Wick Gala hailed as a triumph

SUNSHINE, fireworks and new events helped the annual Wick Gala to be a knockout success.

Organising committee chairwoman Donna Plowman hailed the week-long celebration in the town as a triumph thanks to a combination of generally favourable weather and large turnouts for events both old and new.

Beginning with a well-attended crowning of the queen and subsequent fancy-dress and float parade, the party did not stop all week as activities took place all over the town. Visits to local nursing homes, a gymkhana, cooking and sporting competitions and treasure hunts were amongst attractions bringing the town to life during the week.

The celebrations came to an end on Saturday night at the Riverside with the traditional fireworks display and bonfire which gave the celebrations a final sparkle.

Mrs Plowman said she was especially pleased with the new events unveiled at the fun day on Saturday, also at the Riverside. “For the first-ever ‘It’s a Knockout’ during the day on Saturday we had 10 teams enter so that was 60 contestants – that was really good. I was chuffed with the whole week to be honest,” she said.

“For Wick the weather was fantastic, it could have been a lot worse.”

The chairwoman said it was great to see the Riverside full of activity, not just at the weekend for the “It’s a Knockout” event but also at her own personal highlight of the week when 98 youngsters turned up for the children’s treasure hunt on Wednesday.

Mrs Plowman told the Caithness Courier that the week had raised over £12,000 with the total still to be finalised.

“I think it went pretty well,” she said. “There were some tremendous turnouts for a lot of the events.

“The last day was nice. The Riverside seemed pretty full and it’s given us lots of ideas for next year to make it bigger and better.”

Mrs Plowman also praised all those who worked hard to make sure the week was a success and all those who supported the events.

“Everyone was so nice... and so generous,” she said. “There were so many people who helped behind the scenes and just helped out so much with their time and effort.

“You could go on forever thanking everybody. Hopefully it will be as good next year.”

The success is particularly satisfying as the town had been in danger of losing the gala because of a lack of organisers. However, a last-ditch appeal led to a new committee being formed.

Results – Whist: Ladies: 1, Ella Coghill; 2, Rena Ross; 3, Carol Martin. Booby prize: Thelma Coghill. Gents: 1, Liz Malcolm (acting); 2, Ronald Farmer; 3, W. McKenzie. Booby prize: Marie Gilmour (acting).

It’s a Knockout – Boys, 11 years and under: Ben Barclay, Daniel Lyall, Matt Mackay, Steven Budge, Shaun Robertson and Greg Ward.

Girls, 11 and under and age-group winners: Carly Sinclair, Kerrie Surtherland, Gemma Sutherland, Abby Munro, Morven Coghill and Bryony Munro. Girls, 14 and under and age-group winners: Robyn Aitkenhead, Erin Anderson, Megan Mackay, Caitlin Carter, Katie Coghill and Sarah Begg.

Adults: Sarah Robertson, Amy Harrold, Carla Robertson, Alan Larnach, Greg Shearer and Andrew Cummings.

Design a logo for gala: Ryan Campbell. Best-dressed shop window: Divas & Dudes. Camps Factor: 1, Marelle Sturrock; 2, Andrew Craigie; 3, Claire Sturrock.

Car treasure hunt: 1, Alison Gunn & Co; 2, “Better Late Than Never”; 3, Helen Hill & Co.

Garden competition – Best garden: 1, Mr & Mrs Mackay, West Banks Avenue; 2, Mr & Mrs Taylor, Cairndhuna Terrace; 3, John Young, Coach Road. Best containers: 1, Mrs M Doull, Rosebank, Thurso Street; 2, Walter Bremner, Thurso Road; 3, Margaret Anderson, Girnigoe Street. Best hanging baskets: 1, Birons Ironmongers, Bridge Street; 2, Lindsey Macadie, Hill Avenue; 3, Donald Munro, Corner Crescent.

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