A feeling as warm as the weather
THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a grand day out at a first class gala.
Around 12,000 people poured into Wellholme Park, Brighouse, for the 45th Brighouse Charity Gala and the blue skies and warm sunshine meant many were reluctant to leave at the end of the afternoon.
Everyone was determined to make the most of the wide range of entertainment of the gala field and gala officials are looking forward to a good financial outcome.
"I don't think the gala could have been any better, it wasn't too hot it was one of those things where people didn't have to disappear because it was too hot or too cold," said Duncan Armitage, ground chairman.
"It was a good day and the treasurer, Robert Sutcliffe, feels it will be better than last year. We took bookings for seven stalls in the week leading up to the gala so there was around 100 attractions including the stalls, fun fair and control tent."
The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Calderdale Keith Watson and his wife Eileen, were among the guests. They travelled down in style in the procession and after the opening ceremony walked around the park.
Opening the gala, Coun Watson said: "A gala day is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved by visiting all the stalls and taking part in the numerous activities. I hope the charities will make lots of money and that everyone has a good time."
Gala President Jean Ainley said: "The weather is perfect, not too hot, just right for everyone to walk around and enjoy themselves. There are thousands of people here and the procession has improved this year."
Gala Queen Jasmin Smith made sure she visited all the stalls. "It was a great event and I really enjoyed walking around and talking to everyone," she said.
The Army Recruitment Team supported the gala for a second year. Corp Michael Reece said: "We have been really busy. We have had a few people asking questions about the army and our attractions have been popular with all genders and ages."
There was non-stop entertainment on the stage starting with the Eclipse New Orleans Parade Band. Sarah Taylforth sang her heart out despite nearly losing her voice, the crowds flocked to see Graeme Genty, head teacher of St Chad's CE Primary School perform on the drums with his band Age of Radio, and Clifton singer Rachel Crisp also pulled in a lot of support. Newcomer Patrick McCallion from Halifax had a strong presence.
Mr Armitage said: "We had varied entertainment which people enjoyed and there was a crowd around the stage most of the day. Graeme Genty was a star for looking after all the performers for the day."
There was a long queue at a climbing wall set up by Calderdale College, Halifax. "It is such a good attraction and it always does well," said Dave Bunting from the college. "It is just busy all day and children absolutely love it."
Another fantastic attraction was the ducking stool run by Brighouse Juniors Rugby Club. Andy Ambler, junior chairman, said the event had been successful. "We have had coaches, parents, the ladies rugby team and the juniors on the ducking stool and with the weather it seems to be a hit," he said.
There were displays in the main arena by Brighouse Rangers' Juniors, Brighouse Star Twirlers, Cheervision Cheerleaders, Diamond Gymnastics Club, Brighouse Oddfellows and Brighouse Rangers' Ladies.
The Brighouse Echo football game was another success story and displays by the fire service and Brighouse Road Safety Committee were also popular.
The annual exhibition by Hipperholme and Lightcliffe Art Society was well supported and there were demonstrations by artists during the afternoon. Calderdale Community Churches were kept busy and at the far end of the field donkey rides and fairground attractions provided fun for all ages.
Mr Armitage said: "The day was a complete success and a good team effort. We finished cleaning up by 8.30pm and we didn't have any trouble."
A MILE OF SMILES
CROWDS turned out in force to enjoy warm temperatures and cheer the annual Brighouse Charity Gala procession.
Spectators lined the route to wave and clap and join in the carnival mood as the cavalcade of floats and walking groups made its way from Garden Road to Wellholme Park.
This year's Gala Queen Jasmin Smith, aged 17, and outgoing Gala Queen Emily Booth, 19, led the procession in style in open-topped sports cars. The Deputy Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Keith Watson, and the Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Eileen Watson, inspected the floats and walking groups and joined the procession on foot from Garden Road.
There was music from the Eclipse New Orleans Parade Band, the 5th Halifax and Elland Boys' Brigade Old Boys' Band, Huddersfield Brass, Calderdale Community Church, LBO Drum Tuition and the Pulse Roadshow.
Members of Brighouse Central Scouts put in a gruesome appearance as a group of bandaged casualties and there was plenty of crowd-pleasing entertainment from Brighouse Star Twirlers, the Diamonds Gymnastics Display squad and Huddersfield Synchro.
Calderdale Downs Syndrome Branch made a colourful impact with their Caribbean-themed float and also taking part were the Friends of Highbury Special School, Arrow Coaches, and rescue vehicles from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Emergency Defence Team. Representatives of Huddersfield Air Cadets and the Brighouse support group of Overgate Hospice helped to collect cash along the route. Nurseries and playgroups were well represented with walking groups from Clifton Village Nursery, Castlefields Tiny Tigers and Little Learners Pre-School, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Andrea Wyles, deputy manager of Little Learners, said: "The children absolutely love taking part. It's a great day for them."
Pauline Mountain, trainer of Brighouse Star Twirlers, said: "This is the third year we have taken part and we have about 50 girls and one boy in the procession and then performing in the arena. It's important to support community events like the gala."
Brighouse District Scout Commissioner David Radley said he was keen to encourage more local scout groups to take part in the procession. "There's a great atmosphere and we've all enjoyed getting made up as casualties. After the procession we will be down on the field selling drinks and refreshments."
Watching the procession for the first time were mum and daughter Debbie Boulton and five-year-old Caitlin Lister. "We've been waving and cheering as the procession's gone past. It's really good fun."
Friends Joan Firth and Judith Bray said they thought it was important to turn out and cheer. "My two grandchildren have been in the procession and I wanted to come along and give them a wave. I've really enjoyed watching it," said Judith.
Andrew Taylforth, one of the procession organisers, said the procession made an important contribution to the atmosphere on gala day. "We no longer have the large tableaux that we used to have. At one time the procession would consist of 28 floats and two walking groups, now it's more likely to be the other way round. But people still put in a lot of effort and come along and enjoy taking part. I would appeal to more groups to come forward next year and take part. If a particular organisation does not feel they can enter the procession on their own, there is always scope for joining forces with another group and making a joint entry."
Winners: Organisations - 1, Calderdale Downs Syndrome Association's Caribbean bar 2, Calderdale Community Church music group; Walking Groups - 1, Brighouse Central Scouts 2, Castlefields Tiny Tigers 3, Little Learners; Judges' Prize, LBO Drum Tuition; Special prize, Arrow Coaches.
ISAAC'S THE FANCY DRESS KING
A KNIGHT in shining armour called Ben sized up the competition in the five to eight section while a nine-year-old Cleopatra watched the world go by in a very regal sort of way.
Meanwhile, pirate Isaac (a good name for a pirate) let his crew - mum Jay - take the strain while he gave orders from the bridge of his ship 'The Jolly Dribbler'.
And it was pirate Isaac who claimed the booty in the section for under-fours in a competitive contest for the Echo-sponsored fancy dress event.
As well as a shield and 10, seven-month-old Isaac was awarded the Donna Reaney Trophy for the best entrant overall.
"We're really thrilled," said mum. "I'm just glad that his pirate ship held together on the walk down to the gala field."
The under-four section was a tough one to win with some eye-catching costumes among the entries.
Highly commended were four-year-old Isabella Crosswaite as Angelina Ballerina (complemented by mum Sharon as Miss Lily), Kaitlin Clay, aged four, as Cinderella, Bobby Clay, two, as a cowboy, and Kaylea Pettie, aged one, as a fairy.
Knight of the realm Ben Rodes, aged seven, won the five to eight section and Natasha Ward, nine, won the section for over-nines.
Both Ben and Natasha won a shield and 10, though Natasha has still to claim her cash prize. It's waiting for her if she contacts the Echo.
The paper's editor, Stephen Firth, said the standard of entries was high. "The children - and their parents - who took part put in a lot of effort.
"There were some excellent ideas and outfits. Picking a winner wasn't easy."
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Weather for Halifax
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
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