The Haddenham Scout and Guide Association is delighted to present the 8th annual Haddenham Scarecrow Festival, which will run from 3rd to 18th June inclusive. The organisers are inviting entries from 1st to 24th May and would love to hear from individuals, families, neighbours, whole streets, local businesses, schools, community groups and organisations who would like to make a scarecrow and take part
Funds raised from the 2023 Festival will be divided between two local charitable causes.
Firstly, we are supporting Aylesbury-based charity "Emmett's Genies". Emmett is a little boy who was diagnosed with cancer when he was two and a half years old. He underwent surgery and months of gruelling treatment before finally being given "complete remission" status in 2019. Due to the critical illness Emmett had bravely fought, he was eligible for a wish through a wish granting charity and spent a magical week in Florida with his family.
Hugely inspired by their unique experience, Emmett's mum Amy – who went to school in Haddenham – set up this charity to raise funds to create something similar for other children and their families in the UK. Amy's vision is to create a wish kids' village in England and the opportunity to bring joy and long-lasting memories to families and their wish kids. Amy tells us that Emmett is now 7 years old, he's doing really well and is a Beaver Scout! It's therefore really special for Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides to support him through this event.
Secondly, we are supporting the "Hat and Boots" Appeal, set up last November to save and restore the witchert-built Haddenham Baptist Chapel in Stockwell. Last month, Historic England added this listed building to the national Heritage at Risk Register and we are showing our support by choosing a Hats and Boots theme for the 2023 Scarecrow Festival. Many of the scarecrows we've seen over the years in Haddenham have worn a hat or some boots, so it's very appropriate but it's entirely optional as pretty much anything goes!
Full details of how to donate are on the entry form and will be published again when the Festival is open.
Online donations can be made here
To sign up and be included on the official Scarecrow Trail Map, simply complete and return your entry form by the closing date of midnight on Wednesday 24th May.
Full information and entry forms are available to download from here or from Blooming Fruity or from outside 7 Dovecote HP17 8BP.
All Scouting and Guiding units in Haddenham are run by local volunteers. The Association is always keen to hear from adults who would like to find out more about volunteering with village Scouting or Guiding. Please contact us (see below) to find out more.
Visitors come from far and wide to see our Haddenham Scarecrow Festival, so start planning your entry now and let's put on a fantastic display in 2023! Maps will be available from 3rd June online and in village outlets as well as at Haddenham Village Fete on 10th June.
For further details please e-mail Francesca Flaxton at scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com
or text 07554 141810
