Old oak turned into arty pieces

By [nbrown]

FILM star Susan Hampshire joined the crowds at the Stock Gaylard Oak Fair on Saturday to view the results of last year's main attraction, the felling of a dead oak tree.

Craftspeople and woodworkers were each given part of the tree and have transformed its roots, trunk, branches and twigs into works of art, furniture and utensils, which went on display in a giant exhibition marquee.

Visitors were able to marvel at the new life it had been given and enjoy a programme of events that included opening and closing services in St Barnabas Church on the estate, the popular displays given by Mere Down Falconry, archery demonstrations and a recital by Bagatelle, a Weymouth group of acapella singers. In the children's area there were drum workshops and circus skills, a scarecrow-making competition and a fancy dress competition judged by Ms Hampshire, who is president of the International Tree Foundation.

Ms Hampshire, who has a home near Bournemouth but was visiting the fair for the first time, said: "It really is a lovely event and I'll be sure to come back next year."

There were more than 100 woodland-related exhibitors.

Trailer rides gave people the chance to tour the estate's deer park at regular intervals throughout the day, while in the Market Square and food market tent they had the opportunity to sample and take home the wares of more than 30 food producers.