New book provides Echoes of Edgerston

Christine Wylie with some of the copies of 'Echoes of Edgerston'.

A new book, more than two decades in the making, charts the stories and memories of rural residents living south of Jedburgh from the 1900s to the present day.

‘Echoes of Edgerston’ is a collection of memories, historical and more current stories from residents past and present who live between Carter Bar and Camptown.

More than a dozen locals’ memories spanning the last century or more have been preserved in the 210-page book, published this week by the Edgerston Village Hall committee.

It features more than 150 photos of Edgerston folk, events and places over the years too, as well as entries from old record books and diaries.

Originally intended as a Millennium project, work began gathering contributions for the book in 1997.

That deadline was missed, however, the coronavirus lockdown proved the catalyst needed to push the publication over the finish line.

Village hall secretary Christine Wylie and past secretary Marion Anderson spent last summer updating the piles or pages before it was edited by former Southern Reporter journalist Kathryn Wylie and published by Jedburgh firm Footeprint.

Christine said: “The book involved the whole community and aimed to secure a selection of its residents' memories for a lifetime.

“This has been a great way to preserve the history and tales of life from our area over the years.”

Many Borders faces from outwith the area also feature, as the book covers topics including the Jethart Callant’s first visit to Redeswire in 1947, the Land Army and Home Front efforts during the war, the evolution of Edgerston Estate, the horticultural show, schools in the area and events which attracted people from far and wide to the village hall.

“Some recollections date back to the 1940s and historical references feature from the 1700s,” Christine added.

“There’s also mention of more recent events including the Redeswire rideout, the SWI’s 90th birthday, and celebrations including Burns Suppers, Queen’s birthdays and many a function at the hall.

“We hope people will enjoy seeing themselves or their descendants in the old photos too.”

The book, priced £15, is available from Taylor’s Newsagents on High Street or by contacting Christine on [email protected]

Any profits will go to hall funds.