District News

Quiz

There will be a quiz in aid of the defibrillator fund in the Horse and Hound at 7.30pm on Sunday, February 7 – £10 per team of four.

bowden

Coffee morning

Bowden and Melrose Parish Church is holding a coffee morning on Saturday, February 6, in Bowden Village Hall from 10am-noon in aid of the church’s charity projects in Bethlehem, Malawi and Scotland.

Photography

Oliver Eade gave a lively, interesting and helpful talk on capturing movement in photography last Monday. On Monday, February 8, in the village hall at 7.30pm, Jim Ross will consider the use of ambient light. Images to be brought are on the theme of “Straight from the garden shed”.

cADDONFOOT

Parish church

Former interim moderator, the Reverend Marion Dodd, returned to the pulpit on Sunday to conduct the service. The Bible reading was delivered by Christine Dorward, while music was led by Andy and Catriona Bird. Tea/coffee, under the auspices of John and Irene Bruce, was served after the service. Several issues were discussed at the kirk session meeting last Thursday. Subscriptions (£24) are now due for Life & Work and can be paid to Joyce Brown before the end of February. Bible study will commence on Wednesday, February 17, from 7.30-8.30pm at the manse when members will be able to discuss the following Sunday’s readings. The minister, the Reverend Elspeth Harley, will conduct the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday as she returns on a regular basis after her accident.

Beekeepers

Caddonfoot Beekeepers’ Association will be holding classes for beginners on Saturday, March 19, and Saturday, April 2, from 9.30am-1pm, at Trinity Church Hall ,High Cross Avenue, Melrose. It is the association’s intention to have beginners at its apiary visits in the summer. For more details, contact Paul Gibson on 01896 750110 or 07999 583633.

cogsmill

Burns supper

On a very cold snow-covered evening, the star of Robbie Burns was shining bright above Cogsmill Hall on Saturday with 90 guests waiting for the Burns supper to begin. A welcome was given by chair David McTaggart before bagpipes, played by Sandy McLaren, escorted the haggis, carried by Ron Swinton, to the top table to be addressed by Ian Rutherford. Then a meal of broth, haggis ,tatties, neeps, cheese, oatcakes and shortbread was enjoyed by all. The entertainment got under way with songs from Joyce Tinlin, Chris Ritson and Euan Robson. The main speech, the “Immortal Memory”, was delivered by Ronnie Fleming from Kelso. After a short break, Sandy played a set of tunes on the bagpipes. Ian then told the tale of “Tam o’ Shanter”, followed by a humorous toast to “The Lassies” by Andrew Tullie. Kate Elliot from Ewes delivered an amusing reply, followed by a few more songs. Bob McClure from Langholm recited “Tae a Louse” and “The Toothache”, which most of the audience had never heard recited before. The evening came to a close with Ian, dressed in his nightgown, giving the story of Holy Wullie. Lou Godfrey proposed the vote of thanks. Proceedings came to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”.

earlston

Parish church

The February 7 service begins at 10.15am and will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods.

Women’s Group

Members meet tonight (Thursday) in the church hall at 8pm to hear Sammi

Kinghorn, wheelchair racing champion.

Wednesday Club

The latest meeting was opened by hostess Mrs M. Kirk. She welcomed Curtis Welsh who gave a slide show on his visit to India. Members then travelled back to Earlston where Curtis put on another slide show – this time Earlston the subject. Competition – a pen – 1, Mrs A. Thompson; 2, Mrs A. Todd; 3, Mrs B. Mason. The next meeting is on February 10. Competition – a candle.

SWI

Members enjoyed an informative, illustrated talk by Simon Wallace on the work of Borders Pet Rescue. Simon, who is fundraising manager, was appreciative of members’ donations of food and other items for animals in the organisation’s care. The charity has a shop in Galashiels and is always in need of good quality clothes, books, bric-a-brac or furniture. Competitions – knitted animal – 1, Edith Cockburn; 2, Brenda Knox; three animal-shaped biscuits –1, Barbara Greer; 2, Betty Paton. The next meeting, on February 18, features a talk by Patrick Benson on his work as a children’s book illustrator. Competitions – short poem for children and a bookmark in any craft.

ednam

Free lunch

See Kelso section.

Film club

See Kelso section.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

Dinner

The annual Kirkhope Hall dinner is on Saturday, March 5. Tickets are available from Linda on 01750 52257. Speakers are local journalist Bob Burgess and Doddie Weir, former rugby internationalist.

galashiels

Trinity church

The congregation was delighted to have the Reverend Elspeth Harley back, conducting the service on Sunday. Dorothy Howden led the music and Gail Marshall read the Bible lessons, as well as taking part in a short sketch with Elspeth. The Kidz Klub enjoyed activities based on the story of David becoming King and Bible Bingo. The guild coffee morning is on Saturday, February 6, between 10am and noon, in the church hall. Communion is on Sunday, February 7, at 11.15am.

Studio Club

On Thursday, February 11, Galashiels Studio Club is running a workshop, “Draw or paint a clothed model”. The venue is Old Gala House, Scott Street, and the event runs from 7.30-9.30pm. Potential new members welcome – members free/visitors £4.

Clef club

The latest meeting of Gala Clef Club took place in the Lucy Sanderson Hall. The string quartet of Robert Fraser, Anne Owen (violins), Carrick McLelland (viola) and Gill Rotherham (cello) opened with Donald Fraser’s arrangement of Edward Elgar’s famous “Salut D’Amore”, followed by the Andante Cantabile from Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet. Tenor George Richmond and piano accompanist Margaret Dick then commemorated Burns night with “Ye Banks and Braes” and “Ae Fond Kiss”. Next to perform was pianist Graeme Walker, who performed Chopin’s Nocturne in E Flat Op.9 No.2, followed by Chopin’s Mazurka in A Minor. Members then welcomed trained opera singer Nancy Muir from Selkirk, accompanied by Jim Letham on piano, as she performed Gounod’s “Jewel Song” from his opera “Faust”, followed by three songs (Lieder) by Schubert. Margaret Dick then completed the programme with piano music by Scarlatti, Greig and John Ireland. For a full review, visit www.onlineborders.org.uk/community/galaclefclub

Camera club

Open competition, judged by Curtis Welsh from Earlston Camera Club – prints – 1, Gordon Swalwell; 2, Gordon Swalwell; 3, Neil McLean; commended – Paul Anderson, Ford Renton (2). DPIs – 1, Neil McLean; 2, Alistair Peacock; 3, Jane Bell. Commended – Ron Bell, Neil McLean, Ford Renton.

Quiz

A quiz night in aid of the Town Band will be held at Galashiels Bowling Club in Scott Crescent on Saturday, February 6, starting at 7-7.30pm (children welcome). Admission is £10 per team (of four).

AGM

The annual general meeting of Galashiels Burns Club will take place in the town’s Royal British Legion on Tuesday, April 19, at 7.30pm. A report and pictures of the 2016 supper now features on the club’s website – www.galashielsburnsclub.org.uk (click on the dropbox to access round-the-tables photographs).

Glendouglas

Whist

The monthly whist drive is on Monday, February 8, at 7.30pm.

Lunch club

The next lunch club gathering is on Wednesday, February 10, 11.30am-1.30pm.

Burns supper

Still time to get tickets for the Burns supper. Transport from Jedburgh. More information from John on 840625.

hawick

Camera club

For the second time in a month, last Thursday’s visit of Les McLean had to be cancelled due to travel problems caused by bad weather. Members were indebted to Edith McLean who filled in at the last moment and gave a fascinating talk, aided by some excellent photographs, of her recent walking holiday in Nepal. Next Thursday’s meeting is the annual sequence competition, which is being judged by Jean Tait and Betty Burney from the Hawick Film and Video Group.

Wilton Dean SWI

Euan Welsh, Robert Scott and Tom Elliot Walker entertained with song, poetry and music. This was followed by haggis, neeps and tatties. Competition – dressed vegetable – 1, Rhona Glendinning; 2, Joyce Tinlin. A sales table raised £11.70. Next meeting – February 9 (7.30pm); competition, three pieces of traybake; speaker, Doncaster Blood Stock.

Bridge club

February 2 – N/S – 1, Val MacPherson & Bob Francombe; 2, John & Susan Law; E/W – 1, Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan; 2, Sam White & Richard Von Slicher.

Rotary

Hawick Rotarians attended their weekly meeting last Thursday evening to hear a talk and discussion on the work of the Hawick Flood Group. President Mairhi Trickett welcomed the group’s David Chapman and Duncan Taylor, who explained the role they fulfilled. Formed in 2005, the volunteer organisation helps and advises townspeople on how to protect their properties in the event of flooding. They liaise with the police, fire brigade, ambulance service and other emergency groups, and also draw up a register for an early warning system. At present the flood group headquarters is an old portable cabin at the leisure centre. The president gave the duo a vote of thanks for the service the group is giving to the town.

Probus

At the AGM, the following officials were elected for 2016/17 – president, Alex Bell; vice-president, Michael Braithwaite; secretary, Billy McWatters; treasurer, Robert Scott; hon. auditor, Eric Grierson; press secretary, Tony Wilson. Committee – Ray Chlopas, Alex Bell, Michael Braithwaite, Billy McWatters, Robert Scott, Tony Wilson, Giles Passmore, Oliver Angus. Club speaker Jake Coltman then gave a PowerPoint presentation on “A Hawick Man in Nova Scotia” – a summary of a visit he made to his family. Tony Wilson gave a vote of thanks.

Heiton

Library cafe

The latest library cafe was enjoyed by 42 visitors and also had two “carry-outs”. The next cafe – Tuesday, February 23 – 10.45am-1pm. The library turns up between 11.40am and 12.20pm. All welcome.

INNERLEITHEN

Countdown Club

The club will have only one meeting this month – Wednesday, February 10, 10.30am, Innerleithen Church Hall of Friendship.

Coffee morning

There will be a chance to buy tickets for Innerleithen Opera’s production of “Oliver!” (March 28-April 2) at the society’s annual coffee morning in the Vale Club on Saturday, February 20, from 10am-noon.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

January 18 – N/S – 1. V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 2, J. Urquhart & J. Kyle; 3, I. Weir & D. Cessford; E/W – 1, R. Oates & S. West; 2, M. Forsythe & P. Harris; 3, M. Ouldcott & H. Ouldcott. January 25 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 2, P. Harris & M. Forsythe; 3. R. Stewart & P. Nichol; E/W – 1, D. Gray & D. Cessford; 2, R. Oates & S. West; 3, N. Porter & S. Graham.

kelso

Quiz

To raise funds for Civic Week, the ladies’ section of the Kelso Laddies’ Association is holding a quiz on Friday, February 19, in the town’s British Legion. Starting at 7.30pm, everyone is welcome.

Free lunch

Cheviot Youth is organising a free lunch with musical entertainment on Tuesday, February 23, at The Planet (next door to Border Ice Rink) for 12.30pm to celebrate the end of its second Budget, Shop, Store and Cook (BSSC) project. To book a table, email ian at [email protected] or ring/text him on 07958 277766.

U3A

The next meeting of the Four Border Abbeys U3A Group will be held on Monday, February 8, at 2pm at Kelso Rugby Club. The speaker, John Hanson, will be talking about nuclear power. Visitors welcome.

Bridge club

January 27 – Rose Bowl – N/S – 1, Alex Jeffrey & Gerry Eglington; 2, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 3, Brian Saywood & Ken Ross; E/W – 1, Lynda Douglas & Lesley Dick; 2, David Harris-Burland & Ruth Mackay; 3, Nancy Porter & Dorothy Graham. January 28 – Millennium Trophy – N/S – 1, John Urquhart & Tricia Reynolds; 2, Rena Stewart & Nancy Porter; 3, Michael Horwood & Alison Ireland; E/W – 1, Jean McLaren & Ken Ross; 2, Avril Ronald & Donald Swanson; 3, Margot McVie & Edith Hogg.

Film club

Kelso Youth Project film club is showing the Oscar-nominated “Inside Out” on Thursday, February 11, at The Planet (next door to Border Ice Rink). Doors open 6pm – film starts 6.15pm. There is a tuck shop and entrance is free. For further information about Kelso Youth Project, email [email protected].

Thursday Group

Members heard from Moira Walsh about Amnesty International and its work with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Today, Gill Harrop’s talk is entitled “Policing: trousers, traumas and transfers” – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre. Next week sees Margaret Jeary with “Kelso Women’s Lives in 1850s Kelso.”

langholm

Probus club

President Harry Aitken welcomed 26 members, plus guests Billy Young and Ian Landles, to a meeting in the Eskdale Hotel, which included a Burns lunch. Ian then gave a presentation of the tour of Robert Burns into the Borders on leaving Edinburgh in 1787. A rendition of “Star of Rabbie Burns” was sung by Billy, with members accompanying him in the chorus. He also gave a recitation of “A Guid Scots Night”. A vote of thanks was proposed by George Whillans.

Retirement

Ali Bell and Roddy Innes were welcomed to the Eskdale Hotel by local firefighters, families and friends for a special meal to mark the occasion of their retirement from the fire service. Ali had served 37 years and Roddy 25 years, and certificates were presented by Colin Wallace, station manager at Dumfries. Ali and Roddy were station and crew manager respectively, and they were welcomed to the hotel by colleague Kevin McCartney. Colin said if it was not for the dedication by those such as Ali and Roddy, there wouldn’t be a retained fire station in the town.

Burns supper

The Ladies’ Burns Club held its anniversary dinner in the masonic clubrooms. President Aileen Armstrong welcomed everyone and said the Selkirk

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Grace. She also addressed the haggis which was carried in by Rena Liggins, led by piper Jackie Fletcher. Bernie Armstrong, of Hawick, delivered an excellent Immortal Memory and Norman Turnbull, also from Hawick, toasted The Lassies, with the reply from another Teri visitor, Joyce Tinlin. Billy Young recited Tam O’ Shanter and sang The Star of Rabbie Burns, and the other singers were Jackie Beckett and Steven Milligan, accompanied by Isabel Connelly. Grace Brown gave a recitation and Luke Tolson played the flute. Vice-president Nancy McLure proposed a vote of thanks and the company sang Auld Lang Syne.

MAXTON

Maxton Meets

The first Maxton Meets of 2016 will be held on Monday, February 8, at 7.30pm in the village hall when there will be a talk on the Borders Search and Rescue Unit – Maxton 21’s charity for last year. Admission is £1.50 – tea, coffee and biscuits served after the talk.

melrose

Beekeepers

See Caddonfoot section.

Literary society

The next meeting – on Tuesday, February 9 – will take the form of a panel discussion with three local authors. Margaret Skea, Iona Carroll and Oliver Eade have all published new novels recently and will be talking about the origins of their stories, the decisions they took in bringing their books to the reading public and wider issues about publishing fiction today. Margaret has won several prizes for her writing, including her historical fiction. She has recently published “A House Divided”, set in late 16th-century Scotland, sequel to her successful “Turn of the Tide”. Iona has published two books of her trilogy, set in the 20th century, which has taken Oisin Kelly from Ireland to Scotland and on to Australia. Her recently-published second book, “Familiar Yet Far”, leads on from “Crying Through the Wind”. Oliver is a prize-winning author who has published a range of books for children and adults. His latest, “Golden Jaguar of the Sun”, time-jumps between modern America and Aztec Mexico. It is the first of a trilogy for young adults. There will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and buy signed copies of the books. The meeting starts at 7.30pm upstairs in the Ormiston Institute. Non-members welcome

(£3 admission). Further information from Peter Hoad ([email protected]).

Border Flower Club

The first meeting of 2016 is on Wednesday, February 17, in the Ormiston Room, Corn Exchange, at 7.30pm. This is the club’s fun night. Visitors welcome.

Parish church

The wet/snowy weather did not deter worshippers at Bowden and Melrose. February 4 – 2.30pm, guild, Val Steel. February 17-March 16 – Holy Trinity Lent suppers (7pm) and talks (8pm). Foodbank contributions, including money, welcome. February 7 – services – Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (10am and 11am).

Trimontium

With the chariot safely stabled, attention turned to the museum horse, the head of which had been carefully removed to allow for maintenance. A local paint store had been helpful in securing the right colour and the work was done in time for a visit from Museums Galleries Scotland and the schools’ forthcoming half-term break.

morebattle

SWI

Members meet in the institute on Wednesday, February 10, at 7.15pm when Trevor Black will give a talk entitled “Cash in the Attic”. If anyone wishes to bring along a small item for him to view, this will be very welcome. Competitions – limerick and bracelet.

Free lunch

See Kelso section.

Film club

See Kelso section.

Guild

The next guild meeting will be held in the institute on Thursday, February 4, at 7.30pm when Margaret and Richard Pederson will talk about the Restoration of St Aidan’s Church. This is an open meeting.

Coffee morning

Morebattle Games coffee morning will be held in the village hall on Saturday, February 13, from 10.30am.

Selkirk

Monday Club

At 2pm on Monday, February 8, at St Joseph’s Church hall, John Irvine will sing songs from yesteryear.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on Sunday, February 7, at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in the Public Hall will be on Sunday, February 14, at 10am.

west linton

Nominations

Nominations are being invited from anyone who wants to be a local community councillor. They must appear on the electoral register for West Linton Community Council area. Closing date for nominations is noon on Friday, February 26.

The community council consists of a maximum of nine members. In the event of there being more nominations than places, a ballot will be held. Nomination forms are available from the village post office or www.scotborders.gov.uk/communitycouncilelections.

yetholm

Race night

A race night in aid of the playgroup will be held in the Youth Hall on February 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets (£5) include supper.

At the movies

A film night on Saturday, February 6, begins at 7pm in the Wauchope Hall, featuring “The Hundred Foot Journey” with Helen Mirren. Doors open 6.30pm. Entry £5.

Pancakes

The local Macmillan committee will hold its annual Pancake Event on Monday, February 8, from 10.30am-1.30pm in the Youth Hall.

Panto

The village panto, Aladdin, will take place in the Wauchope Hall on Friday and Saturday, February 12 and 13, at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale in the village shop.

Free lunch

See Kelso section.

Film club

See Kelso section.