Rotary Gala Day 2025

We were blessed with fine weather for our fourth annual Gala Day at the beginning of September.The day was a great success with an estimated 200 or more visitors.We are grateful to Broom Hall Hotel for allowing us to use their outside areas to hold the event.

The Gala Day is a family fun event, with several aspects to it, including a classic car show, dog show, fundraising auction and a tombola.  We were also delighted to present our annual Young Citizen Awards to five community-spirited young people. A number of local businesses supported us by taking stands at the event, including Detail & Shine valeting, Tyre Pros and David Bancroft from Swaffham.

Throughout the afternoon musical entertainment was provided by the excellent Louise, singing songs for all age  groups to enjoy.

An  estimated 50 classic vehicles were displayed by their proud owners. Vehicles ranged from a vintage tractor through classic Triumphs and Morris Minors, to a Rolls Royce and a Cadillac. There were also a number of army vehicles including a large army truck. After much deliberation our judge, Rotarian Ivan Chubbock awarded the trophy for best car to John Simmons, the owner of an immaculately kept Sunbeam Talbot. The trophy was sponsored by Detail & Shine Valeting.

Rotarian Paul Weatherill conducted an auction of items donated by local businesses, Rotary Members and friends of Rotary. There was a large number of Lots, included fresh apple juice from Ashill Fruit Farm, vouchers for local business services, tickets for events, sets of tools and a nearly new electric cycle.The auction and tombola raised over £1200 for our charitable work, for which we thank the generosity of all those who attended.

The dog show, sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies was judged by Vivian Gicquel, who had the difficult task of picking a winner from the entrants, but eventually chose a couple of terriers, Jack and Ziggy, as joint winners.

Our tombola was organised and run by Christine Weatherill, and proved to be very popular with visitors, raising some £126..

A major highlight of the day was the presentation of Young Citizen Awards to Teddy Coleman, Naevia and Sway Hucklesby, Ruby Shortland and Edward Watling, who were nominated for their outstanding work in the local community.