CAMELFORD residents are set to step back in time later this year, when the 750th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Charter is celebrated, writes Suzanne Cleave.
Mrs Ireland said: "We are now in our final few months of planning the celebrations for Camelford Charter 750. We thank the council for coming into partnership with us for this purpose. Your support, together with the diversity of membership which forms our committee, and the references which have been given, has enabled us to demonstrate community involvement and secure considerable grant funding.
"I think we can now safely say that we cannot foresee having to draw on the amount you kindly underwrote for us last year."
Money received to date for the occasion totals £14,000, including a National Lottery Awards for All grant of £7,790.
In addition, Grassroots (Cornwall Community Foundation) have pledged £5,000; Camelford Town Council £50; NCDC application for financial assistance £220; Dairy Crest £50; and the Cornwall County Council Member Community Grant Scheme (from Cllr Janey Comber) £600.
There have also been a number of successful fundraising events in Camelford, including two quiz nights in September and November, raising £83 and £66 respectively, and a curry night, also in December, which raised £400.
There are still a number of outstanding funding applications, which the committee hopes they are successful with.
Clare added: "We are deeply grateful to all our contributors and we continue to raise our own funds. Our Winter Warmer fundraiser next month is sold out, but we are holding a school reunion on April 4 at Camelford Hall. Quiz nights were temporarily halted because of the refurbishment of the Liberal Club, but will be resumed on February 22."
The Charter celebrations will kick off with a Mediaeval Banquet at Clease Hall on June 12, hosted by CAR. Goblets and trenchers have been commissioned for the event and it is anticipated that special ale will be introduced by a brewery on the night.
Beating the Bounds, organised by Sally Holden and Joanna Raymond-Barker will be on June 14, preceded by the Town Crier reading the Charter in Latin, Cornish and English. Afterwards the 'beaters' will be rewarded with cream tea and cakes served in St Thomas Church by members of the Women's Institute.
A day-long seminar has also been organised by Mrs Raymond-Barker with speakers specialising in subjects relevant to the time of the Charter.
Adult Education will also be involved, and on June 27, Jo Hunter has invited tutors to demonstrate ancient crafts, such as tassel making, indigo dying, quill pen making, home herbalism and many more.
It is hoped to hold this in the centre of town at the Methodist Church, where activities for children can be arranged at the same time.
CAR has organised a concert of mediaeval music at Lanteglos Church, with music to be provided by Lammas, a North Cornwall duo which uses authentic instruments.
Events the following week start on the Tuesday evening and Rev Jim Benton-Evans, Priest-in-Charge of Lanteglos-by-Camelford, St Teath, Delabole and Advent has managed to book a slot in the busy diary of the new Bishop of Truro, the Rt Reverent Tim Thornton, who has agreed to attend the Reading of the Riot Act from the balcony of The Darlington Inn, as it was in 1819.
The following day, jousting and 'manly' sports, organised by Joe Parsons, will be held at the Arthurian Centre at Slaughterbridge — a full day of entertainment and activity, to be rounded off by a hog roast and dancing.
Clare continued: "The football club has been approached to hold a football match on the Sunday, preferably in mediaeval dress and using a pig's bladder."
The weekend of July 11 will round off the celebrations, with a pageant organised by Jill Jeffs and the Girl Guides, including a procession from The Clease to Enfield Park, where there will be a day-long fair with all manner of demonstrations, children's activities, stalls, dancing and music.
Finally, Mrs Ireland invited councillors and their friends to fulfill the duties of mediaeval bailiffs, that of tasting the ale.
"In mediaeval times women were the brewers and their brew had to be approved and tasted by the High Bailiff, his ale tasters and friends. He would demand a glass of beer to be given to his ale tasters. Mediaeval dress is essential for this one!"
Mayor of Camelford, Cllr Lush, said: "It's something to look forward to in this doom and gloom. It sounds super."
"It's absolutely fantastic," added Deputy Mayor Cllr John Pearce. "We're really grateful for what the team are doing for this town."
Mrs Ireland replied: "Everyone is bursting with ideas, it just gets bigger."
Cllr Lush thanked Mrs Ireland and the team and said:: "There are exciting times ahead."