A SERVICE at the church of St Mary Magdalene to bless Chulmleigh Old Fair Queen and her “royalty” signalled the start of Chulmleigh Old Fair week, which had an action-packed programme.

Following the service the fair was opened by the raising of the white glove by Mrs Pam Rendle and crowning of the Fair Queen, Daisy Parsons, by Mrs Eileen Dolling, the Town Crier, who also read the Proclamation.

Then followed the traditional money scramble and children’s races followed by entertainment by Street Heat Samba Band. There was also a dance display by Razzle Dazzle.

The following day there was a flower festival and the 60-plus stalls craft and country market, pavement artists competition and country fair.

It included the sheep show, vintage vehicle rally and static engines, flower and produce show, children’s entertainment, donkeys and a dog show.

There was a golf challenge and handbell ringers and, in the evening, a cabaret party at the Golf Course followed by dancing to “Barracuda”.

The next day saw the flower festival continue in the parish church and an exhibition of Chulmleigh Old Fair Archive.

The rest of the week saw junior tennis and badminton tournaments at the sports centre and Sport for All at Chulmleigh Playing Field, a Motor Scavenge and a party at the Pavilion with Music, Magic and Mayhem with The Zany World of Paul Zee.

The Friday saw the horse show and gymkhana take place and there was a Treasure Trail, antiques afternoon, clay pigeon shoot and golf challenge.

There was a six-a-side football tournament, a skittles tournament, coffee morning and orienteering.

Fancy dress competitions, for children and adults, took place and there was a parade led by the Ploughboys Jazz Band.

There were teas and a draw, a Town Crier competition, grand draw and much more.

Other fun and games, an open road race, tug-of-war competition, Giant Sack race, and a wheelbarrow race were among other activities.

The end of the week saw dancing in Fore Street into the evening with Top Class Disco and a fun cricket match.

The weather was kind for the week and as tradition has it, many former residents of Chulmleigh returned from across the country to attend what is certainly a special week for the town.

• See more pictures from Chulmleigh Fair in the Crediton Courier published on Friday, August 14.