12 June 1993
On Saturday morning, as rainstorms soaked Newtongrange, there were many anxious faces as the prospect of cancelling the outdoor crowning ceremony loomed ominously. At the Church Hall, usually a joyful scene of laughter and excitement when the Gala Court assembles , there was an air of despondency until around 11.45am when the rain started to fizzle out. When the announcement was made that the gala was going ahead as usual, there were great shouts of glee from the court members and a very relieved gala committee! By the time the parade commenced, the sun was shining brightly and all was well with the world !
Unfortunately, due to operational requirements, the police horses could not lead the Gala Parade. Traditionally. the Gala Banner was carried by the local ATC Banner Party who were followed by two cadets on bicycles which had been transposed into a 1913 Sopwith and a 1993 Tornado to signify the 80th anniversary of the gala. Also taking part in the parade were Newtongrange Pipe Band, Scottish Brewers (Newtongrange) Silver Band, the Regimental Band and Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots followed by local Army Cadets, HM Coastguard, fire and ambulance service. Mayfield Baton Twirlers added a dash of colour as they expertly moved through their routines en route to the park. Local schoolchildren, sporting their Gala outfits and waving flags, marched happily in the sunshine followed by the 1993 Gala Court motorcade and floats entered by local organisations and groups.
The Court
King - David Chalmers
Queen - Ashleigh Gray
Chief Lord & Kings Escort - Stuart McLellan
Chief Maid & Queens Escort - Moyra MacGregor
Herald - Alan McGowan
Crown & Sceptre Bearers - Sean Kennedy, Neil Melrose
Maids Of Honour - Debbie Russell, Stephanie Greenhill, Abby-Jane Stewart, Olivia Chalmers. Claire Mann, Lisa Smith
Bower Girls - Kerry Morton, Lucy Clarke, Caterine Hynds, Pamela Dow
Halberdiers - David Logan, Colin Dalgleish, Adrian Bernard, Gary Paul
Flower Girls - Ruth Dresser, Emma Stirling, Laura Miller, Missy-Laura Stewart, Louise Kinnear, Louise Stanners, Sarah King, Amy Ramage,
Page Boys - Cameron Chalmers, John Cameron, Michael Jones, Paul Sharkey
Newtongrange Pipe Band and Scottish Brewers (Newtongrange) Silver Band performed musical programmes and local organisations and groups put on displays. A number of other entertainment's were available.
The Army, working in conjunction with the Gala. entertained the crowds with displays from the Golden Lions Free Fall Display Team who jumped out of a helicopter. Another group of old friends of the Gala the Blue Arrows Motor Cycle Display Team -again put on a dazzling display of daring. Army Massed Bands entertained a large crowd. The Salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian, Captain George Burnet, LVO.
A number of other Army displays including an abseiling tower, miniature assault courses, mini motor bikes, thrill slide, helicopter simulator and many others provided an opportunity for audience participation by the more daring!
The Gala Week finished with the Kirking Service in Newtongrange Parish Church where Queen Ashleigh and King David, were presented with Bibles by the Rev John McPake.
Gala Titbits: Results of the Talent Show held during Gala Week were as follows:1st - Ashleigh Gray; 2nd - Rachel Black and Lauren Gollen; 3rd -Claire Mann.
Trophies donated by Andy and Margaret Young of the Mighty Bite
were presented as follows: Decorated Gates, 1st Ashleigh Gray, 2nd Andy Melrose;
3rd Ruth Dresser. Best Decorated Car, Esk Valley Bird Society.
The 1993 Gala Challenge took the form of a sponsored Microlight flight . With
the help of Gordon Douglas and the East of Scotland Microlight Club based
at East Fortune, a number of committee members and friends took to the air
over East Lothian with the aim of raising money for Gala funds and Guide Dogs
for the Blind. The sum of £1,202. 50p was raised.