Loanhead Gala Day 
Midlothian's Oldest & Largest Local Festival
Founded in 1903
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We would encourage EVERYONE to the site to add a comment to the page.

We would especially love to hear from former Court members, Crowning Ladies and Sports Champions. Tell us about your special Loanhead Gala Day experience.

We will not post e-mail addresses or pass them on to any other party.

The message is not inserted onto the page automatically. It is sent to the web master who adds it as soon as possible.
 
Send your e-mail comment to guestbook@loanheadgaladay.co.uk

Please note this e-mail should only be used from guestbook comments. For all other Loanhead Gala Day matters please contact the secretary - contact details
 
Date Comment and sent in by
   
January 2013 Congratulations to all the principals and their court for 2013, hope you
all have a fantastic day.

Rosie Hermiston Queen 2011

   
   
25th June 2012 I would like to thank everyone involved with the organisation of the 2012 gala day. I had the best day ever. It was great to be part of the gala day from the “other side” for a change. I personally know all the added stress wet weather can bring the organisers and can’t thank them enough. I hope everyone appreciated their efforts. Well done to all concerned.

Annette Perfect
Crowning Lady 2012

   
   
24th June 2012 Well it's the first time that we have played at Loanhead Gala, and I would just like to say what a great parade and turn out!
Shame about the weather though!

Same again next year?

PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES & DRUMS
www.pentlandcaledonia.co.uk

reply from webmaster/photographer - thanks for your message. Over next few days 100s of images will be going live. Hope you are all in a few - web master.

   
   
June 2012 Best wishes to Queen Niamh and her court. The warm memories of your special day will stay with you always. Congratulations also to the committee and helpers for keeping this wonderful tradition alive and flourishing. A lot of unseen hard work obviously goes into the preparations for this wonderful day. Long may it continue!

Eileen Allen (O'Donnell), Queen 1962.
   
   
June 2012 Congratulations to Queen Niamh, Herald Declan and the 2012 Gala Court.
I hope you all have a magical day full of memories that you will
treasure for a life-time. I know I did!
Also huge congratulations and thanks to all the people involved who have kept this great tradition alive.

I look forward to seeing you next week - enjoy!

Lynne McGuire,
Queen 1993
   
   
June 2012 I was, am and always will be honoured to have been chosen as a Queen in Loanhead Gala Day. Here's to another 100 years!

Karen Lynch, Queen 2001

   
June 2012 My best memory of the day was when my Mum and Auntie Pearl had to come up on stage to collect the trophy for the best decorated garden and they had to curtsey to me. I had a fantastic day, one I will never forget. Congratulations to Queen Niamh and the court of 2012. Have a great day.

Sammy Alexander Queen 2005

   
   
 
SPECIAL GREETINGS FOR OUR 100th QUEEN
May 2012 Below are a number of special messages sent in by former Queens, Heralds and Crowning Ladies following their invitations to join us for the celebrations on Gala Day 23rd June 2012 when our 100th Queen Niamh Graham will be crowned
   
 
Sorry I can’t be part of the celebrations this time, but congratulations to the courts past and present and all the people who have helped to keep the Gala Day intact all these years. I will be thinking of you all.
Cathie Halliday (Duncan), Queen 1934, Crowning Lady 2003

Congratulations to the 100th Queen, her entourage and all those involved in the continuance of this historic and most enjoyable event.
Bridget Gordon Hill (Gordon), Queen 1947

Best wishes for the next 100 years and sorry I will not be with you this year.
Alex Gillespie, Herald 1949

It is 62 years since the day I was crowned Queen, yet I still remember every moment vividly. I congratulate the 100th Queen and hope she, also, will have a wonderful celebration.
Mary Gilhooley (Purcell), Queen 1950

I was Herald in 1952 so this is an appropriate anniversary for me. The significant thing is that the Gala Day has continued so successfully over that period and I am very aware of this even though I left Loanhead in 1963. I regret that I am unable to attend this anniversary event because of other commitments which I cannot change but I will take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for the future of the Gala Day.
James Pow, Herald 1952

My message to the new Queen is this...I hope your special day brings many happy memories in the future.
Margaret Taylor (Noakes), Queen 1953

Another historic anniversary in the long life of Loanhead’s Gala Day with the 100th Crowning. Congratulations and many thanks to the Committee for their devoted service over the years.
Maureen Ryce, Queen 1954

I have very happy memories of Loanhead Children’s Day as a Trainbearer, as the Queen and running in the sports and winning money for the holidays. Congratulations and best wishes to all who continue to provide these memories for children today and to all taking part. I hope you have a wonderful day and the sun shines as brightly on you as it did for us in 1956.
Maria Creanor (Davidson), Queen 1956

Congratulations to Loanhead Gala on 100 Crowning Glories.
Elizabeth Carmichael (Fairley), Queen 1960

My thoughts go out to the 2012 Court, may your day be one to remember. 1962 seems so long ago, but I still fondly remember the experience of being Herald to Queen Eileen’s court of that year.
Alex Jones, Herald 1962

Best wishes to the Gala Queen and her court on this historic day. Enjoy every minute of it as it is a day you will never forget.
John Sharp, Herald 1966

For many years the Gala Day played an important part in the life of the Quinn household, leaving us with many happy memories. On behalf of the family, I wish the 2012 Gala Day every success and hope that a grand day is had by all!!
Mary Quinn, Queen 1968

Good luck to Queen Niamh and all her court. Hope you all have a good day and cherish the memories like myself.
Ian Todman, Herald 1968

I have fond childhood memories of Loanhead Gala Days, so I was delighted to hear that the tradition continues to this day. Best wishes to all those involved in the Crowning of the 100th Queen.
Caroline Broad (McCann), Queen 1971

I am delighted to be asked to join with you in celebrating the Crowning of the 100th School Queen. I hope you all get as much pleasure from the day as I did in 1972.
Anne Lovett (Leggate), Queen 1972

Sorry I am unable to join you all in celebrating the Crowning of Loanhead’s 100th Gala Queen. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Alison Green, Queen 1973

Congratulations and best wishes to all members of the Court. Congratulations also to the Committee for their splendid organisation which continues to see the Loanhead Children’s Day go from strength to strength.
Margaret Stoddart, Crowning Lady 1973

One of my memories from the year I was Queen was the night before the Gala Day when we had a party for the Court and Gala Day Committee at our house. We were entertained by the MacTaggart Scott Brass Band who had set up in the front garden for the Serenading ceremony.
Jacqueline Weatherall (Purcell), Queen 1974

Warmest greetings from North Wales with the very best wishes for this special occasion and also for the continuing success of Loanhead Children’s Day in the years to come.
Graham Stephen, Herald 1976

I left Scotland for pastures new more years ago than I care to think about. I know that “Loanheid” has changed a lot since then, but it’s great to hear the Gala Day is still going strong 34 years after my time as Herald. Best of luck to Niamh, Declan and the rest of the Court for the 100th Crowning.
John Dickson, Herald 1978

Queen Niamh and your Court, have a wonderful day and I hope the sun shines. Enjoy yourselves – all the very best.
Nyree Harding (Anderson), Queen 1984

Congratulations and best wishes to Queen Niamh, Herald Declan and the Gala Court.
Keith Mackay, Herald 1985

Many congratulations to our 100th Queen and her Court, and thanks to all Loanheadians who, since 1903, have kept faith with our Gala Day.
Angela Stewart, Crowning Lady 1986

Congratulations to all participants past and present for so many happy and successful Children’s Days.
Elizabeth Veitch, Crowning Lady 1987

Congratulation to the 100th Queen Niamh, Herald Declan and all the members of the Court.
Nan Haddow, Crowning Lady 1989

Congratulations to all who have been involved in the organisation of the Gala throughout the years.
What a credit to our community on reaching this milestone.
Isabel Erskine, Crowning Lady 1991

Congratulations and good luck to all those taking part in the 100th Crowning Ceremony. It is a great tradition that Loanhead has and I hope it continues for many years to come. I was very privileged to be a part of it.
Barrie Anderson, Herald 1994

Best wishes for a memorable day to the Court and all others taking part.
Margaret Humphries, Crowning Lady 1994

Congratulations on the Crowning of the 100th Queen. Wishing you every success for the future.
Brenda Purcell, Crowning Lady 1996

I am happy to be included in this special year. May it always remain as happy in the years to come.
Hilary Abbott, Crowning Lady 1997

Congratulations and warmest wishes to the 100th Queen and her Court, and to all who have contributed to making the Loanhead Children’s Day such a success over the years.
Claire Craig, Crowning Lady 1998

Congratulations to the Queen, Herald and all the Queen’s Court for Loanhead Gala 2012. Enjoy your special day in this historic ceremony. I am sure you will have many fond memories as I do from my day as Herald in June 1998. Best wishes.
Sean Baillie, Herald 1998

I wish this year’s Queen and Herald every success and hope they enjoy their day.
Lisa Purdie, Queen 1999

Hope the next 100 Gala Day Queens and Court members continue to have a fun and memorable day.
Joan Smith, Crowning Lady 2000

Congratulations. Wishing everyone a very happy day.
Pat Gilhooley, Crowning Lady 2001

To Queen Niamh and her Gala Court – Hope you all enjoy your day. Lots of love.
Nicole Davidson, Centenary Queen 2003

Congratulations to the Court of 2012. Enjoy your day.
Ross Sinclair, Herald 2003

May Loanhead Children’s Day continue to be successful for many years to come.
Elaine Robison, Crowning Lady 2005

I am honoured and delighted to be invited to the Crowning of Loanhead’s 100th Queen following being Crowning Lady in 2007. I hope the sun shines on this prestigious day, as the year I crowned the Queen the heavens opened and the parade was cancelled. I wish everyone a terrific day.
Susie Burns, Crowning Lady 2007

Thank you so much for the invitation to take part in this year’s Gala Day. I hope everyone taking part has a lovely day in glorious sunshine.
Aileen McLennan, Crowning Lady 2008

Congratulations to the Gala Court on the occasion of the Crowning of the 100th Queen.
Chloe Tansey, Queen 2008

Congratulations Queen Niamh and your Court. Have an exciting day with many happy memories. Best wishes also to Crowning Lady Annette Perfect.
Heather Monteith, Crowning Lady 2009

To the Loanhead Gala Court 2012 – Have a great day.
Clare Brown, Queen 2009

It was a great honour to be a Crowning Lady at Loanhead Gala Day. My friend and I had a most wonderful day, one we will not forget.
Ann Gray, Crowning Lady 2010

   
   
  Below are regular guestbook comments - why not send in one of your own? ANYONE can add a comment to this page.
   
26th July 2011 Hi;

Have just been going thru two Gala Days souvenier progammes, dated 1989 and 1991.
I was born and raised in Loanhead, however, I now live in the USA, Washington State. I have great memories of the Gala days. Hope all went well this year and everyone had a great time.
Thanks for the memories;
Sylvia (Brown) Corliss
   
 

reply from web master - Sylvia - thank you for your kind comments and memories. I do hope the web site photo galleries from 2009, 2010 and this year's galleries pages helped make you feel involved in the Gala Day 2011 all the way from the USA.

Did you also visit on our site our

Loanhead Gala Day Historical Archive section information on Courts going back over 100 years.

   
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2nd July 2011 Thoroughly enjoyed all of the great 2011 Gala Day celebration photos,
and super decorated houses-a credit to everyone involved.
Onwards and Upwards to 2012.

Cheers from an Australian who lived in a nearby village in the 60's,
and husband's cousin living in Loanhead,also some Special Friends involved in Gala Day.

Carol & David Martin
   
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11th June 2011 Hi everyone

Only two weeks to go!!!! Hope you all are all exited and looking forward to our special day. And thanks to all of the committee members for making this day possible!

Love

Rosie Hermiston xxxx

(Queen 2011)

   
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10th June 2011 Hi from Australia

I wish myself and my family could be there – looks awesome.

GO Rosie Hermiston – our cousin – who makes the best Queen.

Julie Hermiston (now Gilfoyle) and Steve (her King) and kids Sarah, Joseph, Beth and Rosie