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Laura Wilson Chairperson Laura joined the Gala Day Committee in 2021 and got stuck in straight away, serving as Co-Treasurer in her first year. She stepped up as Chairperson in 2022 and has been leading the team ever since! Keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes and helping the team stay focused and organised. Whether it’s meetings, planning, or juggling the endless to-do list, Laura’s got it covered. Her calm approach and community spirit make her a brilliant driving force behind Gala Day. Outside of Gala life, Laura’s a familiar face in Newtongrange and is always ready to lend a hand where it’s needed. |
Connor Wright Vice Chairperson & Opperations Connor joined the Gala Day Committee back in late 2013 and hasn’t looked back since! He’s our go to guy for all things technical. From keeping the website ticking to setting up sound systems and sorting out two-way radios. If it plugs in or powers up, Connor’s got it covered. He also knows the Gala inside and out, especially the behind-the-scenes stuff. Whether it’s flags, electrics, or last-minute fixes, you’ll find Connor right in the thick of it making sure things run smoothly. Outside of Gala Day, Connor’s a familiar face around Newtongrange and plays an active role in several community groups. In 2018, he became our Vice Chairperson and continues to be a key part of the team |
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Kelly Trotter Tresurer Kelly joined the Gala Day Committee in 2023 and quickly became an essential part of the team. In 2025, she stepped into the role of Treasurer and has been keeping a watchful eye on the numbers ever since, making sure every penny is accounted for and the Gala’s finances are running ship shape. Whether it’s budgets, receipts, or making sure we don’t spend all the funds on bunting and bouncy castles, Kelly’s got it covered. She brings great attention to detail and a calm, can-do attitude that helps keep the planning on track and the bank balance happy. |
Lauren Tragis Social Media & Marketing Lauren joined the Gala Day Committee in 2023 and quickly took the reins on all things social media and marketing. From keeping the website fresh to whipping up social posts and helping spread the word about Gala Day, Lauren makes sure we stay connected with the community and looking our best online. She’s got a great eye for detail and creativity! Her updates help keep everyone in the loop with what’s happening before, during, and after the big day. |
Nathan Mayes Park Coordinator Nathan joined the Gala Day Committee in 2017 and has been steering the park operations ever since! As Park Coordinator, he’s the mastermind behind the buzz in the park, organising the shows, lining up traders, and making sure everything’s set to keep the crowds coming year after year. He knows the park like the back of his hand (trust us—we’ve tested him!) and makes sure every corner is ready for action. From mapping out spaces to welcoming traders and making sure everything runs like clockwork on Gala Day morning, Nathan keeps it all on track with a keen eye for detail. |
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Leanne Devlin Committee member Leanne joined the Gala Day Committee in 2017 and jumped straight into action as our Treasurer between 2017 and 2018. These days, she continues to support the team as a valued committee member. Bringing experience, enthusiasm, and a steady hand to Gala planning. Whether it’s helping with logistics or lending a hand where it’s needed most, Leanne’s always ready to pitch in and keep things moving behind the scenes. |
Claire Allan Committee Member Claire joined the Gala Day Committee in 2024, bringing with her years of hands-on fundraising experience from working with various local charities. She’s passionate about supporting the community and adds a fresh burst of energy to the team, especially when it comes to planning, promoting, and helping raise vital funds for Gala Day. Claire’s got a great knack for turning ideas into action and is always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. |
Jimmy Sutherland Gala Day Logistics Jimmy joined the Gala Day Committee in 2022 and quickly became our go-to guy for getting things where they need to be. With years of experience driving light goods vehicles, he’s a key part of the operation, making sure equipment, supplies, and everything in between gets to the right place at the right time on Gala Day. Whether it’s early morning drop-offs, last-minute hauls, or helping out behind the scenes, Jimmy keeps things moving with a steady hand and plenty of humour |