Children's Gala - Queen Betsy Crowned
1st July 1933
The Square Park, Newtongrange was a joyous place for some time on Saturday.
There were music, flags and bunting colour, proud and happy children and over
it all the sun shone brightly and warmly. The occasion was the coronation
ceremony in connection with the Newtongrange and District Children's Gala.
The court stand was fitted up and decorated as only Newtongrange in this District can arrange these things. It was beautiful and a fitting setting for Queen Betsy and her court. Selections were played by Arniston & District Pipe Band and by Newtongrange Silver Band.
The Queen and her Court were:
Queen - Betsy A. Higginson, Dux of Newbattle School,
Chief Maid of Honour - Ellen M.C. Lennie,
Maids of Honour - Violet Smith, Jean Arundel, Joan Lockhart,
Grace G. Darling:
Herald - Jas.S. Bower:
Crown Bearer - Peter McQue;
Sceptre Bearer - William Dodds;
Yeoman of the Guard - Archie B Smith;
Pages - Thomas Haddow, Samuel Collins;
Halberdiers - Thomas Maben, Walter Darling, James Darling,
Alexander C Hay;
Ladies of the Court - Catherine Morris, Margaret H. Allan,
Janet Temple, Christi Mitchell , Jeanie O. Sneddon,
Janet R. Taylor, Agnes P. Melrose, Helen George, Margaret F. D. Smith, Annie
Baxter, Mary Scott, Jeanie Pryde,
Ina M. Torrance, Sarah M. W. Mabel, Letitia
F. Armitstead, Eleanor S. Clark Annie R. Birrell, Annie Allan, Ella A. Knight,
Margaret B. Smith;
Bower Girls - Harriet B. Knight, Margaret P. Freeland, Isabella
T. Haddow, Helen T. Johnstone;
Flower Girls - Mary Fleming, Mary Bruce, Margaret Scot, Janet
MacIntosh, Elizabeth Hood, Ellen W. Telfer, Helen Clark, Jenny Lae, Jane Pryde,
Mary Brown, Mary Taylor, Agnes Wilson;
Queen Mother - Mrs Margaret Anderson; Jessie C. Carson presented
the bouquet.
The queen played her part with grace and charm and the ceremony were carried out to perfection, reflecting great credit on all concerned The tradition of Newtongrange and District Children's Gala were maintained in fitting manner. The coronation ceremony was, of course the high note in the proceedings and this was gracefully performed by Miss Agnes K. Stone, Roanshead House, Easthouses, this being followed by rousing cheers from the Queen's loyal subjects. The cheers were repeated when Miss Stone was presented with the Queen's lovely bouquet.
Mr James Smith, who presided, extended a hearty welcome to all children and parents. It was the eleventh anniversary of their gala day and he thought that all concerned had full reason to be proud on this occasion. It was the desire of them all to encourage the children to take full advantage of the facilities to equip them with sound education so that they could take their part, large or small, in solving the great problems that confront not only this country but also the world in general. Conditions were changing fast. The children of today would be the responsible citizens of tomorrow and, as a result of better education than those who had gone before, would be better able to deal with the new problems that would arise. Mr Fowler and Mr Lamb, the headmasters, did not confine their activities to the schools but co-operated with the parents giving advice regarding the children, all of which was greatly appreciate Continuing, Mr Smith said that Newbattle was always in front on such occasions, and great credit was due to the mothers and children. The Lothian Coal Co. were fully entitled to their measure of praise for the continued generosity in erecting the platform and other equipment without which the result achieved could not have been attained. To Arniston, Gorebridge and District Pipe Band and the Newtongrange Lothian Silver Band they were deeply indebted. The Court Committee and all that had given their assistance were also to be heartily thanked. Concluding, Mr Smith presented the Dux Shield to the Queen who had worthily merited her place of distinction.
On behalf of the Gala Day Committee, Mr Fowler and Mr Lamb respectively presented watches and boxes of chocolates to other members of the court.
The procession via Park Road, Abbeyland, Main Street, Murderdean
Road to Victoria Park attracted considerable attention and much favourable
comment. Refreshments were served and each child received a new penny.