Topical and traditional themes adopted in 2023 creations

THOUSANDS of islanders headed to Torteval over the weekend for the 2023 Scarecrow Festival that saw nearly 50 entries along the well-trodden path through the lanes.

You can’t get a much more traditional scarecrow than a west coast fisherman, Le Paissounnier. (Pictures by Luke Le Prevost, 32373865)

Scarecrow themes including Guernsey FC mascot Roary the Lion, the Island Games and local fishermen, were judged in categories of schools, pre-schools, individuals and groups.

It was the first year that people outside the parish of Torteval have been allowed to enter.

Brothers Freddie and Albie Wilbraham, aged 9 and 8, were walking the route for a second year.

They had put in place their own scoring system for each of the scarecrows Freddie’s from one to 10, and Alfie’s 1-20.

‘The scarecrows get points for the details and how they look. I really like the Scouts’ one because it reminded me of the Minions film,’ said Freddie.

‘I enjoy seeing all the different designs and all the details,’ added Alfie.

Felicity Pennell, 8, was very impressed by the Recycling Rob scarecrow. (32373879)

Eight-year-old Felicity Pennell was less interested in the aesthetics of the scarecrows, but more what they portrayed.

‘Recycling Rob was my favourite because they didn’t have to go out and get loads of materials, but used recycled things to make a simple structure. It’s a good message and I’m currently working on an upcycling project at school,’ she said.

Judging was done by the Lt-Governor Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell as well as the public casting votes for their favourites.

The pylons on the golf driving range at La Grande Mare which have caused so much controversy were used in The Torteval Golf Course.(32373877)

Two scarecrow scenes imitating the pylons at La Grande Mare were highly regarded by visitors, as well as the final display on the route, which included various puns surrounding the topic.

The weekend festival follows a two-mile circuit through the parish, starting from the church. It ran until 5pm yesterday.

Over the past 20 years it has become a popular part of the island’s summer schedule of events.

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‘It’s often a meeting place for islanders who haven’t seen each other since the last one,’ said organiser Sue Brooks. ‘The lanes are often full of people chatting.’

Money received from car parking charges will be donated to the Lihou Island Charitable Trust and Cancer Research Guernsey.