Mary Margaret Meldrum, who will sash Lord Cornet John Dickman during the Shifting of the Standard ceremony on Marches night, Monday 9 June 2008, was born in Wishaw. She has lived in Lanark for twenty two years, the first eleven of which she shared blissfully with her late husband Ron and their family. She has two daughters, Aileen and Jennifer, and is Grandmother to her beautiful Jennifer and Jessica, and step grand-daughter, Ava.

Mary Margaret's was associated with Lanark long before she lived here. She was invited by Fr Desmond McMorrow to take on the demanding role of 'Margo' in 'Desert Song', the first of many productions by St Mary's Opera Society of which she was proud to be a part. Lanimer preparations, news and excitement featured in backstage conversations with fellow cast members, but this lass from "doon through" could never quite understand their fervour and obvious pride in their town.

Alongside her profession as a teacher (currently at Stanmore House School), Mary Margaret's 'other life' has been Music and the Theatre, supported for so long by her ever-creative late husband, and still by her patient family. With Ron's encouragement, and her association with another Vincentian priest, Fr Gerry Doyle, she took on the mantle of leader of the Choir of St Mary's approximately fifteen years ago. A very ecumenical group they are now not merely choir members but friends.

When offered the honour of sashing this year's Lord Cornet, Mary Margaret accepted willingly, and proudly, on behalf of all choir members past and present. She hopes the choir will continue to flourish in its music, commitment to the community and in its ecumenism, and wishes John, and all playing a part in this unique Lanark tradition, wonderful memories of 2008. All of us wish Mary Margaret, too, a happy Lanimer Week, with her family around her, to share the memories she will surely have for many years to come.

Margaret Strachan is delighted to have been asked by her son David, president of the Lord Cornets' Club, to pin on the Lord Cornet's Gold Badge at the Shifting of the Burgh Standard Ceremony on the Monday evening of Lanimer Week.

Originally from Newarthill, Margaret has lived in Lanark with her husband, John, since 1969. As a play leader at St Nicholas Playgroup, and teacher at St Nicholas Sunday School, she, along with John, was involved with many procession entries during the 1970s and 1980s.

Margaret still maintains the Cradle Roll for St Nicholas Parish Church, a task she has undertaken since 1971, and is a member of both the Lanark Women's Rural Institute and Lanark OAP Association. She is also a keen baker and knitter.

Margaret is looking forward to supporting David during his year as President, as well as performing her own duties this year, and wishes everyone a Happy Lanimers.

May Dickman, wife of this year's Lord Cornet, is a teacher in South Lanarkshire. She and John have two children, Nineteen year old Gavin, a former Lanimer Champion, and Alison, who is in her final year at University, and will act as May's companion during Lanimer Week.

Like her husband, May's interests have a musical association. She sings in the Choir at Greyfriars Church, where, like her husband, and this year's Crowning Lady, she is an Elder. May is a member of the Lanark Amateur Music Society, and she co-ordinates the Reception item for the Kilninie Club Lanimer entry, with which she has been involved for several years. She was formerly a member of St Aidan's Amateur Operatic Society.

May is an active member of the Lanimer Committee but admits that she usually has to head out of town on Lanimer Day to go to the school where she works. This year she will not have to make the detour via Ravenstruther. On Lanimer day, and throughout Lanimer Week, she will be supporting her husband with pride, and looks forward to a very special time for her family.

We hope May will enjoy the whirlwind that is the celebration of Lanark Lanimer Week and that it will bring her many memorable moments to share with her children, and her husband, our Lord Cornet for 2008, John Dickman.