East Lothian CBS show. No competition, as I knew, but it is important to let my rare breed of canary be seen. In the 1880s it was the most kept and exhibited canary variety in Scotland.

Two week break now until Musselburgh & Whitecraig show on 9 November; then Blackburn on 16 November and finally Kelso on 14 December.

Well I did not expect this today at Grangemouth. Best Old Hen (Elizabeth again) and three thirds in classes of six, the competition being Champions. Really delighted. Haddington tomorrow for East Lothian CBS show.

Birds selected and dropped off at Grangemouth show this evening. There is strong competition at this local show with me the only novice against 3 champions. I am not expecting to win! Sunday is Haddington for the East Lothian CBS show. That is a nice relaxing venue for me - it's also close at hand and after my 1,000 miles travelled this month so far I could do with an easier time.

Ayr & Prestwick show today. 1st, 4th and 5th in the hens' class and 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the males' class.

Grangemouth and Haddington shows next weekend.

Final post for this evening - another short clip of the Scots Fancy section

Second attempt at uploading film

A wonderful weekend at the National Exhibition in Stafford. Best of Breed; Best Novice; Best Novice Scots Fancy [OVCA], Judge's award and sponsor's award. Really affirming to get these awards from the Old Varieties Canary Association [OVCA].

I also had three other firsts and two seconds. My bird beat 17 others (two being Champion breeders) to be Best of Breed. I am delighted.

Some more of the show and some film too - I can never find any photos of the National Exhibition so took some of my own.

It is almost as thrilling to win well as it is to breed the birds but I do enjoy the breeding season. In some ways it is less work.

Some photos of the other sections of the OVCA section

Best in Show [OVCA] was a Gibber or Giboso - my favourite birds after the Scots Fancies. Some film of them here.

Northern Counties Scots Fancy Club show at Carlisle today. Long day but pleased with my three firsts, two seconds and a fourth out of five.

Loanhead and District CBS is the first show on my season. Here are some photos of the "team" - Elizabeth (3/12) winning again.

Tomorrow is the Northern Counties Scots Fancy Specialist Club Show in Carlisle. I set off at 6 am.