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In a tranquil English village, with pretty stone-built cottages
huddled together along a murmuring river, I had some time to take a
wander around. In the tiny out-of-the-way Lancashire village of Wray,
where tumbling rose briers obscured worn dates reading
"1600-and-something" carved unevenly above doorways, there
were no tea rooms, souvenir shops or the usual trappings of twee
tourist trail villages. I presumed I would get a glimpse of a normal
village with normal village life. I got a whole lot more village
life than I expected!
There were a few more people around
in this village for its size and they seemed to be engaged in
scrutinising other peoples' gardens and houses in greater detail
than would normally be acceptable. Maybe this was permitted in the
North of England, known for its friendly but up-front manner. As I
passed a group of two couples starring into someone's garden, I
followed their gaze. There was a burglar climbing out of the house
on a ladder through an open window! However this life-size burglar
was stuffed with straw, wearing a striped shirt and a mask with a
bag labelled "swag" over his shoulder. I was in the middle
of this year's Scarecrow Festival.
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The colourful scarecrows were everywhere,
in gardens, at the road side, in front of houses, looking out from
windows and doors, in the river, in the surrounding countryside. Some
offered local sayings, jokes or other messages from speech bubbles or
wooden boards propped up at their sides. The local humour was very
much apparent. My particular favourite was a traffic police-scarecrow
dressed in full uniform and regulation Highway Police fluorescent
jacket. He was crouching behind a parked car on the entry to the
village, radar gun at the ready for any unsuspecting motorist! Many
hearts will have missed a beat driving through the village during the
week long display.
The scarecrows hang around until the
traditional fayre takes place, still a custom in many rural areas of
Britain. Here local folks from the surrounding countryside will
indulge in "fell racing" and "tug-o-war", marvel
at "rare" breeds and jumbo vegetables and relax to the open
air music of local bands.
Although the rural way of life is
currently under threat in the present economic climate, it seems
alive and well in this unspoiled corner of England. Long may it
continue!
(This article is contributed by Life
Behind The Scenery - Editor. For more interesting travel articles,
please visit InfoHub Specialty
Travel Guide)
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