The idea
Oving Scarecrow Day is now in its 12th year. We aimed, initially, to celebrate Oving's rural roots by the making and displaying of scarecrows around the village. The day has now grown into mini arts festival with local crafts people displaying their skills, local bands and community choirs performing, professional theatre groups, morris dancing, pigs and other animals being shown, and many other activities around the village. Our ethos is to ensure that no one person, or family, is excluded from participating so most of the activities and entertainment are provided free, or at minimum cost. We sell refreshments and raffle tickets to cover our costs such as insurance, and we raise money through sponsorship to pay for the entertainment and some attractions. This way all families can come and enjoy a great family day out without worrying about the cost.
What we'll deliver
- A great afternoon out for all the community
- Attractions
- Entertainment
Why it's a great idea
This idea was mooted around a kitchen table about 12 years ago when some mothers were talking about the high cost of a family day out. Our ethos then, and now, is to ensure that no-one is excluded through lack of money. Scarecrows can be made from mops and old clothes, they do not need to cost a lot of money, and all the family can join in the making. As well as walking round looking at, and choosing your favourite scarecrow, there are crafts people to show how to turn wood, or spin fleece, or make lace or quilts or painting. We also have farm animals present as well as heavy horses and ferrets or owls. Due to a local generous sponsor, tractor / trailer rides can be provided for all to go around the lanes and see all the scarecrows. Wheelchairs can also be taken on the trailer. Music and dancing is provided by local bands, choirs and dance groups, in addition, professional theatrical groups perform regularly. Many activities are provided free or are subsidised.
Steps to get it done
- Book hall, Church, MGF and judge by Jan 1st 2019
- Book crafts people and other attractions by March 1st 2019
- Get all advertising in place by 1st May 2019
- Book judge by 1st Jan 2019
- Order trophies and locate last year's by 1st May 2019
- Do Risk Assessment and obtain copies of relevant Public Liability Insurance by 1st April 2019
- Book and brief photographer by March 1st 2019
- Obtain insurance by 1st May 2019
- Grant applications and sponsorship appeals by 1st March 2019
- Book first aid cover from St John Ambulance by 1st April 2019
- Plan and publicise scarecrow making workshops and video for FB by 1st April 2019
- Book car parking space and RAF air cadets for managing by 1st Feb 2019
- Volunteers for refreshments, raffle, MGF area and ice creams to be given rotas and instructions by 1st May 2019
We provide attractions and entertainment when we can raise sponsorships or grant money. Our only income is through the sales of refreshments and raffle tickets. So we are totally reliant on fundraising and we do not want to charge for the day as that would exclude people from taking part.
