In 1968, my young family, my wife Joyce and I moved to Virginia Water in Surrey, not far from London Airport. The house was named Tanglewood and when first seen it lived up to its name. Years of work were to follow, but the aviary, made of cedarwood, had to take priority. One of the first visitors was Joachim Schwartsberg, the famous German fancier.

 

 

 

Originally 40 feet [12.2m] by 10 feet [3.05m], it was subsequently increased to double that length some years later. Housing 66 breeding cages constructed by Reinhard Molkentin, these cages are the last word in cage presentation. The Jo Mannes aviary is also fitted out with the same cages, as well as the U.K. Quarantine at London Airport for the U. K. budgerigar exports to Australia.

 

In 1980, a normal grey BA23 cock won Best Breeder at the Budgerigar Society Club Show. In 1984, a skyblue was awarded Best Adult and Best Opposite Sex-in-Show, at the same event. 1987 saw what other fanciers are pleased to recall as one of the five best birds ever bred up to that time. This was a grey green cock BA23 - 43 -83 given Best Breeder in Show, but remarkably, in the opinion of the fancy, not Best in Show. The following year at the Budgerigar World Open Championship at Blackpool, the same bird finally proved it's quality where it took the supreme award.

 

 

Good grey greens have always had a special place at Tanglewood, but as is common in Budgerigars, you also need some luck. In 1986, a modest looking pair in cage number 16, bred a total of 12 chicks, each of outstanding quality. The following year they bred another seven. For many years this has been referred to as the "16" Line and birds sold from this line have in turn bred show winners. Jim Laurie from Scotland is a classic case, his outstanding wins at the B.S. World Championship in the 90's being credited, by him, to this same line.

 

In 1997 I lost two great friends, Jim Moffat and Mick Wheeler, both of whom had very fine studs, with the Moffat Stud of light greens being perhaps the best in the World. On Jim's death the stud was gifted to me by Margie Moffat for which I will always be grateful. The Moffat birds with their superb width of face, depth of mask and frontal lift were crossed with the 16 line grey greens, but gradually the Stud became all light greens and skyblues. In recent times other colour outcrosses became necessary and trips to South Africa to buy from Reinhard Molkentin and to Europe to purchase from Daniel Lutolf, two of the worlds most experienced fanciers, have paid great dividends. Today the aviary can be found with all the Normal Series plus superb spangles all of the highest qulaity and in great demand worldwide.

 

"The Challenge" is always there and that is why my enthusiasm for breeding exhibition quality budgerigars has never waned.

 

 

The Author Gerald Binks has been breeding since the age of 12 and for more than 6o years.

His aviary "Tanglewood" is well know to most breeders. he has 68 breeding cabinets in the breeding room and two large flights. All indoors. His aviary is an "L" sharp messuring 50ft x 35ft.

I've seen these pics on his site. I would love to visit someday. It is an absolutely amazing set-up!!!

Don't we all just dream of space like that !!

thats amazing!!

The entire setting looks so serene The aviary itself is amazing, and the garden setting surrounding it is just beautiful.

 

What a lucky guy!

Daz put those photos of Henry George`s set up on here.

 

Thats a Professional Aviary here in OZ.

Good Idea, I get them up when I get to work.

Pure budgie HEAVEN!!! is beautiful & so clean and well kept