Colourful characters make Wick Gala opener a night to remember
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
KNIGHTS of the Round Table, Oompa-Loompas and a box of Chocolate Fingers marched through Wick on Saturday night, which signalled only one thing – it’s gala week!
Hundreds of people from Wick and across the county lined the streets of the town centre to cheer on the parade of impressive floats and the fancy-dressed walkers.
Doubt was cast on the continuation of the annual week-long celebration after long-serving office bearers stood down earlier this year. However, after a public appeal a new committee stepped up to the plate, aided by a few of the more experienced hands, to make sure the event went ahead.
New chairwoman Donna Plowman said it had taken a lot of hard graft to organise this year’s gala but it was great to see the support is still there for the event.
“It was a good kickoff for gala week which the committee were very happy about,” said Mrs Plowman. “There were around eight floats and they all made such a great effort – and what a turnout from the walkers! It was outstanding.”
The event got under way on Saturday evening in Market Place when Mrs Plowman welcomed a large crowd to the square.
During her speech she mentioned how the new committee would now be able to take the gala forward, hopefully for some considerable time.
The chairwoman then asked last year’s monarch, Angela Gray, to perform one last duty and crown this year’s queen, Catherine-Ann Crawford.
Caithness General Hospital consultant Dr Tim Shallcross, who is moving away from the county, then spoke of his fond memories of his time in Caithness and praised the gala organising committee both past and present for all the hard work and dedication that has gone into the event over the years.
With that the RBLS Wick Pipe Band started up and heralded the start of the procession of the floats, led by the new queen and her court.
Making its way through the town the parade was greeted with enthusiasm by the onlookers who gave generously, lining the floats, and quite a lot of the main roads, with spare change.
The total takings for the day reached over £7000 – down by around £800 from last year.
Speaking to the Caithness Courier yesterday, Mrs Plowman said that as a newly formed committee members are always open to suggestions for how to make the week even better and anyone with any ideas should come along and join them.
One such new idea that the committee has already implemented is to be held tonight in the Norseman Hotel when the Wick hanging baskets group holds a Ready Steady Cook event.
Local bands will also be featured on Friday night at a special Band Bash in the Assembly Rooms, featuring Jude, Chicken Pickers and new rising stars Company of Liars.
The grand finale – the bonfire and fireworks on Saturday – will be preceded by a fun day at the Riverside including the new It’s a Knockout competition as well as a barbecue, music and other entertainment.
Mrs Plowman said that she and the rest of the committee are incredibly grateful to the judges, all those who participated and all those who are supporting the week.
“Without them we just couldn’t hold the gala,” she said. “Hopefully everybody enjoys the rest of the week and has fun.
“It’s gone well so far and everybody has been so upbeat and positive about it. Long may that continue.”
Results – Supreme award for best float: Bosom Buddies, Willy Wonka. Most topical: Bremner & Co, King Arthur.
Maximum effort: Martin family, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Most original: Bosum Buddies, Willy Wonka. Best slogan: Martin family, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.
Adult: Kristen Miller, Lady Gaga. Adult pair: Ralph Farquhar and Coren, robots. Junior pair: Royal wedding. Family group: Fraser family, 2012 Olympics.
Adult group: Chocolate Fingers. Junior group: Mini Osbournes. Mixed group: Michelle and Katy, crazy clowns. Outstanding character: Donald Banks, Pied Piper.
Dog show – Best puppy: 1, Shaun Robertson & Bobby; 2, Camilla Elder & Rory; 3, Abbie Dale & Ruby. Best senior: 1, Robyn Aitkenhead & Molly; 2, Emma Atkins & Shane; 3, Ronin Kean & Cali.
Most handsome boy: 1, Jemma & Kerry Sutherland & Buddy; 2, Zoe Steven & Bo; 3, Holly & Elliot Cormack & Archie. Prettiest girl: 1, Emily Morrison & Breigha; 2, Zoe Robertson & Cuillin; 3, Jessica Grant & Thumper.
Best pedigree: 1, Angus Henry & Boris (Weimaraner); 2, Emily Morrison & Jinny (springer spaniel); 3, Ethan Gunn & Ben (boxer). Best crossbreed: 1, Ellie Robertson & Marley; 2, Demillee and Kaiyn Robinson & Jax; 3, Kieran Ross & Bailey. Best groomed: 1, Jake and Adam Robertson & Abbey; 2, Amber Macleod & Jet; 3, Loryn Duffus & Foxy.
Waggiest tail: 1, Phoebe Gunn & Ben; 2, Tori Green & Tiny; 3, Beth Dunnett & Tom. Dog judge would most like to take home: 1, Emma Atkins & Shane; 2, Grace and Kyle Sutherland & Brodie; 3, Eve Macdonald & Molly.
Best in show: 1, Emma Atkins & Shane; 2, Jemma and Kerry Sutherland & Buddy; 3, Emily Morrison & Breigha.
