With just one week to go until Flora Day, the four who have been picked to lead the Midday Dance speak exclusively to the Packet about how they are feeling ahead of the big day.
The Packet revealed in February that Tom ‘Boomer’ Collins, Justine Dale, Lee Padgeth and Jenna Sobey were the lucky four selected to lead the dance this year.
As the four individually prepare for the big day, leading ladies Justine and Jenna were recently invited to have their hair done together by local hairdresser Jessie Tonkin at her salon, C’est La Vie in Helston.
“When I saw the news that Justine and Jenna were dancing, I just knew I had to mark the occasion,” Jessie explained.
“I invited the girls for Prosecco on arrival and spoke about all things Flora Day.
“It was an amazing morning and I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to do their hair for their big moment!”
With the final countdown to the big day, the Packet speaks to Tom 'Boomer' Collins, Justine Dale, Lee Padgeth and Jenna Sobey who have shared their thoughts and feelings about their upcoming special moment.
Tom ‘Boomer’ Collins
The 51-year-old described being invited as an honour and a shock to be asked, saying at the time it was something he never expected.
Tom has a strong Flora Day pedigree, with his father Peter Collins leading the Early Morning and Evening Dances in the past, and his aunt being the late Mary Collins, who was secretary of that dance for more than two decades and led the Midday Dance in 1992 with Nick Wills, now honorary secretary of Helston Flora Day Association.
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Now living in Illogan, the 51-year-old works for a countryside maintenance firm. However, it won’t be shouts of ‘Tom’ he will be hearing on the big day, but instead ‘Boomer’ – his nickname from school, and how almost everyone refers to him.
Tom told the Packet how he was feeling for the big day. He simply said: “Feeling all good, just looking forward to the big day.”
Justine Dale
The daughter of Julia and Chris Dale of Dale the Butchers in Helston said she was “slightly apprehensive” when she received the invitation earlier this year, as she was the only member of her family to be invited to lead the Midday Dance.
Justine who attended Wendron Primary School and Helston Community College now works at Dale’s on the deli counter alongside other members of her family.
This year will also be a very special memory not just for Justine, but also for her eldest Immee who will be dancing in the Children’s Dance for the last time for Nansloe Academy.
Justine told the Packet: “I am feeling super excited, can’t believe how fast it has come around!
“All my preparations have come together beautifully.
“Just seeing all of the flags going up in town gives me butterflies, the wonderful community have been so supportive with all of their well wishes.”
Justine also complimented her fellow dancers by calling them “lovely people”.
“It’s certainly going to be the best and unforgettable Flora Day for me, I know I’m going to have the time of my life.”
Justine has expressed her gratitude to those who have helped her prepare for her leading role. She said: “I want to give a mention to Tara at the Bridal Studio (Helston) for helping me choose THE dress, and Joy Blackburn for the alterations made.
“Tracy from bows for my wonderful hat she worked so hard on, she had truly been so passionate and a very professional and friendly lady.
“And finally to my mum Julia and sister Carla for being by my side throughout every decision, and making it a very special experience together. I don’t know what I would have done without these ladies along the way.”
READ NEXT: Here's who's leading the Children's Dance for each school this Flora Day
Lee Padgeth
As Lee prepares to dance his 19th Flora Day next week, he shared how he and his family were feeling about the big day.
He said: "I'm incredibly excited for Flora Day!
"It really is a great honour for us all.
"None of my family has ever led the Midday Dance, and they're all as excited, if not more so!"
The 28-year-old is most known for working in Specsavers and Raisons Opticians in Helston and has danced in the Morning and Evening, the Children’s Dance during his primary school and secondary school days, before applying to dance the Midday.
In 2020 when Flora Day was cancelled due to the pandemic, Lee along with family, friends and neighbours held a socially distanced themed event on the green outside their house.
Jenna Sobey (nee Firth)
The mother of three explained that despite feeling ‘nervous’ she “cannot wait” for the big day.
“I’m starting to feel a bit nervous now,” she said.
“It’s coming around so quickly, and the final amendments to my dress and hat are being made, which is making it all feel very, very real.
“It’s not only really sinking in that this is actually happening – I just cannot wait.”
Jenna, who is the wife of Origin Coffee founder Tom Sobey, said that seeing the flags go up at the weekend, and people talking about the day to her, showed how important the day is to the town.
She said: “It’s such a lovely build-up, but I most definitely feel the weight more this year than ever of how important the day is to the town.
“This in turn is making me feel even more honoured and blessed to have been asked to be one of the leaders.”
Jenna also praised the “amazing” people who have been preparing her and Justine for the big day. She said: “Justine and I had our hair done together, thanks to the wonderful Jessie and C’est La Vie.
“We have been made to feel very special by everyone helping with the preparations. From our dressmakers to our hat makers and glove dyer.
“We’re using the same people and they have all been so amazing.”
You can find out more about dance times and other essential information for Flora Day here: Full details on Flora Day 2024 - with big announcement over Penhellis
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