Villagers take royal inspiration to create eye-popping scarecrow trail in Hordle

A REGAL theme inspired a village-wide scarecrow trail organised by the Hordle and District Twinning Association.

Following the excitement surrounding the nuptials of Prince Harry and Megan Markle earlier this summer, more than a dozen households took up the challenge of creating a scarecrow inspired by their favourite fairy-tale princes and princesses.

Hordle Twinning Association chairman and event organiser Bob Norley said: “We have been organising the scarecrow competition for nine years and it has become a very popular event in the village calendar. This year we had 17 entries in the trail including four from local businesses.

“There were some absolutely excellent efforts and the trail has proved to be very popular with families, especially those with young children who are delighted to see the scarecrows.

“Many people have spent a couple of hours walking, cycling, or sometimes driving around the village to see the whole selection.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Hordle’s twinship with Yerville, in France, so the scarecrow trail helped promote the twinning association and its various activities.

A photographic display of the scarecrows will be put on for the Hordle Village Fair tomorrow (Saturday) before the top three will be announced at the end in each category: children / individuals or families and business entries.

Bob added: “We usually give away prizes like book tokens or chocolate but for most people it is the accolade of creating the village’s best scarecrow that really counts.”

Scarecrow trail maps are available to buy from Hordle Pharmacy, Budgens (Hordle Garage), Everything Pets, and Everton Post Office.