Following on from long serving duo; Neil and Sandra Robertson as Secretary of the booming National Black Rex Rabbit Club is Doncaster-based fancier Rob Walters and with almost a year gone since taking over, Rob is keen on expressing his love of the 'black velvet'.

"That's the first comment anybody says when they first come across the Black Rex, or its miniture counterpart, the Black Mini Rex. I always tell newcomers they should aim for black velvet when choosing their show stock – as far as coat goes at least.” Says Rob.

On the back of an outstanding entry of 64 exhibits in the club's annual Adult Stock Show held at the Lincolnshire Championship Show last month, Rob is delighted with the nationwide successes of the breed: "The quality around the country has always been strong for as long as I can remember with the likes of the late Ken Winter, Jean Ross and Maurice Banner, who spring to mind, battling it out for the bragging rights. More recently, Jean and Maurice have faced strong competition from all comers and this year has seen a wide-open points competition with the winner of each stock show being different each time."

With the black variety of the Rex Rabbit enjoying such success, as shown by Chas Petts' annual round-up in Fur & Feather magazine, what makes them so popular and the breed to have? them so popular and the breed to have?

Rob believes the established fanciers, united by the Club are responsible: "The Club is steeped in history and has always had a wealth of friendly, experienced members, none more so than it has today. Both the standard black and the mini are unique in the lustrous colour they possess and in my mind at least, there is no greater sight on a judging table than a top Quality Black Rex.

Rob, also a keen supporter of the Black Mini Rex, says the decision to incorporate these 'little gems' into the National Black Rex Club in the late 90's was a wise move which is paying dividends for the club today: "There was mixed feelings amongst established fanciers back then about the inclusion of Mini classes in our schedules. With almost a decade almost passed since their inclusion, the club's membership has risen healthily as has their quality and popularity. The Black Mini gives people who perhaps haven't got the room, or physical capabilities in order to keep the standard black, the opportunity to keep their interest and love for the black velvet!"

Having championed the cause of the Black Mini, Rob turns his attentions back to the black rex as a whole: "A top class black rex will, like the other rex varieties, have a lovely rounded type with an overall balance. The Black Rex today, in the majority is the only breed I see on a regular basis with the boldness in shape, which the rex had when I began back in the early 70's.

After reading his glowing praises of the beauteous black, you as a reader may be tempted to get started with this breed, but where do you start?

Rob explains: "The best way to start, as with any breed of rabbit, in my opinion is by contacting the secretary of the specific breed club who will then put you in touch with a knowledgeable, friendly exhibitor who will be prepared to set you up with a quality mated doe. Joining the club is a must and newcomers are always welcome at our stock shows which are held regularly throughout the country For more information, why not visit our web site at www.blackrex.co.uk "

Club Contact:
Rob Walters - Tel: 01302 771082