After 29 years of combined service Gary Pritchard stood down as the JSC Chairman at the 2022 AGM. His place is taken by Allan Tait who was elected unanimously at the same meeting.
Gary joined the BKKS in 1979 and followed that by joining the MSB Section where he was a founder member and eventually Chairman 1990-96. Gary honed his koi show skills at their annual shows. He was also given honorary membership by the South Hants Sections for services rendered during a court case. Like many section members he transferred those skills to the Society’s National Show Committee 1992-97.
Gary was Society Chairman 1992-1998 and Caretaker Chairman for 2001 during which times he represented the Society on DEFRA meetings and on those of FOCAS (Federation of Companion Animal Societies) during the troubled times of licensing issues.
In 1988 Gary joined the JSC, qualifying in 1989. Serving two periods as JSC Chairman (1992-2000 & 2002-2022). One of Gary’s earliest projects was the implementation of the Judges Training Programme which he started in 1991. One of the first in the world and copied in several koi societies. Gary was its first ever Trainee Liaison Officer.
Gary has judged abroad, one of the first being the inaugural Holland Koi Show in 1991. Gary has returned to judge there on several occasions as well as in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Japan and the USA.
Gary decided to stand down in 2018 but when Covid loomed he stayed in office and waited until the show scene re-emerged before handing over. He remains a member of the JSC and is itching to get back on the circuit following a hip replacement operation scheduled soon.
Allan joined the BKKS in 1996 entering the JSC Training Program in 2007, qualifying in 2011 after serving a two year probationary period.
Allan’s grounding began at the Northeast Section where he served on their show committee before joining the JSC. Like many from his section his skills were imported into the National Show late last century where he served first as a worker and more recently as the JSC representative to the National Show Committee.
Allan is also a member of the Yorkshire section and has assisted the Yorkshire Section as well as the the Scottish Section at their shows. Allan’s talent as a judge is appreciated abroad where he has judged in Holland and South Africa on several occasions in both countries. Allan is soon to add Belgium to his overseas portfolio.
Allan’s grounding in the hobby follows a similar path to that of his predecessor’s. Coupling that with his current activities around the country we feel our sub-committee is in good hands.