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How long have you been keeping fish. Explain how you got started etc.

I was always interested in keeping tropical fish, but could not afford to get started. In July 1997 I had a visit from one of my mates offering me a complete 4foot setup in a cabinet for £40, this was just to good to refuse & that is how I got started.

Not knowing a great deal about the hobby I joined K.A.S to learn more.

As time went on my livebearers started producing fry & as you all know this also means more tanks for rearing. Over the next two months this grew to 12 tanks in my spare bedroom.

This also produced a buzzing sound in my ears called “Earache from my wife”. The tanks had to go.

What types of fish/tanks do you have & numbers of tanks.

As I said earlier at one stage I had 12 tanks & the wife told me they had to go, so I built a 7'x7'x6' fish house in the back garden holding 52 tanks.

I have a large range of fish from Livebearers, Barbs, Anabantids, Cichlids & Characins just to name a few.

I have never stopped breeding fish from almost day one. I have been very successful at most of the fish I have kept with the list above plus Killifish, Corydoras & Goodeid. I won't name them all as the list would be to long.

I started showing fish in 1998 at K.A.S table shows. I have been very successful with lots of First, Second & Third place tickets but my pride & joy has to be winning one complete class & the trophy in 1999, Two classes in 2001 & three classes in 2002.

I then sat my Judges exam & passed and so the showing has halted because I judge whenever I can.

October 2007, I have now successfully completed 5 years judging & have ben promoted to a Classs A Judge.

November 2007, I have just taken on the roll of Judges Co-Ordinator for all the U.S.A Judges.

Other interests outside fishkeeping. If its is another club etc, give details so we cane advertise them.

Fishkeeping is my hobby & I don't have time for any other pastime.

Most of my time is dedicated to looking after my disabled wife. Who has problems with walking, I also have two dogs that give me plenty of exercise.

Do you have any person or several persons that you admire/respect. This can be in the hobby or family or others. give reasons why etc.

I have four people within the hobby that I respect for different reasons.

Jill & Mike Dewar, the input they give to the club outside club hours that nobody can see is great. They have also helped me greatly with my judging.

Ken Young, this man doesn't always get the praise he deserves. Ken as with Mike & Jill, Whilst judging their advise & encouragement puts me completely at ease which is great for my moral.

Craig Dempsey, Took on the mantle of President after the tragic death of Jimmy Gilbert last march.

Craig has done an outstanding job under which must have been a very difficult time.