In May 2008, Matson Baptist Church was looking to put on a community Harvest event as part of their link with the national 'Hope 08' initiative. One of the members suggested a scarecrow festival and this was felt to be ideal. The idea was then shared with the ministers of St. Katharine's and St. Augustine's churches, and also Matson Forum, where the response was very positive. All were willing to be involved, with representatives from Moat and Robinswood schools and the Children's Centre happy to promote the event with their children. Gloucester City Homes offered help with planning process and sponsoring prizes.
The competition was open to all, and individuals and local groups were encouraged to make and enter a scarecrow into the competition. These scarecrows were displayed at several central venues and individual homes around the estate, to create a trail for visitors to follow.
The event also fitted with the seasonal celebration of Harvest Festival, including the importance of local produce, recycling and looking after our natural environment, combining thanksgiving with a challenge to be responsible.
The Scarecrow Trail
On Saturday 4th October 2008 the Scarecrow Trail began at the Redwell Centre. It continued through the shopping parade, the Link Children's Centre, Matson Library and St. Augustine's before finishing at Matson Baptist Church for the Harvest Fayre. As well as the Scarecrows at these venues there were Scarecrows at six residents' homes. St. Katharine's Church were a little way off the trail, but everyone coming along was encouraged to visit their beautiful Harvest display.
In total there were 38 Scarecrows entered into the competition. The Link created an assault course for children and other activities including making mini-Scarecrows at the Redwell Centre. These mini-Scarecrows were joined by several dozen colouring sheet entries, making a beautiful and creative display at the Harvest Fayre.
Group entrants into the competition included Age Concern, Matson Safer Community Team, the local councillors, Robinswood and Moat schools, the Link Children's Centre, Matson Library, Saintbridge Townswomen's Guild, the Phoenix Club, Saintbridge House, St. Augustine's Scouts and several local families. There are probably some entries missing from the list, but thank you to everyone who took part - your efforts and creativity lit up the world that day.
The Harvest Fayre
The Harvest Fayre was full of life with music, a bouncy castle, face painting, stalls, the samba band, human pinball machine, fire engine and crew, and all the other traditional activities you would expect at a traditional village fete.
Everything went very smoothly and the weather was mild for the duration of the events. It was absolutely wonderful to see the Scarecrows everywhere, with residents basking in the sheer joy that Harvest brings. There were over 200 residents at Matson Baptist Church alone.
The large number of Scarecrows entered was also a source of great pride and satisfaction for everyone, and it was surely one of the best days our community has ever had locally. There was a real buzz of excitement and lots of happy faces.
As well as bringing the whole Matson & Robinswood community together for a fun day, there were important lessons about the natural environment and sustainability, as well as the many benefits of local produce.
The community spirit was in abundance and the neighbourhood felt like a small village for a day. All of the community organisations, schools and churches came together to make the day a success, proving beyond doubt that there is more to Matson and Robinswood than bad press, lifting residents' spirits in these dark times and paving the way to many more local community events.
The event was so successful that there was no question that we will all chip in each year to do it again. We learnt many lessons to apply to all stages of the festival, which will hopefully make each year's event even bigger and even better. In the medium and long term all of these events will build a stronger community and develop pride in what we can achieve together.
The second annual Scarecrow Trail and Harvest Fayre took place on Saturday 3rd October 2009, this time with a trail in Robinswood as well as Matson. We'll publish a full report and pictures here soon.
View pictures of the 2008 Scarecrows in the
Picture Gallery
Matson & Robinswood
Residents Group
The Gateway
81 Matson Avenue
Matson, GLOUCESTER, GL4 6LL
07954 604042
mail@matson-robinswood.org.uk