Scarecrows and Hexham

My lovely eldest daughter Ellie had a much deserved day off work today so we had what is now an all too rare day out together. At this time of year the villages in Weardale each host an annual agricultural show. This weekend it will be the turn of a village called St John's Chapel. Part of this particular show is a scarecrow competition, where residents of the village and the surrounding villages are asked to make a scarecrow and display it within their village. Each year Ellie has taken photographs of the scarecrows and as this would be her only opportunity this year we drove up the valley to the villages where the scarecrows are displayed so she could get her photographs.

Below are just some of the scarecrows from previous years:

We then drove off to Hexham, a lovely Northumberland Market Town, where we had lunch at their most excellent Cantonese Restaurant and trawled the charity shops - well you have to don't you ; )

Ellie got an excellent bargain (though terribly expensive for a charity shop). A brand new with tags Raven dress, original price ticket of £59.99 still attached, for £15. Raven is one of the leading clothing brands from the gothic scene so Ellie was well pleased and it did look stunning on her. I didn't do so well with finds today, though I did get a Next top for £4 for work and a vintage pillowcase for 25p.

The White Monk Tea Rooms

We drove home via Blanchland and popped into the White Monk Tea Rooms for tea/coffee and cake, and most delicious it was too. All in all a lovely day spent with my beautiful daughter. xxx