A 16-year-old air cadet has landed the top role for the Spalding Flower Parade.
Star Perry was voted the Ambassador for the event returning on Saturday, May 13 by a panel of judges after a ceremony.
As well as being atop of one of the major floats on the day, the Boston College student from Weston Hills will be attending events throughout the next 12 months.
Holly Kendrick (20) was voted as her deputy and will stand in for events Star is unable to attend.
There were nine finalists who were interviewed before the judges made a decision.
And among those in attendance was one of the first flower queens, Jean Tulley, who was crowned in 1953.
She’ll be a part of the parade too as will appointed parade princesses Ashleigh Appleby-Burtnell (7), Isla Britchford (10) and Bella Britchford (6).
Being named as the Ambassador for the Spalding Flower Parade is a ‘new beginning’ for Star Perry.
She didn’t even know mum Clare had nominated her in a bid to boost her confidence.
But she shone amid a group of nine contestants who were all stars.
The member of 2430 (Holbeach) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets trained in martial arts such as Wado Ryu, Ju Jitsu, Akido, freestyle Karate and even weapons training, skills that led to her being chosen to display in front of the president of Cyprus when young.
“I was so shocked, I didn’t ever think I would win,” said Star who is named after a character in the film The Lost Boys.
“I’m just over the moon and so excited.
“All of the ladies are lovely, beautiful and stunning.
“I’m really proud of the deputy Holly and what she’s achieved.
“It’s just new beginnings really.
“My mum applied behind my back because I wasn’t confident enough in myself but when I got here I just realised it’s not about me, it’s about the community and uplifting everyone here.
“I’m just excited about starting my new adventure with everyone.”
Mum Clare Walker said: “I know she’s my daughter, but she really is an amazing girl.
“She’s kind hearted and even when she was being bullied at school she was always trying to help other people and helping others through their trauma.
“She tries her best to give back to people.
“She lacks confidence and self-esteem sometimes and I just thought I’d shove her forward.
“I didn’t expect it though to be honest as there were so many that I thought ‘oh they’ve got it’.
“I was pleasantly surprised but I know she’s perfect for the role as she’ll put everyone’s needs and thoughts before her own.
“When her name was read out the pair of us kind of looked at each other stunned.
“I’m really proud.”
The Ambassador role is the replacement for the Flower Queen at previous parades.
Men were encouraged to apply for the role, but unfortunately none did.
Trinity Barker, Jax Clements, Jessica Forbes, Laura Hudson, Holly Kendrick, Johanne Seymour and Katie Fitter were all also interviewed by local radio star Kev Lawrence at the South Holland Centre last Sunday where they were asked about their community work, lifestyles and interests.
Imogen Woolf, who was unable to attend on the day, was interviewed on video.
After much deliberation the judging panel of Giovanna Grieco from main sponsors Aphoenix Care, Karen Povey of Fancy Frox who are providing dresses for the Ambassador and deputy, Spalding and South Holland Voice editor Rachel Mayfield, Coun Jack Tyrrell and MP Sir John Hayes made a tough decision.
Holly was named as deputy and will work alongside Star and attend events.
The 20-year-old from Spalding said: “It’s crazy, I’m a bit speechless.
“I’m really proud for Star though bless her.
“She did a really good interview and she’s really lovely so I’m happy to be working with her on everything this year and I can’t wait to see what it brings.
“I was very nervous and it hit me more just before I went on stage that it was real, but it was a really good process and Jan and Steve have done such a good job.”
Steve Timewell is bringing the parade back for 2023.
He’s looking to take the girls to Jersey ahead of Spalding’s own show on May 13.
He told the gathering that around £75,000 had been raised for the parade and £100,000 in terms of pledges of help to do work for free.
“It was incredible and absolutely wonderful,” he said of Sunday’s event. “There were no losers and they’re all beautiful girls in their own personalities.
“I look forward to seeing the girls on the day and over the next 12 months.
“It’s another pivotal point and we’re one step closer to the fabulous day.”
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Tulip Talk by Jan Whitbourn.
I am pleased to announce the winner of the new South Holland Ambassador and runner up which took place this weekend, Star Perry is our winner with Holly Kendrick our runner-up.
They’re two very worthy and happy winners.
The event was a success with five judges choosing from some very tough contestants.
They deliberated for so long swapping from one to another, due to the calibre of all the ladies wanting to be the face of the Spalding Flower Parade.
Sir John Hayes, Giovanna Grieco from Aphoenix Care, Karen Povey from Fancy Frox, Rachel Mayfield, editor and co-founder of The Spalding and South Holland Voice and Coun Jack Tyrrell, finally decided on the winners and made that tough decision.
Three Princesses escorted the ladies onto the stage, Ashleigh Appleby-Burtnell (7), 10-year-old Isla Britchford and six-year-old Bella Britchford. You did a good job girls, we were all proud of you.
We were also proud to see Jean Tulley at the event. Jean was the Flower Queen from 1953, 70 years ago.
She’s a wonderful lady who I have been speaking for weeks, she will be riding with the Princesses in a car,
It was wonderful to have her there with us and to hear her memories of her day many years ago.
Star is our Ambassador and will be the figurehead for many local events, fetes, galas and anything else you wish her to be a part of.
Her deputy is Holly who is keen to be a part of all the events too and is looking forward to working alongside Star.
Our host for the afternoon was Kev Lawrence, a well known radio breakfast presenter, who has hosted shows in Peterborough since 1997 on Hereward FM, Lite FM, Heart and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, as well as hosting key live events.
Kev did a great job making the girls feel relaxed and got them to chat away about their life and hobbies.
Thank you Kev, it was a pleasure to work with you and to have you here in South Holland.
Tune into his breakfast show next Saturday on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, where he will be talking about our day and the South Holland Ambassadors as well as the forthcoming Flower Parade.
We were pleased to be able to crown Star sitting on a very old throne which Oliver Sneath kindly loaned us for the afternoon from the Spalding Court House.
Thank you Oliver, it certainly looked the part.
Thank you to everyone who was so kind and donated so many prizes to both winners.
They received some money, gift and jewellery vouchers, hair and make up treatments, a two-night stay at the Red Lion Hotel and a Water Taxi return trip which will include Jean.
Star and Holly’s first task will be to visit Fancy Frox to get their dresses, which Karen has kindly donated to them both.
On the day they will have their hair, a make-over and a spray tan.
The prizes will make them feel like queens on the day.
Karen said: “We’re so pleased to see the South Holland Ambassador and the runner-up who will once again lead the parade.
“It has such a history in our area and it is great to know that future people will get to enjoy and benefit from the experience.
“We at Fancy Frox are looking forward to helping the girls select their dresses for the day, the winner and runner up can be assured they will be in safe hands and look amazing in their beautiful dresses.”
If you would like to ask for the South Holland Ambassador to attend an event please contact Jan Whitbourn 07779 895388 or email [email protected]; the two girls are looking forward to being a big part of events in South Holland over the coming year.
