A STUNNING ceramic tree detailing the rich history of Tavistock has been chosen as a lasting commemoration of the 900th anniversary of the granting of the town?s market charter. Members of Tavistock?s Charter Group, which is organising the events celebrating the anniversary of the charter and the 700th anniversary of the granting of the town?s stannary status, say they are delighted with the response to the public work of art exhibition held in the library this month. Almost 800 people cast their vote in the competition, and the result was very close between the four artists who had submitted their ideas. The winner was finally announced as Rosie Fierek, of Albaston, whose ceramic tree design incorporates the history of Tavistock within its trunk. Rosie?s submission captured the imagination of almost 30% of those voting. She said: ?I?m absolutely delighted ? like all the artists, we?ve put quite a bit of work into it just to get to this stage. ?I?m really pleased it?s paid off and I?m very grateful to all the people who voted for me. ?Certainly, waiting in this last fortnight has felt very peculiar, but I think it was a very clever idea to have a public vote ? it?s very important to get local permission, it should be a popular thing and it gives you a mandate.? The tree will be just over three-and-a-half metres in height and made from stonewear, with brilliant glazes made from copper and tin. The trunk will include tiers of history working up from the base, including images of the abbey, the first market in Bank Square, copper mining and Goose Fair. Among the boughs of the tree will hang fruits representing different forms of commerce and in which Rosie hopes to involve local schoolchildren. It is hoped the tree will be in a prominent position in Bedford Square. Moira Andrews, events co-ordinator of the Charter Group, said: ?I realise that voting had been brisk, but we were so pleased to see almost 800 people had cast their votes. ?The results of the vote were extremely close ? this clearly demonstrates the high standards of the entries and how lucky Tavistock is to have such local talent on its doorstep.? Cllr Iain Andrews, chairman of the group, said he would be reporting the competition results to the town council, so that discussions could begin on the siting of the sculpture. Cllr Andrews said: ?I am really looking forward to seeing this impressive sculpture finding a prominent position within the town, where everyone can enjoy it, be they a member of the community or a visitor. ?This is something that will be treasured for many years to come.?
