News And Updates

Ken McCarter
Border Counties are sad to report the passing of Ken McCarter
He passed peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
Tim Ward (Secretary)

Website Viewing Figures
Yesterday we are pleased to announce we reached a landmark number of hits, we reached our half a million mark (500,000).
Our thanks to all you out there who regularly send us Show reports, News Items and articles without you this figure would not be possible.
With these sort of viewing figures this must be the best place to advertise your Club, so to those Clubs who so far have not made the best use of this facility,why not send in a Club profile, Show advert, Club News and of course you Show schedule.
This may well raise your visible profile to attract exhibitors for the coming Show season, and hopefully increase your share of exhibitors and entries.
Contact the Secretary or the Chairman if you need any help in formatting any of the suggested methods of raising your profile on this site.
The Border Convention committee is always willing to assist Clubs but we need your input to start the ball rolling.

Dates For Your Diary
“Dates for your Diary” can be found on the Show Advert page can Club members check the details and inform me of any errors or omissions.

Cleveland Show Advert
Cleveland’s 2019 Show advert is now available for viewing. It can be found on the “Show Adverts “page, underneath the Show Results/ News dropdown.
May I remind all Clubs this facility is available to all Clubs free of charge, so send in your adverts.

Apologises From Malcolm Scott
Malcolm would like to apologise to those awaiting delivery of ring or Journals in recent days.
This is due to Malcolm being some- what incapacitated and having a stay in hospital.
However he is now home and trying to catch up on the backlog.
The B.C. committee would like to wish Malcom well in his recovery.

John Johnny Giles.
It is with deep regret that I have to report the passing of Johnny Giles. A long-standing Member of the Cornish Border.
Johnny as he was known to all, was a Border man for well over 50 years’ he was not a big Breeder or a big Show man, but he always supported all the Cornish Shows with a useful team of Birds.
Johnny was always there to be The Doorman and run the Raffle or help in the Kitchen when ever needed at any Show.
He was like a magnet to all children that may be there, getting them to help with the Raffle Tickets. He was a quiet man with a very dry sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by many clubs.
So on behalf of The Cornish Border and all The Cornish Fanciers I send our condolences to his Family.

Colin Pearce.
President Cornish Border.

Black Spot in Canariries
An article on Black spot in Canaries by
Dr. Jan Vanderborght MD has been added to the download page.
Whilst fairly technical some interesting facts and conclusions for the fancier can be gleaned from this text.

Breeding Survey Update Article
We have added a short article on hand feeding by Ronnie Sillitoe.

Chairman's Update

Ronnie has added a further comment to his page.

OBITUARY – Richard (Dick) Carruthers

It is with great sadness that Cumbria Border & Fife Fancy C.C. reports the death of Dick Carruthers of Longtown Cumbria. Dick who was a really nice gentleman was past President of Cumbria Border. Dick has bred and exhibited Border Canaries for over 50 years and he supported his local clubs who will all miss him – Cumbria Border, Whitehaven, Workington, Aspatria and Egremont being some of the clubs, also the clubs north of the Solway. He also showed and did very well at the all of the Border Specialist Clubs in the area, winning Cumbria, Fauldhouse, Northern, West of Scotland and the British border fancy clubs who all report their sadness at his passing.
Condolences go to Dick’s sons Richard and Steven and their families, also his friends and other family members.

Malcolm Scott
For Cumbria Border &FFCC

OBITUARY – Gerald (Gerry) Pickering

It is with great sadness that Cumbria Border & Fife Fancy C.C. reports the death of Gerry Pickering of Gilgarran, Workington in Cumbria. He will be greatly missed by his family and his friends throughout the Border Canary fancy. Gerry was a founder member of the Cumbria Border Fancy Canary Club and he supported the club from the beginning until his health prevented him from doing so.
Over the years he showed some very nice birds with success at his local clubs. Gerry bred and exhibited Border Canaries for over 40 years and he supported his local clubs who will all miss him – Cumbria Border, Whitehaven, Workington, Aspatria and Egremont being some of the clubs.
He was a very sociable man and mixed well with other fanciers when he was at the shows. Condolences go to Gerry’s Family and friends.

Malcolm Scott
For Cumbria Border &FFCC

Conditioning For Breeding

Ronnie has added "Breeding Season Update 1" for those of you who are following his Conditioning for Breeding Programme.
Click the button below to go to the page for this update.

Bob Legg
The funeral for Bob Legg will take place on 27th March at 10.00am at the crematorium, St Beads chapel
The family have asked people to wear something yellow or members of CBFFCC the club t.shirt..
Thanks

Reg Martin
It is with great sadness Border Counties report the passing of former member Reg Martin.
Our condolences go to his wife family and friends.

Tim Ward

Des Gurner
Sad to report the passing of Des Gurner . Although Des has not shown his birds for a long time he will be remembered by a lot of older fanciers . I can’t remember Des having any other birds in his shed other than Borders and always strived to get his stock from top breeders . He always new who was getting the best results around the shows although he didn’t get to many himself, he had a good eye for a bird and would spend considerable time at our show looking at all fanciers birds not just the top table.

Our condolences go out to his family.

Linden Evans
Welsh Border

Bob Legg
A tribute page is open for clubs and individual fanciers
to pay their respects to the memory of Bob Legg.
E-mail tributes to borderconventionsecretary@gmail.com

Bob Legg

Cleveland sadly announces the passing of Bob Legg, on the 16th March.
Bob was well respected in the border fancy, showing at lots of shows throughout the country, helping out whenever he could.
Bob has been involved with Cleveland from day one, taking on many roles within the club from secretary to steward, he will be sadly missed, by all at the club.
Our thoughts are with his wife Tania and all his family .
R.I.P Bob
Details of the funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

Bert Reid

A tribute page is open for clubs and individual fanciers
to pay their respects to the memory of Bert Reid.

E-mail tributes to borderconventionsecretary@gmail.com

Chairmans Update
Ronnie has updated his column with a brief resume of Sunay's A.G.M.
Click the button below to go straight to it.

Bert Reid
The BFCC announce the passing of Bert Reid on the 11th March after a protracted illness. Bert was a "Well Kent Face" throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK with many friends in Ireland.
He was a well respected Judge of many years standing and was Hon. President after holding the position of club President for many years. The club extends the deepest Sympathy to his wife Jean and family. He will be sorely missed.
Details of the funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.

Judges “B” Panel List
Congratulations to Paul Wright on being elected on to the Border Convention’s Judges “B” panel.

Wessex Show Staging
Wessex have on offer staging which supports about 580 cages and also a 4 wheel box trailer. Any clubs interested in what is a self-contained solution should contact in the first instance Ian Perrier (Secretary) on 01983 761779 or ianperrier@yahoo.co.uk to discuss details, dimensions etc.

North Wales B.F.C.C
We have just added a letter to all fanciers from Carwyn Owen secretary of North Wales
“ Click on Latest Articles” below to go to the Letters page

Dawn Reed
The Members & Committee of Southern Border FCC would like to extend our Sincerest Sympathy to the Reed family on the sad passing of Dawn Reed. Dawn along with husband Dennis before his passing spent many years supporting Southern Border Fancy Canary Club. A sad loss to her family and remembered by the border fancy.

Bob Hodges
Secretary Southern Border Fancy Canary Club

The Chairmans Update
Ronnie has added a further update to this page.
" Click For Latest Article " below to go straight to it.

Isobel Parker
Isobel’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 20th February at 10.30 AM at Ayr Crematorium.

Paul Morledge
Paul’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 20th February at 2:30 PM, St Mary’s Church, Greasley followed by a Burial in the Churchyard. The wake will be held at The Horse and Groom, Moorgreen. All are welcome to attend this celebration of Paul’s life.

Isobel Parker
The Border Fancy Canary Club are sorry to announce the passing of Isobel Parker, in the early hours of this morning.
Isobel will be sorely missed by the Club and all who knew her.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Bobby at this sad time.

Humidity In The Birdroom

In the ongoing series of articles raised by the results of the 2018 Breeding Survey,
Ronnie comments on his use of Hygrometers, Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers to promote a healthy environment for Border canaries.
The article can be found at the bottom of B.C 2018 Breeding Result Page or Click For Latest Article

Paul Morledge
A tribute to the memory of Paul has been published.
Clubs and Fanciers are welcome to e-mail in their
Tributes and condolences to:
borderconventionsecretary@gmail.com

Paul Morledge
Doncaster B.F.C.C. are sad to report the sudden passing of Paul Morledge.
Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time

2019 Show Dates / A. G. M Dates
We have posted a Provisional Show Dates list.
Could all Club committee members check the list and contact me if any are incorrect.
Club A.G.M.’s are gathering momentum this week.
Now is the time to attract new members/ helpers, so why not advertise them on the front page of this website by sending me the dates

East of England 2019 Show

Dave Horrex has sent in a letter.
Which can be found on the Letters page.or
Click for the Latest Article

Border Fancy Canary Club

The Annual General Meeting of the Border Fancy Canary Club will be held at the Fauldhouse Partnership Centre, Lanrigg Road, Fauldhouse, West Lothian EH47 9JD on Sunday 3rd March, 2019 at 11 a.m.

Due to ill health my wife and I will be giving up the secretaryship and all other positions and would urge attendance at the meeting to ensure the Club continues on a sound footing.

Bobby Parker
Secretary
BFCC

Conditioning For Breeding

A further query has come in for Ronnie you can read the question and his reply on the letters page.

Hens Not Showing Interest In Breeding

In the recent Breeding Survey 58% of fanciers reported hens not showing any interest in breeding.
Ronnie Sillitoe gives his view on this problem and his solution.
This article can be found on the “2018 B.C. Breeding Survey” page under the “Home” dropdown or Click on Latest Article button.

Confusion!!

The James McKay on the Letters Page is not the
Jim McKay of Coylton Ayrshire.

Improving Our Bird's Quality
A new article by Valentino Cherubini "How to improve the quality of birds in our own bird room"
Has been added to the website.
Valentino was Italy’s most successful exhibitor in 2018.
It can be found under the “Hobby” dropdown.
Alternatively Click the Latest Article Button.

Cyril Hackett

Irish B.F.C.C regret to announce the passing of
Cyril Hackett on 13th January 2019

2018 Breeding Survey

In the breeding survey 45% suffered with mite problems of which 70% were red mite and 30% were northern mite.
Prevention being better than cure, now during the quiet time whilst it is colder in the bird room and the level of mites should be at its lowest, is the time to eradicate these pests.
Ronnie has written a short article on the “2018 Breeding Survey” page

Dougie Forbes
It is with regret that I have to inform the fancy of the death of one of our founder members Dougie Forbes from Buckie Morayshire.
Our condolences to his wife Margaret and family.
Mike Davies Secretary of the North of Scotland Border and Fife Club.

Letters Page

Another letter from James Mckay is on the letters page
Remember many a true word is spoken in jest.

Max Hill

Nottingham BFCC are sorry to report that Max Hill passed away in hospital on the 22nd December 2018
aged 94.
Our condolences go to his friends and family.

Fake Advert Warning
Warning there is a scammer, a novice exhibitor, advertising on Bird Trader using the photograph of a Champion breeder (who was completely unaware) trying to get birds from people on the pretext that he had a bird flu problem (which there isn’t).

The Border Convention do not condone this sort of misrepresentation which contravenes the constitution and will take further action if the advert is not withdrawn.

Conditioning for Breeding Query
A letter has come in with a relevant query on Ronnie’s conditioning programme.
This with Ronnie’s answer can be found on the “Letters” page

Conditioning for Breeding
The last of the Specialist Club Open shows being last weekend most fanciers and their birds will be looking for a well-earned rest over the festive period, before contemplating conditioning their birds for the 2019 breeding season.
Our Chairman Ronnie who had the highest ratio of chicks / hen in the B.C. breeding survey, has been hitting the keyboard to pass on his thoughts and his personal feeding programme to those who are interested.
His article can be found under the “Hobby” drop down and is entitled “Conditioning for Breeding”

East Antrim Results

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Davy Somerville
Best Novice Maurice McKenzie

Breeding Survey Results

Many thanks to the 60 fanciers who completed the survey forms and sent them in.
We would have liked to receive double this number, however what we received has highlighted a few areas that need addressing and we hope to produce some articles on these during the coming months.
The results can be seen on the “ Breeding Survey 2018” page

Castrocielo Full Results

These are now available on the 2018 Results page.

Cumbria Results

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Billy &Paul Heathcote
Best Novice J.R.S. Pentland

Castrocielo Italy Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Valentino Cherubini
Best Novice Angelo Lagi

Northern Ireland Result

Congratulations to:
Best Champion Davey Sommerville
Best Novice Cyril Vage

West Wales Result

Congratulations to:

Best in Show Mark Symonds
Best Novice Neil Tench

Border Fancy Catalogue & Results

These are now available to download and can be found under the Border Fancy News page,
Thanks Bobby,

Border Fancy Results

Congratulations to:
Best In Show Anthony Mc Greechin
Best Novice Alan & Sophie Robertson

Mid Ulster Result

Congratulations to:
Best In Show C McBurney
Best Novice Craig Hewitt

Border Counties Results
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Lyn Rowlands
Best Novice Wynndham Williams

Daresbury Hotel Bookings

I believe some people having trouble getting through to the Daresbury Hotel.
Central reservations number is 0161 923 9170 and then quote wels 15 11 19

Northern Border Results
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Billy & Paul Heathcote
Best Novice Willy Netherton

North Of Scotland Result
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Brian Brenner
Best Novice Graham Sutherland

Sussex & Kent Results
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Mark Symonds

Champion rundown
1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th best—- Mark Symonds
4th best —- Bob Turner
6th and 7th Best —- Bob Hodges

Novice rundown
1st and 2nd Best —-- Rob Blench

British Border ( International) 2019
Price for Daresbury Hotel for the Friday 15th November 2019 and Saturday night 16th November 2019 the price for Friday night is £55 per room and Saturday night is £70per room This is for Dinner Bed & Breakfast.
Code to book is wels 15 11 19 phone number is 01925 215110.

British Border Catalogue & Awards Sheet
This is available under British Border News feed.

British Border Specials

These are now available for viewing on the
2018 Show Results page
Thankyou Bob

British Border Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Bob Turner
Best Novice Nigel Leader

Breeding Survey Preliminary Results
At the outset of the Survey we agreed to close the Survey on the weekend of British Border.
To date we have had over 50 Completed forms and the committee would like to thank all the individual fanciers and the Clubs who have supported us in this endeavour.
The preliminary result from the first 50 proves what the majority of fanciers believed.

It Has Been A Bad Breeding Season.

A total of 781 Hens reared 1,331 chicks, an average of 1.706 / hen.
Highest Average of 4.1 / hen and a lowest of 0.65 / hen.
The survey has also highlighted some areas that need addressing with articles by leading Fanciers.

However 50 Results is only a small representation of the Fancy and more would help to give us a truer picture.
If you have not yet filled in a survey download a copy of the survey and send it to the Secretary this week, or if you are at British Border Ronnie Sillitoe, our Chairman has some copies of the Survey and will be pleased to speak to you and receive your completed form.
Finally we would like to wish everyone exhibiting the best of luck and have a good weekend.

Merseyside Results
A corrected version of these is now available for viewing.
Thanks Al

Daresbury Park Hotel
The Address for Daresbury Park Hotel is
Red Brow Ln, Warrington WA4 4BB
Tim Ward contact 07971335955

North Wales Facebook
North Wales B.F.C.C. have a new management team and a new Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/northwalesbfcc/
Their new Secretary is:
Carwyn Owen, 9 Bryn Rhedyw, Llanllyfni, Gwynedd. LL546SS
Tel 07389066945
This Facebook page and all the other Clubs facebooks can be found on our Links page

Villarbasse Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Valentino Cherubini
Best Novice Luca Cressoni

Merseyside Results

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Jeff & Adam Pearce
Best Novice Al Brown

Fauldhouse Results

Congratulations to:
Best in Show George McGougan
Best Novice J. Forgie

Belgian Border Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Willy Winkelman

German Border Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Walter Bohner

Thanks Mark for sending the result

East of England Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Chris Davies

Full result avaailable on 2018 Show Result page

Chairman's Update

Ronnie has posted a new update on his page.
This can be found under the Home dropdown.

Sid Moyers (Past President)

Sadly, I write to inform you that Sid passed away peacefully on 1st November 2018 at Brown Edge House Residential Home. I would be gateful if you could inform those who knew him in the canary world.

The details of the funeral are:

Requiem mass will be held at The Church of St Anne and Blessed Dominic on Friday 16th November at 11:00.

Cremation service will take place at 12:30 at St Helens Crematorium.

All welcome afterwards for refreshments at the Griffin Inn, Eccleston.

Addresses and post codes for these are:

The Church of St Anne and Blessed Dominic: Monastery Lane, Sutton, St Helens, WA9 3ZD.

St Helens Crematorium: Rainford Rd, St. Helens, WA10 6DF.

The Griffin at Eccleston: Church Lane, Eccleston, St Helens, WA10 5AD.

North Wales Result
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Burton & Potts
Best Novice Al Brown

G.C.&.W. Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Mark Symonds
Best Novice Andrew Ormond

Border Canary Association

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Billy & Paul Heathcote
Best Novice Alan & Sophie Robertson

East of England Schedule

This is now available to download.
Thanks James

Irish Specials

Full Results available on the 2018 Show Results page

International Competition Results

First England

Second Wales

Third Scotland

A full copy of the results can be found on the International page.
I apologise for the quality but this is the best I can do with the information sent and will replace it when I receive a better copy.

West of Scotland Results

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Antony McGreechin
Best Novice Gordon Holt

Many thanks Bobby fpr sending in the results.
Full Results available on the 2018 Show Results page

Nottinghamshire Results
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Graham Burgess
Best Novice Roy Collings

Welsh Border (International)
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Phil Warne
Best Novice A. O’Mahoney

Full Results can be found on the 2018Results page.
Thanks Linden

Faenza Italy

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Valentino Cherubini
Best Novice Pietro Botrugno

International Rule Update

A short discussion took place at this year’s (2017)International Show at Faulderhouse, Scotland. between Scotland, Wales and England regards to the number of Champions and Novices that are showing at each show. All three Countries are struggling to get a full quota of Champions and Novices each time.
It was agreed that we still aim for a maximum of 11 Champions and 11 Novices with 2 reserves per Champion and Novice Sections. If this cannot be achieved by any one Country (Not Counting Ireland North / South Combined because due to import restrictions they only ever manage 3 or 4 exhibitors showing) then we only use the points scored by the same numbers of team members per Country Champion and Novice Sections using the 4 maximum points from each member.
Reps attending:- Jim Aitchison, George McGougan (BFCC) Garry Marshall, Linden Evans, & John Furmage (Welsh BFCC) and Keith Wadkin & Bob Norman (BBFCC)
R. S. Norman
General Secretary.

International Competition
Considering the poor season a lot of people had this year, I must thank every fancier for their effort in supporting the show. With an entry of just short of 800 birds it shows the determination of the members and must be a good thing for the fancy. Teams as follows.
English
Champion . I Southgate, M Symonds, B Hodges, T Ward, Silitoe & Rance, C & A Britton, J & A Pearce, S Tappenden, I Perrier, Burrows & Miller P England
Novice. A O’Mahoney, R Thorley, G Bishop, G Forster, K Powers, N Leader, J South, A Brown
Welsh
Champion. R Edwards, L Evans, J Furmage, M Gauci, S Hammett, C James, G Marshall, R Morgan, W Morris, L Rowlands, L parker.
Novice. T Bratcher, J Elsey, T Jones, L Kurt, A Ormand, C Prout, N Tench, W Thomas, S Vernon, W J Williams, R Gould. Res: D M Williams
Scottish
Champion. J Aitchinson, F Anderson, A Differ, H Fraser, G McGougan.
Novice. R Burgess, J Forgie, J R S Pentland, A & S Robertson.
Look forward to see you all, safe journey and good luck in the show.

Linden

The 4 Seasons Programme For Better Results

Colin Leask of All Creatures Health Check has formulated his “4 Seasons Programme For Better Results”
This was released yesterday at Cleveland Show and today can be found on the “All Creatures Health Check” page. This can be found under the Contact/ Shop heading.

Cleveland Result

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Alan Differ
Best Novice John & Margaret South

Wessex Results

Congratulations to:
Best in Show Bob Turner
Best Novice J. Elsey

Birmingham Results

Congratulations to:

Best Border. B. Bott
2nd Best Border. B. Bott
3rd Best Border. K.Wadkin
4th Best Border B. Bott
5th Best Border. B. Bott
6th Best Border. K.Wadkin
7th Best Border. B. Bott
Best Novice. R. Reeves
2nd Best Novice W. Cottle
3rd Best Novice W. Cottle
4th Best Novice T. Ayres
5th Best Novice T. Ayres
6th Best Novice K. Powers
7th Best Novice T. Ayres

Irish Border Results
Congratulations to:

Best Border. J. Furley
2nd Best Border. J. Furley
3rd Best Border. J. Furley
4th Best Border. C. Guildea
5th Best Border. J. Furley
6th Best Border. Burrows & Miller
7th Best Border. C. Guildea

Best Novice. M. McKenzie
2nd Best Novice M. McKenzie
3rd Best Novice J& L. Walsh

Walter Jones
Border Counties are sad to announce the passing of Walter Jones a former member of the Club.
Our condolences go to his family at this sad time

Cornish Results
Congratulations to:
Best In Show Colin Pearce
Best Novice Wyndham Williams

Doncaster Results

Congratulatios to:
Best In Show John Williams
Best Novice Gary Bishop

Breeding Survey
Thanks to everyone who has filled in and returned the Breeding Survey.
The number of people that have participated so far has been very encouraging, ,and we would like to thank the Welsh, Cleveland, Northern Ireland/East Antrim and Mid Ulster Clubs for wholeheartedly getting behind the survey.
The initial findings coming out from the survey that need addressing fall into four categories.
1.Humidity and Airflow
2.Lack of Breeding Condition
3. Mite Control
4.General Management (time and effort)
However to give us a better and more fuller picture we would still like those of you haven’t filled in a survey to do so and e-mail it to borderconventionsecretary@gmail.com

I.B.B.A Result
Congratulations to:
Best in Show Malcolm Barnett
Best Novice Gary Bishop
A further Congratulation goes toGary for making it Best Novice for three years running.