On St Ronan's On
Kate Smail • Published 22 Jul 2011 09:30
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THE rain may have been pouring in Innerleithen on Friday night, but that didn't seem to phase the townspeople queuing outside the Memorial Hall eagerly awaiting the 110th Cleikum Ceremonies.
A sell-out crowd packed the hall, and the excitement was palpable as the historic ceremony got underway with a welcome address from St Ronan's Border Games Committee Chairman Alan Patterson.
A former Standard Bearer himself, Alan said: "May I extend a very warm welcome to the hundreds of St Ronanites here tonight as well as exiles and friends from other towns.
"We have with us this evening visitors from Peebles, Walkerburn, West Linton, Penicuik, Galashiels, Musselburgh, Melrose, Duns, Coldstream, Biggar, Selkirk, Kelso, Lauder and Edinburgh.
"Hopefully we can repay some of the kindness and hospitality that has been shown to our representatives as they have travelled around the Borders this year. Many of you will have already enjoyed your own festivals but for those who have not can I offer my best wishes for a very successful time.
"The Border festivals are a unique opportunity to celebrate our towns' histories and to maintain links between the Border towns.
"When the Blue Banner enters the hall this evening you will notice that the Standard Bearer's Party is resplendent in new sashes. The sashes were purchased following the overwhelming response to our public appeal.
"Amazingly such was the response we were able to replace all six sashes. On behalf of the Games Committee I would like to thank you for your generous donations and ceaseless support."
This year's monks were welcomed to the stage; Carlo Kolodziej, Bailey Simmons, Sam Archibald, Kyle Kivlichan, Kieran Frost, Jaz Swinton, Joe Giegerich, Jamie Gordon, Owen Rippin and Lewis Steele.
Then it was the turn of Dux Boy Stuart Brown to take his place on the stage, where he was officially installed as the town's Patron Saint, St Ronan.
If he was nervous, Stuart hid it well, as he accepted the fabled crozier from the Chairman and took his seat centre stage, flanked by his monks on either side.
Next up was Sophie Mcgee Hilton, Dux Girl for 2011.
The primary seven pupil beamed from ear to ear as she was handed her sash and medal by this year's principal guest, former MSP Jeremy Purvis.
She was joined on stage by this year's Sash Girls; Ellie Martin, Kirsty Sked, Aishling Bradford, Emma Lobb, Emily McNeill, Jessica Wodehouse, Eve Huxley, Heather Smith, Thiegan Glendinning and Erin Quinn.
Lady Busser Eilidh Hughes, with help from Sophie, then bussed the crozier and the staves with the traditional blue ribbons, whilst the crowd sang 'On St Ronan's On,' ably led by the Cleikum Choir.
Prinicpal Guest Jeremy Purvis, the area's former MSP, proved a huge hit with the sell-out audience, thanks to his heartfelt and humourous speech.
He said: "It is with profound gratitude that I address the Cleikum Ceremonies this evening. Especially so as the role of principal guest has been carried out in recent years by some of the town's most liked, admired and respected sons. I am not from the town, but it has and from this week will always have a particular and cherished place in my heart.
"Mr Chairman, when you invited me to be this year's principal guest before the election I did warn you at the time there was a strong chance I wouldn't be re-elected, but you kindly said that the Committee had discussed this and they would still like me to do it. It was slightly deflating when you said, 'ach, well it's in July so you'll have got over it by then anyway'.
"But in common with all principal guests, I take pleasure in congratulating Stuart and Sophie for being wonderful Dux Boys and Girls and also of course to wish Standard Bearer Notman the very best for his year in office, supported by Kirstie.
"All are joining a long list, a very special list of local representatives that have excelled in representing Innerleithen and themselves. For the years I have attended this Games week all your standard bearers have been warm, friendly, proud and principled. The very best kind of representative for Innerleithen.
"Innerleithen today is indeed a gem, glistening in the Tweed, protected by its rolling hills, reflecting a rich past, a glorious heritage, stellar characters and honourable standard bearers, intelligent, hard working young people and pupils, keeping the best of the past alive, but with ambitions for the future.
"And for your generosity for asking me to share this with you this week, I will always be grateful."
It was then the turn of 2011 Standard Bearer Steven Notman to be charged with the town's flag.
The footballer looked emotional as he accepted the standard from his predecessor Jason Card.
Steven, 24, was joined on stage by his Lass Kirstie Evans, and in time honoured tradition he promised to safeguard the flag and return it unsullied and untarnished.
Kirstie then bussed Steven's flag before the whole hall made their way outside to the War Memorial to pay tribute to the fallen.
The rain had cleared and the streets were packed with well wishers as the procession made it's way to St Ronan's Wells, where Steven drank the famous waters.
Speaking afterwards, Chairman Patterson said: "This year has been excellent - I couldn't fault it.
"All the children, as well as Steven and Kirstie, have performed their duties fantastically and we couldn't have asked for more from them.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to the public for their continuing support."
And Standard Bearer Notman added: "I've had a great time.
"I was really nervous before I got on the stage but once I got up there I felt really proud. I've really enjoyed the week so far, especially getting to attend the other festivals around the Borders.
"I feel honoured to have represented Innerleithen, and would like to say thank you to the people of the town who have been so supportive of myself and Kirstie."
And Dux Boy Stuart said: "I've had an amazing time and I think the Cleikum Ceremony went really well. I've really enjoyed the whole week."
Whilst Dux Girl Sophie said she would remember the night for the rest of her life.
"I've had lots of fun, I couldn't pick out the best bit, it was all great. I'll never forget being the Dux Girl - it was brilliant."
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 22 Jul 11
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