Saturday 17/05/2008 - Setting Up...

Saturday morning was an early start for everyone; by about 10.30 we had 10 club members helping erect the marquee. With the clouds gathering all the time as we worked, as expected the heavens opened just as we were putting the roof on. From that point on the wind got up and the rain tried to dampen our spirits, but with a backdrop of mickey taking and abuse we got the thing up in quick time. The vats were erected and filled and by lunch time the crew left happy for the pub, anticipating a good day on Sunday...

Sunday 18/05/2008 - The Main Event

They were not to be disappointed either, just after dawn broke the sun was shining and there were clear blue skies all around. Arriving on site by 09.00 members were eagerly either unloading koi for the auction or viewing the lots. The morning progressed well with 40 plus lots of differing sizes and varieties of koi all catalogued ready. The car park was ready, the marquee entrance was fully manned (or should I say womaned) as Claire and Emma were ready to take your money. Whether it was for entrance fees, refreshments or even a specially reduced club membership.

We were all set for the rush when it came. As 12 o’clock approached a small crowd was beginning to form around the tents and vats. At around 12.15 Mushio cleared his throat and opened the mike. He greeted everyone in his usual laid back manner and for the next couple of hours the lots were greeted with much humor and generous rounds of bidding. Some great koi were to be found in the auction with many going for a song! By 2.30 the Mushio and Gilly show came to an end. All the lots were sold and all the fish began to leave with their new happy owners. The members then spent the next 1 1/2 hours sorting the cash and clearing the site. As usual a fun atmosphere continued until the end of another successful event run by East midlands koi club. The club raised a massive £700, more than we could have dreamed of, mainly thanks to the generosity of Richdon Koi providing us with many of the lots and giving us a 50% of each koi sold. This will go along way to helping us get the first EMKC Open Koi Show off the ground!

Many thanks to all those who took part.

By Simon Nourse