Peeblesshire News | News | Beltane Saturday 'I don't think I could forget any of it.'

Thursday, 28th August, 2008

Published: Friday, 30th June, 2006 12:29

Beltane Saturday 'I don't think I could forget any of it.'

By Hannah Jefferson

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SITTING on top of the Peebles parish steps with a sea of faces looking at you could be a nerve-racking experience.

But at the crowning ceremony on Saturday smiling Beltane Queen Sara was too excited to be nervous.

She told the Peeblesshire News: “I thought I might be nervous but the excitement just took over.

“Being crowned was amazing. It was even better than I had expected.

“Seeing everyone smiling in front of me was fantastic.”

The week was one that 12-year-old Sara Al Kashmim will never forget.

But just in case, she has written everything down in her diary.

She said: “There was nothing about the week I didn’t enjoy.

“they say time goes quickly when you are having fun and that was certainly true for Beltane.

“I don’t think I could forget any of it but I have written it all in my diary and it will be nice to keep.”

The beaming Beltane Queen arrived at the West-end of the High Street, following a host of the usual fancy-dress characters from Penguins to pirates who lined the Parish Steps.

Helped down from her horse-drawn landau she mounted the stairway with a gallant first courtier, Craig Howie from Kingsland Primary.

And taking the thrown Sara’s chief maid of honour, Celena Macleod took her bouquet while second maid Emma Swanston removed the ring of flowers from her hair.

Finally with a hush from the crowd Crowning lady Margaret Brodie took the crown from bearer Cameron Jardine and completed the ceremony placing it on Sara’s head.

The moment was one that Margaret Brodie will also never forget.

She later told the Peeblesshire News: “The experience is hard to describe.

“The whole week was amazing. Sara was beautiful and I feel very honoured to have crowned her.

“The rest of the court were super as well, I enjoyed every minute of it and have lots of happy memories.”

The crowning was followed by the proclamation, impressively delivered by First Herald, Jamie Noyes

And a handsome Queen’s Highlander led the crowd in a round of cheers.

But Sara was not only congratulated by the mass of on-lookers - she was also sent greeting from across the globe.

Telegram girl Catherine Dickson delivered the messages from around the world including Australia and France and second Courtier Robbie Leeson read them to the gathered crowd.

The newly crowned Beltane Queen then boarded her landau again for a procession around the town led by Cornet Russell Copeland and his supporters.

And Sara was not the only queen in the family this Beltane - little sister Hannah joined the procession dressed as Queen of Hearts.

Cornets children Ailidh and Lewis were also not far behind their mum and dad, Ailidh waved to the crowds, on board her float as an Irish girl.

Despite the lack of “flaming skies of June” the streets were packed with Peebleans and amazed visitors all eager to hail this year’s “bright and beauteous maid”.

Sara later added: “It was a big honour and I would like to thank everyone for their support.

“Everyone has been really generous. My head teacher Mrs Smith has been a great support and the Cornet and his Lass have made Beltane a really happy time.”

Now the week has finally finished Sara is glad there are a few more Beltane Queen dates in the diary and is already looking forward to switching on the Christmas lights.

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