Three bricklayers performed an unusual, but highly appropriate, ceremony at the site of a demolished pub in Mere, Wiltshire.
The 'ground wetting' ceremony, which took place on the site of the former Walnut Tree Inn was performed by bricklayers Wayne Linham, Sid Rees and Peter Chorley, just as work started on building a new pub to replace the Walnut Tree Inn.
The Walnut Tree has a long history in Mere which C G Fry & Son is continuing by building a new inn complete with arched coach entrances and hay loft door. Ian Trim of C G Fry explains: "The original pub on this site was demolished in 1938 and a new Walnut Tree Inn built and opened in 1939. Two gentlemen named Fred Coward and Mr E Brice apparently bowled the first ball in the new skittle alley and Mr Hill ran the pub for Matthew's Brewery from 1920 until 1949. We are delighted to be building a new inn for residents and visitors to Mere and hope that the new pub will continue the long history of hospitality in the area."
The new Walnut Tree will be built during 2005 and it is hoped that it will open for business later in the year.
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