CELEBRATING THE PLATINUM JUBILEE

Last Friday we were honoured when HRH The Duke of Gloucester attended our event at Carolside, unveiling our Platinum Jubilee seat celebrating HM Queen Elizabeth II seventy years of service. It was exciting that our small community group’s work was recognised in this way. The short ceremony took place in front of the house where our hand-crafted heartwood oak seat, inset with the Platinum Jubilee logo and emblems representing the four Nations, was unveiled.

A Scottish Borders Council Platinum Jubilee Fund grant allowed us to commission Ross Ketteridge, local cabinet maker based at Real Wood Studios, to make the seat and All Awards Ltd of Jedburgh to create the emblems. Paths Group also contributed to the project.

The Duke of Gloucester was received by Her Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, the Duke of Buccleuch.

The Duke introduced Carolside’s owners, Mrs Rose and Mr Anthony Foyle, Phil Lusby, (gardening team), Ian Gibb (Secretary Earlston Paths Group), Anne Hogarth (Deputy Lord Lieutenant) and Paths Group members.

Mr and Mrs Foyle have been extremely supportive and we’re very pleased the seat’s final location will be overlooking the Leader Water on the Earlston Circular Walk.

We were able to invite a small number of people who support us now, have done so in the past or regularly use the footpaths. They were able to come along, meet the official party and help us celebrate.

After the unveiling, everyone relaxed and enjoyed refreshments supplied by Mr and Mrs Foyle with a Jubilee Celebration cupcake, made for the occasion by local resident Becks Banks of Celebration Cakes by Rebecca Grace Banks.

Before leaving the Duke of Gloucester was presented with our publications and a box of celebration cupcakes.

Carolside, with grounds manicured to perfection by the garden team and with bunting fluttering in the morning air, provided a fitting backdrop for a joyous occasion.

Fantastic photos by Curtis Welsh and Helen Pugh-Cook.