ORGANISERS of last Saturday’s Buckden Gala declared the day a great success despite of the weather.

The residents of Upper Wharfedale showed they were not deterred by the rain, which at times was torrential, and enjoyed the usual mix of stalls, tea room, beer tent, entertainment and fun activities.

Musical entertainment was provided by Skipton Music Centre and by Skipton Community Orchestra, which featured Starbotton’s Dick Walker on lead violin.

The traditional sheep show took place at the lower end of the gala field, while the Buckden Pike Fell Race was won by Ted Mason of Wharfedale Harriers in 35 mins 20 secs, in spite of a hailstorm at the top of the Pike.

The dog show was judged by Rachelle Mahapatra and Bill Hanbury, and prizes for the entrants were as follows: Dog with the Waggiest Tail was won jointly by Daisy and Ellie belonging to Derek Green, Handsomest Dog was Dave Lamdin’s Monty, while Penny won the Best Groomed Dog award for owner Richard Everington; the Dog Looking Most Mike Its Owner award went to Willow and Sandra Kilvington, while Monty was voted to be the Judges’ Favourite.

But as the rainy weather took hold, many of the activities were affected.

In the children’s’ races organised by Sarah Vetch, Elsa, Lily, Jake, Jack and Archie all did well in the early races and then the results sheets disintegrated in the rain.

The sack race was slower than usual as the sacks filled with water.

In the inclement weather, Julie Jones’ tea-room did a roaring trade with record sales, while the Buckden hot dog stall was as popular as ever.

The beer tent was manned by Ed Yarrow and David Hird from the George at Hubberholme. Roger Ingham provided the ice-cream and commentated on the proceedings in his own unique style.

Towards the end of the afternoon the weather improved, and the afternoon finished with the customary tug of war and egg throwing competition.

Peter Vetch, chairman of Buckden Village Institute which organises Buckden Gala, said: “The gala continues to play an important part in the life of the community, raising funds for the village hall and providing an opportunity for the community to work and have together.”

Mr Vetch was amongst those to thank gala supremo, Debbie Roe, and to field marshal, Bev Owen, for all their work in organising the event, as well as to all those who helped.