Mad Hatter takes top prize as villages stage scarecrow event
A SCARECROW festival held across two villages raised £800 last weekend.
People travelling through the villages of Kingsley and Kingsley Holt did a double take on Saturday and Sunday as they were met by some amazing characters.
The event was organised by sisters Julia Coates and Alison Reynolds and their families in an effort to bring the communities in the two villages together.
They hit on the idea after visiting and enjoying similar events across the country. Last weekend was the third festival they had organised.
The theme for this year’s festival was Book Characters, and 44 entries were submitted which were sited at locations all around the two villages.
The weekend event made more than £800 which is to be divided between St Werburgh’s Church, Kingsley Holt Methodist Church and Kingsley Village Hall.
The winner, chosen by the judges, was Mad Hatter made by Margaret Haywood of Cheadle Road, Kingsley.
The people’s choice was an enormous crocodile by Grace Harrod of Wood Avenue in Kingsley.
Mrs Coates said: “The scarecrows were of an amazingly high standard and a great deal of work had gone into each one.
“The judges had a really difficult task to decide on a winner and we would like to thank them for doing a great job on the day.
“Both villages were very busy with people walking around which gave a real buzz around the communities.
“Several people commented on how nice it was to walk around both villages and chat to friends and strangers alike and enjoy a real sense of community.
“Thanks also go to St Werburgh’s Church, Kingsley Holt Methodist Church and Kingsley Village Hall for all their help and providing refreshments on both days.
“The event raised £800 which includes map sales and donations. We are delighted with this. All in all it was a fantastic weekend.”