In 2023 a beautiful old beech tree at the side of a footpath in Myrtle Park was found to be diseased and had to be felled. It was agreed that 2 metres of the stump would be left in case the Friends of Myrtle Park were ever able to fund a carving.
Before!
In September 2024 Bingley Bantams held their first charity duck race on the River Aire which raised a considerable amount of money for four Bingley organisations, one of which was the Friends of Myrtle Park. The Friends were delighted to receive this donation to spend on something that would be an asset for the park. After much deliberation and a member vote it was decided to commission the carving.
Otley based Shane Green, The Yorkshire Carver was contacted to take the project forward. After an initial consultation, he agreed to take on the project within our budget. Shane began work on a design that would have special appeal to young children on 1st November 2024. The work became a focal point for park visitors who stopped to watch as a true work of art emerged from the gnarled tree stump. Castle doors, windows and turrets were delicately carved by the chainsaw blade.
It soon became clear that it was going to take much longer than the agreed day to complete the work. However, Shane was so heartened by the kindness and appreciation of all the Bingley people who stopped by to chat or watch him that he was very happy to continue until the carving was finished to his satisfaction. After three days the carving was complete and far exceeded initial expectations.
The Myrtle Park castle is now a real talking point. It provides an imaginative play space for children and families and it is a thing of beauty – just as the old beech tree was. One local resident commented, “My flat overlooks that tree stump so I was able to watch Shane’s progress every day! It’s a shame he can’t see all the people, young and old, marvelling at it and playing on it. This magical castle has brought joy to everyone who has visited it.” The local Parkrun were so take with it that it’s become a Myrtle parkrun marshal point.
Parkrun marshalling point