WELSH BUDGERIGAR AGM 19/10/08At the Welsh Budgerigar A. G .M on 19th October, new President Alison Evans was welcomed to office by outgoing President Gary Hale. Alison’s appointment meant that, for the first time in the society’s history, a past presidents daughter had followed in her fathers footsteps. Jack James had previously held the position in 2003-2004. Looking at recent articles regarding the lack of women aspiring to top positions in the hobby, the Welsh BS is proud of the fact that Alison’s appointment will be the seventh time a lady has headed our organisation. Two previous ladies were privileged to have been in office on two occasions, these being Mrs.G.M.Carter and Mrs.S.Hammett. Alison has kept budgerigars since the age of six and joined the Welsh BS in 1991. She is also the treasurer of the successful West Wales BS and she is always willing to roll up her sleeves and help out at all local events in the South Wales area. Her successes on the show bench include Welsh Breeder of the Year in 2006 and Welsh Champion Breeder of the Year in 2006 and 2007. Renowned for having a very sweet tooth, if anyone ever comes up with a chocolate budgerigar we won’t need to inquire as to its origins. Following A.G.M. business Ken Fagan entertained members with a very interesting talk on his approach to breeding exhibition budgerigars and it was quite refreshing to hear his admission that, not having kept livestock before, nor having any knowledge of genetics, he relies on the visual approach when pairing up his birds. This must be comforting to many newcomers to the hobby who sometimes think that the genetic side of things is beyond their understanding. After a very enjoyable lunch, including two puddings for our President, Ken finished of a very entertaining day with a question and answer session. Following the persistent commitment of Robert Francis the society has just been awarded a lottery grant for over £4,000.00 for computer equipment and a trailer for storing and transporting our staging. Thank you Bob. In conclusion the membership would like to thank Gary Hale for his leadership and the remainder of the committee for their efforts over the last twelve months. We are confident that Alison will do an admirable job for us in the forthcoming year. |