The Grandstand at Lothian Park was always a fairly crude affair that had to be erected once a year before the meeting took place. The crowd always had to come prepared with protection from the weather, since only part of the stand provided shelter from the rain, and this was usually occupied by the privileged.

It was a question for the serious consideration of the Managers and of the people of the town also, as to whether the games should be held during the summer of 1919 or not. It was, after some deliberation, decided to resume them again at this time. It was a resolution of hope, and of confidence in the public, as was also the further decision that the programme should be as extensive and complete as in former years. The arrangements were carefully made by the managers and officials, and they offered the public the prospect of good entertainment, and the public responded well. All the former ceremonial of the opening proceedings was revived on Saturday morning. It was a pleasant morning, giving promise of the good weather which is so helpful to the enjoyment of an outdoor meeting of this sort. While six o'clock was striking, Jedforest Instrumental Band started on a tour of the principal streets. The samall cannon was under the charge of Mr John Thomson, one of the members of the Games Committee, and the four shots were fired by him and his son James. At the same time, the joy bells were rung from the town clock steeple, and a flag with the Burgh Arms was run up the staff on the Public Hall. The quoiting, which has always held precedence in the matter of time, began at 6.30 am. The other sports had been going on for some hours before the men of the discus had settled amongst them who was best. The cricket ball throwing also took place in the morning hours. At ten o'clock, the Jedforest Instrumental Band, which was under the conductorship of Mr J. Hewie, led the way from Market Place to the Games ground, and took their place in the stand provided for them, where they discoursed music at intervals during the course of the day. The first senior open event in accordance with the traditional timetable was the 100 yards Foot Race. First place went to Henry Miller (M Henry) of Jedburgh. A. Fairgrieve of Musselburgh was second, and the third prize was won by R. Thomas of Edinburgh. The main event on the programme, as always, was the 120 yards Open Handicap, which, this particular year had been designated with the title 'The Victory Handicap'. George Hall (H. George) of Jedburgh with a handicap mark of 14½ yards walked over from Heat One to the cross-ties. A. Fairgrieve from Musselburgh with a 9 yards handicap took Heat Two. Three ran in Heat Three providing a winner in R. Telford of Sprouton running off 12 yards. None of the five drawn for Heat Four arrived on the ground. The Fifth Heat was won by J. Palmer of Selkirk running off 9½ yards. C. Brodie of Selkirk won an easy Heat Six from the13½ yards mark. C. Boswell of Jedburgh with a 10 yards handicap walked over from Heat Seven. From the Eighth Heat, A. Waugh from Jedburgh running off 18 yards walked over to the cross-ties. Henry Miller (M. Henry) of Jedburgh took first place in Heat Nine from a 6 yards handicap. Spencer from St Boswells with a 12½ yards mark came forward from Heat Ten. The Eleventh Heat saw another local man, J. Ballantyne running from the 15 yards mark make it through to the cross-ties. Robert Murray (M. Roberts) from Jedburgh with a handicap mark of 16 yards was good enough to make it through Heat Twelve. After the conclusion of the heats, the four cross-ties were run, placing three of the four athletes as local finalists from Jedburgh. The first tie went to George Hall, Jedburgh in a very close finish, with Dales of Edinburgh coming in second. The second tie was a well contested race with all runners well forward at the finish. R. Thomas, Edinburgh took first position, to ensure a place in the final. Henry Miller, by winning the third tie in the last few strides secured a place in the final, with A. Waugh, Jedburgh coming in a good second. The fourth tie saw Robert Murray, Jedburgh go through with an easy win by a yard or two. The ultimate victory laurels were taken by George Hall in a time of three yards inside 12 seconds. With only half a yard separating him from the winner, Robert Murray took second place. Third place went to R. Thomas, Edinburgh. Henry Miller of Jedburgh could only hold fourth place.

	George Hall, the 1919 Victory Sprint Champion was a keen Jeforest Rugby player who went on to captain the team through a sensational early twenties campaign.

The 800 yards Lothian Handicap, confined to the Border counties, produced another fine win for Walter Hope, Jedburgh who was back marker at 25 yards. Hope peeled away in the run for home, and W. Neil, Wauchope from the 30 yards mark just manged to overhaul, and keep ahead of J. Shiels of Jedburgh who took third place. A notable run for the Wauchope man, considering that Shiels had the advantage of a 40 yards start. At one o'clock there was an adjournment for lunch for an hour. During the afternoon, the attendance became so large that there was no room for doubt as to the soundness of the judgement that had revived the games. The stands were full, and the seats in the ring were well occupied. During mid afternoon dark clouds gathered overhead and by four o' clock rain was falling very heavily. The Games were kept going, and after a time the conditions improved. This period of wet weather was the only disadvantage that attended the day's proceedings. The Jedburgh Open Handicap Race of 215 yards was a triumph for J. M. Graham of Hawick. George Hall, Jedburgh added to his earlier victory in the day by taking second prize, and third place went to Robert Murray from Jedburgh. The Open Wrestling title went to Davies of Caraby, who put out J. G. Graham from Haltwhistle, as the runner-up. The Vancouver Prize for the 400 yards Open Flat Race, and donated by Jethart callants living in Vancouver, Canada, fell to Henry Miller (M Henry) of Jedburgh. Second place was taken by Thomas, Edinburgh and third place went to D. Williams, Selkirk. On a platform within the ring, Miss Rita Smith's troupe of Highland and Costume Dancers and Pipers performed during the course of the day. In commemoration of the men who fell in the war, a lament was played by one of the pipers, to which those within the ring and others listened in silence, with heads uncovered. Management of the events of a long and varied programme was carried through in a way that was entirely creditable to the President, Adam Laidlaw, the secretary and other office bearers and managers. At 5.45pm the band, before leaving their stand, played 'God save the King'. They then marched from the Games ground to Market Place followed by the spectators who had remained to the end.

There was a numerous attendance of spectators to witness the opening ceremonies in Market Place, for the Border Games of 1920, and under the supervision of Mr John Thomson, the miniature cannon, renewed and repainted for the occasion, sent forth it's summons to the inhabitants in the four quarters of the Royal Burgh. On the first stroke of six o'clock, the Jedforest Instrumental Band marched off, and the joybells in the town steeple proclaimed to all within the radius of the burgh's bounds that Games Day had commenced. Flags fluttered from the tower of the Abbey and from the flagstaff on the Public Hall. Throughout the forenoon, parts of the ring and stands were sparsely occupied, since the rain, which continued until 12 o'clock had become detrimental to a large attendance. Some of the 'flats' were tame affairs, both sprints and distance events, but the youths' races were a popular part of the programme. Benny Wood of Jedburgh's fine win in The One Mile for lads under 17 years of age event, was probably the best race of the day from the spectators point of view. Both Wood and Johnstone Oliver who took second place, made a sparkling show of it. One might, if not misplaced, advocate an increase in the value of the 15 shillings prize offered for this race. The comparatively modest amount for such a hard piece of running has been much commented upon. The Open Foot Race of 100 yards for which there were eight runners was won in the last few strides by A. B. Higgins from Stow. J. Pentland, Edinburgh was second, and third place was taken by M. Malcolm, Edinburgh. Nearly forty competitors turned out for the heats of The Jedforest 120 yards Handicap Sprint, which takes pride of place both as regards the value of the prize money, and as a test of sprinting ability. The handicap was somewhat disappointing in the heats, with seven walk-overs taking place, but the ties and final were sternly contested. The absence of W. R. Applegarth, the world's sprint champion, who had been advertised as an attraction, was somewhat of a disappointment to a large number of sports followers who attended. The first tie brought an easy win, and through passage to the final, from a nice start by Jim Dodds (R James of Jedburgh). W. Coltherd (C. Boswell), Jedburgh secured his place in the final during the second cross-tie with a little in hand. J. Pentland, Edinburgh, was quite fortunate to make it through the third tie, when all three runners made it a close race. In the fourth tie, two dead heat results during the earlier heats brought five runners forward. S. R. Miller, Jedburgh got the result, where only a yard covered the first three. The title and first prize this year, from a handicap of 17 yards went to Jim Dodds of Jedburgh, who pulled off the victory by half a yard. Dodds was the first Scot to win the famous Morpeth Sprint. Second place was taken by Miller, Jedburgh, running off 16 yards, and third place went to Pentland of Edinburgh, running from 11½ yards Second and third finished very close indeed. Coltherd managed to hold onto fourth place.
Murray's Green, from lunchtime onwards accommodated a large number of motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes, instancing the popularity which this mode of conveyance has assumed in these days. Cars and char-a-bancs were observed from both sides of the Border. All positions in the stands and in the ring were filled by 2 o'clock when the weather conditions took a more congenial turn. Distance runners were a numerous company, and there were large fields in some of these events. This was especially so, in The Merchants Handicap Open Flat Race of Half a Mile, which brought a large field to a punishing conclusion. The dead heat after a gruelling last lap certainly aroused the enthusiasm of the crowd. First Prize was shared between Walter Hope, Jedburgh from a 55 yards start, and A. Sterrick, Peebles, who ran off 70 yards. Third place went to J. H. Wilson of Musselburgh who also handicapped from 70 yards. The final of The Border Handicap of 120 yards, confined to the Border counties was won by Robert Murray (M Roberts) of Jedburgh. All competitors in this particular event were triers, but Roberts was not to be overhauled. J. Gray from Hawick managed second place, and T. Barrie of Edinburgh took third. The Open Jedburgh Handicap Race of 215 yards ended as a victory for Sterrick of Peebles who ran from 25 yards to win. W. Coltherd (C Boswell), Jedburgh came in second off 20 yards. Third place went to H. Jones, Jedburgh who ran from the 30 yards mark. The race was a very close finish by all who were placed. The Lothian Handicap of 800 yards confined to the Border counties was a fairly easy win for J. Shiels of Jedburgh, who took the lead after the first lap and had no difficulty winning from a start of 36 yards. J. Cowan, Selkirk, running from a 48 yards start came in to take second place and J. Moffat, Morebattle who started at scratch arrived home in third position. The wrestling, judged by Mr Bob Douglas, had not the number of men engaged as it had done in pre war days. The £5 first prize for the Open Wrestling contest went to S. Wallace of Southdean. Second prize of 50 shillings was awarded to G. Common of Harbottle. Miss Rita Smith's troupe of Highland and Costume Dancers and Pipers again proved a great attraction this year, where the various dances in their repertoire earned the cordial applause of the spectators. A dance at which there was a crowded attendance, was held in the Public Hall later in the evening.

	The successful committee of the years following the Great War, who steered the Games through their accolades in the early nineteen twenties, until gloom and despondency ruled throughout the years of depression and into the ninteen thirties.

In accordance with long standing custom, the proceedings in 1921 were opened at six o'clock in the morning, when, in the presence of rather a large gathering, when 'Mons Meg' sent forth her summons north, east, south and west. Precisely at six, Jedforest Instrumental Band, under Mr John Hewie, struck up a lively air, and immediately set off on a march through the town. A somewhat unusual presence on the field of Lothian Park at this early hour was a number of runners from Edinburgh. The men had arrived late on Friday night by motor car, and going straight to the park, pitched a tent, which they made their sleeping quarters. The weather conditions were such as made their choice an admirable one. Following many days of drought, with temperatures frequently in the neighbourhood of 80 degrees, the night in question was one of a succession that had been hot and sultry. Games day opened under ideal weather conditions, and with the streets freshly watered to mitigate the dust, the weather could have been described as tropical. The Open Foot Race of 100 Yards was taken this year by P. Davies, South Africa. Interest centred on Davies, whose appearance and performance suggested that he could have won with a greater margin of safety. R. Murray, Penicuik came in to take second place, and J. Muir, Leith arrived home in third place. The outstanding event of the day was the Jedforest Handicap, and most of the forenoon was occupied in disposing of the fifteen heats, and also the ties. In the first heat, K. Kenny of Selkirk and J. Brown, Leith ran a dead heat. Kenny won the run-off. R. Murray, Penicuik had an easy victory over a single opponent in heat two. In heat three, Robert Murray (M Roberts), Jedburgh won through in a close finish. J. Paris of Craigmillar, the winner in 1910, finished strongly by a yard and a half to the good in the fourth heat. Heat five fell to W. Rutherford, Jedburgh. With a lead of five yards at the tape, the local man created a good impression. The sixth was won by P. Davies, South Africa. The South African quickly overtook a small field and won beautifully. In the seventh heat, T. Dunsmore, Airdrie won by a couple of yards. The eighth went to Jimmie Muir of Leith, who got there a foot in front of the next man. T. McEwan of Hawick just escaped defeat in the ninth heat at the hands of a local competitor. Half a yard separated the winner, J. Gray, Hawick, and the runner up of heat ten. In heat eleven, the city representative, R. Archibald of Edinburgh maintained his lead with some difficulty to qualify. The twelfth heat was taken by R. Telford, Sprouston. The Sprouston man had quite a handful in reaching the line a few inches ahead of Walter Hope from Jedburgh. Local man Jim Doods (R James) secured his place in heat thirteen with yards in hand. Heat fourteen went to W. Renilson (R. Maitland), Jedburgh. This local competitor had an easy win in a small field. In heat fifteen, W. brown of Musselburgh disposed of a Berwick opponent. Murray of Jedburgh won the first cross-tie with a narrow margin. The second tie saw Rutherford reach the tape half a yard to the good. Cross-tie three was the fastest time, with Muir, the Leith man beding the line more than a yard in front of his competition. Gray's competitors dropped out early in the fourth tie, leaving the Hawick man with an easy win. Renilson, the local man had strong opposition in the last cross-tie, but his performance inspired confidence to go into the final. First prize, and the laurels of victory went to W. Renilson (W Maitland) of Jedburgh in the final of The Jedforest Open Handicap. This local man had strong opposition, but his splendid performance inspired confidence from a 16 yards start. W. Rutherford of Jedburgh took second place from the 16 yards mark, leaving J. Gray, Hawick who ran from 13 yards with third position. A One Mile Bicycle Race which was re-introduced to the programme this year was won by W. Johnston, Blackhall who began with a handicap of 70 yards. J. Forsyth of Uphall came in second and J. Jackson, Uphall was placed third. Both started from scratch. J. Shiels, Jedburgh starting at 58 yards won first prize in the Merchants Handicap, a Half Mile Flat Race, open to all. J. Duffie from Broxburn who was placed from scratch took second prize, and P. Brodie, Selkirk, starting from 60 yards came in third. Four finished from a field of twenty three, with Shiels 30 yards in front. The final of a 70 yards Dash given by Jedburgh lads and their friends in Selkirk was won by W. Duncan, Kelso with a 9 yards start. T. Dunsmore of Airdrie, running from 11 yards was second and G. Clark, Edinburgh took third place from the 12½ yards mark. The Kelso man got home with a yard to spare. There was little between the other placed men. The Open Wrestling Prize of £12 went to G. Common of Harbottle, and G. Snaith from Rothbury was the runner-up. An exhibition race was arranged this year, by the committee, between G. McCrae, the Ten Miles Champion and R. James of Mid Calder over a distance of two miles. McCrae finished first in a time of 9minutes and 39 seconds. Half a yard separated the two men at the tape. The final of the Jedburgh Handicap Open Race of 215 yards produced a dead heat for first place. The winners came in so closely as to make the decision of their respective positions a matter almost of difficulty. The first prize was shared between J. Paris, Craigmillar, and Walter Hope, Jedburgh. Paris was running from 17 yards, and Hope from 24 yards. D. James from Hawick took third place, running from 22 yards. The Lothian Handicap Flat Race of 800 yards, confined to the Border counties was taken by J. Curran, Galashiels. Thirteen men took to the field. The Gala man made a strong finish and the other places were easily distinguished. A. Oliver of Lilliesleaf was second and third place went to D. Gorrie, Edinburgh. Owing to the length of the programme, the Games did not finish until half past seven, after which the band played the national anthem.

A very important factor in all out of door sports, the weather, on the occasion of 1922 was a source of anxiety at the opening of the Games, and a cause of much discomfort ere the close. In accordance with time honoured custom the joy bells began ringing at precisely six o'clock, and at the same moment in Market Place, 'Mons Meg,' the mini cannon, boomed out the summons to the four commonly known points of the compass, and on the Town Hall and over the Castle, flags fluttered in the breeze. Meantime, Jedforest Instrumental Band which, under the conductorship of Mr. John Hewie, had been standing in readiness, marched through the town playing lively airs. A good number of folks then proceeded to the Games field and watched the cricket ball throwing and the opening of the quoiting handicap. A shower of rain before nine o'clock caused some misgivings, but in no way dampened the really enthusiastic. At ten o'clock, the Market Place held a big crowd of people, who afterwards accompanied Jedforest Instrumental Band to Lothian Park. In an almost replica of last year, P. Davis of South Africa, triumphed in the 100 Yards Open Foot Race, and second place was again awarded to R. Murray, Penicuik. Third position this year, though went to S. Ballantyne, Edinburgh. In a good race, the South African forged to the front in the last two yards. C. Norton, Edinburgh, running from 16½ yards, and the ultimate winner of The Jedforest Open Handicap had practically no opposition in his heat. Thirteen heats produced five cross-ties for the final. The first tie saw S. J. Robertson, Carstairs, who ran from 16 yards go through. Norton guaranteed his place by winning the second tie. A. Ballantyne from Edinburgh, who walked-over from heat eight, won the third tie for a place in the final. Tie four was contested and won by local man Robert Murray (M Roberts). The winner of the fifth tie, and final place went to W. Montrose, Edinburgh. The final itself was a good, well matched race. Norton quickly accounted for another rival's half yard advantage, and maintaining the lead, broke the tape a matter of inches before Robertson with Ballantyne hard at heel. M. Henry of Jedburgh won his heat, but failed to make it through the ties to gain a place in the final. J. McAdam from Duns, running off 75 yards was the winner of The One Mile Handicap confined to the Border counties. Walter Hope of Jedburgh who started from 20 yards was leading in the final round, but in the last couple of yards, the Duns man slipped past him to take the victory. B. Hughes of Edinburgh took third place from a 5 yards start. A Three Mile Marathon introduced to the Games this year, with a first prize of £7, produced a result with A. C. Stevenson, Benhar taking the prize, A. McPhail, Hawick placed second, and A. B. Cooper, Edinburgh third. The One Mile Bicycle Handicap went to N. henderson from Shotts. W. Mathieson, Fauldhouse was placed second, and J. Lauder, Forth took third place. The Merchants Handicap Flat Race of Half a Mile with the first prize of £5 fell to B. Martin, Carstairs, with J. Cowan of Selkirk taking second prize and J. Cramond, Carfin placed third. The band gave selections at intervals, and a noteworthy contribution to the entertainment were the very fine performances of Miss Rita Smith's troupe of Highland Dancers and pipers. In a varied programme, executed with skill and good taste, their performance of Pip Squeak and Wilfred evoked much admiration amongst those conversant with that particular feature of the pictorial press. Rain fell heavily at three o'clock, and a brief cessation was followed by a complete breakdown in the weather, the concluding events being disposed of to the accompaniment of a steady downpour. The Edinburgh and Leith Plate One Mile Open Handicap was won by B. Hughes from Edinburgh. Second place went to S. McCallum, Ravenstruther and P. Gilbert from Broxburn was placed third. The Open Wrestling event for men went to J. Aynslay from Thelee. R. Lowther of Carlisle was second, and J. H. Thomson, Jedburgh took third place. The Jedburgh Handicap of 220 yards, and open to all was won by J. Francis, Hawick. Second was A. Ballantyne, Edinburgh and third place went to J. Clark of Selkirk. The Lothian Handicap, a Flat Race of 800 yards, confined to the Border counties went to H. Hogg of Jedburgh from a start of 45 yards. A. McPhail, Hawick made second place from a 25 yards start, and third place fell to Walter Hope, Jedburgh, who started at 5 yards.

On Saturday 14th July 1923, the seventieth anniversary of Jedburgh Border Games was celebrated at Lothian Park. A marked feature in the early morning proceedings in Market Place, was the unusually large attendance, the gathering numbering about three hundred, including a good many visitors. The usual ceremonies were observed and carried out at the hour of six o'clock precisely. Jedforest Instrumental Band struck up a lively air, and thereafter marched through the streets. The Union Jack floated over the County Buildings, the Jethart flag was run up on the Public Hall, and on the turret of the Castle a flag was flown. This year's programme made a wide appeal, and attracted a record entry, and while the number of actual competitors in some of the events did not come up to expectations, there was general satisfaction in seeing in the ring a goodly representation of those whose names stand high in athletic gatherings. By motor car and cycle mainly, there had been a steady stream of visitors to the town. At 10 o'clock it was a gay and animated throng that accompanied the Jedforest Instrumental Band under Mr J. Hewie, from Market Place on its march to Lothian Park for the opening of the forenoon programme. Hundreds of people were already on the ground, and the number steadily increased with the progress of the day. The first senior event of the day, The 100 Yards Open Foot Race produced a meritable performance from all entered participants. The victor was T. Baillie, Musselburgh. R. Murray of Penicuik, now a regular entrant for this event took second prize for the third consecutive year and third place went to W. Heriot, Portobello. It required most of the forenoon in which to dispose of the heats and ties in The Jedforest Handicap. The final and the more important events generally, were reserved for the afternoon. These were dealt with before a still larger turnout of spectators and in atmospheric conditions that could not have been more pleasant. First place and the £20 prize for the final of The Jedforest 120 Yards Open Handicap went to J. Blaikie of Jedburgh, who won from a start off 15 yards. R. Edgar, Hawick, who was placed from the 12 yards mark took second place, and J. Cowan of Selkirk running from 14½ yards came in to take third place. The Jedburgh man more than justified the the high hopes that were aroused by his earlier performances in the heats and ties for the final. He maintained the lead all the way, to win by a margin of between two and three yards. It was a popular and well deserved victory. After overhauling Cowan, Edgar made a strenuous but unsuccessful effort to get alongside Blaikie, but from at least fifty yards from the tape, the local man's place was never seriously endangered. The Lothian Handicap of 800 yards, confined to the Border counties ended in a victory for another local Jedburgh athlete, in B. George, Jedburgh. George took first place from a handicap start of 60 yards. Second place went to C. Blaikie, Eckford, who started from 40 yards, and J. Grant, Hawick, running off 10 yards came in to take third place. Out of a field of twelve, only three were left in the last lap of the 3 Mile Marathon Race. The winner was G. McRae who started from the scratch mark. R. James who also started from scratch was second and P. Gilbert who ran from 50 yards was third. The One Mile Bicycle Handicap was won this year by J. Kennedy, Knowesgate. J. Caldwell of Benhar was second, and third place went to J. Jackson, Uphall. The Merchants Handicap Open Flat Race of Half a Mile went to J. Weldon from Birtley. Second place in this event was taken by C. Blaikie, Eckford, and R. Williams, Broxburn took third place. The Open Wrestling prize went to Roger Robson, Longlee, leaving second place to G. Common of Harbottle. The Jedburgh Open Handicap of 220 yards produced a fine winner in A. Ballantyne of Edinburgh who took the victory from a start on the 16 yard line. Walter Hope, Jedburgh who ran from 27 yards managed to hold on to second place. J. C. Scott of Galashiels who started at 26 yards came in to take third place. Artistic and clever performances by Miss Rita Smith's troupe of Highland Dancers once again provided the platform entertainment during an excellent day of sport, held in ideal weather conditions.

Wull Edgar, the Hawick evergreen who played regularly for his home rugby team and who was to compete at Jedburgh Border Games for many years to come

In 1924 Jedburgh Border Games became a member of the Scottish National Sporting Association. It was during this year that a proposal was made to stage a Border Towns Invitation Relay Race, in an effort to contest the rivalry that had been an on-going issue for centuries, as to which town truly spawned, the flower of Borders manhood. Sadly, this idea was continually deferred at committee meetings, until ultimately forgotten, and until this day, such an event has never taken place. Following a misty morning, the sun shone all day from an almost cloudless sky. Continuing an old established practice, the proceedings of the day were inaugurated by the customary cannonade in the Market Place at 6 o'clock in the morning. The joy bells rang merrily from the town steeple, and Jedforest Instrumental Band made their usual pilgrimage during the occasion to parade the streets of the town. The Open Foot Race of 100 yards this year, finally went to R. Murray of Penicuik. P. Davies, South Africa, who has won this event in previous years, had to be content with second place, although the race was a close finish between the Penicuik man and the runner up. Third place was taken by T. Baillie from Musselburgh. The Lothian Handicap of 800 yards, confined to the Border counties was won by A. Wilson, Woodhouse, after a start from 45 yards. Walter Hope of Jedburgh running off 25 yards was held to second place. W. Cunningham of Wells, from a start of 35 yards came in third. In a field of eleven, the local veteran disposed of several rivals to take second place.The Jedforest 120 yards Open Handicap Race was a fast and exciting race, and an extremely close finish with not more than a yard separating first and third places. After comfortably winning his heat, and surviving a spirited run with Blaikie in the ties, local Jedburgh man, W. Alexander who was running from 12½ yards was a strong favourite for final honours. W. Edgar, Hawick who who had a yard over the local man with a handicap of 13½ yards overhauled W. Brown of Musselburgh who had started from 14 yards, to gain the lead. His most serious challenger at the tape, however, was namesake R. Edgar of Hawick, the back marker, running from the 10½ yards, who, in running second, repeated his last year's performance when he finished second to Blaikie. The Final result was W. Edgar, first in a time of 11.27 seconds. R. Edgar second, and W. Alexander third. At noon there was an impressive pause in the proceedings, when piper J. Euman from Innerleithen played a lament in memory of the Jethart lads of the 1st Battalion 4th KOSB Regiment who fell at Gallipoli on the 12th of July 1915. The final result of The Jedburgh Open Handicap of 220 yards was G. Hamilton of Langholm, who ran from 21 yards to take first prize. Second prize was credited to H. Elder from Hawick running fro 22 yards, and third prize went to J. Gorrie of Jedburgh, who also started at 21 yards. Hamilton broke the tape with a yard to spare in a time of 22.25 seconds. There were 21 starters for the Merchant's Open Handicap of Half a Mile. Honours of first place went to E. McLean of Bathgate who started from the 45 yard line. B. Rossanderson, Edinburgh who ran from 65 yards took second place. Third position was awarded to T. Lothian from Blyth, running from 50 yards. The first prize for 9½ Stone Wrestling went to J. H. Thomson of Jedburgh. H. Darling, Cornhill was second, and third prize went to R. Thomson, Jedburgh. The One Mile Bicycle Handicap first prize of £4 was taken this year by T. Spence from Cornhill. N. Henderson of Shotts was second. A tense and exciting drama, when after a spill in the second lap, through colliding with the scratch man, J. Jackson of Fauldhouse, Spence pluckily remounted and won by half a wheel. Jackson took third place. The Town Band continued its ministry of music during the progress of the Games. Entertainment was again provide by Miss Rita Smith's troupe of youthful dancers, whose quaint and graceful performance found many admirers.

	The Jedforest Instrumental Band would march round the streets of the town at 6.00 am to proclaim the commencement of Games Day each year. They would then assemble in Market Place at 10.00 am to march to Lothian Park, and take their place in a specially erected Bandstand to entertain the spectators while the sports events got underway.

It was a beautiful sunny morning and there was quite a goodly gathering in the Square, when the 'gunners', and Jedforest Instrumental Band took up their positions in 1925. As the town clock chimed the hour of six o'clock, the first cannon shot reverbated through the town and the band, under Mr. John Hewie set off on their tour of the streets playing lively airs, while the joy bells rang out merrily from the steeple. The scene in Lothian Park in the bright sunshine was picturesque, and the various side shows and merry-go-rounds, which appeared to do good business on the nicht afore the morn,' were also well patronised throughout the day. Worth mentioning is the Handicap Race for men over 45 years of age. The redoubtable Tom Michie, a veteran of former Jedburgh Games meetings, who shows remarkable form for a man of 69 years of age, had rather hard luck when a restart was signalled just as he was ready to breast the tape. Later,however, he succeeded in repeating his performance to come in a worthy winner amid the cheers of the crowd. Tom was running from 20 yards. George Sinton running from scratch, got in front of J. Halliburton who started at 13 yards to win second place by a few yards. There was one of the best turnouts for some time in the Lothian Handicap Half Mile event, confined to the Border counties, with seventeen running. M. Richards of Jedburgh made a fine show, and had a meritous win by a generous couple of yards over R. W. Fleming, Lambsden who came in second, and C. Blaikie, Eckford who took third place. The Jedforest Sprint Handicap of 120 yards aroused the greatest excitement of the day. The only disappointing feature in an otherwise fine final was Blaikie's failure to get off his mark on time. There was keen running in the ties, all of which, except the last one were won by inches. In the second tie, it took Blaikie all his efforts to keep ahead of Edgar (who won the sprint last year). In the third, W. Renilson, Jedburgh, got in front place a foot or so from the tape. G. Francis, Hawick had a comparitively easy win in the fourth tie. The final looked like a toss-up between Renilson who was running from 13 yards and Francis who ran off 10½ yards, but Renilson by a fine effort, romped home with nearly a couple of yards of a margin, in a time of 11.5 seconds. W. Renilson wins the Jedforest Sprint for the second time, his former success being in 1921, when it may be mention his handicap then was 16 yards. J. Johnston, St Boswells took third prize running from 12½ yards. The effect of the heatwave this year, which became more intense after mid-day, was evident on some of the competitors. While running in the Two Mile Handicap, Gilbert from Broxburn had to drop out. He became unconscious, and received attention from Dr MacGregor who found his heart was affected. He was removed to the Cottage Hospital, where he recovered sufficiently, to be conveyed to his home the same evening. Most of the heats of The Jedburgh OpenHandicap of 220 yards showed close finishes. B. George of Jedburgh running from 24 yards won his heat in fine style, but his win in the final was by a small margin over H. Elder, Hawick who ran from 21 yards. G. Francis from Hawick, also handicapped from 24 yards took third place. Six reached the last lap of The Merchants Open Handicap of Half a Mile out of eleven starters, and only four finished. M. Lewie, Glencorse off 70 yards was the ultimate victor, with J. H. Wilson, Musselburgh taking second place from a 70 yards start. C. Hope, Peebles came in third from a handicap of 75 yards. Duffy, the back marker never looked like making up, and dropped out well before the finish. First prize for the All Weight Open Wrestling went to G. Common from Harbottle. Second place went to J. Tait, Wooler. The One Mile Bicycle Handicap was an excellent race, won by T. Spence of Berwick with a lead of about 30 yards over W. V. Murray of Cowden. Pleasing entertainment was provided during the day by the Inverleith troupe of dancers inder the direction of Mr T. Hook, formerly pipe major with the 7th Royal Scots. The troupe consisted of six artistes, including two lady pipers who presented a varied and attrctive programme.

The opening ceremony in Market Place was better attended than it had been for some years in 1926. During this occasion, the cannon kicked with a vigour probably never before witnessed on Games morning. A camera stand escaped being bowled over by a matter of inches, and the repercussion from one of the shots was sufficent to dislodge a glass chocolate advertisement disc from it's position on the window of the nearby confectioner's shop belonging to Mr Henderson. After Jedforest Instrumental Band had proceeded on their march round the town, most of the spectators made their way to Lothian Park to witness the preliminary attractions of the morning's programme. After half an hour, a start was made with a new edition to this year's events, of swimming races in the River Jed, with Mr John Walker, superindendent of Jedburgh Baths acting as starter. The contests were watched with keen interest by the large crowd which lined the river bank. A 100 yards Open Swimming Handicap was won by J. Tunnah from a start of 2 seconds. John Oliver who started from scratch was second and T. Middlemist who was given a 5 seconds start came in third. The 50 Yards event for schoolboys was won by N. Walker. New gate turnstiles were introduced at entrances to the park, which had already been tried successfully by Jedburgh Football Club. The 100 yards Open Foot Race was one of the best ever seen at Jedburgh for many years. Included in the field of seven were C. Britee from Portobello and P. Davis of South Africa. First prize went to P. Chester, Edinburgh, second to J. Pentland, Edinburgh and R. Murray of Penicuik took third prize. The Lothian Half Mile Handicap was shared by C. Blaikie of Eckford who ran from 50 yards, and D. H. Robson, Hawick who strated from 40 yards. B. Mathewson, Eckford finished second from a 55 yards start. This was another capital race with an exciting finish. In a field of twelve, Blaikie led the way for most of the journey, but near the tape, Robson made a splendid spurt to secure a dead heat finish. Starting off the same mark, a relatively small field did not force the pace of The One Mile Handicap for a round or two. With a good bit of ground still to cover, J. Duffy of Broxburn forged ahead and had a comfortable win of twenty yards. A. C. Stevenson, Benhar was second and J. Ferguson, Edinburgh took third place. The winner of the Jedforest Handicap Open Sprint final was F. Paton, Hawick in a time of 11.375 seconds. B. George, the local Jedburgh man came in to take second place from 13 yards. G. Francis of Hawick who started from 10 yards and T. Gordon, Selkirk off 14½ yards shared third place. Had George not been pulled a yard for an untimely start, the chances are that he would have breasted the tape in front of the Hawick man who was running from 15 yards. It was only by stretching himself to the utmost that Paton got home in something less than a yard ahead of George. Francis who was runner-up in last year's sprint, and who was back marker in this year's final ran strongly to equalise with Gordon. Some splendid running in the heats of the 220 Yards Open Handicap were witnessed. The final concluded with a win for A. Sterricks, Peebles from the 26 yards mark. John Gray of Hawick took second place running from 15 yards. Duffy of Broxburn came in third from a 12 yards start. The ten stone Wrestling event was won by J. H. Thomson, Jedburgh. A. Calvert of Carlisle was this year's runner-up. J. Cunningham snr. of New Gilston, competing from scratch, was an able winner of the One Mile Bicycle Handicap. From the start, Cunningham was the popular fancy and had a worthy win over W. V. Murray from Cowden who had an 80 yards start. The Dunion Handicap of Two Miles was one of the best races of the day and aroused keen excitement. After pegging round the ring some fourteen times, the three leaders got into something like three quarter mile stride for the last couple of laps, and a great finish was witnessed with a sprint for the last 200 yards. A. C. Stevenson, Benhar beat A. Roy of Northfield, and S. P. Gilbert from Broxburn, the back marker, won a lively applause in securing third place. Scott and McDonald's Border troupe of dancers and pipers from Hawick provided alternative entertainment throughout the day.

That the Games, from a sporting point of view continues to enjoy wide popularity was evident in 1927. Not only from the attendance of the public, but also from the representative turnout of competitors, all more or less prominent in their respective spheres. The time- honoured and quaint ceremony of cannonading to the four cardinal points of the compass took place in Market Place at 6.00 am and was witnessed by a large crowd. The weather was dull but fair, and the festival spirit was reflected in the general merriment and good humour which prevailed. On the whole, the sport was of a high standard and some excellent running was witnessed. The short distance running of C. J. Britee, Portobello, J. Jardine of Peebles and J. T. Wilson from Benwell in Newcastle, was particularly attractive. Considerable interest centred on the Peebles man, who, however, did not get forward till the afternoon, and consequently could not challenge the Benwell, Portobello pair either in the 100 yards flat or the 220 yards flat. Wilson beat Jardine to the tape in the shorter race, but the Portobello man had a good win in the 220. Jardine came near success in the Jedburgh Handicap of 220 yards, and made good in the 300 flat, with Britee as runner-up. As described, the 100 Yards Foot Race, from a field of four was won by Wilson of Benwell by about a yard over C. J. Britee from Portobello. J. Cowan, Selkirk took third prize. There were eleven starters in the Lothian Handicap Half Mile event confined to the Border counties, but the field soon thinned to the finishing quartette. The ultimate winner was P. Boyd, Lilliesleaf from a 38 yards start. J. Marks of Jedburgh who ran from 40 yards, followed in to take second place and W. Miller, Edinburgh came in third from a start of 25 yards. For a time, Marks inspired confidence, but the Lilliesleaf man eventually displaced him though apparently not without stretching himself to the limit. The swimming events were popular enough to draw a large crowd to the river bank. The main event saw a win for A. Tunnah, with W. McDonald taking second place and T. Oldridge third. All were former pupils at school in Jedburgh. The 220 Yards Open Flat race was run at a time when the bulk of spectators were on the river bank watching the swimming, but those who remained, witnessed a thrilling scamper round the ring. The final result favoured Britee of Portobello with the winning prize. Second place went to Wilson of Benwell and third place to J. Cowan from Selkirk. It was unfortunate that the heats in the Jedforest Open Handicap Sprint were not better filled, but the running talent included some of the best in Scotland. In a keen and spirited final, the premier award was gained by W. Hood, Selkirk, who was off 12 Yards, and the triumph of this young and promising ped was well deserved, if somewhat unexpected for his first visit to Jedburgh. The winning time was 11¾ seconds. Runner-up was the popular Hawick veteran, J. McMillan whose mark was 18 yards, and his success obviously pleased the crowd. Third place was taken by local lad B. George who ran from 11½ yards. The Merchants Handicap Half Mile prize went to J. Grant, Hawick running from 50 yards. J. H. Wilson of Musselburgh took second prize from a 60 yards handicap, and third prize went to A. Binnie of Ratho who started from 50 yards. In a field of twelve, the unplaced Bennet of Kirkcaldy was back marker, and there was some good running, with a close finish. The heats of the Jedburgh Open Handicap of 220 yards produced some keen contests. In the fifth heat, Wilson of Benwell who was off 3 yards could not make ground on Cowan, Selkirk who won with something to spare. In the sixth heat, Britee, the scratch man failed to put out Oliver of Stow who had 17 yards on hand. A fast and close final resulted, with Cowan taking the prize. J. Scott of Selkirk took second prize with a start of 16 yards. Third prize was claimed by J. Jardine, Peebles running from scratch. The Open Wrestling contest was won again this year by G. Common from Harbottle, who put out W. M. Weaarmouth of Weardale. Common was also the winner of The Pillow fight, a new event which was introduced to this year's programme. W. Elder of Leven was the winner of The One Mile Bicycle Handicap who left T. R. Carr, Colwell with second prize. A particularly enjoyable and entertaining feature of the programme was the clever exhibition of dancing by the St Ronan's troupe from Innerleithen. When the accounts were audited, the meeting during 1927 fared no better than that of the previous year to bring a profit. Losses had been shown before, but the meagre profits shown for a number of years, began to suggest that meetings were in decline.

The year 1928 heralded the 75th Anniversary, a milestone year in the Games history. An attempt was made to encourage interest by holding a Whippet Race on the Friday night before Games Day. Although popular, this attraction had little effect in drawing the required crowds and adding the monies then required to circumvent a now, deminishing annual account. Owing to a case of serious illness in Exchange Street, adjoining Market Place, the time honoured ceremony of opening the day with four rounds of gunfire was transferred to the entrance to Lothian Park. The Jedforest Instrumental Band, under Mr J. Hewie, had met in the High Street, and on the stroke of six o'clock marched down High Street, up Queen Street and the Cannongate to arrive outside the Royal Hotel. Before nine o'clock, buses began to arrive in the town laden with people from all over the countryside, and at that hour the Quoiting contest began. By ten o'clock, close on a thousand people had clustered round the ring, and crowds were still flocking steadily to the ground. The 100 Yards Open Foot Race was won by J. Jardine of Peebles, one of the able contenders who had missed last year's morning events. R. Murray, Penicuik, now a regular competitor at the annual Games events came in to claim second place, and J. Vallance of Edinburgh was placed third. All runners finished very close together. This particular year was rather unusual with respect to the Jedforest Handicap 120 yards Sprint, in that the final witnessed the first dead heat in the event's history. From the number who ran in the heats, it was difficult to realise that there were 84 names down on the programme. So few turned out that one of the 12 heats was cancelled altogether. The ties proved a good deal more interesting. Johnston of Selkirk beat W. Gordon, Castle Douglas by three yards with K. Kenny of Selkirk two yards behind. T. Melrose of Leith only got the better of J. Renilson, Jedburgh by half a yard. The final was most exciting with Gorrie of Jedburgh and Johnston coming in level for first place. Melrose took second place, and J. Gray of Hawick held out for third. Only ten ran in the Lothian Handicap Half Mile confined event out of an entry of 36. A. J. Oliver, Jedburgh from a 30 yards start won the race leaving twenty yards between himself and T. Lothian from Blyth who was running from 15 yards. Another fifteen yards separated the third placed A. Milroy, Peebles who was handicapped from 25 yards. from the spectators point of view, the afternoon with its finals, and the close running in all events was more interesting than the forenoon. In almost every event, however, the turnout was disappointing, and the heats in the 120 and 220, especially so. Two triple spills in one race, with other competitors scorching among the 'debris' gave the crowd something to shout about. For the One Mile Open Foot Race, A. Scally of Broomhouse was too much for the others and came up the home straight leading D. C. Fleming, Auchinlick by a yard and taking no more than he needed to win. A. Roy, Northfield came in third. The final of the Jedburgh 220 Yards Handicap Open brought more thrills, and W. Gordon of Castle Douglas won by a yard from the rest. Gordon first ran at Jedburgh Games some 20 years ago, so it was a good effort. Running from 18 yards, he took the lead from R. Walker, Jedburgh off 20 yards, and J. Gorrie of Jedburgh who ran from 21 yards. They finnished in that order. J. Quean, Tynedale beat J. H. Thomson of Jedburgh to win the Open Wrestling event. At the end, with the last race, there came another exciting finish which had nearly everyone yelling. A. Scally of Broomhouse, 'the crack ten miler,' trying to gain the five yards he had allowed McLaren from Wemyss in the last round, will long be remembered. During the day several excellent and amusing displays of gymnastics were given by a team from the Regimental Depot, Berwick by kind permission Major R. E. Craike D. S. O. Another attraction were the pipes and drums of the 4th K.O.S.B. On provision of the annual accounts at a public meeting in the Town Hall, the third consecutive year of loss became apparent. After a term of fourteen years, Adam Laidlaw resigned as President. Desperate measures were drawn up in an attempt to avoid any further loss to the annual accounts, one suggestion even going as far as to suggest that the events be held over the course of half a day, rather than the normal full day fixture. The prize for the Jedforest Handicap was reduced from £25 to £15. James Readdie, former vice president was appointed as President of the new committee.

Saturday dawned brilliantly, the steadily increasing heat making for last minute changes in the matter of holiday attire for Games day 1929. The town was early astir, and there was an exceptionally large crowd assembled in the Market Place for the firing of the opening gun at 6 o'clock, but the site this year was changed to the ramparts overlooking Abbey Place. With the firing of the first gun, the Burgh flag was hoisted on the Public Hall, and the Jedforest Instrumental Band blared forth a welcome to the day, marching down High Street, Old Bongate and through adjacent streets, to finish at the top of Castlegate, followed by a large number of the town's youth. In memory of the many Games competitors who lost their lives at Galipolli, the anniversary of which was July 12th, the Burgh flag was lowered to half mast later in the day. Events rapidly followed each other, with eliminating heats in minor contests being carried through simultaneously with those for track races. It was during this period that G. Francis, Hawick, running in the eleventh heat of the Jedforest Handicap, with ten yards in 120 was pulled up by the judges and suspended for the day for "sitting on his mark." The offence was flagrant, and the decision caused no surprise to the spectators who were able to see the runner in actiion. The other incident of which mention has to be made occured shortly before the lunch interval, when Barnes of Leith, running in the 300 Yards Flat was brought down. He alleged that he had been fouled, and the competitor's state seemed to justify this, but the offence had not been noted, and after investigation, the result of the race stood. R. James, Jedburgh was well fancied to take the 100 Yards Open Flat Race this year, in a field of four, where most of the other cracks had given it the go-bye. It proved an easy win for him, although the other three went all out for it, and an excellent race was run by all. Second place went to A. Angus, Kenleith, and third place to J. T. Wilson, Benwell. According to the programme, The Jedforest Handicap 120 Yards Sprint should have been run in fifteen heats with at least seven runners in each heat, but in actual fact, while four runners turned out for the third, in no other was there more than three, while two was the general rule. J. Blaikie of Jedburgh was disposed of by W. Hood, Selkirk in the fourth heat. A number of the runners were obviously not trying, having an eye on either the bookmakers or the handicappers, and warnings were issued which had the effect of gingering up the sport. None of the finalists were implicated in this business. The victor was E.H. Armstrong, Jedburgh, from a start of 12 yards in a time of 11.8 seconds. J. Brunton, Selkirk who also ran from 12 yards secured second place, and Hood took third prize from the 8 yards mark. J. Gorrie of Jedburgh, who dead heated the previous year, took fourth place. They finished close up, and broke the tape almost in line. Of 60 entries for 220 Yards Jedburgh Handicap, only 11 fell in for the pistol, and it was a ding-dong affair for three quarters of the way J. Young, Duns, from the 16 yards mark was closely attended by Gorrie of Jedburgh, off 16 yards, throughout, but the Duns man was able to keep on to reach the tape without being seriously incommoded. there was a fair field of ten for The Half Mile Lothian Handicap confined event, but this was again, less than a fourth of the entry list. Only three finished after a gruelling race in which G. Ballantyne, Jedburgh, running from 55 yards endeavoured to make the best of his handicap and got well ahead of the field in the early stages. P. Boyd, Lilliesleaf, with a 25 yard handicap however, was going strongly at the end. He had just that amount of reserve to snatch the victory on the tape from Ballantyne before almost collapsing. D. Brotherstone from Blyth who started from 45 yards was close up on the two and took third place. The One Mile Foot Race aand Challenge Cup was a fair race with less than a dozen runners from a list of 42 entries. There was nothing exciting about the race, which might truly be said to have been won on handicap, all of those placed being in the middle group. J. H. Wilson, Musselburgh, who started from an 85 yards handicap was firly well placed throughout and won without appearing to be duly worn. B. Howie, Kirriemuir took second place from a start of 70 yards, and R. W. Dawson, Edinburgh who ran from 70 yards was third. G. H. Brown of LCC was the finaal winner of The One Mile Bicycle Handicap, beating G. A. Turner of KOW, and third place went to R. K. Robertson, HCC. Brown and Turner had it all their own way from the start and kept the race in their pocket from the starting pistol. All the competitors cornered excellently, and it was a splendid race to watch. The All-Weights Open Wrestling title fell to W. Knowles from Bootle. Knowles mastered his men with fair ease, but in all bouts, the competition was extremely keen, while the greates good humour prevailed. By the time the last stages of the wrestling were reached, the other events had all been completed and the spectators were leaving the ground. The side shows of the fun fair, after a splendid opening on Friday evening, again commenced operations, and to the yelling of showmen, without which no Games would be complete, Jedburgh turned to make a night of it. The outcome in 1929 was somewhat healthier than in previous years, even though the balance remained at a loss. A dance held in the Public Hall on the evening before Games Day provided the added revenue that pushed the figures back up, to indicate a modest profit when all was accounted for at the end of the day.

Mrs Jasper Cook from Toronto, Canada guided by Jock Thomson of the Games committee fires the early morning cannon to start Ganes Day. Jethart exiles visiting the town of their birth were usually given the priveledge of taking an active part in the ceremonies to mark the start of Jedburgh Border Games each year.

The weather for the Games in 1930 was fine, and the crowd at the field was large, the attendance being estimated at about 3,000. The previous day, considerable numbers of visitors, many of them Jethart exiles from other parts arrived, and when the cannon was fired at 6.00 am on Saturday morning, the gathering was the largest that had been seen at this part of the proceedings for many years. Many of the new residents from Parkside and elsewhere were forward to see what must have been to them the novelty of the sports meeting, being significant for those connected with a new artificial silk industry which was developing in the town. With a record attendance in the afternoon, it was regrettable that some of the events did not attract larger fields. Nevertheless, keenness was displayed throughout with the exception of two heats in a professional race which were voided owing to the palpably poor display given. Where the general tone was so high, it is better not to draw undue attention to the blots on an otherwise perfect meeting. R. James, Jedburgh carried off the 100 Yards Open Handicap Foot Race by a comfortable three yards. Second in came R. Edgar, Hawick, closely followed by J. Duffy of Broxburn. There wer twelve runners for the Lothian Half Mile Handicap from an entry of twenty nine. The event proved an extremely poor race, with only three to finish, all badly distressed. The long handicap men were the only ones to figure prominently and hold out to the end. The victor was K. Ovens, Selkirk who ran from 40 yards. P. Dickson of Selkirk came in second from 30 yards and third place went to T. Jackson, Ashkirk who handicapped from 30 yards. Another reduced entry came in The One Mile Open Handicap with only Duffy, Walker, Wilson, Grant, Thornton and Watson lined up. Duffy led in the early stages with Wilson grimly hanging on in second place. The field was reduced to four at the fourth lap, and at the last lap Duffy, Broxburn went on to win by ten yards. J. H. Wilson from Musselburgh who had reserved his effort until too late, and had to make do with third place was overtaken by T. Walker, Selkirk and left twenty yards behind. For The Jedforest 120 Yards Open Handicap, all the finalists had fairly easy journeys except James in the third tie, where there was a close decision. The final became a contest between Hawick and Jedburgh, each with two runners represented, and an excellent race resulted with the four competitors finishing almost in line. In view of the possible doubts, it is extremely fortunate that the breaking of the tape was recorded by camera, and was subsequently screened on the same evening at the local Cinema. The final decision was, first, J. Gray, Hawick who ran from 11 yards, second, R. James, Jedburgh who came home from a 5 yards start, third, W. Edgar, Hawick, handicapped from 9½ yards, and fourth, J. Gorrie, Jedburgh, starting from 12 yards. From a printed entry of fifty five and four late entries, which include two who were in the results, only nineteen lined up for The Half Mile Open Merchants Handicap. Duffy of Broxburn was the back marker, going off scratch. The long handicap men held the field for the first lap, with Duffy dropping out. G. Cowan, Blyth, off 55 yards held on in a rapidly depleted field, and in the last fifty yards came with a burst to win a narrow victory by two feet from J. McPhilips, Edinburgh who started from 65 yards. J. Orr from Forth took third place. In the 220 Yards Jedburgh Open Handicap, there were eight heats with Gorrie, James, Gray and other well known names figuring in fields that included strong contingents from Selkirk, Peebles and Edinburgh. A. Morris, Peebles, the ultimate winner, running from the 17 yards line went to the final through the third heat. Orr, Forth who finished second, came through the fifth heat, and James of Jedburgh, who qualified from the fourth heat with a start of 7 yards took third place in the final. The final was a well run race, with the winner gaining the verdict by two yards. A yard separated second and third places. A. Murray, HCC who had been the unsuccessful finalist in the half mile event, proved the winner of The One Mile Bicycle Handicap. W. G. Davidson, GCC took second place. It proved an easy victory, with the winner bowling along at terrific speed from the last bell to leave the rest of the field behind. W. Knowles, Bootle, last year's Games champion in the Open Wrestling competition, once again held onto the title by putting out D. Clarke from Huddersfield. As typical of the sport in this event, it should be pointed out that all of the placed contestants have figured in the World Championship, and D. Clarke is understood to be the present holder of the championship. The meeting of 1930 finally provided the long looked for profit which justified the meeting's annual continuity. Although a modest profit of £11 and 11 shillings had been realised, two successful dances held during Games week provided additional revenues which were as normal, added to the Timber Fund, bringing this to a total of £58. 9 shillings and sixpence. Although a financial success, the results were contrary, with all the prizes for major events leaving the town. Jedburgh's only triumphs were in a couple of youths events held during the forenoon.

A sense of pleasurable anticipation at the approach of the 1931 annual celebration of Jedburgh Border Games became evident early in the week, with the arrival of the advance guard of the 'Shows,' a travelling fair, that has for many years been an integral event and an attraction during the week of the meeting. For the first time, the dinner was held on the Friday evening prior to the Games, instead of on the day itself. The exiles embraced the idea with enthusiasm, and the attendance, numbering 86, included many natives who have for many years been resident far from the confines of the town. The gathering was held in the Royal Hotel, and the dinner was excellent, with an expeditious service provided, that allowed the speech making to be commenced in good time. Mr James Readdie, president of the Games committee was in the chair, and proposed the loyal toast. Apologies had been received from Vice president Mr James Robson, Dan Wight, and 'Jethart Tickies' in London, whose telegram, read out by the chairman, embodied their best wishes for a successful day on Saturday. Saturday dawned dull but dry, however, and at 6.00 am in accordance with old custom, the usual gun firing ceremony was held in Market Square, in the presence of a large number of people, although the attendance did not reach the level of same, at the last Games opening. At Lothian Park, a few minutes after 6.30 am. the Games commenced in dull, unpromising weather, with a Cricket Ball throwing handicap and a stepping competition. There were few spectators forward, but as the day advanced, the attendance increased. With an entry of 74, The Quoiting Handicap lasted from 9.00 am until 3.30 pm., W. Grieve, Crailing being the winner of the first prize of £4 and the silver cup. The Lothian Half Mile Handicap confined to Border counties provided a good race. T. Jackson from Ashkirk, from 40 yards, took an early lead and forged ahead into what seemed a safe position. He retained his lead, but in the last lap P. Dickson of Selkirk running from 15 yards drew close on the leader and was only about 3 yards behind when Jackson reached the tape. G. Ballantyne, Jedburgh filled third place from a 45 yards start. The 60 Yards Handicap confined to the Parish for men over fifty had to be run twice owing to a false start. G. Sinton running from scratch was the winner over fellow scratch man T. McGuinness. In the One Mile Open event, A. Scally of Broomhouse was the winner. He slipped into first place during the second last lap, and maintained his advantage to the end, over A. N. Chalmers, Broomhouse who was second and A. Goodwin, Edinburgh, third. The big event of the day, The Jedforest 120 Yards Open Handicap run in eleven heats provided some real thrills. Most of the heats except the eighth and ninth were hotly contested. In the two exceptions, Ovens of Selkirk, and R. Dickie, Kelso had comparatively easy passages. In the ties, the honours in the first went to W. Edgar, Hawick. The second was won by A. Gillie, Kelso, the third by R. Dickie, Kelso, and the fourth by J. Grant, Haddington. The final which was a close one, revealed Grant as the winner ina time of 11.375 seconds from a start of 11½ yards. At the start of the race, Dickie went into first place, but Grant passed him after a quarter of the distance had been covered. Gillie also ran strongly and made strenuous efforts to come up, but failed to outrun Dickie who started from 13 yards and finished second. Gillie, however, running from 11 yards was a good third. Edgar came in to take fourth place. The weather fortunately, was brilliant from 10 o'clock onwards, and the first half of the days sport was concluded half an hour earlier than calculated, enabling the lunch interval to be extended to an hour and a half. The Merchants Half Mile Handicap was an interesting event in that the second and third prizes were divide between J. Edwards, Falkirk and A. McClinskie, Edinburgh, who ran a dead heat. The race was won by H. Sneddon, Newridge from a handicap of 60 yards. Edwards ran from 50 yards. The Jedburgh 220 Yards Handicap provided some runners with easy passages in the heats. Edwards of Falkirk had a walk over. In the sixth, T. Younger, Eckford and in the ninth, J. Thomson, Stitchill had likewise, easy wins. Victory in the final went to J. K. Ovens, Selkirk, running from a start of 15 yards. Second place went to J. Vallance of Edinburgh who ran from 9 yards, and third place was held by T. Tait, Prestonpans who started off 6 yards. The endurance test of the day, The Dunion Two Mile Open Handicap was a fine race and was eventually won by the scratch man, A. Scally from Broomhouse. Early in the race, T. Robertson, Tranent, with his 190 yards advantage, gradually slipped into first position and gently incresed his lead. In the penultimate lap he was still ahead and running well. Scally, however, who had been steadily overtaking some of the runners in the rear, got alongside and passed A. N. Chalmers of Fauldhouse. Excitement bagan to rise as he shortened the distance between Robertson and himself. Gradually he drew level and took the lead. Then Chalmers showed signs of activity and came alongside Robertson. Chalmers went on to follow up Scally and actually closed in on the leader. By this time the race was into the last lap, and there were now possibilities of a lst minute thrill. Still closing in when Scally reached the tape, Chalmers came in a good second from a start of 5 yards. Robertson came in to take third prize. Two pipers, Messrs D & J Bunyan, of the Burgh of Selkirk Ex-Service Pipe Band provided music for the dancing competitions which were held on a lrge wooden platform opposite the grandstand. A picturesque touch was given to the meeting by the kilted contestants. The all round champion in these was Bert Robertson, Edinburgh, who took first place in the Highland Fling, Sailor's Hornpipe, and Irish Jig. The gate takings were £227/3/11d compared with £243/13/6d last year. A decrease of £16/9/7d

	W illiam Wells Mabon, an ardent Jedburgh Border Games enthusiast, who served as provost of Jedburgh from 1929 until 1934 was determined to add spectacle and glamour to the annual event at a time when interest had waned aand gate takings were low.

Games morning dawned with grey skies in 1932, but was not altogether unpromising. Shortly before 6 o'clock, the first of the early birds were to be seen wending their way to the Market Place for the traditional ceremony of firing the cannon. By the appointed hour there was a crowd several hundreds strong, the biggest for quite a long time. on the peal of six, 'Mons Meg' boomed, and up struck the Band. Three more booms resounded through the town, summoning people from all points of the compass. Jedforest Instrumental Band then marched through the streets to wake those who dared to sleep on! As the morning progressed, it became rather dull and threatening. Anxious glances upwards were given when a few spots of rain fell, but it was nothing worse than a 'drow,' and by ten o'clock it was fair though the skies remained overcast. By this time the streets were busy, and quite a number of visitors, not forgetting 'the bookies,' the strong men and others of that fraternity had entered the town. The attendance at Lothian Park in the forenoon was somewhat disappointing. The Cricket Ball throwing which as usual, took place first thing in the morning after the cannon firing ceremony, brought a newcomer who created a mild surprise. He was R. Pyle, who hailed from Newcastle, before coming to reside in Jedburgh, and could have won the event from the scratch mark. As it was, he threw from 6 yards and won with about eight to spare. It was a very good throw, but by no means a record, of course. Good running was seen in the boys and youths events. In the 100 Yrds for Boys under 12 years, the result was almost a dead heat between E. Smart and Roy McIntosh, the latter just easing ahead at the tape. J. Telfer won the Lads Sprint easily enough, and the same held good with Mary Owen in the Girls Race. It was delightful to see such a fine turn-out of veterans in The Race for Men over 50 years of age. A. Richardson set a keen pace and looked a winner after half the distance had been covered, but J. Sinton who was conceding 4 yards to Richardson came away strongly and proved to be the best man. There was a nice field of twenty six runners in The Lothian Half Mile Handicap confined to Border counties. This was won by R. Kirkpatrick of Ednam running from 45 yards. He came away with a great burst in the last lap and easily beat J. Bennet, the Kelso rugby player, running from 30 yards, on the home straight. The jumping events were keenly contested, with honours going to the expected men. W. Edgar, Hawick won the 220 Yards Open Scratch Race, leading all the way from J. Vallance, Edinburgh and J. Edwards of Falkirk. In the afternoon, the ring was well filled and also the ordinary stand, but the grand stand was sparsely populated until a heavy shower of rain fell. This was the only shower worth naming throughout the day. So, with respect to the weather, the Games were quite well favoured after all. First Race in the afternoon was The 100 Yards Scratch Sprint. W. Edgar from Hawick won this, in a fashion which suggested that he was running as well as ever he did. A. Scally of Broomhouse turned out in The Scratch One Mile, and never left the issue in doubt. J. Campbell of Craigneuk was expected to run second, but found C. Frow, Harbrough too good for him, and was outpaced into third place. Then came the 'Big Sprint,' in other words, The Jedforest 120 Yards Open Handicap. Only a third of the entry stripped to contest, but there was only one heat actually void. The scratch man P. Chester was an absentee, and R. James did not turn out. After a walk over in the first heat, five turned out for the second. P. Darling, Kelso, sitting on the 7 yards mark, and receiving 3 yards from Wilson of Benwell, overhauled the field and looked a good winner. Grieve from Innerleithen who was off 8 yards, came away with a daring spurt in the last twenty yards, however, and pipped Darling on thr tape. S. Clarke of Musselburgh, the ultimate winner, showed promise of what was to come in the way he gave away 6 yards and beat V. Smart, Monteviot. There was little of note from then, until the eighth heat, where F. Best found that 4 yards was too much to give away to J. Young, the Duns man. In the ninth heat, W. Edgar of Hawick put every once into it in the last thirty yards, but failed to overhaul J. Fisher, Falkirk to whom he'd given a yard and a half. In the last heat, P. Moffat of Hawick, a former amateur had an easy win. Fisher and Clarke as was to be expected from two good men who had to run hard to win, returned the best times in the heats. The ties worked out very much to form and expectations, except that P. Moffat returned the best time. The final, somehow or other, did not prove quite such a good race as previous indications had suggested. S. Clarke came down the tapes from 7 yards mark like a winner all the way, in a time of 11.563 seconds. He is a strong runner compared with P. Moffat, who is more of a stylish runner. Fisher, running from 7 yards just got ahead of G. Gibson, Hawick off 9 yards, for second place, leaving the two Hawick hopes having to be content with third and fourth place. There was a field of twenty one contestants for the Merchants Half Mile Open Handicap, J. Edwards being the virtual back-marker off 35 yards and G. B. Moffat, the limit man off 60 yards. J. Donald, Rulewater soon had the race in hand, and was not sorely pushed to win. J. Bennet of Kelso had to be content with another second. A disappointing response to the 220 Yards Jedburgh Handicap saw the race run off in two heats and a final. The heats were rather overcrowded, and in addition to 'elbowing,' there was a collision. The finalists were Edwards from Falkirk, Charles, Selkirk, P. Moffat of Hawick, G. Gibson, Hawick, Hall of Selkirk and Grieve from Walkerburn. This was a final, not worthy of a glance. Edwards won, with Moffat taking second place, and Hall coming in third. It was not a race at all ! Seventeen turned out in The Open Mile Edinburgh and Leith Plate Handicap. D. Brotherstone of Blyth practically led all the way, to win from a 100 yards start. T. Smart, Coalburn running from the 45 yards mark scooped second prize, leaving F. Donaldson of Tranent off 90 yards with third. The icycle racing was good, though a shwer of rain made the track greasy, and there were several nasty spills at both top and bottom corners. Fortunately, no one was injured. Pick from Wark twice came a 'cropper,' and in doing so, held up the back marker, Gus Foster of Carlisle, leaving him to make do with third place. This gave S. J. Robinson from Wooton a good ride home to take the victory, and R. Thorburn, Peebles made up a lot of lee-way to arrive in second position. One of the principal actions of the day was the appearance of two Westmorland and Cumberland wrestlers, W. Knowles, the World's Heavyweight Champion, and F. Blakeney, the 10 stone Champion. It is probable that many did not know them to be champions, but there was no mistaking their worth in action. It was a sight in itself to watch Knowles, who is tall and strong rather than brawny, pick up his opponents and lay them down like a parcel. He did it all with a smile on his face too! The champions were each winners in their own classes, which was only to be expected. There were other good wrestlers there, such as the evergreen, G. Common and the brothers Tait from Wooler. The lightweight wrestling was especially good. The best in fact, seen at Jedburgh for a long time. Blakeney is a complete master of the art. Another popular feature was the competetive dancing. It would appear that this has come to stay. The spectators were treated to some delightful exhibitions by champions and others during the afternoon, and the popularity of the items was reflected in the applause. And so, to the Dunion Handicap of Two Miles, the final item on the programme. Here, R. Ireland from Peebles took the lead fairly early on and won from a start of 125 yards, with some yards to spare. Second in was Smart of Coalburn who started from 70 yards. Scally dropped out before the finish. After coming out on the right side financially for two successive years, the figures for the 1932 meeting were again down. Profits from dances, were once again ploughed in to ease the deficit, but the final figures still showed a loss of over £8. It was argued that a great deal of money was being thrown away on short distance races, and that with a bigger track, the introduction of more long distance events might draw better known athletes, and consequently a larger crowd.

The Games morning of 1933 dawned bright, and by 5.30, those who had set their alarm clocks were beginning to assemble in Market Place. One rather musical party sang their way up High Street, while the Band assembled just above the Gazette Office. Punctually, on the stroke of six, Provost Wells Mabon fired first shot from the small artillery piece. The band marched off on it's journey round the streets, and the town bells rang out a merry peel. There was no need for anxious glances skyward that year. The weather was ideal. It was not too warm, although the sun came through in strong blinks, and there was never any suggestion of a break-down. There were hardly so many veterans for the 'old peds race,' and J. Sinton, once again beat A. Richardson after giving him 7 yards. Although, he only just won and no more. The same pair were first and second last year. The turn-out for the Trades Relay Race, an innovation at this years gathering, was not so encouraging as one would have fancied it might be. There were only two teams, both from the Silk Factory. The 'A' team established an early lead through J. Gorrie, and though C. Ferguson made up some of the leeway later, the issue never resolved itself into a real race. The Gold medal presented by Messrs. A and R Oliver, South Africa for The Youths 100 Yards Sprint, confined to the Borders, went to W. Young (W Baxter) of Jedburgh, who was back marker amongst those who turned out. He won his heat easily, and ran a good race in the final. There was a field of twelve in The Half Mile , confined to the Borders, and P. Dickson, Selkirk ran splendidly from scratch. He soon overhauled the field, and, putting in a strong spurt in the last round, breasted the tape an easy winner. The appearance of Malcolm Dunn, the Australian "flier", proved a great attraction and he made an early impression by showing his paces in the scratch races. The hard ground suited him, being as it were, 'native heath' and he won the 220 yards scratch race and the 100 yards scratch race as he liked. The attendance in the forenoon was rather sparse, and though the ring was well filled in the afternoon, one looked for and hoped for a better attendance. Exceptional interest was lent to the Jedforest Handicap, when in addition to Malcolm Dunn, W. McFarlane (M Williams), the Powderhall winner turned up. He had been unable to get through from Glasgow in time for the scratch events. He was off scratch in the handicap sprint, and Dunn was given a yard, and put into the tenth heat. Thirty three runners stripped for the event, and there was not a single heat viod, though it looked as if the third would be. P. Chester of Edinburgh, another of the top-notchers was in the first heat, off 3 yards, but he failed by giving 7 yards to C. Williams from Hawick. The ultimate winner of the sprint appeared in the second heat. He won with plenty to spare, and it quickly spread around that Whitelaw of Duns with a mark of 11½ yards was going to take a lot of beating. Interest next centred on the sixth heat, with Williams appearing. He ran strongly and overhauled his two opponents, Brockie, Stow off 10 yards, and Elder, Hawick off 12 yards, in a masterful way that pleased the crowd. The winner of the seventh heat was D. M. Thomson, Peebles, who has Jedburgh connections, being the cousin of Mr Henry T. Thomson. Jim Dodds (R James) turned out in the ninth heat, but the Jedburgh man found that 6 yards was too much to give away to J. McPhillips, Edinburgh, who, running from the 9 yards mark, came second in the final. Malcolm Dunn won his heat as he liked, after giving Peter D arling of Kelso 7 yards. The second last heat actually proved the closest of all. In fact it was a dead heat. W. G. Sott of Leith conceded a yard to A. B. Alexander, Musselburgh, and breasted the tape with him after drawing level, a few yards from the winning post. More good running was seen in the ties. Whitelaw romped home easily again, and installed himself as favourite. M. Williams ran with great determination during his tie, but found the 9 yards he was giving to J. Heugh, Peebles, just too much for him. There wasn't much in it. The crowd applauded the scratch man's effort, and would have liked to see him go to the final. McPhillips won the third tie, and Dunn thrilled the crowd by showing his best form in the last tie. He caught the field twenty yards from the tape, and was two yards faster than in his heat, being only half a yard worse than evens. The cheer he was given was earned. The final did not prove to be the race that was generally expected. Whitelaw showed that he would take a lot of catching. Such proved to be the case, and he won with a yard to spare.. J. McPhillips of Edinburgh, who was giving him 2½ yards ran second, and M. Dunn could only get third place, although he overhauled the leaders all the way. There was a good field of nineteen in The Open Mile, for the silver Challenge Cup. Last year's winner, D. brotherston of Blyth competed, but failed to get a place, and the cup went into the keeping of R. Dinning of Carlisle. There was quite a gratifying turnout for the wrestling and some satisfactory sport was seen. W. Knowles, the ex-champion, was again present, but he found his better in R. Robson, Langlee, who received a special round of applause when he felled the Bootle man in the final. That was in the Heavyweight Class, and there was a tie for third place. S. Knowles, a brother of W. Knowles, won the eleven stone competition, while the brothers Sisterton both appeared in the prize list. The revived pole-vault proved a popular feature, though there were only three competitors. The hard ground placed a severe strain on the ankles when coming down from a height of eleven feet! As expected, W. Muir of Denny proved the winner.

	Provost Wells Mabon's angry letter of 1934, demanding action from a now despondent Games Committee, who, for some 8 years had struggled to deliver a satisfactory accounts audit throughout the years of depression.

The Public meeting that followed the Games of 1933 was a complete fiasco. So small was the attendance, and so few committee members turned up to report another annual loss amounting to £40 that it was decided to postpone business until a future meeting could be called for, early the following year. One supporter stated that it was a black look out for the Games if their own Committee could not turn up for their annual meeting with the public. A further meeting was held in March 1934, attended by Provost Mabon, a life long supporter of the Games, who felt inspired to offer ideas on how the festivities might be improved to make it a town's affair. Rather than adhering to the 'wairsh programme' that was presently adopted, he would like to see a procession for the children's benefit, with the Youth's Sports worked into the Saturday Games meeting. He suggested that the Dunion Race begin from, and finish at the Market Place, rather than being confined to the old Dunion Games field where it had always been staged. The Committee at a further meeting, agreed to adopt some of the measures offered by the provost, but concerned themselves more with cutting back on financial outlay rather than pageantery preamble. Strangely enough, for this particular year, after many years of trying, the Games were finally offered the honour of hosting the Wrestling Campionships they had so long looked for during their history. Much remained to be done, and time was scarce. At the Games Reunion Dinner in 1934, provost Wells Mabon, in his speech, made a plea for pageantry to be introduced to the occasion. In reference to the early processions to the Dunion Games field, led by the Jedburgh Trades carrying their banners, he did not think it was a very well known fact that the men of Jedburgh had also taken an English flag at Flodden. It had been lost during the course of time, and in this respect was like the Burgh flag which on a certain occasion was also lost on a return journey from St James's Fair at Roxburgh. The burgh officials were travelling home by cart, (laughter!) and when crossing the river Teviot at the Nisbets, 'something happened.' The details were uncertain, but anyhow, the result was that the prescious 'burgh banner' disappeared. It might possibly have floated down Teviot and Tweed to the North Sea, but it's fate was a mystery, as was also that of the Flodden flag. There was no doubt however, that Jedburgh's fighting burgesses were present at the battle of Flodden and like those of other towns, lost heavily. Jethart men also fought at Bannockburn, and the speaker had never heard of any other border town being represented there. These were incidents in the history of the town that suggested something to those interested in a revival of pageantry. The provost then put forward a strong plea that some of their younger men might take this matter in hand seriously, and set something appropriate going ere long to establish a historical pageant in the town. It could not be done by simply talking about it however. It would demand time, work and money, and unless they could secure these things, there was little use talking about starting anything in the nature of an annual pageant. Speaking airily about it would not get them anywhere. They must get down to work, and everyone concerned must put their shoulders and their minds to the task. Jedburgh Games, like all similar gatherings was then fighting against decline. Gates were down, and they could not shut their eyes to the fact that there was now fierce competition which did not exist during the earlier years of the gathering. In olden days, Jedburgh people would no more have thought of going from home at Games week-end than they would have thought of entering an aeroplane on the Dunion Games ground and circling the Cheviots. If the popularity of the Games was not all that it used to be, there was a remedy. Let them associate with the Games, such historic pageantry as he had hastily sketched, and he believed that they would recapture enthusiasm and popularity. ("Here! here!" and applause). Also let them take note of the tendency nowadays to leave things to two or three people, and combat this by taking a more active interest in Games matters, in management and committee work. He appealed to one and all not to take merely a passive interest, and concluded by expressing his best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of the Games. Mr Readdie replied, and followed up the Provosts remarks by appealing for more young men to come forward and make some competition for membership of the committee

.Dan Wight in his 83rd year meetsWillie McFarlane of Glaasgow at the Hawick Common Riding Games of 1934. McFarlane, like Dan Wight was a dual winner of the Powderhall New Year Handicap in 1933 and 1934. Dan won in 1870 and 1876. On each occasion both men ran off scratch.

On Saturday 14th July 1934, it rained only once, and didn't stop! The cannon firing ceremony was concluded under dark grey skies. The mornings events had hardly began, when the clouds opened, and before 10 o'clock it was raining hard. About half a dozen people occupied the stand, and who could blame them? No one is going to pay to sit on a wet seat, even if it is a little exalted. The ring told the same mournful tale of empty spaces, and the officials, with a doleful shake of the head, began to calculate how much the gate would be down. The feature which struck one during the morning events, was the promise shown by a Morebattle youth, T. Young, who ran second in the 100 Yards Sprint for lads under 17 years, first in the Half Mile, then went on to win the Youths Mile event in the afternoon. He was closely followed by W. Michie, a Jedburgh boy, and the son of a father well known in the ring, who ran second in both distance events, and the under 16 years sprint. The Lothian Handicap Half Mile produced only four finishers out of eighteen starters. J. Biggar of Hassendean won, and P. Dickson, the strong going Selkirk distance man, who had his fanciers, even from scratch, failed to get a place. That finished the forenoon gate. Twice or thrice during the interval the skies seemed as though they might clear, but at 1.30 pm when the afternoon programme started, it was as bad as ever, and further outlook, hopeless. It was a disastrous day, with little more than a couple of dozen spectators appearing in the stand during the afternoon. The scratch 'one hundred' was won by Malcolm Dunn, the Australian. The first heat for The Jedforest Handicap was void, and the next three went to Hawick, Kelso and Jedburgh entrants, the latter being J. McDonald, who won the Morebattle Handicap last year and got a walk-over. Dunn was in the fifth heat, but found 11 yards, too much to give to R. Trebor, Selkirk. Jim Dodds (R James), the Jedburgh man, won the next heat alright after giving 3½ yards to Morriss of Peebles and 6½ yards to the Duns veteran, Johnnie Young The seventh heat was won in taking style by the Jedburgh lad W. Young (W Baxter), running from 14 yards, who won the youth's sprint last year. Whitelaw of Duns, whose win last year surprised a few without times, had a walk-over in his heat. There was then nothing noteworthy until the eleventh heat, which saw Pat Chester from Edinburgh go forward in more ways than one. F. Best, another Jed man won his heat, then the ultimate winner, J. McPhillips, Edinburgh, running off 8 yards, won the fifteenth and final heat. The ties saw Jedburgh without a representative to go to the final. The feature was the accident which McPhillip met with after passing through the tape. He appeared to slip, and fell rather awkwardly. To the onlooker, he seemed to have wrenched his leg pretty badly as he was helped from the track to the tent. He revived under treatment, however, and ran as sound as a bell in the final, winning by a yard, and pulling up in 11.41 seconds. J. Younger, Hawick, who ran second in the Lothian handicap in the forenoon, went one better, by winning the Merchants One Mile Handicap in the afternoon. He beat B. Smith of Wishaw, who gave him 25 yrds, and also turned the tables on Biggar from Hassendean, who gave him 15 yards. The Wrestling Championship was obviously the outstanding feature of the Games, by nature of being the first ever to be held at Jedburgh. A. Bracken, a blacksmith, had come all the way from Lancashire to defend his title. Another entrant was W. Wearmouth, ex champion for British All-weights. The appearance of men of that callibre added spice to the contest. Both men got safely through the first round, but in the second round, G. Tait, the Wooler exponent, felled the champion, standing him right on the crown of his head. In the third round, J. Pattinson from Bardon Mill, the ultimate winner and new champion, threw Wearmouth. In the All-weights event, however, ex-champion Bracken got a bit of his own back, by beating his successor Pattison in the final. The Jedburgh Handicap of 200 Yards, produced an all Peebles result. One of the heat winners was R. F. Kennedy, the Kelso Rugby player, and former amateur, who, like one or two others taking part in this event, has gone over to professionalism. It was pleasing to see the Two Mile Dunion Handicap go to C. Frow from Harbrough, who has come a long way to Jedburgh Games, for little, for several years now. The financial statement showed a loss of over £101 on the Games of 1934. With profits from dances, and a whist drive, and the profits from 1933 added, the defecit was met from the Timber Fund, only just saving the Border Games from Bankruptcy. President Readdie tendered his resignation, leaving the Games committee leaderless. Affairs continued for a further year with several committee members presiding at meetings. Several nominees were approached to fill the President's chair, but there were no takers. It became apparent that no one was ready to take the hot seat. It must be remembered that these years under scrutiny were a difficult time for all. The stock exchange had crashed on Wall Street in 1929, countries like Germany had declined during the twenties and along with Italy, was only beginning to show signs of recovery under new nationalist governments. Spain was about to be plunged into civil war. In Britain, businessmen were no longer subscribing to the Games. Edinburgh, a long standing funding mechanism, had dried up, and to boot, the London and North Eastern Railway were enticing local inhabitants on cheap excursion trips to seaside resorts, such as Tweedmouth and Burntisland on the Fife coast.

The first Fancy Dress Parade in 1935 added a small element of pageantry to the Border Games and also gave the youth of the town an opportunity to take part in the celebrations.

1935 saw a change in strategy to our local annual festive gathering. For want of a Games Committee President, John Laidlaw, builder, and Vice-president agreed to stand in as President, and Walter Hope filled the vacant position of Vice-president. Provost Mabon got his procession in the introduction of a Fancy Dress Parade, to be held on the Thursday evening before the Games of that year. An unwitting entry, to this inaugural parade was Jethart's first callant, Mr T. Dryburgh, mounted complete with flag and sash and supported in the traditional common riding style by right hand man Mr G. Liddle and left hand man Mr R. Turney. Of course our local hero took his rightful place at the head of the procession and 'becked and bowed' to the cheering crowds in regulation style. The act would not have been complete without the cornet's chase up Castlegate, but, it should be mentioned, he carried his flag unsullied and gave his followers, in the form of a mounted mexican and a red indian, a right old gallop up Castlegate. Mr John Hewie, master of the Jedforest Instrumental Band had penned new tunes to accompany the traditional festive songs including that of 'The Brave Lads', which had hitherto been sang to the tune of the German national anthem. A very pertinent move indeed, considering how events were then unfolding in Germany. A fine morning greeted a record crowd at the cannon firing ceremony at the Market Cross. The attendance could have been put at anything between six and seven hundred, easily more than double the figure who were present last year. The first cannon was fired by Mr John Laidlaw, bulider, and the new President of the Games committee. The joy bells rang out from the steeple, and the Jedforest Instrumental Band, under the leadership of Mr D. McDonald senior, set off on their usual round to awaken the laggards who still lay in bed. Much interest was shown in a Race Round the Town, a new event introduced to the programme this year. There were six competitors, including the veteran Wull Scott, and the signal for the start was the firing of the fourth cannon. The route lay by Castlegate, and round the Bow, up the Oxnam Road, down the Boundaries passing the Sawpit, and returning up the High Street from Townfoot bridge to finish at Market Place. As soon as they were off, there was a rush along Abbey Place, and down Cannongate to see them on their journey. It took most people all their time to get back to witness the finish! When the band returned to Market Place, they played 'Jethart's Here' and the crowd, throwing aside their previous reserve, joined heartily in singing the local song. If gamps had been the order of the day at Lothian Park last year, sunshades would have been equally appropriate this year. The sun, which had broken through in the early morning, shone all day long and fairly 'birsled' the crowd. Last year, a reference was made to T. Young, a Morebattle boy who carried off both The Half Mile and Mile for Youths events. He lived up to his reputation, by again completing the 'double' from scratch. In the Half Mile, he won easily, after over-taking the field and going into the lead in the last lap. He also won the Mile with ssomething to spare. Only three finished. He well deserved the two silver cups which were among his awards. In The Lothian Half Mile Handicap, confined to the Border counties, there were seventeen starters. R. Kirkpatrick, Ednam, who was lying third during the last lap, came away in a strong burst in the last twenty yards and won with four yards to spare. A. Richardson was once again, the victor in The Veterans Handicap for 'peds' of 50 Years and over. While J. McPhilips did not turn up, Pat chester was present and in fine form. He started by winning the scratch 100 Yards event, followed in by R. F. Kennedy, the Kelso rugby player. Chester then went on to make a great effort in the Jedforest 120 Yards Handicap. He appeared in the seventh heat and won well within himself. The unusual and disappointing feature of the heats, was that Jedburgh failed to produce a winner. C. Williams of Hawick, the ultimate winner off 15½ yards won the fourth heat. He beat Jim Dodds (R James) who was giving him 3½ yards. He then won his tie in good style. Chester had to put in a great effort to win his tie. Opposed by J. Malcolm, Kirkcaldy, running off 14 yards, T. Summers of Cockburnspath, who ran strongly from the 10 yards mark, and J. Wallace, Carlisle, a post entry off 12 yards. Chester put in a tremendous finish, however, and got through to the final by inches. J. Scott, Leith won the third tie, and in doing so, became one of the favourites. The fourth tie produced a great finish, ending with a dead heat between R. Gibson, Musselburgh off 12 yards, and W. M. Scott, Galashiels, the ex-border sprint champion running off 8 yards. The final was as good a final as it was expected to be. Chester went all out for it. Yard by yard, he overhauled the field, and simply tore through in the last twenty yards. He was just beaten by inches, however, by Williams to whom he was conceding 10 yards. The winning time was 11.125 seconds, which was a shade inside evens, and particularly good, especially on the track as it is. Gibson of Musselburgh took third place.

	Jethart's 1936 callant Tom Dryburgh awaits his right and left hand men, George Liddle, and Robert Turney, before leading the Fancy Dress cavalcade around the town in an effort to give Jedburgh's Annual Border Games event a lift out of its desparate and despondent situation.

There was no doubt during 1936 that Jedburgh's biggest festival week-end of the year was growing. With decorated streets, a fancy dress pageant, (not to mention Jethart's own Callant) and the first staging of 'The Nicht Afore the Morn' concert in the Public Hall, on Friday evening before Games Day, generated a new injection of life to the annual celebrations. Once again, the Callant, Tom Dryburgh, with his right and left hand men, George Liddle and Robert Turney, dressed in the traditional style of tile hats, tails and breeches, gathered in the Friars, and prior to the fancy dress pageant, rode round the town acknowledging all greetings in the accepted style. The Callant wore a sash of scarlet and blue, and most appropriately carried the Jethart Callants Club flag, which had been sent as a gift from America. The first part of the 'marches' was up Castlegate, and at the Castle, they sang 'Jetharts Here,' while there was a service of 'Jethart Snails.' Then down again, round the Bow, up the Oxnam Road and down the Bountrees Road to the Auld Brig. Here the River Jed was forded, and the Callant dipped his flag thrice on either side of the Bridge. The next stage lay via Canongate and Queen Street to Queen Mary's House, where another halt was made and a stirrup cup was served, and laudably enjoyed by the principal and his entourage. Thus refreshed, the cavalcade made its way to Lothian Park to lead the fancy dress procession. The final act was laid in Market Place, which was crowded with spectators. Riding up to the Jubilee Fountain, in company with right and left hand supporters, the Callant dismounted, and with due ceremonial, climbed up a ladder and planted the flag in one of the lamp brackets. It should be added too, that he 'bussed' his own flag while at the top of the ladder! The Callant and his men then led the crowd in Market Place in the singing of 'Jetharts Here' to the accompaniment of Jedforest Instrumental Band. There were cheers, and more cheers. After many years of talking, Jethart now appeared to have the germinating seeds of it's own commom riding.
'Jetharts Here! - and with a vengeance must have been the feeling of everyone who attended the first Nicht Afore the Morn gathering in the Public Hall that Friday evening. It was an unqualified success, and this does not mean that there was simply a large audience, but that the concert provided a real 'Jedburgh Joy Night' to be long remembered. The concert was under the patronage of the Town Council, for whom seats were reserved in the front of the hall. It was a crwded audience, in fact standing room only was the order of the evening. Provost Wells Mabon, who was the prime mover in arranging the gathering presided. The music was supplied by an orchestra of sixteen, under the conductorship of Mr J. Hewie, who had put in a great amount of work to make this concert the success it was. After the singing of 'God Save the King,' Mr Andrew Clarkson gave the proceedings a grand send-off with a spirited rendering of 'Jethatrs Here.' Up sang the chorus of lads and lassies, . . . . . but enthusiasm reached such a pitch that the whole audience became on vast choir - "Stand firm and sure for Jetharts Here!" The provost recalled with pride, the valour shown by the warrior weavers of Jedburgh at the battle of Bannockburn, and the decisive influence of the gallant burghers, led by their doughty Provost, at the Redeswire, the last of the Border battles between Scots and English. In more recent times, our ancient battle cry was raised on the heights of Alma. It is also on record, that during the Great War, when the remnant of a Fusilier battalion was in difficulty in a stretch of 'no-mans-land' in France, they saw, in the gathering darkness, dim figures moving in their rear. Not knowing whether they were friend or foe their challenge rang out. No formal counter sign reached them, but from a dozen throats came the cry of 'Jetharts Here' followed by a single voice exclaiming, "Ye'll be a' right now." In addition to the local songs which the audience was now familiar, they also had the pleasure of listening to three new songs during the evening. Mrs Gray sang 'The Liltin,' after which the first of the new songs, 'The Brave Lads o' Jethart,' which came from an anonymous source in the North of England, was rendered by Mr C. Hope. It went down very well, the chorus making a ready appeal. Loud applause broke out when Mr Hope finished, and continued till he reappeared to give a repeat performance. Miss Marion Halliday recited 'The Candlemas Ba',' in a way that brought out the best that was in it, and made one wonder why it was not heard oftener on a Jedburgh platform. A little later in the programme came another of the new songs, rendered by Mr John Jardine. 'The Auld Toon o' Jethart,' which had been sent from America by Mr Walter Oliver, a loyal son of our town, was the work of an exile Jethart callant who desired to remain anonymous. Again there was a hearty reception, and Mr Jardine had to return to let the audience hear it once more. The final piece at the end of the evening was the third new song called 'Memories,' written jointly by Mr T. Wight and Mr T. Thomson. This song, which has appeal for 'exiles,' met with a great reception, so much so that not only was it encored, but at the close of the second rendering there were insistent cries of "Author, . . . Author!" When Mr Wight, who was in the audience went forward to the platform, he was greeted with prolonged applause. He thanked the audience for the very fine reception they had given the song, and at the same time thanked Mr Hewie who had arranged the music for the orchestra, and Mr Thomson who had assisted him in framing the words.

There was again a crowd of several hundreds out for the old cannon-firing ceremony at The Mercat Cross at 6.00 am on Games morning. It was a dull day, but pleasant. The last cannonade was the signal for the start of The Race Round the Town, which was being run for the second year, though as a handicap on this occasion. Three competitors set off, and one was left on his mark! R. Wood set a stiff pace round the Bow, up Oxnam Road and down Bountrees Road to Townfoot, but J. Younger from Camptown, came away strongly in High Street, and got ahead. The result was J. Younger first, R. Wood second and D. Scott third. The rain came on at the worst possible time for the Games. It started just as people were thinking of moving along to the morning session, and it did the very same thing at lunch time! Happily it did clear away during spells in the afternoon, so that it did not prove altogether a spoil sport. Perhaps the outstanding performance of the day was that of T. Young, the youthful Morebattle runner. A year ago this athlete pulled off a rare 'double,' by winning both the youths' Half Mile and the Mile from scratch. This year, during the forenoon session he was beaten in the Half Mile by A. Fortune of Roxburgh, who was receiving 30 yards from Young. In the afternoon, however, Young turned the tables on his Roxburgh rival when he carried off the silver cup for The Youths' Mile after giving Fortune 45 yards. This was the third year Young had won this race, and the second time from scratch. Fortune was also awarded a silver cup for his win in The Half Mile, and pulled off an excellent 'double' by winning The Youths' 100 Yards Handicap. It was somewhat disappointing to find some very thin heats and several walks-over in The 120 Yards Jedforest Handicap. It was perhaps even more to be regretted that there should be such a scarcity of Jedburgh competitors. The only one who might lay claim was A. Richardson, Blinkbonny, who did well to win the thirteenth heat. The cross-ties produced some keen running, however, and the final was a very keen and close race. The winner was W. M. Scott of Galashiels, the ex-amateur Border champion. He appeared to strike a bump coming down the track, but it did not put him out of his stride. He put in a strong finish to win by a good foot from G. Buchan, Edinburgh to whom he was conceding 5½ yards. Buchan was only inches ahead of R. Glaister, Lanark, who was in receipt of 2½ yards from Scott. The winner's time from a 6½ yards start was 11.56 seconds. There was again some good distance racing. D. Thomas, Hawick (Richardson the rugby player), ran well and finished with determination to win the confined Half Mile, and T. Lothian of Blyth, who has been on the track for many years now, and is doing well this season ran a close second. He had given Thomas 15 yards. J. Bolton, Wemyss, ran a well judged race to win The Edinburgh and Leith Plate One Mile Handicap from 30 yards. Bolton is another distance man who has been doing well this season, and he could be quite satisfied with this win which carried withit £5 and the silver challenge cup, presented by the hotel keepers of the town. J. Robertson, Walyford, who was off the same mark as Bolton was second. In The Two Mile Dunion Handicap, R. Ireland, Peebles, with his easy unchanging stride, set the pace for a long time, but had to be content with second to H. W. Simon of Dumfries, who did well to win off 65 yards, which meant that he gave Ireland 95 yards. It was unfortunate that the ground should be wet for the cycling events. As it was, it was good, but was marred by several spills. Some of the Carlisle 'cracks' were forward, including Gus Foster with his crash helmet, but the best they could get was seconds. In The One Mile Bicycle Handicap, W. Storrie of Hawick, a post-entry off 210 yards, never lost the lead. J. Graham, Carlisle, off 65 yards was second and A. Murray, Hawick, off 40 yards was third. Murray rode hard in this race, and also in the Two Mile event, where he was again third. He may have done better in the Two Miles had he not been forced to pull up dead slow to avoid a collision. Some charming dances were given by Miss Wynn's troupe, but the rain rather spoiled this entertainment.

Games morning flattered to deceive during the Coronation year of 1937. It was a smiling morn which greeted those who turned out at the Mercat Cross for the customary cannon firing ceremony. This start to Games Day has attracted much more attention within the past few years, and on this occasion there was a crowd several hundreds strong. It was actually a larger crowd than it looked, for the circle was larger than usual. This was simply an act of self preservation, adopted by general consent. An accident which happened two years ago, when one of the spectators was injured during the cannon firing ceremony, has taught onlookers the lesson that to keep a respectful distance is the safest plan! The last shot fired from the artillery piece was the starting pistol for the Race Round the Town, now a regular feature at the early morning gathering. There were eight entries this year, and from the turnout, it would seem that it is gaining popularity. The route was the same as before, up Castlegate, down the Bow, by Oxnam Road, down the Bountrees Road to Townfoot Bridge and up High Street. G. Hope, a Hawick runner resident in Jedburgh, and starting from a handicap of 25 yards was a sound winner. A. J. Oliver, running from scratch came in second, and F. Reap running with a 40 yards start took third place. The Games committee this year gave prizes for a swimming race, and this as well as other similar events was held at 7.00 am at Laidlaw Memorial Baths. The swimming items proved most popular, and quite a large part of accomodation at the Baths was taken up by spectators. In the Boys' Points Two Lengths Event final, D. Hope who had a 5 seconds start, led for the first length. W. Gorrie, from a 6 seconds start then drew ahead and there was a fine finish with only a foot covering the first three. R. Glover came in third about a yard behind the first two. This conclusion left Gorrie and Hope level with 13 points each, and a swim-off created great excitement. For the first length, the two were just about level. Then Hope lost prescious inches with a faulty turn, and this allowed Gorrie to get a small lead. This he held to the end, winning the points cup with a foot to spare. After the races, D. Spowart gave a most entertaining exhibition of fancy diving from the spring-board and the high board. What a pity the rain came! It made the track very heavy in Lothian Park, and this had only one possible effect on performances. It is safe to say, that had the track been in good condition, some first rate running would have been seen. As it was, there were some very keen contests and one or two outstanding results. Athletes of note have been rather scarce in Jedburgh itself of late, but if the promise shown by some of the youths this year is any criterion, then there are better prospects for the future. There was some very good racing in the forenoon despite the rain, and more than one old 'ped' was heard to remarking upon the quality and promise shown. Ian Bayne, a strong, well set-up lad, and the son of Bailie Bayne, had a useful 'double' when he won The 100 Yards Confined to Jedburgh for boys under 16 years event, and then went on to win The 100 Yards Borders Handicap for youths under 17 years. He received 3½ yards from J. Clements of Jedburgh who ran second. A. Elliot who took third place in the under 16 years event, won The Youths' under 14 years prize. Keen interest was again shown in The Veterans Sprint, which was won for the second successive year by J. Scott, (S James) off the same mark of 6 yards. The old peds went all out, and it was a noteworthy race. In The Half Mile confined to Border counties, D. Stewart of Selkirk set the pace. W. Bell, Bonchester, and his brother, J. Donald, Rule water who was back marker trie hard to overhaul the leader, but Stewart staved off the challenge. It was a testing race under the trying conditions, and at least one competitor lost his breakfast afterwards! Undoubtedly, the outstanding performance in the afternoon was made by J. Bolton from Wemyss who seems to be running better than ever. A stylish and easy runner, he carried off the Scratch Mile. J. Biggar of Hassendean hung on to him, but Bolton was running well within himself, and resisted the challenge in the last lap. Bolton then went on to complete a good 'double' by winning The Edinburgh and Leith Plate One Mile Handicap. He ran a well judged race, and his win had added merit in the fact that he was back marker from 10 yards and conceded starts up to 105 yards. There was a field of eleven, and once Bolton got among the leaders, he had the race won when he took the lead in the last lap. Lothian from Blyth, who has been on the track for a good number of years now, was receiving 40 yards from Bolton and tried hard to get on level terms, but could not do it. Bolton deservrd the challenge trophy. W. M. Scott of Galashiels, the Powderhall winner, won the Scratch 100 Yards event, with 'evergreen' Wull Edgar taking second place. B. George, known to rugby followers as one of the Hawick players, won The Merchants Handicap Half Mile from a field of thirteen. George set the pace almost throughout, and won after a keen battle in the home straight against W. Bell, Bonchester, who had given George 15 yards. The principal event of the day, The Jedforest 120 Yards Open Handicap produced a surprise winner, though probably not so surprising to those who knew the winner's capabilities. He was G. Wallace, a late entry from Carlisle, who received 11 yards from Mr Chris Lynch, the handicapper. Sad to relate, there was not a Jedburgh runner down the tapes. There was nothing much to note in the heats, except that four, including W. M. Scott got a walk-over, and G. Wallace won fairly easily. There was some talk of W. Powe, East Calder fairing well, but A. B. Armstrong of Hawick, running from the same mark dismissed him in a hard tie. P. Moffat from Hawick, won the next tie fairly easily, and out went W. Whitelaw, tha Duns footballer, who was a previous winner of this handicap. W. M. Scott was also beaten in his tie by T. Summers, Cockburnspath, who was receiving 5 yards from Scott. Competent judges saw the possibilities in Wallace when he whipped home in his tie with something in hand. The heavy gooing seemed to suit Wallace. In the final, he proved two yards better than Summers. Summers was giving him 3½ yards but failed to overhaul him by 1½ yards. Armstrong came in a yard behind Summers. The time was approximately 12 seconds, but the track was heavy. There were some very close tussles in the cycling events, with honours divided between Hawick and Carlisle. The pole vault is an event which seems to be regaining favour, and this year there were competitors from as far as Crieff and Penrith. R. Ireland from Peebles, a lanky fellow with a persistent, steady pace won The Dunion Two Miles Handicap. His win from a handicap of 130 yards was popular and well deserved, for he set the pace for most of the way. He ran second last year. It was a great finish, with T. Lothian of Blyth coming in second from a 90 yards start, and J. Younger, Hawick taking third place from a start of 115 yards. Miss Wynn's troupe of dancers gave exhibitions during the afternoon, and Jedforest Instrumental Band, under Mr D. McDonald senior, rendered selections.

High spirits shown on the nicht afore were somewhat dampened on the morning after in 1938 when rain was falling from unbroken grey skies. This did not deter a good crowd turning up at the Mercat Cross at 6.00 am for the time-honoured cannon firing ceremony. Provost Veitch, who had been present at the concert the evening before, fire the first cannon. The honour of firing the other three shots was given to returned exiles. As usual, Mr J. Oliver was in charge of loading, and Mr Walter Hope, president of the Games Committee was also in attendance. While the joy bells were ringing out from the town clock steeple, Jedforest Instrumental Band under Mr D. McDonald senior, paraded the streets playing the old and the new airs. The firing of the last shot was the signal for competitors in The Race Round the Town to get on their mark. A. J. Oliver, who was second a year ago, running from scratch was this years winner, also off the scratch mark. F. Reap with a handicap of 50 yards came in second, and A. Richardson off 65 yards was third. When the Band returned to Market Place, 'Jethart's Here was played and sung by all still in attendance. It was still raining when a move was made to Lothian Park for the cricket ball throwing event, which had a good entry. This was won by C. McDonald who had 8 yards start, while T. Laidlaw was second from 3 yards. Handicaps ignored, Laidlaw had the best throw of 89 yards. McDonald's best was 88 yards. Organised by Mr J. Walker, bathmaster, several swimming events were then carried through at the Laidlaw Memorial Baths. Winner of The Two Lengths event for boys was H. Christal. D. Purves took second place. A consolation competition of diving for pennies was won by J. Lightbody. To conclude, a Polo match took place between a reds and a blues team. The result was 5 goals to the reds, and 2 goals to the blues. The grey skies broke, and the weather cleared for the start of the Games principal events beginning at 10.00 am. Naturally, the track was rather heavy, but otherwise conditions were favourable. Perhaps the outstanding feature of the day was a 'treble' secured by the Jedburgh schoolboy J. Gorrie. In the forenoon he won the race for boys under 12 years, and the race for boys under 14. In the afternoon, he went on to win the 100 Yards Handicap for Youths under 17 years. This race carried with it the cup presented by Colonel Jackson and Mr W. K. Neilson. The current holder, J. Clements did not compete as he is now over age. It was a very close finish between Gorrie and I. Bayne. Gorrie received 17½ yards from Bayne. There was a big difference between age and size, and Bayne running from scratch, just failed to catch his man. Keen interest was aroused by The 60 Yards Handicap for men over 50 years of age, which drew a field of seven local men. It proved a hard race, and J. Scott (S James) had the honour of winning it for the third year in succession, from a start of 5 yards. He put in a strong finish, just managing to forge ahead in the last few yards from A. Watson (W Adams) running off 5½ yards. One of the principal points of interest in the afternoon programme was The Edinburgh and Leith Plate One Mile Handicap, which carried with it a first prize of £4 and the challenge cup. Jimmy Bolton of Wemyss had held the cup for two years, winning the race last year from scratch. This stylish runner was forward again, and one wondered whether he could pull off a 'hat-trick.' He was again off scratch, in company with J. Usher, Lochgelly, among a field of fifteen. To the disappointment of all, Bolton dropped out after covering over half the distance. J. Biggar of Hassendean led the field for quite a while, but in the last lap it became a tussle between Usher of Lochgelly running from scratch and R. Dinning, Dalston off 45 yards. Dinning put in a great spurt in the last 50 yards and was a good winner in a time of 4½ minutes. It should be noted, however, that Bolton had put in some hard running prior to this race. He won the Scratch Mile in fine style, and then, from virtual scratch of 20 yards, ran a very hard race in the Merchants Handicap Half Mile event to take third place. There was a field of twenty in this half mile, and J. Lister from Edinburgh proved the winner from a handicap of 80 yards in a time of 1 minute and 58 seconds. The principal event on the programme so far as prize money goes is the Jedforest Handicap of 120 Yards. This was poorly supported this year, however, when only twenty three runners turned up. No doubt thr rain deterred many entrants from making the journey to Jedburgh, as it was a very wet morning. There was a walk-over in exactly half of the fourteen heats, W. M. Scott of Galashiels, the back marker being among them. This sprint was almost a Hawick monopoly, with three of the four finalists being Hawick runners. Starngely enough, only one of the four finalists, Willison of Hawick had a walk-over in his heat. W. M. Scott and M. Pearson, both from Edinburgh were beaten in the ties. The ultimate winner, J. Anderson, the Hawick rugby player, who finished barely a yard ahead of the evergreen Wull Edgar, both running off 10½ yards. The winning time was 11.75 seconds. D. Roberts from Walkerburn who ran third, was the winner of The Jedburgh Handicap of 200 Yards later in the day. R . Dinning of Dalston made a big bid to pull off The Dunion 2 Mile Handicap as well as The Mile. He was originally off 20 yards for the long distance race, but was pulled back to scratch for his One Mile win. R. Ireland, the lanky Peebles runner, set the pace for several laps, but eventually, Dinning overhauled the field. Then D. Annandale of Markinch and J. Younger, Hawick, set the pace by turn. In the last lap it resolved itself into a tussle between Dinning and Annandale, but Annandale came away with a grand spurt at the finish, which Dinning was unable to resist, and had to be content with second place. There were some stiff battles between the Carlisle and Hawick 'schools' in the cycle races, while the pole-vaulting aroused some interest, with Muir of Denny and the Marshalls from Crieff competing. Miss Wynn's troupe of dancers gave performances, and Jedforest Instrumental Band played at intervals for the crowd.

The morning broke promisingly in 1939, and the cannon firing ceremony at 6.00 am drew a crowd of several hundreds to the old Mercat Cross. The Oliver family, spending a holiday in Jedburgh from South Africa, had a share in the honour of sending the day off with a 'Bang!' By this time, of course, the joy bells had rung out from the old steeple, and the Band under Mr D. McDonald senior was off around the town playing the lively airs. There was, however, no race round the town this year, but when the band returned, the company gathered round and sang 'Jethart's Here.' What has been described as 'The Water Games,' the swimming contests and exhibitions at Laidlaw Memorial Baths arranged by Mr John Wallker, baths master went off very well this year. There was a crowded gallery and as always, enthusiasm ran very high. The Two Lengths Race for Girls was won by Frances Mace. The Two Langths event for Boys went to John Young. An exhibition of figure floating was performed by Miss Jean Roscoe and enjoyed by all, followed by an exhibition of trick diving consisting of 19 items and performed by Mr Douglas Weightman. A Water Polo match between teams led by T. Gray, and J. Dryden resulted in a draw of 3 goals each. With more congenial weather than in previous years, there was a large attendance at the forenoon session of the Games. Undoubtedly, the outstanding prformance of the day was the winning of a One Mile 'double' by J. Bolton, Wemyss, a regular competitor at Jedburgh for some years. A stylish runner, who who won both The One Mile Handicap and The Scratch One Mile events. His win in The Edinburgh and Lothian Plate One Mile Handicap, not only entitled him to the silver challenge cup which goes along with first prize, but to accept the trophy as his own property, since this was the third time he had won. These wins were not in successive years but, according to the rules of the race, they did not need to be. It was a most popular success, and Bolton was warmly applauded. Bolton was virtual scratch man off 20 yards in a field of fourteen for the handicap. He was giving away starts of up to 100 yards but ran a well judged race. T. Swinton of St Boswells, set the pace at the start, but by the third lap, R. W. Robson from Appleby was in the lead. Bolton was creeping up, however, and came away with a magnificent burst in the last lap, to get ahead in the home straight, and win while looking over his shoulder. In the mile scratch event, he was content to let others set the pace. Biggar of Hassendean was the serious challenger, but Bolton's finish was again the deciding factor. Another notable performance was that achieved by B. Wight, Cessford who won both The Half Mile and The One Mile for youths under 17 years. In the mile race, Hutchison of St Boswells pulled up with a threatening challenge on several occasions, but Wight by that time had established a winning lead. The jumping proved one of the attractive features, and provided G. S. Fairgieve from Stow with a noteworthy 'treble' for the hop-step-and-leap, the running leap and the high leap. In the high jump, he cleared 6 feet, which is believed to be the best ever recorded at Jedburgh. It was good to see such better heats for The Jedforest Handicap od 120 Yards. There was only one walk-over W. M. Scott of Galashiels, regarded as the most outstanding man on the track, who had already won The 100 Yards Scratch Race, got through in his heat, but had to run hard to beat J. Clements of Jedburgh, to whom he was giving only 9 yards. He was beaten in his cross-tie by the ultimate winner, G. L. Inglis, Walkerburn, to whom he conceded 10½ yards. W. Baxter, Jedburgh, off 11 yards was also beaten in his tie. W. Whitelaw, the Duns footballer, who won this sprint in 1933 running off 8½ yards, just failed to pull it off for the second time, when he handicapped on this occasion from 11 yards. His running in his heat established him as fovourite, and he got through the cross-tie against men like J. McPhillips, Edinburgh and M. Pearson, Edinburgh who were giving him 4 yards and 2 yards respectively. It was a first rate final with a close and keen finish. Whitelaw was sitting on a mark only half a yard behind Inglis and J. Wilson of Hawick, while R. J. Roberts, Peebles, who was giving Whitelaw 4 yards, was the fourth man because he was the fastest loser in the three cross-ties. From a good start, Whitelaw established an early lead and held it for threequarters of the journey, when Inglis came away in a great burst, and just beat Whitelaw to the tape by inches. Wilson, the Hawick hope was only a foot behind. The time returned by Mr Lynch, the handicapper was 11.30 seconds which was 4½ yards outside evens. It was pleasing to local people to see a Jedburgh runner once more back in the prize list for one of the principal events. This was The 200 Yards Jedburgh Handicap which was won by W. Young (W Baxter) Running from the 15 yards mark, he beat P. Moffat off 10 yards and J. Wilson off 14 yards, both from Hawick, in the final. Young ran very well, and his victory was extremely popular, though Moffat might have given him an even harder journey to victory, had he been able to get away faster on the bottom bend. There was a big field of twenty four entries for The Merchants Handicap Open Half Mile. Bolton running from 5 yards, put in a great effort, but found his handicap too much for him. J. Polland from Potobello made the running, but in the home straight D. Armstrong, Carlisle, off 40 yards, camme away and romped home with something to spare. It was a fast race, in a winning time of 1 minute and 58 seconds. The Two Mile Dunion Handicap provided a sound win for R. Ireland, the lanky imperturbable Peebles runner, who kept up his usual steady pace, and raised a good dash in the final lap. A. McLure, Edinburgh who was giving Ireland 40 yards , ran strongly, but could not overhaul him, who, once he got his lead, held it. One entrant missed the Carlisle 'school' in the cycling events, and so chief honours went to Hawick. There was one spill in the One Mile Race where W. G. Fraser and E. Gordon from Hawick were thrown, and one of the machines had a front wheel smashed. There were eleven runners in the Veterans Handicap which was won by Adam Nichol (N Adams), Sunnyside. J. Scott, the winner for three years in succession was unplaced this year. North British Rayon supplied all three teams for The Relay Race, and the winning 'A' team had a lead right from the start. A troupe of country dancers helped to entertain the crowd during the day, and Jedforest Instrumental Band was in attendance, playing at intervals throughout.