Sherridan Moores' prize-winning Lionhead.
The Bristol Aquarist Society — home of the famous Bristol Shubunkin — held its Open Show at The Manor Hall in Coalpit Heath on Sunday, September 4, where more than 200 fancy goldfish competed in 43 classes.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY: DR DAVID FORD
The Best in Show was a Lionhead by Sherridan Moores of Northern Goldfish & Pondkeepers Society.
The Club also holds an auction of home-bred fancy goldfish where 69 lots (usually a shoal of three or more goldfish) were auctioned. Prices are traditionally bid in £1 values and at an average of £10 to £20, there were many real bargains to be had.
However, some of the perfect breeding stock commanded higher bids, the best being this trio of Bristol Shubunkins by Bob Jones of BAS, which sold for £70!
After the traditional tombola, raffle and day-long beverages, the many prizes (rosettes and certificates and some special trophies) were handed out by Peter Lloyd — he is the son of the once BAS President Stan Lloyd, who passed away last February. This guest appearance was the Club’s tribute to that President.

Peter Lloyd (right) presents Sherridan Moores (NGPS) with the magnificent silver trophy for his Best in Show Lionhead goldfish.
These Wakins came first in the 'Pairs' Class.
Another of the Firsts was this beautifully marked Fantail.
This fish is a crossbreed and so was shown in the AOV (Any Other Variety) Class.
On the move for 2017
Next year the BAS Open Show — which is always held on the first Sunday in September — moves to a new venue: Hengrove Community Centre, Fortfield Road, Hengrove, Bristol, BS14 9NX. Entrance is only £1 to view several hundred fancy goldfish bred to Nationwide Standards, or you could buy some goldfish in the auction.