The election of Langholm Cornet was held on Friday the 10th of May. The results of the vote were preceded by the public meeting, during which the trustees of the Common Riding gave a report of the year.
Chairman ex-Cornet Kevan Hotson started by thanking retiring chairman ex-Cornet Tommy Morrison for his time in office. Tommy will be missed as chairman but remain as a member of the Common Riding. Chairman Hotson welcomed new trustees Ross Mabon, Michaela Maxwell and Lee Earsman to the meeting.
Cornet Bailey Donaldson was congratulated on the exemplary job he did in 2024, with trustees and members agreeing that he didn’t put a foot wrong from the moment that he was elected. The Right- and Left-Hand Men, Christopher Tait and Ruairi Hotson were praised for their dedicated support of the Cornet. Chairman ex-Cornet Kevan Hotson then went on to mention that Cornet Donaldson was the first to carry the flag so generously donated by the Irving family, and made note of how spectacular it looked on the day. He then went on to thank sponsors and donors for their generosity towards the Common Riding, without whom the event simply would not be possible.
Treasurer Joyce Bell then gave a report of the year’s finances. The biggest increases in sponsorship came from both the sponsorships and the bar takings, with both rising by a significant eighteen percent.
Attendance at the field remains level with last year, however this was buoyed by the rentals of gazebo pitches.
However, it was noted that expenditure had increased by around 6%. Despite this, 2024 produced a similar surplus to that of 2023, leaving Langholm Common Riding in a strong financial position.
That being all, the financial report was approved by Colin Irving and seconded by Allison Aston.
Secretary Kenneth Hill then gave a report on events arising in the last year. The absence of the grandstand last year was noted but the picnic benches in its place were thought to be a great success, with an additional ten arranged for this year.
He informed the meeting that this would be his last in the position, having succeeded his father, Dick Hill, in the role in 2010. Ross Mabon has agreed to take on the role of secretary after this year. Kenneth went on to propose a vote of thanks to Tracy Lowther for her diligent and thorough work assisting him throughout his years as secretary.
Kenneth concluded his report by saying that community spirit continues to thrive around the Common Riding, and that the younger generations now becoming involved secures the future of the Common Riding for many years to come.
The result of the election was then announced. Callum Thomas Henderson secured 233 votes, Thomas David Hope secured 337, Lloyd Johnstone secured 186, and Ewan Alexander Patterson secured 429 votes.
When the meeting was opened to the floor, Roger Maxwell raised the issue of the twenty signs that had been painted on the Kirk Wynd. This was something the committee would have to look at further and will discuss at the next meeting.
Colin Irving then proposed a vote of thanks to the Common Riding Committee and Trustees.
That being all, the meeting was drawn to a close.
