Bee-keeping bear among 'scarecrow' trail (From Bucks Free Press)

Bee-keeping bear among 'scarecrow' trail

2:58pm Thursday 15th July 2010 in

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A BEEKEEPING bear was among the more unusual entries into Marlow's second summer scarecrow trail competition.

The brown teddy (pictured) bucked the trend for the shopping challenge, aimed at attracting extra customers and encourage families into the town.

Shops made themed 'scarecrows' to display in their windows – each with a differing occupation – which visitors had to guess to win prizes.

Organisers Marlow Chamber of Trade said it proved a hit once more.

About 200 forms were taken by eager participants and more than 20 shops took part.

Chamber vice-president Annie Mulady said: “We witnessed a lot of people going around the town with their sheets of paper for the trail. It was excellent.

“I spoke to a lot of retailers who said there had been a lot of interest and that it had been busy.”

Free parking in Wycombe District Council car parks, seemed to have boosted trade generally on Saturday, she added.

Jane Hutton, owner of Beehive Treats in Spittal Street, who joined in the event for the first time after moving to Marlow in October, said it had been “terrific fun” and children, in particular had shown great enthusiasm.

The shop opted for a cuddly creature rather than the conventional scarecrow for its entry.

Mrs Hutton said: “We needed something with a connection to bees – hence the beekeeper. We thought it would be more charming to have a bear than a mannequin I'd made.”

The trail ran for the first time last year as the chamber sought ways to boost trade in the town.

Winners will be announced next week.