Any worries of Glastonbury Festival style mud baths or a lack of visitors were soon dispelled on Saturday when the people started to roll in along with fine weather. The Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme kicked off the proceedings and soon we were under way accompanied by the North Staffs Accordion band and the Florence Colliery Brass Band. Mines were toured, trains were ridden, hogs were roasted and museum displays mused over. Varied exhibitors added to the spectacle along with fairground rides and even a beer tent, all to the accompaniment of a fine selection of bands on our stage. Both days were a resounding success and, judging by the feedback from those that we asked as they left, a great time was had by all. So thanks to everyone who came to see us from near or far, familiar faces and first time visitors. A huge thank you to everyone who helped to bring this Gala together and who helped us on the day. No matter how big or small your contribution was, we couldn’t have done it without you.
A gallery of pictures from the Gala has been uploaded here, with a slightly different selection to be found on our Facebook page. There is also a separate gallery of Keith, one of our mine guides, having his head shaved to raise funds here!