GERARD Loumeau’s uMgeni Park home is the epitome of tranquility. The sound of water running in his ponds as well as the striking beauty of his koi fish collection is what stands out. Loumeau who has been a koi enthusiast for 25 years is the vice chairman of the KZN Koi Keeper’s Society.
With more than 35 koi fish of different varieties including the Kohaku, Platinum Ogon and Shigure, Loumeau is hoping his prize specimens can land him the title at this year’s National Koi Show at the Durban Shongweni Club.
“The koi is synonymous with harmony and happiness. I started with a very small pond but as my passion has grown I’ve been able to make it a lot bigger. I spend so much time with this fish and my passion has taught me so much but it’s also allowed me to give back. I find taking care of them and just watching them, relaxing. Their beauty is mesmerising and it’s become sort of therapeutic for me,” he said.
With hundreds of the oriental beauties expected to be on show this year, the South African Koi Keepers’ Society will have world-renowned judges from across the globe to judge the koi entries. The public will be able to catch a glimpse of some of the specimens of the country’s top koi enthusiasts.
The public will rub shoulders with some of the best koi dealers and experts in South Africa, who will be able to offer advice. The Boss Tents SAKKS National Koi Show will take place on Saturday, 29 (8am to 5pm) and Sunday, 30 July (9am to 3pm) at the Shongweni Club (corner of Cliffdale and Kassier Road).
WIN: Eight lucky Northglen News readers can each win a ticket to the show. Each ticket admits four people (two adults and two children).
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