WINNING FORMULA
Last updated 11:15, Thursday, 31 July 2008
A PERFECT day and an absolutely fantastic Cornet – that was the winning formula for another historic Common Riding day in Langholm.
There was not a cloud in the sky as the procession, led by Cornet Simon Richardson and his right and left-hand men Andrew Johnstone and Kevan Grieve, made its way in time-honoured fashion around the streets and up the Kirk Wynd at a gallop to Castle Craigs and on to the monument before returning to the town via Whita Well and Mount Hooley.
In welcoming everyone to the Market Place, officiating magistrate David Stevenson said the Common Riding was important not only for the people of Langholm but Langholmites everywhere, especially exiles who had made their way home to be with families and friends.
He said: “For those unable to make the journey we can be sure their thoughts will be here in this historic Market Place of ours. This is a day of emotion, of rekindled friendship, of family reunions – but above all a day of celebration and the occasional tear.”
He congratulated jubilee Cornet Billy Bell as well as semi-jubilee Cornet Colin Irving who was riding that day and he was sure that when Colin was invited to carry the flag, the memories would come flooding back.
Turning to Simon, he congratulated him on fulfilling his ambition to be elected Cornet, the highest honour Langholm could bestow on him. He was sure Simon would perform his duties to the highest standard.
He entrusted him with the burgh flag and charged him to carry it aloft with honour and dignity so it could be seen by all. After completing his duties that night, he was to return it unstained and unsullied.
Led by the barley banna and the town band, the parade of horses made its way to Buccleuch Square before heading for Townfoot and back to the Market Place where Rae Elliot cried the first fair.
The Kirk Wynd, already packed with hundreds of onlookers, filled up with even more until there was barely room for the 150 plus horses, led by the Cornet, to gallop up the hill.
While the riders made their way to the Castle Craigs from where semi-jubilee Cornet Colin Irving took the flag on to the monument and Whita Well, the crown and thistle, along with the pipe band, town band and the children with their heather besoms assembled in the increasing heat of the day at Mount Hooley to meet the riders returning from the hill.
The procession then rode again to Townhead, on to Townfoot and back to the Market Place where the second fair was cried.
To the Kilngreen they proceeded via the Kirk Wynd, Drove Road and Bar Brae where another huge crowd had gathered on the banks of the Ewes Water to watch the Cornet cross the river to the Castleholm.
The Cornet made a fine sight on his galloping horse, flag flying in the cooling breeze, as he led the Cornet’s Chase, with his right and left-hand men in hot pursuit.
As the temperature rose, the athletes, both human and equine, took to the sports track and entertained the spectators, who found shade where they could.
By the time the principals, led by the town band, arrived at the Castleholm for the dance, the air was fresher and cooler and everyone enjoyed the music and the dancing until it was time to move off for the final procession back along the High Street for the handing in of the flag.
As has become customary, the road was packed from end to end as people craned to watch the Cornet hand back the flag to Mr Stevenson. He praised Langholm’s good fortune with the weather but most especially its good fortune in having such a fantastic Cornet.
