Thousands of people across Scotland learned on Monday 31 March that they will carry the Queen’s Baton as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay coming to the region on Thursday 19 June. The newly elected cornet for this year’s Langholm Common Riding will be the regions first batonbearer carrying the baton on horseback from Langholm Monument.

The baton will be greeted into Langholm down the Kirk Wynd, famous for its steep gallop on Langholm Common Riding Day by 500 schools children with large flags of every competing nation flying before a welcome by Langholm Pipe band and Langholm Town Band.

Another batonbearer receiving a thank you along with other extraordinary individuals across Dumfries and Galloway for the positive difference they make to the lives of others will be former Commonwealth and Olympic Athlete and Freeman of Dumfries and Galloway, David Stevenson. David’s nomination stated “David has made Langholm what it is. He is representative on numerous organisations and committees and offers financial support to numerous good causes and supports local sport, its youth and their development. He is a true gentleman, an ambassador and never seeks public acclaim.”

Up to 100 batonbearers including one from every secondary school from the region will join the relay through Langholm, Gretna, Eastriggs, Dumfries, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, Newton Stewart and Stranraer on 19 June which will visit local landmarks, schools, sporting events and engage in many of the local traditions and cultures of the region. Community batonbearers have been selected by independent panels, who considered people’s achievements against the odds, their mentoring of young people, contributions to community and youth sport, and those who make a difference through volunteering and community support.

Council Leader Ronnie Nicholson said “We want to congratulate those batonbearers who will be carrying the Queen’s Baton on 19 June in Dumfries and Galloway. We’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the hard work, determination and courage of so many inspiring people. Being a batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay is a massive thank you to the extraordinary people who selflessly make a positive difference to the lives of others.” 

The batonbearer will carry the baton that holds the Queens message that she will be read out at the Opening Ceremony on 23 July as the relay comes to an end. Local community batonbearers in Dumfries and Galloway include: –

William Martin – As a volunteer, Willie founded the Bravehearts Boxing Club in 2008; it attracts up to 40 young boxers for three nights per week. Currently, there are two British Champions, who have also fought in the European Championships and boxed for Scotland. There’s a Silver medallist at the Western District Championships. Willie is dedicated to the Club and travels to Motherwell most weekends for training with the Scottish squad. There is a significant difference in the youth of the town today, thanks to Willie Martin’s influence.

Lucy Thompson – Lucy is a volunteer and has been very important to the sustainability of many of the events and programmes in Annandale & Eskdale including the Sports Academy programme. Lucy volunteers at many after school, club and community sessions and volunteers endlessly without reward or asking for reward and her nature lends her well to the nature of her volunteering role. Lucy’s reward for her efforts has been getting chosen to volunteer at 5 Nations Rugby, the Ryder Cup, and also the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games which is surely due to her commitment, dedication and professionalism. Being a batonbearer would be ultimate and due recognition.

John Bennett – John has played, umpired and coached all age groups at Dumfries Hockey Club for a number of years. Through the Council run Annandale and Eskdale Sports Academy, he provides hockey coaching sessions for primary school children during the holidays alongside sessions at a number of primary and secondary schools in the region. He has have represented Scotland at Over 50s and Over 55s levels thus acting as a role model for Club members.

Sam Pattinson – Sam is 22 years old and has Down Syndrome. He is part of the Annandale & Eskdale Disability Swimming, the Scottish Down Syndrome team and the GB Down Syndrome team. He has been to three World Down Syndrome competitions where he won Gold & Bronze International medals. Sam is hoping to be picked to go to the 7th World Down Syndrome Swimming Competition to be held in Mexico and is an inspiration to other young people.

Stacey Duff – Stacey has been interested in sport since a young age, and is now a fully qualified football coach, and coaches the Girls Galloway Thistle football club. She also works with the council, going round various towns in the machars, teaching young children sports. She also works as a youth worker at Newton Stewart youth club, and is the chairperson of the committee there. She also volunteers with the council and is part of the local Youth Bank.