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Retirement and forum shutdown (17 Jan 2022)

Hi,

John Howell who has managed the forum for years is getting on and wishes to retire from the role of managing it.
Over the years, he has managed the forum through good days and bad days and he has always been fair.
He has managed to bring his passion for fish keeping to the forum and keep it going for so long.

I wish to thank John for his hard work in keeping the forum going.

With John wishing to "retire" from the role of managing the forum and the forum receiving very little traffic, I think we must agree that forum has come to a natural conclusion and it's time to put it to rest.

I am proposing that the forum be made read-only from March 2022 onwards and that no new users or content be created. The website is still registered for several more years, so the content will still be accessible but no new topics or replies will be allowed.

If there is interest from the ITFS or other fish keeping clubs, we may redirect traffic to them or to a Facebook group but will not actively manage it.

I'd like to thank everyone over the years who helped with forum, posted a reply, started a new topic, ask a question and helped a newbie in fish keeping. And thank you to the sponsors who helped us along the away. Hopefully it made the hobby stronger.

I'd especially like to thank John Howell and Valerie Rousseau for all of their contributions, without them the forum would have never been has successful.

Thank you
Darragh Sherwin

IT'S SHOW TIME

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19 Aug 2012 11:29 #61 by jwm (sean sean)
Replied by jwm (sean sean) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Have a great day today. Some of us must keep the wheels of industry turnin :angry: :angry:.


John

A person who surrenders when he is WRONG, is HONEST. A person who SURRENDERS when not SURE, is WISE. A person who surrenders even if he is RIGHT, is a HUSBAND.

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19 Aug 2012 18:50 #62 by Cillian (Cillian Murphy)
Congratulations on a great show,
There was some amazing fish,
I look forawrd to the next one and will hopefully have some of my own fish to show next time.
Cillian

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19 Aug 2012 19:11 - 19 Aug 2012 19:21 #63 by mech1 (pat bell)
Replied by mech1 (pat bell) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Lovely fish on display, my 1st time at a show never mind entering a fish, but my kids where delighted to see their Bala Shark in there with the best of them.

Just sorry we couldnt stay for longer, maybe next year we will have a more organised entry now that we know what its like.

By the way, we got him out of the display tank, transported home and back in the community tank without any more unexpected bids for freedom across the floor!

Many thanks
Pat.


Knocklyon 2 min from J12 M50
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19 Aug 2012 20:54 #64 by john gannon (John Gannon)
Hello all
Just a quick thanks to everyone for the weekend ,just sitting down for a nice cold beer and I'll get back to yous soon
John

IRISH TROPICAL FISH SOCIETY CLUB MEMBER

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19 Aug 2012 22:25 #65 by Melander (Andreas Melander)
I'm sorry I missed this event, sounds like it was a great success.

Looling forward to seeing some pictures now.

/Melander

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19 Aug 2012 23:02 #66 by dubdero (derek kearns)
Some decent fish likin the l numbers that were there and was my first encounter with killifish had to leave as baby was acting up.good show and a lot of work.cheers derek

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19 Aug 2012 23:12 #67 by KenS (Ken Simpson)
Replied by KenS (Ken Simpson) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Another great show. Having attended a few of them, I appreciate all the work that goes on in the background for months in advance. Well done to Nessa, Darren, Daragh, Andrew, John and the judges. There was an air of sadness as Phil wasn't there to keep us all in check, but I'm sure he would have been very happy with the overall success.

Let's hope we can do it again next year.

Regards,

Ken.

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19 Aug 2012 23:36 #68 by Acara (Dave Walters)
Replied by Acara (Dave Walters) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Fantastic weekend folks,really enjoyed it. Especially enjoyed catching up with you all,as I've scaled down the hobby over the last year,but have got the bug again,so will hopefully have some nice specimens for next show.

A special thanks to all who organised,and worked very long hard hours arranging the event,it's incredible what is involved. I won't mention names,for fear of leaving some out,but you,and we,know who you are,thanks guys. A special thanks to the judges of the danio section :cheer: B)

Some lovely fish were displayed,and some very deserved results for the winners of awards.

I do have one small niggle,all those raffle prizes,and I didn't get even one? :-(( I was told my tickets wouldn't be entered,but I thought I'd found a way round that :whistle:

always on the lookout for interesting corys.pm me if you know off any!

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19 Aug 2012 23:38 #69 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Not long back - well, long enough to have a nice cup of tea.

I agree with Ken - there was a real lack of Phil's presence there all day but I am delighted that the Club dedicated the whole thing to his memory.

But - and it's a huge but - as well as all the thanks to the "usual suspects" from the ITFS he mentions to this must be mentioned all the behind-the-scenes help given, not least by himself, but also by other LFKS members as well. You know who you are lads - thanks very much.

Speaking of which (or should I have said 'of whom') I was most perturbed to see that Acara failed to sweep the board of raffle prizes as in previous Shows, but fear not Dave, in the words of the old saying - "What goes around, comes around" (no, I don't understand that either).

I eventually got to meet Sean (Blue Ram) and we had a great chat, along with being able to catch up with Des, Dave (DJK), Gavin, M4rio, Adrian etc, etc.
I was delighted to see Valerie there, in such good form, as well. Ian and Justine were there, I'm sure they took their share of awards
Andrew's new automated entries system worked very well and I'm sure he'll even try to 'polish' out the few irregularities which did surface.

All in all another great Show - it will be hard to improve on this year's one, but I expect the Show Committee will do their level best to try!

All in all, a great day, I'm already counting the weeks until the next one comes along.

Thanks to EVERYBODY who made this happen - you're all stars!!!

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


ITFS member.



It's a long way to Tipperary.

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19 Aug 2012 23:50 #70 by Acara (Dave Walters)
Replied by Acara (Dave Walters) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
:laugh: :laugh: Thanks for the support John,was great to see you again,and have a chat.

always on the lookout for interesting corys.pm me if you know off any!

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20 Aug 2012 07:41 #71 by igmillichip (ian millichip)
It was a great day from all angles.

Great social event as well.

@Acara...I won a raffle prize (and, "NO".....it is not for any future babies but for my grandson as someone may have asked if we have nay news!!).

Got some nice bargains from book sale, and some really classic books were there as well.

There was, though, a certain fish that I was determined to beat in its class...........but John Gannon took First place with that certain fish !! (a well deserved win).

ian

Irish Tropical Fish Society (ITFS) Member.

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20 Aug 2012 12:20 #72 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
In my earlier diatribe I totally forgot to send heartiest congratulations to the owner of the magnificent Snakehead (I think it was Fei) for winning the Phil Kearney "Best In Show" award for 2012.
Some of you will know my affection for the smaller Snakeheads so it was doubly good for me to see this fish having won.
It was truly a lovely specimen and I am totally envious of someone to be owning such a lovely fish (I must try to get hold of some for a future breeding project).

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


ITFS member.



It's a long way to Tipperary.

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20 Aug 2012 13:17 - 20 Aug 2012 13:29 #73 by john gannon (John Gannon)
Hi all
The show was a huge success and everyone seemed to have a great day.there was 168 entries which was a big increase and there was also an increase in the no of exhibitors which was brilliant.having been involved with the show for the last few years I think the quality and diversity of fish has improved hugely .
The show was also thinged with sadness without Phil Kearney but I know if you looking down on us you'd have had a smile .
It would take a year to thank everyone individually so I'm not going to try but I will say the show wouldn't have been as successful without the help from everyone from the vollunteers selling the raffle tickets right to the sponsors who donated all the prizes ,the volunteers,the ladies who made the tea ,the Lfks ,the judges ,the hsi ,the exhibitors.you see the list could go on and on ,so thumbs up to everyone who played their part big or small yous know who you are.
Personally I would like to thank the show secretary and show Commitee for there huge amount of time and effort.
Finally I would like to thank all those that attended the show ,hope yous enjoyed .
John Gannon
Itfs chairperson

IRISH TROPICAL FISH SOCIETY CLUB MEMBER
Last edit: 20 Aug 2012 13:29 by john gannon (John Gannon).

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20 Aug 2012 14:14 - 20 Aug 2012 14:24 #74 by des (des)
Replied by des (des) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
a Flawless Show :cool:

very well done to all involved in making it happen

I would encourage anyone to enter Fish
they are very well looked after and it is great to see peoples faces light up when viewing all the different Specimens and Species on show

the place was alive with conversation between like minded People
a great atmosphere all round

Congratulations to the Winners, Raffle Winners and to all involved

it was great to meet up with You all again and to meet a few new People too

EDIT: here's a few Pix I took at the Show, I couln't get a lot because I didn't want to use the flash and spent more time Yapping than I did Snapping...




































Des
Last edit: 20 Aug 2012 14:24 by des (des).

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20 Aug 2012 15:48 - 20 Aug 2012 15:50 #75 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Some great snaps there Des - I hope you saved your best for the Show Photocomp though?

I did get as far as taking my camera out of its case, but when it came down to it, I never actually got around to taking it into the Show room - too busy 'jawing' to as many people who wanted to talk to me!

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


ITFS member.



It's a long way to Tipperary.
Last edit: 20 Aug 2012 15:50 by JohnH (John). Reason: addition

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20 Aug 2012 21:38 #76 by derek (Derek Doyle)
Replied by derek (Derek Doyle) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
great show, great fish, great people, really enjoyed it. felt jetlagged when i got home after spending 20 hours on my feet over the 2 days lol.
as usual a great effort was put in by the stalwarts led by john gannon and nessa.
of course phil was sadly missed but the show served as a great tribute to his memory.

30 tanks specialise in african cichlids, angelfish and various catfish

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20 Aug 2012 22:18 #77 by john gannon (John Gannon)
Hi all
For those of you who were at the show and have photos please feel free to post them but remember to keep your fav for the photo comp that's coming up.the comp is an open format ,so the photo can be of anything at the show.
John

IRISH TROPICAL FISH SOCIETY CLUB MEMBER

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20 Aug 2012 22:55 #78 by BlueRam (Sean Crowe)
Replied by BlueRam (Sean Crowe) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Have to say a very bit thank you to John and the other lads for all the hard work as i was there both days i really seen a lot went into this and a lot off planning really did play off though

So thank you again and cant wait till next year

So for the photos please lads who ever has got some from the show please enter them into this months photo comp as it is based around the show it is open now and please feel free

Will be running until the 29th off this months so please hurry :cool:

Sean

Sean Crowe

ITFS Member

Location: Navan

Always Remember Surviving Is Not Thriving

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21 Aug 2012 10:14 - 21 Aug 2012 10:29 #79 by goldy (goldy .)
Replied by goldy (goldy .) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
hi guys

still worn out after the weekend but it was a brilliant show and it all ran like clockwork. There is a lot of work involved as anyone who was there saw and some of it is still sitting in front of me in the office waiting to be sorted out and put away. I will get to it in time...Thanks to you all for the help given as these events are only as good as the effort put into them. so signs on it the show was really good. What I liked this time around was the relaxed atmosphere and there was not panic about anything.

Fish were benched much earlier this time and it meant that looking after them overnight was made a bit easier. We still have an unbroken record in so far as not one fish has ever been lost at an ITFS Show and it is something that we are all very proud of and really work hard at. We all know that these fish are our passion and it is really important to us all to keep them healthy and see them go home the way they came in. Alive.

@Acara: Dave I can assure you that your raffle tickets went in. Sorry you didnt win anything but it might have something to do with the fact that I told people you were very lucky and to rub off you. Well it worked for them. There were some great prizes this year and thanks to all the sponsors who donated.

I think Phil was there in spirit over the weekend. We were asked to strip out his fish house when he passed and decided to sell off his goods and donate the proceeds to his wife Dierdre. I am glad to say that we did very well and will be passing on a healthy donation. I also have to say that some of the bits and bobs, fittings, rotor arms and other various dodads saved us a few times in the setting up of the show, so you see he was still in there sorting us all out. Thanks Phil.

Anyway back to work. Thanks again to all who played a part big or small for a successful show 2012

Nessa Duffy
Treasurer
Last edit: 21 Aug 2012 10:29 by goldy (goldy .).

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21 Aug 2012 10:52 #80 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
This is from Daragh Owens - he has mislaid his log-in details as he is at work so has sent his contribution for me to enter on his behalf:



First chance to say something about the Show on the weekend. I have not being on the forum for so long I have forgotten may password, but despite rumours circulating at the show that I no longer keep freshwater and have migrated to the dark side of marines I have to state that I have four marine tanks which I love, though my first love is still freshwater and I have over 20 freshwater tanks and a Koi pond, so with that rumour quenched back to the show. Where to start. I think everyone would agree it was a great success, jut like last time the sun shone for the whole weekend, despite our pleadings for a few showers to increase visitor numbers! I entered no fish this year, I think I had 27 or so last time around and when Sunday afternoon came around I regretted not having entered a few at least, it makes it more interesting.

Sadly we missed Phil Kearney this year, it was great that his sister came along and was able to see the new Best Fish in Show Trophy created in Phil's memory, the Phil Kearney Best Fish in Show Perpetual Trophy will be presented annually. There were 168 fish entered in 20 classes with places awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for each plus Best Fish in Show and First Reserve Fish in Show, that's a lot or awards and a lot of judging, the mind boggles when you think that each entry is judged under 6 headings including the fish's measurement, so the new online registration system initiated by Andrew was a gift to the judges. At 8am on Sunday morning we were presented with printed out sheets for each class with the species, common name, show size etc and just had to fill in the scores, a huge improvement over previous years, although I know Andrew was there all Saturday night getting the sheets ready! There were a few other volunteers that did the overnight shift ensuring everything would be ready for Sunday and keeping an eye on all our charges. I am delighted to say that there were no losses again this year, in the recent show history we have not lost one fish, that's remarkable. We had a few resuscitations to perform when some fish arrived but they were all successful and all went home alive Sunday evening.

There was a great variety of fish on show, as usual the Cichlids and Catfish classes were large as expected, a pleasant surprise with the increase in the number of entries in the Anabantoid (Bettas) section, I think there were nearly twenty entries there. If I remember correctly one of the smallest classes at the last show was the Livebearers and it was the same this year with, Andrew will correct me if I am wrong, three entries and three entries in the Livebearer Breeders Group classes, I think this is a great example of how we should be promoting the show to more hobbyists, it is not just for experienced fishkeepers, there is loads of scope for beginners. Before I get into trouble, I would point out that Livebearers are not just for beginners, but I am suggesting that anyone could enter a guppy, a platy (there were none) a molly, an endler or a gold fish. A special mention must go to some of the more unusual fish entered, particularly some of the monsters entered by Des, it was great to see some of the more unusual species presented for the show, it must have been a nightmare trying to catch and bag some of the more spiky characters. It's not everyday you will see an Amazon Monster fish (even if he was much smaller and quieter than his name would suggest) or a Megalodoras irwini! There were some great entries in the coldwater section too, including the ever popular frogs! We had an invert class too, another area with great scope as there were only three entries, there are lots of fishkeepers with shrimps and crayfish, they can come to the show too! The HSI stand proved very popular with visitors too including some ridiculously large (to my mind) hairy legged spiders and the much more attractive (to me anyway) tree frogs, thanks to Ian and Justine for a great display. There were some great offers from Sponsors, without their support it would be very difficult to put on a show, so I hope they have a good day with plenty of sales. Some great bargains were to be had at the book sale, the ITFS Library was sold off and so was the Library of Phil Kearney which included a huge selection of books both recent and very old, something to interest everyone. There were some great raffle prizes too, and there was a good chance for everyone to win as Dave's (Acara) streak of luck seems to have abandoned him. My personal luck improved this year from a free hair do won at the last show, which to anyone who knows me would understand how useless that was to a collection of scented candles this year, why can't I win one a the several tanks raffled or one of a the many huge buckets of food!! One lucky punter went home with two tank - congrats. There were a few bottles of whiskey too, I hope they found a good home.

The two key essentials for a show to happen, apart from the fish are the volunteers and the visitors, some of which travelled from Cork, Tipperary and Galway! Thank you to all the volunteers, several of whom were there all day Saturday and Sunday and to those that worked through Saturday night as well. This year I actually got home to bed for about 5 hours which was a massive improvement on previous shows. For those that just arrive when the show opened Sunday afternoon and go again it is vital that you understand the work that goes on beforehand and after, the hall has to be returned to its regular function as a community centre, it opens for business at 9am on Monday morning so Sunday night the hall has to be cleared, cleaned, floors washed, all the tables and chairs etc put back in position and a hundred more jobs, including returning all the staging and tanks to storage in Bray, none of which anyone wants to do at the end of a very long weekend, so please remember all the work that goes into putting on an Open Show.

Finally a mention to the fish, the Best in Show was awarded to a stunning snakehead, I definitely thought about pinching him a few times, it was a close call against another fine specimen, the winner of the catfish category, a gorgeous green phantom. So what will win next time, will it be one of your fish?


Daragh

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


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22 Aug 2012 00:24 #81 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
That was a great analysis of the Show Daragh - I couldn't have put it better myself!

Thanks (I cannot technically send a 'thankyou' as I posted it on your behalf).

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


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  • Valerie (Valerie)
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22 Aug 2012 12:44 #82 by Valerie (Valerie)
Replied by Valerie (Valerie) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
I'd like to echo everything that was mentioned above.
Great show again this year and some very interesting creatures on display.
Well done to the organisers :)

It was great to catch up with my fishy friends on the day and was well worth the trip from Galway !

Looking forward to next year's ! :)

Well done again
Valerie

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22 Aug 2012 21:41 - 24 Aug 2012 08:48 #83 by Andrew (Andrew Taaffe)
After a few days rest I'm back at a computer - I can confirm that we had 172 entries (4 loaches arrived early on Sunday morning after the judging sheets were handed over and before judging commenced, so they were manually added on by the judges)

the stats were
172 entries
26 exhibitors
21 classes

Cichlids represented the biggest section with 48 entries that needed splitting into 5 sub-classes (Angelfish, Discus etc..)
As noted below breeders team entries were quite low - which surprised me given the proliferation of breeding threads and the success of the auction last year. Tetras, corydoras and killifish were also lower than expected despite their popularity in the hobby. Some first time exhibitors went home with winning smiles - i hope it encourages future entering!!

Though the judging sheets took some time to compile - we learnt a few things along the way - get a faster printer, TL (total length) judging sizes for entries do not always appear in the guides by the names we have - I will endeavour to prepare an all-encompassing reference or at least nab it off someone else (research funding will be gratefully accepted), my knowledge of fish has improved & never expect it to be simple!

I had a great weekend as my first show secretary duties unfolded - the prizes given generously by our sponsors show the esteem this event is held in - my thanks to all who helped, exhibited, judged, cleaned tanks, set-up staging, prepared water & most of all for giving freely of your time for the furtherance & enjoyment of our hobby.

Congratulations to Fei and to everyone who participated

Andrew
ITFS Secretary

ITFS Club Secretary
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
see the ITFS tab above for more information www.irishfishkeepers.com/index.php/itfs
Last edit: 24 Aug 2012 08:48 by Andrew (Andrew Taaffe).

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22 Aug 2012 22:24 #84 by fei (fei)
Replied by fei (fei) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
it is my first time join the fishshow with my fish. i m so happy that i have a lot fish friends in here. great show, i ll bring more fish next time!

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22 Aug 2012 23:57 #85 by igmillichip (ian millichip)
Congratulations Fei.
With all the hectic activities, we didn't get to chat to you much.......but we will be in Dun Loaghaire at some time soon to have a chat. :)

ian

Irish Tropical Fish Society (ITFS) Member.

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24 Aug 2012 10:06 - 24 Aug 2012 10:12 #86 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
As with the last Show Daragh Owens did a 'time-lapse' film of the preparations and some of the actual Show.

Here is the link to it on youtube



See if you can identify yourself...

Thanks go to Daragh for taking the trouble and for the effort he has put into editing, etc, the frames into a watchable 2.35minute film.

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


ITFS member.



It's a long way to Tipperary.
Last edit: 24 Aug 2012 10:12 by JohnH (John). Reason: Why not?

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24 Aug 2012 10:11 #87 by JohnH (John)
Replied by JohnH (John) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
I think that's the fastest either I or Derek (with his dodgy foot) have ever moved!!!

:laugh:

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.


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  • Valerie (Valerie)
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24 Aug 2012 10:36 #88 by Valerie (Valerie)
Replied by Valerie (Valerie) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Brilliant Video - Thank you Daragh ! :)

It really shows how much work goes into preparing for the show ! I'd say the organisers needed a full week to recover from that one !

Thanks ! :)

V

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24 Aug 2012 23:08 #89 by KenS (Ken Simpson)
Replied by KenS (Ken Simpson) on topic IT'S SHOW TIME
Excellent video Daragh. Looking at my kids, I think they usually move at that speed :laugh:

Regards,

Ken.

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24 Aug 2012 23:35 #90 by igmillichip (ian millichip)
Brill.

Considering it was time-lapse, I see I seem to be stuck in the around the same place for ages !!

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