THIRTY-ONE years ago Lapford Revel was re-born, a Revel that has a history going back through the centuries. There was not a Revel last year - but it is back again this year and with a great big Saxon wallop.

All the good old traditions will be there, with the King and Queen, a procession, dancing, a sweet scramble, games and sports. There are newer things, too, such as the football club bingo, the bouncy castle, and other entertainments.

If you should notice scarecrows popping up through the village, that is all part of the Revel, with judging on the Saturday morning.

First event is the rose and sweet pea show on Tuesday, July 7, in the Victory Hall. This will be open to the public from 8pm, and schedules are available from the Post Office. All residents of Lapford and district are welcome to enter. For details contact 01363 83655.

Next evening there is Lapford Football Club grand charity bingo, doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 8pm.

On Revel Thursday the Royal Procession starts from the village car park at 6.45pm to walk to the village green, led by Morris dancers and going the long way round through Prospect Way and Orchard Way.

The crowning is at 7.30pm. King and Queen this year are Ashley Cann and Georgie Youll. Then follows a dancing display by children from Lapford School, Winkleigh Morris Men, the sweet scramble, plus a barbecue, sweet stall, chip bar, Revel bar and skittles.

The flower festival in the parish church opens then, too, staying there until after the closing service on Sunday.

Friday afternoon brings the Revel Tea at the school and then the Revel Fun and Games Evening. organised by Yeo Valley Friendship, on the Playing Field. Entry is free, there are prizes for the top teams of four, two of whom must be under the age of 14. There will also be a bouncy castle, refreshments and Lapford Pre-School sweet stall.

On Saturday events begin at 1pm when Noel Parry and the Revel King and Queen open the Fayre. There will be Viking and Saxon re-enactments including archery, a bouncy castle, face painting, shield making workshops, etc.

In the Victory Hall there will be a table top sale and cream teas, the flower festival in the church and, at 5pm, the bellringing competition starts at the church.

Prizegiving and the grand draw, with a great many prizes given by local people and businesses, will be at 6pm plus the tug-of-war contest. That day ends with local acoustic entertainment on the Playing Field from 7pm.

On Sunday, July 12, there will be the Revel "Celebrate the Saxon" in the parish church when readings will be by the Revel King and Queen plus other members of the community. The hymns have been chosen by local people.

So whatever your preference, there is bound to be something going on in Lapford over that week. It is a fun time for the village, a lot of hard work for the organisers, and an event that is well worth supporting.