Peeblesshire News | News | St Ronan's Games Festival 2006

Published: Friday, 21st July, 2006 11:19

St Ronan's Games Festival 2006

By David Knox

AS festivals and common ridings go, Innerleithen may not boast the biggest.

But it puts up a good argument for being the best – and certainly the friendliest.

While other towns rely on past monarchs and battles for inspiration and tradition – the good folk of the Leithen Valley turn to the eternal feud between Good and Evil.

And going by the festivities witnessed last week, Good has still got the upper hand.

The Devil wandered down Leithen way almost 1300 years ago – and met a gruesome end at the hands and crozier of St Ronan.

And if he were to retrace his footsteps today, he would have to face the might of this year’s Standard Bearer, James Doherty.

With his pretty lass, Beth Campbell, on his arm, the proud son of Innerleithen would surely send him on his way again.

For 10-days the town of Innerleithen united behind both James and Beth. As Standard Bearer Elect, the 28-year-old chemicals supervisor was exemplary and good-humoured at event after event in the lead up to his installation on Friday evening.

And his Lass was never far away with her own smile and welcome.

From the grandeur of the Standard Bearer’s Ball, and the competition of the treasure hunt, to the Senior Citizens’ Social and the Fancy Dress Parade, James and Beth were radiant.

But despite all the fun and excitement, St Ronan’s Border Games Week is probably best known for its traditional Cleikum Ceremonies.

A packed Memorial Hall, which included visitors from as far afield as Australia, Canada and the United States, welcomed the protagonists – protagonists who will never forget Friday, July 14, 2006.

This year’s monks – Jonathan Lea, Jakob Stewart, Benjamin Hindley, Thomas Gillett, Rob Lea, David Campbell, Henry Pullan, Douglas Couchman, Lewis Phaup and Ian Smith - were welcomed by the gathering.

The Lantern Bearer – Stuart Brown – led the way.

And St Ronan himself – this year’s Dux Boy Jamie Boyd – was installed as the Patron Saint of the town.

The colourful Christian investiture continued with the installation of Dux Girl, Eilidh Hughes, and Sash Girls – Karis Davidson, Bethany Thomson, Carrie Thomson, Ellen Boyd, Rachael Cov, Danielle Tolmie, Melissa Spriggs, Hope Johnston, Kayleigh Gibb and Fiona McLuggage.

And the youngsters, as well as the rest of the hall, are reminded how lucky they all are, by guest speaker Jack Waldie, to live in Innerleithen.

The retired electrician, and life member of the Games Committee, said: “I think it is time we all gave ourselves a wee pat on the back – without being complacent at the same time.

“This town has seen the disappearance of its basic industries over the past twenty or so years, and everyone was predicting doom and gloom. They were asking how can we survive, but survive we have. We have a thriving community.

“St Ronan’s reminds us of the great legend, and the reason this unique ceremony is so successful is because of its Christian theme.”

And from the religious rituals of yesteryear by honouring the town’s Patron Saint, the Cleikum Ceremony quickly arrived at the present – and to this year’s Standard Bearer James Doherty and his Lass Beth Campbell.

It was a tearful Paul Graham who returned the town’s flag, untarnished and unsullied, his year in office over.

But the wait for James Doherty was finally over. Charged to guard the standard and retain the trust of his town’s people, the Standard Bearer, flag in hand, stood proud above the packed audience.

Following his evening’s duties, James, who was a monk four times during his primary school years, told the Peeblesshire News: “You just never know how you are going to feel until it finally happens, and it was special.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of this week, but the Cleikum Ceremonies was something else – it has to be the highlight. Being the Standard Bearer is a great honour.

“When you get asked to do something like this there’s no way you can refuse – I’m honoured.”

On St Ronan’s, join the chorus

Think of brave men gone before us

While the banner’s waving o’re us

On, St Ronan’s, on!

From the confines of the Memorial Hall, the town and all their guests slowly marched to the War Memorial.

For good to prevail over evil – sacrifices are often made. And soldiers who fell on far off battlefields are remembered as the stirring lament, Flo’ers o’ the Forest, echoed up the Leithen Vale.

Heads were bowed and prayers softly spoken.

As the sun set over Caerlee Hill, the young remembered the names on the memorial as the old remembered the faces.

Sons from far, with joy we meet you,

Old time friends will kindly treat you,

Border maidens fair will greet you,

On, St Ronan’s, On!

One of the most unique and pleasing aspects of the Games Week is its encompassing appeal for both locals and visitors alike. No one is left out. The young, the old, the strong, the weak, the familiar and the stranger all have their parts to play.

And this incorporating approach was illustrated by the committee chairman Keith Bellville. He wrote in the official programme: “Please do take time this year to consider anyone who you think might not be attending a Games Week event – and elderly neighbour or someone new to the town.

“Why not chap their door and let them know what’s going on. You could even offer to take them along with you. After all, The Games are for everyone.”

And it seemed as though everyone had taken up his invitation at Saturday morning’s Flower Parade. Several hundred children armed with colourful blooms followed the principals round the narrow streets of their ancient town.

Crowds five deep lined the path, waving and clicking away with their cameras.

And high above was a beautiful blue sky with a glowing sun smiling down on the good folk of Innerleithen.

The bands – St Ronan’s Silver, Innerleithen Pipe, Peebles Silver and Penicuik Pipe – filled the air with a cacophony of tradition.

Laughter spilled over from the imaginative floats that followed. Robin Hood crept up behind the cast of Mary Poppins down Miller Street. The Smurfs kept their distance behind Thomas the Tank Engine, and Queen on Tour rocked the Strand, while the Little House on the Prairie brought up the rear. St Ronan’s Border Games evolves each year, becoming more colourful while not neglecting the traditions on which it is ultimately based.

We have rights and we’ll preserve them

Honest men have naught to fear

Customs old and we’ll observe them

Each returning year

When those great men, among them the Ettrick Shepherd James Hogg and Sir Walter Scott, came up with the idea for organising the St Ronan’s Border Games not even their novelistic minds could have envisaged the popularity and guise it would have 179 years on.

But popular they are. Huge crowds watched fiercely competitive athletics on the sun-baked Victoria Park. The brave tackled Lee Pen, the fast sprinted for glory, and the young ran their hearts out.

For the freedom bought so dearly

For the land we love sincerely

At the Games we’ll gather yearly

On, St Ronan’s, On!

While the athletes sweated for prizes, the afternoon gave the principals a chance to take a break and reflect.

Standard Bearer’s Lass Beth Campbell told us: “Since everything started last Thursday it has been brilliant. I have sincerely enjoyed everything we have been invited to.

“The most nerve-racking part for me was doing the Reel at the Standard Bearer’s Ball. I shouldn’t have worried as it went really well.

“My family has always been involved in the Games Week – I was a sash girl and both of my brothers have been monks – so it was a great thrill when James asked me to be his Lass.

“The whole week has been every bit as good as I thought it would be.”

And the Dux Boy, Jamie Boyd, and Dux Girl, Eilidh Hughes, were also full of the spirit of St Ronan’s.

Eilidh, who had missed out on being a sash girl four years ago because of a family holiday, was delighted to finally get her day. The 12-year-old said: “I was a bit disappointed when we had to go on holiday, but this has made up for it.

“I’ve always wanted to be the Dux Girl – it is a dream come true.

“We have had lots to do, and I was a bit nervous at the Cleikum Ceremonies, but I think we did quite good.”

They didn’t do quite good – they did really good.

Jamie, who was a monk four years ago, said: “It was a real shock when they read my name out at school for to be the Dux Boy. I’ve been really excited ever since.

“The Cleikum Ceremonies were really enjoyable. There is a bit of pressure to do everything right, and everyone said that we were fine.

“It’s been great fun – I just wish I could be the Dux Boy every year.”

Hail the legend, tell the story,

Braver arms were never borne;

Leithen shrines St Ronan’s glory,

For he saw the devil shorn.

And to the finale.

Through the darkened streets they proceed, led only by torchlight, with St Ronan himself at the head. The effigy of the Devil carried high above their heads – to the fire he will go.

And burn him they do, on the top of Caerlee Hill. Flames rip into the warm night sky, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

As the last embers slowly lose their glow, St Ronanites new and old, can feel assured that they will be safe from the De’il for another year.

And they can take pride in themselves, their Standard Bearer and his Lass, their hardworking Games Committee, their monks and lantern bearer, their sash girls, their principal guest, their Lady Busser, and the friendliest festival in the Borders.

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