Stark Choices in Selkirk

Published 15 Nov 2011 09:30 0 Comments

ONE of Selkirk's best loved poets and story-tellers, Billy Stark, is to release a DVD featuring poems and songs from the Scottish Borders.

The official launch of the DVD, entitled "Stark Choices", will take place at the Scott's Selkirk Concert in the town's Victoria Hall on Saturday, December 3.

"We're lucky to have such a rich repertoire of poems about the Borders," says Billy, "and I hope people will enjoy hearing the verses and songs selected for this DVD. Reciting poetry is something I've always liked doing, and hopefully it helps ensure this part of our heritage is not forgotten."

Of the 13 poems featured on the DVD, three have been written by Billy himself ("Yarrow Vale", "The Floo'er O' Freendship" and "It's The Flags"), while three of the DVD's four songs have been penned by the talented octogenarian - "Selkirk Evermore", "The Borders For Me" and "A Sang o' Selkirk".

Works by 'tramp poet' Roger Quin and Scottish essayist J. B. Selkirk are also included, as is an adapted poem by Hawick raconteur Ian Landles entitled "Doon Oor Close & Up Oor Stairs", which reflects on life in the 'auld grey toon' in bygone days.

A keen angler, Billy recites two fishing poems: the ever-popular "Doo's Delicht", and the less well known "Dave's Dream", composed by Selkirk exile 'Honolulu Bob' Anderson.

The world of sport is represented by "Auld Reekie's Lament", a poem inspired by international footballer Bobby Johnstone's move from Hibs to Manchester City, while "The Rhyme O' The Rugger Men", by Alex Stewart, commemorates the exploits of Selkirk's rugby players of the late 1940s and early '50s.

Four local singers make an appearance on the DVD - Hilary Bell, Mark Hislop, Tommy Knox and Alan Pearce. Additional material includes footage of the 2011 Selkirk Common Riding celebrations. All 13 of Billy's recitations were filmed at locations in and around the Selkirk area.

Proceeds from the DVD, produced by local company Lindean Lore, are to be shared between Scott's Selkirk and the Borders Cancer Centre.

Copies of the "Stark Choices" DVD (priced £10) can be purchased at the Scott's Selkirk Concert on December 3, or can be pre-ordered at the Scott's Selkirk shop in the town's Market Place.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 15 Nov 11

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