District News

Community cafe

The next community café will meet in the village hall at 11am on February 17.

Caddonfoot

Parish church

It was a special day for the Bird family, of Clovenfords, at morning service on Sunday. Catriona Bird was ordained as an elder while daughter Alex was confirmed as a member of the church. Minister Elspeth Harley conducted the service. The Bible reading was performed by Mrs Bird. Music was led by Andy Bird and tea/coffee, under the auspices of John and Irene Bruce, served afterwards. Subscriptions, priced £24, are now due for Life & Work and can be paid to Joyce Brown before the end of February. Bible study starts on February 17, from 7.30-8.30pm at the manse when members will be able to discuss the following Sunday’s readings.

cappercleuch

AGM

At Cappercleuch Hall AGM, the outgoing committee stayed on for another year. Elected were – chairman, Clive Whittingham; secretary, Jo Whittingham; treasurer, Lisa Stephenson; vice-chairman, Mike Critchlow. During 2015, thanks in great part to a grant from SEE Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Fund, the hall roof had been replaced, but covering the whole cost had reduced funds considerably. Fundraising efforts will get off to a start with a quiz night on March 18.

earlston

Parish church

The February 14 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. The trustees meet the following day at 7.30pm in the

church hall lounge for the approval of accounts.

galashiels

Studio club

On February 18, the studio club is running a workshop, “Watercolour Backwards”, by Neil Wood in Old Gala House from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. More information on 01896 820023.

U3A

The next meeting of The Three Brethren U3A will be held on February 15 in Gala Rugby Club, Netherdale, at 2pm. There will be a presentation by Peter Jack, entitled “Bees and Beekeeping”.

Probus club

The latest meeting was held in the Kingsknowes Hotel and attended by 58 members. Ruth McDonnell, from Scottish Borders Council neighbourhood services waste and recycling section, said her colleagues’ aim was to reduce, reuse, recycle, create energy and landfill. Members learned that landfill waste costs Borderers £84 per tonne in a tax to central government and is therefore only used as a last resort. Glass is sent to Bonnyrigg and turned into glass fibre, paint, flooring and glassware. Food waste is turned into soil enhancer and sold to farmers. Many white goods are given a functional and safety check at Walkerburn and then reused. Batteries contain both toxic material and valuable metals, but only 27% of those sold in the region are recycled, although any retailer selling batteries must provide a recycling bin at point of sale. Textiles are sent to Falkirk and then recycled overseas. Although the gardening waste collection had to cease to save money, composting bins are available free on demand. Methane gas is extracted from the landfill site at Easter Langlee which is due to close in 2017 and its replacement will not be in the Borders. Finally, the council carries out a strict audit of the final destination of all waste materials. The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 11, and features Oliver Eade on “Around the World in 50 Minutes”.

Trinity church

Minister Elspeth Harley led Sunday’s service with Dorothy Howden leading music. The Bible lessons were read by Margaret Tancock. There was a retiral collection for the Benevolent Fund. The guild coffee morning on Saturday raised £300. Bible study starts on February 17 at 7.30pm in the manse. This will take the form of a relaxed informal session and will be especially beneficial to those not used to doing Bible study or have doubts and questions.

Rotary

Rotarian Ruth Collin gave her Job Talk. She was brought up to believe in working for the community and this has been clear in her various jobs over the years. She trained as a librarian and worked in children’s libraries and schools, promoting literacy in some imaginative ways. She then started to work at Home Basics in Walkerburn as manager, supporting volunteers and promoting the role of the company in collecting donated furniture and working electrical goods for redistribution to people on means-tested benefits. This led to Ruth’s current job as waste and recycling adviser to Scottish Borders Council where she promotes the message of “reduce, reuse, recycle” through working with domestic customers and giving talks and advice. Stewart Bell gave a talk on “Why Take the Risk”, explaining how easy it is to lose personal and business information through cybercrime. He emphasised the need for secure password protection on all devices, from mobile phones to computers and that everyone should be aware of sharing too much personal information on social media or websites.

Hawick

Rotary

At a business meeting last week under the chair of president Mairhi Trickett, among the items discussed was the foundation committee’s Lottery bonus ball project which had accrued £516 for Rotary’s End Polio Now project. Mock interviews had been held at the high school to assist students in preparing for interviews in their adult life. A quiz will be held in the Catholic hall on February 12 and teams can enter on the night. Any money made will go to financing a place on the Rotary Youth Camp in Perthshire in July. The candidate has already been chosen – High school student Klauda Salamonska from Denholm. The club is seeking new members and anyone (man or woman) interested should come along to Thorterdykes Roadhouse any Thursday at 7pm.

Camera club

Last week members headed for Kelso Camera Club for the annual digital battle between Hawick, Kelso and Liddesdale Clubs. As usual, the standard of images was very high. Judge was Ron Bell of Galashiels Camera Club. Kelso emerged as victors on 250 points, Hawick a close second on 247 and Liddesdale third on 211 points.

The next meeting is the biannual visit of Hawick Film and Video Group.

Rugby Memories Club

Philiphaugh came to Mansfield Park at the February gathering of Hawick Rugby Memories Club. Guest speaker was Selkirk stalwart, broadcaster and journalist John Smail. Alongside a collection of old rugby photographs from his Southern Reporter days, the former editor revived memories with nostalgic recordings of Borders rugby greats he taped for Radio Borders. One of the clips was with Jim Renwick, who will be guest speaker at the next meeting at 2.30pm on Thursday, March 3.

HOBKIRK

Ba’

Monday saw the annual playing of Hobkirk ‘Ba when a large turnout of players ensured a tough battle between the Uppies and the Doonies. Play started around 4pm and lasted until well after dark when the Uppies managed a hard-earned victory of 4 hails to 2. Highlight of the day’s play was when Willie Amos showed he still had the ability to smuggle the ‘ba, hailing the 3rd – more than 70 years after playing in his first ‘ba game. Donors and hailers: Mr & Mrs L. Cowell, wedding. Jamie Amos, up; Mr & Mrs B Kelly, golden wedding. S. Linton, up; Mr & Mrs D Kelly, silver wedding. W. Amos, up; community council, R. Linton, up; Mr & Mrs B. Rae, ruby wedding, Jack Amos, down; Horse & Hound Inn. C. Graham, down.

HOWNAM

Bingo

Hownam Hall is hosting family bingo and a raffle on Friday, February 19. Proceedings start at 6.30pm. Bring your own drink and nibbles.

Innerleithen

Service

The service on February 14 will be at 11.30am.

jedburgh

Historical society

The next meeting is tonight (Thursday) when Derek Rae will present the second part of his “History of the Jedburgh Silk Mill”. At the January gathering, there was an entertaining illustrated talk on some of the neglected and overlooked aspects of Jedburgh history. It included what is reckoned to be the oldest photograph of some “lum-hatted” Jeddart forthies on what was the original bowling green. All meetings are held in the Royal British Legion at 7.30pm and non-members are welcome.

Blood donors

At a blood-donor session in Jedburgh on January 24, 154 volunteers offered to give blood and 144 donations were given. There were five new donors.

Bridge club

February 1 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 2, M. Weightman & H. Long; 3, R. Stewart & P. Nichol; E/W – 1, M. Ouldcott & H. Ouldcott; 2, R. Oates & S. West; 3, D. & P. Palmer.

kelso

Thursday Group

Members heard an entertaining account from Gill Harrop about her time with Yorkshire police, starting as a raw recruit in the 1970s when there was a lot of sex discrimination within the force. She assured her audience this was no longer the case. Her experiences included the Yorkshire Ripper case. Today, Margaret Jeary speaks about “Women in the Kelso of the 1850s” – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre. Next week sees Keith Hanson and “Fracking: so what’s new? – life of James Young”.

Bridge

February 3 – Abbey Salver – N/S – 1, Brian Saywood & Ken Ross; 2, Val Johnstone & Mary Millar; 3, Rena Stewart & Billy Potts; E/W – 1, Jean McLaren & Alison Ireland; 2, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 3, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson. February 4 – Calchou Cup – N/S – 1, David Harris-Burland & Sheila Urquhart; 2, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 3, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Jean McLaren & Ken Ross; 2, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 3, Malcolm & Helen Ouldcott.

Music Makers

Kelso Music Makers last Friday enjoyed their first musical gathering of 2016 with a varied programme of classical, traditional and contemporary music and song. Among the items were a short piece of Handel for mandolin and keyboard; three traditional fiddle tunes; several contemporary songs with guitar and tenor ukulele; two Scottish traditional songs with guitar and mandolin. Baritone horn, flute and piano came together for General John Reid’s Solo no. 2 and were joined by mandolin for the Trio Sonata in C by The Earl of Kelly. A highlight of the evening was a viola solo by Stephen Tees of a composition by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The next event in Abbey Row is on March 11 at 7.45pm. Contact 01575 224920 for further information.

Quiz night

On February 17 (7.30pm), Kelso Horticultural Society is holding a quiz night and Irish bingo in the Tait Hall. Entry on the night – teams of four £10 entry per team.

Langholm

Burns supper

It was a busy road to Claygate for the Burns supper in Gilnockie Hall. Chief guest Ian Landles, from Hawick, delivered the “Immortal Memory”.

Iain Bell piped in the haggis which was carried aloft by Will Edmond. Chairman was John Caskie and the toast to agriculture was made by Gilsland farmer James Laurie, John Dodd of Long Row replying. Stuart Thompson proposed the toast to “The Lassies”, responded to by Diane Badham. There were also a number of singers and entertainers.

Donation

The Town Band has received a donation from Bill, Jean and Robert Barbour. The Shop on the High Street had been selling various items relating to the common riding, such as DVDs, and contributed part of the profits. Bill Barbour handed over the cheque to the president David Calvert, along with secretary Christine Calvert and treasurer Jacqueline Elliot.

LAUDER

Historical society

James Hepburne Scott will give a presentation on Sir Walter Scott and the Scotts of Harden – “A view through Sir Walter Scott’s Personal Letters and Correspondence” – on February 17 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. This is an open event.

Post office

Lauder Post Office is opening longer from 1pm on February 19. The service will be available during the store’s opening hours – 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday; 8.30am to 12.30pm, Saturday. Lauder Post Office will have to close at 5.30pm on February 11 for the refurbishment to take place.

melrose

Melrose in Bloom

At the AGM, Quin Dunlop was elected chairman, Pam Rowlands continued as secretary and Alister Legge as treasurer. The group is seeking more volunteers – to either drive watering vehicle “Rosie” or give a hand to weed or plant. For further details, contact Quin ([email protected]) or Pam ([email protected]).

Parish church

Wet and windy was the order of the day for the three weekend services at Bowden and Melrose. It was Transfiguration Sunday in the church calendar and, in food bank terms, Poverty Sunday also. Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, the period of reflection before Easter, lay ahead. Food bank contributions continue to be gratefully received, including money donations for the purchase of fresh supplies of bread, milk, eggs etc. The church magazine deadline is February 21. February 12 – music society Dante String Quintet. Holy Trinity Lent suppers – February 17-March 16. February 14 services – Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am).

Trimontium

Winter used to be a quieter time of year, but that has long passed. A representative of Museums Galleries Scotland arrived last week to see round the sole Roman-only museum in Scotland and promise support and encouragement to apply for finance towards the possible extension which has long been the subject of discussion and planning with Scottish Borders Council. To coincide with the schools’ long weekend, the museum will be open this coming weekend. A fundraising seminar, set up by Heritage Lottery Fund at Cardrona, was attended.

Historical association

On February 16 at 7.30pm in the upper hall of the Ormiston, Melrose Historical and Archaeological Association will present a lecture by Dr Chris Bowles (Scottish Borders Council archaeologist) – “Torwoodlea Broch in Context”. When this Iron Age broch, near Galashiels, was excavated in 1891 by James Curle and in 1950 by Stuart Piggott, it was found to contain many fragments of Roman pottery and glass, along with coins which might be explained as loot from the nearby legionary fort of Trimontium. All welcome – £3 entry for visitors.

Morebattle

Guild

Catherine Mabon welcomed members and visitors to the February meeting before introducing Margaret and Richard Pederson who gave a talk on the restoration of St Aidan’s Church and their

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plans for the future.Jenny Flannigan gave the vote of thanks.Arrangements were made for the World Day of Prayer in March.

Coffee morning

Morebattle Games’ annual coffee morning will be held in the village hall on February 13 at 10.30am.

Newcastleton

Coffee morning

The Holm Show committee held a coffee morning in the village hall, realising £532. The AGM is on February 23 and the next event is a quiz night on February 27.

Oxton

SWI

Members welcomed Kate Hankey (Making & Mending) to the latest meeting where she demonstrated cushion making and shared sewing tips. Kate also brought along cards for sale which she had made from some of her fabrics. Competition – heart-shaped object – 1, Sylvia Thomson; 2, Lynn Kellet; 3, Evelyn Cramer. Next meeting is on February 17 when a Scottish Borders Council representative will talk about Safer Communities. Competition – a gingerbread.

selkirk

Antiquarian society

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 17. The gathering begins at 7.30pm in Selkirk Parish Church hall when Walter Elliot presents “Geology, Archaeology and History of Ettrick and Yarrow”. All welcome. The society offers many different topics in an informal setting and further syllabus information can be found at www.selkirkshireantiquariansociety.co.uk.

st boswells

AmDrams

The next social get-together will be on Thursday, February 18, from 7.30-9.30pm in the village hall’s upper room. All welcome. The subject is Eildon Rings (s). One can bring prose/poetry, however loosely connected to the subject, but it’s not compulsory.

STICHILL

SWI

At the February meeting, Erica Smith showed members how to make gift bags before they embarked on some creative colouring. Jean McDermid gave the vote of thanks. Competitions – colouring in – 1, Yvonne Wood; 2, Tanya Campbell; 3, Margaret Mitchell; favourite pen – 1, Yvonne Wood; 2, Janine Wilson; 3, Jean McDermid. The raffle was won by Frances Rogers. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 2, at 7.30pm in the village hall when Emma Emerson will talk about spring planting.

STOW

Conflicts talk

Stow St Mary of Wedale and Heriot Parish Church Tuesday Fellowship Group is hosting a talk by the Reverend Barry Hughes on Tuesday, February 16, in the Stow church. Proceedings get under way at 2pm. The subject of his slide presentation will be his recent visit to the centres dealing with displaced people from the conflicts in Iraq and Syria. Mr Hughes was supporting the charity “Open Doors” which in particular supports persecuted Christians caught up in Middle East conflicts. All welcome and there will also be and opportunity to speak to Mr Hughes.

Traquair

Service

The service in Traquair Kirk on February 14 starts at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in the Public Hall will be on February 21 at 10am.

yarrowford

SWI

Dougie Methven delivered a talk and slide show on the landscape, flora and fauna of Selkirkshire through the seasons. Competitions – winter scene Christmas card – 1, Margaret Glendinning; 2, Shirley McDonald; mince pies – 1, Linda Bradshaw; 2, Margaret Robinson. The raffle was won by Jean Scott.

Whist drive

Yarrowford SWI whist drive will be held in Yarrowford Hall on February 16 at 7.30pm. All welcome.

Quiz night

Yarrowford Village Hall is hosting a quiz night on Saturday, February 20 (7.30pm) – £10 per team.

yetholm

Panto

Tickets for Aladdin on February 12 and 13 are on sale in the village shop.

SWI

On February 16 at 10.30am in Wauchope Hall, local resident Jim Cockburn will give a talk on working with wood. Competition – a fourth wooden object. New members welcome.

Quiz night

The Plough Hotel hosts a quiz night on February 17 at 8pm. Proceeds to Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Bingo

A bingo night session will be held in Wauchope Hall on Thursday, February 18, at 7pm. Proceeds to Yetholm Primary School

Dog fouling

Dog fouling continues to be a problem. The Wall Roadie leading to The Haugh is becoming difficult to walk down due to the amount of fouling. Signs have been erected, but were removed within 24 hours. Offenders can be reported to Scottish Borders Council.