Thanks for the replies, folks.
Here's a brief rundown of the packing method:
-support the trough at both ends on a couple of large inverted flower pots.
-wrap round thoroughly with bubble wrap (I wanted to use thin foam wrap but couldn't get any at the time). Secure with a little sellotape (normal clear sticky tape).
-wrap again with cling film so that all the bubble wrap is covered. Secure firmly with parcel tape (the brown stuff). This permits easy removal and re-use of the bubble wrap.
“There is a way of manipulating matter and energy so as to produce what modern scientists call 'a field of force'. The field acts on the observer and puts him in a privileged position vis-à-vis the universe. From this position he has access to the realities which are ordinarily hidden from us by time and space, matter and energy. This is what we call the Great Work."
― Jacques Bergier, quoting Fulcanelli