In addition to woodcarving I enjoy walking as a hobby. In early September 2023 I was walking with a group in Mereworth woods when we came across this sun dappled avenue of trees which I recognised as the handywork of a former fellow Kent Woodcarver, Roy Keeler, who had told me previously as to how they came to be planted. Alas he is no longer with us to enjoy this impressive sight but I would like to share this picture as a memory of him, a woodsman, a carver and a stick maker. He first planted twenty-five trees in memory of his Dad, also a woodsman, and sometime later a further twenty-five trees, all of which he carried into the wood as saplings on his back. On the day of our walk we could see a group of workers, two of whom could be his sons since they followed in his footsteps, and hear the sound of chainsaws as they coppiced the woodland. Too far away to speak to we were given friendly waves as we stood admiring these, as yet young, magnificent giants, now standing as a tribute to him. The wood from these trees will not be available for carving for some considerable time.
Ray Dean. 28 Sep 2023.
