Evolution of the Ex-Standard Bearer’s Dinner Dance
Many years before the formalisation of the Edinburgh and Lothians Souters Society in 1927, a band of enthusiastic Souters met each year around about the Common Riding time and provided the wherewithal for the gold medallion which was presented to the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer for the year. A strong relationship with Selkirk Town Council and the Selkirk Ex-Standard Bearer’s Association with the ELSS members was evident from the early days and this has been maintained ever since, culminating in the popular Ex-Standard Bearers Dinner Dance.
Social gatherings with the Ex-Standard Bearer’s Association were used to cement relationships with the ELSS and to present medallions to all living Ex-Standard Bearers dating back to 1872, an excellent gesture by the Society spread over the 1920s and into the 1930s. For instance, Mungo Smith (RBSB 1881) received his medallion in 1931 on his Golden Anniversary while Robert Turnbull (RBSB 1872) was presented with his medallion in 1933, 61 years after he was Standard Bearer.
A regular format soon emerged with ELSS inviting 20 guests from members of the Ex-Standard Bearer’s Association to what was colloquially and informally termed, “Standard Bearers Night”. Many of the early get-togethers were held in the Imperial Hotel with committee members delegated to meet the Selkirk visitors at 6:00pm with tea being served at 8:30pm. For this function the Selkirk Provost and representatives of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Souters Society were also on the annual guest list.
In return 20 members of the ELSS were invited to attend the Appointment Night of the Standard Bearer by the Ex-Standard Bearer’s Association.
The Society ceased to function during WW2 and a meeting was held on 17th December 1945 to ascertain the wishes of members to either resume activities or, indeed, to wind up. The unanimous decision was to resume the pre-war status and activities, as is recorded in this article from the Southern Reporter in 1946.
Thursday 4th April 1946. Edina Souters welcomed Selkirk Provost Burrell and Mrs Burrell and members of the Ex Standard Bearers Association. This was the first foregathering since before the war and the enthusiasm shown by the company of over 140 showed that the Souter spirit is strong in Edinburgh and thew environs.
Gala Souters Association representees were added to the invitation list and also, eventually, Selkirk Colonial Society guests. By 1948 the programme took the form of all the Common Riding music and songs in the order of the ceremonies and finishing with the Casting of the Colours, followed by a short dance.
1949 Dance Programme
The Dinner Dance theme became a popular addition to the “Standard Bearers Night” in the following years attracting good numbers from ELSS & Selkirk.
The Silver Jubilee Dinner Dance in March 1952 was an outstanding success with about 150 members and guests in attendance, and the Earl of Dalkeith proposed the principal toast. The Society had struck a winning formula for the Dinner Dance with 2 committee members delegated to draw up a programme for the dance.
An extract from the Minutes 1954 states that “It was agreed to have orange juice at the tables”. In 1956 the committee agreed that older members should again receive complimentary tickets for the Dinner Dance with names to be at the discretion of the committee.
By the early 1960s there were signs of a drop off in membership which was concerning. Sadly, by 1960 the Glasgow Souters had disbanded for want of support. However, the annual “Standard Bearers Night grew in popularity and in 1966 the Westfield Halls were booked for the first time. Basically the evening started with the Ex-Standard Bearers party being welcomed when the Selkirk bus arrived and the formal side of the dinner commenced. Following the meal & speeches the tables were cleared to allow the dancing to get underway. A half-time break in the dance programme allowed time for the raffle to take place. This provided the Society with useful funds to offset the large numbers of complimentary tickets issued to guests. A buffet was served at midnight and with community atmosphere at a peak the finale was the mass gathering swinging “Doon the Green” to Common Riding songs played by the Edinburgh country dance band. In many ways it resembled the Grand March at the Common Riding Ball although at greater pace and gusto.
Ex-Standard Bearers at the 1946 Dance.
The Golden Jubilee Dinner Dance in 1977 was a celebratory occasion with Councillor Stewart Robert’s being the principal guest speaker. Miss Boa and Mrs Isa Laing were founder members in attendance. Isa faithfully served the Society as Secretary and Treasurer for 22 years. By now the annual Dinner Dance was recognised as the last official event for the previous year’s Standard Bearer and the first for the possible/probable Standard Bearer elect.
Ex-Standard Bearers Dance from the 70's
The last Westfield Halls event was a Buffet Dance in March 1989 and this popular function suite closed down later that year. By 1991 the “Standard Bearers Night” was cancelled due to the lack of numbers, and the Ex-Standard Bearers took over the Dance which was held in the Royal British Legion Club, Selkirk. Despite ELSS membership declining a healthy relationship remains to this day with the Selkirk Ex-Standard Bearers Association.
