The scarecrows have invaded! You may have noticed (how could you not!) a swarm of Scarecrows has appeared for our fundraiser for Welsh Mountain Zoo. I saw the financial struggle that the Zoos are having to feed their animals and to meet maintenance costs during lockdown. Obviously visitors are their main source of income so having to close their gates has a major financial impact on all zoos and aquariums.
So why Scarecrows? I wanted the fundraiser to be something that would bring the community together whilst also being able to keep them 2 meters apart! A scarecrow competition seemed like an ideal way to do this as creating the scarecrow is a great family activity for all ages. It also encourages those from the surrounding area to have a fun family day out, exercising in the scenic countryside, without creating a large gathering. I have been so impressed with the villages enthusiasm for the competition. People have really made an effort with choosing a theme, creating the scarecrows and even shown impressive constructive integrity in their creations. The compassion of the village is really shown with the choice of themes. We have Captain Tom and his nurse, a joint creation from the residents of ‘The Meadows’, and a range of key worker tributes including nurses, farmers and delivery drivers.
Our residents have really used their imagination to develop relevant themes to their patch too. We have Jemima duck by the Ash Parva Duck Pond, an explorer by the public right of way and a White Lion by the pub. It’s going to be a tough choice for the voters! Thank you to everybody who has entered a Scarecrow, voted, or entered the raffle. We have (as of 2nd June) raised £300 including a very generous donation of £100 from Stallion AI. All of the proceeds will be going to Welsh Mountain Zoo. The government has provided grants for zoos in England, but the Welsh government has not offered the same support. Therefore all the funds will be going to the nearest Welsh Zoo, which is based in Colwyn Bay and houses over 140 species. Thanks for reading, we may see you in 2021!
Ash Resident
Voting is from 6th – 14th June 2020