The Rae Gala, held in Northcliffe woods on Sunday, June 10th this year was more popular than ever, with several hundred people enjoying the festivities opened by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. The weather was kind and the atmosphere was relaxed. Hall Royd Band, Bingley Belles Belly Dancers and Spice Entertainment provided musical and visual spectacles of various kinds. Along with old favourites like the miniature railway, coconut shy, and Howard Toll's owl, children and adults were introduced to the excitement of ferret racing.

Bradford Council helpfully provided chairs for a more comfortable experience when the activity became too much. The free event is organised annually by Jenny Cassidy and the Friends of Northcliffe to commemorate the donation, by Sir Norman Rae, of the open space "for the benefit of the public" in 1920.

Roger Clarke