Festival News last updated 31 May 2009 Sir Alan Sugar finds favour in Wetwang  Monday 31 May: Unlike his hapless apprentices, Sir Alan Sugar certainly did not find himself fired and out of a job this weekend in Wetwang. In fact, his scarecrow look-a-like carried off the coveted title of favourite scarecrow in the village’s annual Scarecrow Festival public vote. At the culmination of a week of visiting and voting, it was Sue George’s tongue-in-cheek creation, The Scarepprentice, that curried the most favour from an estimated 10,000 visitors to Wetwang. In the winning entry, Sir Alan’s papier mache form sat as his boardroom table with arm outstretched, finger pointing , as he fired an unfortunate scarecrow apprentice sitting opposite. Pinned to the window next to him was a speech bubble saying, in a characteristic Sir Alan tone, “Total Disaster. Scarecrows everywhere. You’re fired.” The scarecrow’s stunned creator declared herself “amazed” to have won, with such hot competition from scarecrows the length and breadth of the village. In second place came S. Couch’s amazing recreation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, followed closely by Andrea Gunner’s The Lion King scene. Ms Gunner is a two time winner of the public vote herself, having carried off the prize in 2008 for Hansel and Gretl and in 2007 for The Wizard of Wetwang. A record-breaking year for the Wetwang scarecrows! Wednesday 27 May: Organisers of Wetwang’s seventh annual Scarecrow Festival are pinching themselves this morning as they emerge from the Festival’s most successful Bank Holiday weekend – ever! The combination of brilliant creations and bright sunshine spelled booming business for the Village Hall’s Scarecrow Café, Tombola and Craft Fayre. “We can barely keep up with demand,” says Sue George, the brains behind the successful Scarecrow Café. “We have fresh cakes and pastries coming in each day from households across Wetwang and its neighbouring villages, yet they are selling out as quickly as we put them on display!” The café is open throughout the week until Saturday 30th May from 11am to 4pm, serving sandwiches, children’s lunchboxes, soft drinks and savoury items as well as the ubiquitous and delicious home-baked goods. Meet our 2009 winners...           Tuesday 26 May: When it comes to the famous Wetwang scarecrows, this year was certainly no disappointment! The winning entries include family favourites such as Beauty and the Beast made by S. Couch, The Lion King made by Andrea Gunner (winner of the public vote in 2007 and 2008), and Tom and Jerry made by Jacob and Olivia Day (aged 4 and 3 respectively). There were three very different but equally excellent prize-winning versions of Jack and the Beanstalk, made by The Dixon Family, by Ron and Ann Ward and by Langtoft School (in the ‘out of town’ scarecrow category). There are also some hilarious comedy scarecrow entries such as ‘Looking for Pooh’ by Hellen Tordoff, ‘Bottomed Out’ by Hannah Woollaston and ‘Making Friends’ by Peter Child. Other novelty entries include ‘Cycle, Recycle – Being E-Crow Friendly’ by Will Huntley and even a mermaid in ‘Look what we Found Among the Haddock’ from Harpers Fish & Chips. The year’s bumper crop of truly fantastic scarecrow inventions intermixes fairytale characters and historical figures with more modern media stars like Peppa Pig, Sir Alan Sugar and The Stig. All in all, say the organisers, Wetwang’s scarecrows are still well worth a visit! The Festival continues until Saturday 30 May. When our winners met the mayor Tuesday 26 May: According to the Chair of the Wetwang Village Hall Committee, Emma Day, the highlight of the Festival so far has been in the form of a visit from Wetwang’s celebrity mayor BBC weatherman Paul Hudson, who joined Wetwang’s scarecrow makers and Festival organisers at the Village Hall on Sunday 24 May to award the winners with their certificates and rosettes. “It is such a bonus for the village that Paul supports these events and people really enjoy meeting him – our very own celebrity!” Scarecrow Festival to enjoy the fun of the fair... Friday 15 May: As if all the scarecrows, homemade cakes and Craft Fayre weren't enough, Wetwang Scarecrow Festival organisers are delighted to announce that a funfair will now be running throughout the Festival. The funfair will be situated opposite the Village Hall on Wetwang Primary School's car park. Rides will be priced at £1.50 each, and the fair will be open from 10am to 6pm daily. Hop aboard a teacup or jump on an inflatable or the trampolines - and have fun! The Wetwang Saga continues... Friday 01 May: Local author, David Lunn, will be selling and signing books in the lobby of the Village Hall every afternoon during Scarecrow Week. 'The Wetwang Saga' has been sponsored by the High Wolds Heritage Group and is on sale for £8.95. Grab your copy of the Wolds latest read! In praise of The Wetwang Saga: The story of Fridaythorpe, Fimber and Wetwang: “This is not just for those who have heard of Wetwang. The careful study of the past of these three villages makes it an invaluable guide to the history of nearly every village in England.” Schedule of Scarecrow Festival Events Confirmed Friday 08 May: This year’s festival promises to be packed with exciting activities and events, so make sure you put a few of them in your diary... A prize-giving ceremony for the judges’ winners on Sunday 24 May at 3.15pm for 3.30pm at the Village Hall. Our illustrious mayor Paul Hudson will be at the Village Hall to give out the prizes, with a little help from our judges who include the Head of Wetwang Primary School, Mrs Anne O’Connor, the Head of Wetwang Pre-School, Ms Rosemarie Edgerton and the former Chair of East Riding Council, Councillor Barbara Jefferson. A ‘Scare the Crows’ Evensong also on Sunday 24 May at 6.30pm at St Nicholas’ Church. The whole world is invited to join in this wonderful community event. The singing will be led by the Woldsburn Benefice Choir and the crows will be scared by a sermon from Bishop David Lunn. We are told “a good sing is guaranteed”! The announcement of the winner of the public vote at 3pm on Saturday 30 May at the Village Hall. The crowning of the Scarecrow Festival’s king or queen will be followed by the Grand Draw at 3.30pm and prize-giving for the winners of the children’s competitions. For more information on the latest Scarecrow Festival news, please contact Jilly Rewse-Davies on 236641.