New three-metre high Ram sculpture unveiled at entrance to historic Cumbrian market town
A new sculpture has been unveiled at the entrance to Kirkby Lonsdale, marking a new landmark for the historic Cumbrian market town.
The three-metre-high steel ram, created and donated by renowned local artist Andy Kay, now stands on the roundabout near Booth's supermarket on the A65.
Andy, who runs Andrew Kay Sculpture from Beckside Studio just outside the town, gifted the sculpture to thank the community for supporting his business over the past three decades.
Andy said: 'There's been a really positive response. I hope it brings a little joy to people and becomes a symbol of civic pride and community spirit, especially after the devastating fire last December.'
The ram, chosen for its local symbolism, reflects the town's agricultural heritage, former drovers' roads, and connections to the nearby Yorkshire Dales. It also mirrors the emblem of the town's rugby club.
The installation was completed in just five hours with the help of several local companies.
A ten-tonne stone plinth was donated by Heidelberg Quarry and positioned by Bravo Power Limited, while G Mackereth and Son prepared the ground. 22 tonnes of topsoil were added to form a mound around the sculpture, which will be seeded with wildflowers.
Cllr Mike Marczynski of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council, who helped facilitate the project, praised Andy's work saying: 'It's powerful, it's alive—it's a magnificent gift to the town.'
Andy said: 'I try to capture the essence of each animal—the moment they come to life.
'With the Kirkby Lonsdale ram, I hope it becomes a joyful, lasting part of the town's identity.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Wales Online
Dunelm cuts 30% off 'comfortable' £55 sun lounger in flash sale
Dunelm cuts 30% off 'comfortable' £55 sun lounger in flash sale The Amsterdam Charcoal Lounger is, according to shoppers "perfect for relaxing in the garden" And relax... and save money too (Image: Dunelm ) Dunelm has slashed the price of a "very comfortable" sun lounger in its latest sale, offering the Amsterdam Charcoal Lounger at a reduced price of £55.30, down from its usual £79, but only until midnight on Sunday, June 22 according to the company's website. The grey lounger boasts 'breathable' mesh fabric and comes with a detachable pillow. The retailer's website suggests it's perfect for various outdoor activities, but customers particularly praise it as "perfect for relaxing in the garden". For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Dunelm also offers the Helsinki Lounger at £35, available in four colours. It has a 4.5-star rating, slightly lower than the Amsterdam Lounger's 4.7 stars. In comparison, Argos is selling the new Habitat Cali Metal Sun Lounger in orange for £45, which has received exclusively 5-star reviews to date. READ MORE: Cooling cushions, neck fans and other genius ways to keep cool in a heatwave ALSO: Amazon slashes price of 'massive and brilliant' paddling pool big enough for adults The adjustable Amsterdam lounger has four and five star reviews (Image: Dunelm ) The Amsterdam lounger's notable 30% £23.70 discount and its consistent four and five-star customer feedback make it a standout choice on Dunelm's website, reports the Liverpool Echo. A satisfied customer named Andy comments: "Very comfortable reclining lounger. Well constructed all weather covering is perfect for relaxing in garden Tempted to buy a second one, good value." One satisfied customer says: "Very, very comfortable recliner. This is so comfortable! I bought one of these and the Helsinki, cheaper ones, to compare. The Helsinki is comfortable and good value but this is next level! The padding is very comfortable and it's slightly longer and wider, I'm 5'8" and this is better for me. It folds up easily and is light and easy to store. The locking mechanism allows you to recline (Image: Dunelm ) Buyers will need to keep it out of the rain as the cushion doesn't come off to wash or dry, and one person's feedback added a comment on the locking facility on the lounger, saying: "Tilts back easily but as others have said the locking mechanism doesn't lock, it's no problem if you are on a level surface but if you are on a slight downhill you'll slowly tilt upright!" One purchaser was not worried though, saying, "I've just bought another so we don't fight over this one. It's more than double the price of the Helsinki (when being sold at full price) and you can leave that one out to get wet but I think it's worth it for the comfort." The head rest is a bonus for comfortable sitting but cannot be detached (Image: Dunelm ) Article continues below Another buyer gave the Amsterdam sun lounger four stars, noting one area for improvement: "Fantastic lounger very comfortable and stylish. Love that the armrests are thicker than my last loungers, a lot more comfy and roomy. Relaxing in these is lovely and the material keeps you cool. I dropped my rating by one star due to the fact that these don't recline back enough for my liking, just a few inches more would make them perfect." Alternatively, customers can purchase the Argos Home Folding Metal Zero Gravity Sun Lounger in grey similar to Dunelm's Amsterdam chair is priced £45, and also in a choice of teal or blue too, if bringing a pop of colour to the garden or balcony is a priority. The yellow version is currently reduced to £30.15, find out more here.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Entrepreneurial Scotland names its new chair
Entrepreneurial Scotland chief executive Sean McGrath emphasised that Mr Robertson stepping down had nothing to do with news last week that up to 400 roles at Alexander Dennis in Scotland were at risk of redundancy. Mr McGrath said: 'Colin stepping away as chair is unrelated to the sad news out of ADL. We started planning for Colin's transition out of the chair a year ago, hence Andy joining the board at that point.' Entrepreneurial Scotland said Mr Lothian 'brings significant leadership and strategic expertise' as it 'continues to develop the next generation of leaders' through its flagship Saltire Scholars Internship Programme and peer-based membership initiative, The Exchange. Read more It added: 'As CEO and co-founder of Insights Group, a global people development organisation headquartered in Dundee, Andy has grown the business to over £97.6 million in turnover, employing more than 700 people, with more than 10,000 practitioners operating in over 40 countries. 'As a longstanding advocate for developing talent and creating impact through entrepreneurship and business growth, Andy is a strong fit for the Foundation's purpose: to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial leaders for a prosperous Scotland.' Mr Lothian said: 'Scotland's future depends on developing ambitious, inspiring leaders who can turn vision into action. Entrepreneurial Scotland plays a vital role in building that pipeline - equipping individuals with the belief, mindset and connections they need to lead transformational growth. I'm privileged to build on Colin's inspiring legacy as chair and to help shape a more ambitious and prosperous Scotland.' Mr Robertson said: 'It's been an honour to serve as chair for the last seven years. I've seen first-hand the transformational impact this organisation has on individuals and businesses. Andy brings a deep sense of purpose and a real passion for developing people - he is the ideal person to lead Entrepreneurial Scotland into its next phase.' Mr McGrath said: 'Andy's values and leadership align perfectly with our vision to create the most entrepreneurial society in the world. He knows what it takes to build high-performing teams, and he's committed to helping others do the same. We're incredibly grateful to Colin for his outstanding contributions and thrilled to welcome Andy into the role.'
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Andy Murray named first-ever brand ambassador for Walker's Shortbread
Walker's Shortbread said the multi-year partnership is "a celebration of Scotland at its finest". Both the tennis star and the shortbread brand started small, in little Scottish towns and through years of dedication and hard work honing their craft, have gone on to achieve international recognition. READ MORE: It is that shared journey that inspired the campaign's message: 'A Wee Bit of Scotland that's Come a Long Way'. Sir Andy said: 'I am proudly Scottish, and partnering with Walker's, a brand that has been representing Scotland around the world for well over a century, felt like a great fit for me. 'I come from a small tight-knit community and when I look back at where I have come from, I am proud of what I've achieved, which is something I share with Walker's. 'It's a real honour to be part of this next chapter for such a well-loved Scottish brand.' Walker's x Andy Murray (Image: Nick Andrews) Sir Andy, a self-proclaimed shortbread superfan, added: 'I've been eating shortbread since I was a kid – my gran would make it all the time for us. We even celebrated my Wimbledon win with shortbread. 'Shortbread is one of my simple pleasures. No matter where I am in the world, a piece of Walker's Shortbread always transports me back home.' Nicky Walker, Managing Director, Walker's Shortbread: "We are incredibly excited to welcome Andy Murray as our very first brand ambassador. We've always admired Andy's achievements, his dedication and his cautious charisma as well as his very obvious close relationship with his own family. These are qualities that resonate deeply with our own values at Walker's Shortbread. "We are genuinely honoured that Andy and his team have acknowledged Walker's as a suitable partner, and we are looking forward to this exciting new venture as we continue to promote 'Scotland at its Finest'.' The partnership will debut with a black and white advertising campaign, launching on 30 June to coincide with the start of Wimbledon. An advertising campaign will see the image appear in major train stations across the UK, while the video campaign will roll out across social media and digital platforms.
