TRADITION and community were the words of the week in Holsworthy as the town came together to celebrate St Peter’s Fair 2024.  

Each year, the dates are circled and underlined twice in the calendars of residents, with excitement in the air as the big week approaches.  

This year was no different, with plenty to get involved with, from a tractor run through the town, to the traditional Pretty Maid ceremony, and even an appearance from an iconic British boyband.  

As part of the event, each year a young female resident is selected to be the fair’s ‘Pretty Maid’.  

A highlight for many, The Pretty Maid’s Charity was founded in the mid nineteenth century and was gifted in the will of the Rev Thomas Meyrick, of Carta Martha, who died on May 27, 1841.  

Under the terms of the will the income from the legacy is to be paid annually: “To a young single woman resident in Holsworthy under the age of 30 who is generally esteemed as the most deserving; the most handsome; the most noted for her quietness and attendance at church.” 

The trustees of the Pretty Maid Charity passed over their responsibilities to the trustees of the Speccotts Charity some time ago, however, the tradition continues. 

Following much deliberation, it was decided that this year’s Pretty Maid would be Miss Freya Godfrey.  

Freya attended both Holsworthy Primary school and Holsworthy Community College. She studied for her A-Levels at Callywith College in Bodmin obtaining A-Levels in geography, sociology, and physical education. She is enrolled to begin her higher education at Marjon University in Plymouth where she will study for a bachelors in physical education in secondary education with enhancement.  

Freya has been on a gap year since leaving Callywith College and has spent time travelling around Southeast Asia and Italy. On her return she gained work experience at Holsworthy Primary School.  

She is also captain of Holsworthy Ladies Cricket team, and she was the first girl to play for the men’s team, and for several years assisted her grandmother Jean in the decoration of the beautiful flower garland that decorates the church entrance on fair week – all making her a worthy choice for 2024’s Pretty Maid. 

With a Pretty Maid selected, the town was set to enjoy its fair week, complete with historical exhibitions, the fair sale of fat stock and dairy cattle, street jazz entertainment, a Holsworthy in Bloom competition, and even a treasure hunt.  

However, for many the highlight of the week was one of the acts, which saw iconic band, East 17 take to the stage and lead the crowd through a set list of 90’s tunes.  

Following a full week of events, Holsworthy Town Councillor and one of the event’s organisers, Jon Hutchings said: “So that’s a wrap! Fair week over for another year, bar the clearing up!! Thank you to everyone who has helped in any way, from the sponsors to the stewards. Without everyone in the community doing their part it wouldn’t be possible. Thank you and good night.” 

What was your highlight from this year’s fair?