On the afternoon of Sunday, 15th June, Lodge Kelso & Tweed No. 58 hosted the 2025 Kelso Laddie, Angus Utterson along with his Right Hand Man, Jack Forsyth; Left Hand Man, Andrew Thomson, and several guests from the Kelso Laddies Association and Ex-Laddies Club including the Town Provost, Gavin Horsburgh.
The Master, Brother Graeme Forsyth, welcomed the group to the Lodge Rooms, anticipating a pleasant afternoon in their company. He concluded by congratulating Angus Utterson and wishing him a happy and successful year as the town’s Kelso Laddie. Brother Mick Todd PM, introduced the Brethren explaining their various offices and responsibilities within the Lodge.
The afternoon began with Immediate Past Master, Brother Tim Slater, delivering a review of the Lodge’s activities over the past year, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.
He spoke with pride about Brother Drew Forsyth’s visit to Zambia in his role as Provincial Grand Master of the Scottish Borders, where he showcased Lodge Kelso & Tweed at an international Masonic conference. There, he highlighted the Lodge’s success in attracting and supporting new members.
Brother Slater noted that Lodge Kelso & Tweed had continued to flourish, with a strong programme of meetings, active charitable efforts, and visible participation in the life of the community. Key moments included a landmark cross-border meeting in Northumberland, support for local organisations such as SSAFA and Kelso Wheelers Juniors, and involvement in civic events. Special mention was made of the Lodge’s Young and New Masons, the Quarrymen, whose energy and commitment to fundraising for good causes have been exemplary. Guided by the values of friendship, integrity, service, and self-development, the Lodge remains firmly dedicated to honouring its heritage while looking confidently to the future.
The presentation concluded with Brother Tom Weatherston offering a heartfelt account of his journey since joining the Lodge, delivered with sincerity and enthusiasm.
A Poem Tae The Laddie
Brother Bill Heaney PM, a proud Burns man and gifted reciter of the Bard’s work, delivered a specially written poem in honour of the Kelso Laddie, capturing the spirit of the occasion.
A Poem Tae The Laddie
Gae forth, young Laddie, proud an’ braw,
Wi’ bonnet blue an’ chest held raw,
Ye lead the toon wi’ heart sae wide,
Wi’ Border pride nae man can hide.
Wi’ pipers’ skirl an’ banners high,
Ye lift the spirit, swell the sky,
Through street and square, o’er field and glen,
Ye gie us back oor youth again.
But ken this truth, baith kind an’ fair—
This Lodge aye walks beside ye there.
Wi’ three hunder years an’ mair tae claim,
We’ve aye played pairt in Kelsae’s name.
So, here’s tae you, brave Laddie bold,
A tale o’ worth, in Scots retold.
Wi’ open heart and kindly grace,
We welcome kindred tae this place.
Following this, the Master called for “Honours” for the Kelso Laddie, and the Brethren toasted his success with the customary Masonic Fire which was accompanied with three times three loud huzzahs in accordance with our ancient traditions.
Community Presentations
The Master presented a cheque for £250 to the Kelso Town Provost, Gavin Horsburgh, for the town’s Kelso in Bloom. In accepting the donation the Provost offered his thanks for the Lodges continued support to the town.
A cheque for £150 was presented to Andrew Haig, the Vice Chairman Kelso Laddies Association, to sponsor the Civic Week Saturday entertainment in the town square. Again thanks were given to the Lodge on behalf of the Association.
The Kelso Laddie, Agnus Utterson, was presented with a personal gift token in support of his Civic Week rideout activities. The Kelso Laddie expressed his gratitude to the Lodge for their generous gift and a throughly enjoyable afternoon. The Laddies then gave the customary rendition of “Bonny Kelsae,” which was met with great applause.
The Chain Gang
The Master greets the Kelso Laddie
The Master and Andrew Haig
Entertainment
The company was then entertained for the remainder of the afternoon by Brother Gordon Brown on the accordian who played a medlay of the popular Border ballards, from Hawick to Selkirk and Jedhart to Gala. The singalong was followed with Brother Mick Todd, who had the whole company in fits of laughter with his stories and anecdotes.
The proceeds from the customary raffle raised a magnificent sum of £165, which was presented to Graham Sweenie, Chairman of the Kelso Laddies Association, to support their Charity Sponsored Walk. It was unanimously agreed that this was one of those unforgettable afternoons
Right Hand Man, Jack Forsyth; Kelso Laddie, Angus Utterson; Left Hand Man, Andrew Thompson.
The Gallery
WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH
Friday 9th May 2025 – Special Meeting
Kelso Lodge Rooms, Tyle 7.00pm:
Business:
Kelso & Tweed working a 3rd Degree for Lodge St John Jedburgh 104.
Fund raising night for our Local Charities
View our Calendar of Meetings
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Websmaster: TJ Slater
