The British Alpaca Futurity 2011: Welcome

Welcome to the British Alpaca Futurity 2011. The Futurity group is delighted to promote this event in the wonderful Hall 2 at Stoneleigh Park. This 4500sq m modern facility will enable ALL events except the Celebration Dinner to be held under the one roof and on the same floor. Stoneleigh Park is close to major motorways and main roads and a short ride from international airports and main line stations.

NEW FOR 2011
• We will be awarding two additional perpetual trophies for the Judge’s Choice Huacaya and Suri. These will represent the best in show alpacas as judged by Liz Barlow, our judge for the occasion. This award will not be restricted to nominated sires’ progeny but the best in show from all alpacas entered.

• The points scoring system for the Futurity Champion Herd Sire awards has changed. Only points won by the top nine performing progeny of a nominated sire will be used, making the Futurity Herd Sire Champion awards less dependent on progeny numbers entered.

• Reduced Sire Nomination Fees.

• The Most Successful Breeder award will be opened up to offer three separate awards depending on the number of breeding females each exhibitor owns.

• The judged Fleece Show will be open to entries from both UK and European breeders for the first time.

Sponsorship to fund this event is essential and we would urge you all to support us at this major event of the year. There are many opportunities available for breeders to promote their herds. The Organising Group have agreed to offer a limited number of drive-by stud services to their top herd sires. These will be available though an online auction system in January 2011. There will also be a Select Online Auction of alpacas that will close during the Futurity dinner on the Saturday night which will be another opportunity to acquire some great genetics.

All alpaca enthusiasts are urged to come along and take advantage of the seminars and workshops that run over both the Friday and Saturday even if they are not showing alpacas. There will be lectures from veterinarians on alpaca health, alpaca assessment workshops, weaving and spinning with alpaca fibre and a photography seminar. The educational opportunity represented at the Futurity is not to be missed. A single low price ticket will cover all the lectures with a small supplementary charge for the workshops.

It is also a great opportunity to meet and network with other alpaca breeders from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Exchange ideas, find out how they run their businesses and make some excellent contacts.

The Futurity will be showing off the best of British breeding with show classes on the Friday and Saturday judged by Liz Barlow (UK) and shorn fleece classes judged by Cathy and Matt Lloyd (UK). Craft exhibits will be judged by Jean Field (UK) with art and photography by Doug Hermann (USA).

This year, the hugely successful fleece show will be open to all European breeders and we once again look forward to seeing a large number of fabulous fleeces, proof that the breeding programmes in the UK and Europe are bringing us closer to the ideal alpaca.

A number of trade stands will be selling fashion garments and textiles along with those associated businesses selling feed and handling equipment. A craft section will also be available for those wanting low cost space to display and sell craft items.

There is a fantastic range of textiles produced by alpaca enthusiasts in the UK and Europe. We hope you will show off your latest creations and prove what can be made from alpaca fleeces by entering the Fibre Craft competition that features hand spinning, knitting, weaving and felting. The Photography and Art competition is another opportunity to impress with your skill and imagination. There is a section for young people and we hope as many children and teenagers as possible will take part.

A professional fashion show, select auction, champagne reception, prize draw and celebration dinner will complete the two days of The British Alpaca Futurity 2011.

Finally, for those of you not able to re-claim VAT sales tax, booking before the 4th January will save you money. VAT rates increase to 20% on the 4th January 2011.