PICTURE SPECIAL: A queen is crowned as Wick Gala Week returns
It's been three years since Wick last held a Gala Week celebration and Saturday provided a chance for local townspeople to relive the glory days before Covid.
The new Gala Queen, Beth Dunnet, was crowned at the riverside by her predecessor Maja Pearson. Ms Dunnet was ready to take up the crown in 2020 but the event had been postponed due to Covid restrictions.
The Gala Committee chairman, Alex McDonald, gave a vote of thanks to all who had helped with the event. "Without the dedicated hard working committee, that you do not see, this [event] would not be going ahead," he said. "All monies raised throughout Gala Week are used to benefit the local community along with donations to groups and organisations.
"We all know that successful projects need a great deal of time and effort. We are always on the lookout for fresh new faces to help. We are also looking out for any new suggestions that you may all have that we will take on board. We hope you all have a fun-filled week of entertainment."
Mr McDonald then invited the 2019 Gala Queen Maja Pearson to crown the new queen, Beth Dunnet. Ms Dunnet then spoke to the assembled crowd and extended a special welcome to "exiles home on holiday and any visitors" at the event. "I'm privileged to be here tonight as Wick Gala Queen 2022," she said. "How lovely it is to be back out on Gala night just seeing how well 'Wick Works Weil'.
"I hope you all get into the Gala spirit with a week of fun with us."
Pat Ramsay, who runs the local foodbank with her husband Grant, was the guest speaker at the event and extended her thanks to the Gala Committee "for having the faith that I can pull this off".
Mrs Ramsay said: "Our Gala Queen, Beth looks stunning and I’m very proud to say that she was an ex-pupil of mine from our South School days. Everyone looks amazing and they all have a busy week ahead which I’m sure they’ll carry out their duties with lots of smiles, laughter and memories made for the future.
"This is an emotional task for me – I’ve been indoctrinated in Wick Gala since I was a bairnie – that was well over 50 years as both my parents were totally involved in the Gala shenanigans particularly with the procession.
"My dad, Robbie Anderson as many of you knew was a well kent face on the Saturday night – from amazing huge floats to being the main man on foot with his partner in crime, Allan Bruce. Floats that stick in my mind as a bairn were Bubbles the Whale, The Flintstones and Div Ye Mind the Caithness Hoosie on the back of Alec Matheson’s horse and cart. Dad was one of many at the kitchen table with a few drams – planning and sketching to create a great production on the night.
"My mam, Sheila also was involved with the floats and latterly on foot with many like-minded folk. The craic in the house and garage was always priceless as plans came together with great hilarity, tins of paint, cardboard and costumes created at the sewing machine. Happy memories indeed.
"This week shows what Wick can do – this approach is absolutely vital in the tough times we’ve come through – life after the Covid pandemic and now the financial pressures for many folks. The Royal Burgh of Wick motto is 'Wick works weil' and that should give us all the positive mindset to make a difference. The hard work and commitment of the Gala Committee proves that – a week of planned activities and something for all. This certainly takes weeks of preparation."
Mrs Ramsay continued: "We often hear 'there’s nothing to do' but there is – and this week ahead proves that. Wick has changed a lot over the years – we get a lot of negative reports about the downfall of the town, but we do have so many good things to be grateful for.
"The camaraderie of the community, the busyness of the harbour, the river flowing through, the rich history and heritage around us plus the amazing nature right on our doorstep. So many organisations, groups and individuals support the life of our town and the people – look at the tidy up campaigns, the floral displays, the Trinkie and North Baths cleaned up, the fountain working again to name just a few.
"We all can do our bit. Remember the motto Wick Works Weil ... and tonight, shows us all that it can. Thankyou."
More pictures along with videos of Saturday evening's procession of floats and fancy dress collectors will follow soon.
