I then visited a few local breeders to see how they kept their birds, I asked as many questions as possible about breeding etc. I eventually bought some better birds from a local champion, who I knew well at the time, he helped me a great deal in those early days, with some good birds and put me on the correct road.

I joined the local cage birds club where I met other fanciers, they gave me a warm welcome and invited me to see their birds and talk birdie talk with them. This I enjoyed and I acquired knowledge from them and through the meetings I attended.

I visited all the shows in a thirty mile radius, during which I made a mental note of the winners, and what type of birds the judges were going for. I read Cage Birds avidly every week and once again attained knowledge from the articles contained within.

I joined the BS in 1954 also the Midland BA and FBS, and local clubs in the area. I got involved with helping at their meetings and shows etc. The Midlands during the 1960's and 70's had the best birds in the country, it was a real hot bed, we had the great fancier Harry Bryan who I established a great friendship with, during those years, he helped me so much with some good birds this put me on the winning road to success, after this I didn't look back. I visited him most years in those early days in the hobby and added to my stock of his blood into mine, with great success. I showed at many of the smaller shows to begin with and then onto the bigger ones such as, Area shows, Championship shows and the BS World Show, where I have been very successful over the years. My greatest win at this show was in 1974, when I staged the Best in Show, with a Cinnamon Grey Green Cock Bird, to follow in 1975, I had Best Breeder in show with a Dark Green Cock. I've had many other awards at the BS Club Show, Best Adult 2^nd and 6^th, 2^nd and 4^th Best Breeder, Best Opposite sex in Show, many CC Winners and First Prize Winners.

I keep most of the popular colours in Normal's, Opalines, Spangles in light green, grey green, grey, skyblue, cobalt, yellowface. In the 1970's and 80's I was noted for my cinnamons. I was a BS Panel Judge from 1969 until 2004, when I retired. I have judged in many different countries all over the world, enjoyed myself and also made numerous good friends during this time, which I still keep in touch with now.

Looking back I have enjoyed this Great Hobby and after 55 years in it, I hope to have a few more before I call it a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!