The Last Word on the Last Gala Weekend*
(*in its current format)
That was quite some 5 days, and I hope everyone reading this had an opportunity to enjoy it and get involved in at least one or two of the events. It felt like a record weekend for attendance, (and for temperatures) and whilst its very difficult to measure people numbers at the free events, here's some statistics that hopefully give you an idea of the scale and success of this year's 18th Annual Gala:
- The Car Boot and Valuation Day from Batemans was a success with several stalls and some pleasant surprises on valuations.
- Thursday night's pub quiz hosted by our own and almost famous quizmaster Ian Coupe attracted 26 teams; 156 contestants filled the marquee
- Saturday's Easton's Got Talent had a record 12 acts from the village taking part, around 60 people in all on stage. Around 220 people in the audience packed the marquee again and everyone joined in the thanks to Alex and Cinzia for being such fine hosts over the last 18 Galas and 20 years at the Blue Bell. I was also personally surprised and moved by the expression of thanks from everyone and the generous gift to mark the end of my years of "Co-ordination" of the Gala.
- Sunday's 7 Bands attracted so many visitors there wasn't a parking space to be had. But they finished on time- thats a record! Special thanks to those volunteers who helped Peter Gibbons and his crew pack up all the sound and lighting equipment and dismantle the stage and load it onto the lorry till 2.00 am on Monday
- Monday's Fete was very well attended throughout the afternoon and despite the enforced cancellation of the Dog Show due to the heat many people turned up and supported our local organisations and the craft stalls. The Dog Show went online and thanks to Sarah's efforts still raised £147.
- The Winter Olympics event passed off with no injuries and thanks to the guys from Harmony on the Hill for being good sports and leaving their dignity at home.
- Ian Coupe's Head Shave was a highlight of the afternoon, and his sacrifice (if indeed it was, he looks a lot better now) and his sponsorship drive raised over £2,500 for MacMillan Cancer.
- Over the whole 5 days Alex and his team sold well over 5,000 pints of Beers and lagers, plus plenty of cider and wine too
- The proceeds are still being counted and accounted for (huge thanks to Lisa Hayden for doing this) but based on what we have so far and what we expect each village group to have raised, we estimate the grand total to reach around £8,500 which will make this by far and away the best result ever.
There really are too many people to thank individually for their support, sponsorship, effort, participation, and general labouring over the last week or so, and you know who you are, so please accept a collective pat on the back from the village as a whole for making this such a success.
As to the future, as has been said a few times already, the Gala, if it continues, will be different in future. What we do know is that some of us have been at the centre of things for a while now and it's time for different ideas and approaches to better reflect the village as a whole. We're looking to some younger villagers to step up. In addition, our long term and hugely appreciated support from the excellent Lux technical team can't continue and the investment and support of Alex and Cinzia cannot be taken for granted, so who knows what will happen in future? Search me!
Yours in the afterglow,
Tim Nicol
(Over and Out)
DOG SHOW CANCELLED!!!
Due to the very hot weather, we have decided to cancel the Dog Show planned for tomorrow, Monday. Temperatures are forecast to be above levels that are deemed safe for dogs. Hope you all understand and sympathise with Sarah at Take the Lead for all the work she has done in advance preparation. The rest of the Easton on the Hill, Village Gala & Beer Fest goes ahead as planned (including the Winter Olympics on Monday) and it’s going to be the best ever.
