BVAC at ST JAMES' FAIR

Eight BVAC vehicles joined in the procession from the Tait Hall to the Market Square for the crowning ceremony at the St James' Fair, Kelso, on Saturday 4th September.   Jim Cowan headed the convoy of cars in his 1960 MG A Mk 1 followed by the 1952 MG TD Mk 11 of Ian Lindley.   John Littlewood & Sandra Craig in their 1982 Citroën 2CV allowed the Fairburns' 1948 Alvis TA 14 to enter the convoy ahead of them and then followed Robin Cowan in his 1983 Fiat 'Brown Special'.   The final three vehicles were Douglas & Catherine Hamilton's 1937 Rover 12, Donald Mann's 1934 Riley 'Lincock' and the 1954 Series 1 Land Rover of Nigel & Alison Colvin.

The weather was just perfect for this sixth fair since its revival in 2004 and judging from the huge crowds in attendance, this annual event seems destined to be a success for many years to come.   A very enjoyable day was had by the club members who participated and many stayed at the event until late afternoon.


(left) The Royal Party on board ready for the procession and (centre) King & Queen elect with Civic
Dignitaries preparing to follow.  (right) The Kelso Pipe Band led the procession.  (BVAC Pictures)


(left) Jim Cowan's 1960 MG A Mk 1, Ian Lindley's 1952 MG TD Mk 11 with the Alvis TA 14 just visible.
(right) John Littlewood's 1982 Citroën 2CV and Robin Cowan's 1983 Fiat 'Brown Special'.  (BVAC Pictures)


(left) Douglas Hamilton's 1937 Rover 12 and (right) Donald Mann's
1934 Riley 'Lincock' with Nigel Colvin's 1954 Series 1 Land Rover.   (Pictures: Douglas Hamilton)


Morgan Thompson & Eunice Ngoa were crowned King & Queen.
Standard Bearer - Logan Little and Cushion Bearer - Skye Chatburn   (BVAC Picture)


(left) Royal photographs followed the Crowning Ceremony and (right)
Carriage & Pair outside the Black Swan.   (Pictures: Douglas Hamilton)

In the Middle Ages, St James' Fair was held in the Knoll in Friars Haugh (at the time of the old town of Roxburgh), in August as far back as the 11th century.   It was a famous market for the sale of linen, cheese, wool and lint as well as for livestock.   In later years events including show jumping followed on from the tradition of the buying and selling of horses.   It was a popular annual gathering for the gypsies who arrived with their caravans to trade in horses, sell their wares and tell fortunes.   In recent years it was decided that the first weekend in September would be the most appropriate to avoid clashing with other events especially the common ridings and civic weeks.


(left) Royal Tour escorted by The Town Crier, William Patterson, and (right)
A charming Lady in Waiting!   (BVAC Pictures)


Sartorial Elegance  (BVAC Picture)


(left) Two lovely ladies admiring the cars and (right) A bustling Market Square   (BVAC Pictures)