Not to be confused with the larger annual Gala day at that July in 1978, a separate Miners’ Welfare gala took place on Saturday 26th August.
Miss Margo Cairney aged 12 of St Blane’s Primary School was the Blantyre Miner’s Welfare Gala Queen. A panel of celebrities including European Champion Boxer, Jim Watt, chose Margo and her 4 ladies in waiting.
The Ladies in Waiting were Christine Murdoch (11) from David Livingstone Primary School, Elizabeth McMahon (11) of same school, Yvonne McKeown (11) of St Joseph’s Primary and Lesley Callaghan (10) of St Cuthberts.
Margo was crowned on Saturday 26th August 1978 by the wife of comedian guest of honour Ben Gunn at the David Livingstone Centre Grounds.
From “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka (c) 2017
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