Well we have finally done it – Himalayas here we come!! My lovely sister Linda, my wonderful ‘stockperson’ Lorraine and I have signed up to do a trek through the Himalayas in Sept 2012; the charity is called Women for Women run by the Genesis Research Trust and supported by Sir Robert Winston. So excited!! First on the list is a new pair of walking boots – any excuse to go shopping – then we have to work out how to get fit enough to go trekking at altitude …….. watch this space for more news soon!!
The last few days have been hectic to say the least – but very enjoyable! I spent a few days at the British Alpaca Futurity 2011 in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire & having missed the event for the previous two years I was hugely impressed with the (yet again) improved quality of the alpacas and the numbers entered – over 350 animals and in excess of 100 suris which is the largest showing of suris ever in the UK. Popular indeed!! The Fleece Show, attracted exhibitors from across Europe and was a stunning display of fabulous fibre – beautiful!
Judge Liz Barlow did a most magnificent job – how she stayed on her feet for the hours and hours it took to look at all the entries, how she kept her concentration & sense of humour whilst she gave every animal in the ring a close inspection is beyond me, but manage it she did!! Having had the privilege to look at many of the animals which earned ribbons and many that didn’t there seemed to be very little to choose between the best animals and those that ‘lost out’ – so a very fiercely contested show and a hell of a job from Liz!!
A full set of results will be available shortly on the BAF website www.britishalpacafuturity.com very soon; if you didn’t make it to this show or have never been to the Futurity, I would highly recommend it! From the huge array of stunning alpacas, the trade stands, the wonderful fashion show & interesting workshops it is well worth a visit – and if that doesn’t do it for you – well there is always the chance to catch up with dozens of ‘alpaca people’ as we all emerge from hibernation to the first show of the year! Oh yes, and there is the beer …….!!
The British Alpaca Futurity is a showcase for the ‘Best of British’ born alpacas and provides a wonderful platform for the UK industry whilst, as a non profit making organisation, it also supports the Quechua Benefit which provides relief for people in the highlands of Peru (www.quechuabenefit.org)
Today was vile – that horrid filthy weather which makes you wonder why you are even out of bed! The alpacas look like drowned rats and are very grateful for their lovely barn – we will not be so grateful when we start mucking out in the morning …. hey ho as long as they are happy!
Today I picked my last butternut squash from the polytunnel only to have my darling chocolate labrador Max - he who can do no wrong – steal one of them and take it the corner of the garden; his jaws are like a vice, but I won it back – not sure why as it is now inedible ……….. mmmm he is not as daft as he looks.
