CSG Convention 2011

[Jools]

I have filled out the form, but I need to figure out my member number - which is at my wifes, so I suppose I'll just have to sign up again...

I was membership secretary for a few years, just put "lost card" on the form. They've got a spreadsheet with everyone's names.

Jools

[JamieH]

its also on the label when cat chat gets delivered !

[Coryman]

Matts,

Your membership number is not essential on the booking form, it just gives me a record of members to non members booking.

For the record it is 232.

Ian

[Coryman]

Matts,

Just for the record it is January and CSG membership renewals for 2011 are now due anyway.

Ian

[Jools]

Was there a reminder in the recent cat chat? I forgot again...

Jools

[Coryman]

There should have been a reminder and loos renewal form for those members that still use snail mail.

Ian

[Jools]

I'll check, don't think so though. What do you mean "still use snail mail"? Can I get catchat electronically?

Jools

[Coryman]

Jools,

No to CatChat by e-mail. I meant paying subs can be done by snail mail. This is something we are still looking at, especially how it could be encrypted to stop or at least hinder unsubscribed distribution.

There was a loose renewal notice sent out with every issue.

For those interested the CSG's AGM is this coming Sunday.

Ian

[Jools]

OK, I'll go have look for it when I get home.

Jools

[kim m]

Plane booked, hotel booked, fish booked etc. etc.

[Coryman]

There is just three weeks left for advanced bookings, even if you are only coming for one day or are coming to the whole event but are near enough to travel each day. The 14th February is the last day before ticket go to the full price.

So to avoid disappointment and save £10.00 click the link http://www.catfishstudygroup.org/core/c ... n_2011.htm and down load your booking today.

Ian

[wrasse]

All you fish keepers who don't attend events like this... you are missing out.

This was a very good convention and well done Ian, for organising it. There were some big names in fish-keeping doing informative and topical presentations and others enjoying it with the rest of us. For instance, we saw how certain catfish species migrate the length of the Amazon, we saw current and future plans for hydroelectric dams and how the geography will be changed.

I thought the venue was excellent and set in stunning grounds. I had a comfortable room and the meals were very pleasant. Friday night at dinner, I was lucky to be sitting next to Dr Michael Hardman who knows one or two things about catfish... .

Its a great opportunity to meet other fish-keepers and catch-up with the ones you already know.

[MatsP]

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. Well done, Ian and all others involved.

--
Mats

[Marc van Arc]

Anyone seen any good fishes?

[CoryWally]

Hey Wrasse, you was lucky enuf to be sat next to me too!

Seriously, a great event as always! Better venue, tastier food and fascinating lectures, plus the usual great company.

Exchanged Scleromystax C113 and Corydoras longipinnis for C. gracilis, C90 and C. boesmani. Also picked up Hypoptopoma sp., L106, L135 and L264 from some of the sponsor shops - Aqualife and Pier Aquatics

Thanks to all those involved.
Mark.

[wrasse]

Well, seeing as you asked Marc... YES

You can hardly attend a catfish convention in Wigan without paying a visit to the catfish 'mecca' just 15 minutes down the road... Pier Aquatics.

I have been hunting for male specimens of Trachelyopterichthys Taniatus to go with my females. I asked Neil some time ago and he came up with the goods in a big way. He now has this fish in stock, from Colombia (orange and brown) and Peru (cream and brown). So I have the males at last.

I also bought 4 Leptodoras Jurensis .

I'm quarantining these fish right now and I will post photos in a few days all being well . Heck! I hope they are okay!!! They look good so far, but there's very little information to guide me on this fish.

It must have been a year or so ago, when I think it was Steve Grant aka 'the darkone' mentioned this fish on PlanetCatfish and I was knocked-out by its unique looks. So, again, I asked Neil if he could get them. And I waited.

But that's just 2 species from the current extensive catfish stock in Pier. This isn't intended to appear like an advert, but there's no denying that in the UK this is where you go to find the fish you really really want.

[wrasse]

Hey Wrasse, you was lucky enuf to be sat next to me too!

OOOPS. Sorry Mark. It was great meeting you too.

cheers, Richard.

[RIPbiglad]

Really enjoyed it myself except for a few things which were not the fault of CSG

Our rooms heater didnt work and the tv was green.(we told reception as we checked out)

And the price of beer OMG £6 for a bottle of Magners when there wasnt discount.

On the whole though very well done to all involved. Mark is giving a talk next year I believe, any chance it being on breeding and fish keeping Mark as this year was mainly about habitats etc

[MatsP]

My TV didn't work at all - but I didn't really care, I just wanted to check the news in the morning once, and realized that the antennae connector had been ripped out of the TV - forgot to report it as well...

--
Mats

[CoryWally]

Next years speakers have been deliberately selected to give a 'hobbyists' theme to the 2012 event.

My talk will certainly centre around my breeding experiences, tank and fish house set-ups and benefits of being part of a wider aquarist community (CSG, CAS, PC, shops etc).

Not that I spent much time in it, but my room was fine. £3 a pint is as good as you're going to get for a pint of Wothington's in a hotel so no real issues there.

Cheers,
Mark.

[MatsP]

And for those not having other reasons to go to the CSG conference, you'll live longer may be a good plan:
http://www.mnn.com/food/beverages/stori ... rtens-life

(Of course, it doesn't mention anything about the health effects going to bed at half three and getting up before eight!)

--
Mats

[kim m]

I can only agree to the others, it was a great event! The only thing was the choice of beer at the hotel. I would have liked some John Smith or similar, but at least they had good coffe

Swapped a lot of fish and bought some CW51 and C140/imitator from Aqualife at a very good price and the fish were in good condition. Can really recommend the place

Had some great conversations about fish, fish, fish and a bit more fish

Almost missed my plane in Amsterdam but just made it before they closed the gate.

[Coryman]

"Hot off the press"

CSG convention 2012
Date = 16th-17th-18th March 2012
Venue = Same, Kilhey Court Hotel, Standish.

Speakers: -
Ingo Seidel
Eric Bodrock (USA).
Regina Spotti (USA) Eric's partner.
Birger Kamprath (Canada).
Mary Bailey (UK).
Mark Walters (CSG, UK).

Theme
Breeding.

Prices
The price of the convention ticket will almost certainly remain the same as this year, because of the increase in VAT at the beginning of the year, which the hotel absorbed, there will be a small increase to the room price, about the price of a pint.

Full details will be announced in due course.

Those of you that had any problems with hotel equipment or services, please e-mail me with the details and your room number and I will forward them to the hotel. If they don't know they can't fix it.

Lastly I would like to thank all those that did come along and support the event and hope we see you all again next year.

Ian

(CSG Convention Manager)

[RIPbiglad]

Will do Ian, Whats your email Address?

We did report it at the time but will do so again.

It didnt stop me enjoying the convention. Hope to come again next year

Gavin

[medaka]

HI All

For all those I didn't find the time to have a good chat to, sorry.

I had one wee problem with the light bulb not working in the bathroom when I booked in on Thursday lunch time, the hotel sorted it before Ian had time to put his key card in the slot, and Ian arrived only 20 minutes later than I.
Like Ian says if you don't report things the hotel can not fix things.

I hope everyone did enjoy themselves.
It makes all the effort worth while.
Thanks to all those that came; because without you, there would be no Convention.