Bunya Pine becomes rocking horse keepsake
Published on 26 February 2016
A commemorative keepsake made from the Botanic Gardens’ felled Bunya Pines during Cyclone Marcia has been carefully crafted and gifted to the community.
At the weekend’s Botanic Gardens Celebration, Debbie and David Sainsbury from Round Yard Rocking Horses, Benaraby, presented Council with a carved rocking horse made from the 130 year old Bunya Pine.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the rocking horse, which will be on permanent display in the Rockhampton Library, is a token of remembrance from the heritage trees that lined Bunya Avenue at the Botanic Gardens.
“When Council invited people to tender to salvage the timber last year, we never imagined that we would receive such an incredible gift that we could share with the entire community,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Losing 12 mature Bunya’s was a great loss for our Gardens and I’d like to thank Debbie and David for giving us a piece of our own history that tells the story of Marcia.”
No detail was spared during the weeks it took to carve and decorate the Sainsbury’s 65th rocking horse.
It features a decorative leather saddle, real horse hair, an engraved Sterling Silver plated filigree brow band on the bridles and a keepsake capsule that holds the story of how it was made.
Ms Sainsbury says once the eyes and teeth are placed it brings the horses to life, giving them personality and a ‘cheeky look’.
“It's immensely satisfying and calming carving out the horse and then sanding it; I always refer to this as being ‘good for the soul’ because both David and I agree that you get lost in the work, because it’s very relaxing,” she said.
“It was a pleasure making this rocking horse and to gift it back to the Council and, as a friend has put it, ‘we put history back into the lives of the public again.’”
The Sainsbury’s have also passed on a message to the children who will take a ride on the rocking horse.
“For all those children who will sit proudly on this rocking horse dreaming of maybe one day owning their own horse or even a rocking horse like this one, always remember to treat the rocking horse kindly and thoroughly enjoy your ride on him.
“He was made with love in the hope you will create your own wonderful childhood memories to pass on.”
The rocking horse is currently on display at the visitor information desk at the Botanic Gardens and will be moved to its permanent home at the South Rockhampton Library in the near future.