Retired telephonist answers the call to become President of the Braw Lads' Gathering
Ally McGilvray • Published 23 Jan 2012 09:30
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David Houston, chairman of the Braw Lads' Gathering Executive Committee, congratulates Andrew Johnston on his appointment.
HE had just announced his retirement when, he said, he was offered a job he could not refuse.
Andrew Johnston has been appointed President of the Braw Lads' Gathering in Galashiels - the biggest event in the town's social calendar.
He first joined the Gathering when his eldest son Douglas and youngest son Colin were made Principals in 1990 and 1992, respectively. And then went on to serve on the Braw Lads' Gathering Executive Committee, which he chaired in 1996 and 1997, for almost 20 years.
However, the 67-year-old, who worked as a senior telephonist with the local health board for 41 years, announced his retirement from the Gathering at its AGM in October last year, having served on every committee, before he answered a call to become the event's figurehead, for the next three years.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph this week, Andrew, who is also involved with the Borders Common Ridings and Festivals Association, said: "I am really looking forward to it.
"I was greatly honoured to be offered the role - it's not the kind of job you can apply for, you have to be invited, it's a gift from the people of Galashiels." But he added: "It's a thing you can't turn down."
The Braw Lads' Gathering is an annual festival which celebrates the history of Galashiels and culminates with a week long series of events beginning in the last week of June. And Andrew admitted this year's event will take on added significance.
He becomes the festival's 13th President, who traditionally hold a three-year term in office, but he insisted he was not superstitious.
Andrew said: "It will be a privilege to carry out my duties over the next three years. The Braw Lads' Gathering is special because it brings the town together and in these days of gloom and doom that is important." But he added: "I'm not superstitious so being the 13th President doesn't bother me."
Andrew revealed the town's Gala Day remained his highlight of the Braw Lads' Gathering. However, his first official duty will be to announce the 2012 Braw Lad and Lass from the balcony of the Burgh Chambers in April.
Andrew said: "I first got involved in the Gathering in 1990 when my eldest son Douglas was a Principal. In 1992, my youngest son, Colin, was a Principal again. And after that year I thought this is great, I really want to be involved and put something back into it so I joined the Braw Lads' Executive when Colin was finishing his year in office and I've been there ever since.
"I've served on every committee and this year I decided I had paid my dues and was retiring from committee - although I was still prepared to help out with the school sports for example."
But he added: "The President is like a ceremonial post. The Gala Day is the highlight for me and that is what I am looking forward to this year."
David Houston, chairman of the Braw Lads' Gathering Executive Committee, congratulated Andrew on his appointment this week. He revealed the success of the festival would not be possible without the hard work of all the volunteers behind the scenes - and the huge public support.
David said: "The Braw Lads' Gathering has grown from strength to strength in recent times - we've just had some fantastic years and some great principals.
"The support from the public has been phenomenal, and the weather has helped in the last couple of years." And he added: "Hopefully that will continue for a long time to come."
Applications are now sought from gentlemen and ladies wishing to be considered for the position of Braw Lad and Braw Lass at the 2012 Braw Lads' Gathering. For more information contact Hazel Newlands, Clerk to the Gathering, by calling 01896 750669 or write to Miss Hazel Newlands, 123 Scott Street, Galashiels.
The deadline for applications for this year's posts is Tuesday, January 31.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 23 Jan 12
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Apr 13, 19:52
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