Oak rebirth at Stock Gaylard

By mmanning

AN OAK tree that died four years ago will rise again at a special event this weekend.

Axemen felled the160-year-old tree, which died from root rot, at Stock Gaylard Oak Fair last year.

Since then, the estate has distributed parts of the ancient oak - from roots to twigs - to local crafts people, and the resulting pieces can be seen at a special exhibition at this year's fair, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday).

Estate owner Andrew Langmead wanted local people to create all sorts of lasting tributes to the tree, and says he is delighted with the dozens of resulting pieces that make up the Rebirth of a Dorset Oak exhibition.

"Seeing the work makes me feel fantastic," he said.

"I am amazed by the ideas and effort that so many people have put into this to make it work. It is very humbling."

The tree was felled by display felling team Adam's Axemen at last year's fair. The old oak had been dead since 2005, probably as a result of root fungus after being planted over a drain.

Tributes have been made by cabinet maker Jamie Ross, chair maker David Saltmarsh, wood turners Jeremy Freeman and Paul Boak, fencer Richard Bower and charcoal burner Pete Jamieson, to name but a few.

Pieces made from the oak include sculptures, bowls, furniture, bat boxes, charcoal, oak shingle roofing, planks, sawdust for smoking food, salt and pepper mills, a gate for the local church and much more - some of which will be for sale. Pupils from Yewstock School have made a totem pole depicting their sensory garden, and Shaftesbury resident Bill Moore from the Mary Rose Trust has used the wood to make exact replicas of oak artifacts retrieved from the sunken ship.

Mr Moores, who took part in dives to air-lift pieces of the historic ship and its contents from the seabed during 1979 and 1980, used tools similar to those that would have been used to make the originals to create the replicas. Visitors to the exhibition will be able speak with Mr Moores about his experiences and his work.

"I am very proud to be associated with the Mary Rose. It was the beginning of the Navy as we know it today," he said.

"I find it very satisfying to create these replicas. There is hardly any difference between them and the originals. Using tools similar to those used originally means you can feel the ripple and grain of the wood."

Stock Gaylard Oak Fair at Kings Stag near Sturminster Newton is a celebration timber, woodcraft, the countryside, conservation and local produce. As well as Rebirth of a Dorset Oak, attractions at this year's event include tree climbing, falconry, archery and trailer rides, and drumming workshops, scarecrow making and a fancy dress competition for children. Demonstrations include charcoal making, planking, chipping, log splitting, traditional crafts and more. There will also be dozens of stands featuring local crafts people, makers, artists, and timber and conservation companies and organisations. Refreshments of all kinds will be available courtesy of some of the area's finest food and drink makers.

Entry to Stock Gaylard Oak Fair costs £6 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family of four - children under five are free - and includes admission to Rebirth of a Dorset Oak. The exhibition is also open today (Friday) from 2pm to 6pm - admission is £2 for adults and £1 concessions.

For more information, call 01963 23511 or visit www.stockgaylard.com