Raft Race & Gala Day

click on the pictures to enlarge

Maybe because of it's age and motive power the 1911 Stanley steamer caught the eye - it was a first for the Gala and attracted a lot of attention.

Several other vehicles equally impressive, though not as dated, were a credit to their owners and what's left of the british motor industry. Brian Reid's super example of timeless quality, driven by Angela, certainly looked great - well looked after with excellent coach-painting and signwriting, of course Brian is a craftsman so maybe no surprise it looks so good

Final layout/plan for Gala Day Sunday 26th July

Well, here it is - the final plan/layout for Gala Day. If you click on the plan it will enlarge in a new window and you will be able to see the detail

The group held it's last meeting, for this years Gala, on Tuesday evening - there was a lot to get through and in the end everything is sorted - now watch this space

The aim is to start erecting tents on Saturday starting at 13.00hrs - might be earlier start 10.00 was suggested - have to wait and see. Starting at 13.00 might have been a bit ambitious 'cause there's a lot to be done

Spirits are high and lets hope for good weather on the day - can't be worse that last year, can it?

Help wanted.

Can you spare some time to help with the Gala? The team need help erecting the tents on Saturday 25th starting about 1.00pm and then on Sunday 26th after the Gala, this time to dismantle the tents as the event closes at about 5.00pm.

The work isn't too strenuous, it's just that there are normally a handful of us and there is quite a lot to do in a short space of time.

Just turn up on the day and you will be made welcome.

See you there.

RAF Search & Rescue - Gala Day

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth

More information about the appearance of the RAF Search & Rescue helicopter on Gala Day (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm) There is to be a demonstration by the RAF team with the Sea King helicopter - quite what form this will take is yet to be decided and will of course depend on operational availability. However, there will be ample opportunity to photograph what promises to be a special event and one that will remain in the memory for some time - so don't forget the camera

Got a meeting on Tuesday next to finalise the Gala programme so hopefully will have more information to post soon after

Just been looking at the weather outside and all I can say is it's a good job the Gala isn't today!

Gala Day - Helicopter Visit.

Great news - A Search and Rescue helicopter, based at Lossiemouth, will now be making an appearence on Gala Day (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm) Subject to availability and operational requirements

The pictures you see here are from a real incident that came about as a result of a report that an inflatable sunbed was found in the sea just off Boyndie beach, near Banff. Two young children had been seen playing on it and there was no sign of them. A full scale search involving the Coastguard, Macduff lifeboat and Raf took place - all ended happily with two confirmed reports that the children had been seen leaving the area with an adult - wonder if they found out what they had started

Makes you realise how lucky we all are to have this in place to help in emergencies

Childrens Fancy Dress Parade - Free entry

pictures and design courtesy of Audrey Murray and Moray Desktop Publishing - click to enlarge

This was advertised on an earlier page of the 'Blog' but I forgot to mention entry is FREE

Also, there is no need to book in advance - it would help the organisers if you could phone just so they can get a feel for numbers 'though this is not an actual requirement. The phone number to contact is 01542 836248

This promises to be a great day for the children and will provide unforgettable memories for parents, relatives and friends.

Mrs Blog says I should enter 'cause I'm a big daft kid at heart - no need for that is there?

What a great place

picture courtesy of Brian 'Turbo' Tunnard (click to enlarge)

I've shown this picture before but I couldn't resist another look.
It really does show a jewel in the crown of Moray (or should I say Banffshire)

In the lead up to Gala Day (Sunday July 26th 12 noon till 5.00pm) planning is the focus of attention, which is fair enough but sometimes we perhaps need to reflect on other things and take a little time out.

Look at the picture - Can you think of a better place?

Latest layout for Gala Day

Click the picture to enlarge

This is the latest layout for Gala Day - Sunday 26th July - 12 noon till 5.00pm

It's all fitting together nicely - The Group does it's best to provide something for everyone and with this in mind there is more content for the younger children this time with a Fancy Dress Parade and some fairground type rides. I think the childrens fancy dress parade led by the pipers will be a bit special - don't forget to bring your cameras along to record the day

Raft Race & Gala Day

Pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth (Gala Day 2006)

It's not too late to enter the Raft Race (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm)

If you are thinking about it - well now's the time to stop thinking - just go for it. It'll give you something to remember long after the event. You might even win! You will face the daunting prospect of beating the girls team 'Flicks Chicks' Not an easy task - in fact quite a scary one.

There's a link below to the main site - remember you must read the rules first.

http://www.portgordonharbour.org/Raft-Race-Rules-2009

Question - What is a Stanley Steamer?

What is a Stanley Steamer? I asked Mrs 'Blog' this question and she replied, " it sounds like an american launderette"

The Stanley Steamer is in fact a motor car driven by steam - it's easy when someone gives you the answer

All being well there will be an appearance of a Stanley Steamer at the Gala this year. It will be a 1911 10hp model - I understand it's kept in very good condition - sorry I don't have a picture of this one

Facts:
In 1906 a steam powered car broke the world land speed record achieving a recorded speed of 127mph in the process. It can take up to half an hour to build up enough steam pressure to propel a steam car (source: oldandsold.com)

Childrens Fancy Dress Parade

Another first for Raft Race & Gala Day (Sunday 26th July 12 noon till 5.00pm) A childrens Fancy Dress Parade. What a great day it promises to be for the children. They will parade from the Village Hall, led by pipers, down to the Gala field area.

This is sure to be a nice spectacle for all - there is plenty of time to book a place, though if you are interested in entering your children you should do it as soon as you can because this helps the organisers

picture courtesy of Audrey Murray and Moray Desktop Publishing - click to enlarge