Historic Hand Ba' Game Continues in Jedburgh
In the Borders town of Jedburgh, the traditional hand ba' game shows no signs of fading away, unlike many similar street sports across the UK that have ceased due to various concerns.
The Uppies and the Doonies are preparing to face off once again on the streets on the first Thursday after Shrove Tuesday, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
Former provost Len Wyse said young people were "more enthusiastic than ever" to take part in proceedings.
Preserving a Unique Local Tradition
While many comparable street sports have been discontinued because of property damage and disruption, the hand ba' game remains a popular activity in Jedburgh.
The earliest recorded instance of the Jedburgh event dates back to 1704, though it was not held in 1901 due to a clash with Queen Victoria's funeral.
In 1849, an attempt to halt the contest was made, citing a cholera outbreak in the town, but this was overturned by the Court of Session.
"Hand ba' has gone on for many, many years - some people are not exactly sure how many," said Len.
"It originated - some say - from when we were fighting the English and got the Englishman's head and we used to roll it about the town.
Regardless of its origins, the game continues to be a favored pastime.
"We have got these small leather balls made and they have got ribbons on them depicting different things," explained Len.
"Like if it is somebody's wedding anniversary - like a ruby wedding - we will put ruby coloured ribbons on."
Gameplay and Scoring
The two teams compete to gain control of the ball and aim to carry it to opposite ends of the town.
"The Uppies are going up the Castlegate and they throw the ball over the castle railings and that is their score," said Len.
"The Doonies, they go 'doon the toon', and they roll it along the road and there is an underground stream that they roll it over and that gives them a score."
Rules and Community Impact
The sport is straightforward to learn and has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.
"There is only one rule and that is you don't kick the ball - you are only meant to throw it, smuggle it, whatever," he said.
"There is nothing really changed.
"The shopkeepers board up their windows because it is played on the High Street - they don't stop traffic or anything.
"Fortunately the A68 got diverted many years ago so it doesn't go through the middle of town."
Memories and Future Prospects
Although Len's playing days are behind him, he recalls a memorable moment during a game.
"I scored one a few years ago for the Uppies," he recalled.
"I was quite fortunate - it rolled out the maul and I just picked it up and nobody saw me so I just put it in my pocket, walked up to the Castlegate and I scored."
Len expressed confidence in the game's enduring popularity, noting that players from other towns with similar games also participate.
"There are a great deal of folk play in it," he said.
"It brings them in from other towns too. We get folk from Ancrum, Denholm and Bonchester - that's three places that all have their own ba'."
He also highlighted the enthusiasm of the younger generation in maintaining the tradition.
"The school let them away early to play - you get a great deal of youngsters turning up, they are more enthusiastic than ever," he said.
"It won't because there are a lot of youngsters taking it up - playing it, but also looking after it," he added.
