So, how did you spend the Bank Holiday?

Posted By: Ann Metcalfe
Date Posted: 31/05/2011

 With what seem to be so many Bank Holidays coming so close together I'm finding it hard to know what day of the week it is.

But then again that's nothing new!

Normally Bank Holidays are spent competing, judging or enjoying time with family and friends over a good meal and a few glasses of pleasant wine.

This last one was VERY different. The previous week I'd had a telephone call asking me to judge (not Dressage, Equitation or anything to do with horses) but the SCARECROW Competition in Birtle.

Not being a specialist in the art of Scarecrow judging I sat down to think of how to set about this. I eventually came up with four areas for gaining marks. They were Effort, Design, Materials and Origionality.

Of course being a sharing kind of person I hoped to involve others in the task. However, Sarah decided she was going out on a hack with Mavis (horse) whilst Emma was about to drive to the Lake District to enjoy a few days away and Alan 'really needed to crack on' with the conversion of the barn.

I soon realised I was on my own! 

It had been announced the Scarecrows would be sited at their particular spot at 10..00 am after which judging could commence followed by a gathering, sandwiches and award ceremony at The Pack Horse.

Having been given a route map and mobile 'phone number in case of emergency I began the journey around Birtle.

I really did feel as though I was either at Ambridge with the Archers or about to enter the set of Mid Summer Murders!

Armed with my camera, note pad and strong waterproofs I followed the route. It soon became obvious just how much time and effort people had put into their entries.

I took photos at each location, gave marks and made notes for my return to the pub.

Although none of the entrants were actually visible I could feel eyes peering through net curtains as I inspected their works of art.

They were amazing. I began at Birtle Riding Centre with what can only be described as the rear end of a horse and rider protruding from the wall into the hayloft, this was titled 'Should have gone to Spec Savers.'

Next came The Worzle Egg made by the young riders at the yard and nearby a really effective but very minimalist 'Rubbish sacrecrow' made from a RMBC wheelie bin and a recycling bag. I thought that was a pretty smart idea!

Further along I took a sharp intake of breathe and almost had to pinch myself as the next exhibit was so realistic I thought he was about to leap out of the border at me... 'The Apprentice Gardener' We could all use one of those at home, there wasn't a weed in site.

Nearby sat William and Kate as they enjoyed Afternoon Tea at The Pavilion. Funny I've never bumped into them when I've enjoyed visiting there!

On a short distance and I was at The Pack Horse.It was Carol the Landlady of The Pack who had thought of the idea of the Scarecrow Competition. There by the bedroom window sat a tiny witch (again Mid Summer came to mind.) I did however convince myself this was surely a good witch , that's if there are such things or beings!

Now the next one 'Gone Fishing' a handsome dashing character who reminded me so much of his maker!

Further on almost above the tree line where the wind and rain continued to race and whip my face I came across 'The Skier' She too had obviously been out in the elements for some time and looked equally as windswept as me.

Back down the hill to The Mouldings and an invite to ' take tea with Alice' at 'The Mad Hatters Tea Party' This was amazing. The detail, effort, materials and origionality... WOW! It gained 38 out of a possible 40 marks. There was even tea in the tea cups and delicious looking jam tarts on the table. 

Just a few doors away sat 'Little Boy Blue' He did look a little sad and I just felt he needed a big hug. Staring through the glass hall doorway was a Staffordshire Cross. I felt it prudent to move on! 

Along the bridleway over looking the old mill lodges,  up the incline I then spotted bunting and the newly weds as they walked across the lawn.

Both William and Kate looked radiant. Her wedding dress almost as beautiful and identical as the real one. My only disappointment being even those I searched the bushes I couldn't find Harry. He just happens to be my favourite. I had hoped he could have joined me on my journey!

Almost ready to head for home, the last lap now!

Into the farmyard for 'Farmyard Chaos' Anyone who has been involved with farming would have really appreciated this one as I did. The farmers ladder had been almost knocked over as he clung on in desperation whilst the pigs, lambs and hens having escaped were running around the yard. BRILLIANT!

A quick tot up of the scores proved The Mad Hatters first, Farmyard Chaos second, Should have gone to Spec Savers third, and The Royal Wedding fourth.

I must have done a reasonable job as I have been invited back again next year. I can honestly say not a single bribe was accepted.... as NOT ONE was even offerred!

Though I was invited back to taste one of Alice's tarts...

Many thanks to all who took part and those who helped to organise what turned out to be a really great community event.

WELL DONE! I'll be back next year!

If only I knew how to put the photographs on here. Maybe I'll ask Alan, if only he'd take a break  from 'cracking on!'