Connor Brunton was the toast of Burnfoot at last Thursday’s Cornet’s night in the school.
This year’s man of the moment sprinkled plenty of Common-Riding magic on proceedings, accompanied by his Lass Victoria Campbell, Right and Left-Hand Men Gareth Renwick and Alistair George and their Lasses Jennifer Nichol and Katy Moffat plus his Acting Father and Mother Alistair and Tracy Crawford.
As always, the night did not disappoint with staunch Common-Riding supporter Bernie Armstrong as MC ensuring the night ticked all the traditional boxes.
The event kicked off with the Drums and Fifes playing the Cornet and party into the venue followed by the 42-strong Burnfoot Community School choir.
Burnfoot Community Council chairwoman Ann Knight then welcomed them all to the function before handing the reins over to Bernie to chair the evening.
Accompanied by teacher Lynne Finnie on the guitar, the choir firstly entertained the audience with Up wi the Banner.
They also nailed their colours to the mast when performing Burnfit’s’very own song Home by Burnfoot which went down a treat.
Sandwiched in between these numbers, the choir conjured up a little piece of their own bit of magic with a surprise package rendering of a brand new song You Cannae Shove the Cornet off his Horse.
Written by Mrs Finnie, the words were highly amusing in a good fun song.
Overall the choir were first rate and their performance was followed by the draw to see which pupils would be carrying out the duties of Carnival Queen and Cornet for Burnfoot’s big day in July.
The honours went the way of Lea Bell and Ryan Scott.
Top class entertainment was on the cards from here on in with some talented local singers.
Shining along with them was pianist Margaret Logan – who has played the piano at many concerts over the years and is a star in her own right.
Evelyn Armstrong, the daughter of MC Bernie, was one of three lady singers to perform and sang Old Mill Town and Up Wi the Banner.
Rebecca Jackson performed I Like Auld Hawick, My Borderland and The Fairest Spot O’ A while Joyce Tinlin sang Auld Hawick Where I was Born and The Soft Lowland Tongue. And what a superb trio they were.
On the male side there were also top performances from Robert Scott with Border Queen, Up Wi Auld Hawick and Oor Ain Auld Toon. Bernie Armstrong then sang A Song O Hawick before Drew Johnstone gave a fine rendition of Hawick Among the Hills and Meda’s Song.
Provost Watson McAteer made an excellent job of a vote of thanks in which he covered every angle in a highly efficient manner.
The evening concluded with Cornets Up.
The provost told The Hawick Paper: “Cornet Connor Brunton together with his lass Victoria Campbell and the rest of this year’s Principals were given a real Burnfoot welcome at this years community council organised concert.
There was a music laden programme with the Burnfoot school choir led by Mrs Finnie stealing the show with their original and enthusiastic singing.
“There was a large turn-out of local residents all enjoying the entertainment being compared in unique style by ex-Callants’ Club president Bernie Armstrong.”
Local ward councillor, Clair Ramage, added: “The night was a great success showcasing much of the local talent from Hawick.
“Burnfoot Community Council organise the event and, as in previous years, it proved to be really popular with the local community and is enjoyed by all.
“The highlight for me was the school choir led by Lynne Finnie. The look of pure enjoyment on the faces of the children as they sang their Common-Riding songs and one specially composed about the Cornet and the Big Four was really special.
“A big thank you has to go to Ann Knight, chairwoman of Burnfoot Community Council, and her team for all their hard work inn making it a really enjoyable night.
A delighted Ann told The Hawick Paper: “It was a great night and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
“The entertainment was first class.
“All the hard work behind the scenes is always well worth it when you see the smiles on all the children’s faces.”
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