The popular summer event has split the total fund pot from its 23rd festival between six charities, adding a further £4,500 collected through car parking donations for Bright Beginnings and Victim Support. But organiser Sue Brooks has warned that next year’s event could be in jeopardy following the deaths of two long-standing helpers, the retirement of a committee member and life-changing injuries sustained by the festival’s site manager in a road accident.
‘It is a bit in the balance because unless we can get help with the setting up and the car park side of it, it’s going to be very difficult,’ she said. ‘We just want to carry on. It’s a good thing. Good for Torteval, for the island. People love it.’
Despite the uncertainty, this year has been a fundraising success, with £2,500 each donated to Le Murier Village, the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, the Fire Service Benevolent Fund, the Pink Ladies, Guernsey Beach Wheelchairs and the Flying Christine marine ambulance.
‘We’re very grateful to the scarecrows,’ said chief ambulance officer John Atkins.
‘The marine ambulance service is entirely funded by donations. It’s recently had its refurbishment done, which has extended its life. It was built with a 30-year design life. She’s 32 years old now, but we’ve extended her by 10 years. That’s cost us a whole lot of money to do, so this donation will really help keep the service operating.’
Guernsey Beach Wheelchairs representative Cathy Lindsay said as well as maintenance and insurance costs, the festival’s donation would help fund the installation of a hoist to assist people getting in and out of its specialist chairs at Pembroke. The charity provides beach wheelchairs, and a swim chair that can be taken into the sea.
‘We’re so grateful for any donations that we get,’ she said.
‘We rely solely on donations so we can carry on.’
Naomi Allen-Leach, chair of the Pink Ladies, said the funding received would support islanders affected by breast cancer, including individual wellbeing support, awareness initiatives and improvements to local services.
‘It’s amazing to receive this donation,’ she said.
‘This is such a beautiful community event and it was a big, lovely surprise to be chosen as a beneficiary.’
Jo Priaulx also welcomed the donation, having previously benefitted from the festival’s fundraising.
‘It’s always a lovely event, and it’s really attracted the whole island,’ she said.
‘But next year we need to help find it some volunteers and give back. We must do a volunteer shout-out just to keep it going.’
Mrs Brooks said the festival committee selected beneficiaries from nominations put forward by its members, with the aim of supporting local causes.
This year’s event attracted thousands of visitors to Torteval in July, with 45 scarecrows lining the trail – including creations inspired by the World Cup and US president, Donald Trump. Mrs Brooks is now appealing for individuals and businesses to help with the physical demands of staging future festivals.
Volunteers would not need to commit to the entire week, she said, and a day or two’s work would be highly appreciated.
Those able to volunteer next year or offer the loan of a small truck can contact Mrs Brooks at susan_brooks@cwgsy.net
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