Barbie, Ali G and other effigies

A RANGE of effigies were featured in Sonning’s 11th biennual scarecrow trail held over the bank holiday weekend.

Thousands of visitors descended on the village on Sunday and Monday to view more than 50 fun figures made by residents.

Many of the creations were prompted by TV and film with Ali G, Barbie and Ken, Spiderman and Murder, She Wrote all depicted while the Paris Olympics in July also provided inspiration.

Some villagers added sound effects, such as the Singin’ in the Rain display which had the iconic song playing.

Visitors were charged £5 for a trail map, which also enabled them to visit three open gardens and a vintage car display.

Barbara Carr, a member of the organising committee, said: “People work on the scarecrows for several weeks beforehand and a considerable amount of thought goes into some of them. We sell maps and programmes to the public and raise money which is ploughed back into the comuminity. We can make up to £20,000.”

In previous years, the proceeds have gone towards a community garden at Sonning Primary School and for the repair of the clock at Pearson Hall.

Cathy Haill created “Barbie World” in her front garden in High Street. She said: “Last year I did the Addams family, who were fun but a little bit weird, so I thought we’d do something a bit brighter, a bit pinker, this year. You start with chicken wire and make a body and then you cover that with any kind of foam or bubble wrap. Then you do the papier mâché, putting wet paper over the surface and painting it.”

Mrs Haill worked on her figures over six weekends. “I dressed them up in my own clothes and shoes,” she said. My husband made the car and I decorated the garden. I love the reaction when it makes everybody happy.”

“Birds of a Feather” featured two Sonning primary children in uniform, a resident of the Signature care home in Caversham and a care worker.

Phil Sherwood, headteacher at the school, said: “It is a collaboration by some of our pupils and residents at the care home.

“One of our parents set up a club for the children at Signature, so they go once a week and work on activities with residents.

“The figures were made with papier mâché, straw and sticks to hold them up. We borrowed old uniforms from the school.

“The children and residents worked together to create them. It took them six weeks, working every Monday for about two or three hours. It was a great community project to encourage different generations to connect.”

American Kimberley Thompson, of High Street, created the scene from Murder, She Wrote.

“I love the show and I am from in New England,” she said. “And what could be better than a little mystery in a little village?

“I took part last year and made Jaws. I used the same mannequin as last year. It took me about an hour to set up. It’s great to take part in community events like this. I think Sonning is the best community in the country.”