LANARK LANIMER DAY
An ancient celebration held within the Royal Burgh of Lanark on the Thursday between the Sixth and Twelfth days of June annually since the year 1140.
 

Fiona's Address To Lanimer Guests

by Fiona Stoddart

Following last year's Lanimer Procession, South Lanarkshire Council once again hosted their Lanimer Lunch in the Memorial Hall, Lanark, Provost Alan Dick invited one of Lanark's youth, Fiona Stoddart, to give her views on Lanimers and the opportunities for youth involvement in the community. Fiona thanked Provost Dick and South Lanarkshire Council for their continued support of Lanimers. The following article is a short insight into her address.

I have been invited to speak as a representative of the Lanark YMCA Duke of Edinburgh Award Group. Lanimers is a tradition which Lanarkians hold dear. The Lanimer Committee and the Lord Cornets' Club have a tremendous job to fulfil every year, but this year more than most, due to all the changes which have had to be made as a result of Foot and Mouth and the date of the General Election being announced at short notice. This year the Lanimer entrants were unable to use tractors etc. and I thought that, under the circumstances, they had great imagination and ideas and I am sure this type of entry can play a big part in future processions. I am sure you will agree that today's procession was a credit to the sponsors and all who were involved in the organisation of the day.

Speaking of General Elections, had it not been for Mrs Thatcher call an election on 9 June, 1983, I would have been a Lanimer baby. However I was able to attend my first Lanimers at the age of one week. In my family election have certainly caused disruptions - in 1979 my dad was Lord Cornet a week late due to the European Elections. This year I should have had my final Higher exam the day after Lanimers - thankfully it is now a fading memory and I can enjoy today.

Having grown up in Lanark I believe the town has offered me many opportunities. In Lanark YMCA I was introduced to gymnastics and trampolining at the age of two and last year took part in an exchange to Denmark with the gymnastics class. We are fortunate in having a really good School of Dance and again, at the age of two, I started dancing lessons and sixteen years later I am still thoroughly enjoying ballet, jazz and Highland dancing.

As a member of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Group I have fulfilled numerous challenges. The most testing of those was last year at this time, when we undertook our gold expedition - four nights under canvas, fifty miles on foot carrying all our camping equipment, torrential rain, so much so that our campsite was flooded. However let me assure you that rain does not kill midges and there is no repellent that works on my skin.

I am due to receive my Gold Award at Holyrood Palace next month but I will have to send my apologies as Lanark has offered me another opportunity. I am to take part in a Rotary exchange to South Africa, so next week at this time I will be in Cape Town. Part of my presentation when I am in South Africa will revolve around the Lanimer tradition and the community spirit which it engenders. It is the responsibility of us all and especially young people like myself to ensure that Lanimers continues for years to come.

Ladies, gentlemen thank you.