Recent Gloster Canary news might have come as a shock to some, to others not so. Members of the International Gloster Breeders Association (IGBA) at their 2026 AGM had proposed, debated and voted in favour of the IGBA undergoing a restructuring of its constitutional and organizational framework with the objective of undertaking a future role of sole international governing body for the Gloster Canary Fancy
After considerable and constant membership pressure the IGBA committee had finally realised that it had an obligation to do what it is perceived by the majority of its members and the Gloster Fancy it does, namely Lead the Gloster Fancy.
The committee was asked to recognise that with a membership of 450 individuals and 35 affiliates worldwide this was proof positive enough of its global influence and reputation over the past 60 years that no other Gloster organisation in the world has such constant support; that Gloster clubs and governing bodies come and go but the IGBA is still here and going from strength to strength, longevity being a key component of IGBA success and finally the fact that 86% of the membership supports a move to lead.
How and what will the future look like?
One of Change: defined as “replace (something) with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; substitute one thing for (another)” this directory definition adequately defines the objective of the decision regarding the restructuring of the constitutional and organisational framework of the IGBA.
The one thing that needs to be made abundantly clear at the outset regarding this decision, it is that the IGBA will use its banner to bring international recognition and harmony to a new future governing body.
The IGBA will split into 2 parts with a new sector, a body governance sitting underneath the IGBA Umbrella as a separate autonomous group, much like Skoda, Audi, Fiat sit under the VW organisation as autonomous units, with NO outside influence from the existing IGBA committee or its members, Different name (Confederation of International Gloster Breeders – CIGB), Different committee / steering group officers. One devoted to Governance; One Devoted to pursuing its current activities.
CIGB will be an autonomous sector “having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs, acting in accordance with one’s moral duty rather than one’s desires”.
There has been much misinformation about both the proposal and the restructuring. There will be NO multi committee reporting to multi committee the simple format is as shown.
The CIGB will feed off the respected name of the IGBA which will restructure into two separate autonomous sections – One devoted to Governance; One Devoted to pursuing its current activities.
The format for the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB) will simply be an amalgam of Gloster Clubs/Societies/Associations/Organisations from throughout the world.
Gloster Clubs / Societies / Associations / Organisations will join the CIGB Governing Body in one of two ways:
1) As fully paid affiliates of the IGBA which will get that organisation a seat on the Governing body
2) As a Gloster Club / Society / Association / Organisation that does not want IGBA affiliation but wants a voice on world Gloster affairs.
- Each affiliated society shall provide one elected representative to the CIGB.
- Each affiliated society shall have one vote within the CIGB.
Quite obviously the IGBA will assist in facilitating the formation of the new body advising IGBA affiliate members of the decision and asking them to provide one elected representative to a meeting to establish the new governing body.
At the same time using social media platforms and the IGBA website to reach out to non-affiliated [IGBA] organisations to participate in the formation process.
Future success rests with the individuals elected by their club / society / association to become actively involved in world governance for the best benefit of the whole. Belonging to and participating in an active organisation willing to adopt: – regular meetings, inclusive decision-making processes, fostering linkage with other avian organisations, listening to the grass roots membership will provide future benefit for the whole Gloster Fancy.
Why take this step ?
Firstly, In November 2025 an IGBA representative was invited to attend an international symposium in Modena out of which came the clear indication to the IGBA committee that it needed to stand up and provide Governance rather than sitting back with little to no influence on world affairs.
Secondly, twice before 86% of the IGBA membership have rejected a proposal to affiliate to the then GFCCUK citing several disagreeable reasons. After the 2026 AGM it can be said that this position holds true today.
Finally, despite making recommendations for change to the Gloster Fancy Canary Council those recommendations were ignored and the GFCCi construction and influences remains the same.
A question was asked of the IGBA members at the 2026 AGM “Where do you think that this decision will leave the GFCCi?” There was, and still is no answer to that question except to say that only time will tell, with 60 years under the IGBA belt and with it supporting the CIGB there is every likelihood that the CIGB will be in active existence in years to come.
IGBA Committee May 2026
