Gala Saturday the 7th of June 2008 Please note you must register on the Lenzie.org.uk forum in order to view more detailed pictures On Thursday the heavens opened and within a short space of time over an inch of rain poured down on Lenzie with lightning and Thunder. The omens did not look good for the Gala. But come Saturday morning under a clear blue sky the temperatures began climbing and out came the hat. At 12.30 the parade started from the Royal Bank car park led by the 1st Lenzie Boys Brigade pipe band marching along Kirkintilloch Road. The band was followed by the Gala Queen in the splendid 1913 car that has enhanced so many Gala parades. This year's queen was Anna Robertson from Lenzie Primary who was accompanied by Josh Stevenson from Lenzie Primary who was the page boy. The queen was followed by a car with her attendants Abbie Guild from Millersneuk Primary, Alix Maguire from Holy Family Primary and Samantha Gardner from Lenzie Moss Primary, then came the procession of the many dancers with Lenie the Lion up to his usual antics trying to get into every picture.

The Gala was held on the Rugby club field next to Lenzie Moss School. So many thanks again to Lenzie Rugby Club. It was lovely seeing so many young children, and all the babies in their prams reminded me of that proud moment I felt as a new Lenzie Parent bringing my children out from the thick layer of water proof blankets that had been covering them to let everyone see the new generation at the annual Gala. The Gala opened with yet more stirring music from the pipe band followed by the crowning of the Gala Queen by Anne Javis the depute provost and a conservative councillor for Lenzie Ward.

First on were the majorettes from the Elizabeth Murray School of Dance dancing to Rhythm of the Night, which is featured in the movie - Moulin Rouge (starring Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor). This was followed by some very energetic Irish dancing from the Stewart School of Dance doing a reel and hornpipe. The girls were dressed in the most brilliant costumes of intricate patterns and the dancing was a delight to behold. At times the girls seemed to fly gracefully into the air and almost float in the air. Then came the cheerleaders of Rosebank Dancing School whoentertained the audience with their acrobatic moves. The Junior cheer, the Rosebank Angels did a cheer dance routine to "McFly". The Bronze standard did "Some Girls" by Rachel Stevens. The Scottish award 3 girls did a routine to Kylie - "Wow", then joined by the rest of their team, the Rosebank Diamonds to dance to Mika - "Love Today" which involved much somersaulting out of camera shot. Rosebank finished with a marvelous cheer and stunt routine.

The Bouncy slide was back again and entertained many a young person and scared their parents as they tumbled headlong downwards. Others could tire their children out in the bouncy castles. Reports of Aliens landing on the Moss seemed to be coming true as more and more children showed symptoms of alien abduction characterised by blue tongues. Fears were however put to rest when the source was tracked to the candy floss stall. Eleanor (5) said “The best bit about the Gala was the big green bouncy slide!”	Parents could sit in the tea tent having a cup, whilst their children hurtled round and round in the Magic tea cups making everyone feel very sick, Alexander (12) really liked the waltzers, whilst younger children were entertained by the merry go round and swing ride. With the hot weather the Ice Cream Van was very welcome, but unfortunately drinks sold out in the teas tent. Thanks again to the British Red Cross for providing a first aid service.
Hospital radio hosted the event so Many Thanks to them and also to all those in the community council who worked so hard to make the event possible, and particularly those organising the sports who were so tolerant. Splat the rat was again a great success (I would just like to point out that snapping a picture with the rat as we see here is more difficult than hitting the rat) Deaf Blind (here relaxing before the Gala) were selling those deadly inflatable hammers, and less deadly balls and ornaments	Lenzie Guides again did sterling work with their hook a duck, jewelery, necklaces, bracelets, cakes and pick a prize The Scouts and ventures kept everyone fed with their burgers chips and drinks. Once home those lucky enough to hit one of the coconuts off the scout coconut shy could participate in that yearly contest called getting the "milk out of a coconut" which is so humorous to the women folk - but so necessary - because the annual bath in coconut milk is what gives the Lenzie Women their famed youthful looks. 1st Lenzie Boys Brigade had balloons, hammers, plants, treasure map, used books and magazines and 1st Lenzie Girls Brigade a coin rolling game Lenzie Churches provided food, with a toss the ball through a clown which bore a remarkable resemblance to George Bush. There was also hook the duck and what’s your carbon footprint - a game for chimney sweeps!
Once again the Gala had its share of characters. Some funny, some on the prowl for prey and others just lounging around waiting to be photographed.
	Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine did a great job providing face painting, tattoos and "pick a lolly". The charity was founded in 1991. It aims to help children from Chernobyl by bringing a group of 10-20 children from Belarus to this area for a months respite care. This should help to help boost their immune systems and will provide them a respite from the relentless bombardment of radiation in their home area.

Huff-and-Puff Tug of War The tug of war seemed at times to be more war than tug. At times it was very difficult to believe there were only eight members on a team, or that all the members were still in primary school. But, such was the children’s enthusiasm for the challenge that one could only feel sorry for the poor referee and helpers who were hard pressed to keep order. Clark (12) said "the tug of war was sabataged, I think it was an inside job by someone who didn't want the humiliation of loosing.
Millersneuk vs. Lenzie Moss I (winners)	Lenzie Moss II win against Holy Family I
Lenzie Primary vs. Millersneuk (winner)	Lenzie Moss III (disqualified) vs. Millersneuk
Lenzie Moss II win against Lenzie Moss I	Holy Family then won against Millersneuk (no photo)

Huff-and-Puff Final The final was a closely fought battle between Lenzie Moss second team and the Holy Family second team. Holy family won the first tug, the second tug was won by Lenzie Moss who appeared keen to get to their school early, leaving it all down the to last and final tug which was won yet again by the Lenzie Moss. Calum a pupil from the winning School who competed in the tug of war (12) said with enthusiasm that could hardly be contained: "It's fantastic, Lenzie Moss won for the 10th year running!!", yet again demonstrating the superior food at Lenzie Moss.

Lenzie MossII vs. Holy Family

Winners, Lenzie Moss II celebrate

Races