Prizes for N.A.B.B.A. and League shows are usually donated by us but I feel that show organisers owe it to the competitors, especially as competition gets keener and keener, to provide some extra prizes also. The prizes N.A.B.B.A. and the League provide are rather inadequate and only a token. I think the girls particularly, if we are to encourage a higher standard, should be given something extra.

One or two show organisers are lucky enough to get in with a business firm to "sponsor" a show, as in a recent Northern show where W. D. and H. O. Wills were prevailed upon to give some magnificent prizes, thanks to an enterprising enthusiast who happened to work for them. Other show organisers may well know one or two business men who might be prevailed upon to give a prize if you are cheeky enough to approach them. There might be the gents' tailor who would give a voucher, or a ladies hairdresser who would give a free shampoo and set; it all helps to encourage those who support the contests all the year in all conditions, and some are pretty awful.

If you can provide refreshments for your competitors at moderate charges it does help. And do try and provide some decent changing facilities, especially warmth, for them. Above all keep them informed of what you want of them to make the most of them.

Next thing to consider is "the top of the bill," the main attraction and here we are reaching a saturation point. You preferably need someone who can fill two spots, as three to five minutes posing only for what is really a modest fee of £15 to £30 does add considerably to the organiser's headaches. How many people can really top the bill in the physique line in Britain at the moment? I will stick my neck out and say three, Earl Maynard, Len Sell and Paul Nash. There are others, of course, but they are seldom available and not even desirous of doing shows. John Hewlett, current Amateur Mr. Universe, has made it known that it is impossible for him to keep in Universe shape and do shows, for business reasons. Adrian Heryet, a great strength man as well as physique, is not over keen since he got married and has family ties. He likes only to aim for the Universe. Paul Wynter is in Italy.

Paul Nash has had a great year as current Mr. Britain, and Earl and Len have had their full share of shows. But what of the audience?

Soon there will be another Britain winner and doubtless he will be in demand, but take the stars away I have already mentioned, who else can top the bill? We have many top physiques, Geoffrey Whitaker, John Citrone, Terry Parkinson, Roy Perrott, Adrian Shaw, to name but a few, but they somehow could not YET top the bill at a big show and draw the crowd. They are ideal for smaller shows as are many area winners and known competitors.

Senior Mr. Britain Colin Sheard has proved very popular and certainly explodes some of the myths of being finished at 35.

What about a continental star-but who is there? Serge Nubret, of France, away for a long spell in Bangkok filming, then home to Guadeloupe. Pierre Vandensteen, of Belgium, in fantastic shape and returning for the Universe this year.

If available and willing, cost of either of these would be around £35, since their fare and expenses would come to around £20.

S.A.W.L. can provide some top Strength Athletes. Ron Judge, of London, is one of the greatest in the world at his bodyweight

Nabba photos

Top gymnasts make very popular item. Here is Mick Stuart, M.B.E., Britain's top gymnast and national coach

There are several ladies display teams but the Sheffield Barbelles have always proved very popular under their leader Viv Nicholson. Four of this line-up are mothers

C. Ejoh photo