Farmer's Market

Diane's educative display of medieval agricultural implements was proving to be very popular. Aditty had commissioned many informative and professionally printed notices and a significant number of interested passers by had been attracted to come in and peruse these while examining the artefacts. Oh, and there was a naked scarecrow too !

She had gone all out by inviting the local farmer's market stall holders to use the car park on this occasion and there was also a petting zoo of sheep and goats. Bench seating had been set up around tables, so that both the company staff and those attending the farmer's market could sit and enjoy their food and drink. Nearly everyone took the time to go over and read the explanatory caption around the scarecrow exhibit and to pose for selfies with it !

"Wonderful crowd Diane. It all helps get the company's name more widely known with a positive association. And the staff all seem very happy with their lunch break" Jeff and the MD congratulated her. Debbi was getting progressively hotter and her arms were beginning to ache, tied as they were to the cross. She was only relieved that her legs had been taped together at the ankles and not spread wide apart. But she knew her little coin slot remained fully visible. A few people attempted to engage her in conversation but they were rebuffed by Aditty who explained that she was a mute scarecrow. Carol at least was supportive. "I've bought some of that good fruit and veg for you Deb and a pizza from the stall so you've got something to eat when they let you down."

One particular gentleman was spending a long time with the display. "These implements are all very interesting" he explained to Diane. "I'm a history teacher in the local school" he added. "Yes, Aditty did a great job in locating them" Diane agreed. "I must say though, that I have never heard of any tradition of naked scarecrows ?" he wondered, observing Debbi. "No, it's a little known fact but perfectly authentic. We did a lot of research" Diane bluffed. "Apparently it was quite common for the youngest daughter in a farming family to be co-opted into scarecrow duty." "Really ? But weren't scarecrows usually clothed ?" "If they were made of straw indeed they were, simply to keep the straw body intact." Diane was now on a roll. "But experience taught that having a naked human was much more effective. Something to do with the birds picking up the body odour, one can imagine that medieval times were not quite as hygienic as they are now !" "Well no, quite, indeed" the teacher agreed. "Is it OK if I take some photos of the exhibits ? I'd love to use them as teaching aids for my lessons ?"

"Go ahead, we'd be delighted" said Diane.