West Hill Scarecrow Festival 2020
The first annual West Hill Scarecrow Festival has drawn to a close. Organised by resident Sharon Coombes to cheer everyone up during lockdown, the event attracted 26 entries from across the village and of all ages. There was no particular theme, and entrants were urged to use whatever materials they had to hand. The Parish Council offered to judge the competition and put up a modest cash prize for the winner.
Some people chose a topical theme, so there was a Mr Corona-head and an entry depicting homeschooling. Others went for a more traditional look, with various gardening-themed scarecrows. Others highlighted wildlife, such as a bee-keeper; occupations, like a tree surgeon; or a special event, such as a wedding. There were even some sportsmen. The overwhelming thing was just how enthusiastically people had taken to the task!
Cllrs Margaret Hall and Alison Carr were judges. Both agreed it had been very difficult to choose a winner. “They were all brilliant in their own way” and “It was hard judging children’s entries against the adults’.” But a winner had to be found so they forged ahead. After much debate, the judges chose the entry from Leo and Olivia which consisted of a scarecrow brother and sister enjoying a tea party, outdoors and socially distanced of course, complete with cupcakes.
Leo and Olivia were presented with their prize by Cllr Margaret Hall, Parish Council Chairman.
As well as the winner, judges felt they had to single out some ‘Highly Commended’ entries. Sadly these didn’t receive a prize, just a certificate and the glory. Who knows, maybe better luck next year? The Highly Commended group were:
Sleepy Sam by Helena Wilson – excellent road safety message
Little Miss Muffett by the Little Rainbows Childminding group – best group effort
The Flower Seller Lady by the Davey family – most decorative
Spiderman by Noah and Freddie Davies – most superpowers
We would like to thank everyone who took part and brightened us all up. We hope this will become a regular event in the village calendar and even more people will take part next year. Thanks also to the organiser Sharon Coombes.
