Crowning moment

The grandmother-of-five has been asked to crown this year’s Queen Elect Madison Chapman at the big day on June 24.

Speaking this week, Helenore (69) said she was “in total shock” when chairman Jim Stewart asked her to perform this important duty.

Along with husband Robert she had been on an extended holiday to Lanzarote at the start of the year, but within hours of stepping off the plane and returning home to Bomains Road, the invite had been extended.

She added: “I couldn’t take it in at first but it is a great honour.”

However, things moved quickly after that and her outfit for the Kirkin of the Queen has already been selected and her Fair Day outfit shopping was completed last week.

On the big day Robert will be excused his usual role of judging the floats to accompany his wife in the official procession. The couple’s involvement with the Fair has extended over 50 years and Helenore remembers as 17-year-olds they worked on floats until 6am one morning before coming home and getting changed to head out to watch the crowning.

Daughters Deborah and Nicola were both fairies and presentees, and six-year-old granddaughter Faye likes nothing better than to watch Fair day videos.

Helenore said: “She can’t wait for the big day – and neither can I.”