Village revellers get really ‘wiggy’ with it
CASTLETOWN Gala is well under way and, according to organisers, it is on course to beat last year’s fundraising total.
The sun was shining for the event’s much-anticipated official curtain-raiser on Saturday night when Amy Mackenzie was crowned gala queen.
Hundreds of locals and visitors turned out to support the event and join in with the fun.
The gala, which has been held annually since the early 1960s, will see a range of activities taking place at various venues throughout the week.
The celebration kicked off on Friday night at the Castletown Hotel where a fundraising quiz brought in a sum of £250.
At the event last year’s gala queen, Erin Mackay, presented Castletown Primary School’s parent council and Castletown senior citizens’ group each with a cheque for £500 from money raised last year.
Following Amy’s crowning on Saturday – carried out by Erin – members of Thurso Pipe Band led a parade of decorated floats through the village. Castletown’s Bosom Buddies claimed the best-decorated title with their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory creation.
Speaking on Monday, secretary Elizabeth Geddes said the gala is off to a great start.
"Attendances compared to last year have risen significantly," she told the Caithness Courier.
"The beautiful weather has certainly made all the difference compared to last year which was a bit of a washout. It is great to see so many people come out and enjoy themselves in the sunshine.
"The gala has become an important part of the village’s history and helps supports local groups. Street walkers were also out in force on Saturday collecting donations from the generous members of the public." It is estimated over £900 has been raised so far.
On Sunday a fun day was staged and families enjoyed a range of activities which included a car treasure hunt. Other events which have taken place include bingo and a family disco.
The traditional baby show takes place today at the Drill Hall while a kids’ treasure hunt and five-a-side football tournament will take place at the Back Park tomorrow.
The gala will conclude with a horse-racing night at the Drill Hall on Friday and a pool tournament at the Castletown Hotel on Saturday.
Results – Pub quiz: Winner, The Grumpy Grampies; consolation, The Ducks.
Fancy dress, up to five years: 1, Amaya Gunn; 2, Ella Shearer; 3, Michael Mackay. Six to 10: 1, Jordan McLean; 2, Kira McCallum. 16 and over: 1, Issy Currie; 2 Darren McLean.
Group fancy dress – up to five: 1, Keri McGill and Kieran Gunn; 2, Terri McGovern, Les McGovern and Amber Marshall; 3, Erin Manson and Keira Drummond. Six to 10: 1, Mollie McCallum and Ashleigh Coghill; 2, Scott and Colin Campbell.
11 to 15: 1, Natalie Sutherland-West, Cerys Baikie and Hannah Dunbar; 2, Kayla McPhee and Jack Dygutowicz; 3eq, Georgia McWilliams, Penny Johnstone and Michelle Johnstone; Courtney Adamson and Jade McPhee.
16 and over: 1, Lynn McCallum and Lindsay Coghill; 2, Jane and Donnie McLean.
Floats: Best decorated: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bosom Buddies. Most original: MyBig Fat Gypsy Wedding, Netherside Nutters. Best slogan: MyBig Fat Gypsy Wedding, Netherside Nutters.
Races: Flat race, five and under: 1, Hope Allan; 2, Kieran Gunn; 3, Liam Cormack. Six to eight: 1, Jordan McLean; 2, Stephen Ness; 3, Alexander Younger. Nine to 11: 1, Ria Dewhurst; 2, Kieran Sutherland-West.
Obstacle race, five and under; 1, Kieran Gunn; 2, Hope Allan; 3, Liam Cormack. Six to eight: 1, Jordan McLean; 2, Jason Stebbing; 3 Alexander Younger. Nine to 11: 1, Ria Dewhurst; 2, Kieran Sutherland-West.
Bean bag race, five and under: 1, Hope Allan; 2, Amaya Gunn; 3, Kieran Gunn. Six to eight: 1, Jason Stebbing, 2, Emma Cormack; 3, Jordan McLean. Nine to 11: 1, Ria Dewhurst; 2, Kieran Sutherland-West.
Jumps and skipping, five and under: 1, Hope Allan; 2, Kieran Gunn; 3, Liam Cormack. Six to eight: 1, Jason Stebbing; 2, Jordan McLean; 3, Alexander Younger. Nine to 11: 1, Ria Dewhurst; 2, Kieran Sutherland-West.
Wheelbarrow race, five and under: 1, Hope Allan and Kieran Gunn; 2, Liam Coghill and Beth Cowie. Six to eight: 1, Jordan McLean and Jason Stebbing; 2, Ellen Cormack and Emma Cormack; 3, Alexander Younger and Darren
McLean.
Nine to 11: 1, Ria Dewhurst and Kieran Sutherland-West; 2, Georgia McWilliams and Natalie Sutherland-West.
T-ball: Darren’s team eight runs; Danny’s team three runs. Car treasure hunt: 1, Sinclair and Chambers; 2, The Fallen Angels; consolation, Moffat/Swanson/Donn.