FANCY THAT!

Feathers, bills and claws are their passion and they're seeking fellow enthusiasts.

If these are either young or female, all the better, for there's a shortage of both in the Crewe and District Cage Bird Society.

The members of the long established association are looking to the future because most of them are getting a little long in the beak.

Some keen fledglings are needed to ensure the society stays on-song and in full flight.

It has a proud, distinguished history, having been formed in 1894.

In an 1898 edition of Eardleys Crewe Almanack an advertisement for its monthly meeting at the Old Vaults in High Street explained that the society had been formed "with the object of breeding, improving and showing the various strains of canaries and other cage birds and to provide its members with the means of social intercourse and rational recreation".

National champions have been bred and nurtured under its wing and distinguished judges have risen from its human ranks.

In its heyday, some 1,350 exhibits graced the annual shows. Earlier events were shared with pigeons, poultry and rabbits or tropical fish and reptiles. By 1952 they were strictly for the birds.

A Cage Bird show became a popular feature at local carnivals and still features in the borough's biggest annual event.

The Society's aims haven't changed and nor have its members lost any of their enthusiasm or drive. But numbers are dwindling and there are fewer youngsters lining up for the leading roles. Annual show entries have dropped to 200 - 250.

Just fifty adults and three juniors make up the membership today.

"The youngsters we do have are doing very well and we hope they will keep going.

"It's hanging on to the juniors that seems to be the problem. They start off all keen and then other interests take over or they begin courting," said Chairman John Greenwood.

"It's a shame but it now seems to be an older person's hobby.

"It used to be a great thrill for many a youngster to breed and show their own birds and to be able to discuss their results with the older members and judges.

"It would be very rewarding to see this happening again. There's nothing more pleasing to see than junior members with rosette and place cards on their cages. It's great to see them grin from ear to ear. Our female numbers have also dwindled and we would welcome more," he added.

A former Rolls-Royce worker he has been able to spend more time on his hobby since retirement. He specialises in parrots.

"Most of us have a little haven in our back gardens - a shed where we can keep our birds and ourselves cosy. A few marriages have been tested because we spend so much time there," said Mr Greenwood.

Vice President, John Davies, a retired civil servant with the former government department, MAFF, is one of several long serving members.

He joined in 1949 and specialises in Australian finches. He has become one of the country's top judges.

Like many of his fellow fanciers, he cares a great deal for his own and all birds.

"Critics may not like us keeping the birds in cages. But they should remember that our birds have never been free. If they were released they would not survive long. They have all been bred for showing or breeding and are used to being pampered, with their food provided," said Mr Davies.

"Conservation is an important aspect of our hobby. Like zoos and other animal centres cage bird societies can help save rare and threatened species," he added.

Sharing the organisation of the group is secretary, Mr Herbert Locke. He has served in that capacity for 25 years and has compiled a fascinating history of the Society.

He is a retired Roll-Royce worker and specialises in canaries. He also judges.

"Keeping, breeding and showing birds is a wonderful hobby and one that is challenging and satisfying.

"We would like to see more youngsters taking it up and will be more than happy to encourage and help them, whether they are starting from scratch or have already got their first birds and want to learn more," he said.

There is certainly a wealth of experience in the society with some memberships stretching back more than half a century.

Budgie specialist Mr Spencer Henshall holds the record. He joined 66 years ago. Like Mr Davies, Mr Cyril Walker became a member in the 1940s.

The fanciers travel from a wide area, including Leek, Hanley, Middlewich, Sandbach, Winsford and Nantwich, to attend meetings on the first Tuesday of each month in Crewe's Crosville Club.

Anyone of any age will be welcome. For more details contact John Greenwood on 257346 or Herbert Locke on 665664.