It’s that time of year when we’re looking for this year’s Berwick Mascot. This is a one-year role from March 2022. We ask that you apply by email before 19th March at the latest, telling us why you would like to be Mascot, and then come along to our Sashing Night at the Guildhall where the winning applicant’s name will be publicly drawn from a hat. The winner will ride at the head of the cavalcade alongside our Principals on Bounds Day, and also have the option of riding at other town’s common ridings throughout the summer.
This position has been hugely successful over the past five years and we have been extremely lucky to have some great “youngins” flying our town’s colours throughout the Borders. This is a brilliant opportunity for a keen young rider to get a taste of being a Principal for the day. You do not need to own your own pony, all you need is a little bit of confidence and have reasonable riding experience.
Applicants must be aged between 10 and 15 years on Bounds Day, 30th April 2022 and have a definite link to the former Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
If you think you can proudly represent us and your town, please write to berwickbounds@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible. Good luck!
NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED
Berwick Riders’ Association are the group responsible for organising the annual Riding of the Bounds on or about the 1st May every year.
The ride is becoming increasingly popular and is gaining a high public profile. The first ride was recorded in 1438 so it won’t be too long before we’ll be celebrating our 600th anniversary.
We are looking for mature, enthusiastic and committed individuals, 18 years and over, to sit on the committee and help us make the event even more of a success than it currently is. No special skills are needed, you don’t even need to be a rider, just as long as you are willing to give a bit of your time to show off one of the town’s best assets and make Berwick proud of its historic tradition.
Applications of interest are also invited from anyone who would like to become a Principal (18 years and over) or a Mascot (15 years and under on May 1st) and represent the town at various Common Ridings during the season.
Please contact the Secretary or any committee member for informal advice on joining us.
“Berwick Riders’ Association committee celebrated their annual Riding of the Bounds on 1st May this year by walking the 17 mile route instead of the usual means of travelling on horseback.
Covid restrictions meant that the 500-year-old tradition had to be reduced to avoid large crowds so on Saturday morning the Chief Marshal Courtnay Grey and her Left and Right Hand Men, all of whom were on foot, met the Berwick Mayor Ann Forbes and Sheriff Martin Warner, at the Guildhall steps and requested permission to check the boundary of the Liberties of Berwick. Permission was granted, the Town Flag was handed over and the toast was given before the ten-strong committee set off by foot and bus to cover the route. The committee were joined on the walk by Shaun Eltringham, who was celebrating his ten year anniversary of being Chief Marshal.
The walk was completed without difficulty in lovely Spring sunshine and following a very pleasant lunch stop hosted by New Mills and the “Tapping of the Bridge” near New Water Haugh, the flag was returned to the Mayor at the Guildhall along with the report that the town boundary remained secure for another year.
It is hoped that 2022 will see the return of the hundred plus horses and riders from Berwick district and the other Border towns. The committee are also looking for new applicants for next year’s Principals positions. Details are on their website and Facebook pages.”
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020.
Due to further Covid restrictions placed upon us all our Annual general meeting due to take place at the Jubilee was held instead via Zoom.
Berwick Riders Association post holders are as follows..
Chairman – Mrs Linda Fiddes
Vice Chair – Mrs Lorraine Stark
Treasurer – Mrs Rebecca Tait
Secretary – Mr Stephen Lowdon
Ride Liaison Officer – Mrs Lorraine Stark
We are a non-profit organisation consisting of riders, and non riders whose aim is to enhance this historic event to the whole community and continue to raise the profile of the Riding of the Bounds. We are the sole organisers of this very unique day.
We as the Berwick Riders Association are always actively looking for new members to join our committee. We rely on Sponsors, Friends and Supporters. So if you can support us in any way, no matter how small please do get in touch.
Fundraising is the most important thing we do, so please do attend our events. Come along to any of our meetings, we usually hold them on the first Tuesday of the month at The Pilot Inn, Berwick @ 7.30pm.
Regular updates can be found on our Facebook page ‘Berwick Riders Association’
we are always actively seeking new members and future Chief Marshals for our committee who have a passion for our town and historical ride. if you think you have what it takes to become a Chief Marshal then send us a message through the contact form or email us at berwickbounds@yahoo.co.uk
If you think this is something that you may be interested in please contact us by CLICKING HERE
Could you be the next Chief Marshal??
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DAVID GUTHRIE -CASTRUM PHOTOGRAPHY.
Berwick upon Tweed Riding of the Bounds – Hosted by Berwick Riders Association
