The website's 2008 Gala photos have drawn considerable interest. Have you any information or photos of past Gala Days that we could copy and publish on this website? e-mail Rosie

Please note that the website is always 'under construction'.  It relies on its readers to help Rosie fill in any gaps or to correct any errors.

Updated 6 July 2008

Links, to thumbnail images, followed by  * , mark images that are held by SCRAN

2009 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's greatest poet, Robert Burns.

During that year there will be events staged all over Scotland to celebrate its past, present and future.

On the 20th June 2009, Armadale will be holding its annual Children's Gala Day.  If you are planning to return home to Armadale during its Gala celebrations, the Gala Day Committee would love to hear from you so that it can welcome you.

Please contact Stuart Borrowman, President of Armadale Children's Gala Committee:

stuartborrowmanbtinternet.com

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 21 June 2008: Crowning ceremony in Armadale Academy: Emma Rickis, Queen of Hearts; Jordan Johnston, Queen's Champion; Shelby Broughton, Fairy Queen; Shannon Black, Flower Queen.

Gala Day 2008

The Committee's special guest for 2008 was Mrs Tracy Sinton nee Scott, Captain of the 1st Armadale Girls' Brigade since 1997 in recognition of her work with Armadale Girls' Brigade.

Armadale Children's Gala Day Committee for 2007 - 2008: Honorary President: Jim Sibbald; President: Stuart Borrowman; Vice-President: William Cunningham; Secretary: Anne Ross; Minutes Secretary: Lynne Rennie: Treasurer: Jane Blake; Assistant Treasurer: Freda McInulty; Sports: Susan Rooney; Bands and Parade: Ian Mitchell; Catering: Billy Cunningham; Pageant and Events: Yvonne Mitchell and Anne Ross; Transport: Heather Burch; Youth: Tom McAulay; Programme: Stuart Borrowman and Catherine Roy

The Gala Committee lent the miners' Union £30.  In 2008, as a result of Stuart Borrowman's research, Nicky Wilson, President of the Scottish NUM repaid the loan  by presenting Councillor Borrowman, Queen-elect Emma and Queen Emma Drummond with a grant of £100 towards the cost of Gala Day.
 

The Gala Day is for Armadale's children.  It is paid for by a small council grant, donations, sponsorship and advertising.  It costs about £16,000 to stage the event, and so every penny that can be donated will make a difference!

Want to help? Want to know more?  Contact stuartborrowmanbtinternet.com

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 16 June 2007:

Crowning ceremony in Armadale Academy: Megan Drummond, Queen of Hearts, crowned by former Queen of Hearts (2006) Megan McLeish; Brendan Thomson, Queen's Champion; Stephanie Hosie, Fairy Queen; Lindsay Royle, Flower Queen.

Unreliable weather shortened the parade, but crowds lined the street to cheer the gala participants on.

2007 Gala Day Committee: Jim Sibbald, President; Billy Cunningham, Vice-president / catering; Anne Ross, Secretary / pageant; Jane Blake, Treasurer / pageant; Ian Mitchell, Bands; Yvonne Mitchell, Transport; Susan Rooney, Sports; Stuart Borrowman, Programme.

History of the Event

• During the late 1800s, there were annual summer parades of the local friendly societies in Armadale.

• In 1900 these parades were combined as a Children's Demonstration to mark the Relief of Pretoria in the South African War.

• In 1902 Armadale Children's Gala Day was established to celebrate the donation of Wood Public Park to the town by James Wood, coalmaster of Bathville.

• In 1911, a pageant featuring a Queen was introduced.

• From 1925, the pageant with its Queen became a regular feature of Armadale's annual celebrations.

• See the table below for a more detailed chronological account of Gala day history.

Gala Days,  see 4.46 and 4.47 for background information

 

Royal Proclamation OYEZ! OYEZ! OYEZ! Whereas it has come to our knowledge that many of our faithful and devoted subjects desire to know our royal mind concerning divers important questions which do affect the present and future well-being of Armadalians at home and abroad, we do desire that our Royal will and pleasure be promulgated, set forth, and made known in the following proclamation: 1. That all our loyal subjects strive to keep our laws, and act towards one another in all good faith, and with hearts abounding in hope and charity. 2. That a spirit of meekness, gentleness and truth be cherished and all insincerity, deceit and hypocrisy be condemned. 3. That the spirit of purity, in word, thought and action, be cultivated, and that no evil or envious thought, or wicked deed be done in this, our beloved land. 4. Lastly, that each and every person in this, our Royal domain, enjoy to the full and pleasure of this, our Festive Day. Given at our court at Armadale, [date] [Name], Queen

 

All Hail to The Queen! Armadale Gala Day Song All Hail to the Queen! All Hail to the Queen! Let bells sweet and clear, through the whole kingdom ring, with hearts light and gay, This bright Gala Day, Our joyful voices raise, And our homage pay. Hail, once again to the lovely Queen, Hail, once again to the Queen, Re-echo the song through the forest wide, Let mountain and woodland ring, Ye birds, sing your sweetest notes this happy day, Ye bells, send abroad a welcome call, May long life and happiness attend our noble Queen, The Queen of the Gala Day. All hail to the queen! All hail to the queen! We pledge every heart to be loyal and true, A labour of love, our service shall prove, And time will show how gladly, We bow to you.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 17 June 2006:

Crowning ceremony in Armadale Academy: Megan McLeish, Queen of Hearts; Elliott Mazs, Queen's Champion; Hannah Caddell, Fairy Queen; Linzi Wilson, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 18 June  2005:

Leanne Valentine, Queen of Hearts; Ryan Scott, Queen's Champion; , Fairy Queen; , Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: ABC Tots; Overall Winner: Eastertoun Primary - Leanne Valentine; Armadale Primary - Lisa Anderson;  St Anthony's Primary - Jenna Douglas

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 19 June  2004:

Nicole Thomson, Queen of Hearts, crowned by May Bell; Stephen Watson, Queen's Champion

Crowning delayed by 2 days because of heavy rain.  This was the last outdoor pageant.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 21 June 2003:

Toni Beveridge, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Nancy Taylor, 38 years Guide leader and winner of the Laurel Award;; Shaun Bakhsh, Queen's Champion; Lauren French, Fairy Queen; Claire Johnston, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 15 June 2002:

Kirsty Macdonald, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Jimmy Smeaton; Jamie Redmond, Queen's Champion; Rebecca Clouston, Fairy Queen; Stephanie Dawson, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Rings'n'Things; Overall Winner: Eastertoun Primary - McDonald; Armadale Primary - Leitch;  St Anthony's Primary - Burt

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 16 June 2001:

Emma White, Queen of Hearts, crowned by William Evans; Colin Gibb, Queen's Champion; Jenna Douglas, Fairy Queen; Jenny Wallace, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Tollgate House; Overall Winner: Eastertoun Primary - Smolack; Armadale Primary - White;  St Anthony's Primary - Douglas

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 17 June 2000:

Lisa McLernon, Queen of Hearts, crowned by John McLaughlin; Greg Morrison, Queen's Champion; Amy McGrorty, Fairy Queen; Stacey Taylor, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Rings'n'Things; Eastertoun Primary - Ferguson; Armadale Primary - Lafferty; Overall Winner: St Anthony's Primary - McLernon

Armadale Children's Gala Day 19 June, 1999:

Nicola Tease, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs May Drummond; David Dowds, Queen's Champion; Kirsty Bonnar, Fairy Queen; Suzanne Craig, Flower Queen.  Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Rings'n'Things;  Eastertoun Primary - Sinton; Overall Winner: Armadale Primary - Bonnar;  St Anthony's Primary - Burt

Heavy rain and so the crowning ceremony had to take place indoors.

Armadale Children's Gala Day 20 June, 1998:

Gillian Hutton, Queen of Hearts; William Cosgrove, Queen's Champion; Gemma Farquhar, Fairy Queen; Cheryl Wright, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Rings'n'Things;  Eastertoun Primary - Cochrane;  Armadale Primary School - Hutton;  St Anthony's Primary - Stafford

Gillian Hutton wrote about the day in the following year's programme, "My day as Gala Queen was fantastic.  I was so nervous and excited but everything was brilliant including the weather."

Armadale Children's Gala Day 21 June, 1997:

Crowning ceremony in Community Centre: Ashley Callaghan, Queen of Hearts; Gary Henderson, Queen's Champion; Samantha Marshall, Fairy Queen; Natalie-Louise Smith, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Tal's Shoe Repairs; Overall Winner:  Eastertoun Primary - Marshall; Armadale Primary - Smith;  St Anthony's Primary - Henderson

Armadale Children's Gala Day 15 June 1996:

Lauren Hume, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Miss Hazel Forrester; Scott Kerr, Queen's Champion; Vicki Longlands, Fairy Queen; Joanna Brogan, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Tal's Shoe Repairs; Eastertoun Primary - Hume; Overall Winner: Armadale Primary - Langlands;  St Anthony's Primary - McManus

The proposed Gala Day Sports were postponed this year because they would have clashed with the televised football match Scotland v England in the European Championships.

Armadale Children's Gala Day 17 June, 1995:

Claire Gardiner, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Margaret Forrest; Russell Smith, Queen's Champion; Jennifer Grey, Fairy Queen; Laura Hamilton, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Bield Sheltered Housing; Eastertoun Primary - Currie;  Overall Winner: Armadale Primary - Thomson;  St Anthony's Primary - McManus

In the 1996 Gala Day programme, Margaret Forrest reminisced about 1995's Gala Day: "Long Live Armadale Gala Day!  In these days when so many traditions are falling by the wayside, it is good to know that Armadale Gala Day is in good heart and in safe hands, as was made abundantly clear in 1995.  from start to finish the programme showed the excellent work of the enthusiastic and hardworking committee which was suitably rewarded with reasonably favourable weather.

My day as the person selected to crown Queen of Hearts Claire Gardiner began with a most pleasant surprise.  To be escorted from my home by a pipe band to the assembly point at the academy was a nice gesture by the committee and made me feel like a VIP so how much more important Queen Claire must have felt on her big day..."

Armadale Children's Gala Day 18 June  1994:

Gala Day crowning ceremony held in Community Centre: Kirsty Duffin, Queen of Hearts; , Queen's Champion; , Fairy Queen; , Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Overall Winner:  Armadale Primary - McGregor;  St Anthony's Primary - Harkins

Armadale Children's Gala Day 19 June, 1993:

Veronica Lynn, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Collins; Colin Slattery, Queen's Champion; Lisa Duncan, Flower Queen; Gemma Black, Fairy Queen. 

Armadale Children's Gala Day 20 June, 1992:

Miranda Hogg, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mr Tom Black; James Cougan, Queen's Champion; Cheryl Bambrough, Flower Queen; Joanna Brogan, Fairy Queen. Mr Tom Black served the people of Armadale in his role as a committee member (Treasurer) for over 25 years and was party to reinstating the Gala day event .

Our thanks to Mrs Anne Cherrie for the additional information.

Armadale Children's Gala Day 15 June, 1991:

Angela Sinnett, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mr Robert Hughes, vice-chairman of Armadale Public House Society Ltd; Stephen Harkins, Queen's Champion; Vicki Horsburgh, Fairy Queen; Kerry Fergus, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Armadale Primary - Denholm;  Overall Winner: St Anthony's Primary - Sinnet; Eastertoun Primary - Taylor; Non-Domestic: Colinshiel

In 1992, Angela Sinnett commented on her experience of the 1991 Gala Day:

"As I went out to the car the band were playing and the majorettes had made an arch with their batons for me to walk under.  There were lots of people and the sun was shining bright.  When I arrived at the Academy the Floats looked great and the Bands were all very smart.....

I also enjoyed carrying out the other duties throughout the year which is a year I will always remember."

In 1992, Robert Hughes commented on his experience of the 1991 Gala Day:

"On the day itself it looked like all the committee's hard work would come to nothing.  The skies were dark and rain looked likely at any moment.  twenty minutes before the start of the parade, down it came.  After delaying the start for thirty minutes, fortune smiled, the rain abated and the parade went ahead..................It was a real eye opener watching the Gala Day Committee preparing..... The time and labour these people donate, left me feeling just a little bit humble.  All I gave, like so many others, was money....."

Armadale Children's Gala Day 16 June, 1990:

Rachel Shaw, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Isabel Colquhoun; Stuart Brown, Queen's Champion; Karen McCreight, Fairy Queen; Clare Robertson, Flower Queen. Decoration winner:  St Anthony's Primary - Harkness; Eastertoun Primary School - Bradley; Overall Winner: Armadale Primary - Denholm; Non-domestic: Colinshiel Home

Armadale Children's Gala Day 17 June, 1989:

Ann Baxter, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs M Dundas; Colin Denholm, Queen's Champion; Jacqueline Mulcahy, Fairy Queen; Lisa Hardie, Flower Queen. Decorated: Overall winner: St Anthony's Primary: Sinnet; Eastertoun - Hardie; Non-Domestic: Colinshiel Home; Armadale Primary - Knox;

In the 1990 programme, Mrs. M. Dundas wrote:

"This day has been the highlight of the parents and children who have participated since 1902.  Mr James Wood was a successful employer in various fields of work in Armadale, and to show the fellowship of himself and his workers, plus the people of Armadale, he gifted the Gal-day park on the 26th June 1902, the original day of the King's Coronation.

There was a lapse of two years (1970, 1971) then the Gala-day was resuscitated by Father Hennesey, Tom Black, Mrs. Rowland who is now in Australia and who did the pageant along with myself.

From then on, through the hard work of various Gala-day committees, with sufficient public spirit to organise the Children's Gala-day, it still remains the highlight to bring family reunions of families at home and abroad...."

Armadale Children's Gala Day 18 June, 1988:

Michelle Keane, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Nan Devlin; John Ross, Queen's Champion; Claire Aitken, Fairy Queen; Lorna Rodger, Flower Queen. Decoration winner:  St Anthony's Primary - Sinnet; Eastertoun Primary School - Spence;  Commercial: Colinshiel Home; Overall Winner: Armadale Primary - Calder

In 1989's Gala Day programme, Michelle Keane described her Gala Day as "the happiest day of my life".

Armadale Children's Gala Day 20 June, 1987:

Suzanne Swan, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mr J. Banks; Cameron Wood, Queen's Champion; Debbie Russell, Fairy Queen; Fiona Keenan, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day  21 June, 1986:

Linsey Banks, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Nan Douglas; Craig Anderson, Queen's Champion; Claire Robertson, Fairy Queen; Sharon Carse, Flower Queen.

In 1987's Gala Day programme, Linsey Banks described her experience in My Year as Queen:

"It was 16 January when I had been picked to be Queen of Hearts.  Naturally I was very excited.  We had to get prepared for the big event.  First we had to get dress materials and my tiara etc.....My dress was ready for the Sunday I had my photographs taken for the programme.  The night before Gala Day I was proclaimed Queen outside my house by my Champion, Craig Anderson and my Heralds, Christopher Bent and Alistair Brown.  After I was proclaimed Queen I had a party for my friends and relations....... [On Gala Day] A car came for me at 10.30am and I was taken to the Academy along with my Chief Ladies in Waiting, Mairi MacKay and Shirley-Ann Boyd.  Sitting in the lorry I felt really proud .  I felt happy as I went past looking at all the happy faces.  At 1.30pm I was crowned Queen of Hearts by Mrs Nan Douglas.  One of the best parts of the day was visiting Colinshiels old folks home and Tippethill Hospital . My last duty of the day was presenting the Trophies to the winners of the sports....."

Armadale Children's Gala Day 15 June 1985:

Marie Mulcahy, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Isabella Smith; David Toal, Queen's Champion; Lesley Lindsay, Flower Queen; Fiona Reid, Fairy Queen.  Gala Day crowning ceremony held in Watson Memorial Park.

In the 1986 Gala Day programme, Marie Mulcahy described her special day.  Here is an excerpt: "I thought the parade was large and colourful with decorated lorries, bands and people in fancy dress together with Majorettes, Scouts, Boys Brigade, Guides and Brownies with colours flying , marching smartly through the town... All too soon the ceremony was over and the moment I was crowned Queen by Mr Smith and the people who were presented to me, a number of who came from abroad, became very pleasant memories which will last for a long time."

Armadale Children's Gala Day 16 June 1984:

Julie Harkness, Queen of Hearts; , Queen's Champion; Sarah Jane Brady, Flower Queen; Lindsay Torrie, Fairy Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day 18 June 1983:

Kerry Burns, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Father C. Kelly; Adrian Lee, Queen's Champion; Sharon Dundas, Flower Queen; Suzanne Poland, Fairy Queen.

Russell Torrie won the Armadale Gala Day Young Musician of the Year Title.

This is the year when Armadale Community Council presented the Gala Day Committee with a new banner costing about £600.

In 1983's programme, J. H. Hall signalled awareness of changes in Armadale's life: "Our Burgh has seen many changes and the Armadale of today is taking on a new look.  Long famous for its attractive well planned housing schemes which housed the majority of its inhabitants.  Now we see the development of private housing estates, bringing an influx of new people into our community.

Owing to recession, employment in Armadale has shrunk.  No longer are we surrounded by pits Buttress, Standhill, Woodend and Easton, and our Engineering and brick industries are severely curtailed.  Today we have to face that a large number of our Townspeople no longer work in Armadale and have to travel outwith the Burgh for their daily employment.

In our midst today are many of the people with their children who have come to Armadale and who I hope that by this time have found the Armadalians a friendly sociable community.

Elsewhere many old traditions are dying out but it is noteworthy that here in Armadale are sufficient public spirited persons to continue to organise the children's gala day, still a very important day in the life of the Burgh.  An event associated with family reunions, renewal of old friendships and the making of new ones.  by their attendance over the years, Armadalians from all over the world have shown their continued interest and enthusiasm for the Children's Gala Day."

Armadale Children's Gala Day June 1982:

Armadale Children's Gala Day 20 June 1981:

Debbie McAllister, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs E. Lochhead; David Cox, Queen's Champion; Audrey Christie, Flower Queen; Donna Hendrie, Fairy Queen.

Karen Higgins won the Armadale Gala Day Young Musician of the Year Title.

Armadale Children's Gala Day 21 June, 1980:

Rae Anderson, Queen of Hearts; Colin Cougan, Queen's Champion; Paula Robertson, Fairy Queen; Charmaine Carrol, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 16 June 1979:

Eileen Horne, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs. E. Robertson; Sean McGuire, Queen's Champion; Lynda MacDonald, Fairy Queen; Georgena Thomson, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 17 June 1978:

Heather Clark, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Colquhoun; Richard Gibb, Queen's Champion; Gillian Cherrie, Fairy Queen; Deborah Savage, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day,  1977:

Andrea Saunders, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs. A. Love; Robert Muir, Queen's Champion; Karen O'Donnell, Fairy Queen; Linda Mackay, Flower Queen. Decoration Winners: Commercial Premises: Bathville Inn; Mrs Mackay

Also, since it was Silver Jubilee Year, Margaret-Ann Vint as Queen Elizabeth and Linda Scott as the Duke of Edinburgh appeared in a coach entered by Armadale Academy.

Armadale Children's Gala Day,  1976:

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 21 June 1975:

Jacqueline Dalziel, Queen of Hearts; David Anderson, Queen's Champion; Lynn Davies, Fairy Queen; Karen Stafford, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 22 June 1974:

Audrey Elliot, Queen of Hearts; G. Bailey, Queen's Champion; Janie Peden, Fairy Queen; Shona McGuire, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 16 June 1973: 

Elizabeth McNaught, Queen of Hearts; John Burgoyne, Queen's Champion; Audrey McLaren, Fairy Queen; Catherine Donnelly, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 1972: 

Ann Robertson, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Miss S. Fraser, Matron of Colinshiel ; Mario Marzella, Queen's Champion;

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 21 June 1969: 

Angela Prokipczyn, Queen of Hearts;

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 8 June 1968: 

Isabel Brown, Queen of Hearts; John Burgoyne, Queen's Champion; Audrey McLaren, Fairy Queen; Catherine Donnelly, Flower Queen.

In the 1989 Gala Day programme, Isabel Ramsay nee Brown reminisced about her time as Queen of Hearts, Armadale Academy's first Queen Elect.  Here is an excerpt: "Being chosen as Queen in 1968 was a special event in our family since my aunt Annie Brown (Mrs Hailstones) was our first ever queen in 1926.....  As a young girl I doubt I appreciated the level of commitment and sheer hard work that organisers of Gala Days endure to make such days successful.... I regard Gala-days as an important part of local life and I can honestly say that during the past 21 years I personally haven't missed an Armadale Gala...."

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 10 June  1967: 

Stella Brown, Queen of Hearts; Alistair Cooper, Queen's Champion; Linda Rickis, Fairy Queen; Moira Nelson, Flower Queen.

In 1967's Gala Day programme, Alexander B. Niven, M.A., the Rector of Armadale Academy, which was being built at the time, wrote about his hopes for the new Armadale Academy: "They say that when a town or village gets too big, people lose interest in local festivals; if this is so, Armadale must be grateful, though I feel that, so strong is the community spirit, the town could grow appreciably and still muster support for an occasion like this.  This community spirit is one of the reasons why I look forward to working in Armadale.  It is reflected in the well-supported Gala Day; I have seen it too in the attitudes of the men and women with whom I have had association these last fifteen years..."

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 18 June 1966: 

Monica O'Hare, Queen of Hearts; Lawrence Fagan, Queen's Champion; Helen Blake, Fairy Queen; Carol McKechnie, Flower Queen.

25 years later, Monica O'Hare reviewed her special day for the 1991 Gala Day programme.  Here is an extract:  'The excitement began long before the big day itself, there were dress fitting sessions and of course the house had to be decorated, not that I contributed much but dad had mustered the troops snd it was great fun watching all the activity.  It rained the whole week before the Gala Day so a big tarpaulin was rigged up in the back yard to keep everything dry and dad's Army doggedly beavered away under their "big tent" to get everything finished on time..........With my first sight of the house in all its coloured splendour I was overcome with emotion.  I felt so proud of mum and dad for everything they had done for me, and for my sisters too, I just cried..................Later after a splendid banquet in a local hostelry I had to make a speech so I had another wee cry.  What a terrific day it was.'

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 19 June 1965: 

Margaret Bennie, Queen of Hearts; Robert Dryburgh, Queen's Champion; Glynne MacGregor, Fairy Queen; Margaret Dickson, Flower Queen.

In his Foreward in the Gala Day programme, Mr Alex Notman praised recent developments in the town: the Municipal Chambers; the new Technical School; the Town Council Civic Reception (the first since Armadale became a Burgh in 1863) to East Lowland and District Boys' Brigade as well as their invitation to the Methodist Church Synod in its centenary year; and the reclamation of derelict land to provide much-needed facilities for various playing fields.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 20 June 1964:

Agnes Cook, Queen of Hearts; Robert McKay, Queen's Champion; Betty Beresford, Fairy Queen; Anne Maclure, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 22 June 1963:

Irene Love, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Ruxton; William Swan, Queen's Champion; Nan Brown, Fairy Queen; Maureen Passmore, Flower Queen.

To commemorate the Burgh's Centenary Year, twelve flowering cherry trees were planted in West Main Street, witnessed by the two headmasters and some older schoolboys.  School children, including those attending Bathgate schools, were given Centenary souvenir pens.  Many former Gala Queens participated in the procession.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 18 August 1962:

Anne Marie Fagan, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Miss King; Alan Armstrong, Queen's Champion; Isla Gilfoyle, Fairy Queen; Anne Ritchie, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 17 June  1961:

Angela Sutherland, Queen of Hearts,

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 18 June 1960: 

Mary Cordon, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Love; Robert Lee, Queen's Champion; Mary Stewart, Fairy Queen; Margaret Chew, Flower Queen.

Armadale Children's Gala Day 20 June 1959:

Jean Gardner, Queen of Hearts;

Armadale Children's Gala Day June 1958: Ellen Hendry, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Mabel Dickson; Raymond Lockie, Queen's Champion;  Sheena Ferguson, Fairy Queen; Elspeth Hunter, Flower Queen.

1,000 children participated led by Parade Marshal, Robert Currie

Armadale Children's Gala Day 22 June 1957:

Muriel Brown, Queen of Hearts; Eric O'Connor, Queen's Champion; Jenny Pennycook, Fairy Queen; Loraine Fagan, Flower Queen.

Ina Davidson?

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1956:

Joy McConnell, Queen of Hearts;

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1955:

Armadale Children's Gala Day 19 June 1954:

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1953:

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1952:

Jessie McMahon, Queen of Hearts; Jack Drummond, Queen's Champion

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1951:

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1950:  This photo was probably taken at a later date.  Does anyone know when?

Nan Allan is kneeling on the floor, second from the right. Her cousin, Norma Blain, is kneeling and is the first one on the left. She lives in London, Ontario, near Toronto. Nan thinks the first person standing (at the front) on the right is Margaret Pow. The girl in the back row in the middle (under the letter R) is Mary Anne Love.

Who else is in this picture of the Gala Day Fairies 195??

(This photo appears on the cover of Picturing The Past, vol 5, A photographic look at old Armadale, produced by The History of Armadale Association, available from the Library, the Wool Shop and the Post Office, £3  INDEX 5) 

Armadale Children's Gala Day 1949:

Re Gala Day decorations:

'...my faither had the shop a' done up as well.  We had trellis up the wa's, just like a wee artificial garden,,,, Oh, and he used to decorate a' the Cross wi' naval ensigns .... He used to go to a' the boats that came into Bo'ness and, you know, they were getting broken up and they'd sell quite a lot of the equipment.... And he bought a load o' flags, naval ensigns, bunting, the tricolors, you know.  He used to decorate the whole of Bathville Cross with the decorations and then when the prisoners of war started coming hame, he used to lend that out for to decorate their houses when there were a welcome party, for them coming hame efter they'd been in prison.'

Catherine Vidler, interviewed in Mair Tales Fae The 'Dale

Armadale Children's Day 1940: At the request of the police, no pageant was held this year because of bombing fears.

Armadale Children's Day  1939:

Chrissie Tennant, Queen of Hearts;

Armadale Children's Day 1938:

Mirella Ugolini, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs James Wylie; Joey McDonald, Fairy Queen; Ann Black, Flower Queen; Champion, John McLuskie; Cavalier, Alex Morrison.

The Gala Day banner was presented. 2,500 children participated in the pageant, which was held in Wood Park.  The Goth Committee gave 10 shillings to every pensioner, widow and blind person in the area on the eve of the Gala.

Armadale Children's Day  1937:

Alison Maxwell, Queen of Hearts

Armadale Children's Day  1936:

Jessie Williams,  Queen of Hearts

(Thanks to Sandra Marshall for the correction!)

Armadale Children's Day, 1935:

Ellen Frew, Queen of Hearts; John Brown, Herald

Armadale Children's Day, 1 July 1934:

Mary Mathers; Mary Falconer, Flower Queen

Armadale Children's Day, 1933:

Martha White, Queen of Hearts;

Armadale Children's Day, 1932:

Sadie Neilson, Queen of Hearts

Armadale Children's Gala Day, 1931:  Only a fancy dress competition and sports because of the Depression.

Armadale Children's Day, 1930:

Armadale Children's Day, 1929:

Pearl Warnock, Queen of Hearts

Armadale Children's Day, 1928: May Wark, Queen of Hearts; Elma Peden, Fairy Queen; Cathie Donnelly, Flower Queen.

4,000 children participated

Armadale Children's Day 1926: 

Susannah Martin, Queen of Hearts, crowned in Wood Park

The Gala Committee lent the miners' Union £30.  In 2008, as a result of Stuart Borrowman's research, Nicky Wilson, President of the Scottish NUM repaid the loan  by presenting Councillor Borrowman, Queen-elect Emma and Queen Emma Drummond with a grant of £100 towards the cost of Gala Day.

Armadale Children's Day 1925: From this year, the Gala Day became a permanent feature of Armadale life.

Annie Brown of Hardhill Terrace, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs Wilson of Bedlormie House; Marion Prentice, Flower Queen; Jeanie Mann, Fairy Queen; Mary Brown, Britannia. Search Newsletter for Armadale Gala Queen, Annie Brown 1925

Committee members: Alex Riddell, President; Martin Prentice, Vice-President; Tom Cunningham, Secretary; William Smith, Treasurer.

Armadale Children's Day about 1924:

Constable at the head of the procession: Constable Louis Leith who served Armadale for eight years.  He was stationed in the old Station House at Louveurs Gardens, Station Road

Armadale Children's Day 1920:

Armadale Children's Day 1919:

Armadale Gala Day, 1913*:

Armadale Children's Day 1912:

Armadale Children's and Coronation Festival, 22 June 1911:  A special pageant was organised to celebrate the Coronation of George V and Queen Mary. 

James Wood said," Although we have the Children's Day annually we have not a Coronation every year, nor would we wish to have it..."

Janet McLean / Love, Queen of Hearts, crowned by Mrs James Wood of Bathville;  Jeannie Paddle, Fairy Queen; Grace Wilson, Flower Queen, were some of the people who participated in a pageant, which became a regular event from 1925.

As part of the joint celebrations, bonfire was built on No3 bing and the Armadale ladies from the British Temperance Society sold tea and coffee while the widows continued with their usual sales of soft refreshments.

Armadale Children's Day, 1910:

1909?: Armadale Gala Day Arch over West Main Street *

Armadale Children's Day 1908:  Poor weather interrupted proceedings and sports were cancelled.  Woodend had a separate gala day that year.

Armadale Gala Day, 1907*:

Armadale Children's Day 1906:

Armadale Children's Day 1905:

Armadale Children's Day 1904:

Armadale Children's Day 1903:

First Armadale Children's Day 1902:

The planned Coronation of Edward I/VII and the gift of Wood Park by coalmaster James Wood promised a special day for all.  Although the Coronation was cancelled because of the King's illness, the event went ahead and helped to ensure that a special children's day would become a feature of Armadale life. 

Armadale Children's Demonstration 1901:?

Armadale Children's Demonstration Saturday 9 June 1900:  Pretoria, South Africa was captured by the British Army on the 5 June, and so a celebration was arranged.  The children walked through the flag-decorated main streets of Armadale, accompanied by Armadale Brass Band and Armadale Diamond Jubilee Band.  1,600 children participated in the event. On arrival at Volunteer Field, every child received a bag of food.  Sports were conducted until 8 pm.  The day was windy with occasional rain, but it was very much enjoyed, and so it was agreed that such celebrations would be held every year.

From about the 1870s, there have been annual summer parades and Armadale children's celebration days, organised by Armadale's friendly societies.