ALL DRESSED UP FOR GUID NYCHBURRIS! (part one)
Having attended the Scocha concert at Langholm on Saturday 13th June (full details mentioned in the secretary’s blog), it was ‘dressing up’ time for me the next morning with the commencement of my duties as a Baillie at the Guid Nychburris celebrations in Dumfries. Honoured at being asked to once again full fill a role I had previously undertook in 2007 I arrived at the Municipal Buildings in Dumfries on the Sunday morning to get the ‘Baillie robes’ on for the Kirkin ceremony at St Michaels Church. Marching behind the Town Band and the Royal Burgh Pipe Band the sun shone and a large crowd gathered on the streets to witness the procession along
Later that evening I attended (with robes!) the Songs of Praise by the Christian Council an up beat ‘happy clappy’ end to the first day!
Monday 15th was Installation night and again all ‘robed’ it was off to the Mid Steeple to greet the principals where they took their vows in front of again large crowds. Afterwards a reception was held in the Minerva Hall where I proposed a toast to this year’s ‘Queen of The South’ Miss Beth Mercer. After the presentations I attended the ‘after installation party’ at the Globe until the wee small hours!!
Tuesday afternoon was old folks concert in the newly refurbished St Georges Hall where I was compere and sharing the stage with the children and staff of St Joseph’s College, accordionist Lee McQueen, piper Taylor Edwards and singer Haig McCulloch marking his 30th consecutive year of entertaining at the Guid Nychburris old folks concert. The Queen and the Cornet’s party duly arrived and assisted in serving refreshments to the audience. Tuesday night saw the last rehearsal for the full charter ceremony and crowning on the Saturday.
The week had begun but still a few more duties to attend too.
JOHN M CASKIE
PRESIDENT