Olivia and I have particularly eagle-eyes when it comes to the Poultry scene so deciding on my show career highlights has been difficult but here goes ..
I’m going to kick this off with a personal favourite.. and I would like to make a big shout-out to the man in this story. For a bit of context to get the ball rolling, at the end of each showing day everyone gathered around for the Prize Ceremony (never had the honour myself but you know, I’m over it ;) ) They gave out all the prizes, and last but not least, ‘Best in Show goes to…’ – now the man who stepped forward had styled his hair to the exact description of Sonic the Hedgehog, a craft in itself surely? Yet, in stark contrast to his spiked locks was a single piece of wood-shaving presumably, ‘accidently’ attaching itself to his head as he commuted from one end of the barn to the other. Photographs were also taken once a prize was awarded. I really hope that man framed that picture because if anything, the core strength of that little piece of sawdust to balance so perfectly, deserves that note of respect.
In a close 2nd was when I washed my young buff Orpington hen in Pantene Pro-V; only the best for a fabulous bird. I had entered her into the Junior’s category where they encouraged exhibitors to stick around and watch the judging to pick up useful tips.. The judges came round to my pullet’s cage, they lifted her out and for some reason (secretly I thought who could resist Pantene) he sniffed her. But to my surprise he pulled a face and said something along the lines of ‘bad quality bird’. I have to be honest here, this may be incorrect as I’d erased the comment from my memory, as you can imagine an 8 year old not taking a negative comment too well... but I clearly remember our homebound trip to the Sainsbury’s Garage and being very annoyed indeed. Maybe that judge preferred the aroma of damp chicken over the enriching scent of a well-known shampoo brand; each to their own I suppose.
Last but certainly not least came the people of the Poultry Showing Scene. You really can’t beat the quality of personalities and characters. I’m going to put them into little cliques which certainly do ‘stick to the status quo’ [High School Musical, can’t remember the year]. You’ve got the youth culture.. consisting of roughly two families that cleaned out the Junior & Juvenile category prizes (boo-hoo & single tear to Chicken Corner). Then came the supportive adults, generally parents who were both complacent and deeply enthused by the fact their child had chosen such an unusual past-time. The population division largely belonged to the respected-elders clique. Normally, elderly ladies and gentleman who had retired and were truly passionate about maintaining a clear breed standards journal. I can’t say there was a clear hierarchy, although the committee had prestige and lest us forget the man who sold paintings at the left-hand side, who in my humble opinion was a pretty big name.
Now, maybe it was because we were too busy people-watching to notice that in fact, we hadn’t done very well in competition (this is a lie, I knew I’d done badly) but it was worth every minute of my Seasonal Show Sunday afternoons.
Bye chicks x
Written: 15th November 2017
