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Art as well as birds to star at BS Club Show

Attractions at this weekend's Budgerigar Society (BS) Club Show will include new artwork from renowned budgerigar exhibitor and artist Roy Aplin.

Mr Aplin has completed a watercolour painting of a yellowface spangle violet dominant pied, which will be displayed together with a selection of his original work, limited edition prints, pencil sketches, cards and a range of British bird designs.

Mr Aplin, who was elected in May as vice president of the BS and will start his presidency in 2013, said: "It's possible fanciers might have seen a yellowface spangle violet dominant pied, but only one or two, as not many have been bred. I get a lot of overseas fanciers who attend the show that are always very interested. My work ends up going home with them to various countries!"

Mr Aplin is also to donate a pencil sketch to the show's auction, to be hosted by Geoff Capes and John Alcock. The sketch will be signed by all of the judges on the day. It is hoped that the sketch will raise £200-£300. Mr Aplin said: "Usually whoever wins best in show will try to buy it, or one of the judges.

His wife Lucy added: "The bidding for the sketch creates a great deal of excitement and Roy is hoping once again for the artwork to reach a substantial figure. Roy will also be available for commissions, so why not have your birds painted."Mr Aplin produces various pencil sketches for other shows. He said: "I always donate the money to that particular club or society. It helps create some money which the club could use to help pay for one or two of the judges."

BS general council member Ghalib Al-Nasser said: "There is always a fantastic quality of birds at the BS Club Show. It's a brilliant atmosphere and a place to see old friends and make new friendships, while chatting about birds. Roy Aplin donates a sketch every year and it's an item that everyone wants."

● The Club Show takes place on October 1-2, at The Dome, Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Road, Doncaster DN4 7PD. For more information, contact the BS. Tel: 01604 624549, website: www.budgerigarsociety.com/