Memories of Brotherton: The Scarecrow
by Robert Milner
During early summer the Infirmary Committee would organise a show which included comic bands, fancy dress and other games. A procession would start in the High Street, led by a brass band which come from the Punch Bowl Inn and led by Mr. Thomas Hardy. The procession would proceed along and down past the church, along Low Street to Mr. Linton’s Garage and up Dish Hill, past the Fox Hotel, along the Great North Road to farmer Harry Vause’s field. It was a long way to walk for the children, but they really enjoyed it.
Winners of the fancy dress competition in Brotherton late 1920s
My dad and mum dressed me up as a scarecrow. They fastened a walking stick across my shoulders covered by an old black jacket, with about a foot of sleeve hung down on either end. The ends of the sleeves were stuffed with straw. The trousers were several times too big, the bottoms turned up three or four times and stuffed with straw covering my shoes. Around my neck was also stuffed with straw. My face was covered with black georgette.
I could see through it but no-one could see my face. I had an old battered bowler hat with holes in it stuffed with straw.
Facing the judges, I stood perfectly still with my arms were straight down by my side, under my old jacket. I must have looked like a scarecrow with legs. I got 1st prize which was an envelope with £5 in it. I entered again the following year as a scarecrow and won it again. I won a pocket watch.