A MAN who banged on the door and windows of his estranged wife’s home was admonished.

First offender Norman Scott, of Synton Parkhead Farm Cottages, Selkirk, pleaded guilty to refusing to leave and demanding entry to a flat at Bourtree Place, Hawick, on February 16.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Scott had been separated from his wife for three years, adding: “He is a motor engineer and his wife still does his book-keeping.”

Text messages had been exchanged shortly after midnight and the woman was woken at about 8.20am by Scott banging at the door.

“She told him to go away, but he told her, ‘Let me in through the door, or I will come through the window’,” continued Mr Fraser.

“He told police he had gone there to discuss texts and didn’t mean to frighten anybody,” added Mr Fraser.

Defending, Alison Marshall said her 53-year-old client and his wife were in new relationships, adding: “The relationship with his wife is still very amicable. This all stemmed from innocent text messages.”

Sentence is deferred

A husband sent his wife abusive text messages, including one hoping she crashed while on a car journey.

Michael Clark, 29, of McLaren Court, Hawick, admitted sending offensive text messages to his wife on various occasions on December 13 and December 14 last year.

At a previous hearing, procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the couple had been in a relationship for 11 years, marrying in 2010, but they broke up last year.

“The break-up did not go well,” he explained.

Clark sent his wife 24 abusive and distasteful texts, calling her names. He also sent one saying: “Hope you crash”.

Defending, Ross Dow said: “He and his wife broke up and he struggled to come to terms with it, and this was the consequence.”

Last Friday at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, Mat Patrick, representing the accused, described the offence as a one-off incident. He said Clark was working as a taxi driver.

Sentence was deferred for six months.

£60,000 THEFT TRIAL

A Jedburgh woman who denies stealing £60,000 from a 68-year-old man will stand trial by jury at Selkirk Sheriff Court on March 24.

Teresa Brown, 44, of Howden Road, appeared on indictment and pleaded not guilty to repeatedly using bank cards and PIN numbers without authority to pay for goods and services totalling £60,000 while employed as a cleaner at a house in Kirk Yetholm between October 2011 and August 2012.

FIVE MONTHS FOR THIEF

A thief was jailed for five months.

Andrew Atkinson, 26, of Woodstock Avenue, Galashiels, admitted stealing a television from Asda in the town’s Currie Road on November 20 last year, while on an ASBO (antisocial behaviour order) and bail.

He was fined £200 – with the alternative period of imprisonment imposed – after he pleaded guilty to possession of heroin at Paton Street, Galashiels, on September 8 last year.

JURY DATE FOR HAWICK MAN

A 20-YEAR-OLD man who denies attacking a woman in Peebles and threatening to kill her will stand trial by jury on March 24.

Christopher Robertson, of Ramsay Road, Hawick, appeared on indictment facing an allegation that he assaulted a woman at North Street on May 5 last year, rendering her unconscious, and presenting a knife at her. He also denies assaulting the same woman on May 19 last year, restricting her breathing, threatening to kill her, removing her inhaler and repeatedly refusing to return it.

MUST APPEAR IN PERSON

A GALASHIELS drug offender had sentence deferred until April 7 to appear personally.

Kirsty Lawrence, 30, of Croft Street, admitted possession of heroin at Church Street, Galashiels, on January 7.

BAILED WITH CONDITION

A Melrose man will stand trial on June 24.

Daniel Whigham, 25, of Eildon Crecent, pleaded not guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on February 21, and sending messages to a woman threatening to post pictures of her of a sexual nature on the internet.

An intermediate hearing was set for May 27. Whigham was bailed with a condition not to contact the woman.

FRAUD ALLEGATION

A MAN alleged to have committed a benefits fraud totalling more than £28,000 has had his trial adjourned until July 1.

William Howie, 50, of King Street, Galashiels, denies obtaining £13,629 income support, £12,357 housing benefit and £1,779 council tax benefit to which he was not entitled between August 2007 and September 2011. He also denies obtaining £897 income support to which he was not entitled between August 2012 and October 2012.

An intermediate hearing was set for June 2.

CASE IS CONTINUED

A STICHILL man appeared in private, facing two charges of fraud.

Desmond Lindsay, 50, of Stichill Craigend, appeared on petition and made no plea or declaration. The case was continued and Lindsay released on bail.

REPORTS WANTED

A carer who ill-treated a 90-year-old patient at a nursing home had sentence deferred until April 11 for reports.

First offender Linda McLardie, 49, of Howdenbank, Hawick, admitted shouting at the elderly man, who has since died, and repeatedly striking him on the nose. The offence happened on various occasions between June 2012 and August 2013 at Knowesouth Nursing Home, Jedburgh.

FINED £100

A Hawick man who behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at a house in the town was fined £100.

Stephen Norman, of Wellington Court, admitted shouting and swearing at Sandbed on May 17.

The court heard 49-year-old Norman had been of good behaviour during a six-month period of deferred sentence.

CANNABIS CHARGE

Four Hawick men appeared in private, charged on petition with being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Mark Middleton, 25; Darrell Shearman, 21; Robert Walker, 23; and Gavin Rae, 22, were released on bail after making no plea or declaration.

The offence is alleged to have taken place in Galashiels on March 15.

REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A 23-year-old Selkirk woman was remanded in custody.

Zoe Forsyth appeared in private on petition, charged with committing an offence under the Emergency Workers Act at an address in Selkirk, and threatening or abusive behaviour at Borders General Hospital.

She made no plea or declaration.

TEXT-MESSAGE OFFENDER

A man who sent a friend late-night text messages saying he was aroused by a naked two-year-old girl and wanted to touch her has had sentence deferred for six months.

Lee McDowall, 25, of Tweedbank, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register when he originally appeared from custody in December.

The “vulnerable” adult who received the messages was so concerned about the content of the messages he showed them to his support worker the following morning and police were called.

McDowall admitted sending offensive or obscene text messages from his home in Jura Drive on December 27/28.

At a previous hearing defence lawyer Iain Burke said McDowall’s comments had been entirely fictional and that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

TREATMENT ORDER

A Galashiels man has been placed on a two-year Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO).

William Kennedy, 29, of Croft Street, admitted stealing boxed sets from Boots in Gala Water Retail Park, Galashiels, on December 5 last year, and also stealing tobacco from Tweedbank Late shop on December 8.

MUST DO UNPAID WORK

Failing to comply with a bail curfew resulted in Daniel Stewart being sentenced to 130 hours of unpaid work.

Stewart, 23, of Lovell Court, Hawick, was ordered to do 60 hours of unpaid work after he admitted breaching a bail curfew at his then home in High Tweed Mill, Galashiels, on May 31 last year. He was sentenced to a further 70 hours after he admitted a similar offence on May 10, 2013.

Eoin Fairgrieve has come a long way since he started as a young 19-year-old ghillie on the River Tweed around Kelso back in 1988.

Nowadays, you’re just as likely to find him piloting a remote helicopter along stretches of the famous river, capturing video footage for his latest angling-related venture, as you are finding him with a rod in his hand.

Eoin worked as a ghillie for 13 years before opening his own fishing school from a cabin at the Teviot Smokery.

However, in recent years he has based himself and the fast-growing school at the Roxburghe Hotel, just outside Heiton.

As well as running the school as part of his company, Eoin Fairgrieve Fly-Fishing, and introducing thousands of youngsters to the myriad delights of angling; making videos and taking clients on exclusive trips to exotic fishing destinations such as Norway and Russia, Eoin also makes time to work on his own range of fishing tackle and to pen articles, complete with his own photographs, for some of the world’s leading angling publications.

His latest venture, set up towards the end of last year, sees the business take off in a new direction, however.

He has christened it Speycast Media – speycast because that is the main casting technique that Eoin teaches to salmon fishing clients.

“A few years ago I started writing articles for angling publications and eventually I was asked if I could supply photographs to go with these,” Eoin explained.

“So I got myself a decent camera and started learning about basic photography.

One thing led to another and last year I acquired a remote-controlled quadcopter helicopter, which has a gimbal underneath from which is slung a GoPro camera.

“Its four propellers make the Phantom highly manoeuverable, so it’s great for getting a panning effect when filming, as well as being a very economic method of doing aerial filming compared to the traditional method of hiring a full-size chopper and pilot.

“It brings a third dimension to what I can offer, and I can now make videos, not only for people as a reminder of their fishing experience, but also for magazines, broadcast companies and others who need stock video footage of angling and the Tweed.

“I currently have a major project in the planning for a tackle company, so the video side of things is certainly gathering momentum.

“The GoPro camera has been great because I can wear it on my head or shoulder when I am teaching, or when I have someone out fishing, and it means I am shooting masses of footage just while doing what I call my normal ‘day job’.

“It means I can be standing beside someone in the water as they reel in a fish and can capture that magical moment when it breaks the surface in front of them.”

Although Eoin admits the times he gets just to pick up his own rod for a few hours’ quiet fishing are few and far between these days, he doesn’t feel he can complain.

“I have a huge amount of passion for my job and get an immense amount of joy from it – from all aspects of it. “I get equal enjoyment from taking people out on the water and getting them enthused; or teaching kids on the loch at the Roxburghe and it’s fantastic when you see them thrilled by the experience.”

Visit www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk to see Eoin’s video.

A man jailed after a stand-off with armed police in Jedburgh has been caged for 10 years for armed robberies and making bomb threats in London.

David Williamson used an imitation gun in his robberies and his bomb-threat targets included Harrods and the city’s rail network.

Williamson, 50, was convicted by a jury at Kingston Crown Court on two counts of robbery in London and Warrington; two counts of possessing an imitation firearm while committing the robberies; possession of the imitation weapon with intent to cause of violence in Kent; five bomb hoaxes and possessing a firearm with intent.

He was jailed for each of the offences and his total sentence was 10 years.

In 2008, Williamson was locked up for 22 months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after armed police surrounded his house in the town’s Bongate View. He also sent death threats, that included decapitation, from his cell in Edinburgh’s Saughton Prison and received a High Court jail sentence.

The jury in London was told Williamson began his armed robbery spree by entering a Maidstone branch of The Money Shop on October 25, 2012, and attempting to obtain cash by fraud. He was challenged by staff and left, but returned and pointed a black handgun at staff who activated an alarm and Williamson left empty-handed.

Later that day in London Williamson entered The Delmere Hotel near Hyde Park and produced the gun at a lone female receptionist, causing her to fear for her life. She gave him the contents of the till and he left.

Two days later, Williamson attended a bureau de change counter in the Golden Square shopping centre in Warrington where he showed the staff his gun and they handed over almost £4,000.

Williamson was tracked on CCTV leaving the shopping centre and catching a bus out of the city centre. Armed-response officers from Cheshire Constabulary stopped the bus at Runcorn town centre where he was arrested.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad became involved in the investigation and on November 15, 2012, Williamson was charged with armed robberies in Kent and London.

Before the robbery spree, Williamson made four phone calls to police on October 14, 2012, claiming there were several explosive devices planted across central London and on the rail network. On the same day he called at Harrods and left a note for staff stating that an explosive device had been planted. He was arrested for the Harrods bomb hoax by the Flying Squad at the same time as the robberies.

In March last year, Williamson was arrested by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Unit who had identified his voice and he was charged with four counts of causing a bomb hoax.

There was a lot riding on the opening night of this first shot at the much-loved Wizard of Oz by the cast and crew of KAOS Musical Theatre Company.

Its status as a big-screen landmark containing iconic cultural characters means “Wizard” is a step up for any amateur outfit.

With green-faced witches and flying monkeys, the eye-popping movie of L. Frank Baum’s story also propelled lead Judy Garland to super stardom.

So it was a brave choice by debut director Pooee Pitman and the company – but after watching Tuesday’s opening night in Kelso’s Tait Hall, it can safely be said this is a truly magical production, which sets a new benchmark for years to come.

From the youngest performer on stage to leading lady, Rhianne Miller, 17, from Jedburgh, as Dorothy, the performances quite simply shine.

Everyone by now knows the story of how Kansas farm girl Dorothy and her dog Toto get caught up in a tornado and are transported to the Land of Oz.

They head off along the yellow brick road, together with a scarecrow, tin man and cowardly lion.

But there is danger, as the Wicked Witch of the West tries to part Dorothy from her enchanted ruby slippers.

All who have had a role to play in bringing this show to life deserve praise, but the lead actors especially so.

First up is Rhianne as Dorothy. For such a young performer, she is a real star in the making, with a lovely singing voice that does justice to the Oscar-winning number, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Next come Scarecrow (Tony Jackson), Tin Man (Alan Thomson) and Cowardly Lion (Steven Luke).

Right from the start, Pooee was adamant the Kelso production would stick closely to the book and film, otherwise it would disappoint audiences who have loved the story and songs for 75 years.

With that in mind, the easiest compliment to pay the aforementioned trio is that it was like watching the movie.

Tony’s wobbly-legged scarecrow is beautifully realised, constantly stuffing bits of straw back into himself.

Alan’s tin man has the perfect amount of pathos and is clad in a costume as good as the original – amazing when you discover it was actually created by Tony and Steven, complete with steam-puffing headgear.

And then there is Steven as the Cowardly Lion. He is a joy to watch in the role made famous by actor Bert Lahr, complete with growls, iconic laugh and tail-swinging swagger.

And it would be remiss not to mention the Wicked Witch of the West.

It is hard to believe under all the green make-up is talented 16-year-old Sophie Lynch, also a Jedburgh Grammar School pupil, who brings just the right amount of comedy-tinged malevolence to the role.

Avril Murray’s choreography is spot on, while the orchestra, under musical director Heather Cattanach, is a pleasure to listen to.

As for the young cast members who fill the roles of everything from Munchkins and trees, to jitterbug dancers and flying monkeys – the only word to use is tremendous.

Pooee has put heart and soul into the show over the last nine months, with even husband Spencer and the couple’s children all on stage at some point.

“It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to direct and produce for the very first time with KAOS,” she said.

“It’s been 75 years since The Wizard of Oz was first screened, and we really hope we have done it justice.”

Yes Pooee, you and KAOS certainly have.

An inspector has told the council to invest in improvements to Waverley Care Home in Galashiels, despite plans being in place for major changes.

Following an unnannounced visit, Lesley Smith from the Care Inspectorate rated the quality of environment at the home ‘weak’.

In her report she said: “The environmental layout in Waverley cannot meet the needs of a small number of residents in terms of personal care.

“There are other, existing environmental difficulties and long term maintenance/decoration issues to be addressed. The Intermediate Care Unit also needs to be reviewed in terms of fitness for purpose.”

The council has already agreed to transform Waverley into a 24-bed short-term/rehabilitation unit. This will provide a mix of short break/respite spaces, intermediate care and assessment beds.

The £200,000-plus scheme will avoid a £2m bill for carrying out the necessary building work to keep the home for long-term residents.

However, Ms Smith said that despite the council agreeing that long term residents will not be forced out, it has failed to make sure their needs are being met in the interim.

In particular, she highlighted problems with bathroom facilities, stating: “We specifically considered the bathroom and shower facilities to be limited and to fail to meet the needs and choices of all residents.

“We understood that one resident was unable to safely use either the shower or bath. This meant the resident could only be washed. Other residents could only use one or other of the bathing options, which may not necessarily be their option of choice.”

A spokesperson for the council told The Southern: “The inspection report is very positive about the care and support provided to residents in Waverley Care Home.

“The council has recognised that the environment does not meet Care Inspectorate standards and money has been identified in the council’s capital programme to upgrade key areas of the home, including personal care facilities.”

He added: “The intention of the council is to refocus the home into short stay provision moving forward and there has been ongoing discussions with residents, relatives and staff about these proposals.”

Local bosses are waiting to see the finer details behind the Chancellor’s budget bullet points before giving him the thumbs up or thumbs down.

But industry leaders have already said they expected more from Tory George Osborne.

Not surprising Lib Dem coalition partner Michael Moore has thrown his weight behind the finance chief.

But, despite raising the amount people can earn before paying tax, trades union leaders say the budget fails those on low pay.

However, he’s the toast of the drinks trade – cutting beer by 1p a pint and giving the whisky industry its long-called for tax boost.

Bruce Simpson, the vice convener of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce reacted within minutes of the Chancellor sitting down.

He told The Southern: “The extra assistance for exporting, manufacturing, construction, investment allowances and energy costs is welcomed.

“We did hope more could have been offered on the business rates issue in Scotland where rates are punitive, with no transitional allowance.

“But as with all budget announcements, the meat is in the small print, which we will no doubt learn more about over the next few days.”

Mr Moore said the budget meant an £800 tax cut for 39,000 people in the Borders.

He commented: “This is an important budget for families, pensioners and savers, across the Borders.

“The Liberal Democrats in government are providing further tax cuts for people on low income, more affordable childcare and continuing the freeze on fuel duty, which is important in a rural area.

“Now that the economy is getting back on track, these further announcements are very welcome.”

But Grahame Smith, the general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, disagreed.

He commented: “With the majority of spending cuts yet to be implemented and the unprecedented decline in real wages ongoing, there was nothing in this budget to help the low paid or those out of work. This government is clearly relaxed about falling living standards.”

With possibly two distilleries being opened in the Borders, the whisky tax freeze and removal of the alcohol duty escalator is seen as good news.

David Frost of the Scotch Whisky Association said: “It supports hard-pressed consumers, a major manufacturing and export industry and the wider hospitality sector.”

Coupled with the 1p a pint beer cut,this prompted Brigid Simmons of the Beer and Pub Association to describe the chancellor as the toast of brewers, pubs and pub-goers.

Campaigners have called on NHS Borders to issue a timescale for the delivery of new hydrotherapy facilities to replace those at the BGH.

It follows a pledge from NHS Borders chairman John Raine who has said he will do all he can to retain the BGH hydrotherapy pool, earmarked for closure in a revamp of the hospital’s outpatient department, until a replacement is ready.

NHS Borders wants hydrotherapy provided from a specialist pool still to be built at Jedburgh, with local swimming pools delivering water-based exercise sessions.

But it all hinges on NHS Borders obtaining funding to finish the outpatient scheme and on Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust gaining planning consent and funding.

Borders Patient Action Group was “delighted” with Mr Raine’s pledge, but added: “We worry his control of events may not deliver a hydrotherapy service to match the excellence of the one NHS Borders is abandoning.

“We are concerned the interval between the closure of the BGH pool and opening of a new facility in Jedburgh could leave patients without hydrotherapy for an extended period.

“A timescale from NHS Borders would be much welcomed by the general public.”

Jedburgh pool trustee, George Burt, says hydrotherapy facilities are definitely part of its plans, but do not as yet have funding or planning permission.

“The first thing we want, hopefully done this year, is new changing facilities,” he said.

A teenager who stole from shops in Galashiels was jailed for four months at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

Mark McCarry, 18, claimed he had no money or food, and was hungry when he stole muffins from Asda.

McCarry, of Croft Street, Galashiels, admitted five charges of shoplifting from Boots, the Galapark Co-op and Farren Pharmacy between December 10 and February 6. He also pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing in Gala Water Retail Park, Galashiels, on January 7, and possession of cannabis at nearby Paton Street on January 21.

McCarry received a concurrent four-month prison sentence after he admitted stealing muffins worth £2 from Asda on February 28. He was also sentenced to 140 days’ imprisonment – again to run concurrently – for stealing a bottle of alcohol from the Co-op in Roxburgh Street, Kelso, on March 6.

Tessa Bradley, prosecuting, said McCarry offended when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Mat Patrick, defending, told the court: “The only offence not committed when he was under the influence is the theft of the muffins. He says he had no electricity and no money for food, and committed this theft to eat. All the unrecovered items were sold for drink or drugs.”

Only one place to begin this week with Stuart Hogg becoming only the third international to be shown a red card in the 134-year history of Scottish rugby, following Nathan Hines and Scott Murray.

One can only imagine how tough it has been for the Hawick youngster. Everyone has had their say about the incident, and Stuart was the first to put his hand up and apologise.

He’s made no excuses and he knows that this incident will haunt him for the rest of his career. Interviewers will be asking him questions about it for the rest of his life.

Any punishment handed out by the powers-that-be will be nothing compared with the stigma attached to what happened. That is incredibly harsh for a moment of recklessness and for someone still in the early stages of his career to deal with, but I have no doubt Stuart will cope with this and move on.

He will feel the world is against him, but life goes on and with the support of his friends, family and colleagues I confidently predict he will bounce back and I look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as possible, doing what he does best.

Remember when David Beckham was red-carded – dartboards were published in newspapers! He came back from that incident to become one of Britain’s best-loved sportsmen and ambassadors.

Worryingly on Saturday, Scotland had no answer to the Welsh free-flowing backs who were ruthless, tearing the Scottish defence apart.

There didn’t appear to be a plan B in place, which was disappointing.

Tackling was poor as Wales grew in confidence, and it was a long final hour for all Scots both on and off the pitch.

The only positives from the humiliation was that we conceded less penalties than Wales did, and for 20 minutes in the second half we stemmed the tide and threatened in attack.

But this was our worst score against Wales and our third biggest defeat in terms of points difference.

Scott Johnson’s reign is over as head coach as he becomes director of rugby.

Scottish Rugby will welcome Vern Cotter soon and we all wait to see what happens under him.

One thing is for sure, there’s not many who envy him taking the head coach job. Scotland has been starved of real success for many years, but it’s fair to say when you’ve reached the bottom the only way is up, and we wait with interest to see what he does to turn Scottish rugby around.

BEDRULE

Quiz

A quiz night will be held in the village hall on March 22 at 7.30pm – call 01450 870506 for more information and to book a table. This event will be preceded at 7pm by the hall AGM.

Bowden

WRI

Emma Emmerson, from Woodside, demonstrated planting pots for spring colour and gave gardening tips at this month’s meeting. She judged the competition – a small informal floral arrangement – 1, Betty Doyle; 2, Joyce Smith; 3, Anne Wilkie. April 9 is guest night when Sister Isabel Smyth will tell her “Nun’s Story”.

Earlston

Wednesday Club

Members were entertained last week by Trevor Black talking about antiques. Competition winners for “an antique” were Anne Falconer and Ray Murray. The next meeting is on March 26. Competition – “a dog brooch”.

Parish church

The March 23 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods, followed by the annual business meeting. Wednesday Lent worship continues in the church at 7pm. On March 29, the spring coffee morning in the church hall starts at 10am. The hall will be open from 9am for anyone who wishes to donate baking to the stall. Messy Church is to be held on April 5 in the church hall – contact Julie on 01896849236 for more information.

eckford

Film

The village hall will host a showing of “Yetholm – The Finest Place” at 7pm on March 24. It depicts life in Town and Kirk Yetholm, highlighting old customs and traditions, and the impact of war. The film will be followed by a question-and-answer-session with Dorothy Sharpe. To reserve a seat and for more information, email sheilaeckford@hotmail.com or phone Loraine Kay on 01835 850289.

edgerston

WRI

John Hennessey, from Kelso,talked to members about the guided climb he took up to the summit of Mount Ararat in Turkey. Competitions – oriental object – 1, Maggie Greenwood; 2, Jackie Dun; 3, Evelyn Grierson; rice dish – 1, Maggie Greenwood; 2, Evelyn Grierson; 3, Rosemary Wilkes. The raffle was won by Anne Steede.

ettrickbridge

Interest evening

This month’s interest evening at Kirkhope parish hall on March 27 at 7.30pm features a talk by Martin Scott on the Samaritans.

fala

History society

Fala, Soutra and District History and Heritage Society will meet in Fala Village Hall on March 27 at 7.30pm to hear Henry Borthwick, Oxton, talk about “Oxton and Environs”.

Galashiels

Charity fundraiser

The Golden Lion pub is hosting a fundraising evening in aid of Crohn’s and Colitis UK from 7pm tomorrow (Friday).

Inner Wheel

International Inner Wheel, of which the Galashiels club is a member, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. To mark this event, Galashiels members are holding a Wedding Belles Exhibition and are looking for wedding dresses and accessories from 1924 to the present day. All proceeds will be donated to Samantha Kinghorn, who has recovered from a life-changing accident and will be representing Scotland in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in wheelchair racing. Anyone who can help should contact Rosemary McCosh, 6 Parsonage Road, Galashiels (01896 753118). The exhibition will be held on May 10 in St Peter’s Church.

Pamper night

The YM clubrooms in Roxburgh Street are tonight (Thursday) hosting a ladies’ pamper night from 6.45pm. The event is a fundraiser for a new playgroup – Bright Stars.

glendouglas

Whist

Prize winners at the whist drive held on March 10 – ladies – 1, Hannah Wilson; 2, Jenny Blakie; 3, Greta Middlemas; booby, Pat Lindsay; gents – 1, Alistair Hogarth; 2, Angus Cameron; 3, John Currie; booby, Izzy Broady. The bingo was won by Hannah Wilson.

Lunch club

Last Wednesday’s lunch club gathering was well attended.

Party time

Today (Thursday) is Dance Party Night, with music by Gordon Brown. Bring and share supper for this event which starts at 7.30pm.

hawick

Bridge club

March 11 – N/S – 1, J. and M. Miller; 2, P. Gilligan and M. Millar; 3, M. Tuson and R. Witherington; E/W – 1, K. Auckland and D. King; 2, J. Henderson and M. Bowie; 3, L. and T. Witten.

Film and video group

Alec Peterson entertained members with a programme of railway journeys within Scotland. The first trip was on the West Highland line, starting in Glasgow and ending at Mallaig. Next came a short excursion from Edinburgh to Dundee, followed by a journey which began at Inverness and travelled the vast areas of relatively-flat wilderness to Thurso. The final route began at Dingwall on the Cromarty Firth, crossing the country to Kyle of Lochalsh. The meeting on March 25 will feature a selection of films produced by Jim Law and Bill Neil.

Camera club

The three-way inter-club competition between Liddesdale, Kelso and Hawick took place last week in the latter’s clubrooms, with Ian Oliver of Galashiels judging. The hosts clinched first place, closely followed by Kelso and Liddesdale in that order. March 23 is the date for the Borders Digital Challenge at Hawick High School, doors opening at 2pm. The next club meeting on March 27 will be “An Illustrator’s Point of View” with Laura Blackwood.

Heiton

WRI

Annie Shanks, from Standhill Dairy, Minto, gave a talk on cheese making. Competition – decorated yoghurt pot – 1, Lilian Whellans; 2, Ann Darby; 3, Elizabeth Nowakoski.

INNERLEITHEN

South Pacific

Tickets for Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” (March 31-April 5) are on sale at the Thrift Shop, High Street, and Graham McGrath, Eastgate, Peebles. They can also be booked by phoning 0845 224 1908 or emailing tickets@idaos.org.uk.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Piping Society’s annual coffee morning is in the Vale Club on March 22 (10am-noon). The society is raising funds to hold the 13th Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships, this year moving to a new venue at St Ronan’s Primary School on September 13.

Games meeting

The annual public meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games saw Keith Belleville returned as chairman. He highlighted another successful year, recalling “The Sunshine Games”. He thanked the people of Innerleithen for financial contributions and, more importantly, their participation. He also thanked the businesses who support the games through sponsorship, and mentioned the continuing support of the Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association for practical assistance and a £750 donation. The chairman pointed out that Innerleithen is changing all the time and the committee must be careful to ensure that newer residents know about the work done and have opportunities to be involved. He confirmed that fundraising had taken on a new dynamic with fewer businesses and mills in the town, and that the committee had adapted well, but more needed to be done to maintain the high standards. Secretary Stewart Wilson, in his report, noted that the senior citizens’ social was well attended and the committee continued to offer a variety of entertainment. Attendance at the Standard Bearer’s Ball was slightly down on the previous year, but the committee should not see this as a setback as more than 300 were in attendance. He confirmed that the price of tickets would increase to £32.50, having been held at £30 for the previous four years. The car treasure hunt had over 40 cars taking part. The Cleikum Ceremonies had been ticketed on a first-come, first-served basis for the first time since 2009 and that this had been successful. Outwith Games Week, it was noted the fun run had been poorly attended and would be reviewed. Two resignations were confirmed – Brenda Kerr and Dorothy McKie. The secretary thanked them for a combined service of 35 years to the games. The report concluded with tributes to life member Bobby Knox and Ex-Standard Bearer Graeme Glendinning, both of whom had passed away recently. Treasurer Norman Scott revealed a small loss of approximately £600 on the year. Officials elected – president and chairman, Keith Belleville; vice-chairman, John Robertson; secretary, Stewart Wilson; treasurer, Norman Scott; sports secretary, Sarah Lindsay; ceremonial convener, John Robertson; patron’s secretary, Ted McKie; bar convener, Gordon Fairbanks. The general committee was re-elected en bloc, with the exception of Miss Kerr and Mrs McKie. Two new members joined – Kenny Scott and Raymond Hogarth. The annual coffee morning will be held on April 19; introduction of Standard Bearer Elect, May 9; Games Week, July 10-19.

AGM

Innerleithen Civic Association’s AGM is at St Ronan’s School Community Centre on April 22.

Church

The service on March 23 starts at 11.30am.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

March 10 – Easter Pairs – 1, I. Weir and G. Young; 2, H. Long and M. Weightman; 3, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 4, A. and R. Stewart; 5, K. Jackson and D. Cairns; 6, M. and H. Ouldcott.

kelso

Market day

A farmers’ market will be held in The Square on March 22 (9.30am-1.30pm).

Museum friends

Friends of Kelso Museum’s March talks began on the 5th with Gordon Macdonald and “Suffragettes”, delivered with an intriguing Borders slant. The second talk was held a week later, featuring Alastair Innes on 75 years of his family’s photography business in Kelso. Last night (Wednesday) Dinah Iredale’s subject was entitled “Bondagers”.

Thursday Group

Peter Neilson’s description of his work healing horses was fascinating and thought-provoking. Today, Dr James Mitchell describes the life of Eric Liddell at 2pm in Abbey Row Centre. Next week sees Isabel Gordon and “Dying for a Cuppa”, a history of tea.

Parish church

A large, appreciative audience turned up at Kelso North Church last Friday for a screening of “Sunshine on Leith” which featured The Proclaimers’. Tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm, the documentary film “I Am Breathing” is being shown. This won the 2013 BAFTA Scotland Award for best directing and was also runner-up in the best single documentary category. The parent council of Broomlands Primary School is holding a coffee morning on Saturday in the Upper Hall from 10am-noon. This Sunday the Men’s Group – men@kne – will be leading worship in Kelso North and Ednam churches. A Christian Aid roadshow is being staged at Kelso North on Sunday at 6.30pm. The trustees meet on Wednesday at 7pm, followed by the stated annual meeting of the congregation at 7.30pm. After an afternoon’s curling, members of men@kne will travel to Melrose on Thursday evening for a guided tour of the Borders Crematorium. Tickets are still on sale for the Seder Meal and Ceilidh at Kelso Rugby Club on April 11. Lent study sessions continue on Tuesdays at 2pm in St Mary’s Church, with a repeat on Thursdays at 7pm at Kelso North. Patterns for knitted teddies are available again in both churches and from the church office. The teddies will be used by Northumberland Ambulance Service.

Youth project

Kelso Youth Project Film Club presents “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” on March 27 at the Tait Hall. Doors open 6.15pm, film starts 6.30pm. For further information or to be put on the project emailing list, email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com. The project needs volunteers for its table tennis after-school group. Anyone interested should email ireid@yetholmtown,plus.com or ring 01573 420703.

Horticultural society

On March 25, “Memories of Chelsea 2013”, a talk and floral art demonstration by Elizabeth Forster, will be held in the Tait Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Bridge club

March 12 – SBU Easter Pairs – 1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, Ian Watson and Stuart Graham; 3, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 4 (equal), Caroline Sutherland and Elinor Green, Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell, Jean Bunyan and Val Fairbairn. March 13 – Millennium Trophy 13 – N/S – 1, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 2, Jock Dun and Nancy Porter; 3, Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman; E/W – 1, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross; 2, Lee Leeson and Bob Stevenson; 3, Lynda Douglas and Bill Elliot.

Embroiderers

Kelso Embroiderers’ Guild meets on March 25 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Beth Asquith will give a talk entitled “Grandma’s Button Box”. Members are requested to bring their mugs.

langholm

Town Band

The Town Band, under MD Chris Shanks, recorded their best result at the Scottish championships in Perth Concert Hall. Playing in the third section for the fourth year, the band finished in sixth place and this ensures they remain in the section for the banding year. Fifty-five bands from all over Scotland competed in five sections over two days. On the Sunday Chris Shanks enjoyed further success with The Co-op Funeralcare Band. He plays first baritone for them and they won the championship section to progress to the national finals.

Opera

This year’s amateur operatic and dramatic society production is “Me and My Girl”. It runs from March 23-29 in the Buccleuch Centre.

Injured jockeys

A fundraiser organised by Colin Barnfather and friends to boost the Injured Jockeys Fund took place in the rugby clubrooms at Milntown and raised £1,716. There was an auction, quiz, raffle and light supper. Gordon Brown, from Racing UK, was in charge of proceedings and on the panel answering questions and talking about Cheltenham were trainers Jim Goldie and Stuart Coltherd, along with jockeys Brian Harding and Brian Toomey. The last named has been out with injury for some time and he gave a talk on the work carried out by the f und.

Lauder

Church

The stated annual meeting will be held in the Church Centre following a joint service in Lauder Church on March 23 at 11.30am.

makerstoun

WRI

Erica Smith showed members a variety of ways to fold table napkins as well as a film of results which could be achieved by the professionals for a bride and groom. Competitions – homemade card – 1, Mary Slater; 2, Alison Easson; 3, Kim Bone; napkin holder – 1, Mary Slater; 2, Margaret Aberdein; 3, Kim Bone. A whist drive will be held on March 26 in Makerstoun Hall.

melrose

Church

Church magazine and WFO envelopes available; March 20 – 7pm, Arthritis Research whist drive; March 23 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am).

Trimontium

In the midst of the schools influx and preparations for the museum, walks and lectures season, the spring issue of “Archaeology Scotland” – the organising body for the subject, based in Musselburgh – carries the latest review of “Newstead: 1911-2011”, the book published at a launch in Melrose in January last year. It is available via the museum.

midlem

WRI

Call Gowdy, from Milestone Garden Centre, gave members the benefit of his 13 years’ experience as a gardener when he spoke about container plants. He said they were easy to grow and can flourish in small or large  areas, patios, balconies and many more different  places. His audience learned many things, including the difference between the primrose and the primula. Call brought along a good number of container plants and explained where they should be planted in the garden and looked after. The ladies asked many questions which were easily answered. Competitions – floral arrangement in an unusual container – 1, Irene Cotter; 2, Helen Pearce; 3, Dilys Wheelans; best decorated flower pot – 1, Edith Scott; 2, Sheena Combe; 3, Helen Pearce.

morebattle

AGM

The guild AGM will be held in the institute on April 3 at 7.30pm.

Coffee morning

The guild coffee morning will be held in the institute on March 29 at 10.30am.

Youth project

See Kelso section.

WRI

Rod McIntosh gave an informative talk and demonstration on the use of defibrillators. Grace Cessford gave the vote of thanks. Competitions – hand-crafted red heart – 1, Marian Dumma; 2, Helen Cessford; 3, Margaret Blackmore; pomander – 1, Nancy Anderson; 2, Margaret Blackmore; 3, Grace Cessford. There will be a sales table at the April meeting.

Hall

The village hall AGM is on March 27 at 7.30pm in the hall.

newmill

WRI

Newmill and Teviothead members brought along patterns, books, wool, thread, cakes and recipes – in fact anything they

Turn to page 28

From page 27

no longer required and someone else might use. As a result, folk went away with – in some cases more than they brought – items to have a go at knitting, sewing, scrapbooking or trying something different. The local MS society benefited from the donation box with surplus goods going to Oxfam. The outing to the donkey sanctuary in June was discussed, with suggestions for a meal afterwards, and also federation business. Competitions – old coin – 1, Sheila Gray; 2, Sheila McLaren; 3, Betty Rennie; baby article to be donated to the BGH – 1, Sheila Robson; 2, Liz Howieson; 3, Sheila Purdie. The next meeting is on April 1 when Wendy Patterson will demonstrate slate art. Competitions – painted stone and favourite apron.

OXTON

Church

The stated annual meeting will be held in the Church Centre, Lauder, following a joint service in Lauder Church on March 23 at 11.30am. On April 6, the 10am service will be back in the church.

Stow

Open mic night

Sound Out will be hosting an open mic night in Stow Town Hall on March 22. Doors open 7.30pm. This event is a fundraiser for the Stowed Out Festival. Performers should contact 07946 421576 or 07818 284922 for more information.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on March 30 at 10am.

yetholm

Lunch

There will be a village lunch today (Thursday) in the Wauchope Hall from noon-2pm, with proceeds going to hall funds.

Allotments

Yetholm Yewtree Allotment Association plots are available and anyone interested should contact John Thompson (01573 420577).

Youth project

See Kelso section.

Mobile signals

The difficulty with the village Vodaphone signal seems to have been resolved for the time being. However, there are strong feelings among villagers about the service and a petition is being sent to the ombudsman. Copies of the petition are available for signature at a number of local outlets.

Church

For some years the local kirk has bonded – via visits – to Possilpark Church in Glasgow which recently welcomed a new minister, and Yetholm and the associated churches were represented on that occasion. The guild’s annual general meeting will take place in Yetholm Kirk at 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 25, when Olivia Gale will be addressing members.

The British relationship with animals isn’t so much complicated as peculiar.

At one end of the spectrum there is anthropomorphic pet-owning, cats doing “amusing” things on YouTube and ridiculous events like Crufts dog show. At the other, in spite of the best efforts of vegetarians and vegans, we’re still a meat-eating society and for most of the time, apart from the occasional horsemeat revelation, we don’t much care how that meat reaches us. Who wants to get back to the good old days when food accounted for about one third of household spending instead of the present one tenth?

Between the extremes there are some of the reported reactions in the past week or so to jockey Ruby Walsh’s quite legitimate view that horses are replaceable, humans are not; whether ritual Muslim and Jewish methods of slaughter should be banned; whether animal testing on animals such as beagles is justified by helping advances in medicine for humans; a report on intensive pig, poultry and dairy cow farming asking whether such systems need to be rethought; and whether low or no care extensive systems for sheep, as practiced in Australia and New Zealand, is acceptable on British farms.

There are no easy answers, but the gap often seems to be between those who work with animals for a living – jockeys, farmers and stockmen, research workers testing animals, slaughtermen, meat processors, butchers – and those who think of them as humans with four legs or, in the case of poultry, two legs and feathers.

Most of those who earn a living working with animals treat them with respect, but not sentimentality. Not all, of course. There are cases of animal cruelty involving horse trainers and farmers just as there are involving dog and cat owners with their pets. But it makes commercial sense, if nothing else, to treat animals with consideration if the intention if to make a profit.

Intensive livestock farming is never likely to produce agreement between those who practice it and animal welfare campaigners who oppose it. The recent inquiry by the RSPCA, even if billed as independent, indicates that. Chairman of the inquiry, solicitor Duncan McNair said: “I am concerned that 90% of UK poultry is now factory farmed, one third of pigs never get to exhibit their natural foraging or societal instincts and about 15% of cows are zero-grazed (never out at grass).”

Apart from jibbing at the emotive “factory farmed” label, farmers can argue that methods can only change if the public is prepared to pay more for meat and livestock products. Chicken is the prime example. When shoppers can buy an intensively reared chicken for about £2 they do. Some because they can afford no more, others because they think why pay £6 to £10 for a free-range or organic bird?

The British relationship with animals isn’t so much complicated as peculiar.

At one end of the spectrum there is anthropomorphic pet-owning, cats doing “amusing” things on YouTube and ridiculous events like Crufts dog show. At the other, in spite of the best efforts of vegetarians and vegans, we’re still a meat-eating society and for most of the time, apart from the occasional horsemeat revelation, we don’t much care how that meat reaches us. Who wants to get back to the good old days when food accounted for about one third of household spending instead of the present one tenth?

Between the extremes there are some of the reported reactions in the past week or so to jockey Ruby Walsh’s quite legitimate view that horses are replaceable, humans are not; whether ritual Muslim and Jewish methods of slaughter should be banned; whether animal testing on animals such as beagles is justified by helping advances in medicine for humans; a report on intensive pig, poultry and dairy cow farming asking whether such systems need to be rethought; and whether low or no care extensive systems for sheep, as practiced in Australia and New Zealand, is acceptable on British farms.

There are no easy answers, but the gap often seems to be between those who work with animals for a living – jockeys, farmers and stockmen, research workers testing animals, slaughtermen, meat processors, butchers – and those who think of them as humans with four legs or, in the case of poultry, two legs and feathers.

Most of those who earn a living working with animals treat them with respect, but not sentimentality. Not all, of course. There are cases of animal cruelty involving horse trainers and farmers just as there are involving dog and cat owners with their pets. But it makes commercial sense, if nothing else, to treat animals with consideration if the intention if to make a profit.

Intensive livestock farming is never likely to produce agreement between those who practice it and animal welfare campaigners who oppose it. The recent inquiry by the RSPCA, even if billed as independent, indicates that. Chairman of the inquiry, solicitor Duncan McNair said: “I am concerned that 90% of UK poultry is now factory farmed, one third of pigs never get to exhibit their natural foraging or societal instincts and about 15% of cows are zero-grazed (never out at grass).”

Apart from jibbing at the emotive “factory farmed” label, farmers can argue that methods can only change if the public is prepared to pay more for meat and livestock products. Chicken is the prime example. When shoppers can buy an intensively reared chicken for about £2 they do. 
Some because they can afford no more, others because they think why pay £6 to £10 for a free-range or organic bird? Animals are treated with respect but not sentementality

wooler

At their fortnightly sale last week John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 357 store cattle.

The annual show for the Robin Scott Trophy was also held which was kindly sponsored by Minsups, represented by Nikki Gilbertson and expertly judged by David Carins, Gardeners Houses, who awarded the championship to Messrs RW and K Telford, Branton East Side for a Lim.x Steer weighing 410kg and selling at £1150 to the Judge. Reserve Champion went to Messrs E Carse and Son, South Ord for a Lim.x Steer weighing 430kg and selling at £1080 to Messrs S and J Allen, Longnewton.

Buyers turned up in numbers all looking for cattle resulting in returns greater than expectations. More cattle could easily be sold at this centre to advantage.

At their weekly primestock sale John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 767 hoggs and 134 ewes.

Hoggs forward in greater numbers. Quality types the dearest trade of the year, tail ends appearing.

Leading prices per head:- Sfx:- £103.50p Ford Westfield, £100 Ford Westfield, Howtel, £98.50p Craigs House, £97.50p Brandon, £95 Ford Westfield. Tex:- £102 Hartside A Hutcheon), £99, £98 Ford Westfield, £94 South Charlton. CM:- £88 South Charlton. Suf:- £98 Mindrum Farming Co. Bla:- £85 Linhope Farming (Hartside), Mules:- £93.50p Ladykirk, Ford Westfield, £89 Craigs House, £87 West Longridge, Ladykirk, £85 West Longridge. BF:- £85 Ladykirk, £84 South Charlton (M Hall). Zwa:- £94.50p Mindrum (TP Fairfax). Cha:- £90 Craigs House. Bel:- £86 Ladykirk.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex:-221.3p Ladykirk, 220.5p Yetlington lane, 220.3p Moorlaws, 218.9p Mindrum Farming Co, 218.8p Kimmerston, Greystonnes. Sfx:- 217.5p Greystonnes, 215.9p Mindrum Farming Co, 213.4p Moorlaws. Bla:- 202.4p Linhope Farming (Hartside). Mules:- 205.1p Shotton, 205p West Longridge, 202.6p Moorlaws, 202.4p, 202.3p West Longridge, 202.3p Craigs House. Chv:- 218.8p South Charlton (M Hall), 215p South Charlton, 214.3p Greystonnes, 213.5p Shotton. Chx:- 208.1p Mindrum Farming (TP Fairfax), 202.4p Linhope Farming (Hartside) Bel:- 220.5p, 215.8p Ladykirk.

st boswells

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 93 clean cattle, 44 OTM cattle, 1,496 old season hoggs and 472 ewes.

Bullocks (34) averaged 218.7p per kg and sold to 255p (+4.8p on week), heifers (55) averaged 213.4p per kg and sold to 250p (-4.6p on week), four young bulls averaged 180.8p per kg and sold to 185p (+9.8p on the week) and 44 beef type OTM cattle averaged 131.3p per kg and sold to 164p (n/c on the week).

Old season SQQ hoggs averaged 218.5p per kg +9.1p on week) and sold to £114 and averaged £92.40 per head while ewes averaged £65.64, and sold to £115. Heavy ewes £78, light ewes £56.15.

Principal prices per head: Shidlaw £1583.30; Bee Edge £1542.75, £1476, £1475; Upper Nisbet £1488.50; Longnewton and Inland Pastures £1445.40.

Principal Prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.55 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.50 Robert Wilson Butcher Edinburgh, 2.49 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd, 2.48 W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.40 M/s Cropper; Upper Hundalee 2.41 M/s TA Shaw, 2.31 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd, 2.29 Malone of Edinburgh; Grahamslaw 2.39 Malone of Edinburgh; Longnewton 2.38 Malone of Edinburgh; Lennoxlove 2.38 Denholm Meat Supplies; Upper Nisbet 2.37 M/s WTS Forsyth an Sons, 2.29 M/s Cropper; Caverton Mill 2.36 Malone of Edinburgh; Shidlaw 2.35 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Outerston 2.29 Gosford Bothy Shop.

Cows per head: Thrunton £1288, £1057; Stagehall £1110.90; Woodhouse. J £1099.80, £1098.80; Grahamslaw £1080.40, £1014.70; Halidean Mill £1037.40, £1011.36; Phantassie £1035, £954.60; Aikeyside £997.50; Branton East Side £1028.10, £986.90, £944.70; West Mains £952.50.

Cows per kg: Woodhouse. J 1.64, 1.56; Hyndlee £1.51; Phantassie 1.50, 1.48, 1.44; Aikeyside 1.50; Branton East Side 1.49 (2), 1.41; Grahamslaw 1.48, 1.39; Corsbie(Fullerton) 1.43, 1.41; Thrunton 1.40 (2).

Hoggs per head: Suff.x;- £114, £113 Clochnahill, £110 Lurdenlaw and Berryhill, Tex.x;- £110 West Mains. L, £108 Lurdenlaw and West Mains. L, Char;- £110 Clochnahill, Chev;- £104 The Whitehouse, Swinside, £103, £100 Lurdenlaw, Rye;- £96 Clochnahill, HB;- £95 Gillahill, Chev.x;- £93 Gillahill and Saughtree, GF;- £92.50 Westwood, Zwa;- £91 Billiemains, CM;- £90 Wester Ulston, BFL;- £90 Hartside, BF;- £86 Hutlerburn.

Hoggs per kg: Tex.x;- 236.3 Housebyres, 235.7 Gillahill, 233.8 Swinnie, Suff.x;- £232.1 The Knock, 229.7 Threepwood, 229.3 Gillahill, Chev;- 227.9 Saughtree, 227.4 Thorlieshope, 225 Wester Ulston, Char;- 219.4 Woodhouse. J, GF;- 215.1 Westwood, 211.9 Thistle Doo, EC;- 211.1 Bedrule, CM;- 209.3 Wester Ulston, BF;- 200 Bedrule and Larriston.

border livestock

During last week Border Livestock Exchange Ltd to week sold 172 prime cattle including 70 cast cows, 1,467 prime sheep, 348 cast ewes, 245 store and breeding cattle.

Charolais cross heifers sold to 387p per kg and £1,277 from New Smailholm Farm, Kelso. Aberdeen Angus cross heifers sold to 390per kg to Well Hung and Tender, Berwick.

Cast cows continue to reach satisfactory levels with numbers well up for this time of year. Leading prices:- Simmental crosses to 275p per kg and £1,259. Dairy cows from Kelloe Mains, Duns, hit the high spot at £1,208. Other dairy cows to £1,136 per head from Edinburgh University Farm, Roslin. Pure Limousin cows to £1,427 per head. Major consignment of 29 Continental Ccrosses average £1,051 per head to a top of £1,194.

The Sheep trade finally livened up as numbers begin to dry up. Export lambs from Great Tosson, Rothbury, sold to 440p per kg while light weight lambs from Barnsley sold to 430p per kg for Pure Swales. Store cattle continue to sell extremely well with many lots 40 kgs heavier than the previous year’s cattle. Quality lots were also dearer per kg in many cases. Luing cows to £2,000 for calvers.

I have returned – and I can already hear some readers’ cries: “Oh no! We thought the editor had seen sense and pulled Grey Matter out by the roots.” Nae such luck.

However, I know many of you have missed this column over the past six weeks. I know this because when I returned from holidays and a week looking after the Hawick News, loyal readers had left electronic messages wondering where I was and if I was coming back to electronically pen this weekly column. Well, one reader did.

Thank you Joan Davidson for your kind email enquiry and inspiring words after I had confirmed to you by return email that Grey would indeed be Mattering this week. And thank you to the many (and there were) who stopped me in the street or in the shop or cafe and expressed the profound hope that Grey Matter had not been put out to graze.

Let me explain my absence. Last year, for various reasons, I didn’t manage to take my holiday entitlement by the due date of December 31.

Hence, I was off for the whole of February – the shortest month of the year and I’m still trying to work out if I’ve been diddled out of a couple days.

The first week was spent planning a bit of home decorating, and clearing out a cupboard that’s bursting at the seams and an attic that is putting much too much strain on the rafters.

The second week was spent not doing any home decorating, not clearing out a cupboard bursting at the seams, nor an attic that’s putting too much of a strain on the rafters. I did very little, but enjoyed a bus-pass trip to Galashiels and to that other capital, Edinburgh.

Week Three, I had decided, would my away week.

My late dad worked for Morrison and Murray, the engineers in Gala, and spent two weeks each year carrying out maintenance and repairs at the tweed mill, Hunters of Brora.

I have only been a couple of times, but had a hankering to return and booked (50p) a bus -pass seat on a luxury coach departing Edinburgh 12.30pm and travelling to the far north-east via Inverness.

On the due day I boarded the trusty X95 and got as far as Bowland where a jack-knifed lorry was blocking the road. It was back to Gala and an assurance from a Firstbus employee in a white shirt that we would be going straight up the A68. We did. For a bit. And then we turned left and trundled across country somewhere around Tynehead to join the A7 (fighting re-routed traffic coming the other way) where the trusty X95 once again became a city service.

I missed my Brora connection by seven minutes. I was miffed and headed for The Hebrides in Market Street to replan my Week Three.

A call to my son, Matthew, and his laptop had me booked into the Rob Roy Hotel at Aberfoyle. A train to Stirling and a bus took me there.

I stayed three nights and enjoyed some wonderful company, not least on my last evening which was the start of a line-dancing convention arranged by a lovely bunch from Glasgow.

Yes, I admit it. Grey Matter learned the elementary steps of line dancing. The music was still reeling in my heid as I headed next day for Dunoon.

Week Four was spent wondering what I had done.

Police are still hunting the raiders who made off with jewellery worth over £33,000 from a house in Melrose at the weekend.

An appeal for any witnesses who may have noticed anything suspicious has been issued by police following the break-in.

As well as the valuable haul of jewellery stolen from the property in the town’s Waverley Road, the thieves also got away with a tablet device. In an official statement issued this week, police said the property had been broken into while the owners were away on holiday.

The incident is now being progressed by the police’s Operation RAC and anyone with any information who can assist police with their enquiries is asked to come forward.

Constable Corrine Bird said: “Officers were called to Waverley Road at around 10am on Saturday, March 15 after a neighbour spotted that a house on the street had been broken into. An iPad2 and jewellery worth more than £33,000 were taken and other items were recovered in a neighbouring field.

“Police have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and we urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Experts are exploring what needs to be done to repair the Mercat Cross in Galashiels which was damaged by a van last week.

It may have to be dismantled and might not be restored in time for the Braw Lads’ Gathering on June 28.

The base of the sandstone pillar was partly dislodged when the vehicle crashed into it last Wednesday morning.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council told The Southern: “It is likely that the Mercat Cross will need to be taken down and rebuilt. We envisage it being removed from its current location to allow us to check the stonework and repair it as necessary, prior to rebuilding. We are in discussion with the van driver’s insurance company, but it is too early to determine the extent or cost of the damage.”

But the spokesman admitted: “We will endeavour to make sure it is ready for the Braw Lads’ Gathering, although we are unable to guarantee it at this early stage.”

David Houston, chairman of the Braw Lads’ Executive Council, told The Southern they were not unduly concerned at this stage.

He told us: “The council knows the significance of this monument and I am sure they will pull out all the stops to have it ready for the Gathering.”

But he said if it wasn’t ready, the executive would make contingency arrangements.

Brownies from Galashiels district celebrated the 100th birthday of their movement by inviting Rainbows, Guides, senior section and leaders to their party in the town’s Volunteer Hall on Saturday.

Everybody sang “Happy Birthday” before the cake, made by Rainbow leader Lindsay Stavert and senior section member Allanah Fox, was cut by Alison Henry, district commissioner, and Brownie Erin Stoddart, whose birthday it was.

During the past term all sections have worked towards the Janet Mackie Memorial Shield competition, with this year’s theme being “Easter”. Prize winners –Rainbows – Emma Duncanson (2nd Gala Rainbows); Brownies – Ceilidh Anderson-Hardie (3rd Gala Brownies); Guides – Rosie McLeman (1st Gala Guides); senior section – Cara Smith (1st Tweedbank senior section).

Gail Fox, county commissioner for Tweed Valley, announced that Morag McCormick will be the new district commissioner for Galashiels for the next three years. She also presented Alison Henry, outgoing district commissioner, with a certificate and badge of thanks in appreciation of her support for Girlguiding.

Parents were then invited in for the rest of the afternoon to see different activities that all the girls take part in at their weekly meetings – from creating an elephant from empty plastic milk cartons to making balancing parrots. On display were uniforms from the past, and photographs of past and present Brownies and Guides in Galashiels.

After enjoying a stag night, Andrew Schiebe was caught drink-driving when he lost control of his car on the outskirts of Galashiels.

Schiebe, 32, of Mossilee Crescent, Galashiels, admitted driving on the A6091 Melrose-Galashiels road at Tweedbank roundabout on February 17 with an alcohol reading of 54mcgs – the legal limit being 35 – when he appeared at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

Police received a report of an accident and found a Honda Civic car which appeared to have skidded off the roundabout.

Schiebe confirmed he had been driving and was alone in the vehicle.
“Police noted his breath smelled of alcohol and his eyes were glazed,” added depute procurator fiscal Tessa Bradley.

Defence solicitor Greig McDonell said his client worked part-time in a Galashiels pub.

“He had been on a stag night in Gala and hadn’t intended to drive. He didn’t think he had drunk that much, and is extremely remorseful,” added the lawyer.

Mr McDonell said Schiebe had skidded and lost control of the car.

He was fined £250 and banned from driving for 12 months.

VISITORS are once again being urged to stay away from hospital wards following another outbreak of norovirus.

Wards at the BGH and Haylodge Hospital in Peebles are currently affected.

After a lengthy outbreak in January at the BGH, things improved greatly last month.

However on Friday, NHS Borders appealed to people not to visit friends or relatives in hospital unless “absolutely necessary”.

Evelyn Fleck, director of nursing and midwifery said: “In order to control the spread of norovirus we urge the public to comply with our request and to stay away from the hospital.

“The diarrhoea and vomiting illness is usually over within 48 hours, but is highly infectious, which is why NHS Borders needs to limit the number of people moving in and out of the hospital.

“The last time we issued a request of this nature the co-operation from the public was incredibly helpful, and we would be most grateful once again for people to take our advice and please stay away.”

Haylodge is closed to admissions, as are Cauldshiels and Ward 9 at the BGH. Bays in Wards 4 and 6 are also affected.

Delayed discharges left patients in Borders hospital beds unnecessarily for more than 7,500 days last year, new figures have revealed.

‘Bed blocking’, where patients are well enough to be discharged but have nowhere to go, increased throughout 2013. Most delays were due to community care assessment reasons and patients waiting for places in care homes.

Jane Davidson, NHS Borders’ chief operating officer, said: “ When we look back over the last three years, from January 2011 to December 2013, the total number of bed days occupied by patients classified as delayed discharges has reduced by over 40 per cent.

“This work continues to be of great focus for us. It’s important for our patients and therefore for our staff, and we will continue to collaborate with the council and other partners to give this careful attention.”

Responding to the delayed discharge figures, John Lamont MSP said: “This can cause a lot of distress amongst patients, who instead of being allowed to leave hospital are forced to stay far longer than necessary. It also causes huge problems for hospital managers who are having beds taken up when there are sick patients in need of care. It is entirely unacceptable to leave these individuals languishing in hospital.”

He has called on the Scottish Government to take “real action” to help patients.