Preparations begin for two historic charity balls

AN annual farmers’ ball, which raises money for good causes, is gearing up for its 85th consecutive year.
Nothing has ever got in the way of Gilling West Farmers’ Ball – even through the foot and mouth disease outbreak and during the Second World War farmers partied at the event, which started out as an end of harvest celebration dance.
Held in the village hall in its early days, the man behind the event was William Willis, who together with other farmers’ sons, decided to organise the dance.
This year’s ball will be held on Friday, May 5, at The Morritt Hotel – as it has been for the past 20 years.
Mr Willis’ granddaughter, Ali Wallace, has been a member of the organising committee for 20 years. She said: “This is actually a special year for us. I don’t know any other event like this which has been ongoing annually for so long.”
Tickets will be sold in tables of ten and cost £40 each. This includes a three-course meal, disco, raffle and a surprise element of entertainment.
“All money raised will be donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Ms Wallace said: “Not only have we had close family members within the Willis family and friends pass away from cancer in and around Gilling West, we have also been grateful for the GNAAS because many of our guests and committee members pursue dangerous hobbies such as horse riding and trial biking, as well as working on farms and in remote areas, where they have unfortunately needed this vital
service. We’re hoping people will come along to support these two very worthy causes and have some fabulous food and entertainment in the meantime.”
The event will run from 7.30pm until 1am. To buy tickets contact Ms Wallace on 07801 953778.

Farmers in Rokeby are preparing for their annual charity ball.
Preparations are well underway for the 71st Rokeby Farmers’ Ball which is being held at The Morritt Hotel, at Greta Bridge, on Saturday February 4, from 6.30pm.
The late Peter Watson started the event in 1946 with the support of other farmers in the Rokeby area. It was a way of providing the community with entertainment and to also mark the end of the war.
Mr Watson’s son, Andrew, one of the members of the organising committee, helps to keep the tradition alive today. Tickets cost £40 and will include a three-course meal and music by The Fallen.
Last year, more than 200 people attended and helped to raise £4,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. This year, all profits will be donated to St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington.
Simon Hare, who is a member of the organising committee said: “We wanted to support a local cause so we have chosen the hospice in Darlington. Everything is going okay and tickets are selling well but there are still some left.”
Contact Mr Hare on 07833 525281 or email rokebyfarmersball@hotmail.co.uk.