Ancrum

OPEN AIR: There is no service on Sunday in Ancrum Kirk, but instead there will be a united open-air, all-age service at 11.30am at Lilliesleaf primary school (indoors if wet).
GUILD: Ancrum Guild meets on Monday at 7.30pm in the church meeting room when the speaker will be Ken Fotheringham.

Ashkirk

KEEP FIT: Keep fit classes will start on September 9 at 2pm in the village hall. It will be taken by Mike from Selkirk Fitness Centre.
DANCE CLASS: A new country dance class will begin on September 24 at 2pm in the village hall.

Bedrule

WHIST: There will be whist and dominoes in the hall on Monday at 7.30pm.

Crailing

OPEN AIR: There is no service on Sunday in Crailing Kirk, but instead there will be a united open-air, all-age service at 11.30am at Lilliesleaf primary school (indoors if wet).

Denholm

SHOW: Denholm Horticultural Society's annual show will be held in the village hall on September 6. The event will be opened by Kirsty Dunlop at 2.30pm. Tea, coffee and cakes will be served in the church hall from 3-4.30pm.
AGM: Denholm drama group will be holding its annual meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the church hall. In addition to the normal business meeting, the club will be discussing plans for the forthcoming drama year and would welcome anyone interested in becoming involved in club productions, either on stage or backstage. For further details, phone club chairman Paul Dorricott on 01835 862423.

Drygrange

GARDEN PARTY: The recent garden party at Grange Hall Care Home raised a grand total of £938.60 which will be used for outings and social events for the residents. Those who attended the event were treated to music by John Irving and Jimmy Gold, two of Harmony's musicians.

Earlston

FLOWER SHOW: Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual show in Earlston High School hall on Saturday. The hall will be open to the public from 2pm with the presentation of prizes by Jenny Kerr at 4.15pm. Entries are still open and show schedules are available from the Spar shop and Cavannagh Newsagent's, Earlston.

Eccles

CHOIR: Following its inaugural concert in March, the Eccles-based Andante Chamber Choir has announced an autumn season with church concerts in Duns, Coldstream and Spittal. Members resumed rehearsals at Eccles village hall this week in preparation for September 20 in Christ Church, Duns, with a programme which includes music by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, and a set of folk songs and part songs entitled Landscape with Birds. The 16-voice choir will perform in Coldstream in November and give a Christmas concert in Spittal. The choir currently has two vacancies and anyone interested can turn up at the village hall rehearsals on Tuesdays (7.30-9.30pm) or contact choir director John Stone on 01890 840366.
CHURCH: Sunday – 9.45am – morning worship.

Eckford

HELP FOR HEROES: A coffee morning held on August 16 in Eckford village hall raised £350 for the armed services charity, Help For Heroes. It was organised, as part of their Working With Others project, by Geraldine, Shannon and Faria, who are fifth-year students at Kelso High.

Edgerston

Kids Crafts: Prior to the Edgerston show, children can meet in the village hall on September 6 at 2pm for a craft afternoon to prepare items for the show. Edgerston Agricultural Show will be held at the village hall on September 13. All entries to be in by 11.30am on show day. The show opens to the public at 2pm. Further information and a show schedule can be obtained from Ned Greenwood on 01835 840252.

Ettrick

RAFT RACE: This year's Macmillan-sponsored raft race will take place on September 21. Anyone wishing to enter a raft should contact Marjory Tennant on (01750 52220) or Wendy Whitehead (01750 62205) for an entry form.

Ettrickbridge

HALL COMMITTEE: At the hall committee meeting on Monday, members heard about the draft syllabus of winter meetings from Kay Ross. The meeting also discussed the results of the recent village questionnaire, was told by treasurer Alan Ross about the final settlement of the bill for the hall upgrading, before members discussed the programme of forthcoming social events and also the increased cost of heating the hall.
COFFEE AFTERNOON: There will be a coffee afternoon and table-top sale in the hall on September 20 from 2-4pm in aid of hall funds. Tables are on sale in advance from Alison (01750 52263).
AGM: Kirkhope Carpet Bowling Club is holding its annual meeting in Kirkhope village hall on Tuesday at 7pm.

Galashiels

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning and car boot sale in aid of Our Lady and St Andrew's Church roof fund will be held from 10am on Saturday in the church car park.
MEETING: A meeting was held in the Salmon Inn of carers and relatives of Parkinson's Disease sufferers when more than 20 attended. Views and information were exchanged. It was agreed to hold a further meeting at the same venue on September 22 at 2pm.

Hawick

Bridge Club: Results from August 18 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone & R. Francombe; 2, P. Gilligan & M. Millar; 3, M. Bowie & K. Cowie; E/W – 1, C. Taylor & L. Trimby; 2, S. White & J. Urquhart; 3 (equal), M. & H. Ouldcott, M. Tuson & R. Witherington.
Rotary Club: Michael Patterson was guest speaker at last week's meeting of the club in the Buccleuch Hotel. He spoke about his job with Borders Care and Repair – a service provided by Eildon Enterprise Ltd in partnership with Scottish Borders Council. This service caters for homeowners and private tenants who are over 60 years of age, and disabled owners or private tenants of any age. The aims of the service are to make homes more comfortable, safer and secure. Staff carry out jobs or advise on home upgrading and grant funding. An occupational therapist was also provided. In many cases the labour for tasks was supplied free, but materials used were paid for by the client. Past president George Rennie said that the young people he had taken to Torwoodlee Golf Club in Galashiels to take part in the Rotary Junior Golf Competition had acquitted themselves well.

Innerleithen

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Innerleithen, Traquair and Glen Community Council will hold its monthly meeting on Monday in the council chamber, Leithen Road, at 7.15pm. The first item on the agenda will be the open forum where residents are invited to raise local issues.
COLLECTIONS: Members of Innerleithen Civic Association and volunteers will carry out door-to-door collections in Innerleithen from September 22-27 for the 2008 Christmas Lights Fund.
CIVIC ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of Innerleithen Civic Association will be held in the council chamber at 7.30pm on September 17. Committee members are requested to attend.
CENTENARY REVUE: Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society will present a Centenary Revue, celebrating 100 years of 'The Opera' from September 11-13 in the Memorial Hall. From Gilbert and Sullivan to Oklahoma, from the Dessert Song to the Lullaby of Broadway, the company will perform classics and show-stoppers from dozens of their past productions. Supporting the adults will be the society's youth section. Tickets can be booked at the Tweeddale Thrift Shop in Innerleithen, Robb's Keystore in Peebles and by phone on 0845 224 1908.
REGISTRATION DAY: Leithen Vale Sports Club's registration day will be held on Saturday from 10-11.30am at Victoria Park. Any school-aged children from Innerleithen and the surrounding area who wish to play football will be welcome to come along and join the club. There will be an opportunity to try out skills. The club runs weekly training sessions and participates in the Scottish Borders Junior FA league. Parents or guardians should also attend to complete the registration form. Any queries to Paula Edmiston on 01896 831983. The club's annual coffee morning will be held on September 6 from 10am-noon at the Vale Club. All proceeds will be used to purchase kit and equipment to encourage children's participation in sport. Donations of cake and candy, raffle prizes or bottles will be gratefully received – bring these along on the morning or contact Paula Edmiston on 01896 831983 for further details.
CHURCH: The morning service on Sunday starts at 10.30am. There will be an informal communion service in Innerleithen Church hall committee room between 9.30-10am on Thursday, September 4.

Jedburgh

YOGA: Howdenburn school hosts yoga classes on Wednesday evenings within school terms – easier class, 6-7pm; general class, 7.15-8.45pm. More information from Anne Macnaughton on 01835 822557.
COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning held by Jedburgh and District Riding Club raised the sum of £562 towards new jumps. Square draws of £50 were won by Alex Dawson and Vivienne Martin. The birthday doll draw will be made at club gymkhana on October 5.
Memorial Pool: Block bookings for swimming lessons are being taken. Leigh's adult and child groups started on Monday, but places are still available. The Water Walkerz are in the pool on Saturdays (10.30-11.30am) and Sundays (11.30am-12.30pm). Aquacise classes continue on Mondays and Wednesdays (7pm-7.45pm), with a ladies-only swim on Thursdays (8-9pm) and adults only runs from 8-9pm on Wednesdays. The gym provides a fitness class each Tuesday with Leigh (7-8pm), with fun sessions for youngsters running 6.30-8pm on Fridays. Information on the above can be obtained from any member of staff or by calling 01835 863430.
Jedforest Swimming Club: The new training session began on Tuesday (6-7pm and 7-8pm). New members are welcome and should attend the 6pm session to start with. Further information available from Jonathan on 01835 863430.

Kelso

Rotary Club: Last Thursday's speaker was Steven Renwick who gave a talk entitled 'The Waverley Line – past, present and future'. Far from being a trip down memory lane, the emphasis was on the current status and future of the project. The original line ran from Carlisle to Edinburgh – opening in July 1861 and closing on January 6, 1969. The new line will run from Tweedbank to join the existing Edinburgh Crossrail line south of Newcraighall. The Waverley will be the largest new UK rail project since the Channel Tunnel. There are more than 100 bridges and structures on the route to be repaired or refurbished. Tonight's meeting will be held at 6pm in Ednam House Hotel when the speaker's talk will be entitled 'Talking Books'.
CANCELLED: The Buccleuch Hunt-sponsored charity ride in aid of Border Kidney Patients Trust, which was scheduled for Sunday at Bowmont Forest, has been cancelled due to weather and ground conditions.
YOGA: Abbey Row Community Centre hosts yoga classes on Tuesday evenings, within school terms – easier class, 6-7pm; general class, 7.15-8.45pm. For more details, phone Anne Macnaughton on 01835 822557.
KELSO CHURCHES: There will be a concert by the Virginia Voices tomorrow at Kelso North at 7.30pm. Kelso Country Churches will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Makerstoun Church on its present site on Sunday. There will be no services in any church in the parish except Makerstoun, where arrangments are – 11am, service of thanksgiving; 12.30pm, luncheon in Makerstoun village hall for those who have pre-booked; 3pm, afternoon tea; 5pm, songs of praise, both in the church. Kelso Old Parish Church hosts Yetholm Sinfonia's concert on Saturday at 7.30pm. On Wednesday, the presbytery of Jedburgh will hold its communion service in Sprouston Church at 6.30pm and this will be followed by a presbytery meeting in the Coronation Hall. Kelso Old's flower festival starts on Thursday, September 4 (2-5pm and 6-8pm) and will run through to the following Sunday, to coincide with the St James' Fair.

Langholm

Musical: In conjunction with the music and arts festival, the upbeat, quirky musical, Little Shop of Horrors, attracted appreciative audiences to the Buccleuch Centre last weekend. Judith Johnston was director of the mainly young and local cast.

Lauder

AGM: Lauderdale Development Trust's annual meeting will be held at 3pm on Sunday in The Smiddy at the Leader Leisure Centre.
New Age Kurling: The public has an opportunity to try this new sport from 3.30pm in the leisure centre sports hall on Sunday.
Minister: The induction service for the Rev. Bruce Gardner of Channelkirk and Lauder will be held in Lauder Church at 7pm today, followed by a social gathering in the Public Hall.
Church: Sunday's service will be conducted by the Rev. Bruce Gardner.
YOUTH WORKER: A meeting to consider a proposal for the appointment of a community youth worker will be held in the Town Hall on Thursday, September 4, at 7.30pm.
Community Council: The September meeting of Lauderdale Community Council will be held in the Town Hall on September 8 from 7.30pm.

Lilliesleaf

OPEN AIR: There is no service on Sunday in Lilliesleaf Kirk, but instead there will be a united open-air, all-age service at 11.30am at Lilliesleaf primary school (indoors if wet).

Melrose

PARISH CHURCH: Aimee Olivia Carolyn Mitchell was christened on Sunday. Activities – church office open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings (01896 823339; melroseparishchurch@tiscali.co.uk); Sunday's services, Bowden 9.30am, Weirhill 11am.

Morebattle

COFFEE MORNING: There will be a coffee morning in the village hall on Saturday from 10.30am for Diabetes Scotland.
FUND-RAISER: Linton, Hownam, Morebattle and Yetholm churches raised more than £600 at their annual coffee morning in the Wauchope Hall, Yetholm.

Newcastleton

WRI: Members sent birthday wishes to Jessie Baird, who is believed to be the oldest surviving member. Founder member Jessie now lives in Livingston with her daughter, and celebrated her 100th birthday on August 14. She was thanked for helping to get the local rural started 81 years ago. The first meeting after the summer break will be in the village hall on September 25. This will be an invitation evening with other institutes attending.

Newtown

GARDEN COMPETITION: This year's Newtown and Eildon Garden Competition results were announced at the Newtown and Eildon Flower Show on Sunday – Newtown – 1, J. Walker, Newtown Mill House; 2, J. Scott, 5 Whitefield Drive; 3, B. Smith, 44 Glenburn Avenue; Eildon – Hewat Cup – J. Johnstone, Hilldene.

Oxton

FLOWER SHOW: The annual flower show will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 13. Schedules are available in the shop or from committee members. Entries will be taken on the morning of the show (8-10am).
Minister: The induction service for the Rev. Bruce Gardner of Channelkirk and Lauder will be held in Lauder Church at 7pm today, followed by a social gathering in the Public Hall.

Selkirk

PLANS: There will be a chance for the public to view the plans for the improvement project at the Courthouse (Fleshmarket) Steps today. Landscape architect Siobhan McDermitt will be in the Courthouse itself from 3-6pm to discuss the project – which includes a new seating area, better lighting, new surfacing and improved access links – with members of the public.

Stichill

WRI: The first meeting of the new session will be held on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the village hall when Sian Sharp will talk about preparing her cattle for agricultural shows. Competitions – jar of lemon curd and unusual shaped vegetable.

Stow

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: Homebaking, handicrafts and floral art classes are also in the Gala Water Horticultural Society schedules as well as the usual vegetable and flower sections. More information is available on 07749 925088.

Traquair

KIRK WORK: Work is progressing well at Traquair Kirk and services there resume on September 28 with communion. Work parties are to be set up to get the church ready for this service.

Walkerburn

KIRK SESSION: The kirk session meets at Walkerburn Church at 7pm on Monday.
PRAYER DAY: A day of prayer and garden meditation is being hosted by Heather Martin at Elibank West Lodge between 9am-10pm on Saturday. This is an opportunity for a personal time of reflection and short periods of formal prayer will be held throughout the day. Further details from Heather on 01896 870579.

Yetholm

SHEPHERDS' SHOW: The schedules for this year's Yetholm Border Shepherds' Show are available from the usual village outlets. This will be the 145th show and will be held on October 4. Apart from sheep and collies, there will be an exhibition of vintage machinery, the champion of champions crook, sports and a host of other attractions. Entries for all sections close on September 12 and should be submitted to the secretary, Mrs S. Little, Shepherd's Cottage, Upper Chatto, Hownam, Kelso TD5 8AN (telephone 01573 440235).
FLORAL GATEWAY GATHERING: There will be a working party on Saturday, meeting outside the village shop at 9.30am. On Saturday, September 13, there will be a plant exchange, together with stalls selling bric-a-brac, books and home baking. More information is available from committee members or by phoning 01573 420703.
KIRK SALE: The August coffee morning and sale run by Yetholm, Morebattle, Hownam and Linton Kirk held last Saturday in the Wauchope Hall raised £746.43.
YETHOLM DRY BAR: For many months, Community On The Edge has been planning a dry bar for village youngsters and there will be an opening on Thursday, September 4. The place is the Youth Hall and the time 7-9pm. All youngsters aged 10 to 18 are welcome.
BOWMONT THEATRE: The village drama group is planning its next production. A meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 9, in The Plough Hotel. Anyone interested, whether old stagers or new members, will be welcome.
POST OFFICE: There is jubilation in the village this week as the post office appears to have survived the current round of proposed closures. An official notice has been displayed indicating that the office is to remain open. There is, however, a consultation period until September 29 before everything is finalised.
YETHOLM BUSINESS FORUM: A meeting will be held in the Border Hotel on Tuesday at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Jack Clark, managing director of auctioneers John Swan of St Boswells and Wooler. He is also chairman of Newtown Business Forum. More information can be had by phoning 01573 420703.
TATTOO VISIT: Moyra McDonald, Netta Harvey and Janice Harvey visited the Edinburgh Tattoo – and to their amazement there was a special welcome to "the ladies from Yetholm" broadcast over the public address system. The man who organised the greeting was Daniel Withall, from Yetholm, who works in the tattoo's finance department.