Find out more about Devizes Opendoors at https://www.devizesopendoors.org.uk
LATEST NEWS
USF pledges support to Devizes Opendoors
April 26, 2024
The upcoming Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, taking place from May 4 to 6, will support Devizes Opendoors along with its regular beneficiaries such as Wiltshire Air Ambulance and local good causes.
In past years, the festival has raised tens of thousands of pounds for regional charity Wiltshire Air Ambulance and over £200,000 for Parish organisations and projects.
Devizes Opendoors was chosen by the festival committee for its proximity to Urchfont and its deep understanding of the widespread impact of the cost of living crisis on individuals. The organisation provides crucial assistance to community members facing or experiencing homelessness, particularly those who are marginalised and vulnerable.
“It's brilliant to be able to partner with Devizes Opendoors in challenging financial times for so many. It’s such a wonderful charity and adding them to our beneficiaries is a fantastic way to celebrate the festival’s silver anniversary.”
Steve Osborne, USFCC Chair
“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have been chosen by the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, a highlight of the year for families across Wiltshire.” said Karin Cardiff, Chair of Devizes Opendoors.
"As a small local charity, we are entirely reliant on donations to provide our vital services for local vulnerable adults who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. In 2023 we had 250 guests, served nearly 4,000 meals, and contacted agencies 674 times, and without donations like these we would no longer be able to keep the doors open.”
“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have been chosen by the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival, a highlight of the year for families across Wiltshire.” said Karin Cardiff, Chair of Devizes Opendoors."
Karin Cardiff, Chair of Devizes Opendoors. 
Steve Osborne, Chair of Urchfont Scarecrow Festival Charity, said
“It's brilliant to be able to partner with Devizes Opendoors in challenging financial times for so many. It’s such a wonderful charity and adding them to our beneficiaries is a fantastic way to celebrate the festival’s silver anniversary.”
Urchfont Scarecrow Festival Charity initially committed to supporting Opendoors in 2024 with a donation of £2,000. We are thrilled to extend this partnership into 2025.
There will be a USFC public meeting for Urchfont Parish residents on Tuesday 28 January 2025.
Do you have an Urchfont Parish community project that would benefit from Scarecrow Festival funding?
We are now inviting Urchfont residents to apply to become a scarecrow maker for the 2025 festival.
The Festival community newsletter will help keep Urchfont Parish residents informed about Festival business throughout the year.
Urchfont Scarecrow Festival Charity committee presented Devizes Opendoors with a £2,000 donation.
We were warmly welcomed by Wiltshire Air Ambulance to present this year's festival donation — a mighty £6,663.43.
New activities have been added to the Urchfont Scarecrow activities page
The 26th Urchfont Scarecrow Festival dates have been announced
Announcing the 2024 winning and runner up Urchfont scarecrows