Lower Higham Scarecrow Festival'09

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Lower Higham villagers demonstrated their creativity and wit again this September in the newly established tradition of the annual scarecrow competition.

This year the nautical theme proved a challenge for some. So eager were the WI to take part that they missed the theme altogether. It mattered little, and in truth the sight of Fagin and a geisha hurrying to the scarecrow wedding party at the gate of St Mary’s just added to the fun.

It wasn’t fun for all though. Incredible as it may seem, some scarecrows were vandalised and some disappeared altogether. It is to be hoped that Olivia and Henry Taylor will not let the theft deter them from entering again next year. By all accounts the missing scarecrow was a beauty, and we would all like to see Olivia’s handiwork again next autumn. If anyone wants to name and shame the guilty party, the stocks and rotten tomatoes are ready, and Olivia and Henry have been practising their aim.

So on to this year’s entries, half of which were entered by children. The scarecrows were spotted along the length of Church Street (as far as Sun Cottage), down Bull Lane, along Chequeur Street and the near end of Canal Road, into Chalk Road and just at the bottom of School Lane. We encountered shiploads of pirates and waves of mermaids. We discovered sea captains, fishermen, divers, a duck, a starfish and a ‘C’ dog – seadog – get it? We found a living pirate scarecrow swaying to the strains of a sea shanty reminiscent of Pugwash (older readers may remember) outside Dairy Farm Cottages.

At the top of Bull Lane, Barbara’s family had entered a splendid sea captain scarecrow in her name. What a lovely tribute to a wonderful lady who sadly passed away shortly before the competition.

The effort and the attention to detail was spectacular. Goodness knows how many combined hours, days or weeks had been spent in a whirl of creative activity in the lead up to the competition. Judging was completely impossible but still had to be done.

So who were the winners? Of course everyone who took part was a winner and deserves to win a luxury cruise or a desert island holiday. Alas, available parish council village funds are not quite sufficient to fund such just rewards. (I hasten to add that we are extremely grateful for the council’s help with the event.)

In the children’s competition, the winners were Archie and Grace who had composed an entire diving scene complete with inflatable dinghy floating on the sea above the diver. Congratulations to them on such a stunning entry.

In the adults’ competition, first prize went to Heather and Trevor for their fabulous pirate display which featured an authentic (looking) treasure chest and all possible pirate trimmings – all crafted with perfection in mind. Second prize went to Babs for all the intricate work that went into her mermaid ‘Shelley’ - a wonder to behold.

Huge thanks to Fiona and Linda for all the hard work they put into running the competition, and also to Richie for great work on the decorative and promotional scarecrows. Thanks to John for being a judge and for keeping the other judges in order. Thanks to Michaela for organising the leaflets and for being on the panel of judges.

The biggest thank you, however, goes to all of you who imagined, planned, stuffed, dressed, decorated, laughed at, cursed at, and finally displayed – your very own scarecrow. THANK YOU.

A final unforgettable image from the day was of a wonderfully eccentric entry at the far end of Church Street. It featured an old bicycle, a sheep’s skull, a string of onions and much, much more. Those who saw it will know what I mean. If you missed it – well – you shouldn’t have. Be sure to get out there next year or you’ll miss out on all the excitement again!

1st adult prize went to Heather and Trevor Golding, a colourful pirate with telescope and a wonderful bird complete with an eye patch (Trevor’s first attempt at papier-mâché - see photo above left) keep going Trevor!

2nd adult prize went to Bab’s lines “Shelley” a lovely mermaid beautifully (above centre) made with a lobster claw crown; she said “it was good therapy making her”.

1st children’s prize went to Grace and Archie Stanbury, a cleverly made scuba-diver in a very creative underwater scene (above right).

There were many great and different ideas. The scarecrow festival is about having fun, walking the village and getting to know people as well as stimulating your creative juices. It is as much for adults as it is for children. We thought a theme this year would really get everyone thinking, we hope we achieved this. Our three judges, Michaela, Delia and John had a very difficult job, but after much debating over tea, sandwiches and cake, they came up with the winners. We are also very grateful to Higham Parish Council for their sponsorship this year, thanks Councillors!

Fiona and Linda

P.S. Scarecrow Helpline  -- for more info ring: 01634 711161 / 01474 823129.

Fiona and Linda, who had the great idea of launching this scarecrow competition, send their sincere thanks to the three judges and to all of the willing entrants.  Congratulations to all the winners. Below are a few more photographs of selected Lower Higham scarecrows.