Hawick Night

 

The official /ceremonial Common Riding may not start until 6pm on Thursday 5th June,but Rotarians and their wives and guests were treated last Thursday evening to a fascinating account of how the principals are so deeply involved in the preparation for,and participation in,the best weekend of the year.Instead of the usual mix of Hawick songs and poetry,the Rotary Hawick Night took the form of a question and answer forum with Mr .Hawick,Ian Landles,acting as questionmaster, and eliciting their thoughts and memories from Gordon Jackson,ex-Acting Father,Gail Nuttall,ex-Cornet's Lass,John Hope,ex-Cornet,ex-Acting Father and Master of Ceremonies and Ronnie Nichol,a member of the Drums and Fifes Band for well over 25 years,(9 members of the Band have served for that period--a job for life!)

Gordon Jackson told how his wife had given him riding lessons when he was 37 years old,and he got his Mosstroopers Badge that year and has been an avid follower ever since,his obvious highlight being asked to be Acting Father. As a Paramedic, Gordon usually brings up the rear of the cavalcade carrying his" medical bag". Gail told us that in the days before her official duties,there was snow on the ground,but the "Big Weekend" after she had overcome her nerves at the magnificent ceremony at the Colour Bussing,was blessed by perfect weather.John remembered his early horse riding experiences and how he progressed from helping to round up sheep on a pony,to proudly leading the most magnificent following of horsemen and carrying the Banner Blue-which means so much to all true Teries.Ronnie Nichol suggested that,if you think that the Band only has one or two tunes in their repertoire,you should stand in a different place each year as they pass,for tradition means they play each tune at certain times and places as they march through the town,and he gave us a fine rendition of many of their well known airs.

President Scott Elliot extended a warm vote of thanks on behalf of all present,including ex-cornet's Lass Joyce Wilson(nee Robson),Lass to Cornet Drew Martin,who was visiting the club and is now a Rotarian in Workington.The highly enjoyable evening ended with the traditional rendition of "Teribus."