Story Competition

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2024

The overall winner of the story competition for 2024 was Jake Huggan, Wilton Primary School

Hello, I am Ex-cornet Jared Huggan. and I’m here to tell you all about when I was cornet in 1960. Ma Left and Right were Norman N. Murray and Joseph T. Nuttal, and ma Acting Fither was the great J.Leithhead. It was an amazing time for me and ma family and a hope one day the tradition of becoming cornet can continue throughout ma family. 

It aw started at picking night when the Halberdier came t ma door and gave me a letter asking if I want to be cornet. I was thrilled man dream had came true to be cornet. Three days later I was leading my fellow riders out to Bonchester along with my Acting father and Left and Right. Over the hills and ditches we went. In the weeks to follow, we rode to Cogsmill, Roberton, Lillesleaf, Philiphope, Preisthaugh and Denholm. Not forgetting Mosspaul, the longest of the rides. This time, it was different. As we were coming in, I noticed ma rugby teammates were all wearing red jumpers for the YM. That is also why my tie is red. When we reached Mosspaul, we had a sing song wi the kids. As we arrived back into Hawick, someone took our horses and we got 4 kids on each of our shoulders and sang at the Tower Knowe. Finally, we chucked the strive. This happened after every Rideout.

Finally, it came. Thursday night chase, ma Fither’s chase. We met at the Backdamgate and walked up the loan. When we reach the top, I ask ma Fither, if he was ready. He replied, “yis!”, and up he went along with the married men. Then it was ma turn. Me, ma Left and Right cantered up the Nip Knowes, followed by the single men and kids up to thee Hut. 

We all sat down and listened as folk sang. The Acting Fither got presented with his badge of honour, while the crowd got settled to listen to the loudspeakers outside.

Once the hut was finished, the principals headed to the front of house where they sing the song of Teribus. We then got back on our horses and headed down the Flex to meet the Saxon band at the Towerknowe. They played us along the High Street and back. 

Two days later, the last ride out arrived. Denholm. Everyone had their picnic for couple hours. When it came to leaving, I noticed there was a lot of kids riding back as it was all road on way home. While the riders were at a drink stop; me, ma Right and Left and Fither went to Hornshole to pay our respects and quietly sang teribus. We met back with the riders and rode through burnfoot singing by barefoot. 

The Sunday morning was ma kirking. I met everyone at the town hall at 10.30am and we marched along the street behind the Halberdier. Myself, my Right, Left and Fither were followed by ex-cornets, ex-Acting Fithers, then the men and lads. The lasses were dressed in their Sunday best and the men were allowed to wear my tie for the first time. What a feeling! Morning suits were tradition. we carried black umbrellas and white gloves. Also led by the Halberdier where the Honorary Provost and bailies, followed by the men. The service included a reading by me and the presentation of the bible was giving to me and my lass Irene Wylie. We Left the church and joined the lasses to march in twos along the high street. There was big crowds lining the streets. Later that day, we headed to Hornshole to pay our respects once more. My lovely lass laid a wreath as we watched in silence. This was one of the most solemn moments of the Common Riding by far. Exhibition Sunday was next, up the Mair where we the big eight walked around the racecourse. 

Finally, the Common Riding week arrived. Every morning, we Left the back dam gate at 6.30am and rode to st Leonard’s then returned to the town hall by 8.30am. The Fither received the flag to practice round the mare. Thursday morning, I woke up at 4am. I could hardly sleep, I was buzzing with excitement. I was going to get the flag for the first time! We mustered at the Backdamgate at 6am and rode up the Loan. The crowds were huge. At the top, again ma Fither went first with the married men, followed by me, my Left and Right, the single men and kids. Cantering up there, what a feeling it was to carry the banner blue! The crowds were cheering, it was the best feeling in my life. We got to the crossroads, and I gave the flag to ma Fither and said, “Good luck!”.  Away he rode to St Leonard’s. 

Once me and my followers were in the hut, the lasses and crowds gathered outside to hear the speeches before meeting at the front of house once again to sing. Before heading back to our horses, we had a final strive for the kids. Then rode onto Pilmarm and galloped around the racecourse. That wasn’t new to me as I raced in the flapping many times around the Mair, but this time… I was carrying the banner blue. After that, ma big eight went for breakfast, we heading to visit the schools and let the kids out early. Wilton was ma school so that was first up ending with the high school. We then headed home for a wee nap as we had the colour bussing that night. A big night for my lass to buss the flag. It began with the fifes and drums leading the Provost Senior Magistrate, followed by the lasses and maids of honour. The gallery was packed with young men and boys. Irene did me proud when she tied the blue and yellow ribbons around the flag. After, the speakers and singers we headed along to the horse followed by a huge crowd to watch me tie the ribbons on the horse. What a moment that was for me. Hundreds of folk gathered. We proceeded a walk around the town lead by the fifes and drums.

The big day had arrived! Friday of Common Riding. We met at 6am for the snuffing. Packets of snuff was chucked to the crowds and sniffed. At 8.45am, the procession started lead by the Halberdier and Provost to the town hall. The lasses followed by car, and we proceeded around the town once again. Then we headed up the Loan to the Auld Man’s Seat, and from there we chased up the Nipknowes. Same as the day before, ma Fither went first then me ma Right and Left. At the crossroads I gave my Acting Fither the flag to carry t the hut. I then carried the flag and placed it in front of the house. The lasses stayed outside eating the traditional curds and cream whilst we sat in the hut listening to speeches and singers. 

Once we gathered out front of the house and sang teribus. It was off to Acreknowes from then then on to cutting of the sod and finally round the Mair. What a buzz seeing all the crowd and my carvery following me round. my Fither carried the flag around the Mair this time. Picnics, songs and racing…what more can you ask for. The Tradesman was the big race everyone was interested in. I was lucky enough to win it 5 times. At 4 pm, I took the flag, and we mounted our horses to ride back down the town to dip the flag in the cobbled pool. The lasses joined us at Allan’s Bank to proceed to the balcony for all to see the flag. Home for a quick change and headed to the ball at 10.30 with the grand march first on list. All the principals from other towns, along with ex-cornets and Fithers all joined in. We danced the night away till we headed to the moat at sunrise my big 4 climbed to the top and sang teribus tremendous. Last thing of the night was the reel before heading to bed for an hour or so. 

Saturday had arrived. We woke to the fifes and drums. At 9.30 myself and ma followers Left the Towerknowe and headed up Wilton Park, stopping at Laurie Bridge and quietly sang Teribus. The lasses waited at the memorial, where we laid wreaths, and I lowered the flag to mark my respects. From there we headed up the Mair for one last time. Once again, my cavalcade followed me around the Mair with the banner blue. Picnic, sing songs and races made it an amazing day once again. It was all coming to an end when we Left the Mair for an emotional handing back of the flag. We rode to the balcony, where I raised the flag kissed it and handed it back my duties were over.  What an amazing experience I had. This was a very emotional moment. We danced in the streets where all my supporters followed. The reel finished it off for another year. 

Jake Huggan, Age 11, P7, Wilton Primary School