Sumach?

I also think its Rhus typhina or stag's horn sumach.

I have one like this in my front garden, a Rhus definately.

Thanks. I have never heard of this so will have a look on t'web. It's quite attractive (but a bit big for my new space) interesting shape and texture.

If its a female you will have suckers popping up all over the place, I'm going to try one in a big pot, lovely tree in the right place.

They can be grown as Standards with all the lower branches cut off.

There is a shrub that looks like this, I've seen it many times for sale at the garden centre, but I can't for the life of me remember its name. It is, as I recall, related to Rhus or Sorbus, but its not a tree, its just a shrub which does sucker, spread and get very wide rather than tall.

Does anyone know if a Stag Horn can be grown in a big pot?

a pot would seem to be a good idea to stop it suckering everywhere. RHS just says 'moist, well-drained soil'. If I spot one of our gardeners I'll ask if I can take a couple of cuttings. I don't think it's something I'd want to buy because I can see that it would just get out of hand but could make a good architectural plant for a year or so.

Are you thinking of sorbaria sorbifolia Bamboo?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31559373@N00/6886714328/in/photolist-buydeW-9MdvdN

Yes, yes, that's the one! I must write it down this time so I don't forget again. Sadly, having had an MRI scan of my brain recently, I can confirm that not being able to remember names easily is definitely caused by brain cells dying. Nothing unusual in the scan for someone of my age, but it's freaky being able to see where cells have died, I'd rather not have seen it, lol