2009
The 2009 Oak Fair was a resounding success. This year saw our fifth annual Oak Fair on Bank Holiday Saturday 29th August.
Once again the summer weather was kind, and after a few moments of overcast dark clouds the sun came out. This year saw a number of special events, the first was the continuation from last year's felling of the dead Oak tree namely the Re-birth of a Dorset Oak Exhibition.
This exhibition ran from 21st August until the end of the fair day, some seventy pieces all made from this one tree. Ranging from furniture to bowls, bobbin to charcoal, gate to window, pepper mills to boxes, the diverse use of the tree was exceptional. We would like to take this opportunity to "thank" everyone who was involved. "We couldn't have put on the exhibition without you".
(Please see the gallery of photographs, together with the press links below.)
Fantastic coverage in national press – over a million hits on The Telegraph piece in 2 days. (THIS CAME FROM THE AGENCY WHO TOOK THE PHOTO’S AND SOLD THE STORY!!!)
Click below for slideshows |
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Other attractions on the day included: Mere Down Falconry displays with children interacting with the birds, International Tree Foundation fancy dress competition for local schools, judged by their president Susan Hampshire, Drum and Art workshops by Organic Rhythm and Mary-Anne Featherstone, Archery demonstration by Peter Whiteman, to name but a few.
There were a total of 150 exhibitors this year and attendance was up 15% on 2008.
Gallery of photographs can be seen by clicking on the link below.
We very much look forward to welcoming you to the 2010 Oak Fair on Bank Holiday Saturday 28th August. There will be new attractions, together with some returning from previous year.
2008
 Stock Gaylard held their fourth annual Oak Fair on Saturday 23rd August 2008. As the sun rose over the deer park we dared to hope for a bright and warm day ahead, and that is exactly what transpired.
When the gates opened at 10am the steady stream of people started to flow and they kept arriving throughout the day. A final gate of over 5,000 was recorded.
There was plenty to keep everyone entertained during the day including our two special events for 2008.
 Firstly, The Re-birth of a Dorset Oak. Adam’s Axemen felled a dead oak tree sited at the bottom corner of the Church Park, this spectacle took them just over the hour with careful planning and plenty of hard work the tree came neatly to the ground (unfortunately disturbing a wasp nest in the process). Once felled the tree was then divided into suitable portions some for planking, while other limbs etc will be distributed to various exhibitors and members of the public to be turned into bowls, chairs, tables, board games, and many other items for a special exhibition at the 2009 Oak Fair. |
Secondly, The Dyne Drewett Heavy Horses competition took place over two sessions. Six heavy horses from Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon Dorset and Wiltshire showed off their skills in manoeuvring around a small arena simulating a woodland area. These gentle giants of the horse world captivated all generations who took time out to watch.
Exhibitors in other areas included wood turners, carvers, furniture makers, basket weavers, wood working machinery operators, yurt makers, Chainsaw carvings, timber merchants, tree surgeons. A full list of exhibitors can be found by clicking on The 2008 Booklet icon below. 