Published: Friday, 28th July, 2006 09:56
Crusaders ride out
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MUSSELBURGH residents turned out in force to watch a procession of horses ford the River Esk.
Eighty-eight Crusaders’ Riding Club members – from youngest rider Katie Bennett, 10, and her granddad, the eldest rider, Brian Kennedy, 68 – delighted onlookers at the Crusaders’ Chase on Monday night.
In medieval times, Musselburgh riders patrolled the area to make sure no-one from neighbouring towns – and Edinburgh – was threatening their land.
Lead by club captain, Ian Ritchie (inset, right), who was sashed on the river bank by the Roman Bridge, riders forded the river before proceeding through Inveresk and Carberry to Fa’side Castle.
At the castle, the saltire was raised by Honest Lad Kevin Hunter 2006 to announce the start of Honest Toun festivities.
Honest Lad 1965 Rob Hardie (inset, far right) read the Crusaders’ Club Charter which was first presented to the club in 1949.
After the ceremony, the procession headed back to Musselburgh via Wallyford and along the track at the back of the racecourse towards the beach.
Kissed by the gentle evening sun, the riders thundered across the sand.
After the ride, the Crusaders’ held an informal supper dance with traditional Scottish jigs in the Masonic Lodge, Balcarres Road, attended by around 100 folk.
On Wednesday, Kevin was sashed on the banks of the river and given the Burgh flag which he will return tommorow (Saturday) after the festival day ride-out.
And Honest Lass 2006 Vikki Miller was presented with a jewelled riding crop.
Honest Toun week will climax tomorrow (Saturday) with a parade through the town which travels down the High Street at 9am.
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