SEKC visit the Kennet Valley Koi Society

On Sunday 8^th May 2005, club members spent the day in the company of members from the Kennet Valley Koi Society.

It was decided, as we were visiting a local club, that we would use our own cars, with members doubling up to reduce the number of vehicles. Imagine if you can, a convoy of about eight cars with drivers having virtually no idea of where they were going. Was it not surprising that there were a few mishaps along the way. Indeed the convoy broke up a couple of times during the day. There was no need to worry though, thanks to the good old mobile phone, we managed to reassemble quite quickly and carry on.

The first port of call was to see KVKS member, Ken Davies’ koi and pond. Ken lives in Swindon, Wiltshire. His pond is under cover and he has some very grand jumbo sized koi. Within the pond reside a large numbers of Chagoi’s, which were of varying sizes. Ken made us very welcome and we enjoyed a good cuppa whilst there.

For our second stop we continued west up towards Cirencester, where we were warmly welcomed by David Williamson and his wife.

When you approach David’s house from the lane you spot immediately a good size natural pond in the front of the premises, where many fancy goldfish and koi swim happily together. At the rear of the property David has built a very impressive pond, housing some very fine fish. The pond is surrounded by decking and you can view the koi from several good vantage points.

After saying our goodbye’s and giving our thanks for the refreshments, we got into our cars and set off for what turned out to be a very long drive back to Reading, where we had met up with our guide at the start of the day.

At Reading we were introduced to Mark Creed of Berkshire Koi Sales. This was to be our lunch stop and we spent a good hour and a half sitting in the sunshine in Mark’s garden (shown above). Mark’s wife very kindly laid on refreshments for us. This meant we had plenty to eat, as most of us had brought along a packed lunch. As well as admiring the koi that Mark had in his pond, we were duly entertained by their two attractive puppies.

Pond number four was just a short journey from Mark’s. The cars drew up at the home of Bill and Jane Lush.

Bill and Jane’s pond is jealously guarded by some very attractive gnomes. Their koi were attractive too! We spent a very pleasant forty minutes admiring the pond, the koi, the gnomes, the garden and the beautiful views across Reading.

Our final stop of the day was at the home of Glenn and Annette Adaway, who also reside in Reading. Glenn (our guide) had led our convoy throughout the day. He had tried to prepare us for the four course meal that would be waiting for us on our arrival at his home. This meal was cooked by his wife, Annette, with some help from friends. The meal started with – prawn cocktail, followed by a full Sunday roast, with a choice of dessert and rounded off with cheese and biscuits. All with plenty of drinks – soft and alcoholic!

We had a delightful couple of hours in the company of Glenn, Annette and other KVKS members. Plenty of time to enjoy the koi and the pond and of course the feast laid on so kindly for us.

All our thanks go the organisers, Glenn and Annette and to all KVKS members who opened their gardens for us to visit and for the kind hospitality shown by all...................Pat.

(Click pictures for a larger image)


1. A fine Chagoi !	2. Davids fine koi	3. Lunch stop	4. Gnomes looking quite at home by Bill & Jane’s pond	5. Annette serving up her four course meal to SEKC members

6. SEKC members enjoying the hospitality of the Kennet Valley Koi Society.

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