Gala day fulfils expectations

Four years of anticipation cannot be dampened by weather

 

Not even 50mph winds could stop Ardrishaig folk having an absolute ball on Saturday.

 

It was their first gala day in four years.

 

The new Ardrishaig Community Council had asked round the village what was the first thing people wanted.

 

“The gala day came out tops by a country mile,” said chairwoman Christine MacIntyre.

 

A dreadful weather forecast was backed up by severe wind and rain on Saturday morning. Lesser souls might have called it a day.

 

But the community council, with the driving force of Paula Cameron and Jessica Mcmullan behind them, weren’t for giving up.

 

And thank goodness they didn’t. By lunchtime the weather had cleared, just in time for the crowds to come out. And gala day was underway.

 

The two public halls, main street and newly refurbished car park were bustling with more than 30 stalls offering a huge variety of entertainment, fun and games.

 

Classic cars were on display outside the Egg Shed. Funfair rides, a bouncy castle and a petting zoo added to the attractions.

 

Crowds of people lined the streets to welcome the colourful parade, complete with brightly decorated floats, lorries and mobility scooters.

 

The gala day’s royal family travelled in style in two Mini Mokes courtesy of Goldie Ross.

 

Gala Queen Maisie Gilmour, 16, was crowned by Paula Cameron, who carried out the royal duty herself in 1991.

 

Princesses were Joni MacDougall, 11, and Katie Appleton, seven. The ushers were Darra Crawford, six, Alex Houston, five, and Jacob Sully, seven who carried the crowns.

 

Making sure the entire community was included, Paula took the Gala Royals along to Ardfenaig Care Home, where Princess Joni sang a few songs for the residents.

 

The new public space at the car park was put to good use with an open mic tent providing live music all afternoon.

 

Ardrishaig's KGV Community Park team put on a beat-the-goalie competition with fearless goalkeepers Corey Bowness, Alfie Crawford, and Donald Bowness between the posts.

 

A total of £250 was raised for the park committee for its next public event, a family fun day, and the winners of the beat-the-goalie competition were Archie Taylor in the under-12s and Rudi Campbell in the 12-16s.

 

Leanne MacLachlan and Donald Bowness were both thanked for their help in organising the competition.

 

Keeping the drinks flowing at the beer tent was Lynn Gorrie of Ardrishaig Community Trust, manager of McColls, with her team from the shop.

 

Summing up the day perfectly was Jackie Gilmour, mother of Gala Queen Maisie, who said she was “extremely proud”.

 

Ardrishaig Parent “Pirate” Council ran the “Play Your Caaaards Right” stall, with glitter tattoos, competitions and games.

 

Kimberley McKay of the Parent Council was experiencing her first gala day since her family moved to Ardrishaig in 2020.

 

She said: “The energy is amazing. It is fantastic how the community has come together in such a short space of time to bring this together. And long may it continue.”

 

Roslyn Appleton, mum of Princess Katie, said: “It is so good to see the gala back up and running. The last one before Covid in 2019 was my 40th birthday. It’s great to see the new committee making such a great effort and to see it being so well supported.”

 

"attachment_1009552" "" "225"] Gala Queen Maisie Gilmour travelling in style.

 

Colin Philips, who played in the over thirties football team in the morning, was in great spirits. He said: “It is lovely to see Ardrishaig busy again. There has always been a big heart in the place. Everyone is smiling today. Every single gala day is exactly the same. It has been four years and this is like it has never been away.”

 

Christine MacIntyre, community council chairwoman, added: “We were a bit apprehensive when we woke up and saw the weather. But it cleared at midday and when I saw the amount of local people that turned out, it gave me a wee glow.”

 

Fellow organiser Paula Cameron agreed: “So much work has gone into this. I was terrified when I saw the weather this morning. But when I came down the street in the parade and saw all the crowds of people who came out to support us, I nearly started crying.”

 

A great day out was rounded off by everyone dancing the night away to The Democrats in the public hall.

 

"attachment_1009573" "" "300"] From left: Che Campbell, 16; Cole Houston, 14; Cameron Gilmour, 13; Iany Philips, 49; Zach Campbell, 18; and Colin Philips, 44.

 

Traditional footy match

 

While the traditional Over 30s v Under 30s football game which kicks off Ardrishaig Gala Day is really just a bit of fun - there was a professional element to it this year.

 

Iany Philips, a Lochgilphead Red Star veteran, was captain of the over 30s. While Che Campbell was captain of the youngsters.

 

The under 30s won the game 6 - 3.

 

And while the mature team had some class acts amongst their ranks, it might be fair to say they possibly didn't really stand a chance.

 

Making his excuses, (partly in fun, and with more than a touch of pride for the next generation) Iany pointed out that the young team had four pro youth players on the side.

 

He told the Advertiser that Oliver MacKay and Arran Crawford play for Stirling Albion pro youth team. And Che and Rudi Campbell play for Partick Thistle Weir.

 

Iany added: "It was a great game. And a great advert for football in the Mid Argyll area. Don't forget a big shout out to Red Star goal keeper - The Grizzle."

 

 

"attachment_1009555" "" "211"] The ushers taking care of the gala crowns.

 

"attachment_1009558" "" "300"] Paula Cameron when she was Gala Queen back in 1991 with her late and much missed Dad Russell Cameron.

 

"attachment_1009549" "" "282"] Gala Queen Maisie Gilmour with Princesses Joni MacDougall and Katie Appleton with Goldie Ross in his Mini Moke.

 

 

"attachment_1009561" "" "300"] The best dressed float was won by Riverside Rascals.

 

"attachment_1009564" "" "169"] Mother and daughter Fran and Jessica Mcmullan won the fancy dress competition in the parade.

 

"attachment_1009567" "" "300"] Ardrishaig "Pirate" Parent Council with the "Play Your Caaaards Right" game and some of the youngsters having a go.

 

"attachment_1009576" "" "300"] Left, DJ (Donald John) MacIntyre and Brodie McInnes blast out a few tunes during the open mic session. Saturday was the first time they played together. DJ is from Ardrishaig, but now lives in Majorca. He came home for a holiday especially for gala day.

 

"attachment_1009579" "" "300"] The bar staff, from left: Katriona MacDougall, Lynn Gorrie, Donna Clark, Tia Nicholson and Ashley Gorrie, who all work at McColls in the village.

 

"attachment_1012372" "" "300"] Mother and daughter Lorna and Brodie Gillies. Brodie is nine. Lorna said: "It's so good to see the gala day back and we can get back out enjoying ourselves. Today has been so busy. It's really good."

 

"attachment_1009582" "" "225"] Paula Cameron, one of the main organisers, who was Gala Queen in 1991.

 

"attachment_1009585" "" "300"] A big thank you to whoever organised for the rainbow to come out just as the stalls were all closing.