HISTORY Of NEWTONGRANGE GALA 1993 Questionnaire - Committee
MARGARET BROWN
1. Can you remember your first Gala Day?
No, I was only months old.
2. What, for you, was the 'Best' Gala you ever helped to organise and why?
One of the 'Best' was when the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team jumped from a Hercules aeroplane. We didn't think we could afford to bring them but thanks a million to our local sponsors with whose help we succeeded.
3. Have you any funny stories to tell about your time on the 'Ga1a Committee' ie fundraising etc'?
At a pet show Agnes Begbie arrived with a clean white cardigan and laid it on the grass -before anyone could say anything, a dog lifted its leg and soaked it for her!
4. Have there been any times when you have wanted to relinquish your position on the Gala Committee'?
Often, when you think of the time and effort you spend on the Gala and then certain members of the public criticise us for what they think could have been done and you know they wouldn't help supposing they were being paid to do so .
5. Who, would you say, has done more to keep the Galas going and why?
Janette Stewart, as she is dedicated and seems to get help from anywhere .
6. What makes a good Committee Member?
A person willing to give up a lot of their time and dedicating themselves to the job.
7. When did you join the Gala Day Committee?
September 1977. (During the 1950s, for a year or two, I helped at the Rehearsals, at the old Newbattle School, by playing the piano).