1^st May 2020

During these difficult times, we all need something to make us smile! The Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides is delighted that our 5^th Annual Scarecrow Festival can go ahead – albeit in a different way to previous years!   We have put together a package which takes into account the current Government Social Distancing Guidelines and we will constantly review how the Festival moves forward in the light of any changes to these measures.

Previous Scarecrow Festivals have been launched at Haddenham Fete in June and have run at the same time as Bucks Art Weeks. As neither of these events will be taking place, the 2020 Scarecrow Festival Fortnight will be brought forward – it will open on Monday 1^st June and close on Sunday 14^th June.

We are challenging people to use their imagination and creativity to make a Scarecrow using any resources you already have at home, in your loft, garden, shed or garage – no need to go out and buy anything and no need to include straw unless you already have some! Your Scarecrow can be ANY shape or size as long as it can be visibly displayed at the front of your own property 24 hours a day from 1^st June (NOT beforehand please!) until the end of Sunday 14^th June.

Passers-by will be able to enjoy the Scarecrows whilst taking daily exercise around the village. More guidelines about following the Trail at a safe distance will be issued later. We will also arrange to display some of them “virtually” for those who may be self isolating.

Entries can be submitted any time between Friday 1^st May and Weds 27^th May.  All entries submitted by the closing date of 27th May will be included on the official Scarecrow Trail Map, copies of which will be made available both online and from limited outlets in the village. To take part, simply complete and return an entry form to register your Scarecrow. Forms will be available to download from haddenham.net or by contacting Francesca Flaxton at scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com or send a text to 07554 141810.

Fundraising for Medical Detection Dogs

We are inviting voluntary donations from Scarecrow Festival participants towards our chosen charity, Medical Detection Dogs. The Scout & Guide Association will donate 100% of the funds raised towards their vital work, which includes new research into the detection of COVID-19. The charity’s Founder and CEO, Dr Claire Guest says: “we believe our dogs have the potential to help and detect individuals who have the COVID–19 virus, even those who are a-symptomatic.” The charity needs to raise £1m to complete this vital research project. For further information see: https://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/covid-19-dogs/

Thank you for your support.