CULTER JUBILEE GALA 2002

AS the weather special because it was Jubilee year, or were we just lucky??? It certainly was exceptional for our Gala week. From the buntings going up, to Gala Day itself ...we couldn't have asked for better. Jubilee Gala was successful. Thank you everyone for your support. The Gala is run for everyone, by some of the Community, and your continuing involvement makes it all worthwhile. Thank you also to all local shops, businesses and individuals who faithfully back our efforts.

The Committee started Gala plans in November, and welcomed newcomers Nicola Hector (Treasurer) Moira Marshall and George Anderson to swell numbers, and also welcomed back Bert Stewart. The combination resulted in new ideas, new ventures and also the welcome return of some old favourites.

All early events went well, blessed by Jubilee weather. The PTA Pet Show launched Gala events and though numbers were slightly down, there was a good turn out of pets and their owners. For the first time in a number of years, the Children's Treasure Hunt was dry and a decided improvement on the usual umbrellas. About 80 took part. The Duck Race again enjoyed better weather, and great enthusiasm was generated at Burnside as the Scouts retrieved wayward yellow ducks.

Monday night was enjoyed at the Mill Club, the Bowlers turning out in force as usual, and The Quiz participants pitted their wits against 80 other contestants in a most entertaining session. Our thanks to the Mill Club committee. Tuesday night saw the greatest turn out other than Gala Day, when what seemed like hundreds of budding Ronaldos and Beckhams plus supporting cast of parents, Grannies and Granddads took part in a most exciting Football Tournament so ably managed by Stuart Davidson and his team of helpers. There have been requests from starving parents for food to be laid on next year. (Volunteers for sandwich making please).

Wednesday, the Car Treasure Hunt was again a family affair, taking off and returning to St. Peter's Heritage Centre. (Thank you Committee for use of your Hall.) For those who have never taken part, it is an experience which leads you into some of the more remote, less explored areas round Culter, following a set of instructions and concluding with a hot cuppa and sausage roll, while the results are worked out and the winner duly honoured with the laurel wreath (or something). Moira Marshall and Bert Stewart set the clues and laid the course out...thanks to both of you.

Paul Cowie ran Pool successfully, though numbers in some groups were down from last year. Grateful thanks to the proprietors of the local Hostelries for sponsoring the event. The Theatre Club's evening of three plays was very enterprising and entertaining. Two plays were written and acted by Junior Members, (They had earlier won an award). There was a good turn out, as there are to all their efforts.

An exciting new feature of this year's Gala was the Helicopter flights. We benefited greatly from the generosity of HJS Helicopters who donated flights on Gala Day. Again, the weather made a Bird's-eye view of proceedings possible. Tickets had to be organised ahead and we could have sold them twice over...so book early if you want a 'go' next year. (The youngest traveller was 11, the oldest 86, so there is scope for everyone.) Thank you very much Mr Simpson of HJS Helicopters for your contribution

GALA Day dawned ominously well. Troops turned out to set the Field out. The weather behaved and it all rolled. We returned to the Gala of former days with a procession through the Village, led by Culter Pipe Band, Vintage Vehicles and a single competitive Float. (Come on groups...next year why can't you borrow a tractor and cart and put something together?) May I mention here the gratitude of the Gala Committee to a former member, Jackie Cosgrove, who, realising that there was no-one collecting from the spectators, picked up a bucket and singly collected £170.

At the Field, a programme of events was opened by our Guests of the Day, Culter resident Mr Jimmy Milne, his wife and family. We were very grateful for their participation and contribution to the day. They judged the Fancy Dress and Best Decorated Stall competitions and Mr Milne opened the proceedings and spoke of his respect and appreciation of the Culter community

After the arrival of the procession, the Day's programme was wonderfully orchestrated by Bill Duncan, and we enjoyed unbroken entertainment: the music of the Pipe Band; Rosemary Pirie's Canine Display; Jackie Cosgrove's Line Dancers; Pam Dignam's Highland Dancers; Bill Duncan's Magic. The Vintage vehicles were there to look over and overhead the lucky helicopter riders saw a different view of it all. Friends met up, chatted, enjoyed tea in the marquee, played on the Bouncy Castle, ran around and invested in the surrounding stalls and - the weather stayed dry. What more could any Community wish for? It was a great day, at the conclusion of a good week of events.

This annual event is still one of the only community activities which brings so many of the village together at one time. It does raise funds, it does give groups the opportunity to raise funds, but essentially it is a time of people meeting, catching up, seeing friends and enjoying a good afternoon.

The Gala Committee wishes to thank all who helped in any way especially Aberdeen City Council who gave us a financial Grant, and out of which we were able to be more adventurous. Also thanks to our Police, who are a tower of strength at all times and specially so, giving us free movement of the procession and the Pipe Band. The Gala Committee for 2002 was;

Sam Weller (Chair), George Anderson, Ruth Carleschi, Paul Cowie, Steve Davidson, Johanna Halder, Nicola Hector (Treasurer), Moira Marshall, Michelle McRae, Trudi Mclntosh, Allan Pennie, Bert Stewart and Ann Wakefield.

The rain on Monday did not spoil the Garden Party, which was held in the Ross Watt Garden behind the Hall, and many enjoyed the celebratory tea, complete with strawberries and cream, to conclude Gala events for Jubilee 2002. The members of the Hall Committee are to be thanked for arranging this event and for their very patriotic costumes of red, white and blue!

IN CONCLUSION

The funds generated this year were up on last year. We know groups will be glad of extra funds. Any group wishing to benefit from proceeds MUST submit a request for help, stating name of group, and the purpose of the request  to the Gala Committee.

© CulterNET 2008