Hi everyone i am Victor Scerri from Malta , i thought you might like to hear something from a Maltese member.
My involvement with Gloster Canaries has always been much more than a hobby. It is a passion that has grown stronger over the years and has given me many unforgettable experiences, friendships, and opportunities both in Malta and abroad.
One of the proudest achievements in my bird-keeping journey has been becoming an IGBA judge. For me, judging is not simply about choosing the best bird in a class. It is a serious responsibility that requires knowledge, honesty, patience, and respect for every exhibitor who places a bird on the show bench.
Every Gloster must be judged carefully and fairly according to the recognised standard. A judge must look at the bird’s type, head, body, feather quality, condition, balance, and overall presentation. Personal preferences must never be allowed to influence the final decision. Fairness and consistency are extremely important.
I have already had the honour of judging twice in the United Kingdom. These appointments were very special to me because the UK has a long and respected tradition within the Gloster fancy. Judging birds bred by experienced exhibitors gave me the opportunity to see excellent quality, compare different breeding lines, and continue learning from some of the finest people in the hobby.
I was also privileged to judge a show in Spain. This was another memorable experience and gave me the opportunity to meet breeders from a different country, study their birds, and exchange ideas about breeding, preparation, and exhibition standards.
International judging appointments are not only about selecting winners. They are also about friendship, respect, and bringing bird enthusiasts together. Although we may come from different countries and speak different languages, we are united by the same passion for Gloster Canaries.
This year, I am proud to say that I will once again be travelling to the United Kingdom to judge. Being invited back is a great honour and gives me a strong sense of satisfaction. It shows that my knowledge, decisions, and conduct as a judge are respected and appreciated.
I always approach every judging appointment with humility. No matter how much experience a person has, there is always something new to learn. Every show, every breeder, and every bird can teach us something.
I am also proud to represent Malta on the international judging stage. Coming from a small island does not limit our dedication, knowledge, or contribution to the bird fancy. Maltese breeders have great passion, and I feel honoured to represent my country whenever I judge abroad.
My aim is to continue serving the Gloster fancy with fairness, professionalism, and respect. I also hope to encourage younger and newer breeders to remain dedicated, study the standard, and work patiently to improve their birds.
Becoming an IGBA judge has been an important part of my life, and I am grateful for every opportunity that has been given to me. I look forward to continuing this journey, meeting more breeders, judging more beautiful Glosters, and helping to promote the breed that has given me so much enjoyment over the years.
V.Scerri
