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Halifax Charity Gala 2009: Report and picture slide show
THOUSANDS took to the streets for the 53rd Halifax Charity Gala.
And with the sun beating down on a dazzling array of floats, stalls, and entertainment – it was a real scorcher.
Families from across Calderdale flocked to the mammoth event, helping organisers smash their target of raising 20,000 for charities in the district.
Gala chairman Christopher Wake said: "We are delighted with the turn out.
"The weather was beautiful and definitely helped pull in the crowds.
"The entertainment on offer was brilliant as well.
"We wanted to raise 20,000, we've done that and more."
The day began with the traditional procession through town.
Floats of all shapes and sizes were led by the Halifax Boys and Girls Brigade Band, Mayor of Calderdale Arshad Mahmood and the gala queen Sophie Farrell, 14, and her attendant Coral Mileham, 15, through Halifax town centre.
Sophie, of Boothtown, Halifax, was the first gala queen since the role was abandoned in 2002 in favour of the gala "ambassador".
She said: "It was a great day but very nerve-wracking being up there as the procession went round.
"I'm very proud to have been the queen and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life."
A range of floats by organisations including the Skillshop charity, St Paul's Brownies and several churches helped turn the streets into a riot of colour.
George Womersley, 10, of Longley Lane, Norland was on the 12th Halifax Sea Scouts' float, dressed as a pirate.
He said: "We all put a lot of effort into getting our costumes right and it looked like a proper pirate ship.
"It was a lot of fun."
Hazel Murgatroyd, had organised the West Vale Baptist Church 'Love Float' decked out in hearts and roses.
She said: "We were determined to help make it a memorable procession and there was a great response from the crowd.
After snaking through town, the parade travelled to sun-drenched Manor Heath Park for the official opening ceremony.
The park was filled to bursting point with more than 30 charity stalls, a fairground, a go-kart track, horse riding and a host of food stalls.
Visitors also enjoyed a breathtaking fire-eating display from three giant robots and a daredevil zip wire and Army assault course put on by the Yorkshire Regiment.
Norman Smith, 79, Luddenden Foot, and his wife Eileen have attended the event for more than 40 years.
He said: "I honestly think it gets better every year.
"It is lovely to just be among the people and seeing all the families out enjoying themselves gives us both a lot of pleasure."
Martin and Rachel Lewis of Blackberry Lane, Siddal, and their children Ethan, six, and Jessica, three, are also regular visitors to the gala.
Mr Lewis said: "We come every year but this one was spot on.
"The weather was perfect and it makes you really proud of the town to see so many people out in force.
"It's a real Calderdale institution."
Music on the day was provided by Hebden Bridge Brass Band, Suga Brown and the Diamond Divas.
Results
Baby Show
0-9 Months: 1, Benjamin Ward, Sutcliffe Street, Halifax; 2, Katie Wilkinson, Hillcrest Avenue, Sowerby Bridge. 3, Theo Barry, Clover Hill View, Savile Park, Halifax.
10-18 months: 1, Keelan Singa, Boston Street, Halifax; 2, Cerys Ford, St Anne's Place, Stainland; 3, Kaia Loren, Battinson Road, Halifax.
18-24 months: 1, Lita Mitchell, Rastrick; 2, Jaylan Bretton, Stafford Parade, Halifax; 3, Maisie Bo Smith, Waverley Road
Elland.
Floats
1, Sea Scouts; 2, CRH Orthopaedic Ward; 3, West Vale Baptist
Commendation: Eureka.
Walking Floats
1, CRH Stroke Unit; 2, Kingston Girl Guides; 3, St Marys Church
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
