TALK OF THE TYNE with Norman Wallace

THIS column’s look at one of our local show-promoting clubs highlights Northumberland & Durham Foreign Bird Society (N&DFBS), which was formed in 1969 by a group of fanciers in the North East of England. The initial aim was to encourage the keeping, breeding and exhibition of foreign birds in the region.

was one of the founder members and his birdkeeping skills together with his energy and enthusiasm were unrivalled. Don and his wife were welcome faces wherever there was a foreign bird gathering. Other early members included and and , and they are still active today. passed away last year and his input into the society will be sadly missed. John was an innovator and many of the society’s features are as a result of his ideas. A true gentleman who became a North of England boxing champion, he had a passion for the natural colours of all species, and you would never find a mutation in his birdroom or aviaries.