News & Reports
Posted 6th December 2009
AGM Meeting 6th December 2009
Election of Officers and Committee took place with a few changes. New details can be found on our 'Contacts' page.
There is no webmaster at the moment so this is the last report for the time being. The club has arranged for the web site to remain available but will not be updated until a new web master is appointed. The club internal e-mail system is no longer operable. Peter Toon has agreed to be caretaker of the web site for the time being.
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The BKKS is
still looking for new judges. Members interested in future trainee Judges Seminars should contact: JSC
Trainee Liaison – Christine Woolger e-mail:- chris@woolgers.co.uk tel:- 01403-253275 or 07720-849982 |
Did you know that joining the British Koi Keepers Society at £35pa - 'Koi' Magazine (the official magazine of the BKKS) comes free every month! |
Posted 22nd November 2009
Dreaded Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) discovered at Dealers premises
The KHV
virus has been found on newly arrived Koi from Japan at the premises of
Connoisseur Koi.
Every step has been taken to isolate the virus by the owners Geoff and Tina
Kemp.
They are to be congratulated for the speed in notifying CEFAS and going public
in the matter.
Our Club is sure that all our members wish Geoff & Tina a speedy recovery for their business.
More information can be found by going on their web site at www.connoisseur-koi.co.uk
Posted 4th November 2009
Halloween BBQ and Grow & Show competition 31st October 2009
Who are these monsters crashing into a family Halloween BBQ at Steve & Angies house?
Click here to find out more and pics of other surprised guests!
Photos by Chairman Phil Lidbetter
The
results of the Grow and Show:
George Loft's Shiro Utsuri was placed first with Peter Pope in second place.
Posted 12th October 2009
2009 FBAS Hayling Island Koi Show Results
Congratulations again go to Mick Murray on winning Worthing Champion for a
fourth time. He won the other titles in 2004, 2006 & 2007.
This time it was with a size 5 Yamamatsu sanke supplied by Gatwick Koi.
Grand Champion award went to MSB Section member Carl Davison with a size 6 sanke.
Worthing & District members Maz Blondini, George Loft, Glen & Heather Moore and Peter & Jenny Loft also did well.
Full results can be seen on the South Hants Section web site at:
http://www.southhantskoiclub.co.uk/showresults/FBAS2009/Results2009.htm
Our section members once again were the water team and a great week end was enjoyed by all.
Posted 14th September 2009
Visit to Wessex & Southern Koi Club 13th September 2009
For the last coach trip of the year, club members had a great day out visiting
the very friendly Wessex & Southern Koi Club.
The Wessex weather was sunny and the ponds & gardens were a joy to see.
We visited six homes with the last being in the garden of Pat & Elwyn Greenland
which contained
some 'Sheep' and a pond containing a show stopping
Beni-kikokuryu - pictured right.
Here we were joined by other Wessex & Southern members for a very enjoyable BBQ and raffle.
The great 'prize' of a Koi Nobori was won by Ron Cox!
A full report will be in our next newsletter.
Photo's of the visit and Ron's 'presentation' taken by Brian can be seen by clicking here!
Posted 23rd August 2009 (Revised 7th September 2009)
Our Speaker at our 6th September Meeting
We
were pleased to welcome Akemi Solloway (née Tanaka) who
teaches Japanese at Ardingly College, Sussex, as well as doing lectures,
cultural demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops for schools, universities,
museums and societies all over the UK and Japan.
Akemi gave us a wonderful introduction to Japanese culture
and even dressed our Maggie in a Kimono.
(Photo by Rod Taylor)
Akemi is the eldest daughter of an old samurai family, descended from the Karo
of Iwatsuki Castle in the time of Lord Ota Dokan (1432-1486). Because she has no
brothers, Akemi has a special responsibility to keep alive the traditions of her
ancestors. The kanji characters that are used to write her name mean, 'bright
and beautiful'.
For further details go to her web site at
www.solloway.org
Posted 23rd August 2009
Microscope Set Available from 27th August at Lidl stores North Street Worthing
Posted 3rd August 2009
August 2009 Newsletter
Members will have received their August Newsletter by e-mail or by post. If not received, please contact either Editor Phil Watts or Secretary Angie Watson.
The newsletter contains the Committee Minutes of 10th July which includes the announcement that our web master Brian will be giving up the position at the end of this year.
Any member interested in taking on the position of web master should contact our Chairman Phil Lidbetter.
Posted 10th July 2009 (Revised 16th July 2009)
Visit of Southern ZNA to Worthing District 12th July
Below some photo's of the Southern ZNA's visit to us.
A big thank you to all our members who opened their ponds, particularly Bernard
Howlett for the Breakfast stop and Lorna & Brian Whipp for the lunch stop.
George Loft again organised a great Buffet for our visitors in our Club house.
We look forward to the return trip to visit the ZNA ponds on the 2nd of August.
Posted 19th June 2009 (Revised 23rd June)
Report of the 'South Coast Koi Classic' Annual Open Show 2009
Once again our Annual Koi show the 'South Coast koi
Classic' was a great success.
Results can be found on our
'SHOW NEWS' Page
with Koi and proud owners on
'Photo's page four'
The weather was just right and the setting in the
South Downs must be one of the best in the Country.
Again many members turned out on the previous days to set up the show which was
again erected in plenty of time for the show.
Thank you one and all for all your efforts! With new storage facilities our show goes from strength to strength.
All the members who helped over the two days of the
show were provided with Navy Blue Polo shirts that were partly funded by
donations kindly received
from Steve Watson, Alan Scopes and Brian Whipp.
Along with the crafts in the main Hall we had for the first time a Koi painting competition for young children.
This was very
popular and prizes of toys were given to the first four and were judged by
Heather.
First prize went to Oliver Evans age 5. Second was Cameron Lanborne. Third was
Brandon Mason age 11. Fourth was Mia Smith age 4.
This
year our sponsored charity was 'Canine Partners' for which two competitions were
held.
For £1 a go, one competition was to judge which Koi would become Grand
Champion at our Show from the Judges six nominees.
The other was to judge the
order of six fish from the 'Price was Right' photo's taken from an old koi
magazine.
The correct answer's winners were picked at random by a child from the public.
Winner of the small flat screen TV was Lorna Whipp. Second & Third with bags of koi food were Marion
Blondini and Dave Harris respectfully.
This year a new Trophy was very kindly donated by
member Sue Ravenhill who is also Secretary of the British Koi Keepers Society.
This award was presented to club member Gary Butterfield (pictured right) for
having the 'Koi with the best potential'. Gary also won the Best Novice trophy.
This
year the entire major Trophy's, apart from Baby Champion were awarded to
non-Worthing & District members.
From 207 koi entered this year (34 up from last
year) the Grand Champion award went to a stunning size 6 Sanke
owned by Dave Pope (pictured left) a private entrant.
Dave is well known as active with the Cambridge BKKS Section.
His koi was up against a challenge from a wonderful size 7 Kohaku owned by Mick Preston (right) member of the South East Section of the BKKS. After a long discussion by the judges the Kohaku was awarded Mature and Jumbo Champion.
Frank
Chalke (pictured left) a member of the Middlesex & Surrey Borders Section of the
BKKS ran away with the most awards winning Adult, Young Adult, overall first in
size 4 and 5 as well as second overall in the same sizes! Angie had to assist in
holding the prizes for the photo!
Independent observers attending stated that the koi
exhibited overall this year were the best ever seen at a Worthing & District
show.
A
certificate plus a pair of rubber gloves was awarded to Dianne Taylor for having
the 'Randiest' vat.
There was no award for best Worthing member's Koi
this year. But it would have been interesting to see who would have been
'Worthing Champion' between Chris Cooper (pictured extreme right) with his Baby
Champion Kohaku (which unusually was a size 1) and Rod Taylor with a Kohaku
which was best size 6 overall.
Best
Worthing & District Vat this year was won by Heather Moore
(pictured left).
Best Junior entrant was Danni Goatcher (below left) with Nick Mann Jnr. (below right) coming second.
Young
Nick was also in the computer department this year helping his dad and Steve in
overcoming the inevitable
workload in collating all the details and getting results and koi photo's
printed ready for the public.
Our grateful thanks go to Peter Robbins Chairman of the BKKS who presented the awards.
Show Secretary Steve Watson, Club Chairman Phil
Lidbetter, Club Secretary Angie Watson and all the Show Committee deserve all
our thanks for all the hard work in presenting once again a very memorable show.
Photo of Grand Champion and results can be found on our 'Show News' page with Koi and proud owners on 'Photo's page four'
Photo's at the Show
courtesy of Phil Lidbetter & Brian Whipp
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Posted 16th June 2009
Worthing & District Koi keepers support the R.N.L.I.
We are pleased to announce that at our
Annual Koi Show on the 14th June held at Patching, Lou Purdy South East fund
manager of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute accepted a cheque for £450 from
our fund raising of 2008.
Club Chairman Phil Lidbetter and Secretary Angie Watson presented the cheque on behalf of our members.
Lou was happy to accept the donation and thanked the club for all our efforts and assured us that it would go towards the building costs of the new Lifeboat Station under construction at Shoreham-by-Sea. She informed us that if all goes well, it should be completed by the spring of 2010
Posted 9th April 2009
Attention Club
Members!
Would you like to take up a stall in our Crafts Section at our Annual show on 13/14th June? - If so, you can hire a space at the reduced rate of £10. For further details contact Steve on 01273 453771
Also, South Coast Koi Classic Trophies!
To those members who were presented with trophies last year, - you are asked to return them to Steve Watson as soon as possible for engraving so as to be ready for this year's show.
| Chloramines Explained. 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………… 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! |
Posted 4th March 2009
Submersible Pump Offer from 5th March
Available from Lidl store: North Street, Worthing,
BN11 1DU
High
volume submersible pump, designed for draining water quickly and efficiently.
With high-quality stainless steel housing and
rustproof motor shaft. Powerful 110 watt motor.
Max. particle size (mm) 35. Max. flow rate (l/hr) 20,000. Max. Immersion depth
(m) 8.
Hose connections (inches) 1 & 1.5. Mains cable length (m) 10. Includes rope, length (m) 8.
3 year manufacturer's warranty.
Price £39 whilst stocks last.
Posted 3rd February 2009
2009 All Japan Koi Show
The 2009 All Japan Koi Show Grand Champion is a
92cm Showa owned by Mr Fujiki-San of Saitama and bred by Yamatoya.
Shiraishi-san (Yamatoya president) sold this koi as
Nisai
and raised her to Rokusai (six years) in his mud ponds.
After this, she went to the client's own pond. In 2007
she spent the summer in a breeder's mud pond in Niigata, and was one of the five
nominated koi for GC at the All Japan Show last year (she was also in the
running for GC in 2006).
This koi was bred from a Takeda female, and Takeda
males. This koi really does look as youthful as the picture suggests! She is
stunning!
Another photo of this koi can be seen on our Home page.
For full
results go to http://www.niigata-nishikigoi.com/blog.
A free video of the Grand Champion can be seen by clicking
Here
Posted 15th December 2008 (Revised 7th January)
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Posted 15th December 2008
Latest News! - Worthing Members win Adult and Grand Champion with a Home Bred!
Is this possible, to win both Adult & Grand Champion with a Home Bred??? - Click here to find out!
Posted 15th December 2008
Cold Weather Problems
Rod & Gerry Isted have just posted some vital help for members who's Koi can't cope with this winter's cold pond water!
Go to
'Fish Health' page
to view.
Posted 13th November 2008
New Peter Waddington Web Site
He's back! Yes Peter Waddington is back on the Koi scene by launching his own personal web site.
The importance of 'Waddy' to our Koki hobby is well known. For new hobbyist's who may never have heard of 'Infiltration' - a visit to his new web site is a must. Log on to Koi Kichi and enjoy!
Posted 27th October 2008
FBAS Festival of Fish Keeping 12th October
Congratulation go to Glen Moore on winning the Worthing Section Grand Champion Trophy at the Hayling Island Koi Show. Full result can be found on the South Hants Section web site.
Understanding
Asagi Posted by Jim Reilly on Nishikigoi
International 9th Oct 2008,
The Asagi form of nishikigoi is an acquired taste. And over
time, many come to appreciate the subtle blues, hypnotic scale reticulation and
clear clean head that make the Asagi a quite beauty within the koi pond. The koi
student however, appreciates the importance and place Asagi holds in the
evolution of many of the nishikigoi forms of today.
For beyond the pretty look of the color blue is a genetic mutation that is of the utmost importance to all color in koi – and not just black colored koi. Asagi is a refined version of a natural mutation arising from Asagi magoi. And like all of nishikigoi, Asagi represents not only a wild mutation but thru selective breeding, a concentration of several mutations in one animal’s skin complexity.
Hopefully
the koi student reading this has followed the various posts and magazine
articles I have written through the past few years on koi skin evolution. If
not, I will touch on the key points and then return to a specific discussion of
Asagi----
All
nishikigoi arise from one of two fundamental mutations. 1) a black base or
melanistic genetic form - or- 2) from a white based or leucistic genetic form.
The second form being broken into true leucistic, true albino and dilute forms
of color. This concept has been taught by ZNA for many decades now and is slowly
entering the consciousness of western judging organizations of today. So as we
begin to see varieties for more than just their color and pattern hopefully we
then begin to appreciation subtle varieties like Asagi.
Yet Asagi skin and color runs deeper that just this level of base color genetic mutation. Asagi is important to all nishikigoi because it delivers something more that deep melanin content. Asagi also PLACES those color cells DEEP into the base of the dermis. This is very different from wild carp skin that is all about strength and support of skin connective skin layers and scale, or the need for camouflage.
Asagi represents color at depth and a complexity of skin that is not seen in the typical natural form. In Asagi, the color cells are located deep in the dermis and muted in black color intensity by lighter white ground color of the upper dermis. This is what produces the ‘blue’ look to otherwise black color within the deep dermis layer.
And
the depth of that color, along with the size and density of the sumi cells, is
what gives our eyes an impression of sky blue, robin egg blue, grey blue, grey
or navy blue. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, it is this orientation or location of deep
color cells that allows higher evolved forms of nishikigoi to carry color of
great depth and dimension in other colors such as red or beni. In the very best
formed individuals, these beni cells are intensified as layers of color cells
occupy an expanded dermis and epidermis layer so that color exists three
dimensionally within clear transparent skin layers.
Hopefully, next time you observe a good representation of Asagi, you will look at that individual with a new curiosity as you see the simplistic coloration and then look deeper into the soft blue skin as a complex miracle of two basic mutations that man has refined and transformed to many other varieties of nishikigoi.
Thank you
Miss Asagi , you subtle beauty, you! JR
Posted 14th September 2008
Visit of Tendring & District Koi Club 14th September 2008
Just when we thought there was no more summer
to come, the Tendring koi keepers bought a lovely hot sunny day from Essex to
the Sussex coast on Sunday!
The warm day made for a very enjoyable visit
with 25 or so club members following their coach in visiting 5 members ponds and
gardens.
It started with a breakfast stop at Steve & Angie Watson's in Shoreham where black pudding was served up together with the bacon sarnies!
Second pond visited was in Shoreham at Brian & Lorna Whipp's and then on to Yapton for the lunch stop at Rod & Dianne Taylor's.
It was then a drive back to Worthing to visit the home of Simon & Sandra who had completed their new 7,000 gallon koi pond after moving into their new home just five months ago!
Final stop was at Heather & Glen Moore before returning to our club house for a very welcome tea.
Many thanks are due to the members who welcomed us into their homes and to Angie & Dianne for the food preparation, also Jo, Lorna, Lyn and others members who attended in the club kitchen.
We are keenly looking forward to our return
visit to the Tendring koi club sometime next year!
Details of the five members ponds visited can be found on our
'Member's Ponds'
page.
Posted 9th September 2008
Visit to Heather & Roger Payne 31st August 2008
Club members were invited to the home of Heather & Roger's Payne to view their
koi ponds in Clanfield,Hampshire.
We were given a lovely buffet lunch with the helping hand of Heather's mum who lives next door. both their homes are set back with wonderful gardens which they designed and planted themselves. The two koi ponds held some stunning show winning koi. Apart from a few light rain showers, the heavy rain held off for the concluding obligatory raffle.
Thank you Heather and Roger for making us all very welcome.
Photo's of the day can be found at 'Photo's page 2'
Posted 12th August 2008
1st August 2008 Grow & Show Competition - Phase1
Members attended Steve & Angie Watson's home for the lucky draw and to take home to 'grow' and next year 'show' one of 25 tosai Shiro Utsuri's for a competition. The Japanese breeder of the koi was Masaki. They were supplied by Gary Smith of Gatwick Koi.
Photo's of the day can be found at 'Photo's page 2
Posted 4th August 2008
Champagne Day out to the Chilterns
We had a great welcome from the Chiltern Section on our visit
to them on Sunday 3rd August. Five lovely ponds and gardens were open for us to
see. At our lunch stop the owner first got us on a 'Treasure Hunt' around his
spacious grounds. This included passing his birds of prey compound and statues
of deer and a music playing Pan!
The prize to the winner was a bottle of 'Lansen' Champagne! Yours truly was the fortunate winner!
'Worthing Coaches' driver 'Mitch' on his first trip with us drove through the narrow roads without mishap and joined in, even to the point of clearing up during the village Hall tea. He was rewarded by winning a cuddly toy for his daughter at the obligatory raffle.
Chairman Phil Lidbetter thanked Bob Grinyer and his committee on behalf of our section.
Learning of the possible closure of the Chiltern Section, he thanked them for organising a wonderful day out and hoped that they can recruit more members to carry on the long tradition of 'Chiltern' hospitality!
For photo's of the day please click on the thumbnail below to view full photo and keep clicking right or left arrow to view selection.
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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 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 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.
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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.
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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)
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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!
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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 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
Keep clicking arrows for slide show. Click on image for larger photo.
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A sandwich lunch in Tokyo
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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 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)
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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.
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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]
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 outlining the merits of the 'BKKS Master Koi Keeper' award, of which he was the first recipient.
It was sad however to
learn that this presentation by Cliff was to be his last as he had been advised
to take life a bit more easier in future.
Thank you Cliff for a very memorable afternoon. We wish you the best of luck and best wishes for the future to you and your 'bodyguard'!
Posted 20th January 2007
Our member Brian Woods has sent a photo of his Pond Cover! He assures us the mainly 5 ltr plastic bottles are easy to store in the loft!
Thought at first they were giant Ice cubes!
Posted 15th January 2007
The
following extract from new legislation should be noted:
Pet fairs (This means Koi Shows)
Pet fairs will not be permitted to sell animals in the course of a business.
There will be exceptions to this in cases where it involves the selling
of koi carp, racing pigeons and poultry.
Pet fairs that involve the selling of koi carp, racing pigeons and
poultry in the course of a business will need to obtain a licence from the local
authority.
Other pet fairs, that either do not involve any selling of animals or where
there is some selling it is carried out only by hobbyists in a
non-commercial capacity, will continue to be able to operate without the need
for a licence.
Local authorities will issue licences and will have powers to inspect, and to
withhold or revoke licences.
All licensable pet fairs should abide by a code of practice enforced by the
local authority and approved by Parliament Generally each event will require a
new licence.
Written advice addressing the welfare needs of the animal being sold will be
made available to buyers at pet fairs.
Useful links:
ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2006
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/ukpga_20060045_en.pdf
DEFRA'S ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE PAGE
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/
DEFRA'S PROPOSED SECONDARY LEGISLATION
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/bill/secondary.htm
BKKS Health Standards Committee (HSC). Posted January 2007
We are pleased to announce that our Show Committee Secretary Steve Watson has been accepted onto the HSC training program. Rod Taylor our Vice Chairman is already a qualified HSC member.
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New Item! For December 2006 British Koi Keepers Society NEWSLETTER Click here |
Return to Yamakoshi Posted 28th October 2006 (For images of the trip, go to the 'Photo's' page.)
Eight members of our club have returned happy & contented after a autumn koi buying trip to the mountain area of Japan in Niigata called 'Yamakoshi'. For some it was a first time, for others a second or even third trip to Japan.
In three parties, the members were Roger & Heather Payne, Steve & Angie Watson, Sue Ravenshill, Rod Taylor, Mike Murray and Brian Whipp.
Here are Brian's observations of the trip;
"From the outset I wondered how the koi breeding centre of the world had recovered after the devastating earthquake of two years ago. My party was taken out to Japan by the effervescent koi enthusiasts Gary Smith of Gatwick Koi.
To my surprise there were any number of koi to be seen and, of the highest quality. All the many different varieties were available to buy.
All in all we visited 30 or so different breeders in seven days, visiting some more than once. It was an education to see Gary Smith expertly netting koi to buy for his business. (However, he nearly fell in Karakami's pond at one point.) Being koi 'nuts', the rest of the party caught the 'bug' and purchased some lovely koi. Two of the party have left koi there to grow on another year in the mud ponds.
However, the infrastructure repairs to mountains and roads was very much in evidence at every turn of a corner. So much so that the remoteness of the area I last visited six years ago has gone! It will be some years before the tranquillity of much of the area will be restored. A special pass is still needed to travel on certain roads because of the heavy vehicles and plant working in the area. We even observed coach loads of Japanese tourists inspecting the repairs!
This is not to say we didn't find the quieter moments. Off the main roads we did find remoteness in places such as the villages of Araya, Kowada and Mushigame.
On the eighth day of the trip we went to the Nagaoka koi show and then visited the living koi museum in Ojiya, now fully restored after the earthquake. Whilst in Ojiya we bought some goodies from the well known koi hardware shop.
All in all a fantastic trip. Well organised by Gary and his team and friendly throughout. For two of us of pension age, the mountain air was invigorating. I am sure I can speak for all our party when I say that if you are a koi 'nut', then a visit to Yamakoshi is essential, even if you go only once!"
Posted 9th October 2006
Congratulations to Mick Murray for winning the Worthing Section Grand Champion award at the 'Laguna Four Section Koi Show' at the Festival of Fishkeeping held 7th/8th October 2006 at Mill Rythe, Hayling Island. Grand Champion award overall was won for the third time in a row by Alan Archer of the South East Section with his Size six Sanke. Peter & Jenny pope and Heather & Glen Moore from our Section also picked up some place awards.
Once again our Chairman Phil Lidbetter was on hand helping the show run smoothly.
For the full results go to the South Hants web site. Images of the show can be seen on 'Photo's Page Four'.
September 10th 2006 Visit of South East Section to Worthing & District
We were privileged to receive our friends from the South East Section on a very sunny Sunday in Sussex. Rod Taylor our PRO and Vice Chairman guided our very friendly visitors to our members ponds and gardens. First visit (the breakfast stop) was to be supplied with bacon sarni's at Jenny & Peter Pope's home at Burgess Hill.
It was then on to Brian & Lorna Whipp at Shoreham and a visit to Worthing to see George & Olive Loft and Peter Toon & Jo Lang.
Lunch stop was at Rod & Dianne Taylor's at Yapton. The last visit was to Tony & Diane Flood at Angmering.
The visit finished off with a buffet (and the regulation raffle)
at our home base - the Scout Hall at East Preston. 
A big thank you must go to our members for making our visitors welcome in their homes and for providing ample refreshments. Once again we owe our grateful thanks to George & Olive Loft and to Leslie Lidbetter for the catering enjoyed at our base by our visitors and members alike.
Some of the ponds visited can now be seen on the 'Members Ponds' page and photos of the visit can be found on 'Photo's page 2'
September 2006 meeting - Visit of Peter Robbins BKKS Chairman
To a packed out meeting, our guest speaker Peter Robbins BKKS National Chairman addressed the members on the future of the BKKS. He was visiting as many Sections as possible to gauge views and to point out the benefits of National membership. The BKKS had gone through a hard financial crisis and was now stable thanks to the voluntary work of many. But the present situation could not continue indefinitely and new ways of bringing in income had to be sought as well as increasing membership.
A lengthy debate took place with many questions
put and with
Peter
replying in a very straight forward manner. One option that would be considered
by the BKKS Council would be a reduced BKKS National subscription that might
impact of the issuing of the 'Koi Carp' magazine. Peter stated that nothing had
been decided yet but he hoped new subscription arrangements would be in place
for the beginning of 2007. A vote of thanks was given to Peter for his excellent
presentation and for taking on the reins of National Chairman. Many expressed
the view after the meeting that Peter had left a huge impression on the members.
Peter Robbins back row third from left with Section Committee members
August 2006 meeting - CHLORAMINE WARNING
The meeting started with a warning from Steve Watson about high amounts of Chloramines present in our tap water. An experienced Koi keeper, Steve had lost many fish in his quarantine set-up recently after repeated filtered water changes. Noting his small fish were ill, he did the natural thing by changing the water, not knowing he was making things worse. Without warning the water authority had introduced Chloramine into the water supply to safeguard human health because of the rise in piped water temperatures but his extensive water filters could not cope with the added chlorine. It was not until after extensive test by Rod Taylor with a Hanna meter that the cause was detected. (Post meeting note: Subsequent test of other member's ponds along the South Coast have revealed above fish safe levels of Chlorine in their pond water and they have taken measures by adding Chlorine 'busters' to their pond water.)
The meeting then went on and heard a very
professional presentation by Paul Everdell & Chris Wright from OASE on pond
pumps, filters and
equipment.
The OASE company is based in Germany and started as a family business in 1949 making farm equipment. Their now world wide leading know-how offered first-class quality, safety tested products with long guarantee periods. Their products ranged from a splashing indoor fountain, pool side lighting to extensive koi pond equipment. Many of their products were on show and members were able to examine them in detail and ask questions.
A big 'Thankyou' must go to Paul & Chris for a very instructive afternoon.
OASE kindly donated a Pond Vac to the raffle and this was won by our newsletter editor Jo and her partner Peter.
Unfortunately, Jo is unable to continue as Newsletter Editor after October, so a new Editor will be required! Jo has done sterling work for the club as editor and we shall all miss her input, especially her jokes page!
BKKS NATIONAL - Newark Nottingham 26/27th June 2006
Congratulation to John Hellens for winning the Grand Champion award with his size 7 Kohaku.
Full results and photo's can be found on the BKKS Web site.
Congratulation go also to our Club Secretary Angie and husband Steve who gained a third place for best size 3 Koi in the show. This was for their wonderful Koromo which came first in its class. They also gained a further first in size 3 Kawarimono and two other placing's.
As well as thanking all the volunteers who put the show together, thanks must go to Angie Watson and Dianne Taylor who spent most of the week feeding the helpers setting up the Show.
There was also a happy band of Worthing & District Club members attending the show who took advantage of the weekend package and enjoyed themselves at the Dinner Dance.
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Worthing & District 2006 Show
The Section Committee would like to place on record its thanks to all the helpers and exhibitors who made our Show on the 10th and 11th of June such a success. Without their help and that of Worthing Aquatics, Manor Nurseries and our sponsors we would not have had a show this year. Grateful thanks also extend to our neighbouring Sections who helped, exhibited and visited.
Despite record temperatures, World Cup football and other local events the show broke even and plans are already in hand to return to our old Showground (if water supply permits) or a new venue next year.
It was good to see a keen interests in the Grand Champion Koi owned by Terry and Lynne Wells spawning at the show. Many eggs were taken by keen hobbyist! Watch this space for reports on hatching, growing on and future show champions!
Results can be found on our 'Show News' page and additional photos on our 'Photo's' page.
Congratulations to the Worthing & District members who exhibited their Koi and did very well at the recent South Hants Show. Their results can be found on the 'Show News' page. Well done to Steve Watson who won the Trophy for best Non Go Sanke in the show.
| It is with regret that we have learned of the untimely death at the age of 46 of Sam Martin on the 9th May 2006. Sam was a very knowledgably man on Fish health and was widely admired and respected. Koi keepers far and wide will have benefited from his help and advise. We shall miss his humour and wise council. His funeral was on Friday 2nd June. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Karen. |
May 2006 Meeting
Chairman Phil Lidbetter started the meeting by thanking all those who helped to make the members auction on the 30th April such a great success.
Watch out for details of our next auction in the Autumn!
John Wirdnam of 'Aquaflow' based in Totton,
Southhampton, was our quest speaker for this month. John's theme was 'Natural v
Pond Environment'. His interesting talk outlined the natural environment that
Carp are used to and compared it to the limitations experienced with the pond
environment. In nature Carp
preferred
reduced water clarity and food could be 'grazed', feeding little and often with
natural food source of invertebrates containing around 50% protein. He went on
to outline the fish keepers needs and the latest fashions and developments.
Discussion ensued on the pro's and con's of pump feed pond systems against gravity systems.
Many questions were asked and members thanked John for his talk and showed their appreciation at the end in the usual way.
John and 'Aquflow' make their own pond filters to very high specifications and will make 'tailor made' systems to order. Their 'on-line' store can be found at www.aquaflowuk.com
The interval provided the usual Raffle, this time with some lovely prizes donated by 'Aquaflow' including two sets of pond 'Rocklights' and a air pump .Guess who won two out of the three above prizes? - that lucky lady Dianne again!
Our previous club secretary Fred Brice celebrated his 80th birthday last week. His wife Jean took him away for a family party in Norfolk and he was overjoyed at the birthday cake made for him! Yes, a K.K.C. (kohaku koi cake)!
Many happy returns Fred!
PRESS RELEASE
Received from AquaHydrotech Ltd
March 2006
With only 12 weeks to go until the annual Worthing Open Show in June, Steve Watson, the Show Secretary, was more than a little worried when he was informed by the Drought Manager of the local authority that due to restrictions on use of water for non-essential purposes they would not be able to obtain water for the show at its usual venue in the grounds of Clapham Village Hall. However, after a couple of telephone calls Steve, and Worthing & District BKKS Chairman Phil Lidbetter, found a solution which will not only mean that the show can go on, but that it can do so in a way which will have no impact at all on water supplies in the area.
Worthing Aquatics owner, Arron Stanley has persuaded Manor Nurseries at Angmering, where his business is based, to give the Club the use of a their empty greenhouse where they will be able to install their vats. And, in order that water changes will not be required over the two days of the show, the club will be installing bio-treatment cartridges containing AquaHydrotech's Ammonia and Nitrite Removal Nuggets in each of the vats. This Technology has already been used with great success at similar shows where water changes had to be kept to a minimum. When the show is over, the water from the vats will be stored in a tank and used by Manor Nursery for irrigation. Steve says, "We usually get 1,000+ visitors at our show and we didn't want to let them, or our exhibitors, down by cancelling the show. Arron and AquaHydrotech have really saved the day by coming up with a solution for us and we're delighted that we'll be doing our bit to save water by treating it in a way that it can be recycled for use by the Nursery."
Ends.
More information on our 'Show News' Page
All Japan Show News
Well done Mark Crampton and Martin Blows! They are the first Western and British Hobbyist to win Grand Champion at the prestigious All Japan Koi Show held in Tokyo in January. The super Kohaku was bred by Sakai of Hiroshima. To see photos taken by Mark Gardner of 'Koi Chat' of the Grand Champion, Jumbo Champion and Baby Champion and a selection of other fantastic Koi exhibited at the All Japan Show, go to 'Photo's - Page 3.
February 2006 meeting
Our February meeting started with a full house listening to Ron Cox giving a heart felt short talk on how and when do you treat a sick fish? In a healthy pond do you let nature take the lead?, - or do you interfere with treatments etc? In his experience both methods had saved fish and also failed to cure. You never stop learning with the hobby, but for Ron it also had many mystery's still to solve! .
The second part of the meeting was given over to a Koi health quiz organised by
Nicky Phipps of 'Koi Care Aquatic Consultants'.
Nicky
had travelled all the way from Hawksbury in Kent and just managed to find
our venue through the country lanes of East Preston with a little help from
mobile phone instructions! 25 written questions like "what does 'ectothermic'
mean?", "at what temperature do bacteria and protozoa become active?" and "when
would you not add salt to the pond?" had the brain cells working
overtime!
The quiz soon found out the 'wise and knowledgeable' with top marks
going to the Pete & Jenny Pope and Steve & Angie Watson table.
Thank you Nicky for a enjoyable and instructive session!
Left; Nicky Phipps
Right; The Editor's table
January 2006 meeting
The first club meeting of 2006 saw a presentation of a carriage clock to Phil Watts in appreciation of his services to the club over many years as its Vice Chairman and Public Relations Officer.
This was our second presentation in recent weeks. At our Christmas Dinner Dance Fred Brice had been similarly presented with a carriage clock on his retirement as Club Secretary.
Gary Hillier BKKS Judge stepped in at short notice to give us a two part talk and slide show. The first part examined photos in detail of some of the super Koi at the 2005 National Show. It was intriguing to learn how our BKKS Judges come to their decisions.
The second part of the slide show was slightly delayed when the bulb in Gary's projector decided to give up! A replacement club projector however was quickly found and the talk continued. "Koromo's and Goshiki's" was a detailed examination of all the varieties in this class with some world famous fish on view. A survey of club members on Koi popularity before the talk had shown that whilst Showa was seen to be the first choice of members, Koromo/Goshiki was however the variety overall most popular.
Well done Gary! Will be looking forward to your talk in November.
Below are photos from the meeting. Click on the thumbnails for a larger picture.
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