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Lord Cornet Elect 2010 Selected
I'm allergic ... to horses!
Lanark's
new Lord Cornet-elect has been named as popular - and highly active - local
police officer Geoff Smith.
The 40-year-old admitted that the very last thing he expected was to be told on Sunday night that he'd been accorded the honour of being the Burgh's standard bearer during the 2010 Lanimer celebrations and Ridings throughout the Borders.
"I was in my jammies when they called to tell me; I had to ask them to wait at the door while I put on a pair of trousers. So, yes, you could say it came as a bit of a surprise." said Geoff.
"Now I'm over the initial shock, I'm looking forward to it - despite being allergic to horses."
While Geoff says he'll overcome his equine problems with the aid of anti-allergy pills plus some riding hints from his best pal - by happy coincidence a police Mounted Branch sergeant - the 'star chamber' which select Lord Cornets can rest assured they've made a popular choice.
Despite his accent, Geoff isn't, contrary to widespread belief, one of the few Englishmen to be sashed as Lanark's Lord Cornet.
He was, in fact, born in Edinburgh from where his parents emigrated to England, Geoff returning to Scotland to live in Lanark, and join Strathclyde Police, 17 years ago.
Since then, he's been very active in the community.
He is a former captain of Lanark Rugby Club, as Assistant Scoutmaster with the 2nd Lanark Scouts, was director of the local Celtic Festival, is the former head of the Music in Lanark group, is an active member of Upperward Mountaineering Club and Biggar Cricket Club, is a Prince's Trust Advisor and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme organiser!
He also still finds time to be a full-time police officer, being, in fact, the longest-serving of Scotland's 73 campus officers, serving in Glasgow's St Mungo's School for the past six years.
He talks about this role with the enthusiasm only someone genuinely interested in working for the wellbeing of youngsters can, stating that the pupils at this once-troubled school are "a great bunch of kids".
He takes no little satisfaction that the once worryingly active gang culture at the school has dwindled greatly since his arrival and points to this as evidence that campus policing not only works but works well.
"Even the littering in the school grounds largely stopped when I turned up. So, at least I'm doing something worthwhile," he said.
In the past two years Geoff has won a Scottish Policing Award and was named one of Scotland's Heroes by a national newspaper after being nominated by the youngsters he works with.
Now he is facing an even more active year as Lanark's Lord Cornet, keenly supported by his (very) patient wife Jane and their six year old son Jonathan.
The only thing really worrying him is "getting a pair of riding boots that'll fit my great big feet."
Typical polis!
Lanark Gazette
Thursday 14th January 2010
Geoff cops Cornet role
Lanark's
2010 Lord Cornet is to be policeman Geoff Smith.
Originally from Edinburgh, he moved to Lanark about 18 years ago, initially working as a play leader with the council before joining the police. He is at present a campus based officer in the East End of Glasgow.
A former captain of Lanark Rugby Club, he is assistant scout leader with the 2nd Lanark Troop, one of the oldest in the world, who celebrate their centenary this year.
He is also a member of the Upperward Mountaineering Club, Biggar Cricket Club, a former director of the Celtic Festival in Lanark, and chairman of Music in Lanark.
A Daily Record Scottish Hero in 2007 for his police work, he won a major Scottish police award last year.
Geoff was totally surprised to be given the honour - he was in his pyjamas when the selection committee arrived!
Married to Jane, they have a six-year-old son Jonathan. "He's very pleased and thinks it's great daddy is getting to ride a horse, and thinks he'll be getting to ride one too." added Geoff.
Lanark & Carluke Advertiser
Thursday 14th January 2010