THE community of Holsworthy joined local figures and dignitaries in one of the biggest moments in the town’s social calendar to welcome the latest youngster to be bestowed with the honour of being its Pretty Maid.

Miss Eliza Jeffery is the latest resident to hold the honour, succeeding Miss Paige Chidley in the year-long term of the honour.

The 15-year-old will receive money from the legacy of the will of Rev Thomas Mayrick, who upon his death in 1841 left a dowry to be paid annually to a young single woman who is resident of Holsworthy that is under the age of 30 and generally esteemed as the most deserving, most handsome, most noted for her quietness and attendance in church.

Cllr Helen Parker addresses the crowds as the new Pretty Maid is unveiled (Picture: Rodney Parrish)
Cllr Helen Parker addresses the crowds as the new Pretty Maid is unveiled. (Picture: Rodney Parrish)

Miss Jeffery is the daughter of Mr Grant and Mrs Donna Jeffery, and is presently a student at Launceston College, where she is studying for her GCSE qualifications.

Upon being bestowed with the honour of being the town’s Pretty Maid, which will see her join dignitaries in representing the town across the year, Miss Jeffery was presented to the town in a ceremony held at the Church of St Peter and St Paul.

The ceremony was accompanied by bright summer sunshine and warm smiles from well-wishers and residents in the town, who congregated in the road passing the church to see the historic moment for themselves.

Cllr Helen Parker, a trustee of the Speccotts Charity which took over the responsibility of administering the Pretty Maid charity funds a number of years ago, announced the identity of the town’s newest Pretty Maid.

She said: “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 May 25, 2011.

“Eliza has recently been awarded the responsibility of being made house captain at the college.

“Eliza has many hobbies and Interests. Eliza’s 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”