1958
The first venture of the Newtongrange Children's Gala Day Committee to promote a week's celebration of open-air functions proved highly successful, but should have received more support.
On Monday evening the first ties of an open five-a-side tournament were played in Victoria Park, while an enjoyable band concert was given in the Public Park by the local Silver and Pipe Bands, followed by a dancing session to the music of the Ramblers' Dance Band.
Tuesday provided a continuation of football and dancing. On Wednesday in Victoria Park the semi-finals and finals of the open, primary and secondary five-a-sides produced several exciting exchanges with extra time required to effect a decision. In the secondary final Newbattle " A " (Drummond, Thomson, Wagley, Wilson, and Brown) beat their "B" side 4-0. The primary final resulted in a two-goal win for Newtongrange "A" (Dalgleish, A. Wilson, R. Wilson, Lamb, Bowman) against Newtongrange "B" .After extra time, Bonnyrigg (Finlay Watson) beat Newbattle Boys' CIub by three clear goals to win the open five's.
An added attraction was a trotting exhibition, the first of its kind in the village. Thursday night was marred by rain but the variety concert was transferred to the Welfare Hall. The Welfare Hall on Friday evening housed a good attendance for a dress rehearsal of the crowning ceremony. Councillor John Slater presided.
A pleasing ceremony took place when the Queen Elect presented a clock and brooch to Mrs Porteous Peacock, one of the founder members of the Gala Day Committee over thirty years ago. Mr John Rutherford, a former Gala Day Committee Chairman, paid tribute to Mrs Peacock's long and faithful service.
The concluding function took place on Saturday afternoon. Assembling in the local Square Park, the King and Queen in open landau and Court members in motor cars headed by the Silver and Pipe Bands and followed by over 2000 children, proceeded via Third Street, Lingerwood Road , Picture House and Main Street to the Public Park, where several thousands of adult spectators watched the colourful and traditional entry of the principals.
This year's King was James
Morrison, 12 Lothian Terrace and the Queen was Jane
B.R. Edwards, 2 Gardiners Place, Dux boy and girl of Newtongrange Primary
School. Councillor John Slater presided. Referring to the introduction of
a week of celebrations, he regretted the apparent lack of interest by the
majority of the community. The crowning ceremony was gracefully performed
by Margaret Thomson 17 Vogrie Crescent, Gorebridge, Dux pupil in Newbattle
Junior Secondary School. Watches were presented to the King, Queen and Dux
pupil who also received the Gala Dux Championship Shield.