Whipman Week 2004

Whipman is one of the older Border Festivals, having originated from the annual agricultural holiday and fayre in 1803, when "the men of Linton for the bettering of themselves and their children, formed a Benevolent Society, they being known as 'The Whipmen of Linton.' "

Commencing in the first week in June, it is today a nine day festival which begins by celebrating a local couple in the form of the Whipman (meaning carter) and his Lass.

This year (2004) the Whipman is Gordon Pearse and the Whipman's Lass is Emma Steven .

Centred around the historic installation ceremony, the event includes a fairground, dancing, sporting events, outdoor competitions - including the famous Bogie Race through the River Lyne, a bonfire, barbecue... in fact, something for everyone.

The Whipman Play originated in the early nineteenth century in connection with the local horseman's society.

It was revived in 1931. It is a well-known local fact that if you want to find out who is going to be elected Whipman, look out for a couple who have never ridden before suddenly taking an all-consuming interest in equestrianism. It is also a well-known local fact that the sun doesn't always shine during Whipman Week - however, 2004 again got off to a good start with the procession of the floats and the installation ceremony, and despite some rain and overcast days during the week, ended up with a glorious Saturday 12th.

Tune - "The Lass o' Gowrie"
Words - by Jean W. Morton

When Summer smiles in sweet delight,
And fields are starred with daisies white,
Upon a certain gladsome night,
Rejoicing starts in Linton.
In Festival mood, our village gay,
Resolves to hold upon that day,
The Ancient Jovial Whipman Play,
Upon the Green at Linton.

Chorus
Then gather here from far and near,
Salute the flag you hold so dear
And raise your voices now to cheer
The Gallant Linton Whipman.

We choose a man of local fame,
A man who bears an honoured name,
To ride the bounds, to rule the game,
To lead the dance in Linton.
He lifts the time-worn banner high
And casts his colours to the sky,
His Lass, with pennon lovingly,
Bedecks the Flag of Linton.

Chorus - Then gather here etc.

May peace within our village dwell,
Our Whipman live long years to tell,
The tale of how he carried well,
The Ancient Flag of Linton
And may we one and all be gay,
Upon this happy holiday,
And long to see the Whipman Play
Another year in Linton.

Chorus - Then gather here etc.