Tuesday December 13th 2022
The gala day in Gorebridge.
A village gala day will be given £10,000 towards celebrating its 100th anniversary after councillors declared the event the ‘lifeblood’ of their communities.
Councillor Kelly Drummond brought a Labour group motion asking a meeting of Midlothian’s elected members to approve the award for Gorebridge Gala Day as it marks its centenary.
And she received cross party support for the funding as councillors praised the impact of the annual celebrations on residents.
Councillor Drummond told the meeting: “We are lucky to have such wonderful and committed gala committees across Midlothian who, year after year, deliver brilliant events for their communities and bring families and friends together to have fun.
“With Gorebridge gearing up to celebrate their 100th anniversary we are asking the council to support them in making this celebration indicative of the anniversary.
“Other communities have enjoyed similar support from Midlothian Council, both Loanhead and Newtongrange celebrated their 100th anniversaries and Mayfield their 25th and we are asking Gorebridge is given the same opportunity.”
Fellow Labour councillor Russell Imrie seconded the motion adding: “Gala days are the lifeblood of communities. When I moved out here 30 years ago the first thing that hit me was that togetherness.
“I was lucky to be a participant along with other members of the chamber in celebrating Loanhead’s 100th anniversary, an absolutely cracking day.”
Mr Imrie pointed out gala committees work all year round to fund raise and support their local days, adding it was a good way for new residents to get involved.
He said: “One of the benefits of the gala days is to get all the new people who have moved into Midlothian involved in the community.”
Council leader Kelly Parry said the SNP group also supported the motion saying local gala days were part of Midlothian’s traditions and heritage as she congratulated Gorebridge on marking its 100th day this summer.
Councillor Parry suggested it might be “prudent” if local ward councillors used some of their environmental fund – money they are given to issue within their community each year – to help fund the donation.
The motion was passed unanimously.
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