It’s the dance that many Helstonians say is the most special – and now the leaders of the Morning and Evening Dance this Flora Day have been revealed.
First out the door and beginning the day’s dancing will be Lucy Furlong (nee Bassett) and Graham Cook.
The couple were second lead in 2017, and have now risen to the pole position.
Lucy, who supports parents through the Early Help Hub in the Carrick area, said: “I can’t wait – it’s such an honour.
“Flora Day is better that Christmas and the 7am and 5pm dancing is just incredible.
“You’re starting the day; it gets me every time.”
Lucy, who danced through St Michael’s Primary and then Helston Community College, said she was excited for her family to see her lead, adding: “I know my mum will be crying!”
Lucy and Graham were paired up by the Flora Day Committee to be second lead and have continued dancing together ever since.
As a postman in Helston, Graham received the invitation first – before it even hit the doorstep.
Knowing that general invitations to dance would be out soon, Graham was checking every day for a letter – only to find the invite to lead.
“I always say it’s the best letter any Helstonian can ever receive,” said Graham, who then broke the news to Lucy down the phone.
“I said, ‘You’re going to need to get a new dress love, because you’re going to be the star of the show!’ “We’re just really looking forward to it and hope the weather holds for us now.”
Graham follows in the footsteps of other family members who have led, including his aunt Joyce Meagor who led the Morning and Evening Dance in 2010.
As well as dancing the Flora for 20-odd years, he is also known for playing in the veterans team for Helston AFC.
Completing the set, as second leads, are Bethany Lynes (nee Whear) and Charlie Conway.
Bethany and Charlie have danced together since leaving school and straight away joining the Morning and Evening Dance - although they danced with different partners while both attending Parc Eglos and Helston Community College.
Bethany, a year one and two teacher at Gwinear Primary School, said: “We just love the Morning and Evening. We’re both from Helston and you know so many people dancing in it.”
She said she was particularly looking forward to the end of the 5 o’clock dance, when Helston Town Band play an encore to a cheering crowd.
“It’s like a reunion every year, getting together and seeing all those people you don’t usually get to see.”
Charlie described himself as “very excited” and also privileged to have received the all-important invitation.
“Bethany and I are still pretty young, in terms of getting that far up,” he said, although he added that they had both danced for a long time now – only ever missing one year since they began in the Children’s Dance.
“It’s just the buzz of the day,” he said. “Seeing the town so busy, and just the emotion of it when you hear that drum beat for the first time.”
Charlie previously played football for Helston AFC and now helps manage the Second Team.
Two weeks ago the Midday Dance leaders for 2023 were revealed as Lloyd and Lisa Harris, Darren Wallis and Lisa Ashdown.
Normally held on May 8, this year's Flora Day takes place on Friday, May 5.
Originally it was scheduled for Saturday, May 6, due to traditionally never being held on a Sunday or Monday, but was moved forward a day so as not to clash with King Charles's Coronation.
The coronation will take place in Westminster Abbey, eight months after the monarch’s accession and the death of the Queen, with the Queen Consort being crowned alongside Charles.
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