Deacon Convener Ian D Swan welcomed a large turnout of Deacons and Journeymen to the 593rd Annual General Meeting of the Haill Six Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright in the ancient Tolbooth last Friday evening.
Deacon Convener Swan reflected on a busy but very enjoyable and satisfying year in office. Amongst the many highlights were the continuing recruitment of new members and further interest from ladies wishing to join the ancient organisation.
He was pleased to report that the close relationship between Kirkcudbright, Irvine Incorporated Trades, Aberdeen Incorporated Trades and the Cordwainers of York continues to flourish. He reported on various gatherings and functions he had attended with the groups. The profile of the Incorporated Trades was ever changing and becoming more modern, reflected by sponsorship of community events such as the Buckland Burn Up and the Food Festival.
Members had helped with a beach clean at Abbey Burnfoot in the spring and ran a very successful burger stand at the annual Tattoo in the town. The annual Burns Supper had been a resounding success with a spell binding Immortal Memory from Robert Burns lookalike, Wullie Dick of Ayrshire. The popularity of the event is getting stronger every year and he thanked Colin Warden and Douglas Swan and Son for their sponsorship of the event.
Amongst the more traditional events in the year were, the Kirkin’ of the Deacon Convener, the Kirkin’ of the Cornet and participation in the Riding of The Marches. Box Master Derek Collins reported that the Incorporated Trades were in a strong financial position thanks to the hard work and support of Journeymen and Deacons. New members were welcomed, Michael Curtis, Tailors, Sharon Hobman and David Hobman, Shoemakers. Office Bearers; Deacon Convener, Ian D Swan, Clerk, A.C. Henry, Boxmaster, Derek Collins, General Officer, Ian McIntyre.
Sunday saw the annual Kirkin’ of the Deacon Convener. A large turnout of Journeymen and Deacons joined by a large number from Irvine Incorporated Trades, joined by Councillors Jane Maitland and Dougie Campbell marched from the Old Court along the High Street to the Parish Kirk where the Rev. John Caulfield welcomed Deacon Convener Ian D Swan and invited him to give a reading . History was made with Allison Davies being the first female piper to lead the procession .
