It was probably the finest few days of community celebration since the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events in 2022.
Some may question the price tag of the main crowning-related national events. Others felt it was an amazing opportunity for community cohesion – ordinary folk coming together to smile, laugh, meet and greet; a stunning friendly escape from the drab confines of our recent pandemic-ridden lives.
The spectacular coronation of King Charles III seemed to hold the whole world spellbound. Personal challenges and worries faded - for a day or two at least.
In the Garnock Valley it was a time of commendable community effort. Volunteers worked their socks off delivering some memorable coronation events.
It really has been a good news story, proving that working together for a common goal can accomplish so much. This struck a chord with me. I attended fabulous celebrations. Greeting was by smiles which brought smiles in return. That was all rather nice.
Events ranged from two major musical concerts in Kilbirnie; family fun day events in Dalry, Kilbirnie and Beith; and gardens open to the public.
The top-notch choirs of St Columba's Church and Kilbirnie Auld Kirk and the exuberant Beith Theatre Group had audiences enthralled at their musical versatility.
Kilwinning Orchestral Flutes and the Garnock Valley Community Band held audiences captivated.
Music was a key part of many events, reminding us of the wisdom of Plato: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
An abundance of colourful stalls helped happiness ripple through crowds as they enjoyed local events. The adults devoured burgers, provided gratis by local businesses, and kids had cooling ice-cream and cake on a sun-filled Sunday, coinciding with the hottest day of the year.
One hilarious highlight was pelting the drookit, but ever-smiling, Councillor Ronnie Stalker with wet sponges.
(Honest Ronnie, I didn’t deliver the exocet-sponge which hit centre-target. Ah, the joys of serving the public, eh!)
Coffee mornings were held with bunting and flags proudly flying. Local care homes and sheltered housing complexes joined in the fun with copious amounts of coffee and cake bringing smiles of satisfaction to our older folk.
Put simply, it was a delightful and memorable weekend. And perhaps the most encouraging feature was the many folk from across the valley travelling to support events in other towns, proving that our community is much more than one town or village.
Let’s continue to support events held right across dear old Garnock Valley. And a big thanks to all who volunteer in our community. Special folk!
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