In article , mikey mike
writes
corylus avellana contorta - or so it says on the label !

we've had it since february, and it has grown one 'new' branch - but the new
branch it straight - what should we do, leave it or lop it ?

Lop it.

Contorted hazel always does send up a few straight branches from the
base. Since the contorted branches also have contorted leaves, if you
leave the straight branches they will develop larger and become steadily
more dominant.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"