Peeblesshire News | News | An Unforgettable Day

Thursday, 21st August, 2008

Published: Monday, 23rd June, 2008 12:00

An Unforgettable Day

By David O'Leary

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In most parts of Biggar, streets were deserted and houses empty as the

town came out in droves to witness the coronation of their Queen last Saturday.

Just like the weather Sophie Woodside shone in front of the large and enthusiastic crowd who turned out to witness her crowning moment.

Unlike the much-feted Mary Fleming who was Queen of Scotland for only a day in 1563, 12-year –old Sophie will now reign over this border land for a year in full.

Streets, houses and shopfronts alike were festooned in the colours, green and blue, and an air of excitement rippled through the sizeable crowd gathered outside the Municipal hall as they waited for the proceedings to begin.

First to be presented onto the platform were Yeomen Ryan Anderson and Adam Gibb, followed by the Heralds Robin Roser and Colin Chapman.

Then Archers Stuart Manock and Lewis King, Crown Bearer Adam Stott, Sceptre Bearer, Ewan Waddell and Sword Bearer, Sam Dowie took their place in the court.

Cornet-Elect Alan Watson was next to arrive with his wrist in plaster and he escorted the Queen’s proud parents, Mike and Julie.

Alan was not the only member of the court sporting plaster on an arm injury, he was joined by one of the Maids of Honour with her arm in a very colourful plaster and the former Queen Niamh Stewart with a broken arm after a hurdling accident.

Broken bones or not, the coronation continued and Cornet Gordon Hamilton was next to arrive escorting Crowning Lady Jean Paul to the platform and then accompanying former Queen Niamh up the steps.

The First Lord, Aird Jardine, then escorted the Queen Sophie to her throne and Pages, Matthew McCallum and Lyle Godfrey took their places.

The First Lord next went down the steps to meet the Maids of Honour, Kayley Gray and Jenny Leech, and then the Champion, Robbie Paterson, and the Archers greeted the Ladies-In-Waiting, Shona Campbell, Emma Mackie, Jenny Bruce and Claire Logan.

The story of Mary Fleming was then told before this year’s Crown Bearer, Tom Robertson took the crown to the Crowning Lady Jean Paul and placed a cushion in front of Queen Sophie.

Necks were craned and tippy-toes stood on as the moment everyone had waited for arrived. Mrs Paul crowned Sophie Woodside as Fleming Queen 2008 and the crowd roared their approval.

The singing of the Festival Queen song followed and the Maids of Honour returned bouquets of flowers to the Queen.

The First Lord, Aird Jardine read the proclamation, before Glove Race winner Simon Rew stepped up to receive his prize for the second year running.

Glove Race winner Simon Rew, who has also completed the London Marathon, told the Peeblesshire News how the Crine Hill really tested him this year. He said: “It’s a tough race up that hill because it’s so steep and then you’re almost plummeting down the other side. I’m really glad to have won it for the second year on the trot.

“Last year I had no idea about the first local home winning the glove, it came as a real surprise. It’s a great pleasure to be included in the festivities.”

The Principals and the Gala Court next stepped down from the platform to join the parade through the streets of the town. The parade stopped at the War Memorial to remember the Fallen, and Queen Sophie laid a wreath.

Afterwards she said: “It’s been a fantastic day and I’m delighted to be Fleming Queen. I was a maid of honour in 2001 and hoped then that one day I would be Queen. It came as a real surprise when I found out.

“My favourite part of the day has been riding in the carriage for the parade. It was brilliant.”

This said carriage was ably driven by Lorraine McIndoe and pulled by Danny the horse, who is no stranger to the Queen’s parade, having also lended his muscle two years ago. Lorraine said: “He really loves it, especially the bands and the music. Although he’s not a fan of samba music though.”

Cornet Gordon Hamilton also took time out from his busy schedule to highlight what a wonderful day it had been. He said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant, the sun has shone for the Queen and everything has gone well. I’ve enjoyed my part in the festivities and I’m very proud to have the privilege to conduct them as Cornet.”

“The people of Biggar have really made this a great day and I’m proud to represent them at other festivities throughout the Borders.”

Crowning Lady Jean Paul, who ran a local greengrocer’s with her husband William wished also to convey her thanks. She said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to be the Crowning Lady. It’s been a wonderful day and week, and especially great to be around the children because it’s a fantastic occasion for them.”

One person who knows only too well what a fantastic occasion it is for children is the Fleming Queen of 1983, Laura Allan or Laura Gibson, as she was known back then. She said: “Nothing much has changed since I was Queen and it’s nice to see the tradition being kept alive. I’ve been asked back this year to judge the fancy dress and to be honest it’s nerve-wracking as all the children have put so much effort in and so many deserve to win.

“I’ve lots of happy memories of my time as Queen and I feel honoured to be asked to take part.”

As the 101st Gala Week came to a close, many more fond memories were forged by those who participated in and witnessed the long-standing festivities. Queen Sophie, Cornet Gordon and all the other principals will long remember this sunny day and hopefully in time, Danny the horse may forget his annoyance with samba music.

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