Iconic carving gives tree new life
Iconic felled tree given amazing historical ‘makeover’
AN ICONIC village tree that sadly had to be felled has been given a new lease of life.
Residents of Stoney Stanton were heartbroken to learn that the large mature tree on the green in front of St Michael’s Church would have to be removed.
For many years it had been used as the village’s Christmas tree but a bi-annual tree survey revealed that it was diseased and would have to be cut down.
A second survey was undertaken and the parish council decided to fell the tree immediately, although the lights were put up on another tree so the village could still have a Christmas tree in 2019.
The tree was felled and it was decided that something should be done with the trunk, and after discussion they decided to turn it into a sculpture of a quarryman, to celebrate the area’s history.
Roz Ward, clerk at Stoney Stanton Parish Council, said:
“With it being the old Christmas tree, the village was devastated.
“We wanted some sort of positive outcome from using the Christmas tree.
“Everyone is really happy with it.”
The quarryman stands in his worker’s garb, with his sleeves rolled up and wearing a cap, and with his hands resting on a large hammer resting on a piece of rock.
The figure is set on a plinth with the words ‘Stoney Stanton Quarrying History’ engraved into it.
Roz said: “It’s had positive comments. People love him.
“They have seen him sort of come to life, and they have enjoyed it, seeing him take shape.”
Sculptor Peter Leadbeater created the lifelike carving.
The quarryman stands next to a large quarry stone, which is also in tribute to the village’s industrial past.
There are several former quarries in the Stoney Stanton and Sapcote area, including the Stoney Cove diving centre.
Wood from the tree is also to be used to make some benches, which may go up against the church wall.
Roz said the village has pulled together to support each other through the coronavirus crisis, with the Stoney Stanton Good Neighbour Scheme helping those in need.
She said there has been an increase in footfall in parks in the area.
“People are discovering things in the village they never knew were there”, she said.
“It’s nice people are out getting their exercise.”