Bisley’s annual fete and flower show is celebrating a right royal occasion on Saturday August 26 with the crowning of the event’s 70th flower queen Mhairi Kinnear by one of her best-known predecessors.

Back in 1978 it was an 11-year-old Kim Trinder who was the person sitting on the throne and recalls feeling ‘very special’ during this highlight in the village’s calendar.

The former primary school teacher has attended most flower show and fetes since then, although for most of them she’s been behind the scenes helping to serve tea and cake, for which the event is renowned.

This year she’s back in the spotlight, however, during what is a special year for the Bisley-born mum of two, as she was recently ordained a priest.

Rev Kim Trinder works alongside the Vicar of the Bisley Benefice Rev Sue Murray and other local priests, carrying out a wide range of duties. She had always hoped to be able to minister in her home area, although got to known many people in churches in Stroud and Tetbury while she was training.

“This year’s Bisley Flower Show and Fete is extra special as, alongside the coronation of King Charles III, we’re celebrating the crowning of the 70th flower queen, a tradition that started in 1952 with the accession of Queen Elizabeth II,” says fete organiser Sue Bradley.

“We’re thrilled that Kim is now working among us as a priest and, like a modern day Cinderella, we feel it’s a great time to ask her to step outside the kitchen and play a special part in this big day in our village calendar.”

Kim said: "It is a lovely village occasion, and we always look forward to meeting up with friends old and new,” she said.

This year’s Bisley Flower Show and Fete takes place off Cheltenham Road from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday August 26 and promises lots of things to see and do. We’ll be welcoming back The Illustioneer Barrie Westwell along with Avening Silver Band and country dancers from Bisley Blue Coat Primary School. There will be a marquee bursting with produce grown, cooked or made by local people, and lots of stalls.

* For more information contact susan@cornerstonesmediaservices.co.uk. Visit bisleyflowershow.com/ for flower show schedules.