6 | NEWS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 3, 2016
Scarecrows help Sonning celebrate in style Over the bank holiday weekend, Scarecrows could be spotted all over a borough village. But that wasn’t the only fun to be had as GEMMA DAVIDSON explains
The “Incredibles Spanish” team in the Adult Dongola Final at Sonning Regatta Regatta pictures: Steve Smyth Scarecrow pictures: Gemma Davidson
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UNDREDS of people took to the streets of Sonning to hunt for scarecrows last weekend. Around 60 scarecrows of all shapes and sizes donned the route on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday just waiting to be found. While Sunday had the lion’s share of the good weather, meaning the ice cream van did a roaring trade, a little drizzle didn’t put the crowds off on Monday. As well as the colourful, playful and sometimes political scarecrows on show, vintage cars were also on display at Old Forge Yard, in Pearson Road, and several residents opened up their gardens for visitors to have a look around. One of those was Sue Jacobs who lives at The Old Dairy in Thames Street. She said: “I am the fourth generation of my family to live here, and we have spent a lot of time renovating the garden into something beautiful. “This is the first time we have taken part in the Open Gardens but it has been lovely seeing so many people coming and going, it’s a great event for the village.”
Vikings
One of the most extravagant scarecrows along the route was The Return of the Vikings in High Street, created by Carol and JJ Vizern. Carol said: “We have just moved back to Sonning after living in Copenhagen for a number of years so it is our way of letting the village know that we are back!” Trail organiser Barbara Carr said: “The Scarecrow Trail was a great success this year because of course we were so fortunate with the weather! “A record number of people attended, being able to see an assortment of scarecrows made by the villagers, look round several very different gardens or have a classic car experience. The event will hopefully have raised funds for a variety of village amenities.” The scarecrow which got the most votes during the trail was Whack-a-Trump in Pearson Road, which depicted US Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton wielding a mallet above rival Donald Trump’s head. Saturday also saw dozens of boats take to the Thames at Sonning Lock to take part in the Regatta. It is estimated that around 500 people and race crews came along to enjoy the fine weather and take part in the festivities. Organiser John Hargrave said: “The event was very well attended with most people getting the ferry from Reading Blue Coat School boathouse across to the site. “The Sonning Scouts cooked burgers and Charvil PTA provided cakes and sandwiches and the bar served beer and pimms until it ran dry – twice!”
Eileen Sheppard, Alison Bourne, Kathy Cottle, Gill Franton and Jane McIlroy enjoying the regatta
The Dingle Dangle Dongols team on their way to victory in the Adult Dongola Final
Nina Smith with Toby (4), Loula (8) and Suki (10) watching the regatta races
Call a Spade a Spade in Thames Street
JJ Vizern with his Danish scarecrow in High Street
A bright sunflower inspired creation
Whack-A-Trump saw Hillary take on the Donald
At Home With the Clooneys
Kim Krowdashian in Pearson Road Vintage bikes were also part of Sonning’s big weekend
Regatta Results: Adult Dongola – Dingle Dangle Dongols Junior Dongola – Demon Dolphin Dongols Canoeing – Tim and Gus Saunders Junior Kayaks – Dan Mussett Coxed pair rowing – Ross and Rachel Barnes Ladies coxed pair - Jo Burnage and Carol McDiarmid
Curried Trump at The Ivy of Sonning
Flowers in Long Acre’s open garden
Classic cars were on show at the festival
Peanuts was the inspiration for this clever scarecrow