Sunday 11th May 2008.
We have had a great day today at the farm, Dorset Koi keepers came up to visit. A full mini bus plus a couple of cars arrived around 11am, sadly two of our great friends John and Elizabeth Barton were due to visit with their club, but unfortunately other commitments meant they were able to come. Best of luck and our thoughts are with you John.
This visit has been planned for a good while, it was based around a grow and show competition. Although they are a fairly small club, eleven members signed up for the contest which will be judged by photo this time next year.
I supplied twelve showa, each was photographed during last week, the pictures laminated and then put into a sealed envelope. There was no choosing of koi, the envelopes were randomly selected and a name of one of the entrants was written on each. When the entrants opened their envelope, it revealed a photo and details of their koi.
Prior to the Grow and Show, I gave the members a tour of the farm, the walk down to the far end was slower than I expected, questions came in thick and fast. When we arrived at mud pond 13 and 14, the fry were waiting to be viewed, questions still continued, but folk were looking a little damp by then and I tried to encourage everyone to make their way back for a cool off and have a drink.
Lynn took this as her cue to fire up the barbeque and shortly after lunch was served. Many of you will know, we put on the food free of charge and just have an open plate for our on-going donations to KHV research. The food seemed to be much appreciated and little was left at the end of our break. As the food disappeared, the requests for me to bowl various koi increased to near frenzy level. I ended with a very satisfying feeling, as every koi priced was sold.
Around 4pm, the Grow and Show koi were boxed and we bid our farewells and they all set off in convoy.
I'd like to thank Mark and Sue Chetter, they purchased three large koi at the April Open weekend and planned to come down this weekend to collect their koi and lend their hands to helping out. I really appreciate your help guys.