November 2016
I spread my wings in October with some public speaking and shared with two different audiences the story of how I set up my business. First I visited South Shropshire Farmer’s Wives at Cardington and then the Newtown U3A group (U3A is a group for retired and semi-retired people who enjoy learning new things). Both of the talks went very well and everyone seemed to enjoy hearing about the alpacas!
Also during October, I was busy preparing the animals for whatever the winter may bring. Derby and Wizard came home from Acton Scott Victorian Working Farm for the winter and joined my other boys, Manot, Salvador and Finn. The whole herd received vitamin injections and an annual booster for chlostridium disease (chlostridia is an infectious bacterium that causes lots of nasty conditions including diarrhoea and pulp kidney which can be fatal). Following their essential jabs, they all had their feet trimmed and are now ready to cope with the winter weather and bugs.
And now, on to the weekend ahead, when I’ll be raising a glass with new and old friends to toast the first anniversary of the shop launch. I thought it would be good to invite everyone into the shop this Saturday coming (November 12) for a little get-together, so check your diary and see if you’re free to join us.
There will be a free spinning and tapestry weaving demonstration between 11am and 2pm, with drinks and nibbles between 12 noon and 2pm. Anyone is welcome to attend.
There will also be a raffle in aid of Cancer Research UK and the prize will be a Coco Alpacas knitting kit which includes some of our own yarn and a pattern. I’m thrilled with sales of our own alpaca yarn: it seems that Shropshire folk have really given the thumbs-up to our cottage industry. During the first year of trading, we’ve sold virtually all of the wool produced from last year’s fleeces, which is heart-warming.
We sent out a press release which has appeared on Shropshire Live, and also on an American Magazine website called Alpaca Culture. How exciting to go international!
With winter just around the corner, it would be wrong not to mention all of the lovely new socks we’ve got in the shop. We have walking socks, boot socks, everyday socks and bed socks, all in different colours to suit everyone. We’ve also got some ski socks for the first time and they look amazing in red and navy.
Coco Alpacas events for November and December
Saturday November 12 – First year anniversary celebratory day at the shop (9 High Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6BU from 11am – 4pm.
Friday November 25- ‘Black Friday’ in Church Stretton – lots of bargains & discounts in the shop!
Friday December 2 – Shrewsbury Market 9am – 3.30pm
Sat December 3 – Sun 4 – Weston Park Xmas Fayre
Tues Dec 13 -Tinsel Tuesday, Ludlow Market
Tues Dec 20- Tinsel Tuesday, Ludlow Market
I hope to catch up with you soon,
Best Wishes
Jane