~ Scarecrows come to Town ~

If you’ve visited Wilmslow over the last couple of weeks, your eyes haven’t been deceiving you, there are indeed scarecrows dotting the streets...  The Scarecrow Festival has come to town. 

 

This is the second time I’ve seen the festival, now in its third year organised by Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club in partnership with Wilmslow Business Group.  Armed with my camera I took a leisurely stroll around the town (despite the ominous clouds that loomed above - you’ve got to love summertime on the outskirts of Manchester!) to soak up the straw-filled invaders.  

I’ve always felt quite sorry for scarecrows though. 

 

Scarecrows to me conjure up images of forlorn, weather beaten figures guarding rolling farmer’s field against villainous crows.   I also think back to my childhood and picture two of the most famous scarecrows – the scruffy looking Worzel Gummidge from the classic ITV series (rumour has it that Russell Brand is to star as Worzel Gummidge in a big-screen adaptation to be directed by Peter Jackson)   and of course the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz , who accompanies Dorothy on the yellow brick road to Emerald City in his quest for a brain. 

However the scarecrows in the Wilmslow festival, are not pitiful or shabby or in search of a brain they are happy, bright and fun, some even humorous with a modern twist. They have been skilfully crafted by local business people and stand proudly on display inside and outside their shops. 

 

This year it was nice to see somewhat of a British theme with several paying homage to the Queen’s Jubilee and the impending London 2012 Olympic Games. 

Others were personal to their creator’s business and some very well thought out.    

Outside a courier shop was a scarecrow based on a Black Rider from the Lord of the Rings.  Riding a motorcycle, he was adorned with a sword and a sign that read “One does not simply walk into Mordor... but we can courier your precious items pretty much anywhere”. Brilliant!   

   

It was great to see the amount of effort and creativity that went into this little festival,  what a wonderful way to bring a bit of the countryside and community spirit into the town.   

 I’ll look forward to next year’s festival to see what wonderful creations the locals have in store.