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.
 

"Dancing At The Cross" or "Little Acorns"

When I was appointed as a teacher of Hygiene and Physical Education at Lanark Grammar School in 1950 my excitement knew no bounds. My very first job! When I arrived (from Hamilton) that first morning you could say that I was full to the brim with girlie glee. I had so many plans. Hockey teams, netball teams, gymnastics, dance, athletics, etc., etc. Little did I know that another door was about to open adding another dimension to my programme. The Lanimer door. At that time I had never seen Lanimers and assumed that it must be some sort of Gala Day. I couldn't have been more wrong.

That first year (1951) the Lanimer Queen came from Lanark Grammar School (Kitty Mason). It was very quickly indicated to me that training the Lanimer Court would be part of my remit. I enjoyed the task immensely. I also found myself roped in to help with other concert items and of course I met so many devotees of Lanimers. Yes it was work, but a lot of fun as well. Some time later I was offered the Lanimer Court 'job' and went on to train the Lanimer court for some 30 years. You could say that I was hooked. The Lanimer 'bug' was very infectious.

Sometime later (43 years ago) I was asked to arrange a display of Scottish Country Dancing to take place at Lanark Cross on the evening of The Marches. I was happy to take on the challenge, as at that time, I was teaching two children's classes for the local branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS).

People often ask me which year stands out as a memorable one. That first year is one that I will NEVER forget, it was almost a non-event. The secretary of the local branch of the RSCDS had been approached by the Lanimer Committee at Easter about a display at the Cross BUT she failed to mention it to me. Classes finished at Easter. The first inkling I got was when I received a phone call from the late Bob Kennedy enquiring "... what about music for the display of dancing?" This was two and a half weeks before the Marches. I hadn't a clue what he was talking about. Instant action stations! I got in touch with 12 of my most reliable children. All agreed and were willing to honour the commitment, 100% attendance at all rehearsals. The Lesser Memorial Hall was made available for rehearsals. Bob Kennedy went off with the list of tunes. He pulled out all the stops and kept telling me not to panic. It would be alright. No time to think about white dresses and tartan shoes (I bet the mums were relieved). All wore summer dresses. The weather was dry and Bob was right. It was alright.

After that first occasion, dancing at the Cross on Marches' night became a Lanimer tradition. The girls wore white dresses and tartan sashes thanks to very supportive parents and we did have several braw kilted lads. At all times the children gave of their best and were always immaculately dressed by the parents. My sincere thanks to them all. Weather was a problem at times but the dancers quickly became adept at dancing in the rain and occasionally the puddles.

Throughout ensuing years, the local children of the RSCDS performed at several functions - mostly charity. St Andrew's Day and Rabbie Burns celebrations were busy times for them too. During the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh they performed a programme of dances each evening for five nights entertaining guests to the games. On that occasion they were collected and returned by a minibus driven by a liveried chauffeur. They did feel important and on that occasion were very well rewarded!

Another highlight was in June 2000. Her Majesty the Queen visited New Lanark. I was asked to arrange a short display of SCD to mark the occasion. Needless to say I was happy to oblige as Her Majesty is a patron of the RSCDS. The children were very excited about this and were agog at all the security checks. One wee lass went home and told her Mum that she would need her passport to get to New Lanark that day. I had been told that I would be given a 'pass'. Laughter all round. Seventeen children were involved that day so two sets danced each dance. It was a gorgeous day. Dry, warm and sunny. Truly a magical day. After dancing we were treated to a lovely lunch and although confined until HM departed, new Lanark took care of every need and made us feel very special. A day never to be forgotten.

I am still promoting SCD through Scotland's Day of Dance which is held annually on the Friday nearest St Andrew's Day. Six local primary schools (St Mary's, Lanark, Robert Owen Memorial, Kirkfieldbank, Braehead and Tinto) participate in this. I also teach the children's class locally as they join us on that occasion too. All wear school uniform and it's nice to see the different colours. This year Neal Cowan (P6-LPS) brought his bagpipes and each school was piped in.

Members of the local branch of the RSCDS have always been very generous with their support and encouragement. When I needed some assistance the response was instant. They like children and enjoy being involved. My sincere thanks to you all.

Mind you, not all the children are angels. I do however like children with a bit of spirit. They tend to be good performers when the occasion demands. (I can't believe I just said that!) Anyway it was always alright on the night.

My mind has just had another wee trip down memory lane. Back to the days when I was rehearsing the Lanimer Court and the dancers - Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.00-6.30. My two daughters, Mhairi and Fiona were also dancers. They hurried off home ahead of me popping into Joe's for fritters on route. They were SO good (the fritters - not my daughters) and just what we needed. Andrew always enjoyed his Tuesday dinner.

Currently I am a founder member of the Lanimer Crowning Ladies' Circle and enjoy lunching with the other ladies twice yearly. I rehearse the new Crowning Lady each year prior to the big day. That helps to boost her confidence. In 1978 I had the honour of crowning the first Lanimer Queen from Robert Owen MPS (Elaine McLintock).

In 2000 I was awarded a scroll from the RSCDS in recognition of my voluntary service to the society and in 2004, during the Day of Dance, I received a pewter quaich (or a quiche as the children would say) from the Lanimer Committee for the same reason. Wonderful - BUT WHY do I feel so guilty when rewarded for something that I enjoy so much? Working with responsive children is reward enough.

Well I started off with 12 dancers at the Cross many years ago. Latterly the number had grown to 65. From little acorns...