Civic Week History
Researched by Liz Rae
March 2024
Source: Central Libraries Service, Dunfermline Library
Cowdenbeath Advertiser – 4th June 1948
LUMPHINNANS GALA QUEEN CHOSEN
Miss Rose Ann Eadie has been selected to play the role of “Queen” at the forthcoming Lumphinnans Children’s Gala. Her selection, which was a very popular one, was made by Dr. and Mrs.Meldrum, Cowdenbeath at Lumphinnans school on Wednesday. The others who formed a short leet for the honour and who will be allocated parts as attendants, & c., were Grace Kirk, Margaret Bremner, Netta Easson, Christine Bain. The Gala takes place on the 26th June.
Cowdenbeath Advertiser – 9th July 1948
COWDENBEATH CHILDREN’S GALA
OVER 5000 KIDDIES TAKE PART
The weather Clerk flattered to deceive on Saturday for the annual children’s Gala organised by the Cowdenbeath Co-operative Society Limited. Fortunately the all important task of feeding the 5,500 children who took part was completed under the sunny skies which had contributed so much to the brilliant spectacle of the mile long parade to the Public Park, which was the venue of the treat.
Assembling in the playground of Broad Street School, the young carrying flags and banners, marched in processional order through an avenue of admiring parents who lined the High Street.
The mothers of the children appeared to have conquered the austerity bogey, for both in variety and colourfulness the kiddies presented a lovely picture in their bright and gay summer attire,
Playing at intervals along the route the following bands completed the Gala atmosphere:- Cowdenbeath Brass and Pipe, Dunfermline town, Townhill Silver and Inverkeithing Pipe Band. The procession was led by ex Provost Drylie, Chairman of the Society, who gave a short address of welcome.
On arrival at the park the children were provided with milk and eatables, served by a large committee of voluntary workers.
Although a cold wind swept through the park as the afternoon advanced, tis did not minimise the youthful enthusiasm that characterised the big Gala crowd. Various entertainments were provided in addition to the musical programmes rendered by the five bands.
Valentine Prince, jun., delighted the young people with a ventriloquist and marionette show, while comedy entertainers Layton and Stuart, were also popular.
Gymnastic displays given by the Y.M.C.A and the Agilis Troopers provided thrilling fare.
The paddling pool reopened for the occasion, was also a source of much delight, while the park swings and the maypole were in constant demand.
It was the sports programme which suffered from the arctic climax in the climatic conditions. A drizzle developed into a heavy downpour of rain, and in a short space of time the park was almost deserted.
This did not, however, curtail the sports programme to any extent and the only event which was postponed was the 7-a-side football (seniors football final) between Lumphinnans and Central.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Gala championships for all sections were won by:-
Girls – 1. Ann Hope, (Central), 2. Mary Jack (Lumphinnans), 3. Ann Hunter (Fordell), 4. Jessie Hood (Foulford).
Boys – 1. (dead heat) P.McFadyen (Central) and G.Livingstone (Lumphinnans), 2. R.Love (Fordell).
The other winners, given in age groups from 5 to 14 were as follows:-
COWDENBEATH CENTRAL
GIRLS
Noreen Syme, Eliz Pratt, Ann Turnbull, Jean Banatine, Helen Watt, Catherine Blyth, Nancy Wyles, Janet Sharp, Irene Ferns, Maureen McCarron, Anna Walker, Margaret Westwater, Wilma Hope, Beryl Gardiner, Barbara Sinclair, Margaret West, Lena Ferguson, Betty McCracken, Cathy Guild, Bertha Sinclair, Anna Nelson, Anna Wilson, Bertha Ross, Christine Greenhill, Connie Lister, Margaret McArthur, Eleanor Goodwin, Ann Hope, E.Sharp, E.Mitchell.
BOYS
Robert Sharp, David George, Freddie Mill, Alan Kerr, Brian Pratt, Albert Buchanan, Billy McAndrew, Ronny Burn, James Fraser, Ian Dryburgh, Jack Ross, Charles Fyfe, Robert Guthrie, David Maxwell, Alex Mitchell, Raymond Canavan, Eric George Seath, Robert Allan, Pat McDonald, Alex Greig, John Callahan, H.Penman, A.Easton, A.Wilson, P.McFadyen, J.McArthur, A.Bett.
Relay race – 1. Team A J.Wilkinson, T. Honeyman, P.Mullen, J.Kinnell; 2. Team B – P.MDonald, M.Canavan, T.Gilhooley, J.Callahan.
Cowdenbeath Gala Events 