Matangi preschool wins this year’s Gathering of the Scarecrows

First time entrants Country Creche Preschool, took out first prize at this year’s Gathering of the Scarecrows at the Hamilton Gardens on Sunday.

Instead of making one scarecrow, like most other entrants, the Matangi preschool decided to make eight.

Preschool supervisor Rachael Kruithos said it took them three weeks to make all the scarecrows and it was very much a whole school effort.“We brainstormed on ideas of what our scarecrow could be and the children decided they wanted a girl scarecrow. Then a staff member suggested we make something from a story book that the children could relate to.” So the children and staff agreed on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as a theme.

The scarecrows’ clothes were sourced from a local op shop and pillow cases were used as heads. The preschool also has a sewing machine which meant the children were involved in the making of the scarecrows.

All scarecrows were on show in the Kitchen Garden made by preschools, kindergartens,  families and child care centres.

The public was able to vote for their favourite scarecrow in each section, as well as an overall all winner.

Country Creche Preschool received a box of plants, a gardening tool, and a book on how to grow an edible garden.

Event organiser Pamela Hide, a member of  volunteer group Friends of the Hamilton Gardens, said the competition, in its fifth year, had an increase in entries this year and it was good that the weather held up on the day. “This year we had 37 entries. Last year not so many people entered as I think the World Cup was on and most schools were on holidays.”