WillowBank Alpacas

Computer Repaired!

2012-01-23T07:06:00.003Z

Hi All,

Well it's been such a long time since my last blog which has partly due to having major computer problems, hopefully this is all sorted out now and we are back online.

We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year, a little belated I know but with our computer issues this is our first time in wishing you all the best and a successful 2012.

Wellground Relentless our stud male is due to become a dad this year, so we are really excited to see what his influence has been with the cria's being born this year. Relentless is a true gentleman with the ladies and can't wait to show them a bit of loving. We will keep you posted with the new arrivals when they happen.

The rest of the alpacas are all coming along nicely, we are going to be releasing some of the alpacas for sale this year and we are currently updating our website with these details and will publish these very shortly.

The winds of late have been playing tricks on our minds as we have been convinced that we are going to get blown away in the caravan, although it is very well secured down it has been a little bit scary at times and kind of feels like we are on a small boat during a hurricane storm out at sea.

Well it's great to be back online again and to be able to see what you all have been up to, it's very surprising how much we depend on computers these days, it's only when they are not working that we realise how much they form part of our daily routine.

That's all for now, back soon.

WARNING WARNING PLEASE READ

2011-12-07T20:29:00.002Z

Hi All,

We feel it our duty to inform you all of a scam that has been attempted on us!!

We will give you quick outline of what has happened and then a website that you can see the responses from others that have also had the same attempt of the scam on them, some not so lucky though unfortunately.

We decided to take an advert out with Aspire Magazine as this is a magazine that covers our region, don't get us started on that one, that's another story! however the advert was placed and all was well in the end.

Maybe a week later 1/12/11 to be exact I received a phone call on my mobile from a private number, I answered the call and a guy on the other end said something a little mumbled at the beginning as it was a poor line but asked if he can just confirm the details he has are correct, not giving me chance to say anything, he proceeded to reel off our business name, address, both land line and mobile numbers, website address and then asked me to confirm my surname, I confirmed my surname closely followed by him saying thank you very much for supporting your community magazine, to which I then assumed he was from the Aspire Magazine and this was just a follow up call, he then proceeded to say that they will be sending me a distribution list and some publications of the magazine through the post. He then said thank you for placing the advert and we will not contact you again this side of Christmas, we hope you and your family have very nice Christmas and good New Year and then hung up. The conversation was very quick and probably only lasted about 40 seconds.

Monday 5/12/11 we receive through the post an invoice from a company called SWITCH GROUP for the total of £299.00 for the advert placed in "Your Community" and another piece of paper with the screen dump of the front page of our website asking us to approve the artwork. Obviously something was not right here as we had not taken out anymore advertisements.

I return home from work and looked at the invoice and it soon started to ring alarm bells, trying to cut a long story short here. I called them and spoke to a female called Sophie (she has various other names!) who I told, that I would not be paying and then she got very defensive and a little abrupt. Further digging and Google street maps later, shows the address is a Mail Box which is an American Franchise company that can be ran from a shop but is the equivalent to the UK PO Box. We smell a BIG STINKY RAT here. A quick call to Rob Rawlins at Wellground and to run a few thoughts past him, Rob reminds me that Irene at Ashdale Alpacas had recently blogged about a Crime Prevention Scam. I called Irene who had also placed an advert in the same Aspire Magazine and sure enough Irene has also had a similar telephone call but as of yet no invoice through the post.

A big thank you to Irene and Simon who gave me some good information and the following website to look at www.nuisancecalls.org.uk please look at this site, it's free you don't have to register or log in. scroll down the front page slightly and you will see a fairly large box that says enter you number here, enter 0844 096 1804 and hit enter. Click on the bit that says Switch Group Scam and then read the comments left by other people that have had the same happen to them. Please take a few minutes to do this it could save you allot of money!

We are trying to give you all a heads up on this scam, we don't want any of you to get caught out, even when they say they have a recorded message of you agreeing to the contract, which they did record me, but it's all a scam as you will see from reading the comments that have been left.

Please pass this blog onto everyone that you may feel could get caught out with this, we all follow different alpaca breeders for various reasons but lets all pull together on this and stop any of us getting scammed by these scum of the earth.

If anyone would like to call me to discuss our experience of this then please feel free 07912 579041 oh they have also sent me a text message after I said I was not paying saying "Urgent action required. please call SWITCH now regarding your overdue balance, call today to receive a 15% discount offer VALID TODAY ONLY CALL 0844 096 1804. oh they called me again today asking when i was going to pay, so I confirmed again I would not be paying so take me to court, she got rather aggressive and said i was unprofessional and asked if I talk to all of my customers this way. You don't want to know what I said!

Please be on your toes. Take care all.

It's Been A Long Time!

2011-11-19T19:34:00.008Z

Hi All,

Well I can't believe we have not blogged for so long, no excuses we have just been so busy with another part of our business. We are not complaining, it just took us a bit by surprise the interest it created and the work it brought along, all good though.

Our alpacas are all doing really well and this years cria's are growing up just perfectly. The grass is still just about growing here with this mild weather we have been spoilt with, although we have been bringing the alpacas in overnight now for the last few weeks, we can't help it as we can sit looking out of the window directly onto the alpacas in the barn, it's just fantastic.

We have a local craft fair that we are attending in December so our knitter is working her fingers to the bone and my workshop is buzzing with crafts that have been made ready for the Christmas craft fair. We are currently in the process of update our website with an online shop that we are hoping to go live with soon, so watch the space for announcements of that but in the meantime here is a couple of pictures of the woodworking I have been creating, sorry we don't have any pictures of our garments, I forgot to take the pictures and now that we have sold out of everything I will have to take some when they are next available and before they get posted off again......this being in demand caper is just great.

If anyone has any questions about our craft's then please feel free to contact us. We can create almost anything from a picture, so if you have that favourite picture that you would like re-creating in wood then give us a call to discuss your requirements. WillowBank Alpacas & Crafts 01455 888646 or 07912 579041 if we do not answer please leave us a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.

Well that's all for tonight, be back soon.

Another Full Australian Birth

2011-08-30T08:28:00.005+01:00

Hi All,

Well the weekend brought us a new cria from another one of our Australian girls. Wellground Cyan was really making us wait for this cria, she decided to hang on for another 3 weeks past her due date before letting her secret out. Saturday morning at 07.30 Wellgroung Cyan gave birth to a beautiful Solid Light Fawn Female that we have called WillowBank Adelaide.

WillowBank Adelaide has some cracking genetics in her pedigree, her sire Eringa Park Lionheart ET has certainly put his stamp on this geurgoeus cria, WillowBank Adelaide is also made up from the likes of, Cambridge Buckingham, Jolimont Commisario, NWA Ltd Ruffo, Eringa Park Show Time, Jolimont Gianmarco, Jolimont Sculptor, EP Cambridge Peruvian Spartacus to name but a few, so we are very excited about WillowBank Adelaide.

Well that's all for this morning, we have lots to be getting on with around the farm so must crack on, back soon with hopefully more news of some more births.

Bye To Wellground Close Encounter

2011-08-24T08:52:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well not allot has been happening since my last blog. We are still waiting for our next cria's to be born and after an earlier influx's of cria's things have slowed down. Cyan one of our Australians is no coming up to 3 weeks ever her due date, which is frustrating as we are very keen to see what she gives us, I'm sure she will have her cria when she is ready, we will just have to be patient.......

We are really desperate for rain and as we can't remember the last time we actually had a decent amount, the weather men/woman forecast heavy rain over the last couple of days but we had a quick shower and that was that.

Our fleeces have gone down south ready for the GWR Show and we are keeping our fingers crossed for this years show to see how we get on.

I returned Wellground Close Encounter to Rob and Les at Wellground Alpacas the other Sunday which was a pleasure. Wellground Close Encounter had been with us for a mating and he worked his magic like a true professional. Wellground Close Encounter sure is an outstanding stud and certainly puts his stamp on his offspring. Rob and Les looked after me with their kind hospitality as always, even if Les took the mickey out of me for having a thick moment with loading the truck full of things, rather than the ease of putting it in the now empty trailer......I blame that on being dumb struck by the quality of their up and coming cria's, Thanks Rob and Les.

I will get out this weekend and get some pictures of the alpacas, they are looking really well and the cria's are growing fast, oh we also have two new mouse catchers to introduce to you, so I will be back soon.

More Births And Pictures

2011-08-09T20:39:00.012+01:00

Hi All

Well I was going to blog last night as I had previously mentioned in my last blog one thing led to another and before I knew it, it was time for bed. So without delay here is the blog that we are trying to catch up on.

So here we have WillowBank Unknown!

WillowBank Unknown is not it's real name if you hadn't already guessed it, we are undecided what to call this fella so unknown is his nickname. I'm not going to go to much into the genetics tonight as I gave you your fill of genetics in the last blog, so pictures today and more genetics another day.

Next up WillowBank Scooby a Light Fawn Male

WillowBank Scooby has a fantastic presence in the herd already, he is not camera shy either as he stands here proud as punch watching for the birdie on the camera.

Following on we had another birth yesterday of another female cria, unfortunately we have not got any pictures of her yet so her picture will come soon, so for now a quick look back over the last few weeks and pictures of the cria's born.

Well that's all for tonight back again soon.

The Start Of Catch Up

2011-08-07T17:26:00.013+01:00

Hi All,

Well its been such a long time since we did a proper blog about the going on's from WillowBank. So much has happened over the our period of absence, we have had cria's being born left right and centre, so without further-a-do I we will introduce you to them.

First up we have WillowBank Mishka a Solid White Female.

WillowBank Mishka's Dam is our very Wellground Megenta who gave us a first from last years Great Western Regional Fleece show, Mishka's dams genetics are that of Accoyo Remarque, EP Cambridge Assertive Lass, Jolimont Commisario, Jolimont Prima, Jolimont Conquistador. Mishka's Sire is Eringa Park Lionheart ET who genetics are that of Jolimont Gianmarco, Jolimont Sculptor, Jolimont Melina, Eringa Park Showtime, NWA Ltd Ruffo.

So with these genetics within WillowBank Mishka and from what we can see from her "persil white fleece" so far, we are expecting some good times ahead.

Second up we have WillowBank Polly a Solid White Female

Willowbank Polly Dam is Yuralee Katia of Cambridge who's genetics are that of Jolimont Manfredo, Jolimont Conquistador, Jolimont Ice Angel, Jolimont Serena, Yuralee Crysatalgen Kyle, Jolimont Maria Clair, Summerset Peruvian Sensation, Summerset Lucky Star. Polly's Sire is EP Cambridge Gianmarco's Masterpeice with genetics from Jolimont Gianmarco, Jolimont Sculptor, Jolimont Melina, EP Cambridge Patelin, Jolimont Encantador, Cambridge Carola.

Again some fantastic genetics within this beautiful female cria.

Third up we have WillowBank Wooley a Solid white Male

WillowBank Wooley's Dam is Pipley Court Bacardi who genetics are that of Cambridge Cajamarca of Blenheim, NWA Ltd Ruffo, Jolimont Palmina, Constance of Collingwood. Wooley's Sire is Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake with genetics from Accoyo Killawasi, ARU Cambridge Estelle, Katy of ARU Cambridge.

Some special genetics within these three birth we are sure you will agree, we are really pleased with what we have been given so far and yet we still have some more births to come with just as good genetics in those, so lets see what we are dealt from those.

We have had some more births, but for now we don't want to overload you all with genetics so we will post the pictures and details of the other births tomorrow.

So we are back in the world of blogging and getting ready for this years GWR show, we have some special fleeces entered this year with fingers crossed that we get a result and if we don't the experiance and knowledge gained will be reward enough.

Well that's it for today, back again tomorrow.

We Are Still Alive........

2011-07-15T20:55:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks,

It's been so long since our last blog and tonight's is only a short one too. All our alpacas are doing fantastic and we are back into birthing time again.

Wellground Relentless our herd sire is now in full flow with his matings and we are getting spit-offs from his mating which shows positive signs. Relentless has really mastered the art of loving his females and gets on with the job. We are now offering selected matings with Relentless to those that have strict bio-security measures in place and of course this will be at our discretion.

We have lots of pictures and lots more to catch up on over the next few weeks so keep watching this space to what we have been up to.

Things have been a little bit manic here since our last blog and some things have not gone to plan but more on all of that stuff when I can say more!

Well take care all, and return soon.

What You All Looking At......

2011-06-23T19:50:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks,

It's been a couple of days again since my last blog, so I thought I should try and slip in another one.

We have been dodging the rain showers that we have been gratefully receiving over the last few days although the ground just seems to keep soaking it all up and it looks like we have had no rain what so ever.

Whilst we were enjoying a nice cup of tea I spotted the alpacas looking for something, I managed to grab a quick picture of them doing so. It soon became apparent of what they were watching but unfortunately the batteries went flat in the camera to catch what happened next.

The alpacas had spotted two hare's in the paddock and proceeded in chasing them around the paddock for two laps before the hare's managed to escape through the stock fencing, it was quite amusing watching them all pronking around after them and very good to watch how the alpacas had started to work together in trying to corner the hare's before there great escape. I wish I had a video camera it would have been nice to have watched it again and to share with you all how the alpacas worked as a team.

Relentless our herd sire has been working his magic again and has an appointment with another of our girls this weekend when I am off to give Lisa a hand, so hopefully some more pictures to come and an updated picture of Tilly our 13kg cria that was born a couple of weeks ago, she has come on really well and has the most amazing fleece, lets just hope she keeps this quality as she grows up.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon.

Herd Sires.....

2011-06-19T17:42:00.008+01:00

Hi All,

Well my last blog again was so long ago. I can't wait to have so more time on my hands when I change jobs in the next few weeks. Today we have been ear tagging our Ryeland Lambs and this years cria's so far.

Our herd sire Wellground Relentless has been working his magic today on one of his girls and has had fun working it all out, good lad Relentless you show them what your made of!!

We are really excited to see what Relentless will produce for us. Relentless's genetics consist of EP Cambridge Samson as his sire, EP Cambridge Peruvian Spartacus as his grand sire and Jolimont Amatea as his grand dam. Relentless's dam is Wellground Ruffo's Reflection, NWA Ltd Ruffo is her grand sire. So some good genetics in the mix.

Our other herd sire Wellground Tchaikovsky is just as stunning and also packed with quality genetics with Silverstream Czar of Anzac as his sire, ILR Alpine Fibre's Brutus as his grand sire and Peruvian Hemingway as his great grand sire. Tchaikovsky's dam is EP Cambridge Assertive Lass, with Jolimont Commisario as her grand sire and Jolimont Conquistador as her great grand sire to name just a few. So some exciting times coming soon when these cria's start hitting the ground.

In the middle is Wellground Tchaikovsky a Solid Mid Fawn, standing here proud with his pals, on the left we have WillowBank Killawasi's Spirit and on the right of Tchaikovsky we have Cambridge Kazuo. Both Spirit and Kazuo are potential studs on the horizon with genetics including EP Cambridge Gianmarco's Masterpiece, Jolimont Gianmarco, Jolimont Sculptor, Jolimont Encantador, EP Cambridge Stormcat, NWA Ltd Ruffo, Cambridge Cajamarca of Blenheim, Jolimont Palmina to name but a few for these two boys.

Well that's all for now, I'll be back soon.

News, News, News

2011-06-10T20:35:00.007+01:00

Hi All,

Well again the time since my last blog has flown by. I just don't seem to find the time at the minute to try and keep it up to date, hopefully soon this will change as I am pleased to say that I have found a new job and have handed in my notice with my current employer. This has not been an easy decision to make as I have worked for this company on and off for over 12 years but with all the travelling involved and the long hours which really doesn't give me much time to do anything else when I get home, it has finally had to come to and end.
So moving onto pastures new in the next few weeks will be culture shock but I am also looking forwards to the new challenge ahead and with the job being just 20 minutes up the road instead of the 1hr 30minutes if I was lucky to my current job, this should make a pleasant change and increases my time spent at home considerably.

Anyway that's enough of that news. Moving onto alpaca related news we would like to wish Lisa and Dave all the very best with the three boys they purchased from us and we delivered to them last Saturday.

Here is Lisa and Dave helping to unload there three boys (L2R) Wellground Gieves, WillowBank Killawasi's Image and WillowBank Coco just leaving the trailer to their new home. We are so pleased for Lisa and Dave who are over the moon with the boys and has fulfilled a dream of owning alpacas for pets.

Gieves seems to have taken a real shine to Dave and I think these two are going to be inseparable. Well done guys and all the best for the future.

Now onto a final bit of news for today and I am pleased to see that after the announcement of Rob's Alpaca Blog from Wellground Alpaca Stud coming to an end, that Rob and Les have returned with something new, exciting and fresh on the scene with the launch of their Wellground Alpaca Video Diary, what a fantastic idea. Although the video diary is still in it's early stages, this will be something special to follow. If the video diary is anything like the blog they used to post then this will soon be followed by many. Great idea guys, good to have you back.

Well that's all for now, but when the rain stops and the sun shines, I will try and get some new pictures of the 13kg cria that was born, who has now been named "Tilly"

13kg!!!

2011-05-29T09:35:00.006+01:00

Hi All,

Well those of you that read our blog would have remembered me saying that Alice one of Australian females was holding onto her cria. Alice, who genetics include EP Cambridge Stormcat as her Sire and NWA Ltd Ruffo on her Dams side.

We are pleased to say that after 23 days overdue at 19.00 last night Alice gave birth to a Solid White Female, now this was not the easiest of births as the cria is absolutely massive weighing in at 13kg that's 2 stone!! Lisa had to assist as the cria was understandably stuck, it was a normal presented cria but she still took some pulling even the back end wouldn't come out on it's own.

These are not the best of pictures as they were taken in our birthing quarters under the heat lamps. The cria's Sire is Wellground Legend of Spartacus a Scottish National Fleece Show Supreme Champion. So putting those genetics in the mix with EP Cambridge Stormcat and NWA Ltd Ruffo we are keen to see how this cria will develop.

Alice and daughter are doing really well and the cria is now running rings around Alice in the birthing quarters. We have decided to keep them both in today as the weather here is not the good and we would rather keep them in.

Well that's all for this morning, the barn still awaits for attention.

First Signs Of Shearing

2011-05-27T19:38:00.012+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well today has been a manic day. I rushed back from work a little bit earlier today as we had our friend Sam coming to shear our sheep. Lisa had already been up to our other land and fetched the sheep back in the trailer and had got them ready in the barn for Sam's' arrival.

We only have six ewes and Bertie the ram that needed shearing so for a professional like Sam this was going to be a quick pit stop.

Sam has managed to fit us in to his busy schedule, He has approximately 20,000 sheep to shear and had already shorn 300 before calling into us. Well with Sam shearing like a trooper it was all over in a blink of an eye. Thanks Sam you are a star.

The barn was soon cleaned up and disinfected after the sheep had been in again and so to was the trailer after we had taken them back to the other land, I can't even recognise them as our sheep now, mind you I have the same problem with the alpacas when they are shorn, talking of which our alpacas are being shorn next Thursday so it will be good bye to those big beautiful fluffy coats.

I think the boys were unsure who these strange looking creatures are, by the faces that were being pulled you would have never of guessed that they were together only a couple of hours ago.

This picture is for Debbie at Barn Acre Alpacas, as you can see Debbie Kazuo still has his dirty beard and has now taken up wading in the water trough and then getting himself grubby from the dust piles....he is a first class tramp!!

Alice is now three weeks over her predicted birthing date and still she shows no signs of anything happening in the near future, well I guess that's alpacas for you, they like to keep you guessing.

The barn alterations are starting to take shape and we can start to see how it's all going to work for us, this is one of those jobs that we have been meaning to do for a long time and never got round to it, but no we wish that we had done it sooner and benefited from it sooner. Lisa is still keeping the whip cracked over my back to get the barn finished before shearing, but with seven day weeks at work and Sunday being my only day off this week, it's going to be close. Not even a bank holiday Monday next week as I have got to go into work, so again it's return home and work on the barn until it gets dark, which gives me about two hours an evening. Never mind the new carousel system we are creating will all be worth it in the end.

Well I must dash as the cat of nine tails has struck my back again and I hear the barn calling.

A Change For The Better.

2011-05-17T07:36:00.002+01:00

Hi All,

Well it has been a busy weekend for us as we have decided to redesign the inside of one of our barns. We have been meaning to arrange the barn since last year, as it was not working for us how we would of liked it to.

As you are all aware trying to keep the stress levels down with alpacas is an important role of keeping alpacas, so making the handling areas as least stressful as possible was our aim with the barn. We are creating a carousel affect within the barn allowing all the alpacas that we require to be handled for husbandry duties or shearing to be moved around to the appropriate stages in the barn and then released into a final holding bay before returning back to the paddocks, this will hopefully reduce any unnecessary running around, reducing the risk of any injury or stress.

We are very conscious here not to put any animal under any unnecessary stress and are very keen to make the experience for the alpacas as comfortable as possible and obviously a bit easier for us to manage.

The alpacas are all looking fantastic out in the paddocks and we are due for shearing on the 2nd June so getting the barn completed before then is the aim. Lisa assures me that I will have it finished!!

We have an alpaca that is coming up to 2 weeks over her due date this Thursday, so again we have been on constant look out trying to catch any sign of birthing, so we will keep you posted with the progress of Alice.

The Pedigree Ryeland sheep are now going up for sale, if any one is interested in a nice starter flock of 6 ewes with lambs at foot and a proven Pedigree Ryeland Ram then please feel free to get in touch.

Well that's it for now, more later with the progress of the barn and Alice.

Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket!!

2011-05-10T21:10:00.005+01:00

Hi All,

Just a quick blog tonight as we wanted to share a couple of pictures with you all of some strange going on's.....

Lisa was out cleaning the chicken shed out when she noticed a bit of que forming in the shed as to who was going to lay their eggs first.....well that soon turn out obvious as three chickens got into the same box to lay and a fourth was stood looking to see if she also could fit in with them!!

So maybe you can have all your eggs in one basket......well chicken shed anyway.

Lisa then noticed that the girls in the birthing paddock were also up to strange happenings and managed to take this picture of a two headed alpaca......

We have been discussing the going on's and the only thing we can put it down to is that Jayne must have put something in the water when she came......is this your revenge for us having Tchaikovsky...... only joking Jayne we are just having a silly day.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon.

The Sun Is Out Again

2011-05-08T19:52:00.007+01:00

Hi All,

Well the sun has been out again here all day which is perfect for getting the grass growing again after the rain.

We have had Naomi our work experience girl here with us again today, so we made good of her time here and set about completely mucking out and stripping down our top barn. Naomi must have arms like an orangutan this evening as she trundled backwards and forwards for must of the day with the wheelbarrow, to the muck heap. Now for a young girl Naomi is certainly not scared of a bit of hard work and doesn't shy away from getting stuck in.

Once we had cleared the barn it was no rest for the wicked as it was time to Lambivac our sheep and lambs, we are going to be selling our small flock of Ryelands as we just don't have the time to give them as all of our time is taken up with the alpacas.

As it had been sunny all day we decided to see if Tchaikovsky's fleece had dried and take some pictures. We are both really pleased with him and I think Lisa has already fallen in love with him......

Lisa and Wellground Tchaikovcky

Relentless couldn't help himself and just had to get into the picture, Tchaikovsky stood like a true gentleman for Lisa and even let her have a cuddle.

I tried again to take a fleece shot but as most of you are aware this is near on impossible to achieve, I had taken several pictures of his fleece and settle on this picture, it gives you a little idea of his fleece but it does his fleece no justice what so ever.

Now as Relentless had stood so nicely whilst all the attention was being given to Tchaikovsky, it was only far that we took his picture. So here is Lisa with Relentless standing proud for his cuddle.

Well that's about it for today's jobs, I'm off to have a bit of a chill out as it's back to work tomorrow and I'm already thinking of that alarm clock going off at 04.30.

Take care all.

Tchaikovsky Arrives

2011-05-07T12:43:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks

Well the time has gone by so quick, I couldn't believe that it had been 3 weeks since our last blog entry......that's not good.

With one thing and another we have been so busy it has been a mad house here for the last few weeks, although the best part of the last few weeks was Thursday just gone. Apart from having a medical appointment that interrupted the day, the day was soon brightened up with the arrival of Rob Rawlins from Wellground Alpaca Stud and our additional herd sire "Wellground Tchaikovsky"

"Tchaikovsky" will be running along side our other herd sire here "Wellground Relentless" "Tchaikovsky" pedigree is just as impressive with "Silverstream Czar of Anzac", "Peruvian Hemingway", "EP Cambridge Assertive Lass", "Jolimont Commisario", "Jolimont Conquistador" all of which are in his genetics. We are hoping for something special from this young lad when he matures.

I have been putting of the blog until the weekend so that I could try and take some pictures of our new boy, although I am not complaining the heavens have opened here and we are in the middle of some persistent rain, which is much needed for our grass growth but unfortunately has put Holt to any pictures as fleeces are a little soggy.

I promise to get some pictures as soon as the sun comes out and the fleeces have dried as we are keen to show his fleece off.

Jayne from Zanzibah Alpacas has been stopping with Rob & Les for the week and we were pleased to see that Jayne came along for the trip up north with Rob to drop off "Tchaikovsky". We were privileged to see the hats that Rob talks about on his recent blog and we can confirm they are amazing, you have to see them to appreciate the styles and quality of the craftsmanship that Jayne has put into these, I'm sure she will be selling her garments.

Well I leave you for now as my woodwork is calling but will return soon with pictures of our new boy "Wellground Tchaikovsky" thanks again to Rob & Les at "Wellground Alpaca Stud" you guys certainly know how to produce those top genetics and those show winning alpacas.....

Take care folks.

Supreme Champions

2011-04-14T21:23:00.005+01:00

Hi All

Well we have just been reading Rob's blog at Wellground and what a fantastic bit of news we read.

Our Stud here at WillowBank, Wellground Relentless is really proving to be something, not only is his father a Supreme Champion EP Cambridge Samson but his brother has also just been awarded Supreme Champion.

We will not be taking any of our alpacas to halter shows this year, to reduce the risk of infections being passed on from any other alpacas. We will be attending fleece shows with our fleeces so lets see how we got with them.

Relentless will be available for stud services this year, we will publish more about his services later.

Our Boy "Relentless"

Well that's all for now back soon.

Wellground Tchaikovsky

2011-04-12T19:59:00.010+01:00

Hi folks,

Well what a difference 24hrs can make, well maybe more than 24hrs as myself and Lisa had been discussing for awhile now that we wanted to try and get ourselves another top herd sire here at WillowBank.

We currently have Wellground Relentless as our herd sire, who we are just starting to introduce to his girls, as he is now becoming of age. Relentless will be staying here at WillowBank as we have no intention of selling him in the near future but to enable us to have different quality genetics within our breeding program, it was decided that another herd sire would be the obvious answer.

So it was time to talk to our good old friends Rob & Les at Wellground, as we and I'm sure you are all aware have some excellent quality males for sale. Now we knew we had got to move fast as the fantastic prices they are offering wouldn't take long before they all became sold, luckily for us the one we had got our eye on, was still available and after some talking about his bloodlines and fleece quality, it was an easy decision to make.

We are now going to be proud owners of Wellground Tchaikovsky who as a solid medium fawn with Silverstream Czar, Peruvian Hemingway, Jolimont Commisario and Jolimont Conquistador within his pedigree we believe we should be looking out for some amazing cria's coming through in 2013. I have just noticed as I write this that Wellground Tchaikovsky is actually born on my birth day last year, so it must be fate that he comes to us.

Onto other slightly less exciting things, we have only got two more sheep to lamb, then that's lambing over for this year. It will be then time to clean out the barn and disinfected after the sheep have been. We are due to start birthing alpacas again in May but knowing alpacas as we now getting to realise, it could be anytime!!

We had post today saying that Lily has been allocated a place at our village primary school and that her time to start is the 1st September, that's only just over 4 months away.

Both myself and Lisa can't believe our little girl is growing up so fast and now the letter talks about buying school uniform, she our precious little girl going to school.....I could almost shed a tear......Well that's enough of the emotional stuff where is Top Gear on the TV for some man stuff........only joking at least she will soon be old enough so we can start changing her rent.....only joking she is moving out at 16......seriously only joking we love her to bits and will cherish every moment of her life growing up into a young lady.

Well that's all for tonight, I need a tissue for my eyes as I can't see the keys on the keyboard anymore.

Enjoying The Sunshine

2011-04-10T19:33:00.011+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well we think we have managed to fix the computer, it seems to be running well with no shutting down issues, although I don't want to say that to loud!!

It has been a fantastic last few days with the weather and I hope this is the sign of things to come. Lily has been out playing with the hose pipe cooling off the dogs, well I say dogs, Jack the Elk hound went and hid under the caravan, Otto the German Shepard kept her distance which left Molly the Border Collie who is mad for the hose pipe, to take all the glory of getting wet. Molly goes absolutely mad for the hose.......

Well that tired out those two for a short while a certainly cooled Molly down. Our two new cria's of this year are really growing up well and are starting to cause havoc in the paddock. I still find it amazing how you can just watch the cria's all day long as they get themselves into mischief, as I sit here and type this blog they keep running past the window skipping around.

The above picture is of WillowBank Farley he was sired by Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake and is a beautiful light fawn, we real have fallen in love with this little fella. The picture below is again Farley with his mate WillowBank Barley who is also sired by Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake, the two may look Innocent but the other alpacas say they are trouble!!

Whilst I was in the paddocks taking the photos, I sat on the ground enjoying the curiosity of the alpacas as they wondered what I was doing, they came close to have a sniff and a nibble then stood tall to look around. I took the next picture, I like it as there is something about the picture, I think it's something to do with the clear sky behind her head and the angle it was taken from. Maybe it's just me, but I like it anyway......

This is Wellground Cyan, she is absolutely fantastic with an amazing fleece, understandably as she is the daughter of Cambridge Buckingham. We are very keen to see what she produces this year as she has been mated to Eringa Park Lionheart ET, another fantastic stud from Wellground Alpacas.

Well that's all for now back soon.

We Have Got Computer Problems!!

2011-04-07T13:14:00.002+01:00

Just a quick one as we have serious computer problems.....For some reason our computer keeps turning itself off and then wont restart. Very strange and very annoying. We are trying to get it fixed, so apologies for no blogs. This blog has taken several attempts to get to this stage. Enjoy the weather all, we will be back soon.

More New Births

2011-03-31T19:28:00.005+01:00

Hi Guys, We have finally had rain over the last couple of days, which we are grateful for as we need are grass to start growing, it's changed colour so this rain should hopefully bring on the new growth.

Well that's enough about the grass. We have had our first lambs born from our Ryeland Sheep yesterday, we were going to blog last night but the pictures that we had taken didn't really turn out very well so Lisa has taken some more today.

They are just starting to go fluffy around the bottom of their legs and around their eyes, they will soon be just bundles of fluff.

Lily couldn't resist having a little cuddle with one of the lambs, she really enjoys seeing new life appearing on the farm.

Now there must be something in the water around here as these two lambs are little boys, just like our first two cria this year, they were also little boys. We must be due some girls soon....please.

we have also for a while had a chicken that had been sitting on some eggs, well today she allowed us to see what she has been cooking.

She has four chicks in total, but she was only allowing two to pose for the camera. We will get some more pictures as they start to venture out and about.

Well that's all for tonight, I need to search for the sun cream for tomorrow predicted sunny spell.

What's Happened To My Paragraphs????

2011-03-28T21:58:00.003+01:00

When I wrote the last blog it had paragraphs in it but someone seems to have stolen them.......

More Hours In The Week Required.....

2011-03-28T21:14:00.004+01:00

Hi Folks, Well it's been sometime since our last blog, lets just say that champagne certainly had a kick to it!! Joking aside since our news with getting our planning permission its been none stop. We had visitors constantly for the following three days wishing to congratulate us on our news, people from the village are so pleased for us that we succeeded and that our determination is starting to pay off. So after the visitors stopped coming it was time to move things up a gear and start to promote our business and show we are serious about what we are doing. It's been all go visiting potential customers, making calls, emailing people and working on the website, which is still under construction with lots of hidden pages which are almost ready to be revealed. Along side of the office work, we have been busy with plenty of husbandry jobs with the alpacas, rotating alpacas around the paddocks, muck spreading one of the paddocks and repair works to fences that the horses have damaged but that's another story, so don't get me started on that one!! One of the jobs that we have been desperate to spend more time on, was halter training our stud boy "Wellground Relentless" Relentless is due to start working this year and although we had already started training him, it was time to see how much he had remembered. Well he was a little unsure to start off with but after about 5 minutes he settled down and walked like a real pro, strutting his stuff to the girls. "Relentless" will be available for stud services, subject to bio-security checks. I know this sounds harsh but we are doing everything we can to reduce any risk of infections on our farm, so like minded breeders will I'm sure agree this is a must for any considerate breeder offering stud services. Prices for "Relentless" will be available soon, this is one of the pages that is hidden on the website at the moment. Now anything that we can do Lily seems to think she can do better..... well as you can see from the picture below, Lily decided that it was time for "Bertie" our Ryeland Ram to be halter trained...... it's a good job that "Bertie" is like a dog and is more than happy to be with you all the time. Lily was last seen disappearing around the paddocks with "Bertie" it was a bit of who was actually leading who...... We have a little break from alpaca births at the moment but that doesn't mean we get any rest as we are up throughout the night checking our sheep which are due to lamb any day now. Our alpaca birth start again in May so just as the sheep are finishing the alpacas will be starting again.

That's all for now, but I must try and find more time to keep the blog up to date.

The Waiting Is Over.....

2011-03-10T18:16:00.002Z

Hi All,

Well today has been the best day in our lives for a long time.....from making the decision to take up alpaca farming back in 2005 doing all our research and visiting different alpaca breeders gaining valuable husbandry skills to eventually purchasing our own alpacas.

Today we got the news we have been waiting for......we won our appeal and have been granted temporary planning permission for our agricultural dwelling to enable us to run our alpaca farm sufficiently.

It has been a very stressful time in our lives getting to this point but it has all been worth while, we can now concentrate on running our alpaca farm without having to worry about what was going to be around the corner.

We have been waiting for our dream to finally start to take shape properly and today we have taken that first step in doing just that.

Thank you to Jeff & Sheila from "Easterwood Alpacas" who started us off with our real first hands on experience of alpacas through to Roger & Pauline at "Pipley Court Alpacas" and not forgetting and how could we forget Rob & Les from "Wellground Alpacas" Rob and Les have listened to us at our lowest points throughout this journey and have always encouraged and supported us as best as they could, thank you guys you have been our rocks.

So for those of you that are out there just starting out on your journey's, keep fighting don't let anyone bring you down, keep your dreams in the front of your minds and push push push to make them come true, we have and we are now starting out with our passion, for alpaca farming.

It can be done and we wish everyone success when starting out. For those of you that read our blog and have supported us with comments, thanks to you guys too, we hope to try and meet as many of you as we can throughout our journey and wish you also great success.

That's all for now, the champagne cork has just popped.

Another Arrival.....

2011-03-08T20:49:00.006Z

Hi Guys,

Well a week has passed by already since our first cria of 2011 was born and yesterday morning again at around 06.30 saw our second cria be born. "Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake" has worked his magic again, another boy though which is a shame, but nevertheless a healthy cria is important to us.

Here he is below enjoying the sunshine throughout the day, with our first cria introducing himself to the new kid on the block.

It has been such a fantastic couple of days with the weather, feeling the sun on your back helps lift your spirits and makes you realise that spring is just around the corner. Seeing the new cria in the paddock brings back memories of last years cria's and the joy that came with it.

We have some very busy times ahead of us this year with various adventures we have on the go, some interesting projects that will hopefully get people talking and show a different diversified side of alpaca breeding, all very cryptic but very interesting, more on this later.

Just a couple more pictures of the new cria's enjoying the sunshine. It's the turn of our Ryeland Sheep next to give birth to our lambs, so a little break from cria being born then it's back to the alpacas, although knowing alpacas they will more than likely surprise us with some early birth just to try and catch us out.

Well that's all for now, back soon.

Our First 2011 Cria Is Here.....

2011-02-27T17:08:00.009Z

Hi Folks,

It's been a while since our last blog, we have had so much happening here over the last couple of weeks, the blog had to take a back seat for a while. I can't go into to much detail at the minute of what's been happening but we will announce soon what we have been up to.

Well our first birth was due last Monday so we have been watching the alpacas like hawks, we had separated the first two which were due to birth, into the birthing paddock closest to our house which makes things allot easier for viewing without upsetting the alpacas.

This morning at around 07.15am, six days over her due date, out popped our first cria for 2011, a little boy sired by "Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake" our new cria is a solid light fawn with amazing dark brown eyes that just mesmerise you when you look at him.

We have not decided on any names at the moment, I'm sure it will come to us. He is a real cutie though, everyone that has seen him today have passed comment on his good looks. Seeing this cria this morning made the coldest winter in a 100 years seem like a distance memory, I can't really describe how it made me feel to be honest, but those of you that have felt what I felt will know exactly what I mean. Good times ahead with new cria's for 2011.

I think he is going to be a bit of a poser for the camera, he doesn't seem at all bothered that we were taking his picture in fact he stood and waited for us.

We have another alpaca due to birth tomorrow so I wonder what that will bring us, or how long we will have to wait until she decides to give birth. We really need to start thinking of some names.....

Well that's all for now, back soon with more pictures.

It's The Start Of Birthing.

2011-02-06T20:43:00.005Z

Hi Folks,

Well I just don't know where the time goes.......it's been two weeks since my last blog but it only feels like yesterday.

I have been backwards and forwards to Brands Hatch over the last two weeks with work, on a Health and Safety course. Lisa has been left to hold the forte and we are now in the start of our birthing schedule. This weekend has been just as manic as we have poo picked all the paddocks, rolled the paddocks, finished off some fencing that we have been putting off and moved our first alpacas due to birth into our birthing paddock in front of the caravan so we can keep an eye on them. If last year was anything to go by, the cria could be born anytime now!!

Some of the last years weanling's in the freshly rolled paddock.

We couldn't resist getting a picture of the weanling's, it seems so long ago since we had the camera out, so as it was a fairly decent day with the weather today apart from the wind we took this shot.

The chicks are growing fast and starting to developing there first feathers, they have right little characters, I will get a picture soon of the chicks and post it on the blog.

We have a couple coming to see us again soon to look at the alpacas, they are looking to purchase a small group, so we will see what that brings.

Well that's all for now, back soon.

The Chicks Are Here....

2011-01-23T19:47:00.003Z

Hi Folks,

Well the chicks have arrived. One arrived at about 11pm last night and the second arrived at around 5am this morning followed by the third with a little help at around 9am this morning.

I was trying to put a video on the blog of the 1st chick hatching out, but it seemed to take for ever to try and upload it so I canceled that thought, if I can work out how to shorten the video with some software I will have another go at posting it on the blog. In the meantime here is a picture of two of the chicks. I think Lisa wants to call them "Chip & Pin"

Naomi our work experience girl came again today as she will do every Sunday for as long as she wants to. We had lots planned as it was also that time again to Lambivac, toe nail trim and Vitamin inject the alpacas, so we had plenty to be getting on with. I can finally announce that Naomi has had her first true welcoming from the alpacas as she was introduced to a full blown head covering of spit.....although I don't think it was anything personnel as we all seemed to get spat at today....I blame it on the hormones.

So with all the alpacas completed Lisa and Naomi set about mucking out the barn while I sorted out my workshop, as it seems to have turned into a dumping ground, It has been one of those jobs that has been put off every weekend but finally today It has been sorted out.

Well with another weekend over it's back to work tomorrow and Lisa is left to take care of the farm by herself, she's a good wife really.

On a final note, I have just been reading Rob's blog from "Wellground" and it seems all system go with the GWR 2011 Show, set to take place on the 1st October. Hope to see many of you there. www.gwr-alpaca-show.co.uk

Take care folks.

A Cracking Start...

2011-01-22T20:48:00.010Z

Hi Folks,

Well another week ends and what a busy week it has been. Unfortunately we can't reveal why it has been so busy for us at this moment in time, as it's a little bit of a secret at the moment but all will be revealed soon, lets just say it brings a new light to alpacas.....

We woke this morning to find that one of the chicken eggs that we are incubating has signs of hatching. We have 3 eggs that are in the incubator that we are sure have live chicks inside, I took a picture this morning of the first cracking.

We had been outside doing the daily jobs and came in for a cuppa at around 11 and noticed that the second egg had also started cracking, it's getting all very exciting waiting for these chicks to arrive. Lily is convinced that these are going to be duck's that hatch, as we put a duck egg under a chicken a few month's ago which hatched. Nothing like confusing a child.......

Well this evening we are pleased to say that the third egg has also started and the first and second eggs are really starting to progress. We are hoping that when Lily wakes in the morning that we might have a chick out of it's shell.

You can clearly see the heads on these two and Lily is really excited that she can now see what's inside the eggs, you can hear them chirping and Lily keeps a very watchful eye on them.

Naomi, are work experience student is here again tomorrow to help us out around the farm, I'm sure she will be just as excited about the chicks hatching, just as we are.

Well that's all for now, I have more secret projects to sort out!!

A Visit From Down South....

2011-01-16T20:40:00.003Z

Hi Folks,

Well what a hectic day we have had, after recovering from being a wee bit poorly over the last few days it was time to throw ourselves back into it. Well we certainly did that to day, we were both up before it was light this morning, Lisa was mucking out and I was moving stone down into the race.

Before we knew it Naomi our work experience had arrived and was not shy about getting stuck in with the jobs that need doing around the farm, Naomi is very keen to help regardless of what jobs need doing, good or bad.

Our next visitor arrived well ahead of schedule, Rob from Wellground Alpacas arrived in Les's Merc. We had to get the Fire Extinguishers out to put the flames out from the brake discs they were glowing bright orange, If I was you Les, I would give Rob "Kuby One" back and you keep your Merc safe and sound. Only joking Les the brakes are fine, its just the scratch on the door you need to look at.....joking again Les.

Anyway back to the reason why Rob was here, we had invited him to come and have a day out with us and have a look over our 2010 cria, I think I can say Rob was impressed with some of our cria's which is always nice to hear from someone who continuously produces excellent alpacas themselves.

I had asked Rob if he didn't mind bringing his scanning equipment with him, which he did and all is looking good for our females this year, we are very pleased with the results and are really looking forwards to this years births, which start arriving next months fingers-crossed.

A picture of one of the scan's, not the best picture in the world.

We took a wonder down to see Relentless our stud male who we brought from Wellground, he really is turning out to be stunning stud. Rob was keen to try and buy him back from us as I think he is a little sorry he sold him, unfortunately Rob he is not for sale, however he will be coming up for matings this year, so to the right breeders subject to bio-security investigation he will be available. So if you would like me to put your name down Rob just let me know!!

After all the cria and stud chat it was time to head indoors for coffee and something to eat, this also gave me the opportunity to show Rob something different we are looking at doing here at WillowBank, I think Rob could see the bigger plan that we are trying to achieve and with a bit of assistance from Rob with some knowledge this new project could be one to watch, more on this project later, remember Rob, mum's the word...you know what Jayne's like at Zanzibah Alpacas she will hate the secrecy!!

Well that all for now folks but keep watching this space for the new project announcement.

A Mixed Day.

2011-01-09T19:32:00.003Z

Hi All,

Another busy day soon passes by and it's back to work in the morning. It started with a trip with the trailer to go and fetch some straw from a local farm, we buy the big rectangle bales as it's easier to split rather than the big round bales. So with four big bales in the trailer it was back to the farm to see how Lisa was getting on mucking out.

Lily had got a birthday party today, so no sooner as I was back with the straw, it was time to head off with Lily and Lisa to her friends birthday party. Lisa's mum farm sat for us which was nice as it allowed both of us to see Lily at the party.

The party was being held at a place called Oak Tree Farm, this place is going to be amazing, I say going to be, as they are in the early stages of setting this place up. Lily had a brilliant time playing in the indoor climbing centre and was reluctant to want to come out. once the party was over we decided to have a look around the animals as Lily was given a bag of food to feed them with, which was right up Lily's street. Now I must say that making all the kids wash there hands with anti-bacterial soap was I nice thing to see, these guys are conscious of health and safety and making the kids wash there hands was all done with fun. Well done Oak Tree Farm 10/10 already.

Well its was soon time to get back to our own farm and with a change of foot wear it was back to work. All the alpacas paddocks have been poo picked, it's such a nice feeling knowing that's done and that they will have clean paddocks, well for a short while anyway.

The new blades that I had from America work a treat, the only problem is, that my eyes don't.....well not when trying to use the blade that is the thickness of a pin, it gets a wee bit fiddly. I will show you what I have been doing soon.

Well that's all for now, back soon.

Back To The Grind Stone.

2011-01-08T17:44:00.007Z

Hi Folks,

Well that's the first week back at work out the way.....although it was only a four day week, I'm glad the weekend is here. We have so much to do around the farm and with the snow over the Christmas period the job list just grew and grew.

We have started moving more stone down the race as it has now turned completely into a mud swamp, which was one of the reasons for Lisa's accident. We always intended on putting stone down, but time always got the better of us, mind you, after about ten barrow loads moved, it was eating to much over Christmas that was getting the better of me!

All the alpacas have been wormed again this week and we are due to give our vitamin injections to the cria, so that's another job for this weekend.

Today we have had a visit from a young lady who is studying to become a vet. Naomi called us at the beginning of the week to see if she would be able to come and have some work experience on the farm around the alpacas. Well today Naomi called in with her mum to have a look around and to discuss her work experience with us here, we couldn't resist in not bringing our stud male Relentless in for a hands on experience for Naomi, Relentless was a true gentleman and stood perfectly while we examined his fleece, Naomi's mum could not believe how bright his fleece was when we opened it. We have arranged with Naomi to come on Sundays to help out on the farm and allow her to gain experience around these fascinating animals, We are sure you will not be disappointed Naomi.

Here is Relentless checking out his ladies in another paddock, I cant wait until the grass is that green again....it feel so long ago.

Well that's all for now as I have some new saw blades arrived from America and I'm desperate to go and try them out on my scroll saw that I had for Christmas......it's a man thing!

Battered Wife!!

2010-12-31T20:43:00.004Z

Hi Folks

Well it's only a short blog tonight, to show Lisa's bruises which are developing quite well after her little accident yesterday. I know it's not the picture that some of you have been waiting for, but I was not brave enough to take that photo of Lisa completely covered from head to toe in mud, as Lisa was stood in the door saying I'm hurting, so taking a picture would not have gone down very well.

We have been the doctors today just for a check up as Lisa was complaining of pains in her chest, so after a check up it was confirmed that heavy bruising to the ribs, bruise to the head, cuts to her hand, bruises to the knees and these to the back of her legs is about it. A lucky escape really.

So as you can see from the picture above, she has done a good job.....anything to put her feet up over the next couple of days!!

Rob you are a braver man than me if you had taken the mud shot, rather than running a nice hot bath!

Take care all.

Mud Mud and Ooops....

2010-12-30T19:10:00.004Z

Hi Folks,

We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and are now ready to see the New Year in. We are hoping for healthy cria's being born and wish everyone success in the prevailing year.

The snow has now all gone apart from the odd pile which is hanging around like a bad smell, like many other breeders we are now back to sloshing around in slippy mud as Lisa found out this afternoon.....when bringing the horses in, Lisa slipped over followed by the horse slipping over and landing on top of Lisa, pushing her deep into the mud. Although Lisa is a bit battered and bruised (pictures to follow) I did have to laugh as she stood at the door completely covered from head to toe in mud. We had to hose off her clothes to remove the mud, not whilst Lisa was still wearing them, although the thought did cross my mind for a minute, but it is still the festive season so I ran her a bath instead.

All the alpacas seem happy to be spending more time out in the paddocks now that they have some grass to nibble on. The weanling's have settled into there new paddock and occasionally look for there mums, but with the grass back they soon put there heads down again.
We have been busy with the usual husbandry duties and just seem to run out of hours in the day to try and achieve anything else. The list of jobs just keeps growing, don't get me wrong we are not complaining, that's the way it goes, the daylight will become longer soon and the job list will take a hammering...hopefully!

We hope to have some exciting announcements in 2011 to share with you all and some interesting ideas for our business will be put into action. We wish everyone great success in 2011 and hope to read about your journeys as the year goes on.

Happy New Year All

Little Bow Peep, Dressed Up As A Sheep!!!

2010-12-23T20:14:00.009Z

Hi Folks,

Well it's not long now till the big fella comes and delivers us some goodies. I have tomorrow left at work, then I have some time off.

Lisa and Lily have been up to mischief today, well Lisa more than Lily I think.... they both went to take some hay to our Ryeland sheep and I think Lily is starting to get a bit obsessed with sheep....

Here is Lily trying her hardest to blend in to the back ground but its not helping as there is someone stood there with a camera.....

No, the camera is not going to put the sheep off, Lily feels right at home now....her favorite, Bertie the ram always comes over for a cuddle, regardless of what Lily looks like.

I think Lily has just realised that Lisa has been laughing at her (in a nice way of course) and from the look on her face, the penny has dropped....."why am I dressed as a sheep mum" Well it is Christmas and if you can't have fun when can you.

Daisy and her foal have been enjoying the snow running around all over the place. I can't believe its almost 8 months since Flicker the foal was born, where does the time go. Here they are below enjoying watching Ben our other horse cooling off.

Well that's all for tonight. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It won't be long now until it's Easter and the Easter eggs are in the shops!!!

Take care folks.

Back To The Blog

2010-12-18T19:44:00.002Z

Hi Folks,

Well we are back to the blog.....it's taken us long enough as we have just been so busy getting ready for Christmas, with one thing and another the blog had to take a back seat for a short while.

We have more snow and frozen pipes but our spirits are high and we wouldn't change what we are doing for anything in the world. I came in the office earlier to update the blog and found the cat relaxing on the desk, rather than risking being attacked by the cat for disturbing its precious sleeping program, I decided to wait till later.

The snow is certainly challenging us, but we still have nothing compared to others so we can't complain to much. The alpacas are coping well, but they soon let you know when they want to come in, as they all stand at the gate just hoping to catch your attention, so that you will let them in the barn to there nice snug bed.

We are bringing the alpacas in now every night and to be honest we have been for some time now. I know they survive in there native countries out in the cold, but being cold and wet is not something that they are use to, so rather than risking any problems we bring them in, the alpacas seem to appreciate it anyway.

Our egg sales have gone through the roof, with demand being for more than we can provide, so we have now invested in more chickens to keep up with demand, Thank you to all of you that have brought from us, I know some of you read this blog.

As an addition to our laying chickens, we have also purchased a breeding pair of " Lemon Sablepoot Bantam" chickens. More on these little chickens later.

Well we hope you are all coping with the weather that we are being dealt, just remember, the nights start to draw out soon and summer will soon be here, with little cria being born all over the place.

Take care all, back soon.

Eating Snow......What Us!

2010-12-01T21:50:00.003Z

Hi All,

We have had snow again today on and off but still nothing like those up north. The water is still flowing and despite the bitter temperatures we are coping quite well in the caravan and on the farm.

Lisa has been out with the camera today and snapped a picture of some of our Ryeland sheep, just as Lisa got the camera ready they lifted there heads to reveal what they have been up to.....now there must be grass under here somewhere!

Lily was happy climbing on the hay stack, closely followed by the dogs who seem to follow her everywhere, even up the hay stack!

Well its still snowing this evening, so I wonder what tomorrow will bring for getting to work in the early hours of the morning. The alpacas don't even get up as I leave, they just raise there heads and look. I'm sure I can here them sniggering at me as I leave, while they are snug in the barn in there straw beds and I'm pretending to be Christopher Dean on the yard!

That's all for now, back soon.

We Have Water......

2010-11-30T20:36:00.004Z

Hi Guys,

Well again we managed to dodge any major snow fall, although we are not out the woods yet, according to the Met Office we are still classed as "be prepared"

The horse manure has worked it's magic and we now have running water again. How excited can one person get knowing that the toilet will flush without having to fill the tank with water from a tub, little luxuries that we all take for granted until you haven't got it.

Yesterday's blog was telling you that Lily had got a new pet brought for her by her great grandma, well some interesting guesses were noted like "Lurky Turkey" well I did say that you might be disappointed and Rob you were nearly right with the big ears......have you guessed....

It's a rabbit.....Lily has decided to call her "Rabbit" after a little discussion that it needed to have a better name than that, Lily decided on "Rabbit Rabbit" I don't think she understood what we meant, we finally managed to get her to agree on "Rabbit Pebbles" the only thing now is that when the rabbit sits on her lap Lily likes to look through the rabbits fur checking for crimp!

I was having a look through some pictures and came across this one of Lily a bit excited about a cake.

She is a real cheeky monkey, but we love her to bits.

The alpacas are all snug in the barns now during the nights and have plenty of bedding to keep them warm during this cold weather, keeping there water from freezing is another story, but I won't go into frozen water as we are both on a high still for having running water again.

Back soon, take care in this cold weather.

Calling David Wright.....

2010-11-29T21:38:00.003Z

Hi Folks

Well what a weekend.....it's day two for us with no water but at the minute we don't have that much snow, although I might have just spoke to soon.

We have been putting nice and warm manure on the pipework that comes out the ground to try and help thaw them out...now I don't mind the smell of manure but when your face down under the caravan pushing manure past your face and over the pipes it started to look like a bush tucker trail from "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here" well that was a good job done, so lets hope the heat starts to thaw the pipework out.

Now for a public announcement....we had a lovely email Sunday afternoon from a gentleman called David Wright. Unfortunately David for some reason when trying to respond to your email it gets returned back to me with invalid address error, so if your reading this blog and you would like to call us we would be more than happy to call you back and have a chat.

Lily has got a new pet which her great grandma has brought her for Christmas, anyone wishing to guess what this is? Jayne get your psychic powers working!

Well that's all for tonight.

Playing Catch Up

2010-11-21T19:36:00.004Z

Hi Folks,

Well we survived the high winds from last week, even if we did loose sleep wondering which way round we would be facing in the mornings, but all is well and we are still securely in place.

My week off came and went as if I had not even been off from work. The job list looks like it's not even taken a dent. Lisa really has got her work cut out on the farm but we are both determined to make a success of the business, that the hard work involved is part of the excitement in developing the business into a successful thriving Alpaca Farm. We are pleased to say that things are really working for us at the moment and potential sales of alpacas look set on the horizon.

Our top herdsire "Wellground Relentless" that we brought earlier in the year is really turning out to be a top buy, his presence in the paddocks is really noticeable and has been commented on by visitors to the farm. "Relentless" has the most amazing fleece and a fantastic pedigree to back it up. We are hoping that "Relentless" will be ready to work in the early part of 2011 and we are very keen to see his off-spring on the ground in 2012, there will be more information about "Relentless" on our website very soon, I am just finalising the pages that are hidden at the moment.

We have been selling eggs like they are going out of fashion and the egg side of things just goes from strength to strength, which is all very eggciting!!. We have also had our first batch of yarn back from the mill albeit a small batch this time round as we wanted to see what we can produce, and we are very excited indeed, this will be past onto our knitter so that we can have some garments knitted up....we cant wait to see the finished product.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon.

Windy Times....Rocking Caravan!

2010-11-11T21:08:00.003Z

Hi Folks,

Well what a week off I'm having. Not only has my work phone not stopped ringing, the weather is horrendous. I'm so glad I finally managed to secure the caravan down, we are convinced that with this wind pounding against the caravan it would have certainly moved. Listening to the wind buffeting us about is not for the faint hearted. Lisa and I sit here and then just look at each other as the wind takes hold again and we secretly think I hope this wind stops soon. My philosophy behind it all is that if the field shelters are still standing then we should be OK.......fingers crossed!

Well that's enough about the weather. We have been bottle feeding one of our cria's for the last few weeks after it became apparent that he was just not getting enough from his mum, Lisa had been keeping an eye on him when feeding from his mum and noticed that he just didn't seem to be getting anything, so we decided that bottle feeding was the best solution. Well we are pleased to say that he his now looking more content and plays more with the other cria's causing mayhem in the paddocks.

We have now managed to organise our barns to allow us to bring all the alpacas in through bad weather and over the winter. Jayne we certainly have mud now so the nice green grass pictures are well and truly gone until next year! with the barns setup for the alpacas its given us the piece of mind knowing that all the alpacas can be tucked and allowed to dry out. A collection of hay and straw filled our gaps so we are now set for the winter.

Well that's all for now, we have another sleepless night ahead, as we listen to the wind rattling the caravan........

Boy's Will Be Boy's

2010-11-07T19:55:00.012Z

Hi Folks,

Another week passes and I have finally managed to get a week off from my full time job. The job list for this following week has grown beyond belief. Well Saturday started of with an early start with Lisa's dad farm sitting for us we had to take a trip down south to drop off "Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake" back to his owners Roger and Pauline at Pipley Court Alpacas. We were made very welcome on our arrival, with cakes and coffee flowing. A look around the farm and at the alpacas was all very exciting but that excitement was to end as it was time for us to start heading home.

We couldn't drive home without calling into see Rob and Les at Wellground Alpacas, after all it is on the way home and I knew Rob would have given me grief if he knew that we had driven by without stopping. So this was a flying visit, which was started with Rob showing me his potential new toy......."The Run Away Tractor" I think you need allot more practice on the tractor.......if I was you Rob, keep the role hoop up and wear your crash helmet!

I have finally managed to anchor the caravan down to the ground now with some 4' spikes knocked into the ground and metal rope securing the caravan to the spikes.......that should do it.....well this week will soon show if it works, as the TV has given out severe weather warnings with gales and rain throughout the week, great!

Well with the caravan secured and the sun shinning, although it was cold, I couldn't resist getting the camera out and catching a couple of pictures of the babies play fighting.

These two are always up to mischief, they just cant walk a couple of feet without having a dig at each other, its all completely Innocent play but they are little sods, if you turn your back they are off back up to the barns to cause havoc while you are letting the rest of the gang out into the paddocks, if they were kids they would have "Asbo's" issued to them by now.

Flicker our unexpected foal is really growing into a big girl now, she has now been weaned of her mum and has been as good as gold about it. Flicker was born on the 1st May 2010 and has really settled into her new surrounding, even if she thinks she might be an alpaca as that is what she sees the most of.

Well that's all for tonight, batten down those hatches!

Hot & Cold.......

2010-10-24T16:54:00.013+01:00

Hi All,

Well its been a while since my last blog as I have been away for a week at the International Fire Training Centre up north at Tees Side, this was some training for my work as with having an airfield I needed to gain a qualification to be able to operate it properly. This was quite an intense week of training, not only in the classroom but dealing with live fires on the fire ground. I am pleased to say that I passed the exam and I am know a qualified "Low Category Supervisor of Aerodromes" which basically means that I am now in charge of the Fire Crew and know the legal requirement to operate an operational airfield as set by the CAA (civil aviation authority) anyway that's enough of that, your probably not interested anyway!

That's me bending down to the fire at one of the many simulations we did, you can see on the right what would be an engine fire and undercarriage fire, with the props of the plane showing through the flames.

Well Lisa did a fantastic job looking after the farm and all of the gang, Lily was helping too or hindering, depends on how you interpret it. It was nice to get back home and see the family and the alpacas. We awoke this morning to a chilly start but a typical crisp winters day, I couldn't resist getting the camera out to take a couple of pictures of some of the gang in the winter sunshine (I say winter as it certainly reminded me of winter this morning)

Coco was not impressed with the cold weather and thought it might be warmer on his feet, if he stood in the feed trough...... he didn't stop there long as he was soon pushed out the way by the others when the food went down.

Well its back to work in the morning, so that's all for now as I really ought to help Lisa with the animals or else it might be me outside in the barns tonight!

Take care folks.

Lazy Days

2010-10-14T20:01:00.004+01:00

Hi Folks

Just a short one tonight, but I couldn't resist this picture of some of our herd enjoying another sunny day in October lazing around.

Barry came down a couple of days ago helping with the ever growing poo picking duties, Lily has really taken a shine to him and it looks like i have lost my cap from work, which seems to have found a new owner. I'm not sure what the conversation was here but it certainly looks like they are both putting the worlds to right.

The new four Australians have settled in very well, it's like they have always been here. Still no muddy puddles for Kazuo yet Debbie!

Well that's all for tonight as I am desperately trying to get the website up to date, as this just seems to be taking forever to get it how I want it.

Take care all.

Four More Australians

2010-10-10T21:43:00.006+01:00

Hi All,

Well what a hectic weekend we have had. Saturday was an early start as myself and Collin headed off up north to Barnacre Alpacas to pick up four more Australian to add to the WillowBank Herd.

What a journey this was, just over 4 hours to get to Debbie & Paul at Barnacre but it was a welcome sight to see the alpacas in the paddocks when we arrived quickly followed by bacon sandwiches and coffee, thanks guys I certainly needed that.

We had a quick look at some of the knitwear Debbie has been creating which was outstanding, you certainly have something good going on there Debbie, keep it up. A look at the studs in the paddocks confirmed that what we had just purchased was going to make an impression within the WillowBank Herd, Wellground Legend of Spartacus and EP Cambridge Gianmarco's Masterpiece looked amazing even if they were a little wet.

It was then time to get the four loaded into the trailer as we had a long journey back home and I wanted to make sure we were back before it got dark so as we could keep an eye on them to make sure they settled in OK. I think i saw a tear in Debbie's eye as the rear door was closed, don't worry Debbie they will be well looked after and I will get Kazuo to send a postcard.

We finally got home and let the alpacas out into there own paddock to allow them to settle in, a well deserved stretch of the legs for all involved.

Today has been a lovely day with crisp sunshine for most of the day so an ideal time to get the camera out to take some photo's of the new arrivals.

The above picture is Cambridge Ginny a solid white female sired by Wellground Legend of Spartacus, with further genetics from EP Cambridge Peruvian Spartacus, EP Cambridge Giselle and Jolimont Commissario. Ginny's dam Yuralee Katia of Cambridge comes with genetics from Jolimont Manfredo and Jolimont Conquistador.

This is Cambridge Kazuo a solid white male sired by EP Cambridge Gianmarco's Masterpiece with further genetics from Jolimont Gianmarco and Jolimont Encantador Kazuo's dam Laalgarths Alice of Cambridge comes with genetics from EP Cambridge Stormcat and NWA Ltd Ruffo.

Ginny and her mum Yuralee Katia of Cambridge, enjoying the grass but Ginny heard me coming so was trying to pose for the camera

All four standing for the camera, from left to right is Ginny, Katia, Kazuo and Alice, oh and not forgetting Wellground Relentless our stud male in the background. We are so pleased that we have been fortunate to have these fabulous genetics here now at WillowBank Alpaca Stud, bring on 2011.

Well that's all for now, back soon.

New Arrivals!!

2010-10-10T00:40:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys,

As you can see from the time of this post it's a late one and a short one. A trip up north brings in return four more alpacas with amazing genetics and exciting times ahead to our herd here at WillowBank, thanks to Barnacre Alpacas.

Pictures and more information to follow shortly at a more reasonable time, so come back real soon.

That's all for now, I really need my bed, eight hours travelling is enough for anyone.

Just A Thank You....

2010-09-22T21:03:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks,

It's only a quick blog tonight but just felt that we had to say a thank you to a lovely lady that I have just spoken to on the phone, I cant say who it is as I forgot to ask permission to mention her name on the blog but you know who you are and you are more than welcome to come and visit us whenever you are in the area. Your words and encouragement have made us feel very happy and it was an absolute pleasure talking to you.

The alpacas have been chilling out in the paddocks today and Barry our helper has been down for his routine relax of poo picking the paddocks......you missed a bit Barry.....only joking, you keep coming down for as long as you want to.

"WillowBank Killawasi's Image" and "WillowBank Coco" enjoying the limelight

Well that's all for tonight.

A Walk In The Park

2010-09-21T19:43:00.010+01:00

Hi All,

The weekend is over and the travelling to and from work starts again.....Lisa is left to look after the alpacas with a bit of help from one of the villagers who likes to pass the time and relax, with a bit of poo picking of the paddocks, you must be crazy Barry but your help is much appreciated and if it helps you relax whilst being round the alpacas then you are more than welcome, oh and whilst I'm on the subject of being appreciated, that goes for you as well Isabelle the support and encouragement you have given us is fantastic.

With Sunday being the last day before returning back to work, we decided to make the most of whats left of the nice weather and go for a walk with the dogs around a local park. So with a farm sitter in place we headed off as a family for a couple of hours armed with the camera for those unexpected moments......for example the picture below, we knew the deer were at the park but didn't expect to get this close.

It was nice to see Lily enjoying the change of scenery and playing on the rocks......she has got no fear at all.....I think she might be a rock climber when she grows up!

Otto couldn't wait to have the attention brought back to her and in no time at all was waiting for her picture to be taken whilst sitting on a rock.

The alpacas have had there toes trimmed tonight when I got back from work as that is something myself and Lisa have to do together. It amazes me how quick some of alpacas nails grow so quick in a short time.....never mind, its one of those jobs that comes with breeding alpacas and its also a perfect time to see how the fleeces are progressing and to body score them.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon.

Success At WillowBank

2010-09-19T16:02:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well what an absolutely fantastic day Saturday was.........it started with an early on the road driving time of 05.30 as I set off for the Standwick Centre, Frome Market, Bath. Today was the day of the Great Western Region Fleece and Fibre Show, a first of its kind to judge fleeces shorn from the alpacas without knowing who the alpaca belongs to, the names of the breeders and animal names were sealed in envelopes and only open once the judges decision had been made. I arrived just after 08.00 and was greeted by fellow alpaca breeders setting up the trade stalls in the main hall.

We had entered 2 fleeces into the show and was unsure what to expect, just learning from what the judge had to say about the fleeces was worth the trip down. Mr Dominic Lane internationally renowned for judging alpacas was the judge for the day.

The judging started at 09.00 and it soon came round to the first class of alpacas that we had a fleece entered into, Huacaya-White Junior just looking down the list of entrants made me nervous and with the judge having to narrow down the fleeces to get his chosen few, I was certain we had not even got a mention, never mind.....it is our first alpaca fleece show. The judge has made his choice....6 boxes with fleeces in them sat on the table in front of me....can I tell if any of these are our fleece.....No they all look the same....which is what built the atmosphere in the room.....know one could tell who's fleece is who's. Well the judge reveals 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and highly commended......not even a mention of our fleece, i suppose it could be the 1st place choice but with hearing the names of the other winners in the class, I don't think so.

Before we can find out who the winner is all the Huacaya-White of all age groups have to be judged and then the first place winner from those classes gets judged and the winner from that goes onto Champion to be later judged for Supreme Champion but you still have no idea who's fleece is who.....what a fantastic way of doing things....its any ones guess who is going to win.

So its onto the next class and we have a fleece in this class too, Huacaya-White Intermediate another large class of entrants with some very good breeders entered, the judge really has got his work cut out trying to reduce the selection of fleeces down to just 6, I see some very good fleeces get pushed aside not making it into the final 6.....but the judge is happy and has made his decision......in 2nd place he announces "Wellground Cyan" Owners Name "Mrs Lisa Birch" in 3rd place.......hang on a minute that's our alpacas fleece....what in 2nd place.......then I get a nudge on my shoulder from Rob Rawlins saying "how about that then" Bloody Hell excuse my language we just came second....I cant believe it out of all the entrants in this class.....crikey.

Well the rest of the Huacaya-White classes get judged with some fantastic fleeces passing by my eyes, Then its time to get all the 1st place entries for this class together so that the judge can decide which one is Champion to be put aside to go onto be judged for Supreme Champion. The judge is ready he has selected his choice of champion for this class and that entry goes onto the chance of winning Supreme Champion so we won't know who that is until later, but we can now find out who has come first in the other Huacaya-White Classes so the winner of the Huacaya-White Junior Class is "Wellground Magenta" Owners Name "Mr & Mrs Birch" We have only gone and bloody won 1st place......holly macaroni.....I am shocked to say the least.......a 1st and 2nd......S**t the bed.......I cant believe it....I need to tell Lisa.

Our First place and Second place Rosettes.

The whole day was absolutely amazing, the atmosphere in the room was just fantastic everyone was just blown away with this show and its success, its certainly a show that we are already thinking about which alpaca fleeces to enter next year. In our opinion all those involved in getting the show up and running deserve as much support next year to make it even bigger. Great Western Regional Alpaca Show 2011 is a must for any alpaca breeder.

Well that's all for today, back soon.

Duckies Grand Day Out......

2010-09-13T20:02:00.008+01:00

Hi All,

Well another busy week passes with late finishes from work for me, unfortunately the blog has to go on hold when I'm on lates as I'm so worn out by the time I get home I struggle to string a sentence together let alone type a blog.....

The Alpacas have been enjoying whats left of the summer and enjoying the sunshine we have been having. "WillowBank Prime Contender" is becoming stronger by the day which is encouraging, we cant wait to see what his fleece starts to turn out like.

We have done a couple of spit-offs tonight which were showing good signs of pregnancy, we have hopefully now got all our females pregnant for next year.

Some of the gang enjoying the sunshine

A few weeks ago I blogged that Lily had placed a couple of duck eggs under our chicken that was happy to sit on them......well Lily had been checking the chicken every day without fail asking about her duck eggs and what was going to happen.....well we have a success.......

This is Lily's duck that she has name herself..........please meet "Ducky"

Lily is so excited about her duck that she wakes in the morning and the first thing she says is "Can I see Ducky" Lisa even had to take it in to Lily's play school as her teachers said that its all she talks about.......

Well that's all for tonight, more soon.

WillowBank Prime Contender

2010-09-09T11:38:00.006+01:00

Hi Folks

We just wanted to introduce you to our new addition that arrived at 7.15pm on Tuesday evening......this is "WillowBank Prime Contender" sired by "Wellground Close Encounter"

"WillowBank Prime Contender"

"WillowBank Prime Contender" being greeted by this years cria's

The above picture is "WillowBank Prime Contender" with his mum "Wellground Beyond Compare" details of the genetics to follow soon. We cant wait to see what this little fella turns out like as time goes by.....good times ahead......fingers crossed.

That's all for now, back soon.

Close Encounter

2010-09-07T21:44:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks

Just a quick blog tonight as I have not long just got in from work and Lisa has been very busy.......today has been one of those days for Lisa, Wellground Beyond Compare one of our females has had a bit of a hard time delivering her cria, in fact she didn't Lisa did it for her.

Well the vet was called at 2pm as Lisa just had that feeling things were not going well, the vet came very promptly which was fantastic and after a little examination was happy that things were fine. Lisa is now watching Beyond Compare with eagle eyes as she is convinced that she is going to give birth tonight........

6.20pm Beyond Compare is defiantly having the cria....Lisa springs into action and soon realise that there is problems.....6.30pm the vet is called again on is on her way......unfortunately Lisa couldn't wait as all that was showing was the cria's nose then with a little help two front legs and the head....great Lisa thinks I will step back and observe the goings on.....it soon became apparent that Beyond Compare didn't want to be left and followed Lisa up the paddock.....Lisa then took a closer look and decided she would help, oh no......two front legs, one head and whats that poking out.......its a back foot......dilemma time. Lisa had noticed that the fight was starting to go out of the unborn cria and something needed to be done NOW the vet was still on her way not wanting to risk possible complication with pushing it back in.....so there was nothing else for it apart from pulling the cria out as it was.

Well we are very pleased to announce that the cria came out alive and kicking after a good rub to get things going to the arrival of the vet, the little boy came out with one back leg forwards and the other backwards, these animals do like to challenge us.

Beyond Compare was examined in case of damage caused by this delivery but all was well with a clear bill of health given by the vet. The cria was up on its feet and feeding from mum in no-time which is good news although he is a little premature as his ears are flopping forwards, but at least he is alive.

Both mother and son are under the heat lamps tonight with constant checks to make sure all is still going well. So fingers crossed that things stay this way and we get to keep our "Wellground Close Encounter" Son.

Well that's all for tonight, pictures coming soon.......

The Relentless Wait Is Over.......

2010-09-04T19:08:00.004+01:00

Hi Folks

Its been a very exciting day for us here at WillowBank, today saw the arrival of our own herd sire "Wellground Relentless" courtesy of Rob and Les at "Wellground Alpaca Stud" Rob arrived this morning in his Stig Wagon and we set about unloading our boy.

I think Lily felt a little pushed out as "Relentless" stole the lime light for awhile. We are so pleased with him and feel very honoured to have him as our herd sire.

"Wellground Relentless" settling into his new paddock.....looking for his girls......."Relentless" will become available to start mating around March / April next year so we are keen to see what his offspring will give us, he has amazing genetics and a fantastic fleece with that greasy feel to it, more on his genetics and family background later.

We would like to say a very big thank you to both Rob and Les at "Wellground Alpaca Stud" for releasing this fabulous male from there herd, its always such a pleasure doing business with highly experienced breeders of Quality Elite Alpacas. Thank You.

Well that's all for tonight as we cant keep away from looking at our boy.

The Waiting Is Over, The News Is Here

2010-08-26T20:06:00.002+01:00

Hi Folks

Today has been a very exciting day for us. After a couple of weeks of making phone calls and organising various things, everything has finally fallen into place. Jayne you have been waiting a long time for this blog and the waiting is over.......

WillowBank Alpaca Stud are very pleased to announce that the following two full Australian female Alpacas with cria at foot, will be joining us here at WillowBank. First we have "Yuralee Katia" a solid white who was sired by "Jolimont Manfredo" and has "Jolimont Conquistador" as her Grand Sire. "Yuralee Katia" has a female cria at foot who's sire is "Wellground Legend of Spartacus".

Second up we have "Laalgarth's Alice" a solid white who was sired by "EP Cambridge Stormcat" and her Grand Sire (dam's side) is "NWA Ltd Ruffo". "Laalgarth's Alice" has a male cria at foot who was sired by "EP Cambridge Gianmarco's Masterpiece". We owe a big thank you to Debbie and Paul at Barnacre Alpacas for helping us make this package fall into place, and helping to keep Jayne guessing with this secret.

We are also very pleased to announce that we have now purchased our own Herdsire from Wellground Alpaca Stud. "Wellground Relentless" who's sire is "EP Cambridge Samson" and Grand Sire is "EP Cambridge Peruvian Spartacus". "Wellground Relentless" dam is "Wellground Ruffo's Reflection" who was sired by "NWA Ltd Ruffo". "Wellground Relentless" will be starting to work his magic around March/April 2011. So again its another big thank you to Rob and Les at Wellground Alpaca Stud for helping us achieve this next step in our business.

So Jayne did you guess any of this or are you losing your white witch powers....:-)

Well that's all for tonight, apart from another thank you to Barnacre Alpacas and Wellground Alpaca Stud.

Matings

2010-08-24T21:03:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys

Just a short blog tonight as we are busy mating some of our females. The girls seem very pleased to see "Killawasi's Keepsake" and have taken up lying at the gate hinting that they want to be next, blatant flirting...... sorry girls but you will just have to be patient.

The weather has not been the best over the last couple of days and its rained so hard that the guttering on the barns might as well as not been attached, as it was failing to cope with the amount of water coming off the roofs, I think I really need to upgrade it to more industrial stuff.

Sorry Jayne......we are still unable to announce are exciting news at the minute but hopefully by the end of the week we should be a little closer maybe.......or maybe not!!

Well that's all for now, back soon.

Duck Eggs

2010-08-22T20:30:00.006+01:00

Hi Guys

Again we just seem to have no time spare to keep up with our blog, we have been constantly on the phone arranging various different things the last few weeks which will all become apparent soon......so sorry Jayne its still a big secret with whats happening.

Lily has a chicken which has gone broody so her Grandma has given her a couple of fertile duck eggs to put under, Lily was keen to get them put under her chicken and set straight to it.

Lily with her duck eggs.

Lily has put the eggs under her chicken and was very excited that the chicken went and sat straight on them.....lets just hope they hatch now and hopefully not with a identity complex!!

Lisa has managed to get a picture of some of the gang here at WillowBank. We are due to start mating over the next few days and in fact started today. We have had Roger and Pauline here today from Pipley Court Alpaca Stud, they brought us our two remaining alpacas that we had brought from them along with Killawasi's Keepsake to do some of our matings, It was good to catch up with Roger and Pauline and we had plenty of chat regarding alpacas and even a look at our new cria's for this year. We then set Keepsake to work with a spit off and a mating, we let him have a rest as the temperature was starting to creep up, so that gave us time for a something to eat and drink and more alpaca and putting the world to right chat.

Some of the gang

A few weeks ago we had to have an emergency C Section on one of our females as she had a severe uterine torsion and the vet couldn't even get anywhere near to touching the unborn cria, we tried several times to roll the mother around to try and correct our problem but she was not having none of it and we decided enough enough lets get on with the C Section. I'm pleased to sat that "Anita" has now returned to the paddock and is looking allot better after her set back.

Well I'm back on the early shift for the next few weeks so that all for tonight, but exciting news is soon to come so keep watching this space.........stick with it Jayne

Exciting Times

2010-08-15T19:54:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks

Its been a really exciting week with lots of new things about to happen here......this is a bit of a teasing blog as we are unable to say whats happening yet as we have not asked permission from all involved, but lets just say its big things.........watch this space over the next few days for the big news to be revealed.

Lisa has been out this evening with the camera taking a couple of pictures, this is "Wellground Beyond Compare" her Sire is "EP Cambridge Commish Lad" and her G/Sire is "Jolimont Commisario" she has been mated to "Wellground Close Encounter" and due on the 4th September. We are very excited about this birth and can't wait to see what we are given.

Wellground Beyond Compare

Are new cria's just seem to be glued together, they run riot around the paddocks with there mums looking on......I wonder what they must be thinking as they watch the cria run around?

Well that's about it for now as we still have lots to do before it gets dark, so keep watching this space for the exciting news from WillowBank Alpaca Stud.

What A Strange Day

2010-08-09T20:31:00.006+01:00

Hi Guys,

Its been a very strange day today, just when you think you have something all tied up in a deal someone moves the goal posts and expects you to move with them.......well unfortunately that was not going to happen as I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life and as a result has caused unnecessary grief for other people involved, which we now feel partly to blame for. So apologies to the innocent party involved, you know who you are.

Anyway that's my little rant over back to the alpacas, our baby cria's are bonding well with each other, WillowBank Coco and WillowBank Killawasi's Image are becoming inseparable, they are two mischievous devils when they get going.......although you wouldn't think it from this picture.

Whilst the camera was out Lisa caught Gieves playing "who is going to blink first" with a fly hovering above his nose......

And the winner is.........the fly as it decided to land on Gieves's nose....... much to his surprise, have you ever seen an alpaca go cross eyed!

Well its a new day tomorrow.......so lets see what that brings for us all.

Hectic Couple Of Weeks

2010-08-08T19:40:00.009+01:00

Hi Folk,

It's been a hectic couple of weeks here at WillowBank. We have been busy with more fencing which seems to be turning into an epic of a job as the ground is like concrete at the moment and trying to knock posts into the ground by hand is mission impossible, so little and often is the way forward at the moment.

We have some exciting things happening here, but unfortunately we are unable to comment about them at the moment as we have not asked permission yet from who it involves, so more on this later.

We have been busy with injections throughout our herd, toe nail trimming and removing a face full of spit which I didn't manage to dodge.......much to Lisa's amusement.

A trip to Lincoln fetched Bertie the rams girlfriends, they are now grazing are rented land, Bertie will go and join them around October so he can go and work his magic.

Some of our Ryeland Sheep

Our cria are growing really well and we are really pleased with the fleece on one of them, we have taken a photo but I'm told by another breeder that it is near on impossible to get the crimp across in a picture, well we tried but I don't think succeeded

WillowBank Killawasi's Spirit Fleece

WillowBank Killawasi's Spirit is from the "Ruffo" bloodlines and although the picture doesn't do it justice the real thing does, well we are happy anyway.........

Well that's all for now, back soon.

There's A Ram In The Kitchen What Am I Going To Do...

2010-07-25T18:34:00.010+01:00

Hi Folks,

We have been busy all weekend with one thing and another. Saturday we had a farm sitter while we popped to see Mark and Linda Wealthall who own Oak Tree Farm in Normanton-on-Trent, Newark. Mark and Linda breed Saddle Back pigs, Middle White pigs and Ryeland Sheep. It was the Ryeland sheep that we had gone to look at. Mark had a hand reared ram that was four months old and obviously easy to handle.....ideal we think.......

Some Of Mark's Saddle Backs

Mark gave us a fantastic tour of his farm and he was a very knowledgeable guy with lots contagious enthusiasm, all his animals looked so healthy, they did you proud Mark.

This is Bertie the Ram.

Bertie was exactly what Mark had explained to us and Lily our daughter was taken straight away. We loaded Bertie into the trailer and set off back to the farm, Bertie was soon finding his feet he and Lily are inseparable. We got on with some of our jobs when we noticed that Bertie and Lily had disappeared........I wonder what they are up to.......found them.

A cheeky smile from Lily seems to make everything alright.......Bertie was then shown the door and went of to eat grass.......the idea of a really tame Ram could turn out to be a problem with Lily as she will get them both into mischief......never mind at least they are happy.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon

Visitors at WillowBank

2010-07-22T21:14:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well it has been a bit hit and miss with the weather today which was a shame as we had a couple of visitors come to the farm, Pat and Rachel called in to see the alpacas. Rachel lives in our village and her mum Pat is a very keen photographer and wanted to take some photos of the alpacas. Lots of tea and chatter took place and some photos taken of the alpacas in between the rain. The alpacas found it very strange to see a stranger with a tripod in the paddocks. Pat is hopefully going to send us some of the pictures taken so that we can put them on the blog for judging from alpaca breeders alike........no pressure Pat......only joking.

Our new cria's are growing up fast and have bonded with each other and constantly run around the paddock chasing each other. The eggs we are incubating are due to start hatching a week tomorrow, so the camera will be out sitting next to the incubator, ready to catch the first signs of the new chicks arriving into the world. We are in competition with Jayne from Zanzibah Alpacas...where the future is Fine 'n' Fancy as Jayne also has eggs incubating and due to hatch around the same time as ours.......so the race is on Jayne.

Well that's all for now, back soon with some pics hopefully.

Catch Up Time

2010-07-11T20:49:00.011+01:00

Hi Folks,

Lisa's dad farm sat for us this morning whilst we went and had a look at some sheep we might be buying, we are thinking of getting some Ryeland, Lily was enjoying herself leading one of the rams around on a head collar. It was only a short visit as we wanted to get back and catch up on some jobs around the farm.
We had to make a few alterations to our chicken shed today so that it made it a bit easier to see the eggs in the nest boxes. We have also started incubating our own eggs and have started the count down to hatching day....... 20 days to go.......

We will keep you updated on the progress of hatching when its closer the time and you can see things happening. I have also had some time today to make a start on a new woodworking project, Lisa managed to get a sneaky shot.......so as Rolf Harris would say "can you guess what it is yet"

All the alpacas and the new cria's are all doing well, enjoying the sunshine while it lasts, its forecast rain possibly over night and into the early hours of the morning....although we could do with some rain to help the grass along.

My furry land shark is growing and become a big girl, she is almost 4 months old now and has really settled in to her new surroundings. her training is coming on well and she is getting used to hanging off my arm......just in case you are wondering I'm training her in the discipline of Schutzhund.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon.

Third New Arrival....

2010-07-10T19:43:00.008+01:00

Hi Guys,

Well again we have another cria born here at WillowBank, still no rest for Lisa as straight away Lisa noticed a problem with the birthing........ you can't really see from the picture but we have the head and one leg but the other leg is tucked back, I would like to add that Lisa's mum took the photos and Lisa was just out of shot scrubbing up to start lending a hand at no point was any animal under any unnecessary stress.....anyway Lisa decided that with the cria being presented this way it was time to give a helping hand and ease the other leg into position.

Soon after it was a again quite apparent that this maiden was not going to deliver her cria on her own, Lisa was soon back with a little helping hand and the little boy came out. A bit of a rub down to stimulate him and a check of the airways.

It was easy to see why this boy was not coming out so easy, he is a right little bruiser although he is still 9 days early. He was up running and feeding within the hour and is a real strong chap.

He was so desperate to get up off the ground, that it was quite a challenge dipping the navel with iodine hence it went everywhere and we now have our own multi coloured alpaca, mum was keen to get in on the iodine trick and ended up with it down her foot.......

This fine fellows sire is another Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake baby with his grand sire from his mothers side being Cambridge Ice Cool Lad so it will be interesting to see what traits have been passed on.

Mum and son having an intimate moment with the iodine patches quite noticeable......

Well that all for tonight as I'm trying to finish our website.

Another Early Cria......

2010-07-06T19:33:00.008+01:00

Hi Guys,

Its been a fascinating few days since I last blogged with one thing and another happening. I have been and fetched our new livestock trailer today from Lancaster, well it turned out to be nearer to Kendal by the time I found the place, it was a welcome stop when I got there as it took me 5 hours to get there with the traffic hold ups and that was without the trailer.....

On the way home I received a call from Lisa who was back on the farm looking after things informing me that another one of our girls was giving birth, this time one of our maiden girls.......after a short while out popped a Solid White little boy, Lisa again had to get involved and help out with the clearing of the airways and all the routine checks.

Our little fella who we don't have a name for yet, decided to join the world 15 days early. He is fathered by Wellground Killawasi's Keepsake his grand sire is Cambridge Cajamarca of Blenhiem and his great grand sire bloodlines come from NWA Ltd Ruffo. So we are quite interested to see what this little fella starts to grow in to.

We have decided to bring the little fella in tonight as its been trying to rain, he is not quite as strong as Coco our first cria and giving that we have the facilities to bring him in we thought why not.

Well that's all for tonight. Back soon.

The Update Arrives

2010-06-28T20:58:00.007+01:00

Here is the new updated blog from the earlier one posted today. It has been a fantastic start to the week here at WillowBank Alpacas, this morning saw the arrival of our first Cria for 2010 at 16 days early. Lisa was on hand and stepped in to clear the airways and a quick examination of the Cria revealed that we have been given a very dark brown little boy.

We have decided to call him WillowBank Coco he was soon up on his feet after a little stumble and mum was on stand by with the first feed.

WillowBank Coco feeding from Mum

Its hard to describe what it feels like to finally have are own Cria born on our farm, this whole business started so long ago and to now finally have are Alpacas on our farm with are own Cria's being born feels like we have climbed a massive hurdle to get to this stage in our lives.

Our daughter Lily is so at home here and has become a completely different person since we moved onto the farm, she has come out of her shell in leaps and bounds and insists on taking visitors to the farm on a full guided tour, stopping to give her favourite Alpaca a kiss.....

Lily and Gieves

We hope this new arrival is the start of good things to come for us and our journey into the Alpaca world has begun......

That's all for tonight, as I have been for my MRI scan this evening and its had strange effects on me, its left me aching and a little unwell.

Back soon with more photo's and updates on Coco progress.

Our First Cria Of 2010

2010-06-28T14:05:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks

Just a very quick blog to say WillowBank Alpacas have seen the birth of our first Cria born this morning. A lovely little boy who was soon up on his feet feeding from mum.

I will update later this evening with pics and more information, so watch this space for the updated blog.

Halter Training

2010-06-12T16:50:00.007+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well the sun is shining and I have a weekend off from work, although that was spoilt at about 04.30 this morning as I was woken with severe chest pains, well I say chest it feels like someone is giving you the biggest bear hug in the world and your ribs are about to implode, I have been getting this for about 2 months now but only when I sleep, as soon as I'm awake and up and about it goes away. However this morning was different the pain was taking my breathe away, Lisa was straight on the phone to NHS Direct who then advised we call 999 for an ambulance, after a chat with a doctor over the phone they decided that what I was describing was not life threatening enough for an ambulance but would require me to see my doctor Monday as this is obviously not normal and sounds like intramuscular problems. Anyway that's enough of my problems.

We decided today to start our halter training of our male "Gieves" he is such a lovely boy and seems really nice natured and relaxed, we waited until Lily went for her afternoon nap as we were unsure what might happen. Lily was upset when we had the alpacas shorn because some of them screamed a little and I think she just didn't understand. Well we slid the halter onto Gieves head and would you believe it he stood there like a true gentleman, as if it was all second nature to him.....well done Gieves you did us proud.

Lisa & Gieves 30secs after being put on the halter.

I'm sure this is just beginners look, he did play a little stubborn and not want to walk at one stage, but with a little push on his bum he was away again, I'm sure tomorrow will be a different story!

3 of our pregnant girls in our birthing paddock relaxing in the sun.

Well that's all for know, back with more photo's soon.

Hidden In The Wall

2010-06-10T22:07:00.004+01:00

Hi Folks,

Well the weather has certainly took a turn, we had an absolute torrential down poor here Wednesday which lasted for about 20 minutes, resulting in Lisa having to get our pump out to try and help control the torrents of water that came down our yard and overloading our drains, within minutes Lisa was in up to her ankles in water. Lisa called me at work trying to explain what she was faced with and the noise in the background coming from the rain was unbelievable, anyway all was well, the rain stopped, the pump was turned off and normality was resumed.....thankfully.

Needless to say the alpacas came in that night to help them dry off and to get them off a now very sodden paddock, I must say,they all looked very content in the barn when I arrived home from work.

For a while now we have had a bird taking bits of food into the hollows in the block work of our barn, feeding her young, I have been desperate to try and get a photo but I have been very conscious not to disturb them, however I manged to climb my ladder armed with a camera and grab a quick shot of the new chicks, they cant be far away from leaving the nest so it looks like I may have timed it just right.

I'm sure it must only be days before these have flown the nest, to be honest I thought it was a little late for them to be still in the nest.

All the alpacas are doing just great, we are really starting to get to know them now, I need to get some more picture of them soon. Our chickens are laying well with approximately 7 eggs a day at the moment but this should increase soon as the other chickens mature.

Well that's all for tonight, back soon with an update on the chicks.

New Best Friends

2010-06-06T20:40:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks,
Well again its been awhile since my last blog. We are still fencing when we get chance to and things are really taking shape now. We have had to separate our male from the ladies as he is starting to get a little fruity with them, so until his new paddock was ready we put him in with the pony and her new foal, this was done under a controlled manner to ensure no harm came to any animal if they didn't agree with each other, well believe it or not hence the title we have two new best friends......

Gieves and his new best friend Flicker the foul.

These two are right characters, its so nice to see two totally different breed of animals getting on so well with each other.

Yesterday we visited Rob & Les at Wellground Alpaca stud to top up our knowledge on husbandry skills, we left Lisa's dad to look after things on the farm, he is just as keen on the alpacas as we are so we knew they would be in safe hands. Rob & Les greeted us with coffee on the decking overlooking the alpacas and a quick look at our fleeces we took down. fantastic sandwiches which I could just not stop eating, then it was down to taking notes and lessons from Rob & Les, thanks guys.

We have had all the alpacas shorn now which with the weather being so warm its must be such a relief for them, we have now moved all our pregnant girls into our birth paddock next to the caravan with our first to give birth at the beginning of July but knowing alpacas you can never tell when it will be.

Well that's all for now, take care all.

Back To A Dongle!

2010-05-24T15:00:00.001+01:00

Hi All,
Well what fantastic weather.......all though I do feel for the Alpacas still having the fleeces on. We are due to have our Alpacas shorn on the 2nd June, so in the meantime we are making sure they have plenty of water and shade should they require it.
So much has been happening here at WillowBank Alpacas, we have been in undated with people enquiring about the "Lamas" and asking questions, Once have informed them that they are Alpacas they are thrilled at what we are doing and have all wished us every success with our business, we are constantly being told that its such a delight to see something different in the village.
I have some pictures of our Alpacas and Lily with the new foal but with using the dongle it seems to be taking for ever to upload the images, so no pictures for now but I am coming up with a plan to sort this out.
We are being connected to BT on the 28th of this months so this is only a temporary hitch with communication.
We have had some interest already in Alpaca sales which is a good start for us, but until this turns into money exchanging you can never say for sure. So we will keep you updated on this progress.
Well that's all for now. enjoy the sunshine.......

One Week On

2010-05-08T09:49:00.003+01:00

Hi All,
Its been a busy first week for us at WillowBank Alpacas, we have been hanging gates and finishing off fencing around the paddocks. All the alpacas have really settled in now and are starting to gain our trust allowing us to get a little closer to them.

We have also settled in nicely in our new home with all the mod cons of central heating and double glazing helps enormously, Lily is so much more settled living on the farm, she really is an outside girl and loves helping Lisa with the alpacas taking the hay down to them and shouting "come on girls"

Our new foal that we had born is growing fast and runs around the paddock like she is in training for the grand national, which is rather amusing when the grass is a little wet and her cornering skills are not the best!

Well unfortunately blogger is not letting me upload any pictures for some reason, so you will have to wait for more pictures, so I will keep it short for today and try again soon.

Take care all.

Trying To Keep Up

2010-05-03T19:05:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks,

Just another quick one tonight, as I have left Lisa at home while I borrow a computer until my phone line is connected.

So Friday was the most amazing day of our life so far, its starting to sink in now that our business is up and running, we have been swamped with people asking questions about the alpacas and wanting a closer look, which are not at all bothered by as we want the villagers to be involved and understand what we are all about and what the business entails. We have had fantastic comments from everyone who has been to see us and they cant wait to see our cria's born, are first of which is July......well sometime round there as you just never now with alpacas.

Another talking point for our visitors is a surprise birth that we have had at WillowBank already........no not a cria but a foal from our pony, now you might say how can that be a surprise.......well we brought the pony as a yearling in August last year out of pity as she was all skin and bones and felt that we could not leave her any longer where she was, so we got her back and put her out to graze on our lush grass and over the months she became rather fat!! we reduced her grazing and on Saturday morning gave us the biggest surprise.......

Daisy & Her New Foal

Just A Couple Of Hours Old

So as you can see we have had our hands full already, we are just glad that were living here at the time our else it may have been a different story that we are telling......but as it is both mother and daughter are doing just fine.

The Alpacas are really finding there feet today and have explored the paddock allot more finding the field shelter that we built, I thought I might have to bring it to them at one stage.

Well again that's it for now but more adventures from Willowbank Alpacas to come soon.

An Amazing Couple Of Days

2010-05-01T20:52:00.013+01:00

Hi Folks

Well myself and Lisa are over the moon, after a couple of years of learning and gaining our knowledge of Alpacas we are now officially up and running as "WillowBank Alpaca Stud". This blog is only a quick run down of the last couple of days but more pics and more chat later, lets take you through our journey..........

Its on its way

I hope this is going to fit!

I decided a bit more muscle was required

I think it need to come round a bit more.......

Ah.....that's not good

A little bit of moving and half hour later, this looks better

Watch the barn.......Stress levels are going up!

A bit more head scratching and its in

Are home sits on place

Are Alpacas arrive on mass with Roger and Pauline from Pipley Court Alpacas followed by "The Stig" aka Rob from Wellground Alpacas

THE STIG!!

All the gang settled in very well indeed and are relaxing in the paddocks, we are so excited to be finally up and running as Alpaca breeders. So watch this space for more pictures of our busy couple of days and more information on how WillowBank Alpacas are going to expand its herd and grow its business over the next few years, our website is not far from being completed so we will inform you when that's all up and running with some exciting features.

Oh, of course I couldn't blog without at least putting a picture of our new gang, so here they are enjoying the sunshine.

Well that's all for now, back soon.

The Joy Of Electric

2010-04-24T19:50:00.006+01:00

Hi All,

Well we have been so busy over the last few weeks, I have not even had time to update the blog. We have been installing even more fencing and digging more holes for gate posts, then of course we are mixing concrete to support the posts.

To top it all off though and the feeling is amazing..... we finally have plug sockets with electric that we can actually make a proper cup of tea, rather than the flask of hot water that we have used in the past, little things can make all the difference.

I hope you are all enjoying the weather, its so nice to have the paddocks dry again, although we could do with a little rain just to help our grass seed out a little, but we are not complaining as we enjoy the sunshine more than rain.

More pictures to come soon, so watch this space for improvements that we have made on the farm.

Take care all, back soon.

No Rest Over Easter!

2010-04-05T19:31:00.002+01:00

Happy Easter Folks,
Now just because it's Easter didn't mean that we would get a rest, in fact the total opposite. We have been busy installing 8" square gate posts into the ground, which doesn't sound that bad but when we are trying to dig them in by hand through the existing drive way and through clay it became a long job.

We have also nearly completed the race, which in turn will give us two usable paddocks of good size. We intend on dividing the rest of the ground up as and when we need it, this giving us a bit of a rest on the fencing.

You might be wondering where the pictures are.......well the truth is we forgot to take some, I want to wait until I have completed some more of the fencing around the yard, so you can see the difference that it has made.

Well that's all for now, with the nights drawing out though we will be doing more work into the evenings just to try and get in front a little bit more.

Furry Land Shark!

2010-04-01T20:31:00.005+01:00

Hi Folks

Well it was back to work this week for me after my week off. Things have been really hectic trying to catch up on a back log of jobs.

So then, let me explain the title of this blog for those of you that might not be aware, "Furry land shark" is what when I was in the police, we called the police dog, if we were chasing a criminal we would always ask for the police dog to come to the area to help locate are offender, it was always interesting to try and watch the offender out run the police dog, watching the dog hunt down the pray like a shark earned its name of "Furry land Shark".

So here is my new addition to the family, my very own "Furry land shark" finally comes home to live with us.

Otto is a long haired German Shepherd, she is pictured here at nearly 7 wks old. Those of you that may know that puppies don't normally get released until 8 wks old, maybe concerned but rest assured, Otto and her brothers and sister were rejected by there mum, so they all had to be hand reared, therefore she does not know any different.

That's all for now, Happy Easter All.

The End To A Manic Week

2010-03-28T20:03:00.008+01:00

Well its been awhile getting out that big hole I dug........Its just been so manic here over the last few days, with some crazy hours being put in, trying to get all our jobs that we wanted done before it,s back to my full-time job in the morning.

So the electric guys turned up on Wednesday and that's when the mess started, the weather turned against us and the mud bath began!!

Unfortunately because of our water pipe that runs down the edge of are yard, the drive way area took a hit with the digger to allow the ducting to be put down. Lily can be seen sitting on a wall we have surveying the work.

The ducting has now gone in and covered with "Caution Electric Cable Below" tape that we have to put on top of the ducting, so this was now Thursday and I have come to the decision that I'm surprised anything gets down with the company installing the electric.....these guys are nice enough but are constantly on tea breaks, its taken them two days to dig 3/4 the distance I have and they still have got to install the ducting for there bit. I'm not blowing my own trumpet......just standing on my soap box.......what are they playing at.........come on lads pull your fingers out!!

Friday midday brings us the occasional sunshine and our electric cable appears......Yippee!! this is an amazing sight for us, its like we are getting that step closer from using candles! The guys finally get the cable to our meter box and speed off into the distance to hit the pubs.
Well with the work force gone it was time to start back filling the trench, we could have started this sooner but I wanted to make sure the cable came through without any problems. It soon became apparent that with all the rain we had, we needed to do something to the yard as it had turned to sledge as clay does, so after a quick phone call Friday afternoon we had 40t of stone on its way.

Now hats off to the brave driver who was more than happy to back his wagon into our yard, but what you can't see on this picture is that the other side of the lorry has sank deep into the ground.......apologies for no pictures of this but we became a little busy trying to free the lorry, after several attempts and the lorry sliding ever closer to our gate post which would have put stop to everything, we finally got him out.......needless to say the second load got tip just off the road in the start of our drive way.

Well that's all for tonight as we are all so worn out and my bed is calling.

Things You Can Do With A Shovel!!

2010-03-23T19:45:00.005Z

Another busy day on the farm, the rain has held off again for us but I'm sure we are going to get it at some point.... I have give up with the digger and decided that I can do things quicker with a shovel.....just look at what you can do when you put your mind to it, I did this in about an hour!!

Only joking......couldn't resist the picture.

Any guesses what the hole's for? Lisa has a use for it but luckily I took the keys out the digger....I'm sure filling it in with me still in it crossed her mind.

The electric guys are coming in the morning, they have confirmed this and plan to pull the cable through on Thursday. I guess this is when it will rain, just as I get the trenches dug it will rain and fill them with water, never mind I'm sure putting electric cable in water is the norm!

This is how the banking is taking shape

This is an earlier picture of the banking

Most of the work that needs to involve me driving the digger over the grass is almost complete, so with the rain staying away for now, it has saved the land getting completely churned up, with a little rolling and grass seeding you will never know.

So lets see what tomorrow brings with the electric board being on seen. more photos too.

Rain Held Off For Us

2010-03-22T16:55:00.006Z

Another day on the digger today and the new banks that we are creating are starting to take shape. We still have a long way to get them looking how we want them but that will come in time.

Once the new banks have been grass seeded and the grass grows the plan is that the new banks will just blend in to the background, well that's what happens in my head!!

Lily was feeling a little better today and decided that standing in the back of our car, would be the best position to view the farm from. Lisa took advantage of the soft ground and got the roller out, we have not got a tractor or quad at the moment so the car has to do the job, its not to much of a hassle and it gets the job done.

So with all the work going on around the farm its a fairly busy week to come, our guys from the electric company arrive on Wednesday to start installing the cable along the road side and into our farm, lets just hope they turn up.

Well with all the fresh air that we have been getting, it Finally took its toll on Lily the bear and as we got back home she couldn't hold on any longer and decided to nod off.

Yes those are rats that Lily is cuddled up with, She adores them and will not go anywhere without them, she has three altogether and heaven forbid we should ever loose one.

That's all for now, more picture still to come.

Still No Donkeys Rob!!

2010-03-21T18:35:00.005Z

If you have any questions about the title, Rob at Wellground Alpacas will be pleased to help....

Well its been a fantastic day weather wise today and we have managed to get some more earth moved around the farm. You may ask why we are moving all this earth around, all will come apparent in the future, the reason we have all the earth is that when we built our barns, to get the correct levels we had to dig out a far bit of land as there was a 2.5mtr fall across the distance we wanted to erect the barns in, hence all this earth.

Now considering it rained on and off all day yesterday, we are not actually in that bad of a state. We are going to level the new banks out and grass seed so the finished banks will blend in with the surroundings.

We have moved some banking from the entrance to our farm to allow better access, we always struggle to get large vehicles into the farm so with some of the banking removed this should help.

Little Lily Bear has not been feeling that good over the last few days and was not impressed when I took her photo, she really enjoys being on the farm but you would never have guessed it.

I have just seen the weather forecast on Country File and it looks like today may well have been the best day, rain is on its way!!

More photos to come soon.

Earth Moving

2010-03-20T20:05:00.008Z

I have finally got some time off work, we made a start on sorting out for our electric to be connected next week. With the arrival of our machinery on Friday evening, it was all systems go this morning. I do love having machinery to play on although they say blokes can't do more than one thing so Lisa got her hands on the Dumper.....

Now I'm all up for Lisa giving it a go and getting stuck in, but it does help if your feet reach the foot plate and you can work out how to stop and start the machine!

Oh, spoke to soon she is off and raring to go, so that only left myself and Lily to start playing and making a mess with our machine. We had to remove some old posts out the ground first and rather than breaking my back I decided to get the digger involved to pull them out, this was done in seconds which left us to start removing some old grass banking that we want moving.

This was an old allotment we let over grow, which we are going to redevelop next year once we are a little more straight. None of these pictures show any of the main work that we have done today, so I will ensure that we take some more informative pictures tomorrow.

Well that's all for tonight, but more mess making tomorrow, at least its not supposed to rain tomorrow unlike today so Ill let you use your imagination to what state we are in, but you have to make a mess sometimes.

Stranger In The Barn

2010-03-14T17:43:00.004Z

This morning I had a bit of a fright, I was down the farm early this morning loading hay into Jim's van, Jim is a guy we sell our hay too, he has a local feed store just a few miles from us. Anyway I crabbed a bale and suddenly out the corner of my eye something black darted off the bales and vanished, I picked the bale up that I had just dropped and after Jim had stopped laughing, I asked him what do you think that was? He replies "Not sure but it was black and fast" We continued to load his van even if we were both eagle eyed looking for the black thing!

Jim left and I let the horse and pony out in the paddocks, I was still unsure what this black thing was in the barn and then as I headed back to the barn, it was looking straight at me, we both stopped dead in our tracks wondering who was going to make the next move, it was almost like being a stranger walking into a country and western saloon, the piano has stopped playing everyone has turned round looking at the stranger, OK I might be getting carried away now, but here is the the black thing that was looking at me.........

Just poking its head over the top of the post

I'm not sure where the cat has come from, in fact its only a kitten, we are more than happy for it to stay on the farm as it will help with the keeping the mice down, that's if it stops......we have decided to call it "Little Puss"

Lisa has managed to come down the farm today and assist me slightly with the fencing, whoever She is taking things steady as not to over do it, I think the pain killers are well in Lisa system now which is helping.

Well that's all for now, back soon.

Not The Weekend We Wanted

2010-03-13T12:46:00.002Z

Hi All

Well not much has been done on the farm, we had arranged to go and visit Rob & Les at Wellground Alpaca Stud today but unfortunately Lisa managed to put her back out quick badly on Thursday and is now currently on Strong pain killers which are helping slightly but Lisa is still in allot of pain. I am going to try and get some more fencing done this weekend and make the most of the peace and quite of Lisa being stuck at home!! only joking darling. The fencing is coming along and we can start to see what it will look like when its finished.

I have a fairly nice week coming up at work as I'm on an intensive firefighters training course in preparation for the runway that is being opened, myself and four others will be on standby every time a plane is due to land and have to meet the requirements set by the civil aviation authority, once I have passed this training and further training that is scheduled I would be allowed to work at any airport as a fully qualified airport firefighter, not that I intend to but its another bow to the belt as they say.

This next Friday my digger arrives, as the following week are electric supply is being installed, I have to dig the trenches on our side of the farm so that the electric guys can just lay the cable in the trench. I'm just hoping the weather stays dry so as not to cause to much of a mess.

That's all for now, but will update with pictures soon.

New Addition

2010-03-07T16:17:00.005Z

Hi Folks,

Well its been a very hectic couple of weeks for me, my full time job has really kicked in now and I have been forced to do so some crazy hours, which unfortunately means the blog had to go on hold for a short while.

I have had chance though to finally select my new arrival to the family, everyone meet "Otto"

"Otto" is a pure bred German Shepherd, she is only 3 weeks old in this picture, so I have got to wait a few more weeks yet before she finally comes to live with us. "Otto" will be trained when old enough to the same standards as a police dog, as some of you may already know, I used to be in the police and spent some time assigned to the dog unit and enjoyed it thoroughly, this is also a fantastic way to keep "Otto" mentally fit as well as physically fit.

Lily & Otto

We have managed to get some more fencing done this morning, so that's ticking along nicely, if not a little slowly, but my hours should return to some kind of normality soon, so it will be action stations again, with the evening staying lighter I will have no excuse not to start fencing after work.

That's all for now back soon.

24 Hrs Later!

2010-02-21T19:44:00.011Z

What a difference a day makes, we woke this morning to a surprise that we were not expecting, as you can see from the picture things looked a little different on the farm.

As you can see it's snowed

Although it had snowed we still decided to fix some of the stock fencing to the fencing that we have been doing, Lily was not so keen today, I think it was a bit to cold for her, I know my feet had started to get chilly so I guess Lily's feet must have been freezing.

We had some visitors in the adjoining field, which was lovely to see the hares running around playing with each other keeping warm, we managed to get a picture although they were some distance away, so apologies for the picture quality.

Well it's just a short blog for tonight, so more again soon.

New Gaffer In Town

2010-02-20T17:27:00.014Z

Hi folks,

Well it's been a steady week this week with not a great deal happening on the farm although we have been doing some more fencing today and feel quite satisfied with the progress that we have made. I took a moment for a quick breather but only to be questioned by the "gaffer"

I gave her all the excuses in the book........but

I don't think Lily believed me and gave me one of her looks

After my telling off Lily went off happy to play with the dogs and is quite content trying to boss them around, If only we could hear the thoughts that go through the dogs minds.

Picture to the left is Lily with Molly The Collie who is getting on a bit now.

The picture below is Lily with Fat Jack our Norwegian Elk Hound, if he actually got off his backside more, he wouldn't be so fat! with all the space we have he insists on just sitting there and watching the world go by!

Well that all for now, more fencing tomorrow so Lily is in the bath getting ready for bed, then we are spoiling ourselves with a Chinese tonight. We will keep you "posted" pardon the pun!

Feeling The Pain!

2010-02-13T20:48:00.005Z

We have finally started the fencing for our paddocks today, we have been wanting to start this job for so long now, but with one thing and another we never seemed to get started on it. We have finally managed to agree with each other exactly how are paddocks are going to look and the hard work began.

Thankfully with the ground being soft using the post bumper proved not to be as bad as I thought it might have been, although my fitness levels have changed for the worse since I last did any fencing and oh boy, did I know it! I was determined not to let my state of health stand in the way, so I battled on regardless of the pain and managed to get a decent amount done before rain stopped play, to be honest I was watching the dark clouds and was kind of using them as a countdown clock of when I could stop. Lisa also worked like a trooper fetching posts, rails at the same time as looking after our daughter Lily who loves being on the farm but gets bored and cold quickly.

We are hopefully going to get some more fencing done tomorrow depending on the weather condition or how stiff I am in the morning more likely but as the saying goes "no pain no gain" or something like that.

Anyway that's all for tonight, back again soon.

Answers On Postcards!

2010-02-09T20:57:00.002Z

Hi Folks

Its been a bitterly cold day again with plenty of snow showers throughout the day. We have had a visit today from our business planner who was very enthusiastic about our ideas and plans for our Alpaca business, which was also very encouraging for us.

It was then time to get things down on paperwork and discuss the way to move our business on. Our ideas certainly got our business planner thinking of different angles that we wish to move the business forwards, one of which and I quote "That idea as far as I'm aware, has of yet not been explored in Alpaca businesses that I have dealt with, and you could have something unique" that was very encouraging for us and left us with many more thoughts. Its all a bit cryptic I know, but we are in the early stages of this idea, therefore we cannot comment at this moment in time.

Answers on a postcard if you think you might know what it could be.......not that I would tell you if you are right or wrong!!

Well that's all for tonight as I have an early start in the morning.

A Good End To The Week

2010-02-06T17:54:00.006Z

Hi Folks,

Well the final decisions have been made to our foundation herd. After a long trip to Pipley Court Alpacas we were greeted by Pauline and Roger who like most breeders I'm sure, are just as enthusiastic as we are about Alpacas. We had a fantastic day walking around the paddocks selecting our final girls. Pauline and Roger have an amazing place and take allot of pride in the welfare of the animals, they are a real credit to them, well done they should be very proud. We also want to thank Rob and Lesley from Wellground Alpacas, as they to, like most of you know are a fantastic couple, full of knowledge and support just when you need them the most, regardless of what time it is they are always there, so a big thank you guys.

We are very pleased with our selection of breeding females. We have managed to achieve what we always set out to do, buying the very best elite genetics that we could afford.

We are really looking forwards to this years cria being born, as we should get some very exciting genetics being produced from our girls, more on than in the next few months. The picture below, although not the best picture I have ever taken, shows the fleece of one of our girls, she should produce something fantastic next year.

We are so excited now that are selection of girls are confirmed, we can concentrate now on getting other things into place. We have been busy trying to finalise our paddock layout, as we want to be sure we have the best layout possible to help reduce stress to any of our alpacas and to make our job that little bit easier. I couldn't resist another photo for you, the girl in the front of this picture is one of our selections, as is the picture below that.

Well what a fantastic end to our week, we have our business planner coming to see us next Tuesday and we have lots of plans and ideas to throw his way.

That's all for now, so enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Information Overload

2010-02-02T22:02:00.003Z

Just a short blog tonight, we had a visit today from our planner who covered all of what we need to know for our planning application, it made us glad that we have him dealing with our application as it certainly sounds like a mine field.

We are pleased with what we have be told and feel like it's another step closer to getting our dream. We have also discussed many ideas that we have, all of which can count towards our planning application and impressed our planner, so watch this space for further information.

Well that's all for tonight, its been a informative day and our minds are full of very interesting ideas.

A Guy Called Colin!

2010-01-29T15:51:00.010Z

Hi Folks,

Well after not much happening in the early part of the week, to a hectic morning today. It all started with Lily going to her grandma's for the morning, leaving myself and Lisa going down the farm to meet the farrier and to muck the stables out.

We tend to compare notes with the farrier to whats changed on the farm the last time he came, this time round it was the fact that we had moved house and are now in rented. Hopefully next time he comes we will be living on the farm!

It was then the turn of our 2 field shelters being delivered, this guy had been on the road since 4am this morning and its now 11.20, oh dear a big crash on the motorway held him up, but he was still in good spirits.

It doesn't look much, but it was heavy!

We had just about unloaded the trailer when my phone rang with a guy on the other end with a very strong Gordie accent asking for directions to our farm, it turned out he was just 30seconds up the road, but he insisted on staying on the phone and me directing him to the farm.

Here comes our sewage system

Now this guy could talk for England, a real nice guy but does he ever take a breath for air I ask myself. He insisted on telling me how he has put the world to rights on his journey down here and it sounds like he is going to tell me now.

Colin is his name I have established, not that I have got a word in yet, but that's what it says on the back of his hard hat!! Colin is still talking and I have taken to kicking his wheels while I listen some more.

Colin finally finds time to lift off the sewage plant and puts it in front of our barn, we are going to store it in the barn until we are ready to fit it, the green box to the bottom right of the picture is the housing for the air blower which was also supplied with the sewage system, Molly our collie dog is supervising the process.

So Colin was a fantastic character even if he did talk allot, he did inform me as he was leaving that he is actually 62 next week, now this guy was on and off the back of the truck like a yo yo at one point so bring it on for Colin.

Well that's our farm starting to come together, we are off down to EasterWood Alpaca Stud in the morning, so that's all for now.

Not Much To Report

2010-01-27T19:24:00.002Z

Hi Folks,

Well not a great deal happening on the farm in the early part of this week, although we have had our first delivery of pipework to create the soak away for the sewage plant arrive, the main sewage plant arrives this Friday so that a opportunity for the camera and the start of documented progress on the farm.

We have finally got a provisional date for our electric to be connected, for something that I was told would hopefully be January, turns out to be the 24th March!! I'm sure if we owed them some money they would have been quicker to chase us. Anyway at least I have a date and a contact name and number now.

We are looking forwards to our trip down to Easter-Wood Alpaca Stud on Saturday, catching up with Jeff and Sheila to finalise our foundation herd.

The search for the static caravan still goes on and on and on, but we still have time to sort things out, we have until the 11th June, then we are out on the street!

A Day For Thank You's

2010-01-22T20:49:00.005Z

Its a big thank you to Wellground Alpaca Stud, for helping us to be able to purchase our first Elite Alpacas. The three girls we have chosen are an absolute credit to Rob & Les and there commitment to breeding Quality Elite Alpacas with fantastic pedigrees, thank you guys.

We have had such a hard decision over the last few days as stated in yesterdays blog, unfortunately our goal posts got moved slightly which left us in a pickle with buying the amount of Alpacas we required with the budget available, we must mention Pipley Court Alpacas as they also came to our rescue knowing our situation aloud us to purchase another three girls within our budget, thank you also.

This now leads us on to Easter-Wood Alpaca Stud, who through out all of this have always been behind us, and believed in us. We are now looking forwards to going to Jeff & Sheila a week on Saturday, to finally agree and purchase our final six female Alpacas. Jeff & Sheila have a fantastic attitude towards the progress of Alpaca Breeding, and with having Cambridge Ice Cool Lad as there stud they will be breeding excellent genetics into there girls. So again guys we thank you for your help in setting up our foundation herd, we can't wait to come down and see you, and Gemma of course next week. Thank you both.

Well before you send the Oscar in the post, lets get back to the farm. How much more rain can we have, for the first time in a very very long time, we have had a little bit of flood, nothing to major but enough to make me curse! its only the fact that the council have not cleared the road side ditches, consequently the rain water that runs down the road, runs straight into our farm.......another phone call I feel.

Well that's it for today, more soon.

Back In The Saddle Again!

2010-01-21T21:29:00.002Z

Well its only took over a month to sort out, but we have finally been reconnected back to civilization.......oh how I have missed you broadband.

Things have taken a slight change of direction, but only in the fact that we have realised that to stand any chance of making our Alpaca business succeed, we needed to up the number of Elite Alpacas in our core herd.

We have made some very hard and certainly not easy decisions over the last few days, but we feel that we have done our best to make sure that we purchased our Alpacas from reputable breeders, who certainly share our determination and importance of keeping strict Bio-security within the herds. So with this in mind we will only purchase from breeders with like minds, this reducing the risk of any disease brought onto our farm.

We can only hope that the decision we have made to start our Alpaca business are the correct ones, we only get one shot of doing this and we have to make some serious sacrifices to be able to have any chance in succeeding.

On a lighter note, does anyone know of a 3 berth, double glazed, central heating static caravan as you just can't seem to find them for love nor money, this is one sacrifice we don't really want to have to change as it would not be far on our daughter Lily who is 2!!

Take care folks.

Still No Internet

2010-01-15T08:26:00.002Z

Hi All,

Well it's been a long time since we last blogged, we hope you have all been coping OK with the snow, Luckily we managed to escape the worst of the weather although my journey's to work have been a little challenging sometimes.

Since we moved house in the back end of Dec, I have been having to use a dongle to gain Internet access until our phone line was connected. well we finally got the line connected on Monday and I promptly contacted our Internet provider only to be told it will be yet another 10 working days until we go live again, what a complete nightmare this is turning out to be.

Anyway on a better note, we have been busy ordering sewage treatment plants, sorting the electric supply, arranging for our planner to visit and submit our plans to the local council he comes next Friday and also sourcing our Alpaca Herd, decision, decision, decisions.

On top of all this, we still need to start fencing our paddocks and make our farm completely sanitised before any Alpaca set foot onto our farm, we intend on keeping to the highest standards possible in keeping our herd free of any ailments.

So things are moving on nicely and I need to start getting the camera ready, so that we can document the progress of developing Alpaca Farm.

Take care all.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T22:50:00.002Z

Hi Folks,

Happy New Year to you all, we hope that 2010 brings all that you dream of.

We have settles into our rented accommodation, in fact it feels like we have always been here, its so nice to have a little more space.

We are still waiting for our phone line to be connected, so we are still having to use the dongle! so limited posts at the moment. Things are moving slowly until companies return back after the festive period, then we can really start the ball rolling with our business.

That's all for now.

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-24T09:23:00.002Z

Hi folks,

WillowBank Alpaca Stud would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we hope you all have a lovely time over the festive season.

We are struggling with frozen pipes as I'm sure some of you are too, so its back to filling old milk churns that we have to water are horses.

I have just received a phone call from our electric supplier who are processing our connection, and it all looks like work is set to commence at the start of January, so hopefully once that is connected I can get some heating into our barns, which will put stop to our frozen pipe problem....fingers crossed.

That's all for now, as I'm still at work and need to crack on before we finish.

Sitting With Dongle In-Hand!!!!!!

2009-12-18T15:56:00.002Z

Hi Guys,

I sit here today to bring you this post, with one arm in the air holding my dongle and the other typing this. We now have the money in the bank and have started planning our new adventure.

We did say that we are going to have a relax over Christmas period but that's not us, so i have been chasing the Electric people around, to get our application processed. We have also had our hedge cut in preparation for new fencing fort the Alpaca paddocks.

I hope to try and keep the dongle hand in operation and keep up to date with the blog.

That's all for now.

We Have Moved House

2009-12-15T10:44:00.002Z

Hi All,

We have great news at last, we have now moved out of our house and into our rented accommodation in time for Christmas, Lisa put the tree up Sunday night whilst Lily was in bed, Lily was amazed the following morning to see the tree all decorated in the living room.

Since we moved into the new house Lily has been very excited and is charging around all over the place, it must be something to do with the fact that both myself and Lisa are a little more relaxed now, with the house sale finally gone through, Lily must have picked up on that. Its amazing how much kids pick up on different situations.

We are on limited access to the Internet and emails, as it takes awhile to transfer things over, so I can only access through my works computer at the mo.

I feel its going to be a relaxing Christmas and New Year for us as a family, which will allow us to re-charge our batteries before we start our new journey in 2010.

That's all for now, keep warm