TERIES are set to flock to Bonchester Bridge tomorrow as the first ride-out heralds the start of this year's Common-Riding.
Cornet Ben Graham will lead his first cavalcade from Backdamgate, with Right-Hand man Graham Robertson and Left-Hand Man Craig Reid by his si
de, with Acting-Father Kevin Crowford proudly completing the Big Four.
Looking ahead to the occasion, the Cornet said: "I feel really excited for tomorrow and can't wait to get on my horse and start the first ride-out. I think everyone is raring to go."
And as the town's mounted supporters also look forward to the first of the four ride-outs, thrilled Acting-Father Kevin Crowford says he can't believe it's arrived. He said: "The last four months since I was asked have passed so quickly. I'm really just going to try and take everything one day at a time so I can savour it."
He added: "Every time I think of the Bonchester ride-out tomorrow, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up."
The horses will leave Backdamgate at 1.30pm and ride via Slitrig to Coliforthill to Birnie and Shipla' Cross, then Howahill via Swan Shiel to Hobkirk Church, before arriving in Bonchester at 4pm.
After the picnic, the horses will leave Bonchester Bridge at 6pm, proceeding by Weens House to Hawthornside, then onto Sunnyside Roadend to Orchard House. Then to Coach Road to Beechurst, onto Weensland Road to arrive in Hawick at 8.30pm.
Ronnie Nichol, Common-Riding Chairman, added: "A lot of work has been done on the route which remains unchanged, and the marshals have found that the ground is a lot better this week, and not as soft as was feared. So everything is in place and hopefully the sun will shine."
Tuesday's ride to Philhope Bridge will leave Backdamgate at 1pm via the Sandbed, Victoria Road and Wilton Dean, then to Wilton Burn, Pisagh Hill and Blawearie. They will proceed from Alemoor to Deanburnhaugh and arrive at Philhope Brig at 4pm. The horses will leave the 'Brig' at 6pm via Broadlee, Commonside to Harwood, then Branxholme Braes and Newmill, to Whitchesters and Pilmuir, by Williestruther and the Flex, Lynnwood to Wynd Brig. The cavalcade will arrive via Howegate to Towerdykeside at 8.30pm.
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