A FUN-PACKED afternoon made Wath town gala one of the most successful in its 30 year history.

Crowds flocked to the town hall grounds where it was opened by Coun Patrick Burke, deputy mayor of Rotherham, and was followed by entertainment and fun activities, including children’s sports, a celebrity auction and the Poppi-Chix.

Three years ago Wath-upon-Dearne Community Partnership took over the organisation of the event after its amalgamation with Wath Community Association and for the first time the flower show was held in a marquee in the grounds. It drew 75 entries, one of the best ever.

The dog show, which is run to Kennel Club rules, is a popular event every year and lived up to its well-earned reputation.

An auction of celebrity signed Teddy Bears raised £1,500 for Karamba, the Kilnhurst centre for children with autism. Elton John, who signed one of the bears, had put the event on his fan web site. A bear signed by Mohammed Ali raised over £200.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant, our most successful yet,” said Joyce Maleham of the Community Partnership.

This was despite last minute attempts to sabotage the event by persons unknown who removed posters from shops, made a malicious telephone call to cancel part of the fairground, took down a banner and told people it was cancelled.

The event was supported by TK Lynskey who donated several skips and prize money.