Diamond day for Melrosian
Published 21 Jun 2011 09:30
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The Melrosian is pictured crossing the old Leaderfoot Bridge during the rideout on Monday.
MELROSE Festival celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
And the Programme of Events we now enjoy enjoy is far removed from that celebrated in 1936.
For example there was no Festival Queen until 1937, no Melrosian until 1938, no Rideout until 1966 and the highly popular Community Cycle Ride was not started until 2001.
However, the objectives underlying the Festival, principally to foster and maintain a strong sense of community within Melrose and District, remain the same.
Melrosian Ruaridh Nairn will lead this year's festivities which run from June 19 to 25.
The former Earlston High School pupil, who is currently studying environmental biology at Stirling University, will be supported by his Right-Hand Man Scott Marjoribanks and Left-Hand Man Clark Eaton-Turner.
They will be joined by the Melrose Festival Queen Kirsty Davidson and her court - Queen's Attendants: Thea Whincop and Bethany Hamilton; Courtiers: Jack Stewart and Patrick Heger; Heralds: Finlay Wilson and Gregor Carruthers; and Train Bearers: Orla Lynch and Freya Tullis.
The programme for the Melrose Festival 2011 reads as follows - Sunday, June 19: Wreath Laying at War Memorial, 10.45am; Kirkin' of the Melrosian and Inauguration of the 2011 Festival in Melrose Parish Church, 11am; Football Fives and BBQ at Gibson Park, 1pm. Entry forms for the Football Fives, which is open to all age groups from primary one to adults, are available by calling 01896 820207 or 07780336858.
Monday, June 20: Melrosians Rideout, leaves Greenyards 6pm. Judging of the Best Turned Out Rider takes place at 5.30pm. Concluding Ceremonies in Market Square at 9.30pm.
Tuesday, June 21: Fancy Dress Parade in Gibson Park, assemble at 6.15pm. The prize for the winning float, donated by the Ex-Melrosians Association, is £100. A disco for participants will follow in the Melrose Rugby Club clubrooms after the parade at 9pm.
Wednesday, June 22: Cycle Ride, assemble in Gibson Park at 6pm. Finish and rally at Gibson Park for refreshments at 8pm.
Thursday, June 23: Installation of Melrosian and Crowning of Festival Queen in Melrose Abbey (or in Melrose Parish Church if wet), at 7pm.
Friday, June 24: Visits by Melrosian and Supporters to Borders General Hospital, 10am; Melrose Grammar School, 1.30pm; and St Mary's, 2pm. The Melrosian visits homes, nurseries, schools and hospitals throughout the festival week. Festival Ball at Annay Road Rugby Ground, 7.30pm for dinner at 8pm prompt. Dress code is Black Tie or Long Evening Dress. Ticket enquiries: 01896 823956 or 07810384660.
Saturday, June 25: Tour of Ceremonies - Start in Market Square, 9am; Visit Newstead, 9.15am; Visit Trimontium, 9.45am; Visit Gattonside, 10am; Visit Abbotsford, 10.45am; Visit Darnick Tower, 11.15am; Arrive Melrose Abbey, 12noon. The Sports follow in Gibson Park at 2.30pm with the Eildon Hill race at 3pm.
Programme of Pipe Band music in Market Square, 7pm; and Melrose Festival Dinner in George and Abbotsford Hotel, 7.45pm. Tickets £20. All welcome.
Sunday, June 26: Melrose Cricket Club's Festival Sixes at Huntlyburn, 11am.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 21 Jun 11
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