For the first time in many years Koi enthusiasts have put their necks on the line to stage a competitive Koi event purely for like-minded Koi keepers and this is what this landmark event will prove to be.

It is staged purely for Koi enthusiasts and we should ALL support this show. Here are just a few reasons why: -

• It is staged at the time of the year when Koi pigmentation is at its best, namely in cooler water. This means the entries will be at their finest for us all to see and enjoy. Ever wondered why the All-Japan show is staged at these times of the year?
• It is staged at the best time of the year for safe transportation of the entries to and from the show.
• Some of the finest Koi in the UK are expected to be competing for the awards.
• It allows true enthusiasts a chance to continue their all-year enjoyment of Koi when their gardens are not exactly the warmest places to spend long periods of time.

But more than this, proper Koi shows are the lifeblood of our hobby and the UK Koi business, over the past few years, has not been exactly ‘buoyant’.

(I will write more as to why Koi shows are of vital importance to our hobby, but, for the moment, please just take my word for this statement.)

The organisers of this event have taken the bull by the horns and bravely decided to do something about it. Not only do they already deserve medals, they also need our support in order to make this event a success and to continue with the event for years to come!

Once again, this is all about one thing – KOI! There will be no distractions that have nothing whatsoever to do with Koi such as craft fairs, martial arts, Japanese dogs, origami or ikebana. Thankfully there will also be no bouncy castles because it’s a KOI SHOW!

The organisers NEED the pitiful £4.00 entry fee from us and they can be sure they will have mine. This is a wonderful opportunity for Koi enthusiasts to meet and chat with other enthusiasts, there will be agreements and some ‘differences of opinions’ but that’s all part of Koi keeping anyway.

It will be held on Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st. February 2010 at the Bretby Hotel and Conference Centre near Burton upon Trent DE15 0YZ. Both days will open to the public at 9.30am. Ample free car parking is available and refreshments will be available.

For full details please visit the East Midlands Koi Club website – google will sort that out.

Are YOU going to support YOUR hobby?