Sponsored by : To be confirmed
Charter Reader 2007: Alaric Bonthron
In November 1936 a small group of people met to discuss the possibility of forming a riding club. Early in 1937 the club was formed and named The Crusaders' Riding Club. The land surrounding Fa'side Castle was granted by Charter to the Seaton family as far back as 1246. In 1949 a Club Charter was presented by Mr Clapperton to the Crusaders' Riding Club and this is now read out during the ceremony at Fa'side Castle where the Honest Lad raises the Flag to signify to the surrounding district that Musselburgh is now in Festival.
Club Captain Andrew Carlyle leads members of the Official Party across the river
This year our Club Captain, Andrew Carlyle will be sashed on the banks of the River Esk under the Roman Bridge by Kim Bennett (Past Captain 1993) This ceremony will start at 5.50 p.m. prompt before the commencement of the ride. Meanwhile the riders will form at Inveresk Industrial Estate at 5.30 to ford the Esk at 5.50 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE ANY PUBLIC CARS GOING TO FA'SIDE MUST ENTER FROM BIRSLEY BRAE, NEAR TRANENT
Fa'side Castle
The ride will then proceed to Fa'side Castle via Eskside, Bridge Street, Dalrymple Loan, Inveresk Road, Inveresk Village, Carberry and thence to Fa'side Castle at approximately 7.00 p.m. This year the Charter will be read by William Elgin (Past Captain 1975 -76). The benediction will be performed by Rev Alison MacDonald.
After the ceremony the ride will then head back to Musselburgh via Wallyford Village, where traditionally a bouquet is presented to the Honest Lass by a member of Wallyford Community Council, and a buttonhole to the Honest Lad. After this presentation the ride will proceed via Haddington Road to Levenhall roundabout; along Hope Place to the back of the Musselburgh Racecourse to Balcarres Road.
The ride will then proceed (via) Goosegreen Crescent, the Electric Bridge, New Street to Mountjoy Terrace then the spectacular gallop along the beach at approx 8.30 p.m. The ride will gather then head to Loretto Corner via New Street and Goosegreen Crescent. Arriving at Pinkie Pillars at approximately 9.10 p.m. to be met by the Penicuik Boys Brigade Pipe Band.
The procession will then proceed via the High Street, Bridge Street, North High Street, Lochend Road South, Market Street fording the Esk once again at the Roman Bridge at approximately 9.30 p.m.
After the ride the Crusaders' will hold an informal Supper Dance inInveresk Bowling Club to which everyone is welcome. Tickets for this dance are £7.00 and can be obtained from committee members. 2 Trophies are awarded for the Olderst Rider (The Nita Halliday Memorial Trophy) and the Youngest Rider(kindly donated by Jeanette Munro).
The Nita Halliday Memorial Trophy for the oldest rider completing the Chase Night Ride. Last year this was won again by Brian Kennedy. This year we have a new trophy for the youngest rider, which has been kindly donated by Jeanette Munro. Both trophies will be presented at the Dance.
Since its inception in 1937 The Crusaders' Riding Club has gone from strength to strength. The present committee endeavour to maintain the traditions of the Club whilst also organising a calendar of equestrian and social events for its members. To become a member of the Club, you must successfully complete a two stage riding test, details of which can be obtained from members of the Committee.
THE HONEST TOUN'S ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE AND THE CRUSADERS RIDING CLUB COMMITTEE WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY, HOWEVER OCCASIONED, TO HORSES, PONIES, SPECTATORS OR PARTICIPANTS AT ANY EVENT ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEES.
ALL RIDERS ATTENDING THE RIDEOUT DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
THE MARSHALLS ARE IN CHARGE
A FAMILY TRADITION
Since 1937 the Honest Lad and Lass have received flowers on their way back from Fa'side at Wallyford. This tradition was started by Mr Edward Cunningham and carried on by his daughter, Shiela and after her death by her husband, the late Mr Tom Baillie of Wallyford, who died in May 2006 aged 90. His children and grandchildren have all taken their "turns" at carrying on the family tradition - the youngest was only nine weeks old when they presented these flowers.
This tradition carried on over the years but sadly is no longer done by the family.
The HTA would like to thank Mr Cunninghams' family and descendants for their support over the years and for their generations of commitment to the Musselburgh Festival. A Thank you must also go to Wallyford Community Council for their continuation of this lovely tradition.
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