News

Secret benefactor gives 200 to NYCC

The Northern Yorkshire Canary Club (NYCC) received an anonymous donation of £200 at its open show, described by officials as "absolutely amazing".

The generous sum of money was donated as a prize for the best-in-show winner at the annual event, held on December 10. Barry Mills, a steward on the day, said it was genuinely an anonymous donation: "We don't know who the person was, but clearly it was someone who is keen on the Yorkshire canary fancy, and in particular supporting a historic club."

He continued: "The NYCC is an old club and obviously someone values it very much, this benefactor wanted to give the club a boost and ensure it got a decent entry."

The money was donated before the show and advertised in the hope it would entice more fanciers to exhibit. Mr Mills, who attends the show every year, said: "It did attract a lot of interest. The show was highly successful with a good atmosphere and birds of high quality."

Thanks to the donation, the show saw exhibitors from Scotland, Leeds, Bradford, Liverpool, Cumbria, Derbyshire and East Riding bench a total of 170 Yorkshire canaries – 97 champion and 73 novice.

Overall winner and best champion with a clear yellow cock was Alan Johnston from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. r Mills added: "It's the first time the club has had a donation like this. It was certainly a very generous gift and helped to make the day that little bit special."

● A full report of winners will appear in Club News in a future issue. To find out more about the Northern Yorkshire Canary Club contact, tel: 01653 696376.