FOR the fourth time in recent years the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants club welcomed one of their own to the top table as Cornet elect Andrew Napier took his seat at the annual supper.

This emphasises the clear link between being a Callant, working hard to service and improve the community, with being the young man who leads the town in a week of Beltane celebrations.

At the event, held in the Tontine Hotel on Monday evening, the Cornet Elect declared that he was the happiest man in the world when given the honour of becoming Cornet and that he is focussed on doing his home town and its people proud as he carries out his duties throughout the week.

Andrew went on to give his thanks to the Callants for their support and told of how he and his lass, Natalie Stewart, have already visited a number of other towns and made a lot of friends along the way. Andrew stated that he wears his Callants club badge at each and every event he attends and takes great pride in promoting the hard work and successes of the Callants around the Borders.

The Callants continue to work closely with the Beltane committee, supporting the festival financially and in many other ways - including the provision of ice cream to the town's primary school pupils at the Beltane Children's Sports event.

The efforts of the Callants for all their work throughout the year making improvements to the town was lauded by Andrew and other top table speakers.

Countless town clean-ups were highlighted, the most recent of which took place just prior to Beltane.

Honorary President Dougie Millar wished the Cornet Elect 'Safe Oot, Safe In' as he gave his annual remarks.

He also offered a warm welcome to Jim Holness, who had travelled all the way from South Africa to enjoy the Beltane and celebrate his 50 year anniversary of being Cornet.

Dougie provided guests with a detailed update on all of the projects taken forward by the Callants throughout the year before paying special recognition to three long standing Callants.

Allan Beveridge and David Turnbull received warm congratulations from all for their well-deserved British Empire medals for 40 years’ service to the Beltane festival. Both were awarded with honorary memberships to the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants club to recognise their achievements.

Sandy Craig also received an award for his many years of hard work for the Callants club, serving on almost every position within the Callants Council other than secretary, due to his ineptitude for joint up writing! Sandy has been and remains one of the most hard working Callants within the club.

Dougie concluded his remarks by wishing Warden of Neidpath, Callum MacDougall a happy retirement as he gives up his position this year.

The toast to the Callants Club was given by 2014 Jethart Callant Jack Fraser who delved into the history of the Border towns' Callants clubs, highlighting the bravery of all of the young men who have fought in wars throughout the years to protect their beautiful homelands.

Jack spoke of the extreme importance of never forgetting our origins and ensuring the continued traditions of the Callants club with each and every Callant being hard working and committed to improve their town. This, coupled with continued shared experiences with other groups throughout the Borders will ensure the towns continue to thrive.

Replying to Jack was ex Scotland Rugby international and Peebles lad Graeme Beveridge who echoed Jack’s sentiments regarding the importance of continued tradition in ensuring the sustainability of the Callants club. Graeme went on to highlight the welcoming nature of the people of Peebles, providing an example from the 1960s when a number of Glasgow families were rehoused in the town and found a welcoming and engaging community spirit. By continuing this spirit and encouragement toward newcomers to the town to become involved in the community, clubs such as the Callants will continue to succeed.

The Toast to the Royal Burgh of Peebles was provided by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Peebles, Adrian Lucas, who provided guests with an informative and interesting speech regarding his years spent as Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, his challenges, successes and humorous experiences.

Adrian spoke of the warmth and friendliness he and his family were greeted with upon arriving in Peebles in the late 1990s, highlighting this as one of the key factors in why Peebles is such a lovely place to live. Adrian was an instrumental figure in putting together the remembrance arrangements for the centenary of the first world war in November 2018. This resulted in Adrian approaching the Callants for some financial and manpower support and he gave his thanks to the club for this, stating how impressed he was with the efficiency and commitment of the Callants in providing this support once approached.

Callant Hendry White provided the reply to Adrian’s toast, on behalf of the club. Hendry commented how Peebles is blessed to have so many hard working community groups with many volunteers giving their time to support and improve the town. Hendry emphasised “his opinion” regarding the importance of ensuring that decisions regarding developments within the town are made by people who call Peebles their home.

Talented musicians Angus Oliver, Hendry White and Dave Robb kept the crowd entertained with music throughout the night. The sense of pride in the room was clear when the Beltane Song was loudly belted out by all. Members took turns to deliver humorous poetry and songs. Talent and sense of humour continue to be clearly in abundance within the Callants Club.

Chief Callant Andrew Williamson ensured a smooth and efficient evening was enjoyed by all.

Speaking after the supper, Williamson said: "On behalf of the Royal Burgh of Peebles Callants club I wish our Cornet Elect, Beltane Queen and all principals all the best for a fantastic week.

"I'd also like to thank all our members, guests, speakers and the Tontine Hotel for another great evening.

"This supper gives us the opportunity to raise a glass to our town and Beltane Festival each year, both of which we're very proud of."