The BS Show was a show to be remembered

We will always remember the 1999 B.S. Show, not only for the new ideas which were tried out, but for two other items, namely, this was the first time for an Intermediate to win so many of the top awards and it was the first time that an exhibitor from the Continent had staged birds at the B.S. Show.

There is no doubt that Frank Silva will remember the day for the rest of his life. It was really the juicy fruits of months of hard labour. Throughout 1999 Frank Silva contested show after show, winning more Best in Show awards than any other exhibitor for years. He showed several different birds to win those awards and this proved that the depth of quality in the stud was extensive. We must acknowledge the fact that Frank Silva has been remarkably successful in breeding top quality birds, and he has been doing it for a number of years. Yes, he has bred the numbers, which is such a help in producing exhibition birds, but he has also been gifted (apart from being a stockman) of having the knack of getting his birds on the show bench in tiptop condition.

I know that ‘out there’ are people who are jealous, beyond words of Frank Silva. They claim his success is chiefly due to the fact that he bought in expensive birds. Yes, he did Ñ but that was over five years ago. In the meantime he could have messed the whole lot up and produced rubbish. But he used his purchases wisely and with skilful blending and uncanny ability, produced lines, which became unbeatable on the show bench. Those who have been beaten by him on the show bench during the year just don’t like it. They criticise him because they have been beaten. They don’t like the fact that other breeders want his birds these days and not theirs. This Intermediate from Watford has been a menace. He has ruined their dominance on the show bench. Their sales have plummeted and all just because he has produced better birds. They had more than an equal chance to beat him Ñ just by producing winners, but they failed. I like the Silva birds and hope he will be here for quite a while in producing them.

The new layout of staging birds by colour in place of sections proved a problem to many fanciers and they dreaded looking forward to lifting up time. However, when that arrived it went far more smoothly than expected and the hall was cleared in no time.

I think the layout of the Catalogue was of little help and just added to the confusion. It was difficult to follow and I feel needs changing to make the varieties more prominent.

It is possible that for once, many Champions looked closer at the other sections this year because they had to follow the whole colour section from Champion, through the Intermediates, etc. until they came to the next variety. Many did not like this pattern, preferring the old way and it will be interesting to see, when they come to discuss the 2000 Show what the show committee will decide.

On the whole, I thought it was a great show. I liked the move to the new position of the trophy presentation area. There were more trade stands and the Buffet Bar was centrally situated. There were a lot of people in the show hall and this created a warm atmosphere. It augurs well for the future.

It’s a pity really that we do not get the show televised. It certainly justifies television coverage. Maybe more pressure has to be exercised by the show committee in this direction because not only from the fancier’s viewpoint Budgerigars are important pets in the home. I took part in five Radio programmes during the week and it was astonishing to understand that nearly all the interviewers were amazed we even had a bird show. They thought that all budgerigars were either Green or Blue and they could all talk. It’s a tough world!!