Not scared of the rain in Christian Malford (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Not scared of the rain in Christian Malford

12:00pm Saturday 23rd March 2013 in News By Anne Moore

A scarecrow trail in Christian Malford has raised more than £580 for the Acorns Pre-school thanks to parents and children who supported the event despite the wet weather.

Families from surround- ing villages and towns, including Chippenham and Lyneham, turned out for the second year running to enjoy the trail as well as face-painting, refreshments and a raffle.

They competed to guess the names of 34 scarecrows placed around Christian Malford, and the first 50 correct entries each won a goodie bag.

First, second and third prizes were also awarded for the best scarecrow.

The scarecrows, based on children’s television, were inspired by old and new programmes and included characters from Camberwick Green, Worzel Gummidge and Abney and Teal.

Raffle prizes were donated by several business and accountants Pillow May, from Chippenham, sponsored the scarecrow trail.

Prize money was donated by V Pike Builders, Corston, Boxhill Motors and M Heal Joinery, Sherston.

The money raised will go towards the pre-school’s refurbishment project.

Recently the inside of the pre-school building was re-decorated and now parents and teachers hope to work on the outside area.

Organiser Laura Sidhu, who went on the trail with her sons Oscar, aged three, and Theo, five, said she would like to thank everyone who turned up.

She said: “It went very well considering the brief time we had without rain. It was raining when I was putting the scarecrows out but then they did have four hours to dry out and a lot of people came along during that time.

“It’s a lot of work for the money we get but, because it involves the whole village, it creates a community feeling as well and helps people to know who we are.

“A lot of people who did it last year put their names down to do it again, so hopefully next year there will be another few new entries.”