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Press release / Oak Rises Again at Stock Gaylard Fair’s Fifth Birthday

Press release on behalf of the Stock Gaylard Estate in Dorset, which every year plays host to an artisan Oak Fair

An exhibition of locally-produced creations from an oak tree felled a year ago will mark the anniversary of a Dorset rural fair.

The Stock Gaylard Oak Fair will celebrate its fifth year this August with a special showcase of handcrafted products from last year’s felled dead oak tree.

Great Britain’s first axe racing team Adam’s Axemen provided a popular feature at the 2008 event, taking just over an hour to fell a dead oak on the Stock Gaylard Estate.

Adam's Axemen felling the dead oak tree at the 2008 Stock Gaylard Oak Fair

Adam’s Axemen felling the dead oak tree at the 2008 Stock Gaylard Oak Fair

Various exhibitors and members of the public took home portions of the timber and have since worked to produce products including bowls, chairs, tables and board games. These will all feature in this year’s Rebirth of a Dorset Oak exhibition.

Timber is still available and anyone wishing to collect it and enter their craft into the exhibition in August should contact Toria Wissett-Warner at the Stock Gaylard Estate office on 01963 23511.

“This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet with many new features and exhibits” commented Mrs Wissett-Warner.

“We have already attracted a record number of exhibitors and stall holders, but we’re keen to let people know that space is still available.

“We’re also inviting organisations to sponsor the various areas and exhibits at this year’s event.”

Last year’s event on the August Bank Holiday weekend drew in over 4,000 visitors.  Other highlights at the 2009 event will include falconry displays; children’s trailer rides in the deer park; working and static traditional and modern timber machinery; fresh food and drink from local Dorset producers; and demonstrations of woodland craftsmanship in the fair’s flagship Oak Avenue.

Since its launch in 2005 the Oak Fair has attracted interest across Dorset and beyond, attracting traditional and artisans, conservation bodies, woodland management specialists, countryside advisors and machinery specialists.

The 2009 Stock Gaylard Oak Fair will take place on Saturday 29th August.  To purchase discounted advance tickets or find out more information visit Stock Gaylard Estate’s new website www.stockgaylard.com