Annandale’s crowning glory

Jul 3 2009 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday

Annandale’s crowning glory

IT was a real family affair for teenager Terri Johnston on Friday evening when she was crowned as the 61st Queen of the Border ... by her mum.

Donna Rosado was the 40th Queen in 1988 and her dad was part of the retinue for the Annan Riding of the Marches and Gala day in the 1950s.

Watched by hundreds of onlookers on a sunshine summer evening, Terri was entertained on the High Street stage by her nine-year-old sister, Alix, who is an accomplished Highland dancer.

Terri, herself, has piped previous queens on the crowning night which traditionally starts the countdown to the Annan ROM and gala day on Saturday, July 4.

The second year pupil at Annan Academy is proud to be Queen of the Border.

She said: “It is really exciting to follow in my mum’s footsteps and represent Annan.”

Terri was supported by her champion, Bradey Maxwell and lady-in-waiting Francesca Ewart.

Her maids of honour were Emma Fleming, Rochelle Jones, Emma Moffat, Samantha Irving, Hannah Lavander and Nicola Hannah.

Archie Gardiner was her crown bearer and Craig Bell was sceptre bearer.

The heralds were Corey Bell and Campbell McNaughton, with Grant Carson taking on the role of gift bearer and the train bearers were Ella Irving and Pardip Atwal.

Together with her retinue, Terri was piped from Bank Street to the stage for her crowning and presented to this year’s ROM principals and dignitaries.

Last year’s Queen of the Border, Melissa Tweedie had to pay her respects wearing her outfit for the Annan Academy school play, Oliver, when she managed to nip out of the performance for the crowning ceremony.

Ten-year-old Tamara Creighton beautifully sang Highland Cathedral and the crowds also thoroughly enjoyed more musical entertainment provided by The RBL Annan Juvenile Pipes and Drums.

Crowning convener Tracy Creighton said: “It was a fabulous evening and the support was wonderful.

“All the hard work put in by everyone really paid off.

“The crowning committee has worked exceptionally hard to fundraise for the event this year and the list of people to thank for all their support is endless.

“Our special thanks go to former Cornet John Carruthers who has done so much for the crowning over the years.”