WMGA 2023 - Susan Guy Memorial Show
Remember, remember the 5th of November …. So the saying goes …. WMGA members will remember 2023 for a variety of reasons.
The show was a tribute to the memory of Susan Guy co-custodian with Sam, her husband, of the Midland Gloster Fancy Canary Association. Sam and his daughter attended the event as guest presenters of the awards.
‘23 saw WMGA take a leap forward in providing a high quality event; moving venue to a new larger hall in Drakes Broughton Pershore Worcester, engaging 3 top European judges in Marnix D’Hont, Ludo Lenaers (Belgium) Mario Farrugia (Malta), setting entry fees to a realistic level to cover the ever-increasing cost of holding an exhibition; increasing top quality trophies at the expense of cash awards, all were bold decisions that required the WMGA committee to “keep the faith” that the fourth event would be as successful as previous events.
Initially entries were described by show secretary “Harri” Harrison as “pretty slow” [actual comments cannot be printed]. Hoped for 660 [2022] entries were revised down with some hasty “what if” calculations on the financials. In the final analysis 634 entries were received from 44 exhibitors …. a massive thanks for your support …… In fact apologies received for illness and judging engagements could have sent entry levels into the low 700’s …..
Our Target for 2024 ? Who knows.
The Burton & Reay partnership will certainly remember 2023 as a stellar show year and their 500 mile round trip Cumbria-Worcestershire proved a positive move. Awards for Best Gloster, Opposite Head, Champion Corona & Consort both TPD birds and New Colour went their way, only being pipped to Best Cinnamon by Novice John Roskell from Lockerbie.
Other overall awards for Best Yellow went to Phil & Debbie Dawtrey (West Sussex): Best White Pete Bull (IOW): Best Light Keith Baker (Kent): Best Buff Keith Onions (Worcester): Best Grizzle John Roskell (Lockerbie), Champion Grizzle M Turner.
In the Novice section Mitch Cowen once again secured top Novice Gloster with a TPD Corona but on this occasion did not sweep up; he found challenges from S McMullen Best Opp Head & Yellow; J Roskell Best Cinnamon & Grizzle; Butler & Hook Best Light; S Hill Best Buff & White. (Gallery Link)
WMGA welcomed junior Eirini R into their midst with some delightful birds, and grateful thanks go for her all-round efforts in assisting with anything that was thrown her way.
The judges were royally entertained over a long weekend in the City of Worcester and left for home with good impressions of West Midland hospitality, they did offer to return.
It would be remiss not to send best wishes for a speedy recovery from severe illness to two stalwart members of WMGA - George Nicol and Shaun Gardiner - sadly missing from the 23 line up. Rest assured that your spaces are reserved for WMGA24.
Judges already engaged for 2024 are: Graham Beech (Shrewsbury) Paul Brown (Oswestry) Keith Baker (Aylesford)