FOR Peebleans, the Beltane wouldn’t be Beltane without the grand vision of a member from the Sterricks family riding the 18th century penny-farthing through the streets at the Fancy Dress and Red Letter Day.

But the time-honoured tradition was threatened following a serious road accident involving its current owner Jim Sterricks, who is recovering in hospital.

Three generations of the Sterricks clan have pedalled the Beltane farthing, and this year would have seen Jim mount the first-ever bicycle to celebrate his 25th year in the role.

It wasn’t a fall from the dangerous high wheeler that halted Jim from enjoying this milestone moment, he had fully mastered the vintage-style bike. But, sadly, Jim ended up in hospital after coming off his motorcycle recently.

In 2013, the Beltane wavered from tradition during the Crowning Ceremony on Red Letter Day, allowing Jim to ride past and salute his niece Rhianna who had just been crowned Queen.

With Jim ruled out of this year’s festivities, the family have vowed not to break with tradition, and the next generation of Sterrick’s will climb the giant penny-farthing tonight (Friday).

And in keeping with the celebrations of 100 years of women achieving the right to vote, tonight will see the first female member of the Sterrick’s family ride the penny-farthing.

Rebecca Sterricks (20), will be joined by brothers, Robert (19) and Rueben (15), along with Jim’s son Jamie (18), taking turns to ride along Peebles High Street.

Speaking to the Peeblesshire News this week, Rebecca’s mum, Michelle said: “Due to the Jim being ruled out of his year’s festival, the fourth generation have been training and will try and manage along the street to keep the Sterrick’s family tradition going.

“The penny-farthing is a regular feature in the Beltane and has been since Great Grandfather Jim, then their Grandad Jock and then Jim having ridden it for many years.”

Brave Rebecca, who is the same height as the bike itself, said: “We are all taking a turn to support Uncle Jim who is recovering in hospital. Hopefully he will be back next year as he will miss it, and is not quite ready to hand over the handlebars!”

Michelle added: “We would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and support. Give the young ones a cheer, they’ll be nervous.”

And asking Jim a penny for his thoughts on the fourth farthing generation about to saddle up, he said: “It’s really good to know the kids want to carry on the tradition."