It was in 1939 when Norman’s interest in Budgerigars started. His bother in law gave him two budgies and he kept them in a box on a wall outside the house.
We married and had to abandon the idea of keeping budgies when the Second World War started and Norman was called into the Fire Service. After the war in 1949, we built an aviary in the garden and bought some birds from Alec Parker of Stockport. We joined the Rochdale Budgerigar Society and were appointed Secretary and Treasurer. There were only 7 members but interest in the Society grew and, by 1956, we had 100 members, held members’ shows and open shows at the Agricultural Show and at the Fire Station hall – both of which were a success.
We had four young children who went with us to shows and helped with the birds. Peter and Diane had their own birds and ring numbers and showed in the Junior Section. Michael and Keith had Zebra Finches and Weaver Birds and joined Heywood Society, showing in the Junior Section there.
We joined the LC&NWBS in 1964 and Norman became President in 1968 – he was also President of Lancashire Social Circle of Champion Breeders.
We specialised in Grey Greens, Greys and Yellow Faces. We also bred normal Greens, Skyblues and Opalines. We did a lot of travelling to shows most weekends during the show season and, if we were not showing, Norman would be judging and I usually went him and helped with the stewarding. During the week, Norman would give talks to members at meetings. We showed at the National in London and Norman judged when it was held at Earl’s Court. We also showed at the National at Olympia and Alexander Palace. Through our efforts in breeding budgerigars, we won many local and national show trophies. During the summer we had members visiting us from all over the Lancashire and Cheshire area to see our birds.
We finally sold all our birds when we moved house in 1974!
I became involved with the Rochdale BS again last year when Les Richardson put a small advert in the Rochdale Observer in June asking if anyone had old photographs pertaining to Rochdale BS. As I had some, I rang him and he and Patsy (publicity secretary) came to see me. They were very interested in the photos and invited me to the next meeting. I went, together with eldest Son, Peter, and were pleased to be made Honorary Life Members. I attend monthly meetings when I can. I went on the Aviary Visit last year and am looking forward to going again this year.
Annie Jagger – May 2001