Anger at scrapping of Lichfield Bower Queen title
A former Lichfield Bower Queen has hit out at organisers of the 88-year-old event for changing the name of the prestigious title.
Jane Dayus-Hinch, who won the crown in 1980 and now stars in her own reality TV series Wedding SOS, has criticised the change in name from Bower Queen to Miss Lichfield.
She says the move 'goes against everything in the history' of the event.
The move was made earlier this year in an effort to attract more applicants to potentially hold the crown. A last minute meeting was held on Friday to try and sort the situation out ahead of Monday's event, however the name change went ahead.
Mrs Dayus-Hinch said: "I am a traditionalist, I am all for historical customs and traditions and, as a previous holder of the title I wanted to voice my opinion. People are very upset about this because it goes against everything in the history of the event." During the event at Beacon Park, Mrs Dayus-Hinch carried round a placard with 'Bower – Save The Queen' written on it, to supportive cheers from the crowds in attendance.
The first Bower Queen was elected and crowned in 1929 and apart from during the war years, there has been a Bower Queen leading the Bower parade every year.
Traditionally, the Bower Queen would be crowned on Bower Day by the Mayor, outside the Guildhall, and then lead the Bower procession.
Mrs Dayus-Hinch said: "I suggest they revert to the honorary and prestigious title of 'Bower Queen' of Lichfield and carry and uphold our highly valued and revered customs and traditions. It always adds a Royal tone to the day, and it is unique to Lichfield. We must preserve this and all our customs and city traditions."
Despite the protest, organisers believe the move was a success, with the number of applicants doubling from last year. Beth Colley, chairman of the event, said: "We have tried to move away from the Bower Queen title because young girls were just not identifying with it.
"This move brought in more applicants."
After being crowned Bower Queen in 1980, Mrs Drayus-Finch has gone on to host Wedding SOS on Canadian channel Slice Network. The premise of each episode has a couple in over their heads planning a wedding, with Mrs Dayus-Hinch to assist the couple .
