Since the Bath & West Show reduced it's assistance for the South West Alpaca Group Show, the local group (SWAG) has purchased marquees, and a group of volunteers collects on the tuesday to erect two 10m x 6m marquees and set out the pens - and so it was this year that we gathered, although we learned that one of our number, Andre, was out of action, and his father thankfully stepped in to ferry their merry band of clients from the farm to assist. Several hours later, we had sorted out the numbered components, bolted them together, and heaved up the fabric roof and sides. Then, an engine spluttered into life, and like Thunderbird Two from Thunderbirds, Gus majestically drove the mower out of the Patou trailer, to mow the showring into an appropriate condition for the best alpacas in the West Country (and temporary cricket pitch).
On the first day, Apple Vale Dr. Harvey achieved another 2nd place in a class of six, underlining the same placing as the Devon County Show, which was very satisfying. The chairman's barbeque concluded the first day suitably.
On the second day we were pleased when Apple Vale Fortune secured 1st place in the Adult White Male class, but the icing on the cake came when he was awarded Champion White Male, our first sash, so a very special moment. With limited land we have had to be careful with breeding until sales allowed it, and with minimal purchasing of new females, it has taken time to create the championship-winning alpaca from our herd with the appropriate stud, but with a second place at the National , and three first places in 2016, we knew he had the potential, and this year we did it.
