Having gained his Mosstroopers badge at the age of only eight and been a staunch supporter ever since, the 25-year-old is not only an accomplished horseman and popular choice, but more importantly, is extremely honoured to be selected to join a long and prestigious list of Cornets.

Speaking after signing the official letter of invitation to the Cornet in the council chambers on Wednesday night, Provost Zandra Elliot told the Hawick News: "Ben is a very, very good choice for Cornet and is so enthusiastic. He is an extremely nice chap and will certainly lead the town with great pride."

Cornet Ben Jardine Graham (25), Trelawney, Stirches Road, is the only son of Harry and Sheen Graham. Ben has one older sister, Laura, who is a phsyiotherapist at the community hospital and has been the physio for Hawick RFC for the past two seasons.

Ben was educated at Wilton Primary and Hawick High, before going on to complete a BA (Honours) in Law at Napier University in Edinburgh. After graduating, he worked in Edinburgh for a year before returning home to Hawick to join Bannerman and Burke Solicitors and Estate Agents, as a conveyancing paralegal.

Ben first followed Cornet Gary Scott in 1991 on his 12.2hh grey pony Rocky. This was when he also gained his Mosstroopers badge, marking the start of his affinity and ability with horses. Ben won the Mosstroopers gymkhana four times running, and he also picked up numerous Cornet's race wins at the Moor on his previous mounts Arnie, The Frenchman and Tote.

His mount for this year will be Monty, a 16.3hh dark bay gelding, who spent his youth in National Hunt racing. He has already played a leading role in a Common-Riding as he was the mount of the 2004 Annan Cornet.

The Cornet's other interest outside horses is sport in general, and rugby and football in particular. Ben played rugby throughout school, for Hawick Wanderers and at university.

On returning to Hawick he decided to hang up his boots to allow him to dedicate time to his horses.



The Cornet's Lass is Megan Jade Gracie, 17, the eldest daughter of Debbie and the late Derek Gracie, of Broomlands, Stirches Road. She was born in Curepipe, Mauritius, in 1991 and moved to Hawick in 1993. Megan has younger twin sisters, Wallis and Kirsten, who are 14. She was educated at Wilton Primary School and is currently studying for four Highers at Hawick High. Megan has many hobbies, which include exercising Ben's horses and looking after them, playing hockey for the High School's senior team and playing the piano.

Megan is most looking forward to seeing Ben and Monty galloping round the Moor.

The Cornet's Acting-Father and Mother are Kevin and Shiela Crowford, of 16 Park View, Wilton Dean. They have been married for 17 years and have two children, Lisa, 12, and Lewis, 3.

Chartered accountant Kevin has been a partner in The JRW Group (formerly Welch & Co) since 1996. In his younger days he played rugby on the wing for the Quins and Hawick and, in season 1987/88, scored 32 tries for the Quins equalling Derek Gray's 1970 record for the number of tries scored in a season.

Kevin has been a regular mounted supporter since he first followed Cornet Elliot Turnbull in 1987. A member of the Golf Club, Ex-Servicemen's Club, Burns Club, 1514 Club and Callants Club, he served on the Mosstroopers Committee for three years.

Acting-Mother Shiela is a former Hawick Ladies hockey player, is currently lady captain at the Golf Club and also a Unit Guider with the 4th Hawick Brownies.

Kevin and Shiela have known both Ben and Megan for many years and are extremely proud to have been asked to be this year's Acting-Father and Mother.