PREPARATIONS are nearly finished for this year’s exciting 769th Chulmleigh Old Fair.

Starting on the evening of July 26 with a service in St Mary’s Parish Church and lots of fun in Fore Street, the fair continues for five days.

There are activities every day such as sports, tennis, skittles and a motor scavenge on the Thursday (July 28) with a children’s party in the evening; horse show, golf, clay pigeon shooting and flower festival on Friday, July 29, with a mad hatter’s tea party at The Red Lion; and all the big action on Wednesday, July 27 and Saturday, July 30, including the Craft Market, Country Fair with lots of animals and family activities, fancy dress and more games and partying in Fore Street.

For the history fans, there is an exhibition of the Chulmleigh Archive and an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the town on a walk with Holly Burls.

Finally, the cricketers play on Sunday, July 31 and weary volunteers spend the dawn clearing up the streets after all the fun.

One of the organisers, Bride Knight, explained: “Chulmleigh Old Fair is an annual event which is run by a small band of residents with lots of help from the town in general and especially local businesses.

“Its aim is to bring people in the community together in a relaxed, happy environment and to bring new friends into this special place in Devon.”

Copies of the free programme of all the Chulmleigh Old Fair events are available from various outlets in Chulmleigh and district, at the “Crediton Courier” office and other outlets.