On June 2, 1999, my wife, Dinah, and I boarded a plane bound for the United Kingdom.We last visited the United Kingdom two years ago. During that visit, we met several budgie fanciers and visited three aviaries or studs as they are called there. With great anticipation for new adventures, we began our eight-hour flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to London Gatwick.

 

Before progressing with this story, let me first share the events leading up to our take-off. The airport is approximately two and one-half hours by automobile from our home. Approximately forty miles before reaching our destination, the alternator failed causing our truck to suddenly cease to function. Fortunately, we stopped beside the only rest stop before reaching our destination. A tow truck was dispatched and Dinah and I rode a taxi to the airport. Only then did I truly appreciate just how expensive taxi rides are.

 

After a rather uneventful flight, we landed at London Gatwick International Airport. In keeping with our sense of adventure, Dinah and I had decided to utilize the British rail system to move about the United Kingdom. Upon arrival by train at London's Victoria Station, we learned that we had to take the tube or underground to London's Paddington Station where we were to take our train to Carmarthen in Wales. For those who know just how crowded the London Underground is, please imagine two visitors wrestling with four pieces of luggage during the height of rush hour while standing in the underground car and looking for the correct stop. Sounds bad and believe me, it was. Upon arrival at Paddington, Dinah, with her uncanny since of direction, was able to locate the correct train. We had purchased first class tickets because we had been told that the number of passengers in first class was less and that it would be easier to find front facing seats. This was necessary because both Dinah and I suffer from motion sickness and the very thought of traveling in reverse made both of us a bit queasy. Quickly, we settled into the train car and, for the first time since arriving in England, relaxed. Travelling through the English countryside at close to 100 miles per hour was, indeed, a new experience. After a brief matter of time, one is able to get into the rhythm of the train travel and enjoy the view. For those who have not yet had the opportunity, the English countryside is absolutely beautiful.

 

Soon, we entered Wales and watched as the scenery changed from the flat of England to the mountains of the Welsh countryside. Two years ago, during our visit, I fell in love with Wales, its rugged beauty and its people. I cannot describe the feeling I had when we first visited Wales. It was the feeling that I had, at last, returned home after having been away for a very long time. It was a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual serenity. Again, as I saw the beautiful emerald mountains, the pastures divided by hedgerows, the sheep, the rugged shoreline, the tiny roads and the quaint villages, I felt an inner calm and tranquility. Upon our arrival in Swansea, we quickly disembarked from the train and hurried through the station to find our next train, which would take us to Carmarthen.

 

In Carmarthen, we were met by our good friend, Dolores Noonan and taken to her lovely home near Newcastle Emlyn. As always, Dolores and her husband, Peter, were most gracious hosts. Having visited with the Noonans two years ago, I was impressed with the progress Dolores has made with her stud. Especially impressive was a six-month-old double factor spangle. This bird possesses width of head; face, length, feather and overall size, which should do well on the show bench. The other birds in Dolores' stud have made a definite progression. Hard work and dedication certainly have paid off in this stud.

 

Peter has a special interest in antique and modern oil lamps. He showed us some outstanding examples. As we enjoyed seeing these lamps, Peter decided to take us to visit a friend of his who collects antique oil lamps. Never in our lives have we seen such beautiful lamps from all periods of time. John and his lovely wife shared their love for these works of art with us. Again, we had witnessed a part of Wales that very few tourists ever get to see. On Saturday morning, we left by taxi to Aberystwyth where we were to catch a train to Spalding, England, the next leg of our journey. If you noted, we were again traveling by taxi. On the previous evening, a minor accident had caused a noise of unknown origin to develop in the Noonan's automobile. Rather than take a chance of starting the trip to the train station and running the risk of further damage to the car and possibly missing the train connection, we decided that a taxi was again in order. The early morning ride through the Welsh countryside was most pleasant. I felt a tremendous sense of sadness as we left this country that I have grown to love so very much.

 

Our train travel to Spalding was rather uneventful. Upon our arrival, we were met by Pat and Gren Norris and taken first to our hotel to check in and then to their home in Moulton Chapel for lunch and a visit. Dinah and I visited the Norris stud briefly two years ago. I was thoroughly impressed at that time with the budgies I saw. With great anticipation, we walked into the aviary! I can honestly say that I have never before seen the number of birds of such high quality as those in the Norris stud. Besides being a delightful couple, Pat and Gren share a genuine love for budgies and for their fellow enthusiasts. They have the skills and ability to "build" the budgies to standard. Previously, Pat had described how they go about developing budgies of the quality they demand. Pat loves the sky blues and light greens while Gren loves the dark factor birds. They both share, however, a common dream and ideal for budgies. Minutes quickly moved into hours as we talked about budgies and looked at example after example of magnificent budgies. All too quickly, we had to call an end to the evening's activities and return to the hotel.

 

The next morning, Gren arrived to once again transport us back to their home. Again, more time was spent in the aviary looking at the budgies. I had seen a very young violet cock when we visited last and was, at that time, impressed. I asked Pat about the bird and she produced him for my inspection. It is difficult to imagine that an impressive bird could become even more impressive but that is exactly what this cock had done. More birds; more amazement and finally a video session. We just could not get enough of the budgies. We wanted to be able to view them again and again at our leisure. Pat and Gren took us to their local seed and supply distributor as I had mentioned that there were supplies that I needed but had been unable to locate in the United States. Gren stated that it was nearby but we must have driven for 60 miles to get there. I obtained the supplies needed and as we started to leave, Gren mentioned that this supplier grows his own canary seed. Another first! We drove past acres and acres of growing canary seed plants. Wonder if the freshness of the seed used by Pat and Gren contributes in any way to their success on the show bench? I doubt it but it was just a thought.

 

Next we visited the largest garden center that either Dinah or I have ever seen. Pat and Gren, in addition to their beautiful budgies, also have a beautiful garden (yard for us Americans). It is apparent that they both love nature and all things beautiful. We were taken back to the hotel for a short rest and then to a lovely local pub for dinner. Dinah had expressed a desire to eat in a pub on this trip and she certainly had that wish fulfilled. The food was delicious and the fellowship was unforgettable. We returned to the hotel, tired but pumped because of all the activities. The next morning, Pat came to the hotel and transported us to the train station where we began the last leg of our trip. It was with great sadness that we departed from Spalding as we had truly enjoyed the company and hospitality of our friends.

 

After another rather uneventful train ride and yet another trip through the London underground, we arrived in Oxted, Surrey and were met by Carolyn Spalding. Carolyn is a transplanted American having lived in England for 24 years. Carolyn and her husband moved to the United Kingdom because of Ray's job. Carolyn runs a lovely bed and breakfast out of her impressive home in Oxted. We highly recommend her accommodations to anyone wishing to visit the area. Carolyn is a breeder of primarily the rare varieties. Although she has a nice stud of normals, her love for the rare varieties is evident. Once in her aviary, we saw Rainbows, Saddlebacks, Slates, English Fallows and some rather lovely Clearbodies. Although I had corresponded with Carolyn several times via the Internet, we had never actually met before our arrival in Oxted. Because of a common interest in a little bird from Australia, Carolyn had opened her home to Dinah and I and had planned some exciting events for us during our stay

 

On our first full day with Carolyn, we started the day with a visit to the aviary of Gerald Binks. Dinah and I had visited briefly with Gerald during our visit two years before and had found him to be a very gracious host, a pleasant and knowledgeable individual and a person who is able to share his views and knowledge with others. Upon our arrival at Tanglewood, we were greeted by Gerald and ushered into his sitting room and offered tea. I must say that Gerald looked especially dapper and fit during this visit and was surprised when he stated that he is 65 years of age. We should all be so lucky to look like Gerald when we reach 65. Gerald's wife, Joyce, was not home during our visit as she had a previous engagement. During our last visit, we had the opportunity to also meet Joyce. Simply stated, she is a lovely and very genuine lady.

 

I anxiously waited for Gerald, Carolyn and Dinah to finish their tea so that we could venture into the aviary. After a quick stroll through the beautifully landscaped garden we arrived at the point of destination, the aviary. Upon entering the aviary, I immediately was impressed with the progress that Gerald has made with his birds in the two years since I last saw them. Don't misunderstand me, Gerald had excellent birds two years ago but he has managed to improve them tremendously. Again, we were witnessing a solid stud of budgies. During our entire visit, we did not feel rushed as Gerald explained his breeding program, examined individual birds and recounted many stories of his experiences since beginning his career in this hobby as a young lad. I had known from our earlier conversations that Gerald's father had supported Gerald's interest in budgies from the beginning of his career. Gerald has a picture in his aviary, which shows he and his father working on the foundation for Gerald's second aviary. I mentioned this picture to Dinah. Gerald, with a bit of moistness in his eyes and an obvious amount of love in his voice, described his father and his support of young Gerald in his pursuit of the hobby.

 

Again, after an all too short visit, we left for the next stop on our schedule as prepared by Carolyn. We soon found ourselves at the home of Ricky Watts, a champion exhibitor who specializes in Inos. Again, we found a door to a home of a yet unmet friend opened to us simply because of a mutual interest in budgies. Oh, what a treat! We have excellent Albinos and Lutinos in America but I have never seen the quality of these two varieties like exists in Ricky's stud. Ricky has managed to put head, shoulders, directional feathering and showmanship on his Inos. Surprisingly enough, Ricky stated that he breeds Albinos to Albinos and Lutinos to Lutinos with only an occasional outcross. This totally negates the theory that to have this breeding will result in the budgies becoming smaller. Ricky has done a wonderful job improving the Ino variety. Again, we found a very pleasant, knowledgeable fancier who was willing to share his love of budgies with us. Being pressed for time, we were only able to visit with Ricky for a brief period. Again, I must mention a lovely garden. Great detail is given to the gardens of all the individuals we visited. Being interested in gardening also, Dinah and I had double treats everywhere we went.

 

After an excellent meal, we stopped and picked up Peter Snashfold and drove to the Coulsdon, Surrey for an inter-club competition between the members of the Surrey and Sussex Budgerigar Association and the Sussex Budgerigar Association. We learned that this is an annual event, which is greatly anticipated by the members of both clubs. This mini show attracted more exhibitors than do our regular shows.

 

This was also an opportunity for us to see more quality budgies and to meet some of the people whose names we have read for many years as well as some individuals who are perhaps lesser known to the international fancy. John Davis entertained us with stories about his experiences, Dave and Beryl Gafney, Dennis and Ruby Faulkner, Mick Mapston, Roy Powell, Alan Marshall, Reg Crossman, Peter Snashfold, Brian Scott and Ann Shoosmith. Some of these names are easily recognized by the international fancy. Great conversation was had with these folks. I especially enjoyed talking with Ann Shoosmith who told me that she really loves the Rainbows and is devoting her efforts to breeding this beautiful composite variety. I gathered that Ann is a Beginner. Her husband, although not a fancier himself, supports Ann fully. Our best wishes to Ann and our prayers that she will continue to breed what she enjoys and not worry about anything else.

 

While talking with these individuals, we noted that not one person bragged about their birds or made negative comments about the birds of others. They spoke matter-of-factly about their birds and simply asked our opinions about the birds of those individuals we had visited. The exhibitors truly seemed to enjoy being able to view the show process. It is a pity to us that this is not the norm for shows in the United Kingdom. Perhaps, some day, the exhibitors will be allowed to witness the entire judging process. To those members of the Surrey and Sussex Budgerigar Association and the Sussex Budgerigar Association who made us feel comfortable and welcomed, Dinah and I would like to thank you publicly. Thank you for sharing your evening and your birds with us.

 

After a good night's sleep, we went for our last visit of the trip. We arrived at the home of Ghalib and Janice Al-Nasser in the early afternoon. Our morning had been devoted to completing our shopping for our granddaughter. Could not return to the United States without goodies for Faith Anne our little grand-daughter.. Upon entry into the Al-Nasser home, one is immediately impressed with the treasures collected during visits to other countries to share with other budgie enthusiast. Ghalib and Janice have a number of original artworks by Roy Alpin and Alan Hunt including pictures of budgies owned by the Al-Nasser partnership. Janice was away at work but Ghalib was very adequate in his role as host.

 

After light refreshment of drinks and biscuits we ventured to the aviary. Again, our trip to the aviary took us through a lovely garden area. On the way to the aviary, Ghalib informed me that I would probably be surprised because he and Janice are primarily known for their rare varieties but his aviary actually possesses very few rares. He was totally correct! Although there are a great number of the rare varieties in the aviary, we were immediately impressed with the number and quality of the normal varieties in the stud. It became quickly obvious that Janice and Ghalib are breeders of exceptional knowledge and expertise. Again, as in all of our aviary visits, we found the numbers and quality in the birds. Ghalib allowed us to video his stud and gave comments about various birds viewed.

 

We were able to see a brand new variety, the Cleartail. Ghalib obtained this variety from a friend in another country and is now in the process of working to establish it in his stud. Ghalib uses the most unique nest boxes I have ever seen. The boxes slide into the interior of the breeding cage and are hidden away by a door. The most unusual feature about the boxes, however, is that the rear sliding panel for the box is glass instead of wood. This allows the budgies in the box to be viewed without disturbing them once the outer door to the breeding cage is opened. Ghalib has enjoyed great success with this type box. Although it is unusual, it is highly effective.

 

Ghalib took us to a local French bistro for a delightful lunch where we were able to talk, yet more, about budgies. After finishing lunch, we returned to Ghalib's home where the discussion again returned to budgies. I had noted that many of the breeders we had visited had cage fronts that I admired. They were fibre glass instead of wire. Ghalib made several telephone calls to the manufacturer, negotiated a fair price and arranged for the fronts to be delivered to us before we left to return to America the next day. Always being the representative for the Budgerigar Society, Ghalib invited us to join the BS. We were delighted. Our society would do well to note the welcome package provided by the Budgerigar Society. It is impressive to say the least. Bidding farewell to Ghalib, we drove back to Carolyn's home in Oxted

 

On the way, we stopped and procured the cage fronts, which were delivered to a meeting point. We spent the remainder of the evening trying to fit everything into our suitcases. Suffice to say that we had a bit more carry-on luggage than is normally allowed. I guess the airlines is use to this as we did not have to pay extra for the last minute shopping we did at Harrods in the airport. Well, you can understand that there were a few more teddy bears that Faith Anne did not have and we could not possible deprive her.

 

Isn't is amazing that a little bird can bring so many people of diversity together in a community of friendship? I think that sometimes we lose sight of what is really important in this hobby. It is not really important whether or not we win on the show bench. Just ask Ann Shoosmith. She loves a variety, which will probably never place on a show bench, but she breeds them for the love of the bird. Just ask Carolyn Spalding who opened her home to strangers and arranged aviary visits and acted as our driver during our entire visit with her and just ask all the other wonderful people who shared with us their lives and the love of budgies. Dinah and I have always enjoyed the friends we have made through this hobby. Because of this little bird, we travel all over the United States and now, overseas. Because of this little bird, our lives have become richer because of the many wonderful people we have met. Because of this little bird we have memories which will last us a lifetime. To all of our friends, thank you for being part of our lives. To our new friends in the United Kingdom, thank you for making two visitors to your beautiful part of the world feel welcome.

 

Information from Larry Moore

Neat article! :ausb:

A touching recollection of what was a very special trip.

Thanks Daz.

On the 20th May this year I started my own journey. I left home at 7:00pm to drive up to a close friend and mentor, David Ganzer. This was only a 20 minute drive but a start of a journey of way over two thousand kilometers and to meet many famous and kind people.

 

I arrived at Dave's place to spend the night and to start the trek to the Nationals in Burnie Tasmania the next day.

 

We woke at 4:30am to start to pack the South Queensland Team into the carrying cages for transport from Brisbane to Launceston via Melbourne. The two cages and a travel cage for some sale birds were packed quicker than we expected and we started the 45 minute drive to the Brisbane Airport. The birds were booked in to the Airlines by their due time of 6:00am and we had the car parked away in long term parking.

 

After a delayed wait due to fog in Melbourne we arrived just after 11:00am. The flight across Bass Straight was uneventfully and we landed in Launceston 15 minute late. The birds had arrived and we left for the 2 hour drive to Burnie.

 

We traveled though some beautiful country sides of rolling hills full of sheep and in the back ground the magnificent Western Tiers, a mountain range that runs up the west coast of the island. We arrived at our destination to find Burnie a sleepy town that nestled into the north shore of the island just west of Devonport.

 

That night we dinned at a friendly fish and chip restaurant on the beach with some of the nicest people you could meet. There was Allister Homes and his wife, Roy Blair and his wife. Jim and Joy Fletcher, Bob Bourke.

 

The next day was a sight seeing day down to Queenstown, out to Strahan and back to Burnie. That night it was the Meet and Greet for those that also came from around Australia for the occasion. Seeing good friends such as Gary and Deloris Armstrong was one of the high lights of the trip. I must say it did take till the next day to catch up with Gina House who had a bad trip to the nationals. But still looked as good as ever.

 

The next two days were a mixed bag of celebrations as our team won and disappointment as they lost but always around good company. The nights were again a time of catching up with old friends and an opportunity to make new ones.

 

The rest of the week was made up of sight seeing to Cradle Mountain, Sheffield, Dr Harry Cooper's Farm, Longford, Aurthur River, Smithton, Swansea and all the site in between. Derick and Deborah Poole welcomed us to their house and than to stay with them the night in Swansea before making our way back down to Hobart and the flight back to Brisbane....

 

I enjoyed the country side, the food, the atmosphere, the great company and ..... All from the power of a little bird.