2-879-426 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

Laing Sports Ground, Rowley Lane, Elstree, Barnet, London, 14/06/1969. A view of a fairground carousel and stalls, with crowds gathered on a sports pitch beyond, during a Gala Day held at the Laing Sports Ground at Elstree. A Gala Day was held by Laing at the Laing Sports Ground on 14th June 1969, as a replacement of the annual Sports Day. Sports events were held by the Sports Club, which included hockey, tennis, bowls, and football tournaments. A traditional English fete programme featured coconut shies, bingo, pony rides, catering and a beer tent, candy floss, and roundabouts. The day ended with a beauty contest, prize draw, and the election of Miss Sports Club. In the evening there was a firework display and a gala dance which continued until midnight. This photograph and JLP01/08/081384 formed a panorama which was published in the August 1969 edition of 'Team Spirit', the Laing employee newsletter.