Baa-Baa Black Sheep

One of my favourite outings has always been to the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. It's set in the most glorious countryside. With the South Downs as a backdrop, even if there's nothing interesting to see, you can always enjoy the view. However, the Weald & Downland Museum is a very special place. Historical buildings from 13th to 19th century are dismantled, brought there and then reassembled in 'period' settings.

Today, it was the site of the Rare and Traditional Animal Breeds Show. Although this may sound like another wool purchasing experience like Maryland's Sheep show, it's not. Firstly, it's much, much smaller.

The show is in it's 21st year and although there are vendor stalls, it's not a shopping extravagaza like Maryland's . There was also a lot more happening with spinners and weavers, than there were for knitters. That's not to say that it wasn't enjoyable, because it really was, just in a different way. There's a lot to see and the animals were spectacular. I also learned a lot of how pigs are judged and why one pig gets first place over another, but more on that later.

If you subscribe to Interweave in the UK, you know these people.

P&M Woolcraft

No, I'm not going to take up spinning, but that's one fine wheel.

Self-sufficiency tent, you grow it, you spin it, you wear it.

More spinning...

Latch hook

Badger Society
Who would had thought that this existed?

Knitting

There was a tent for fleece, spun fibre and knitted articles for judging too. Pity that I couldn't get in and get some more photos, but I came by just as they closed up the entrance for judging.

Alpacas from Meon Valley Alpacas.

Sheep

This is the Boreray, the rarest breed in England. They originate from the island of Boreray from the west coast of Scotland from a small flock left when the inhabitants from St. Kilda were evacuated in 1930. A group of 6 were taken off the island in the early 1970's and although the number in England have risen, the largest population still remains a feral flock on the island.

These are hebridean sheep

Lined up for the judge. Baabaa black sheep have you any wool?

Pigs

Pigs are judged on the straightness of thir backs, nimbleness of their walk, smoothness of their under-carriage (for the piglets to feed) and size and colour.

This is one fine pig. The way a pig ought to look, pretty and pink. This girl rightly deserved her first place red ribbon. She's owned by the Marquess of Salsbury and will not be turned into a 'London Pork Pie'. She's a breeding sow.

This is a nother pig owned by the Marquess of Salsbury. This is a black pig and her pigmentation makes her an ideal animal for warmer climates. Yes, pigs do get sunburned. She's also a first prize winner.

I've never seen a spotted pig before, but isn't she just adorable?

Goats

Have you ever tried to line up 10 goats for judging? It's a lot harder than it looks, especially if they have horns.

Isn't this one just a cutie?

This guys looks all reafy to go out and meet the judge

You know that you want to take me home.

This guy has the most impressive horns. I tried so hard to get him to turn around for a photo. Hubby told me to toss him my camera case. I jokingly held it over the pen and accidentally dropped it in. Hubby had to fetch the case but the goat did turn around then.

Posted by atu at July 23, 2006 05:33 PM | TrackBack