Taunton’s Living Willow Cathedral is a Big Hit

Monday, 27 June 2011 00:00

Taunton's magnificent living willow cathedral, the only one of its kind in the UK, is making its mark.  Project Taunton and the Friends of Longrun Meadow have received nothing but positive comments and praise for this impressive feature situated by the River Tone in Longrun Meadow, an easy stroll from the town centre.

With dimensions in the order of 8m x 30m, the cathedral is the work of willow artists Stefan Jennings and Sophie Courtiour and the destination of choice for walkers and visitors to the area, with a stream of folk heading in its direction on weekend afternoons.

Friends of Longrun Meadow recently hosted an informal evening event to celebrate the living willow cathedral's completion.  Despite the inclement weather, good numbers turned out, some in woodland costume, to join together in story-telling and music.

The Meadow's open Oak Barn, visible on the path from French Weir Park to Castle School provided a shelter and gathering point for the celebratory procession led by Thrive’s Tim Hill.  The Barn is also establishing itself as a feature landmark and to date has provided a place for children's parties, Somerset College events and a general meeting/gathering point for outdoor and more general activities.

Ian Franklin, Project Taunton, commented, “Longrun Meadow as a whole is a success story but the living willow cathedral, for me, is the icing on the cake.  For the public to have free access to this calibre of public art, created by local artists, is fantastic."

If you would like to be involved or want to find out information about events in Longrun Meadows, please contact Dave Bullock, Chairman of the Friends of Longrun group on 07834 590883.  To book an event, please contact Ali Sherwin at Taunton Deane Borough Council on 01823 356547 or a.sherwin@tauntondeane.gov.uk.

To find out more about Project Taunton visit www.projecttaunton.co.uk or contact the team on 01823 250 809.  For Friends of Longrun Meadow, visit their website www.longrunmeadows.blogspot.com.

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