Wardens






			Keep up to date with the Beltane News! (updated 15/06/10)

The Warden of the Cross Kirk and the Warden of Neidpath were introduced into the festival proceedings in 1930 and 1929 respectivley.

The original idea for the Warden of Neidpath was conceived in the 1920s and eventualy confirmed in 1929. The honour first went to Dr. Clement Bryce Gunn the founder of the idea. The Warden of Neidpath ceremony takes place on the Wednesday night of Beltane Week. The Warden delivers an address to the newly installed Cornet and then delivers a speech to the gathered crowds.

Dr. Gunn was also was the driver behind the Warden of the Cross Kirk and in 1930 he was also given this honour with the Cross Kirk ceremony being introduced to announce the beginning of the Beltane Festival week. Dr. Gunn was the first warden and continued until 1933 when his untimely death meant the honour was then shared between the Christian demoninations of the Parish. To this day the honour is still taken up the the religious denominations with great pride.

Warden of Neidpath - George Tait

The honour of giving the address at Neidpath Castle falls to local haulier George Tait.

Born and brought up in Peebles - Educated at Halyrude, Kingsland and High School. - Started work with his father in 1964 when he left school. George and his lorry has been a great help to Beltane Committee for many years - he is a former Beltane Committee member - and his lorry has been used in Fancy Dress by Rosetta playgroup for about 30 years. (Funnily enough they won't be in the parade this year) - Been a member of Callants club for about 40 years. Former captain of PRFC seasons 1973 and 1974 and President for two years from 1998. Currently Director of Playing Support and still a very active member of Rugby Club.

He has probably been in about 30 Beltane Shows (mostly as a woman!) Has ridden the marches many time - last being 1990 when Colin Hunter (his cousin) was Cornet.

He said: "I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to be Warden of Neidpath. It's a fine honour for both me and my family. I am well aware of the high standards of past wardens and I will do my best to carry out my duties in a manner befitting the position. Hopefully 2010 will be a year to remember for us all and thankfully I've still a few weeks to prepare my speech."

Warden of the Cross Kirk - Barry Hughes

Warden of the Cross Kirk for 2010 will be Barry Hughes, who's an elder in St Andrews Leckie Church.

Barry is a trainee minister with Church of Scotland and begins his probation in July and will be ordained in 2011. He is doing this part time while still working. He is a Human Resources Manager with Lloyds Bank (was Bank of Scotland) where he leads the UK training team. He will continue in his job after ordination and will minister voluntarily. He is also an elder with Leckie Memorial church.

Commenting Barry said: "If I said I was overwhelmed it would be an understatement. My family and I have only lived in the area for six years so to be asked is a real honour. This I feel bears testimony to the welcoming spirit to be found in this community. I've already booked Beltane week off work and can't wait for it to begin."


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