This year’s show saw the Essex Section move to a new venue – Barleylands Showground, Billericay, Essex. Knowing how popular the Essex Shows always are, I was looking forward to a weekend where I could indulge in my favourite pastime with likeminded hobbyists. After travelling from Wiltshire to Essex (my former home county), I arrived on the Friday evening ready for an early start on the opening day. I wanted to be at the showground in time for the benching process.
I had a warm welcome from John Botha, Chairman and Koi Health officer, who afforded me a behind the scenes viewpoint during the two days. My aim, as a representative of Koi Carp Magazine, was to capture as much as I could of the hard work done by the section members who freely volunteer their services to make the show happen. Of course without them, there would be no show. I also wanted to spend some time speaking with the dealers. Koi shows are a great way for dealers to showcase the koi they have available. It’s also a great way for koi keepers to shop for koi from different dealers under one roof.
Benching
The benching process was under way when I arrived. As most of you will know, this is the process to identify the variety of the koi, take its measurements and examine each one for signs of any health problems. Lau Harvey (Pondy) was benching, shared with Ryan Persechino. The process was overseen by Peter Barnes and Dave Thomas was on the net.
In all there were 219 fish benched and entered for the show. These were placed in 37 vats arranged around the perimeter of the show arena. The centre of the show arena housed several large, well aerated reservoir pools for the frequent water changes needed to ensure the well being of all the show koi.
Looking after the koi
The water requirement for a show of this size was estimated at 750,000 litres! You read it right –three quarters of a million litres! That’s a lot of water to be managed for the duration of the show.
The water team, made up of 11 volunteers, was on call all day long. I have to say they had the organisation of this important aspect of the show running like a well oiled machine. They responded immediately to the ever changing environment within each vat, as indicated by the regular water test results conducted by the health team.
In addition the water team also looked after the many vats housing the dealers’ koi on their stands as required.
I was informed that the team stayed to do a 50% water change on all vats at 7pm, provided security overnight, and arrived as early as 4.30am the next day to perform another 50% change before another very full day. Well done to you all for your commitment to the welfare of all the koi at the show.
Open to the public
The attendance on Saturday was rather disappointing, however this did not stop my enjoyment of the day. Comments were made about the attendance figures and it was hoped that they would improve on the Sunday. Thankfully they did, although they weren’t what you would call a capacity crowd. I can only think that hobbyists are still tightening their belts after going through a major recession.
Behind the scenes
On the Sunday I was permitted to enter thecentral part of the show area as the judging had been completed the day before. This area is usually reserved for the show teams so I am very grateful for the privileged access. This was only allowed after strict instructions to use the anti-bacterial hand rub to avoid contamination of the vats between the outer
public and inner show areas.
I was given a guided tour of the rigorous water testing and water changing processes which was fascinating. Again I was impressed by the attention given to providing a comfortable environment for the koi. I was informed that any signs of unnatural behaviour by the koi would be dealt with and rectified immediately – usually by an interim water change.
More than koi
The usual array of catering vans kept everyone fuelled up during the day. Teas and coffees were supplied to dealers and exhibitors free of charge and also delivered throughout the day by Abby and Anita – thanks for that, it was very much appreciated.
There was a play area for the kids, a craft stall area, and a display of birds of prey. All of this helped provide a good atmosphere for a good, family weekend.
I came away from the show with a feeling that attendance levels could have been higher, which would have improved an otherwise very enjoyable weekend. The Essex team worked very hard regardless, to ensure the welfare of the koi at all times. Having seen it all for myself I will never underestimate the work that goes on behind the scenes to put on a koi show.
Essex Show Winners
Grand Champion: Sanke Size 5, Alan Coogan
Mature Champion: Asagi/Shusui Size 6, Alan Coogan
Adult Champion: Kohaku Size 5, Ryan Persechino
Young Champion: Sanke Size 4, Glen Jones & Jackie Porter
Baby Champion: Kohaku Size 2, Ryan Persechino
Best Beginner: Kohaku Size 2, Jason Khan
Essex Members Inter-Competition
Best Lady: Showa Size 5, Jackie Porter
Best Doitsu class 1: Kohaku Size 1, Glen Jones & Jackie Porter
Best Unique: Kawarimono Size 4, Laurence Harvey
Best Non Go Sanke: Utsurimono Size 5, John Prestedge
Best Junior: Tancho Size 4, Abigail Harvey
Best Home bred: Koromo Size 4, Paul Timothy
Best Vat: Selection of fish & varieties Laurence Harvey