Terry’s totem at Tombstone

Jun 10 2009 Birkenhead News

TOMBSTONE Country Music Festival will have added authenticity this year, thanks to the introduction of two Wirral- made totem poles.

Festival chairman Terry Abel felt like bringing something different to the mix, so got hold of a telegraph pole and went on the hunt for a couple of chisels and a hammer.

And after a mere week’s work, Terry has produced a work of art that wouldn’t look out of place among the plains and buffalo of 19th century America.

“It was a 20 foot telegraph pole which I chopped in half to get two pieces.

“I started at the top and had a look at some authentic totem poles, but I was working with completely different material wood-wise.

“This is very dry and splintery.

“You start off with one design and end up with another one.

“You’ve got to keep changing your mind or the design as you work down.”

Terry’s completed work features an owl, a serpent and the head of a man, while the remaining half of the former telegraph pole will carry the message Tombstone 2006 – in recognition of the festival’s foundation year.

The 2009 event will take place over the weekend between Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2 at Wirral Rugby and Cricket Club, Clatterbridge.

Tickets are available for single nights, or for the entire weekend with camping facilities on site.

A large marquee and dance floor will be in place, as well as bars, dozens of foodstalls and others selling country and western goods.

All the money raised by Tombstone 2009 will go to Wirral Autistic Society’s Home from Home appeal.

Acts currently confirmed include Smokie Mountain Boys, Ronnie J Morson and Texas Tornadoes.

Since 2006, the festival has raised more than £17,000.

For more visit tombstonecmc.co.uk.

We’ve got two pairs of weekend tickets to give away, just answer this simple question: How tall are each of Terry’s totem poles? Send your answer to Tombstone Comp, Wirral News, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool. Usual Trinity Mirror rules apply, closing date is Wednesday June 24.