大象传媒

The Big Day

On Sunday 26 July 2008 I had the tough but enjoyable task of judging over 70 scarecrows. From the Simpsons to the Snake Charmer, from topical events like Mandela's birthday to childhood favourites from the Tales of Beatrix Potter. How was I to choose one outright winner?

My guide was Godfrey Allanson. He made sure that I saw every exhibit. Along the main road, onto the village green and winding our way up to the Village Hall at the top of the hill. I watched the cars snake their way along the road, they couldn't help but notice the scarecrows.

Passengers had their faces peering through open windows, pointing out their favourites. I've no doubt that there were many lively discussions in cars making their way further along the coast.

Major attraction

The event attracts people from across North Yorkshire and beyond. Many had travelled up the road from various holiday caravan parks at Reighton and Cayton Bay. Some had just travelled from Scarborough, Hunmanby or Filey.听

As I made my way around the village it didn't people long to work out that I was 'the judge.' There cries of '"Let's follow her, and find out which one she has chosen." through to "I don't envy her!"听

Round the village

As we passed the church there was a mini cricket team scattered among the headstones, but I was told they weren't for judging.听 Across the road on the village green the Highland cow had given birth since the last Festival.

The 'women' gathered around the Maypole looked motionless and the 'man' fishing by the stream just didn't bat an eyelid. All very reflective of village life. The real villagers are warm, welcoming and love the thousands of visitors who pound their streets looking at these fantastic scarecrows.听

The hard part

After a few hours my job was done - although the hard bit was still to come. I was exhausted but delighted to have been asked to judge such a prestigious event. I spent about an hour trying to decide who should win. Not an easy job.

I wrote my thoughts on a sheet of paper and then sealed it an envelope. I was the ONLY person to know the outright winner until it was officially revealed when the Festival ended on Sunday 3 August.

And the winner is...

Winnie the Pooh and Friends. This loveable group of characters could be found at the top of the hill close to the Village Hall. With so many fabulous entries it really was difficult to single out one overall winner. Perhaps you agree, perhaps you don't, but whatever you think I am sure everyone who visited the 2008 Muston Scarecrow Festival enjoyed the variety, skill and humour on display. I know I did!