National Fine-Crafted Wood Competition, hosted by The New Forest Trust, is a Great Success

The New Forest Trust held, for the second year running, a national Fine-Crafted Wood Competition to encourage the use of the plentiful supply of New Forest timber for commercial, hobby or educational use.  The Trust facilitated an Exhibition both for trainees entering the competition and professionals because it believes that conservation of the New Forest requires a viable economy for those who maintain the livestock, woods and wildlife. Using trees available for harvest as a means of stimulating the local economy and encouraging wood related arts and crafts provides a sustainable economic stream of income.

INEOS, an international company with headquarters based in the middle of the New Forest in Lyndhurst, were the Major Competition Sponsors providing a £2,000 commission for the winning trainee and £1,000 for the Peoples Choice prize as well as additional support and help.

Over 30 craftsmen exhibited in the marquee at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show and the spectacular display attracted record crowds. 

The winners of the National Trainee Furniture Makers Competition were:-

1^st Hannah Spender (above left) from Plymouth University with ‘A Two person Rocking Chair in oak’

2^nd Simon White also from Plymouth University with ‘A Relieve tension Recliner in ash’

3^rd Luke Griffiths a trainee at Chichester College with ‘Two Bedside Cabinets in olive ash’

The Peoples Choice was won by Nicola Henshaw with her ‘Hare and Tortoise Chair in Lime’. The organisers were astounded at the number of families that came to the exhibition and this particular piece was a firm favourite with the children.

Peter Clarkson INEOS, Business Development Director, said when awarding prizes and certificates, "As manufacturers in a competitive world, we have a strong sense of empathy with anyone who makes anything. However, this competition runs deeper that that.  Anyone who says we have all lost the plot with art today should look at the work exhibited here; not only superbly executed in a technical sense but extremely creative and beautiful pieces have been produced.

The competitors are indeed fine technicians and craftsmen, but above all, fine artists. All are to be congratulated and we wish them all every success in their professional lives”