ORGANISERS of a dale hamlet’s first scarecrow trail say they were delighted with the community support and are planning to make the event an annual affair – if there are helpers on hand.
The inaugural Holwick scarecrow trail was organised by school teacher Jennie Lee whose children, Jake and Isla, were disappointed at the cancellation of Middleton-in-Teesdale’s carnival.
Residents were asked to create scarecrows of key workers and all money raised was donated to NHS charities.
Ms Lee said: “It has brought us all together and it was great to see so many people getting involved with nearly all households putting up a scarecrow.
“We have never done anything like this before, although I have heard there was an annual carnival in the 50s.
“But this has been really successful – it’s just a shame that we couldn’t have Karen’s Farmhouse Kitchen open for all those who have taken part in the trail.”
The competition, which featured 22 individual scarecrows, was judged by Dr Heather MacConachie, who said she had a difficult time choosing the winners.
She added: “It was really difficult and I enlisted the help of my daughters as the standard was fantastic.
“The scarecrow trail was such a safe and enjoyable thing for us to do.”
First prize of Sunday lunch for four from The Crown at Mickleton was awarded to Jeff and Helen Knowles’ Emergency Blood Biker, who have donated the prize to help raise more cash through a number draw, which will be placed in Middleton-in-Teesdale Co-op.
Second prize of afternoon tea for two at Eggleston Hall Gardens was awarded to Karen Scott for her traffic policeman with speed camera.
Third prize a voucher for J Raine and Son was won by Lisa Lowes and her carefully crafted farmer.
