Church's 150th anniversary

DISTRICT NEWS

BOWDEN

SWI

The March meeting took the form of a creative writing workshop led by Maggie Elliot. Competition: A knitted cushion – 1, Ann Stewart; 2, Kathleen Hughes; 3, Karen Fagan. Next month’s meeting is on Wednesday, April 12, when members hear about the ‘Life of Women in the 1850s’.

CADDONFOOT

Puppet theatre

At Caddonfoot Hall on Saturday, April 1, at 2.30pm, Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre members will weave their way through the audience as they look for clues about the past. Tickets for ‘The Dinosaur Detectives’ (suitable for ages 4+) are available from the Clovenfords Hotel or 07527 800301.

Parish church

The third Sunday in Lent was celebrated on Sunday when the service was conducted by the Rev Elspeth Harley. The Book of the Gospel of John was re-enacted in the form of the story told in dialogue by Mrs Harley, Christine Dorward and Atholl Innes. Music was played by Margaret Blyth. After the service, the stated annual meeting was held at which treasurer Andy Bird presented his annual report. Jen Elliot, Claire Macfarlane and Frances Pringle were again elected to the congregational board. Bible study continued this week at the home of Sharon Hume. The church is looking for a member to co-ordinate the Christian Aid collection in the village (Christian Aid Week starts on May 14) and helpers for Caddonfoot Youth (CY), as well as to assist in the kitchen at the Maundy Day service in Trinity Church. Gordon Hume is still collecting items such as kitchen utensils for Fresh Start, which helps people to furnish their homes.

EARLSTON

Coffee morning

Earlston Walk-it Group uses many paths around Earlston and members are holding a coffee morning on Saturday, March 25, at 10am in Hanover Close to raise funds for the Paths Group. The Paths Group has created and maintained paths over the last few years, but need funds to continue this service.

Parish church

Saturday, March 25, will see Easter Messy Church in the church hall from 10.30am-1pm. The Sunday, March 26, service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Rev Julie Rennick and include the annual stated meeting. There been a change of date for the spring coffee morning. The date given in the church magazine was Saturday, April 8 – but this has now changed and the event will be held on Saturday, April 1, in the church hall from 10am to noon. There will be a decorated boiled egg competition for children and adults. During Lent, on Wednesday mornings there will be short services of relection and communion at 7am.

SWI

Last Thursday members enjoyed a talk entitled ‘The History of Tea’ by Isobel Gordon from Kelso. Competition results were: Three cheese scones – 1, Emily Robson; 2, Isy Gillie; Prettiest tea cup and saucer – 1, Isa Keddie; 2, Julie Renwick. Members will be joined by counterparts of other Berwickshire rurals to celebrate Earlston’s 80th birthday on Thursday, April 20, at 7.30pm in the bowling club. Entertainment is by the Jockuleles and the completions are a small bird ornament and three pieces of traybake.

ECKFORD

SWI

The meeting featured a demonstration of scone-making techniques from member Margaret Linton – and all sampled the scones (cheese, fruit and pear and ginger). Competitions: Lemon drizzle cake – 1, Myra Hope; 2, Joyce Eaves; 3, Annette Fraser; Prettiest bracelets – 1, Margaret Jeary; 2, Joyce Eaves; 3, Annette Fraser.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

Interest talk

On Thursday, March 30, in Kirkhope parish hall at 7.30pm, Carolyn O’Docherty, from the Borders Carers Centre, will talk about her organisation.

GALASHIELS

Camera club

Last Wednesday night saw the results and display of prints and digital images for the final internal club completion of the year which was on the theme of ‘table-top photography’. Judge was Sandy McVittie, a member of Hawick Camera Club for more than 30 years. Digital projected images – 1, ‘Cyclamen’ by Gordon Swalwell; 2, ‘In the Limelight’ by Christine Swalwell; 3, ‘Straw Bale’ by Ford Renton. Commended were Gordon Swalwell, Christine Swalwell and Alistair Peacock (2). Lisa Kerr was the only entrant in the beginners’ section, however, ‘Fruit Pizza’ was named as her best image. Prints – 1, ‘Paper Roses’ by Alistair Peacock; 2, ‘The Navigator’s Tools’ by Ford Renton; 3, ‘Fading Beauty’ by Gordon Swalwell. Commended were Ford Renton, Christine Swalwell and Alistair Peacock. As it was the last interim completion, the results have been calculated for the highest total point scorers, and therefore trophy winners, for the season. Digital projected images – well in front and winner of the trophy, Gordon Swalwell. Prints – in a last-minute coup, just pipping Christine Swalwell to the honours, and winner of the trophy, Ford Renton. Beginners – with a commanding lead and winner of the trophy, Lisa Kerr.

Clef club

The next meeting will be on Saturday, March 25, at 7.30pm in the Lucy Sanderson Hall, off Tweed Crescent. The evening features music by Chopin, Debussy and Loeillet, a programme for string trio, a clef club debut for classical guitar, and comic entertainment from the club’s Ad-Lib concert party ensemble and Rossini’s Cat Duet. Enquiries – 07780 378590, www.onlineborders.org.uk/community/galaclefclub or find the club on Facebook.

St Peter’s Church

Thursday, March 23 – 10am, communion service. Sunday, March 26 – 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist and baptism – Rev. Duncan McCosh. Monday, March 27 – bottle top sort. Tuesday, March 28 – 5.30pm, Messy Church; Thursday, March 30 – 10am, communion service. Friday, March 31 – 5pm, choir practice.

GLENDOUGLAS

Whist

Winners of the whist drive held on Monday, March 13 – ladies – 1, Joan Kyle; 2, Chrissie Paterson; 3, Jackie Dunn; booby, Margaret Amos; gents – 1, Jean Mabon; 2, Joe Spence; 3, Peter Headly; booby, Dorothy Corrie.

Party time

The old-time and ceildh dance class party is on Thursday, March 23, starting at 7.30pm. Bring and share supper.

HAWICK

Bridge club

March 14 – Murray Aitken Teams of Four – 1, Morag and Fraser Beaton, Lance and Tricia Witten; 2, Bob Francombe and George Graham, Sam White and Jennifer Henderson.

Rotary

At last week’s meeting, members were taken on an illustrated tour of the ‘dark enchanted Isle of Hoy’ in Orkney. This was the former abode for 20 years of past president Mairhi Trickett who brought up her young family there. The video showed Hoy in all its grandeur, with glorious beaches, rugged cliff faces pounded by wild seas and the islanders themselves in all the seasons. Most residents are multi-taskers and have several part-time jobs to keep the community functioning.

HEITON

SWI

Margaret Jeary agreed to step in to entertain members after a last-minute change to the programme became necessary. A large turnout enjoyed her talk on life in Kelso and district during the 1850s. Competition: Three cheese straws – 1, Rosie McDonald; 2, Hazel Nisbet; 3, Heather Skerven.

INNERLEITHEN

Service

A service will be held on Sunday, March 26, in Innerleithen Church at 11.30am.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Borders Games committee will hold a coffee morning on Saturday, April 15, in the Vale Club from 10am-noon.

Guys and Dolls

Tickets for the Innerleithen and District AOS production of Guys and Dolls (Memorial Hall, March 27-April 1) are available at Graham McGraths in Peebles and The Thrift Shop, Innerleithen. Booking – 0845 224 1908 or www.idaos.org.uk.

Bake off

St Ronan’s School PTA will hold a food festival and Great St Ronan’s Bake Off in the school on Friday, March 24, from noon to 2.30pm.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Piping Society will hold a coffee morning in the Vale Club on Saturday, March 25, from 10am-noon.

Community council

The next meeting of Innerleithen and District Community Council will take place on Monday, April 3, in the council chamber, Leithen Road, at 7.15pm.

Christmas lights

This year’s Innerleithen Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Sunday, December 10.

JEDBURGH

Pop-up shop

The Cheviot Youth and Jedburgh Youth Hub Project pop-up shop is opening on Saturday, March 25, from 10am-3pm at 5-7 High Street. Books, DVDS, CDs, jewellery, pottery and glassware are among the items up for grabs. The shop will be open on the last Saturday of every month. For further information and/or to make donations, email Ian at [email protected].

Bridge club

March 13 – 1, M. Beaton and F. Beaton; 2, M. Weightman and H. Long; 3, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 4, R. Oates and S. West; 5, M. Purdie and O. Whillans; 6, D. and P. Palmer.

Rotary

The club raised £255 from sales of crocus buttonholes for End Polio Now in Jedburgh. Members did not meet at their usual venue, the Carter’s Rest, on March 9, but had a Scatter Week instead. This means members were free to visit any Rotary club of their choosing. Some chose to go to Kelso, others to Langholm. Last Thursday, members were treated to a presentation by Keith Brown, a former high school rector from Aberdeen who has lived in the town for several years. His subject was Bushi-Do, a Japanese martial art involving swords and sticks. He showed a display of wooden and steel swords and sticks. The club’s annual coffee morning will be held on Saturday, April 29, in the British Legion. Raffle tickets will be sold at the Co-op and will be available from club members. The annual litter-pick and clean-up is on Saturday, May 6, and the junior fishing event at The Hass Loch is scheduled for Saturday, May 20.

KELSO

Concert

A concert featuring piano, violin and cello by the Trio Izimsi takes place on Friday, March 24, at 7.30pm in Kelso Old Parish Church (tickets on the door or online from www.kelsomusicsociety.com). Their programme will feature Beethoven, Rihm and Tchaikovsky. The trio, from London, are an established international ensemble, clinching a first prize at the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition. This season has included recitals at Aldeburgh Festival, the Marianischer-Saal in Lucerne and tours of China and Argentina.

Thursday Group

Professor Jim Lyon told many anecdotes, looking at bridges crossing the Tweed – foot, farm, rail and road – from source to mouth. Today author Janet O’Kane talks about ‘getting the facts right’. Next week, Charles Burnett’s subject is ‘Mary of Guelders, Scotland’s forgotten Queen’.

Art exhibition

Kelso Art Group is holding its annual exhibition in Abbey Row Centre (room 2) in support of Friends of Kelso Hospital. The event opens at 2pm on Friday, March 24, continuing on Saturday and Sunday (10am-4pm).

Coffee morning

St Andrew’s Church is hosting a coffee morning from 10am-noon on Saturday, April 1, in aid of the Teapot Trust, a charity providing a UK-wide programme of art therapy and creative interventions in hospitals (including BGH) and hospices to support the wellbeing of chronically-ill children, young people and their families.

Community council

Nominations from people willing to serve on Kelso Community Council are being invited. Applicants’ names must be on the current electoral register for Kelso. The council consists of 12 members and in the event of more than that number of nominees, an election will be held on Thursday, May 25. Nomination forms are available from Shirley Redgrave (phone 01573 224391, email [email protected]) and must be returned by noon on Thursday, April 27. The council’s AGM will be held in the Town Hall on Tuesday, May 9, at 7pm.

Bridge club

Wednesday, March 15 – Rose Bowl – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell; 2, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 3, Val Fairbairn and Jean Bunyan; E/W – 1, Mary and Nigel Lindsay; 2, Mary and Jim Stone; 3, Brian Saywood and Ken Ross. Thursday, March 16 – Calchou Cup – N/S – 1, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross; 2, Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman; 3, Val Johnstone and Vanessa Wilson; E/W – 1, Brian Saywood and Jon Bridger; 2, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 3, Dominic and Diana Alkin.

LAUDER

Choir

Lauderdale Community Choir is holding an open evening on Thursday, March 23, from 7.30-9.30pm, at Lauder Public Hall to welcome new singers of all abilities. Anyone who enjoys singing and wants to find out more is welcome. No experience is necessary, there are no auditions and there is no obligation to join.

Church

Worship will be celebrated by the Reverend Rae Clark on Sunday, March 26, at Oxton Memorial Hall (10am), Lauder Church (11.30am) and South Garden, Lauder (2.30pm). Anyone who enjoys meeting up with others and doing different activities may be interested in a group which meets on Tuesdays, from 1-3pm, in the church centre.

SWI

President Sheila Hardie welcomed members, visitors, and guests from SWIs at Earlston, Greenlaw, Oxton and Westruther. Caroline Penman, from Selkirk, spoke about her business, Liberty Star Trading, as well as bringing a variety of goods for sale, including scarves, showing members different ways of wearing them. Senga Towers proposed the vote of thanks. The president thanked the committee for providing a buffet supper, those who attended to the raffle and donated prizes. Visitors’ competition – evening bag – 1, Clova Reid (Westruther); pretty scarf – 1, Carol Patterson; 2, Sheila Hardie; 3, Christine Riddell; gingerbread man – 1, Wendy Bryson; 2, Christine Riddell; 3, Sheila Hardie. Caroline judged the competitions. The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 18, in Lauder Primary School at 7.30pm and features a talk by author Jessica Smith. Competitions will be for a fountain pen and a hand-made bookmark.

LINDEAN

SWI

Members heard about Border Children’s Charity which has been helping needy youngsters for half a century. The organisation provides items such as clothes, bedding and shoes. Referrals are through social workers and schools. Competitions results were as follows: Child’s knitted garment – 1, Irene Macfarlane; 2, Val Mayo; 3, Margaret Milne; Gingerbread – 1, Margaret Milne; 2, Margaret Inglis; 3, Margaret Milne. The next meeting features Carol Axon on patchwork and quilting. The competitions will be for a hand-made purse (any craft) and a poem about spring.

MAKERSTOUN

SWI

At the March meeting, Lynne, from Evie Jane’s Fabric Shop, gave a demonstration which featured the latest ideas and suggestions for various bags from different materials, and provided a pattern for members to try. Competitions – felt article – 1, Caroline Smith; 2, Joan Duncan; 3, Mary Slater; tape measure – 1, Joan Duncan; 2, Caroline Smith; 3, Judith Ziolkowski. The annual whist drive will be held on Saturday, April 29, starting at 7.30pm.

MELROSE

Parish church

It was the third Sunday in Lent at Bowden and Melrose Parish Church. The traditional lessons were from Exodus and John’s Gospel. WFO envelopes are available for collection for offerings from April. Sunday, March 26, services are as follows: Bowden, 9.30am; Melrose, 11am. Thursday, March 30 , at 7pm, sees the induction of the Reverend Rosemary Frew and social.

Trimontium

Trimontium has been on its travels recently. Chairman John Reid, on the subject of Burnswark and its hundreds of Roman lead sling bullets of many different types, reportedly took the local Probus club by storm. He and his colleague, Andrew Nicholson, the Dumfries and Galloway archaeologist, then appeared as the first article in the March issue of the Association of Roman Archaeology News. They have also appeared in The Scientific American and in a publication of the National Geographic magazine. Less dramatic talks on Trimontium, from the Curle family to the present, have been given to Lauderdale historical socierty and Melrose Parish Church Guild. A Berwick group and school parties are scheduled for the next week or so, along with the installation of the Milsington Leg and Trimontium footwear from the National Museums. The trustees’ meeting last Thursday heard details of the new and defined partnerships into which the trust is entering (through its lease of part of the Ormiston and the drying green) with LiveBorders, Scotish Borders Council and the National Museums. The museum opens for the 2017 season on April 10 with first walk on April 13 and first speaker on the Antonine Wall on April 27.

MINTO

SWI

Emma Emmerson, from Woodside Nurseries, near Ancrum, conducted a demonstration using a wide variety of spring plants. She also told members how the business had been set up and had grown considerably in the intervening years, from a plant nursery to a garden centre to catering at Harestanes. Competition: Small jug of flowers – 1, Pat Jardine; 2, Ann Reid; 3, Sheila Marshall; 4, Chris Nicol. The next meeting is in Denholm Lesser Village Hall on April 12 at 7pm when Anne Sears talks about her adventures.

MOREBATTLE

Guild

The annual guild coffee morning will be held on Saturday, March 25, at 10.30am in the institute. The guild AGM is on Thursday, April 6, at 7.30pm in the institute.

Camera club

The 10th year of Morebattle and District Camera Club will be celebrated with a meal at the Templehall Hotel on Wednesday, April 5.

OXNAM

Library cafe

The next library cafe is on Wednesday, March 29, in Oxnam Hall from 11am-noon.

SELKIRK

Concert

The final night of Selkirk annual Scout and Guide concert will take place tomorrow (Friday) at the Victoria Halls (7.15pm). Tickets are available from Rodgerson’s Newsagent or on the door.

Monday club

At 2pm on Monday, March 27, in St Joseph’s Church Hall, Myra Ward will give a talk about her holiday in Norway, illustrated with photographs.

Rotary

Philanthropists willing to create events to raise funds for famine relief are being sought to start up a new Satellite Rotary Club in Selkirk. Known as Ettrick Satellite Rotary Club, it requires only eight members to get off the ground and would be the first of its kind in the Borders. Weekly lunchtime meetings will be held at Ettrick Riverside. Further details can be found via Facebook page Ettrick-Satellite-Rotary and anyone interested in knowing more should ‘like’ the page. They can also contact Paul Tomlinson ([email protected]) or Carol Byers ([email protected]/07896 881559).

SOUTHDEAN

Hall

Southdean Hall will again welcome the community to an afternoon tea on Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 26, between 2-4pm. There will also be craft activities for all ages, arranged by Linda from the Lovatt Gallery. Ongoing work by the criminal justice team is helping to improve access to the rear of the building and will hopefully eliminate damp in the back room. Roof insulation for the main hall has been costed and agreed upon, and a new range cooker is being sought.

TRAQUAIR

Service

A service will be held in Traquair Kirk on Sunday, March 26. It will begin at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn will be on Easter Sunday, April 16, at 8.30am in Alexandra Park, followed by breakfast at the Caberston Cafe.

YETHOLM

Trees

Village schoolchildren, supported by Yetholm Floral Gateway Gathering, were out in force to plant trees given to them by Woodland Trust Scotland at the wildlife area on Lochtower farm. The pupils have been working to improve the site.

Romany Ramblers

Saturday, March 25 – meet 9.30am at the Wauchope Hall for an eight-mile trek via Hayhope, Clifton, Currburn, Old Halterburnhead and Yetholm.

Bingo night

A bingo night made £335.70p for Macmillan Cancer Care.

Pavilion

Yetholm Pavilion refurbishments are well under way, thanks to a group of people who are working with the community council. The new kitchen has been installed and this week new tables and chairs have been received, thanks to a Scottish Borders Council grant. Bookings for the use of the pavilion will be starting in April – contact Iain Dougal in the village shop.

Puppet show

Yugen Puppet Company show – Saturday, March 25, at 2.30pm in the Wauchope hall. Tickets – village shop or at the door.

Film night

A film night on Saturday, March 25, at 7pm in the Wauchope Hall features ‘Sully’, the true story of a pilot who landed his plane on the Hudson River.

Churches

Cheviot Churches’ stated annual meeting will take place on Monday, March 27, at 7pm in Morebattle Church.

Guild

The guild meets at 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 28, in Yetholm Church for its AGM and tea.

Community council

Yetholm Community Council meets at 7pm in the Youth Hall on Tuesday, March 28. Nomination forms for vacancies on the council will be available at this meeting.

Choir

Yetholm Village Choir’s spring concert is at 7.30pm on Sunday, April 2, in Yetholm Church.