The event – organised by the village’s dedicated Greatham in Bloom volunteers – proved a popular attraction, with children and adults alike following clues around the village in search of 21 scarecrows hidden in various locations.
Organisers – who described it as a great day for a family adventure -were delighted with the turnout, particularly as the event was designed to encourage younger people to become involved in village activities and help secure the future of the community.
One of the organisers, Rosie Merifield, said: “We had a great day – the sun was shining, about 40 families took part so we were kept very busy! Lots of people said how much the children had enjoyed the ‘hunt’ and the bulb planting went well (apart from a few that were upside down!)
All in all a very positive successful day – and we received £80 in donations (there was no charge) so we were very happy – albeit exhausted!”
With just six organisers, not all of whom are active, and an average age of over 70, the volunteers were keen to attract new helpers to support their work.
Families eagerly set off to solve the clues, with Emma, William and Henry among those looking forward to discovering all the scarecrows. Nev and Rhys Maddison were also having great fun working their way around the village, while plenty of other families enjoyed the challenge together.
There were some amusing and unexpected characters waiting to be discovered, including King Charles and Queen Camilla – who were happy to stop for a chat with Pippa and Stanly. Meanwhile, two scarecrows were taking life easy on Greatham Village Green, enjoying the sunshine.
Other popular attractions included the Minions, who proved a big hit with younger visitors and older fans alike, and the Save the Pumpkin Squad who appeared to be keeping a close eye on proceedings through the windows.
One of the biggest talking points was a scarecrow of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Known as Bojo, he was apparently keeping the crows away rather than making the news, and was certainly attracting plenty of attention. Colette stopped for a chat while a group of children couldn’t get enough of the familiar-looking character.
Melody also managed to find another popular scarecrow, although the question of who he was added a little extra mystery to the hunt!.
Perhaps one of the most surprising discoveries was ET who had apparently ended up in a wheelie bin – prompting a few smiles and the thought that it really is amazing what people throw away these days!
The Scarecrow Hunt was about more than just finding the village’s unusual residents. After completing the trail, children were encouraged to plant three different varieties of spring bulbs in pots, giving them something to look forward to in the months ahead.
Greatham Primary School pupils were invited to label their planted bulbs with their names and class numbers before the pots were taken to the school to be looked after. When spring arrives, prizes will be awarded to the children whose bulbs are the first to flower.
With the sunshine, enthusiastic families, imaginative scarecrows and plenty of laughter, the first Greatham Scarecrow Hunt gave the village a cheerful new community event and its organisers plenty of encouragement to build on its success.
Author: Hartlepool Life
Next article: Brewery rolls out the barrel to celebrate Paul’s 50 years’ service