Home   News   Article

Locals delighted at Hopeman Gala return for the first time since Covid pandemic

By Abbie Duncan
- abbie.duncan@hnmedia.co.uk
Published: 11:00, 30 July 2022

Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.

Sign Up
Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

THE Hopeman Gala made a welcome return last week, with more than 40 events taking place over nine days.

'Taylor's Towers' created by Leo, Lucy and Lucas Taylor at the Sandcastle Competition. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
'Taylor's Towers' created by Leo, Lucy and Lucas Taylor at the Sandcastle Competition. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Chloe Sutherland, The Gala Queen, with the two Gala Princesses, Emma Fiske and Bella Robertson. Picture: Beth Taylor
Chloe Sutherland, The Gala Queen, with the two Gala Princesses, Emma Fiske and Bella Robertson. Picture: Beth Taylor

After two years of cancellations, locals were delighted to see popular community event make a comeback. Gala committee member Nici Row said: “I think after the pandemic everybody was ready for the gala to return this year.

Blae Gillies with her goose, Popcorn, who came 1st in the unusual category at the Pet Show along with another goose, named Versace. Picture: Beth Taylor
Blae Gillies with her goose, Popcorn, who came 1st in the unusual category at the Pet Show along with another goose, named Versace. Picture: Beth Taylor
Mr Men competing in the group event. Picture: Beth Taylor
Mr Men competing in the group event. Picture: Beth Taylor

“It went really really well, it was actually my first gala but talking to much more experienced people – they said it was one of the best attended galas for a long time.

“Everybody was absolutely delighted with the numbers of the crowds, the weather was fantastic and the committee are amazing. They are such a hard-working team and pulled everything together. “

Sarah Russell (right) and Jodie Brennan (left) with their bulldog, Kane, who came 2nd in the medium dog category. Picture: Beth Taylor
Sarah Russell (right) and Jodie Brennan (left) with their bulldog, Kane, who came 2nd in the medium dog category. Picture: Beth Taylor
Alice May with her mermaid sculpture at the Sandcastle Competition. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Alice May with her mermaid sculpture at the Sandcastle Competition. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

More than 40 different events took place over the nine day span, including the ever-popular sandcastle competition and fancy dress competition, plus several quizzes and discos.

Nici added: “The gala is a really positive thing for the community. Hopeman is an amazing place. We don’t have many people, but all the things that happen in the village are just absolutely amazing.”

People making their way towards the disco inside the Gala marquee. Picture: Beth Taylor
People making their way towards the disco inside the Gala marquee. Picture: Beth Taylor

MORE PICTURES BELOW

The Sandcastle Competition:

Gallery1

Crafting the 'Gala Dog' were cousins and friends of the More family. Picture: Daniel ForsythIona Black, Lili Sharman and Vera Goldring with their sand creation 'Boatetta'...Hopeman Gala 2022 Sandcastle Competition...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..This group of friends created a Turtle, calling themselves 'Team Turtle'. Picture: Daniel Forsyth'Tony the Doughnut Lord' was created by friends and family of the England family. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

The Fancy Dress Competiton:

Gallery1

Charley Coleman taking third place as Barbie in the 5 years and under girls event. Picture: Beth TaylorKiera McPherson taking second place as a Hopeman in bloom in the 5 years and under girls fancy dress event. Picture: Beth TaylorHeidi McAllister taking second place as a giraffe in the 12 years and under girls event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Hopeman Heist taking third place by Charlie and Louies in the 12 years and under boys event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Hopeman Harbour taking second place by Joshua Bows in the 12 years and under boys event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Pinata taking first place by Danniel Busfield and Luca England in the 12 years and under boys event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Flintstones making their way round the arena to the judges. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Little Mermaid competing in the group event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe North 48 rib competing in the group event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Flintstones took second place in the group event. Picture: Beth TaylorJoanne Hobson took second place as a parrot in the Adults fancy dress event. Picture: Beth Taylor.Jamie Whittle won first place as Neptune in the Adults event. Picture: Beth TaylorAdvance INS 77 taking third place by Jack Davidson, in the 5 years and under boys event. Picture: Beth TaylorThe Grabber taking second place by Lyle McPherson in the 5 years and under boys event. Picture: Beth TaylorEddie Fiske took first place as Boris Johnson in the 5 years and under boys fancy dress event. Picture: Beth TaylorNoah's Ark in the parade that would eventually take first place by Molly Ruthuen in the 5 years and under girls event. Picture: Beth TaylorSome of the fancy dress competitors taking part in the parade towards the park. Picture: Beth Taylor

The Pet Show:

Gallery1

Two sisters with their pet sheep who competed in the pet show. Picture: Beth TaylorNatalie Munro, Rob, Ivy and Kayde Hay with their chihuahua, Willy, who came 2nd in the small dog category. Picture: Beth TaylorSarah Russell (right) and Jodie Brennan (left) with their bulldog, Kane, who came 2nd in the medium dog category. Picture: Beth TaylorAndrea (right) and Dulcie Robertson (middle) with her friend Grace Merrin (left) with their whippet, Pretzel, who came 1st in the medium dog category. Picture: Beth TaylorFinlay Reid with his rough collie breed, Ruby, who came 1st in the largest dog category. Picture: Beth TaylorAmelia Fiske with her cocker spaniel, Sadie, who came 1st in the shaggiest dog category. Picture: Beth TaylorKarena Allanson with her Yorkshire Terrier, Lily, who came 1st in the small dog category at the Pet Show. Picture: Beth Taylor

The Crowning of Hopeman Gala Royalty:

Gallery1

Norma McPherson handing one of the Gala Princesses a bunch of flowers. Picture: Beth TaylorChloe Sutherland, The Gala Queen, with the two Gala Princesses, Emma Fiske and Bella Robertson. Picture: Beth TaylorChloe Sutherland, The Gala Queen, giving Norma McPherson at the Coronation. Picture: Beth Taylor
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
Community Inspire me Abbie Duncan
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More
AGREE