SUMMER 2005 NEWSLETTER

Lonestar Stud's BIS Cream Satin

The first show for 2005 attracted a respectable 200 entries. BIS was Lonestar's 5/8 Satin, with Revelcot's Rex Agouti Adult runner up, and Autumnstar's Adult PEW in third. Best Guide Standard was taken by Haven Cavies with their Adult Solid Agouti. Debbi Clarke took Best JPB with her Adult Satin, and Antony Packham took the honours for Juvenile Pet with his Adult Smooth Sow.

Our April show also hosted our AGM. It was reported that sadly Chris Fay had felt she was unable to continue on the committee, and would therefore not be standing for re-election as Chairman. In the absence of any nominations, Tim Clarke has agreed to be acting Chairman. The remainder of the committee was re-elected unanimously.

Following a discussion on club finances, it was agreed that, in common with many other clubs, we would now charge a penning fee, and this has been set at 15p per pig. The income from this will be kept separate, and will be used towards the purchase of new pens - something that will no doubt bring great joy to anyone who has had to contend with an obstinate "guillotine" pen! On a similar note, we also have a few very old pens, which will be available for sale at the next show - proceeds to go towards the new pens fund. We will also hold a 50p raffle, for a net of carrots (or similar) - proceeds of which again will go towards the new pen fund.

Whilst our financial position is perhaps a little tighter than we would like following the necessary investments in moving venue, the club is sound - helped by improving number of entries at shows, and with good stewardship will continue to grow. From next year, it was agreed to increase the Adult Partnership membership from £4.50 to £5.00 - all other rates remain the same.

As reported in our last newsletter, Stella has stepped down from the catering. We are very grateful to Julie Gallagher and Julie Wells, who have willingly(!) volunteered to take this on, at least on a trial basis. Any donations of cakes/biscuits would be welcomed. Kitchen helpers would also be appreciated, but because of the small size of the kitchen, and Health & Safety regulations, we would request that no-one enters the kitchen unless invited.

The proposal to lower the age limit for Young Fancier's Representatives on the committee from 14 to 13 was agreed unanimously, and we are pleased to announce that the Committee have co-opted Rebekah Holt. We also hope to co-opt further reps to make sure that the Junior voice is adequately heard. Any juvenile club member, who regularly enters shows, that is interested should contact any member of the committee for further information.

Our Summer Show, to be held on 13 August, also hosts the Phil Francis Memorial Challenge Classes for Veteran Cavies (ie cavies over 3 years old). Please note that for these classes you should enter the actual age of your pig on your entry form. One of the reasons we have moved this to the summer show is in response to some exhibitors being understandably reluctant to bring out their old-timers during the colder winter months, so we look forward to seeing increased numbers this year. Don't forget, you can also enter your veterans into the main show as well.

We welcome Helen & Jim McCormick back again. Helen is judging Selfs, and Jim the Non-Selfs, in both the main show and the veterans.

Neil Smith was originally booked to judge pets but, due to work commitments, he has regrettably had to tender his apologies. Hopefully, he shall be able to judge for us next year. We are grateful to Jayne Davey who has stepped in to fill the void.

You will notice that we have revamped our entry forms. They have been designed to make it easier to enter information into the computer package, but hopefully, you will also find them easier to complete as well. Can we remind junior exhibitors to enter their age on the form. One of the reasons for this is that the exhibitor's age will be taken into account when judging JPBs, so that younger members are not disadvantaged when showing against entries by near-adults.

For our October show, we are planning to hold a "Juvenile Pet Show" in addition to the main show. This will offer an opportunity for local residents to bring along their pets on the day, and then to be judged along the lines of our normal pet classes. We will be heavily publicising this nearer the time, and the main aim is to encourage new members - particularly juveniles, but hopefully adults as well.

We have experienced some issues with exhibitors leaving shows early. Can we take this opportunity to remind you that club rules do not allow for pigs to be removed from their pens (other than by stewards for the purposes of judging) whilst the show is in progress. In addition, in common with many other clubs, prize money is not handed out until the show is broken down. In exceptional circumstances, and with prior authorisation from the Show Secretary, an exhibitor may leave early. However, they will have to leave prize cards (at their own risk) with the Show Secretary, in order that a cheque for the prize money (less £2.00 to cover postage, packing and handling) can be forwarded in the post.

We would also like to remind everyone not to park in Bowness Avenue outside the church - this is a condition of the hall-hire. It is fine to use this to drop-off and pick up, but please then park either in the car park, or in the adjacent roads (taking care not to block driveways, etc).

Don't forget to keep updated by our website at www.worthingcavyclub.org.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at our August Show.

Tim & Tracey Clarke & the Committee.