Bishopton Gala Week: Bishopton Day

'Teddy Bear's Picnic'

BISHOPTON GALA DAY’S 2011 PARADE THEME

2012 THEME is the OLYMPICS

On Saturday 18th June 2011 as part of the annual Gala Day, individuals and groups participated in the parade and dressed their floats and themselves representing a 'teddy bear's picnic'.

At 12.00pm from Bishopton Primary School, the Bishopton Princess and a Kilbarchan Pipe band lead the parade through the village to the ROF Field. On their arrival at the ROF Field where the Gala Day was held, the participants were judged by the Bishopton Princess, her attendants and Annabel Goldie. Prizes were awarded to the best entrants. £100 prize for best float. Second prize £50. Third prize £25.

Fancy Dress - individuals, groups and families also took part in the Parade in fancy dress, also in the 'teddy bear's picnic' theme. Cash prizes were be awarded.

Peter Bowsher, champion chain-saw wood carving display attracted a large audience. He carved a large bear from a tree trunk. The bear was raffled as a prize at the end of the Gala Day. Gleniffer Dog Agility Club's display was a popular attraction; Kilbarchan Pipeband after leading the parade performed in the main arena; Scottish Wrestling Alliance held a Heavy Weight tournament. There were several matches and the wrestlers included former SWA Scottish Heavyweight Champion Scott "The Butcher" Renwick; SWA Laird of the Ring Champion Joe Coffey; SWA Source Champion "The Lowland Superstar" Glen Dunbar; Ireland's Damian O'Connor; and the powerhouse tag team "The Weapon's of Mass Destruction" and many more. It was a lively occasion; the static bird of prey display was fantastic; Acquaspheres were a ball; live bands from Erskine Youth Council gave some great performances; Bishopton Rugby Club's up and coming rugby stars gave a display in the main arena; an under 8's football match between Bishopton and Lancraigs was very popular; Laura Sweeney's Extreme Magic Cheerleaders were briliant on stage; also on stage was Cameron and Lewis who sang a duet. It was a fantastic way to end Bishopton Week celebrations.
Due to ground conditions Ingliston Country Club's equestrian team were unable to display.

There was a great variety of entertainment on and around the main arena for all the family.

Bishopton Day has had a Princess appointed each year since 1977. Bishopton Day celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The organising committee are trying to trace all former Princesses for 2012. If you were a Princess or know someone who was please send details to bishopton-day@hotmail.co.uk

Bishopton Week is a celebration of our community. This year (2011) events included:

Bishopton Art Group Exhibition - 13th to 25th June in Village Library during normal opening hours.

Word search and colouring competition - entry forms from the Library or Woodrow's Newsagent. Closing date noon Thursday 16th June.

Murder Mystery & Afternoon Tea– Sunday 12th June 2.00 - 4pm. Presented by Erskine and District Rotary Club.

Magic Show – Tuesday 14th June – 6.30pm in Community Centre.

Fun-run - Wednesday 15^th June at Bishopton Community Centre. This year the Fun Run followed a revised route around the village. The winners of the fun-run will received their prizes on Saturday 18th June at the annual village fete.

Family fun night - Thursday 16th June from 7 pm at Bishopton Primary School. Organised by Bishopton Primary Parent Council.

Bishopton Day- The parade started outside Bishopton Primary School in Old Greenock Road. and followed a route through the village, going east through Stuart Road, down Kingston Road and along Greenock Road into the ROF Field. The Gala Day wwas officially opened at 12.45 pm by the Bishopton Princess Rebecca Mitchell.