This years Kirkcaldy Aquarist Society open show and auction at Templehall community centre was a huge success again proving that the decision to relocate from Balwearie High School to Templehall Community centre was the correct one. Before discussing the actual event I’d like to first of all thank the members of the public who attended the show and auction in great numbers if it was not them attending the show would not be the resounding success that it was. I’d like to thank the judges Mike, Jill, Eric, John, Ryan and Ernie for their tireless efforts, due to the increased visitor numbers they had less space and quiet than in previous years meaning it is worth considering hiring the smaller hall for the judging in future years to allow for ever increasing attendances. Thank also go to Susan and Jean for handling the booking in of entries.
I would also like to offer thanks to Joe and Christine Graham and Marie Rennie for dealing the finance and paperwork for the auction, Ken Young and Gordon McLeod for auctioneering on the day. Many thanks to all other KAS members who gave their time to assist with the open show and providing food for the canteen, raffle prizes etc.
Thankyou to Brian for his contact with Interpet and Fishkeeper Edinburgh the prizes and fish food received meant the event had lower costs than in previous years. Companies donating prizes to the event were Eden Aquatics, KDY Tropicals, Kirkcaldy Pet Shop, A2B aquatics, Discovery Aquatics Fishkeeper Edinburgh, Pets Pantry (Anstruther). Special thanks also go to Stuart McAllister at Interpet for providing the best fish prize as well as other smaller prizes. The prize for 2nd best fish was provided by KAS with the 3rd place prize being provided by a kind donation from Fair City Aquarist Society.
Moving on to the event itself the day started off with the slight drizzle with brightened up as the day progressed members began to arrive nice and early to assist with the setting up of the venue. The canteen was more than fully stocked with Rolls, cakes and other home baking as well as hot and cold drink meaning those attending certainly did not go hungry. The auction and show itself commenced at 12:30 with President Colin opening the show welcoming everyone and wishing them a enjoyable day before handing over to Ken to start the auction.
There were 24 lots of Fish, Plants and Equipment meaning those attending had plenty to bid on from guppies to rarer and less seen Betta’s. With one exception there were no Gourami’s to be seen which is quite unusual until the day auctions are in many ways like a box of chocalates – you never know what our going to get ! The judging finished at approximately 5o’clock and the prize giving commenced with KAS members Gordon McLeod taking the best fash prize Bernard O’Neil took 2nd place with Frances Bennett taking 3rd. Best KAS member was Gordon McLeod, Best KAS breeder was Ken Young and the best exhibitor on the day was Gordon McLeod.
I would once again like to thank all those who participated in making the day the success that is was and hope to see you all again on October 13th at the KAS auction at the same venue.
