Looking for a fun and creative activity to keep the kids occupied during the VE Day Bank Holiday weekend?

RHS Garden Harlow Carr is calling on families to create their own wooden spoon ‘scarecrows’ depicting the country’s service personnel and veterans. Families – particularly those with younger children – are being encouraged to take part in this fun and creative stay-at-home activity, and post photographs of their finished creations on social media, tagging @RHSHarlowCarr.

The idea was inspired by a competition run by RHS Garden Harlow Carr and the Yorkshire RHS Community Outreach Team for schools to create VE Day scarecrows to thank veterans and serving personnel for their service.

Head of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Liz Thwaite said: “We were hoping to display the spoon scarecrows at the garden during the VE Day Bank Holiday weekend. Instead, we’re taking the idea online and asking RHS followers and supporters to show their ‘virtual’ thanks to our veterans and serving personnel by posting pictures of their creations on social media. It’s a great way to keep the children occupied this weekend. All you need is a spare spoon and plenty of imagination.”

Here’s how to make your own VE Day spoon ‘scarecrow’:

 ·         Start with a wooden spoon – the bigger the better!

·         Make your scarecrow’s arms – you could use sticks, pipe cleaners or straws – and attach them firmly to the handle just below the bowl of the spoon.

·         Use recycled materials, scraps of fabric, paints, pens and pencils to decorate your spoon.

·         Let your imagination run wild and have fun!

·         Don’t forget to showcase your handiwork by tagging @RHSHarlowCarr on social media.