Lauder's Evie will be Queen for a day

A Primary 7 pupil from Lauder Primary School will be '˜Queen for the Day' when the Royal and Ancient Burgh of Lauder celebrates the Queen's 90th birthday on Sunday, June 12.

Evie Archenhold will be met at the gates to Lauder Church by Gerald Maitland-Carew, HM The Queen’s Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, before being led into the church by the Rev John Shields, MBE where a Service of Thanksgiving will begin the 10 hour programme.

A girls’ football tournament at the public park will follow, featuring Lauder and Melrose participants, alongside a senior football match involving representatives from the former Oxton Football Club and Lauder Amateurs.

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After the presentation of medals to all participants, Evie will travel in a vintage Alvis Drophead car from the centre of Lauder to Thirlestane Castle where she will be met by young Emily Maitland-Carew and Cornet Greg Scott, as 16-year-old Jake Mirley pipes the arrival of the ‘Queen for the Day’ from the turret of the castle.

An array of activities, hosted by Gus and Sam, will keep residents and visitors alike entertained as they enjoy their picnic.

Horses and dogs may be the centre of attention, but also included are gladiators, sumo wrestlers, segways and a speedway cycle course among the 20 items of entertainment for the afternoon. The birthday cake will be cut and distributed by Evie.

The programme then moves to Lauder Public Hall where Ian Brotherston will compere a concert of local talent followed by a family ceilidh with local musician Mike Whellans and the Ardmore Ceilidh Band led by Tich Frier and Scottish Champion accordionist Leonard Brown.

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Event organiser Graeme Donald said: “Lauder has earned a sound reputation for staging such celebratory events which strive to be inclusive for all residents.

“For example, entry to all activities in the programme is free but controlled on a first come, first served basis. A bus to the castle and back to the Public Hall is available for the elderly and infirm, again at no cost, leaving the town centre at 2pm for the castle, returning to the Public Hall at 4pm; all activities are family based”.

Programme details are available from Lauder’s Post Office, the grocer, the fruit shop, the pharmacy and the health centre.

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