This year’s competition saw a total of 153 fish photographed and divided into three size categories. Size 1 was for fish up to 12 inches, size 2 was fish measuring 12 – 20 inches, and finally size 3 was for fish over 20 inches.
This number was coincidently exactly the same as in the 2007 competition, and once again a very good night’s entertainment. The photographs were taken by George Simmons and assisted by Chris Bellinger. This required several weeks of arrangements, weekday and weekend visits to the 18 members homes who had put their names forward, which was just 3 down on the number of last year’s entrants.
Keith Bertie, an honorary member of Crouch Valley and a qualified JSC judge, agreed once again to do the judging, but was unfortunately indisposed at the last minute, so his able assistant from last year Gerry Nunn kindly agreed to judge this year’s event alone. After some four hours of deliberations Gerry had decided on the five winners of the designated awards. Grand Champion.  Best in Size1. (Baby Champion). Size 2. (Adult Champion). Size 3. (Mature Champion), and finally Judges Choice.
Our rules constrain any winning fish to just one award, so the Grand Champion for example will not win any ‘best in size’ prizes. Other than that the rules are very much in keeping with general Koi shows. The thirteen varieties don’t always have entries in all three sizes but all varieties are often included within the competition.
The photographs are developed onto slides and on the evening we have two slide projectors showing the fish on two screens, which gives the judges the ability to make comparisons when giving their analysis and remarks, while the members can also make their own assessments to whom they think will be the overall winners.
After all the fish have been shown within their size ranges, the judge completes the evening by declaring to the membership his winning choices, which up to that point is only known by George and Chris. A short informal presentation of prizes concludes the show.
Crouch Valley will again hold a Photographic competition in 2009 as this has become a very popular evening on our Koi calendar.

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