The ghost of Sir James Douglas spirited away the Artizans as our group flew out to southern Spain to pay homage. First port of call was an exclusive interview with Spanish T.V. at the local station in Malaga and for an English speaking newspaper based there also. Standing in for this deed was our own Jim Tannock. A BBQ at the Artizans base, was shared by the Mayoress and invited friends, with conversations being held well into the evening with the Teba star-night sky as witness. Next day, posters depicting members of the Artizans adorned the many streets and bars…advertising the fact that we had returned with local’s commitment surpassing anything seen years before. We were remembered and recognised consistently from our visiting years, by the Teba people’s fondness, offering a friendly smile and hand-shake. The weather in September was hot and humid but our brave Scots scaled the dizzy heights and conquered the steep path to Teba Castle. A special mention must go out to the King’s piper Philip Barlow, who managed to tame the pipes all the way from the town square to the top of the castle without stopping for a breather. It was a unique and defiant gesture, showing Scots guts and gall. On the way down the Artizans had the privilege of passing through a medieval market put on especially for the day and were cheered all the way.
The gathering at the square was a fantastic event and reception as ever, with a whole multitude of men, women and children showing up giving tribute to their foreign hero. Seated at the front were our own Artizans, dignitaries, Mayor, Templars and local politicians and a fantastic array of colourful Moorish/Saracen cavalry and foot soldiers. Marching down the narrow streets came a local brass band followed by the Gibraltar Pipe band and other forms of bagpipes screaming in their entrance. The icing on the cake was a surprise visitor in the crowd from New Zealand, who was in fact a relation to the Douglas clan, and was immediately escorted onto the stage to say a few words. Other speeches came from our own Artizans, historians and other local dignitaries. The closing ceremony came to an end with handing over of sculptured plaque of Teba to each party represented on the day. A shout-out must also go out to our media guys who filmed and photographed all the way.
At the Douglas memorial stone, wreaths were formally placed to the tunes of pipes, brass band and an emotional lament played by Philip Barlow touching the hearts of everyone involved. Later in the day a reception was held at the local sports hall where a buffet was prepared and very well appreciated by all after a long day. Just like other years there was no shortage of photo taking and as usual the Artizans were in the thick of it, mixing in and chatting to our friendly hosts. Later in the evening a few members of the Artizans were invited on-stage to dance with local traditional flamenco dancers, and always not wanting to disappoint, they made complete fools of themselves for their country. To the people of Teba, your reception is getting better every year and we look forward to next year to our visit. A warm thank you from the Strathleven Artizans. Well done our guys/girls for a fantastic effort.
A Douglas!!
The Bruce!!