The 'Helping Hand tree in Bideford, Devon
The 'Helping Hand” tree in Bideford, Devon is a much loved local landmark.
Years prior to the construction of Bideford Quay, mature trees along the riverbank were felled to make way for a new car park, causing public outrage once the destruction became known.
One individual valiantly protected the "Wonky Conker" from the chainsaws.
Later, Torridge District Council reached out to local artist John Butler to address the "Wonky Conker's" need for support.
Butler crafted 'The Helping Hand' - a metal prop disguised as a log wrist with an oak hand and fingers.
The metal prop was anchored into the ground to support the branch, with a sleeve constructed around it.
Individual oak lengths were bolted together to form the fingers, palm, and thumb, then inserted into the sleeve.
Mrs. Mayhew, upon reading about the Council's efforts, offered to cover all expenses as a memorial to her late husband, Samuel.
The initials S.T.M. & 1914-2000 were engraved into the cuff, with unanimous agreement from all parties.
Writing on his website, Mr Butler said:" After mulling things over, we came up with the idea of a hand thrusting through the paving stones to support the large horizontal branch.
”This idea was eventually approved and I set to work.
“I bought some large lengths of oak from Torridge Hardwoods in Littleham, and with help and advice from my friend Barry Hughes, I worked out how to undertake the project.
”Firstly, the branch was supported by a metal prop that had been set into the ground. I then constructed the sleeve around the prop.
”The next stage was to form the fingers from individual lengths of oak and bolt them all together.
”Finally, the fingers, palm and thumb of the hand were set into the sleeve.”
Torridge District Council not only preserved a healthy tree but also showcased a local artist's work in a public space, exemplifying their commitment to both environmental stewardship and community art.
Reacting to the photos shared on Facebook, someone said: "I remember the day years ago when people circled this tree so it couldn't be chopped down, for once people power worked!”
Another person added: “I remember when they installed the hand carving. It used to have brick paving around it and the bricks were sticking up like the hand had broken through them.
”We had the Bideford maintenance contract for all the grass cutting at the time.”
Bideford, where this tree is located, was once Britain's third largest port.
This historic harbour town is packed with independent shops, local produce and the picturesque quay, which draws visitors during every season.
Spanning the Torridge is a charming old bridge, connecting Bideford with its neighbouring village, East the Water.
This striking arched stone bridge, erected in 1535, replaced its timber predecessor from 1300, with subsequent modifications over the centuries.
Renowned author Charles Kingsley found inspiration in Bideford for his novel Westward Ho! set in North Devon.
Interestingly, the town of Westward Ho! derives its name from Kingsley's work—the sole instance in Britain where a town is named after a book.
Notably, it's also the only British town to bear an exclamation mark!
Kingsley depicted Bideford as a town of white houses, though many now sport pastel hues.
Nonetheless, remnants of its quaint narrow streets and charming small shops still grace the town.
It’s a lovely place to explore if you’re visiting North Devon.
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