Putting the horse back in its place at the Guild memorial were Pat Collins tenants Gareth Smith and James Bedford, with Gareth’s son Maxwell, Mayor of Walsall Cllr Anthony Harris, Michael Harris and team member at Pat Collins Funfairs Paul Hawkins.

Showmen’s Guild Arboretum fairground horse refurbished

The popular Galloper horse at the Guild’s memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum has been refurbished ahead of the Service of Remembrance next month.

The Galloper horse that is a feature of the Showmen’s Guild memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum has been restored by Michael Harris.

Popular with visitors on the official tour of the Arboretum at Alrewas, the horse has weathered badly since it was last restored as well as suffering damage from visitors sitting on it for photographs.

Michael, who owns and operates an original 1880s set of Gallopers (ex Crows famous set) took charge of the horse’s removal and restoration. The horse was professionally rubbed down and repainted in the traditional way (with ‘Two-Pack’ hard-wearing paint) and was then then re-varnished with hard-wearing lacquer. The brass rod on which the horse sits has also been renewed.

The process took place during the summer and took several weeks of careful work. The refurbished horse has now been replaced at the memorial and should not need any further work for several years.

Michael Harris hard at work on the renovation of the horse.
Michael Harris hard at work on the renovation of the horse.
Learning the trade and helping in the restoration, Michael Harris’ daughter Taylor.
Learning the trade and helping in the restoration, Michael Harris’ daughter Taylor.
Work on the restoration of the horse took several weeks over July and August.
Work on the restoration of the horse took several weeks over July and August.

Service of Remembrance scheduled

The Showmen’s Guild Service of Remembrance will take place on Sunday 17 November 2024 at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. All are welcome. If you wish to attend, please let your Section know so that Guild has an idea how many guests to expect.

The service has been scheduled to take place after the bonfire fairs, allowing as many Showmen to attend as possible and is on the Sunday following the Cenotaph March Past in London.

The service will commence at 12 noon, with guests arriving from around 11am. Refreshments are available in the Arboretum café. Attendees will proceed to the Showmen’s Guild memorial at 11.40am – a buggy is available for guests with mobility needs.

The service takes around half an hour, to include the laying of wreaths by Guild officials, after which delegates return to the Aspects building, suite Oak 1 for refreshments. The event will end around 2.30pm.

If you are attending by car, it is advised to book your car parking space, which you can do online at https://www.thenma.org.uk/.

Putting the horse back in its place at the Guild memorial were Pat Collins tenants Gareth Smith and James Bedford, with Gareth’s son Maxwell, Mayor of Walsall Cllr Anthony Harris, Michael Harris and team member at Pat Collins Funfairs Paul Hawkins.
Putting the horse back in its place at the Guild memorial were Pat Collins tenants Gareth Smith and James Bedford, with Gareth’s son Maxwell, Mayor of Walsall Cllr Anthony Harris, Michael Harris and team member at Pat Collins Funfairs Paul Hawkins.

All photos: Elleray Harris

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