The postie who rehearsed his poetry on his rounds

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Selkirk, and the wider Borders, lost a favourite and much-loved son with the death on Monday of Billy Stark at the age of 83.

He was a poet and raconteur with a charming wit whose company was much sought after at dinners and Burns suppers. He was a lover of all things Selkirk and, in particular, the Common Riding, with a leaning perhaps towards the Hammermen and the Fleshers.

Billy had a varied working career but is best remembered as the local postie who could often be heard rehearsing his poems on his rounds.

He composed works, three of which feature on a DVD, Stark Choices, produced in 2011 for charity – Yarrow Vale, It’s The Flags and the Flo’er o’ Friendship. Billy once commented: “Reciting poetry is something I’ve always liked doing and hopefully it helps ensure this part of our heritage is not forgotten.”

He was an angler and a gardener, lifting many trophies, including the Borders Begonia Championship. He was an athlete, particularly over the mile and 800 yards. In 2007 the Merchant Company presented him with their annual award for contributions to the community.

Former provost Jim Newlands commented: “Billy was a truly gifted fellow, a man of many talents, who loved the fundamental things of life, someone we could all learn from.”

There is a memorial service in the Parish Church on Monday at 1pm. An appreciation of Billy’s life will appear in next week’s Wee Paper.