Gala day for pavilion (From Gazette & Herald)

Gala day for pavilion

SIX years in the making - and Thornton-le-Dale had something special to celebrate at this year's gala.

The villagers opened a brand new pavilion at the weekend - and managed to stay dry as thunderstorms and showers swept across the county.

Thornton-le-Dale Sports Pavilion took six years to build, and as the 2003 gala took place, it looked as though visitors to the event might be needing some shelter.

John Farrow, secretary of the Sports Pavilion Association, said: "We were really concerned that the weather might break during the day but it kept fine for all the events.

"After the end of the gala, committee members and helpers cleared away most of the fences and tents and reflected on the day, and only then did it start to rain."

Horse and pony events ran all day and, in the girls six-a-side football tournament finals, Tadcaster Albion under-12s saw off the Brayton Belles 2-1, and Heworth under-17s beat Poppleton 2-0.

Terrier races, ferret bingo and a gun dog demonstration entertained the crowd, and the new pavilion kitchen was a hive of activity churning out refreshments.

Mr Farrow added: "The classic car enthusiasts gathering and stationary engine show was a success, and it brought back memories to more than would admit it."

Updated: 17:05 Wednesday, May 28, 2003