The formation of the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB) represents an important new chapter for the Gloster Fancy Canary.
The CIGB has been established to provide an international forum where Gloster organisations can come together, exchange knowledge and experience, discuss matters affecting our breed and, where appropriate, work together with COM towards common international standards and agreements.
Who We Are
The CIGB has been established as an International Governing Body with 39 affiliate organisations from, Spain, Canary Islands, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Israel, Malta, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, USA, Eire, UK and Northern Ireland all currently represented by elected officers and representatives bringing together experience from across the world.
These individuals have been entrusted with helping establish the foundations of the CIGB and developing an organisation that can represent the interests of Gloster breeders internationally.
Why Was the CIGB Formed?
The Gloster Fancy Canary is an international breed, it is bred, exhibited and judged in many countries, and over time different approaches and interpretations have naturally emerged
The CIGB has been formed to provide a democratic, transparent, structured international forum where these differences can be discussed constructively.
The intention is not to replace individual clubs or associations, nor to interfere with their domestic activities. The purpose is to provide a means of bringing organisations and their members together on matters that have an international significance.
Above all, the CIGB is about co-operation for the benefit of the Gloster Fancy Canary.
What Are We About?
The CIGB is about protecting the identity, characteristics and future of the Gloster.
We believe that the breed benefits when experienced breeders, judges and organisations are able to share knowledge and work towards a better understanding of what constitutes the ideal Gloster.
That requires discussion, sometimes disagreement, and ultimately a willingness to listen to different viewpoints.
The CIGB will therefore seek to encourage communication, education, co-operation and informed decision-making.
Where Are We Now?
The CIGB is still in its early stages, and that presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
The foundations of the organisation are now being established, including its governance, procedures and representation.
There is no expectation that every issue will be resolved immediately. Developing a meaningful international organisation takes time, consultation and the involvement of the people it represents.
What is important is that the process has begun.
Developing the CIGB
The development of the CIGB will be progressive and, importantly, inclusive.
The intention is to establish clear constitutional and administrative procedures while creating opportunities for affiliated organisations to participate in discussions and contribute to the development of international policy.
The CIGB will seek to build relationships with Gloster organisations in different countries and encourage them to become part of this international dialogue.
Its strength will ultimately depend upon its representation and the willingness of organisations to participate.
What Will We Discuss?
There is a considerable range of subjects that may come before the CIGB.
These can include the Gloster standard and its interpretation, judging criteria, exhibition practices, terminology, breeding principles, education, the exchange of information and knowledge, and the future development of the breed.
An important area will be the development and use of appropriate pictorial material and other reference information to assist breeders and organisations in reaching a common understanding of particular characteristics of the Gloster.
The objective will be to examine issues carefully, consider the views of participating organisations and, wherever possible, work towards an agreed international position.
An Important Clarification – IGBA-USA
It is also important to clarify a matter that can cause confusion.
Any current reference to an organisation described as “IGBA-USA” is incorrect.
The organisation formerly known by that name ceased to exist on January 1st 2016.
It should therefore not be represented by any existing organisation as a current active organisation. It should not be represented as a current branch or division of the International Gloster Breeders Association.
The CIGB recognises the importance of accurate representation within the international Gloster community, and this clarification is made simply to ensure that readers and organisations are not misled by an outdated name.
An Invitation to Become Part of the Future
 The CIGB is not about creating another organisation simply for the sake of having one.
It has been created because we believe there is a genuine need, opportunity and value in Gloster organisations internationally working together and addressing matters affecting the breed as a whole.
Its future will be determined by the organisations that choose to participate. Its success will depend upon active participation.
The more representative the CIGB becomes, the stronger its voice and the more meaningful its decisions can be.
We therefore invite Gloster clubs, associations and groups who share this vision to become involved, contribute their knowledge and experience and take part in the discussions that will shape the future of the CIGB.
The future of the Gloster Fancy Canary belongs to all of us. The CIGB is the opportunity to bring us closer together, to share what we know and to work collectively towards protecting and developing this remarkable breed for generations to come.
Get involved CIGB Email address is glostercigb@gmail.com
Alan Dean Secretary – P Burnett Chairman Confederation of International Gloster Breeders
