Town's violet tradition revised

Monday 30th April 2012

A town long-associated with violets is to resurrect a tradition centred around the flowers.

Dawlish, in Devon, will revive its Violet Ball, an event which started when the popularity of the flowers declined, to raise money for Cancer Research UK and The Strand Centre.

In the 1920s and 1930s Dawlish was more famous for its violets than its beaches and many people visiting Dawlish would wear a posy of fresh Devon violets or take home a bottle of its famous Devon Violet Perfume.

Dawlish violets were sent each year to Queen Mary on her birthday, and Dawlish violets were among the funeral flowers of her husband King George V. When Queen Elizabeth II wed Prince Philip, Dawlish Town Council sent a pottery bowl filled with scented violets as a gift.

But as the popularity of violets declined in the 1950s, efforts were made to revive the trade and the Violet Ball was established, with a Violet Queen and attendant princesses.

Cancer Research UK's Dawlish Committee are joining forces with The Strand Centre to revive the Violet Ball on May 11 from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Jim Franklin, a member of the Dawlish Committee, said: "As well as an opportunity to raise money for Cancer Research UK the dance will also help to raise money towards the further refurbishment of The Strand Centre. This provides a valuable venue for a variety of community and charity events and projects."

Tickets cost £10 and must be booked in advance. Bookings will be dealt with on a first come first-served basis. To book, call Jim on 01626 865101 or collect tickets from The Strand Centre, The Strand, Dawlish.

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