Welcome to the committee page...

We are always on the look out for new committee members and are in need of some assistance from the public as our committee is samll and needing help in all areas to continue being able to allow the galaday to keep going.

As I am sure most people would agree that our Galaday is a brilliant day and with our centenary year this year, we want to keep this going. Should you wish come and join us, please contact any member of the committee or fill out the contact form on our contact us page.

Davie Richardson - President & Band Secretary

I joined the Gala Committee about 10 years ago. I really enjoy the preparation that goes into the Gala-Day all year long. I have organised the bands and enjoy working with them all. Both my 2 sons have participated from the age of 4 and both loved it. Let's hope the Centenary reaches another milestone for Blackburn. I wish all the other Committee members, pageant, bands, school and all others taking part every success on the Centenary Gala on the 11th June 2011.

Jamie Rafferty - Vice President

I have only recently ;started being part of the gala day committee, after being part of the committee and taking part in many things behind the scene; helping out on the day and entertainment for fundraisers. I thought it was time to get recognised in what I was doing and take my young views and points to the committee. I intend to be in the committee for a long time to come. It's a great thing to get involved in and watching what will be a fantastic family fun day!

Lynne Wishart - Secretary & Programme Lead

I joined the gala-day committee in 1989, after being the Gala-Queen in 1987 and receiving encouragement from my mum Margaret Graham who was the treasurer of the gala-day for 19 years and still does a lot of the fundraising. The gala-day is something my family has all enjoyed; both my daughters Kayleigh and Ashleigh have been in the gala-day since they were 3 and a half and this year sees Ashleigh in her final year in the pageant. Both my children help by assisting in door-to-door collections and fundraising activities. I would like to thank my husband Stephen for having the patience of a saint for putting up with the upheaval in the weeks leading up to the gala-day.
I see the gala-day as a day that family and friends come together out with Birthdays and Christmas. For our CENTENARY this year, we have been holding weekly meetings since July of last year, which has been a lot of hard work organising different events in order to try and make it a day to remember, and at the same time ensuring that we have sufficient funds to hold a gala-day next year. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and support in helping make this year's gala-day a day to remember for years to come.

Jolene Walker - Treasurer

I joined the gala committee in 2011. How I came to be on the committee was down to a telephone call from Davy Richardson asking for volunteers to assist with this years gala. Seeing as my daughter is a fairy I thought it was only fair that I offered some on my time in return. I was surprised at the lack of members there are on the committee and the amount of effort and money it takes to plan and organise. I now truly appreciate what the committee members do. The fact that they still show the same amount of commitment and enthusiasm year on year just to make sure our kids have a special day is remarkable. I am honoured to be a member of the team.

Jeannie Garfoot - Pageant Co-ordinators

Hiya people Jeanie Garfoot here, I joined the gala-day a few years ago after reading in our local paper time and time again that it needed new members, And i have 4 kids myself who were in the gala-day a good few times, so felt it was only right that i helped out when i could. Since joining i have helped with a few fundraisers and it has been a lot of fun, even got to do a skydive to raise funds...... Everyone is really friendly and welcoming. I have also come to realize how much time and effort our gala-day committee put in to the gala-day to make it a fun day for all our community.

Karen Dodd - Pageant Helper

I have been on the gala-day committee for 4 years and do it because it's the one event in the village that brings the whole community together for a fantastic celebration for Blackburn children. I took part in various years of the gala as a child and have great memories of them and want to try to create the same for today's children. It's also about keeping part of Blackburn's History alive and carrying forward for our children and hopefully, their children. So, Blackburn, I hope you all this centenary gala-day and have a fantastic day.

Lesley Ann Byers - Sports

I joined the committee in 2011. My daughters have both been in the gala-day. This year is extra special as my daughter Julie-ann was chosen for lady in waiting. I have been involved in some of the fund raising events

Karen Fyfe - Committee Member

This is my second year on the committee. I have always loved the gala day from a small kid. I can remember being in it throughout the years and now my own children take part in it. I felt that the committee needed more support so decided to go along to a meeting and see if I could help out. They have always done a fantastic job over the years with only a few members in the committee. Today there are a few more of us who are there to help but we are always looking for more helpers so feel free to come along to one of our meetings. I wish everyone of Blackburn and visitors to have a great gala day.

George Whittom - Committee Member

I have been doing the gala-day Sports for about 20 years. I was asked if I could help out by Helen Stewart, who at that time did them. I was a member of her athletics club. When she retired I took over. I do it because it is good to give something back to the community.