Rhynie Gala 2009

It seemed Rhynie Gala, would be a wet one after heavy rain fell on Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, but as seems now to be a tradition, the sun came out in time for the start of Friday night’s Tug of War and Football and the main event on Saturday afternoon.

The gala was opened by one of the parishes former Ministers the Reverend Andrew Christie a member of the founding Gala committee 27 years ago.

Friday nights primary school football was won by Huntly Boys with the runners up were Turra Bulldogs. The open football was won by Dunnydeer Dribblers and the runners up Real Mid Rhynie. The tug of war was an all Elgin affair with Elgin A winning and Elgin B coming second. The Disco brought an end to proceedings for Friday night with numbers slightly down from last year.

Amongst the entertainment on Saturday afternoon were The Towie Pipe Band, Drakes of Hazard, Brenda Gordon Dancers, and the Huntly Fire and Rescue Service, all introduced by compare Mark Ross, complete with new sound system which could be heard throughout the village!

The Tap O Noth hill race had forty runners taking part, and was won by Joe Charles with a time of 36.21 minutes. The Ladies race was won by Veronique Oldham in a time of 41.58 minutes a heartbreaking one second short of the record she set last year!

The competitions were up to usual high standard, some of the highlights included- the Beverley Trophy for Most Points being presented to Phyllis Duncan. The TTB Trophy for most points in the vegetable section, and the Bill and Olive Herd Shield for overall flower and vegetable winner, was awarded to Tom English. Saturday night was rounded of with the usual dance in the marquee which was well attended.

A big thanks goes out from the Gala committee, to all those who helped setting up and assisting on the day, many who have no connection to any of the groups benefiting, but with out there help the Gala would not run so smoothly.