The 2002 Tweedbank Fair turned out to be the best ever, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The event is getting bigger and better each year, and it is a great boost to the Fair Committee to see the events well attended,” said The 2002 Secretary Jennifer McAuley.

The weather was dry and most of the outside events went ahead, and the children and adults appeared to be having a great time and enjoyed socialising in Tweedbank.

“The Tweedbank Principals carried out their duties marvellously, and we were extremely proud of them. I hope they had a good time and enjoyed themselves,” said Jennifer.

The Principals were:

Tweedbank Lad — Chris Doyle. (Miss You Son)

Tweedbank Lass — Amber Dryden.

First Attendants — Shaun Bell and Kloey McDevitt.

Second Attendants — Ryan Scott and Eilidh Adamson.

Saturday, May 25
Tweedbank School was the venue for the judging of the fancy dress competition. The Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band led the fancy dress parade to the Community Centre, with a super turnout of people from the community. The 2000 Melrosian Greg Donaldson Christine Doherty and Jennifer McAuley (Tweedbank Fair Secretary) judged all the superb entries, along with the help of the Tweedbank Lad and Lass, Chris and Amber. After prize-giving, everyone enjoyed refreshments at the bar and dancing to the sounds of Ghosts Disco Roadshow. 

Sunday, May 26

This year a football competition fun day was held when a chance was given to see the footballers of the future from nursery age to adults.

The pavement artists drew some beautiful pictures round the pond, but you had to be quick to see them before the rain helped keep Tweedbank clean.
 

Monday, May 27

Both junior and senior discos were well-attended, and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Tuesday, May 29

Jim Torrance (committee member) welcomed everyone to the investiture evening, and the Gala party presented the Principal with the Gala Colours and the Tweedbank Principals presented the Gala party with Tweedbank Colours. This was followed by a barbecue and dancing to Ghost’s Disco in the Community Centre.

Wednesday, May 30

Wednesday this year brought a ray of happiness as both Lad and Lass were invited to participate in the parade for Her Majesty The Queen. Secretary Jennifer McAuley took Amber and Chris to Melrose, where they had a fantastic day, and Tweedbank was wonderfully represented by the children.

Thursday, June 30

Over 120 children and several adults armed with their bingo dabbers enthusiastically took part and tried their hand to win the many prizes for bingo.

Friday, June 31

Tweedbank Recreational Group organised a race night, which was well-attended and raised profits of over £500.

The night was rounded-off with a 60s and 70s disco.
 

Saturday, June 1

St Ronan’s Silver Band, from Innerleithen, led the parade with the Tweedbank Lad and Lass in a Classic MG Convertible, and the Attendants walking behind, with the men from the Braw Lads’ party.

This year there was a fruit and flower parade, with lots of children bearing gifts which were then presented to the residents of Craw Wood Unit in Tweedbank, by Councillor David Parker and his wife Ruth, along with the Tweedbank Lad and Lass.

The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides were all dressed smartly in their uniforms and followed behind.

The fete at Tweedbank School had a variety of stalls and car boots, bouncy castle, obstacle course, emergency services display, Red Cross and coffee bar. Races were organised for children and adults.

The weather was absolutely fantastic, and the children and adults enjoyed cooling down with the Fire Brigade after the pond race.

The week was rounded-off with a family dance in Tweedbank School, and everyone had a great time dancing the night away with refreshments.

The yearly Tweedbank Fair Raffle, organised by Georgina Boggs, had a fantastic number of prizes and was very popular.

RESULTS

Mini Olympics (Wednesday)

Flat race: Under one year — 1, Darren Boggs; 2, Joshua Lamb. Under two years — 1, Kirsty Riddell; 2, Tyler Moore; 3, Jack. Under three years — 1, Amy Cairns; 2, Rebecca Begg; 3, Lauren Goudie. Under four years — 1, Christopher Boggs; Lucy McDougal; 3, Lisa Cavaroli. Under five years — 1, Ben Hodges; 2, Abigail Moore; 3, Greg Douglas.

Jumping: Under one year — 1, Joshua Lamb; 2, Fergus Johnston; 3, Darren Boggs. Under two years — 1, Lewis McGill; 2, Kirsty Riddell; 3, Calan Harris. Under three years — 1, Emma Allan; 2, Lauren Goudie; 3, Kiara Cooper. Under four years — 1, Christopher Boggs; 2, Thomas Lowes; 3, Lucy McDougal. Under five years — 1, Ben Hodges; 2, Stuart Hill; 3, Abigail Moore.

Skipping race: Under one year — 1, Darren Boggs; 2, Fergus Johnston; 3, Joshua Lamb. Under two years — 1, Robert Fox; 2, Lewis McGill; 3, Max Timoney. Under three years — 1, Emma Allan; 2, Mellisa Gordon; 3, Rebecca Begg. Under four years — 1, Lisa Cavaroli; 2, Lucy McDougal; 3 equal, Allanah Fox and Abbi Darling. Under five years — 1, Marcus Gordon; 2, Abigail Moore; 3, Ben Hodges.

Throwing bean bags: Under two years — 1, Calan Harris; 2, Max Timoney; 3, Robert Fox. Under three years — 1, Mellisa Gordon; 2 equal, Kyle Scott and Ross Falconer; 3, Craig. Under five years — 1, Greg Douglas; 2, Ben Hodges; 3, Marcus Gordon.

Female adults’ race — 1, Diane Ramage; 2, Shelly Lamb; 3, Georgina Boggs.

Fathers’ race — 1, Robert Goudie; 2, Steve Fox.

Five-a-side football (Sunday)

Nursery (Tiny Tots) — Oliver Beagley, Euan Graham, Jamie Shiel, Ben Russell.

P2/3 (Tweedbank Arabs) — Craig Watson, Ryan Patterson, Lewis Armstrong, Keir Rafferty, Robbie Graham.

P4/5 (Tweedbank Eagles) — Allister Gorman, Jack Hay, Daniel Deans, Tommy Lothian, Danny McLaren.

P6/7 (Tweedbank Mean Team) — Greg Hay, Michael McPherson, Christopher Doyle, Cameron Bennett, Dale Thin.

Under-15s (Tweedbank Rangers) — Martin Gibson, Kenny Syme, Graeme Rigg, Jamie Gibson, Scott Craw.

Adults (Dad’s Army) — Donald Forbes, John Leighton, Mike McPherson, Gary Hay, Scott Beattie.

Round the pond race

Boys — 1, Craig Watson; 2, Scott McDougal; 3, Kier Rafferty.

Girls — 1, Lee Connor; 2, Sarah Marshall; 3, Amber Dryden.

Adults (male) — 1, Kenny Johnstone.

Adults (female) — 1, Michelle Donaghy; 2, Karen McLaren.

Overall winner of fancy dress — Tweedbank Playgroup (Noddy in Toyland).