What could you make of Stock Gaylard oak?

By mmanning

CRAFTY sorts with a knack for turning wood into interesting sculptures are being offered a chance to get their hands on some Dorset oak with a difference.

Axemen felled a 150-year-old oak tree at last year's Stock Gaylard Oak Fair and estate owner Andrew Langmead hopes local craftspeople can create all-sorts of lasting tributes to the tree.

Whatever is made from the various chunks of wood will be displayed at an exhibition, Rebirth of a Dorset Oak, during the week leading up to this year's Oak Fair, which takes place on Saturday 29th August. Around 50 pieces of the tree are already spoken for and ideas for transformations stretch from charcoal to fine furniture.

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.

Although much of the sawn timber has been taken, there are some very interesting pieces left including unusual pieces of root.

Mr Langmead explained: "This is an opportunity to give this magnificent tree a new life. We want to use as much as possible from the twigs to the root."

If you think you could turn a piece of the oak into an interesting sculpture or memento, contact Andrew or Toria at the Stock Gaylard estate office on 01963 23511 or email office@stockgaylard.com, and be quick – the exhibition is in August.