Civic Week History
Researched by Liz Rae
March 2024
Source: Central Libraries Service, Dunfermline Library
Cowdenbeath Advertiser – June 5th 1931
LOCHGELLY CHILDREN’S GALA
A SETTLEMENT
STORM IN A TEACUP
The Lochgelly Children’s Gala has now been definitely arranged to take place on Saturday 27th June, and practically every teacher in the town has indicated his or her willingness to assist. The Gala has always been fertile ground for the cynic finding a basis for criticism but never before has the event promoted so much controversy as it has this year.
For many years it has been organised by a committee appointed by the general public, but the numbers attending the open meetings were so few that the position became somewhat disheartening to the committee who resigned in a body at the last annual meeting, when only a handful of people attended.
A RESUME
In March of this year the Town Council received a letter from the secretary of the late committee asking them to take over the work of organising the Gala, but the Council, realising that they would require the help of the teachers, delayed their decision until the teachers had been consulted on whether they would give their co-operation.
Cowdenbeath Advertiser – Friday 3rd July 1931
KIRKFORD CHILDREN’S GALA
Most of the arrangements for the Kirkford’s Children’s Gala to be held this year on the 8th August are now completed. The new committee are striving to make the event the best ever. A flag day in aid of funds is to be held on the 18th July (with the permission of the magistrates) and Foulford White Rose F.C. have agreed to raise money by means of a five-a-side football tournament to be held on the 17th and 18th of this month. The Cowdenbeath British Legion Pipe Band have kindly offered their services to the gala committee.
The member’s of this year’s committee are as follows; – Mr.J.Hood, President, Mr.P.Macarthur, Treasurer, Mr.M.Moran, Secretary, Mr.J.McKenzie representative from the Kirkford Bonnie Jean Burns Club; Mr.D Robin, representative from the Kirkford Cycling Club, and Messrs.P.Buckley, P.Simpson, A.Mitchell, and William Miller; Mrs. Blythe, Mrs.Easton, Mrs.Buckley, Mrs.Hynd, Mrs.Henderson, and Mrs.Moran. The committee is working voluntarily.
Cowdenbeath Advertiser – Friday 10th July 1931
COWDENBEATH CHILDREN’S GALA
HAPPY SCENES
Many happy scenes were witnessed at the children’s Annual Treat of the Cowdenbeath Co-operative Society on Saturday. Thousands of children in gaily colored dresses assembled in the spacious Broad Street School playground shortly after noon, and their numbers were reinforced by the arrival of the Foulford and Lumphinnans sections, who marched their respective districts, headed by the Cowdenbeath Public and the Inverkeithing Silver Bands. The children from the Donibristle and Fordell section were conveyed to the school by tramcar.
Just before the gathering’s departure to the Public Park, the sun was blotted out by a huge threatening cloud, and rain began to fall in torrents. Most of the kiddies were drenched and hundreds of vividly coloured paper hats were wasted. The long procession presented an animated appearance as it wended its way through the streets. The downpour failed to damp the enthusiasm of the children, who marched proudly along, waving their flags and cheering loudly. Four bands took part in the procession – The Dunfermline Society of Pipers, the Inverkeithing Silver Band, and the Cowdenbeath Silver and Pipe Bands.
The weather, fortunately, was of short duration, and, as the latter part of the long column entered the park, the sun emerged from the tail-end of the cloud and shone brilliantly.
The grassy slopes presented an unusual picture, crowded as they were with children in holiday attire, who ran here and there in search of the milk carriers.
The contents of their “pokes” disposed of, and the “inner-man” satisfied, the kiddies turned their attention to the various objects of interest. Some enjoyed themselves at the playground where the swings, seesaws, maypole and joy wheel were put to good use. Others seemed to delight in playing around the dancing platform, and in their moment of joy they would mount the platform and display their wondrous and mystical dance steps to all and sundry. The Punch and Judy show was the centre of attraction for many. The showman, with his drums and Peter Pan pipes, was the object of awe and wonder, and when the show began, Punch’s antics were greeted with screams of laughter.
With the commencement of the dancing and the races, the side attractions were forgotten for the moment. The entries for the running events were very large and approximately £25 was paid. out in prize money during the day. The completion of the sports programme brought the gala to an end. Six thousand children attended this year’s function, and the services of 150 helpers were required. It reflects great credit on the organisers tha no mishap of any consequence occurred during the day.
Cowdenbeath Gala Events 