Ron Smith

The 2008 Common Riding has come and gone, and, in the local phrase, it was ‘the best ava”.

The year 1979 saw Ron’s first outing as a mounted follower (behind Cornet David Brown) and his last foray was behind Cornet Bruce Richardson in 2000. The newly appointed Councillor in 2007 then saw things from a different perspective, but this year, as one of the four Bailies, the situation was again very different. Much closer involvement emphasised the traditions and the responsibility of those, like himself, in privileged positions. This was felt most of all at the Singing of the Song in front of the farmhouse at St Leonards after the Friday morning Hut, and at the return of the flag to the Council Chambers on Saturday afternoon. This last is always a sombre occasion when sympathies go out to the Left Hand Man in particular who is ending his association with ‘The Big Three’, but Ron felt that it has also to be seen by the LHM as a moment of success! The time when he takes leave, having completed his mission successfully, and with tremendous credit for a job very well done.

Common Riding time is always special, but the feel-good factor was added to this year by an excellent Cornet in Ben Graham and by the splendid summer weather. The Moor was indeed the location for the best party in the world. Ben had been taken to their hearts by the people of the town, and he will be a tremendous ambassador for Hawick at all the other Borders Ridings and Civic Weeks across the summer.

Meanwhile Ron can look back on a wonderful week. Thank you.