David Oliver: Michael Aitken - Hawick's Official Song Singer

President Sandy Bannerman welcomed Club members, together with three members of the Kelso Rotary Club and speaker Michael Aitken, Hawick's Official Song Singer to last week's meeting. Michael gave a most interesting talk on his important role at the Common Ridings. He started singing in the showers after a game of rugby for Hawick Harlequins in Germany many years ago, and was persuaded thereafter by his team mates to sing at Club functions.After being asked to sing at many Concerts, smokers and socials, word reached the ears of the Common Riding Committee when they were looking for someone to succeed Henry Douglas as the Song Singer, and Michael happily accepted their invitation. He paid great tribute to the lessons he learned from the late Addie Ingles, a very special pianist and coach, who taught Michael so much (the only singing lessons he has ever had).Michael enumerated the  occasions when he had to sing at official functions, and it perhaps surprised members to learn about those many official functions to which he was not invited, but still attended and sang if requested !

One of the Singer's most arduous duties is to preside at the "Snuffing", which sounds a fairly physical affair, and one where his "minders" have to play a major part ! The President accorded Michael a very hearty vote of thanks which was warmly supported by all present.