It is a chance to relive the days when people had chickens around their house — the Bermuda Poultry Fanciers Society is back for its annual show.

Organisers are encouraging the community to come and enjoy the event, which they describe as a good way to “get away from the hustle and bustle of life”.

Leo Simmons has already claimed the top prize — the Super Grand Champion — for his mottled cochin, but the festivities will continue today and tomorrow.

At 3pm today, the public is invited to attend an auction where birds will be sold off while raising funds for the society. This year’s visiting judge, Bart Pals, is one of the founding members of the Master Cup in Mason City, Iowa and will be available to answer questions from anyone interested in poultry on Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Mr Simmons said the annual show is not just for poultry fanciers but anyone wishing to have a fun day out.

He told The Royal Gazette: “It is free to the public. It is something to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is quite a relaxing hobby and it gives you time to reflect on what Bermuda used to be like back in the Seventies when everybody had chickens around the house — if not for the meat just for a few eggs.

“Our auction helps to raise funds for the society and there is a chance for current exhibitors to add new birds to their stock. It is also a chance for people who want to get into poultry to be able to attain some birds.

“On Sunday, before we coop out, we will have our judge of the Master Cup — this is the show where they issue thousands of dollars in prize money to the winning bird.”

Widows of three past members — John Edwards [Anthea], John Holder [Ruth] and Buddy Sutherland [Deborah] who were instrumental in the society’s development — opened the show and also paid tribute to all members who had passed.

Mr Simmons said this year’s show was particularly important to him as it was 30 years since the passing of Mr Edwards who he says was a big influence on him and made great contributions to the community at large.

He said: “John Edwards was my mentor. He was a friend and a father figure, not just to me but to a lot of young men. He was a Sea Cadet leader and his nickname was Chief. He was one of those silent heroes that did a lot for the community, especially for the young men coming through that were in need of a male in their life. He taught me a lot.”

Mr Simmons’s bird was the best in show as it was “pretty near perfect” in height, structure and feathering in its specific standard, earning him “a trophy and bragging rights”.

He also wished to thank the sponsors for the event Noah’s Ark Feed and Supply, Pet Care, Best Shipping and Party Plus.