Sheep Shear

The Northumberland Dry Stone Wall Festival
October 6 - 8, 2007
This unusual structure is John Shaw-Rimington's artistic adaptation of a SheepFold, which he has nicknamed a SheepShear. y

The original SheepFold concept was "sheared" along the diameter into two curved C walls facing each other. It incorporates a slim gothic arch entrance way into the structure (with provision for a second arch).  Stone benches, integrated into the interior walls, give a place to sit and reflect while perhaps enjoying a glass of wine. The view opens onto the pond, where kingfishers frequently put on a show, accompanied (in the early spring) by the cacophony of the bullfrogs. Deer visit frequently, as do Canada Geese and much other wildlife. In the future, a second arch will be constructed to finish the other entrance.

 

Day 1 - Saturday
Thunder, lightning and much rain failed to dampen any spirits!

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Three days of wonderful early music
was provided by the Ancient Music Trio
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Day 2 - Sunday
Still some rain but progress was great!

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Jon spent several hours carving the four Keystones
for the two gothic arches...
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Jon explains the technique he developed
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Proud of a job well done!
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Day 3 - Monday
Well, we all cheered to get one arch finished in spite of the rain...

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Menno meticulously builds two of the towers...
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...no wonder he earlier won the prestigious
"Professional Dry Stone Wall Prize"
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