asked to supply costings for the drinker he suggests and also asked if he could adapt the drinker shown by D Cottrell, and at what cost.

Correspondence

North Ayshire BS had applied for Championship Patronage for their show, stating that they were only a few birds short of the required figure for Championship. A further letter stated that they would not be holding an Open show this year.

They are to be notified that should they hold a show in 2006, they will receive the appropriate patronage as detailed by the present patronage conditions.

The Isle of Man CBS had written in asking if their members could be exempt from having to use the new style show cages next year. They are to be informed that if they do not have Budgerigar Society or Area Society patronage at their show, they are not governed by BS rules and can allow any type of cage providing they do not have BS, Area Society or Specialist Society patronage.

S.P.A.

SPA Delegate Alec Woan stated that SPA had produced a number of “Codes of Conduct” for bird keepers, and although some societies had failed to renew their subscriptions, it was still felt that SPA had a future.

The “National” was discussed following indications that the show may be offered to both SPA and the NCA to run it under licence. As very little detail was forthcoming, it was felt that there was no possibility of organising a National this year, but the situation would be kept under review.

Silver Bird The meeting decided that the Silver Bird should be awarded to Grant Findlay.

Vice President The meeting decided that Janice Al-Nasser should be nominated by the General Council at the AGM as Vice President.

Nominations for Honorary Life Membership The meeting confirmed that the names of Ron Simpson and Eric Simister should be put before the AGM for HLM in recognition of their outstanding services to the Budgerigar Society.

Date and Venue for Future Meetings

GC Meeting - Saturday 6^th August 2005. BS Office. Northampton

GC Meeting – Sunday 6^th November 2005. BS Office. Northampton

Summarised report of General Council Meeting held on 5^th February 2005 The

Ian Gurr is replacement of Les Martin who had resigned.

Matters Arising  100% Green: The original contact for this product is no longer working for the company, and the Secretary has had no success in making contact with her replacement. The Specialist & Rares show will now go ahead at Woodway Park School, Coventry on the weekend of June 25^th /26^th. Due to the BS already committing itself to support the show at the convention, the BS will continue to produce the schedules and also make a donation of £250.00 towards the costs of staging the show. Increasing Membership

           The recent appeal to members to forward ideas as to how the society can better attract new members was pronounced a success, resulting in replies from over 40 members some containing up to 7 ideas, and our thanks go to all who took part.  The meeting considered all those suggestions, including those deferred at the October meeting To enable progress to be made and allow all the letters to be considered, the Chairman split the meeting into three groups chaired by D Hislop. R Carr and G Booth. Each group considered an equal proportion of the letters and reported back to the full meeting on the merits or otherwise of the suggestions contained in the letters. Notes were made on each letter to enable the Secretary to reply to the authors of all of the letters. Among the main points which were made were the need to improve our communications with the general public, most of whom do not know about the fancy, and of those who do, most find it difficult to obtain information locally. Further, there remains the problem of attracting folk who are not interested in the exhibition side of the fancy.  The Secretary will now list all of the suggestions that were considered worthy of further consideration in readiness for the next General Council meeting.

Aviary Promotion

The meeting was sorry to learn that Mr Les Martin, who had been dealing with this project had resigned from the General Council, but it is confirmed that the promotion continues with the same vigour, and members are urged to continue to support this, by ensuring that any leaflets/posters they still hold are placed in public view in libraries, pet shops, waiting rooms and in fact anywhere that members of the general public gather.  The Secretary informed the meeting that to date 235 new members had joined the society for 2005. The Chairman added his appeal for all members to support the promotion.  Cage Birds Societies who have not received copies of the promotional poster can obtain them from the BS office. It is felt that if all sections of the cage bird fancy become involved in this there will be mutual benefits, as many new budgerigar fanciers will join their local cage bird society.

Review of Guidelines for Show Promoters and Exhibitors

The General Council unanimously agreed that the Guidelines in place for the past year had proved to be very successful and also much less onerous than many people and show promoters had predicted, and it was decided that they will remain in place for this year and be reviewed at the General Council meeting in November in readiness for 2006.

Possible new Affiliation  Following receipt of a letter from Northern Ireland Budgerigar, Zebra Finch & Foreign Bird Society asking if it was possible to affiliate to the BS and re-establish itself as an Area Society, the society is to be sent a copy of the BS Rules with an indication that if the Northern Ireland society wishes to affiliate to the BS and become an Area Society, it must agree to be bound by all of the Budgerigar Society Rules.

Carrigaline & District Budgerigar & Foreign Bird Club requested sponsorship for its Convention in Cork on 2^nd / 3^rd April. This was supported by letter by Eric Peake requesting financial donation for Cork Convention,but as the BS does not normally itself enter into sponsorship it had to reject the request. Our good wishes however go to that society for the success of the venture.

Dennis Cairns of Chester le Street  submitted a new design for the show cage labels, making provision for  separate boxes in which to note class position, section position and colour line up position. The concept of the design of the label suggested was a good idea, and Mrs Norma Phillips agreed to develop the idea, working on a similar label that could be used for computer based show programmes.

           Meanwhile, show promoting societies are asked to note that there will be a supply of Cage labels available for this years show, sponsored by the Fanciers’ Stand. These can be collected from the BS office at the May meetings, by area representatives . Please contact the BS office to confirm your requirements

Eric Peake asking the Colour Standards Committee to consider his suggestion that Rainbows should be shown in the Rares class. The meeting agreed that Rainbows, as described in the BS Colour Standards book, should be exhibited in the “Rares” class, to be effective from 2006. Because of this decision it was agreed that the order of priority also needed to be discussed and reviewed, and a further look will be taken at other possible anomalies and suggestions made, by David Woan who had written, outlining some ideas for improving shows.

David Herring suggesting that in future society Presidents should be able to claim travel expenses when attending society meetings if he/she is not an elected member of the General Council. After a considerable debate it was decided by a large majority that: The BS President should receive expenses for attending Budgerigar Society meetings in addition to the £300.00 he/she receives for attending other functions as the BS President.

Standardisation of Show Schedules

The Society had written to all 10 Area Societies and the 6 Specialist Societies for their views on “Standardising Show Schedules”. Replies had been received from the SBS, NBS and L&SCBS. The SBS and NBS required further details regarding the idea and the L&SCBS thought it was an excellent idea. The Chairman expressed his disappointment at the few replies received from the Area & Specialist Societies, It was confirmed in the meeting that both the MBA and the Lancs & Cheshire BS were in total support of the idea. Mrs Norma Phillips again took on the task of looking at the concept with regard to computer programmes in conjunction with the BS secretary.

VDS Scheme

Availability of Dr Baker: A letter had been received from Dr Baker confirming that he was happy to continue for at least a further 5 to 10 years.

Harkanker - Leaflets were circulated giving details of availability of Norvet Nor-Canker, a natural replacement for Trykil, which has recently gone out of production.

Judges Review

Admissions and Removals: A lengthy list of removals and resignations from the Main Judges Panel and additions to the retired Panel was circulated and approved.

The names of the six successful candidates at the Subsidiary Judges Final Test were added to the Main Judges Panel list.  It was reported that Harry Hockaday was the winner of the Arthur Dexter Memorial Trophy for the Trainee Judge of the Year.A letter had been received from Mrs Norma Phillips suggesting some possible improvements for the final test.

Terms of Reference

A draft copy of the Terms of Reference & Society Policies to cover a one-year trial period whilst the Board and Sub Committees will not meet had been circulated to Council members. Following discussion it was decided that all General council members should have more time to consider the document and submit their comments to the Secretary for discussion and a decision at the May meetings.

SPA

The minutes of the SPA meeting held on 9th October 2004 had been circulated.

There is some suggestion that the National Exhibition may not be organised by Cage & Aviary. SPA and the NCA had met to look at the possibility of organising an event  should IPC make the decision not to proceed in 2005.

Financing the event would have to be shared throughout the fancy and It may be that this would require all societies to pay approx £1000.00 towards the cost of the event prior to it being staged. It was agreed to make £1000.00 available.

  Chairman’s/Secretary’s Referrals

Watering of Birds at Shows: The Club Show committee had referred this item. They recommended that we should look at doing this before we are made to do so. It was decided that members should seek opinions and come back to the May meetings for further debate. All fanciers and show promoting societies are therefore urged to contact the BS office with their thoughts on this matter

Date  for next Meetings

GC Meeting     Saturday 7^th May 2005

The Budgerigar Society Convention at Stoke Rochford Hall as been cancelled due to the fire. All deposits will be returned.

Bill Bancroft. Bill goes into Hospital on 2nd December for his Heart Operation on the 3rd December. I am sure all fanciers will wish Bill a speedy recovery from his Heart Operation. Bill would appreciate a phone call on 01623 517265

Best Normal Cinnamon Green

Recommended Home Cooking

Those looking for some were to eat other than the Dome. There is Sandall Park Cafe; only 2 miles from the Dome, they provide a wide range of meals to suit all tastes, including all day breakfast. I went there last Wednesday for my dinner; I had Shepherds pie, cabbage, carrots, peas, and chips more than most could eat. £3:75p.I am sure there are other places to eat in Doncaster; this is the only one that I can recommend. Directions. Go past Doncaster Race Course, you will see the main entrance on your right, at the first roundabout go straight on, at the second roundabout turn left and go only five yards and turn right into café car park.

1. Levels of Patronage. Currently there are eight levels of patronage of which six are Championship (Area, Two Star, Area Rare Variety, 650, 500 & 400). The differences between the last three levels of Championship patronage are just vouchers, rosettes & spoons.

Item 1 -The recommendation is for six levels of patronage.

                  i.      Area Society Shows and the National Specialist & Rare Variety Show organised on behalf of the Associated Societies would be guaranteed Two Star Championship Patronage (whatever their previous years benched entry).

                       ii.    Two Star Championship Show 2 sets of CCs A/A & Y/B, qualifying numbers for show to be 900 minimum previous years benched entry.

                      iii.     Championship Show 1 set of CCs. qualifying numbers for show to be 400 minimum previous years benched entry. Shows with limited Classification (e.g. Specialist & Rare Variety Open Shows) can be awarded Championship Show Patronage if they bench 400 plus birds at their previous years show.

                      iv.        Area Society Specialist & Rare Shows — As at present. One per Area Society

                      v.         Diploma Patronage - Qualifying number to be 250 minimum previous years benched entry.

                      vi.        Approved Patronage — Qualifying number to be 1 + minimum previous years benched entry.

 2.                             Challenge Certificates

It is proposed to dispense with the current grades of challenge certificates of “A”, “B”, “C” & “D” and replace it with a Points system based on the benched birds in that colour. For example if there were 47 Normal Greens benched then the Normal Green CC will have a value of 47 points.

 To accommodate this system redesigning the CC would be necessary to allow the number of points allocated to be written in a box on the CC.

3.            Judging Procedure

                               To simplify the method of judging, to reduce paperwork and judging time it is proposed that the Two        Star shows should be judged the same way as an ordinary Championship show. Therefore both Any Age and Young Bird in any particular colour will be judged in the same line up as currently in an ordinary championship show. All colour awards will be placed from the one line-up.

Both the Any Age and Young Bird winner will receive the total number of points benched for their respective sections. The overall winner (whether it is the any age or the young bird) will have added, the points awarded to the other CC winner within that line-up. e.g. A/A 45 points — Y/B 24 points if the A/A is the overall winner it receives a total of 45 + 24 (69) and the Young Bird would receive the Y/B certificate worth 24 points.

4.            Champion Bird Certificates

                                        Currently the qualification for a Colour Champion Bird Certificate is 12 Challenge Certificate points. Under the new “points” system for Challenge Certificates it is proposed that the colours/varieties will be split into two groups: The Groups would be reviewed periodically.

Group A — Normals, Opalines, Cinnamons, Opaline Cinnamons, Inos, Spangles and Dominant Pieds.

Group B — Clearwings, Crests, Recessive Pieds, Yellowfaces, Rare Varieties, and Any Other Colours.

Registration of a Colour Champion Bird — the number of points to be 240 for Group A and 120 for Group B, with a minimum of 3 certificates = to 240/120 — and a maximum of 6 certificates. Current CCs will be worth 80 points for “A”  60 points for “B” 40 points for “C” 20 points for ''D''. For the registration of Colour Champion birds.

                   The Supreme and Grand Champion Bird Certificates to remain the same. 

 5a.           Show Status Tiers

Currently there are Five tiers of status (Junior, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate & Champion). The Junior Status is very poorly supported with one or two exceptions with numbers in the next 3 Sections creating little competition. The Champion Section at many shows consists of more exhibitors than the other Sections put together. It is proposed therefore to reduce the number of tiers of Show Status from Five to Three to create more competition and to reduce Show Administration workload and time.

The 3 tiers of Show Status proposed are as follows with the addition of improved criteria to reflect the need for some members to fast track from the bottom status to the top status and to improve numbers of birds exhibited.

Recommendation item 5b.

1.            Novice - to consist of Juniors and new members. Juniors may progress to Champion status subject to complying with all Novice requirements and upon paying the adult subscription. New Members can proceed to Champion Status after two years but ~ proceed upon achieving six 1st prizes in full classes at BS Open Patronage Shows.

2.             Champion — A Champion can proceed to Premier Status after two years but must proceed upon achieving six 1st prizes in full classes at BS Open Patronage Shows.

3.          Premier — To remain in the Premier Status a member must exhibit at a minimum of 9 Championship Patronage Shows over a 3 year period, benching a minimum of 5 birds at each show. Failure to do so would mean relegation to Champion Status.

It is proposed that all current Champions would automatically be in the Premier Section.

It was agreed that a pro-forma would be sent to all Premier status members on an annual basis requesting them to confirm their eligibility to remain in this section.

6. Judging for Championship Shows:

Again to save on judging time and to reduce the movement of birds, It is proposed to dispense with the section awards (Best Junior, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Champion, A/Age and Y/Bird).

In their place it is proposed to introduce new awards, to be allocated to best of each colour in each status (i.e. best Novice Normal Green, best Champion Normal Green, best Premier Normal Green).

The judging of the major awards of Best Any Age in Show, Best Opposite Sex Any Age in Show, Best Young Bird in Show, The Best Young Bird Opposite Sex in Show, Best in Show (Best Opposite Sex in Show if required) to remain as it is for normal Championship shows.

If the above is adopted then the Certificate of Merits will be dispensed with.

The section colour awards will be simple, similar to the challenge certificates but with none or minimal writing at the show. A “Colour League Table” for section and overall winners for each colour to appear in The Budgerigar.

A special award for the National overall winner of each colour category to be presented at the Club Show. (19 in total)

A special diploma for each National section overall colour category winner to be awarded. (57 in total)

7.              Championship Shows

Awards-CC’s as described in item 1 of this document. 76 Section Colour Awards, 5 Supreme

Rosettes for “Best in Show” Best Any Age — Best Opposite Sex A/A — Best Young Bird — Best

Opposite Sex Y/B.

8. Diploma and Approved Shows

The requirement for Diploma shows to remain the same.

    Awards - I CC for Best in Show worth pre-graded 40 points — 4 Diplomas-8 Rosettes (best in each         section)

 Approved shows requirement to remain the same.

Awards - 1 CC for BIS worth pre-graded 20 points-8 Rosettes (best in each section) A minimum of 30 birds must benched to award certificate.

9. Other Items Recommendations

i              Patronage to be offered free of charge subject to compliance of all BS requirements. (Status Quo).

ii.            Patronage levels will be kept for a period of two years.

iii.           Mini schedules will be acceptable provided that full BS patronage details are printed. Standardisation of Show Schedules, Patronage etc to be reviewed.

Junior  Conditions for this section are unchanged.

Prize Money is not part of the recommendation.

News Flash

Sadly the National Exhibition of Cage & Aviary Birds for 2004 as been Cancelled.

 All deposits received for this years event will be refunded in full. There is a sizeable amount of administration in the next few weeks so be patient all deposites will be refunded.