The Competition

The main competition will be held over 4 hours, including a break after 2 hours. In addition a ‘quick carve’ event will be held immediately after the main event, with carvers being asked to prepare a small carving which can then be auctioned for the benefit of the local community (this year to aid the repair of the village hall). The final timing will be agreed prior to the event and advised to all participants. It is intended to once again run a Novice Competition this year with up to 4 novices entries being accepted. In order to be able to participate novices must be able to meet the entry requirements as outlined below.

Health & Safety

It is important that safe working practices are observed at all times in accordance with UK Health & Safety Law and recognised best practice. The Organisers therefore reserve the right to exclude anyone who they consider to be unsafe or a danger to others.

Entry Requirements

UK carvers will be required to produce a copy of their Certificate of Competence in the maintenance and use of chainsaws. All overseas carvers should record their experience in their C.V which should be submitted with their Entry Form.

Accommodation

Free accommodation will be available to Carvers and their families within the village for the night of Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd September 2011.

Competition Equipment

The competitors will only be allowed to use chainsaws to remove wood and to finish the carving. Specialist carving bars will be allowed. No other power tools or hand tools will be permitted.

The only form of enhancement to the carving allowed is burning. Carvers must provide their own saws. Chainsaw personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when using a chainsaw. The PPE will comply with AFAG guide 301 using petrol driven chainsaws. Your set of safety clothing should include Jacket, Trousers, Safety Boots, eye protection and ear defenders. Each carver is to be responsible for the provision of their own safety clothing and PPE. Any working platforms used must be of safe construction and prevent any accidental fall which could result in injury.

Wood Selection

The wood will measure approximately 22 inches (56cm) diameter by 8 feet (244cm) long and it is hoped will be Sitka Spruce. This will be confirmed to entrants prior to the event. Selection will be made at 10am prior to the start of the event. Selection will be on a first come first served basis. You may exchange logs with other carvers. It may help to arrive early and have a good look at the available wood and its location.

The Carving

This must be achieved from within your selected log and the off cuts. Once you have your log you may prepare the base or stand it on props, you may debark your log and draw on it, you can cut it in height and have it stood up, but carving must not start until the advertised times. You may carve any design you like, but please remember the sculptures are also viewed by members of the public with children. The organisers therefore reserve the right to remove any sculpture considered offensive.

Judging

Six judges will mark each carving out of 10 and the carver with the highest overall score out of a maximum 60 points will be declared the winner. The Chief Judge will have the casting vote in the event of a draw. All pieces will be judged on artistic merit.

Auction of Pieces

Following the judging and the prize giving the finished works of art will be sold at auction starting with the first placed and then in descending order. All proceeds from the auction will go to the carver. If a carver chooses not to sell his work it can be withdrawn from the auction before the bidding starts. Once the main pieces have been auctioned the ‘quick carve’ sculptures will be auctioned. In this case all proceeds will go to benefit the local community.