The hustle and bustle of the annual Shell Show returned to Napier Hall for a packed day of shell-related chat and activities. What a great pleasure to see so many familiar faces poring over the exhibits and the dealers’ wares, plus a number of newer attendees who are always most welcome and encouraged to venture into the wonderful world of shells.
It was also encouraging to see more exhibits in the Show than last year, despite the absence of entries from some of the more usual exhibitors, though something of a disappointment that there were no entries from junior members. It is sincerely hoped that this will not be repeated in the future. More encouragement came from the multiple high-quality entries in the shell art class and my congratulations go to all this year’s exhibitors. The results were as follows:
One Species
1st
2nd
Peter Siggers: Lambis chiragra chiragra
Kevin Brown: Conus tessulatus
One Genus/Family
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
David Rolfe: Turritellidae David Rolfe: Potamididae Kevin Brown: Acanthina Peter Siggers: Indo-Pacific Conidae
British
1st
Brian Hammond: Shells of Jura
Self-made Shell Art
1st 2nd 3rd
Selina Wilkins: Optical illusions Marsland: Shellebration cards and gifts Eileen Amabilino: Shell art on cards
Five Favourite Shells
1st
Peter Siggers: South seas beauties
Shellomania
1st 2nd
John Llewellyn-Jones: Cowrie cameos Graham Saunders: Adventures in taxonomy
Thanks go to the panel of judges – Mike Dixon, Celia Pain and Sharon Crichton – who were very thorough and conscientious in their deliberations. Their kind efforts should not be disregarded or taken for granted. The Conchologists of America Award was given to Brian Hammond for his very elegant and well presented display of Hebridean shells. Peter Siggers was awarded both the Peter Oliver Cup (for the educational value of his Lambis exhibit) and the Walter Karo Award for shell of the show (his delightful Harpa costata). The Scotia Shield was presented to Graham Saunders as although his display was not even the winner in its class, losing out to a superb display of cowrie cameos, it was felt to be thought-provoking and challenging and therefore worthy of an award given to the exhibit which best promotes interest in British conchology.
Mention should also be made of David Rolfe’s success in the ‘One Genus/Family’ class for the second year running. The judges were impressed by the simple yet effective style of his exhibits and the fact that they focussed on more unusual groups of molluscs. On his part David modestly observed that they had not taken too much effort, so perhaps this represents some incentive for prospective future exhibitors.
As last year, an auction was held prior to the judging of the show. This time all lots were donated to be auctioned solely for club funds and the princely sum of £355 was raised from the sometimes hotly contested bidding. The Club thanks auctioneer and organiser John Fisher for his marvellous efforts and also, of course, all those who very kindly donated lots.
It is worth noting that such an enjoyable day could not proceed without the efforts of a whole group of people: from our Treasurer in helping with the hire of the facility (among many other things), Selina Wilkins and her gang for the excellent catering, Tom Walker this year for kindly arranging the loan of tables and many, many others too numerous to mention but much appreciated by all nonetheless. Finally, mention should also be made of the dealers who support our Club events. Of course they have an incentive to attend, but meetings would be much the worse for their absence and many go to considerable lengths to ensure a regular presence.
Thanks go to the panel of judges – Mike Dixon, Celia Pain and Sharon Crichton – who were very thorough and conscientious in their deliberations. Their kind efforts should not be disregarded or taken for granted. The Conchologists of America Award was given to Brian Hammond for his very elegant and well presented display of Hebridean shells. Peter Siggers was awarded both the Peter Oliver Cup (for the educational value of his Lambis exhibit) and the Walter Karo Award for shell of the show (his delightful Harpa costata). The Scotia Shield was presented to Graham Saunders as although his display was not even the winner in its class, losing out to a superb display of cowrie cameos, it was felt to be thought-provoking and challenging and therefore worthy of an award given to the exhibit which best promotes interest in British conchology.
As last year, an auction was held prior to the judging of the show. This time all lots were donated to be auctioned solely for club funds and the princely sum of £355 was raised from the sometimes hotly contested bidding. The Club thanks auctioneer and organiser John Fisher for his marvellous efforts and also, of course, all those who very kindly donated lots.
