In pole position for huge event at forest
An unusual and spectacular sport that is attracting a growing interest worldwide is coming to Cannock Chase.
An unusual and spectacular sport that is attracting a growing interest worldwide is coming to Cannock Chase. Two 100ft Douglas Fir poles weighing six tonnes each have been erected ahead of the European Poleclimbing Championships being held next week during the UK's largest forestry exhibition.
A convoy of two huge lorries and support vehicles made their way from Alcester, Warwickshire, up the M6 to the Chase yesterday for APF 2008 next week. The lorries delivered the Douglas fir poles which were hoisted into position at the parade ground near Cannock Chase Visitor Centre by crane.
The cream of the continent's poleclimbers will race to the top of the poles, seen here under competitor Terry Bennett, on September 18, 19 and 20. The Husqvarna contest will be one of the highlights of the woodland show APF 2008. Exhibition secretary Ian Millward said: "Poleclimbing is a fantastic and exciting sport to watch.
The pole climbers will be joined by more than 30 of Europe's top axemen who will compete in the Stihl/UPM Tilhill European Lumberjack Sports Championships. The event, which is expected to boost the local economy by more than £1 million, runs from September 18-20. Go to
