Mysterious Stannington scarecrows lift spirits during lockdown

The fabulous life-sized stuffed dolls have taken over the village while residents shelter at home from coronavirus.

They are dressed up as a range of characters, including Where's Wally, a unicorn, a key worker superhero and John Barrowman, with various accessories such as sunglasses, flower garlands, wigs, face masks, hats and gloves.

Many are holding up positive messages for passers-by such as ‘stay classy, stay safe’, ‘Stannington [hearts] the NHS’ and ‘stay safe, remain fabulous’.

Coun Penny Baker, Sheffield Council member for Stannington, said: “It puts a big smile on your face and brings joy.

“What an innovative way of brightening up a community when these sorts of things are happening.

“People just got up one morning and started walking their dogs and the first one was there, then they found the second one and another and it continued.

“I think they are absolutely lovely, they show brilliant imagination and community spirit and we should be very grateful for the people who are making them.”

A scarecrow has also been found in Woodseats and they are appearing in other parts of the country too, in Chesterfield, Wigan, Capel, Lightcliffe and Saddleworth.

GALLERY: See a selection of pictures of the scarecrows by clicking on this link

Coun Baker said it was a ‘new’ phenomenon for Stannington, which started after the government introduced the lockdown.

She said the village did not have any previous traditions of scarecrow-making, unlike other areas.

There are believed to be about a dozen currently dotted around the village but resident Peter Naldrett said there are more popping up as the days go on.

He said: “At first I was a little surprised to see so many of them spring up, but they soon became a good talking point in Stannington and they all carry a good message.

“I think people want to provide a little bit of fun for people in these dark times and the scarecrows are an extension of the rainbows and teddy bears we have seen in people’s windows.

“People in Belper have been mooing at 6.30pm every day and Nottingham has been playing Things Can Only Get Better - these things just evolve as people try to cope with a difficult set of circumstances.

“It would be good to see more of the scarecrows pop up to keep the kids entertained the one time they’re allowed to leave the house each day.”

Mystery remains about who started the trend.

Nook Lane Junior School said some of its pupils may have joined in, but it was not organised by them.

The Rose and Crown pub - which has a scarecrow outside its temporarily closed doors - said they know who the mystery makers are, but they want to stay anonymous for the time being.

Later, in an anonymous email, someone said: “We started making them to say thank you to the NHS workers in our village and to cheer people up on their daily exercise during lockdown.”

They said the John Barrowman scarecrow had a selfie with the police and now Frank Sidebottom has appeared with more due to arrive. They also said they may reveal their identity at a later date.

Dr David Clarke, of the Centre for Contemporary Legend at Sheffield Hallam University, has been documenting folk art around the city.

He said: “New folk traditions, customs and folk art are sprouting up everywhere we look as people react to the covid-19 crisis and the lockdown.

“People want to express their feelings and because customs where the whole community come together such as Castleton's Garland Day can't be held during the pandemic, individuals and groups are finding other ways to articulate community identity and togetherness.

“Stannington and neighbouring villages have always had a lot of folk traditions and customs such as Cakin Night which died out some years ago so I'm not surprised to see these amazing scarecrows that have brightened up the village and brought joy to many folk.

“Folklore is everywhere and in times of crisis and stress. Creating artwork and making things is something we can all safely do to distract ourselves during these dark times and bring joy to others in the process.”

If you have seen scarecrows during lockdown or made one yourself, please send your pictures to [email protected]