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Benches made from iconic tree in Bude unveiled

BBC The benchesBBC
Storm Eunice felled the tree which has become a natural feature in Bude's Triangle

The first benches crafted from a famous tree that fell during a storm last year have been unveiled.

The Monterey Cypress tree in Bude Triangle, Cornwall, fell dramatically during storm Eunice in February 2022.

A team of local furniture makers was commissioned by Bude-Stratton Council to create six benches from the timber.

Jonathan Walter, from Atlantic Makers, said it had been "a brilliant process and a lovely journey".

Three of the benches are being put in the Triangle, with the other three being placed elsewhere in the town.

Atlantic Makers Timber dryingAtlantic Makers
The timber was left to dry for nine months

The tree was known to be at least 80 years old and acted as a landmark, along with being a popular place to gather or sit down.

Mike Dawe, Mayor of Bude, said: "They're not just benches - they're works of art that pay tribute to the past while embracing the future.

"It's about preserving our town's history and giving it new life.

"These benches are a symbol of community spirit, resilience and our commitment to honouring our heritage.

"For Bude, these benches mean more than just a place to sit. They represent a coming together of our community with a united passion - the falling of Bude's iconic tree should not be its final end."

Tom Cox Huge tree down in Bude centreTom Cox
The large tree collapsed during Storm Eunice

After falling, the 23-tonne tree was moved in one piece to a yard on the outskirts of the town while a decision was made on its future.

The furniture makers created a design incorporating a wave, representing the town's coastal location.

It took nine months to dry before the team could start work on it.

Jonathan Walter with tree
Furniture maker Jonathan Walter is part of a collective commissioned to make six benches from the tree

Mr Walters said: "We had to be very patient with the timber and left it to dry as long as we dared.

"The wood had remained incredibly stable. This was not from a managed forest - this tree grew up in the middle of a town half-a-mile from the Atlantic Ocean.

"It could easily have split or warped, but it remained incredibly stable. It was really good wood to work with."

A new bench
The new benches were made from a much-loved tree which fell in Storm Eunice.

"We prioritised the first three benches and learned as we went - it has been wonderful.

"The three of us from Atlantic Makers worked together - the wood was really friendly and easy to work with, and it came up beautifully.

"We are really happy with them."

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