Merchandise

Current items available for sale:

1. ''Tales of the Exiles'' A book about the society compiled by Ian Clapperton £7.50

2. "Selkirk Common Riding Songs and Music" CD. £10

3. Society tie £15

4. Members badges £6 each - yellow or blue.

Merchandise

Readers should look out for posters in local shops advertising the sale of the Society book ‘’Tales of the Exiles’’ and their CD containing many of the songs and music of the Common Riding featuring local singers and bands.

The book tells the story of the Society history, from its founding in Hespeler, Ontario during 1910 by Souters who had emigrated looking for work in what was, the textile capital of Canada, their first Standard Bearer and Bussin’ Concert in 1911 and the new Flag sent from Canada.

We journey through the next 100 plus years to 2018 and the newly created mosaic on Riverside and the Market Place regeneration with the Society emblem ‘’set in stone’’ alongside the other Casting Associations. Included in the book is a photo gallery of all our Standard Bearers and Lady Bussers together with a host of pictures covering the history of the Society.

Many tales of our members are spread across the book starting with those who were involved in the founding of the Society in 1910 and ending with stories from our ‘’exiles’’ in more recent years. Some of these tales were written by High School students as part of the annual Colonial History Medal competition, while others originated from newspaper articles, or from the members themselves.

The recording on CD has been produced by Selkirk Colonial Society to preserve the traditional form of songs and music which are an integral part of the centuries-old Common Riding. Some of the songs are traditional to Ettrick Forest, of which Selkirk is the ancient capital. Others were incorporated, primarily by the late Baillie Reekie, because they seemed to catch the mood and spirit of the festival. How well the choice of songs was made in these early years is evidenced by the fact that they are sung with gusto by Souters all over the world, and at the annual Common Riding.

Tracks 1-13 represent the start of the Common Riding on the Thursday night, with the Flute Band heralding the Burgh Officer as he ‘’Cries the Burley’’, followed by the procession around the town and various bussin’ concerts.

From track 14 the songs and music follow the sequence in which they are heard with Selkirk Silver Band, Souters ‘’frae a’ the airts’’ and Selkirk Pipe Band all involved. The day starts with the pipers playing ‘’the Flo’ers o’ the Forest’’ at the War Memorial, and then at the First Drum, the Silver Band sets of on itstraditional march to the tune of ‘’Hail Smilin’Morn’’. We salute the exiles with ‘’Her Bright Smile’’, march along for the Bussin’ of the Burgh Flag, and head doon the Green at the Second Drum singing ‘’O’ a’ the Airts’’. Marching to the Toll to meet the riders we sing ‘’Maggie’’ and ‘’The Boys of the old Brigade’’. At the Toll we sing along to ‘’the Roses’’ and ‘’the Rowan Tree’’. Once the riders have safely returned the procession heads back to the Market Place with both Silverand Pipe Bands to the fore. Flags are cast in the time-honoured manner to the tune ‘’Up wi’ the Souters’’ and then after the silence to remember those who fell at Flodden, the Common Riding ends with the band playing ‘’the Liltin’'.

The recording features many of the old, long departed artistes such as Willie Grieve (The Riders o’ the Marches), Charlie Brodie (The Soft Lowland Tongue), John Mitchell (Wild Ettrick) and many more.

The Book is available at the special price of £6.00 and the CD at £7.50. Buy both and get a further discount of 10%, a really fantastic offer of £12.00. Only available from the Peony Rose, Post Office, Scotts Selkirk, Turnbull Shoe Repairs and Ettrick Design (Bryan Hoggan).

Contact the Society for further information or orders

Category: Diary

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Category: Diary

Diary Dates

The main activities of the Society during the run-up to Selkirk Common Riding 2024 for your diary.

Category: Diary

Contact us

Email us at: selkirkcolonialsecretary@gmail.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selkirkcolonialsociety

Category: Diary

Preservation Project

The Society has undertaken a major project to preserve all its regalia - bussin' ribbons, original flag/banner and standard bearer sashes. None of this would have been possible without the financial help of members and exiles alike.

The record of those who made donations directly to facilitate the project is contained on the linked document. Record of donations.

More information on the story of our preservation project can be found by visiting the archive section of the web site. Archive Library.

In addition to preserving the ribbons, flag and sashes the Society arranged for all paper records of minutes and Bussin' Programmes from 1910 - 1976 to be digitally copied by the Scottish Border Council Archive Unit. The Society now holds an electronic copy of all these documents with the original paper records being retained securely by the Archive Unit which will limit their deterioration through age,etc. Members who wish to obtain an electronic copy of any of the documents involved can do so by contacting the Society. Anyone keen to view the original documents can do so but access will have to be approved by the Society.

The original notebook opened by the founding members in Hespeler, Canada, dated 1910-1911 can be viewed by following the links below. This notebook includes names of the original members, the purchase of the original flag, and a local press report about Hespeler.

Original notebook pages 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 and finally 13.

Category: Diary

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