2009 National Show
The last weekend of June will see the BKKS set up camp once again at the Newark Showground to host the National Show. The Show Committee is working extremely hard to ensure that it is a great show for all our visitors. Once again the Society would like to thank all it’s sponsors and as with last years show, the Society is delighted to be working with major sponsors Oase, Tetra, Evolution Aqua and Kusuri, whose generous support enables a show of this size to take place.
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Exhibitors
As with every National Show, there is always great demand for vats to exhibit koi, and every effort is being made to ensure as many potential exhibitors as possible are allocated vats. However, there will almost certainly be too many applications to satisfy all requests and a reserve list will be operated for those that are unsuccessful in their initial application. It is recommended that those on the reserve list prepare their koi ready for the show as there are often late cancellations and they could be allocated a vat right up to Thursday 25th June. As always some of the best koi anywhere in the world will be on display in all sizes and varieties. Will Bill Oakley’s stunning Matsunosuke Kohaku make it a hat trick of victories as Grand Champion, or will we see a new winner this year? There were certainly a number of other koi that pushed the Kohaku all the way to the title last year, and after another year’s development it will be great to see these wonderful koi in all their glory. The koi will be judged on Saturday 27th June and all visitors on Sunday 28th June will be able to get details of where to find all the major prize winners when they enter the show.
Competition
There will be a judging competition for all visitors to the show on Saturday 27th June with photographs of 6 koi that the judges have considered for the Grand Champion award on display from around 11.00am. If you can match the judges’ selection of the Grand Champion then there is a chance to win one of the prizes on offer. The winners’ names will be announced at the prize-giving on Sunday
Entertainment
Ninjutsu Demonstration
On Saturday 27th June there will be a display by Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) by the Bujinkan Ojika-Koshin Dojo.
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) is almost 1000 years old and is headed by Grandmaster Massaki Hatsumi of Nodashi in Japan.
It is a very effective martial art that includes many techniques such as locks, throws, striking, kicking, pressure points, awareness, various weapons and historical techniques that are as relevant now as they were around 1000 years ago.
There will be a demonstration of the fighting techniques and the use of weapons, and there will also be a static display where you can have a look at the equipment used and ask questions.
So come along and explore the art of the shadow warriors of ancient Japan.
For more information on the Bujinkan Ojika-Koshin Dojo, please visit www.ojika.co.uk
Japanese Culture and Kimono Demonstration
Akemi Solloway (née Tanaka) teaches Japanese at Ardingly College, Sussex, as well as doing lectures, cultural demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops for schools, universities, museums and societies all over the UK and Japan.
Akemi is the eldest daughter of an old samurai family, descended from the Karo of Iwatsuki Castle in the time of Lord Ota Dokan (1432-1486). Because she has no brothers, Akemi has a special responsibility to keep alive the traditions of her ancestors. She is currently taking a postgraduate degree at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London. The kanji characters that are used to write her name mean, 'bright and beautiful'.
Akemi will be talking on ‘Kimono, Tea ceremony & Japanese cultural life style’ in the lecture theatre on both days.
For more information on Akemi Solloway, please visit her website www.solloway.org
Japanese Akita Welfare Trust
On Sunday 28th June, a number of members of the Japanese Akita Welfare Trust will be visiting the show and there will be the opportunity to see a number of these famous Japanese dogs. There will be the chance to talk to the owners about their dogs and the requirements for caring for such a dog.
You will also be able to get information about the work the trust does to home unwanted and rescue dogs and if interested in adopting such a dog, you will be able to get all the information you need.
The trust is registered as a charity in England and Wales, and was the first registered charity in the UK dedicated to the welfare of these animals. The trust relies completely on the donations and sponsorships that it receives. None of the trustees or area coordinators receives any payment for the help and support they offer to the re-homers of these fantastic animals, and in many cases will withhold from receiving payments that they are entitled to in respect of petrol, food and vet bills associated with the fostering of the dogs until permanent homes can be found.
For further information on the Japanese Akita Welfare Trust, please visit their website at www.jawt.co.uk
Lecture Theatre
In addition to the talks by Akemi Solloway, there are a number of presentations planned on all aspects of koi keeping which will keep the lecture theatre busy all weekend.
There will be a presentation by CEFAS, covering who they are and how they impact on koi keeping as a hobby as well as an update on Koi Herpes Virus (KHV).
Mark Davis will be giving a presentation on the work he is doing at Cuttlebrook Koi Farm. The farm has already had a great deal of success with their koi on the show circuit and this is a chance to see how his breeding programme works.
In addition there will be a panel of contributors to Koi Magazine who will be doing a question and answer session covering many areas of koi keeping.
Full details of the presentations and timings will be published in the Show Programme and on the BKKS website as soon as they are confirmed.
The award ceremony will also take place in the Lecture Theatre commencing at 3.00pm on the Sunday.
Dealers/Craft Stands
Some of the countries best dealers and craft stands will be at the show and a list of those attending will also be published in the Show Programme and on the BKKS website, as they are confirmed.
If any dealers have not yet been contacted and are interested in a stand at the show, they should contact Hayley Kenworthy on 01472 230532 or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Further details of stands for Craft dealers can be obtained from Ron Webster on 07762 192868 or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dinner/Dance and Weekend Package
The Dinner Dance will again take place at the Lincoln Assembly Rooms. Tickets for this and the weekend package are now available. For full details please visit this page of the site
BKKS Stand
The BKKS stand will be stocking a selection of stylish merchandise for purchase on the day and a special membership offer will also be available. Details of BKKS merchandise can be found by clicking here
Volunteers
As always there is a lot of work involved in running a show on this scale, and if you would like to help and have some time available in the build up to the show, or on the weekend or can help in packing up the show afterwards, please contact Darren Turner by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
What else is there to do?
We expect to have a number of Japanese themed attractions at the showground for our visitors as well as entertainment for our younger visitors. Watch the website for details as these are confirmed.
We appreciate that it is a long journey for many of our visitors and not everyone wants to spend the whole weekend at the show, so why not make it a weekend out for the family and combine your trip to the show with a visit to one of the local attractions.
How about the Pure Land Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre, home of the Buddha Maitreya? Located just 10 miles from the showground, Pure Land offers a chance to visit one of the finest Japanese Gardens in the country. Entrance is £5 for adults and £3 for children over 5 and refreshments and rice salad are served. There is also the opportunity to partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony or receive relaxation and meditation guidance. See the website at www.buddhamaitreya.co.uk for further details.
Alternatively there are activities for younger visitors including the Wheelgate Adventure Park where you will find a variety of rides and attractions just 16 miles from the showground. Entrance has been reduced this year to £5.50 with those under 92cm admitted free. Full details can be found on the website at www.wheelgatepark.com
Another attraction for younger visitors might be the White Post Farm Centre where there is a chance to interact with a wide selection of animals and enjoy the play area. Full details can be found at www.whitepostfarmcentre.co.uk
Coinciding with the National Show dates is the Earth and Fire festival of ceramics at the Rufford Craft Centre. Set in the picturesque grounds of the former abbey the festival sees 100 of the worlds finest potters and ceramic artists with a series of demnstrations and the opportunity to speak with the artists and purchase their wares. Full details can be found by clicking here
There are many other activities in the area and further information can be found at the following websites:
www.letsgo-newark.co.uk and www.britinfo.net
So make it a weekend for all the family and see some of the finest koi in the country at the same time.
Entrance to the show is £6.00 per day for BKKS members an £7.50 for non-members. A 2 day ticket costs £11 for BKKS members and £12 for non-members. Children under 14 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
The show is open from 10am to 5pm on both days.
We look forward to welcoming you to Newark in the company of the finest koi in the world. It is a great chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Update: Download the 2009 show poster by clicking here
