AT HOME WITH BRUCE AND MARION STAFFORD

AT HOME WITH BRUCE AND MARION STAFFORD

Bruce and Marion Stafford have lived at 20 Kelsey St., Kidman Park since 1975 having moved there from Mt Gambier where they both grew up. Here is a picture of their modest establishment:

Marion and Bruce first became interested in the budgerigar fancy through their two sons, Andrew(now 30) and Steven(now 28). The boys’ interest did not last but their parents began an involvement which has continued to the present day. Having joined the North-East Budgerigar Society in 1986, Marion and Bruce found themselves on the Committee of the club by 1989 and in 1990 Bruce was asked to become Show Manager. Marion was only too happy to help as the Assistant Show Manager. They have done such a wonderful job that they have been signed to a ‘water tight’ contract to continue as long as they can. The Club recognized their loyalty and continuous hard work by awarding them Life Member status in 2000.

The Stafford’s aviary is, like the rest of their establishment, neat, clean and orderly. They use about 27 breeding cages at the moment and have produced, on average, about 150 chicks a year. Bruce prefers to use wire cages because they require less time to clean. This is important for Bruce who works long hours as a truck owner/operator carrying supplies of Fosters products around various parts of Adelaide. In the recent spate of hot weather we have been having, he has been especially busy.

Despite their busy schedule Marion and Bruce always seem to have time for other people and are always happy to welcome visitors to their aviary. In recent years, apart from normal varieties, they have specialized in Yellow Face and Texas Clearbodies and have achieved a good measure of success breeding these varieties.

When asked what they believe to be their biggest challenge for the future they replied, “To breed Best in Show and to win at the Nationals”. They have already had a bird go to Queensland for the Nationals in 1999 and, if the standard of birds in their aviary is anything to go on, will, no doubt, repeat that feat in the near future.

As for biggest achievement in the fancy, they reply without hesitation, the conduct of the National Championships in Adelaide in 2000. Bruce was Show Manager and, as always, Marion was his trusted Assistant Show Manager. Bruce speaks fondly of his memories of this particular championship because it was the result of a wonderful team effort by budgerigar breeders in South Australia. All clubs, under the auspices of the Budgerigar Council of South Australia, combined to present what many interstate visitors agreed was one of the most successful championships in recent years. This success was due, in no small degree, to the dedication and generosity of Bruce and Marion Stafford.

So what do they find to do in their spare time? Well Bruce is one of those talented people who can turn his hand to just about anything. His house and yard are a showcase. He has a wonderful hydroponic garden which he uses, amongst other things, to grow green feed for his birds. He is also the main producer of show cages in South Australia. These cages are produced at cost and sold by the clubs to make a small profit. As well as show cages, he also makes other items from wood which he uses to decorate his yard and the aviary surrounds. Marion, whose family emigrated to Australia from Holland, is especially fond of windmills. Bruce has constructed a beautiful replica of a Dutch windmill, complete with motor and lights, which is a feature of their yard.