District News

Whist drive

The first whist drive and dominoes of the year will be held in the village hall on Monday, February 1, at 7.30pm. Admission is £2, and this includes supper.

SWI

The first meeting of the year was the Burns supper. Competition – shortbread – 1, Liz Ramsay; 2, Teela Ferguson; 3, Janet Alexander. The next meeting is on Wednesday, February 17, at 7pm in Bedrule Village Hall – a craft night.

caddonfoot

Parish church

Homeless Sunday was marked when the Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted the service. She spoke about “new starts” for homeless people in the country, while the children of CY (Caddonfoot Youth) showed photographs of their even younger days. The minister was assisted in her theme with a dialogue with the session clerk, Anne Grieve, who also read from the Bible. Music was led by Andy and Catriona Bird. Kirk session members were reminded of the meeting in the church on Thursday, January 28 (not Wednesday, as previously indicated) at 7pm. Subscriptions are now due for Life & Work and can be paid to Joyce Brown before the end of February.

earlston

Parish church

The service on Sunday, January 31, at 10.15am will be conducted by members of the worship team.

Women’s group

The next women’s group meeting is on Thursday, February 4, in the church hall. Speaker is Sammi Kinghorn, wheelchair racing champion. This is a change to the syllabus – yoga will now be held on April 7.

ECKFORD

SWI

Members enjoyed a “dining-in night” when they brought along dishes of food for a supper. Members recalled memories of 50 years ago– where they lived and what were they doing. Then photographs of members as children were passed around, producing some hilarious moments. Competition – peg doll – 1, Gail Chandler; 2, Margaret Jeary; 3, Christine Tucker.

edgerston

Burns supper

The Burns supper will take place on Saturday, January 30, 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets must be bought in advance from Christine (01835 840246 or [email protected]).

EDNAM

Film day

Make an animated film in a day? Cheviot Youth has a few places left for its animation workshops in Yetholm Youth Hall on Saturday, January 30, and in Ednam Village Hall on Saturday, February 6. To book a place for either workshop, ring Ian on 07958 277766 or email [email protected].

galashiels

Chernobyl children

The Scottish Borders Link of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline is holding a meeting on Monday, February 1 (7pm) at the Kingsknowes Hotel. This meeting has been arranged to decide whether a visit of children of Chernobyl can be arranged for the coming summer. Since the last meeting some new families have shown interest, but only at the meeting will it be possible to decide if there is sufficient support to proceed. Anyone interested should phone Fraser Simm on 01578 720297.

Roxburgh Singers

Marion Dodd and her Roxburgh Singers ventured to Trinity Church last Sunday afternoon to perform Howard Goodall’s “Eternal Light”, a modern and tuneful version of a requiem. The choir also sang Tippett’s Five Spirituals. Soloists – Sophie Dyer, Mike Towers and Jim Letham; instrumentalists – Dorothy Howden (piano), Martin Neilson (organ) and Ann Witherington (keyboard/harp).

Trinity church

The congregation welcomed the Reverend Duncan McCosh to take worship once again on Sunday. Dorothy Howden, as well as leading in song, also read the Bible lessons. Bill Cheyne read out the intimations then the choir sang an introit.

Rotary

Douglas Johnston, operations manager of Haggis Tours and Highland Explorer Tours, Edinburgh, gave an account of the activities and growth of the company since it began in 1993 with two buses mainly travelling up and down to Skye at a time when clients were mostly students seeking informal adventure, plus no-frills tours and accommodation. While this remains the ethos of Haggis Tours today, Highland Explorer trips are for all, including more mature customers. The firm now employs 50 and has 14 mini coaches covering the whole of Scotland. Dougie’s talk was complemented by pictures of some of Scotland’s finest scenery, from Glenfinnan to the Shetland Isles. The company has embraced green tourism wherever possible, from the engines of its modern fleet to support of charities in the midst of tours where staff and tourists are encouraged to take part in conservation works. Apart from the company’s own coaches having won an Eco Stars Award, staff have two days paid leave per year to carry out charity work. Haggis Tours has just recently presented a cheque for £1,000 to the John Muir Trust and supported the Borders Forest Trust with tree planting at Corehead Farm, near Moffat.

Music showcase

See Kelso section.

glendouglas

Dancing

Old-time and ceilidh dancing classes start on January 28 (7.30pm) and will then meet on second and fourth Thursday of every month. Also, a “Reel Half Hour” begins at 7pm for anyone interested in learning

new set dances.

HAWICK

Rotary

President Mairhi Trickett chaired last week’s Burns supper held in Thorterdykes Roadhouse. She welcomed members and their partners, and especially guests from Leicestershire, Linden Warburton’s brother and his wife who were attending their first supper. Howard Walker piped in the haggis, which was addressed with gusto by Gus Neilson. Singers Joyce Tinlin, Pat Sutherland and Michael Aitken were their usual inimitable selves, accompanied on keyboard by Rosalyn Walker. Gordon Jackson gave a memorable Immortal Memory and Michael Aitken recited Tam o’ Shanter. Howard Walker played on his small pipes. The evening was brought to a close by the president’s vote of thanks and the company then joined in “Auld Lang Syne”. MC for the evening was Bobby Cairns, who organised the event.

Bridge club

January 26 – 1, John & Marian Miller; 2 (equal), Bob Francombe & George Graham, Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan.

Archaeology society

President Iain H. Scott welcomed more than 100 members to the AGM in the Town Hall. In his opening remarks, the retiring president gave a resume of the year’s events, saying that once again it had been a busy year with some excellent lectures which were well attended. The society was assisting in promoting the Teri tongue in schools with the republication of Elliot Cowan Smith’s book, “Mang Howe an Knowes”. Later this year, exciting developments were going to be happening at Stobs Camp. Norma Graham presented the treasurer’s report, revealing a satisfactory profit, mainly due to receiving a share of the J.D. Smith Trust which had been wound up. Shona Sinclair, museum curator, reported on the exhibitions that had been held in both locations and mentioned the shop event which had been an outstanding success for visitors and locals alike. The staff were praised for their effort and commitment, with increased scores awarded by VisitScotland under its Quality Assurance Scheme. On April 1, the running of cultural and community services will be transferred from Scottish Borders Council to Borders Sport and Leisure Trust. There was a change in office bearers with Ian H. Scott taking over as membership secretary from Norma Graham, and Alastair Redpath filling the vacant post of secretary. Before handing over the chain of office, the retiring president said it had been an honour to serve as president for three years. His successor is Duncan Taylor, who told the meeting his main ambitions during his presidency were to make the Transactions a truly accessible resource worldwide and to increase the number of younger members. Duncan then introduced Brian Tait, as his vice-president. The new president then welcomed Stuart Bouglas who gave his second talk on High Street shops – this time those on the south side.

Music showcase

See Kelso section.

Innerleithen

Service

The service on Sunday, January 31, starts at 11.30am.

Jedburgh

Rotary

After a festive break, the club was in fine fettle for the challenges and opportunities of 2016. The Canongate pop-up shop operated by the “Rotary Ladies” has been doing well, despite the prevailing weather conditions, and has been generously supported by Jedburgh folk and visitors to the town. The “Rotary Ladies” have built up a substantial fund with which to help local charities and individuals in and around Jedburgh. The club got down to business at the first meeting of the year in the Carter’s Rest. It was agreed to match the £500 given by the ladies’ group to renew and maintain the hanging flower baskets in Jedburgh in support of the horticultural society. Individual members are already sponsoring baskets. It is hoped that efforts to clean up litter at the approaches to the town will present an even brighter prospect for residents and visitors alike. The grayling fishing competition has been arranged for February 3 on the Teviot near Ancrum. This is an all-Scotland event held each year in support of Rotary funds. Members heard that polio is now endemic in only two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan. The club will organise crocus street collections in aid of this cause next month. Rotarian are also progressing their Visionaid project linked with a club in Zambia to help provide spectacles and medical help for eye conditions. The club intends to work with the three schools in the town in 2016 to support them with particular projects. Rotarians’ eBay initiative continues to provide a method by which Jedburgh residents can sell unused items, as well as contribute to the club’s charity fund.

St John’s Church

Services on Sundays at 9am and 10.30am are continuing uninterrupted during the interregnum with both the Reverend John Evans and two congregation members authorised to take services. Thursday (10.30am), holy communion, followed by the study group, which will continue through Lent. The St John’s lunch (noon-12.30pm) takes place in the centre on the lastWednesday of the month, with the sewing group on the first and third Wednesday. Messy Church, in conjunction with the Old Parish Church, takes place on the last Friday of the month in the Kenmore Halls. The Lenten Study Group will start on Monday, February 15, at 2pm and on Friday (19th) at 7.30pm. This will follow a five-week course on the Psalms.Also in conjunction with the Old Parish Church. Marion Anderson will advise on any further details (tel. 864875).

Music showcase

See Kelso section.

kelso

Thursday Group

Thursday Group members had the chance to handle a defibrillator and a demonstration of CPR when Wilma and Kenneth Gunn, from Selkirk-based Scottish HART, spoke about the charity. The Abbey Row Community Centre will shortly have one installed and will be arranging a training session. The sum of £54 was donated to the charity. Today, Moira Walsh’s talk about Amnesty International will concentrate on refugees and asylum seekers – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre. Next week sees Gill Harrop talk about policing.

AGM

At its recent AGM, the committee of Kelso Community Events (KCE) heard that the 2015 switch-on of the Christmas lights had gone well, with entertainers putting on a good show in spite of rain and cold. Santa emerged from his somewhat watery grotto for the countdown and pressed the switch on the stroke of 7pm. The St James’ Fair remains mothballed because of lack of committee members to organise it. KCE is looking for enthusiastic younger Kelsonians, full of new ideas and keen to make the fair even better. Anyone interested should email [email protected] or see Claire at Seasons coffee shop in Roxburgh Street.

Quilters

Abbey Quilters meet on Tuesday, February 9, at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre when Tricia Reynolds gives a workshop on Japanese folded patchwork. For further information, contact Sandra Kinnoch on 01835 850324.

Bridge club

January 20 – Bobby Allan Sim. Pairs – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart & John Loudon; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, John & Marian Miller; E/W – 1, Brian Saywood & Lesley Dick; 2, David Harris-Burland & Ruth Mackay; 3, Gerry Eglington & Mary Millar. January 21 – Millennium Trophy – N/S – 1, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 2, Jean McLaren & Ken Ross; 3, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Lynda Douglas & Dorothy Graham; 2, Gerry Eglington & Jon Bridger; 3, Avril Ronald & Donald Swanson.

Film day

See Ednam section.

Wool

Kelso Youth Project is looking for donations of wool to help with a new project. Anyone who has any wool no longer needed should consider donating it to the project’s young people. It can be dropped it off at The Planet (next door to Border Ice Rink) on Wednesdays (2-8pm) and Thursdays (3-6pm). For further info, contact Ian on 07958 277766

Turn to page 40

From page 39

Music showcase

Cheviot Youth’s music showcase is being held on Monday, March 21 (7-9pm – doors open 6.30pm) at The Planet (next door to Border Ice Rink, Kelso). It is open to all young Borderers. More information from Ian Rendall Reid on [email protected].

Langholm

Accordion club

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Mark MacDougall, of Newcastleton, partner of Carol Dobson. Mark was a brilliant musician and a big part of the Roger Dobson Band. Main guest for the night was Seamus O’Sullivan, from Glasgow, on the accordion. He was accompanied by his son, Brian, on keyboard and Iain Cathcart (second box), with Nicky McMichan on drums. Brian sang from one of the shows he had appeared in. The January gathering, again in the Legion clubrooms, took the form of a club night, with no guest artist, just the faithful regular local players. It was a super night of music, ending with a “stramash” with all the musicians on stage together. Thanks go to regular pianist Iain Wilson, all the way from Crawford in Lanarkshire, local drummer Robert Willens and regular compere Adam Grant. Next month’s guests are two local lads – Iain Anderson and Eric Goodfellow.

Burns supper

The Ewes SWI Burns supper took place in the rugby clubrooms at Milntown. President Susie Grant was chairperson and welcomed a turnout of around 70. The haggis was carried in by Kate Elliot, led by piper Richard Henderson. The address to the haggis was given by Grace Brown, who later recited Tam O’ Shanter. Neil Wallace, from Annan, delivered the Immortal Memory and the toast to The Lassies was made by Jamie Fletcher, Catriona Bell replying. Luke Tolson and Tom Hutton entertained the company on their flutes, and there were songs from Joan Cubbon and Billy Scott. The evening ended with the company singing “Auld Lang Syne”.

Lauder

Burns supper

Channelkirk and Lauder Church’s Burns supper was held at The Lodge, Carfraemill, on Friday evening. Toast list – chairman, Finlay Calder; piper, Jake Mirley; address to the haggis, Ian Brotherston; Immortal Memory, Reverend Michael Scouler; The Lassies, Billy Anderson; reply to The Lassies, Christine Brotherston; songs, Joyce Tinlin; recitations, JohnWilkinson; vote of thanks, Ian Brotherston. Money raised from the night will be shared by Blythswood Care and church charities.

Historical society

Members and friends came to Lauder Youth Trust Hall last Wednesday to meet in small groups to discuss some of the buildings in the centre of Lauder. The aim was to ascertain the historical usage, occupations, inhabitants and owners of these establishments. There were also interesting stories told of the occupants. Details were recorded for the society’s archives and further meetings, which will be publicised, are to be held in order that members can consider other buildings not already covered. The committee is grateful to invited guests and members for their contributions on the night.

Guild

Channelkirk and Lauder Guild’s next meeting is on Wednesday, February 3, at 2.30pm in the church centre when Fraser Simm will give a travel talk.

melrose

Trimontium

The re-stabling of the trust’s chariot nearer the fort has taken place, trustees grateful for the chance to have it secured for the next campaign. A different challenge faced trustees on Thursday. They had to consider preliminary drawings for a two-storey addition to the rear of the Ormiston to form an extension to the Trimontium museum. If all permissions and agreements are given, and finance and volunteers secured, could the completion of the unfinished report of the Bradford “dig” of 1989-98 be financed at the same time, plus the creation of increased display space for artefacts from other museum stores, Old Melrose, Burnswark and temporary exhibitions? For the enthusiasts this seems the region’s time, with so much happening in the central Borders tourist corridor, to be ready for an extension.

Parish church

The countdown to the departure of the minister in late spring continues – people should check their membership if they wish to have a vote for his successor. The moderator of the presbytery, Fraser Sim, conveyed its greetings on his tour of the churches. Sunday, January 31 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am). Foodbank contributions welcome.

Music society

A rare treat was enjoyed on Saturday when the Ferio Saxophone Quartet played to a large audience in the parish church hall. The four participants – two men and two women – played instruments covering soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. The compositions ranged from Bach to Albeniz (one of the players was Spanish) to Hungarian Dances. The Dante Quintet plays at the next concert on Friday, February 12, at 7.30pm.

midlem

Dance classes

Dance classes start again on February 3 in the village hall, from 8-10pm – ceilidh, old time and set dances, plus live music, tea and biscuits. All proceeds go to charity.

morebattle

Coffee morning

The coffee morning last Saturday raised the sum of £307 which will be split between the children’s Christmas party and new Christmas lights for the village. Competitions – sweets in a jar – Angus Milne; cupcake treasure hunt, Emma Thomson.

Guild

Members gather in the institute on Thursday, February 4, at 7.30pm when Margaret and Richard Pederson will talk on the restoration of St Aidan’s Church. This is an open meeting.

newtown

SWI

Past president Mary Redburn supplied supper and a slide show of local events at the January meeting. She was retiring as president after 14 years and was presented with a cheque and thank-you card from the members. Elaine Thornton-Nicol, president, also thanked Mary for all her hard work on behalf of Newtown SWI. The next meeting will be on February 4 at 7pm in Newtown Community Wing. Guest is Heather Marshall from “Younique Makeup”.

Seniors

The first 2016 meeting of Newtown and Eildon Seniors’ Afternoon Club is on Tuesday, February 2, in the Community Wing at 2pm.

Peebles

Music showcase

See Kelso section.

selkirk

Haggis Hunt

Enthusiastic hunters of all ages hiked up Selkirk Hill on Sunday for the Great Annual Selkirk Haggis Hunt.

Slightly shy of 400 hunters armed with baggie nets and homemade bows and arrows.

Deputy Chief Haggis Hunter Davie Scott said: “This has become a great example of how a community event should work, with countless kids all returning with full baggie nets and beaming smiles.”

Contributors included Waters and Halliwells butchers, the town’s Co-op and Sainsbury’s, Ettrickside Garage, Lindsay Grieve and Bookers Cash and Carry.

Mr Scott added: “There are those who make it happen on the day, such as the Town Arms, the clear-up team at the Chinese Hut headed by Evelyn Ballantyne, the chief of security Beachy Grieve and his team, Alan Lindsay and his band of pipers and drummers, and of course Riddell Fiddles for playing the Haggis Polka before we headed up the hill.”

Hunters mingled in the Market Place with a dram or a juice, before marching up to the hill, via the Argos Centre, where the Haggis Polka was performed.

Up on The Hill, following a quick safety brief, the hunt was on.

The constant cries of “Haggis!” betrayed the fact that the beasts were out and about in great numbers.

There were no less than 60 pure breed haggis caught, as well as up to 40 other ingredients, such as tatties, neeps and packaged ready meals.

The chosen haggis was marched around the Chinese Hut three times to the sound of the pipes, before Bob Burgess gave a spirited Address to the Haggis and hunters were given a taste of their catch, with another dram of course.

Then it was back to the Town Arms for a warm-up, a plate of stovies and a sing-along to end another successful hunt.

Mr Scott added: “I also have to thank the many members of the public who turned up on not such a nice day with one thing on their minds – to enjoy themselves. It’s what it’s all about.”

Music showcase

See Kelso section.

stichill

SWI

The first meeting of 2016 will be held on Tuesday, February 3, at 7.30pm in the village hall – making a gift bag and colouring in with Erica Smith. Members should bring pencil, ruler, scissors, crayons /felt tips.

Traquair

Service

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

Walkerburn

Service

The service in the Public Hall on January 31 begins at 10am.

Yetholm

AGM

The history society will hold its AGM on Tuesday, February 2, at 7.30pm in The Mission Hall.

Quiz

Quiz night in the Plough Hotel at 8pm on Wednesday, February 3. Proceeds to the shepherd’s show.

Film night

A film night will be held in the Wauchope Hall at 7pm on Saturday, February 6. The movie is “Hundred Foot Journey” with Helen Mirren (PG). Doors open at 6.30pm.

Race night

The playgroup is hosting a race night on Saturday, February 6, in the Youth Hall at 7.30pm. Entry, £5, includes supper.

Film day

See Ednam section.

Festival Week

A Yetholm Festival Week meeting will be held on Monday, February 1, at 7.30pm in the Youth Hall.