Al-Pilates classes help Antrobus alpaca business shine

Sophie Mair and Julie Rumbelow acquired three alpacas as pets 14 years ago, but as the numbers began to grow, the pair began thinking of clever ways to make them earn their keep.

They started Cheshire Alpacas at Oakdale Farm, off Keepers Lane, in 2018, and as well as selling socks made from alpaca wool, they also offer alpaca walking, birthday parties, and weddings complete with alpacas wearing flower garlands and and bow ties.

Julie Rumbelow (left) and Sophie Mair are 'still on such a high' after their alpaca business was singled out by judges at the Northwest Family Business Awards (Image: Newsquest)

Their last idea – outdoor Pilates classes with alpacas, called ‘Al-Pilates’ - has been getting them a huge amount of attention.

On Friday, May 10, Sophie and Julie were invited to a glitzy ceremony at Bolton Wonderers Football Club, where they were named leisure and tourism business of the year at the Northwest Family Business Awards.  

Apparently this one is a dab hand at solving mysteries (Image: Newsquest)

Sophie said she ‘just couldn’t believe it’ when their name was read out.

The 27-year-old said: “I’m still on such a high, even now.

“The song, I’m on Top of the World, was playing as we went up to collect the award, and I’m still welling up when I hear it on the radio.

Alpacas are very curious and friendly animals (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve got 43 alpacas now, after starting off with just three.

“When you hear the laughter from the visitors when the alpacas are let into the Pilates field and start pronking, you know its got to be doing them a lot of good. Everyone loves it.

“We only use the boys for Pilates and the other experiences, as the girls are either pregnant or weening a lot of the year. We think they deserve a bit of a break.

Julie Rumbelow (left) and Sophie Mair keep 43 alpacas at Oakdale Farm (Image: Newsquest)

“Some are pregnant now – they’re due in June and July.

"They're the real stars of the show, and they’ll definitely be getting all the treats and snuggles."

Julie, 49, said: “We were nominated by at least one of our visitors, but we have no idea who it was. We’re so grateful. 

“As there were 40 entries in our category alone, so I suppose we must be doing something right.”

The team from Cheshire Alpacas receiving their award for the region's best leisure and tourism business (Image: Northwest Family Business Awards)

This is the third summer Cheshire Alpacas have been running Al-Pilates classes at the farm, led by Lymm-based instructor, Leila Coulter.

Leila, who has more than 15 years’ experience teaching Pilates, says working with Cheshire Alpacas has been the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition.

She said: “Pilates is a whole mind and body experience, and the alpacas really add to the holistic side.

“Practicing when you’re so emersed in nature in such a massive addition to the total experience.

“It was a real privilege to be asked to do this because when you’re abroad, you see a lot of classes taking place outdoors, and it just seems so right.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to offer, but here in UK, most people don’t dare because of the climate.

"But here, you’ve got the added interest of the animals, so it gives people just that extra push to come along. It’s really makes a lot of difference.”

The team are taking bookings for Al-Pilates sessions on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, and Fridays at 6.15pm. Information can be found on the Cheshire Alpacas website.

Prices are £20 per person and include a meet-and-greet with the alpacas.