THE ALPS might have been alive with the sound of music, but the town of Holsworthy was more than alive with the sound of joy as the annual St Peter’s Fair week got into full swing.

For today was the day that the proud historic town dug deep into its treasure trove of tradition for the annual occasion like literally nowhere else, with the unveiling of the latest recipient of the Pretty Maid accolade and dowry.

For those outside of the town, the idea of a Pretty Maid may seem strange, but it has its roots in the will of a Reverend Thomas Meyrick of Carta Martha near Launceston. His brother, Reverend Owen Meyrick had been the one-time rector of Holsworthy and it is here that the Pretty Maid story began.

Upon the death of Thomas Meyrick on May 27, 1841, he stipulated in his will that a legacy was to be paid to a young Holsworthy woman who met several criteria. This was that they were a young, single woman under the age of 30 who was regarded as ‘generally esteemed as the most deserving, the most handsome, the most noted for her quietness and attendance at church’.

Perhaps when a road was put next to the striking Church of St Peter and St Paul, those responsible could not have envisaged a day where the announcement of the Pretty Maid would garner such a crowd that could have resembled a human road block while volunteer marshals marked the perimeter where for at least half an hour, vehicles could not cross.

Come 11.55am and out comes the town crier in full regalia to deliver the pronouncement of what lay ahead, while inside the church, the young lady chosen to be the latest in a long line of Pretty Maids since the mid 19th century was preparing for the moment where her name would join all those who came before.

At midday, the bells of the church rang loud, and they rang proud, for this was the moment where Miss Paige Chidley was unveiled as the new Pretty Maid, surrounded by local dignitaries and given a warm welcome by those in attendance for the ceremony, which included mayoral figures from several towns.

After an introduction from Helen Parker, trustee of the Speccotts charity — which took over the responsibility of the Pretty Maid legacy some time ago — they went into detail of the person that Miss Chidley, a Year 10 student at Holsworthy College is, her background and why she qualifies for the Pretty Maid dowry.

Upon the completion of the speech, it was time for Miss Chidley to formally accept the role for a year ahead, going to her knees as a prayer was given in her name.

Flowers were presented to her by the outgoing Pretty Maid, Miss Freya Godley, and at that moment, the latest name in the Holsworthy history books began her year with a raucous celebratory round of dodgems at the fair with family members and attending dignitaries joining in the occasion.