Scarecrows pop up around Portsmouth in pandemic-themed competition to honour key workers

Imaginative designs of all kinds were seen on the trail for the Great Make Portsmouth Urban Scarecrow Festival, which aimed to give thanks to people working hard throughout the pandemic.

The fun competition was judged by Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Rob Wood and Lady Mayoress Debra Wood who enjoyed strolling around to visit displays and chat to designers about what they had created.

More than 20 scarecrows were created for the event, which was run by the Aldingbourne Trust’s social enterprise Make, which trains adults with learning disabilities or autism in retail and catering environments.

Sarah Mitas, manager at Make, said: ‘The community embraced it wholeheartedly and we had keyworker scarecrows popping up all over Portsmouth.

‘It was a beautifully sunny day and people enjoyed visiting the scarecrows around the city. It was won by Pineapple Tots Childcare with a scarecrow called Camilla Crow closely followed by Harry Sotnick House’s group of scarecrows enjoying tea.’

Emma Lennox, a support worker for The Aldingbourne Trust, said it was so cheerful to see the scarecrows on her bike ride home after work.

The Lord Mayor enjoyed viewing the interesting designs so much, he has requested another festive-themed scarecrow festival to brighten up the Christmas period.

Cllr Wood said: ‘Make’s Scarecrow festival was a fabulous and fun way for the local community to show their creative side while at the same time highlighting how we all need to support each other and feel appreciated.

‘The Lady Mayoress and I had a great time meeting all those involved in judging and were blown away by people’s creativity and sheer joy in sharing. We would love to do it all again as it was so enjoyable, the team at Make were lovely people and made us very welcome.’

The second festive event put on by Make is set to take place on December 12 and 13, and Sarah hopes to see even more scarecrows throughout the city taking part.

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