Gala Weekend 2011 Report

Wemyss Bay Gala Report 2011

Source: Village News issue 249 (July 2011)

Ladies Pamper Evening

The evening was a sell out and was a huge success. We had our very own cocktail waiter who made the most delicious cocktails. The beauty treatment taster sessions were fully booked and the women of Wemyss Bay enjoyed their Indian head massages, reflexology and nail treatments. We finished off the evening with a little dancing and nonsense which was really enjoyable. All in all it was a great night and we hope next year to do it even bigger and better although hopefully the weather will be a bit warmer! Many thanks to our cocktail waiter for not only making fantastic cocktails but putting up with over 100 merry ladies!

Friday Night Barndance

The Friday night barndance was kicked off by our live country & western band, Ellis County and their footstomping tunes certainly got people up off of their chairs and onto the dance floor. Thanks must go to the Clyde Coasters who set the standard for line dancing and showed everyone how it should be done. There were plenty of themed outfits worn, with some people really looking the part. The fancy dress competition was won by a couple who had obviously put a lot of effort into their country & western outfit, which was complete with inflatable horse! Unfortunately this Editor had imbibed a little too much moonshine by that time and forgot to take a note of their details. Belated congratulations and a warm welcome to the Village.

Gala Day - Saturday

Our Gala Weekend started at 12 noon when a limousine arrived outside the marquee and out stepped our Gala Queen, Mairi Maclean and her attendant Nicola Anderson with Gala King Andrew Clifford and his attendant Liam Kelly. Family and friends were all there to welcome their arrival and after our Royal party opened the Gala we had the crowning of the Gala Queen and lots of time to take pictures. Our compere for the day was local DJ, Jim, of Cheers Disco who kept the music coming throughout the afternoon. We also had a roaming photographer on-site for the day, thanks to Mr Roders for giving up his day to join us.

We had lots of attractions this year with something for just about every age, the young and the not so young. For the 1st time we had Britain’s largest inflatable slide, which put a glint in the eye of many adults as well as the kids! The return of the mobile ski-slope proved popular and at this rate it may become a regular visitor the village. The craft village was also another returning attraction and provided the ideal opportunity to pick up hand-made gifts for birthdays, Fathers Day or perhaps something nice for the house.

The Guides ran the tea-room and a few Dads were spotted flexing their arms whilst trying to impress the kids at the Guides coconut stall. The winners at the Youth Club tombola were able to compare their Meerkats. The ever popular Beat the Keeper, ran by Bible Club & Youth Group, had a queue of kids putting the keeper through his paces. Congratulations to Grant, Lee and one other boy who all succeeded at scoring 5 in a row to win a backpack each.

The forecast for the day was rain in the afternoon and as predicted it arrived. However, it didn't appear to dampen the spirits of the many in attendance and everyone simply retreated to the marquee or the tearoom for shelter and 'refreshments.'

Wemyss Bay's Got Talent

We had another fantastic year with Wemyss Bay’s Got Talent. 1st Prize went to Becky Deveney who sung a fantastic version of the Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse hit ‘Valerie’ and it’s probably fair to say that just about everyone in the marquee was surprised by the big voice that came from little Becky. Well done to all who entered and made it a fun afternoon in the marquee and to all who came along and supported the acts.

Ardgowan Football Development Prizegiving

AFD continued their 10th anniversary celebrations with their annual display and prizegiving which gave parents the opportunity to see the skills that the kids had learned throughout the previous year. After a display of footballing skills on the 3G pitch everyone packed into the marquee where the kids were presented with their certificates of achievement and special 10th anniversary medals.

A Huge Thank you

The Gala weekend could not take place without the support of lots of people. From the set up team, to the people who give us a couple of hours of their time on the day This helps the weekend gel together and without this help the Gala weekend could not happen. Thank you to everyone who helped in the sale of the Raffle Tickets.

This year we were fortunate enough to receive grants and donations towards the Gala from Inverclyde Council, Scottish Power and Shell UK. Thank you to those organisations and a further special thanks to a local donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, for their generosity and support this year and in many, many previous years.

To our local businesses we are forever grateful for your generosity in helping us with outfits, electrics, vouchers, money, products and other vital support over the duration of the weekend.