I love the Northumberland County Show. The wonderful thing about the Northumberland County Show is the genuine mix of town and country with country lovers from the City of Newcastle attending in droves to mix with the farmers from right across the North of England to appreciate the cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, cavies, horses and of course especially the alpacas.
The public just love the alpacas. There is a tremendous interest in all things alpaca and it made me realise yet again how much I miss the Alpaca Showing at the Agricultural Shows. Breeders only shows are fine for breeders but they are not a replacement for getting our alpacas in front of a new crowd. There is genuine excitement in being in front of large members of the general public with alpacas that is hugely rewarding. Also the promotional aspect for the Alpaca is irreplaceable. There will be a lot of enquiries coming NEBAG's way in the coming weeks I'm certain. I'm jealous to death!
Paul Rippon of Barnacre Alpacas did a sterling job of educating the public on all things alpaca with an informative running commentary throughout the judging. I dare say he'll go very quiet for the next few days having talked on the microphone non stop for almost eight hours straight.
The alpaca showing never had less than a hundred members of the public watching at any one time and for the climax of the Show Championship there were close to three hundred waiting for Shirley to announce the result.
The Supreme Champion Huacaya Alpaca was won by an intermediate light fawn female from Beck Brow Alpacas in Cumbria. A bit more 'bling' for your cabinet Barb.
The Reserve Champion and Best Bred Northumbrian Alpaca went to Fallowfield Alpacas.
A high standard was maintained throughout all the classes with an especially impressive entry in the white juniors both male and female. Congratulations to NEBAG on creating a great show with a lovely atmosphere. Congratulations also to the Northumberland County Show Organisers and their team for persevering despite the challenges caused by the weather on creating a genuine country event which was a joy to attend regardless of the mud on our boots. What else do you expect when you're out in field? Pavement? There's enough of that stuff in the Toon!
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