by Alan Quick

CHULMLEIGH Fair kicked-off on Tuesday this week and runs until Sunday, July 31.

A church service was held at the church of St Mary Magdalene to bless Chulmleigh Old Fair Queen and her “royalty”, the blessing conducted by the Bishop of Crediton, Dame Sarah Mullally.

The Fair Queen, Ellie Pincombe was crowed by Mrs Paddy Moyse and the attendants were Hannah and Mollie Andrews. Crown bearer was Aoife Ford with Archie Sharples, Herald and Flower Girl, Grace Andrews.

The glove was raised and the Fair opened by Mr Sam Moyse.

The charter was read by Town Crier Eileen Dolling and the parade was led by Town Crier Ben Farlam.

MONEY SCRAMBLE

Later that evening was the money scramble and children’s races followed by entertainment by Street Heat Samba Band and street entertainment by Razzle Dazzle.

There was a packed programme on Wednesday and tomorrow, Thursday, July 28 will see the flower festival continue in the congregational church from 10am and from 10am to 5pm, and an exhibition entitled "Lost Chulmleigh" by Brian Jennings in the Town Hall.

From 10am there will be the junior tennis and badminton tournaments at the sports centre and at 2pm Sport for All at Chulmleigh Playing Field.

At 2pm here will be a town walk, meeting at Red Lion Corner.

The Motor Scavenge will begin at 6.30pm from the Town Hall, and from 7pm there will be a party at the Pavilion with Music, Magic and Mayhem with Captain Coconut, children’s entertainment, families welcome.

From 7pm the skittles tournament will begin at the Red Lion and the Old Court House.

Friday, July 29 begins with the horse show at 10am at Benley Cross, followed by the gymkhana at 2pm.

The flower festival continues and there will be a Treasure Trail from Red Lion Corner at 10.30am.

An antiques afternoon will take place from 2pm in the Town Hall and at 6pm the Clay Pigeon Shoot and Golf Challenge begin.

The exhibition "Lost Chulmleigh will also run from 10am to 5pm in the Town Hall.

The juniors six-a-side football will run from 1pm.

That evening will also see the seniors six-a-side football tournament take place at the Playing Field.

Saturday, July 30 begins with a coffee morning from 9am, the golf challenge also from 9am and from the same time, the "Lost Chulmleigh" exhibition will be open until 12 noon.

The flower festival will run from 10am to 4pm and from 10am there will be orienteering for novice and experienced.

From 10am to 2pm there will be a Living History Encampment at the playing fields and at 12.30pm a re-enactments Battle Skirmish.

Entertainment in Fore Street by North Devon Pipe Band will begin at 2.15pm.

Fancy dress competitions, for children and adults, will be judged promptly at 2.45pm and at 3pm the parade will be led by the Ploughboys Jazz Band.

There will be teas and a grand draw and much more.

At 4.30pm the skittles final will take place and from 6pm there will be fun and games in Fore Street.

An open road race will take place from 7.30pm, when the tug-of-war competition will also begin.

Dancing will follow in Fore Street into the evening with “Top Class Disco”.

Sunday, July 31 will see the Living History Encampment at the playing fields with Battle Skirmish at 12.30pm.

An Inter-town 20/20 fun cricket match will take place from 1pm at the cricket ground.

More details are available in a programme available from local outlets, including the “Crediton Courier” office, or for further details, telephone 01769 580276.

• See more pictures in this Friday’s Crediton Courier.