Koi Shows Are Back!
Sunday saw the BKKS Yorkshire Section’s annual closed koi show marking the first live koi show since COVID19 reared its ugly head.
What a wonderful start to August!
As silly as it sounds, given the circumstances and having seen the death of the UK show scene since 2020, the Yorkshire Section must have felt the added pressure to deliver...
But make no mistake, this show triumphed and stood as a proud testament to the hard work and determination of everyone involved in making it happen. It also delivered a much needed positive message for the UK koi hobby...
KOI SHOWS ARE BACK!
For those that are unfamiliar with what a “closed" koi show means, it’s a show that Joe public can attend, but only club members are permitted to enter koi. This makes closed shows a more intimate event in comparison to "open" shows like The National or The All England, however don’t let this put you off, the quality of koi on display makes attending absolutely worthwhile, not to mention, every koi show offers an opportunity to learn something new and meet fellow koi enthusiasts!
The Yorkshire Section has a thriving membership and so there were plenty of vats containing some wonderful specimens. Alongside this, Kitsu Koi, The Wooden Koi Company, and Accrington District Bonsai Association had stands to peruse, as well as a refreshments tent offering a 'hearty' display of some of the best cake I’ve consumed in some time.
I practically inhaled my first slice of Victoria Sponge - Naughty!
Plenty of dealers who weren’t present on the day very generously offered their support to the show including the main show sponsors Queni Koi, Hikari and Kusuri. Others that showed their support in various forms included AquaSource, Gatwick Koi, The Koi Clinic, Koi Water Barn and Koi Masters.
The Major Prizes
Grand Champion
Wayne Taylor
Size 6 // Kohaku // Okawa
Mature Champion
Wayne Taylor
Size 6 // Utsurimono // Omosako
Adult Champion
Paul McLennan
Size 5 // Kohaku // Momotaro
Young Champion
James Colley
Size 3 // Kohaku // Torazo
Baby Champion
Larry & Pauline Lambert
Size 2 // Kohaku // Maruyama
Peter Waddington Award
Wayne Taylor
Size 6 // Showa // Ueno
Mark Gardner Award
Martin Durkan
Size 4 // Kawarimono
Fred Harston Trophy
David Tranmer
Size 5 // Hikarimono
AquaSource Award
Millie Bunting
Size 6 // Doitsu
The Koi Clinic Award
Wayne Taylor
Size 6 // Utsurimono // Omosako
John Ellis Bowl - Best Novice
David Bradley
Best Junior
Millie Bunting
Best Junior
Shannon Tranmer
Congratulations to all the winners and also congratulations to every single hobbyist who made the courageous effort to enter!
It's daunting enough carting your prized pets to a small field, leaving them in a temporary vat all day and allowing people to goggle at them. But when you also consider the countless hours and money invested in purchasing, raising and conditioning every koi that sees a show vat, along with the sheer dedication and determination this requires - well, anyone who enters is a winner in my books, regardless of the glass on the mantle!
More Koi... (click to enlarge)
Final Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed my day up't north, the show was well attended which must have been a huge relief for the organisers and exhibitors alike. I've got to say, it was fantastic to see so many hobbyists in one place, coming together from all walks of life to share their fascination for Nishikigoi. On the drive back I was reflecting on the immense hard work and effort that must've gone into organising and putting on such a koi show. Remember, this is done by volunteers who give up their time to tackle every aspect of creating an event that all koi enthusiasts can enjoy and in this case - entry was free!
So, next time, before you scoff at this and that or complain that you expected something "a bit bigger," check yourself and remember that behind every koi show is a small but fiercely dedicated team of koi enthusiasts, who could always do with a little extra help...
Bravo Yorkshire Section - You did the hobby proud!
For more information on the Yorkshire Section:
If you're kicking yourself for missing a brilliant day out, then you better come along to the next koi show on the calendar. The National. Be there:
