1963
One of the most colourful functions in the district culminated on Saturday in brilliant sunshine with the picturesque coronation ceremonial of the Children's Gala Day King and Queen. This year's Royal couple were Alan Laing, and Ellen Russell, Newtongrange.
Over 1,200 school children assembled in the Square Park and headed by the local Silver Band and Pipe Band, marched in procession order accompanied by the royal party in cars through the principal streets of the village.
Mr John Slater, Chairman of the Gala Committee in a short address warmly thanked all who had contributed so ably during a very successful Gala Week and to those who had patronised the money raising efforts organised by the Entertainment's Committee.
For the first time a new venture was trled in selling balloons novelties which was hoped would be appreciated by the parents.
After the Royal proclamation by the Herald John Potts, Mrs Slater, wife of the Chairman, gracefully performed the crowning ceremony amid enthusiastic acclamation of the loyal subjects. She also presented gifts to the King and Queen and later handed over watches from the Gala Committee.
Court:
King - Alan
Laing
Queen - Ellen
Russell
First Lord - John Gilritchie;
Chief Maid of Honour - Agnes C Moore;
Lords in Waiting - Thomas Murray, James Morris;
Maids of Honour - Cynthia Ross , Margaret Anderson;
Herald - John Potts;
Halberdiers - Ian Fleming , George Deans, Alex Higginson,
John Gaffney;
Ladies of the Court - Sheila Beattie, Anne Potter, Janette Bryson, Marion
Smith, Julia Spratt , Mary C Gibson,
Euphemia Noonan, Anne Burt;
Bower Girls - Jennifer Moore, Ann McInnes, Irene Dickson,
Mary A Sanderson;
Yeoman - Kenneth Campbell;
Crown Bearers - David Brown, David McWhinnie;
Pages - George
Purves, Murray Dunnachie, Graham Burnside and Michael Statylowicz,
Flower Girls - Margaret Pearson, Mary Melrose, Andrea McBride,
Eliza Paxton, Joyce Moore, Elizabeth Pryde,
Gail Hadden, Anne Flynn, Linda Stewart, Elaine Baxter.