In the early 1970’s Shirley Aquatics in Birmingham were the only real professional outlet where Koi could be seen and purchased along with most other species of ornamental pond fish. In fact it was Shirley Aquatics who supplied the first Koi to Stapeley Water Gardens for resale in 1972.

John Cook took over Shirley Aquatics in the very early 1980’s and has run this business ever since, rumour has it he’s almost as old as me!

As far as I am aware, whilst all the others trading in those heady days seem to have disappeared from sight long ago, there’s only John and myself still standing unless there’s anyone out there who knows different?

As you may imagine, ‘Cookie’ is not exactly ‘Behind the Door’ when it comes to knowing ‘What’s What’ about filtration and he’s taken the plunge to remove a load of large filter systems and replace them all with my beloved Eric units.

More to the point, these working units will be there on real demonstration to allow Koi enthusiasts to observe as to how they work, why they work and how painfully simple they are to maintain despite the stocking rates that will be in the four separate ponds.

Of course, for me, it is also a very big opportunity to be able to show the public the magic of these units in a professional showroom that has so much history and real reputation within the industry.

So thank you John, also thanks to the irrepressible ‘Perky’ – you are going to be truly amazed and that’s a promise!

Waddy.