[Bob Hart]

Bern/JR,

I fully agree with everything you've both said. The clubs/shows are the begining and the middle ground, with a touch of the top-end. One day I'd just love to see a Koi show which was foccussed on 'just' the show Koi. I spend 90% of my time at the national just going round and around the vats, talking with people, asking questions regarding the merits of various Koi. I do enjoy the comaraderie of others, but I find only a few people 'like' myself.

I probably fit into JR's "hit this wall" group and have been in this group for a while now. Am constantly trying to learn more, the Internet and a few dealers I know reasonably well continue to educate me. But I've got to the period now where what I want is out of reach, due to finances.

I really do enjoy helping others though and find myself most every weekend either helping to build a pond, putting something right, or assisting with Koi treatments via my experiences. This I feel I give something back to the hobby.

But I'm still frustrated.

A Koi club would enable me to give more back (which is great) but I dont think would enable me to gain much more knowledge. The internet and those dealers I know allow me to grow and then try and utilise that on my own and others in my 'group'.

I'm not sure where I'm headed though ........

I'm rambling now James, appreciate your words - thanks