Since the flyer re: the Gala being permanently based in Charlestown went out, I've had lots of feedback from many people, angry and upset of this decision. I've tried explaining the reasons why, and have had understanding from some, and had backs turned against me by others. I've also had comments such as: the Gala is too samey, the Gala is too different from the old days, the Gala is too commercial. I think some people forget that there are only 7 of us on the Committee. We don't get much assistance or volunteers, we have falling attendances at our fundraising events. It's not easy as we're fighting against TV, internet and a general lack of enthusiasm. On top of all that, we're all volunteers!
One of the main principals of the Gala is that it should be free for kids. we still maintain that. All the bouncy things, zorbz, animal man and circus shows, Raft race face painting, pottery etc was free. Only buying food, drink or things from the craft tents cost money, and that was up to the individual. Here's my response to someone who asked why the Gala was to stay in Charlestown. I thought I'd publish it here so you could all see the full picture of what the Gala Committee is up against.
As Gala Chairman, I'll go through the main reasons of our idea of only having at Charlestown Green. By putting it here will give others some clarification of all the reasons why. Here goes: The nearest toilets for the public
are at The Ship Inn (Charlestown have their own, plus The Elgin Hotel - which offers it's toilets to the general public) There is limited parking for families at Limekilns. Access for vehicles is difficult being a 'one way in / out' over grass. Drainage is poor and the possibility of being stuck in the mud (the often used football pitch) is high after rain. The main advantage of Charlestown is that it has a road all the way around it, allowing access for all vehicles servicing the Gala with a queuing system. You are probably aware over the past few years the Gala has become a bigger event and it takes some traffic to make it happen.
The other batch of reasons is because of the Gala Committee logistics. Nearly all of the items needed for Gala Day are either locked in double garage in Charlestown or are in the Queens Hall. For Gala Day, we typically need 4 marquees, bar, bbq, all the prizes, medals, tug of war rope, steel pins and red tape as well as around 60 chairs, 22 6ft tables and 12 square tables from the QH. Apart from getting all that to the venue, we also have to get it all set up. What we have done in the past is set up the marquees on the Friday evening to make it easier on the Saturday morning. Limekilns normally have the football match on the Friday night - would it go down well if it was on a Thursday? It's still a rush to get it all done for 12:00, but we manage to get it all done in time. We usually use my, and the Gala Secretary's, vans for the carting of the bits and pieces.
So what's the problem, you may ask? Why not hire another van? The basic answer is because there are only 7 of us on the Committee, and we can't drive, collect and deliver, set up and organise everything. There are only two men on the Committee too, and some of the ladies aren't physically strong enough to do some of the jobs. If we had our teams stuck in a vans driving between Charlestown and Limekilns repeatedly, we'd run out of time. We ask for helpers on our facebook page and on our notice boards but only get a few people turning up. Normally it's the families of Committee members that join in. If we had more help, then we'd probably reconsider. The issue we have is that everyone wants a Gala, but very few offer to help. We've tried many different ways to raise money with fundraising events throughout the year, but it seems like not many people come to them. To get more revenue we have to think of other ways, and one example of this is the craft tents. We charge the exhibitors a fee to have a table, and this goes into next year's pot. The craft marquees also give something for the adults to peruse if they want. It does, however mean two marquees, tables and chairs that add to our list!
If you'd like to come to our AGM and discuss these points, join us as a Committee member, or volunteer your services so we aren't continually running on empty, please watch out for the signs saying when it is. The Gala can only survive if those who do it are supported all year round. Not only on Gala Day.
Alex Hill
Gala Chairman.
