Robyn Marshall has added a crown to her collection of many hats.

Representing Clyde and Districts Lions Club, Robyn was named Senior Queen, while Anne Dougherty, representing Alexandra Petanque Club, was first runner up during a special ceremony at the Alexandra District Club yesterday.

Robyn said she was not expecting to claim the prestigious title, given the great work all the other contestants do in the community.

“It’s just unbelievable,” she said, moments after claiming the honour.

“There were so many fabulous people I was up against . . . and I couldn’t believe it. But it is lovely.”

She said the many people who had attended the afternoon’s celebrations, which included afternoon tea and a fashion show by Alexandra business Flying with Birds, had added something special to the occasion.

“It’s a beautiful coming together of the community. It’s a very special day.”

2024 Alexandra Blossom Festival Senior Queen winner Robyn Marshall (left) with runner up Anne Dougherty. PHOTO: Shannon Thoms/Alexandra Blossom Festival

Anne was also honoured to receive the runner-up award.

She said various organisations she was involved with have several members called Ann, which meant she was often referred to as “Anne with an ‘e’.

There have since been some comments made following her Alexandra Blossom Festival involvement that she could now be called “Princess Anne” instead.

A new addition to the crowning ceremony this year was the introduction of the People’s Choice award, with people voting as they entered. 

That honour was taken out by Jo Ireland, nominated by Alexandra Senior Citizens.

The People's Choice award was presented to Jo Ireland during yesterday's special ceremony. PHOTO: Shannon Thoms/Alexandra Blossom Festival

A further two contestants who were in the running for the title of Blossom Festival Queen were Bernie Butler and Jacqui Hood, who were nominated by friends and the Alexandra Lions Club, respectively.

Each of the five women were introduced to the Senior Queen judges - Senior Queen founder Liz Pratt, Contact Energy representative Michelle Bastiaansen and Tall Poppy Real Estate Central Otago owner Peter Hishon - at a special high tea last week, leaving the judges with a very difficult decision.

Alexandra Blossom Festival event manager Martin McPherson said the crowning of the Senior Queen was a “wonderful’’ way to start the festival’s 67th celebrations.

The Senior Queen has been a fixture in the Alexandra Blossom Festival since 1996, celebrating the wonderful senior women in our community and their contribution.

The crowning is the first official event to take place on the Alexandra Blossom Festival programme.

To keep up to date with all of the upcoming Blossom Festival activities download The Central App.

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