DAWYCK Botanic Gardens will provide the setting for events taking place as part of the nationwide Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games cultural programme, which was unveiled this week.

During summer 2014, the gardens will host ‘Corroborree’, as part of a six-week arts festival celebrating indigenous culture and ecological diversity among the Commonwealth nations.

A group of established artists from across the Commonwealth countries specialising in different art forms will work alongside Scottish artists to create a range of work during residencies at the gardens.

There will also be lots of ways for the public to participate, through events, demonstrations and workshops.

A spokesperson for the project said: “Corroboree aims to be a green festival. Music will be unplugged, food will be local and healthy, transport will be sustainable and the plants and natural features of the gardens will be a prominent part of the celebrations.”

The cultural programme associated with the Commonwealth Games kicks off this year, with the majority of events happening from mid-June next year, when the Queen’s baton relay reaches Scotland, and then through the Games and beyond.

LAST summer’s floods in the Borders has prompted 10 Scottish councils and key agencies to join together to plan for extreme weather and the impact of climate change.

It is hoped that better planning will reduce the number of costly emergency operations.

The idea for the climate risk group came from Scottish Borders Council’s own emergency planning officer, Jim Fraser.

Mr Fraser said: “It can be a hard sell to justify spending money to prepare for climate risks in the future. But, as several Scottish local authorities know, the cost of repairing the damage can be much higher.

“I wanted to set up a project group with other Scottish local authorities to allow us to support and assist each other to tackle this challenge.”

Mr Fraser added: “Within our own local authority area we activated our emergency arrangements on a number of occasions to deal with last year’s flooding.

“The flooding in Jedburgh in August was declared a ‘major incident’ by the police, meaning lives could have been lost. This was a result of the exceptional level of rain that fell within a very short period of time.”

The first group meeting was held last Thursday and was facilitated by Adaptation Scotland, a Scottish Government-funded programme.

A batch of new contracts has given R.P. Adam an £800,000 boost and will help create new jobs, both at its Selkirk factory and in the field.

The agreements mean the firm’s cleaning chemical products will be used in more than 600 new sites, including Odeon cinemas, care homes and schools.

Managing director Robin Leith said an additional five members of staff will be employed in the UK by the end of the year, taking the total up to 70. Currently, 45 staff work at the company’s headquarters on one of Selkirk’s industrial estates.

Thirty staff are employed in Dubai, where subsidiary Arpal Gulf is based, and where the company first took an interest in the 1990s.

Its success has resulted in manufacturing starting there too, having exported to the region for decades.

Mr Leith said: “We set up our own office, with our own people, in anticipation that it was going to be a very exciting place, and Dubai turned out to be one of the most vibrant development projects in the world – and we got in at the right time. Over the years we have generated a great reputation there from our products and service.”

Mr Leith said growth of £1million to June 2014 is expected in the UK alone, with two new products also planned.

He added: “Our strategy is to provide outstanding service in our contracts. We have never compromised on quality or service.

“Yes, the margins are under pressure, so we are under pressure to reduce prices, but our strategy is not to reduce prices to the point that we are not able to deliver the quality and service we stand for.”

The company was further boosted last month with the appointment of John Taylor as finance director. He joined as financial controller five years ago.

Mr Leith said: “We have an excellent management team in place, able to help us grow significantly over the next three to five years and beyond.”

This year Geoff Adam became the longest-serving chairman in the family business’ 123-year history, with 45 years at the helm.

The council’s chief financial officer has said the local authority is facing increasingly “challenging” financial pressures.

David Robertson made the comment in the local authority’s annual unaudited statement of accounts.

Mr Robertson said: “It is hard to imagine a more challenging set of financial circumstances with the reduction in resources, welfare reform, increasing demands on services, low interest rates and other influencing factors all affecting the council’s finances.”

However, he added: “The council, despite these challenges, remains financially sound and well placed to serve the people of the Borders in 
future.”

The detailed financial report later states: “During the year, the council has again focused on maximising savings wherever possible and has delivered a significant programme of efficiency savings in order to balance the costs of service provision to available resources.

“This focus will continue in future years when the budget-setting process is expected to present a significant challenge.”

It adds: “There is a high degree of uncertainty about future levels of funding for local government.

“However, the council has determined that this uncertainty is not yet sufficient to provide an indication that the assets of the authority might be impaired as a result of a need to close facilities and reduce levels of service provision.”

Council departments made savings of £7.3million during the financial year 2012/13, and annual recurring savings of £1.45million are anticipated after 75 staff took early retirement or voluntary severance during the year. However, the actual cost of these exit packages came in at £1.88million.

In terms of senior staff remuneration, four council employees went home with more than £100,000 last year, with chief executive Tracey Logan receiving £117,455.

Glenn Rodger, director of education, Andrew Lowe, head of social work, and Rob Dickson, environment and infrastructure chief, also received six-figure sums.

The accounts also reveal that the council received £1.4million from the administrators of two Icelandic banks.

However, the council, which had a total of £10million invested in them when they went into administration in October 2008, has so far only recovered £6.3million.

wooler

At their weekly Primestock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 1,640 lambs, 19 hoggs and young sheep and 160 ewes.

Larger numbers and the heat wave against the sheep trade resulting in all classes being a lot easier.

Leading prices per head:- Suff.x:- £83.50 Cresswell Farms, £82 Lilburn Estates, £80 Cresswell Farms and Wandon. Tex.x:- £82.50 Greystonnes, Warenford North, £82 Lilburn Estates, £81.50 Cresswell Farms, £81 Wandon, £80 Chesterhill, Greystonnes, Shotton, Cresswell Farms, Mordington and Great Ryle.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 190.2p Greystonnes, Warenford North, 190p Black Heddon, Springhill, Berwick and Bewick Folly, 189.5p Yetlington Lane, 188.1p Low Middleton, 187.5p Yetlington Lane, 186.9p Great Ryle and Greystonnes, 185.4p Village Farm, Seahouses, 184.2p Henlaw, 183.8p West Hall, Belford. Bel.x:- 185.7p Ladykirk, 184.2p Ladykirk.

Ewe numbers less, with a slight decrease in returns.

Leading prices:- Tex.x:- £97, £80 Wrangham East, £71 Mordington, £70 Bolton North Wing. Suff.x:- £91 Little Swinton. Suff.x:- £79 Middle Ord and Mayfield, £73 North Sharperton. Zwa:- £67 Marshall Meadows. GF:- £63, £59 Mayfield, £57 Shotton, Middle Ord. Chev:- £63 South Charlton. CHM:- £57 South Charlton.

Rams:- Tex.x:- £89 Wrangham East. Suff.x:- £71 Ladykirk.

ST BOSWELLS

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 61 clean cattle, 57 OTM cattle, 1,450 new season lambs, 32 old season lambs and 663 ewes.

Bullocks (32) averaged 249p per kg and sold to 265p (+4 on week), heifers (26) averaged 242p per kg and sold to 260p (+3.0p on week) and young bulls (3) averaged 209p per kg and sold to 212p (n/c on week).

New season lambs averaged 179.2p per kg (-47.1p on week) and sold to £100, ewes averaged £57.38 and sold to £113 and £119 for tups. Heavy ewes £74.18, light ewes £27.48.

Principal prices per kg: Upper Nisbet 2.65 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd, Bee Edge 2.64 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, Bee Edge 2.60 Robert L Wilson Butcher Ltd, Bee Edge 2.57 W Taylor (Lockerbie) Ltd, M/s Gilmour and Co Ltd, Longnewton 2.57 M/s R and G Moor, Lennoxlove 2.57 M/s R and G Moor, Upper Nisbet 2.56 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, Caverton Mill 2.56 M/s R and G Moor, Bee Edge 2.55 W Taylor (Lockerbie) Ltd, Bee Edge 2.54 M/s Gilmour and Co Ltd, Traprain 2.54 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, Upper Nisbet 2.54 M/s R and G Moor, Lurdenlaw 2.53 M/s J and A Waters and Sons (Butchers), Longnewton 2.53 Scotbeef Ltd.

Principal prices per head: Caverton Mill £1786.05, Longnewton £1669.80, Lennoxlove £1644.80, Lurdenlaw £1608.

Cows per head: Eden Lodge £1328.45; Bemersyde £1287, Huntington £1267, Bemersyde £1260.75, Burnhouse Mains £1162.80, Chillingham Home Farm £1149.50, Allanshaws £1140.30, Woodhouse £1135.05, Towford £1131.90, Northfield £1097.10, Marchcleugh Farm £1086.30, Chillingham Home Farm £1083.50, Kirklands £1062.60, Woodhouse £1058.50, Headshaw, Lauder £1058.20, The Shaws £1043.20.

Cows per kg: Chillingham Home Farm 2.09, Bemersyde 2.05, Chillingham Home Farm 1.97, Bemersyde 1.95, Allanshaws and Huntington 1.81, Wester Ulston 1.79, West Mains and Burnhouse Mains 1.71, The Shaws 1.69, 1.65, Huntington 1.63, The Shaws and Eden Lodge 1.63, Woodhouse and Kirklands 1.61.

Bulls: Broadmeadows £1409.80, Allansahws £1437.75.

Show and sale of Suffolk.x lambs kindly sponsored by the Suffolk Sheep Society and judged by Mr A MacMorran of Scotbeef Ltd. Champion pen (ex mule rwe) Torwoodlee Mains £100 purchased by M/s Martin Baird (Butchers) Ltd Melrose. Reserve champion pen (ex Cont.x ewe) Headshaw, Lauder, £88 purchased by M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons (Butchers) Peebles.

Lambs per head: Suff.x;- £100 Torwoodleee Mains, £91.50 Hyndsidehill. Tex.x;- £94 Legars, £93 Lower Ashtrees. Bel;- £94 Wester Deans. Chv;- £75.50 Gilston. CM;- £72.50 Brockhouse.

Lambs per kg: Suff.x;- 217.4p Torwoodlee Mains, 198.3p Broomiebank. Bel;- 204.4p Wester Deans, 198.5p Broomiebank. Tex.x;- 202.2p Lower Ashtrees, 193.5p Huntington. Ber;- 176.9p Springwood (Powell). CM;- 175p Gilston.

Cast ewes: Tex;- £113 Wantonwalls. Suff.x;- £95 Corsbie. Suff;- £89 Stoneypath. HB;- £85 Haltree. BFL;- £79 Burnhead. GF;- £73 Bankhouse. Chv.x;- £59 Wedderlie. Chv;- £57 The Dod, Lauder. BF;- £45 Torsonce Mains, Wedderlie and Applecross.

Rams: Chv;- £119 Lochside. Tex;- £115 Lochside. BF;- £59 Stoneypath.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 37 prime cattle, 12 young bulls, 18 over 30 month cattle, 3,098 prime lambs, 589 prime hoggs and 4,070 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

Prime cattle short of requirements and continued to sell to late high rates. Top price to 261.5p (£1,869.73) for a British Blue bullock shown by J.C. and D. Nicholson and Son, The Gill, closely followed at 260.5p again for a British Blue this time from A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen. Limousin heifers sold to 239.5p, twice, both from J. and N. Blaylock and Son, Hallburn.

Principal prices per kilo: Bullocks - British Blue 261.5p The Gill, 260.5p Dashwellgreen. Limousin 256.5p Dashwellgreen, 251.5p The Gill, 250.5p, 249.5p (x2) Dashwellgreen, 248.5p The Gill, 247.5p, 246.5p Dashwellgreen, 244.5p High Stenries, 238.5p Dashwellgreen and Houghton House, 224.5p Newby Farm and Houghton House. Charolais 246.5p, 236.5p, 226.5p High Stenries, 225.5p Sceughdyke.

Heifers - Limousin 239.5p (x2), 235.5p Hallburn, 225.5p (x2) Sceughdyke, 222.5p Becton Hall. Charolais 229.5p Sceughdyke. British Blue 223.5p Beckhall.

Principal prices per head: Bullocks - British Blue £1,869 The Gill, £1,784 Dashellgreen. Limousin £1,794 Dashwellgreen, £1,685 The Gill, £1,678, £1,614 Dashwellgreen, £1,605 Houghton House. Charolais £1,614 High Stenries.

Heifers - Charolais £1,455, £1,342, £1,269 Sceughdyke. Limousin £1,236 Hallburn, £1,232 Sceughdyke, £1,221 Hallburn. Angus £1,221 Netherton.

Some smart bulls on offer saw trade on par with recent weeks. Top price of 244.5p for a Limousin shown by Mr J. Jardine, Yett and 242.5p from Messrs J. Retson and Son, Gardrum.

Principal prices per kilo: Limousin 244.5p Yett, 242.5p, 237.5p Gardrum, 235.5p Yett, 216.5p Shaw of Dryfe. Blonde d’Aquitaine 218.5p Yett Farm. British Blue 215.5p Gardrum. Simmental 209.5p Shaw of Dryfe. Black and White 181.5p Becton Hall.

Principal prices per head: Limousin £1,818 Morley Hill, £1,540 Yett, £1,491 Gardrum, £1,436 Yett, £1,377 Gardrum. Black and White £1,143, £1,114 Becton Hall.

More meat cows on offer and beef cows sold sharper to average 144p. Top price to 196.5p and 183.5p for Limousins from Mr J. Watret, Burnside.

Principal prices per kilo: Limousin 196.5p, 183.5p Burnside, 155.5p, 151.5p Netherton, 136.5p Swaites. British Blue 162.5p, 142.5p, 141.5p Nether Albie. Angus 153.5p, 148.5p Sorbie. Black and White 127.5p, 121.5p Peterscrook. Galloway 117.5p Barfil.

Principal prices per head: Limousin £1,444, £1,146 Burnside, £1,022, £1,010 Netherton. British Blue £1,080, £954, £849 Nether Albie. Black and White £1,073 Becton Hall. Angus £951, £950 Sorbie.

Another large show of 3,098 prime lambs were forward to the usual ring of buyers but no one very keen to buy lambs as supply this week has by far outstripped demand, causing the trade to take a dramatic downwards spiral nationwide since Tuesday, resulting in a very disappointing average of 175p, although this average was still better than many others seen through the country. Hopefully this collapse in trade will be short lived and the lamb price will level out at a sensible trade for everyone. Top price of 205p per kilo for Texels from A. Craig, Compstone End with a top per head of £93 for Beltex from J. McKay and Sons, Broughton Mains.

The 718 light weight lambs sold to a top of £65 for Texels from Middle Farm, £60 Windy Hill; Suffolk £64 Thomasdene, £58 Milnholm; Charollais £62.50 Ardlamy, £53 Porterstown; Leicester £58 Forget me Not; Greyface £57 Burnhouse, £55 North Deanhead; Hill Cheviot £56 High Chesters, £55 Supplebank; Herdwick £50 Butterdales.

Also weighed on a weigh and pay basis were 499 lightweight lambs between 26 and 36 kilos, which are now sought after weekly. Contact Archie for details.

A smaller show of 589 prime hoggs were forward and the sale average was 140p per kilo. As from next week hoggets will be sold amongst the ewes, although there will still be some demand for them. The sale was topped at £79.50 per head for Texels from Thorns and to 225p per kilo for Texels from Keldhead.

Another good show of 4,070 cast ewes and rams were forward to the usual ring of buyers with trade for all classes £4 to £5 back on the week due to Ramadam. Small ewes and rams of all classes continue to be easily sold, heavy fatter ewes harder to cash.

Three Borders babies will share their birthdays with the new Prince of Cambridge.

The trio of boys were born yesterday morning in Borders General Hospital, just hours before the son of Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived at 4.24pm, weighing 8lb 6oz, at St Mary’s Hospital in London.

At the BGH, Kyson Mackie-Brown was the first to be delivered at 3.22am, weighing 8lb 3.5oz.

Next to arrive was Hamish Laing at 9.22am, weighing 7lb 4.5oz, closely followed by baby Jack Johnstone who was delivered at 9.40am at 5lb 8oz.

An NHS Borders spokeswoman said: “Mums and babies are all doing well, and are delighted to share their special day with the Royal arrival.”

The Borders is currently under a flood alert after a night of torrential rain, and thunder and lightning.

A spokesman for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “The initial band of heaviest rainfall should appear around early Tuesday evening, and then clear by midnight.

“There is likely to be further heavy rain during Wednesday that could also cause impacts.”

A flood alert is the lowest of three warnings, which urges homeowners that “flooding is possible. Be prepared.”

Despite the heavy rain, the fire service reported no weather-related incidents overnight in the Borders.

Police say a car which was discovered alight overnight in Galashiels was not due to the lightning storm, but rather an electrical fault.

The vehicle was found on fire at 3am this morning at Kirkbrae. A crew from Galashiels extinguished the blaze with a high pressure hose reel.

Police were in attendance but reported that the incident was not suspicious.

The prizewinners from Kelso Civic Week’s eight fun-filled days are as follows:

Saturday - Civic Week Tennis Challenge (under 16): Gregor Welsh; (over 16): Maggie Stewart; D. Lombardi Cup for five-a-side football (men): Undatables;

Sunday - Cycle Race: Stuart Chalmers Cup (senior men): Ross Laidlaw; John Butler Roofing Trophy (senior woman): Jane Holmes; Colin Dumma Cup (veterans): Kenny Darling; Ex-Kelso Laddies’ Cup (juniors) : Oscar Onley; Abbey Fitness Centre Trophy (Kelso residents): Ross Laidlaw; Family Day: C. Simmons Cup (five-a-side football 14 years and under): Rugby Rebels; Blakelaw Cup (boys’ fives, 11 years and under); Randons: Major Cox Cup (quoiting): A Irvine;

Monday - Colin Wood Memorial Trophy (best turned out horse and rider, Heiton ride): Joanna Howlett; ; Friars Haugh - Keith Challenge Cup (senior showjumping): Emma Thomson; Kelso Laddies’ Association Annual Challenge Cup (junior jumping): Duncan McFadyen; Lasswade Equestrian Cup (under 10s jumping): Hamish Stenhouse; Duke of Roxburghe Cup (senior, gymkhana): Steven Dickson; Evelyn (Renton) Robertson Memorial Trophy (under 16s, gymkhana): Ellie Mindrum; Smail Cup (Kelso riders, gymkhana): Duncan McFadyen; Robert Riddell Memorial Trophy (under 9s, gymkhana): Joanna Howlett;

Tuesday - George and Mary Anderson Cup for best turned out (Stichill rideout): Grace Forster; Swan Trophy (men’s darts): Ryan Hogarth; Waggon Inn Cup (ladies’ darts): Irene Hogarth

Wednesday - John Henderson Challenge Trophy (outstanding boy/girl, 15 years and under): Lara Paterson and Josh Abbott; Franklin Plaque for 100 yards (boys 15 years and under): Jason McIntosh: George Wright Memorial Trophy for 100 yards (girls 15 years and under): Lara Paterson; George Wright Cup: Jason McIntosh; Arthur Pinder Cup (cross country): Jason McIntosh

Thursday - Michael Pinder Cup for best turned out (Floors): Hamish Stenhouse;

Friday - Robert Guthrie Memorial Trophy (swimming): Daniel Lawson; Swimming Cup (Kelso Laddies’ relay): Kelso Swimming Club team; Kelso Laddies’ Association Swimming Challenge Trophy: Ross Gillie; Neil Weatherston Trophy (best turned out, Whipman’s): Eildon Sibbald; Archer Anderson Memorial Challenge Trophy (under 16s, most points in equestrian events overall): Katy McFadyen; Arnold Trophy (12.2hh pony race): Katy McFadyen; Paddy Sullivan Memorial Trophy (13.2hh pony race): Duncan McFadyen; J Douglas Trophy (14.2hh pony race): Bruce Lynn; Kelso Laddies’ Chase Cup: Sam Coltherd; Ballantyne Cup (ladies race): Kayleigh Pretswell; Bert Frame Cup (senior trotting): Steven Findlay; Christine Easton Memorial Trophy (junior trotting): Aiden McDonald; Airdriehills Trophy (Kelso citizens, donated by Ex-Laddie Jimmy Hinnigan): Steven Dickson; Friars Haugh Chase Trophy (hired horse): Amy Ledgerwood;

Saturday - David Brunton Challenge Cup (youngest rider): Jake Dickson; Rodger Fish Shield (oldest rider): Burnett Smith; Fancy dress: Nenthorn House Shield: The Misfits; Neve Trophy for best decorated lorry: Grand National Kelso; Keith Riddell Memorial Cup for best village lorry in parade: Grand Kelso National

Other prizes: Jean and Tom Anderson of AZ Catering Services Trophy for best turned out horse and rider (hired horse): Shania Dalgleish; Putting Cup: John Fleming; Red Lion Inn Shield for pool: Kenneth Gibson; Glass Trophy for best dressed window: Border Blooms; Peter Halley Cup for poetry: Marilyn Rome.

CADDONFOOT

Church

The first of four country evening worships was held in Caddonfoot Church on Sunday. The service was led by Paul Goode, of Earlston, who was joined by Marion Stirling (Old Parish and St Paul’s), Katriona Goode (Earlston), Nancy Bain and Jim Tennant (Old Parish and St Paul’s), Hans Waltl (Earlston), and Atholl Innes, Fay Brydon, Jo Lawson and Georgie Bird (Caddonfoot). The Reverend Marion Dodd was at the piano and the Reverend Sheila Moir, Melrose and Peebles presbytery moderator, led the Grace. A retiring collection was taken for presbytery’s Malawi project. The three remaining evening worships are at Mertoun Kirk (August 11), Heriot Church (September 1) and Legerwood Church (September 15). Earlier in the day, the Reverend Dodd conducted morning service in Caddonfoot and the lessons were read by Roddy Beatson.

Cappercleuch

Preaching

The blanket preaching will take place in St Mary’s churchyard at St Mary’s Loch on July 28 at 3pm. Teas, in aid of the church fabric fund, will be served afterwards in Cappercleuch Hall.

Earlston

Church

The July 28 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and members of the worship team. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Ettrickbridge

Coffee morning

The next monthly coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds will be held in the village hall on August 3 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell should turn up, take a table, and give a small donation to the hall.

Hawick

Rotary

Members had an illustrated talk from nurse Fiona Jackson. Involved with nurse training at Borders General Hospital, she is a volunteer with “Facing Africa, 2012” and travels regularly to Ethiopia to treat victims of noma, a condition which infects facial skin and tissue, resulting in the infected part being eaten away. There are 140,000 victims a year in Ethiopia, with a survival rate of 10 per cent. Fiona goes as part of a team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to carry out plastic surgery on victims. There is also a teaching programme to encourage native nurses to learn the procedures. Many questions arose from her talk after which Robin Mason gave the vote of thanks.

Innerleithen

Church

The next service in Innerleithen Church will be on August 4 at 10.30am.

JEDBURGH

Tennis camp

A summer tennis camp is being run at Jedburgh Grammar School from August 5-9. Contact Rebecca Bruce for details on 07854 677065.

Lunch club

The lunch club, which meets on August 1, provides a weekly nourishing meal for pensioners in and around the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from a hot meal and some weekly friendship should get in touch. New members and volunteers welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more information, telephone 01835 862565.

Kelso

Garden competitions

Judging for the Kelso Front and Patio Garden Competitions will be carried out during the first week of August, with results announced and prizes awarded at Kelso Horticultural Society’s summer exhibition in the Tait Hall on August 25.

Bridge club

July 17 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; 3, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Ian and Eliz Ross; 3, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas. July 18 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 2,Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, Brian Saywood and Evelyn Erskine; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 2, James Duncan and Ged McIvor; 3, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross.

Fun festival

See Yetholm section.

Langholm

Art exhibition

Chairman Tom Kennedy welcomed everyone to the District Art Club summer exhibition in the gallery at the town hall which was opened by Margaret Hobson. She had joined the Langholm club in 1989 after moving to live near Waterbeck and said it had been most enjoyable, with a relaxed atmosphere, and tutor Alex Drysdale and the members were a great bunch. Margaret, who mainly paints in watercolour, said she had learned a great deal over the 15 years with the club and had kept in touch with people, despite now living near Silloth.

Rotary

The club welcomed Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand men – Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman – to a special dinner and speeches in the Crown Hotel. President Tom Stothart was in the chair and the main speaker was Ronnie Nichol from Hawick. Among the guests were Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey and Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood.

Ride-outs

There was an extra addition to the preliminary ride-outs arranged by the Castle Craigs Club during the lead-up to the Common Riding. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men – Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman – led young pony riders round the town, headed by the pipe band. On the Saturday the Cornet had a following of 61 riders to the Benty in glorious weather. Before leaving the Kilngreen the pony judging was carried out by Stewart and Sarah Pool. Later at the Benty, the Cornet presented the W. H. Harkness Jubilee Shield to Lewis Bell, with runner-up Lloyd Johnstone receiving a switch, and other prizes were also awarded. Westerkirk WRI treated all the riders to tea and there were speeches and songs in the hall before the mounted cavalcade headed back home by way of Westerhall. On the Sunday the leading principals had 40 mounted followers, including a number of female and young riders, as they set off in fine weather from the Kilngreen on the ride-out to the Craig. There was an entry of nine for the best turned out ponies, and the judges were the Cornet’s parents, Aileen and Elliot Cavers. Castle Craigs president Andrew Johnstone thanked Will Ewart of the Craig for the use of the field and also landowners Jim Robertson and Francis Hislop. Cornet Cavers then presented the James Harkness Trophy for the best turned out horse or pony by a girl studying at Langholm Academy to Emily Beattie. Her sister, Nicole Beattie, received the Craig Cup for the best turned out pony. The midweek evening ride-outs took place in glorious weather and on the Tuesday to Henwell the Cornet and his Right and Left-Hand Men had 53 mounted followers The ponies were judged at the Kilngreen by Robbie and Sheila Trussler. Later at Henwell, the Cornet presented the Henwell Perpetual Trophy to Thomas Coates, with Shannon Jardine runner-up. They both received switches donated by Castle Craigs committee members. There were a number of young enthusiasts among the 49 riders who followed the leading principals to Peden’s View on the Thursday night. The ponies were judged by Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey and Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood at the Kilngreen before departing. The Caulfield Cup and a Common Riding tie, donated by Ian and Sandra Elliot, were presented by Cornet Cavers to Chloe Aitken for the best turned out unplaited pony. The Graham Cubbon Memorial Trophy and voucher, donated by the Cubbon family for the best turned out unplaited pony by a paid-up member of the Langholm Young Riders, went to Amy Moscrop. Switches were again donated by Castle Craigs committee members.

Social

The flute band held its annual general meeting and social evening in the Buck Hotel last Thursday, providing the opportunity to play a few tunes together. Roddy Innes was chairman and he presented an inscribed tankard on behalf of the band to Cornet Alasdair Cavers. He also presented a bottle of whisky to Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey. A bottle of whisky was also presented by Charlie Graham to Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood, and ex-Cornet Colin Irving accepted whisky from Kenneth Pool to give to his father-in-law, Diamond Jubilee Cornet John Paterson.

Cornet’s night

The Cornet’s Night in Langholm Royal British Legion Club was once again sold out. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, were given a rousing cheer as they entered the clubrooms. David McVittie was chairman. The toast to the Common Riding was given by the Reverend Scott McCarthy, with Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell replying. The toast to the Cornet was proposed by David Divers and in his reply Cornet Cavers wished everyone a good Common Riding. Margaret Howe was the accompanist for singers Billy Young, Irving Stuart, David Pool and Charlie Graham. Members of the town band played a number of Common Riding favourites, and later in the evening they provided music for the dance. A vote of thanks on behalf of the Legion was proposed by Eddie Fisher.

Castle Craigs

It was warm and dry for the Castle Craigs ride-out when Cornet Alasdair Cavers set off from the Kilngreen with around 100 mounted followers. The Kirk Wynd and slopes of Mount Hooley were full of people to watch the Cornet lead the gallop before the riders headed on to the Castle Craigs. Among the mounted cavalcade, which later made its way to Cronksbank, was Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey. There was a stop for refreshments at the Castle Craigs with a number of people having arrived in cars and on foot from the town. On returning to the town late afternoon, the riders were met by Langholm Pipe Band who led them round the streets. Later the members attended the Crown Hotel for the annual Castle Craigs dinner. President Andrew Johnstone congratulated Cornet Cavers on the lead he had given throughout the day and there then followed speeches and songs, with a selection from some Langholm Town Band members. New members were presented with their badges. The president closed the proceedings with a vote of thanks to the landowners, entertainers and Crown Hotel for supplying the meal. The leading principals sang “A Wee Bit Toon” and this was followed by the company singing Auld Lang Syne.

Kirkin’

There was a large congregation in Langholm Parish Church for the kirkin’ of Cornet Alasdair Cavers. The service was conducted by the Reverend Scott McCarthy and the organist was Muriel Askew. Cornet Cavers read a lesson, as did Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell. A presentation was made to the Cornet and the retiring collection was in aid of Sunday school funds. Before the service, the Cornet and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, and members of the Common Riding committee, joined Mr McCarthy at the war memorial in Buccleuch Park for a short service of remembrance and a wreath was laid by Cornet Cavers. Band member Nicole Weatherstone played The Last Post and piper Craig Irving The Lament. In the evening Lodge Eskdale Kilwinning held its annual parade, led by Langholm Town Band, to the service in the parish church which was conducted by Mr McCarthy. Organist was Henry Jeffrey. Visitors from other lodges attended, and the retiring collection was in aid of Langholm Day Centre.

Presentation

On the 30th anniversary lunch of the Probus Club, founder member Willie Friell was presented with a framed certificate in recognition of his 30 years of service to the club. Eddie Armstrong was the first president, in 1983, and Willie took on the job of secretary, and for the next 16 years he provided support for a succession of presidents until he took over in 1999.

Melrose

Church

July 28 services – Bowden, 9.30am; Melrose, 11am (Very Reverend Dr John Cairns, ex-moderator and Dean of the Chapel Royal); August 3 – church fete, Bowden Village Hall.

Trimontium

A national newspaper carried an article about recent treasure trove material assigned to museums and the Synton Hill hoard received a mention. It is hoped shortly to raise its display position for better viewing by visitors. The accompanying Welcome Exhibition for the coins – done by 52 Melrose Primary School pupils in clay, fabric and posterwork – is attracting favourable comment, as is the little Lockie Collection of bronze coins. On July 28 at 2pm, there will be a Trimontium site walk from Newstead Milestone.

Morebattle

Fun festival

See Yetholm section.

OXNAM

Garden

Last Sunday Frank and Margaret Clayton opened their garden at Shibden in aid of Oxnam Kirk funds, raising £330. A team of village ladies provided home baking.

Teviothead

Time for tea

A new venture is proving to be a great success at Teviothead Village Hall. On the first and third Thursday of the month, from 1-4pm, there is a drop-in tea shop when everyone is welcome, for a small donation, to come along for a get-together, home baking and cup of tea or coffee. Children are welcome. It is also a chance for people who have recently moved into the district to meet their new neighbours.

Barbecue

On August 24, the annual barbecue will be from 4pm onwards and everyone is welcome.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on August 11 at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall is on July 28 at 10.30 am.

Yetholm

Fun festival

Yetholm Dry Bar’s Summer Festival of Fun runs from August 5-9. August 5 – 9.45am-4.30pm – Recofash; August 6 – 9.45am-4.30pm – animation; August 7 – 9.45am-4.30pm – table tennis coaching/tournament; August 7 – 9.45am-4.30pm – Pop Star Puppets; August 8 – 9.45am-1pm – Art of the Mosaic; 1.30-4pm – orienteering; August 9 – 8.45am-5.30pm – Beach Madness at Coldingham Bay. Further information from ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com or ring 01573 420703. Booking forms available at Yetholm village website, Dry Bar Facebook page, village post office and Seasons, Kelso.

Tractor run

The annual Yetholm Tractor Run, no longer confined to vintage machines, saw participants follow a route which reached Doddington, near Wooler, before returning to Yetholm Haugh. More than £1,200 was raised for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Theatre outing

The village drama group visited Pitlochry Festival Theatre and saw a production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter. A picnic lunch was enjoyed at The Hermitage, Dunkeld.

Allotments visit

Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club members visited the Yetholm allotments. Prior to touring them, John Thompson gave a short talk about their background and Stan Brown spoke about their development, including fundraising, irrigation system and equipment purchased. Members of the allotments association acted as hosts, supplying coffee and scones on arrival and a barbecue lunch. Afterwards, the group drove to Mindrum, just over the border, where Mrs Fairfax showed them round the garden and provided afternoon tea.

Open gardens

Village gardens have again been open under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Teas were served in the Youth Hall with bric-a-brac, plants and other crafts sold in the Wauchope Hall. There was live music in one garden and poetry readings in another. A raffle for a table lamp made by Jim Cockburn was won by Carole Morrison from Kelso. At the end of the day, more than £1,300 had been raised to be shared between the scheme’s charities and the local Riding for the Disabled Group.

Riding enthusiast Kim Peters from Bowhill Stables, near Selkirk, has been flying the flag for Scotland in Denmark.

She was heavily involved when the Danish Tilters were in the Borders in May, helping to reintroduce the equestrian sport to Scotland after an absence of centuries. She supplied horses in order that local participants could try their skills in her Bowhill arena.

And last week Kim went to Sonderborg in southern Jutland to get the feel of the ring-riding festival there. She took part in competitions on the Friday and Sunday, and also in a small village’s ring-riding festival on the Saturday. For her tilting efforts on Sunday, she won a Copenhagen china bowl.

Kim says the most moving part of her visit was carrying the Saltire in a procession through Sonderborg, pictured, along with more than 500 other riders and eight bands – including the town’s 30-strong pipe band.

Each group of riders from other towns carry a Danish flag with the name of their town on it. Since Kim was the only Scottish participant this year, five volunteers from the local tilting association were appointed “Guardians of the Saltire”, riding ahead and on either side of her, wearing blue sashes.

The tilting link has already led to several visits between riders from Sonderborg and Selkirk, with more anticipated in the future.

A newspaper supplement devoted to the Sonderborg ring-riding carried a half-page report on the Scottish visit in May, and the Reiver statuette presented to the delegation on that occasion by Scottish Borders Council convener Graham Garvie now has its own place in the ring-riding museum.

A report has highlighted the fact that children are living in what has been decreed to be poverty . We can regularly watch our television screens and witness the emaciated bodies and the hollow, sunken eyes of babies and youngsters brought on by hellish hunger and stinking water in far-off places. Places where the death of a babe in arms is all too common. And, of course, it shouldn’t happen. Not in the so-called enlightened and modern world that is the 21st century.

But this report by the Child Poverty Group is not about far-away places. It about the UK. It is about Scotland. It is about the Borders. It is about our own towns and villages. Experts say 2,600 children are living in poverty in the UK parliamentary constituency of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, with 337 classed in the same category in Tweeddale.

Child poverty here is vastly different to that suffered in places far away. Our standards of living are higher and therefore the poverty is experienced at a different level.

Experts have calculated that the cost to society of child poverty in the Borders is around £32million. There’s been a call for politicians, the councils and charities to do more, including the establishment of community projects.

But the children didn’t make themselves poor. Adult wages here have always been despairingly low and now jobs are scarce. It’s jobs and better wages that are the answer.

A drug addict who broke into a Jedburgh beauty salon was jailed for eight months at the town’s sheriff court last Friday.

Steven Frater was found crouching behind the cash register at Body Beautiful Health and Beauty Clinique in Canongate.

The 35-year-old, of Blair Avenue, Jedburgh, appeared from custody and admitted breaking into the shop last Thursday with intent to steal.

Depute procurator fiscal Kate McGarvey said: “Someone nearby could hear loud banging and contacted police.

“There was no alarm sounding, but a large industrial bin had been positioned near the glass shop front. It was concealing a round hole in a glass panel and there were traces of blood.”

Police searched the area, then shone their torches inside the building.

“They saw the top of his head, as he was crouched behind the cash register, and he climbed back through the glass and was apprehended,” said Ms McGarvey, adding: “He was wearing black gloves and said that the grazes on his arms had happened days ago.”

Nothing was taken from the shop.

Rory Bannerman, defending, said his client was “now realising he is too old for this kind of carry on”.

The lawyer conceded Frater had a serious record, but added that he was taking steps to address his drug problem. Mr Bannerman said Frater was booked into a two-week rehabilitation clinic the following week and would lose his place if jailed.

“He is close to getting off the horrendous cycle he has been in for years,” added Mr Bannerman.

He said Frater had been locked out of his home and had nowhere to go, adding: “He went into the shop and fell asleep.”

GAMEKEEPER SHOT OFF ROAD

A teenage driver sped along a farm road before losing control of his vehicle which struck a tree.

David Lindsay escaped with bruising, while his passenger required surgery for a broken femur.

The 19-year-old trainee gamekeeper, of Crofts Road, Lauder, admitted driving carelessly on the unclassified road between Longcroft Farm and the A697, near Lauder, on November 10.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said that while the route had a 60mph speed limit, it was a single-track road with passing places. “The reporting officer considered there was no part of the road where you could drive at that speed safely,” she explained.

Lindsay had finished working at a shoot at the farm, and left with a friend around 4pm.

He was seen driving out of the farmyard “at some speed” and as he tried to brake approaching a bend and cattle grid, he lost control of the car which slid off the road and struck a tree before rolling down a grass bank.

A loud bang was heard by others, along with Lindsay’s cries for help, and an ambulance called. The car was lying upside down and a defective tyre was noticed.

Both men were taken to Borders General Hospital.

Defence solicitor Iain Burke described the offence as “a foolish act of misplaced bravado”, adding: “He can’t explain why he lost control of the car, although I suspect speed was a significant factor, and the bald tyre may have contributed in some way.”

He described Lindsay as “a responsible, hardworking young man, who made a mistake”.

The lawyer urged Sheriff Jamie Gilmour not to disqualify his client from driving, explaining: “His driving licence is essential for his job, as there is no public transport. If he loses his licence, he loses his job.”

The sheriff fined Lindsay £440 and endorsed his licence with five penalty points.

CCTV CAUGHT BLADE OFFENDER

A sUPERMArket shopper was seen on CCTV taking out a Stanley blade to cut plastic packaging.

Clothing manufacturing company owner Richard Kirk had gone to Tesco’s Galashiels store and was spotted using the blade in the electrical department.

The 52-year-old, of Kilknowe Caravan Park, Galashiels, admitted having the blade at the Paton Street premises on April 29. He was fined £100.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said staff monitoring the store’s CCTV noticed the accused.

“He was looking at cables, and produced a Stanley blade from his jacket which he then used to cut the plastic packaging,” she added.

Police spoke to Kirk in the Tesco car park where he was carrying the blade in the palm of his hand.

“He said that he was browsing, looking for electrical fittings, and was trying to look inside the package,” added Ms Bradley.

Defending, Robert More explained: “It was solely a blade, which he had been using at home to cut cabling.

Kirk was fined a further £120 after he admitted possession of cannabis resin.

Police found 11.5gm of the illegal drug, worth £65, in his vehicle.

ASSAULTED DOCTOR

A Galashiels teenager who assaulted a doctor had sentence deferred until August 19 for reports.

Jamie Mitchell, 18, of Albert Place, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Currie Road, Galashiels, on Friday. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a doctor in the accident and emergency department of Borders General Hospital by kicking him on the body.

Mitchell was bailed.

SENTENCE DEFERRED

A drunken man shouted and swore at his pregnant partner, slamming doors in their flat.

Curtis Watters, 20, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on March 3.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told how a neighbour was woken by Watters shouting and swearing around 7am. Police attended and Watters was detained, but continued being verbally aggressive, shouting obscenities in the back of the police van.”

His lawyer, Iain Burke, said there had been an argument between Watters and his partner, who was 22 weeks pregnant at the time.

“It arose through financial pressure, the birth of their first child and the general stress of family life,” he explained.

Mr Burke said Curtis was now supporting his partner and child, and was part of “a settled family unit”, adding: “This was a one-off incident” he added.

Sentence was deferred for six months for Watters to be of good behaviour.

DENIED RACIST COMMENTS

A Hawick woman charged with making racist comments will stand trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on November 21.

Tracy Mullin, 35, of Queens Drive, Hawick, appeared from custody and denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, making racist comments, singing and clapping in an abusive manner at Queens Drive last Thursday. She also denied failing to comply with a bail condition by waving at two people and speaking to them

Mullin was released on bail, with an intermediate hearing set for October 25.

SHERIFF’S WARNING

A WOMAN who breached a court order was warned that any repetition would result in jail.

Christine Tweedie, 48, of Maxton Court, Hawick, appeared from custody and admitted failing to comply with a condition not to approach or contact Colin Gill, when travelling in a vehicle with him last Thursday at Weensland Road, Hawick.

Sentence was deferred until August 9 for reports and Tweedie released on bail.

“If you are caught again, you will be locked up,” warned Sheriff Derrick McIntyre.

RELEASED ON BAIL

A 20-year-old denied shouting and swearing at a woman last Friday.

Christopher Hair, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, denied behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Beech Avenue.

He was released on bail for trial on November 13, with an intermediate hearing on October 16.

A man who attacked a taxi driver in Hawick, breaking two of his teeth, was jailed for two years at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.

Jamie Whigham, 26, described as a prisoner in Edinburgh, admitted assaulting the driver in Dickson Street on December 30, repeatedly punching him on the head to his injury.

He had specifically requested the driver, who suffered a bleeding nose and two broken teeth.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said Whigham had been out socialising and became angered by an allegation involving the victim.

He rang for a taxi and asked for a specific driver, who attended. The accused leaned over the front passenger seat and punched the driver on the nose, causing it to bleed.

“He began raining blows on his face, before leaving the vehicle and walking off,” added Ms Bradley.

The taxi request was traced to Whigham’s girlfriend’s mobile phone, which he had used.

The victim required dental treatment.

Defending, Ross Dow said: “It is concerning that this was pre-meditated and he should not have taken the law into his own hands.”

Sheriff Jamie Gilmour jailed Whigham for nine months.

He also pleaded guilty to punching a man on the head, causing him to fall to the ground, and kicking him on the head to his severe injury at Torwoodlee Road, Galashiels, on March 12.

The victim sustained a fractured cheek, as well as cuts and swelling around his eye.

Ms Bradley told how the man had walked past a flat occupied by the accused’s brother when he heard a shout: “What the f**k are you looking at”.

Ms Bradley went on: “He ignored it and walked on, but the accused jumped out of a ground-floor window and followed him.”

Whigham punched the man on the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground, hitting his face on the pavement. When he heard a bottle smash nearby, Whigham then kicked the man.

The blood-covered victim was taken to Borders General Hospital and detained overnight for observation.

“He had a fractured right cheek, and cuts and swelling around his eye, and was referred to St John’s Hospital in Livington,” added Ms Bradley.

The man didn’t report an assault, claiming to have fallen, but later identified the accused from police photographs.

Mr Dow said the offence was committed against a background of “bad blood”.

Mr Dow said the man had looked through the window and asked Whigham if his brother lived at the flat.

The lawyer added: “He challenged him, and he jumped out of the window and punched him, and he fell to the ground. When he heard a bottle smash, he turned round and kicked him.

“He accepts the error of his ways, but there was a context here.

“The man was looking for his brother, and he took exception to that, and he wouldn’t have gone so far if a bottle hadn’t been thrown.

“This happened against an antagonising background.”

Whigham was imprisoned for a further 15 months.

The role of Scottish Enterprise in the Borders has been questioned after a report showed its employment scheme only created 24 jobs last year.

While more than £43million was handed out to 118 Scottish firms through Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) in 2012/13 – creating 3,613 posts throughout the country – just one Borders firm received a grant.

And a solitary sum of £60,000 came to the region out of a £33.14million pot from the Scottish Investment Bank, SE’s funding arm to support businesses with growth and export potential.

Critics have compared the figures to those of Scottish Enterprise Borders, which was disbanded in 2008.

Its 2006/07 review showed 50 new rural projects were assisted in the region, alongside almost 400 people being trained in Enterprise programmes.

Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce convener James Aitken said: “I do think that questions needs to be asked.

“Similar issues probably apply to VisitScotland and any other quangos that have an interest in the Borders.

“To me, this is a question of transparency.”

A spokeswoman for SE said the body has helped firms such as Mainetti and Kelso chemical firm Scotmas to expand.

She added: “We continue to have a strong presence in the Borders and we are currently working with 73 companies in the area which have been identified as high growth opportunities, to help them increase efficiencies, improve productivity and expand internationally.”

A horse has been killed after it collided with a car on the B6360 road near Gattonside on Friday.

Both the driver of the car and the Galashiels rider were treated for shock, but the horse was put down two days later.

A police spokeswoman said: “No one has been charged, but the incident is still being investigated.”

More than 600 veterans of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers will march behind their Colours on Thursday before they are laid up at the regimental museum in Berwick Barracks.

The KOSB, founded in 1689, has now merged with the Royal Scots to become the Royal Scots Borderers, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Thursday’s historic proceedings will be watched by the Princess Royal who is patron of the KOSB Association.

The Colours will be laid up as part of the annual Minden Day celebrations. It was on August 1, 1759, that the Borderers – in an earlier guise – were one of six British infantry battalions, wearing red roses, that sent 70 squadrons of French cavalry fleeing.

At Minden Day commemorations, veterans and serving soldiers wear roses.

Tickets – free – are essential. They can be booked by emailing secretary@kosb.co.uk or phoning 01289 331811.

The KOSB office will be open from Monday to Wednesday and from 8.30am on Thursday. All seating has now been booked with spaces left only for those marching.

The parade forms up between 9am and 10.30am and marches on at 10.50am. At midday it sets off with a salute at the Town Hall at around 12.10pm. The laying-up takes place on the return to the barracks at around 12.20pm.

Photographic ID will be required on Thursday.

Having been significantly enhanced and extended under the current long-standing ownership of more than 30 years, Shawburn is a much-admired and cherished family property.

Well situated in an outstanding, peaceful location at the very edge of Selkirk, Shawburn is a spacious, detached family house with bright, well proportioned rooms, wonderful gardens , five acres of grazing, workshop with separate access, attached stables and outbuildings, and consent for a new stable block.

The adjoining stables and byre provide versatile ancillary buildings, and offer obvious potential to extend the existing domestic accommodation, subject to the grant of planning consents and warrants.

A sweeping tarmac driveway approach, fringed by a wide lawn, leads to a generous parking area for several vehicles to the front of the house. The gardens provide a wonderful mature setting, and the ownership of the fields ensures control over the immediate outlook.

To the rear, and via a separate driveway, is access to the large detached workshop and supporting offices and stores.

An extensive range of traditionally-built outbuildings include an integral double height garage. Beyond is the stable building centred on an impressive pedimented porch supported by iron pillars.

Three boxes, suitable for ponies, with concrete floors, two benefiting from drinkers, feed store area, water supply, and lockable tack room.

To tidy up a loose end from a couple of weeks ago, the spotted flycatchers nesting in the roof gutter managed to fledge successfully.

They were extremely lucky that it never rained during their stay.

At the time of writing, the hot weather is still being experienced and it is many years since I have spent so much time in the garden.

It was fascinating to watch how some creatures coped with the heat. It can’t be much fun being a blackbird in such conditions, but they have some strange behavioural tricks to keep themselves cool.

I watched one doing the obvious thing first by having a cool bath, making sure all its feathers were really wet.

It then hopped to a spot which catches any breeze and it spread out its wings and feathers to allow the circulating air to reach its hot skin.

It then opened its beak and began to pant like a dog. This, too, helps to dissipate heat as birds have no sweat glands.

It stayed in this trance-like position for several minutes before finally flying off.

Sparrows, on the other hand, have been taking advantage of the dry conditions to take frequent dust baths in the vegetable plot.

They are part of a bird’s preening and plumage maintenance that keeps feathers in top condition. The dust that is worked into the bird’s feathers will absorb excess oil to help keep the feathers from becoming greasy or matted, and the oil-soaked dust is then shed easily to keep the plumage clean and flexible.

Dry skin and other debris can also be removed with excess dust, and regular dusting may help smother or minimize lice, feather mites and other parasites.

To take a dust bath, a bird begins by scraping their feet in dry, fine, crumbly dirt or sand to create a wallow.

Lowering the breast to the ground and rolling or rocking may deepen the depression, and the bird will flip its wings vigorously, similar to bathing in water, to spread dust over the entire body.

During this frantic motion, the feathers may be fluffed and the tail spread so the dust can reach the skin more easily, and the bird may rub its head to the ground as well to coat the shorter feathers on the cheeks.

After a few moments of this dry bathing, the bird will pause, but the bathing motion may be repeated until the bird is sufficiently coated in dust.

At that time, the bird may fly to a nearby perch or will first shake off some excess dust before perching.

Preening or sunning often follows immediately after a dust bath as the bird continues its extensive grooming regimen.

Yes, the fine weather provides us with a great opportunity to sit quietly and observe our native wildlife coping with the vagaries of our ever changing climate.

Not for them an ice-cream or cold shower – they have to utilise what is around them to keep cool when the mercury rises.

In the immortal words – no, immortal word – of that cantankerous Craggy Island resident, Father Jack: “Drink!”.

The hedgerows are blooming and it’s time to wade towards them through waist-deep grass to pick stuff.

From now until the end of autumn, our plentiful Borders hedges are full of flowers and fruit that you can make drinks out of.

Yes, my fellow foragers, it’s time to laugh in the face of hay fever and brave clumps of nettles and jaggy thistles, forests of sticky willie, abandoned farm implements and hidden drainage channels lurking beneath the grass.

Our first brew is always elderflower. Last year we made wine, champagne and cordial to cover all bases – wine for our Scottish pals, champers for the posh folk who visit from deepest Englandshire, and cordial for any church elders who drop in unexpectedly. Done.

But first, before you pick, don’t forget the citric acid for your cordial. In my eagerness, the first year I tried making it I bought about 2kg of the stuff. Big mistake. You only need 50g to make six 500ml bottles (for the over-50s/church elders, that’s 2oz and 17fl oz). If you’ve never tried it before, it’s easy-peasy.

What? You thought I was going to give you a recipe to make alcohol in a family newspaper?

Pick about 20 elderflower heads (sweet-smelling, not the one’s that smell like cat’s pee), and shake them to get the creatures off (if you’re vegetarian. If you’re not, then don’t worry too much). Don’t wash them, and stick ‘em in a bucket.

Then boil 1.8kg of granulated sugar with 1.2 litres of water (that’s 4lbs and 2 pints) to dissolve the sugar and leave to cool. Peel six lemons (just like tatties, with a peeler) and then slice them. Add these to the bucket and then pour the sugar syrup over and add your citric acid. Leave for 24 hours, then strain all the bits out and bottle.

It’s supposed to keep for three months, but we make at least double this amount and are usually finishing it just before picking time comes around again. I don’t know how something with sooooo much sugar in it could go off before the next Olympics, frankly. Alternatively, you can buy it off the supermarket shelf for about £4. But I’ll bet you it won’t taste half as good.

Elderberries are great for wine too, just watch out when it’s bottled. My granddad used to make it and gave 6 bottles to my mum one hot summer. After a series of small explosions from the pantry, she opened the door gingerly to find a scene from a horror film – gooey red stuff dripping off every jar, can and packet.

I can only imagine what Father Jack would have said about the waste of drink. And so must you, because it certainly couldn’t be printed in this newspaper.