Culter Gala 2005

THE cancellation of Gala Day this year was extremely disappointing for all concerned. The overnight rain (which looked like it was on for the day) had

made the field very dangerous for both vehicles and spectators alike.

We consulted various bodies but in the end it was a joint decision by the Community Council and the Gala Committee that this year's Gala Day would have to be cancelled, mainly on the grounds of safety, but other factors were considered - for instance, the contract for hire of the school field, from Aberdeen City Council, makes it clear that the Gala Committee is liable for any damage to it. This could well have amounted to a considerable sum of money and a risk not worth taking. It almost certainly would have caused the cancellation of the Culter School Sports Day.

Obviously, cancellation of Gala Day also resulted in the procession not taking place - but with the Pipe Band and their instruments on foot and mainly young children on the floats - it could have been hazardous. This was especially disappointing as we were to have five floats taking part this year - the largest amount for some years. I know everyone had been working hard in preparation and obtaining the vehicles hadn't been an easy task. Hopefully the same enthusiasm will be shown next year.

As most people know, we did manage to hastily arrange an event at the Culter Village Hall. This allowed many of the community groups that rely on Gala Day to generate funds, to run their stall almost as planned. The volunteers from these groups put a lot of effort into the Gala so it would have been a shame if all their hard work had gone to waste.

We made use of the Ross Watt garden where the Clowns were able to perform their jokes and tricks to keep everyone entertained. The Best Stall competition was won by Culter School PTA and a very small-scale fancy dress competition also took place.

Although Gala Day itself did not go to plan, a number of very successful Gala events took place during the week. The Race Night, Gymkhana, Duck Race and Pipe-a-Thon were particularly well supported and enjoyable. Our new event, the Art/Craft Exhibition & Sale at the Heritage Hall also proved popular. On display were the winning entries in the Culter School Art Competition: the winners were James McMahon, Lucy

Treasure, Hamish Swanson, Hannah Watt, Grace Macklin, Molly Broadley, Aspen McIntosh and Lynne Wham. Their prize was to be a ride in the Fire Limo during the procession. Thanks go to Brian Black, Deeside Stretch Limos, for willingly rearranging the children's trip so that no one was disappointed. They had a ball.

The Gala football drew an immense crowd - thanks to Culter Boys Club who run this ever popular event. Winners were: (P6-7) Deeside Albion (P4-5) Green Goblins (Girls) Grannyz United. The younger section (P1-3) final due to be played on Gala day eventually took place a week later with Cults Reds beating Gairn Terrors in a very close match. All winners were presented with trophies by Darren Mackie of Aberdeen FC at the Culter Boys Presentation Night.

I think the cancellation of Gala Day itself and the emergency efforts to stage something showed that the Gala is an important event in the Culter Calendar and emphasised the spirit in the Community who turned out in large numbers. Of course this does not happen by accident and many thanks are due to a number of volunteers and helpers who work extremely hard at the various events - the Gala Committee thanks them all. Special thanks however must go to Alison Skinner and the Hall Committee for helping us at extremely short notice; Lavina Massie, Marjory Skinner and Ann Wakefield and many of the Gala Committee who worked hard in the kitchen all afternoon providing refreshments, and not forgetting all our race night sponsors and raffle prize donators - your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

A particular mention must also go to Stewart Rae, who along with Gala's Steve Davidson put up the bunting around the village. Gala week wouldn't be quite the same without the bunting! Lastly, thank you to everyone in Culter who turned out for the events - we hope you enjoyed them.

Personally I wish to thank the Culter Community Council, who were extremely supportive of me following Paul Anderson's departure to pastures new but I must also record sincere thanks to the members of Culter Gala Committee for their support, ideas and efforts over the last few months, and particularly on that Saturday morning when all the plans went to ruin and they rallied round to recover the situation. They were tremendous.

The Culter Gala only happens once a year and it is for the benefit of everyone, whatever age. First and foremost it is a day for everyone to enjoy themselves and have fun. However, it does allow the local community groups the chance to raise some money. Whatever is left in the Gala fund, after all the events have taken place, gets distributed to those who apply for a donation via the Community Council. Last year, fourteen groups benefited from this fund. Any organisation that would like to be considered for a donation from this year's Gala Fund should write to: The Secretary, Culter Community Council, c/o 6 Johnston Gardens West, Peterculter, stating their needs. Applications for consideration must be in by Wednesday 31st August 2005.

And finally, the Gala AGM is scheduled for Tuesday 6th September at 7.30pm (at the Pop-In, North Deeside Road, Peterculter). The Committee is aware that we need to formulate a contingency plan in future so nothing interferes with the Gala Day again. If you have any ideas, suggestions or if you are interested in helping out during Gala week or joining the Gala Committee please come along - remember you don't have to be in a Community Group to be on the Gala Committee - it is open to anyone who is willing to give up their time voluntarily and do something for the community. It would be nice to build on this year's great community efforts, form a larger committee and create a bigger band of helpers and stage a Gala Day that Culter deserves.

Jan Murphy Gala Co-ordinator

The present Gala Committee is: Karen and Steve Davidson, Peter Fraser, Nicola Hector, Aileen Ironside, Eleanor Kennedy, Allan Pennie Ann Reid, Bert Stewart, Claire Strachan, Callum Stuart, Ann Wakefield