News

Membership boom ups CBS show entry

At Loanhead CBS's October open show more than 500 birds were benched and committee members believe the increase in numbers is down to a recent surge in club membership.

Assistant secretary Dave White said the club's 61 members have helped to establish Loanhead CBS as a leading club in the Edinburgh and Lothian area.

Mr White from Edinburgh said: "The show was an overwhelming success. When you consider that a few years ago Loanhead CBS was about to close, it's marvellous. Everyone helped with the staging, and was involved with stewarding – it's a very friendly club."

In 2010, Cage & Aviary Birds reported that an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) had been called in a bid to save Loanhead CBS and its annual show from closure due to lack of members (News, July 15).

Mr White said since the EGM, and by drumming up more support, the club has gone from strength to strength. He commented: "It's amazing that we have received support from people who travelled from Cumbria and Aberdeen. We are hoping that next year's show will be an even bigger success."

The only thing missing from the successful open show was the club's longest serving member, 96-year-old Robert Pentland. Mr Pentland suffered from a broken hip after a recent fall, which meant he missed the show for the first time in more than 35 years.

He said: "I've been a member of Loanhead CBS since 1947, and I've bred almost every bird except Norwich canaries. I haven't kept birds for about 10 years, but I have attended the shows because of the friends I have made. I don't think I'll be back at the bird club, but I will keep in touch with the members."

All the members of the club wish Mr Pentland a speedy recovery. Judges on the day of the open show were C. Adamson, F. Adamson, R. Blackley, P. Craig, A. Derks, A. Drew, W. King and P. Renwick.

● For more information on Loanhead CBS tel: 0131 4400643.