Family of Spooky Scarecrows in Garage Win Haunted House Competition

The first Henley Halloween Haunted House Trail organised by the Herald was a spook-tacular success with hundreds of families downloading the trail map which had 25 houses and shops taking part who put on some un-boo-lieveable displays making the judging really difficult for the competition to win a hamper of goodies from Lawlors the Bakers.

Nicola Taylor from Lawlors the Bakers was the judge and chose Monica Barczak Levy’s house the winner in Gainsborough Crescent.  Nicola said, “I loved this one because it has a bit of everything.  It’s got pumpkins, fantastic scarecrows and skeletons etc and it’s nicely hidden in the garage.  It’s really good.”  Nicola presented the prize of a gingerbread spooky house, gingerbread bat biscuits and some eye ball fairy cakes.  The prize also included two bottles of Halloween Apple Juice from Three Oaks Orchard.

Runners-up were Chloe Carter on Gainsborough Hill and a highly commended prize went to the McGuiness at Burbank House on Peppard Lane who also received prizes from Lawlors.

Monica Barczak Levy,  her husband Timothy and their children Grace (8) Clara (4) helped make the scarecrows and painted the leaves.  Monica said, “We entered as we thought it seemed like a lot of fun in a difficult year.  We thought the trail was a really good idea and we did the trail around town. It took a couple of days to put it all together.  We decided to do it in the garage so the display didn’t get wet.”

Editor, Michaela Clarke said, “I was delighted to co-ordinate this first trail after a Henley Mum on Facebook asked whether there was a trail in Henley as families were advised against Trick or Treating. I personally love Halloween and always dress up our house.  It was a shame not to open the door to see all the children this year due to Covid-19.  Thank you to everyone who decorated to their houses.  I hope that we can carry this on in future years as a new tradition/event for Henley if there is demand and participation.  It would be great to have more houses and shops next year.”