Ancrum

WRI: Liezl Laidlaw gave information on digital television – including the expected dates of switchover, helplines to access and schemes for those with sets without digital boxes – at the April meeting. Competitions – meat loaf (Fete Cup) – 1, J. MacDonald; 2, M. Smith; 3, M. Smail; 4, M. Dorricott; flower arrangement in cup and saucer – 1, M Dorricott; 2, N. Douglas; 3, B. Nock; 4, R. Walker; raffle – C. Pringle. The next meeting, on May 14, will include a talk on safety awareness by PC Kenny Houston. Competitions – four girdle scones and the oldest kitchen utensil. There will be a fund-raising sales table.

Ashkirk

CHURCH: Sunday – May communion service at noon; Tuesday – May planning meeting for church weekend will be held in the village hall at 7.30pm.

Cappercleuch

ST MARY'S WRI: The meeting to be held on Tuesday is Gardener's Question Time. Members are invited to bring a plant along to get advice on it. Competitions – favourite houseplant and an individual trifle. There are still places available for the outing to Gardening Scotland at Ingliston on May 31. This is open to anyone. Names and enquiries to Alison Brown on 01750 725562. It was with great sadness that members learned of the death of fellow member Annie Hepburn. She held many posts both in Institute and Federation. She was made an honorary member of St Mary's a few years ago.

Denholm

WEATHER: Rainfall in the village during April was recorded at 2.84in, which is fairly normal for the month. It contrasts sharply with a year ago when barely half an inch of rain fell. Overnight temperatures during the past month dropped as low as minus 3C on the 6th, with snow flurries in the afternoon. By the 27th, 16C had been reached.
COLLECTION: Christian Aid Week starts on Sunday when volunteer collectors will visit every street in the village, as well as the villages of Bedrule and Minto.
Traidcraft Drop-In: Every third Thursday of the month in Denholm, people can buy from a selection of fairly-traded goods. There is also a chance to sample some of the produce – tea or coffee, and home-baking, donations for which will go to Christian Aid. The venue is the church hall, between 9.30-11.30am. For further details, contact Heather Marshall on 01450 870969.
SALE: The village hall committee is holding a car boot sale on Sunday, starting at 10am on The Green. For further information, contact Gordie Campbell on 01450 870347.

Earlston

COFFEE MORNING: Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual bedding plant sale and coffee morning at Hanover Close, The Square, on Saturday, May 17. All proceeds will go towards supporting this year's flower show, which will be held on August 30.
PARISH CHURCH: Sunday's services – 9.45am, all ages; 11am, traditional.

Eccles

SALE: Eccles/Leitholm Primary School will be holding a table-top sale on Saturday, June 21, from 10.30am. Pitches can be reserved in advance by calling the school on 01890 840224.
Parish Church: Sunday – 9.45am, morning worship.

Ettrickbridge

QUESTIONNAIRE: The hall committee decided at its last meeting to put a questionnaire round the village and outlying area to get an update from the community on what activities people would like to have and support, particularly in respect of the hall. If anyone has been inadvertently overlooked and would like a copy to complete, contact Gordon (01750 52280) or George (01750 52243).
WRI: Organisers are grateful to everyone who supported the coffee morning last Saturday. The next meeting is on Wednesday at Kirkhope village hall, 7.30pm, when Marilyn McCall will talk about the Store Cupboard Cooker.
TASTER SESSIONS: The Healing Place in Ettrickbridge is offering £5 taster sessions throughout May, June and July – proceeds to go to The Fabric Fund for Ettrick and Yarrow Parish Church. Appointments can be made by calling Carol Beveridge on 01750 52280.

Gordon

AGM: Gordon Flower Show's annual meeting will be held in the village hall at 7pm tonight. Anyone interested in growing flowers or vegetables, floral art, baking, jam-making or craft is welcome.

Hawick

ART CLUB: Members completed their 2007-2008 year on April 17 when Jill McDougall gave a talk, illustrated with slides, on the use of colour. Jill, an internationally-known artist of botanical flowers, took her audience back to basics, explaining complementary and contrasting colours in painting. The club's annual meeting is on Thursday, June 12, at 7.30pm. The Thursday meeting group in the Catholic church hall finishes at the end of this month and will resume on October 2. The annual exhibition will be staged in the Scott Gallery during July.
PROBUS: Ron Hastings spoke to members about property in the Borders. Ron, managing partner of Kelso solicitors Hastings and Co. and previously a partner in Tait W.S., lives in Minto. He gave a positive insight into the current market, saying the Borders remained attractive to potential buyers.
ROTARY: Guest speaker at last week's club meeting was Susan Black, a member of Scottish Borders Council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team, one of 22 teams in Scotland. There were 698 alcohol-related discharges from Borders General Hospital last year, and 653 of these were emergency cases. Of all the patients admitted to the BGH during the past year, 11 per cent were related to alcohol. President Gus Neilson, past president Andrew Suddon, accompanied by Elsa Neilson and Vera Suddon, and Rotarian Billy McWatters attended a dinner organised by Kelso Rotary Club for the visit by the current president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, Alan O. Jagger. But sad news arrived of the passing of Kelso past president Kenneth Paterson, formerly an assistant director of education at Scottish Borders Council. The Hawick Night will be held in the Buccleuch Hotel next Thursday (6.30-7pm) when a variety of local singers and musicians will entertain the company. Tickets are available from any Rotarian or Hawick High School for the cheese and wine evening to be held in the school's art department on May 22. Those attending can view the works of art produced by pupils, as well as enjoying contributions from pupils in the music department. Tickets have also gone on sale for the club's coffee morning in Trinity Church hall on May 24 (10am-noon).

Heriot

WRI: The last meeting in Heriot school took place on April 24. Members enjoyed a demonstration of floral art by two ladies from Howegate and Loanhead rurals. The competition was for a single bloom. The next meeting is a beetle drive tomorrow at 7pm in the McFie Hall.

Innerleithen

OPERATIC SOCIETY: Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society has chosen The Music Man as its centenary production for March 30-April 4, 2009. The decision was made at the annual meeting which was held at the end of April. Retiring president John Small congratulated members on the March production of Carousel, which had played to large audiences all week. During the election of office bearers for the centenary year, Keith Belleville was chosen as president, with Nicola Watt vice-president. John Small was elected a life member of the society in recognition of his service as president during the past five years. Speaking about The Music Man, Mr Belleville said: "It is a show with lots of parts, chorus work and even the odd brass band, and with numbers such as Seventy-six Trombones and Till There Was You, we are sure it will be a hit." Rehearsals are already under way for the Centenary Revue (September 11-13). More male members are required for the chorus of this production and former and new members are welcome to attend the next rehearsal on Wednesday in the Library Hall, Buccleuch Street, at 7.30pm.
ST RONAN'S TATTOO: A coffee morning in aid of St Ronan's Tattoo will be held on Saturday in the Vale Club (10am-noon). The tattoo will be held on June 1 at Traquair House (noon-5pm). Attractions include pipe and brass bands, a Norwegian Big Band and SwingLoaded (PHS Big Band).
EX-STANDARD BEARERS: St Ronan's Ex-Standard Bearers' Association's next meeting will take place on Monday in the usual venue at 8pm.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Applications are invited from residents of the parishes of Innerleithen, Traquair and Glen wishing to serve on the community council. Nomination papers are available from returning officer Ted McKie, 41 George Street, Innerleithen EH44 6LJ, and completed forms must be returned to him no later than 5pm on May 23.
STANDARD BEARER'S BALL: The ball will take place on Saturday, July 12, in a marquee at St Ronan's School. Tickets (£26.50 each) will go on sale from Norman Scott at Foresters (at the foot of Wells Brae) on Monday. Written applications for tickets, plus full payment, can only be made on that date. Any applications received before that date will not be considered. Maximum number in a company is 12 per table and applications must not exceed 12 – these must be for same table. Applications can be posted through Norman Scott's door or handed to him. Applications will be dealt with in the order they are received. If people wish to order tickets separately within a company they must indicate on the application whose company they wish to be seated.

Jedburgh

COFFEE MORNING: Jedburgh Day Centre raised £547.04 at a coffee morning.

Kelso

ROTARY: Members held a business meeting last Thursday at which the club proposed Kaitie Scott-Aiton as a world peace scholar. Sponsors are needed to support Anne Wright who is going to jump out of an aeroplane to raise money to supply water to a school in Kalim Pong, West Bengal. A party of members have just returned from a visit to Krakow, Poland. The next meeting is tonight at 6pm in Ednam House when the speaker will be Moira McGregor on Public Register. Members attended the funeral of Rotary past president Ken Patterson at Kelso North Church last Wednesday.
RECYCLING BINS: Kelso's recycling bins were yesterday likely to be moved from the car park of the former Kwiksave store, now the Factory Shop, in Bowmont Street to Scottish Borders Council's premises in Spylaw Road where SBC soon hopes to establish a recycling centre.
TICKETS: There are only a few tickets left for Saturday's performance of Verdi's Requiem in Springwood Pavilion. These are available from Hector Innes.
RANGERS FANS: The bus for the Dundee United game on Saturday leaves the Square at 8.30am, while the coach for the UEFA Cup final leaves Kelso on Tuesday at 2pm, staying in Blackpool on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, returning Thursday. Seats only available. Non-members welcome. Book own accommodation. Contact Jim on 01573 226240.
BRIDGE CLUB: Results for April 30 – N/S – 1, J. and M. Miller; 2, E. Erskine and P. Cassie; 3, B. Stevenson and A. Mitchell; E/W – 1, J. Chalmers and R. Stewart; 2, D. and D. Alkin; 3, L. Dick and L. Douglas.
PROBUS CLUB: During April the club held two meetings, the first on the 10th when the speaker was Matilda Hall who spoke and entertained members with a talk about the work that she and her team of helpers do to produce The Talking Newspaper. At the second April meeting, Jim Paterson spoke to some 35 members on the work involved in the investigation and arrest of one of England's most notorious multiple offenders. This meeting was the last in the club's winter/spring session and meetings will resume in September. The club would welcome enquiries from retired business and professional people, and anyone interested should contact club secretary Alan Saville on 01573 226072.
ABBEY QUILTERS: The next meeting will be held on Tuesday at 7pm in the Abbey Row Centre. At this meeting, members will finalise arrangements for the show and they should bring their completed entry form and any unfinished projects to work on. Further details from Elizabeth Cuthbert, 01573 224680, or Mary Lockie, 01890 820226.
THURSDAY GROUP: Members finished the season with a visit to Selkirk. Robbie Johnston showed the group around Philiphaugh Garden, and Sir Michael Strang Steel and his son, Edward, spoke to members at the salmon viewing centre. Meetings restart on October 2. For a syllabus, phone 01573 224753.
KELSO NORTH AND EDNAM: A group of 32 set off last Friday for a walking weekend in and around Pitlochry. On Saturday, 18 climbed Schiehallion (3,553ft), while the others enjoyed lower-level walks. On Sunday morning the group joined the congregation of Pitlochry Church of Scotland for morning worship. The monthly meeting of the men's group (men@kne) took place at the manse, which saw the re-enactment of the Jewish Passover Seder, followed by a curry night. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 28, when members will take in the Kelso Town Trail. A concert is being held in Kelso North tomorrow at 7.30pm and will feature traditional Celtic/Scottish music performed by Carly Blain, Rachel Cross and Friends. This Sunday is Pentecost and services are as usual – Ednam, 9.30am; Kelso North, 11am. Later at Kelso North at 3pm there is a service for the Blessing of Pets, with everyone (and their pets) welcome. An afternoon service is also being held at Plenderleith Court at 3.30pm. The social committee has organised a ten-pin bowling session, followed by a meal for this Saturday in Edinburgh, and plans are well in hand for the plant and book sale taking place on Saturday, May 17, from 10am-noon. Tickets are on sale for the international supper at the manse on Friday, May 23, at 7pm, with proceeds going to Christian Aid, and the children of the Junior Church will be holding their garden party at the manse on June 7 (10am-noon).
U3A: The next open meeting of the U3A will be held on Monday at 2pm in Abbey Row Centre. Speaker is Rory MacDonald on archaeology in the Borders.

Langholm

Cornet candidates: The public meeting and election of the Cornet for 2008 takes place in the Buccleuch Centre tomorrow – and four candidates have forwarded their names. The public vote takes place between 6-8pm, followed by the meeting which will be chaired by common riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell, who will announce the result after the official count. Keith Davidson, aged 29, is standing for the second time and is employed as a plumber for J. W. Grieve Border Gas. His parents are Jill and Neil Davidson. His father was Cornet in 1970, as was his uncle, Tommy Morrison, in 1979 and grandfather, Edgar Morrison, in 1948. Keith has played flyhalf all season for the Milntown rugby side and he also enjoys shooting. He first rode the Common and joined the Castle Craigs club at the age of eight, but missed a few years when away playing professional rugby. Standing for the first time is Derek Stewart Hogg, 28, who works as a forestry contractor and is the son of Rob and Wilma Hogg. Derek first rode the Castle Craigs in 1997 and started riding the Common five years ago. Previous to that he helped carry the barley banna, saut herring and greybeards on the hill. He has been on the common riding committee for two years and is intending to also make it his second year on the Castle Craigs committee. Derek is keen on fishing and shooting, and also likes to play darts. Graeme Wylie Murray, 26, is standing for the third time and is a residential child care worker. The son of John and Linda Murray, he plays rugby for Langholm when his job allows and is also involved in training a flapper. His father was Cornet in 1976 and his grandfather, John Murray, fulfilled the role in 1946. Graeme first rode the Common and joined the Castle Craigs club in 1994. This will be his fifth year on the Castle Craigs committee. Simon Richardson, 30, is standing for the fourth time and has his own forestry contracting business. He is the son of Les and Kate Richardson and enjoys shooting and watching rugby. He first rode the Common in 1985 and joined the Castle Craigs Club the same year. Simon is going on the common riding committee for the fifth year. Dance display: The youth dance club held a sale of work and mini dance display in the Buccleuch Centre last Thursday which, before costs, raised the sum of £1,185 for funds. The main dance display will be held in November. The club has well over 100 members.
Boys' night: The annual Castle Craigs boys' night was held in the Buccleuch Centre last Saturday and 32 attended the function. Castle Craigs president Kenneth Dickson was in charge of proceedings and there was horse drawing and quiz competitions. Cornet Andrew Johnstone, carrying out his final duty before the election of the 2008 Cornet tomorrow, made the presentations. Prizewinners – horse drawing – under 7 years – 1, Ben Ewart; 2, Aiden Wilson; 3, Calum Jeffrey; 7 to 9 years – 1, Lawrence Ewart; 2, Elliot Johnstone; 3, Calum Henderson; quiz – under 11 years – 1 (equal), Damon Little, Scott Morrison, Keith Reid; over 12 years – 1, Kieran Johnstone (R. E. Borthwick Shield); 2, Dale Irving; 3, Gregor Masterton; best dressed – 1, Finlay Eagleson; 2, Calum Henderson; 3, Calum Helling.

Lauder

CORNET: This year's Cornet will be declared from the town hall steps at 8pm tomorrow when he will be carried from the Baker's Close by his Right and Left-Hand Men. Stow Pipe Band will lead the Ex-Cornets' Walk and a disco dance organised by the common riding committee will be held in the Lauderdale Hotel (9pm-1am). It's been confirmed there won't be a common riding ball this year – the committee believes the previous venue of The Lodge at Carfraemill is too far out of the town and creates transport problems. A reception for visiting principals will be arranged in the Public Hall.
FAYRE: A May fayre will be held on Saturday (10am-noon) in the Public Hall, featuring the introduction of the newly-elected Lauder Cornet. Proceeds to local organisations.

Melrose

COLLECTIONS: The committee of the Melrose branch of Arthritis and Rheumatism Research is grateful to the collectors and donors who helped raise £1,172.27 in recent house-to-house and street collection.
CHURCH: Activities – today – 7.30pm, church AGM (including session and board); Sunday – services at 9.30am (Bowden) and 11am (Melrose); deadline for golf fund-raiser; beginning of Christian Aid Week and collectors are wanted: see Joyce in the office; May 17 – Christian Aid coffee morning, donations welcome; Wednesday – embroidery group exhibition in aid of Christian Aid, 10am-4pm.
VERDI'S REQUIEM: The latest rehearsal for the forthcoming performance on Saturday at 7.30pm in Springwood Pavilion, Kelso, was held in the Tait Hall last Sunday. Among the trumpeters was Evelyn Oliver, of Newstead, who works round the corner at the high school.
TRIMONTIUM: The Trimontium Trust always welcomes artefacts to try to identify. When it comes to coins it is necessary to check with the numismatics section of the National Museums Scotland, and so it proved recently in relation to a silver denarius and two bronze coins, all of thumbnail size. The report from Edinburgh regretted that the Antony and Cleopatra coin was a modern reproduction. The slightly thicker bronze coin was a sextans of the Roman Republic (literally a sixth), dating approximately to the period 200-100 BC, following a reform of the coinage. The other bronze coin is of the late 3rd century AD. As part of the celebrations which the trust is co-ordinating to honour the centenary of James Curle's ground-breaking work at Newstead, it is proposed to publish a volume of papers on the site and its significance. The trust and the National Museums Scotland (NMS) are promoting the project in the hope that it will appeal not only to an academic audence, but also to the interested lay man and woman. It would be published in 2011, the centenary of Curle's 450-page report. James Curle's report, entitled A Roman Frontier Post and its People; the fort of Newstead in the Parish of Melrose, can be seen on screen at www.curlesnewstead.org.uk or by purchase of a £5 CD at the museum.

Morebattle

WRI: Mig Moore will talk about nursing in Africa at the meeting on Wednesday. Competitions – hand-written party invitation and a pen. Members should bring along their syllabus for the lucky syllabus number.
WHIST: There were seven tables at the village hall whist and £97 was raised. Results – ladies – 1, Cathy Mabon; 2, Isa McNulty; 3, Mary Laidlaw; 4, Marjorie Frost; 5, E. Fleming; booby – Jean Rae; longest sitter – Evelyn Taylor; gents – 1, Lynn Nichol; 2, Janice Palmer; 3, Kenny Tait; 4, Jean McNulty; 5, Gil Telfer; booby – Mary Frater; longest sitter – I. Mabon.
CHURCH: Newcastle Male Voice Choir will perform in Yetholm Church on May 17 at 7pm. Tickets are available from Grace Cessford and Janet Fleming, or the local shop.
GOLF: Morebattle golfers were at Peebles for their May Day outing. David Ferguson was the morning winner and Ian Bryce triumphed in the afternoon.
BOOK REVIEW: Morebattle writer and historian Mary Hanson was the April winner of The Scotsman's book review competition. She wins a copy of Salman Rushdie's latest novel, The Enchantress of Florence, and a bottle of champagne.

Newcastleton

Coffee morning: Floral project organisers held a coffee morning in the village hall last Saturday and raised £494. The village is taking part in Scotland in Bloom and Borders Floral Gateway projects and the committee is busy designing flower beds so that they can be easier seen and are putting planters and containers in various places around the village. They have been well supported by local people and businesses.

Newtown

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Kenny Fotheringham, from SBC Contracts, told community councillors that drainage work at Church Hill was expected to last for three weeks under two-way traffic lights. An SBC leaflet, informing villagers of a drop-in meeting to discuss the proposed footpaths around the village, arrived a week late. SBC councillor Kenneth Gunn confirmed that new dog bins would be installed on the lane down to The Glen. Dog fouling should be reported on Freephone 0800 376 1030. Gift tokens are to be given to the young people who helped with the village clean-up day on April 19. The community council has applied for lottery funding for a multi-use sports wall near Newtown primary school. The next community council meeting is the AGM on May 27 at 7pm in the Community Wing – all villagers welcome.
TALK: SBC planning director Ian Lindley is to give a presentation on village regeneration and the large-scale changes being planned for Newtown on Tuesday at 7pm in the Community Wing. All villagers are invited to attend, hear what Mr Lindley has to say and ask questions.

Selkirk

ROTARY: Last week saw the handover by president Donald Chadwick of a new mace to Drum Major Jimmy Gibb, of Selkirk Pipe Band. Thanking the club for their donation, Drum Major Gibb added that it was the one piece of equipment which the band did not own. This week the club had former Division One rugby referee Colin Henderson as guest speaker. He spoke about changes to the game since his time with the whistle. Colin went on to tell of his many trips abroad to South Africa, Italy, Spain, Romania and France. He is now a refereeing adviser to the SRU South District.

Yetholm

DIGITAL TV: The intricacies of the changeover to digital TV were explained to Yetholm residents at a public meeting, called by the Wednesday Club, in the Wauchope Hall last week. John Askew, who, when working for Scottish Borders Council, lived in Yetholm and was very much part of community life, was the speaker.
YETHOLM MACMILLAN COMMITTEE: A whist drive will be held on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Youth Hall. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
DANCE: Community On The Edge is promoting a dance leadership course between June 9-11 at West Linton for women aged 16-25 years with an interest in physical activity and dance, enabling participants to gain nationally-recognised qualifications. More information may be obtained from Ian Reid at Greenbank on 01573 420703. Meanwhile, every week in the Wauchope Hall there are ballet classes for the very young taken by Moira Mansbridge. Local dance schools will all come together for Dancing Daze at The Maltings, Berwick, on June 5 and 6.
SURGERY: Last week's news that the surgery in the village has been saved has been this week's talking point in the village. Campaigners against the closure threat are appealing for residents to make as much use of the facilities as possible. Hopefully, the proposed voluntary transport for Morebattle residents will soon be up and running.
KIRK ACTIVITIES: Once again the 50-strong Newcastle Male Voice Choir are visiting Yetholm Kirk. they will be giving a concert at 7pm on May 17. Tickets are available from both Yetholm and Morebattle village shops, as well as from kirk officials in all parishes. This year's joint harvest of the lambs service will take place at Hownam at 11.15am on May 25.
CELEBRATING THE CHEVIOT HILLS: An event with this theme will be held in the Cheviot Centre, Wooler, on May 17 from 10.30am and will be followed by lunch. This is a follow-up to recent meetings held in various venues, including Yetholm. The event is free and transport can be provided from Yetholm. Anyone interested should phone 01668 228136.
BARI GADGI AND BARI MANUSHI: Last week's declaration of Stephen Meins and Heather Stewart as the 2008 Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi was followed by a reception.
MAP: Community On The Edge, in partnership with the Cheviot Hills Heritage Project, is inviting the public to celebrate what is great about Yetholm and surrounding area by compiling Yetholm's Heritage Map at the Youth Hall on Wednesday (10-11.30am). For further information, ring 07824 480513 or 01573 420703.
FIVES MEETING: Organisers of the Borders-wide Yetholm five-a-side tournament are having their first meeting on Sunday at 4pm at Greenbank. All interested parties are welcome to attend.