HISTORY OF NEWTONGRANGE GALA 1993 Questionnaire - Committee
JANETTE STEWART
1. Can you remember your first Gala Day?
Not as a child but one of my early memories as a committee member is of sitting at the committee table in the scorching sun and getting sunburned scalp, neck, arms, the lot!
2. What, for you, was the 'Best' Gala you ever helped to organise and why?
I can't think of a specific example as we try to build on each year's gala activities
3. Have you any funny stories to tell about your time on the 'Gala Committee ' i.e. fund-raising etc?
Pet shows always provide laughs, one year a ferret tried to bite the then Minister who was helping to judge the contest. Another time a number of committee members were up on the Bandstand when an Alaskan broke free. The dog, barking wildly, kept circling the Bandstand with the poor committee members besieged like trapped cowboys being attacked by Indians! It seemed an eternity before the dog was put under control! On another occasion I can still see the expression on Helen Morgan's face when the tortoise she was holding decided it couldn't wait any longer for the toilet. We all steered clear of Helen that night! !
4. Have there been any times when you have wanted to relinquish your position on the Gala Committee?
I think all committee members have felt like throwing in the towel at one time or another! We try, as a team, to do the best we can but it should be remembered that none of us are professional entrepreneurs. It is nice to be patted on the back if praise is due but equally we are open to criticism if our standards are less than expected. However, it can be a bit disheartening to a voluntary committee to be on the receiving end of unjust criticism. We always live in hope that people who think the Gala could be run better will come forward with new ideas and offers of help to institute them.
5. Who, would you say, has done more to keep the Galas going and why?
Everyone who has helped, financially and otherwise, to keep the gala going. There is a lot involved in maintaining a tradition such as Newtongrange Gala and support is always appreciated .
6. What makes a good Committee Member?
Community spirit, commitment, pride in the Gala and a terrific sense of humour!
7. When did you join the Gala Day Committee?
In the early 1970's.