Date Added: 08 June 2009

Stonemasonry students at Weymouth College were on fine form for the Boss stone carving competition. Now in its 13th year, the annual contest, staged by the college's Masonry Department, showcases the talent of the students who have just two and a half days to complete a stone boss carving - a decorative carved architectural stone work - using only hand tools.

The students taking part were on the FdSc in Applied Architectural Stone Work and Conservation, Diploma in stonemasonry, ICA in stonemasonry, ACA in stonemasonry and are studying to achieve either a Foundation Degree in Applied Architectural Stonework and Conservation or an NVQ level 2 or 3. The theme for this year's Boss carvings were 'Grotesques’' and the students produced some imaginative pieces of work which are now proudly displayed in the College's Masonry department.

Guest judge Dick Reid from the Worshipful Company of Masons in London scrutinised all of the work before deciding on the winners with the other guest judges. He said:  "I am very impressed by the high standard of craftsmanship we have seen here today. I've had 50 wonderful years in the carving industry myself and it's exciting to see so much new talent and creativity on display here today.

The Masonry Dept would like to thank Hanson Bath & Portland for  donating the stone for the competition and continued support since 1995.Judges this year also included Malcolm Russell, Hansons, Scott Lewis, Local Stonemason and former student and Pam Mackenzie, Bournemouth University.

Prizes were kindly donated by:

The worshipful company of masons

G.Gibson & Co Ltd

St Blaise

The winners pictured with Sue Moore, Principal who presented the prizes were from left to right:

Ian Knowles (1st Year winner) Diploma in Stonemasonry

Ben Russell (Overall winner) Foundation Degree in Applied Architectural Stonework & Conservation

Jonathan Randall (2nd Year winner) ACA Stonemasonry

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