Hosepipe ban causes Koi show chaos

A hosepipe ban in the Southern Water region has led to the Worthing and District branch of the British Koi Keepers' Society changing the venue for its show.

The Society had intended to stage a two-day Koi show at Clapham Village Hall but Southern Water Authority would not grant them permission to use the water they needed while the hosepipe ban was in effect.

Press Officer Rod Taylor told Practical Fishkeeping: "The venue had a large sports field with all the facilities needed, including a hall. The 2005 show was a big success, with around 1000 visitors over two days and over 30 vats of Koi on show, plus dealers, crafts and other stands. For 2006 the show was again arranged for this venue, but we have been told by Southern Water that they cannot allow us the water for the show, so the venue has had to be cancelled, which was a big blow to all our club members."

Show Secretary Steve Watson added that the decision had led to disastrous consequences for the planning of the show: "We had booked the showground; the judges; made an agreement with the marquee company and taken lots of bookings from dealers and crafts, many of whom had paid up front for their space at the show."

Fortunately, Manor Nurseries in Angmering stepped in and offered the use of one of their greenhouses for the show, allowing the Society to continue with the planning for the event.

Said Taylor: "The Show will be smaller than originally hoped, with 24 Vats for Koi, but no other stands. However the nursery has a coffee shop, many plants and other garden products and an aquatic dealer, plus a pub opposite. This enables us to get around the water problem, as the water we use can be recycled back to the nursery to use on their plants and thus not increasing the total water used. This years Show will be held on 10 and 11th June from 9am to 5am on the Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on the Sunday and we hope that in 2007 we will be able to return to the venue at Clapham."

Watson told Practical Fishkeeping that arranging and then cancelling the previous show had been expensive for the Society, and its income was going to be vastly reduced because there will be no trade stands at that new venue. He says that a request to ask members to sponsor vats at 25 each has had positive results.

"Some of the companies who would have been with us at the original show ground have also sponsored vats, but we are still looking for further sponsorship," said Watson.

For more details on the event see the Diary Dates section or call Steve Watson on 07860 824857 or evenings on 01273 453771.