Umgeni Park koi keeper looks forward to ‘fin’tastic show
Gerard Loumeau has been keeping koi fish for the past two decades and is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Koi Keepers Society and is looking forward SA National Koi Show.
FOR more than two decades, Umgeni Park resident Gerard Loumeau has used his expertise and passion for koi-keeping to bring more awareness to the hobby as well as to share knowledge with the general public.
Loumeau has been keeping koi fish for the past two decades and is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Koi Keepers Society, a chapter of the South African Koi Keepers Society.
He has more than 40 koi fish of different varieties in his yard which boasts two large ponds.
Koi, a name for the coloured variants of carp, are referred to as nishikigoi in Japan which is translated as ‘swimming jewel’. You can see why based on their beautiful shimmering colours.
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One way to showcase koi-keeping and open up the world to the public is the hosting of the koi show, and this year is no different as Shongweni Club will play host to the Absolute Asphalt SA National Koi Show on the weekend of August 24 and 25.
“What we have seen in years gone by is that there are more people keeping koi nowadays, which is always great. Our collective hope, of course, is also for them to join our society. That was one of the ways I’ve gained knowledge of these beautiful fish and how to look after them. I knew the chairman of the koi society, and he showed me his pond at his Westville home and guided me.
“That’s also the reason why we host the show each year. One of the best things about being involved in this annual event is sharing our know-how and rubbing shoulders with other people who have a similar passion. Some of the top koi aficionados will be attending the premier event – showcasing their best show koi. The event is really about offering the general public an opportunity to speak and learn from koi dealers, experts and keepers from across the province who will be able to offer advice and assistance to anyone interested in this fascinating hobby. We really hope Durbanites come out and support us in their numbers. Come and experience the magic of koi,” he said.
Event details
The Absolute Asphalt SA National Koi Show takes place at the Shongweni Club, Durban, on Saturday, August 24 (08:00 to 17:00), and Sunday, August 25 (09:00 to 15:00). The club is situated on the corner of Cliffdale Road and Kassier Road. Bookings for stand holders and show vats are now open. Contact Mike Harvey to secure your stand or show vats at mikeharveykoi@gmail.com. The entrance fee is R30 while children U12 are R10 and children U6 are free.
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