Queen Jeanie Crowned
July 1930
Newtongrange and District Children's Gala was held on Saturday
when Jeanie Robertson, Dux of Newbattle School, was crowned Queen.
The crowning ceremony was held at the Square Park, which presented a very
pretty spectacle. The platform, as usual at this function, was decorated in
a very tasteful and pretty manner. The children of the schools gathered early
to greet their Queen and when the royal carriage hove in sight there was a
spontaneous outburst of cheering. The preliminaries were soon carried through,
when the Herald left his place on the platform and went out to meet the Queen,
leading her by the hand to the throne to the accompaniment of music by Dalkeith
Burgh Band.
The Court was:
Queen - Jeanie Robertson
Chief Maid of Honour - Betty N. McIntosh,
Maids of Honour - Elizabeth Crawford, Nancy Thomson, Helen
Dunachie, Agnes Blackie;
Herald - Joseph Higginson;
Crown Bearer - Robert Crawford;
Sceptre Bearer - James Pryde;
Pages - Chas Munro, John Burnett;
Queen Mother - Mrs Nan Lockhart;
To present Bouquet - Betsy Higginson.
The Crowning Ceremony - Mr. John Rutherford JP presided and was accompanied by Mrs Mary Lamb, Myrtle Vale, Eskbank and Mrs Nan Lockhart, the Queen Mother. In the course of his remarks Mr. Rutherford said that the enthusiasm for the event was by no means confined to the children of the parish for it was also manifesting itself amongst the adults. That was surely a good sign for the gala day and he thought they all recognised now that this event was an institution that had come to stay.
He felt it incumbent upon him at this time to pay tribute to the headmasters, Mr. Fowler and Mr. Lamb, and also to the staffs of their respective schools for the high standard of efficiency and education attainment which they had achieved. He would just like to say a word to the parents, however, to make an appeal to them to give the children every opportunity so far as education was concerned. He would also appeal to the children to be obedient, to take advantage of the educational facilities that were provided, to play the game on every occasion, never to do anything mean or contemptible, and always remember that they had a part to play, and it was only by adhering to the discipline of the school and taking in what their teachers were providing them with that they were going to be able to take their place in the world when they left school. Concluding, Mr. Rutherford said the were fortunate in having with them Mrs George Lamb, wife of the respected headmaster of Newtongrange School, to perform the ceremony of crowning the Queen, and he had the great pleasure of inviting her to undertake the duty. The Herald called for attention and after some ceremonials had been performed; Mrs Lamb gracefully crowned Queen Jeanie, an act that was followed by thunderous applause from Her Majesty's subjects. The band played; the Queen bowed her acknowledgements and the photographers got busy. The Court presented a picture that Newbattle could be well proud of. The Herald read the proclamation in clear, ringing tones.
Mr. George Lamb, in a short speech, congratulated the Queen as Dux of Newbattle School, and on behalf of the Gala Day Committee presented her with a gold wristlet watch. A watch was also fitted on the arm of Joseph Higginson as Dux Boy of the School. Mrs Lamb presented the Queen with a beautiful necklace, and the royal bouquet was in turn gracefully presented to Mrs Lamb. Mr Fowler presented other gifts to the Court Mr. Rutherford presented the Queen with the Shield.
Procession and sports, The ceremonials completed, a procession was formed,
and proceeded via the lane to Sixth Street, Park Road, 'Strip' Main Street
and Murderdean Road to the Victoria Football Park. Dalkeith Burgh Band led
the way and Arniston Pipe Band also took part. The children all looked well,
and their enthusiasm was without question. It was their day, indeed, and they
were making the most of it. Arrived at the football pitch, refreshments were
served, and a sports programme was carried through.