Gala Weekend 2012 Report

Wemyss Bay Gala Report 2012

Source: Village News issue 259 (July 2012)

The weekend of the 9th June saw the residents of Wemyss Bay celebrate yet another successful and well attended gala. No mean feat these days when so many community events have fallen by the wayside due to lack of funding or support.

Ladies Karaoke and Curry Night

The fun began with a ladies Curry-Karaoke party on Friday last in a huge marquee located beside Wemyss bay Community Centre. They sang and danced the night away and it was a memorable start to fantastic weekend.

Gala Day - Saturday

Saturday was the gala day proper officially opened at midday by the Gala Queen, Samantha Stocks and her King, Mackenzie Smith, ably attended by Jayne Rice and Blair Cairns. Their arrival by stretch limousine was greeted by a cheering crowd of local residents.

There followed a display by Little Tigers shuto budo club, Grafitti dance troupe and entertainers 'Sid and Liz' from Wemyss Bay caravan park which all went down a treat.

At the same time the local guides had their very popular tearoom running inside the community centre, while a host of other attractions filled the space outside. These included two additional marquees; one for all the Community Groups that use the centre and the other, a dedicated Craft Tent. Plus all the usual fairground attractions to keep the younger residents happy.

Wemyss Bay's Got Talent

At 4pm the 'Wemyss Bay's Got Talent' contest filled the tent to capacity and was won by a young talented comedian named Ryan Kelly. Second and Third places went to Ellie Sinclair and Rachel McKenzie-Marner who delighted the audience with a song.

Ardgowan Football Development Gala Day

AFD rounded off the season with another successful gala day. Hundreds of parents and friends turned up to see the AFD kids perform their skills in front of them. They were then rewarded with a certificate and trophy for their efforts over the year. Thanks to Councillors Ronnie Ahfeld and Cianno Rebecchi and ex-AFD player Jamie Lyden (Dumbarton FC) for helping with the presentations.

The day was rounded off with masses of food donated by parents and friends and we thank them all for this. Special thanks to all coaches, wives and friends for their help over the last year and of course on the day. Without you all we could not run as smooth an operation as we do. Any kid who missed the award ceremony can either pick up their certificate and trophy at the Community Centre on Sunday 24th June between 1 & 2pm or at next registration day on 12th August.

We are delighted to announce that six of the Ardgowan Thistle FC Under 12 Squad have signed for the 18 player Morton Pro-Youth Under 13's Squad. We wish Andrew Wilson, Callum Irvine, Aiden Ferguson, Patrick McCartney, Donald Watt and Declan Tinney all the very best when they represent Morton next season. These boys are a credit to AFD, their ATFC coaches and their parents and fully deserve this fantastic opportunity.

AFD hope you all have a good summer holiday and that we'll see you again in August.

Next year!

Plans are already underway for next year's event which is organised by an army of volunteers and helpers who work all year round to give the community a weekend to remember, right on their doorsteps.