THE curtain has come down on the 213th Whipman Play – and for man-of-the-moment Gary, it was “over in a flash”.

And no wonder, with a jam-packed week of events keeping him e and his wife, Louise, busy from morning til night.

Reflecting on the last seven days, Gary didn’t know where to begin. “It went by so quickly, it’s hard to separate each day from the next,” hehe told the Peeblesshire News.

“It was great fun, Louise and I both thoroughly enjoyed every moment and everybody kept commenting that I couldn’t stop smiling the entire week – which was completely true.

“The ride-out was probably the highlight for me personally. I only wish I’d started horse riding sooner because I only started to learn in April, and it’s been such great fun.”

Peeblesshire News:

But horse riding wasn’t all that was going on in West Linton this week, with pillow fights and wheelbarrow races among the many highlights.

On Sunday, June 5, more than over 100 West-Lintoners swapped the saddle for a bike seat and set off from the health centre up to Deepsyke, and back again for a the six-and-a-half hour cycle ride, and; on the lower green, cat-walk ready canines came out for the dog show.

Meanwhile, 12 teams competed in the Whipman 5s Football Tournament where The Ship, captained by Adam Cursiter, retained their title from last year.

Around 100 boys then turned out for more footy on Monday, with Gregor MacGregor, Ross Wolfenden, Tom Weir, Patrick Cannon, Euan Cackett and Ethan Combe taking home the trophy.

And, Girls on Fire won the netball by 17-6.

Scooters, bogie races, and pillow fights followed, the rest of the week with 2015 Whipman Ryan retaining his scooter race title – narrowly beating former champion Calum Murray, with a photo finish ending.

After the junior rugby, the crowds were treated to comedy shows, organised by Over the Lyne Comedy Club.

Over 130 People flocked to enjoy the five professional comedians and more than over £800 was raised for the Margaret Kerr Unit and other cancer charities, in memory of Ian Morrison. 

Peeblesshire News:

The Ex-Whipman’s Dance on Friday was once again sold out, with 300 tickets bought.

2015’s Whipman Ryan Stewart and Lass Rebecca Murison were presented with the Whipman’s tie and Ex-Whipman’s Lass badge - both will now have their names cemented in history after officially joining the ranks of Ex’s. 

On Saturday, June 11, the final day of the Whipman fell upon the village. West Linton & District Pipe Band with Whipman Gary, his Right and Left Hand Supporters, the Barony Herald, Presenting Lady and Flower Girl, led the procession of Ex-Whipmen and Lasses from School Brae to the War Memorial, where Gary placed a wreath in remembrance of those that have fallen in battle. 

Afterwards, Gary and Louise opened sports day, where Abigail McAllister won The Bond Trophy for the Best Overall Athlete in the Games - see website link for all the week's winners!

http://www.peeblesshirenews.com/news/14563884.Whipman___the_week_s_winners/

Gary is now looking forward to supporting the other principals throughout the summer.

He added: “The end has come with mixed emotions, I’m quite sad that it’s over, but I’m also ready for a rest! The support we’ve had from the other principals has been incredible and Louise and I are looking forward to returning the favour at their festivals.

"It’ll be nice to relax and know all eyes aren’t on you as well.”