Ancrum

SUMMER FAIR: Ancrum Parent Council is holding a summer fair at the school next Thursday (6.30-8.30pm). Proceeds will go towards school funds.

Ashkirk

COFFEE MORNING: Scottish Borders Africa Aids Group's coffee morning in Ashkirk village hall raised £422.50.

Caddonfoot

Retiral Gathering: Rosalind Moon began teaching at Caddonfoot primary school on August 24, 1978, and will retire on June 27. Former pupils, colleagues and friends are welcome to turn up at Caddonfoot village hall on June 24 at 1.30pm to celebrate her 30 years of teaching at Caddonfoot. Organisers are appealing for any memorabilia, anecdotes, photographs etc. which they could share at the gathering. Anyone wanting to attend or is able to help should contact Mrs Bray at Caddonfoot primary school, Clovenfords, Galashiels TD1 3LG (01896 850241).

Darnick

WRI: This month's meeting took the form of an outing to Moffat. Members had a meal at the Balmoral Hotel before returning during the early evening. The next meeting will be on June 12, featuring a talk on Care and Repair.

Denholm

SCHOOL: Building work is progressing on the new primary school with an opening date set for October 13. The main contractors, Border Construction, are concerned that some children in the village are using the site as a playground in the evenings and at weekends, and have appealed to parents to ensure that their youngsters keep out of the construction site.
WHIST: The monthly whist will be held in the village hall on Saturday, starting at 7.30pm.

Earlston

WEBSITE: Earlston Twinning now has a website – www.earlstontwinning.com
WEDNESDAY CLUB: Last week, members enjoyed a talk and slide show given by Nan Lyle about the Borders Exploration Group's visit to Zambia. The competition was for a heart-shaped object and the winners were Mrs Drover, Mrs Bain and Mrs Thomson. The next meeting – the last for the present session – is a bus trip to Eyemouth, leaving Earlston Square at 1pm on Wednesday. There are seats available – contact Ann Thomson.
BRITISH LEGION: The coffee morning organisers are grateful to all who helped at the recent event, especially local businesses which gave raffle donations. The total sum raised was £607.
PARISH CHURCH: Sunday's services – 9.45am, all ages; 11am, traditional.

Eccles

Parish Church: Sunday – 9.45am, morning worship.

Ettrickbridge

OPEN NIGHT: As part of the Borders Festival of the Horse, there will be a Clydesdale Horse Open Night at Singlie Farm next Friday, starting at 6.30pm. The farm is two miles west of Ettrickbridge on the B7009.

Galashiels

OPEN MEETING: The Three Brethren U3A will have an open meeting in Lucy Sanderson Hall on Monday at 2pm. This will take the form of an annual meeting, followed by talks on book donors and how to write your own novel.

Glendouglas

WRI: Tom Tokely, from Yetholm, gave a light-hearted talk about his life as a joiner and undertaker. Competition – a wooden object – 1, Marion Armitage; 2, Sandra Jeffrey. Raffle, Elizabeth Till.

Hawick

BRIDGE: Hawick Bridge Club results from May 5 – N/S – 1, P. Gilligan & M. Millar; 2, M. Tuson & R. Witherington; 3, P. Young & J. Beedle; E/W – 1, V. Johnstone & R. Francombe; 2, S. White & J. Urquhart; 3, K. Auckland & I. Wyze.
Probus Club: Ross Sharp-Dent and Julie Rankin, of Scottish Borders Council, were speakers at the last meeting. Ross is waste management manager and the subject was waste management in the Borders. They gave a presentation on the intricacies and complexities of modern waste recycling.
Rotary Club: The annual meeting was held in the Buccleuch Hotel last Thursday. Three new members had been inducted – Liz Wood, Tommy Mulvee and Jim Walker, but the club had lost one member with the passing of past president Tom Maden. The club had participated in a wide range of activities during the year, both locally and in a wider field – quiz nights, sports competitions, bowls and golf, Burns, the common riding and Christmas nights.
Some fund-raising events had taken the form of speed golf, cheese and wine evening, St Andrew's Night concert, coffee morning, quoits competition, quiz night, film night and literary tea. One member participated in a sponsored walk of The Eildons. There was a grocery raffle at a local supermarket and a book project. The annual President's Night Ball had also raised several hundred pounds. Rotary had supported young golfers and encouraged youngsters to take part in the Young Musician of the Year competition. Club representatives had attended nearly all of the president's nights held by other Rotary clubs in the Borders, as well as district and national conferences. Speakers at the weekly club meetings had come from a variety of backgrounds. The club had assisted a number of local appeals and causes, and was an established supporter of Rotary's World Wide Eradication of Polio. A visit had been made to the club by district governor John Lafferty and members of the club had met the president of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, Alan Jagger. Tickets for the wine and cheese evening in Hawick High School next Thursday (7.30-9.30pm) are available from any Rotarian. A week on Saturday, the morning of the Mosspaul rideout, the Rotary coffee morning in Trinity Church Hall will run from 10am-noon. Proceeds from this event are going to the club's foundation committee to support projects which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Innerleithen

CHURCH: The church choir meets in the hall at 3.15pm on the following Fridays – tomorrow, May 23 and 30. Morning worship starts at Innerleithen Church at 11.30am on Sunday, followed by a service in St Ronan's House at 4pm. More helpers are required for these services and anyone willing to assist should contact Julia Stoddart on 01896 830410. A quiz night will be held in the church hall at 7pm on May 31 – further details from Margaret Tucker. A meeting will be held in Innerleithen Lower Hall at 2pm on Sunday for everyone interested in helping with the summer mission.
PIPE BAND CONCERT: St Ronan's Piping Society is to present The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Caladonia Pipe Band in concert on Saturday, June 7, in the Memorial Hall. Tickets can be obtained from A. & A. Caldwell's, High Street; Graham McGrath, Eastgate, Peebles, or by email from srpssecretary@googlemail.com. They go on sale tomorrow.
COFFEE MORNING: St Ronan's Ex-Standard Bearers' Association will hold its annual coffee morning on Saturday in the Vale Club from 10am-noon.
AGM: Leithen Vale Sports Club's annual meeting will take place on Monday, May 26, at 8pm in the Union Club, Peebles Road. There will be a presentation to the swimming leaders to thank them for their many years of support and supervision of the swimmers.
SILVER BAND CONCERT: St Ronan's Silver Band spring concert will be held on Saturday in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale from Adam's Bakery and Robb's KeyStore, Peebles. Alternatively, telephone 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com
OVERSEAS GUESTS: Anyone who knows of any overseas visitors to the town during Games Week (July 10-19) who might like an invitation to attend the Cleikum Ceremonies (July 18) should contact Dorothy McKie on 01896 830703.
COFFEE MORNING: The St Ronan's Tattoo coffee morning raised £302.25 towards the promotion of music in the district. The tattoo will take place on June 1 at Traquair House from noon-5pm. Attractions this year include pipe bands, brass bands, a Norwegian Big Band and SwingLoaded (PHS Big Band).

Jedburgh

CONCERT: Jedforest Instrumental Band will be holding a concert next Saturday in the town hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at From me to You or band members.
Memorial Pool: The Saturday morning aquacise class has ceased until further notice, but the Monday and Wednesday evening classes will continue as normal. The pool will close for maintenance at 8pm tomorrow, reopening at 7am on June 2. During this time the gym and cafe area will be open as normal.
COFFEE MORNING: Howdenburn school is hosting a coffee morning and plant sale on Saturday from 10am.
COFFEE MORNING: The horticultural society coffee morning held in the Royal British Legion last Saturday raised more than £600 for Jedburgh Flower Show, which will be held in the town hall on Saturday, September 6. Judging to find the winners of the garden competition will take place during August.

Kelso

PLANT SALE: Kelso North Church is holding a plant and paperback book sale in aid of church funds on Saturday morning.
PLAYGROUP: Noah's Ark Playgroup is holding a summer fair at Kelso North Church Hall next Saturday, from 10am-noon. The playgroup is looking for volunteers to work with the children. More information about the playgroup can be obtained by phoning 01573 228480.
ROTARY: The Rotary Club of Kelso had a talk by Moira McGregor which provided an insight into the work of the Registers of Scotland. A group of members reported on an outing to Keukenhof Gardens in Holland last week. The next meeting is tonight at 6pm in Ednam House when Rotarian John Hennessey will speak about K2 and Concordia. This will be a partners' evening.
CHURCH: After a weekend highlighted by Marion Dodd's Verdi Requiem performance, Pentecost Day celebrations on Sunday ended with a joint KCT service for the start of Christian Aid Week. Tomorrow at 7.30pm in the Cross Keys Hotel, Quiz-Aid will be held to raise money for Christian Aid. Teams of four people are invited to participate in a fun quiz of general questions. Kelso Old Parish and Sprouston Church business committee meets tonight in advance of the kirk session next Thursday. On Sunday, services will take place at Sprouston (9.30am), Smailholm (10am), Kelso Old (11am), Stichill (11.15am) and Roxburgh (11.15am). Tickets for the African Children's Choir concert next Saturday at 7.30pm in Kelso Old Parish Church are now available at Hector Innes.
KELSO NORTH AND EDNAM: A service for the blessing of pets took place last Sunday afternoon in Kelso North and attracted around 60 people of all ages, along with their pets, which included nine dogs, five cats, two guinea pigs, two gerbils – and a horse. Last Saturday afternoon, a group from the church played tenpin bowling at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, which was followed by a meal. The World Church Team meets tonight at the manse at 7.30pm, and tomorrow the choir gathers at the same venue. Saturday (10am-noon) sees a plant and book sale being held on the Bowmont Street side of the church. Services on Sunday take place at Ednam at 9.30am, with communion being celebrated at Kelso North at 11am and 6.30pm. At all of these services, retiring offerings will be taken in aid of the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. Tickets are on sale for the international supper at the manse next Friday, with proceeds to Christian Aid. The junior church garden party is on June 7 at the manse, which will also host a barbecue on June 20. Rebecca Pringle, a member of the junior church, will be travelling to Edinburgh to spend four days at the Church of Scotland's general assembly. Rebecca was selected from children all over Scotland to be one of the church's representatives at this year's children's assembly.
BRIDGE CLUB: Results from May 7 – N/S – 1, L. Dick and L. Douglas; 2, R. Stewart and J. Chalmers; 3, L. Leeson and J. Hayton; E/W – 1 J. Henry and M. Thomson; 2, J. Bridger and G. Eglington; 3, J. Thomson and H. Pratt.
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY:
Kelso Horticultural Society will be judging all front gardens (inclusive of patio gardens) during the first week of August. Prize-winners will be notified and presentations made at the society's summer show on August 24.

Langholm

Sponsored walk: Young riders club members were joined by newly-elected Cornet Simon Richardson, along with his Right and Left-Hand men, Andrew Johnstone and Kevan Grieve, for their annual sponsored walk last Sunday, which raised £2,300 for funds. The leading principals for this year's common riding led a large group of eager youngsters up to the monument and back. The club still has well over 100 members and continually needs funding for riding lessons and other expenses – and they also have a pony to look after.
Probus: President Bryan McKinnie welcomed 21 members to the Probus club meeting last Wednesday in the Eskdale Hotel. Jim Thomson reported on his visit with Bill Barbour and Willie Friell to the army presentation held recently in Hawick. Around 150 representatives of civic, educational and business interests attended. George Turner spoke of the visit by 10 Probus members to the Falkirk Wheel. The next meeting is in the Eskdale Hotel on Wednesday when there will be a speaker from The Samaritans.
Bowling: The New Town bowling club opened for the new season last Wednesday. The club had been encouraged to continue after a recent well-attended meeting. President Eleanor McMurdo welcomed what was the largest turnout of members for a number of years, and after a short speech she delivered the first bowl.
Muckle run: Former local resident Sean Cotter, who now lives in Leeds, won the Muckle Toon Doctors' Run over an eight-mile course in scorching weather on Sunday. The 41-year-old, who has a sister living in the town, was a comfortable winner from second-placed Michael Pluckrose (Carlisle) and James Britton (Moffat), who was third. The first local was Roger Irving and Iain Little, from the town, won the junior race.

Lauder

PLANT SALE: Lauderdale and District Leek Club will hold its annual coffee morning and plant sale in Lauder village hall on Saturday, 9.30am-noon.
RETIRING: GP John Crombie-Smith is retiring at the end of May after more than 20 years' service to the local community. Anyone wishing to make a contribution towards a retirement collection can donate at the Lauder branch of Bank of Scotland or send a cheque to Bank of Scotland, 3 Mid Row, Lauder TD2 6TB, made out to Dr John's retirement fund. The fund will close next Friday.
minister: A joint service will be conducted in Lauder Parish Church by the Rev. Dr Bruce Gardner as sole nominee next Sunday at 11.30am. Immediately thereafter a vote, open to those on the electoral roll of Channelkirk and Lauder Church, will be taken via voting papers. Electors may vote for or against electing and appointing Dr Gardner as minister of the vacant charge.
AGM: The date of Lauderdale Historical Society's annual meeting has been changed to Wednesday, May 28. It will be held at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Those attending should bring along information, articles, photographs etc. of Lauder schools for inclusion in the book the society intends publishing. Further details are available from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).

Lilliesleaf

COFFEE MORNING: There will be a coffee morning on Saturday, 10am-noon, in the village hall in aid of hall funds, featuring a Ready Steady Cook demonstration. Any donations can be handed in to the hall tomorrow between 6-7pm.
AGM: The village hall annual meeting is on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Lindean

WRI: In the absence of the president, Valerie Mayo stepped in to chair the May meeting and AGM. Mr P. Gribben, from Abbey Wines, gave a talk on the history of the grape and members enjoyed tasting wines from Spain, Australia and Argentina. Results of voting after treasurer and secretary's reports – president, Mrs M. Milne; secretary, Mrs M. Mabon; treasurer, Mrs D. Murray; magazine secretary, Mrs S. Lamza; press secretary, Mrs E. Douglas; committee – Mrs E. Scott, Miss K. Watson, Mrs J. Stott, Miss M. Ewart and Valerie Mayo. Competition – an animal photograph – 1, Margaret Inglis; 2, Margery Mabon; 3, Edith Scott. Cup winners – McGowan Trophy, Shiela Lamza; Jess Hope Trophy, Margaret Inglis; Miss Scott Trophy (most entries outwith winners), Valerie Mayo. There were three raffle winners.

Maxwellheugh

WRI: Last week Selkirk butcher John Nairn talked about cuts of meat. He boned out a shoulder of lamb, which he donated to the raffle. The competition for a dish of pate was won by Mrs Waldie.

Melrose

PLANT SALE: Melrose Horticultural Association will be holding a plant sale in The Wynd on Saturday, from 9.30am-noon. Proceeds to support Melrose Flower Show on September 13.
CHURCH: Neave Abbi Boland was christened and received a baptismal candle, lit from the church's Easter candle, in Melrose on Sunday morning. Activities – Christian Aid Week, collectors asked to uplift bags from Joyce in the office; coffee morning on Saturday in the Corn Exchange – contributions welcome; Sunday's services are at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (10am, family service; 11am, morning worship); May 24, MAOS spring concert, Corn Exchange (tickets from J. Holmes Wilson); May 25, African Children's Choir 6.30pm, Old & St Paul's, Galashiels; June 4, Age Concern North Berwick trip (E. Crawford 01896 822363); June 10 and 11 June, B&B required for Atalanta Youth Choir – tell Joyce.
TRIMONTIUM: The Trimontium Walk guide during last Thursday's sunshine certainly wore a broad-brimmed hat, but any resemblance to Indiana Jones, the cinematic archaeologist, was attributed by a national newspaper last weekend to James Curle, the centenary of whose excavation at Newstead in 1905-10 is being celebrated daily in the Roman Heritage Centre in Melrose Square. The newspaper's weekend magazine carried a four-page spread, by journalist Doug Jackson of Bridge of Allan, entitled Unearthing a legend, and was devoted to the work of Curle, as recorded in his own letters and his younger brother Alexander's journal. National Museums Scotland supplied illustrations of artefacts and The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland provided an aerial photograph showing the cropmarks over the roads, buildings and ditches.
Rotary: A Rotary club has been formed in Melrose, thanks to the efforts of Border Rotarians and local interested men and women. Anyone interested in being part of this new club should contact Kevin Donaghy, one of the founder members, on 01896 822924 or attend the next meeting at the George and Abbotsford Hotel (6.30-7.30pm) on Wednesday.

Morebattle

AGM: The community council annual meeting is on Tuesday in the village institute at 7pm. A secretary and treasurer are needed.
SOCIAL CLUB: Forever Strangers will entertain at Morebattle Social Club on Saturday in the Templehall Hotel. Doors open 8pm.
CHURCH: The harvest of lambs service is at Hownam Church next Sunday at 11.15am. Anyone requiring transport should contact Carol Butler (01573 420356) or Bill Thomson (01573 440245). Away-a-Day this year is to New Lanark on June 1. The day will be shared with Possilpark. The bus leaves Morebattle Kirk at 10am. Cost is £15 for adults, but children go free.
FISHING: The fishing coffee morning will be held in the institute on Saturday, May 31, at 10.30am. A fly-fishing competition will be held on Friday, May 23, from 6-9pm. The draw will be made the previous day in the Templehall Hotel at 9pm.

Newmill

WRI: Liz Howieson, president, welcomed visitors from other rurals and friends to the open night. The star turns for the night were welcomed along with their handlers, Trudy Davidson and Monica Kerr from the Selkirk and Dryburgh Abbey dogs training group. The visitor competition was won by Gladys Murray (pet photograph). Members – fruit loaf – 1, Trish Kirkpatrick; 2, Muriel Baptie; 3, Minnie Henderson; pet photograph – 1, Gill Francombe and Jan Weir; 2, Minnie Henderson; 3, Sheila Robson. The sales table raised £48 which will be donated to Zambia. The outing on June 10 is to Standhill, then to Ancrum to the Cross Keys. Members should contact Sheila (01450 850235) or Liz (01450 850238) to choose menu. Meet in Haugh, leaving 6pm.

Oxton

PLANT SALE: A plant sale and coffee morning will be held from 10am-noon on Saturday at the Memorial Hall to raise funds for the horticultural society flower show.
RETIRING: GP John Crombie-Smith is retiring at the end of May after more than 20 years' service to the local community. Anyone wishing to make a contribution towards a retirement collection can donate at the Lauder branch of Bank of Scotland or send a cheque to Bank of Scotland, 3 Mid Row, Lauder TD2 6TB, made out to Dr John's retirement fund. The fund will close next Friday.
minister: A joint service will be conducted in Lauder Parish Church by the Rev. Dr Bruce Gardner as sole nominee next Sunday at 11.30am. Immediately thereafter a vote, open to those on the electoral roll of Channelkirk and Lauder Church, will be taken via voting papers. Electors may vote for or against electing and appointing Dr Gardner as minister of the vacant charge.

St Boswells

TENNIS CLUB: Anyone who hasn't played tennis, or not for a long time or simply wants to brush up on their skills, is welcome to come along to St Boswells Tennis Club on Mondays at 9.15am. Professional coach Suzanne will be on hand to give guidance and tips. Further details from Lucy Tile on 01835 840389.

Stichill

WRI: President Elizabeth Topp welcomed members and visitors from Broomlands, Earlston, Greenlaw, Heiton, Morebattle and Yetholm to the May meeting. She then introduced Kate Fish, who spoke about her life in the theatre. As a professional singer, she had been in many West End musicals and had toured all over the country and abroad during her career. Competition winners – visitors – bottle stopper – 1, Barbara Greer (Earlston); 2, Brenda Wright (Heiton); 3, Isabel Wealleans (Greenlaw); members – Joseph coat design – 1, Erica Smith; 2, Lorna Watson; 3, Frances Rogers; bottle stopper – 1, Avril Purves; 2, Tanya Campbell; 3, Heather Corrie. Linda Riddle (Earlston) thanked Stichill members for supper. The next meeting will be a sponsored walk on June 3. Meet at 7pm.

Teviothead

WRI: Liz Howieson, president, welcomed visitors from other rurals and friends to the open night. The star turns for the night were welcomed along with their handlers, Trudy Davidson and Monica Kerr from the Selkirk and Dryburgh Abbey dogs training group. The visitor competition was won by Gladys Murray (pet photograph). Members – fruit loaf – 1, Trish Kirkpatrick; 2, Muriel Baptie; 3, Minnie Henderson; pet photograph – 1, Gill Francombe and Jan Weir; 2, Minnie Henderson; 3, Sheila Robson. The sales table raised £48 which will be donated to Zambia. The outing on June 10 is to Standhill, then to Ancrum to the Cross Keys. Members should contact Sheila (01450 850235) or Liz (10450 850238) to choose menu. Meet in Haugh, leaving 6pm.

Traquair

SERVICE: The next fortnightly service in Traquair Kirk is scheduled for 10am next Sunday.

Walkerburn

SERVICE: A service will be held in Walkerburn Church, starting at 10am on Sunday. The J Gang – for primary schoolchildren – meets in the church hall on Tuesdays, 6-7pm.

Yetholm

WAUCHOPE HALL: The annual meeting takes place in the hall tomorrow at 7pm.
AWAY-A-DAY: After the recent successful retreat day to Holy Island, Yetholm Kirk has another outing planned – a visit to New Lanark on June 1 when those from Yetholm, Morebattle, Hownam and Linton will meet up with visitors from their twinned church of Possilpark in Glasgow. The bus will leave Morebattle Kirk at 10am, returning about 7pm. The cost is £15 (children free) and those interested should leave their name at the Yetholm village shop.
WRI: The next meeting is on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall. It will be a guest night and the talk is on quilts and books.
BURNS GATHERING: Members of the Border Worthies Burns Club were asked to join the Coldstream Burns Club annual march to Coldstream Bridge last Sunday to celebrate the occasion when Robert Burns, on his Border tour, crossed the Tweed at Coldstream.
MAPS: OS maps of Yetholm and district have this week been made available at various venues in the village. The idea is for residents and visitors to highlight the features of the area that are of particular appeal. The idea is to compile a heritage map to hang in the Youth Hall. Completed maps should be returned to the venues. A meeting is scheduled for June 7, 10-11.30am. The project is sponsored by the Cheviot Hills Heritage Project and Community On The Edge.
CHRISTIAN AID: This is Christian Aid Week and, as usual, Yetholm is playing its part. House-to-house collections are under way and a lunch can be enjoyed today in the Wauchope Hall from noon to 2pm. Trish Gentry, of Primside, would like to hear from any locals who might be interested in taking part in a general knowledge quiz in the Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso, tomorrow to raise further funds for Christian Aid.
SALE: Yetholm Community Council is holding a car boot sale on the playing field on Sunday, setting up from 8.30am. It will be open to the public from 10am.
COFFEE MORNING: Saturday sees the Floral Gateway Gathering holding a plant exchange coffee morning in the Youth Hall from 10.30am.
C.O.T.E.: Community On The Edge returns to the village on Tuesday in the Wauchope Hall (10am-noon) for questions and comments.