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Fochabers basks in glorious weather as crowds flock to gala





Once again the sun graced a popular community gala as young and old alike came together for a fun-filled afternoon.

Fochabers has developed an envious reputation reputation for attracting the good weather to their gala and so it was again on a sun-drenched Sunday, July 29.

2nd Fochabers Brownies Orla Hepburn (left) and Rosie Gordon-Duff (right) have a go at catching a duck. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
2nd Fochabers Brownies Orla Hepburn (left) and Rosie Gordon-Duff (right) have a go at catching a duck. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

The afternoon marked the culmination of three days of activities, which got under way on the Friday with the crowning of Gala VIPs Rebekah Glew and Jasper Haley, who have both have just completed their P7 year at Milne's Primary School.

There was a birthday surprise in store for Gala VIP Rebekah Glew. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
There was a birthday surprise in store for Gala VIP Rebekah Glew. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

It was to herald a wide range of events over the next few days, including a tombola, strawberry tea and duck race before the grand finale itself on the Sunday afternoon.

Gala VIP Jasper Haley. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Gala VIP Jasper Haley. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

There was a warm welcome back for Buckie and District Pipe Band as they led the opening parade down High Street under a clear blue sky in the summer sun. They were followed by the Gala VIPs in a special open-top car and, rounding off the parade, members of the Speyside Tractor and Vintage Engine Club.

Buckie and District Pipe Band lead the way in the opening parade. Picture: HNM
Buckie and District Pipe Band lead the way in the opening parade. Picture: HNM

The parade were welcomed by gala chairperson Liz Rennie outside Bellie Church in the square where there was a special surprise in store for young Rebekah, who was presented with a cake to mark the occasion of her 12th birthday.

Rebekah gets a birthday surprise:

She and Jasper then officially declared the festivities open when they got the Jean Carr Hill Race under way. It was to be won by Gary McKay in a time of 38.15. Other results from the race were: 1st Female and Senior Female - Louise McKenzie; Senior Male - Gary McKay; MV40 veteran - Scott Phimister; FV40 Veteran - Iona Robertson; MV50 Super Veteran - Rab Murray; FV50 Super veteran - Emma Mitchell.

Runners head down Charlotte Street at the start of the Jean Carr Hill Race. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Runners head down Charlotte Street at the start of the Jean Carr Hill Race. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Helping get feet tapping during the gala were Collen Murphy and Mak 2.

Mrs Rennie and her team of volunteers were left delighted with the outcome of the gala weekend.

Gary McKay won the Jean Carr Hill Race in a time of 38:14. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Gary McKay won the Jean Carr Hill Race in a time of 38:14. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

She said: “The gala weekend went very well indeed, the weather conditions couldn’t have been better, especially when you think about what it was like at the start of July.

“We were really pleased to welcome back Buckie and District Pipe Band to lead our opening parade and they also played in a couple of different spots during the afternoon. It was also good to see our local firefighting team and their fire engine at the gala.

(From left) Gordon Hepburn, Willie Greenless and Hamish Stuart with their tractors. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
(From left) Gordon Hepburn, Willie Greenless and Hamish Stuart with their tractors. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

“I understand that the Jean Carr Hill Race attendance was very good, with around 60 runners taking part.

Moray Road Runners Scott Phimister returns to the Fochabers Square to finish the Jean Carr Hill Race in third place. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Moray Road Runners Scott Phimister returns to the Fochabers Square to finish the Jean Carr Hill Race in third place. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

“In terms of numbers at the gala, I’d say it was on a parallel with last year. By the height of the afternoon the square was crowded with hundreds of people there. The barbecue sold out and there were long queues at the bottle stall.

“We were delighted to welcome marshals from the Elgin 63 Car Club; the road through the square remains open during the gala and they played a vital role in helping keeping people safe.

Oscar May tries his hand at bowls. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Oscar May tries his hand at bowls. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

“There were also a couple of new stalls at this year’s gala. The walking football group were doing keepie-uppies and we also had Duncan Jagger promoting cycling.!

A total of around £7000 was raised from the gala weekend, with around £6500 of that expected to be ploughed back into community groups after final expenses have been accounted for.

Entertaining the crowd with a tune or two are Buckie and District Pipe Band. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Entertaining the crowd with a tune or two are Buckie and District Pipe Band. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Praising the local community for their continued support, Mrs Rennie added: “Making an estimated profit of around £6500 over three days of events is pretty good going for a small village only a week after Speyfest.

“The generosity of the local community and businesses is what makes the gala happen.”

The gala afternoon played host to a whole host of activities, including the usual gala barbecue and bottle stall, teas, bowls and putting, hook the ducks, teas, bouncy castle, cricket club activities, fruit kebabs, candy floss and raffles.

Rosie Holmes won the duck race on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Rosie Holmes won the duck race on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Fochabers on-call firefighting team paid a special visit, with the village’s fire engine proving to be something of a draw.

The battle for the Jean Carr Hill Race.is on. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
The battle for the Jean Carr Hill Race.is on. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Entertaining the crowd with a tune or two are Buckie and District Pipe Band. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Entertaining the crowd with a tune or two are Buckie and District Pipe Band. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Speyside Tractor and Vintage Engine Club join the opening parade. Picture: HNM
Speyside Tractor and Vintage Engine Club join the opening parade. Picture: HNM
The Gala VIPs enter the fray in style. Picture: HNM
The Gala VIPs enter the fray in style. Picture: HNM

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