Scarecrow Festival Weekend 2005

The event was very successful, attracting an estimated 8500 visitors from far and near. The attendance was slightly lower than previous years, maybe this had something to do with the fact that there was a very exciting Ashes Test Match in progress. Our gross income was £14, 470.67, which resulted in a profit of £12,796.04 available for distribution after payment of expenses and prizes. Detailed accounts are available on the website.

Donations were made as follows:
Warwickshire and Northampton air ambulance Service £6000.00
Witherley memorial Playing Field £2400.00
St. Peter’s Witherley Restoration fund £2400.00
Witherley Otters £300.00
Witherley Mothers and toddlers £300.00
Witherley Parish Room £300.00
Friends of Witherley School £300.00

SCARECROWS There were over 100 scarecrows in the Church, where the theme was Noah’ Ark, and approximately 120 different scarecrows around the village. As usual, there was a large range of subjects, and the standard of scarecrows was as high as ever. There were 145 entries in the Treasure Trail for adults, and 108 entries in that for the children. The Adult winner was Deserie Hudson of Atherstone, and the Children’s winner was Michael Pickton of Nuneaton.

DUCK RACES 700 ducks raced on the River Anker each day. The winners of each race received 50 and the three winners were Jack Hickie, Megan Reynolds and Sue Penfold..

BALLOON RACE. The balloon which travelled the furthest distance was found by Mrs. Mary Spragg in her garden in Great Yarmouth. The winner was Libby Makepeace of Galley Common, and her prize was a visit for two people to the contrl tower at East Midlands airport.

RAFFLE There were over twenty prizes in the raffle, the top prize being a mini CD stereo system , which was won by L Gibbons from Nuneaton.

Other activities included a funfair, various stalls, tombola, face painting and of course refreshments in the Parish Rooms. There were also outside broadcasts each day from Anker Radio.

The Scarecrow Festival Chairman and Committee wish to record their grateful thanks to all villagers, to all those who helped over the weekend, to all sponsors, to the local media and of course to all who supported the event by visiting it!