Fifth time lucky for Langholm Cornet Simon

It was a fine clear morning as people were roused from their beds at 5am by a flute band to get Langholm Common Riding under way last Friday. The band played in a number of streets in the town before heading up Copshaw Road to the hound trail.The weather was in stark contrast to the Thursday evening preceding it, Simmer Fair Night, as the rain that had fallen for much of the day continued as crowds gathered in Market Place to listen to a programme of music from the Langholm Town Band, joined by the pipe band for a number of selections.The rain had eased a bit as the flute band and pipe band went to Townfoot, still carrying out the tradition of meeting the last train at 9pm, although the railway actually closed in 1964. They then played up High Street and round the streets of the town with several rows of enthusiastic followers. It was a nice touch to see Langholm Cornet Simon Tweddle and his right and left-hand men Jamie Fletcher and Dale Irving joining the flute band playing triangles.arlier in the evening, the cornet and his right and left-hand men had joined the common riding committee to inspect the beautiful floral crown made by Les Murray and a giant thistle chosen from the garden of Robert Warwick.As is traditional at Langholm, the cornet is elected by public vote, and Simon, 25, had to stand five times before being chosen. He had a dream of one day carrying the burgh standard, and it was realised on Friday, and he enjoyed every minute.Huge crowds attended the ceremonies, and they gave Simon, a builder by trade but presently working in forestry, a rousing reception. The Muckle Toon was celebrating 257 years of tradition and custom, and as hundreds of exiles and visitors joined the locals, they did it in style. On top of that, the weather was fine and warm throughout.The day got off to the perfect start when local dog Castle Caledonia won the hound trail for the syndicate entry of Borthwick, Irving, Fawkes, Richardson and Cuthbert. This is regarded as the blue riband of Border trails, and it was a