ROB JUDGES KELSO 2009

8/9/2009 12:00:00 AM

July saw Shirley and I travel up to Scotland after I had judged 265 fleeces in the Scottish National Fleece Show in Northumberland to judge the BAS Alpaca Show at the Kelso show.

Due to the time of year Kelso is a composite show which was a first for me. For anyone who is not familiar with a composite show it's where the Fleeces are judged separately from the alpacas. The alpacas are judged on confirmation only in the ring and the scores combined to find the overall winner. It's a little tricky as there is always a slight hiatus while the results are calculated at the desk before the Judge can announce the final placings.  Thankfully the weather stayed good enabling the competitiors to enjoy the sun whilst judge and show organiser worked through the paperwork to find the final placings.

A composite show relies heavily on having a very good show organiser, secretary ring steward and  chief steward. Melanie Douglas and her team were more than up to the job and I thank the North East and Borders Alpaca Group for the opportunity to judge their alpacas and trust they had as much fun as I did on the day.