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Maybole’s gala
day last Saturday turned out to a really great day. Although at one
stage there was a slight threat of rain, it cleared and the
afternoon was warm. This year there was no horse drawn carriage for
the Royal couple as Maybole Pipe Band led the parade off from
Carrick Academy to Glebe Park. Instead they rode in a limousine to
Maybole Castle where they walked along with everyone else. They were
followed by Maybole branch of the Royal British Legion and local
dignitaries. There was only one float carrying the Peas but there
were plenty of groups walking including Dalmellington Brass Band.
The Coast Guard brought up the rear of the parade. Unfortunately,
Councillor Andy Hill was unable to attend and had sent his
apologies. South Ayrshire’s Provost, Gordon McKenzie, welcomed
everyone to the gala day saying how pleased he was to be there. He
then introduced the town’s new MP Sandra Osborne who officially
opened the gala saying how impressed she was with the community
spirit she had seen.
Then it was time
for the coronation and William McJannet was crowned King of Carrick
by Cathy Jamieson MSP and Katy Carlyle was crowned Queen of Carrick
by Councillor Alan Murray. The new king and queen are P7 pupils at
Gardenrose Primary. Their attendants were St Cuthbert’s pupils Chloe
Simpson (Lady In Waiting) and Robert Mackie Cron (Crown Bearer); and
Cairn pupils Demi Jess (Lady In Waiting) and Glen Torbitt (Crown
Bearer). The hardest part of the afternoon for the special guests
was judging the fancy dress and best group which was won by the Tiny
Tots. See our separate list for all the results.
Afterwards there
was a whole range of entertainment which included Maybole Pipe Band,
Maybole Majorette and Dance School, Aileen Robertson School of
Highland Dancing, Dalmellington Brass Band, and the Peas with their
own brand of music. Children were well catered for by several
performances by Uncle Billy, races and a tug of war competition as
well as side shows and rides. Highlight was the Search and Rescue
helicopter from HMS Gannet which flew over in a flypast then circled
a few times to applause from the crowd. Could it be the Red Arrows
next year?
The Association
will certainly be trying to get them – so watch the local air space.
Susan Whiteman, chair of the Association was pleased with the number
of local people who took part in the gala and those who turned out
to support it. She had a special word of thanks for the new members
of the committee as well as the stalwarts who had assisted over a
number of years. Susan thanked everyone who took part in making sure
the gala ran smoothly with special thanks to local police, South
Ayrshire Council, Carrick Round Table, Mitchell and Struthers
employees, Jim Bryan for his PA expertise, and Co-operative
Funeralcare for their car. “A lot of hard work and co-operation went
into the parade,” Susan said, “and we would like to express our
appreciation to everyone." She added that this was her last gala and
she would be taking a break from being involved. |
