Flags to fly for Bishopton Gala Week

Jun 8 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

VILLAGERS are set to fly the flag for Bishopton as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of their annual gala day.

The finishing touches are being put to Bishopton’s Gala Week and a full programme of festivities starts tomorrow culminating in Bishopton Gala Day on Saturday, June 16.

A dinner dance tomorrow is being held at Erskine Bridge Hotel to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the annual event.

Then, on Monday, the Village Treasure Hunt gets under way and entry forms are available from library or Woodrow’s Newsagents.

At 6.30pm on Tuesday, June 12, in Bishopton Community Centre, there will be a children’s magic show.

And on Wednesday, June 13, at Bishopton Community Centre, a fun-run and a mini-fun run are being arranged in association with Bishopton Youth Club, Cairellot Nursery and Bishopton Week Group.

Registration is at 6.15pm, ahead of the race at 6.45pm.

The fun run will follow a route around the village. Children and adults are welcome to come along in fancy dress to add to the festive atmosphere.

The mini-fun run is for toddlers and is held in the field adjacent to the community centre. The winners of the fun-run will receive their prizes on Saturday, June 16, at the annual village fete.

On Thursday, June 14, from 7pm, Bishopton Primary Parents Council (BPPC) will be holding a fun activity night in Bishopton Primary School.

The main event gets under way next Saturday at noon, when the grand parade leaves Bishopton Primary School, Old Greenock Road.

It follows a route through the village to the ROF Field, Greenock Road.

The theme for the parade is the Olympics and villagers are invited to decorate a float and take part in it. There are prizes to be won for the best floats and fancy dress.

The gala day will officially be opened at 12.45 pm by Bishopton Princess Sara Uslu.

There will be a variety of entertainment in the main arena, on the stage and around the field, including Peter Bowsher’s world class chain-saw wood carving display, Glasgow Vikings’ skirmishes, live bands, pony rides, a beer garden and much more.

Bishopton Art Group is also holding an exhibition throughout the week within the village library during normal opening hours.

Events are organised by the Bishopton Week Group, made up of local volunteers. They are hoping that the festivities lined up will draw a huge crowd.

Ronnie Dukes, Chairman of Bishopton Week Group, said: “In 1973, members of the former Round Table organised a Gala Day in Bishopton.

“I wonder if they realised that it would still be happening 40 years later.

“It is now organised by Bishopton Week Group and has been expanded to a week of activities.

“This year we are holding a dinner dance in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bishopton Day.

“Many of the former Bishopton Princesses will be assisting at this year’s festivities along with our current Princess, Sara Uslu. It promises to be a great week for the community.”