Malta Gloster Breeders Society – Our 2024 Journey

Reflecting on 2024, the Malta Gloster Breeders Society (MGBS) committee can take pride in another successful year. Our members eagerly anticipated one of the most rewarding times in our hobby: the show season. In this regard, the committee is pleased to have organized two exceptional, high-quality shows, providing our members with the opportunity to showcase the fruits of their dedication and hard work in their bird rooms over the past year.

The first event of the season was the Challenge Cup, held over the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd. This show is recognized as the MGBS’s specialized table show, primarily aimed for novices to showcase their birds. This year’s edition attracted an impressive 447 Glosters, registered by twelve novice participants and one champion.

The show was managed by Mr. Simon Gauci and judged by the Italian IGBA panel judge Mr. Johnathan Godi.

Traditionally, the Challenge Cup features a second judge, typically a Maltese national. This year, Mr. Mario Farrugia was scheduled to join Mr. Godi however, he had to withdraw at the last moment due to health issues, leaving Mr. Godi to handle the judging alone.

Judging over 400 Glosters is no small feat, but we are pleased to report that Mr. Godi not only rose to the challenge but also delivered an outstanding performance, meticulously evaluating each bird until the very end.

The title of Best in Show was awarded to Mr. Raymond Chetcuti for his unflighted buff consort hen, while the Best Opposite Head went to Mr. Edmond Xuereb for his flighted buff corona hen. Mr. Xuereb also claimed the aggregate award. From an organizational standpoint, the show was a resounding success, with all activities running smoothly throughout the week. The quality of the birds on display was notably high, a fact that was recognized and appreciated by Mr. Godi.

Mr Johnathan Godi

The second event organized was the MGBS National, which took place over the weekend of November 30th and December 1st. This is our premier specialized show, and the 2024 edition successfully attracted 565 Glosters. The show benches featured 217 entries in the champion section and 348 in the novice section.

720 Glosters waiting to be judged.

Mr. Simon Gauci managed the event, while Italian IGBA panel judges Mr. Domenico Borelli and Mr. Francesco Petti presided over the judging.

Mr. Darren Scerri triumphed in the Champion category, winning Best Champion in Show with his unflighted TPD consort hen, as well as Best Opposite Head with his unflighted buff corona cock. In the novice category, Mr. Edmond Xuereb claimed Best Novice with his allied to white corona hen and also won Best Opposite Head with his unflighted TPD consort hen. The title of Best Gloster in Show went to Mr. Scerri’s unflighted TPD consort hen, while Mr. Xuereb’s unflighted TPD consort hen was recognized as Best Opposite Head in Show.

In memory of our late officials, the MGBS presents three memorial awards: the Joe Portelli Memorial for the best buff corona, the Victor Spiteri Memorial for the best TPD corona hen, and the Darryl Abela Memorial for the best TPD consort hen. All three awards were won by Mr. Darren Scerri.

From an organizational standpoint, the National was a resounding success, with all activities running smoothly throughout the week. The quality of the exhibited birds was notably high, a fact acknowledged by the judges.

Success is rarely the result of a single factor. Upon reflection, we can attribute our achievements to various contributors. A special thank you goes to Mr. Johnathan Godi, Mr. Domenico Borelli, and Mr. Francesco Petti for their professional judging, adherence to standards, and accessibility to participants seeking expert advice after the judging. It was a pleasure to have them with us.

We also extend our gratitude to the show managers and stewards for their outstanding efforts. Finally, we appreciate everyone who contributed to the friendly atmosphere that prevailed throughout both shows, making them not only successful but also enriching experiences for all involved.

As we look back on a rewarding 2024, the MGBS committee is excited for what 2025 has in store. We remain committed to providing our members with the opportunity to showcase their birds at two high-quality, specialized Gloster shows in Malta.

Significant work has already been accomplished, and much more is planned as we move forward. We wish all our members the best of luck and success in their bird rooms and look forward to seeing the exceptional quality of birds they produce on our show benches next November.

Marco Bonello

MGBS Secretary