Press Release...
PRESS RELEASE 18th JULY 2011
The Gala day held yesterday Sunday 17th July, was a huge success, enjoyed by a record crowd, estimated to be in the region of over 2000. During the week leading up to Gala Day the weather forecasts made bleak reading and the Portgordon Community Harbour Group, the organisers of the event had been making contingency plans for a worst case scenario. On the evening before the event and throughout the night torrential rain fell but miraculously, from daybreak on the Sunday, the sun was out and the harbour area was blazed in warm sunshine throughout the day. In addition there was no evidence of the strong winds that were forecast which might have made raft race conditions difficult or impossible. Someone must have been looking down on us this year because the weather immediately changed back to being cold with wind and rain the following day.
I can confirm that prize-winners were as follows:
Raft Race
1st HMS Hung Oar (David McKandie (Captain), Steven Scorgie, Mike Bremner, Scott Macrae) who won the prestigious trophy and a cheque for £100 for their nominated charity.
2nd Buckie Firefighters
3rd Port Scrubbers
Best Raft
Was won by the Port Scrubbers (Michelle Jack (Captain), Norma Kyle, Lynne Reid, Tracey Cheetham) who retained the coveted engraved paddle won by the same team last year. The Port Scrubbers also raised over £600 in sponsorship for the dog charity BARRK.
The other competing teams in a hotly contested race were: The Pirates, The Hoola Chicks and Team Marine. Last years winners, the Buckie Firefighters fought hard to retain the winners trophy but were pipped this year by HMS Hung Oar.
Children's Fancy Dress
1st prize - Michelle Herbert aged 8, Slackend, Portgordon (Angel)
2nd prize - Ebony Geddes aged 6 years, Tannachy Terrace, Portgordon (Chinese Girl)
3rd prize - Tom Cumming aged 2 years, West Church Street, Buckie (Chef)
The Childrens parade from the Village Hall to the harbour arena was led by Strathisla Pipe Band and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Lucky Programme
£50 prize went to Mr Derek Godden, on holiday in the area from Livingston.
The highlights of the day also included the Northern Rough Riders (the wild-west re-enactment group), the Strathspey Fiddlers, Highland Dancing displays from the Alison Munro School of Dance (see press release).
Without doubt one of the main successes of the day was "Extreme Sunday", our Kids Zone, where there was bouncy castles, kids games, face painting and crafting etc. This was one of the busiest areas of the gala throughout the whole afternoon.
I can also confirm that the Buckie Lifeboat did pay us a fleeting visit and, immediately after the Prizegiving and right on cue, we were graced by several terrific low level flypasts by the RAF search and rescue helicopter. This flypast was met with a terrific response from the crowd, perhaps anticipating the announcement from Parliament this week.
Most of the events were as per the press release except the following:
No Isabella Fortuna - as noted below - if possible please note that the Wick Society, who own the boat, sent their apologies after she incurred a prop shaft fault and
had to return to her home port for repairs.
No Tiger Moth
No Gary Watt (guitarist) due to technical problems with amps on the day.
"Portgordon Community Harbour Group were delighted with the days events, the 8th such gala run by the group. Many of those in attendance rated this years gala as the best yet. It is estimated that the whole event will have raised well over £5000 for charities and local groups. The Group would like to express their gratitude to all who helped make the event what it was, the performers, the exhibitors, the stall holders, the sponsors and supporters, for those who helped set up and run the event and to the public who supported us in large numbers".
"The main purpose of the event is to promote the proposed regeneration of the harbour and the surrounding area. The Harbour is at the centre of the Portgordon Community and the Group wish to create a harbour that the village can be proud of.
Anyone who may be interested in getting involved with the Groups activities are urged to get in touch by contacting Derek Murray, Vice Chairman, on 01542 836248 or log on to our website www.portgordonharbour.org for more information".
Derek Murray
Vice Chairman
Portgordon Community Harbour Group.
End
PRESS RELEASE 5th JULY 2011
PORTGORDON HARBOUR CHARITY RAFT RACE & GALA DAY - SUNDAY 17th JULY 2011
Portgordon Community Harbour Group are busy organising their 8th annual Charity Raft Race and Gala Day which this year takes place on Sunday 17th July from 12 noon to 5.00pm at the Harbour. The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the Group’s proposed regeneration of the harbour and surrounding area. However the event also involves a number of local groups and charities, many raising money for their own particular needs. Last years event was a huge success bringing the community together and making the harbour the focal point of the village and, with great weather and a record attendance, nearly £5000 in total was raised for good causes.
The main event of the afternoon will, as always, be the Charity Raft Race around the harbour. This year’s race will again be a charity event and entrants will be encouraged to raise sponsorship money for their own particular charity. In an effort to boost entries and donate as much money as possible to good causes, Portgordon Community Harbour Group are putting up a prize fund for the winning raft of £100.00, made payable to the winners choice of registered charity. Group Vice Chairman, Derek Murray said that “the Raft Race has always been the main event in the Gala programme and attracts huge crowds”. “We are keen to hear from as many entrants as possible be they local businesses, employers, groups or individuals who would wish to enter a raft, raise some money for charity, get some publicity and above all, have some fun! It’s not too late to build a raft and get your entries in”
Last years race was a hotly contested event with competitors thoroughly entertaining the huge crowd that gathered around the harbour. Buckie Firefighters came out the winners and they will be out to defend their title again this year. The prestigious engraved paddle, for the best raft entry, went to the all girls team Port Watch. Details of entry fees, rules and regulations can be obtained by contacting Bob Thomson on 01542 649036 or Derek Murray on 01542 836248 or by going on to the Groups website www.portgordonharbour.org.
The event organisers were keen to have some new attractions at this year’s gala and are delighted to announce that the historic fishing vessel, the Isabella Fortuna, will be visiting all the way from its base at Wick. The 120 year old fully restored Fifie was recently one of the star attractions at the Portsoy Boat Festival where, on the Saturday of the event, a record 1900 visitors went aboard to look over the boats many exhibits. Harbour Group Chairman Ron Billing said “we are especially delighted to welcome the Isabella to the gala and are extremely grateful to the Wick Society for bringing her along”. Ron said that “while the Groups focus is on regenerating the harbour for the future, the sight of a Fifie back in the harbour will rekindle memories of bygone days when Portgordon Harbour was one of the busiest ports along the north east coastline”. Adding further historical interest to the gala will be the return of displays by the Buckie & District Fishing Heritage Museum and the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association.
Another new attraction this year will be the Wild West re-enactment group, the Northern Rough Riders, travelling all the way from Tranqulity, a small frontier town in wild west Aberdeeshire. Harbour Group Secretary and Gala Sub-Committee Chairman, Bob Thomson said that “The Rough Riders would be carrying out a number of true to life wild west re-enactments during the afternoon involving some legendary names such as Wild Bill Hickcock and Billy the Kid. There will also we a display of weapons and artefacts”.
After the success of recent years there will another kids fancy dress competition. Competitors aged 12 years and under are asked to report to the Village Hall at 12.45pm for judging following which there will be the usual parade to the gala arena led by Strathisla Pipe Band and Mickey & Minnie Mouse. There is no requirement to pre-book, just turn up on the day, and entry is free. Last years winner was Jay Clark of Tannancy Road, Portgordon who was Noddy.
Entertainment will also be in abundance in the sky’s and on the waves courtesy of the RAF Search & Rescue helicopter, a planned fly-past by a 1940’s De Haviland Tiger Moth by-plane from Shemptson Flying Club near Elgin, and visits from the Buckie Lifeboat, “The William Blannin”, the Coastguard, Grampian Fire & Rescue Service, Burghead Sub Aqua Club and Moray Sea Cadets. Attendance at the event by the emergency services is obviously subject to operational requirements.
In addition to the above there will be the return of the usual Portgordon Gala favourites with musical entertainment provided by the Strathisla Pipe Band, Strathspey Fiddlers and Wave Radio, Dr Grays Hospital radio station. Also providing musical entertainment this year is the fantastic guitarist Gary Stephen Watt. There will be another chance to see a highland dancing display courtesy of the Alison Munro School of Dance in Buckie. There will also be parade and display of classic cars, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, and a threshing mill. A refreshment tent, a barbeque, face painting, children’s rides and games, bouncy castles, target football and various stalls all add up to an afternoon of fun.
The event has become well established over the years and further details of this years gala, and photographs of previous successful events can been seen on our website www.portgordonharbour.org
Portgordon Community Harbour Group are grateful to all the performers, exhibitors, sponsors and
supporters and are keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in getting involved and
who may have the time to assist with setting up the event. Just come along to the harbour the day before if
you can. Alternatively why not offer to lend a hand on the day. Willing volunteers with any queries can
contact Derek Murray for further information on 07967 748905.
Harbour Group Chairman Ron Billing also added “Of course the main reasons for the event is to support the planned regeneration of the Harbour and the surrounding area and PCHG continue to work tirelessly in their pursuit of funding for the £1.5M marina project”. He stressed that “although entry to the gala continues to be free, the gala is the main focus of the Groups fundraising activities and visitors are asked to give generously to the event”. “Portgordon Community Harbour Group hope to make the harbour area the focal point for the village once again”.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE 26th July 2010
PORTGORDON HARBOUR CHARITY RAFT RACE & GALA DAY
SUNDAY 25TH JULY 2010
GENERAL
Portgordon’s 7th Annual Charity Raft Race and Gala Day has been hailed as a huge success by the Portgordon Community Harbour Group, the organisers of the event.
The harbour area was basked in sunshine throughout the day’s proceedings where a crowd of well over 1000 enjoyed a fantastic programme of events. Wave Radio, Dr Grays Hospital Radio once again did a tremendous job compering the proceedings while Harbour Group Secretary Bob Thomson, excelled in the difficult task of co-ordinating the packed programme of music, dancing, parades, displays and of course, the highlight of the afternoon, the charity raft race.
CLASSIC CARS & MOTORCYCLES
The day kicked off with a grand parade of classic cars and motorcycles, following Strathisla Pipe Band. Vehicles travelled from far and wide to attend the event and there was a marvellous selection of cars and motorcycles on display. There was also a display of vintage bicycles and a threshing machine, rekindling memories of days gone by.
CHILDRENS FANCY DRESS PARADE
Strathisla Pipe Band also led the children’s fancy dress parade from the Village Hall to the arena at the harbour. Mickey & Minnie Mouse were on hand to carry out the judging and present the prizes with 1st Prize going to 1 year old, Jay Clark of Tannancy Road, Portgordon who was Noddy. 2nd prize went to Fraser McKandie aged 3 from Duke Street as Humpty Dumpty complete with wall, and joint 3rd prize went to Fairy Princesses Molly and Rosie Murray (6 & 3), also of Duke Street, Portgordon.
DOG AGILITY DISPLAY
Returning by popular demand were Pets to Pros, the dog agility display under the guidance and training of Mr Gareth Williams. This event attracted a huge crowd around the arena with dogs (and owners) working in perfect harmony.
RAFT RACE
The main event of the afternoon was, as always, the raft race. This year’s event was special in that teams were asked to raise sponsorship for good causes and the Harbour Group also donated £100 to the winning teams choice of registered charity. The race was hotly contested with 6 rafts competing and thoroughly entertaining the huge crowd that gathered around the harbour. This years winners were the Buckie Firefighters (R White, V Cumming, A Murray and C Forbes). Their chosen charity was understandably the Firefighters Benevelent Fund. 2nd place were Gone Commando and 3rd place went to White Rose. The prestigious engraved paddle for the best raft entry went to Port Watch (Michelle Jack, Norma Kyle, Tracey Cheetham, and Lynn Reid). Port Watch also raised an incredible £500 in sponsorship for their charity, BARRK. Also competing were the Marine Hotel and the Superheroes. Mickey & Minnie were once again on hand to present the awards at the prizegiving ceremony. The Group were very grateful to the Burghead Sub Aqua Club who very kindly provided a safety boat for the race.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AND DANCING
There was a fantastic programme of musical entertainment and dancing throughout the afternoon. As well as Strathisla Pipe Band there was music from the Strathspey Fiddlers led by Mr Steve Brown and local singer group Mosaic. Excellent displays of Highland Dancing was provided by the Alison Munro School of Dance in Buckie and the very popular Skip 2 The Beat from Portsoy were at the gala for the first time.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
The emergency services were also on display courtesy of a visit from the Buckie Lifeboat, “The William Blannin”, the Coastguard and Grampian Fire & Rescue Service. The RAF Search & Rescue helicopter returned in time from a rescue mission near Braemar to entertain the crowd with several low level fly-pasts. Unfortunately some low cloud prevented a planned fly-past by a 1940’s De Haviland Tiger Moth by-plane from Shemptson Flying Club near Elgin.
OTHER EVENTS
The winner of the £50 prize for the lucky programme was Mrs Margaret Mitchell from Mosstodloch. Other events included the ever-popular ferret racing, kiddies rides, bouncy castles, target football, face painting and other kids games. There were also heritage displays by local groups including the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association who launched their new publication “Along the Coast - Burghead to Portknockie” written Stanley Bruce. There was also a range of other stalls such as Moray Council Libraries Service with kids storytelling.
PORTGORDON HARBOUR REGENERATION
Of course one of the reasons for the event is to support the planned regeneration of the Harbour and the surrounding area. PCHG continue to work tirelessly in their pursuit
of funding for the £1.5M marina project, the gala being the focus point of their fundraising activities.
Portgordon Community Harbour Group hope to make the harbour area the focal point for the village once again. The gala day proved that this is possible and the event was enjoyed by all.
SUPPORTERS
Portgordon Community Harbour Group would wish to say a big thankyou to all our performers, exhibitors, sponsors and supporters, the names of which are on their website www.portgordonharbour.org. We also wish to thank all the helpers whose contributions have made the day possible and to the public for attending in large numbers.
Derek Murray
Vice Chairman
Portgordon Community Harbour Group.
END
PRESS RELEASE 1st JULY 2010
PORTGORDON HARBOUR CHARITY RAFT RACE & GALA DAY - SUNDAY 25th JULY 2010
Portgordon Community Harbour Group are busy organising their 7th annual Raft Race and Gala Day at the Harbour, which this year takes place on Sunday 25th July from 12 noon to 5.00pm. The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the Group’s proposed regeneration of the harbour and surrounding area. However the event also involves a number of local groups and charities, many raising money for their own particular needs.
It has been decided that this years raft race will be a charity event and entrants will be encouraged to raise sponsorship money for their own particular charity. In an effort to boost entries and donate as much money as possible to good causes, Portgordon Community Harbour Group are putting up a prize fund for the winning raft of £100.00 made payable to the winners choice of registered charity. Group Vice Chairman, Derek Murray said that “The Raft Race has always been the main event in the Gala programme and attracts huge crowds. However the number of entrants have varied over the years and we are keen to hear from as many as possible local businesses, employers, groups or individuals who would wish to enter a raft, raise some money for charity, get some publicity and above all, have some fun!”
Details of entry fees, rules and regulations can be obtained by contacting Bob Thomson on 01542 834276 or Derek Murray on 01542 836248 or by going on to the Groups website www.portgordonharbour.org.
As well as the Raft Race the event also includes a display of classic cars, motorcycles and bicycles, yachts, kids fancy dress parade, Skip to the Beat and Highland Dancing demonstrations, music from Strathisla Pipe Band, Strathspey Fiddlers and others, a dog agility display, refreshment tent, a barbeque, children’s games, bouncy castles, various stalls, a car boot sale, visits from the Buckie Lifeboat, the Coastguard and much, much, more. The gala will be attended by Wave Radio, Dr Grays Hospital Radio, who will compere the proceedings. The event has become well established and further details of this years gala, and photographs of previous successful events can been seen on our website www.portgordonharbour.org
The organisers of the event are also keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in getting involved and helping with this year gala. Harbour Group Chairman, Ron Billing commented that “the Gala Day, like many local fundraising events in the area, requires a great deal of planning, organisation and running on the day and it’s success and future continuation depends solely on the continued support of volunteers in the local community.” “Anyone interested in getting involved are more than welcome to come along to one of the Groups Gala Meetings, the next one being at 7.00pm on Monday 12th July in the Lampie Hoose in Portgordon Square.
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE 12th APRIL 2010
PRESS RELEASE 12th APRIL 2010
Portgordon Community Harbour Group are pleased to announce a major step forward on their way to achieving the dream of redeveloping Portgordon Harbour, a major £1.5million marina project designed to revitalise the harbour area for the benefit of the Community. Late last year the Group were delighted to receive news from the OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator) that they had finally been successful in achieving Charitable Status and are now a Registered Scottish Charity (SC 040805).
The Harbour Group’s Vice Chairman, Derek Murray, explained what this meant for the Group, “Since the Group were first formed back in 2003 a huge amount of work has been going on behind the scenes by way of detailed feasibility studies, business planning, designing and costing of the proposed regeneration works. However, the Group always recognised that any bids for funding would firstly require the support of the current harbour owners, the Crown Estate, and secondly, would benefit hugely by having charitable status. In 2008 the Crown Estate confirmed their full support for the project and achieving charitable status in late 2009 has given the Group the confidence it needed to press ahead with its bids for grant funding”.
The Group also received a further boost in December when the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Mrs Clare Russell, kindly agreed to become Patron of the Portgordon Community Harbour Group. In a letter of support, Mrs Russell stated:
“I am writing to express my enthusiasm and support for the Portgordon Community Harbour Group project. The marina and proposed clubhouse, with heritage area, workshop, meeting and training facilities, will be a most valuable asset to Portgordon and, equally as importantly, to the wider community. Especially, and commendably, it aims to involve the younger generation in the relevant education and training”.
“This development will complement other local efforts to preserve and promote the historic, cultural and natural resources of the area. I believe it will provide multiple benefits to Portgordon and the surrounding area, including strengthened tourism, increased economic prosperity and stronger promotion of the Banffshire coast’s maritime heritage resources”.
“I would strongly support the granting of funds to this significant regeneration project”.
PCHG Chairman, Ron Billing, said, “The Group were absolutely delighted to have received the support of the Lord-Lieutenant”. He added that “Mrs Russell’s appointment as Patron lifted the spirits of Group members after many years of hard work by the Committee to get the Group into a position where it could now confidently bid for the major funding needed”.
PCHG have prepared and submitted detailed applications to funding organisations in recent months and despite being unsuccessful with some initial bids the Group have been encouraged by the positive feedback received from potential funders. Derek Murray said that “unfortunately, we have recently been advised that bids to the Scottish Government 3rd Sector Enterprise Fund and to the Crown’s Marine Communities Fund have been unsuccessful. However funders have been impressed by our plans for the harbour and the quality of the bids and this has given us the encouragement to press ahead with further applications. A detailed funding plan has been prepared covering multiple projects within the overall regeneration plan.” Mr Murray acknowledged that “securing funding is challenging, particularly with the current economic climate and added that most grant awarding bodies are in a position to only part fund a project of this scale. Many funding organisations also wish to see match funding in place before they are prepared to award a grant. The key will be securing the first grant and hopefully then, funding will follow”. However, despite some initial setbacks PCHG remain confident that funding will eventually be secured. Mr Murray also added that “further public consultation would be required within the village before any major decisions were made concerning the Harbour. This is very much a community project and the future intention is that the harbour is owned and operated by the community, for the community”.
The Harbour Group are also pressing ahead with plans for this years annual Raft Race and Gala Day, the Groups 7th event, which takes place on Sunday 25th July. The organisers of the event are always keen to hear from any other local group or individuals who may be interested in getting involved with this year gala. Mr Billing commented that “the Gala Day, like many local fundraising events in the area, requires a great deal of planning, organisation and running on the day and its success and future continuation depends solely on the continued support of volunteers in the local community.” Anyone interested in getting involved are more than welcome to come along to any of the Groups Gala Meetings, the next one being at 7.30pm on Monday 26th April in the Lampie Hoose in Portgordon Square.
Portgordon Community Harbour Group also advise that their AGM is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21st April at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Portgordon. Anyone with an interest in the regeneration project and wishing to hear an update on the Groups activities are welcome to attend.
Further details on planned meetings, the regeneration project, the gala and many other items of interest can be found on the Groups website www.portgordonharbour.org The Group can also be contacted by email through a link on the website.
ENDS
Derek Murray,
Vice Chairman,
Portgordon Community Harbour Group Ltd.
Tel 01542 836248 or 07967 748905.
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Portgordon Community Harbour Group Ltd - registered Scottish Charity No: SC040805
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