Hambleton Gala 2025
One of the delights of living in this rural area, is the annual village gala.
Steeped in tradition, such events offer a sentimental glimpse into a time gone-by. It’s a moment in time, when traffic stops and historic customs spring to life.
The much-anticipated event is an opportunity for the local community to come together to watch a spectacle unfold in celebration of summer.
Hambleton gala was the first of several to take place Over Wyre. Uncertain skies and an unseasonal chill, did not detract from the thrill of watching a parade of queens, (one retiring and one queen elect) accompanied by page boys and retinues wearing royal attire, amble along the country lanes.
A pipe band marched behind them, providing distinctive music and a steady beat.
A procession of themed floats meandered behind the royal parties, representing community groups, church groups and businesses from the locality.
Tractors, Land Rovers and hefty vehicles pulled trailers behind them, decked out in colourful bunting and abundant flowers, carrying precious cargo – the very young and the not-so-young all keen to wave, reveling in the admiring looks of bystanders on pavements.
The Over Wyre Group of Churches had worked together to create a float. Themed around ‘God’s Beautiful Garden’, trellis work was covered in
hand-made flowers, lovingly crafted by the Little Fishes pre-school group, the Wednesday Stay and Play group, Sunday Clubs and even the
Crafts and Cocktails group. It was a true team effort. Youngsters and their parents from across the Benefice were excited to ride around the village, sporting
t-shirts adorned with flowers and huge smiles.
Following a few tense moments on the gala field whilst the judges were deliberating over potential prizewinners, the Over Wyre Benefice was declared
‘BEST OVERALL FLOAT’.
A sparkling trophy and a colourful rosette were presented to Rev. Naomi on behalf of the team. It was a very proud moment!
Football, may or may not be coming home, but the Over Wyre Benefice are most certainly champions in their own league!
