THE Okehampton mayor and mayoress can now count floral dancing as one of the many duties they have carried out for the town.
Cllr the Rev Mike Davies and mayoress Justine Davies attended the South Molton Olde English Fayre on Saturday, June 15.
The event dates back to the 12th century when a royal charter was awarded to allow the holding of a fayre.
South Molton has continued to hold the fayre annually, and in 1590 a further Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I stated that it could continue to be held each year during the months of June and August. Charles II proclaimed a further charter for the fayre in 1684.
Cllr the Rev Davies has looked at the Okehampton Royal Charters, which give the town a right to hold two ancient fayres of its own.
In South Molton, events are held over five days but the main event for visitors is on the Saturday, when the event sees the crowning of the olde English fayre queen.
The mayor of South Molton then leads the traditional floral dance around the town square. Invited mayors are involved in the dance — including Cllr the Rev Davies.
He said: 'When you become mayor of Okehampton, the last thing you expect is to dance the floral dance in South Molton, which is some distance from Okehampton.
'I have no idea why the local mayors have traditionally been involved in the dance, but like my predecessors, I continued with the tradition. Having done it for a second year now I think I may have actually got the hang of the steps.'
Cllr the Rev Davies is keen to see the olde English fayres be reinstated in Okehampton.
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