Broomlands

WRI: Members met up for a festive party at last month's meeting, with food supplied by everyone. Competition – Christmas cracker – 1, Margaret Jack; 2, Mamie Walker; 3, Elizabeth Bruce. The crime prevention talk scheduled for the Janaury gathering was cancelled, so members enjoyed a beetle drive which was won by Moyra Coull. Competition – hand-crafted mobile phone case – 1, Moira Nicholson; 2, Elizabeth Bruce. Next meeting is on February 15 and will feature an introduction to glass painting. If any member has a fine, pointed paintbrush and is participating, please bring it along. There will be a charge of £1 to cover costs of materials.

Caddonfoot

CHURCH: The next service is on Sunday at 9.45am, followed by the church's first songs of praise at 6.30pm. It is hoped members from Trinity Church in Galashiels will attend.

Cappercleuch

AGM: Cappercleuch Hall's annual meeting will be held next Thursday, February 4, in the hall at 8pm. All members of the local community are welcome to attend – especially those willing to join the committee.

Earlston

PARISH CHURCH: The proposed electoral register of the congregation will be available for inspection in the church vestibule after each service (all ages, 9.45am; traditional, 11am) on Sunday and in the church hall lounge between 2.30-4.30pm on Wednesday. The meeting of the congregational board in the same venue later that day (Wednesday, 7pm) will inspect the financial accounts for 2009, followed 30 minutes' later by a kirk session meeting with members of the presbytery advisory committee concerning the vacancy.
WRI: Members enjoyed slides of Jersey and local views. Competitions – sewn pin cushion – 1, H. Smith; 2, M. Millar. Holiday snap – 1, A. Thomson; 2, A. Falconer. The next meeting will be on February 18 and members are reminded to bring a small antique to be valued.
WEDNESDAY CLUB: Members began the new session last week with an afternoon of quizzing. Competition – small glass ornament – winners were Mrs Penman, Mrs Forsyth and Mrs Ainslie. The next gathering is on Wednesday and the competition will be for a snow scene picture.

Eckford

WRI: Members enjoyed an evening of foot pampering with Judy Gibbs of the Body Shop, and were able to try out a variety of scented and soothing products. A percentage of purchases went to WRI funds. Competition – sock puppet – 1, Alma Elliot; 2, Gail Chalmers; 3, Dot Elliot. The fanciest shoe was brought by Jean Kinghorn, with Gail Chalmers and Margaret Linton runners-up.

Edgerston

Burns Supper: The bus for Saturday's Burns supper (7 for 7.30pm) leaves Jedburgh bus station at 6.30pm. Contact Linda (01835 862914) for more information.

Ettrickbridge

MEETING: The next Winter Interest meeting takes place in the village hall tonight at 7.30pm when Catherine Hamilton and Paul Gibson, members of Caddonfoot Beekeepers' Association, will give a talk on beekeeping as a hobby.
KEEPING FIT: A senior keep-fit class, run by Active Borders, will begin at 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Galashiels

Camera Club: Members hosted Earlston Camera Club for their annual slide battle. Judge was Dick Warren from Morebattle Camera Club. Gala won by 343 points to 272, helped by two perfect 20 scores for images from Geoff Harrison. Supper rounded off the evening. The club is looking forward to a presentation by Hazel Mason and James Frost on their visit to Yellowstone. It is also the hand-in night for Action, the next club competition.

Hawick

Film and Video Group: Members enjoyed an old recording of the White Heather Club television programme, featuring the late Andy Stewart and Duncan McRae in a nostalgic lookback to the 1960s for the group's Scottish night entertainment in respect of Robert Burns celebrations. The evening concluded with a supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, prepared by members. Scott Renwick will present a programme at the next meeting on Tuesday.
Camera Club: The annual digital sequence competition took place last Thursday with Scott Renwick of the Hawick Film and Video Group judging entries. The winning entry was Winter Wonderland, by Gordon Gilfether. In the print sequence section, John Peters won with Cessford Sunrise. The meeting next Thursday, February 4, will include a programme about Tibet with Curtis Welsh and Jane Pugh-Cook.
Bridge Club: January 18 – 1, M. Tuson and R. Witherington; 2, K. Auckland and E. Aitken; 3, R. Goldie and M. McLeod; 4, S. White and J. Urquhart. January 20 – 1, M. and H. Dooley; 2, M. Tuson and J. Urquhart; 3, R. Witherington and K. Auckland.
Rotary Club: The Burns night was held in the Buccleuch Hotel last Thursday, organised by Rotarian Derek Lunn. The haggis was piped in by Howard Walker and the Address to the Haggis delivered by Billy Stark from Selkirk. The Immortal Memory was given by Ian Landles, while the toast to The Lassies was in the hands of Dougie Leithead, making his first appearance at the club. The reply to this toast was made by Hawick provost Zandra Elliot. Entertainers were Debbie Lyons, Iain (Scocha) Scott, David Finnie, (singers and guitars) and Billy Stark (recitations). Rosalind Walker was pianist. Nancy Smith, wife of ex-president Iain Smith, is organising the next social night for ladies which will be held on February 18 in the Buccleuch Hotel. The money-raising appeal organised by Rotary Clubs in the Borders for the purchase of two kidney dialysis machines for Borders General Hospital goes on and is now halfway towards the target of £30,000.

Innerleithen

CHURCH: The congregational board meets in the church hall at 7.30pm tomorrow when the 2010 budget will be examined. All trustees are welcome to attend this meeting. Sunday's service at Innerleithen Church starts at 11.30am, with the Guild Scots Night in the hall at 7pm on Monday. Three events take place next Thursday, February 4 – 9.30am, informal communion in the committee room; 10-11.30am, tea and chat; 7pm, prayer meeting in the committee room.
CEILIDH: The Rotary Club/Christian Aid ceilidh takes place in the Memorial Hall at 7pm on February 6. Tickets are available from Paul Faris, Denis Robson or Bob Scott.

Jedburgh

HANDBA': The Candlemass Ba' will be traditionally thrown up by Jedburgh Grammar School head boy Andrew Nagle from the Mercat Cross on Tuesday at noon. Both the Candlemass and Fastern'een Ba's will be played on February 18. The Laddies' and Men's Ba's will be thrown up at noon and 2pm respectively. Anyone wishing to donate a handba' for play should contact Len Wyse (01835 865125) or Billy Gillies (01835 863633).
Bridge Club: January 18 – 1, R. Oates and S. West; 2 (equal), A. and R. Stewart, D. and P. Palmer; 4 (equal), M. and H. Ouldcott, I. Whillans and B. Miller; 6, B. and I. Middleton.
ProbUS: Tom Tokely spoke about The Yetholm Gypsies, accompanied by some old slides.
ROTARY: President Eddie Muir welcomed Jedburgh's Robert Reid, of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, who spoke at last week's meeting. Robert, who was badly injured after a device exploded when clearing a path for vehicles in Iraq, gave a graphic account of his life in the forces, from his initial training at Penicuik to further training in Canada and Kenya. He also was deployed in Northern Ireland before going to Kuwait and Camp Delta in Iraq. Steve McLachlan recalled his army memories in the vote of thanks.
OLD AND TRINITY CHURCH: An appeal is running for Haiti disaster victims. Donations appreciated.

Kelso

BRIDGE CLUB: January 13 – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, Sheila Urquhart and Sheena McPherson; 3, Helenor Pratt and Joyce Thomson. E/W – 1, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas; 2, Archie Stewart and Billy Potts; 3, Brian Saywood and Ken Ross. January 14 – N/S – 1 (equal), Rena and Archie Stewart, Jean Henry and Pat Sloan; 3, Pauline Smart and Helenor Pratt. E/W – 1, Lee Leeson and Ken Ross; 2, Peter Jackson and John Hayton; 3, Janet Kyle and John Urquhart. January 20 – N/S – 1, David and Pam Palmer; 2, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 3, Jack Moffat and Ian Watson. E/W – 1, John Hayton and Lee Leeson; 2, Honor Brown and Margery Lawley; 3, Peggie Cassie and Nancy Robeson. January 21 – N/S – 1, Val Fairbairn and Murray Thom; 2, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 3, Moira Ayton and Shirley Armstrong. E/W – 1, Avril Ronald and Donald Swanson; 2, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 3, Miles Browne and Ernie Hopkins.
THURSDAY GROUP: Ashley Baird described ways in which the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Fund could help the families of those working on the land – foresters, fish farmers and farm workers. Today, Margaret Jeary will talk about the life of George Taylor in From Kelso to Kalamazoo, 2pm, Abbey Row Centre.
CHURCHES TOGETHER: This is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Kelso and there are two remaining lunchtime services to be held (today and tomorrow at 12.45pm) in the Friends Meeting House, followed by soup and rolls. On Sunday there is a joint service of celebration in the Tait Hall at 10.30am.

Langholm

Probus: Club president Stan Smart welcomed 20 members to the meeting in the Eskdale Hotel last Wednesday. Bruce Wallace, president of Canonbie Probus Club, attended. Guest speaker was David Harper, from Greenpark Energy Ltd which is involved in the exploration of natural gas from unworked coal seams.
Guild: The Burns supper was held in the community centre. The company sang two verses of the 121st psalm and president Elaine Anderson read the Burns paraphrase of the first psalm. The Reverend Scott McCarthy said the Selkirk Grace and then the haggis was carried aloft by Jean Erskine, led by piper Jackie Fletcher. The Address to the Haggis was in the hands of Alex Pool who also recited Tam O' Shanter. Chief guest was former E&L editor Betty Little who delivered the Immortal Memory. There were recitations and songs from Nicky Henderson and his mother, Jackie.

Lauder

SALE: A table-top sale will be held in Lauder Public Hall from 10am-2pm on Saturday. Call 01578 718848 to book a table.

Lindean

WRI: This month's meeting was cancelled due to the weather. February's gathering – next Thursday, February 4 – will feature a talk and demonstration on reiki. Competition – a souvenir teaspoon.

Melrose

RSPB: It was all points north when award-winning Dumfriesshire bird photographer Edmund Fellowes was guest speaker at a joint meeting with the Borders branch of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club at the George and Abbotsford. His topic, Some Northern Birds, transported his audience to Norway, to the far north just inside the Arctic Circle, at the end of winter. Using his campervan as a base and with portable hides, he was able to produce shots of the birdlife which has adapted to the extreme climatic conditions. The focus next turned to a black grouse lek in snowy Perthshire and their antics in striving for supremacy over each other. The next meeting features Ron McCombe whose subject is My Wildlife Year. For further information, phone John Marshall on 01896 850564.
BRIDGE: Ormiston Bridge Club – N/S – 1, A. Merry and D. Usher; 2, C. Sutherland and J. Buglass; 3, L. Leeson and E. Renton; 4, J. Dun and J. Russell. E/W – 1, D. and M. Swanson; 2, H. and M. Dooley; 3, J. Bunyan and V. Fairbairn; 4, J. Muir and M. Thom.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: Amnesty International's Borders group meets in the Ormiston Rooms at 7.30pm tonight when Jessica Wade will talk about the organisation's latest campaign, Demand Dignity.
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION: Isabel Gordon from Kelso spoke on Bruce's Legacy at the latest meeting. She covered 700 years of Scottish history from William the Conqueror to the Act of Union, including the part played by the Stuart/Douglas rivalry. Next meeting is on February 16 when Rachel Hosker from the Hawick Hub will speak on Tracking Down Sources for Melrose History.
CHURCH: Activities – Saturday – Bowden quiz night for church funds, phone 01835 823591 to book a table for four. Sunday – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am). February 4 – UNICEF group, education centre, BGH, 7pm. International development with Michael Moore MP in the chair. Contact Joyce on 01896 823339 for tickets, February 5 – BGH Friends Burns supper/ceilidh, Volunteer Hall. Phone 01896 755066.
TRIMONTIUM: The Eagle of the Ninth, based on Rosemary Sutcliff's historical novel and inspired by the story of the 'lost' Ninth Legion, is tipped to be one of the summer's biggest box-office hits at the cinema. It has a double significance for the Borders. The story has the hero and his boy assistant stay overnight at Trimontium. The other link is with the local family whose son is location director for the film.
BILL McLAREN: The late BBC rugby commentator is still the voice on the Trimontium audioguide, taking people round the museum. After a great deal of persuading, he came to the James McLean Trust Celebration of Sport some years ago to receive the top of the bill presentation as Ambassador of Sport. He made a typically-modest speech of thanks – and as he finished, without prompting, the entire audience rose to their feet for a prolonged and unforgettable standing ovation.

Midlem

WRI: Members meet on February 9 when John Rodgerson will give a slideshow on Around the Borders. Competitions will be photograph of a winter scene and three drop scones.

Morebattle

School: The findings of a follow-on inspection report at the village primary school have been released. Two months ago, an inspector spent a day at the school to follow up on the action plan set out as a result of an inspection more than two years ago. Her findings were positive, praising the ethos for learning among staff and pupils, as well as an enthusiastic, happy and well-behaved school. All areas previously indentified had seen improvement and there was visible evidence of varied, up-to-date learning, with various new approaches to teaching, a good focus on the curriculum and on children's learning needs. "The results are particularly welcoming because children and staff have all worked extremely hard over the past few years, first under the headship of Sandra Davidson and more recently under Linda McCall, to improve further on the school's success" said Clare de Bolle, chairperson of the Morebattle School Parent Council. "The follow-through inspection has supported staff in making sure they are addressing the needs of pupils and keeping pace with developments in education."
Coffee Morning: The charity coffee morning to be held in the institute on January 30 will be in aid of the British Heart Foundation and polio victims.
GUILD: Members will meet in the institute next Thursday, February 4, when Anna Rodwell will talk on the guild theme, Called to act Justly.
Burns Supper: A joint churches Burns supper will be held in Linton village hall next Friday, February 5, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the committee.

Newtown

SCOTS NIGHT: Tickets for the Scots Night to be held in the community centre on February 6 are available from Sandy Bell (01835 823011). Bring your own bottle.

Oxnam

WRI: Retired head teacher Ian Brown, from Galashiels, will talk about his experiences during a visit to Siberia at a meeting in the village hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday. Any potential new members are welcome to attend. In December members enjoyed a meal at The Carters Rest. The meeting scheduled for January had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Oxton

WRI: Local minister Bruce Gardner's talk was entitled His Story. Members heard many of the ups and downs in his life, and from being an English teacher to how he was called to the ministry. Competition – individual fruit tart – 1, Denise Barclay; 2, J. Pinkerton. Next meeting – February 17.

Selkirk

COFFEE MORNING: Knowepark primary school PTA will be holding its annual coffee morning on Saturday, 10am-noon, at the parish church.
MONDAY CLUB: Walter Bateman took members on a tour of Bowhill, telling the history of the Dukes of Buccleuch and their
families. Next meeting is on February 8 when Trudie Green will talk about cardmaking.

St Boswells

GUILD: The afternoon meeting, which had a Scottish theme, was led by Mrs A. Smith and Mrs M. Harper. Members were entertained by Mrs J. Sandilands on accordion and Mrs C. Hutchison, who recited Scots poems. The Salvation Army will be the subject of a talk at next Thursday's meeting (February 4) at 2.30pm.
Haiti Appeal: An event to raise money for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal will be held on Sunday. It will take the form of cream teas in the village hall from 2-5pm. There will also be a cake and candy stall and a raffle. This is a community event including Maxton, Mertoun and Newtown. Any offers of help should be directed to Ann Melrose (01835 882357).

Walkerburn

MUSIC: The monthly Music Morning takes place at the Old Railway Station tomorrow when the guest is Molly McIntosh.
WORSHIP: Morning worship takes place in the village hall at 10am on Sunday. The following day sees the drop-in coffee session in the rugby club – more information from Julia Stoddart on 01896 830410.
GUILD: Members meet in the village hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Yetholm

WRI: Members enjoyed a talk with slides by Janet Rae about the quilt museum and gallery in York. Competition – piece of embroidery – 1, Anne Kemp; 2, Sandra Clark; 3, Isabel Cockburn.
ROMANY RAMBLERS: Meet Saturday (9am) at Wauchope Hall for walk – Yetholm, Hayhope, Sunnyside, Steerig, Yetholm.
FESTIVAL WEEK: The committee which administers the annual village festival week met last Monday when community council chairman David Hutchinson presented a paper formulating new rules under which the committee will operate. These include a tighter financial control on its operation. After discussion the new rules were agreed. The committee will continue to meet monthly.
AIR AMBULANCE: Although operating over the border, there is regular fundraising in the village for The Great North Air Ambulance. The latest effort was a pub quiz in The Plough Hotel last Wednesday evening which realised £158.
WAUCHOPE HALL: One of the regular village lunches was held last week, raising £165 for the Wauchope Hall where the event was held. The next fundraiser for the hall will be the village pantomime, entitled The Yetholm Yeti, on February 19 and 20. Tickets will be on sale shortly.
CROSS-BORDER CLUB: The club meets today at 12.15pm in the Wauchope Hall. Following a light lunch there will be a talk entitled A Woman of the French Resistance by Barbara Mellor.
YETHOLM SINFONIA: The Yetholm orchestra is coming home for its next concert. Aptly named The Homecoming, the musicians will play in Yetholm Parish Kirk on February 13 at 7.30pm. Music to be featured includes works by Hebden, Handel, Haydn and Holst. Tickets are on sale at the village shop and the other usual concert outlets.