Disappointment with gala crowds

They say that numbers on the streets and in the park were well down on previous years.

Tribute was paid to those bodies which did back the annual charity extravaganza but organisers could not hide their disappointment.

Chairman Brian Hudson said: "There is a lot of apathy in Keighley.

"We felt we did as much as we could to get people to come -- I don't know what more we could have done.

"There was a lot of publicity in the Keighley News and posters around the town and many letters went out.

"At the end of the day people want a show but they are not prepared to contribute anything towards it.

He added: "There is a general misconception with large town galas that they are put on by the council and so people decide they are not going to donate.

"We received some moans about an absence of charity stalls and a shortage of entertainment at the park.

"But if the stalls aren't taking any money you can understand why the charities don't come and if people aren't prepared to give we can't pay out large sums to bring in quality entertainment."

Mr Hudson said: "Because of the arson attack on our stores earlier this year, in which a lot of equipment was damaged, we have had to use money from our reserves.

"We will have a donation from the fairground but expenses have to come out of that.

"Looking ahead, next year it will be the 130th gala. I know this has been said before but if we get the same lack of response again from Keighley people, that will probably be the last."

He said: "Some folk are magnificent and I thank them -- we have a small band of people who put in a tremendous amount of unpaid work, without whom the event wouldn't be possible.

"We are grateful to all those who took part in the procession and I would especially like to mention Haworth Riding for the Disabled -- it collected a huge amount and a letter from the group following our fire helped keep us going. Also Victoria Primary, which answered an invitation sent to all local schools.

"Thanks also go to Keighley Town Council for its support, without which we would have been struggling.

"It paid for a couple of bands and for the sweets that were distributed, and a number of councillors attended on the day and did a lot of collecting. I am grateful as well to Graham Mitchell and Keighley Bus Museum for providing the open-topped bus."

The gala "penny wagon" in the procession raised about £171 -- well down on last year -- and local air cadets, who were marshalling at the park, collected some money in tubs.

Gala treasurer Gerald Brooksbank said that nearly £700 was taken in collecting tins on the streets, only slightly down on last year.

He said there would be some money to give out to local charities this year but not as much as previously.

He added that insurance and health and safety issues had affected the number of lorry companies providing vehicles for floats in the event.

Mr Hudson said that despite the overall disappointment, there were positive aspects to the day. War veterans who travelled in the procession on the open-topped bus thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were applauded along the route.

And many of the floats and walking groups that did take part had put in a lot of effort.

This year's gala adopted a 1940s theme to tie in with the 60th anniversary of VE Day.

Events kicked off with the crowning of Gala Queen Rebecca Clewes, in Town Hall Square. She was attended by junior queen Sophie Halliday, princess Sarah Graham, rosebud Imogen Gillespie and pageboy Lewis James Ludlam. Rebecca and her retinue headed the floats in the procession, closely followed by the retiring queen.

Other regal representatives in the parade line-up included the Carnival Princess and Carnival Queen of Great Britain.

A military-style cadet band fronted the procession, which followed the usual route through the town from Malsis Road to Victoria Park.

Others taking part included Royal British Legion members with their standard, army cadets, Territorial Army soldiers, 1st Keighley Brownies with a "fairy dell", Haworth Riding for the Disabled which had riders in costume, the Silver Star Stompers, City of Leeds Pipe Band, the National Trust, Victoria Primary School and its Super Saturday Club, Cougar Cubs, town Mayor Councillor Tony Wright and there was a Haworth "Not Just for Christmas" float.

Vehicles on show included vintage buses and tractors.

At the park the excellent 1940s-style Peter Stuart Band performed, with Joy Bryan booming out period songs.

Marshall's funfair as ever pulled in visitors, Blackpool beach donkeys attracted some customers and the Territorial Army manned a display, but the park sadly was bereft of people.

On Sunday new and established Keighley bands played in the park, from 2pm, and the funfair was again operating.

An open meeting is being held at Keighley Fire Station, in Bradford Road, on Tuesday, at 8pm, to discuss the gala and consider future plans.

Anyone interested in getting involved in next year's event is urged to attend.

* A lorry -- preferably flat backed -- is needed desperately to provide a float for the gala queen. Anyone able to help is asked to contact Mr Hudson on 07774 946394.