Saturday 6 June 2020
❝Can thae be the Kirk Bells ringin
Weel, aw cannae gaen the day
The Covid hes pit paid tae that
So oo’d better bide away
This year folks we’ve experienced a very different Common-Riding but nevertheless I think we have made the very most of it. Whatever way you may have celebrated, I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and you’ve made good memories out of a challenging situation.
I’m sure you will all agree that our Virtual Concerts, show-casing the vast amount of talent we have in the town, have been a resounding success. We’ve been taken on a journey looking back on old Common-Ridings and photographs, with the 1514 Musical and Reivers Moon shows, telling us the story of how our Common-Riding came about – tremendous viewing. And congratulations also to the winners of the Art and Essay competitions
I can report that prior to writing this, we’ve had just over 170 thousand views across all the videos posted on our website over the last month. We’ve had viewings from as far afield as Dubai and South Africa to up the road in Newcastleton and even oor freends ower in Gala. I’m sure you’ll all agree – great publicity for our Common-Riding and our town.
On behalf of the Common-Riding Committee, I’d like to thank each and every one of you who’ve played their part in the virtual programme of events, and including those of you who have watched and added your positive comments – you all seem to have enjoyed yourselves. Special thanks again go to Ronald Yule, Cameron Reith, Graeme Tinlin, Alan Brydon, Lesley Fraser and Judith Murray for their tireless work in bringing everything together and into our homes.
I’m looking forward to next year already – 47 weeks to go to the first ride out.
An what remains for the morrow, It’s Margaret’s voice a hear
Dae what yer telt, git in the hoose, an settle yersel tae next year.
Teries yin and a’, SAFE OOT, SAFE IN and stay safe.
Teribus❞
Hawick Common Riding Committee Chairman, Ex-Cornet John Hogg
Friday 29 May 2020
❝On behalf of the Common Riding Committee, I’d like to thank everyone for their role in respecting Government guidance over the past few weeks, and in particular adhering to our message of preserving local farmland by not walking ride-out routes.
I would request that this respect is continued and, over what would have been our Common Riding weekend, that members of the public refrain from use of Hawick Moor. The farmer there is continuing to use the Moor for his livestock, with our approval.
Please note that the main gates to the Moor will be locked, as unfortunately there have been incidences of gates being left open and livestock straying, and the road and hill being used for racing cars to the detriment of livestock and destruction of ground, as well as being of danger to those drivers.
Thank you all for your co-operation. Enjoy your Common Riding weekend, whatever you may do to mark the occasion, but stay safe and well.❞
Hawick Common Riding Committee Chairman, Ex-Cornet John Hogg
❝Teries, yin and a’
Tonight we should have been electing our Cornet for 2020, however this can’t happen, with the health and wellbeing of all our townsfolk taking priority.
Our thoughts go to those who have lost loved ones and to those currently unwell – may you make a speedy recovery.
We express our grateful thanks to the NHS, carers, key workers and volunteers and give special thanks to those coming from Hawick and keeping our own townsfolk safe and well.
Nothing can replace our Common-Riding celebrations, but the Common-Riding Committee felt compelled to mark our Common-Riding nonetheless in a safe and appropriate manner. As part of our Programme of Events over the coming weeks, we have organized three virtual concerts. These will be held on what would be Chase Night, the Overseas Night and the Colour Bussing. You’ll hear songs from the wealth of talent we are so lucky to call our own, both young and not so young alike. There will also be guest appearances from local dignitaries and a host of other events.
Keep an eye on our website for our full Programme, and in The Hawick Paper. We hope you will enjoy being entertained, and you’ll look back with fond memories on Common-Ridings of yore.
A vast amount of work has gone into marking our Common Riding virtually for this year and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following:
- My fellow members of Hawick Common Riding Committee
- Ex-Cornets & Ex-Acting Fathers’ Association
- Ex-Cornets Lasses & Acting Mothers’ Association
- The Callants Club
- The Bright-Eyed Daughters
- The Mosstroopers
- The 1514 Club
Special mention must also go to Lesley Fraser, Ronald Yule, Cammy Reith, Alan Brydon, Graeme Tinlin and Judith Murray for all their work. Thank you all.
2020 is a special year for some – and our congratulations and best wishes go to Ex-Cornet Lee Matthews and his Lass Angela celebrating 25 years, along with their Acting Father & Mother, Phil and Moira Nichol.
Sadly our 50-year Cornet, Ex-Cornet Ronnie Gibson is no longer with us however our congratulations go to his Lass, Vivienne Robertson. Their Acting Father & Mother were the late Wattie & Joey Scott of the Newton.
And celebrating a great milestone is our 60-year Cornet & Lass, Ex-Cornet Jed Huggan & his wife Irene.
We hope you will all find some way to celebrate and reminisce on the great times had in your terms of office.
Teries, I hope you will enjoy our programme of events over the coming weeks but I’d like at this point, to ask on behalf of the Common-Riding Committee that you continue to adhere to government guidelines, and in particular respect our farmers and preserve our future ride-outs and refrain from walking any ride-out routes and entering farmland.
Hawick townsfolk have always rallied roond in times of need. Look after yourself, look after your loved ones and God willing, we’ll meet next year on the western heather.
For now, stay safe, stay well.❞
Hawick Common Riding Committee Chairman, Ex-Cornet John Hogg