District News

Whist

The charity whist raised £200 in aid of the Lung Fund at Borders General Hospital.

Bowden

Community cafe

The next community cafe gathering is in the village hall at 11am on May 18.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

The Sacrament of Holy Communion was celebrated on Sunday when the service was conducted by the Reverend Elspeth Harley. The Bible reading was delivered by the Reverend Jack Kellett, and music was played by Andy and Catriona Bird. Bible study continues on Wednesday nights at the Trinity Church office in Galashiels at 7.30pm. Christian Aid Week begins on May 15.

EARLSTON

Plant sale

Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual bedding plant sale and coffee morning at Hanover Close in The Square on Saturday, May 14. All proceeds go towards supporting the 2016 Earlston Flower Show, which will be held on Saturday, August 27.

Wednesday Club

Hostess Mrs Penman welcomed members to the latest meeting before introducing Mrs S. McKay who entertained with music from the 1920s through to the 2010s. Sheila then conducted quizzes with a royal flavour and the subject of old Scottish words and phrases. Competition – something with a royal theme – 1, Mrs W. Moffat; 2, Mrs A. Stewart; 3, Mrs A. Todd. Our next meeting will be on May 18 and the competition is for a floral photograph.

Parish church

On Sunday, May 15, the service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. Christian Aid Week begins on the same day, so collectors will

be out and about in the village. The session meeting will be held on Monday, May 16, at 7.30pm in the church hall lounge.

Concert

Vocal Zone – a four-piece harmony a cappella group singing a variety of popular songs, mostly from the 20th century – will appear in concert on May 21 at 7.30pm in Earlston Parish Church. Donations at the door, with profits going to Christian Aid.

Ettrickbridge

Spring fair

The church spring fair is being held on Saturday, May 14, in Kirkhope Hall from 2pm. There will be teas and a variety of stalls, including crafts, home baking, bottle, Phoenix cards and £5 sales table. The competition this year is a “Darts Challenge”.

fountainhall

SWI

The next meeting will be held in Fountainhall Village Hall on Wednesday, May 18, at 7.30pm when there will be an art class (bring scissors and a stapler if you have one). Competition winners from the April meeting – date loaf – 1, Dianne Wilson; 2, Christine Sinclair; scarf – 1, Margaret White; 2, Dorothy Small. May competitions – three ginger snaps and a photograph frame.

galashiels

Blood donors

At blood-donor sessions on Sunday, May 1, and Monday, May 2, a total of 292 volunteers offered to give blood and 263 donations were given. There were 13 new donors.

Trinity church

On Sunday the congregation welcomed friends from the Deaf Church. Minister Elspeth Harley conducted the service. She had been on a course last week and met many other ministers, discussing how nowadays a clergyperson needs help with many of the chores that he/she can’t do – e.g. fixing heating, plumbing etc., accounts and therefore church members should be encouraged to use their gifts and talents to help in the running of the church. Sheila Wilson read the lessons and Dorothy Howden led music with a mixture of old and newer hymns. Bible study continues on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the church office. Sunday, May 15, is the start of Christian Aid Week and there will be a joint guilds coffee morning in aid of the work of this charity on Saturday, May 21, from 10am-noon in Trinity Church hall. Also on May 15 there is to be a special service for Pentecost in Our Lady and St Andrew’s Church at 6.30pm.

jedburgh

Equestrian show

Les Amis, the equestrian stunt team, return from filming on the highly-acclaimed “Outlander” TV series to perform their annual equestrian theatre show at Lanton Hill Farm from May 12-16. Tickets are available via Les Amis Box Office (07598 116347) or at [email protected]

hawick

Rotary

President Mairhi Trickett presided over the AGM at last week’s meeting when all the convenors gave satisfactory reports. More than £6,000 had been raised and dispersed to international and local charities. Jim Walker will be the incoming president, with Scott Elliot as vice-president, making a record third term in the position, and all the other office bearers continued in their posts. £500 will be invested in a micro-finance project in a Third World country. A coffee morning will be held on Saturday, May 28, in Trinity Church Hall in aid of charity.

Bridge club

May 3 – 1 (equal), Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan, George Graham & Bob Francombe; 3, Michael Tuson & Bob Witherington. May 10 – N/S – 1, Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan; 2, Tricia & Lance Witten; 3, Michael Tuson & Bob Witherington; E/W – 1, George Graham & Bob Francombe; 2, John & Susan Law; 3, Kenneth Auckland & David King.

Young farmers

Teviotdale Young Farmers’ new members’ night will be held at Wilton Park on Wednesday, May 18, at 7.30pm. This is a chance for 14 to 30-year-olds in the Jedburgh, Hawick and Langholm area to come along and have some fun with various games while getting to know like-minded people who live, work or have an interest in the countryside. Details of future young farmers’ events can be found on the Teviotdale Young Farmers’ Club Facebook page.

Concert

Trinity Church celebrated a milestone last Thursday (May 5) with its 40th annual “Hawick Night” concert. A big audience gathered in the church, ready to be treated to the talents of the town’s Saxhorn Band, Stirches Primary School choir, as well as the youthful contributions of Euan Welsh, Corey Tait and Ben McCreadie. Linden Warburton accompanied on the piano and Robert Scott, now a comparative veteran leaving his teens, was, as usual brilliant. The whole evening was expertly guided by ex-Cornet Ian Nichol.

Hownam

Whist drive

The annual SWI whist will take place on May 24 in Hownam Hall at 7.30pm.

Towford SWI

Wendy Hickson demonstrated how to prepare several easy summer salads, followed by a tasting session, at the latest meeting. Competition – individual cold sweet – 1, Mary Towers; 2, Jean Douglas. The next event is the summer outing to Born in the Borders for a brewery tour and supper – meet at 6.30pm.

Innerleithen

Church

The service on Sunday, May 15, starts at 11.30am. There will also be an ecumenical service for Christian Aid Week at 6.30pm.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association will hold a coffee morning on Saturday, May 14, in the Vale Club from 10am till noon.

Bowls taster

Fancy a go at one of the most inclusive sports in the world? Then why not come along to St Ronan’s Bowling Club on Saturday, May 14, (10am-4pm) and give it a try. All equipment will be supplied – participants only need bring a flattish pair of shoes/trainers.

Ball tickets

The Standard Bearer’s Ball will take place on Saturday, July 9, in the marquee at St Ronan’s School. Tickets will be on sale at 8am on Saturday, May 28, from The Foresters, Wells Brae. They are priced at £35 per person and payment must be made in full on the day. Members of the Games committee will be on hand to receive applications at 8am and none will be taken before this time. Any applications left before 8am will be considered following the public sale. Tickets will be distributed following the sale, so applicants should ensure a contact name and address is included with each application.

Family fun

Innerleithen Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday, May 29, running from 1-5pm, at St Ronan’s School. There will be a car boot sale and anyone who would like to book a place should call 01896 831721 or email [email protected] - £10 per car. Should any local organisation wish to have a stall at this event, ring 01896 831721 or email [email protected]. The event is being organised by St Ronan’s Silver Band.

Carnival

St Ronan’s Primary School will hold a new summer event, the Road to Rio Carnival, at the school on Thursday, June 9, from 6-8pm.

KELSO

Bridge club

May 4 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Lesley Dick & Lynda Douglas; 2, Alison Ireland & Aziza Taylor; 3, Rena Stewart & Alex Jeffrey; E/W – 1, Sheena McPherson & Sheila Urquhart; 2, Ian & Eliz Ross; 3, Brian Saywood & Ken Ross. May 5 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 2, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 3, Michael Horwood & Alison Ireland; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 2, Alison Darling & Mary Logan; 3, David Harris-Burland & Sheila Urquhart.

Stitchers

Kelso Stitchers will not have an evening meeting on Tuesday, May 24, as they are going on an outing to the Dovecote studios in Edinburgh.

Langholm

Awards

Martin Tedham, who was born and brought up in the town, celebrated with his family when their business recently won two awards. Martin, managing director of Wasdell Packaging in Swindon, Wiltshire, and his son Daniel and daughter Jessica were delighted to win the medium-sized enterprise of the year award, and the prize for outstanding excellence, at the Wiltshire Business Awards. Wasdell is one of the largest and most experienced contract packaging suppliers to the healthcare pharmaceutical and veterinary markets in Europe, supplying UK manufacturers and shipping to 47 countries around the world. Martin and his wife, Carol, still have a home and family members in the town, and come back to stay when possible. He also has a business interest in the town as owner of the Crown Hotel.

Youth awards

The rugby club held its end-of-season youth celebrations and family awards night at Milntown. Davie Gordon, youth co-ordinator, organised the event and gave an illustrated talk on the progress made during the past year. There was a short speech from the various coaches and presentations were made to age-group players.

LAUDER

Historical society

The AGM is on Wednesday, May 18, at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Free tea/coffee and biscuits – all welcome. Further details from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).

Lauder in Bloom

The annual hanging basket workshop on Saturday, May 28, runs from 10am-noon in Lauder Public Hall where Lauder in Bloom volunteers will be giving help and advice on planting hanging baskets and window boxes for people to take take home. There will also be lots of information about everything Lauder in Bloom has been up to, from planting-up beds and planters to making bird houses and giant bug hotels with the local Brownies and Guides. There will also be a variety of children’s planting and crafting sessions, as well as home baking and gardening information. Lauder in Bloom’s Garden Showcase competition runs again this year and winners will be announced and prizes presented at Lauder Flower Show on Saturday, August 27, in Lauder Public Hall.

Church

Worship last Sunday was led by The Worship Team at both Channelkirk and Lauder. Services on Sunday, May 15, will take place at Channelkirk (10am) and Lauder (11.30am), both led by the Reverend Rae Clark. Christian Aid Week runs from May 15-22. The guild coffee morning held last Saturday realised over £48 for guild funds.

Lindean

SWI

President Margaret Milne welcomed members to the AGM and quiz night. Treasurer Margaret McKinlay gave her report, which was accepted. Mrs Milne recalled events of the past year, the highlight being last month’s 90th birthday party which the national president, Christine Hutton, attended. The new committee was elected as follows – president, Marjorie Lawrie; vice-president, Valerie Mayo; secretary, Margaret Oliver; treasurer and magazine secretary, Margaret McKinlay; Edith Scott, Diana Murray, Maureen Ewart, Grace Aitchison, Margaret Inglis and Eileen MacFarlane. After the usual business, the group enjoyed a quiz compiled by Mrs Milne. The winner was Jean Rodin, with Edith Scott and Ruth McLachlan second equal. Raffle winners – Sandra Todd, Jean Rodin and Valerie Mayo. The cup for most points over the year went to Margaret Inglis, and second equal were Valerie Mayo and Margaret Oliver. The cup for most entries went to Edith Scott.

melrose

Trimontium

Benito Mussolini with a labourer’s pick poised in his hands, high above his head, ready to demolish yet another piece of mediaeval Rome, was the startling image that began Newcastle University’s Jeremy Paterson’s talk in the parish church hall last Thursday. The dictator was obsessed with getting back to the Rome of the emperors (with himself as the emperor), so the buildings and narrow streets of mediaeval Rome had to go, continuing the work of Pope Sixtus V in creating broad avenues, but not towards churches this time, but the sites of Ancient Rome. The city had grown organically, unplanned, with tidying up here and there by Augustus and others, but Mussolini wanted “grandeur” to impress people. The lecture showed a master at work. Ian Dalton voiced the thanks of

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an appreciative audience for the originality and clarity of presentation, and the technical expertise of Team Collin in showing the images so well researched.

Parish church

Sunshine eventually greeted worshippers at Bowden and later at Melrose where the numbers were swelled by a walking group from Lesmahagow and a Kilmarnock coachload on an away day with their minister. Organisers are grateful for all the donations towards last Sunday’s presentations and lunch. May 14 – Holy Trinity Concert; May 15 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); Eildon Singers’ spring concert, 7.30pm; May 15-21 – Christian Aid Week collection and coffee morning; May 17 – pre-meeting for World Day of Prayer; May 19 – kirk session.

morebattle

Coffee morning

A coffee morning will be held on Saturday, May 14, at 10.30am in the institute in aid of Blood Bikes.

Cheviot Churches

One only morning service at Shotton Farm at 11am to celebrate the Harvest of the Lambs on Sunday, May 22.

Archive

A good turnout for a trip down memory lane was held last Monday night in connection with Morebattle Archive. This was an open night with photograhic archive by Dick Warren, and Anne Brown took the audience on a journey of memories of the village.

NEWMILL

SWI

At the May open night, Liz Howieson welcomed visiting members and started with congratulations to Caroline Tullie – first-time grandmother – and Wilton Dean for their win in the SWI choir competition. She then introduced the speaker for the night, Will Roberts. Pat Douglas also welcomed him with a very apt song, “I’m gonna do it all someday”. Will treated the audience to a slide-illustrated account of his climb of Kilimanjaro last year – at the age of 70. Will and his fellow climbers have raised a total of £192,000 in aid of Motor Neurone Disease Scotland (MNDS). The raffle and proceeds from the sales table were donated to MNDS to add a further £100. Pat Douglas gave a vote of thanks on behalf of Newmill and Teviothead, while Ann Reid, Group H advisor and federation treasurer, did likewise behalf of the visitors. Competitions – lemon curd – 1, Muriel Baptie; 2, Sally Martin; 3, Alison Barker. The visitors’ winner was Kate Elliot of Ewes SWI. Postcard featuring a mountain – 1, Sally Martin; 2, Muriel Baptie; 3, Jan Little.

oxnam

Library cafe

The next library cafe is on Wednesday, May 18, in the hall from 11am-noon.

oxton

SWI

The April meeting welcomed local florist Marie White, who brought along a variety of spring flowers and demonstrated simple, but very effective ways to display the flowers in different style vases. She recalled many happy stories from her years as a florist. A lucky dip was held and many members were fortunate to go home with spring flowers. The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 18, at 7.30pm in Oxton Village Hall. This will be the AGM, followed by a “taste and try” based on birthday party treats.

peebles

Farmers’ market

Priorsford P7 pupils are holding a farmers’ market in the school grounds on May 27, from 11am-1.30pm. There will be fruits, meats, baked goods and lots of other local produce. The aim of the event is to support local businesses, but the youngsters are also running a few stalls.

selkirk

Antiquarian society

The next meeting is on Wednesday, May 18, at 7.30pm in Selkirk Parish Church hall. There will be a short AGM and then Alistair Hutton will present his talk, “Erskine Hospital 1916 - 2016”. The society offers many different topics in an informal setting.

ST BOSWELLS

Gaelic song

Gaelic singing for fun – a come-and-try workshop with Mary Low and members of the Borders Gaelic singing group, Turas. Suitable for complete beginners and more experienced singers. The venue is St Boswells village hall (10am-noon) and the event is on Saturday, May 28.

STICHILL

SWI

Kathy Wilkie welcomed guests from Broomlands, Earlston, Greenlaw, Heiton, Newtown, St Boswells and Yetholm to the visitors’ evening. A welcome was also extended to Helen Moffat, federation vice-chairman. A fashion show, put on by Liba of Kelso, gave everyone a chance to see the new spring/summer clothing. Supper was served and the raffle drawn. Competitions – bangle – visitors – 1, Janette Corcoran (Newtown); 2, Margaret Redpath (St Boswells); 3, Marilyn McCall (St Boswells); members – 1, Jean McDermid; 2, Jane Charles; 3, Yvonne Wood; fudge – 1, Susan Pike; 2, Erica Smith; 3, Kathy Wilkie. The next meeting will be the AGM on June 7 at 7pm. Members should bring voting slips and a photograph of themselves as a baby.

teviothead

SWI

See Newmill district.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on Sunday, May 22, at 10am.

WalkerBurn

Service

The service on Sunday, May 15, starts at 10am.

YETHOLM

Plant sale

Floral Gateway holds its annual village green plant sale on Saturday, May 14, from 10am outside the village shop.

SWI

A whist drive takes place on May 17 in the Youth Hall (7.30pm).

Lunch

A village lunch will take place in the Wauchope Hall on Thursday, May 19, at noon. Proceeds to Christian Aid.

Service

The annual Harvest of the Lambs service will this year be held at Shotton Farm on Sunday, May 22, at 11am.