The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show is celebrating 30 years at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe with the construction of an ornate dry stone wall featuring stone sheep.
This special memorial is being created by Dorset and Somerset dry stone wall expert Tom Trouton, renowned for his innovative approach to one of mankind’s oldest rural crafts.
Visitors to the Showground on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th August will be treated to up-close displays of Tom and his team in action as they start to build the wall and will even be able to try their hand at the art of dry stone walling.
Show organiser Cat Harris said: “We’re thrilled to have such a celebrated craftsman as Tom to create this spectacular wall at the entrance to the Showground to welcome visitors. We couldn’t resist having him include stone sheep in the design – perfect for an agricultural show. And it will be so great that visitors can have a go and be part of building this memorial at the Turnpike Showground.”
The walled area, which will take up to a year to complete, will be used as a quiet area for visitors to relax in during their visit to the Showground.
Tom’s work has recently been featured in Country Life Magazine and he has been creating stunning dry stone designs at the prestigious Newt in Somerset, an exclusive hotel and working country estate for the past nine years.
Tom said: “My motto on my van is ‘Crafted Today for Tomorrow’s Generation, so it will be wonderful to share my passion with visitors who can help craft this anniversary wall for future generations.”