It is with great regret and sadness that the Kenfig.org website can announce that the organisers of the Gambo Race have terminated this community event with immediate effect due to the sheer bloody mindedness of teenage yobs and their outlandish and destructive behaviour at the Royal British Legion, Pyle on 30 August 2009.

It saddens me and breaks my heart to announce. (Which I thought, I would never have to say, as I have fought tooth and nail for this event.) But as far as I am concerned, the Gambo race is no more.

Due to a small minority, who with a total lack of disrespect for themselves, other people, the police, the property of the Royal British Legion and its fittings.

I have no other option but to pull away from an event that was the calendar event, day and night for so many. After all the hard work put in by so many people, this small band of idiots, delinquents and general nuisances should hang their heads in shame.

They have managed in a short time to undo the hard work of so many.

An event, that brings so much fun and happiness to children and adults alike.

And what really hurts me that local organizations will suffer a cash input because of those mindless drunken cretins, cretins who thought it would be great to drink as much alcohol as they could (most if not all. Not even purchased at the Legion) then decide to push a toilet over, urinate where they felt like, throw the bottles or leave them on the floor for innocent bystanders to walk on, fight and act in a way that a three year old child would not do. (Again I say HANG YOUR HEADS IN SHAME)

I say a small minority because the vast amounts of people come out as they should do, and enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the day and night.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank the police, who despite some nasty comments by a few, gave up their valuable time (many working for nothing) to ensure that this event went as it should be. A community charity event|)

Remember the police along with myself and a few colleagues were sober and was sadden to witness these idiots perform.

Some innocent people got caught in the mayhem when the police rightly put an end to what was basically a very successful night and I apologize for that.

The bands with so many others, to many to mention give up their FREE TIME to ensure that the Gambo race, along with other events throughout the year go ahead. They are supported by a very large crowd that appreciates their endless work.

My last comment.

Which breaks heart to say? R.I.P. THE GAMBO RACE.

You served us well and brought fun, happiness and a community spirit to so many,

(You will probably never know how much this hurts for me to write the above. And I wipe the tears from my eyes as I put pen to paper.)

For all who have helped throughout, and for all who enjoyed those wacky events.

Thank you.

Lopper (Gambo committee)

Source: Cynffig Community Annual Gambo Race - Facebook

Dear all

After much deliberation between the Gambo Committee, and following overwhelming public support we have decided to push ahead with next year’s Gambo Race – the 10th Anniversary.

We will certainly face obstacles during next year’s organisation of the event following the problems and the end of this year’s event. However we hope that the whole community gets behind us and supports us in any way they can.

One thing that will have to happen is that the main organiser Douglas “Lopper” Wilson will have to have more help and support from everyone, which includes the Gambo committee. The event has now grown to such a scale that it is impossible for one man to shoulder all the responsibility of organising and hosting the event.

It is up to everyone in the community to get behind him and show your support. Please e mail bruce.anderson1@btopenworld.com if anyone can offer any support ideas etc on running the event. Any ideas etc would be most welcome.

There are two main areas of concern that could cause the Gambo race problems in the future. The first and most serious is the amount of underage drinkers attaching themselves to the event. The Gambo race first and foremost is meant to be a family event. That means families can come along and enjoy the day and feel safe and comfortable wherever they are on the route.

However we know of numerous people who didn’t come to this year’s event due to problems they witnessed last year regarding the underage drinking and associated anti social behaviour.

Its seems many youngsters see the Gambo Race not as a community day of fun and enjoyment but as a day to get as drunk as they possibly can resulting in antisocial behaviour. This will not be tolerated at next year’s event by anyone.

As we will probably have to pay a substantial sum of money to the police to supervise the event, we will be expecting the police to crack down on not just the underage drinkers but also on the establishments that supply them with alcohol. We do not want the underage drinkers there full stop!!!