Hundreds set out on fundraising scarecrow trail

Guides in Burghfield, Mortimer and Aldermaston benefit

Hundreds of visitors have taken on an engaging scarecrow trail around the villages of Burghfield, Mortimer and Aldermaston, which will continue until Saturday, when the prize winners will be announced.

The fourth annual trail, which has run over half-term, comprises some 23 ‘scarecrows’ including SpongeBob SquarePants, made by the 3rd Burghfield Brownie unit, which is to be found perched atop a Burghfield garage, to the delight of passers-by.

“Last year we did Hermione from Harry Potter, and the year before Tracy Beaker,” said Lynda Jones, the Guides district commissioner for Warennes Wood, the district covering Burghfield, Mortimer and Aldermaston.

She said that the trail had taken on a life of its own. There was an outcry at the suggestion that it might not continue next year.

“I said we won’t do it next year and people said you must!”

Scarecrows to be found along the trail include Paddington Bear, made by former Burghfield Brownie leader Doreen Hales and Bill and Ben (the Flowerpot men) made by The Lewis family, of Burghfield.

Money from the purchase of trail sheets, which raises an average of £500 each year, goes towards Guide, Brownie and Rainbow funds and last year helped to pay the costs of training for new volunteer leaders and for attendance at an international Windsor Guide camp. Some 250 trail sheets have been sold so far this year.

Other family attractions, such as swings and parks, can be found along the way, all providing entertainment – a “good family afternoon out for £1,” said Mrs Jones.

Visitors vote for their favourite scarecrow, using a tear-off slip on the trail sheet. Results will be collated on Saturday, with prizewinners to be announced at 2pm, at the Methodist Hall, Burghfield Common.

Trail sheets are available from The Fruit Shop, Reading Road, and Burghfield Common Post Office, Recreation Road.