News: Bringing People and Communities Together with Oak Timber Structures
29/01/2025
There's a lot to be proud of here at Oak Timber Structures. One of the things we truly value is how our structures can foster community relations. See, we don't only supply to private properties, our creations are in public spaces too. These spaces create welcoming areas to bring people together and support communities.
So now the highs of Christmas have been and gone, the cold weather feels even colder, and many of us are pushing for a 'new me' as we settle back to work. What better time to spread some joy? Today we're shining a light on our local town and how our oak structures have helped bring the community together.
Working with Hixon Parish Council
Since the inception of Oak Timber Structures in March 2015, we've called Hixon, Staffordshire, our home. We love it here, but it's more than just a home. Around the village, you'll find lasting signs of our involvement in the community.
The Hixon Village Sign
When we say 'lasting signs', we mean that quite literally. If you were ever to visit the quaint Staffordshire village, an Oak Timber Structures sign will greet you upon arrival. The 'Welcome To Hixon' sign, crafted from our signature fresh sawn European Oak, is a fitting welcome to the village.
An oak sign isn’t a product that we offer on our website… yet. But, you'll often hear us speak about our bespoke approach to crafting oak products. Our bespoke manifesto makes us flexible to create any oak structure you want. It was fitting we put this to use to create an oak sign for Hixon. The top of the sign features 'Hixon Parish Council' carved into the oak above an artistic display celebrating the village. It's become somewhat of a landmark for residents and visitors and an ideal representation of local pride.
The Gazebo in the Community Green Space
Deeper into the village, you'll find the Hixon Memorial Hall. This is the hub of the community and was built in 1926. A place for groups, activities, community events, private parties and live music.
Next to the Hixon Memorial Hall is the Millennium Green. First opened on 1st January 2000, this grassland is the outdoor hub of the village. You’ll find the village fete here and the green space is a place for the community to enjoy the great outdoors. The Millennium Green is protected by the registered charity Hixon Millennium Green Trust. As they say… “The Green is mainly grass and is an ideal venue for community events."
Now, Millennium Green is home to another of our structures. We're delighted to have supplied a 4-metre high, 25 square metre gazebo to such an important green space. The gazebo will help usher in a new stage for the Millennium Green after its 25th anniversary.
Our gazebo will become a focal point for the green, offering residents a space to enjoy theatre, music and big screen showings. With events starting in Spring 2025, we're excited to see it enjoyed by the local community and bring people together. On top of that, as the local neighbourhood celebrates beside the gazebo, they can do so knowing it was crafted just down the road.
The Role of Oak Timber Structures in Building Communities
An Oak Timber Structures gazebo is welcoming sheltered space. An idyllic spot for any community park or village green. The natural grace of oak blends with the outdoors and, over time, oak will age, further blending into the environment with its natural beauty.
Beyond aesthetics, part of the Hixon Millennium Trust cause is “To Preserve and Protect Hixon Millennium Green for a 1,000 years.” Simply put, they value the environment. That’s part of the reason they welcomed one of our oak structures. Oak is an eco-friendly choice. So the gazebo is not only a focal point, but fits with the green vision of the neighbourhood.
And Hixon isn’t the only place we’ve helped bring people together. From Trentham Gardens where visitors can stop and rest under a gazebo or the iconic Belfry Golf Course where golfers can take a break halfway around the course. An oak structure will support communities and encourage people to come together.
Whether like Hixon, a gazebo is for performances such as theatre, music and screenings, or something else. Oak structures can meet your community needs. From permanent market stalls to resting stops along public footpaths, oak structures are multi-purpose.
Conclusion
So home is where the heart is! And the heart of the Millennium Green in Hixon, Staffordshire, is an oak gazebo supplied by Oak Timber Structures. It feels like the perfect fit for the village identity.
The craftsmanship of our structures is the product of a combined 100-plus years of experience in woodwork. Not forgetting, we only use the best grade of oak available, leaving neighbourhoods with a striking traditional feature.
Our oak structures have and will continue to strengthen community bonds by providing a spot for events and socialising. So, for any community, whether that be a village, town, or charity, who are considering an oak structure to bring people together, please reach out. We're a friendly bunch and we can't wait to help bring your community together.