Gala day is cancelled

Villagers in one Renfrewshire community won’t be coming together for a day of family fun this summer.

The 2018 Lochwinnoch Gala Day has been cancelled.

Organiser Jane Owens confirmed the sad news on Facebook, with a lack of volunteers to blame.

A statement posted by Jane read: “I am sorry to have to announce that this year’s event has been cancelled.

“I am unfortunately unable to be available from the end of May this year and no-one came forward in response to my March appeals for help.

“I do hope that more support for the planning committee will be forthcoming to ensure the smooth running of the event for the future.

“Please contact me if you could spare a little time to come on board, especially if you have a talent for advertising, obtaining funding, planning or networking.”

Popular with locals young and old, the gala day is a huge event in the village’s character.

Last year’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme went down a storm.

Jane told the Paisley Daily Express she hopes the same thing doesn’t happen again.

“The problem is that when you appeal for volunteers or help, people always think someone else will do it,” she said.

“In the end nobody comes forward, and so here we are.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances I need to be out the country over the time at the gala day.

“It’s a shame that nobody offered to help out. “Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again.”  If you think you can help out in the future with the Lochwinnoch Gala Day, contact Jane on janeowens@hotmail.co.uk