Gala 2005

Report by Alan Clark; photograph by kind permission of Tom Cryer:

Gala Day 2005 — held as ever on the recreation ground

To decide what to write — it’s been six years and six gala days, only made possible by every last one who helps out. The necessary preparation and everyones’ work being needed — not just on the day but long-term, be it preparing tombola tickets, or a splat-the-rat stand, or ... Everything linking and depending on something or someone else.

It’s a real team effort and as this is a bloggers page it has less detail than published in the Parish Magazine, or the report to the Parish Council.

There are endless names and help-teams who, on Gala Day work from 6.30 am till night. Marquee and quiet tent; seeing to the 101 jobs including car-parking signs, helping others erect gazebos; the tea-ladies team, the barbecue; and the raffle — all providing money to part-meet the running costs.

The day itself — 2005

— Bill Rawson declared the Gala open. The Waddington Pipe Band and Dancers followed — splendid; the fancy dress competition and amongst them we found: White Rabbit; Pinnochio; Robin Hood; a Mermaid; Cinderella; Star-Wars characters; Sleeping Beauty; and Crazy Frog.

A fun item of the egg and spoon race. Majorettes from Metheringham, the Starlight Twirlers. Vintage and Classic vehicles. 1922 Morris Cowley 1923 Bentley, Hillmans, Fords, a Road-Car bus from the Vintage Vehicle Society and others. 17 vehicles in all.

Flypast of the clipped-wing Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

School Paintings. Our school children each contribute a painting and prizes are awarded.

The Ambucopter stayed most of the afternoon.

A Karate demonstration by Heighington Bushido Kai — a consuming performance watched by everyone.

Tug o’ war — won by the Blacksmith Arms / or was it John Bull against a somewhat formidable Hunter’s Family Butchers team.

1237 Squadron ATC did the impressive and necessary job of organising the car parking.

Goodwill and willingness from everyone carried us through. Thank you. We still remember those who could not be there, or have helped so much in our previous years.

And finally our thanks to the Recreation Ground Committee and the Parish Council.