The first of a series of extracts from Betty Little’s classic book about Langholm’s Great Day
Introduction by daughter Alison Aston
Langholm Common Riding has always held a special place in my heart – and when the-then E&L editor, Joy Chatters, suggested to my mother Betty that she write a book about the Common Riding, I was delighted to help her in any way I could.
Mam was a former owner and editor of the E&L, having taken over from my father, Alan, when he died in 1984, and she was doubtful if she was capable of tackling such a mammoth task. But she accepted the challenge and began “at the beginning”.
From Dawn to Dusk is a highly personal and vivid narrative which Mam dedicated to the memory of her husband, and to her children and grandchildren with the hope that succeeding generations would long continue to uphold the ancient traditions of Langholm Common Riding.
In memory of Betty Little, the E&L Advertiser are proud to serialise extracts from her book up to the 2022 Common Riding.