Bird birthdays in the hand

President of the Oakleigh and District Poultry Society Brett Batchelor with society patrons Maureen Smollen and Don Simpson with a Silver Blue Wheaten Modern Game bird. 124758 Picture: ROB CAREW

By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM

THE 100th birthday of the Oakleigh and District Poultry Society wasn’t the only special event that was celebrated at its anniversary show and luncheon on Saturday 2 September.
Keysborough resident and society patron Don Simpson has been involved with poultry shows for more than 60 years and on Saturday celebrated his 91st birthday.
It was a fitting way for Don to mark the occasion.
He joined the poultry society in the 1950s and spent many years entering his chickens into shows.
Now retired, he maintains his involvement with the society and its members.
“I’ve always enjoyed raising poultry and it’s been a big part of my life,” he said.
“The competitors show their birds and then trophies and sashes are awarded at the end.”
Over his time with the society, Don has raised many award-winning birds.
Prize fowls should have no deformities, good leg colour and glossy plumage.
There are different divisions in every show including soft feather, hard feather and water fowl.
More than 600 fowl of the highest standard were entered into the society’s anniversary show but its highest accolade came from Don himself.
“It was a great day. I think it was the best show I’ve been to in all my time with the society.”