Asda cash for local Home Basics branches

Home Basics volunteers and staff were pleased to receive a cheque for £200 from Asda Galashiels.
Home Basics volunteers and staff were pleased to receive a cheque for £200 from Asda Galashiels.Home Basics volunteers and staff were pleased to receive a cheque for £200 from Asda Galashiels.
Home Basics volunteers and staff were pleased to receive a cheque for £200 from Asda Galashiels.

The money was awarded as part of the Community Life programme where people vote for their favourite charity with tokens and will be divided between Home Basics branches in Walkerburn and Hawick to fund the provision of services provided to those on low incomes and on benefits within the local area.

Home Basics, business manager, Dennis Fisher said: “We would like to thank all the staff and customers at Asda, Galashiels for supporting us. Home Basics is always looking for ways to engage with the local community and promote our services, whether that is as a donor of furniture or as a customer. As funding becomes harder to secure and running costs become ever greater, these boosts of cash are always welcome, and we remain committed to helping as many people in the local area as possible.”

DISTRICT NEWS

BOWDEN

Camera group

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Members meet on Monday, December 5, at 7.30pm in the village hall for a practical portrait session using various light sources – bring cameras and lenses. The second half of the evening will look at members’ images entitled ‘Water’. Visitors welcome. The next meeting will be held on January 9.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

The first Sunday of Advent was celebrated when the candle was lit to augment the festive season. There were birthday wishes for Alex Bird’s 21st. The service was conducted by minister Elspeth Harley, Hamish Tennant delivered the Bible reading, and music was played by Andy Bird and Anne Grieve. Bible study continues this week in the Trinity manse. Caddonfoot had its own tree at the Christmas Tree Festival in Trinity Church last weekend – it was created by Catherine Bird. Next Sunday is Christmas Gift Day when presents will be received by Borders Children’s Charity. On the same day, there will be a communion service at 3pm for those who find it difficult to get to church. Contact the minister or Mrs Grieve if you can help.

EARLSTON

Thursday lunch club

Last week members began with a quiz, with Mrs A. Thompson emerging the winner. After lunch, members were entertained by Mr J. Gold and his accordion. Thursday, December 8, is the Earlston High School Christmas tea party for senior citizens and the school minibus will be in the square to pick members up.

Wednesday club

The latest gathering was opened by hostess Mrs A. Penman. She welcomed Ms L. Milligan who gave members part three of her life and work as a nurse on a North Sea oil rig. Competition for a ring – 1, Mrs J. Wilson; 2, Mrs W. Moffat; 3, Mrs A. Thompson. Wednesday, December 7, sees the Christmas lunch in the Lauderdale Hotel. The bus leaves the square at noon. On Thursday, December 8, the high school tea party for senior citizens will be held and the school minibus will be in the square at 1.30pm take members to the school. The next meeting is on January 11 and the competition is for a novelty from a Christmas cracker.

Parish church

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The Sunday, December 4, service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Rev Julie Rennick. There will also be a Time to Remember service at 2.30pm on the same day for those who find this time of year difficult. Messy Church on Saturday, December 10, runs in the church hall from 10.30am-1pm.

Women’s group

Christmas Night starts at 8pm in the church hall this evening (Thursday).

ETTRICKBRIDGE

Coffee morning

The Christmas coffee morning in aid of hall funds will be held in the hall on Saturday, December 10, between 10am-1pm. There will be space for sales tables, but these must be booked by phoning Joyce on 01750 52288. Santa is expected around 11am and there will be a kids’ programme throughout the morning, as well as a hamper draw and tombola. Donations for the hamper can be handed into Louise at Jeansburn House (the one below the Cross Keys).

Carols

Monday, December 12, sees a carol singalong with Selkirk Silver Band in the hall from 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Linda (01750 52257).

GALASHIELS

Camera Club

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The club held a light-hearted ‘Photosnap’ evening last Wednesday when members were split into two teams. Images were judged on content by judge Anne Lilico and points awarded to whichever team successfully matched the other image. Alan Kennedy has taken over as club chairman and his contact details updated on www.galacameraclub.co.uk. Jim Paxton retains the roll of secretary. The club also welcomed yet another new member which brings membership up to a healthy 30. Next week sees a three-way inter-club competition between Gala, Hawick and Selkirk and hosted by Gala. It will be judged by Dr James Frost FRPS and Dr Hazel Mason FRPS. Members are reminded to bring along some nibbles to help cater for the event. The following week Fiona Cadger presents ‘A Journey with Photography’.

Committee meeting

The mill lade committee meets at 6pm today (Thursday) at Tesco. On the agenda is the transfer of funds (£1,037) to Gala Hydro and a mill lade operators’ reunion/information-sharing event, jointly with Gala Hydro. For more information, contact Alastair Lings (07763 850087 or [email protected]).

Probus

Charles Burnett was guest speaker last Thursday, with his subject being ‘The Honours of Scotland’. Charles was The Ross Herald of Arms Extraordinary which is a Scottish Herald in the Court of the Lord Lyon. He is a Scottish antiquarian and former officer of arms with a long and distinguished career as a curator in museums, including many years at Edinburgh Castle. He told members that the Scottish crown jewels are the oldest royal regalia in Britain and are kept on public display at Edinburgh Castle. They consist of the crown, sceptre and sword of state. The sceptre and the sword were both papal gifts to King James IV in 1494 and 1507, and the crown in its present form dates from 1540, but there are references to an earlier model from the early 1500s. They were first used together for coronations of the nine-month-old Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543, and last used in 1651 for Charles II. Following the Union of the Crowns in 1603, they had no symbolic role. They were locked in a chest for 111 years until 1818 when Sir Walter Scott led a group to find them. Following their discovery, they have been on public display ever since – apart from during the Second World War when they were hidden underground in case of German invasion. In 1953 they were presented to the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth. In 1999, at the first sitting of the reconvened Scottish Parliament and at each subsequent opening ceremony, the crown has been present alongside the Queen. The next meeting of the club is on Thursday, December 8, when Dougie Johnston will speak on ‘Discovering Scotland’.

Trinity Church

Trinity hosted the first Christmas tree festival for the Galashiels Fellowship of Churches. There were 26 trees from various churches, schools and organisations throughout the town. The church was open for visitors from 10am-4pm on Saturday and 1-4pm on Sunday. Tea and coffee was served in the hall on both days, and music was provided in the sanctuary. The festival concluded with Christmas carols on Sunday evening, with Dorothy Howden on piano and organ, members of the town band playing and the choir singing. Last Sunday morning’s service was led by minister Elspeth Harley. Dorothy Howden provided the music and Ken Lesihman read the Bible lessons. This coming service on Sunday is the gift service when presents will be received for less fortunate children in Galashiels. There will be a short communion service at Caddonfoot Church at 3pm that day. The Guild Christmas party is on Tuesday, December 6, at 1pm and anyone who wants to go, but didn’t put their name down, should get in touch with a committee member ASAP.

St Peter’s Church

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Thursday, December 1 – 10am, communion service. Saturday, December 3 – 9am, church grounds working party (bring a rake and help, drinks and buns for the workforce). Sunday, December 4 – 10.30am, family service and church AGM, followed by coffee and chat. Thursday, December 8 – 10am, communion service.

GLENDOUGLAS

Collection day

Collection day for artists in respect of the art exhibition is today (Thursday) – 1.30-2.30pm and 5-7pm.

AGM

The hall AGM is on Monday, December 5, at 7.30pm. The community is invited to come along and bring new ideas about what they would like to see in the building.

SWI

The Christmas meeting is on Wednesday, December 7, at 7.30pm – gentle exercise followed by a shared supper.

Dance class

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The old-time and ceildh dance class gathers on Thursday, December 8, at 8pm. Prior to that, there is a Reel Half Hour starting at 7.30pm. Beginners welcome.

HAWICK

Tree festival

The first Hawick Christmas tree festival opens in Trinity Church at 6.30pm tonight (Thursday). Filled with more than 40 trees, each decorated by a local group, business or charity, the church will remain open tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, from 10am-4pm and 6-8pm, and also on Sunday, from 1-4pm.

Bridge club

Hawick Bridge Club results for Tuesday, November 22: 1. George Graham and Bob Francombe, 2. Morag and Fraser Beaton, 3. Sam White and Richard von Slicher.

Rotary

On Friday evening, Jim Walker welcomed 65 Rotarians and friends of Rotary to his President’s Night Dinner in the Green Room at Mansfield Park to celebrate the 80th year of the Hawick club. Jim welcomed district governor Olive Geddes and her husband, former district governor Ian Geddes, as well as Rotarians from Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso, Langholm, Peebles and district governor Jo Pawley and her husband from Eyemouth. Special mention was made of honorary member John Robson and his daughter, Joyce Wilson, a Rotarian past president from the Workington club. Jim was presented with a certificate from RIBI to celebrate the club’s 80th anniversary. After a meal presented by Debbie Brown, the company was entertained by Kevin Wilson, one of the ‘Humble Scribes’. Vice-president Scott Elliot, home on shore leave from his cruising trips, gave a hearty and amusing vote of thanks.

JEDBURGH

Bridge club

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November 21 – N/S – 1, M. Ouldcott and R. Stewart; 2, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 3, J. Urquhart and J. J. Kyle; E/W – 1, T. Davidson and M. Allen; 2, P. Harris and M. Forsyth; 3, R. Oates and S. West.

KELSO

Thursday Group

On a frosty afternoon in Kelso, Margaret Jeary took members to the summer heat of Slovenia and Lake Bled with its pretty villages and scenery. Today, Stuart Fuller-Shapcott will talk about Border Search and Rescue at 2pm in the Abbey Row Centre. Next week’s speaker at the Christmas Tea will be Moira Walsh on Growing Old Disgracefully’. The ‘pot’ will be for Syrian refugees.

Broomlands SWI

Members enjoyed a ‘hands on’ evening making a Christmas Robin decoration. After everyone had finished they were judged and the winner was Anita Rhind, with Moira Nicholson second and Janet Grief third. The fun competition for a thimble was won by Hazel Woodsell, with Elizabeth Bruce second. The next meeting is the Christmas dinner on December 12 – please remember to bring a wrapped Secret Santa present. These will be judged for the competition before being handed out.

Quilters

Abbey Quilters’ last meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, December 13, at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Members must remember their wrapped fat quarter as well as their mug. For further information, contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.

AGM

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Kelso Angling Association AGM will be held in the British Legion on Wednesday, December 7, at 7.30pm.are welcome

Bridge Club

November 23 (Rose Bowl) – N/S – 1. Rena Stewart and Beth Stark, 2. Val Fairbairn and Jean Bunyan, 3. Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; E/W 1. Elinor Green and Caroline Sutherland, 2. Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson, 3. Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger. November 24 (No-Fears Duplicate) - N/S 1. Val Johnstone and Vanessa Wilson, 2. Michael Horwood and Alison Ireland, 3. Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman; E/W 1. Annie Mitchell and John Loudon, 2. Shirley Armstrong and Moira Ayton, 3. Andrew Wilson and Jon Bridger.

LANGHOLM

Probus Club

President George Whillans welcomed everyone to the meeting in the Eskdale Hotel last Wednesday and gave a reminder that the Christmas lunch was on December 14, at noon for 12.30pm, in the hotel. The president then introduced Councillor Archie Dryburgh, the Armed Forces Champion for Dumfries and Galloway Council. After introducing himself and his role as Champion, Archie gave a talk entitled ‘Why do the Veterans need help?’ There were various reasons such as those who have been in a conflict zone and now suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Archie said there are many people involved, such as D&G Council, 1st Base Agency (Food parcels), SWS RnR Scotland (Helping fighting Forces recover from injuries), SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), British Legion Scotland, NHS, Citizens Advice, Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland. The garden project at at Carnshallock House is one that aims to restore health, self-confidence and personal organisational skills, getting them properly housed and into a job. Ongoing support is required, often needing psychiatric care from a mental health nurse. He spoke of his other work in publicising the problem, by organising freedom marches and commemoration services, and raising public awareness to make it easier for those damaged in conflict to reintegrate into civilian society. A vote of thanks was given to the speaker by Jack Rae.

Rugby memories

A number of ex-players attended the clubrooms at Milntown for another monthly Memories get-together. On this occasion Christie Elliot showed his international jerseys, along with others he had got in exchange from players of other countries. Christie also had his large collection of sevens medals on display, along with a number of old photographs and newspaper cuttings. Christie had a long playing career for the Milntown club, and also played numerous times for the South of Scotland and turned out for the Barbarians. He was capped for Scotland 12 times between 1958 and 1965, which included playing against New Zealand. Among his sevens medals was the winners’ medal at Langholm in 1959.

Fund-raiser

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The Town Band boosted its funds by £308 last Saturday by selling home-made baking and holding a raffle in the Pop-up shop on the High Street.

LAUDER

Church

There will be a joint service at Channelkirk on Sunday, December 4, at 10am. No service will be held at Lauder. Anyone who requires transport for this service should contact Jim Archibald or Billy Anderson. A service for Advent will be held at 6.30pm on Sunday, December 4, at Lauder Church. The church will be open on Saturday, December 3, before and after the Lauder Christmas lights switch-on. Shoebox nativity scenes will be on display – all are welcome to make a nativity scene in a shoebox, using any materials, bring it along to the church for display. On Saturday, December 17, Lauder Public Hall will host free Christmas parties for all Lauderdale children, featuring games, a visit from Santa and party food, plus free refreshments for accompanying adults – babies to Primary 2, 10am-noon (adults must accompany all children); Primary 3-7, 2-4pm. Remembering with Love – Tuesday, December 13 at 7pm in Lauder church – service to remember those who will be missed this Christmas.

Guild

Members meet on Wednesday, December 7, in the church centre at 2.30pm. This will be an afternoon of carols and readings. The next monthly coffee morning is on Saturday, December 3, in the church centre (10-11.30am).

MELROSE

Border Flower Club

A change of demonstrator due to illness brought Mrs Anne Pamplin Stoddart from Conniston. Her title was a Touch of Glitter. She used a variety of containers ranging from a hanging basket to a garden trough and rectangle covered with wool and then her take on the Great British Bake Off. The last design was in a large martini glass. A good variety of flowers and greenery and a touch of glitter provided a very interesting demonstration. The next meeting is the Christmas meeting on Wednesday, December 7, in Corn Exchange Melrose at 7.30pm, when the guest will be Mrs Lilias Hoskins from Edinbugh whose demonstration is entitled ‘It’s Christmas Again’. Come and get some ideas for Christmas.

Parish church

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It was communion season and the beginning of the four Sundays of Advent, with the lighting of the first candle, at Bowden and Melrose, on the last Sunday of November. The lessons were read by Margaret Collin. Thursday, December 1 – 7.30pm, kirk session; foodbank ongoing (goods and donations welcome); Sunday, December 4 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (10am and 11am).

Trimontium

The trustees’ quarterly meeting was held last Thursday in the Ormiston. The business was devoted to discussion of the steps to be taken (if possible) to meet the requirements of funders for the museum extension project. Joining the talks were the museum mentor from Live Borders, Scottish Borders Council representatives on tourism and heritage, and an area manager from The Bridge on matters constitutional and personnel.

Eildon Singers

Eildon Singers’ Christmas concert will be held in Melrose Parish Church on Sunday, December 11, at 7.30pm. The programme includes Vivaldi’s short Credo, Mozart’s Laudate Dominum and, in addition to carols with audience participation, a selection of carols from Denmark to the USA, including a Christmas Eve Cantata by Niels Gade, who was a colleague of Mendelssohn at Leipzig.

MOREBATTLE

Guild

The annual dinner will be held in the Templehall hotel on Thursday, December 1 (7 for 7.30pm).

Coffee morning

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A coffee morning in aid of Clic Sargent will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 10.30am in the institute. Santa will also make an appearance.

Christmas lights

The Christmas lights will be switched on by Games Queen Lucy Thomson on Sunday, December 4, at 6.30pm in the institute grounds. Carols around the tree – music supplied by Wullie Elliot (accordion) – to be followed by refreshments in the institute. New lights for the village were purchased after an application for a Quality of Life Grant through Scottish Borders Council. The Christmas tree was donated by Simon Fraser, of Corbet Tower. There was a collection for Parkinson’s (Borders branch.

SWI

The Christmas dinner will be held in the Templehall Hotel at 7.15pm on Wednesday, December 14.

newcastleton

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in the village hall, held by Liddesdale Ladies Amenities Group (LLAGs) in aid of the Christmas lights, raised just over £500. There was a sales table and tombola, along with a raffle, and another big raffle for the Christmas hamper, which was won by Alice Forster, the LLAGs chairperson. A bouquet was presented to retiring member Betty Wilson, who had looked after the kitchen for many years.

Christmas lights

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The Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday, December 3, by Copshaw Common Riding Tub Dean Thompson, and there will be mince pies, shortbread, mulled wine and juice for everyone. Liddesdale Parish Church and Refresh Community Church will also be singing Carols.

NEWTOWN

Community council

Last Tuesday, Newtown and Eildon Community Council was told that Borders College students have replaced hanging baskets in the village with winter planting. The Newtown in Bloom group recently held another successful plant sale and coffee morning and Daryl du Bois thanked villagers for their continued support. Veronica Lenartowicz aided by Susan Law has applied for an £1,800 grant from Youth Scotland to meet set up costs for the Dog Friendly Newtown Kids Club. Roger French told the meeting about the Borders National Park presentation he attended in Jedburgh and encouraged village residents to go online to find out more and voice opinions about the proposed National Park. Newtonians can contact the Community Council by email at [email protected]. The next meeting of the Community Council is on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 7pm and all residents are very welcome to attend.

ST BOSWELLS

Am Drams

At the November meeting the subject was ‘Chords’, before readings were heard from modern and older writers including Lord Byron, Confucius, Sylvia Chidi, Priya Hemenway and Nora Loch, the word’s origin was explained and many other words based on it were listed. The 1858 poem ‘A Lost Chord’ written by a famous English poet (Adelaide Anne Proctor, who at the time was second only to Alfred Lord Tennyson) was used by Arthur Sullivan as the lyric for his 1877 song ‘The Lost Chord’ which he wrote at his brother Fred’s bedside just five days before Fred died. On a happier note, members heard how Jimmy Durante later was “the guy who found the lost chord.” Not many remembered the American 1950s doo-wop group ‘The Chords’ whose only hit was ‘Sh-Boom’ or the 1970s British pop group of the same name, and the meeting closed after reading a short comedy, fittingly about choristers. ‘Candles’ will be the topic for this year’s last meeting which will be held on Thursday, December 8, from 7.30-9.30pm in the village hall’s upper room. Again, being subsidised by the Drama Club, there will be no charge for refreshments so do come along whether or not you bring a prose/poetry reading.

SELKIRK

Camera Club

On Wednesday, November 16, club member and former president Ali Johnston presented a talk on how to make a triptych image using light room and Photoshop. On Wednesday, November 23, members discussed images for the forthcoming CARS exhibition. More images of the Royal Burgh are still required, so members are asked get out or look through the archives. Next week the club is taking part in a slide battle between Gala, Hawick and Selkirk, which will be held in Galashiels.

Festive fair

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Philiphaugh Christmas fair takes place on Saturday, December 3, from 10am-noon in Philiphaugh Community Centre. This is also an opportunity to have a say in the community centre consultation area. To book a trade table or for more information, contact Gillian on 01750 20684 or [email protected].

Ceilidh

Selkirk Scout Group is holding a fund-raising ceilidh on Saturday, December 31, with music by Derestreet. Tickets are available from Rodgersons Newsagents.

ST BOSWELLS

SWI

At their latest meeting, members enjoyed a Christmas holly wreath workshop, led by Fiona Cameron, assisted by her friend, Johann. Competitions – three shortbread biscuits – 1, Rose Cameron; 2, Sadie Ainslie; 3, Marilyn McCall; home-made Christmas decoration – 1, Elma Blacklock; 2, Susan Gray; 3, Marilyn McCall. The meeting concluded with the AGM. New members on the committee are Elaine Reid, Jean Blackwood and Briony Hawthorne. Wilma Burns is the new President, while Jean Blackwood will take over as competitions secretary, with Ann Hinton doing the Sunshine Box. The December gathering is the Christmas meal which will be held at Hunters Hall, Galashiels.

STOW

Christmas fair

Stow and Heriot Church is holding a Christmas fair in Stow Town Hall on Saturday, December 3 (10am-noon).

WESTRUTHER

Festive fair

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The village hall fund-raising Christmas fair will be held on Friday, December 2, at 7pm.

YETHOLM

Craft fair

A fair displaying the work of local crafters will be held in the Border Hotel today (Thursday), from 2-7pm.

Films

A film double bill in the Wauchope Hall on Saturday, December 3, features, at 2pm, ‘Finding Dory’ (doors open 1.30pm) and, at 7pm, ‘Eddie The Eagle’ (doors open 6.30pm).

Seeking a secretary

Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show organisers are looking for a secretary. Anyone interested should contact Ali Freeland-Cook on 01573 420404.

Bowls

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Yetholm bowling club held its triples competition on Saturday. The winners were Willie Ralston, Betty Huxtable and Allan Dorward, with Eddie Robertson, Richard Skene and Teressa Dorward runners-up.

Panto

Anyone interested in taking part in this year’s panto – either on or off stage – should attend a meeting on Tuesday, December 6, at 7pm in the Wauchope Hall to find out more.

Bingo

It’s bingo night in the Wauchope Hall on Thursday, December 8, at 7pm. Proceeds will go to festival week.

Jazz

Live jazz takes centre stage in a Wauchope Hall concert on Saturday, December 10, from 7.30pm. Tickets from the shop or Susan Stewart (01573 420231).

Festive fair

A Christmas fair will be held in the Youth Hall on Saturday, December 10, from 10.30am, with proceeds going to Yetholm Primary School and Yetholm and Morebattle Playgroup.

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