HELSTON is preparing for its biggest day of the year as Flora Day finally returns after a two years – and one man is hoping it will be fourth time lucky.

Giles Clotworthy, who was born only 100 yards from the Guildhall, will finally be taking his place as part of the leading set in the Midday Dance, along with his Flora partner Eileen McLoughlin, with Christian Johns and Kristine Furneaux making up the set.

Former Helston estate agent Giles, who now works for Firewood Supplies, was first invited to lead in 2019, but after a fall and breaking his leg in the woods he was unable to take part. Then, due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Flora Day was cancelled.

However, with restrictions now lifted, there is just one month to go until the big day, which this year takes place on Saturday, May 7 due to the traditional date of May 8 falling on a Sunday.

Giles told the Packet: "I'm happy it's finally happening. I am ecstatic to be dancing and to be able to lead, also to have family and friends from all over the country coming to watch me dance is amazing."

Not only will he be leading, but it will be the first year his youngest son, Oliver, will be dancing for Nansloe Academy and his middle son Max will be dancing for Helston Community College.

Dance partner Eileen, who has owned a respite care home in Godolphin Road for people with disabilities, through the Shared Lives South West scheme, for 30 years, said: "I am so pleased it is actually going ahead after the pandemic, and so excited."

Also dancing this year will be Eileen's daughter Natasha McLoughlin, in her first time dancing in the Midday.

"It will be nice to have a bit of normality again," Eileen added.

The Midday leading set Giles Clotworthy, Eileen McLoughlin, Christian Johns and Kristine Furneaux pictured in 2020

The Midday leading set Giles Clotworthy, Eileen McLoughlin, Christian Johns and Kristine Furneaux pictured in 2020

Christian Johns, who is also part of the leading set. said: “I was very shocked, it's quite an honour."

The 46-year-old went to Parc Eglos and then Helston School before joining the Royal Navy.

“Flora Day is something I’ve grown up with,” said Christian, whose dad Brian Johns led Morning and Evening Dances in the 1970s.

A keen rugby player, Christian used to play rugby for Helston and was among the side that played at Twickenham in 1996 when the club reached the final of The Pilkington Shield.

Kristine Furneaux, who has been dubbed "The Flora Day Queen" amongst her friends, has also got both her hats ready. Not only will she be dancing in the Midday, but she will also be walking behind the 5pm dance, the last dance of the day.

She also has her own Facebook page selling fabrics, and you can see her work by visiting Flora Fabrics.

Kristine followed in the footsteps of her mother, Anne Tuttey (née Dinsdale) onto the committee of the Morning and Evening Dances and also took part in it for many years.

Giles and Eileen will be leaving the Guildhall first on the stroke of noon, followed by Christian and Kristine. The couples will then swap places in the gardens of Lismore.