A special Scarecrow Parade took place in the town centre today to mark the end of the 2011 Scarecrow Festival and celebrate the 100th Wilmslow Show.
If you were in Wilmslow at the time you couldn't have failed to hear the very loud Lancaster Batala Samba Band as they travelled through the town providing a very visual and entertaining display.
They were joined on the parade by Rotary Robin and Rosie, two 12ft scarecrows made by rotarians Geoff Shelmerdine and Bernard Davies.
Comments
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We were informed, and reported, that the Scarecrow Parade would involve the Liverpool Batala Samba Band and two 12ft Scarecrows dancing through the streets of Wilmslow, so it was as I expected, apart from being louder!
This parade, plus the Wilmlsow Show today has proved that and having, been on the Rotary stand today, people far and wide have attended the past few days and thoroughly enjoyed the past couple of days, I know that we have done?
As the person who originally came up with idea of support for the business community and worthy causes in Wilmslow and the person responsible for the organisational aspect, let me throw some light on what Mr Fowler is eluding to.
Plan (a) It was my intention this year to build two 12ft Scarecrows and include a selection of other Scarecrows from across the town following behind in wheel barrows. I had also decided to add a Batala Drumming Band (up to 40 drummers).
This initial idea was communicated to members of the Wilmslow Business Group and was subsequently prematurely reported in newsprint. After planning the route I approached the police and was informed that this could not take place because it would mean closing the road which they were not prepared to do and anyway, they did not have anyone available for road closure duty. Health & Safety!!! Red Tape call it what you will.
Plan (b) Two 12ft Scarecrows and only 20 drummers in the Batala Drumming Band and Rotarians wearing high visual jackets to be at the front, rear and sides of the parade. Health & Safety !!! sorted although very late in the day for newsprint reporting.
This was given approval by the police provided we used the service road from Sainsbury's to Multiyork crossing and down Grove street and only on the pavement along both sides of Water Lane.
So Mr Fowler, sincere apologies to you and your family members for not having the numbers you were expecting but hopefully, like the many, many good folk that turned out to witness the most exciting and exhilerating event to happen to Wilmslow for years, I hope we (the members of the Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club) and the 100+ Scarecrows exhibited by the businesses and schools across the town, managed to at least bring a smile to your face on the day.
As a dedicated Rotarian for more than 28 years I derive the greatest of pleasure from doing things for those less fortunate than myself and assist others wherever I identify a need - I seek no recognition and no reward for my charitable work.
This website is to be congratulated for its professionalism and factual reporting of up to the minute happenings in Wilmslow and on its other sites - the Wilmslow Scarecrow Festival is indebted to the site for their support.
Watch this space for the 2012 event...
Every year the local events are getting better and better and to keep things improving we need to support these and our local businesses - the Wilmslow show was fantastic yesterday also.