Mrs B A Pratley

The National Angora Club was founded in 1963 and was created from the amalgamation of the United Angora Rabbit Club (UARC) and the British Angora Rabbit Society (BARS).  From its inception the president of the club was Mrs Barbara Pratley (Willowbank).  She is one of the breed’s most influential figures both from a exhibition and products point of view.  Her impressive mark will be forever left on the breed and the club.

The club exists to support those with an interest in exhibiting and breeding the Angora rabbit.  At the current time the club is the custodian for the standard of the English Angora but there are many different breeds of Angoras around the world.

English Angora

The English Angora is one of the oldest known breeds of domestic rabbit, having been in existence since before 1700.  It is smaller in size than its continental counterparts weighing up to 7.5lbs maximum adult weight.  Its coat is very much finer and silkier and is, in the opinion of some, a far superior animal.  It occurred, originally, as a mutation although little is known about its origins.  The Angora was originally named the “White Shock Turkey Rabbit” and later, the “English Silk Rabbit”.  It was exported to France in the 1700’s and various other breeds were used to produce coloured Angoras.

Wool products

The Club is not only there for people who wish to exhibit the rabbit, but for those who are keen enthusiasts in the production of craft products using Angora wool.  We hold two products shows per year, usually alongside the two main championship small livestock shows of the year, and we also attend major events such as Woolfest.

The club supports and encourages the production and exhibition of craftwork utilising Angora wool through the method of spinning and associated craft production techniques.  Holding two product shows per year alongside championship rabbit shows where the Angora rabbit is exhibited at the highest level in the United Kingdom.