Nicholas the Scarecrow is an interesting new addition to the team at St Nicholas at Wade CE Primary.
He came to life thanks to the imaginations of creative youngsters in the school’s popular gardening club.
And now Nicholas is on an important mission, helping guard historic Walmer Castle near Deal.
It is part of the annual English Heritage scarecrow trail at the centuries-old coastal stronghold where 20 scarecrows created by schoolchildren have been selected to watch over the castle grounds from October 18 to November 2, with prizes for the scarecrows voted ‘Kids’ Favourite’ and ‘Adults’ Favourite’ decided by visitors.
The theme this year is Remembering Heroes and St Nicholas pupils ensured their scarecrow fits the bill.
With his flowerpot head and distinctive green school uniform, Nicholas is also adorned with a sash of red poppies and old photographs.
Head Teacher Taralee Kennedy said: “Nicholas has a distinctive theme of Remembrance – our children also took part in National Poetry Day, where they wrote heartfelt and reflective poems about remembrance. These pieces will be shared during our special Remembrance Worship next term.
“Our garden club members were excited to be taking part in the scarecrow trail and worked hard to ensure that Nicholas looked just right for the occasion. It is a thrill that he will be on guard at Walmer Castle and I am sure many of our families will visit to take a look and see how Nicholas is getting on representing our school.
“We are proud to be taking part and that our children’s creativity will be on show as part of the English Heritage fun initiative.
“Once the Walmer Castle duty is over, I am pretty sure Nicholas will return to school where he will be on guard here for everyone to admire.”
