ALL DRESSED UP FOR GUID NYCHBURRIS! (part two)

 

A break from the ‘robes’ on Wednesday 17th when along with the Secretary, Treasurer and committee member Ted Murray I attended the Friends of Ellisland’s latest offering of a ‘wee nich’t wi’ Burns’, this took form of wonderful recitations, music and song from the young Burnsians of Sanqhuar, along with some of their friends, they have met at the various festivals. An absolute delight to listen too and watch these youngsters perform, and well done to Ellisland for giving them the platform for us to enjoy.

Ride out time again on Thursday 18th , this time leaving from Huntingdon Market and heading towards the Crichton before the popular ‘Kingholm Gallop’ watched by hundreds.

Friday was a ‘day off’ although I did look in at the Scottish Country Dance in Locharbriggs held by the local RSCDS branch, where music was provided by William McRobert and his dance band.

Guid Nychburris day itself arrived ,as always, on the third Saturday in June! Dark skies made it a bit uneasy! as thoughts always tendered upwards to the weather but although there was much darkness up above it stayed fair and the day passed with very little rain if any.

With the Provost and the other Baillie’s we departed the Municipal Buildings at 7.40am to head to greet the Kings courier at the Mid Steeple. Formalities over and the Cornet proceeded to invite the 189 horsemen and women to follow him and ride the boundaries of the Town. As they headed off , we (Provost’s party) headed to St John’s Church war memorial, where,  when they arrived, the Cornet laid a wreath at the memorial in front of over 500 folk. I was on duty as Baillie to Lochmaben Gate Port which was in English Street where Pursivant John Miller asked my permission to ride through with the assembled gathering of riders. It was a quick dash to St Michaels Gate Port where Baillie Micky Collins, like I had earlier, granted the Pursivant permission to ride through. Castledykes Park was next port of call where the Cornet laid a wreath and then unfurled the flag in the park. The horsemen and women continued their travels while we headed back to the Municipal Buildings for the preparations for the charter ceremony and crowning.

I had the privilege of leading the Queen of The South Beth Mercer through the crowds to be greeted by nearly 5,000 folk who had gathered on the plain staines at the Mid Steeple. We arrived in time to see the cavalcade of 189 horses charge up Bank Street to be greeted by the well wishers at the Steeple.

After reenacting the ceremony of the granting of the charter and the crowning it was off through the same crowds to the Municipal Chambers for a luncheon and drinks. Half way through a busy day, of a busy, but enjoyable week.

 

JOHN M CASKIE

PRESIDENT

03 JULY 2009