In the spirit of Alan Carr – what a week it’s been!
Jude Anderson and Tim Hey with the judges choice huacaya fleece at the 2016 BAS National Show
The week began when I traveled up to Buckinghamshire to judge the BAS National Fleece Show along with fellow judge, Jude Anderson, who had just flown in from the States. We had 180 fleeces to judge in a day and this year was the first time the fleeces were tested for fibre diameter by AAFT using the OFDA 2000 machine. As a judge, it was great to have the fibre tested as it backed up what I was feeling and seeing.
For the small minority of people that don’t know, last weekend was the BAS National Halter Show at the Telford International Centre, near Birmingham. With over 70 exhibitors and 500 alpacas, the 2016 show was the biggest in the UK to date. The most dedicated breeders in the UK alpaca industry turned out to exhibit, network and generally have a wonderful time together. The number and quality of alpacas at the show was amazing and a real credit to their owners, as this winter has been a real challenge for us all. The continuous wind, rain and mud has made preparing for this years show really hard work. With that being said, the alpacas that I saw in their pens looked healthy and show ready.
Kevin and Karen with the Champion and Reserve Champion Grey Huacaya Females
The alpaca judging was split this year into suri in one show ring and huacaya in the other. The addition of the camera and large screen looked great and was a real benefit to the crowds of spectators who occupied the grandstand on both days. Tracey, Oliver, Georgia and I, along with Kevin, Karen, Frances and Trevor were there with the Inca show team consisting of 12 black and grey huacayas and the Alpaca Pals stand. As gold sponsors we had a ringside position which was great for watching the judging and networking.
Kevin and Claire with the Champion and Reserve Champion Black Huacaya females
We were extremely lucky to win a number of classes and championships over the two days. Catching up with friends from the UK, Ireland and abroad, while being able to display our herd and breeding was a real treat.
We would like to congratulate all of our friends who exhibited alpacas over the weekend. Witnessing your success was a very special privilege.
If you wish to see body and fleece photos of our National Show team and a list of our winning alpacas, including the sire and dam, please click this link.
Alpaca Pals with the new addition ‘Pecan’ at the top
Saturday night was gala dinner time. We began with a drinks reception in the main showing hall, around the trade stands and then dinner in the Ludlow Suite. It was a great evening with great company. We managed to get into all sorts of mischief with the table next door!
The gala dinner
The BAS National was a real credit to the organisers and the BAS as a whole. I would like to take this opportunity to thanks all those involved in the organisation of the event. It just shows how the British Alpaca industry is going from strength to strength and the confidence amongst owners and new investors is high and this paints a very bright future indeed.
All of us here at Inca are looking forward to next years show already.
Tim