Rural Life | Summer 2020 | Page 21

Commenting on the logistics for the record, Deborah said: ‘We originally wanted to do the stringing and measuring at Exeter Cathedral with as many contributors who wanted to help as possible. As it was, we weren’t able to do this. I’ve had to have all the bunting delivered to me at home, and I’ve literally been drowning in it, and done all the stringing myself. Westpoint seemed like a great alternative to measure the record. It’s an enormous, covered event venue which due to the pandemic is currently not in use and has enabled us to lay out the bunting, which has taken a full two days, whilst remaining compliant with social distancing regulations.’ Now that the bunting has been measured, all the documentation will be submitted to Guinness World Records and verified before the record can be made official. Originally the bunting was due to be suspended inside the crafts and gardens marquee at Devon County Show. As the 2020 show had to be cancelled, the bunting will remain in Westpoint until September. The local community will be invited to see the record-breaking bunting in its full glory on designated evenings throughout the summer. They will be offered the opportunity to purchase sections of the bunting to help raise funds for the Devon County Show’s charity of the year, farming charity The Addington Fund. The bunting will also be donated to local causes.’ Rural Life | 21