Dog in the Ivy....? I'd have a drink there myself !

Alpaca judging action from the North Devon Show

Companion animal at the North Devon Show.

For Guest read Companion animal,  as that has been my role over the past three days at the North Devon Show. Shirley plays the role of Companion Animal when I judge and it is only fitting for an equality campaigner like myself to reciprocate when the roles are reversed. After ten years judging alpacas I'm not that experienced at being the companion animal. It's all new ground to me and as Shirley seems to be very much In demand this season I'm learning fast.

Shirley was judging the fleeces on Tuesday at Langaton Alpacas and today she judged the Halter classes at the North Devon Show in Umberleigh. 

What does the companion animal do? Well he drives the judge, feeds and waters the judge, totes the bags and keeps her entertained in the downtime. 

What does he not do? Question any decision, raise an eyebrow or do anything other than smile. Such is the recipe for a happy marriage says you- survival says me. 

Then when the judge is running at full throttle in the ring the companion animal gets to sneak off down the cattle and sheep lines to watch a very different type of livestock judging. 

We had a great time at the show and at Langaton the day previous. It was fab to catch up with the Waldrons again and a big thanks for the use of the Alpaca Schoolroom. Thanks to Jean Field and Lorraine for their work organising the alpaca fleece judging. A big thanks to Garry Sanders of Popham Alpacas for his services as ring steward and to Sue for being secretary and of course to Peter Roisetter    For organising the whole alpaca event at the North Devon Show. Shirley had it all done and dusted by 3pm in readiness for the Champions to participate in the Grand Parade in the main ring.

 Popham alpacas will be celebrating tonight as they achieved an amazing double be taking the best in show in both Huacaya and Suri- congratulations!

Commonwealth games 2018 - alpaca formation dancing?

Training began yesterday for the junior athletes of the Toft Alpaca formation dancing team aiming for the Commonwealth Games 2018

Toft Alpacas Open Day kicked off early...

It all kicked off early on the  Manor yesterday with visitors knocking  on the doors as we were setting up. 

A massive Toft effort all round with Scott standing in for Uncle Keith on the car park duty with Auntie Lorna and Paul Beswick of Du Prem Alpacas. Doug took over Eddie watch from Auntie Sandra. Freya, Millie, Linda and myself were on the alpaca halter walking. 

Shirley and the studio staff on the walks and talks as well as all the other craft activities. Harriet, Kerry and the interns were all buzzing around like bees on honey. The Cornflower cafe was booming with all the cakes and Sarnies gone by last knockings. Despite the rain a great Toft Alpaca Experience was delivered in spades !

This was our first Open Day where we have  dodged the weather but it didn't stop the visitors coming and a fantastic British Day out at Toft Alpacas was had by all. Well done family, well done Team Toft and may we all conitnue giving the joy and providing this very special Alpaca experience for a long long time to come. Our visitors loved it and I think  we might have changed a few lives along the way! xxx

It's all in the sheds and we got away with it but only just

Unbelievably the Hay team managed to get the last 400 bales off the field yesterday with only one shower to dodge. A sterling effort by all over the past three days and a huge Toft Thanks to Scott, Linda, Freya, Will, Katie and Sam for their perseverance. Will the alpacas appreciate this in the winter as they dine on the sweet stuff? Not a hope...but I will. Thanks again.

Gotcha...

So often my photos of our black alpacas come out as silhouettes but this time the light must have been in my favour.