ChatterKoi PhotoShow - Awards!
The ChatterKoi PhotoShow first ran in 2015 to encourage grassroots hobbyists to get involved with the show scene from the comfort of their own homes. Dean Dimarco (Founder of the ChatterKoi Forum) has steadily grown the event each year, and it's safe to say it's becoming very popular!
How does it work?
Exhibitors submit photographs of the koi they wish to enter (which must adhere to simple criteria), they bench the koi online and then wait to hear the Judge's verdict. Basically, for a pleasurable day bowling and photographing a few of your koi, you could enter a competitive koi show and potentially grab a prize or two - all without your fish seeing a bag or box!
But there's more!
The wonderful thing about the ChatterKoi PhotoShow is that the team not only put massive effort into the show itself, but they also hold an official awards-giving day with trophies and such - all of which are of brilliant quality and add a lovely touch to a great show. Bonus!
This year, the event took place at Warwickshire Koi - in Warwick, believe it or not! Rich Williams (the proprietor) generously offered to accommodate the exhibitors and their guests for the day, showing great hospitality. The surroundings are stunning, and Rich has plans for impressive expansion in the near future, with a Japanese-Style fish house. I managed to have a sneaky scout around before people arrived...
Back to the show!
This year, 387 koi were entered, in 50 'vats' - for an idea of scale, that's 37 koi more than The National Koi Show held last July - there was certainly no shortage of fish! Allan Tait was tasked with the challenge of judging the show, and hats off to him because judging that amount of koi single-handedly is no easy task - respect!
Obvious or not, one must remember that seeing a photo differs from seeing a koi in the flesh, and in this sense, PhotoShows stand on their own. The koi are judged solely on the qualities evident in the pictures, nothing else. What they might look like in the flesh and how they might compare to other koi in the flesh is irrelevant. With that said, let's take a look at some winners...
Presenting...
The Major Awards for the ChatterKoi PhotoShow - 2022
Grand Champion
Owner: John Wallace
Mature Champion
Owner: Ged McElvaney
Adult Champion
Owner: Karen Tovey
Young Champion
Owner: Ian Cappitt
Baby Champion
Owner: Gary & Beth Parker
Best Doitsu
Owner: Paul Wake
Best Kin Ginrin
Owner: Karen Tovey
Best Non Go Sanke
Owner: Ged McElvaney
Best Kujaku
Owner: Ged McElvaney
Best Kawarimono
Owner: Allan Prothero
Most Unique
Owner: Woody Westwood
Best Asagi/Shusui
Owner: Paul Kirkbride
Best Hikari Utsuri
Owner: Robert Robson
Best Tancho
Owner: Nigel Bream
Best Koromo
Owner: Robert Robson
Best Sanke
Owner: Ged McElvaney
Best Showa
Owner: Gary & Beth Parker
Best Bekko
Owner: Paul Comerford
Best Tategoi
Owner: Raymond Tang
Best Novice
Owner: Allan Prothero
Best Overall Vat
Owner: Ged McElvaney
Best ManCave
Owner: Ged McElvaney
Best Filter Room
Owner: Kevin Goodall
The competition was extremely healthy, and it was no easy feat to win any of these awards. For some exhibitors, it was their first attempt, a delicate dip of the toe in koi show waters, and from what I could see, everyone seemed glad they entered. Some young koi keepers also picked up places, which was fantastic! Congratulations to all that took part and of course to the winners - what an achievement!
The ChatterKoi Team also arranged a brilliant raffle with some generous donations by dealers from all over the country. Many attendees left with a prize under their arm. I, however, did not, and I'm bitter - oh so very bitter!
The day was a great laugh, with many people meeting each other for the first time - by all accounts a proper "koi social!' Deano, unfortunately, had some atrocious 'games' lined up for a few unlucky victims. One consisted of eating the smelliest fish known to man - RIP to those poor souls, we shall remember them...
Aside from the hellish fish, there was a great spread of food, keeping everyone's bellies full. A big thank you to Head Chef Don, who manned his post all day and did a sterling job.
Conclusion
Sometimes events like this can slip under the radar, and I think it's essential that we give them whatever exposure and support we can so that they can grow and thrive year on year. They offer a great opportunity to hobbyists of all levels, encouraging them to try exhibiting in a manageable way whilst opening the floor to newcomers and the wider hobby. A truly fantastic effort (by all involved) to make a positive impact on the koi hobby - what a cracking day!
Good vibes and koi all round
- and that's about as good as it gets!
Fancy getting involved? Keep your eyes peeled for the next one here:
Meanwhile, enjoy a few shots from the day...
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