Where were Kate and Ellen ? You were sadly missed from the caravan park ! Not everyone likes fish, lol. Another great event folks, hope it gets even bigger next year. Well done Gala !
Site Ed: Hi Michael (and family) the Pirate event in the Caravan Park wasn't a Portaferry Gala event, though, yes, a lot of the Gala team where there. Kate and Ellen were about on Saturday, but down at the shore - and not with their usual BBQ - they were on other duties that day !
Portaferry
Ok its been a couple of weeks since I checked out the website and well you all have been busy with your thoughts & comments!! I probably had the same thoughts as 'SOME' of you over the years, but believe me when I say its totally different when your on the committee. There's no-way in this world we could possibly please everyone with each event we run, but we try to have as varied a programme to suit all ages and tastes. The cost to run Gala week is unbelievable (not to mention Halloween & Christmas events) and unfortunately grants etc are not as forthcoming as in the past. The Gala committee really need the support of local businesses to help fund this week, which brings me on to the comment about the local pubs doing more. The bars financially support the gala by paying for their advert in the programme and sponsering events, they also provide entertainment enjoyed by all by giving up their time & oh yes even more money in the Portaferry Pubs Got Talent and of course the FLOAT PARADE...did you ever think how much each float costs!!!!!! Ok everyone, we've heard the comments all of gala week....'this is rubbish, should have done this, never anything new in this gala, look at them all in their red gala coats who do they think they are!!!'....and I repeat what's already been said, we are ALL volunteers & we meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm please feel free to join us and if you'd rather pass on your ideas/suggestions to any committee member, you'll know us straight away...just look out for the red jackets!!!
Portaferry
After sitting back and reading a lot of these comments there are posititves and negatives felt towards week obviously.
Firstly may I add I neither agree or disagree with anyone on any point, I will give my own view.
In the current Economic Climtae, things are free should be applauded and welcomed, at the sme time, if money is to be spent, (Tax Payers presumebaly?) it should be spent on what people want, I think an online poll of things that people want would be greatly received.
I think what annoys people about the Gala is the fact that times are put against events but the times are never stuck to, this would reduce the anomosity felt if it was.
The Bars in the town could offer a lot more to this week long event as it seems to everyone I have spoke to, that they are the ones to reap the benefits of people in the town mostly, maybe a larger Financial donation perhaps or something.
Finally in summing up I think the Gala has it good points and it's bad points, but it's not up to me to decide what to do, that's down to the committee.
Site Ed:
There has been a feedback section on this site since it launched in 2003. (Under "Feedback", in the left hand menu) People are very happy to criticise and complain, but when you ask "Well what would YOU do, what would YOU like to organise, which events would YOU like to take charge of ?", they suddenly go very quiet.
As for funding, well, I think Patricia has answered that question above.
portaferry
would there be any chance of the points for the floats going on line it would be good to see how every1 done thanks
Ardrossan
Well done again and many thanks to the Gala Committee for all their hard work. I thought the floats were probably the best ever in my thirty years of holidaying at the Gala. Fair play to Dummigans although I thought the Lep should have won it, thanks again and hope to see you all again next year, God willing.