Retiring to the Borders was the best thing we did.
Nearly 30 years later things are getting even better – shrubs and trees have been planted, new seats placed and more choice of shopping. But empty shops in Channel Street, Galashiels, worry me. Why not open a farm market for local produce or an antiq
ue bookshop?
Why did our textile college become a university? There is more science than hands-on practical work. Fortunately, people like Heather Johnson and Eleanor Drummond look after our students well. The exhibition of this year's finalists showed imagination.
Good health centres and an excellent Borders General Hospital is reassuring for old citizens like myself.
The town is small enough to get around with an electric scooter, but the kerbs are too high and many roads have rough surfaces.
Only 30 per cent of local gardens grow vegetables. Thanks to Borders Organic Gardeners, advice is just a phone call away. It pays to grow herbs and vegetables in times of rising costs.
Last, but not least, praise for our welcoming churches. My granddaughter told me to visit St Peter's – that was 20 years ago and I'm still happy to go. Splendid Old Gala, light-filled St Ninian's, brave St John's and the large Catholic church all work together.
S. ALEXANDER
Galashiels
The full article contains 222 words and appears in Southern Reporter newspaper.
