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 Robert Aird and crowning of the Fair Queen, Jasmine Trenaman, by Mrs Elizabeth Aird. Then followed the traditional money scramble and children's races followed by entertainment by Street Heat Samba Band. The following day there was a fl ower festival and a craft and country market with 60 stalls, pavement artists' competition and a country fair, held at Great Mills Park. It included the sheep show, vintage vehicle rally and static engines, fl ower and produce show and dog show. There was a golf challenge and, in the evening, a Blues for the Fair night at the Red Lion. Other events in the week included a 50/50 sale, sporting tournaments, motor scavenge, skittles tournament, party at the Pavilion, horse show, gymkhana, treasure trail, antiques afternoon, clay pigeon shoot, golf challenge, football tournament and coffee morning. Other events and activities included orienteering, fun and entertainment, fancy dress competition, performances by bands, open road race, tug-ofwar competition, sack race, dancing and much more. Jasmine's attendant was Frankie Ellis, chief herald was Jacob Mitchell; heralds were Tristram Mitchell and Dean Thorne and crown bearer was Aoibheann Rowden. Sylvia Gilson, Chulmleigh Old Fair committee member, said: "It was a very enjoyable week with wonderful weather and was concluded on Saturday with a fancy dress parade, fun and games, and other hilarious events. "Numbers of visitors from away were down because some areas of the country had not yet started their school holidays." Next year's fair will be held on July 28. Alan Quick