Forres bonfire was crowned with nine Guys made by local children
A town’s bonfire was spoiled for choice of topping at the weekend thanks to imaginative schoolchildren.
Pupils from Forres area schools and young people’s groups entered a total of nine ‘Guys’ in an annual contest to see who can make the best effigy for display on the Rotary-organised fireworks night at Grant Park.
Forres Rotary’s president chooses the winners - this year Jackie Stephen had the honour.
“It’s always a difficult job,” she said. “There was a very high standard of entry this year, from traditional Guys to those with a strong message.”
Vying for her decision were ‘Dove of Peace’ by Dallas Primary; ‘Pumpkin Head’ by Dyke Primary; ‘Div-guy-de’ by Anderson’s Primary; ‘AI Bot’, ‘Beelzebub’, ‘Sir Vival’ and ‘Vampire Devil’ by 1st Forres Scouts; ‘Mummy Man’ by 2nd Forres Boys’ Brigade; and ‘Guyde’ by
1st Forres Guides.
Jackie said: “I chose Anderson's entry as they maintained a link with Guy Fawkes whilst displaying great awareness of the current issues in our world e.g. poverty, division etc.
“I also chose Dyke's entry because it was a traditional guy with a twist.”
She added: “Thank you to all of the groups for their support and for the time it took to create their Guys.”
All entrants received a £10 prize but the winners received £15 each.
Anderson’s P4/5 teacher Mr Charles McKeating confirmed their winnings will be invested in “a class treat”.
He said: “We feel over the moon and very proud of ourselves.
“Our Guy was a divide symbol; Div –guy-ide to show there’s more that unites us than divides us.”
Dyke P4/5 were grateful for being a part of the “amazing competition!”
Ellie Edgar (10) explained that their Guy represented Halloween.
“The pumpkin was made out of cardboard and other recyclable materials to make it look better,” said Alexander Hunt (9).
“We thought it would be cool to hold his head because it was unique and different,” added Finn Anderson (9).
Isla Davidson (9) was “happy, excited and kind of sad” to see their entrant burned, however, Alex Anderson (7) said “We were also joyful because we didn’t expect to win!”
“I was surprised, proud and shocked,” added Emilia Exon (8).
“I was exhilarated” said Halden Davies (9).
“We felt proud to see Guy on the bonfire as it felt like we won something special,” finished Rachel Ward (9).
Taidhg Findlay (8) hopes they buy board games with their prize money.
Forres In Bloom secretary, Sandra Maclennan, attends the judging on the playing fields at Grant Park on Bonfire Night morning.
She said: “The contest was - as usual - a very friendly event. It’s always very happy and jolly, and everyone is keen to see what the other groups have produced.
“The ideas are amazing and the entries well made. It’s wonderful to see the young people being so imaginative and appreciative of the efforts of others.”
