Horsforth Gala saved following generous donations (From Wharfedale Observer)

Horsforth Gala saved following generous donations

11:30am Tuesday 3rd July 2012 in Local news

Horsforth Gala and Parade are lining up to be a great success – after local people rallied round to foot a bill for hundreds of pounds.  Saturday’s parade was under threat earlier this year when new Leeds City Council charges left organisers with a bill for nearly £400.  But three generous benefactors stepped forward to cover the costs as a result of the ensuing publicity.

City councillor and organ-iser, Dawn Collins, said: “We always try and run the gala as a non profit-making event, so it was quite a disappoint-ment when we suddenly received a new bill for something we had never had to pay for in the past.  “To then receive some additional money from local people, who just decided to try and help, was quite humbling. One very kind lady just popped a cheque in the post, and the first I knew about it was when I opened her letter a few days later.”  She said local businesses are also a significant reason why the gala survives.

This year’s event will feature an arena and stage, with local dance groups and a birds of prey display by Ben Potter.

The gala parade sets off from Horsforth School at 12.15pm, taking in Town Street before progressing to Hall Park. The gala starts at noon and runs until 4.30pm.