AS THE clock struck twelve on Wednesday, July 10, it wasn’t Cinderella who appeared from the tower but the Pretty Maid of Holsworthy for 2019 who stepped out of the big double doors of St Peter and St Paul’s Church to greet the adoring crowd.

This traditional unveiling is held every year as part of the town’s St Peter’s Fair, which concluded on Sunday night with ‘Songs of Praise’ in Bodmin Street Methodist Church after a week’s long festivities.

There was much to see and do throughout the week with live music on the stage in the Square, a charity barbecue each day held by different local groups and organisations, a variety of market stalls with fresh local produce and crafts as well as the family favourite Funlands funfair.

However it is ‘Fair Day’ that is steeped in the most tradition. The day — this year falling on Wednesday, July 10 — began at 8pm with the ‘Proclamation’ given by town crier Roger Dunstan at the site of the old ‘Great Tree of Holsworthy’ to officially open the fair. This was then followed by the bread weighing ceremony and a children’s breakfast held this year at the Freemasons Conciliation Lodge and a charity breakfast in the Memorial Hall run by the Scouts.

Once fed, people made their way over to St Peter and St Paul’s Church to watch eagerly as the Pretty Maid, whose identity is kept a sworn secret up until she steps out of the church doors, was revealed. There was much anticipation as Mr Dunstan stepped out to announce: “The Pretty Maid for the year 2019 is...Miss Harriet Cousins.”

She was greeted with cheers before being blessed by Mother Elizabeth Burke. Last year’s Pretty Maid Lizzy Flaherty then presented her with a bouquet of flowers and wished her well in the coming year.

Following the retirement of Angela Blackman from the role of trustee of the Pretty Maid charity, run by Speccott’s, Kirstie Stone stepped forward to help support this local tradition. During her address to the crowd outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church she said: “This honour has come to me after Angela Blackman, who represented the charity for many years, decided to take a step back. I would like to thank Angela for all her hard work over the years.”

After her official duties were over Kirstie said she had been thrilled to take up the position, adding how important it was to keep traditions like this alive: “It’s a tradition that we need to keep going, it is all about local tradition and we need people to keep taking over so it can continue. I am a local girl myself and have attended many of these ceremonies in the past as I am on the Speccott’s committee, and when Angela Blackman announced she would be retiring from the position last year I thought it was a great opportunity to get more involved.”

There was a good following on the day, with mayors from other surrounding towns coming out in force to support the tradition-laden day. Thanking those who had attended, mayor of Holsworthy Joanne Heaven said: “It has been a very enjoyable day so far and it has been lovely to have other dignitaries come along and share in this special day for Holsworthy.

“A big thank you has to go to the fair committee for all the hard work they do to organise this event.”

As is tradition, following the unveiling at the strike of noon, the Pretty Maid is accompanied by the former Pretty Maid and the town’s Portreeve, the town’s mayor and other dignitaries to the funfair where they partake in a few of the rides.

Cllr Heaven added: “It was lovely to all have a go on the dodgems together. It made me feel like a kid again. Me and Timothy [mayor’s cadet] got a bit competitive and couldn’t decide who would drive so we had a dodgem each!”

Also taking part in the festivities, Portreeve Robert Painter said he was delighted to have accompanied Harriet and Lizzy on the dodgems and tea-cup ride. “It was exhilarating. When I got off I could barely stand. It was fantastic riding with last year’s Pretty Maid and this year’s Pretty Maid — they really are both wonderful girls.”

Although he has been a member of the Court Leet since 1996 this was only Mr Painter’s second year as Portreeve and he said he was excited for the rest of what was to be a busy day: “I enjoyed my last year and will enjoy this year too. It is an honour to be ushering the Pretty Maid today. We will be visiting four residential homes in the area to have a chat with the residence then its back this afternoon into the church to see the displays before attending the Pretty Maid’s tea.

“The funfair is spectacular, and thanks must go to Dean Bailey [owner] for bringing the fair to Holsworthy!”

Retiring Pretty Maid Lizzy graciously handed over the role to Harriet and was pleased to be able to accompany her around the fair. She said: “This last year as Pretty Maid has been wonderful. I’ve really enjoyed my time and I think Harriet is a wonderful person and I hope she really enjoys her time. I’m sure she will have a wonderful time.”

After everyone took an opportunity to look around the fair and market many dignitaries and members of the local community came together to enjoy the annual St Peter’s Fair luncheon in the Memorial Hall. Following the meal the Pretty Maid gave a speech thanking everyone who had attended and all those who had made the day possible.

Devon County Councillor for Holsworthy Rural Ward Barry Parsons was then invited by the town crier to say a few words. Cllr Parsons began jovially: “I’ve been waiting for 12 years for the town crier to announce me. I am overjoyed it has finally happened!”

He recapped on some of the numerous events held by the town in the last year highlighting how the community comes together in good humour and resilience, adding: “In the wake of attendance at the Court Leet last night, I don’t know about you, but I am still trying to recover from two hours of laughing.

“St Peter’s Fair week is, indeed, one of the most precious times of the year. And, the Court Leet, for me, represents so much about this town — total regard for its magnificent history; a preparation of this community to come together; and, the ability to share in a sense of humour that reflects absolutely, its own interpersonal companionship.

“And today, we share this wonderful and enduring tradition of St Peter’s Fair week.”

He concluded by proposing a toast to the organising committee of St Peter’s Fair week and to the Pretty Maid who he wished a rewarding, successful and enjoyable year.