The Common Riding has a ‘best year’ every year- or so us fervent supporters say. However, this year, after such a long wait, was a rather special ‘best year’!
I have written this newsletter to share with members who were not fortunate enough to attend the 2022 Common Riding and for those members who were able to do so with a view to them enjoying the memories from the photos included.
I have covered the Common Riding events for which I have photos and a couple of stories, and have tried to keep them in chorological order.
- The Colonial Bussin’ and the Overseas Reception
- The Crying o’ the Burley
- Before the Installation of Standard Bearer Nichol, crowds gather in the market Place,
- ‘Doon the Green’ and crossing the road at the Linglie.
- At the Three Brethren
- At the Provost Breakfast
- The Toll
- The Casting
- After the Casting
The ELSS received two invites to the Provosts Breakfast and the Town Hall after the casting.
Hazel, our new ELSS member attended the Provost Breakfast with her sister (agreed with Johnnie Thomson) and Raymond and I went to the Town Hall after the casting.
I thank Victoria, Susan, Hazel, Andrew and Alan for sending photos and Brenda and Hazel for their stories/memories.
The Colonial Bussin
A wee story to start. Raymond and I left Edinburgh on Wednesday 15th June at around 2.30pm. The plan being to have a leisurely drive down to Broadmeadows House where we were staying for the Common Riding, via St Mary’s Loch and the Loch of the Lowes and Raymond could perhaps have a swim. It was lovely at the Loch of the Lowes and Raymond had a swim (no I didn’t – it would have spoiled my hair 🤣), he hasn’t been well and finds wild swimming helps. We had coffee and scones from the Glen Cafe and chatted to people who were on an outward-bound course. We left the Loch of Lowes about 5pm arriving at Broadmeadows at 5.20pm. I chatted to the lady who owns the house, whilst Raymond unpacked our luggage from the car. The lady left and it was time to start getting ready to ensure I was at the Victoria Hall at 7pm. My outfit for the Colonial Bussin’ was nowhere to be seen!? It had been left on the bed in the spare room in our home in Edinburgh. Raymond suggested I just wear something else I had with me. You can imagine the response that got! I phoned our next-door neighbour Rod – a recently retired policeman. He went into our house and got my outfit; he said if it was OK he would put it in his ruck sack and jump on his motor bike. Raymond set off to meet Rod in Peebles, which he duly did and was back to Broadmeadow’s at 6.40pm. I quickly donned the outfit and we drove through the Market Place at 7pm!!! One Common Riding story I will never forget and a neighbour whom I will always be indebted.
Colonial Bussin’
On arriving at the Victoria Hall, I met Margo, John, Arlene, Lenna and Brenda and was delighted to see Alison as Steven and I made out way into the Hall.
It was a great to see so many exiles home for the Common Riding and there was real feeling of anticipation in the Hall. It was an absolute privilege to present Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Adam Nicol with his ELSS Medallion.
David the Colonial Standard Bearers wife Kay was delighted to let us see that she was wearing David’s Dads ELSS medal from 46 years ago(see picture). You may remember that David sent Jim photos of Kays bracelet a few years ago.
Before going up to the Overseas Reception in the Lesser Vic, Steven and I took the chance of getting a photo of these lovely ELSS members before they left.
Overseas Reception
Steven and I sat with Susan and George (Dorothy Hyde, her daughter and grandson) who had returned on Monday 13th June from visiting their son Fraser, his wife Cathi and their wonderful Granddaughter Addie in New Zealand. They both said they felt jetlagged; however, the journey had been well worth it to spend time with their precious family. Despite the jetlag they looked great and were in fine form. We had a great time! Everyone was in good voice.
Cryin’ o’ the Burley
Before the Installation of the Standard Bearer, and the crowds gather in the Market Place at 7.00am. I saw Susan (Robertson) and her brother Peter in the Market Place which was nice.
The Three Betheren
Worth every step of the way – even better than last time, though it was very very windy at the Three Brethren. Pictured is our friend Kirsty a retired vet and her Mum in their element keeping the attendants’ horses happy.
Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Adam Nichol wearing his ELSS medal and sash & the Hail Smiling Morn.
The Provost Breakfast
New ELSS member Hazel Johnston at the Provost Breakfast. Great to see the Provost ‘out and aboot’.
The Toll
Brenda and Rob at the Toll. A different Common Riding for Brenda. We are so used to seeing her on horseback. She first rode the Marches in 1961 and rode every year until the mid 70’s when she moved away from the town. She didn’t ride in 1964, when sadly her Uncle Brian died the week before the CR. Brenda started riding again in 2012 for Brian’s 50th and David’s 50th in 2018. Quite a feat. I am sure you will agree Brenda should be very proud of her achievements.
The Casting of the colours
Other photos and wee stories
Raymond and I attended the event in the Town Hall after the casting. (ELSS invited - thanks to Steven) Jim Bunyan very kindly let us go out on the balcony. After a wee sherry (only me) and a shower of rain we look a bit bedraggled, but it was fun!
Hazel with her brother-in-law, Bill Black, who first played in the Selkirk Silver Band 60 years ago when he was nine.
Originally published in the CR Newsletter 2022. Written by May Stark.