BMRC - Texas - October/November 2014

DAY ONE

All arrived safely at Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport ready for the 4,767 mile journey to Fort Worth, Texas to attend the ARBA Convention, the National Mini Rex Banquet and to catch up with some old friends.

DAY TWO

Easy day today, drove to Convention Hall, the Will Rogers Memorial Center (http://www.fortworth.com/meetings/will-rogers-memorial-center/) to meet some friends who were busy penning their stock for the start of the five-day show. 

Numbers are uncomparable to shows in the UK. Below shows one of the rows of Ermines.

Just returned from a lovely evening visiting Mallary and Bob Goldman at their home in Alvarado, where we were treated to some real Texan food and hospitality. It was great to meet other Mini Rex Breeders at the get-together, including the President of the National Mini Rex Club Rick Cartheuser.

Derek and Val Andrews enjoying some real Texan Hospitality! 

DAY THREE

Today was spent at the Convention. Wow, what an experience, not only the quantity of rabbits but the enthusiasm of the exhibitors and especially the youth. The Hall below is one of two halls purely for the Youth (Juniors) to exhibit and judge. An unbelievable sight to see so many young people, not only keen and enthusiastic, but willing to roll up their sleeves and working really hard to 'put on the show'. Amazing also to see so many young people judging and being mentored.

Good to meet up with some familiar faces: Monna Berryhill and of course Derek & Joyce.

One of the many Club Booths (Stands), this one for the Flemish Giants.

The exterior of the Open Show Hall.

 

Garry enjoying driving a 'slightly larger' car!

DAY FOUR

Judging at the Open Show took place today. Some lovely Mini Rex being exhibited, excelling type & colour. The Chins had really dense coats as did the Lynx and Castors. Some examples below, though the photos do not do justice to the rabbits.

 
Seal Points are quite popular.

The Castors not only excel type and coat but the colour is a really rich chestnut.

After spending the morning at the ARBA Convention, some of us visited Fort Worth Stockyards, famous for Longhorn Cattle, museums containing the largest known collections of Western art, and Texan and American West country music. The Longhorn Cattle are driven through the town twice daily.

Our Club Secretary obviously wanted to get in on the action...

As did our Membership Secretary!

Finally, 'chill-out' time listening to some Country Music.

DAY FIVE

The Best in Show was judged today, which was won by a Holland Lop. Congratulations all round with a tremendous atmosphere in the Barn (Hall), as you would expect. 

A warm sunny afternoon was spent soaking up the atmosphere at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

The old train station where trains arrive and depart amongst the shops and bars.

DAY SIX

Now that the Best in Show has been declared, today the various Clubs held their AGMs and rabbits could be sold or auctioned. Below are some photos of the Brokens exhibited, including Tri-Coloured, and Blue Eyed Ermine.

 Tri-Coloured Brokens.

Velveteen Lops come in all colours.

The ARBA Breed Standards Committee Meeting to approve, or not, the new breeds.

Above the results of the Breed Standards Committee. The Argente Brun was approved as an ARBA New Breed.

One of two halls of rabbits for the Juniors - or Youth as they are called in the US.

A photo of two new BMRC members from Australia John & Jenny Porritt. Many of our more senior members will remember John and Jenny.

The evening was spent at the National Mini Rex Club Banquet. What an experience, meal, presentations, auctions, a really good atmosphere. During the presentations, the British Mini Rex Club presented two awards, one for the Best Youth and one for the Best in the Open. We are very grateful to everyone for the warm welcome especially the Officers of the National Mini Rex Club:  President Rick Cartheuser, Secretary Doug King and Treasurer Jeremy Watmuff for making us feel so very welcome. Last but not least to Monna Berryhill for publicly welcoming us to the evening.

Old friends Derek Andrews and Monna.

Garry, presenting two awards on behalf of the British Mini Rex Club.

Monna receiving her award!

DAY SIX

A rainy day in Texas today. The Convention Barn (Hall) was open from 6am for people to check their rabbits out and make their way home. The rabbits travel to and from the Convention from all parts of the US by trailer and by air. Some have exhibited over 100 rabbits. 

Today we drove to Dallas where we had a guided tour of the city including the fateful route that John F Kennedy took before being assassinated on 22nd November 1963.

The sixth floor window from where the assassin fired the bullet that inflicted the fatal wound.

The spot where JFK was assassinated.

DAY SEVEN - FINAL DAY

A drive out for breakfast at 'Cracker Barrel' followed by some last minute sight seeing before we drive back to the airport.

It's going to be a hot day today!

What a fantastic trip and welcome we have had!
A big thank you to the National Mini Rex Club and everyone who made us feel so welcome. 
What a fantastic hobby we have!

Until next year's ARBA Convention in Portland, USA! 

This blog of the British Mini Rex Club's
visit to Texas is now complete.
Thank you for following us on our journey!
For more information concerning the British Mini Rex Club
email: info@britishminirexclub.com
or visit our website:
www.britishminirexclub.com