Children’s Gala Day at Newtongrange
19 July 1928
Crowning of Queen ceremony - Newtongrange and District Children's
Gala Day was held on Saturday. The Square Park, where the crowning of the
Queen ceremony was staged, presented a pretty spectacle. The platform measured
probably about 42 feet by about 24 feet and a background was provided by a
wall heavily decorated in helio, white and old gold, as was also the frontage
of the platform, which was reached by a stair also draped and carpeted while
large carpets were laid at the area of the throne.
Flags and bunting were used in profusion and all over the setting was very
pretty. The Queen was Georgina Archibald, Dux Girl of Easthouses School and
the crowning ceremony was performed by Miss Lily MacKay.
It was a sunny day and the conditions would have been ideal but for a breeze
that was just a trifle strong, although very refreshing. Newtongrange Silver
Band was in attendance as was also the Gorebridge and Arniston Pipe Band.
The local band played selections while the Chief Maid of Honour, Catherine
Horsburgh, whose flowing golden locks reached almost to her waist, conducted
the various members of the Court to their places.
The Court was as follows:
Queen - Georgina Archibald, 47 Easthouses;
Chief Maid of Honour - Catherine Horsburgh, 45 Eighth Street;
Maids of Honour - Albina Smith, 53 Fifth Street, Jean Allan,
46 Easthouses, Marion Jamieson, 41 The Square,
Nan Scott, 2 Sixth Street;
Presentation of bouquet - Isabella Lockhart, 36 Fourth Street;
Herald - Alexander Clark, 73 St David's;
Crown Bearer - James Collins, Park Road;
Sceptre Bearer - John Moffat, Arbuthnot Cottage;
Pages - John Rapier, 46 Seventh Street, Daniel Slater, 11
Third Street.
Mr. J. Rutherford JP, a member of Midlothian Education Authority and Chairman of Newbattle Parish Council, presided and was accompanied by Miss MacKay and Parish Council Mrs Williamson, Convenor of the Court Committee. Mr. Rutherford said they had met there that day to celebrate their seventh annual children's gala day. The event was now being looked upon by the children as a red-letter day in their historical parish. He welcomed the gala day not only as a day for recreation but as a day, which had made for some little idea so far as education was concerned. From an educational point of view the gala day had served a very useful purpose and a great wave of enthusiasm had been the result of that ceremony which they were about to see performed. All the children were now striving to occupy the exalted position in which were the pupils composing the Court and it was highly gratifying to know that those pupils occupied their positions through merit and service during the school session just ended. He would like to take the opportunity of impressing upon the children, and also the parents, the great necessity for more and more education. If Britain as a nation is to occupy any prominent position of one of the leading nations of the world, they must all see to it that they had an educated democracy, they must see to it that all children get the best out of education. They heard a good deal about 3C and A1 nations, but he was going to suggest that before they could have an Al nation they required an A1 educational system, and an A1 education system presupposed a physically A1 nation" He believed that every child born into the world ought to have every opportunity, for every child with a separate individuality and an immortal soul was entitled to it" They wanted to stimulate the imagination of the young and create in them a love for all that was beautiful and noble, and to build their characters on truth, justice and love, So that when they grew up to be citizens they would be able to render valuable service to the community". He knew that education was like a ladder - difficult to climb but hoped the time would come when it would be as a broad way along which the children of the nation would travel joyously and freely into the light.
Concluding, Mr. Rutherford announced that the ceremony of crowning the Queen would be performed by Miss MacKay who, he said, needed no introduction by him. She had long taken an active interest in the young girls and the services rendered by Miss MacKay's family in connection with various activities in the parish had been marked by great success He had great pleasure in calling upon her to carry out the duties she had so graciously agreed to perform on the occasion.
The usual ceremonies having been gone through, Miss. MacKay proceeded to crown the Queen who was also presented with a sceptre as a token authority, amidst the tumultuous applause of the assemblage. At the stage it was announced that the Gorebridge and Arniston Pipe Band play 'Scots Wha Hae' and the audience were invited to join in singing. Thereafter, Miss MacKay presented the prizes to the Court, the Queen receiving a gold wristlet watch, as also did the Herald, Alexander Clark who was Dux Boy of Newbattle School. The Queen also received a private gift from Miss MacKay, it being understood to be a pearl necklace. The Queen's bouquet was gracefully presented to Miss. MacKay, by Isabella Lockhart. Mr. Rutherford presented the Newbattle Shield to Alexander Clark, the Dux Boy. In handing it over Mr. Rutherford said he sincerely congratulated him on winning what was the premier award that could be gained by a boy in school. In a few concluding remarks Mr. Rutherford, on behalf of the Gala Day Committee thanked Miss MacKay for so graciously performing the crowning ceremony, also all those had in any way given their assistance.
A procession, headed by Newtongrange Silver Band, was afterwards
formed and the Queen, her Court and the children proceeded to the Public Park
where refreshments were served and a sports programme carried through. The
spectator casually observing the faces of children as they returned to their
homes in the evening, would have no hesitation in saying that the Newtongrange
and District children's annual gala had been a great success.