Smallholders' Show at Builth - Part 1

Well, I had an absolutely splendid day out at Builth yesterday. I don't know how many steps I took but I slept right through the night last night, which I don't often do! Got my 10,000 steps yesterday I reckon!

Where to start? In some ways, Barbara and I were a little disappointed because the layout had been altered. Several stalls which are ALWAYS there weren't (this included a bookstall I always buy from, which specialises in smallholding style books, so I was disappointed about this). Also the ladies wot spin, instead of being in one of the main buildings, in adjoining stalls, had been bunged out in the sheep sheds in the appropriate breed category. I don't know if they felt this was a good move, as not everyone who visits the show actually goes in to see the sheep - not up and down every aisle anyway.

Having said that, there was so much to see, and an awful lot to spend your money on. It was a shame that the Wonderwool exhibition wasn't there this year, as that absolutely MADE my day last year. I shall have to see when Woolfest or whatever is being held, and where (Lakeland . . . ummm . . . a bit far for me).

Anyway, I bought a lovely (BIG) Jacobs fleece to spin, and that is currently in a black bin liner in my hallway, and my hands are twitching already. I got chatting to Brenda, a lovely lady who runs a local spinning group who meet up in the winter months, and I shall be joining them this year. I am going to her farm Open Day next Saturday, and taking some cakes and preserves for a stall she is having (for charity).

This little traction engine belongs to a neighbour of ours and was built and many of the parts engineered by him. He is a BRILLIANT engineer.

There were a few classic cars on display (lots of tractors too).

I couldn't get a better picture of this sheep who reminded me of a lion. I looked at him. He looked at me!
In the gardening pavilion we were treated to some amazing displays. These clematis were incredible.


This man was stick-dressing and his work was incredibly skillful. It was still just his hobby. It took him about a day to carve and paint the wonderful animals and birds on his sticks, and he used Lime wood for the carving.

There were plenty of people demonstrating spinning. This lady was in the Camelid area, and spinning with Alpaca wool I think. I've spun with a little of it and it is SO soft and easy to spin.

In the arena, there were various displays. These two ladies, riding sidesaddle, were displaying falconry. Shades of Elizabeth I here.

These two Cornish lasses were part of the Celtic dancing group. I had a long chat to them later about their wonderful gooks (the sunbonnets they were wearing).

A parade of Camelids in the area.

What a character!

The folk group playing for the Cornish dancers.

It was good to see old skills kept alive.

I took so many photos, and there is so much to say, that I will make this Part 1!