Helenore has honour of crowning Queen on big day

A lifetime's involvement in Bo'ness Fair will culminate next week when Helenore Watt crowns the new Queen.
Helenore Watt, will be crowning this year's Bo'ness Fair Queen.Helenore Watt, will be crowning this year's Bo'ness Fair Queen.
Helenore Watt, will be crowning this year's Bo'ness Fair Queen.

The grandmother-of-six is delighted to have been given the important task and eagerly awaiting June 24.

Born and bred in the town, Helenore (69) knows all about the importance of the Fair and its traditions.

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Together with husband Robert, she has worked tirelessly to ensure Europe’s biggest children’s festival runs smoothly and continues to be the spectacle that everyone expects and enjoys.

Helenore said she was “in total shock” when chairman Jim Stewart asked her to perform this important duty, never expecting to be given the honour.

The Watts had been on an extended holiday to Lanzarote at the start of the year, but within hours of stepping off the plane and returning to their home in Bomains Road, the invite had been extended.

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

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“My family are all looking forward to it and everyone has been lovely when they heard the news.”

However, things moved quickly after that and her outfit for the Kirkin of the Queen was selected before her Fair Day outfit – which currently remains a secret to only the closest family members – was chosen.

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: “When she comes to stay, she always asks to see them.

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

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