Lauder Common Riding gets underway

Ally McGilvray • Published 2 Aug 2010 13:27 0 Comments

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LAUDER Cornet Fraser Middlemiss revealed he was extremely proud to follow in his father's footsteps having been elected Cornet and Standard Bearer for 2010.

The 21-year-old joiner is the eighth member of his family to be lead the festivities, which celebrate the history of the Burgh and culminates with the Riding of the Marches on Common Riding Day on Saturday, August 7.

He will be supported by his girlfriend, 18-year-old teaching student Jan Baird from Melrose, who has been appointed Cornet's Lass.

Speaking in this year's Lauder Common Riding programme, Fraser said: It has been my ambition for quite some time and I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of my papa Jim in 1954 and my dad Ian in 1979.

"I am the eighth member of my family to hold this privileged position and can't wait to carry the Burgh Standard round the marches on Common Riding morning.

"It has been an honour to visit other Border towns as Lauder Cornet and I have made friendships which I am sure will continue for many years."

This year Sandy Turnbull celebrates his Golden Jubilee, and Elliot Landells celebrates his Silver Jubilee, following their appointments as Cornet in 1960 and 1985, respectively.

However, Lauder Common Riding Committee Secretary Elaine Brotherstone revealed preparations were already underway for next year - which marks its centenary.

And she revealed several commemorative events are planned to mark the anniversary.

Elaine said: "One of the things we plan to do is replace our present flag which has been in service since the 1980s. Since 1911 there have only been three flags including the one we use today.

"Our Common Riding is an ancient tradition whose origins are lost in the mists of time. We know that the riding of the marches was discontinued for about 70 years in the 1800s. However, in 1911 it was resurrected when Hamilton P. Webster carried a Union Jack round the boundaries.

"The following year a flag was presented to the Common Riding by the people of Lauder. Our new flag will be partly funded by the prize money won by the members of our Committee who, much to their amazement, won the quiz held at the opening of the refurbished public hall. Our thanks to the Lauder Forum for the generous prize money. Enjoy your week."

The Common Riding Week Timetable is as follows - Saturday, July 31: Superstars, Lauder Bowling Club at 4pm.

Sunday, August 1: Kirkin 'o' the Cornet Service, Lauder Parish Church at 11.30am; Committee and Ex-Cornets meet in the Town Hall at 11.15am; Children's Sports and Family Fun Day and Superstars in the Public Park from 2.30pm.

Monday, August 2: Apprentice Ride (aged 6-12 years), leaving from the Castleriggs at 10am; Ex-Cornets Dinner, at the Lauderdale Hotel, 7 for 7.30pm.

Tuesday, August 3: Superstars at the Public Park at 6pm; Exiles Reunion in the Black Bull Hotel at 8pm.

Wednesday, August 4: Fancy Dress Parade, led by Stow Pipe Band at 8pm (Entrants on foot should assemble in The Avenue. Vehicles assemble in Market Place. Judging commences for children at 6.15pm and for adults at 6.35pm); Common Riding Committee Fancy Dress Disco Dance in the Lauderdale Hotel, 10pm to 1am. Admission, for strictly over 18s, is £5.

Thursday, August 5: Children's Show, organised by Lauder Play Club, in the Public Hall at 2pm; Preliminary Ride Out led by the Cornet, leaving The Avenue at 6.15pm.

Friday, August 6: 'Nicht afore the Morn' Concert in the Public Hall at 7.30pm. The Cornet will be presented with the Cornet's Cup. Admission adults £2, OAP and children £1.

Saturday, August 7 (Common Riding Day): Cornet's March, led by Selkirk Silver Band, from the Lauderdale Hotel to the Town Hall, at 7am. Riders assemble behind the Town Hall at 7.30am.

Presentation of The Burgh Standard to the Cornet at 8am. The Cornet will then lead the cavalcade round the Burgh.

Riders arrive at the Waterin' Stane at 9.40am. Riders arrive at the War Memorial at 11.15am. Concluding Ceremony at the Town Hall at 11.40am.

Free in the Park: 2pm to 5.30pm.

Selkirk Silver Band to play a concert in the Public Hall from 2pm to 4pm.

Common Riding Committee Disco/Dance in the Public Hall from 9pm to 1am. Admission, for strictly over 18s, £5.

Common Riding Ball in the Lauderdale Hotel Marquee at 8pm. Admission by ticket only.

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