Brilliant start to Thurso Gala events
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14 / 14THURSO Gala had “one of its best opening nights ever”, according to committee chairwoman Doreen Macleod.
She said there was a good response from the public, the weather was favourable and the atmosphere was great when the event got under way on Saturday evening.
The gala’s organising committee, Thurso Town Improvements Association, put on more activities this year and that seemed to go down well with the large crowd.
There were four floats and “loads of foot collectors” said Mrs Macleod, who explained a new category may have to be introduced next year for crafted items.
The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Gala Queen Hannah Paterson, who was accompanied by her attendants, Kirsty Rollinson and Emma Munro, along with flower girls Poppy Cottam and Erin Dunnett and pageboy Eadan Ross. The crowning ceremony was conducted by last year’s queen, Chloe Smith.
Guest speaker for the event was local Highland councillor Willie Mackay while Caithness FM’s Bob Johnson was MC.
It was a special night for the Bosom Buddies, from Castletown, whose Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory float completed a hat-trick of wins having earlier taken top prize at Wick and Castletown galas.
As well as the parade of floats and fancy-dress walkers the public was entertained by a display from Mina Mackay’s Highland dancers, Wick and Thurso pipe bands as well as the Caithness and North Sutherland Children’s Choir. There was also a 15-minute comedy performance by Thurso Players in Sir John’s Square.
“Everything went brilliantly and I would say it was one of the best gala opening nights ever,” said Mrs Macleod.
On Sunday, 39 cars took part in the ever-popular treasure hunt while there was a good turnout for the strongman competition, the dog show and beach party.
The gala continues today (Wednesday) with museum activities at Caithness Horizons and a 10k run with fun at the police station and a Taste of Tartan ceilidh at the Royal British Legion on Friday.
Events conclude on Sunday with under-11s seven-a-side football, It’s a Knockout competition and the baby show.
Results – TTIA float winners – The Falconer Waters Cup for the best-dressed float, the Park Hotel Sandy Sinclair Cup for most original float and the Caithness Courier and John O’Groat Journal Cup for supreme winner: Bosom Buddies with Willie Wonka Chocolate Factory.
The TTIA Cup for the most topical float: Nethercliffe Nutters with My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. The Willie and Glynis Mackay Cup for the best slogan: Thurso fire brigade with the Trumpton Circus. The TTIA Cup for the best improvised float: Jackie Oag’s Pentland Firth Pirates.
Groups, children: 1, Toy Story (Katie Chambers, Ruby Mann, Rosie Davidson, Liam Davidson and Dylan Davidson); 2, Peter Pan (Lisa Kersley, Catie Kersley, Rachel Durrand, Jade Bernard, Emma Durrand, Jessica Miller, Ben Durrand, Lucy Mackay, Nana Durrand, Tori McIntosh and David Johnstone); 3, Smurfs (Dylan, Nicole and Sophie Cunningham, Tegan Souter and Rachel Bell).
Pairs, children – 1, Princess and the Frog (Megan Walters and Sophie Sutherland); 2, Alice and Queen of Hearts (Mila and Amelie Oag); 3, Rabbit and Dormouse from Alice in Wonderland (Erin Bonniface and Beth Mackenzie).
Under-five years: 1, Precious jewel (Phoebe Bain); 2, Bo Peep (Keira Drummond); 3, Clown (Chloe Craigie).
Five to eight years: 1, Gruffalo (Craig Matthews); 2, Medusa (Shannon Robson); 3, Spanish dancer (Mia Souter).
Nine to 16 years: 1, Pharaoh (Owen Robertson-Carswell); 2, Pink Lady (Michelle Johnston); 3, Bride (Sarah Bodek).
Adult fancy dress – The William Alexander Cup for adult fancy-dress winner: Sheriff (Michael Campbell).
Betty Sutherland Quaich Pairs: 1eq, Simple Life (Kay Wade and Clare Spargo) and Mr and Mrs No Hope O’Retiring (Catherine Cowan and Susan Rennie). Groups: 1, The Circus of Marvellous Misfits (Ashley Johnston, Shane Farquhar, Holly Sutherland, Samantha Morris, Kyle Morris, Cheney Morris and Garry Mann); 2, ’E Fairm (Eleonor Manson, Lauren Gunn, Katie Budge, Zoe Munro, Jodie Trueman and Hannah Swanson); 3, Alice in Wonderland (Jacqueline, Beth and Ben Mackenzie, Nicky Moloney, Karen McLean and Erin Bonniface). Supreme winner: The Circus of Marvellous Misfits.
*See Friday’s John O’Groat Journal for more news from Thurso Gala Week.