Yes it will soon be the Merse's answer to the Norn Iron marching season as the civic weeks come on stream and the old Reiver uniforms, steel bonnets and 'a will be dusted over as they come out of the Bank Of Scotland's deepest vaults for another airing. Below is the Berwickshire's description of the first Swallow, as it were, as the Coldstreamer is ensashed and the count down begins to the commemoration of the Battle of Flodden and the cutting down of the Flower of Scotland. Huttonian strongly recommends the Coldstream Pipe Band's website with its objective overview of the battle at
http://www.coldstreampipeband.co.uk/coldstreamandflodden.htmThere is so much (sometimes self serving even after 492 years) rubbish written about this battle that its nice to read an account which is accurate and jingo free.
Townspeople turned out in force to see Andrew Ford, last year's right hand man, being presented with the Coldstreamer's sash by Jim Leifer, chairman of Presenting Coldstream. The ceremony is traditionally the time when the new right hand man is revealed and this year Stuart Robison will do the honours, while left hand man is last year's Coldstreamer Richard Dickson.ÊStuart, a local footballer, has been taking riding lessons in preparation for Civic Week 2005 which will be held between July 31 and August 6.ÊAndrew has chosen emerald and sable as his colours and was in high spirits as he looked forward to the year ahead. He has been well groomed to represent the town having been last year's right hand man and he can rely on the support of his father Issac who was Coldstreamer in 1966. His first duty will be to represent Coldstream in the Riding of the Bounds at Berwick on May 1.ÊThe principals were led down the High Street by Coldstream Pipe Band on Friday and afterwards enjoyed a reception and dance which was also well-attended by local people. Presenting Coldstream secretary Susan Bell was pleased so many people had joined in the celebrations."We had a very large turn out on Friday Ñ more than usual," she said. "We try to keep the identity of the right hand man a secret for as long as possible and I think it was particularly well kept this year and people were curious. You can't predict how many people will come but it's good for the festival."A change from the customary Good Friday ceremony to the new tradition of the second Friday in April may also have meant more people were available to take part in the event. The change was made because this year's Easter weekend fell before the clocks went forward and it was considered that the extra evening light was important for the installation.This year's Golden Jubilee Coldstreamer is Alastair Marjoribanks who will officially sash the Coldstreamer on the Sunday of Civic Week. Silver Jubilee Coldstreamer is Ian Dixon.
Berwickshire of 14 April 2005
