Published: Friday, 30th June, 2006 12:30
Beltane, Wonderful memories of a special time
By Hannah Jefferson
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The sun still lingered behind the clouds on Saturday but Beltane Queen Sara’s smile was enough to brighten the morning.
Peebles Red letter day began with an early breakfast in the Burgh Hall for guests and visiting principles.
And Cornet Russell Copeland was making sure to savour every moment of it, admitting he didn’t want the week to end.
After the proclamation of the Beltane Fair by Morris Anderson at the Mercat Cross, Russell again thanked the crowd for making his dream come true.
He said: “you the people of Peebles have fulfilled my dream.
“A wet evening on Wednesday didn’t dampen your spirits.
“I didn’t experience the rain but if was raining it must have been raining people because I was overwhelmed by the amount of people in attendance.”
And to make sure that in years to come Russell would know that the week was not just a dream, Chairwoman Christina Elder presented him with the Beltane medal.
She said: “Russell Copeland you have been installed as cornet and today it is your pleasant duty to lead the children in the procession.
“I know it has been like a dream but this is the real thing and as a reminder I present you with the cornets medallion.”
The day was also full of fond memories for ex-Cornet Angus Oliver who stood at the Mercat Cross 25 years after his own summer carrying the burgh flag.
And he was also presented with a medallion to mark the anniversary of his cornetship.
He said: “During my year as Cornet I travelled to many towns and had the time of my life.
“I would recommend the job of cornet to anyone.
They say that time flies when you are having fun and that is true for the last 25 years.
“I have enjoyed all my years involved with the festival.
“Thank you for the memories.”
The final ceremonial took place in the Quadrangle.
After a colourful procession of floats and pipe bands around Peebles’ streets the Beltane Queen and other Principals stopped at the Quadrangle for a quieter moment at the war memorial.
Wreaths were laid by Queen Sara and Cornet Russell, as well as the Crowning Lady Maragaret Brodie and chairwoman, Christina Elder.
And with the sun almost breaking through Warden of the Cross Kirk, Tony Maude, led a minute’s silence to remember the fallen.
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Council staff all set for walk out