Tickets are £2.50 for adults, £1 for children, in teams of up to four. There is a separate kids' league for accompanied children. Snacks and soft drinks included with ticket, or BYO. To book or for more information call 01450 870506.
ARTISTS ALERT:
The annual amateur art competition will be taking place in April. Categories include painting and drawing, photographs, fabric art, and others; all entries must be framed recent work (clip frames acceptable). Adults' and children's classes in all categories, with a £10 first prize in each category (the organisers reserve the right to amalgamate classes with fewer than three entries). For more information, call 01450 870506.
Bowden
Brains of Bowden: Quiz night in the village hall next Saturday, March 27, at 7.30pm. Team of four £10. Phone Karen on 01835 822131.
Cappercleuch
St Mary's WRI: The institute celebrated its 80th birthday party on March 9 at the Waterwheel in Selkirk. President Ruth Scott welcomed 21 members and guests. Honorary members Doreen Mitchell and Jemima Irving cut the cake. Hilary Bell entertained with Border Songs in between courses of a lovely meal. A lovely time was had by all.
Earlston
PARISH CHURCH: Sunday services are at 9.45am and 11am. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services and conducted by Rev. John Shields.
Galashiels
Camera Club: Chairman Ian Oliver gave a tutorial on the use of Photoshop. The next meeting, on Wednesday, will be a talk by Mark Davey on life as a photojournalist. The AGM will take place on Wednesday March 31 and the positions of treasurer, syllabus secretary and chairman all need to find new homes so members are urged to give this some thought before the night. The rearranged club dinner is being held at Quinns Restaurant in Galashiels next Friday, March 26, and anyone still wishing to attend should contact Christine Swalwell as soon as possible. Full information on the club can be found at www.galacameraclub.co.uk
Studio Club: Chris Rose was the guest speaker last Thursday and he had the audience enthralled. He did a presentation which included many of his paintings and he explained relevant points about each one, such as composition, colour and technique, and how he built up a painting from start to finish. It was a wonderful end to the session and everyone left the meeting inspired and uplifted. The next meeting is the AGM tonight in Old Gala House at 7.30pm.
PROBUS CLUB: President Tom Kerr started by inviting Dave King to introduce new member Norman Howitt to the 60 members present. Former secretary Jim Stewart reported that a number of members had donated surplus suitcases to the Children of Chernobyl – further donations would be appreciated. The president then introduced speaker John Barrington, a retired shepherd from the Trossachs, perhaps better known as an accomplished author, storyteller and guide to the mysteries of secret Scotland. He is renowned for his knowledge of Scottish folklore, myths, legends and factual history and wildlife. Members were held spellbound as John gave a masterclass in Scottish storytelling. Oliver Eade gave the vote of thanks. The next meeting next Thursday, March 25, is the AGM, starting at 11.30am. Members wishing to attend and who have not yet made their selection from the lunch menu should contact the secretary as soon as possible.
Greenlaw
Church Guild: This met at 2.30pm on March 4 in the Fairbairn Hall. It was led by Team 1: Jane Nicholson, Nancy Kerr, Nancy Middlemiss, Janette White and Rena Burns, who played the piano for the hymns. After the opening worship, the speaker, Rosi Capper, was introduced. Representing Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland she gave a very lively and interesting presentation on their work. The Guild offered her a warm vote of thanks, and the meeting was closed with a hymn and a benediction. Tea was served, and the afternoon concluded with plans for the spring afternoon tea and planning meeting.
Hawick
Camera Club: The annual three-way inter-club competition between Liddesdale (Newcastleton), Morton (Carlisle), and Hawick, which had previously been postponed due to weather conditions in January, took place last Tuesday with Robert Mitchell judging the entries. The result was a win for Hawick, with Liddesdale and Morton following closely behind. Last Thursday's meeting was a slideshow by member Derek Robinson featuring some of his global travels – from the stark natural beauty of ice formations in the southern hemisphere near Antarctica to India and another form of beauty, the Taj Mahal. The final part of the show was a photographic record of a cruise through the North West Passage of northern Canada in summer, when the sea ice thins to allow navigation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Gordon Gilfether congratulated Derek on his informative and beautifully photographed documentary. The meeting next Thursday, March 25, will be the final competition of the season – image of the year – with John McVie as judge.
Bridge Club: Results for March 8: N/S – 1, S White & J Urquhart; 2, M Arres & N Smith; 3, P Young & J Beedle. E/W – 1, P Gilligan & M Millar; 2, K Auckland & E Aitken; 3, V Johnstone & M Miller. Results for March 10: 1, V Johnstone & P Learmonth; 2, P Gilligan & M Millar; 3, M & H Ouldcott; 4, K Auckland & R Witherington.
Probus Club: Tom Ingoldsby spoke to members on Borders Talking Newspapers. The operation is based in Duns. It began 20 years ago, recording and distributing discs of the main issues in the Southern Reporter, now digi sticks, for disadvantaged people. More recently, a studio has been developed in Teviot Church Hall which records the Hawick News. From all reports, Westender is proving very popular. It is the intention of the charity to consider extending its activities to other newspapers. Jim Coltman gave a vote of thanks and the next meeting is next Thursday, March 25.
Innerleithen
TENNIS CLUB: The club has restarted junior tennis sessions for all age groups: nursery to P3 on Fridays, P4 to P7 on Thursdays, high school group on Tuesdays. Phone Jenny Cattermole for more information on 01896 831825.
HELP NEEDED: Innerleithen Guides urgently require helpers aged 16+ to assist the unit on a Monday night from 6pm to 7.30pm, school term only. No experience is necessary and appropriate training will be given. If volunteers do not come forward, the unit will disband during the centenary of Girl Guiding. Contact Alexina on 01896 870589.
BGH kidney dialysis appeal charity golf day: Innerleithen Golf Club has kindly offered the local Rotary Club the use of the course on Sunday April 18 as part of an appeal to raise £120,000. The competition will be in Scramble format for teams of four players. There will be prizes, a bacon roll before tee-off and soup and sandwiches on completion, included in the £25 per head entry fee. For more information call Richard Allen on 07870 194639 or go to www.iwtrotaryclub.org.uk
Church: Sunday's morning worship starts at 11.30am. A service will be held at St Ronan's House at 4pm that afternoon. At 2pm on Monday the singing group Fortissimo meets in the church hall. Ceilidh dancing takes place in the hall at 2pm on Tuesday. The following day at 10.30am the Countdown Club meets in the hall which is the venue for a Crusaders meeting at 7pm that evening. Tea and chat is being held in the hall from 10 to 11.30am next Thursday.
Jedburgh
A68 OPEN: Inchbonny Bridge, south of Jedburgh on the A68 will be open for Easter.
COFFEE MORNING: At 10am on Saturday in the Royal British Legion Hall for St John's Church, this includes a rice sale for children's education in Malawi.
GUILD: The Guild met last Wednesday when the speaker was nurse Beauty Kureya who gave an interesting account of her life beginning in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and including her training in Glasgow and practice in Jedburgh and Melrose. Worship was conducted by Mrs MacKenzie (prayer), Mrs Anderson (piano) and Mrs Munro (Bible Reading). Tickets for the Daffodil Tea on March 31 were distributed for sale, and the vote of thanks was by Mrs Fotheringham.
Lent Lunch: In Kenmore Hall tomorrow from noon to 1.30pm, offering homemade soup, tea and coffee.
Bridge Club: Results for March 8 – Easter Pairs: 1, J & M Weightman; 2, M Lawley & D Wilson; 3, M & H Ouldcott; 4, I Whillans & B Miller; 5= J Tait & I Weir and A & R Stewart.
Laidlaw Memorial Pool: Swimming lessons – Easter holiday crash courses: week one begins on Monday April 5. Beginners 9am to 9.30am and intermediate 9.30 to 10am. Week two begins Monday April 12. Beginners 9am to 9.30am and intermediate 9.30 to 10am. Bookings are also being taken for the next 10-week block of lessons starting on April 19. The winner of the 'inflatable in need' competition was Callum Neil – congratulations. For more information on the classes call 01835 863430. From April 1 the annual price increase for members will change. Members are asked to pick up a letter from the pool as all standing orders for memberships will need to be amended. Type of membership: swim and fitness (new standing order cost £26, paying in full £312); adult swim (£16, £192); adult swim concessionary (£12, £144); adult fitness (£19, £228); adult fitness concessionary (£12, £144); swim and fitness concessionary (£18, £216).
Kelso
Museum Lectures: Donald Gordon spoke about recent discoveries relating to Trimontium and the lives of the Romans in the Borders. The last lecture, on Wednesday, will be by Dr Chris Bowles on Dark Age Borders in the Abbey Row Centre at 7.30pm. Entry by donation (free to Museum Friends).
Thursday Group: Matilda Mitchell described the lives and showed slides of the art of several of the Polish artists in exile that she and her husband Douglas Hall got to know well. Today, Jonathan Parsons' talk is called A 20th Century Woman, in the Abbey Row Centre at 2pm.
Bridge Club: Results from March 10: 1, Bob Stevenson & Annie Mitchell; 2, Peggie Cassie & Avril Ronald; 3, John & Marian Miller. March 11 – north/south: 1, Val Fairbairn & Murray Thom; 2, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 3, Dominic & Diana Alkin. East/west: 1, John & Marian Miller; 2, Archie Stewart & Billy Potts; 3, David Harris Burland & Sheila Urquhart.
Guild: Last Thursday, Norma Williamson presided over the annual business meeting. The secretary and treasurer gave their reports which were approved by Guild members. The president gave a report on the Guild's past year. The new president, Barbara Maclean, and vice-president Alice Mcewan were elected, with Margaret Amos joining the committee. Mrs Williamson was presented with a brooch as a gesture of thanks for her three years of service as president.
Twelfth Night Ball: Teenagers are reminded to get their tickets for the ball, which will take place next Friday, March 26, at Kelso Racecourse. The black-tie event for 13 to 18-year-olds raises thousands of pounds annually for cystic fibrosis sufferers, but had to be postponed from January this year due to bad weather. For tickets and details contact Janet McIntosh at twelfthnightball@hotmail.com or phone 07508 733311.
Langholm
Town Band: The band competed in the Scottish Championships at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes. Under their musical director Alan Fernie they scored 184 points to finish in second place in the fourth section – a point behind Dumfries Town Band. Adjudicators commented that both stood out from the rest of the competition, and now go forward to represent Scotland in the fourth section at the National Brass Band Championships in Harrogate in September. The band is also gearing up for a busy summer season, Brass in the Park at Newtongrange and a return to the Borders Entertainment Contest in November. The band is looking to recruit some percussionists and would welcome anyone interested. More information can be obtained from any member or contact the secretary on 01387 380425. The band offers free tuition.
Accordion Club: Compere Adam Grant welcomed the David Oswald Trio from Stirling to the meeting in the Royal British Legion club rooms last Wednesday. This was the last meeting before the summer break and there were fewer musicians than usual. Robin and Deryn Waitt from Claygate played a duet. Other players were Billy Bell from Penrith, Stuart Adamson of Newcastleton and local Eric Goodfellow. James Clark of Annan and Ian Wilson from Crawford were on piano and local pair Kieran Johnstone and Billy Little were on drums and mouth organ respectively.
Lauder
Channelkirk and Lauder Church Guild: An excellent turnout of members attended the March meeting. After the devotions led by Christine Brotherston, Philip Lund, regional operations manager for the WRVS spoke about their work. May Steel gave the vote of thanks.
WRI: Janette Waldie welcomed a very good turnout to the 91st birthday, held in the new primary school. Wendy Lyle, ably assisted by daughter Lauren and niece Emma, demonstrated canapés and garnishes which were enjoyed by all. Liz Dalgleish gave the vote of thanks. Competition winners – favourite piece of jewellery: 1, Christine Riddle; 2, Irene Young; 3, Kathleen Thomson. Individual quiche: 1, Annette Holton; 2, Mary Sked; 3, Sheila Hardie.
Horticultural society: The AGM will be in the Church Centre tonight at 7pm, all welcome.
Linton
Bowling Club: On Friday night, an excellent annual dinner was held in the Templehall Hotel followed by the presentation of cups. Winners – junior cup: Angus Bryce; McGilp Cup: Andrew Bryce; Men's Shield: Andrew Bryce; Ladies' Cup: Catherine Mabon; dominoes: Joseph Mallen; Mixed Triples Cup: Andrew Bryce, Joseph Mallen and Pat Burton.
Makerstoun
WRI: At the March meeting members enjoyed an evening of glass painting under the tuition of members Pauline Dickson and Kim Bone. Everyone was inspired by the wonderful display of items before turning their own hands to the craft. The institute is holding a whist drive on Wednesday at 7.30pm at Makerstoun village hall to which all are welcome.
Maxton
Gaelic in the Borders: The next event in the programme welcomes Gaelic singer and musician Alasdair Codona. He plays harp and guitar and is also an authority on the Gaelic harp tradition. The event is in Maxton Village Hall next Thursday, March 25, from 8pm. All welcome.
Melrose
410 AD – Romans go home! The Trimontium Trust was represented at a mammoth two-day conference (with 25 speakers) in the British Museum, London, last weekend, on the end of Roman Britain. Lone Scottish voice Fraser Hunter, of the National Museums, told them that the important date in Scotland was 210 AD – 410 AD was no big deal for Scotland.
Mothering Sunday: At Bowden and Melrose the traditional day of celebrating returning to one's mother church – the church where you were christened – was remembered. Jim Letham and Jim Marshall came into their own, musically, the one having composed the tune to the introit All Things Bright and Beautiful, and the other the tune Weirhill (to the hymn The Stars Declare His glory). Activities: Malawi rice challenge – ongoing; today – Guild 2.30pm, H Smith, CAB; 7.30pm congressional board – all welcome; Sunday – services Bowden 9.30am; Melrose 11am; 7.30pm Music Society, classics and jazz; Gift Aid envelopes available.
Literary Society: The final meeting of the 2009/10 season was last Tuesday. In her annual report, president Rosemary Morrison looked back over a successful season of meetings, which had attracted more than 50 visiting non-members. She also outlined events planned for the coming year, the society's 125th anniversary. In particular, she thanked Laing Speirs for arranging an outstanding programme, but who, after nine years, is standing down from the position of secretary. New office-bearers and committee were elected as follows: president: Rosemary Morrison; vice-president: Rev Dr Dennis Wood; treasurer: Eric Birnie; secretary: Dr Peter Hoad; minute secretary: Maria McAndrew. Committee members: Margaret Brown, Pamela Gordon, Dr Richard Gordon, Laing Speirs. In the second part of the meeting, members enjoyed hearing how guest speaker Ms Rosamund de la Hey, recently with Bloomsbury Press in London, had developed the market for children's books, and how she has brought this interest and experience to her new business at MainStreet Trading Company Bookshop and restaurant in St Boswells.
Midlem
WRI: February saw a very interesting talk and slideshow, around the Borders, with John Rodgerson. Competition winners – photo of a winter scene: 1, D Wheelans; 2, C Robertson; 3, M Horne. Three drop scones: 1, S Galloway; 2, S Reid; 3, E Scott. The March meeting was a great night with April's Unique Hats. Competition winners: homemade brooch: 1, G Williamson; 2, H Pearce; 3, A Cochrane. Chocolate sponge: 1, M Hastie; 2, S Galloway; 3, E Nairn. The next meeting on April 13 is patchwork/quilting and the competitions are two pieces of shortbread petticoat tails and a homemade needlecase.
Morebattle
WRI: President Mary Pringle welcomed all to the March meeting and introduced Valerie from Pampered Chef who brought along a selection of kitchen utensils and made two dishes from their recipe book. Grace Cessford gave the vote of thanks. Competitions – bowl of bulbs: 1, Angela Cook; 2, Janette Stenhouse; 3, Nancy Anderson. Bud vase: 1, Grace Cessford; 2, Lizzie Thomson; 3, Janette Stenhouse. The quiz for Mary's Meals raised £58.
Coffee Morning: The Guild coffee morning will be in the Institute next Saturday, March 27, at 10.30am. Admission £1.
Palm Sunday Walking Worship: Meet at Hownam for 9am before breakfast and a short act of worship. Walk to Morebattle – tea from 10.45 followed by a workshop at 11.15am. Walk to Linton Hall – lunch at 1pm. Walk to Hoselaw – worship at 3.30pm. Walk to Yetholm. Tea at Yetholm. Evening service with communion at Yetholm 6.30pm. All are welcome to do all or any part of the walk.
Selkirk
Riding for the Disabled Association: The Ettrickbridge and Dryden RDA branch is holding a fundraising supper on Tuesday April 6 in Ashkirk Village Hall to celebrate more than 45 years of providing riding therapy and to give volunteers and supporters, past and present, a chance to get together. Records of previous helpers are a bit thin on the ground. Invitations have been sent to as many of past supporters as possible but anyone involved with the group in any way in the past who has not received an invitation should get in touch with the secretary on 01750 32292 and she will let you have full details. New volunteers who can spare a couple of hours on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon are always welcome.
St Boswells
Roxburghshire Federation SWRI: The group held its annual quiz in St Boswells last week. Teams of four from all over the county competed to answer 101 questions on general knowledge, set by Isa Anderson. The quizmaster was Kath Runciman. After a tie-break, Stichill A emerged as winners with Morebattle in second place. A second tie-break was necessary to separate third and fourth with Langshaw emerging in third. Proceeds of the evening, £275, are to be donated to The Lavender Touch.
WRI: A good turnout at the March meeting saw Trudy Green give a talk on making dolls houses and furniture. Competition winners – a doll, any size: 1, Jean Blackwood; 2, Annette Hotson; 3, Una Forsyth. Pretty button: 1, Rose Cameron; 2, Annette Hotson; 3, Una Forsyth. The next meeting is on April 13 when Margaret Mills will give a talk on Children First.
Traquair
Kirk: The fortnightly service will be next Sunday, March 28.
Walkerburn
Round-up: A communion service will be held in the village hall at 10am on Sunday. The following day a drop-in coffee session will be held in the rugby club from 9am to 11am. For more information contact Julia Stoddart on 01896 830410. The monthly music morning takes place at the Old Railway Station at 10am next Friday, March 26, when the guest is George Thornton. A holiday club with the theme Rocky's Place is running in the village hall from Monday to Friday, April 5 to 9. Donations of tray bakes or money would be welcome. For details call Aileen Borthwick on 01721 720483.
Yarrow
Yarrow Primary School: Friends of Yarrow are holding an Easter coffee afternoon next Sunday, March 28, in Yarrow Feus Hall from 2pm to 4pm. There will be a home baking stall, raffle and Easter kids crafts. Children can bring a decorated egg along to be judged. This is in aid of school funds. All welcome.
Yarrowford
Soup lunches: These are starting again in the village hall on Sunday April 4 and thereafter on the first and third Sunday of each month. A meeting will be held on Sunday in the hall at 6.30pm for anyone who is interested in helping with the lunches in any way.
Yetholm
COFFEE MORNING: The season got under way on Saturday with the Romany Ramblers. Regular walkers from the village and further afield turned up. Around £400 was raised and will be used to help with the expenses of the Yetholm Walking Weekend at the end of May. Thanks to all who helped.
CROSS-BORDER CLUB: The next meeting will be next Thursday, March 25, at 12.15pm in the Wauchope Hall. The talk will be by Karen Fraser on the work of the Care Commission. The secretary should be advised by Monday if anyone is unable to attend or if bringing a guest.
MAROONED VILLAGE: The main road from Yetholm to Kelso has been closed all week and will be all this week to shore up the banking between Catch a Penny and Old Graden. It is a 24-hour, fourteen-day closure. The news only broke last weekend and has been met with a good deal of anger. Should earlier notification not have been given and discussions held with the community council or other locals to see if limited access should be given, possibly in the evenings or at the weekend? Journeys to Kelso involve four-mile detours by Morebattle Tofts or Mindrum.The St Boswells mandarins are not too popular at the moment.
RACE NIGHT: An enjoyable night took place in the Wauchope Hall last Saturday to raise funds for the June village festival. More than £200 was raised.
VILLAGE LUNCH: This will be held in the Wauchope Hall today between noon and 2pm. All are welcome and proceeds will go to diabetes research.
WRI: Yetholm Rural met this week, welcoming Shona Middlemas from Arthurshiel rescue centre.
VILLAGE SHOP: Tomorrow night will be an exciting occasion for Yetholm Village Shop. The business has been shortlisted for the Independent Retailer of The Year Award, sponsored the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses. Whatever the outcome, shop owners Roy and Barbara Maltby along with the staff are delighted to have made it to the last four.
