The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show is marking its 30th anniversary at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe with a unique addition: an intricate dry stone wall adorned with stone sheep.

This special memorial is being crafted by Tom Trouton, a dry stone wall expert from Dorset and Somerset, known for his innovative techniques in this ancient rural craft. Attendees on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 August can watch Tom and his team in action and even try their hand at dry stone walling.

Cat Harris, the show organiser, expressed her excitement: “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, is intended as a tranquil space for visitors to relax during their visit. Tom’s work has been recently featured in Country Life Magazine, and he has been creating stunning dry stone designs at The 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.”