Ingenious! The eyes flash as you approach it.

It must be Summer because it’s annual scarecrow festival time again in two of our local villages.  Last year Elwick truly excelled themselves with a Royal Jubilee theme.  Can a year have passed so quickly?  This year we’re indulging Midsummer Madness.

I timed it very nicely on Sunday morning because within seconds of returning home it was bouncing with rain.  Summer, Wimbledon fortnight (sorry Rafa), rain on your strawberries- it’s all one!

Welcome to Elwick!

The theme this year was Midsummer Madness.- here he is!

And that’s “his” foot you can see round the corner!

Almost every planter has one of these.

But there’s only one caterpillar!

Some ladies sat aloof on a bench

But Bertie Bassett was right there on the village green

And the Spotted Cow’s always in the thick of things

Snowmen at the beach- that’s definitely madness!

A hula-hula girl- that’s more like it.

The village shop went a little crazy!

And every scarecrow festival needs a pink pig, right?

The village shop was selling these little guys

And gals!

It’s a pretty village, don’t you think?

With its own Queen of the Fairies- Titania

The school’s entry featured Bottom, of course

And Puck!

While over the road things were going swimmingly!

Note the umbrella pointing to the sign.

Looking at those clouds it’s nearly time to run!

And that’s just half the story, because the two villages compete.  In the interests of fairness I went to Castle Eden on Monday.  It was a grey, surly day and some of the scarecrows had had a good soaking from the downpour.  But the village spirit was still in evidence.

Cricket, anyone?

Another Bottom?

And Madness gets in everywhere!

It’s a smaller village than Elwick

But still has a lively sense of humour!

And a splash of colour here and there

Guess who?

I really like this old row of houses

With a more traditional scarecrow

Add a touch of whimsy

Barbecue time, or Christmas? I’m not sure.

But definitely not a beach day!

A good effort by both, I think you’ll agree?  Next year we’ll plan the weather better.  If you click on the galleries you’ll get my guided commentary.  All part of the service! (with a smile)  And if you still haven’t had enough of scarecrows, you can click the Royal Jubilee link for a look back at last year’s sumptuousness.