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The 2007 Australian Australorp Titles was held at Beaudesert Qld on 23rd June 2007 The show also included a testimonial to Mr. Ray Connor plus a Rare Breeds Show This lengthy report, by Chris Hardman, was extracted from our '07 Summer edition of the Australorp EggSpress. Congratulations to Fred Brown, Daryl Andrew and all exhibitors
Recently I had the good sense to accept an invitation from the Australorp Club of Having known Ray for many years I was pleased to find that I had the weekend free from most of my other activities and my wife Di and youngest daughter Brittani (who is a keen fancier herself) accompanied me on what would be one of the most enjoyable shows I have ever attended. Arriving late on Friday evening we decided to find our way to the showground just in case the pavilion was still open to pen my massive entry of just 4 large Light Brahmas!!!! Upon locating the showground Britt received an unexpected bonus to her weekend ..... as well as the Australorp National Titles and Rare Breeds Feature, there was a huge gathering of horse enthusiasts for a big weekend of events and training. Britt is a true animal lover and her face positively beamed in anticipation of spending a whole day with horses and chooks!!! Alas the pavilion was cloaked in darkness with not a poultry person to be seen anywhere and we ventured back to the motel to have dinner and prepare for tomorrow. My only concern was that my two Brahma cocks might wake the whole motel. I didn't have to worry about that ...... some of the horse people woke everyone up when they started rising around 5.30 am. So I didn't feel at all guilty if my old boys had something to crow about that morning!! I set off to take the birds over to be penned while the girls had decided they would have a look around town and walk out the showground when they were ready. What an excellent idea I thought. I found my way into the showground. Yes, you guessed it .... the long way. Going through the main gates was the longest way and none of the horse people knew anything about "a chook show" they all seemed to exclaim in somewhat of a surprised tone. It seemed like I must have asked everyone when I eventually stumbled upon the poultry pavilion only to discover there was another entrance directly adjacent to the pavilion. I didn't let on until now though!!! My first impressions were "Wow this looks great!!" Outside the pavilion there were several marquee-type tents erected, some with tables and chairs underneath with another was obviously being the catering area. Another seemed to have a heap of merchandise and I indeed ended up assisting in this stand during the course of the day. They even allowed me to set up some of the NEEPA merchandise with our extremely popular Year Books and Chicken Chat magazines. Next surprise was a number of portable prefabricated pens and even a brooder which were on display outside the pavilion. These are manufactured locally and I took the opportunity during the day to interview Steve Gordon about these and how they came about. They are beautifully built from aluminium and colour-bond and can be custom built to suit your individual needs or in the standard sizes. A comprehensive article will appear in Chicken Chat soon. Approaching the entrance to the pavilion I was taken aback by the cleanliness and immaculately painted pens which adorned the interior. Everything was spotless and indoor plants had been strategically placed around the pavilion which gave it a wonderful feeling as you entered and started to
look around. Then suddenly right before you was another sight to behold ....... a stunning set of 2-tier pens with the words "The Champions" painted on the top of the scroll-cut section above the pens. They were great and certainly everyone would have loved to have one of their birds in these pens. Once I finally made my way past all these distractions I was warmly greeted by the effervescent Australorp Club Secretary Ross Summerell who introduced me to President Steve Higgins before presenting me with a special commemorative bottle of red wine featuring the Club emblem. Called "The Cricketer's Rough Red" it celebrated the Ray Connor Testimonial Show and was appropriately labelled. Next I was given a large envelope containing my entry form and pen numbers as well as tickets for the presentation dinner and name badges for myself and Di and Britt. On top of that there was the offer to help unload my birds and assist in penning if I wanted a hand. "I'll be right", I said "I've only got four but I do need to finish drying a couple of them. Is there anywhere I can plug in a hair dryer?" I had barely go the question out before a place in thecorner behind the information desk was quickly arranged and off I set to fetch the first victim. It had been cold and wet in Armidale before we left and they weren't fully webbed out and I thought they would have sweated on the way up so a quick hit with the hair dryer would do the trick. They weren't too bad so it didn't take long and then it was on to the dressing for their heads and a quick beak trim. Not satisfied with what I had done Ross and his team of helpers quickly fetched a toolbox full of all sorts of nail files and little sandpaper boards as well as a host of various lotions to brighten any fowl. Ross got to work and smoothed off the beak of my exhibits before they were "allowed to be penned!!" But before I could do anything else these was another surprise as a beaming Ross presented me with a show catalogue. "Here, you'll need this if you're going to write me a report for the Australorp EggSpress" he said with a grin. "From an outsider's point of view of course" he quipped. "Yeh, in my spare time" I said. Finally, with the birds penned I now had some time to have a bit of a look around and was impressed with the array of trophies on display at the front of the pavilion. Perpetual trophies with past winners caught my eye and as I looked through the list of past winners I wondered who the big winner might be today. Fred Brown would be hard to toss, Henry Surtees is always competitive and then there were the likes of Bill Morris, Glenda Hurst-Butcher, Rob Simmons and young guns Cameron Smith and Patrick English to name a few. Or would Ray Connor win his own Testimonial Show?? Sadly Ray's flock had been affected by a small outbreak of fowl pox and were recovering and hence many of his entries were withdrawn however the few pullets he did bench were excellent type and feather quality but not showing the bloom to push for higher honours in this sort of company. I was impressed that the Rare Breeds had quite a number of awards to be given out and thought I had better go and check out the opposition. The first group I looked through were the Malay Game which I thought were outstanding with tremendous size and presented in beautiful condition and feather the latter which you don't often see in this breed. These were going to be hard to beat however I was soon to discover a magnificent line up of Croad Langshans of the quality and size I had never encountered before. They looked in immaculate condition and their size was typical of this lovely and once popular old-fashioned favourite ..... huge!! It was a good thing the pens were big because three of the cockerels barely fitted in them as was also the case with the Malays. Some nice Campines caught the eye and so too a couple of handy Houdans while I thought I had my opposition covered in the Brahmas and a slim chance to push for higher honours but I couldn't see me beating the Langshans. In the bantams some excellent Rosecombs were the standouts with the ckl class featuring some great birds and surely one of these would push for top honours, while Sebrights, Japanese and Frizzles had some high class specimens amongst their impressive line up. I was somewhat envious of David Simons whom I'm certain would have enjoyed adjudicating on so many excellent quality birds amongst his rare breeds section and he would deserve his supper later that evening ....... and we all know how David loves his food!! After catching up with a couple of people and having a brief chat (for me anyway!!) with some of them, including the man of the moment, Ray Connor, I rushed around to the Australorps to have a peruse of their massive line up with my catalogue and pen in hand. Starting with the large Black Cocks and Hens where 4 and 10 entries still provided great competition but I noted my thoughts on the catalogue before moving onto the ckls where it seemed everyone else was having their pick of the 43 benched. A daunting task for anyone at a specialist club show and knew John Gibson was in for a tough day at the office. I walked up and down, and then back again on the bottom row before making my way back to the start again and jotting down some points about particular birds I liked the look of from outside the pen. Some eight were duly noted and upon the completion of judging with placings going down to 10th, seven of my 8 were amongst the top 10 included first and second but in the wrong order! Not bad for a novice I thought, but even better was to come in the pullets where I pencilled in 10 with 8 being placed but most importantly I managed to jag the winner. Pretty clever I thought for a mug Australorp judge! I barely had a chance to look over the large Blues or the trios and pairs of pullets before judging was about to commence. Ross had previously explained that his good lady, Wendy, was forced to stay home and play midwife following the birth of two baby Alpacas that morning and hence he needed some "volunteers" to assist on the merchandise table which yours truly offered to do along with Treasurer Bill Summerell. I sometimes get pretty intense during judging and thought this was a good way to occupy myself while the judging took place. Bill and I set out all the merchandise before getting the raffle underway with Bill then scouring the pavilion for "would-be winners". This was an unusual raffle in that almost everyone present won a prize!!! There were heaps of them and certainly more than a dozen??? Chocolates, truffles, bottles of wine, Chicken Chat Subscriptions and much more. A whole heap of fun and typical of the atmosphere of the show ...... warm, friendly, caring and sharing. After an hour or so had passed there was a break in the traffic, so I quickly snuck in to see how my exhibits had gone to be surprised by my Brahma Hen being placed 3rd Best SF Large which was a great thrill ...... but of course the bloody Langshan had won!!! But she thoroughly deserved it. A sneak peak around the corner to see how John Gibson was going on the Australorps confirmed he had a big task ahead of him and he was three quarters through the Large Black cockerel class when I looked and a number of birds had been marked for further investigation. Next it was time to do the right thing by daughter Britt and of course and lengthy inspection of all the horses present at the weekend gymkhana. I must confess I enjoyed looking at some fine examples of horseflesh of every size and colour. There were some great looking animals with gleaming coats in peak condition and the way some of them moved was a joy to behold. A couple of Appaloosas, a liver-coloured Chestnut with a striking white blaze and very tall elegant light grey really caught our eyes. Britt liked them all and was in "horse heaven" being surrounded by so many of them. The ingenuity of the owners and/or parents was something which really struck me and the horse float by day suddenly became the "motel" by night. Interior lights and a variety of canopies, tarpaulins and tents attached to floats to convert them to sleeping quarters not to mention the panels which were inserted crossways to create bunk beds was something else. We poultry folk could learn a lot from them. But back to the chooks. Judging was almost complete in the Rare Breeds section as David was now well into the SF bantams while John was just finishing up his black pullet class and the champion. I took the opportunity to have a glance through the bantam classes which I hadn't previously done and was amazed at the quality amongst them and the number. Apart from a marvellous line up of black cockerels (39) and pullets (36) some nice Blues and Whites caught they eye though a little on the large side. Next it was time for some lunch and the eager bunch of members from the Greenbank Club were doing a roaring trade with a wide selection to suit all tastes. As usual I found time to chat with a few other fanciers and, as is almost always the case at any poultry event, you learn something. Chatting with the well credentialed Fred Brown and Phil Tisdell I gained a heap of knowledge. My reluctance to use vaccines is well known and as a result I have experienced heavy losses and mysterious "wasting away" type problems especially at point of maturity. Phil in particular had experienced similar losses and put it down to a form of Leucosis which he claims the Mareks vaccine helps to eliminate. He also suggested any fancier with disease problem contact Bob Johnson who is most helpful and knowledgeable about poultry diseases and treatment with his contact details to be supplied to me at a later date. Then it was time to have a more thorough look through the rare breeds as David had completed his task and as expected the Croad Langshan and the Malay Game fought out for the top honour closely followed by the Rosecomb Cockerel. Spending a good half hour checking out the birds here I then ventured round to the middle aisle to check out how my choices faired and I was pretty happy with the results. John was now well into the black bantam cockerel with another big class of 39 entries to be followed by 36 pullets and then he only had the Blues and Whites to go .......phew!!! ..... Oh and plus all his major awards!!! Finally it was all over and the beaming smile across Fred Brown's face told us all he had once again reigned supreme to go with his other wins in 2003 and 2004. Due to illness Fred had been unable to attend in 2006 but was certainly back to his brilliant best this year. After a lengthy AGM in drizzling rain (thank goodness for the marquees) and the drawing the "never-ending raffle" those exhibitors who were unpenning their birds were then ushered in with their "buddy" who had been paired up earlier in the day from those who were not unpenning and so the usual rush began. Once this was complete it was back to the motels to get cleaned up and dressed in our finest for a what was to be memorable presentation dinner to cap this auspicious occasion. Arriving at the local RSL Club we were directed into a large room with all the tables featuring the small touches that made this event so special. In the centre of each table was the menu with the Australorp Club's emblem proudly displayed at the top. The Reverend Peter Arnett welcomed the gathering and said grace before the meal. Various speakers and special guests had been organised and fanciers from all over There were emails and letters from the Bruce Raines & David Cupitt from the EPA of NSW, Neil Penny from the VPFA, Brenda Oakey from the SAPA and Terry Brown from Warwick Poultry Club among them. Ray Newton from the Lismore Club spoke of Ray's wonderful contribution to the fancy and his sterling support of their Club before presenting Ray with a framed certificate. Peter Smith from Robert Hayes-Thompson travelled all the way from Dookladine in WA to relate his friendship with Ray which spanned over 50 years and his successful strain of Australorps had stemmed from stock and eggs Ray had sent just after the War. His speech was most entertaining and his lighted-hearted approach had the audience enthralled. Ian Causley, the MLA for Page which encompasses the Maclean area where Ray hails from, was next to speak and his intimate knowledge and personal contact with Ray during his sporting days especially as a cricketer gave everyone an insight into the great man. "The way Ray conducted himself on and off the field as a young lad and later a man have been replicated throughout his life and this gathering tonight demonstrates the high esteem in which he is deservedly held", he said. Ian related several stories about their days as cricketers as both opposition and as team mates in a lively and moving speech which clearly showed the admiration he personally had for Ray and also Gert and their contribution to the area through various avenues. Fred Brown also spoke after accepting the Supreme Champion Australorp of the Show trophy and in his emotional speech also paid homage to Ray for starting him with his line of Australorps which have been so successful for him. He thanked both Ray and Gert for their ongoing friendship and said this was an honour Ray richly deserved. Next was livewire auctioneer-cum-chook fancier, Midge Thompson he relayed a wonderful tribute from his father Ted who was unable to be present. The likeable young larrikin, Midge then had the audience in raptures when he then auctioned off 6 bottles of the special commemorative wine. His quick wit and clever twist on would-be bidders had everyone amused and capped a wonderful night before Ray had the chance to respond. Ray, as always, was the ultimate gentleman, very humble about his achievements and contribution to the fancy but particularly thanked his wonderfully supportive wife Gert for her patience and perseverance. He thanked the many people with whom he had formed great friendships with over the years which he said this was the greatest pleasure he derived from breeding and showing fowls. "It's nice to win awards but I think the one thing I will always treasure is the friendships we (Gert and I) have made and as I look around this room I see so many friends and I thank you for being here. It's these wonderful friendships that make the fancy strong and our hobby so enjoyable. I want to also say thank you to the Australorp Club of Perhaps the most entertaining speech came from Gert herself who thanked the many people with whom she and Ray had become acquainted and forged numerous friendships with throughout Perhaps Ray might let Gert have some now that he is cutting back on his poultry!!?? In one last surprise Ray was presented with a huge framed charcoal drawing by an artist who had been commissioned by the Club to reproduce a Cockerel of Ray's which won Bird of the Show at Lismore Poultry Club's Annual Show in 1982. Gert had helped organise an original photo of the bird to be given to Ross at Sydney Royal for the artist to complete the finished product which was worth all the clandestine efforts involved. Ross revealed that it almost all came unstuck when Ray walked in when the photo exchange was occurring. A clearly moved Ray showed why he has remained a force in the fancy for so long when he was able to identify the bird in question and the year as well as relate the circumstances of the bird's win plus the four judges involved. Incoming President Mick Rowe was last to speak who thanked the members for entrusting him into the leadership of the Club and thanked the tireless efforts of outgoing President Steve Higgins (going overseas) and Ross Summerell for the work they put into the Club and staging this event particularly. He wished all the best to Ray and Gert and hoped they continued to enjoy our hobby for many years to come. With the formal proceedings concluded the amber and coloured fluids began to flow more freely and everyone began to mingle and enjoy each others company at the conclusion to a fabulous event that will live long in my memory and I look forward to the next time we meet. In conclusion, I would have to say that it is one of the most professionally run shows that I have ever been to. Cheers from Chris Hardman. Editor of Chicken Chat & the NEEPA Yearbook
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