By Graham Matthews

Isn’t it amazing what a bit of space can do? The change of venue for our Bird Sale to the permanent pavilion at the Riverland Field Days site at Barmera was a great move. Our new trestles worked really well although they will need some modifications before next year.

The pavilion was a resounding success with all in attendance, as it provided ample room for both sellers and trade stands and comfortable space for the buyers and public. We had 35 sellers registered with over 1000 finches, lovebirds, budgies, parrots and cockatoos being benched. There were 17 trade stands offering an assortment of bird orientated equipment, foods and accessories as well as local produce, jewellery, plant pots and art.

Over 600 buyers and public attended the sale and it’s believed many sellers went home with just a few or no birds. Many bird keepers attended just for a look (a few from quite some distance away), and were so impressed they were adamant they’ll be back next year with their own birds to sell. Glenys Matthews and her Barmera Primary School students again put up a display that was well received and this time it was from their recent Environmental Expo.

So in closing the 2009 Sale was an amazing success, thanks to ABK Publications and all our local sponsors listed elsewhere. Thanks to all our members who assisted in setting up, then packing and cleaning up and those who contributed in some other way. The committee is already planning next year and we may just make it an all weekend event with a dinner, guest speaker and other activities. Watch this space for developments.

October Gadget Meeting

The October meeting is to be a “Gadget Meeting” and we want all members attending to bring along something they’ve built or use to make life easier for them with their daily chores. This may be something you invented yourself or have seen somewhere and now use. There will be a prize for the best gadget or idea presented on the day as voted by those in attendance. The prize will be 12 months free subscription to the club.