Thurso gala's future hangs in balance
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THURSO Gala will fold unless new members come forward to boost the organising committee.
That is the stark message from Thurso Town Improvements Association member Sandy Macleod.
He was speaking as the TTIA put out one last-ditch appeal for new members to join the group, which is responsible for some of the town’s biggest events, including the gala and the Christmas lights switch-on and display.
The TTIA has seen the number of members fall dramatically in the past few years to just 10, and, according to Mr Macleod, it can no longer operate on that basis.
The group has struggled to organise events in the town because of a lack of help from the public.
Despite thousands of visitors attending the events and enjoying the festivities, TTIA has not been able to attract new blood to come on board.
It has set a date for its AGM of Monday, November 7. At that point members will decide if the group can continue.
Mr Macleod told the John O’Groat Journal that the danger of the group folding is very real.
“The only certain thing for sure at the moment is that we can’t carry on as we are with such few numbers,” he said. “The situation has become hopeless for the committee.
“We are stretched to the limit and it is becoming increasingly difficult to fundraise and organise these events.
“We have said in the past that if there is not enough people on the committee, we wouldn’t be able to function. That is the situation we are in now.
“We have 10 people on the committee at the moment but we at least need 15 as a minimum. If we don’t get new volunteers at our AGM in November, the TTIA will cease to exist.”
Whatever the outcome, Mr Macleod said that the group will hold the switch-on of the Christmas lights on Friday, December 2.
The group also organises the annual senior citizens’ concert and fundraising events such as family bingo.
Caithness has already been hit by the news earlier this year that the annual Wick Hogmanay party, which drew thousands of visitors to the town centre, has been axed.
The committee which organised the event annually since 2000 was forced to fold in April after membership dwindled to just five.
Wick Gala was also under threat when just five people turned up to the AGM in March. But an emergency meeting boosted committee numbers to over 20.
TTIA chairwoman Doreen Macleod said she is devastated that the group had found itself in this situation.
“Once it’s gone, it will be gone,” she said. “The amount of people we bring together through these events is unreal. There must be 40 different groups and organisations which come together for Thurso Gala.
“The Christmas lights is also a special event which brings people together. But we desperately need more people to come forward for this to continue.”
The TTIA AGM will take place in Caithness Horizons. For more information visit info@thurso.org
