The second Churchstanton Scarecrow festival was a roaring success. Last year we were bowled over by the entries, both in terms of numbers and quality - and we had lots of promises of entries for the this year, from people who had seen what was possible....There was a scary moment about a week before the event when we wondered whether it would be as popular second time around but we needn't have worried. There were 58 entries across 2 categories - individuals/groups and under 16s. Whilst many people did enter for a second time, there were also many first time entrants who had indeed, been inspired by events of twelve months ago.

Whilst last year's scarecrows were brilliant, many people had moved up a notch this year - there were more scarecrow "groups" including Straw Wars, Phantom of the Opera and Tea for Two and even some animated action from Pugwash and Nessie (when his bubble machine hadn't run out of bubbles or batteries!).

Voting was very widespread with many of the scarecrows attracting votes. Over 200 votes were received in the poll at the Church and the overall winners were the Westlake family for "Ernie" in the overall category. Ernie is a very popular local character and the Westlakes had "scarecrowed" him to a tea. Many a person had to look twice and some were even seen waving before realising their mistake! In the under 16s category, the winners were the Archer boys with the cub camp on their front lawn, entitled "Dyb Dyb".

Whilst winners have to be chosen, the closeness of the voting confirmed how brilliant all the entries were. Our thanks go to all the scarecrow producers - without the scarecrows the weekend would be nothing so thank you for all your papier macheing, sawing, pasting and stuffing. Thank you too to all the many farmers who we know have donated straw. You are all winners to us!

On the Saturday night, a barn dance was held in Churchinford Village hall. A live three piece band played while villagers danced. Ruth and Nick Strange provided wonderful barbecued food and the York Inn provided a bar.

Throughout the weekend teas were provided at the Church together with a mouth-watering selection of cakes. Wonderful floral displays adorned every window. Thanks to all the Church ladies for all their wonderful work.

The scarecrow festival is meant to be a fun family event and in that it succeeded - it was wonderful to see so many people out and about, enjoying the marvellous spectacle and the lovely weather. It was even better to see so many people stopping and talking to one another and fantastic to see the church aisles thronging!

Oh and we did raise a bit of money, too! Over £700 has come in to date from sales of teas and donations.

People have already started telling us what they're thinking of doing for next year....we said that we would have a year off next year and try something else. Will we be dissuaded? Dave has already been given a scale drawing of what Claire has in mind......!

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