By Nick Brownlee
Three stalwarts of Langholm Common Riding say they’ll be stepping down next year after nearly 50 years of service between them.
Chairman Roger Maxwell, vice-chairman Tommy Morrison, and treasurer John Elliot have announced they are to retire in March 2023, leaving the way open for new blood at the top of the organisation.
Roger and Tommy have held their positions for 20 years, while John took up his post eight years ago.
“I originally announced my intention to step down back in February 2020 – the idea being that I would serve another year and retire in March 2021,” Roger explained.
‘But then Covid came along and I didn’t feel it would be right to leave, so I said I’d do another couple of years to give the board time to appoint a successor. It so happens that both Tommy and John decided it would be a good time for them to step down as well.
“It’ll be a wrench, to be sure – but I’ve been chairman for 20 years and it’s 40 years since I was cornet, so I’ve had a pretty good innings.”
Roger says his biggest achievement while in post was persuading John to take up the role of treasurer.
“He’s made a tremendous difference to the finances, and we’re in a really good place at the moment. There are lots of young members who are keen to be involved, so I have no fears for the future.
“I’d like to think that our contribution has been to uphold the traditions of the Common Riding, and help to instil some civic pride in the town over the years,” Roger added.