East Lothian Courier | News | Like gala days of old

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 5th June, 2008 08:05

Like gala days of old

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A FAMOUS son and daughter of Cockenzie and Port Seton went back to their roots last Saturday for the burgh’s diamond jubilee gala.

Acclaimed food writer Mary Contini crowned this year’s gala queen Caitlin McMillan in the marquee on King George V Park. She also boarded one of the boats that took part in the seaside battle re-enactment between Cockenzie and Port Seton harbours.

Mrs Contini was joined on the big day by world-renowned artist John Bellany.

Gala committee chairperson, Tracey Bellany, said: “Mary Contini told me in the week leading up to gala day that John Bellany had been a page boy at the first gala and he agreed to come along at short notice and attend the crowning ceremony reception.”

Mr Bellany was also being filmed at the gala for a documentary.

“It was a fantastic day and there were thousands of people there,” added Tracey.

“The whole village turned out and there were people from all over East Lothian. The weather certainly helped.

“It is the biggest turnout in recent times and some of the ex-gala queens told me that it was like the old days.”

Kay Patterson was this year’s Adult Achievement Award winner for her work with the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows.

Her time spent working with young children in the poverty-stricken African country of Malawi was also recognised.

Preston Lodge High School pupil Michael Simpson was the Young Achievement Award winner for his musical ability and his performances on the rugby field for his school. Michael has played the bagpipes on behalf of East Lothian Council in the Czech Republic and entertains local groups, such as pensioners.

He is also a guitarist and is a member of local pop group Unplugged.

First in the best decorated house category was 92 Poplar Park, Port Seton (Topaz), and second was 47 Cedar Drive, Port Seton (Page Boy). Third place was taken by Anwoth Cottage, Edinburgh Road, Cockenzie (Attendant to the Flowergirls).

The top prawn boat for the week was Janreen, which carried the ‘pirates’ during the battle re-enactment.

All entries into the decorated shops competition were based on the theme of the diamond jubilee and first place was taken by hair salon The Studio. Second was the bakers in Links Road. Highly recommended prizes were given to cafe Ocean Side East, and deli Morag’s Larder.

Thirty former gala queens attended a reception in the Port Seton Centre – including 1950 queen Davina Stewart. Julia Morelle, 1993 gala queen, jetted in from Western Australia to be at the special occasion.

Winners of the gala day fancy dress were: Nursery – 1 Callum Goodall (baby), 2 Lauren Hunter (Little Bo-Peep), 3 Isla McLay (Spanish Dancer). P1 and P2 – Joy Kennedy (birthday present), 2 Melody O’Brien (101 Dalmations), 3 Molly Bowerbank (mermaid). P3 and P4 – 1. Lucy Thomson(Mrs Mop), 2 Amy Anthony (Scarecrow), 3 Amy Richie (Fishergirl). P5 and P6 – 1 Sarah Renton (Town Cryer), 2 Molly Anthony (Indian Lady), 3 Nadia Watters (Emo). Group – 1 Tom and Adam Sinclair( Policeman and his dog), 2 Joanna Horsburgh and Jennifer Mayburn (Jemima and Madeleine), 3 Jenna McClay, Amy Morgan and Chloe Martin (cheerleaders). Adult - 1 Stuart Mack, 2 Lewis Johnston (both pirates).

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