THE community came out in force to enjoy the Week St Mary Revel 2024.  

Celebrations began on Sunday, September 15, with a fantastic 21 car treasure hunt. With everyone channelling their inner Sherlock Holmes, there was some stiff competition, however it was the Tremlett family who were crowned winners.

On Wednesday, September 18, the parish hall was a hive, as it hosted the Revel Produce and Flower Show and the Revel Bake Off competition. Despite a poor summer there were many vegetable and flower entries. The Mervyn and Carol Slade Cup for the most points in the Baking Competition was won by Jenny Parkin and the Flower Show Cup by Linda Cobbledick. Linda had also donated a new plaque.

On Friday, the parish hall organised Revel Bingo which had residents eyes locked to their cards, hoping they were in with a chance to win big!

By Saturday, Revel Day, the weather forecast wasn’t predicting the desired sun shine, resulting in feverish activity in the playing field to provide additional cover to that kindly given by Alan Colwill.  

Stalls and a kitchen were erected but the weather held firm, and the village enjoyed a fantastic afternoon and evening of Revelling and raising funds for the Church, the Chapel, and the Parish Hall. 

At the beginning of the afternoon, the Harvest Queen, Charlotte Sharland and her attendants, Delphie Ellis and Rowan Spettigue and Page Lucas Willoughby were led in procession by the Barrel Border Morris side to the church for the crowning ceremony. Rev David Saunders led the proceedings which included the announcement of the new Citizen of the Year, Mrs Trina Ward by Mr Len Davies. 

Fancy Dress winners were under 5 — 1, Harley Shatland; 2, Arthur Spettigue; under 5 group prize George Shipton and Ronnie Walpole. Five to 12 — 1, Zara Chapman; 2, Olive Lee-Tracey; joint 3, Verity Bolt and Mariia Homeniuk.

The Best Dressed Henry (hoover) competition was well supported with prize plaques being awarded in all categories including First prizes for the following: “Henry” Henry Lesley Booker for Henry VIII, Old Henry Mark and Sarahoc Premium Carpets with their Vintage Vacuum, Film and  TV Henry Kay Parry with Dumbo, Popstar Henry Rob Carter  with Dolly Parton, and Funny Henry Emma with her Human Henry.

The £25 winner of the ‘Guess Where’ competition was Mrs Marilyn Reynolds.

The winner of the Guess the Number of Footballs Challenge was Lucas West who correctly guessed 64 balls and carried off the Prize Football. Frank Barriballl then donated 22 new practice balls to Week St Mary Football Club and half of the proceeds of his stall, the remainder going to the Revel Fund. 

Mr Andrew Smeeth won £50 in Play Your Cards Right in the early evening. Thanks went to Richard Bolt for arranging the lighting of the Week St Mary Beacon to start the evening off. 

Devil Rain played until late in the marquee. Tom Wickett provided a great barbecue and Alan Colwill a well stocked bar. The event was very well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all generations. 

On Sunday evening residents celebrated St Mary’s Church dedication with Rev David Saunders and on Monday the Village harvest festival, this year in the church, with donations to Bude Food Bank.