Liverpool and District Koi Society visit June 2007
By Dave Wilson, North Wales Koi Librarian
We met the coach at the usual, pay and display car park (we don't pay on Sundays). The directions we had received were spot on, and we did not get lost, which is quite unusual for us lot.
We were soon at the first stop. This was to be the breakfast stop, so lots of tasty bacon and sausage butties and lashing's of tea and coffee were supplied by Karen and Paul, which really set us up for the day ahead, very much appreciated guys.
Pond 1 – Paul and Karen's Pond
Paul and Karen's pond is 1800 gallons, constructed of block with a liner and a nice waterfall feature. Although they have only keeping Koi for 5 years, they have built up a nice collection of Koi.
These are soon to be re-homed prior to moving house, where a much larger pond will be constructed... if Paul has his way!
Pond 2 – Ken and Brenda's Pond
Ken and Brenda's lovely garden and pond of 6,000 gallons was the second pond that we visited.
Ken has kept Koi for about 20 years. Over this time, Ken has put together a great selection of large, quality Koi from top breeders.
Using a Nexus and a Bead Filter as the main filtration. Unfortunately Ken has decided to retire from Koi keeping, and his entire stock of quality Koi are up for sale. One of the NWKS members made a very significant purchase on the day; a superb kohaku which had won prizes in Japan and is featured in Japanese koi magazine.
Pond 3 – Austin and Diane
Austin and Diane's pond is constructed 'In-ground' and is around 2700 gallons which is set in a nicely landscaped garden. The pond has twin waterfalls as the returns from the Filtration which uses a sieve and then through a bead filter. This is obviously working very well as the water is crystal clear and the Koi are thriving in the well maintained water.
Pond 4 – Les and Sue
Les and Sue's lovely garden and pond was the Lunch stop. The pond constructed of block and then fibre-glassed, with waterfall and a well constructed pergola over. The filter system was a sieve fed into a bead filter, the result of this was that the clarity of the 3200 gallons was truly amazing. A nice feature waterfall has been made using Perspex. Some large and friendly Koi were present.
Visit to Infiltration
A trip to this well known dealership, is worth while if you are nearby. This is a member of NWKS selecting some Tosai chagoi to grow on. The big ones are behind you Dave!
Pond 5 – Vic and Pat
Vic and Pat's pond is filtered by a bubble bead filter, the pond was also covered by a pergola. An artistic koi mural was on the back wall of the pond. The koi looked very content in the 5000 gallons of crystal clear water. Vic and Pat were away on holiday, the pond was being looked after by their son, who kindly opened their pond for our visit.
Finally the Liverpool Koi Society treated us to a fine buffet, which was nice end to a great Day out. There was also a raffle which the NWKS dominated the prizes, with one lucky person winning six prizes! I would like to thank Paul Edgar for being guide for the day and also Liverpool and District KS for their hospitality. I hope we can return the same to them in the near future.
Dave Wilson
North Wales Koi Librarian
