Gala organisers urge locals to help save historic event

Chairman Marc Lawson has stepped down from his post after 12 years and with no one yet to take on the role, remaining committee members are concerned the spectacle is under threat.

Catterall Gala usually takes place on the last weekend in May and the committee has issued a desperate appeal for volunteers to attend their annual general meeting, which has been re-arranged for held on January 26.

Secretary Susan Dewhurst said people had committed their support but without a willing person to take on the role as chairman, there was a ‘real danger’ the gala would not continue.

She said: “We had tremendous help in years past from The Pickerings Hotel facilitating the night disco and bbq on the Gala day evening and our procession was able to use the A6.

“We have overcome these difficulties but now realise we have a major problem on our hands.”

Susan said Marc had spearheaded the work and co-ordination of the event in previous years, helping to run everything from the parade to road closures, health and safety, risk assessments, the fun fair, tents on the day and the sports competitions.

Anyone who can assist with the gala arrangements is encouraged to attend the AGM at Catterall Village Hall on Tuesday, January 26 starting at 8pm.