Federation of British Aquatic Societies

Following our successful 2004 evening visit to Petland at New Earswick, the Ryedale members were keen to repeat the experience so I worked with Elaine to arrange such a visit for Thursday 9th June, 2005.

Sadly not all of our members were able to make the journey. Travelling with Sue and I were Henry and Jackie so we had good company and plenty of chatter on all manner of subjects. Ann and Goy made the journey from their Scarborough home to join us and it was good to see them both.

But for this visit the Ryedale members were 'not alone' with Trevor and Joan Douglas (the first guests to arrive) travelling over from Hull, Kevin (Webb) making the short journey and Steve, Trish, Walter and Martin from the Scarborough & District A.S. travelling together in order to join us.

As expected Elaine, Kevin, Martin, and Maria made us very welcome. Now for visitors not familiar with the Petland layout, the aquatic section is spread out with fish foods and accessories safely tucked away behind the counter and the fish stock tanks at the rear of the premises (which means passing-by the temptations of a whole host of 'furry creatures').

In the small coldwater section we viewed some very strong looking Koi and a small variety of Fancy Goldfish. Opposite are newly installed marine invertebrate tanks.

The tropical marine section, offering the largest variety of t/m species in the York area, mainly consists of two large tanks that form a central aisle to the tropical freshwater section. As usual the fish in the tropical marine section shone like
beacons and to be found are fish ranging from commonly available Seahorses, through to the rarely seen and extremely bizarre.

For the majority of our group the delights of the 70 or so tropical freshwater tanks had us amazed. Catfish galore here that included Aspidoras species, several 'L' numbered Loricarids, 'Gold Line' Corydoras aeneus, Flash Peckoltia, Corydoras arcuatus, Akysis, Galeatus Driftwood Catfish and humble Plecostomus amongst their number.

As usual 'oddballs' abounded that included a Nandid species, Dwarf Snakeheads, Albino Polypterus, Giant Gourami, Green Coral Discus, Dwarf

Badis, bright red Tiger Barbs, Arowana, Ornate Birchir, Madagascan Cichlids, Amazonian Stingray and various forms of Chocolate Gourami.

At the end of the night everyone who wished to purchase a fish went home happy.

So with fish all safely 'bagged' it was time to join together for a lovely supper of savoury and sweet items provided by Elaine.
Poor old Martin was assigned the task of 'tea and coffee maker' and stuck to his task with great gusto. Elaine and Martin's efforts were appreciated by all our party.

All too soon it was time for the 'goodnight, thank you and see you soon' messages to fly through the air. We had had a wonderful time.

Now when I go to Petland all I see is fish before my eyes so Sue says that I must add that 'The ladies among our group loved the rabbits and guinea pigs and these creatures received loads of 'hugs' and petting but none were sneaked out in handbags! The Green Parakeet made his presence known and was much admired.

All in all, everyone had a good fish night and a smashing chance to socialise with 'old friends' and our 'new friends' from Petland. We look forward to our next visit!

A big THANK YOU to all the staff at Petland for making our visit so enjoyable.

Petland is situated in Station Avenue, New Earswick (a suburb of York) and you are welcome to e-mail David in order to obtain travel directions etc.

Last updated June 2005

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