South Western Zebra Finch Club

South Western Zebra Finch Club 2025 AGM report.

At the recent AGM of the South Western Zebra Finch club held at the Kenn Centre Kennford, Exeter, on 16^th February Club Chairman Paul Paintain thanked those members present for attending and for traveling some long distances from Camborne Cornwall and Bristol and looked forward to the 2025 season. He reported that two very good shows in 2024 both making a small profit and thanked everyone who was involved with the running. Finaly, he welcomed Paul Ley as a new member to the meeting and to the club.

In the Secretary/ Treasurers report Peter Cannan started with membership for the past year had decreased from the previous year (2023) and stood at 25. Subscriptions for 2025 were due 1^st January but at present the number was only 8 but anticipated that that would change following the events throughout the coming year.

Members present were given a full Income & Expenditure sheet for the General Account and a Show Income & Expenditure report from 2024.

A full set of accounts can be obtained from the Treasurer by paid up members on request.

Patronage Secretary, (again), Peter Cannan reported that Rosettes for the coming year will need to be ordered as a storage for them at home was no longer available. Other than the ZFS Area shows, local patronages are low, but it should pick up later in the year. Last year’s unused Rosettes have been returned to Cornish Rosettes for alteration to this year’s use, thus saving the club a little money.

Andy Nethercott presented his Publicity and Website report in written form which stated that- Cage & Aviary Birds magazine had printed both major show reports for 2024 with accompanying photos, along with supplementary reports regarding SWZFC member’s results at other ZFS patronage shows, mainly Camborne and Western Counties. The same reports were posted on the Club’s website and the South West Zebra and Bengales Finch Facebook page. The Website had received all time views of 36,061 and continues to be viewed by audiences from other countries.

Election of officers then took place, and the following members were re-elected with one inclusion change: Chairman- Paul Paintain, Secretary & Treasurer- Peter Cannan,

Patronage / Publicity/ Website- Andy Nethercott, (andynfinch@gmail,com)

Show Secretaries- Derrick Bates & Gina McGee, Show Manager- Adrian Wills, Trophy Secretary Mason Rigden.

2025 Shows.

Open Area Show Sunday 14^th September 2025 at The Kenn Centre. Judges Paul Paintain to judge Champion Breeder, Novice Adult & Junior Breeder. With Peter Cannan who will judge Champion Adult, Novice Breeder & Junior Adult.

The Foreign Bird judge on the day will be John Hayward.

Sales birds will be managed by Barry Burton & Mason Rigden in a separate room from the exhibition hall. This year there will be no commission, but entries will be £1 per entry.

The 2025 Summer Show will be held on Sunday 10^th August and again at the Kenn Centre. Judges for this super show will be- Derrick Bates for Zebra Finches and Ron Dewberry the Bengalese and Foreign.

2 members agreed to share sponsorship for the Rosettes which helps to keep costs down for the show. A sales class will be available, but space is limited.

Dates for your Diary- 2026 Area Open show – Sunday 13^th September and the Summer Show – Sunday 9^th August both at the Kenn Centre.

Finally, please note that Subscriptions are now overdue.

Andy Nethercott

Publicity/Website.

swandsczfc.uk