CAMELFORD’S Four Days of Fun was a roaring success, with tea parties, story time, music and even an almighty game of tug o’ war!

Events kicked off on Thursday, May 30 with a teddy bears’ picnic, slip n’slide and circus skills. All three were very well attended, with lots of happy screeching coming from the slip n’slide!

One of the main events on Friday was the mayor’s afternoon tea, hosted by Camelford mayor Claire Hewlett, who was elected earlier in May.

Cllr Hewlett said: “It was a lovely afternoon for our older residents, about 40 of whom attended. We had sandwiches, jelly and ice cream, plus scones with jam and clotted cream — done the correct way, with jam first.”

The local PCSOs and Camelford’s new neighbourhood beat officer also popped in to meet everyone and have a chat.

That evening, Cllr Hewlett also helped out with the Brownies bingo, a jointly run event with Camelford Town Council, with lots of customers helping to raise £400 and split between the two organisations.

Saturday began with mayor’s story time in the library — it was Elmer Day, celebrating 30 years of the patchwork elephant story. “They’re lovely stories and the children seemed to enjoy them,” Cllr Hewlett continued.

“It’s very difficult to read with a heavy chain of office round my neck, but I had lots of willing helpers to take a turn wearing the chain for me — future mayors of Camelford, I hope.

“I then had the most traumatic experience of my mayoral term so far — judging the Lego competition. We had nearly 20 entries along the theme of ‘most imaginative vehicle’. All of them were fantastic and I had to pick three, it was a really tough decision.”

Later that evening came one of the most popular events of the year for the town — Music in the Park, which takes place in Enfield Park.

“I love Music in the Park,” Cllr Hewlett said. “There’s a great community feeling with young and old all enjoying themselves together. We were blessed with fine weather and excellent performers. One of my nicest jobs was to present the winners of the 2019 Camelford Introducing competition with their prizes — under 13s winner was Rhiannon Hewitt, and over 13s winner was Positive Anarchy.”

Sunday was the last day, with Cllr Hewlett expecting it to be a ‘quiet’ day on the mayoral front. However, she says she was dragged into the tug o’war to be part of the town council ladies team — consisting of Cllr Hewlett, Cllr Emma Grigg, librarian Bronwen Hockerday, town clerk Esther Grieg and assistant town clerk, Amanda Lash. “I never realised how much hard work it is!” Cllr Hewlett said.

Also on Sunday was the fun dog show, which proved to be a great watch — particularly during the classes, ‘Waggiest Tail’ and ‘Best Biscuit Catcher’. There was also a competition at OCM Skatepark.

Cllr Hewlett said: “That was slightly terrifying to watch — some of those young people have got some serious ‘air’!”

Reflecting on Four Days of Fun, Cllr Hewlett added: “Four Days of Fun is great for bringing the community together to celebrate being from and living in Camelford. But it’s a massive amount of work, especially for the town council staff, my fellow councillors and some very special members of our community who contribute greatly to the success of the events. Thank you all so much.”