Yahoo News Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Children's Gala celebrates 75 years since first gala queen crowned
Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Children’s Gala celebrated a special milestone this year, marking 75 years since the first Gala Queen, Miss Evelyn Jaap, was elected and crowned in a field at Gateside.
Miss Jaap, accompanied by her two attendants Chrissie Bennett and Isobel Stuart, was crowned by Georgina “Granny” Murphy on July 9, 1949, and so starting the much-loved local tradition. The Gala has run almost continuously since then, with the exception of a five-year respite in the 50s and 60s.
Saturday, June 15 saw the big day finally arrive in which Miss Jessica French, alongside her two attendants Melody Burns and Kacey Lammie, as well as page boy Rhuben Turnbull, was crowned as the gala queen of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm for 2024. The Queen’s Float left Kelloholm Primary School to lead the parade around the streets of Kelloholm and Kirkconnel, followed by bands, decorated lorries and followers in fancy dress.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary, a reunion of more than 40 past Gala Queens also set off from Kelloholm Primary School to once again parade the streets of Kirkconnel and Kelloholm, this time in an open-top double decker bus. The earliest queen to attend was Anne Graham (McLeod), who was queen in 1950.
The retired queens were invited to Nithside Park to attend the crowning ceremony, performed by Mrs Lynne Houston alongside chair of the gala committee, Josie Jardine.
The queens were also invited for an afternoon tea afterwards in the Miners Memorial Hall, provided by Knockenhair Hospitality. Here, Queen Jessica unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 75th anniversary, as well as taking part in a cake cutting alongside Queen Anne Graham (McLeod). This cake was later donated to Kirkconnel ARC by the gala committee.
Nithside Park was, thereafter, bustling with people of all ages, filled with shows, stalls and entertainment provided by Lynette Turner School of Highland Dance and Impression Dance Company. As ever, the gala committee were present to provide children with their “Lemonade and Bag”, and Iris Ralston made a welcome return to the field with Geordies Ices, who have attended the Gala for 61 years. The rain once again appeared and all but cleared the park for three o’clock, but this did not deter the masses appearing for the massed bands on Kirkconnel Main Street.
The Gala Week for 2024 was brought to a close with the Gala Dance, which saw a three-course meal provided by Knockenhair Hospitality and entertainment from Amplifive. The last gala draw of the year was held, and the winner of the wood carving was announced, so tying up the year once again.
