JULY 18 - 25 2015
The big moment has arrived. The reason we have come to Scotland. Cathy ready for the Honest Lassies dinner which marks the beginning of Musselburgh Festival week.
This years Lass, Mhairi Braby, with ex-lasses.
Jeananne Hunter. Ex honest Lass who was born in 1965 the year Cathy was elected. Jeananne came to visit us in Sydney.
Debbie, Honest Lass 25 years ago.
Next comes the Kirkin', when the Lads and Lassies attend church for the blessing of the new Lad and Lass. This is Cathy with her Honest Lad of 1965, Rob Hardy. Their fiftieth Anniversary.
The local press take an interest.
Cathy with Sylvia, former school friend and Honest Lass the year before Cathy, 1964.
Cathy with Jackie Powell, who was her folk singing partner. The famous Jack and Kathy!!
A gathering of the Lads outside the church.
Band leading the parade after the service.
2015 Honest Lad and Lass follow the band.
Cathy with the lasses
THE CRUSADERS CHASE.
All the horses and riders which have gathered for the festival from all over the Scottish borders do a major ride around the burgh and passed by Wilma and Jimmy's house.
The practice is for the riders to call out HOO - RAY and raise an arm and clenched fist. The spectators respond in the same way.
Followed by the sweepers clearing up the mess!
The horses cross the river Esk in the town on their return trip. Two pipers make the crossing first.
One horse pulled up lame after the crossing.
THE SASHING CEREMONY.
The new Honest Lad and Lass have their sashes presented.
Cathy as Honest Lass 1965, 50th anniversary, says a few words
Some of the audience.
Cathy and Rob, 50th anniversary, with 25th anniversary and new Lads and Lasses.
Cathy with Wilma and Jimmy in their garden.
FANCY DRESS PARADE - FRIDAY 24TH JULY
This years theme for the lasses. SHEEP.
Cathy with oldest Honest Lass. 90 years of age. May White as she was then
Needs a sheep dog!
SATURDAY - FESTIVAL DAY RIDEOUT
We randomly chose a spot to view the rideout in which 150 horses and riders took part. It proved to be a winner.
This is Carberry Towers only 5 kms up the road from Wilma and Jimmy. It used to be the seat of the Queens cousin, became a religious retreat and is now a hotel.
The procession starts to arrive from the far end of a field. Flag bearer first.
Flag being handled with great care. Honest lad has promised to return it at the end of the week "unsullied"!
Honest lad presents a scroll.
The blacksmith doing his stuff.
But wait.....There's more!
Horses everywhere.
Rob Hardy and Cathy together, Honest Lad and Lass of 1965. Rob on the back of Coco Chanel!
After about 30klms the procession returns to the town hall.
Lad and Lass.
Oldest and youngest.
The dignitaries.
Safely back at the Town Hall with flag "unsullied" as promised.
Wilma, Cathy, Helen and Christine having pre-drinks before Honest lads and Lasses dinner.
Jimmy, Roy, Bill and Alastair doing the same. A very rare event to see me in a jacket and tie!
No comments:
Post a Comment