District News

SWI

Members had an interesting and informative talk on different ways to pay for care in the home. Competitions – decorated photograph frame – 1, Grace Shiel; 2, Nancy Dunne; 3, Jacqui Bigwood; a keepsake – 1, Jacqui Bigwood; 2, Grace Shiel; 3, Isobel Halliday.

BOWDEN

SWI

Bowden SWI will be holding a coffee morning to raise funds towards tackling multiple sclerosis on May 7 at 10am in the village hall.

Caddonfoot

Parish church

The life of Moses was the theme of the Reverend Elspeth Harley’s talks at morning service on Sunday. The Bible reading was delivered by Atholl Innes and Bible study continues on Wednesday nights at the Trinity Church office in Galashiels from 7.30pm. Sunday sees the sacrament of holy communion at 9.45am.

darnick

Wine and cheese

Darnick Village Trust has organised a wine and cheese evening for local residents for May 12, starting at 7.30pm in the Smith Memorial Hall. The event will combine a short business meeting for trust members and opportunity for established and newer villagers to enjoy an informal social evening. The business is primarily to discuss the future direction of the trust and its proposed development plans. The social aspect will focus on tasting a range of Fairtrade wines available from the Melrose Co-op, and cheeses supplied by The Country Kitchen Deli in Melrose Market Square. Breadworks in Tweedbank will supply examples of their breads, and there will be gluten and dairy-free alternatives available. It will also be an opportunity to see the recent range of improvements carried out to the hall by trustees. Entry via donation and the event includes a raffle.

earlston

Lunch club

On Thursday, April 21, members celebrated the Queen’s birthday, starting with a game of dominoes, then lunch, including a cup of tea and piece of birthday cake, and entertainment by Mrs G. Hardy on the accordion. At the meeting on Thursday, April 28, following lunch, members were given a slide show on Auld Earlston by Mrs S. McKay, bringing back lots of memories. The club coffee morning raised £475.

Blood donors

The blood-donor session held in Earlston on April 24 saw 82 volunteers offering to give blood, and 76 donations were given. There were 11 new donors.

Parish church

The service at 10.15am on May 8 will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. Christian Aid Week is next week so collectors will be around the village.

Concert

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

ETTRICKBRIDGE

AGM

Kirkhope Parish Hall AGM will be held on May 23 at 7.30pm. The gathering is open to all.

Coffee morning

The next coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds will be held on May 7 between 10am-noon. Anyone with anything to sell should simply turn up, take a table and give a small donation to the hall.

galashiels

Probus

Augusta Greenlees told members of her work supporting a school in Madagascar as an introduction to her talk. She raises money through her talks, recently especially to provide food parcels for families of children at the school who have been affected by the failure of the vanilla crop. Augusta went on a horse-riding adventure in Patagonia in the south-west of South America. On arrival and throughout the eight-day journey, the small group of riders were impressed by the scenery. There were paths in places, but no proper surfaces. Each day involved eight hours of riding with accommodation and food quite basic in remote haciendas. There were many wooden bridges over the rivers but, to arrive at their main destination, a national park, the riders had to guide their horses over a wide, fast-flowing river. Members saw pictures of the scenery, flat in some places and high, snow-capped mountains in others. Augusta has since then relived this style of adventure, travelling by horse in Kenya, Madagascar, Bulgaria and other countries.

Trinity church

Minister Elspeth Harley conducted the service on Sunday morning, Dorothy Howden led music and Tom Lawson read the lessons. Bible study continues on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the church office and on May 8 the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at 11.15am. On May 15 there will be a special service for all churches in Galashiels and surrounding area in the Church of Our Lady and St Andrew’s at 6.30pm to celebrate Pentecost. This will be prepared by a team from four local churches. The next congregational board meeting is to be held on May 10 at 7pm in the small hall.

Defibrillator

Tesco is set to install a defibrillator in its Galashiels supermarket as part of a partnership with Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation which will see the life-saving equipment placed in 109 of its Scottish stores. Statistics from the British Heart Foundation show that more than 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital in the UK every year, but less than one in 10 survive. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 10%.

glendouglas

Whist

A whist drive will be held on May 9 from 7.30pm.

Lunch club

The next gathering will be held on May 22 (11.30am-1.30pm).

Hawick

Bridge club

Competition winners 2015- 2016 – Summer Pairs – Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan; Murray Aitken Teams of Four – Marian& John Miller, Sam White & Richard Von Slicher; Margaret Burgon Quaich – Margaret MacLeod & Rob Goldie, Ken Auckland & David King; Winter Pairs – Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan; Jubilee Cup – Mary Millar & Lance Witten.

Wilton Dean SWI

President Joyce Tinlin welcomed members to the April meeting where she introduced three ladies from the Salvation Army entertainment group – songs and games were the order of the day. Competition – candlestick – 1, Rhona Glendinning; 2, Joyce Tinlin. Raffle winner, Joyce Tinlin. The sales table raised £11.45. Next meeting is the open night on May 10. Wilton Dean represented Roxburghshire at the national choir competition at Dalbeattie on April 30 – and the singers came home with first prize.

Probus

Richard Wilberforce, great, great, great grandson of William, the slave trade reformer, spoke about his ancestor’s life and achievements. William was born in 1759 to a merchant family in Hull, went to St John’s College, Cambridge, and became MP for Hull. He later became MP for the prime seat of York, at which stage he began to develop his abolition of slavery cause. This secured his reputation internationally and he wrote extensively on the subject. His main targets were the sugar and tobacco barons and shipping companies. The trade was abolished in 1817. A small man in stature, he died aged 74 having, due to health conditions, relied heavily on opium to the end. Billy Anderson gave a vote of thanks.

Innerleithen

Introduction Night

The St Ronan’s Standard Bearer for 2016 will be introduced to the public on May 6 in the Memorial Hall at 8pm. Other introductions taking place on this date are the Standard Bearer’s Lass, Principal Guest and Lady Busser. The town bands will play outside the hall from 7pm, with teas and coffee being served inside from that time. Following the introduction ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band will lead the principals and townsfolk on a short parade, ending up back at the Memorial Hall forecourt, where the Standard Bearer’s Reel will be performed.

Family Fun Day

Innerleithen Family Fun Day will take place on May 29 (1-5pm) at St Ronan’s School. There will be a large variety of stalls and attractions, including mini funfair and inflatables, pony rides, face-painting, raffles, tombola, and cake and candy. The event will also see the return of the Innerleithen Welly Wanging Championships with prizes for all age groups. There will be a children’s pet competition with judging at 3pm. Music is to be provided throughout the afternoon by the pipe and silver bands. There will be a car boot sale and anyone who would like to book a place should call 01896 831721 or email [email protected]. Should any local organisation wish to have a stall at this event, ring 01896 831721 or email [email protected] .The event is organised by St Ronan’s Silver Band.

Ball tickets

The Standard Bearer’s Ball will be held on July 9 in the marquee at St Ronan’s School. Tickets will be on sale at 8am on 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 – no applications 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 must include a contact name and address.

Carnival

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

Church service

The service on May 8 starts at 11.30am.

kelso

Thursday Group

At the last meeting of the 2015-16 programme, Isabel Gordon reminded members of the range of topics covered by 25 speakers. More than £240 had been donated to five charities. Today, members have lunch in the Borders College restaurant. Meetings begin again on October 6 and the autumn syllabus is available by phoning 01573 224753.

Bridge club

April 27 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 2, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 3, Rena Stewart & Beth Stark; E/W – 1, Joyce Thomson & Helenor Pratt; 2, Jean McLaren & Alison Ireland; 3, Sheena McPherson & Sheila Urquhart. April 28 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Alison Darling & Mary Logan; 2, Rena Stewart & Maureen Weightman; 3, Jean McLaren & Ken Ross; E/W – 1, Brian Saywood & Sheila Urquhart; 2, Shirley Armstrong & Moira Ayton; 3, Annie Mitchell & John Loudon.

Langholm

Probus

President Harry Aitken welcomed 26 members and guest, the Reverend Scott McCarthy, to the meeting in the Eskdale Hotel. John Rogerson told the story of Jimmie Guthrie, Hawick’s racing legend. John co-wrote, with Gordon Small, Hawick Archaeological Society’s booklet on this famous motorcyclist. John, himself a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, used slides to tell of Jimmie’s early life, his overseas service in the First World War and then of his entry into competitive racing. He spoke of the engineering skills of brother Archie and how the business, A & J Guthrie, tuned cars and bikes from all over the UK. Jimmie became a works rider for Norton motorcycles and achieved success at the Isle of Man TT races and then on European circuits. Jimmie used to practice by doing a quick trip to Keswick and back before going to work at 8am in the morning. It is said that he bought morning rolls in they Muckle Toon, tucked them inside his leathers, and they were still warm when he reached Hawick. Jimmie was killed in an accident in the 1937 German Grand Prix. A statute, paid for by public subscription in 1939, stands near the museum in Wilton Park. The vote of thanks was given by John Mitchell, who served his apprenticeship at A & J Guthrie’s.

Coffee morning

More than £300 was raised at a coffee morning in aid of the local branch of the British Heart Foundation in the Buccleuch Centre. The foundation committee welcomed a group from Centre Stage who entertained with songs from “Sunshine on Leith” and from their next production, “Bugsy Malone”. Committee members are grateful to the young people and everyone who attended the event.

lauder

Open meeting

Members of the public are invited to the Lauderdale Hotel on May 12 and 19 at 7.30pm to discuss with community councillors what action should be taken following the “Big Question – The Community Survey”. This is an opportunity to help devise an action plan for Lauder over the next nine years.

Picnic party

A family picnic party will be held the castle grounds on June 12 to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday. Details will be published during the next few weeks in The Southern Reporter, Facebook and local shops. Among the attractions are a concert and football matches in the public park, with a ceilidh in the evening. The day will begin with a service of celebration for the Queen’s birthday and for her faith.

Church

Holy communion, led by the Reverend Rae Clark, was celebrated at Channelkirk Church on May 1. At Lauder Church on the same day, worship was led by the worship team, with music provided by the Praise Band. May 8 sees morning worship at both churches, led by the worship team – 10am, Channelkirk; 11.30am, Lauder.

melrose

Coffee morning

A coffee morning will be held at Melrose Corn Exchange in aid of Holy Trinity Church on May 7 (10am-noon).

Legion concert

The Melrose branch of Legion Scotland will hold a First World War commemoration concert in Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church on May 15 (7.30pm) to raise funds for ex-servicemen and women, and their families. The event features Langlee Community Choir, directed by Chris Achenbach with John Bryden on the organ. Tickets are available from 01896 822349 or on the door.

Parish church

Bowden and Melrose held a packed united service to bid farewell to the Reverend Alistair Bennett on his being called to Christ Church, Bermuda, after 32 years in the Borders. Jim Marshall inspired the organ to speak, Jim Letham skilfully conducted an augmented choir in two anthems and the congregational singing, twice bravely unaccompanied, was a joy to hear. Ewen Rintoul, session clerk, made an eloquent presentation for his many years of service to Mr Bennett, who movingly thanked the congregation and “staff” for their cooperation and generosity. Presentations from the congregation and guild were made to Mrs Bennett and a presentation was also made to Alistair Matthew, retiring fabric convener after 40 years in post. The “Family Service” youngsters enjoyed a picnic in the church hall and the congregation a buffet lunch in Melrose Rugby Club, thanks to the in-house staff and congregational contributions organised by Elsa Barker. Church work continues unabated, Sunday’s services at Bowden and Melrose starting at 9.30am and 11am respectively with the Reverend Bruce Nichol. The presbytery bids farewell to Mr Bennett at Innerleithen, and the kirk session meets on May 19 for the next step in the vacancy procedure.

Trimontium

The first surprise in Dr James Bruhn’s study last Thursday

Turn to Page 36

From page 35

on glass bangles found in sites in Scotland was that they were being produced here long before the Romans came. The second was that it was James Curle who was being given the credit for the first listing and analysis of bangles found from his 1892 Torwoodlee Broch Report of 1892 onwards. His obsession with ‘finds’ and his meticulous recording of them was the basis of the praise heaped upon him. Since his day there have been many specialist studies of the native, Roman and Continental styles, and a clear head is required to concentrate one’s attention on them. The basic British model, Type I, shows a broad core with decoration, if any, in enamel, as seen in the Trimontium Museum. Type II is a more delicate and slighter model with a capital D (on its side) shape in section, with a ridge top and patterns included in the glass. They are found on many military sites. Type III is a further development of Type II with more coloured inclusions, but also amber colour and white. Walter Elliot has located an area at Trimontium where traces of molten glass suggest a production centre. The last lecture in the series is in a change of venue because of the Scottish Parliamentary elections today (Thursday). Jeremy Paterson, a popular lecturer from Newcastle University, is taking members back – in the parish church hall at 7.30pm – to the Eternal City, Rome, to discuss Mussolini’s Dream, as a would-be archaeologist and historian, of what he wanted it to be. A flavour of his style lies in his lecture title next week in Berwick: “The Roman Empire: you’ve never had it so good”.

Melrose Festival

Appointment Night takes place in the Corn Exchange on May 6 at 7.30pm when the Queen and her Court will be announced.

Morebattle

Community council

Kalewater Community Council is looking to fill four vacancies. Nomination forms can be obtained from Mrs J. Flannigan, Parnassus, Morebattle TD5 8QG. Deadline for return of completed forms is noon on May 16. The council AGM takes place at 7pm on May 17 in the institute.

SWI

The next meeting takes the form of a craft evening with Fiona Dumma on May 11 in the institute at 7.15pm. Competitions – covered coathanger and hand-made bookmark. Members should remember their syllabus as this is also Lucky Syllabus Number night.

Coffee morning

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

Newcastleton

Coffee morning

A coffee morning was held by Liddesdale Ladies’ Amenities Group (LLAG) in the village hall when £600 was raised and donated to the First Responders, accepted on their behalf by Dr Kate Wrigley. A number of items were donated for the sales table, tombola and raffle, as well as monetary donations. From their fundraising efforts over the past year LLAG was able to make a donation to Newcastleton old people’s welfare group to support the car scheme, and to Thomas Groom for help with travelling expenses when he is competing in archery events. After the coffee morning, LLAG held a meeting with other local groups to plan a street party for June 12 to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

selkirk

Spring fair

Philiphaugh Community School’s spring fair will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 10am-noon, featuring bouncy castle, cake and candy, beat the goalie, raffle, chocolate tombola and much more.

Tables are available to hire for £10 – contact the school office on 01750 21774 for more information. Donations for the raffle would be greatly appreciated. These should be brought to the school office.

st boswells

Coffee morning

The Borders branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society is grateful to all who supported it on April 16 at a coffee morning held in St Boswells Village Hall. The amount raised was £662.06 and will be used to help Borderers affected by MS.

Bridge afternoon

Jean Pitchforth and her team are grateful to everyone who helped, donated and attended their bridge afternoon held on April 26 in St Boswells Village Hall when £800 was raised for Alzheimer Scotland research.

AmDrams

The April meeting’s subject was “Planets”. Members heard poetry and prose about the nine planets in the solar system, plus facts about them and their history. However, Pluto was not named after Walt Disney’s cartoon character (having been discovered in the 1930s before the dog appeared), and in 2006 it was removed from inclusion as a planet and reclassed as a “dwarf planet.” There is a new “Planet 9” though, evidence of which was revealed in January this year, and it is about 10 times Earth’s mass and 5,000 times Pluto’s. C. S. Lewis (1893-1963) loved cosmology, his first popular fiction actually being sci-fi when characters visited Venus and Mars. Views about cosmology from Brian Cox and Stephen Hawking and the influence of planets on radio and film productions were discussed, plus Irish, Celtic and Indian beliefs. Members read a short comedy in which there was an attempted murder by putting mercury put into a cream scone. The next meeting is the club’s AGM in August or September.

Traquair

Church service

The service on May 8 starts at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on May 15 at 10am.

Yarrowford

SWI

The latest meeting was held in the hall and featured a talk followed by exercises, led by Karen Hughes, with the aim of improving mobility and maintaining balance. Competitions – Scottish ornament – 1, Margaret Glendinning; 2, Annie Coltherd; coffee and walnut cake – 1, Linda Bradshaw; 2, Margaret Robinson. The raffle was won by Margaret Watson. The next meeting will be held on May 10 in the hall with a talk by Breadworks. Competitions – photograph of a bird and a posy of spring flowers.

Village hall

On May 13 (7 for 7.30pm), Well Road Productions presents “Wool From The Hills”, an evocation of a disappearing way of life through words and images, with a musical soundtrack by Ian Lowthian. To book a seat, phone Jim (76204) or Viv (76212).

yetholm

Installation night

Installation night is on May 6 at 7pm in Wauchope Hall. There will also be a presentation to Sheila Jeffrey, recently-retired postmistress.

Tatties

The Shepherds’ Show will be selling tatties for the annual tattie dig competition at Gibson’s Garage on May 7 (10am-1pm). Judging takes place at the show on October 1.