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Posted 24th July 2008

 

Club BBQ 18th July 2008

 

Member enjoyed a wonderful sunny evening club BBQ held at George & Olives home on Saturday 19th July. Many thanks go once again to George & Olive for their hospitality and thanks also to Ron & Phil in helping to cook & serve. It has to be said that the dessert's served up were out of this world and yours truly had to have seconds!

Phil Lidbetter our Chairman has sent the following photos.  Click on a photo for a larger image.

 

 

Posted 21st July 2008

 

Worthing & District 2008 Koi Show

 

Some photos taken at our Annual Koi Show in June, including some taken at the evening BBQ have recently been discovered and are now posted on our 'Show News' Page together with a full list of Entrants awards.

 

Posted 14th May 2008 (Further Revised 7th July 2008)

 

 

Grow & Show Koi Competition for Club members

 

On Friday 1st August at 7.00pm members will now have

the chance to draw and collect from Steve Watson

one of the 25 superb Tosai Shiro Utsuri's supplied by

Gary Smith of 'Gatwick Koi'.

The breeder is Mr. Toshiyuki Sakai ('Matsunosuke') of

Yamamatsu Fish farm in Mushigame.

 

They have all now safely come through Steve's

quarantine for 6 weeks. Members have purchased them

at £37.50 each and photo's of each one have been taken

and put in a sealed envelope. A draw has been done

to ensure a order of picking by each purchaser from

random envelopes.

However, there are a couple of these Koi still available.

For full details please contact Steve Watson on

01273 453771

 

Posted 30th June 2008

 

Grand Champion for Bill Oakley at BKKS National 2008

 

 

Congratulations go once again to Bill Oakley for Winning Grand Champion at the BKKS National held at Newark Showground last week end.  The Koi, a stunning 12 year old Kohaku was also GC last year.

 

Bill also won Mature Champion and Adult Champion

 

This year for the first time size eight was introduced into the competition.

 

Full results will be posted shortly on the BKKS Web site.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted 10th June 2008 (Revised 30th June)

 

Worthing & District BKKS 'South Coast Koi Classic' 2008

 

A big thank you to all members in making our show this year a great success. Many member turned up to erect the show in glorious weather.

The competition in the larger Go Sanke classes was a highlight as well as the raising of much needed funds for the RNLI by way of a 'Guess the weight' competition of a prize winning Jumbo koi owned by Ron Cox.

Congratulations go to Trevor Childs of the South Hants Section in winning Grand Champion with a size 7 Kohaku bred by Takegawa.

Our section members Heather & Roger Payne won Mature Champion with Rod Taylor winning both Adult and Young Adult Champion.

 

More detailed results and photo's will be put on our 'Show News Page' when to hand.

 

 

Posted 8th June 2008 (Revised 12th June 2008)

 

We are given to understand the server is not functioning for the BKKS web site. A temporary web site however has been set up and

it is hoped a fuller web site will be back on line soon.

 

 

Posted 5th June 2008

 

Seen flying over the South Downs

 

 

 

 

 

Because of good weather and the many club members giving a hand, today see's our Club Koi Show all but set up. Now we are just waiting for the dealers to arrive tomorrow and we are ready to open on Saturday. Photo's taken today show the all but finished set up and Koi bunting flying in the breeze over Clapham & Patching Village Green.

 

 

 

 

 

Main road entrance

The centre ring

Some of the many helpers

Janet giving a helping hand

Who's this doing the ironing?

It's our George!

 

 

 

Posted 4th June 2008

 

South Coast Koi Classic taking shape

 

Below are photo's taken today of club members erecting the Show at Clapham & Patching Village grounds. Under the watchful eye of Phil Lidbetter and Steve Watson, about 20 members worked away joyfully in glorious sunshine. All were kept going by tea, coffee, rolls and cake,(the cake being once again made very tastefully by Carol Coote) served up by Dianne and Janet. Steve Watson has a few vats left if any hobbyist would like to make a late booking.  Go to 'Show News' page for contact details.

 

 

Message from Bob Grinyer of the Chiltern BKKS Section re visit to Worthing on the 18th May 2008

"Hi Guys,

 Just a quick message to say a big THANK YOU for organising such a great day for us on Sunday. I apologise for sending our thanks by email, but I’m afraid I haven’t got an address to send a more traditional letter to.

 In addition to some great ponds and stunning fish, your hospitality was first class. The way your members worked together and supported each other throughout the day was really good to see and, in my opinion, is the perfect model of how clubs should operate – Congratulations!

 Some of the innovative ideas seen during the day provided plenty of discussion on the return trip and we look forward to seeing you again on 3rd August.

 Once again, thanks for a terrific day out."

 

 

 

 

Posted 12th May 2008

 

A Day out to Essex & Kent!

 

Sunday the 11th May saw a Club Coach trip to the Tendering Koi Club in Essex.  Well it should have been!  33 happy souls set off from Tesco's at Durrington at 7.30 am. (Alarm clocks on a Sunday is a bit unusual!). On picking up 4 more members at Broadbridge Heath we learned that the Tendering Club were not at home - but were on their way to Cuttlebrook Farm!  What should we do!  After arriving at Thurrock Services a vote was taken and a decision made to make the best of it and pop into some local koi dealers.  On the way Heather Payne remembered she had hoppyist Michael Preston 's phone number on her mobile. 'Could we pop round to see you at your house' she asked.  'Yes' said Michael, but he was at his Koi club's fish auction - The South East BKKS.  Without hesitation he left the auction and said ' - see me at Koi Waterlife' in Southfleet, Kent!.  After meeting us he directed us to his home in Hoo where his wife had laid on current cake, scones with jam and cold drinks to go with our packed lunches. With a wonderful 7500 gallon pond holding many prize winning koi and a beautiful garden to explore - the day was rescued in a very grand way!

Thank you Michael for coming to our aid and for your great hospitality.  There are some wonderful people in our Koi hobby! 

 

Photo's below taken by on the day by our Chairman Phil Lidbetter  (Click on photo for larger view)

 

 

 

Posted 1st February 2008 (Revised May 2008)

 

All Japan Grand Champion 2008

 

The All Japan Grand Champion for 2008  is a Kohaku owned by Andrew Filipowski.

It is 87cm in size and bred by Sakai.  It was supplied by Panintercorp from the USA and also won the Grand Champion at this years Shinkokai All Japan koi show!

This Koi has been to the All Japan Koi Show before, taking major awards at the last 2 shows, pretty much the highest it could at any given point for it's size.  The Koi is 7 years old and named 'Alexandria' after the owners daughter.

 

A 90cm Dainichi Showa owned by Mr Budiano from Indonesia took Reserve Grand Champion.

To see photo's of all the major placings at the show, go to 'Koi Chat'.

 

Posted 12th January 2008

 

'KOI' MAGAZINE

Some of our BKKS members have just received their February 'Koi' Magazine.

Surprise surprise! they were invited now to purchase 13 copies for the price of only 12, with a free bag of Koi food thrown in!

No mention of or its effects on the National BKKS membership!

Now some of our members do not renew their membership to the National BKKS until June but might be tempted by the offer and subscribe to the 'Koi' magazine now!

After speaking to National BKKS membership Secretary Steve Watson and Treasure Rod Taylor it seems they were not aware of this 'Koi' magazine initiative.

Its seems that if present BKKS members took the magazine offer up now it would create havoc when their National membership renewals come up!

Begs the question - What are 'Koi' magazine up to?
Do they wish to continue to be the official organ of the BKKS?

If you are a National member of the BKKS and wish for further advice, contact our membership Secretary Angie Watson.

 

Posted 10th December 2007

 

 2007 Christmas Dinner Dance

 

For the latest photos taken by our Chairman Phil Lidbetter at our Dinner Dance on Saturday 8th December held in the De Brock Suite at Lancing Leisure Centre, go to Photo's Page 2.

It was a wonderful 'get together' occasion once again, with spirits high and plenty of dancing,- all organised by Social Secretary 'Uncle' George Loft.

 

 

Posted 3rd December 2007

 

AGM 2nd December 2007 Report

 

Many members attending made for a full house where reports for the year were given by the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Public Relations Officer and Show Secretary. The financial report was accepted and members were pleased to see that we are still healthy with 92 family memberships and makings ends meet with a small profit for Club and Show accounts.

Most officers were re-elected into position with Fred Brice taking on the Treasurers role and Phil Watts taking on the vacant post of Newsletter Editor. New members were welcomed on to the Committee. For a full list of Officers etc, go to our 'Contacts' web page.

The AGM agreed that in future a 'rolling' membership would apply to new members instead of paying a fixed year or half year contribution.

It was also agreed that other new rule changes would be presented at the January meeting and discussed and ratified at the February 2008 meeting.

The meeting progressed with good humour, a raffle and mince pies. Finally, a wonderful Christmas cake made by Carol Coote was served up with wine by 'uncle' George Loft!

Posted 3rd December 2007

 

Aeromonas Alley

For winter care of pond and koi, an interesting and thought provoking item by James P Reilly on 'Aeromonas Alley' has been posted on our 'Fish Health' web page.

 

Posted 6th November 2007

 

Autumn Journey to Japan

 

Eight members of our club visited Japan this Autumn. Heather and Roger Payne enjoyed Koi harvesting whilst Rod & Dianne Taylor, Lyn & Dave Harris and Lorna & Brian Whipp organised a combined trip taking in the popular tourists spots in the South as well as Koi farms in Niigata.

 

Their eventual 12 day journey first started in the JTB offices in Piccadilly where Ikuko Kajiwara arranged train tickets, timetables and bookings with 'Sunrise Tours'. After a 12 hour fly with Virgin Atlantic, first stop was Tokyo visiting the Royal Palace grounds and a overnight stay in a Hotel directly overlooking the Central Rail Station.

Next morning bags whisked away by truck to a Kyoto hotel whilst a coach and guide speaking excellent English took them to Hanoke National Park visiting the fifth station on Mount Fuji, lake Ashi, cable cars and a overnight stop in a Hotel with natural spring baths. In the evening the group, unwittingly  broke into a private hotel Karaoke party with Dave and Brian breaking out with classic rock'n roll songs on invitation of the friendly Japanese hosts. They were however eventually politely asked to leave by the hotel manager!

 

Next day it was off by bullet train to Kyoto passing Mount Fuji showing the first snow of the winter on top. They toured Nara and Kyoto where Shinto Shrines and Buddhist temples seem to grace every street and hill side. Sacred deer roamed freely in the parks and everywhere is free from litter and graffiti. Priests were seen giving prayer, lanterns were everywhere and the sun glinted brightly on the Golden Pavilion. The Shoguns Nijo Palace with 'Nightingale' floors, - the Todaiji Temple, the worlds largest wooden temple holding the largest bronze Buddha in Japan, - the Sanjusangen-do temple, the longest wooden building holding 1001 Buddhist statues - all held the visitors in awe at their artistry and craftsmanship. It was no wonder that many of the buildings and pagodas are designated as World Cultural Heritage sites!

 

Then it was off by bullet train to Hiroshima. First a ferry trip to Miyajima Island passing the famous O-Torii (Grand Gate) to the Itsukushima Shrine standing in the sea. A surprise also was to bump into some Sumo wrestlers also boarding the ferry! The afternoon saw a sombre visit to the Atom bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum. Their guide on this trip was married to a Atom bomb survivor who's father and brother died in the horror.

After a further day at leisure walking by the river and the old streets of Kyoto, it was bags packed and back to Tokyo and a further train trip to Niigata and Nagaoka for a four day buying trip to the famous koi breeders in the mountains around Yamakoshi.

 

Whilst in Yamakoshi village they saw the new temple bell presented to the people on the 3rd anniversary of the terrible earthquake. It is made of bronze, 1.4 meters tall bearing the names of five people who died. The last day in Niigata ended with a visit to the Nogyosai koi show.

Of course some lovely koi were purchased by all on this trip and they await their arrival via 'Gatwick Koi' with much anticipation!

 

 Keep clicking arrows for slide show. Click on image for larger photo.

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A sandwich lunch in Tokyo

 

Kojaku purchased by Dave & Lyn from Oofouchi

Roger Payne harvesting at Shintaro

Roger and Shintaro koi

A school trip to remember. (Shintaro harvest photos courtesy of mark Gardner NTV)

 

Posted 16th October 2007

 

FBAS Festival of Fishkeeping - Hayling Island 2007

 

Congratulations to Mick Murray once again for being Worthing Koi Champion at this year's Festival of Fishkeeping Show.

 

For details of the Grand Champion and other results go to the South Hants web site

 

 

A big thank you goes to all our club entrants and to those who gave of their time to help put up and run what was the best ever 'Four Section Koi Show'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted 7th October 2007

 

Club Annual Dinner Dance 8th December 2007

 

Club members are reminded to book now for our annual Christmas Dinner Dance. There is a maximum number allowed in the De Brock Suite at Lancing Leisure Centre.  All member will  receive a Menu option in their newsletter - so contact Angie Watson club secretary as soon as possible to book a place on 01273 453771.

 

 

Posted 14th August 2007

 

Another Great Day out - this time to Lee Valley & Harlow

 

  The Lee Valley & Harlow Koi Club welcomed us as their guests on the 5th August following their visit to us in May. The coach was nearly full and the weather again was gloriously sunny. We were all made very welcome with a breakfast stop at John & Avril's serving lovely bacon and sausage rolls. 

     We visited four other ponds belonging to David & Brenda, Brian & Jean, Ray & Diana and John & June.  Our grateful thanks go to one and all for for showing us their ponds and gardens! To finish off the day we had a very enjoyable buffet and met up with more members of the Club at St John's Art & recreation centre in Old Harlow.

  The coach driver (Worthing Coaches) commented on the way home that he had never enjoyed an outing as much before.  The friendliness he received by the Lee Valley & Harlow members and by us had never been experienced before!

 

  Main photo is of our Doug giving a below ground filter the once over!

 

  (Click on thump nail images for larger view)

Fred meeting up with old friend!

 

 

Posted 15th July 2007 (Additional photo's 14th August)

 

Great Day out in Essex

 

The Club was a guest of the Crouch Valley Section on the 8th July.  A coach full of Worthing members travelled to Essex in glorious weather and visited six ponds and gardens. It started with a breakfast stop serving lovely bacon &  sausage rolls, lunch stop in a wonderful Japanese style garden and the last pond owner presenting lady members with courgettes! (Photo kindly provided by Judith Wiseman)

 

 The day ended with a high tea at a local village Hall. The strawberries were very tasty!

Thank you Crouch Valley for a wonderfully friendly and welcoming visit.  We will see them again on their return to Sussex on the 16th September.

 

 

Very large Char-Utsuri

"What setting Bern?"

'Dizzy' with a 'arm full'

Seen in Jean's garden

Jean Nicholls lovely garden

Enjoying the lunch stop

Linda & Alan's lunch stop pond

Collin & Eileen's pond

 

 

 

 

 

Posted 1st July 2007 (Revised 3rd Sept 2007)

 

Report of Ist July Meeting 2007

 

At the last minute we learned that Ryan Coogan of 'Virasure' was unable to attend as our guest speaker because of business commitments.

Show Secretary Steve Watson reported on our Koi Show in June - the best ever. He wished to thank all who help set up, run and clear up after the Show. He also thanked those who donated prizes for the raffle - including Gary Smith of 'Gatwick Koi' who donated dry goods to a very high value.

Graham Thorne moved a vote of thanks to all who helped make a very successful Show. The meeting agreed to donate £200 to 'Canine Partners' our sponsored charity this year.

 

Angie Watson reported that there were still some spare seats for our Coach trip to the Crouch Valley Section on Sunday 8th July.

 

A detailed Show results report (with further photo's) is posted on our 'Show News' page.

A 'free' video of our Show can be downloaded from our 'Show News' page courtesy of 'NTV'.

 

Posted 5th June 2007

 

We are pleased to announce that the Club will be supporting the charity 'Canine Partners' This year.

We will be doing this by collecting donations and giving all proceeds from a competition to be run at our Annual Koi Show on the 9th/10th June.

Canine Partners assist disabled people  to enjoy greater independence and a greater quality of life through the help of specially trained dogs.  As a registered charity they do not receive any Government funding and are wholly dependant on public donations and legacies.

 

 

Posted 15th May 2007

 

Worthing Section 'Grow & Show' Competition - 13th May 2007 - For images go to 'Photo's page two'

 

Competition day started in the morning with a Benching Seminar for members conducted by  Roger Payne, ably assisted by wife Heather.

The venue was Angie and Steve Watson's home in Shoreham.  The day started a bit wet - but with covers and a marquee in place we all felt very comfortable out of the rain for our Koi varieties and classification exam!

Chris Cooper was outright winner with 32 marks out of a possible 40. We then all got our hands and more besides, a bit wet with benching instruction and handling of fish of all sizes kindly provided by Angie and Steve.

All past with flying colours and it was a surprise for all to receive certificates presented by BKKS Chairman Peter Robbins.

 

The afternoon saw the sun come out with more members arriving for the BBQ and the 'Grow & Show' competition for baby Kohaku's and Sanke's purchased last year from Cuttlebrook Fish Farm.

Heather Payne was on hand to do the judging. However, one member turned up with a Shiro Bekko, who swore it was a Kohaku when purchased!  The trophies to the winners were presented by Peter Robbins.

 

Along with Peter Robbins, Mark and Lisa Davis of Cuttlebrook Fish Farm were our guests for the day. Mark and Lisa brought with them some Tosai Shusui's for members who had to draw lots after purchasing the koi for next years 'Grow & Show' competition. These were of fantastic quality and most were snapped up.

 

However, there are a few left for the discerning hobbyist!  Please contact Steve Watson on mobile: 07860824857 if you are interested  in purchasing by lucky number a young Shusui Koi for next year's 'Grow & Show' competition!

 

The winners were;

 

Bernard Howlett - Best Jumbo (Second year running!)

Jenny & Peter Pope - Best Kohaku

Doug Banks -Second Best Kohaku

Barry Novis - Judges Merit Award (Kohaku)

Nick Mann - Best Sanke

George Loft -Second Best  Sanke 

Chris and Pauline Litherland -Judges Merit award [Sanke] 

 

 

Chloramines Explained.  Posted 10th March 2007                          With the increasing use of Chloramines in tap water a fact sheet has been published.   Please go to our 'Fish Health' page for further information. Caking Agent in Salt - E535    A Cautionary Tale………….Posted 13 February 2007 by Ron Cooper can be found now on our 'Fish Health' page. All hobbyist should read this if attempting to use salt in any future treatment!
 The BKKS is now looking for new judges.  Members interested in future trainee Judges Seminars should contact   Kieron Burns, JSC Trainee Liaison  Officer on 01322 864793.  Did you know that starting the end of May 2007, joining the British Koi Keepers Society at £35pa - 'Koi' Magazine (the official magazine of the BKKS) comes free every month!

 

Report of 4th February 2007 meeting

 

Cliff Neale was our quest speaker to a packed out scout hall this month. Cliff, a keen koi hobbyist who has won the BKKS Grand Champion award in 2003 and 2005 spoke on his passion for growing on English bred koi.

 

Cliff feels that the future for the hobby is in in home breeds, but it would only be successful if the environment was right to bring the koi to their very best potential. He took us through his theories on feeding, temperatures, exercise, animal genetics and onto the water parameters needed for growing.

 

A lot of effort was needed to bring our water quality up to the standards of the Japanese. All very technical stuff, but Cliff presented it with wonderful slides of Nishikigoi and charts, all in such a way that it was easily understandable.

 

Cliff finished off by out