District News

ASHKIRKBarbecueOn Saturday, June 25, there will be a barbecue at the village hall and garden between 4-6pm. Everyone is welcome.CADDONFOOTParish churchThe Reverend Julie Woods, from Earlston Parish Church, conducted the service on Sunday following the local congregational review conducted by herself and the Reverend Samuel Siroky, of Ettrick and Yarrow, on behalf of Melrose and Peebles presbytery. Julie was accompanied by Earlston elder Tom Burnham, who led the Prayer of Approach and Confession. The Bible reading was read by Christine Dorward and music played by Margaret Blyth. Bible study during the summer months is being held in Caddonfoot Church. The trial opening of the church last week got off to a good start with a few visitors '“ anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Irene Bruce. The gardens at Yair House, open under Scotland's Gardens Scheme last week, was a success in the sunshine with part of the proceeds going to the church. Deirdrie Thyne thanked members of the congregation who helped on the day. Congregational Board members meet in the church on Thursday, June 23, at 7pm.darnickQuizDarnick Village Trust last Friday realised, via a quiz, £441 for Parkinson's UK '“ its latest fundraising efforts for villagers' chosen charity. The winning team, '˜Pekajobach', narrowly beat the '˜Darnick Dib Dabs' as a result of a tie-break question, with '˜Friends United' enjoying the edible booby prizes. The total includes sales of tablet made by a Darnick resident and CDs provided by Kathy Stewart and sold at her String Jam Club concert on Saturday night. A huge contribution to the total was from the quiz raffle, with a large number of prizes secured by Jenny Anderson, who made individual approaches to Melrose businesses and collected the items for the trust. Velvet Hall Alpacas of Innerleithen donated a guided family trek for auction, and Flora Colton of Selkirk placed the winning bid.earlstonTea partyA strawberry tea party in aid of those suffering from breast cancer will be held on Saturday,
Hawick Common Riding principals, led by Cornet Euan Reilly, delighted residents when they visited the towns Buccleuch Care Home.Hawick Common Riding principals, led by Cornet Euan Reilly, delighted residents when they visited the towns Buccleuch Care Home.
Hawick Common Riding principals, led by Cornet Euan Reilly, delighted residents when they visited the towns Buccleuch Care Home.

Barbecue

On Saturday, June 25, there will be a barbecue at the village hall and garden between 4-6pm. Everyone is welcome.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

The Reverend Julie Woods, from Earlston Parish Church, conducted the service on Sunday following the local congregational review conducted by herself and the Reverend Samuel Siroky, of Ettrick and Yarrow, on behalf of Melrose and Peebles presbytery. Julie was accompanied by Earlston elder Tom Burnham, who led the Prayer of Approach and Confession. The Bible reading was read by Christine Dorward and music played by Margaret Blyth. Bible study during the summer months is being held in Caddonfoot Church. The trial opening of the church last week got off to a good start with a few visitors – anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Irene Bruce. The gardens at Yair House, open under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme last week, was a success in the sunshine with part of the proceeds going to the church. Deirdrie Thyne thanked members of the congregation who helped on the day. Congregational Board members meet in the church on Thursday, June 23, at 7pm.

darnick

Quiz

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Darnick Village Trust last Friday realised, via a quiz, £441 for Parkinson’s UK – its latest fundraising efforts for villagers’ chosen charity. The winning team, ‘Pekajobach’, narrowly beat the ‘Darnick Dib Dabs’ as a result of a tie-break question, with ‘Friends United’ enjoying the edible booby prizes. The total includes sales of tablet made by a Darnick resident and CDs provided by Kathy Stewart and sold at her String Jam Club concert on Saturday night. A huge contribution to the total was from the quiz raffle, with a large number of prizes secured by Jenny Anderson, who made individual approaches to Melrose businesses and collected the items for the trust. Velvet Hall Alpacas of Innerleithen donated a guided family trek for auction, and Flora Colton of Selkirk placed the winning bid.

earlston

Tea party

A strawberry tea party in aid of those suffering from breast cancer will be held on Saturday, June 18, at Earlston Rugby Club from 2pm.

Parish church

The service on Sunday, June 19, starts at 10.15am. Next Sunday, June 26, sees the congregational walk to Anne and Gerry’s at West Lodge, Carolside, after the service.

ECCLES

School memories

Do you have memories of being at Eccles Leitholm School? On Friday, June 24, between 10.30am and noon, staff and pupils will welcome those who have memories to share. There will be refreshments and biscuits available. This is also an opportunity to have a look around the school and see some of the resources the children use to help them learn.

Eckford

Strawberry fair

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The latest strawberry fair realised in excess of £800 for village hall funds. A new twist was introduced with a ‘Play Your Cards Right’ game hosted by Harry Grant from Sprouston. The produce table, plants, books and craft stalls were also well received.

edgerston

SWI

The June meeting took the form of an outing on the Borders Railway to Newtongrange to visit the National Mining Museum. The guide had been a miner at the Lady Victoria Coal Mine for 30 years and had a fund of information at his command which he shared enthusiastically. The artefacts and explanatory boards in the museum were also enlightening to those with little knowledge of mining techniques or the extensive areas of coal reserves in Scotland. The next meeting is on September 14 at 2pm when Nicky Kershaw will speak on Care in the Community and Elder Voice.

ednam

Queen’s birthday

Villagers celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday on Sunday at the village hall with an afternoon tea party and sports. The weather managed to hold out, allowing children to have their races. There was also a bake-off competition, judged by Pat Dagg from Stitchill. Victoria Sponge – 1, Marion Nairn; 2, Agnes Allan; 3, Anne Oliver. Tray Bake – 1, Marion Nairn; 2, John Nairn. Decorated Teacake – 1, Marion Nairn; 2, Agnes Allan; 3, Maria Oliver. Kids’ Cupcake – 1, Ben Nairn; 2, Zoe Nairn. Decorated Biscuit – 1, Ben Nairn; 2, Gregor Oliver; 3, Zoe Nairn; 4, Emily Oliver; 5, Finlay Oliver.

ettrickbridge

SWI

Members came away from Gardening Scotland, held at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, with a second in the SWI national window box competition with their red, white and blue tribute to the Queen’s 90th birthday, together with a highly commended chutney in the produce section. This was followed by last Wednesday’s outing to Born in the Borders at Lanton. The evening began with a tour of the brewery, beer tasting in the bottle shop, the opportunity to browse and buy from the gift shop, followed by supper in the brewery restaurant. The next meeting on Wednesday, September 14 – an open night when Alice Mackay and Lucy Black, of Beau Beautique, will give a beauty demonstration.

FOUNTAINHALL

SWI

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For the last meeting of this session, members enjoyed a meal at the Kingsknowes Hotel, Galashiels, following a visit to Caddon Design at Clovenfords. Competition results from the May meeting – three ginger snaps – 1, Agnes Mathison; 2, Dianne Wilson; picture frame – 1, Janice Currie; 2, Margaret Marshall. Members next meet again in the village hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 21.

gALASHIELS

St Peter’s Church

Thursday, June 16 – 10am, communion in the church hall, followed by study group and soup lunch. Saturday, June 18 – 12.30pm, Fair Trade coffee morning and bake sale; Sunday, June 19 – 8.30am, holy communion; 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist, followed by coffee and chat. Monday, June 20 –10am, communion at Oakwood Park. Tuesday, June 21 – 3pm, afternoon tea service. Thursday, June 23 – church closed all day for EU referendum voting.

glendouglas

SWI

The ‘Evening with the Callant’ is to take place on Wednesday, June 22 (7.30pm). Tickets for the event are £2.50 (or one can pay at the door). Supper is provided and all are welcome to attend.

hawick

Wilton Dean SWI

President Joyce Tinlin welcomed members and visitors to the open night. The gathering was entertained by singers Quintessence, who were then was joined by the Wilton Dean choir. Competition – favourite tea plate – 1, Susie Finlayson; 2, Lynn Walker. Visitors’ competition – 1, Jean Welsh (Burnfoot SWI). Various raffle prizes were won. The next meeting is on Tuesday, June 21, which is the outing – meet at the Haugh at 5.45pm. Contact Lesley for supper details.

Hownam

Coffee morning

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A coffee morning in aid of The Moonwalk 2016 and Cheviot Churches will take place in the village hall on Saturday, June 18, from 10am.

Towford SWI

Results from the whist held in Hownam Hall on May 24 – ladies – 1, Jean Rae; 2, Joan Kyle; 3, Betty Fleming; 4, Mary Tait; booby, Anne Redpath; longest sitter, Rose Cameron; gents – 1, Pat Young; 2, Jean McNulty; 3, Angus Cameron; 4, Christine Ballantyne; booby, Peter Hedley; longest sitter, Kenny Tait; sweep – 1 and 2, Rory Buchanan; 3, Dot Lee. On June 7, the summer night out was to Born in the Borders – a tour of the brewery was followed by beer tasting and retail therapy. Supper was served in the restaurant. The annual Roxburghshire Federation golf competition was held on a beautiful afternoon on June 9 at Minto Golf Club. Due to other club commitments, only five players took part, with Mary Towers and Maria Smail being the successful pair to go on to represent the federation at the national finals on August 29 at Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Trish Kirkpatrick organised the afternoon.

innerleithen

Church

Sunday, June 19 – breakfast, 8.30am; song and a story, 9am; service, 10.30am.

Coffee morning

The piping society’s coffee morning will take place on Saturday, June 18, in the Vale Club from 10am-noon.

Games committee

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The next meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games committee will take place on Thursday, June 23, at 7pm in the Vale Club.

Football Fives

Entries for the Games Week Football Fives tournament (July 9) are being accepted. To enter, contact Steven Notman on 07792 092118.

Overseas guests

Every year St Ronan’s Border Games Committee tries to accommodate visitors from overseas who are staying in the town during Games Week

Turn to page 52

From page 51

as guests at the Cleikum Ceremonies. This year’s ceremonies will take place on Friday, July 15, and applications for overseas guest invitations are now being accepted by email – [email protected].

Social

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St Ronan’s Games Senior Citizens’ Social is open to all retired folks in the district. It will be held on Thursday, July 7, in the Memorial Hall with doors open at 7pm. Tickets are free of charge and can now be collected from the Thrift Shop. Entertainment will be provided by Bill Harvey and Stuart Henry, with dancing to Graham Halliday. A supper will be provided and a bar is available.

kelso

Bridge club

June 5 – Kelso Congress (57 pairs entered this year) – 1, Robert Francombe and George Graham; 2, Janet Unsworth and Catherine Hepburn; 3, Rita Chester and Rita Stockdale. Swiss teams – 1, Mary Grant, Andrew Grant, Rita Chester, Rita Stockdale; 2 (equal), Alistair Rae, Maurice Franceschi, Catriona Gardiner, Elizabeth Peckham, and Robin Sharp, Jan Sharp, Alistair Small, Sheila Small. June 8 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Helenor Pratt; 2, John and Marian Miller; 3, Val Johnstone and Chris Anthony; E/W – 1, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart; 2, Ian and Eliz Ross; 3, Brian Saywood and Ken Ross. June 9 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Michael Horwood and Alison Ireland; 2, Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman; 3, Brian Saywood and Miles Browne; E/W – 1, Helenor Pratt and Pauline Smart; 2, Richard Oates and Sheena West; 3, Mary and Nigel Lindsay.

Royal celebration

A royal celebration will be held on Sunday, June 26, at Kelso North Church. A Royal Tea Party in the church hall runs from 3.30-5.30pm. There will be a children’s fancy dress and cake competition. This will be followed by a Royal Songs of Praise at 6.30pm. Tickets for the party are available at the door – £5 per adult, with children free. Proceeds from the party and retiring collection will go towards a defibrillator. This event is being organised by the south-east Scotland branch of the Order of St John.

Stitchers

Kelso Stitchers meet on Tuesday, June 28, at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Sally Scott-Aiton will be giving a talk entitled ‘Classic embroidery in cross stitch – a Borders journey’. Members should bring their mugs. For further information, contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.

langholm

Colours

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As usual, the Derby was watched with great interest on TV in the town, because the colours of the Common Riding, as is tradition, come from the winning owner, and this year are green and red. The winner of the Investec Derby at Epsom was Harzand, owned and bred by the Aga Khan, and trained in Ireland by Dermot Weld and ridden by Pat Smullen at odds of 13-2. This was the fifth occasion the Aga Khan had owned the winner, the last time being Sinndar in 2000.

Classic cars

Cheam Probus Club member Mike Baker, along with fellow Alvis owner club members David and Stewart Little, attracted great interest when they had a pit stop at the Eskdale Hotel, home to the local Probus Club, on their way to the Shetland Classic Motor Show via Aberdeen and the Northlink ferry. These cars have toured America, east and west coasts, Australia, Europe and Scandinavia.

Sponsored cycle

Local minister Scott McCarthy has completed a sponsored cycle challenge from Barnsley to Amsterdam to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, and at present he has reached more than £2,000. He was cycling for Langholm Legion FC and was one of around 300 football fans who took up the challenge, and they were joined by former England internationals Viv Anderson and Terry Butcher, along with former Welsh international Nathan Blake. The group have so far raised around £400,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. They started from Barnsley FC and cycled over 70 miles to Craven Park, home of rugby league side Hull Kingston Rovers. The group took the overnight ferry from Hull, arriving on the Saturday morning in Rotterdam. They then arrived at Amsterdam Arena late Saturday afternoon. Scott’s time for both legs of the 147-mile trip was 10 hours, 27 minutes and 27 seconds. During his time in Amsterdam, he met Ross Luescher – born and brought up in Eskdale, and who often played the organ in the parish church. Ross moved to Amsterdam to pursue a career playing and building organs.

melrose

Garden party

This year’s Melrose in Bloom garden party will be held in Priorwood Orchard on Sunday, July 3 (2.30-4.30pm). Tickets cost £8 and will be on sale at the gate, or from any Melrose in Bloom member.

Parish church

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Sunday saw the first communion at Melrose during the vacancy. The electoral register has been approved and the foodbank is ongoing. Services on Sunday, June 19, are at 9.30am (Bowden), 10.45am (wreath-laying at Melrose) and 11am (kirkin’ of the Melrosian).

Trimontium

Coldingham was the second last school to undertake the Leaderfoot-Newstead Route March and museum tour in the run-down to the end of the term. This week sees preparation for the kitting-out of the Roman soldier at the Trimontium Stone on the Saturday morning of the Tour of Ceremonies. The Trimontium Walk took place again on Thursday of last week in sunshine. There’s usually something new to see – and last week it was the erection of electricity poles on the Leaderfoot railway embankment and beside the ‘Roman road” on the track on the south side of the fort leading down to teatime at Newstead Village Hall.

Concert

“Let us Garlands bring” – a quote from the song, “Who is Sylvia?” – was the title of a musical celebration of Shakespeare given by the Abbey Consort and orchestra in Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, June 12, conducted by James Letham, with Chris Achenbach at the keyboard. Composers featured were Vaughan Williams, George Shearing (pianist), Mendelssohn, Rutter and Bernstein, whose excerpts from “West Side Story” formed the finale.

Festival rideout

Lorries and horse boxes should park in Annay Road, approaching from the Newstead end.

Cancer group

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The latest Scottish Borders Prostate Cancer Support Group monthly meeting was held at the Macmillan Centre, Borders General Hospital, on Wednesday, June 1. Guest speakers were Adam Gaines, director, and Mae Bell, information and advice co-ordinator, Prostate Scotland. Adam opened the meeting by outlining the history and achievements of the organisation which is run solely for the benefit of men and their carers. It is governed by a board of trustees, all of whom have personal experience or knowledge of prostate cancer. Adam emphasised the importance of early diagnosis of the disease. It is estimated that over the next 10 years there will be an increase in prostate cancer among Scottish men of around 35%. Mae said the organisation travels throughout Scotland, informing clinicians and public alike, about prostate cancer. A short video showing the benefits robotic surgery can provide over conventional surgery was shown. During the tea/coffee break, members had an opportunity to chat informally to Adam and Mae, and to ask further questions. The next meeting of the group will be on Wednesday, July 6, at the same venue at 7pm when the speaker is Alan McLaren, prostate cancer specialist nurse at Borders General Hospital. New members and carers are always welcome.

morebattle

Queen’s birthday

Villagers came out in force to enjoy the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations garden party at the Templehall Hotel on Sunday which had been decorated with Union Jack bunting, balloons and table cloths. A hog roast was served, a live band entertained, with bouncy castle, face-painting and games for the children held in the neighbouring village hall. Fancy dress was optional and prizes were presented. During the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’, a Union Jack-themed birthday cake with 90 candles was blown out by Games Queens past and present – Helen Cessford, Denise Jackson, Emma Thomson, Kym Cessford and newly-elected Lucy Thomson. This was served along with tray bakes, shortbread etc. Robert Dick proposed a vote of thanks to the organising committee.

Coffee morning

Morebattle institute’s coffee morning was held on Saturday when £515 was raised. Gilbert Elliot, president, opened the event by paying tribute to Andrew Bell, who died during the year – he held the post of vice-chairman. Competition winners – trays, Gail Gibson; planter of plants, Janette Stenhouse; basket of vegetables, Linda Henderson; 50/50 draw, Sasha Jackson.

SWI

Members visited The Pirn, St Boswells, for their annual outing when 26 of them enjoyed a meal. Mary Pringle, president, said grace. Janet Fleming was the lucky winner of her meal for free. Catherine Mabon gave an appreciative vote of thanks to Mary for organising the evening and to The Pirn for its hospitality.

Southdean

Open gardens

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Gardens opening, on Sunday, June 26 –from 2-6pm, starting at Southdean Hall.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on Sunday, July 3, at 10.30am.

Walkerburn

Service

The Walkerburn festival kirkin’ service will be held on Sunday, June 26.

westruther

Hog roast

The annual hog roast in aid of the village hall will be held at the premises on Saturday, June 18, at 6pm. Tickets from Angela (01578 740633) or Grace (07779 908159).

Yarrowford

SWI

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The May meeting featured a demonstration of cake decoration by Shona Morrison who stepped in to demonstrate at the last minute, which was much appreciated. Members learnt some new techniques and very much enjoyed the demonstration. Competitions – posy of spring flowers – 1, Linda Bradshaw; 2, Hannah Young; photograph of a bird – 1, Sandra Ballantyne; 2, Linda Bradshaw. The raffle was won by Ena Mitchell. This month’s meeting featured an evening outing to the Kingsknowes Hotel in Galashiels.

yetholm

Festival Week

Festival Week continues with a village lunch at noon on Thursday, June 16, in the Wauchope Hall, and bingo later in the day at 7pm at the same venue. Bowling and ladies’ darts feature on Friday night (June 17), and Saturday, June 18, sees the duck race and family afternoon with barbecue on Kirk Yetholm green. Festival festivities end that evening with a dance in the Wauchope Hall (7.30pm) – tickets are available at the village shop.

Choir

Choir members continue to gather in the Youth Hall on Wednesday mornings, busy rehearsing for a concert in Norham Church on Sunday, June 26, at 7.30pm. They will be accompanied by Yetholm Sinfonia.

Signs

New signs have been erected at the entrance to both villages in Yetholm colours of yellow and green. They welcome visitors to the ‘Gateway to the Cheviots’. Villagers are grateful to community councillors who took this project forward.

Playpark

A fence has been erected around the playpark on the playing field – and an appeal made to keep this a dog-free zone.

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