BRINSWORTH 6.07.2003

Barry Edge has allowed me to take over his position as roving reporter for the Northern Hamster Club. The following is the report for the journal for the Brinsworth show which was held on Sunday. Unfortunately, there won't be a report for the next two shows, Emley and Ashfield as I am on holiday for the show dates. But there will be a report for the Rotherham show and thereafter. This is the report:
Hi to all! Your new roving reporter here! Yes, Blade has hung up his reporting boots and handed the torch down to me, Alan Epton. It is a job which I feel privileged to have.
It was a great day at Brinsworth which all members (and non-members) enjoyed. Due to the infrequent buses, I had to catch an early one. Any later and I would've been late for benching. I arrived at 9:20...the doors weren't due to open until 10:30, so I wandered around and tried to find someone who knew which tent we were in. I was pointed in the right direction and discovered that we had a rather posh marquee, which was a surprise after the two-man tent that we had at Golcar!
Ken and Mandy Skill soon arrived and we began to set up the tables in the tent. We realised that there was quite a large dip in the ground but it didn't matter as thats where the judges tables were. Everybody else began to arrive and we noticed the lack of chairs in the tent. Somebody asked "What are the judges going to do then?" Rather sarcastically, Barry Edge and I replied "They're going to judge!" Well, what can I say? Great minds think alike! The chair problem was rectified, the tombola and sales stall were set up and the hamsters were benched.
It turned out to be a very busy day! Melissa Chamberlain judged Syrians with the help of Sheryl Steele as book steward and Sandra Edge judged Other Species. I volunteered to book steward, asking if it was necessary for book stewards to handle the hamsters. Due to my fear of dwarfs (a fear that I feel is justified as Sandra was bitten numerous times,) I was relieved to find that I wouldn't have to.
The day went smoothly with plenty of cups of coffee drunk. We had been conveniently placed next to the Caffeine Rush tent which made it easy to pop next door for the occasional espesso!
The show ended and the prizes were given out. Joshua Rowe won best-in-show which I think is pretty imressive to say he is a junior! We packed everything away, took our hamsters and set off home, having had a very enjoyable day.

Your Roving Reporter, Alan Epton.
(Showing Hamsters who's boss since 1987)