TIM ADDIS: The Charity Fish Auction, yesterday in Redditch

I am still most disappointed that we weren't able to attend, and Tim's account of the proceedings makes me even more so....

After a really hectic day at the auction I can give some preliminary results. More will follow on the website as usual with a more in-depth look & photos. Could I ask those taking photos to send me some to include on the web page?

As predicted, it was a monster auction surpassing attendance figures & donations. We had around 120 people attending, which was up about 40 on last December. The auction generated a total of £755.74, which was paid into the club today. A scan of the receipt will be put on the web page. This is a record donation since the auctions started.

The kitchen was kept exceptionally busy & at one stage had 40 orders to cook for.

I would like to thank everyone for attending & spending money on fish in the auction. Also thanks to the small army of volunteers who willingly help out each year. This year we had some new faces on the team & I have to say things ran really smoothly.

The beefs I heard about were mainly from people blocking the view of the stage. It's difficult to fit so many people into the room & not have some gripes but I have taken them onboard & next auction we will have a new viewing rack built, which will be sheeted over during auctions to prevent folks viewing lots & getting in the way. This also benefits the fish by keeping them shaded from light & outside disturbance. This is something the fish & audience will appreciate.

So keep telling us where we can improve things. We do listen & try to resolve problem areas. For instance, no gripes on fish not being put on the rack from particular boxes. Now great pains are taken to select fish from every box. This area of work is not fully appreciated & Linda & Dave do a great job every auction.

Next auction is June 6th (D-Day) so it should be easy to remember. We have already booked the marquee for the event with the club now own so this is definately going to be on. This area will be used for cichlids & run by the BCA's new management. The idea is that they run this area & donate 10% as we do now from the auction in this area. This will be added to the main charity donation kitty.

Early days yet but it looks like we can organise a barbeque for this event.