I think it can be said that The National Show 2012 was the best show yet.  There was a great atmosphere and with nearly 6700 entries, including the sales pens, there was a record exhibitor attendance.  The public turnout was higher than ever and people were literally pouring through the doors at peak times on Saturday and Sunday.  We welcomed visitors from Australia, USA, India, as well as many European countries and they all appeared to be enjoying the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

There was plenty for everyone to see with the main judging taking place on Saturday morning, poultry keeping talks going on throughout the weekend, judging workshops for aspiring Poultry Club judges, and a huge variety of trade stands selling everything from chocolate fudge to poultry drinkers.  Advice for the aspiring poultry keeper was readily available from people selling poultry housing, feed and supplements as well as poultry themed gifts and clothing.

The Show Champion was chosen by Mr Mike Hatcher, who is a well known figure in the poultry fancy, who deliberated long and hard before he picked his outstanding winner David Pownall’s beautiful Black Orpington hen.  This is the second time David has triumphed as he achieved Best In Show in 2010 with a White Wyandotte cockerel.  To achieve this with two different breeds is indeed an amazing achievement.

The Saturday night dinner was attended by 140 people who enjoyed an excellent meal and the more energetic carried on dancing until 1am.  The Rev Ray Trudgian, ably assisted by Ian Allonby once again took the Sunday Service in the Arthur Rank Centre on Sunday morning.  A “full house” attended.  The Annual General Meeting of the Poultry Club of Great Britain took place in a new venue on site in the Royal Pavilion and the membership was well represented.  At 12 noon Mr John Briggs, The Master from the Worshipful Company of Poulters arrived and was met by the new President of the Poultry Club of Great Britain Mr Andrew Wetters.  After lunch with Ray Trudgian and The President he was given a tour of the show halls and had certainly never experienced anything quite like it!  We are very grateful to the Worshipful Company of Poulters who send their Master every year to present prizes to our Junior winners and for their generous sponsorship of classes aimed at our younger poultry fanciers.

Throughout the weekend Henry Hamilton, a professional cameraman was filming as much of the action as he could and a DVD of the National Show will shortly be available to buy and will be launched at the Federation Show at Stafford on Saturday December 15th.

We will shortly start planning the National Show 2013 and will continue to make sure that each National Show brings as much pleasure as possible to both exhibitors and visiting public.  PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY  NOVEMBER 16/17  2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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