Quote from the Kelso Chronicle
August 15th, 1902
Coronation of Edward VII

"Flags were flown at nearly all the principle residences and the inhabitants entered into the proceedings with great heartiness though the recent death of Mr Andrew Young the convener of the committee had the effect of rather curtailing the programme.

"The other members of the committee whose arrangements left nothing to be desired were Messrs David Henderson (vice-convener), Oliver Fox, R. Fox, W. P. Lillie, W. Scott (baker), James Smith (Sheilstock Braes), Robert Richardson and J. Jerden.

"The children belonging to Morebattle and the neighbourhood assembled at the centre of the village at 11.30 a.m. and they were marshaled in processional order by Mr David Henderson who was assisted by Mr James Smith. From the number of the flags and the variety of their colour the procession presented a rather gay spectacle. The National Anthem being sung, adults and children proceeded to the Tofl's Haugh to enjoy the after­noon, the march thither was enlivened and brightened by violin music.

"Amongst those present were-A. Sholto Douglas, Esq. of Corbitt House; Misses Douglas of Gateshaw House; Mr & Mrs Pearson, Otterburn and party; Mrs Robertson, the Tofts; Mr & Mrs Cowan, the Manse; Mr & Mrs Henderson, the School House; Mr & Mrs Bell and party, Primside; Mr & Mrs Lillie, Bumfool; Mrs Murry, Linton; etc.

"During the afternoon Mr A. S. Douglas received a telegram announcing that the King had been crowned and that he had borne the fatigue well. When this good news became known the National Anthem was again heartily sung by all and was followed by three hearty cheers.

"The sports went merrily on till three o'clock when there was an interval of one hour during which the adults engaged in dancing while the children were treated to a service of tea and buns.

During the afternoon an interval was observed to allow visitors to see the flower show

The games were then resumed and were keenly contested. At the finishing of the games dancing was then resumed until eight p.m. when the merry company separated after singing "God save the King". Later in the evening there were fine firework displays at Otterburn and Clifton Park. Many people went over to Linton Hill for a huge bonfire".

Many well-known present day local names featured prominently on the prize lists even ninety four years ago.

In 1903 the Games were held on the same day as the flower show and they continued to be held on the same day until 1913. Cycling events at that time were held on the roads. Much interest cantered on the cycling. In 1903, however, the roads were said to beall against the competitors most of them finishing 'badly soiled by mud'. The scratch race from Marlefield was won that year by P. Tait, Eckford, closely followed by W. Allan, Dean Mill and Jasper Paterson of Caverton Mill. The handicap race was to Eckford and back, this was won by W. Brown of Clifton Park. Unfortunately no race time is given.

That year Mr Andrew Lillie of Linton Burnfoot was secretary/treasurer assisted by a committee consisting G. Scott, J. Young, J. Craig, M. Fox and R. Dickson all of Morebattle and W. Cochrane, Morebattle ToftS, A. Lillie, Linton Burnfoot and R. Cranston, Marlefield.

"By 1909 'Competitors were very plentiful and competition was keen'. The Albert Troupe of Highland Dancers 'all juveniles' entertained the assembly to music supplied by Pipers Forties and McLeod of Kelso.

For the sports the judges were Messrs Pearson, Oucrbum; Thomson, Cowbog and Bucher, Hayhope House. The starter was Mr J. Craig.

Much credit is due to Mr T. Young, secretary for the arrangements he made and to his committee who supported him so well".

In 1910 the Kelso Chronicle reported that "Year by year the gathering seems to become more popular and despite the dull weather on Saturday the event proved one of the most successful yet held.

A special ring was erected with the result that the large crowd of spectators were able to view the events with comfort. An attractive programme was issued and this had the effect of bringing forward competitors from afar and near. The jumping events attracted good entries and considerable interest was shown in the wrestling which was won by a young lad named Carruthers from Barrow in Northumberland. It is noteworthy to record that Carruthers had cycled about 50 miles that morning to compete. In the athletic events he was placed in the half mile and was second in the open sprint. He also took part in the jumping events.