The Gala Girls, Sim Smailes

In days gone by, you’d hear them natter,
All the gossip, lively chatter,
Waiting for the ‘eyes down’ call,
Pure excitement filled the hall.

A sea of heads then dipped together,
Sequins, bling and Primark leather,
Dabbers ready, hopes sky high,
“Two fat ladies, Kelly’s eye…”

Every number building tension,
Fingers crossed as some would mention
Which they needed for the game
(And, if they lost, the ones to blame!).

The winning players were all applauded,
Prizes won and cash awarded,
For the rest, to ease the pain,
Another drink, another game.

How times have changed on Osborne Street,
The ‘Gala’ name’s now obsolete,
But Gala girls can still be found
At Buzz, their Mecca, all year round.