Woodworks - 8th and 9th September 2007

Name of event - Woodworks September 2007
Venue - Marston Forest, Beds
Sport - Outdoor Festival of Wood
Date of event - 18th and 19th September 2007
Website - www.marstonvale.org/woodworks
Contact - Guy Lamborne on 01234 762608
Price - A few quid
What's on -

Popular showcase proves a bigger hit than ever as...

Forest of Marston Vale announces dates for Woodworks! ‘07

(Brian Saville at Woodworks 06, Photo courtesey of John O Reilly)

Now in its fifth year, WoodWorks! is growing more and more popular with exhibitors and public alike. Last year saw over 5,000 visitors enjoying this annual showcase of tree, wood and woodland related crafts, trades, people and knowledge. Now the Forest of Marston Vale has fixed 8th and 9th September as dates for 2007 and is keen to hear from anyone who would like to be part of this year's event.

Entry forms are available now for individuals, charities, businesses and organisations that derive their inspiration; livelihoods or materials from native wood, British woodlands or the Bedfordshire countryside. Organisers would also like to hear from producers, manufacturers and retailers of local food and drink, green products, forestry and wood-craft tools and machinery; outdoor leisure equipment and rural goods who would like to be part of this year's festival.

"Woodworks! offers a fantastic opportunity for participants to promote their business," said Guy Lambourne, Event Organiser, Forest of Marston Vale. "This popular showcase features new and traditional uses for wood; demonstrates the renewable nature of wood; conveys the importance of trees to wildlife and offers visitors the chance to have a go at a range of traditional wood crafts. Last year around 5000 visitors enjoyed the opportunity to browse and purchase from a wealth of high quality products including art and craft items; local food and drink, furniture for the home and garden, eco-friendly items and rural products".

Feedback from previous participants at Woodworks!:

"An excellent event yet again," Driftwood Sculpture
"Thanks for the chance to participate in your excellent event," Renny Antonelli, Ecoworks
"An excellent event all round," The Community Tree Trust
Woodworks! was tremendous, great fun and so well organised. The range of exhibits / stalls was varied, interesting and quite inspirational". Paul: Exhibitor

(Haley Inskip demonstrates tree climbing aided by Marston Vale Tree Care)

Exhibition stands cost £75 for the weekend, with discounts available to charities - applications must be made by 30th June. For an application form, contact event organisers, Guy Lambourne, Forest of Marston Vale: 01234 762608 or Jackie Brown: 01787 221830

WoodWorks! will take place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September 2007 at the Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

For more details, a review of Woodworks! 2006 , and to download an Application Form visit www.marstonvale.org/woodworks

The Forest of Marston Vale

The Forest of Marston Vale is an environmental regeneration initiative working towards transforming 61 square miles of the Marston Vale landscape, to the south of Bedford, planting over 5 million trees by 2030. It is one of 12 Community Forests in England, all working to regenerate the countryside around towns and cities, creating a more attractive landscape in which people live, work and enjoy their leisure time. The Countryside Agency, the Forestry Commission, Bedfordshire County Council, Mid Bedfordshire District Council, Bedford Borough Council and the major landowners are working together to create this 61 square mile (16,000 ha) community forest. The Marston Vale Trust is the registered charity dedicated to the delivery of the Forest of Marston Vale.

Located in Marston Moretaine, the Forest Centre and the Millennium Park are at the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale, providing a visitor centre, café, gift shop, exhibition and extensive conferencing facilities. Set in 250 hectares of woodland, wetland and open space, the park was created with over £2m funding from the Millennium Commission. As well as providing the focus of the Community Forest, the Forest Centre operates on a commercial basis to generate revenue to support the Forest of Marston Vale.

(Rory Brooks tried his hand with a bow from Robin's Reach Archery)