Rod resuscitates interest in CPR

NHS Borders senior resuscitation officer Rod McIntosh showed Galashiels Inner Wheel Club members several different defibrillators, how they work and how to perform CPR.He is seen with an auto pulse resuscitation system which eliminates the need for manual CPR.After his demonstration, Rod invited members to have a go at CPR.The next club meeting is on Tuesday, March 21, at 7.30pm in St Peter's Church Hall. The annual beetle drive is on Saturday, March 25, at 7pm in the Focus Centre '“ proceeds to Borders MS Society. Tickets '“ 01896 757254.
NHS Borders senior resuscitation officer Rod McIntosh showed Galashiels Inner Wheel Club members several different defibrillators, how they work and how to perform CPRNHS Borders senior resuscitation officer Rod McIntosh showed Galashiels Inner Wheel Club members several different defibrillators, how they work and how to perform CPR
NHS Borders senior resuscitation officer Rod McIntosh showed Galashiels Inner Wheel Club members several different defibrillators, how they work and how to perform CPR

DISTRICT NEWS

BOWDEN

Camera group

The last meeting of this session will be on Monday, March 20, at 7.30pm in the village hall. It will take the form of a photographic quiz. Members should bring four obsure images and others will try to guess what the image is, where and when it was taken and how. Camera group gatherings begin again on Monday, September 11.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

The second Sunday in Lent was celebrated last weekend when the service was conducted by minister Elspeth Harley. The Bible reading was delivered by Fiona McDougal, and music played by Andy Bird and Anne Grieve. Bible study continued this week in Clovenfords at the home of Sharon Hume. The stated annual meeting will be held on Sunday, March 19, after morning service. All members are requested to attend this opportunity to have their say on church matters. Member Gordon Hume is still collecting items such as kitchen utensils for Fresh Start.

DARNICK

Rhymer’s Glen

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Darnick Village Development Trust is sponsoring a talk that might be of interest to walkers, art historians and literary scholars. Contractors have recently been busy logging and clearing woodland above the village. This work has revealed the route of a former footpath in the area known as Rhymer’s Glen. Rhymer’s Glen was an area of picturesque woodland much loved by Sir Walter Scott on his Abbotsford estate. Artist J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851) visited Abbotsford in August 1831 as part of his preparations for the ambitious project to illustrate Robert Cadell’s edition of Scott’s ‘Works’. Turner’s painting of a waterfall in the glen rests at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and, while generally in store, does see the light of day for a few weeks each year as part of the regular exhibition of his work. Melrose Paths Group is taking a keen interest in the opportunity the timber clearance has created to investigate the possibility of rediscovering and reinstating this local walk. David Langworth from the group will give an illustrated talk about the history of Rhymer’s Glen and outline options for recreating Scott’s vision. He will also be delighted to hear any reminiscences from local people of their individual memories of this special place. The talk will take place in the Smith Memorial Hall, Abbotsford Road, Darnick, on Thursday, March 23 (7.30pm).

EARLSTON

Wednesday club

Last week member Susan Donaldson delivered a talk and slide show on ‘First Steps In Family History’ and gave advice on starting family trees. Competition – an old family photograph – 1, Mrs A. Falconer; 2, Ms K. Brownlie; 3, Mrs N. Cuthbertson. The competition for the meeting on March 22 is entitled ‘A theatre or a concert programme’.

Tennis club

Earlston Tennis Club is holding its annual open day on Sunday, March 26, at 3pm. There will be opportunities for children and families to take part in fun games and activities associated with tennis. The afternoon will be facilitated by club coach Al McCulloch. Refreshments will be on sale.

Thursday lunch club

Last week members enjoyed a game of bingo and after lunch they had a visit from Bon Marche, the fashion store in Galashiels. At a previous gathering, a game of dominoes opened proceeddings. After lunch Jimmy Gold entertained with his accordion.

Parish church

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The communion service on Sunday, March 19, at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Rennick. The kirk session meets on Monday, March 20, at 7.30pm in the church hall lounge. On Wednesday mornings throughout Lent there will be a service of reflection and communion in the church at 7.30am. Easter Messy Church on Saturday, March 25, starts at 10.30am in the church hall. The annual stated meeting will be held during the service on Sunday, March 26. The date for the church spring coffee morning has had to be changed and a date will be given next week.

EDGERSTON

SWI

At the March meeting Mrs M Jeary, Eckford SWI, enlightened members with a most informative talk on ‘Women in the Borders, 1850’. The hardships endured and the lack of women’s rights made members thankful to be alive in 2017. On April 12 Mrs Annie Shanks will relate her experiences of the TV Show ‘Sewing Bee’, at 2pm in Edgerston Hall. All welcome.

ETTRICKBRIDGE

SWI

Drawing with Alma was the theme for Ettrickbridge SWI’s March meeting. When Alma told members they were going to be drawing John Ruskin and showed them her original, it’s fair to say everyone was shocked. Nobody thought it would be possible? In about an hour, she led everyone through constructing the outline of his face to finally shading light and dark using charcoal and chalk. The results were amazing! The next meeting is in Kirkhope Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 12, when the theme is ‘Food and Drink’ presented by Jan Little. Guests are welcome.

GALASHIELS

Fashion show

The Galashiels and district branch of Cancer Research UK is holding a fashion show in Galashiels Academy on Friday, March 24, at 7pm. There will be the opportunity to buy discount clothes and accessories from high street names. Tickets (£8) are available from Janice (01896 850651) or Lynne (01896 850611).

Probus club

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Sixty-five members were present at last Thursday’s meeting in the Waverley Castle Hotel. This was Hamish Reid’s final gathering as president before the AGM when he will hand over to David Romanis. John Reid is a consultant at Borders General Hospital and chairman of the Trimontium Trust. He has also had a lifetime’s interest in archaeology and gave an illustrated talk on Burnswark Hill, near Ecclefechan in Dumfriesshire. It has been a hill fort dated from around 1000BC, later occupied by the Romans. The first records of it were from the 1720s and the Society of Antiquaries published details of it in 1792. Prior to Dr Reid’s talk, member Will Roberts gave a presentation on the work of MND Scotland and told how he was going on a trek to climb to the 7,970ft summit of Machu Piccu in Peru. Will’s wife lost her life to this disease a few years ago and he has worked tirelessly since to raise funds for the charity. Members donated £450 and further donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WillRoberts-MachuPiccu-2017. The next meetings of the club are on March 23 (AGM) and April 13 when the speaker will be Isabel Gordon on ‘Her Story’.

Camera Club

Last Wednesday’s much anticipated visit by Bill Currie from Bonnybridge did not disappoint. A large turnout of members, plus a few welcome visitors from GalaWater Camera club and Hawick, were captivated by Bill’s creative process and stunning images. Bill took everyone through the facts on digital photography and processing whilst dispelling many of the myths as he went. Haste ye back Bill. You can see examples of Bill’s work on his website (http://www.billycurriephotography.co.uk/). Next week is the final interim competition of the season the theme being ‘Table Top’ photography. It is also the final hand in for ‘The Annual’. March 22 is syllabus night. Come along and present your ideas for what you’d like to see and do at the club next season. March 29 is the club AGM followed on April 5 by the club’s Annual competition and close of the club season until September.

St Peter’s Church

Thursday, March 16 – 10am, communion service; Sunday, March 19 – 8.30am, holy communion; 9.30am, Sunday Squad followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist; Monday, March 20 – 7pm, bottletop sort; Thursday, March 23 – 10am, communion service.

Football fives

See Kelso section.

GLENDOUGLAS

Lunch club

Newcomers to the monthly lunch club gathering ensured the event was well supported.

Dancing

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The dance with Ian Cruikshank and his band was well supported. Old-time and ceildh dance club party night starts at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 23, with music by Gordon Brown – bring and share supper.

HAWICK

Rotary

A business meeting was held last week at Mansfield House Hotel. The conveners reported to president Jim Walker on their activities to date and plans for the future. The Rotary Literary High Tea, part of the Reivers Festival, will be held at Mansfield Rugby Lounge at 4.30pm on Sunday, March 26, when the speaker is Rosemary Goring, novelist and former editor of The Herald and Scotland on Sunday, who will deliver her talk, ‘Flodden and beyond’. Tickets (£15) are available at Border Events, ILF Imaging and Dorwards.

Freebie Friday

Local charity Home Basics has declared March 17 as its first Freebie Friday. The charity, which assists low-income Borderers to furnish their homes, will be offering a range of items from its Hawick and Walkerburn depots free of charge, from 10am-4pm. This forms part of the organisation’s commitment to ‘Pass it on Week’ (March 11-19), a Scotland-wide initiative aimed at encouraging people to reuse and recycle rather than waste. Dennis Fisher, Home Basics business manager, said: “We plan to put pictures of some of the goods available on our Facebook page to give people a flavour of what will be available, but the best thing to do is to come into one of our depots on March 17 and see what is on offer.” Selected items will be free to uplift or local delivery can be arranged for a charge.

Football fives

See Kelso section.

HOWNAM

Coffee morning

Towford SWI is holding a coffee morning in Hownam hall on Saturday, March 18, at 10.30am. A donation will be sent to the Sandpiper Trust, the SWI’s chosen charity.

INNERLEITHEN

Guys and Dolls

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Tickets for Innerleithen and District AOS’s production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ (Memorial Hall, March 27-April 1) are available at Graham McGraths in Peebles and from the Thrift Shop in Innerleithen. The booking phone line is 0845 224 1908 or book online at www.idaos.org.uk.

Public meeting

The annual public meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games will take place on Friday, March 17, in the Vale of Leithen Social Club at 7.30pm. Anyone who is interested in St Ronan’s Games Week is urged to attend.

Coffee morning

A coffee morning to help raise funds to send nine Innerleithen players to perform in the European Youth Brass Band Championships in Belgium will take place on Saturday, March 18, in the Vale Club from 10am to 12 noon.

Countdown Club

The Countdown Club will meet on Wednesday, March 22, at 10.30am at 7 Nursery Park.

Bake off

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St Ronan’s School PTA will hold a food festival and Great St Ronan’s Bake Off in school on Friday, March 24, from noon to 2.30pm. There will also be a barbecue, refreshments, cake and candy, raffles and local food stalls.

Piping Society

St Ronan’s Piping Society will hold a coffee morning in the Vale Club on Saturday, March 25, from 10am to noon.

Church

The service on Sunday, March 19, will be at 11.30am. There is also a service at St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

KELSO

Daffodils

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from Kelso are going to be selling their home-grown daffodils and also some donated by Monteviot House Gardens to raise funds in aid of the Marie Curie charity. The Daffodils for Donations event is taking place at the farmers’ market in The Square on Saturday, March 25. The stall will open at 9.30am. There will be a treasure map and the Kelso Scout Group recipe book to buy – all money raised from these sales will go to Kelso Scout Group for camping activities.

Quilters

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Kelso Stitchers meet on Tuesday, March 28, at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre when Katy Mills will speak to about upholstery. Visitors welcome. Members should remember name badges and mugs. For further information, contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.

Thursday Group

John Hennessey transported the group to the warmth and colour of Cuba as he talked about his recent visit. Today, Jim Lyon, retired professor of civil engineering at Glasgow University, will talk about the ‘Bridges of the Tweed’, at 2pm in the Abbey Row Centre. Next week author Janet O’Kane will talk on ‘Writing Whodunits - getting the facts right’.

Football fives

Cheviot Youth has announced that there is still time to register teams for the rearranged Borders Under 18 floodlit five-a-side football league and cup to be held on Friday, March 24 (6-9pm) at the Kelso High School MUGA. Registration forms are available at [email protected]. For further information, telephone or text Ian on 07958 277766. Registration forms must be returned to the organisers no later than Wednesday, March 22.

Music Makers

Kelso Music Makers’ theme of ‘Celtic Capers’ was well supported on Friday, March 3, by the many contributions on fiddle, piano and cajon by the young players led by Carly Blain. Two complex contemporary piano solos plus a section of a Bach sonata were complimented by a pair of Carolan pieces for tenor recorder and piano as well as a suite of five Carolan pieces for flute and piano. Together with some songs with guitar and mandolin accompaniment the evening was much enjoyed by those present. The next event in Abbey Row is on Friday, March 31, when the theme will be ‘It might as well be Spring’. Do come along for a warm welcome and a variety of music. The group enjoy’s informal atmosphere for audience, singers and players and welcome visitors as performers and listeners. Call 01575 224920 for more information.

Bridge Club

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Wednesday, March 8: SBU Easter Pairs - 1. Val Johnstone and Mary Millar, 2. Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt, 3. Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell, 4 John and Marian Miller, 5. Jon Bridger and Jock Dun, 6. Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland. Thursday, March 9: ECats Charity Challenge - N/S 1. Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson, 2. Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman, 3. Val Johnstone and Vanessa Wilson; E/W 1. Lynda Douglas and Lesley Dick, 2. Annie Mitchell and John Loudon, 3. Nancy Porter and Miles Browne.

LAUDER

Church

Worship will be celebrated on Sunday, March 19, by the Reverend Rae Clark at Oxton Memorial Hall (10am) and Lauder Church (11.30am). Channelkirk and Lauder churches are using Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar in an effort to become a Fairtrade congregation. The churches, supported by Oxton Community Council, are hosting the “First St Cuthbert’s Walk” on June 10. St Cuthbert was born around 630AD. As a young man, he became a monk at Melrose and eventually bishop of Lindisfarne. Tradition has it that he was a shepherd boy in the hills around Channelkirk when he got the inspiration to devote himself to God and that Channelkirk church was built on the site of his revelation. There already exists a long-distance footpath between Melrose and Lindisfarne called St Cuthbert’s Way. However, the walk on June 10 from Channelkirk church to Melrose is an opportunity to follow the saint’s first steps. Starting at Channelkirk church, participants have the option to finish at Lauder, Bluecairn or Melrose. The whole route is approximately 17 miles and walkers can raise funds for good causes via sponsorship from friends and family. Walk details and how to obtain a registration form can be found at www.clchurch.org.uk. Registration is essential as the number of walkers will be limited and it closes on May 13.

MELROSE

Arthritis Research

The Melrose Branch of Arthritis Research Uk are planning a couple of fundraisers. On Saturday, April 1, a Coffee Morning will be held in the Corn Exchange, Melrose from 10-11.30am. Entrance £2.50. Raffle and usual stalls. Then, on Saturday, May 6, a Plant Sale in The Wynd, Melrose, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Summer bedding plants available.

Literary society

Dr Catriona MacDonald will be coming to the Melrose Literary Society on Tuesday, March 21. Her topic will be ‘Andrew Lang (1844-1912)’, a prolific writer from Selkirk. He is perhaps best known now for his collection of fairy tales but at the time his historical writing caused considerable controversy for his support of the Stewart monarchs and negative views of the Reformation. Catriona will argue that he should be taken seriously as a historian, who paid meticulous attention to his sources. She is well qualified to talk about this, as she is Reader in Late Modern Scottish History at the University of Glasgow and has a special interest in the development of history as a subject after 1832. The meeting will be upstairs in the Ormiston Institute at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to attend for a fee of £3. Further particulars from the Societys secretary, Peter Hoad at [email protected] or 01896 823852.

Parish church

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After Sunday’s services, the annual stated meeting of the Bowden and Melrose congregation was held. A retiring offering after the Sunday, March 19, service will defray costs of the induction/presentations on March 30. Thursday, March 16 – 2.30pm, guild, D. Gordon on Trimontium; Sunday, March 19 – services at 9.30am (Bowden) and 11am (Melrose).

Trimontium

Preparations are ongoing for the opening of the museum for the 2017 season on April 10. The new book order for the season has arrived, been priced and placed on the bookshelves, to be followed by the staff pre-season ‘coffee and scones’ meeting. Next week comes the seasonal loan from the National Museums (the Milsington Foot and the ladies’ shoes from Trimontium), provided the security measures pass the test. It’s 1,950 years since Emperor Nero died and various books are appearing about him. ‘The Third Nero’, or ‘Never Say Nero Again’, is Lindsey Davis’s take on May 18 in the Corn Exchange on the mysterious reports that Nero had come back again. Tickets are available from borderevents.com and Trimontium Museum (822651).

Music society

Young pianist Alasdair Beatson, from Perth, gave a stunning recital in the parish church Hall last Saturday. There was a general theme of ‘animals’ (sometimes fish) in the pieces by Beethoven,Schumann, Bartok, Debussy and Dohnanyi – but it was the contrast between the pianist’s shy introductions and his total (and sometimes humorous)involvement in his dedicated playing that captivated the audience.

Phoenix Singers

Following their successful initial concert at the end of 2016, the former and now augmented Melrose Opera Chorus is to hold its second concert in the Corn Exchange on Friday, March 31, at 7.30pm. Tickets can be obtained on the door, from members and Holmes Wilson (Melrose opticians). The conductor is Ian McFadyen, accompanist Nancy Muir and Grant Lees will reprise his Sir Joseph Porter KCB, the Ruler of the Queen’s Navee. The programme includes excerpts from The Mikado and HMS Pinafore, as well as songs from Guys and Dolls and Carousel.

MOREBATTLE

SWI

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Catherine Mabon, president, welcomed everyone to the March meeting and introduced Linda Lovatt from the Lovatt Gallery in Jedburgh. Linda gave a talk on jewellery which she makes from broken china, keys etc., along with a powerpoint display of her work. The vote of thanks was proposed by Shiela Elliot. Competitions – home-made lemonade – 1, Linda Nairn; 2, Nancy Anderson; 3, Margaret Blackmore; small glass ornament – 1, Margaret Blackmore; 2, Angela Cook; 3, Linda Nairn.

Coffee morning

Morebattle in Bloom coffee morning was held on Saturday when £530 was raised. Competition winners – plant, Margaret Lees; bunny, Wilma Horlock; jar of sweets, Mary Pringle.

Guild

Morebattle Guild coffee morning will be held in the institute on Saturday, March 25, at 10.30am.

NEWMILL

SWI

Liz Howieson led another great night at Newmill and Teviothead SWI, introducing speaker Kirsty Dunlop, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Roxburghshire. She talked about the history of the office of Lord Lieutenant as it changed from a military to a more voluntary focus, and her role as a deputy. She spoke about the events she attends in this capacity, from local Guiding functions to presenting letters from the Queen to people in the area celebrating their 100th birthdays and those celebrating their diamond wedding anniversaries. Mary Irving gave a vote of thanks. Competitions – spring flower – 1, Nicky Watson; 2, Muriel Baptie; 3, Marilyn Jarvis; Hawick postcard – 1, Muriel Baptie; 2, Jan Little; 3, Sheila Robson. The next meeting is on April 4 when Janice Routledge will doing a class on decorating sugar eggs (everyone to bring an apron, small container and £1 to help cover the cost of materials). Competitions – favourite egg cup and fatless sponge (jam only filling).

OXTON

Fundraiser

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Oxton’s Got Talent! An evening of music and entertainment by local performers in support of funds for the Oxton Games. Tickets £5 per adult, bring your own drinks and snacks, and enjoy music and other ‘entertainment’ at 7pm on Saturday, March 18. All welcome.

PEEBLES

Football fives

See Kelso section.

SELKIRK

Quiz

Selkirk Rotarians are appealing for the local community to take part in a quiz they are organising. Teams of four are required for the event being held in aid of the ‘Queen of Peace’ children’s home in the Philippines. The quiz takes place on Friday, March 17, at Selkirk High School. Doors open at 7pm, with proceedings getting under way at 7.30pm. Organiser Jim McPherson said: “Our target for the event is to reach enough money to buy 20 dormitory mattresses for the home. At approximately 2000 pesos (£27) each, we have a readily achievable target of £540 to raise and we would very much appreciate the help of local people.” In February next year, around 18 members of Selkirk Rotary Club will be travelling to Naga City in the Philippines with the aim of undertaking a humanitarian project which is yet to be finalised. This is the first of a number of fund-raising events by the club which will have the Queen of Peace children’s home as beneficiary. Those wishing to enter a quiz team can contact Jim by email – [email protected]

Coffee morning

Selkirk Ex-Soldiers’ Association will be holding a coffee morning on Saturday, March 18, at St Joseph’s Church Hall between 10am and noon. Proceeds are going towards St Mary’s Church Garden Project and the purchase of a new Royal British Legion Scotland branch standard. Information about the garden project will be available.

STICHILL

SWI

At the March meeting, Margaret Mills kindly stepped in at the last minute and spoke about Children First, the charity she had worked for for many years. After a brief history of Children First she recounted her experiences of helping families, adults and children who had experienced emotional, sexual and physical abuse. Kathy Wilkie gave the vote of thanks. Competition winners were as follows: Homemade card featuring a dog - 1. Brenda Waring, 2. Yvonne Wood, 3. Dawn Steel; Dog ornament - 1. Margaret Dutton, 2. Meg Black, 3. Denise Salthouse. The raffle was won by June Brown. The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 4. Please note there will be an additional competition for a jar of three fruit marmalade.

TEVIOTHEAD

SWI

See Newmill section.

TRAQUAIR

Service

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The next service in Traquair Kirk will be at 10am on Sunday, March 26.

WALKERBURN

Freebie Friday

See Hawick section.

Service

The service on Sunday, March 19, in Walkerburn Public Hall starts at 10am.

YETHOLM

Lunch

A village lunch will take place on Thursday, March 16, at noon in Wauchope Hall, with proceeds going to Cheviot Churches.

Bingo

A bingo night for the Macmillan cancer charity will be held on Thursday, March 16, at 7pm in Wauchope Hall.

Fashion show

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Cheviot Churches are holding a fashion show in Yetholm Church on Wednesday, March 22, from 7pm. Tickets (£10) are available from Yetholm and Morebattle village shops, or at the door on the night.

SWI

Yetholm SWI meets on Tuesday, March 21, at 10.30am in Wauchope Hall when Peter Jameson will give a talk on photography. Competition – photograph of a local snow scene.

Quiz

A quiz will take place in the Plough Hotel at 8pm on Wednesday, March 22.

Puppet show

The Fisherman and the Seal, by the Yugen Puppet Company, will take place on Saturday, March 25, at 2 30pm in Wauchope Hall. Tickets are on sale at the village shop.

Film night

This month’s film is ‘Sully’ (12A) at 7pm on Saturday, March 25. Doors open at 6.30pm.

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