Cheshire and Borders Koi Society visit
Sunday 17th September 2006
We all met the coach at Holywell pay and display car park (because it’s free on a Sunday)
Rain was threatening as we travelled towards Chester. Another wet day in prospect we thought, but as soon as we left the A55 the weather started to brighten and that was the last we saw of the rain for the day. Great!
Pond number One – Martin and Shirleys
It wasn’t long before we arrived at the first pond of the day; Martin and Shirleys, aptly called the Breakfast stop. I think Shirley must have thought there were fifty people visiting with the shear volume of food on offer from bacon butties, croissants, tea/coffee, it was a superb spread.
Their secluded garden is home to a 5,500-gallon pond, which lies amongst a lovely landscaped garden with shrubs and bamboos.
Pond number two – Paul Williams
Fully fuelled with food and drink we proceeded to the second pond of the day; Paul Williams’s, quite a trek from the first but well worth the trip. Paul’s pond is an 8,500-gallon build, home to some very memorable award winning Koi.
Paul very kindly bowled out the Koi so we could appreciate them up close and to allow us all to take lots of photos.
Before we commenced to the third pond, the coach was fully searched to make sure no one had sneaked a couple of those prize winners aboard!
So then, onto number three, the first two had taken up most of the morning and it was now Lunchtime. What more food!?
Pond number three – Steve and Annette Kitson’s
A lovely garden was the venue for Steve and Annette’s 4,500-gallon pond with attached Summerhouse.
Black Forest Gateu, trifle and cheesecake, oh yes and Steve’s chocolate surprises; pieces of fruit dipped in chocolate on sticks - The waistline was taking a hit today!
Pond number four – Colin and Jenny Schofield
A newly constructed 3,000-gallon pond, nicely landscaped which will look fantastic when it has time to mature. A very well thought out pond, with plenty of space for the fish to grow.
Pond number Five – Mick and Cath Williams
A lovely slate waterfall and 2,000-gallon pond, covered with a pergola that reaches over the whole patio, so that you can sit and admire the koi in all weathers, a well-constructed idea.
Pond number six – Paul and Karen Morgan
Paul and Karen’s pond is very unique in that the pond is both inside and out! Something that we have all probably thought about at some stage but dismissed due to complexity - The circular 3,400-gallon pond is half covered with a conservatory.
Paul has a new quarantine setup in the garage with fish growing on, something I have done myself to great effect.
Back on the coach for the final pond of the day, another reasonably long drive over the ‘high’ points in Cheshire we arrived at Paul and Chris’s pond.
Pond number Seven – Paul and Chris Leese
Paul and Chris’s setup is truly magnificent, a 7,500-gallon pond situated in professional quality gardens, something to see at every turn. Besides a great collection of Koi some people observed scrumping
And then onto the final order of the day, the ‘Railway Inn’ for a sit down meal and raffle, with some great prizes on offer. I was lucky enough to bag a pond skimmer for my troubles, a fantastic end to an already great day!
We would like to thank the Cheshire and Borders Koi Society for their friendly hospitality and a really great day, we must do it again in the future, many thanks everyone.
Dave Wilson
North Wales Koi Society Librarian
