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the bonnet guild float experience
Today was the day, the biggest day of the year in this small
town in Ayrshire, it was Bonnet Guild Day. An event
that annually brings joy and a burst of real community to
the town. And like every year, I was to play a part in it.
But first, the float had to be prepared. Two of the scout leaders and I
were to decorate the float, as we would be the supervisors on it later in
the day. I had only just arrived at the scout hall when the lorry rumbled
in to view, shattering the peace of the morning. The preparations began
in earnest. The theme of this year’s floats was to be ‘Old Stewarton’. For
Some years I am part of the Guard of Honour with the
this, the Scouts were to be dressed like members of old Bonnet Guild
Scouts but this year, I was on the Scout’s float in one of
Courts. As these costumes were prepared, fences and benches were
the day’s most eagerly anticipated spectacles, the parade.
added to the truck, with banners and a throne added for the queen.
This was hard work but eventually after a couple of hours the float was
complete, and it looked great. I quickly dashed home to change into
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my outfit, a Bonnet Guild member complete with Stewarton ‘bunnet’.
The crowning ceremony was imminent and the square was buzzing
with nervous excitement. I was extra nervous because my brother was
this year’s highlander. As I stood waiting on the crowning to begin,
the other scouts were taking their places on the float, raring to go.
After the crowning ceremony, which was a huge success, I dashed up
to the float. I made it just in time and as soon as I sat down, we were
off. Our float was first in line, so we were the first to see the masses of
Stewartonians that had gathered along Main Street. As I watched the
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other floats turn the corner behind us, I realised the huge scale of the
parade. As we passed the crowds, we smiled and waved to everyone we
knew, and even those we didn’t. Some people threw coins at the float,
which only added to the occasion. The town looked very colourful,
with bunting hung everywhere and shop fronts decorated in the theme
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of ‘Old Stewarton’. The noise was unbelievable, with excited children
screaming and people blowing horns and whistles. The kids on the
float were enjoying themselves, bouncing up and down in their seats.
People were taking pictures and videos, and it felt good to play a part
in something so special that only happens once a year. As I looked
down from my perch on top of the float, all I could see were happy,
smiling faces, faces that for this one day a year were carefree and were
not thinking about the problems associated with modern day life.
As the convoy trundled to a halt outside Lainshaw Primary, where
the day’s activities were taking place, there was an air of nervous
anticipation. This is where we would find out who had won
the coveted “Best Float” trophy. And the winner
was… Lainshaw Primary School! All of the
scouts were naturally disappointed
but cheered up when consolation
sweets were handed out. Oh
well… until next year!
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
20 Lainshaw Street, Stewarton KA3 5BU
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by adam lyon