Adwick Gala
For many years the residents of Adwick-Le-Street were treat to their very own Gala, which, every year provided us with a multitude of events and competitions, as well as a fun fair. Competitions ranged from fancy dress to tug of war. Every year Show Jumping was the highlight of Saturday afternoon, usually treating us the the equestrian skills of Harvey Smith, David Broom and other famous show jumpers. Many smaller competitions were held on the tennis courts. The more stranger side shows were the freak show, where you would get to see a "two headed sheep" and "siamese twins" other freaky exhibits were also on show. There was, on a few occasions, the gala came to Adwick Park, a boxing booth, where locals, who had previously been to the "Cabbage Club", all worse for wear through the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol would go and minutes later emerge covered in blood.
The evening would end with a fireworks display, usually depicting animated figures, such as boxers or battleships. The last display was always a "GOOD NIGHT", on most occasions it went wrong and some letters would not light up and spell "GOD NIT" and other variations upon a theme.
With the demise of Adwick Urban District Council because of the amalgamation with Doncaster Council, the Gala is no longer, and all Adwick gets each year is the fun fair.
The following is a youtube link to some old footage from a Gala Day in Adwick Park, generously provided by Gerald Sables
Most of the above information was kindly provided by Gerald Sables who emailed the author a few days ago to remind him of this event.
