The ex-Acting Father, renowned local singer and former
president of all three of the town’s Common-Riding clubs, was named last
week as as a medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for
services to the community in Bonchester. And with the prestigious
accolade coming just six months after Mr Douglas became an exemplary
Chief Guest at Hawick Common-Riding’s quincentenary celebrations, the
retired farmer can certainly say that 2014 was also his special year.
“My year just couldn’t have been any better,” he told the Hawick News.
“To be chosen as the Chief Guest was a huge honour and I had the most
wonderful experience, then to find out I was receiving a BEM was such a
shock, a huge surprise. But I was very, very honoured to have been
included.” Mr Douglas has no idea who put his name forward to be
included among the Honours, but after dedicating more than 60 years to
his beloved Bonchester countryside, its customs and people, it could be
any number of people who have met, and formed a friendship with, the
popular 79-year old.
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Hawick, Mr Douglas is best-known for being Acting Father to Cornet Derek
Inglis in 1978 and being the official song-singer at the Common-Riding
from 1985-2000. He has also taken the helm of the Mosstroopers, the
Callants Club and the 1514 Club. But closer to home at Howahill, he is
also a huge part of the local community. From helping to raise £120,000
for the restoration of the village hall, to being an active member of
Hobkirk and Southdean Church Kirk Session, as well as driving a bid to
raise £22,000 for a spinal bed at Borders General Hospital, the
ever-humble Mr Douglas says its impssible not to get involved.
“The whole community really rallies round here,” he stated. “There’s a
great group in the village who are always organising parties and
outings.” And alluding to more than 50 years on the local entertainment
circuit, he added: “I’ve had great enjoyment from my singing and met
some super folk. It’s been a huge part of my life and so different from
farming every day.”
The grandfather of eight says he has been overwhelmed by hundreds of
phone calls since news of his BEM broke – while wife Aileen, his family
John, Jill and Evelyn and eight grandchildren were all “very excited”.
Provost Stuart Marshall was first on the phone at 7.30am, and he told
the Hawick News: “This couldn’t have gone to a nicer person, I am
absolutey delighted for Henry, it is richly deserved.” But when asked
what it is that drives such involvement in the community, Mr Douglas
simply stated: “I just like living here. I can stand for hours and look
out at the countryside which is different every day with the changing
seasons. I have no great desire to live anywhere else.” And despite Mr
Douglas looking after two farms this week while both son John and
daughter Evelyn are on holiday, after a year packed with
once-in-a-lifetime memories, he hinted he may conisder a “quiet
retirement”.
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