We visit Suffolk often. For those unsure of English geography it’s the bit that sticks out of the Eastern side, like a British buttock. Flat, rural with a dialectic of its own (today we heard ‘she’s a rummen’ and ‘it’s squit ‘. The nearest town – Halesworth – is delightful even if it’s going the way of many with the preponderance of cafes.
This week, however, in the run up to Halloween it’s scarecrow week. These are some of the exhibits – each shop competes to be voted best in show. Which do you prefer?
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
We’re being corrupted by all things US. It’s like a reverse cultural appropriation where another country’s culture begins to take over an otherwise national indifference. Cultural disappropriation maybe?
I love the very hungry caterpillar though I don’t think it quite qualifies. Thanks for the visual about England. That is exactly the kind of tip I can remember.
I was first taken by the Paddington, then by the Very Hungry Caterpillar, but then I saw Mr. Tickle, and he wins the prize! (Hm…I detect a strong predilection for children’s storybook characters in my preferences….)
Looks like a fun place! My town is doing a Halloween thing at the local farmer’s market. I’ll try to get some pictures! We don’t have funny accents that I can think of but how would I know?
You mention someone calling someone else a rummen. This was used where I grew up, in Cheshire. It was actually ‘He’s a rum ‘un’, meaning ‘he’s a rum one’, or, a bit strange. What rum has to do with anything, I don’t know. My Grandma used to use this expression, and she was Cheshire born and bred. Mary an East Anglian bone in her body.
It was so funny to read, and so true! Love your photos, too. Mr Tickle is quite a creepy character, isn’t he? I never thought about that during my childhood: telescopic arms that could come and get you. *Shudder*
TanGental 
How cool. I love them all. I am surprised as I was led to believe that England didn´t celebrate Halloween.
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Not to the extent of the USA, but thanks to American films, etc, it’s growing.
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We’re being corrupted by all things US. It’s like a reverse cultural appropriation where another country’s culture begins to take over an otherwise national indifference. Cultural disappropriation maybe?
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I think it goes both ways. They have elaborate Downton Abbey themed dinner parties in America.
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That does seem rather ghastly.
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing these wonderful impressions, Geoff! How nice to see such a crazy celebration. Have a nice week! xx Michael
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Thanks Michael
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I love the very hungry caterpillar though I don’t think it quite qualifies. Thanks for the visual about England. That is exactly the kind of tip I can remember.
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My work is done… and you can vote for the caterpillar..
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Can I send in an absentee ballot?
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Yes. Hanging Chads are acceptable too…
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LOL
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I was first taken by the Paddington, then by the Very Hungry Caterpillar, but then I saw Mr. Tickle, and he wins the prize! (Hm…I detect a strong predilection for children’s storybook characters in my preferences….)
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You are revealing your true colours Jennifer. But not Cruella?
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Clearly I’m drawn to all the primary colors – Cruella is a little too monochromatic. 😉
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There is that…
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All great. What did Dog think of dog?
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I had to drag him away as he wanted to prove his dominance as only dogs can..
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Here in various cities in Michigan, it’s skeletons! They have them dressed, outfitted with props, etc. I have enjoyed these equally as much!
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What is it with you guys and death? !
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I know, right?
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Absolutely beautiful 💜
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They are rather splendid aren’t they?
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Sooktackula !
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I like the guy in the blue coat who looks like a bear. (The first one) They are all pretty cute though.
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I’m sure that’s a homage to one of my literary heroes, Paddington Brown. Have you encountered him?
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Many moons ago. I had totally forgotten him.
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I’ve posted my homages to him more than once. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that bear’s influence.
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Inspirational for sure.
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Looks like a fun place! My town is doing a Halloween thing at the local farmer’s market. I’ll try to get some pictures! We don’t have funny accents that I can think of but how would I know?
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I try hard not to sound like a BBC renegade when I’m there. My wife having grown up about 50 Mile away fits right in…
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You mention someone calling someone else a rummen. This was used where I grew up, in Cheshire. It was actually ‘He’s a rum ‘un’, meaning ‘he’s a rum one’, or, a bit strange. What rum has to do with anything, I don’t know. My Grandma used to use this expression, and she was Cheshire born and bred. Mary an East Anglian bone in her body.
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Funny how these things carry, isn’t it
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Quite taken with Cruella De Vil.
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She’s very good. Some have made some really top efforts
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I would hate to be the person who has to judge these. I’d give them all a prize!
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I think they cheat and leave it to a public vote..
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A fine, bright, set of photographs. My favourite is of dog turning his bum to the pooch being carried.
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Dog does his non verbal communications very well
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I just couldn’t vote on one. It’s hard for me to see the details of some but I love the creativity of all of them.
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That is an issue with my photography, sadly.. but I’m glad you enjoyed what you could see…
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These are great. I like Mr Tickle best.
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He’s splendid. Up there with the hungry caterpillar
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“Like a British buttock”! 🤣🤣🤣 I just spat my tea all over my phone!
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Oh dear. I’m so sorry. Send me thr cleaning bill….
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It was so funny to read, and so true! Love your photos, too. Mr Tickle is quite a creepy character, isn’t he? I never thought about that during my childhood: telescopic arms that could come and get you. *Shudder*
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He is a bit of a slime isn’t he?
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