Scary goings-on at Kenilworth allotments

The scarecrows were judged by Kenilworth Town Clerk Maggie Field, who rated them in three categories, traditional, children’s and novelty.

She said: “It was wonderful to see the current local, national and world themes reflected in the allotments.

“From the Siege to the Olympics and Brexit, the scarecrows provide an inspiring snapshot of summer this year and together with the creativity, planning and hard work that has clearly gone into producing these, it was a pleasure to be involved in judging them.”

The winner in the traditional category was ‘No Crows Here’, which was praised for its high attention to detail and its ‘handsome chiselled features’.

‘Mary Mary Quite Contrary’ won the children’s category thanks to its faithfulness to the nursery rhyme of the same name - it was decorated with silver bells and cockle shells.

Finally, ‘Borage Johnson’ won in the novelty category, which parodied politician Boris Johnson’s blonde hair and zip wire antics. The judging took place before the allotments’ open day this Sunday August 14, right at the end of National Allotment Week.

Secretary of Odibourne Allotments Lily Brownjohn said: “We aim to offer a fun day out for Kenilworth and the surrounding area’s residents.

“Children will especially love it as they can enter a competition to see how many scarecrows they can count.

“We have all the usual attractions, a tea tent to relax in with delicious home-made cakes as well as cakes, jams and preserves to take home.

“Ice creams and samosas will be available as will some much sought-after fresh fruit and vegetables from our plots. Our Pimms tent, now firmly established, has proved a constant favourite.

“There will of course be a raffle as well as a demonstration beehive and advice from our recycling and composting expert.”

The open day runs from 2 to 4pm.