THE streets of Addingham will be alive with the sound of music this summer as the village's Gala 2000 swings into action.

The Millennium event was in some doubt until an appeal in the Ilkley Gazette prompted villager Rebecca Carter to volunteer her help.

She organised a meeting and now people from all walks of life have come out of the woodwork to volunteer their services.

Mrs Carter said: "The stories in the Gazette made me think about it. It would have been a shame if it could not go ahead.

"So I rang up and said I was happy to take leaflets out and I've ended up as chairwoman of the committee!"

Mrs Carter has been delighted with the response from residents and local businesses following an inaugural meeting last Thursday, when the Addingham Gala 2000 Committee was formed and Mrs Carter was elected chairwoman.

She said: "All sorts of people are volunteering for jobs. People who have done particular things in the past are willing to do them again. It's wonderful."

The gala will have a musical theme, although the precise title has yet to be chosen.

Work has now begun on detailed planning, including arrangements for the Gala Disco where the queen and her attendants will be chosen.

The date of the event is fixed - July 8 - as it is always held on the second Saturday of that month.

Last year's gala enjoyed scorching weather and raised almost £3,000, supported by sponsorship from Yorkshire Water which paid for the programmes to be printed.

Proceeds are shared between village organisations and some money is retained to help stage future galas.

The gala committee would still appreciate offers of help, as well as inquiries from people interested in renting stalls at the event or running fairground-type attractions.

Mrs Carter can be contacted on 01943 830903.

Right: Three youngsters enjoy last year's super gala.

(Library picture)

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.