THE village of Pilton came together to share food, drink, fun – and scarecrows – at a weekend event.
While the usual Pilton Show includes a party and a flower show, this year has been a bit different due to the pandemic.
So, the organizers decided to organize an outdoor party – the Pilton Picnic.
Instead of a competitive flower show, villagers were invited to bring offerings, as would happen for the Harvest Festival, resulting in a diverse and colorful array of flowers, fruits and vegetables, which were sold at the end.
A strange collection of scarecrows greeted people on the grounds, having already been on display in the village for two weeks and voted on by people walking around.
A total of 102 votes were received, putting Maureen and Steve Tofts’ Super Market Worker in first place, followed by Harrison’s Humpty by Harrison Foley, and then by ex-firefighter William Ogborne’s Mr Burns.
Luckily the sun was shining and everyone was able to relax outside and have a picnic, or grab a bargain at the Emporium, play silly games at the stalls, watch the kids run around or generally let off steam, while the bluegrass and live jazz were performed by the Olde Boston Goûter.
FAMILY EFFORT: Scarecrow Contest 2nd Prize Winner Harrison Foley with Harrison’s Humpty, pictured with the James family, Hollie and Piper Foley
In between, Haggis and Charlie juggled and joked, or held workshops, giving the event a festival feel.
Under the marquee, local artisans (pottery or fleeces and objects made of wool from local sheep) or vendors of healing lotions and potions were selling their wares.
Show President Jenny de Gex said: “It was so good to see everyone having a good time with their friends and family in relatively relaxed mode – as was the intention without the stress of a full show while getting out of blockages.
“It was also interesting meeting new people, as well as old friends that we hadn’t seen in a while.
“Thanks everyone for coming and supporting our fresher variation on a village day – everyone seemed to be having fun which was the intention! ”
Kelly Knight and Tessa Munt
Malcolm and Sylvia Drakes with John and Mandy Rossiter
Rachel Austin and Rebecca Hobbs at Barnardo’s booth
Stephen and Lesley Parry, Ann Millard, Jack Matthews and Sue Millard
Vicky Knight and Gail Milne
Richard, Emily and Yasmin Gulliford
Jean Warry, Sandra House and Shirley Chiffers from Nearly New
Ted Rogers and Roger Burr of Pilton United
Olde Boston tea
Andy Bracken, Buzz and Niki Fisher
