THE 771st Chulmleigh Old Fair, which runs from Tuesday, July 22 to Saturday, July 26, has a packed programme with something for everyone.

Sue Reed, Fair Chair, explained: “The committee have been working hard all year to put together a full programme of events which includes many traditional favourites together with some new ones.”

She adds: “Take time to relax, meet old friends, make new ones and enjoy the fair!”

Children in one of the age groups picking up money thrown from the Town Hall for the money scramble. AQ 8343
Children in one of the age groups picking up money thrown from the Town Hall for the money scramble at last year’s Chulmleigh Fair. AQ 8343 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The Fair begins on the Tuesday with a Family Service in the Parish Church followed by Entertainment in Fore Street and the Crowning of the Fair Queen, Hannah Crossley, by Laetitia Johnson followed by the Money Scamble.

Hannah’s attendants will be Scarlett Crocombe and Daisy Peacock with Jens Robes-Roberts as Chief Herald and Albert Summers and Frank Peacock as Heralds. Crown Bearer will be Fern Peacock.

The Fair will be opened by Michael Johnson.

Wednesday includes the Craft Market, Golf Challenge, Flower Festival begins, Sheep Show, Vintage Vehicle Rally, Country Fair, Pavement Artists Competition, Flower and Produce Show, Dog Show and much more.

Thursday sees the Tennis Tournament, Sport for All, Children’s Party, Motor Scavenge and on the Friday the Treasure Trail, 6-a-Side Football Tournament, History Walk, Clay Pigeon Shoot, Pool Competition, Swift Watching Walk amongst the main activities.

During one of the children’s races. AQ 8367
During one of the children’s races at last year’s Chulmleigh Fair. AQ 8367 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Saturday, July 26 includes a Coffee Morning, Photographic and History Exhibition, Orienteering, Afternoon of Fun and Entertainment in Fore Street, Judging of the Fancy Dress Parade, Afternoon Teas, Skittles Final, Traditional Fair games and race, Open Road Race and Street Park for all the Family in Fore Street.

It was 772 years ago in 1253 that King Henry III signed a series of charters granting permission for annual fairs to be held in many towns and villages throughout the land.

Chumleigh was one such place and is now one of very few to uphold their charter to the present day.