Treasure Hunt Sunday 6th September

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Come along for a day with a difference. Family and friends can take part in this, our first ever, Treasure Hunt.

Everyone likes to test their knowledge so this is your opportunity. The various stopping places will become clear and there will be plenty of time to complete the course - remember the winner depends on the number of clues answered and items found or produced - it has nothing to do with speed - this is simply a leisurely drive for all to enjoy

Refreshments will be on sale in the Community Hall

If you wish you may take part in our quiz: Spot the 'Famous Kids' or the 'Golden Oldies'
Please come along - you will be helping in our progress to regeneration of the harbour

See you there

A 'snapshot' of the Gala

Latest slideshow in which I've tried to capture the atmosphere generated on the day. What doesn't show through is the tremendous support we receive so that it can all happen.

The day started cold, windy and wet - then Doreen turned up with a cuppa for everyone and it all seemed to change for the better

Having a bad day? - watch this and have a laugh

turn up the volume!
click to play

More pictures of Gala Day will be appearing this week

Childrens Fancy Dress Parade

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth

What a great day for the children. The Fancy Dress competition was held in the Village Hall and then a parade to the Gala site led by Strathisla Pipe Band made this a day for the kids to remember. Plenty of proud brothers & sisters, parents, aunts & uncles, grandparents and friends to record things on cameras and camcorders. These memories will live on forever

This event was considered so successful that it will be repeated next year for sure

'Lennox Bravehearts'

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth

The 'Lennox Bravehearts' team approaching the finish line with winners 'Flicks Chicks' very sportingly waiting to greet them - just a minute, it's not a welcome - it's an attack! All part of the fun and a laugh for the many spectators that came along to enjoy the day.

The team adopted the 'Bravehearts' theme and name as a result of an original idea from a team member.
The 'Lennox' is the local village public house where members of the team may be seen from time to time - hence the team name 'Lennox Bravehearts'
I suspect this team will be back even more determined next time - I certainly hope so, for they are a great bunch and good sports.

The idea of pelting the other teams with flour goes back some time. I tried to find the origins of this part of the event only to be told it happens everywhere and may have something to do with encouraging the teams to finish quicky to avoid being covered in the stuff - so there it is, I'm better informed but non the wiser. I think I now understand the meaning of 'flour power'

Grampian Fire & Rescue Service

pictures courtesy of Peter Charlesworth - click to enlarge

A team representing Buckie Fire Station took part in the race - they gave a very good account of themselves and finished a tough race in third place. The team won the trophy for best raft - now that's not bad seeing it was their first attempt in the race - they also won many new friends as they got stuck in and proved to be good sportsmen - maybe a more fitting tribute would be - they were a credit to Grampian Fire & Rescue Service for joining in and showing a real sense of community spirit.






The event won praise from the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire who clearly enjoyed proceedings and admired the spirit of the racers for providing a great race for the many spectators.



In mentioning spectators I feel credit is due to them for turning out in large numbers, especially in view of the weather forecast for the day - if you were there you'll know it wasn't as bad as expected. Keep an eye on this 'Blog' as I intend to feature each team that took part in the race in the next few days

More from the Gala

picture courtesy of John Gardiner

I'm now back from holiday so in the next few days I'll be adding more pictures to the site including this 'Blog'

Have to say a big thank you to the team from Burghead Sub-Aqua Club for providing a safety boat and crew during the Raft Race - The race is our biggest attraction on the day and without safety in place it couldn't happen. It's unlikely anything would go wrong, even so, the competitors appreciate the presence of the safety boat.

There are lots of photographs of the day and I'm thinking of making a compilation to create a slide show which would then be placed on YouTube - watch this space

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