Annan Riding of the Marches 2012

2012 ROM Day Report
by Kevin Edgar (photographs by Kelly Barty - Country Images)

As the Town Hall clock struck 8.00am on Saturday the 7th of July a cavalcade of around 94 riders led by Standard Bearer Garry Williamson and accompanied by Chief Marshal Jim Hodgson, Cornet Bradey Maxwell and Cornet’s Lass Jade Thompson and their supports, set off down the High Street and onto the Everholm for the first gallop. Safely over the playing fields and up the hill to the road they were joined by the rest of the cavalcade.

They then made their way to Landheads where the traditional snuff was handed round and the boy picked from the watching spectators and "skelped" through at the Hole in the Hedge ceremony this year by George Willacy was Cody Matthew.

Next official stop for the Official Party was Williamwood where they were introduced to their hosts Michael and Shirley Clarke, followed by the popular stop at Chapelcross for a filled roll and refreshments for the riders, and then it was downhill to Stapleton Crossroads, Woodhead underpass, Swordwell fields, Peggy’s Burn and on to the shore at Battlehill.

The tide was out this year so guided by the local fishermen with their tractors around 80 riders had a gallop of almost a mile along the shore. The previous fields were the wettest I have known and the Solway Sands by comparison were great to ride along.

The Burgh Standard flying along made a stirring spectacle watched by many spectators from the old viaduct at Seafield, before coming off the shore at the river Annan estuary. Then it was back to the Everholm car park to pick up the lead rein riders for the parade start at Newington Roundabout at 12.35.  

Due to the heavy overnight rain and waterlogged ground the horse chases were cancelled. We were lucky that the weather stayed dry on the day (as rain had been forecast) conditions were very soft and sticky and a special thanks to all my Marchriding Committee  members, first aiders,  helpers, the land owners and the council for letting us over their ground.

The female and male best turned out riders on the High Street at 7.45am was judged to be Miss Ebony Black from Annan and Mr Scott Lowther from Waterbeck

The 2012 Queen of the Border Miss Florida Matthew led another well supported, colourful parade with the display of 13 decorated floats and around 40 children in fancy dress. (see prize winners in right hand column and more images in the Gallery).

The combination of the large crowds that turned out to view the parade at 1.00pm and the unexpectedly glorious sunshine meant there was a good attendance at the "Out and About" held at Annan Academy Sports fields from 2.00pm.

This year’s entertainment included the marvellous Cheshire Dog Display Team, the Black Rock Llamas and the Ayrshire Premier Owl Display.  

There was also the hotly contested Children’s Sports competitions at 2.30pm and of course the keenly contested annual Pipe Band competitions consisting of bands from all over the UK.

At 5.50 pm the handing back of the Standard ceremony and presentation of trophies took place. The Grade 2 BNFL Cup was won by The Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service Pipe Band, The Grade 3 Coup de Watermael Boitsfort went to Peter Vardy Glenrothes with The Royal Burgh of Annan in 2nd place, and the Grade 4 McCubbin Shield went to Greater Manchester Army Cadet pipe band.

This year 17 pipe bands marched up the High Street, which was a great turn out, culminating in another marvellous finale to Annan’s big day.

Kevin Edgar
Marchriding Convener 2012

Photos provided by Kelly Barty, Country Images, 7 Gill Place, Dornock, Annan DG12 6SS - tel: 01461 40425 / 07791 676935

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