Basingstoke and District Disability Forum (BDDF), hosted the third annual Chineham and Sherfield Park Scarecrow Trail last month.

The theme was ‘A Moment in History’ to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with 52 displays to find across the trail.

Chineham Church hosted on Saturday, May 28, and saw the first Chineham ‘Bake Off’ competition. Reverend Jonathan and Lady Judith Colman judged the winning entries, and all were then served as part of a jubilee tea party celebration.

Sunday saw a host of local charities join in fun at Sherfield Park Community Centre, with something for all the family.

The event was championed by BDDF chairperson Ani Spalding, who said: “We started the event in 2020 to raise awareness about BDDF and give the community a chance to come together and have some fun in a Covid-secure way. I am blown away by the continued local support from everyone that puts so much time and effort into making their amazing scarecrows as well as from all the people that have already come out over the weekend to walk the trail.”

The charity was delighted to welcome the mayor, Cllr Paul Miller and mayoress, Sandra Miller, who joined on both days, lending their support and engaging with the other organisations in attendance. They took time out to visit Chineham Shopping Centre as well, who are hosting part of the trail this year.

A team of volunteers donated their time to support the event, including community champions from Home Instead, HSBC and Tesco. They were all having as much fun as the visitors and helped to create a fantastic atmosphere.

A ‘thank you’ has been given to sponsors Loddon Properties, which created its first display this year, and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for supporting the event.

All funds raised over the weekend will support BDDF services which are free to access, from seated yoga to information services, and support its mission to facilitate increased awareness, active involvement, and healthy promotion of disability and those who live it.

For more information, visit bddf.org.uk, telephone 01256 423869 or follow on social media to keep up to date.

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