The Merry Men Club did an amazing job clearing out what remained of Lori's Thrift Store stock, with time to spare, so Bunty's taking advantage of it, getting everything ready for this evening's presentation here in the Community Center on RBST and some of their listed Longwool sheep. Earlier today, she and her friends had worked up a last-minute display board, simply covered with pictures of the sheep breeds she'll be talking about tonight. She'd decided that just talking about the sheep would be boring. It's so much nicer when you can see what someone's talking about. And they're all so cute. Ooh, I just love sheep! I wonder if this is straight. Oh, no . . . I think it's slipping. "Brighton, help me out here!"
"This isn't looking straight to me at all. I need an extra pair of eyes. Ooh, isn't that one cute?!" Brighton left Natalya to finish unloading the rest of the stuff they'd brought for the presentation, positioning herself in the middle of the aisle. "A little more to the left . . . now down at the right corner. Oops! A bit further back to the right . . . now up at the left corner. A taddy bit more. Perfect!"
"Why do things always look so much bigger at home? Can you see the pictures at all from back there, Brighton? This thing looked humongous at home, but it looks really dinky here. Maybe hung just right, people will still be able to see it. Let's make sure that Mabel and Nautilus sit close to the front, all right?"
"Why do things always look so much bigger at home? Can you see the pictures at all from back there, Brighton? This thing looked humongous at home, but it looks really dinky here. Maybe hung just right, people will still be able to see it. Let's make sure that Mabel and Nautilus sit close to the front, all right?"
"While we're at it, I'm wondering if we couldn't just move the podium a bit closer to the piano. I don't think we need to worry about crowding it. I haven't heard a thing about anyone playing tonight. Can you come up here and help me, please? I can send for a couple of the Merry Men to move it, if you think it's too heavy. Okay, I'm game to try if you are. Ready? One, two, three, heave! There. That's just perfect. It's a good thing we wore warm clothes. What with the door being propped open while the boys moved Lori's stuff out and our constant opening and closing of it, it's COLD in here." "Don't worry, Bunty. As soon as the crowd gets here, it'll warm up."
Bunty stood frozen in place, like one of those marble statues in Rome. She'd never spoken in front of a crowd before. "Oh, Brighton. Do you really think a lot of people will come to hear me tonight? When Harold starts to read his '10 Wonderful Reasons to Love Wool', the room usually empties. I didn't think many people would really be interested. What if they get up and walk out before I'm finished?" Brighton gave her friend a big hug and told her she'd be wonderful. "You don't have trouble talking when we're sitting together in the old Schoolroom." "But . . . but that's not talking. Not really. That's just . . . talking. You know." Brighton chuckled as she went to help Natalya. "You'll be great, Bunty! Just look at the sheep on the board and relax. Once everything starts, Natalya's going to sit right in front of you, down there in the front row. Just for moral support. They'll love you! Now, if you'll excuse me, I bet Natalya really needs help."
"Whoa, Bunty! These books are heavy! Are you sure you need all this stuff?" Poor Natalya was unloading the props and displays, which had turned into more than one armload, staggering a bit under the weight. "Hey, guys. I think you need to turn that podium around, don't you? Where are you planning on putting all this stuff?"
What a hoot! A minute for giggles and then right to it. "One, two, three, heave and TURN! Why do they make these things so heavy? Natalya, you go ahead and set up the display while Brighton and I finish carrying things up to the front. It doesn't really matter what goes where. Just make it look nice." Natalya was just glad to be inside, out of the cold wind. "Brighton, you'll need more than that on if you're running outside. It's c-o-l-d out there!"
We finished setting up just in time. Our audience began to arrive before we had time to even take a break, so we just shared a quick prayer and figured we were as ready as we'd ever be. Natalya claimed her front-and-center seat, while Brighton ran down the aisle, asking over her shoulder, "Hey, Bunty, do you want me to hand out the RBST Pamphlets as everyone files in? No, you can't do that, too! Why don't you just let me take care of it? If you need anything else, just ask Natalya. " Good friends are indispensable right before your first public talk.
Brighton was a natural-born greeter, undaunted by the long line of people looking for seats. "Good evening, Mariamne. Here you go. It's a kind of cheat sheet, so that when you go home and can't remember everything, you can take a little refresher course. Oh, my goodness, Sonja! That outfit is adorable. Is that new since I was here last year? No, I haven't heard the funny story about it. You have to promise to tell me later, though. And I just LOVE that heirloom pin holding it all together." With a quick look over her shoulder, Brighton said, "There's a pair of seats together over there. Grab 'em fast. This place is going to be packed!"
"Sun Ho, I missed Masami yesterday at the Thrift, so give her a big hug for me. I'll be sure to catch up with her before I leave for home. Here's your brochure, just pick a seat anywhere. Harold, what an honor to have you here tonight. You aren't giving your '10 Wonderful Reasons to Love Wool' talk, are you?" Brighton had heard it so many times last year that she could still recite 8 of the 10 reasons in her sleep. "No? Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe next time. I don't think there's anything in here that you don't already know, but you're welcome to a brochure anyway. Maybe you could fold it in half and put it in your other pocket. Where's Eliot? Ooh, how cute! Babysitting Truannie is always fun, and it isn't like he hasn't heard Bunty talking about sheep before, right? Hi, Kelly! Um . . . where's your hat? I heard you bought a whole basket of them yesterday. What do you mean you forgot? Oh, well. I hope you don't catch cold. Go and sit over there, where it's warm."
Brighton was a natural-born greeter, undaunted by the long line of people looking for seats. "Good evening, Mariamne. Here you go. It's a kind of cheat sheet, so that when you go home and can't remember everything, you can take a little refresher course. Oh, my goodness, Sonja! That outfit is adorable. Is that new since I was here last year? No, I haven't heard the funny story about it. You have to promise to tell me later, though. And I just LOVE that heirloom pin holding it all together." With a quick look over her shoulder, Brighton said, "There's a pair of seats together over there. Grab 'em fast. This place is going to be packed!"
"Sun Ho, I missed Masami yesterday at the Thrift, so give her a big hug for me. I'll be sure to catch up with her before I leave for home. Here's your brochure, just pick a seat anywhere. Harold, what an honor to have you here tonight. You aren't giving your '10 Wonderful Reasons to Love Wool' talk, are you?" Brighton had heard it so many times last year that she could still recite 8 of the 10 reasons in her sleep. "No? Oh, I'm sorry. Maybe next time. I don't think there's anything in here that you don't already know, but you're welcome to a brochure anyway. Maybe you could fold it in half and put it in your other pocket. Where's Eliot? Ooh, how cute! Babysitting Truannie is always fun, and it isn't like he hasn't heard Bunty talking about sheep before, right? Hi, Kelly! Um . . . where's your hat? I heard you bought a whole basket of them yesterday. What do you mean you forgot? Oh, well. I hope you don't catch cold. Go and sit over there, where it's warm."
The room was filled to capacity. Brighton had finished handing out the brochures and making sure that everyone had a seat. She went up to the stage and asked Bunty if she needed anymore help, who just looked at her and whispered, "I didn't expect this size of a crowd." Brighton smiled at Bunty and said, "Just pretend it's me you're talking to. The others can just be listening in on our conversation. Why don't you tell them the funny story about your Aunt? That always gets a good laugh from us, and I don't think anyone else has ever heard it. Don't worry. You'll be great!" The Center had warmed up, as Brighton had said it would, since the door had been closed for a bit. As Brighton slid into her seat at the back of the room, the crowd grew quiet and sat back in their seats. Just looking at Bunty. I've known these people all my life. I see them all the time. Why am I nervous about talking to them? I know my stuff, and it's really only like having a lot of friends over at one time. They just wouldn't all fit in the old Schoolroom at one time. Well, here goes nothing . . .
Welcome to Wool Week's second event, everybody! Are you all comfortable and ready to begin? Okay, but before we get started I'd like to thank Harold for coming tonight. He knows more about sheep than anyone on the Island. Harold, stand up back there. (Applause, applause.) Don't worry. If there are questions that I can't answer, I'm sure Harold can help us out. Now, let's get "on with the show".
Welcome to Wool Week's second event, everybody! Are you all comfortable and ready to begin? Okay, but before we get started I'd like to thank Harold for coming tonight. He knows more about sheep than anyone on the Island. Harold, stand up back there. (Applause, applause.) Don't worry. If there are questions that I can't answer, I'm sure Harold can help us out. Now, let's get "on with the show".
I know that some of you were hoping I'd review "The Mandalorian" and talk about Baby Yoda, but that's not what we're here for tonight. Those of you who are disappointed to hear that may leave now. The wink in Natalya's direction brought snickers of laughter from all over the room. All joking aside, as you know, we're here to talk about . . . Sheep. At this point, Brighton began motioning from her seat in the back, pointing to her eyes. Bunty was confused for a minute but thought she figured out what her friend was trying to tell her. Oh, yes! Before I get started, I'd like to excuse the smallness of the wall chart. It looked really big on my table at home. If anyone has trouble seeing it, you can use your brochure for reference. Brighton grew more agitated and started pointing at a "big" smile on her face. Bunty had no idea what she was trying to tell her, and this definitely wasn't helping her nerves. The audience was starting to look around for the problem, when a croaking whisper from the back came in loud and clear, "Your funny story. Tell them your funny story!"
Everyone started laughing, and Bunty's discomfort melted away. Before I get started with the informative side of tonight's talk, Brighton wants me to tell you my "funny sheep story". My Aunt and I were driving past a field one day, when she cried, 'Look, sheeps!' I stared and stared but couldn't see any 'sheeps'. We got to town, finished our shopping pretty quickly, and started the return journey home. I was watching the fields like a hawk, trying to find the 'sheeps'. Sure enough, we hit the same area, and my Aunt hollered, 'There they are! The sheeps are still there!' Yep, I saw them this time. One of those very old family cemeteries sitting near the top of a very old hill under a very old tree. Without her glasses, Auntie thought that the old lime headstones were 'sheeps'. We laughed the whole way home. My Aunt never left the house again without her glasses. And I haven't been able to pass a cemetery since without remarking on how many 'sheeps' are standing in the field." Natalya gave her a thumbs-up, and the audience roared with laughter. If Bunty was nervous before, it was gone now . . .
Ready to get started again? Well, kids, we're here tonight to talk about . . . "SHEEP!", hollered the audience in unison. And Bunty wondered why she'd ever been nervous. That's right. Sheep. We all recognize those cute little woolly farm animals scattered around the pastures as we drive down the road, right? But did you ever wonder just what kind of sheep you were looking at? Most people don't know that there are a lot of different kinds of sheep. Even within the same sheep families, there is tremendous variety. Sometimes it's easy to just think of a sheep being, well, a sheep! But that's kind of like thinking that a dog's just a dog. Between sheep kinds, there's as much of a difference as there is between a German Shepherd and a Bichon Frise. Or a Black Lab and a French Poodle.
In honor of this year's theme -- LOVE A LONGWOOL -- we're going to concentrate on the eleven breeds of English Longwools*, most of which are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist. When a breed is on the watchlist, that means there are only a limited amount of registered breeding ewes and that the breed is considered to be in need of conservation. Of the 57 sheep breeds native to the United Kingdom, 26 of them are now on the watchlist (the latest addition having been added just earlier this year). Of those 26 breeds, NINE of them belong to the English Longwool family, meaning that all but two English Longwool breeds have conservation status. That's why the RBST's campaign and our theme for Islandshire's Wool Week are so important.
*ENGLISH LONGWOOL BREEDS
Leicester Longwool
Lincoln Longwool
Border Leicester
Cotswold
Greyface Dartmoor
Whiteface Dartmoor
Devon & Cornwall Longwool
Teeswater
Wensleydale
Romney
Bluefaced Leicester
Leicester Longwool
Lincoln Longwool
Border Leicester
Cotswold
Greyface Dartmoor
Whiteface Dartmoor
Devon & Cornwall Longwool
Teeswater
Wensleydale
Romney
Bluefaced Leicester
Any questions so far? Okay, so let's take a look at the nine English Longwool breeds on the Watchlist to see what makes them special.
As their name suggests, Longwools have long wool. (Loud chuckles.) Depending on when you sheer them, their curls usually range from 3 to 14 inches long (known as "staple length"). This sheep family has a really fascinating history, too. It's thought that they descend from a common ancestor brought to Britain by the Romans, though it's the more modern Englishman, Robert Bakewell (1725-1795), who's responsible for the beautiful Leicesters that we love today. Mr. Bakewell was a true pioneer in the breeding of animals, particularly sheep. Before his time, rams and ewes were kept in the same pastures all year long, resulting in a natural breeding pattern. By 1755, Mr. Bakewell had figured out that if he separated the rams from the ewes, and bred specific rams with particular ewes, that he would end up with sheep born with desired traits. I know that Artificial Selection sounds pretty basic now, but his experiments were quite radical back in the mid-1700s.
Mr. Bakewell named his new breed of sheep "Dishley Leicesters", after his farm (Dishley Grange). The "New Leicesters" spread like wildfire and, before the Revolutionary War, even reached North America. George Washington actually kept some Dishley sheep before acquiring the Tunis. The Dishley Leicesters all died out soon after Mr. Bakewell himself died in 1795, but it wasn't before they had been bred with many other sheep, helping to create many of the breeds we see today.
Mr. Bakewell named his new breed of sheep "Dishley Leicesters", after his farm (Dishley Grange). The "New Leicesters" spread like wildfire and, before the Revolutionary War, even reached North America. George Washington actually kept some Dishley sheep before acquiring the Tunis. The Dishley Leicesters all died out soon after Mr. Bakewell himself died in 1795, but it wasn't before they had been bred with many other sheep, helping to create many of the breeds we see today.
Ten of the eleven modern-day Longwool breeds trace their lineage right back to those original Bakewell sheep. Imagine that . . . my Albie is a descendant of one of those sheep that grazed at Dishley Grange. Actually, why don't we just go from here and talk about Albie's sheep kind, the LEICESTER LONGWOOLS (pronounced like the man's name LESTER)?
LEICESTER LONGWOOL
At one time, in the 1800s, Leicester Longwools were the most common sheep breed in England. Sadly, that is NOT so today. The breed is now critically endangered, with fewer than 500 breeding ewes currently registered in the British Isles. The Brits aren't the only ones worried about this, though. Some wonderful conservation work for this breed is also being done in the USA by the Colonial Williamsburg foundation, where you can actually see Leicesters in the pasture when you visit. Just look at those locks over their eyes. Eliot says that's what I look like when I get out of the shower! (Rippling laughter.) Believe it or not, Leicesters have a 300-degree field of vision without turning their heads. (That's only after the haircut, of course.)
BORDER LEICESTER
If you're not into the shaggy look, don't worry. Longwools are cute when sheared, too. Many of the breeds are known for their Roman noses and vertical ears . . . which can actually be almost upright in the Border Leicesters! No, they are NOT part jackrabbit! Guess the lambs don't get away with much behind Mama's back, since Mama can see all but directly behind her. Sadly, there only about 3,000 breeding ewes in the UK at this time.
LINCOLN LONGWOOL
These are the Lincolns. They're the largest breed of sheep in the UK. A ram can weigh more than 350 pounds. They've also set some other records, like a single fleece that weighed 46 pounds (11-18# being the average for longwools) and fiber lengths that were recorded at about 30 inches long! Yes, Sun Ho? You have a question? I'd like Harold to answer this one, since he's an expert on shearing. "The sheep in this photo are probably show sheep waiting to be judged, which explains the long locks all over. Most owners keep the locks neatly clipped out of the sheep's eyes, with the sheep being fully sheared twice a year. So, no, they can't see through all that fiber. It's a good thing they have a keen sense of hearing, isn't it?" Anymore questions? Another good question, Kelly. These sheep are just dirty, not two-toned. Once sheared, the fleece will be washed right back to a snowy white. Unfortunately, there are not 1,000 Lincoln ewes registered in the UK right now.
COTSWOLD
This ancient breed is another large one that is sometimes called "The Gentle Giant". They have beautiful fleece that is often referred to as "the poor man's mohair" and are the type of sheep often found in petting zoos in the USA. In 1850, more than 5,000 Cotswold rams were sold in one county in the UK (Gloucestershire). Today, there are only about 1,350 breeding ewes remaining in the entire UK.
TEESWATER AND WENSLEYDALE
Teeswater and Wensleydale are two breeds that are actually very similar and can be difficult for the average person to tell apart, though the Wensleydale holds the distinction of possibly being the only sheep breed that can be traced back to a single ancestor -- a ram lamb (who had a blue face) called Bluecap, born in 1839. Teeswaters and Wensleydales are primarily used for breeding that blue face (and other traits) into other flocks.
DEVON & CORNWALL LONGWOOL
There are three distinct Longwool breeds native to Cornwall and Devon. One breed is just called "Devon and Cornwall Longwool", because two native breeds were so similar that they were combined into one registry in 1977. Some breeding improvements were made in the 18th Century, but so little has been done to the breed since then that they are considered somewhat primitive.
GREYFACE DARTMOOR and WHITEFACE DARTMOOR
The Greyface and Whiteface Dartmoors are ancient sheep with a Roman ancestry, both of them found in the Dartmoor National Park in Devon (southwest England). There are more differences between the two breeds than their names suggest, though. In fact, Whiteface Dartmoors are the only breed of the eleven English Longwools who do not have Dishley Leicesters in their ancestry. They live in a small segment of Dartmoor in the rugged moorland (think "Hound of the Baskervilles"), an area so far off the beaten path that they've seen hardly any change in the breed over time. This makes them the only unimproved longwool in the UK. They're quite wonderful milkers, and the rams have masterly horns. The Greyface Dartmoor are smaller and can look a bit like shaggy sheepdogs when in need of shearing, when they're in full fleece. Yes, Harold? You're right, I should mention here that my own Berengaria and her new lambs, Wilby and Molly, are Whiteface Dartmoors. Drop by any time you're in the area, and you can visit our own rare-breed flock. Berengaria just loves to show off her lambies. (Just be careful to give grumpy Wilberforce a wide berth. He says, "Lookie but no touchie!")
ROMNEY and BLUEFACED LEICESTERS (BFL)
Romney and Bluefaced Leiceisters (BFL) are the only two English Longwool breeds not under conservation. They're very popular sheep and produce some of my favourite fiber!
The Bluefaced Leiceisters are an early 20th-century breed, considered one of the quintessential fiber producers today. Its fiber is "fine enough not to be scratchy, durable enough to wear well, shiny enough that dyes produce shimmering colours, moderately feltable, and blends well with other fibers".
The Romneys call Romney Marsh in Kent County home, though they're now found in many places, being popular in the UK as well as the USA. In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, about 200,000 Romney sheep were recorded in flocks in Romney Marsh alone. More than half of them were evacuated to Northern counties, because a major plan of defense (in case of German invasion) was the flooding of Romney Marsh.
The Bluefaced Leiceisters are an early 20th-century breed, considered one of the quintessential fiber producers today. Its fiber is "fine enough not to be scratchy, durable enough to wear well, shiny enough that dyes produce shimmering colours, moderately feltable, and blends well with other fibers".
The Romneys call Romney Marsh in Kent County home, though they're now found in many places, being popular in the UK as well as the USA. In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, about 200,000 Romney sheep were recorded in flocks in Romney Marsh alone. More than half of them were evacuated to Northern counties, because a major plan of defense (in case of German invasion) was the flooding of Romney Marsh.
If you have any questions, Harold and I would be glad to answer them now. Sonja raised her hand and asked, "Since the Longwools have such nice fiber and are such hardy breeds, why do they need conservation help?"
"I'm glad you asked! Harold, would you like to take this one?" You bet. That's a great question, Sonja, with a sad answer. It's heartbreaking, but the Longwool breeds have not fared well in the industrialized world. They include some of the largest sheep we have, but they are slow growing, which isn't a trait industrial farmers are interested in. Also, most wools used in commercial milling operations are medium-length fibers, and the large mills prefer to buy the most consistent product they can. Colored fibers and longwools need not apply. That's why it's so important for us, as individuals, to support the farmers who still raise these breeds. We want to see them around for many years to come, don't we? Let me share my '10 Reasons to Love Wool' with you-- "Thank you so much, Harold, for such an insightful answer to Sonja's question. Anyone else like to ask or add anything?" Way to go, Bunty . . .
No? Then I'd like to end with a special note of thanks to the authors of "The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook". I couldn't have done this without them. I only touched the tippiest tip of the iceberg tonight. If you're interested in sheep and wool, it makes for great reading. Yes, Brighton? Oh, she's so right. There's a smaller book by the same authors, called "The Field Guide to Fleece", that covers 100 Sheep Breeds and the use of their fibers. It's a great pocket size for carrying to Fiber Shows or for a person who's primarily interested in the fiber side of things. What was your question, Mariamne? No, I'm sorry. We don't have copies of the books for sale at the Wool Week events. I should have thought of that, but I'll see if I can find a way to stock them on the Island sooner than later. Watch the Gazette, and I'll let Trudy know when and where they'll be available. Meanwhile, you're all welcome to borrow my loaner copy of the big book. Pardon? Oh, a loaner copy. I couldn't possibly part with my personal copy, even for a short time, so I keep a second book for loaning out. (Applause. Applause.)
No? Then I'd like to end with a special note of thanks to the authors of "The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook". I couldn't have done this without them. I only touched the tippiest tip of the iceberg tonight. If you're interested in sheep and wool, it makes for great reading. Yes, Brighton? Oh, she's so right. There's a smaller book by the same authors, called "The Field Guide to Fleece", that covers 100 Sheep Breeds and the use of their fibers. It's a great pocket size for carrying to Fiber Shows or for a person who's primarily interested in the fiber side of things. What was your question, Mariamne? No, I'm sorry. We don't have copies of the books for sale at the Wool Week events. I should have thought of that, but I'll see if I can find a way to stock them on the Island sooner than later. Watch the Gazette, and I'll let Trudy know when and where they'll be available. Meanwhile, you're all welcome to borrow my loaner copy of the big book. Pardon? Oh, a loaner copy. I couldn't possibly part with my personal copy, even for a short time, so I keep a second book for loaning out. (Applause. Applause.)
Natalya had been pensively staring at Bunty for many minutes before Bunty looked her way. How do I get her attention without embarrassing myself like Brighton did earlier? I think she's forgotten all about the necklaces. And what about the rest of that stuff that I carted in? I thought she was going to advertise our own stuff tonight. She isn't going to raise much money this way. Not for RBST, anyway. The book people will probably be happy, but she's starting to look tired. Maybe I should say something now . . .
Natalya's little hand shot up so fast that everyone turned to look at her. She sheepishly asked, "So, is there a way that we can support the Longwools, even if we don't spin or knit?"
"Oh, yes! Thank you for reminding me. I completely forgot to plug our own fundraising efforts and events, didn't I? Okay, let me see. We've tried to come up with some fun ways for you to contribute to this worthy cause. Of course, Lori's Thrift sale got us off to an incredible start. A lot of you very generously filled the RBST cans (multiple times) over there yesterday. Hmm? No, Kitty, of course I don't mind spreading the good news here. In case you haven't heard, Wool Week has benefited not only the RBST so far but will leave its mark on Islandshire for years to come. Benny and Nanea bought the most wonderful washer and dryer yesterday at the Thrift sale (which they might not have seen, had it not been for Wool Week) and plan to open Islandshire's very own LUAU LAUNDROMAT. I'd ask them to stand for a big round of applause, but they couldn't join us tonight on account of it being so cold. In their excitement yesterday, they forgot to pick up something warm to wear. Isn't that just like them? Selfless to the end. Thank you for the reminder, Kitty! Natalya was looking at the floor and shaking her head. Another bunny trail. Should she raise her hand again? She really didn't want to embarrass herself twice in one night, but Bunty really needed help.
"Excuse me, Bunty, but is there any way for those who didn't go to Lori's Thrift yesterday to still get in on the fun? Some of us don't have room in their luggage for something as big as a bowling ball or TV set, but we'd still like to donate." Natalya felt sorry for Bunty, who looked really tired now. Brighton couldn't decide if Natalya meant her or herself with the luggage comment, but it made her wonder if Lori had anymore suitcases back at the store.
I'm glad you asked that, Natalya. Again. You're such a good friend to help keep me on track. (Laughter.) For those of us who want to support the RBST in a smaller way, there will be donation cans spread all over the Wool Week events in the coming days (in addition to the one up here at the podium tonight). We've got some lanolin cream and wool roving for sale up here. I know there's something else. Oh, yes! Thank you, Brighton! You can also donate by purchasing one of these special sheep necklaces. The cords come in a variety of colours, and they'd make great Christmas gifts, so be sure to pick up more than one. Harold will be offering the necklaces at tomorrow's Wool Week Bazaar, too, so don't worry if you can't donate tonight. I think we've got plenty for everyone."
Natalya's little hand shot up so fast that everyone turned to look at her. She sheepishly asked, "So, is there a way that we can support the Longwools, even if we don't spin or knit?"
"Oh, yes! Thank you for reminding me. I completely forgot to plug our own fundraising efforts and events, didn't I? Okay, let me see. We've tried to come up with some fun ways for you to contribute to this worthy cause. Of course, Lori's Thrift sale got us off to an incredible start. A lot of you very generously filled the RBST cans (multiple times) over there yesterday. Hmm? No, Kitty, of course I don't mind spreading the good news here. In case you haven't heard, Wool Week has benefited not only the RBST so far but will leave its mark on Islandshire for years to come. Benny and Nanea bought the most wonderful washer and dryer yesterday at the Thrift sale (which they might not have seen, had it not been for Wool Week) and plan to open Islandshire's very own LUAU LAUNDROMAT. I'd ask them to stand for a big round of applause, but they couldn't join us tonight on account of it being so cold. In their excitement yesterday, they forgot to pick up something warm to wear. Isn't that just like them? Selfless to the end. Thank you for the reminder, Kitty! Natalya was looking at the floor and shaking her head. Another bunny trail. Should she raise her hand again? She really didn't want to embarrass herself twice in one night, but Bunty really needed help.
"Excuse me, Bunty, but is there any way for those who didn't go to Lori's Thrift yesterday to still get in on the fun? Some of us don't have room in their luggage for something as big as a bowling ball or TV set, but we'd still like to donate." Natalya felt sorry for Bunty, who looked really tired now. Brighton couldn't decide if Natalya meant her or herself with the luggage comment, but it made her wonder if Lori had anymore suitcases back at the store.
I'm glad you asked that, Natalya. Again. You're such a good friend to help keep me on track. (Laughter.) For those of us who want to support the RBST in a smaller way, there will be donation cans spread all over the Wool Week events in the coming days (in addition to the one up here at the podium tonight). We've got some lanolin cream and wool roving for sale up here. I know there's something else. Oh, yes! Thank you, Brighton! You can also donate by purchasing one of these special sheep necklaces. The cords come in a variety of colours, and they'd make great Christmas gifts, so be sure to pick up more than one. Harold will be offering the necklaces at tomorrow's Wool Week Bazaar, too, so don't worry if you can't donate tonight. I think we've got plenty for everyone."
"And remember, all proceeds -- not just profits -- from this week's events support these cute and wonderful sheep. I know that the weather is really AWFUL, but let's support all the kids who've worked so hard to make this happen and attend the events anyway. We've got a lot of fun stuff planned. You're right, Harold! It's a lot different than it was last year. But who knows? Maybe we'll decide that some of this indoor stuff would work in NICE weather, too! If you didn't get a list of the week's events yet, just stop by the Gazette office. Trudy's got a stack of them sitting right there on the counter, in case she's not in when you get there. So, if there aren't anymore questions . . . Let's all stay calm, choose wool, and LOVE A LONGWOOL! Thank you for coming out tonight in this nasty weather. You've been a great audience . . .
(DEAFENING APPLAUSE. And a standing ovation . . .)
(DEAFENING APPLAUSE. And a standing ovation . . .)
(If you would like your dolls to show support for the Longwools, you can send a message through the contact form on this blog to donate $6.00 for a necklace of your own. Color choices vary by availability. All proceeds will go to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust LOVE A LONGWOOL campaign. For real.)
The four pictures following this text are just here because they're so stinking cute that I didn't want to deny you the pleasure of seeing them. Enjoy, and we'll see you tomorrow at the Wool Week Bazaar. You won't believe how many cute things the vendors have made to sell, so be sure to send your dolls with their purses full. Good night. I need to get the red-hair trio home. They're exhausted . . .
The four pictures following this text are just here because they're so stinking cute that I didn't want to deny you the pleasure of seeing them. Enjoy, and we'll see you tomorrow at the Wool Week Bazaar. You won't believe how many cute things the vendors have made to sell, so be sure to send your dolls with their purses full. Good night. I need to get the red-hair trio home. They're exhausted . . .