Wickers show their support on gala night
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AS heavy rain pummelled Caithness on Saturday locals turned up with their umbrellas to watch Titanic sail down Wick’s Bridge Street.
It wasn’t the only unusual sight making its way along the street as Wick Gala officially got under way.
The ship’s crew – Castletown’s Bosum Buddies – was accompanied by tennis players, fishermen, two lots of Greeks, rock “gods”, cowboys and a host of others in fancy dress.
The rain did little to dampen spirits on the opening night of the week-long summer celebration, said chairwoman of the gala committee Donna Plowman.
“Wickers are Wickers and they normally come to support us regardless,” she said.
“It was a testament to their spirit – even though the weather was so bad everybody still came out.
“We were ecstatic with the fantastic turnout for the crowning and the parade.”
In a departure from recent tradition, the crowning of Gala Queen Faith Harper took place at the riverside instead of Market Place. This seemed to work well, said Donna, as the official starting place moved into the car park opposite the Norseman.
The queen stayed resplendent throughout her parade thanks to some umbrellas and Faith even braved the rain to lay flowers at the war memorial at the bottom of Cliff Road.
Behind her was a colourful display of fancy-dressed walkers and eight floats – one more than last year.
Taking the supreme award once again was the Castletown Bosom Buddies for their Titanic re-creation.
“The floats were tremendous,” said Donna. “Everyone made a fantastic effort and there were a few new groups that were entering a float for the first time which was also really good.”
The money raised during the parade was around £700 short of last year – totalling around £6300.
The shortfall was mainly attributed to the bad weather.
Saturday’s high jinks was followed by a model show in the Assembly Rooms and the blessing of the fleet at Wick harbour by the Rev Stuart Farmes, of Pulteneytown Parish Church, on Sunday.
Over the past two days there has been the usual busy itinerary with a dog show, gymkhana, baby show, children’s fancy-dress disco and a darts competition just some of the highlights.
The fun continues tonight with bottle-top bingo at the Francis Street Club, a car treasure hunt starting at 6.30pm outside the Assembly Rooms and the Wick RBLS Pipe Band continuing their weekly summer variety shows.
Tomorrow and Friday are also jam-packed full of activities including the addition of a royal variety show on Friday night in the Assembly Rooms.
Kicking off at 7.30pm, Donna said it should be a good show for all ages. “It should highlight the wonderful talent we have in Caithness,” she said.
Donna meanwhile praised local police who helped with events over the weekend, congratulating the officers on a “fantastic job”.
Results – Supreme award – Bosum Buddies, Castletown. Most topical float – Keiss Monsters of Rock. Best collection – AR Gunn & Co, Reiss. Maximum effort – Wick Players Gala Clan, Wick.
Best adult on foot – Allan Bruce, Wick. Best decorated float – Blackstairs Gang, Wick. Most original float – Nicolson & Co, Wick. Best adult pair – Jordan and Thomas, Wick.
Junior pair on foot – Kerne and Sophie, Wick. Best family group – Fraser family, Papigoe.
Best slogan – Backsiders, Milton. Adult group – Wickeldon, Forse. Junior group – Jade Plowman & Co. Most outstanding character – Nicolle and Lara, Papigoe. Best junior on foot – Jordan Maclean, Canisbay. Mixed group – Summer Cocktail Cruise, Canisbay.
