Hello,

As you undoubtedly know  already High Wych held its second scarecrow festival last weekend. The weather was not as brilliant as it was last year but  participation broke all records. The village was rewarded with a two page spread in the Herts & Essex Observer and also with an online video. If you are interested, you may want to visit that paper’s website.

The Sawbridgeworth Local History Society set out its stall there as well, complete with a scarecrow of Asgar the Staller, the first known Lord of the Manor in our area.  For the occasion we had amended our presentation slightly making it more attractive for tose who live in the ecclesiastical and civic parish of High Wych.  There was a quiz with “historical questions” which was won by Amy Mead.

Thanks go to the organisers, visitors and participants. And if you are wondering, the above picture shows David Royle on the SLHS stand just after we set out our wares. That’s him on the left. The other chap is Asgar!

As this is a High Wych website rather than a Sawbtidgeorth ditto I can’t resist showing you some favourite scarecrow pictures.

Talk soon,  Best wishes,   your High Wych Historian

Hello,

As many of you know on Saturday 9th September and the following Sunday the High Wych scarecrow and flower festival will be held. Scarecrows will line the road from The Hand and Crown Pub to High Wych School and along High Wych Lane up to The Manor of Groves Hotel. The centre of the festival will be St James’ Church. The churchyard will also be decorated with scarecrows and there will be stalls from local organisations. The Sawbridgeworth Local History Society will be there as well  and your High Wych historian will be one of those manning its stand.

The SLHS will have its own scarecrow in the shape of Asgar the Staller who was the first known “Lord of the Manor” in these parts. See above for a picture of Asgar’s  scarecrow. Asgar fought on the side of a famous king during a famous battle against the forces of another famous king. We are not telling you more than that as there will be a quiz to answer and a prize to win. Participation in that quiz will be limted to children below the age of 16. So why dont you come along.  Apart from that there will be photographs and maps from the olden days to look at and friendly people to talk to. You might even want to join the SLHS !!!