The Fairy Tree got it’s last coat of oil, and it was farewell to Cottingham and the many passers-by who visited day after day during the carving. It’s been one of the nicest jobs to do, with groups of up to eight people having a chat over the fence on to Harland Way, and most days seeing between ten and twenty in total (not to mention the hundreds of students on the way to and from Cottingham High School). Amongst the visitors was amateur photographer Paul Lazenby, who took some fantastic pictures of the project from the early stages right through to completion.
There are more pictures of the tree on the Woodcarving Gallery page, but this picture by Paul shows the sculpture from different angles.
The whole project inspired our very own Elder Faerie Nettie Noo to compose an ode!
Never say “it’s just a tree”,
For beauty’s there for all to see ~
Where birds sing sweet to greet the day
Look closer now to find the fey.
If you believe this to be true,
A magic spell they’ll cast for you
And there before your very eyes
A bearded gnome looks on so wise;
As elves with lanterns light the way,
Where dancing fairies gently sway,
Mischievous pixies chasing snails
Who leave behind their silvery trails.
A watchful imp sits wings unfurled
With eyes upon his woodland world;
But hush now we must creep away
And leave the fairy folk to play,
For deep within this woodland dell
The “Chisel Wizard” weaves his spell.
Thank you Nettie!