THE identity of the latest person in a long line of young Holsworthy women to be bestowed with the honour of being the town’s Pretty Maid has been confirmed.

Eliza Jeffery, 15, was unveiled in the ceremony held at the entrance to the Church of St Peter and St Paul by the Speccotts Charity, which administers the dowry given to the Pretty Maid.

Miss Jeffery succeeds Paige Chidley as the Pretty Maid and will serve for the year of 2026 to 2027.

In an address given at the entrance to the church, it was stated: “The Pretty Maids Charity was founded in the mid nineteenth century. The charity was gifted in the will of the Rev Thomas Meyrick, of Carta Martha nr Launceston, who died on May 27, 1841. He was the brother of the Rev Owen Meyrick, one-time rector of Holsworthy.

“According to Holsworthy Museum this year is the 185th anniversary. Under the terms of the will the income from the legacy is to be paid annually to a young single woman resident of 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. I am pleased to introduce Holsworthy's Pretty maid for 2026, Miss Eliza Jeffery .

“Eliza is the daughter of Grant and Donna Jeffery and older sister to Anika. Eliza is a lifelong resident of Holsworthy. She was born on the 25th of May 2011. Eliza attended Holsworthy Primary school and currently is a student in year 10 at Launceston college. Where She is studying for her GCSE's. Eliza has recently been awarded the responsibility of being made house captain at the college.

“Eliza has many hobbies and Interests. Eliza main interest is her love of singing and musical theatre, she has performed in many local amateur productions in the Barnstaple area. This talented young lady has been presented with The Audience Choice Award in the West End Calling Finals in London in 2024. where she was competing in a national award.

She has recently successfully auditioned for and is due to join the British Youth Musical Theatre Company in London this August where she will attend a two-week residential and performance event.

“Eliza’s ambition once secondary education is complete is to study in London at Drama school for a degree in performing arts and musical theatre and ultimately to perform in the west end.

“Eliza is currently a young leader with the Holsworthy Beavers having starting volunteering through her bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award in 2024, She is soon to take her silver award.

“Eliza also performs with the local band WEIRD and can be seen performing at many local venues. Eliza, My I wish you every success with your endeavours and on behalf of the Speccotts Charity, let me be the first to congratulate you upon receiving this award.”