THE sun shone on Marhamchurch for the village’s medieval festival of St Marwenne, on Monday, August 17.

Locals, visitors and villagers flocked to attend the crowning of the queen, Eleanor Bunting, by Old Father Time who gave his traditional speech, in the village square.

A white horse carried the queen who opened the Revel with great dignity and confidence and justified her selection by the pupils of Marhamchurch Primary School.

The six members of the Gittisham Hall Jazz Band, Bob Manuel, Graham Trevanton, Gordon Stafford, Dave Watcombe, John Baker and Malc Murvell headed the procession around the village. Revel marshal, Henry Theakston, attended the Queen, accompanied by her page Jack Thompson, flower girl Amelia Proudfoot, and maids Katie Trowbridge, Hannah Glover, Caitlin O’Reilly and Lillia Rice.

On their return to the square the procession was greeted by ‘bough boys’ waving their green branches — possibly a throwback to a pagan past.

The regal party was followed by children from the village performing a traditional Cornish dance all the way to the Revel field, who were cheered and welcomed by the awaiting crowd.

The queen and her party sat on the stage in the main arena, and overlooked the children’s fancy dress competition.

The prizes were awarded by this year’s judges, Liz and Malcolm Wright and Margaret and Alan Hughes.

For participants aged up to seven, Cali Butler as Turkish Delight was first, Rose Dutton as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz was second, and Caelan Rice as Jolly Caelan in his pirate ship was third.

In the age eight to twelve category, Kayla Lang was first as a Minion, Kaici Lang was second as Princess Sophia, and joint third were Lauren Thomkinson as Aladdin and Martha Griffiths as a cat.

This was followed by the talent show, MFactor. For ages up to 11, Charlie Dorey came first with her gymnastic display, Bethany Horrell sung her way to second, and Isla Dalgin delighted the judges with her dancing for third place.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.