The village of Loughton, Milton Keynes, was transformed into a land of Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes when the 2017 Scarecrow Trail opened on Saturday (June 10).
With nearly 80 scarecrows dotted around the village and church, visitors were able to find their favourite as they wandered round.
This year’s entries from local people, schools and charities were judged by photographer Gill Prince, Ian Michie, the chairman of the Public Arts Trust MK; Jane Charles, a local textile artist and tutor; and Jools Kendall, community ranger with The Parks Trust.
And the winners’ rosettes went to:
a) Supreme Champion: Three Little Pigs – by B & D Wilson. The judges said, "the detail was fantastic and you could see how much work had gone into its creation".
b) Reserve Champions:
The Gruffalo – by Team George in support of SNNAP. The judges said, "the team had created lots of characters in straw and they were instantly recognisable – fantastic!”
Three Blind ‘Bush’ Mice – by Melanie-Jane Ravenscroft and Martin Dardenne. “These mice really made me smile and were cleverly put together”.
Little Red Riding Hood – by Emily Bunting. “This entry was very clever with an interactive element to reveal the wicked wolf. It made me laugh out loud!”.
There were a number of commendations and special awards, which included Crane Court, which had created six scarecrows on the theme of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
If you haven't yet visited, there is still time to see the trail on its final day, this Saturday 17 June, 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Guides are available from All Saints’ Church; the guide includes a quiz for children.
Drinks and biscuits will be available between 11.00am and 2.00pm, with tea and cakes available from 2.00pm – 5.00pm.
The Trail celebrations include a Grand Raffle and a Silent Auction, which will both be hosted in the Church.
Bids for the Silent Auction can be made at any time during the Church opening hours and further details are available in the Trail Guide. The Visitors’ Choice Award will be presented, and winners of the Raffle and Silent Auction announced, at 4.30pm.
The trail creates a fun opportunity to explore an old part of Milton Keynes that has grown and expanded with the city over the last 50 years and it now very much part of it.
The beautiful church of All Saints’, Loughton and its distinctive tower is one of the landmark buildings in this part of MK. All proceeds from the Trail will go to supporting the church which is looking forward to celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2018.
For further information on All Saints’ visit www.watlingvalley.org.uk/asl
