August 2008

Men of straw launch Exbury's maze

A cluster of strange characters and their minders helped launch Exbury’s Maize Maze.

Many scarecrows, made by local organisations and charities, were invited to the launch party. After the celebrations they took their place in the ‘Lost Civilizations’ maze, reminding visitors of the cause they represent.

From the Alzheimer’s Society scarecrow, to those made by Solent Wives (whose character was voted the best of all), the Waterside Scrap Store, the Blackfield Explorer Scouts, Woodlands pre-school and Netley’s ‘Tools for Self-Reliance’, the colourful effigies brightened up the already exciting maze.

This year’s six-acre puzzle features the ‘Lost City of El Nummares’ laid out in the shape of a giant temple.

This maze is the brainchild of Vicky Scott who planned the design and the story behind the giant puzzle.

She has woven in the lost city of El Nummares, once ruled by a fearsome king, named Great Tockodaw who is buried in a tomb beneath the Golden Temple at the heart of the site.

Visitors are asked to discover the whereabouts of the king’s treasure, hidden somewhere in this city, using a series of intricate panels which they can study as they walk around.

The scarecrows, each representing a local organisation or charity, dotted throughout the winding pathways, not only represent a cause, but also give visitors clues to their position in the maze.

Included within entrance to the Lost Civilizations Maze, which is in a large field just across the road from Exbury Gardens, is an intriguing puzzle courtyard and a smaller wooded mini-maize designed for the very young. Refreshments are available, and nearby Mr Eddy’s Restaurant at the entrance to the Gardens has designed a special Maize Maze menu. The Maze is open daily between 10.30am – 5.30pm.

A joint admission ticket to the Maze and the Gardens is available. For more information visit exburymaizemaze.co.uk