Hay Lodge Hospital at Peebles has re-opened to new patients although two bays remain closed due to norovirus.

At the Borders General Hospital gastro-intestinal symptoms mean Ward 10 remains closed while the Stroke Unit and Wards 4 and 7 each have one bay closed for the same reason.

Visiting continues to be discouraged and NHS Borders say the situation is being monitored by its infection control team and frontline hospital staff.

Outpatient serves are not affected.

Bogus phone callers have stolen what police describe as a large sums of cash from bank accounts in the Borders and East Lothian.

Police Scotland have urged people to be on their guards following the banking frauds on people in Duns and North Berwick.

Detectives say that on each occasion, the bank account holders - from a number of different banks - have been contacted by someone claiming to be from their bank’s fraud unit informing them of unusual activity on their account. They are told to hang up and immediately call the emergency number on the back of their bank card.

But the bogus callers have been able to keep the telephone line open - including using sound effects to simulate a dialing tone - before transferring the caller to a fake bank agent.

Thinking they are through to the bank, the bank account holder then passes over all relevant personal details the culprits require. This has resulted in large amounts of money being transferred out of the alleged compromised bank account.

Detective Inspector Dave Pinkney said: “It is very upsetting for victims when they lose significant sums of money as a result of telephone banking scams.

“If you think you have been subject to this type of call, do not immediately call back the number of your bank as requested by the caller.

“Our advice is to either contact the emergency number using a separate phone, or phone a person you know to check whether the line has been kept open before phoning the bank.

“Householders and business owners should always remain vigilant when phoned by people regarding their bank account. If you think you have received such a call, contact us immediately.”

Several Borders towns will see drinking alcohol in public banned after councillors voted to approve proposed bylaws, despite concerns.

There is no great support for such bylaws, with the council only getting a response from 0.1 per cent of the adult population when it consulted on the matter.

The lack of support from local people and community groups prompted council leader David Parker to move that councillors take no action at a meeting of the full council last Thursday,

“It’s unsafe for us to take forward this proposal at this time,” he said. “The evidence is not there and the case hasn’t been made.”

Councillor Catriona Bhatia also felt the issue should be dropped, adding: “This is a solution looking for a problem.”

However, fellow executive member Michael Cook disagreed.

“When it comes to the communities they know what they want,” said Mr Cook.

Some communities don’t support this, but Eyemouth Community Council is very much in favour of it. It is a much needed tool in the community.”

Councillor Parker’s proposals to drop the introduction of bylaws restricting drinking in public places was defeated by just one vote .

Bids from other councillors to have Jedburgh and Galashiels removed from the list of communities to be covered also failed.

Jedburgh was included in the list to address the issue of town centre street drinking  associated  with  the  sheriff  court,  but  local  councillor  Jim Brown  told  fellow  members: “I haven’t  seen  any support for this in Jedburgh. 

“I would like Jedburgh to be removed.”

Councillor Sandy Scott also expressed “unease” about the bylaws.

Galashiels councillors were split on their town’s inclusion in the list to have the bylaws introduced, with Councillor Bill Herd supporting it and councillors John Mitchell and Bill White opposing it.

Legislation prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in designated places in Galashiels, Hawick, Jedburgh, Newtown St Boswells, Coldingham and Eyemouth will now be drawn up.

A statutory consultation period will then commence, before the Scottish Government will have the final say on the introduction of the bylaws.

Exclusions in the bylaws will include principal festival days and Hogmanay.

Police have appealed for witnesses after a number of cars were vandalised in Peebles overnight Saturday into Sunday.

The vehicles parked in Young Street close to the junction with Cross Road had their tyres punctured and wing mirrors removed.

Officers say they are particularly keen to trace a man in a hooded jacket who was seen acting suspiciously in the area between 10pm and 11pm on Saturday.

Constable Mark Halliday said they wanted to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of Young Street.

He added: “We are also keen to hear from anyone who has private CCTV footage that could be of assistance to our enquiries.”

Information can be passed to the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police teams are searching Kelso High School after what they have described as a suspicious phone call.

And Scottish Borders Council – the education authority – has confirmed there is an ongoing emergency situation but stress pupils and staff are safe.

There was a full evacuation earlier this afternoon. There has been a large police presence and fire and ambulance crews were also alerted.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police attended at Kelso High School at around 2.30pm following a suspicious phone call.

“Pupils and staff have been evacuated as a precaution and the building is currently being searched by police. We are liaising with Scottish Borders Council to ensure the safety of all pupils.”

Shortly before 5.30pm a council spokesman told us: “We are currently dealing with an emergency situation at Kelso High School.

“Emergency services are on site at present sweeping the building. We expect this to be completed early this evening.

“All pupils were safely and promptly evacuated from the school and are either at home or are waiting for their parents to collect them from Edenside Primary School.”

Neither the school nor the council has revealed the content of the phone call. The school grounds are sealed and guarded.

The school has an estimated roll of around 700.

Police have confirmed that a hoax threat call was responsible for the evacuation and search of Kelso High School on Monday.

Pupils and staff were ushered from the premises following the phone call around 2.30pm. Police, fire and ambulance crews attended.

The grounds were sealed and guarded as a search of the 700-pupil school continued into the early evening.

This morning a spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police responded to Kelso High School around 2.30pm following a suspicious call.

“The school was evacuated as a precaution while officers carried out an investigation before determining the building was safe and the call was a hoax.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and anyone with information relevant to this incident is asked to contact police immediately.”

Pupils returned to the school this morning. Scottish Borders Council – the education authority – will make a statement later.

Dr Tom Stratford, chief executive of ProStrakan Group, has been announced as Scotland’s ‘Emerging Director of the Year’ by the Institute of Directors.

Dr Stratford, 43, was recognised for his achievements at the Galashiels-based international specialty pharmaceutical business, since his appointment in 2011, having worked for the business since 1997.

His father Harry is a co-founder of the company.

Network Rail has confirmed that the B710 road between Bowland and Clovenfords is to close for approximately five months

The closure is to allow a new bridge to be constructed at Bowland north of Galashiels for the multi-million pound Borders Railway.

Network Rail’s project director Hugh Wark said the bridge was strategically important and closure was unavoidable.

He added: “The project team understands how important the road is to the local community and we will endeavour to complete the work as quickly as possible to limit the inconvenience to local residents.

The C11 Ferniehurst road which is currently closed will re-open before the B710 closes on April 7.

A change of use application to enable the Jethart Ex-Callants’ Association to use an office in the town’s Millfield Gardens as a licensed meeting room has been approved.

The property is set to be leased from the council and used as a meeting room for various organisations, as well as a robing room for the Provost and secure storage for the town’s ceremonial flags.

COUNCILLORS have registered their objections to a 24-turbine wind farm close to Lauder Common, which the Scottish Government will decide will be built or not.

The detrimental impact of the development on the landscape character and on visual amenity will communicated to the Government in an objection from the council.

At a planning committee meeting on Monday, Ian Aikman, major development manager, said the wind farm would have a “dramatic and harmful impact”.

His views were echoed by Councillor Stuart Bell, who added that the impact would be “astonishing” from certain viewpoints and that he was concerned that this area of the Borders would become a “wind farm landscape” if this development goes ahead.

Councillor Bill White said: “The impact of this would be very significant, both on the villages of Stow and Lauder and on the Common as well.

“The Common is one of the few places where you can get a feeling of the solitude of the Borders.”

Committee chairman Ron Smith said that representations from several statutory consultees also indicated various issues with a number of the turbines, which they have suggested should be moved or deleted from the scheme, indicating its unsuitability.

PERSUADED that it would benefit the education of pupils, councillors have agreed to a new school week that will finish at lunchtime on Fridays.

All nine secondary school headteachers are said to be in favour of the change, as are the majority of primary heads.

But childcare is a major concern for many parents.

Attempts to have the half day finish switched to a Wednesday were unsuccessful at last week’s meeting, as was a motion to defer a decision until more information was available on how the Friday afternoon will be spent, transport arrangements and how savings will be made.

Councillor Catriona Bhatia said: “Children come first, teachers and parents second.

“Will this improve education for our children in the Borders? We have heard from teachers that it will. That’s what we owe to our children.

“But I think parents need to be reassured. We can’t just sweep aside their concerns. I don’t think parents understand the benefits this will have for their children.”

Less than a third of parent councils responded to the consultation, which Councillor George Turnbull suggested was because it was seen as “a done deal”.

“I broadly support the proposition but there are many outstanding issues to be firmed up,” he added.

Scottish Borders Council has launched a new service for people who require additional help to find and sustain paid work, including young people leaving care, homeless and disabled people.

The Employment Support Service, established in March, provides a range of services, all designed to assist people to enter the workplace and move onto being able to work independently.

AN agreement has been reached on the land purchase required for the new £21.8m Kelso High School.

The arrangement with owners Lothian Estates for the ground at Nethershot, on Angraflat Road, was concluded on Monday.

The next stage of the process is the submission of a planning application, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks, followed by a community drop-in session to update townsfolk on the project.

Councillor Ron Smith, executive member for planning and environment, said: “The land purchase agreement is an important announcement which brings a new Kelso High School a step closer.

“I am pleased to see the project progressing and look forward to a brand new facility which will provided an improved learning environment for generations of Kelso children.”

Hub South East Scotland, SBC’s development partner, is helping deliver the project.

Chief executive Paul McGirk said: “This is an important step forward on our first project in partnership with the council and we are delighted with the progress being made.”

DOZENS of Borderers found out this week that they have been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Community batonbearers have been selected by independent panels who have considered people’s achievements against the odds, their contributions to community and youth sport, and those who make a difference through volunteering.

Among the local people selected is Alan Stewart from Eddleston.

Alan underwent a life-saving kidney transplant in 2009 and since then he has been committed to raise awareness for organ donation.

Together with his wife Susan they are completing 100 sporting challenges to celebrate their 50th birthdays.

Alan said: ““The Queen’s Baton Relay will give me the chance to show organ donation in a positive light and I can’t wait to carry the baton through my local community.”

Other Borderers selected are Alexis Green, a young ambassador at Earlston High School, and 91-year-old Bill Watt from Kelso, a founding member and current president of the Border Ice Skating Club. Allan McGee, a co-founder of Borders Exploration Group, will also carry the baton.

An Ednam Primary School team came out winners at an inter-school curling competition at the Border Ice Rink in Kelso last week.

A total of 258 children took part in the Curling Cool schools programme, which cul;minated in last Tuesday’s final.

Ednam Primary 7 pupils Kyle McLain, Corinne Murray, Chloe Aitchison, Joanna Sutherland and reserve Morven Shanks faced tough opposition in the final from Kelso’s Broomlands Primary School.

Broomlands came from two shots down after two ends to take a two-shot lead going into the last end.

But showing great composure under considerable pressure, Ednam took two shots in the last end to take the game to a extra end. In the final end, Ednam got some early stones in the house and Broomlands couldn’t break through the guarding stones.

Pictured above is Ednam Primary’s Corinne Murray, Chloe Aitchison, Joanna Sutherland, Kyle McLain and Morven Shanks.

Sporting digest

ARCHERY

Ettrick Forest Archers

The annual advance of clocks by 60 minutes is a sure sign of the start of the British Longbow Society’s Scottish calendar.

The Spring Forward Clout is held at Mugdock Country Park in Glasgow, by the Green Hollow Bowmen, and the Ettrick Forest club is normally well represented.

And it was no different on Sunday as Elaine Pearson, in imperious form, was head and shoulders above the competition in the ladies’ section, while Kyle Fairbairn kept the arrows flying in the juniors.

The gents showed they haven’t lost any form during the winter break, but the home club’s Bosco Hazard took the win.

Ettrick Forest results: Ladies – 1, Elaine Pearson 50 hits, 151 score, 5 clouts.

Juniors – 1, Kyle Fairbairn 18, 40, 0.

Gents – 3, Jimmy Stillie 31, 61, 0; 4, Martin Stillie 26, 60, 0; 8, Doug Anderson 23, 52, 1; 11, Willie Good 16, 34, 0; 12, Mike Pearson 14, 34, 0.

Badminton

Jedburgh

The club held its annual Inter-Schools tournament last week with Howdenburn Primary (two teams) and Parkside Primary represented.

The children played various badminton-related games, from balancing the shuttlecock on their heads over obstacle courses, running with the shuttle balanced on the racket, shuttle runs and much more. They all played very well and had a great time, as did organiser Myra Younger and helpers Fiona Haig and Linsey Evans.

On this occasion, Parkside were the eventual winners with 27 points followed closely by Howdenburn (1) with 26 points and Howdenburn (2) with 24 points.

Teams – Parkside: Molly Noble and Amy Graham.

Howdenburn 1: Katie Watson, Chloe Webb and Matthew Palmer.

Howdenburn 2: Caris Williams, Poppy Webb and Matthew Domingo.

Curling

Border Ice Rink

The Eildon Curling Club raised £110.80 for Sport Relief at their closing Bonspiel last Thursday after a fun curling event which included many old and new members.

Curling has had a tremendous surge of interest due to the television coverage of the Winter Olympics in Russia.

The coaches and staff at Border Ice Rink in Kelso, have given more than 240 people from all around the Borders and even Holland, the chance to Try Curling because of this amazing interest in the sport. Indeed, lots of people who came to Try Curling sessions have signed up for beginners courses to start in September.

Curling as a sport is a healthy fun way to relax and get fit at the same time.

Anyone whatever age or ability is welcome to phone the Rink for further details.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Winter League: Winner, S. Scott nett 38 bih.

Lauder

As the first fourball wandered up the first fairway and very quickly disappeared into the mist, the scene resembled a Sunday morning in Rwanda; it would not have been a surprise if Sigourney Weaver had joined us on the first tee.

Despite the conditions where it was possible to hit it out of sight with a sand wedge, the scoring was good with level fours taking up the rear.

Tom Hogarth and Louis Scott topped the poll with a five-under 65, chased down the finishing straight by Mick Dunne and Harry Moffat, while third place was taken by the pre-tournament favourites, Winter League champion Sandy Thomson and George Cessford.

The twos sweep was won by captain Dougie Bain and his vice-captain Ivor Aitchison.

An excellent winter season was finished off with the presentation of The Winter League Trophy to Sandy Thomson and The Winter Eclectic to Tom Hogarth by captain Dougie Bain. A vote of thanks was given to Micky Dunne and Santa’s little helpers.

Lilliardsedge

JMS Harkin Trophy: 1, A. Armstrong nett 64; 2, T. Murray 65; 3, I. Borsuk 66 bih. Best scratch W.Gillies 76

Melrose

Friday night brought to a conclusion the Belhaven winter Pool and Darts Leagues at Melrose Golf Club.

The darts final between Bruce Brodie and Derek Grant went all the way to the deciding leg before a winner was found, with the pool final between Bruce Brodie and Ian Swan also having to go to the deciding frame. For the first time in the competition’s nine-year history, both titles were won by the same person as Bruce Brodie edged both matches to take the title.

Keith Grieve, on behalf of Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd, presented Bruce with both the David Campbell Pool and Darts trophies.

Belhaven Winter League Final Results: 1, D. Gribbin; 2, R. Falconer; 3, D. Page.

Minto

Nineteen weeks of hard-fought competition in the Seniors Winter League reached a climax recently with John Lunn finishing seventh in the week’s competition, but first overall for the season, thus taking the Harry Vardon Trophy. The weekly competition was won by David Miller with 39 Stableford points, followed by John McLaren, Iain Oliver and Mouse White on 37. 43. Seniors took part over the winter and their attention now turns to the summer league.

The Billy Hughes Memorial Trophy saw Minto’s spring and summer season start in fine style with an excellent entry of 59, including Billy’s daughter, Karen.

With a gross score of nett 55.4, Gill Cartwright (Ladies’ captain), Joseph Flynn (Juniors’ captain), Tom Hartop and Albert Thompson (club vice-captain) won the event from Ron Elliott, Brian Howden, Robert Johnson and Agnes Mather nett 57.7.

Gina Hughes, Billy’s widow, was present for the award of the trophy which bears her late husband’s name.

St Boswells

Captain’s Welcome Competition: 1, J. Melrose 76 (10) 66; 2, J. Quinn 80 (11) 69; 3, B. Marjoribanks 78 (9) 69.

On Sunday, April 27, from 2-5pm, the club are holding a come and try day for prospective new adult members, where professional instruction and the opportunity to play a few holes will be available. For further details, please visit the clubs website at stboswellsgolfclub.co.uk

Torwoodlee

Midweek Stableford 8 Hole: 1, G. Low 16 Points Bl2.

This was the last Midweek Stableford Competition and the end of the Winter Competitions. Thanks to all who played, if you have any suggestions or improvements/changes you would like to see for next winter then please get in touch or speak to any of the comps committee.

Rugby

John Laing Sevens

To be played at Poynder Park on Tuesday, April 8 (6.30pm): Gala v Berwick; Hawick Linden v Selkirk; Peebles v Kelso; Jed-Forest v Melrose.

Kelso Quins Sevens

To be played at Poynder Park on Saturday (first tie 1.30pm): Hawick Wanderers v Duns Colts; Jed Thistle v Tynedale Colts; Melrose Wasps v Selkirk YC; Morpeth Colts v Kelso Harlequins B; Berwick Colts v Gala Wanderers; Musselburgh Colts v Hawick PSA; Haddington Colts v Kelso Harlequins A; Edinburgh BATS v Peebles Colts.

Semi-Junior League

Melrose Wasps eventually overcame a committed Selkirk side in a relatively close game last weekend and now face Jed Thistle to decide the league title winners. The match will be played at Philiphaugh tomorrow night (7.30pm).

Pool

Border League

With Ship clinching the title Waverley A are now in pole position for second after blowing away a plucky Dryburgh outfit last week.

Reivers A edged a last-frame thriller over High Level A to challenge them. Relegation issues look a certainty for Dryburgh and Reivers B, who lost out in a tough derby to Niki’s.

Division Two goes right to the wire with Fleece B and Station playing for the title in the final week after Waverley B slipped up to a rejuvenated Bridge.

Results – Division One: Dryburgh (Newtown) 1 Waverley A (Hawick) 8; Fleece A (Selkirk) 0 Ship A (Melrose) 9; Reivers A (Gala) 5 High Level A (Hawick) 4; Nikis Bar (Gala) 5 Reivers B (Gala) 4.

Division Two: Red Lion B (Kelso) 4 Station Bar (Hawick) 5; Ship B (Melrose) 1 Fleece B (Selkirk) 8; Waverley B (Hawick) 2 Bridge Inn (Gala) 7; High Level B (Hawick) 3 Red Lion A (Kelso) 6.

Snooker

Borders

Border Billiards Competition: Winner, Lee McAllister (for 6th time in succession); Runner Up D. Clark.

Jean Yule Cup final: Jedburgh Legion 1 Hawick Burns A 4.

Jean Yule Plate Final: Innerleithen 0 Hawick Con B 4.

Squash

Galashiels

Club Night friendlies: S. Walker 2 A. Rocha 1; D. Burnie 2 D. Sharratt 1; M. Sillies 2 R. MacAleese 0; M. Cameron 2 S. Walker 0; A. Gill 2 M. Cameron 0; D. Sharratt 2 L. Molero 0; D. Burnie 2 S. Walker 0; M. Cameron 2 I. Yousef 0; A. Gill 1 D. Sharratt 1.

Hawick runner Dianne Lauder is used to pounding the streets in her day job as a police officer, but she will have to pick up the pace this summer.

For the 36-year-old middle-distance specialist is the only Borders-based officer to be selected for the elite specialist team of police runners who will escort the Queen’s Baton Relay around Scotland ahead of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games.

The Queen’s Baton, the Commonwealth Games equivalent of the Olympic Torch, will pass through the Borders on June 18.

Dianne has only been running since her days at the Scottish Police College; up until then preferring to pursue hockey as her main sporting interest.

Now a member of Gala Harriers, she has notched some notable successes, including representing Scotland three times, winning the Edinburgh half-marathon twice and numerous 10K, cross-country and police races.

Police Scotland’s locality integration officer for the Cheviot area, Dianne got the chance to join the police squad for the baton via an internal force advertisement.

“You had to note your interest and more than 800 people put their names forward – so interest was very high,” Dianne told us this week.

“There was a paper-based selection process, followed by a fitness test, and you also had to be supported by your local police area command team.”

Dianne is hoping to be escorting the baton through the Borders, although that is not guaranteed: “We’ll be running alongside the baton in groups of between four and six officers for 12-hour shifts, ensuring the baton-bearer has a great experience.

“It’s exactly the same set-up as with the Olympic torch and we’ve had advice from the Metropolitan Police, based on their experience of London 2012.

“We’ll also be involved in support work and community celebrations as well.”

Unsurprisingly, Dianne is not worried about the fitness needed: “The speed won’t be a problem for me, or fitness, so training is more about getting the pace right and working as a team to ensure the baton passes through the communities safely.”

And Dianne says it will be a fantastic experience for all the officers taking part.

“It will be a privilege to be part of the Commonwealth Games in some shape or form and a unique experience that we’ll never get again.”

The finalists for the 2013-14 Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards have been revealed today by the council and The Southern.

Finalists in the eight categories and the winners will be announced at an awards lunch on April 25.

A panel of judges made up of representatives from sponsors and public and private sector partners selected the shortlist and overall winners.

Councillor Stuart Bell, executive member for economic development, said: “We are delighted by the response this year across the eight categories.

“Given this busy time of year, we are grateful to all of the entrants for the time and effort that was put into their applications. The standard and quality of these has been excellent and the shortlisted businesses can rightly be proud of their achievements.”

Mr Bell added: “The Borders Business Excellence Awards provides a superb opportunity for these businesses to come together and celebrate their success in enhancing the profile of our region.”

The finalists in each category are:

1. Rural business of the year, sponsored by Forestry Commission: Real Wood Studios, Ancrum; Scottish Woodlands, Newtown St Boswells; Treeline Woodlands, West Linton.

2. Retail and town centre business of the year, sponsored by Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce: A Hume (Outfitters) Ltd, Kelso.; Murray Hogarth, Selkirk; Scotlight, Innerleithen.

3. Environmental business of the year, sponsored by Prostrakan: Bread Matters, Lamancha; Caledonian Log Homes, Hawick; Topling Ltd, Duns.

4. Innovation and technology business of the year, sponsored by Qube GB: Farne Salmon & Trout Ltd, Duns; Scotlight, Innerleithen; Topling Ltd, Duns.

5. Marketing business of the year, sponsored by GMP Printing: Scott & Charters, Hawick; SoConnect, Galashiels.

6. Employer of the year, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland: Borders Environmental Services, Jedburgh; Farne Salmon & Trout Ltd, Duns; Stark Main & Co. Ltd, Selkirk.

7. Start up/New business of the year, sponsored by Porter’s Porches and Conservatories: Breadshare, Lamancha; Noble Headwear, Hawick; Stems, Peebles.

8. Tourism business of the year, sponsored by Area Tourism Partnership: Bowhill House and Country Estate, Selkirk; MacDonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf and Spa, Cardrona; The Restaurant at Kailzie Gardens, Peebles.

After six months of being slightly nomadic, staff of The Southern have finally begun the final phase of the move to our new offices in Selkirk.

Unit 9 at Tweed Mill Business Park, located behind Lochcarron of Scotland, provides us with the open-plan accommodation and state-of-the-art IT facilities The Southern needs to take it through the ever-changing media and advertising landscape of the 21st century.

It is the final part of the comprehensive improvement strategy that began a year ago with the relaunch of The Southern Reporter in a compact format.

That was soon followed by the sale of our former offices at The Hermitage in Selkirk’s High Street, where we had been based since the early 1990s.

It has necessitated patience and support on the part of our advertisers and contributors, for which we are deeply 
grateful.

Our advertising team has now moved into Tweed Mill, with the remaining editorial staff to follow in the coming weeks.

It now means we have a modern home to complement our modern newspaper design and digital media technology changes.

However, what will never change is our commitment to our readers and advertisers.

For 159 years, the motto signified by the mounted reiver logo of The Southern has been ‘leal to the border’ – and it remains our pledge today.

ancrum

Ceilidh

Ancrum Under-5s group is hosting a children’s ceilidh on April 18 (Good Friday). Running from 10-11.30am in the village hall, youngsters aged 3-7 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available from Ancrum Pantry. Call Nicola (07939 177511) for more details.

BEDRULE

Whist drive

The village hall will host a whist drive and dominoes on April 7 at 7.30pm.

BOWDEN

Coffee morning

The Bowden and Melrose Parish Church coffee morning will be held in the village hall this Saturday (10am-noon), with proceeds going to charities in Bethlehem and Malawi.

Caddonfoot

Parish church

Roy Owen conducted Sunday’s morning service and lessons were read by Fay Brydon. Foodbank items can be left in the vestibule. Copies of the Easter newsletter, including church services, will be distributed soon.

DARNICK

Theatre company

Darnick Village Trust hosted The Rocket Theatre Company from Manchester last Friday evening when they performed Oscar Wilde’s “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime” in The Smith Memorial Hall. Martin Harris and Chris Bridgman – with help from audience members – played all the parts. The arts department of Scottish Borders Council contributed a small grant enable the theatre company to perform in the village.

DENHOLM

Coffee morning

The village hall committee is holding a coffee morning on Saturday (10am-noon).

EARLSTON

Wednesday club

Members last week enjoyed a talk on the history of Dingleton Hospital by Louise Keir of NHS Borders. Competition – dog brooch – 1, Grace Forsyth; 2, Connie Seaton; 3, Kay Brownlie. The next meeting is on April 9. Competition – small teapot.

Parish church

Messy Church on April 5 in the church hall starts at 10am – anyone interested should contact Julie on 01896 849236. The April 6 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. Lent worship services continue on Wednesdays at 7pm in the church.

Social club

A social club for older and isolated people in the Earlston area meets at Hanover House from 11am-2pm every Thursday for a hot lunch, activities and entertainment. Anyone interested is welcome to drop in or phone 01835 862565.

Ettrickbridge

Coffee morning

The next fundraising coffee morning and sale in aid of village hall funds takes place on April 5 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell is welcome to come along, take a table and give a small donation to hall funds.

GALASHIELS

Lunch club

Lapwing Lunch Club meets every Tuesday to provide a nourishing meal for pensioners in the Galashiels area. New members and volunteers welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more, information, phone 01835 862565.

Volunteers plea

The Galashiels British Heart Foundation Scotland shop is looking for volunteers – even for just half-a-day a month – to fill roles from driving, selling clothes, shoes and accessories, to window dressing and working behind the till. More information is available from 0800 915 1111 and http://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer.aspx.

Spring clean

Galashiels and Langlee Community Council is having its spring clean on April 5 (10am-noon), meeting in the overspill car park behind Carpet Right and Currys (Comely Bank Mill Retail Park). Litter pickers and gloves provided. For more information, contact Rick Kenney on 01896 755275, 07801 793349 or rickkenney@btinternet.com.

Probus club

The AGM and lunch was held in the Kingsknowes Hotel last Thursday, with 40 members attending. The event was opened by president Sandy Frame who then handed over to the new incumbent, Bob McKendrick. Frank Sharp was elected vice-president. The treasurer reported a healthy financial situation and it was decided that annual subscriptions should remain at £12. Members were given an outline of the varied programme of 14 talks proposed for 2014-2015. With regard to the club’s constitution, it was proposed that references to “businessmen” be changed to “business persons”. This was carried unanimously. The club welcomes all professional and business persons who are retired or semi-retired. The next meeting will be in the Kingsknowes Hotel on April 10 at 10am when Jake Harvey’s talk is entitled “Stone”.

Glendouglas

Lunch club

The next lunch club gathering is on April 9 (11.30am-1.30pm).

Whist

A whist drive will be held on April 14 (7.30pm).

Hawick

Bridge club

March 18 – N/S – 1, M. Tuson and R. Witherington; 2, D. Usher and V. Johnstone; 3, K. Auckland and D. King; E/W – 1, J. and M. Miller; 2, V. Mcpherson and R. Francombe; 3, L. and T. Witten. An enjoyable President’s Charity Night was held on March 25 when £100 was raised for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

Camera club

Painter and illustrator Laura Blackwood presented a talk at the meeting last Thursday. As well as a range of her prints on show, she also displayed her book, “A Celebration of Nature”, which was five years in the making. There will be a coffee morning at Trinity Church hall on April 5 – helpers are requested to be there by 9am.

Film and video group

Jim Law and Bill Neil presented a selection of films they have produced over the past few years at the latest meeting. Jim started with “Journey Into The Past”, a holiday trip to New Zealand in 1998 which featured several vintage means of travel he experienced – steam trains, electric trams, a steam ship and a Tiger Moth biplane. His second film was an excursion on another steam train, this time on the West Highland railway. The third production was originally made in 1968 by Bill and a group of fellow workers from Peter Scott & Co.– “Ad Lib”, an attempt at a Monty Python-type comedy. The final film was a joint Jim and Bill effort – “Hawick Knitwear”, featuring manufacturing processes. Sunday afternoon saw the 51st annual Borders Inter-Club Competition taking place in the Croft Road clubrooms, with Carlisle Camcorder Club competing against the hosts for the Waverley Shield trophy. The visitors triumphed with David Robinson’s “Ocean Road” taking pole position, followed by Scott Renwick of Hawick with “Eastbourne ‘95”. April 8 is the date of the AGM.

Rotary

Hawick Rotary Club quiz team travelled to Annan and defeated Newton Stewart 29-13 in round three of the plate in the district competition. The team was Ron Smith, Ron Sutherland, Jim Walker and Gus Neilson. Quizmaster was Alan McCreadie. Last Thursday night several members went to Langholm and took part in the annual cross-border games competition involving the hosts, Lockerbie, Brampton and Longtown, as well as the Teries. Andrew Suddon won the domino tournament, while Robin Mason and Jim Walker finished runners-up in the carpet bowls.

Hownam

Towford WRI

Visitors from Broomlands, Heiton, Morebattle and Yetholm were welcomed last week to a cookery demonstration by Sheila Clyne. Competition – bowl of bulbs – visitors, Helen Cavers (Broomlands); Towford, Frances Armstrong. A contest to identify different “Macs or Mcs” provided much head scratching – and groaning when the answers were announced. Margaret Hornsby compiled the competition. Helen Moffat, representing Roxburghshire federation, also attended, giving everyone an opportunity to hear about current thinking within the WRI and to answer any questions.

Innerleithen

Church

The service on April 6 at 10.30am will be followed by a light lunch in the hall.

Jedburgh

Historical society

Peter Hoad, from Gattonside, gave a talk on his research into Tweed river crossings around Melrose. Many of the older bridges and fords have disappeared as the Tweed changed its course over the centuries. The building of Melrose Abbey and the practical outlook of its Cistercian monks saw the need for crossings to transport produce. For a long time a ferry was the most important way to cross the Tweed and, after the dissolution of the abbey, a dispute broke out between two ambitious local families, the Ormistons and the Pringles, over who should control the ferry, along with valuable fishing rights. As agricultural activity increased, more bridges were built, one of which was the suspension bridge, built in 1826, which allowed Gattonside residents access to Melrose and southern markets. The next meeting is on April 10 at 7.30pm in the British Legion. The AGM will be followed by three short talks – Chris Veitch on “The town hall”, Norrie McLeish on “The Jedburgh Post” and Ken Hogg on “Jedburgh Pennants”.

Memorial pool

Crash swimming courses will run from April 7- 11 and 14-18 – 9-9.30am, beginners; 9.30-10am, intermediate. Contact the pool on 01835 863430 for further information.

Meeting room

The McDonald Dryburgh Room, Millfield Gardens, Canongate, will be open to the public on April 5 (9am-1pm). The building has been taken over by the Ex-Callants’ Association and turned into a meeting room for community groups. Members of the association will be on hand to answer questions and take bookings for the facility.

Bridge club

March 24 – N/S – 1, A. and R. Stewart; 2, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 3, A. Ireland and M. Miller; E/W – 1, S. Graham and N. Porter; 2, I. Whillans and D. Harris-Burland; 3, H. Long and M. Weightman.

Lunch club

Jedburgh Lunch Club will be held every Thursday to provide a nourishing meal for local pensioners. New members and volunteers welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more information, phone 01835 862565.

kelso

Thursday Group

Dr James Mitchell spoke about the life of Eric Liddell, Olympic gold medallist and missionary, whose mother came from Paxton. Today, Jonathan Parsons talks about the life and works of Rudyard Kipling at 2pm in Abbey Row Centre. Next week members of the Smailholm Stitchers will describe their contribution to the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Abbey Quilters

The next meeting is on April 8 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre when Vicki Mitchell will be giving a talk. For further information, contact Sandra Kinnoch on 01835 850324.

Bridge club

March 26 – social and prizegiving – Abbey Salver – 1 (equal), John Miller and Marian Miller; 3 (equal), Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; Calchou Cup – 1 (equal), John Miller and Marian Miller; 3, Archie Stewart; Millennium Trophy – 1 (equal), Diana Alkin and Dominic Alkin; 3 (equal), Jock Dun and Nancy Porter; Rose Bowl – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, John Miller and Marian Miller; 3, Ian Watson and Stuart Graham; Stewart Trophy – 1 (equal), John Miller and Marian Miller; 3, Val Johnstone. March 27 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 2, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 3, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross; E/W – 1, Georgina Hall and Ian Watson; 2, Lynda Douglas and Michael Horwood; 3, Archie Stewart and Annie Mitchell.

Church

Kelso North film nights will resume in the autumn. A coffee morning was held last Saturday by the Guides in the Upper Hall – Margaret Jack won the prize for correctly guessing the minister’s weight. The Northern Cross Pilgrims arrive in Kelso on April 16. As in previous years, they will be provided with hospitality in the form of hot baths, showers and an evening meal by members of the congregation before bunking down in the Upper Hall and then setting off for Holy Island, arriving there on Good Friday. Foodbank items can be handed into the church office in Bowmont Street. Sunday sees the normal pattern of services – Ednam at 9.30am and Kelso at 11am.

Langholm

Common riding

The public meeting and election of the 2014 Cornet will take place on May 9 at the Buccleuch Centre. That was agreed at the Common Riding committee meeting in the Crown Hotel last week.

Arrangements were made for voting papers to be taken to the hospital and Greenbank Court. Andrew Jeffrey will act as vote count representative and Alistair Scott is to again be approached to be enumerator in the event of a vote. Cornet nominations have to be in the secretary’s office by noon on May 2. Chairman Roger Maxwell informed members that he had been approached for the Cornet to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games, and the committee were in agreement. Tom Stothart of the library trust had requested that the large framed flag stored in the upstairs library be removed. It was agreed that the flag was beyond repair and, given the size of the frame, it would be better to place it in a box and store it.

Bill Telfer informed the committee by letter that a drum had been found and it was possible that it was the original one of Bauldy Beattie. He requested £500 towards the cost of restoration, but the committee agreed that unless there was unequivocal proof of authenticity, they were not in a position to assist.

Probus

Guest speaker Andrew Powell’s talk was entitled “The Story of the Keg” – his 43 years in the brewing industry, his father having been head brewer for John Smith’s. He told of his rise from work study to draught packaging manager in charge of three million kegs containing some 150 million litres of beer. He went though the history of the design and manufacture of the keg, detailing why it is the perfect vessel for the storage and transport of beer, and why the traditional cask has short comings. Andrew spoke of his career move into the keg repair side of the industry before becoming a consultant, informing the company that 50 per cent of the cost of a pint is duty.

Senior citizens

Rugby club president Michael Bell welcomed senior citizen members to a buffet lunch in the clubrooms prior to the match against Hawick Linden. Among the former players attending were a number from the championship side of 1958/59 – Christie Elliot, Zander Turnbull, Joe Donaldson, John Smith and Dougie Anderson, who is the oldest surviving member of that team.

Langshaw

WRI

Aileen Orr gave an entertaining talk about the book she has written about Wojtek, a brown bear adopted as a mascot by the Polish army in Persia during the Second World War. After this Wojtek came to Winfield Camp in the Borders before moving on to Edinburgh Zoo. Competitions – best toy bear, Lesley Fitchett; best knitted teddy, Sheila Shaw. The next meeting is on Wednesday, April 16 (not the 19th as printed in the syllabus), which is a hospitality evening and the entertainment will be provided by One Accord.

LINDEAN

WRI

The next meeting – a cookery demonstration by Sainsbury’s – is on April 10 at 7.15 pm. This is an open gathering and anyone is welcome.

melrose

Border Flower Club
Val Guest from Darlington was demonstrator for the March meeting and her chosen title was “Tantalising Textures”. There were superb designs using hand-made textured containers as well as a selection of texture foliage and flowers. Examples included a tower made from kindling and a circular base of hessian and a wicker basket. The next meeting is in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm on April 9 when the demonstrator will be Audrey Buchan from Montrose – her chosen title, “Festival Fun”.

War talk

Tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange, Dr J. Reid presents The British War.

Coffee morning

An Arthritis Research UK coffee morning will be held in the Corn Exchange from 10am on Saturday.

Church

April 6 – services at 9.30am (Bowden) and 11am (Melrose).

Trimontium

Eddleston in Peeblesshire and Kelso’s Broomlands were the latest schools to undertake the Leaderfoot-Newstead Route March and Melrose Museum tour. Dr Dennis Cowan, from the British Sundials Society, came to Newstead to record and photograph the lately-recognised fifth sundial from the 1890 list, which leaves just one still to be found. The information boards on the two observation platforms on the closed road to Leaderfoot are to be removed for renovation. Dr John Reid, chairman of the trust, will deliver the opening celebrity lecture of the spring season at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange tonight (Thursday). His subject is Bellum Britannicum – the war that presumably brought about the building of Hadrian’s Wall.

morebattle

Guild

The Guild AGM is in the institute today at 7.30pm. The guild coffee morning was held on Saturday when £605 was raised for guild and church funds. Winner of the treasure hunt was Trish Gentry; basket of vegetables, Gail Gibson; guess the number of nuts in a jar, Isaac Girvan; pot of plants, Clive Horlock.

WRI

Members meet in the institute on April 9 at 7.15pm for a cookery demonstration. Competi

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From page 27

tions – three custard creams and a favourite apron. The rural will also be running a sales table for WRI funds.

Church

Easter services will be held on – Friday, April 4 – joint school assembly at Linton Kirk, 1.15pm; Sunday, April 13 – Palm Sunday walk from Hownam to Yetholm, with worship en route; Thursday, April 17 – Maundy Thursday communion at Linton Church, 7pm; Friday, April 18 – Good Friday vigil at Hoselaw Chapel, 2-5pm; Saturday, April 19 – Retreat to Holy Island – names to Linda Fleming; Sunday, April 20 – 8am, Hoselaw Chapel, Easter breakfast; 10am, Yetholm Church, Easter all-age service; 11.15am, Morebattle Church, Easter communion.

Coffee morning

The village hall coffee morning will be held in the premises on Saturday, April 12, from 10.30am.

NEWTOWN

WRI

At the March meeting, members enjoyed an evening of games, chat and refreshments as the scheduled demonstrator was unable to attend. Competition – pin cushion – 1, Lorna Dickson; 2, Janette Corcoran; 3, Cath Park. The next meeting is on April 3 in Newtown Community Wing when members will welcome other WRI branches to a guest evening.

Oxnam

Easter fun

Oxnam church is hosting children’s entertainment on April 16 from 2pm. Tickets on the door or in advance from Annie Ralston.

PEEBLES

Tea dance

A tea dance is being held on April 14 and fortnightly thereafter in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, School Brae, from 2-4pm. Everyone welcome, from beginners to experienced, or just to watch and listen. Transport can be provided. For more information, phone 01835 862565.

st boswells

Coffee morning

The 1st St Boswells Guides are holding a coffee morning (10am-1pm) on Saturday, April 5, at the church hall.

Walkerburn

Service

Walkerburn Park will host a service on Easter Day (April 20) at 8.30am, followed by breakfast at the Caberston Cafe at 9am.

Yarrowford

WRI

Members were given a talk and demonstration by Suzi Walker on pudding-making, with a focus on presentation and new twists to favourite puddings. The raffle was won by Ena Mitchell. Competitions – napkin – 1, Evelyn Horsburgh; 2, Norma Stuart; tablet – 1, Jean Scott; 2, Ellen Galt. The next meeting is on April 8 and features a talk on Linus Quilts. Competitions – a cruet set and knitted/crochet (6in square).

YETHOLM

Novel

Roddy Murray, of Yetholm, who published his first book a few months ago, has written a further novel, entitled “George Milne – Cat Detective”. Copies can be purchased at the village shop.

Whist

There will be a Youth Hall whist drive (plus supper) on Tuesday, April 8, starting at 7.30pm.

Lambing

Venchen Haugh is being used as a lambing field and dog walkers are being asked to take care, ensuring their pets are on leads until the end of May.

Caravan park

The village caravan park opened for the season last weekend.

Shop

From Monday, April 7, the shop will remain open until 7pm every weekday.

AGM

The annual general meeting of Wauchope Hall takes place at 7pm on Monday, April 14, in the hall. Everyone is welcome, particularly those who use the premises.

ST BOSWELLS

John Swan Ltd sold 96 clean cattle, 55 OTM cattle, 2689 old season hoggs and 311 ewes.

Bullocks (47) averaged 208.5p per kg and sold to 241p (1.3p on week)

Heifers (48) averaged 220.6p per kg and sold to 259p (+7.7p on week)

1 young bull sold to 175

55 beef type OTM cattle averaged 145.4p per kg and sold to 197p (n/c on the week)

Old season SQQ hoggs averaged 226p per kg (+10.7p on week) £94.82 per head and sold to £110. Ewes averaged £76.29 and sold to £130. Heavy ewes £89.28, light ewes £57.47

Principal Prices per Head: Dunslaw £1727.32; Longnewton £1549.80; Shidlaw £1510.32; Bee Edge £1506.70; Ramrig £1505.18.

Principal Prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.59 Robert Wilson Butchers Edinburgh, 2.55, 2.41 W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.51 M/s Foley Bros, 2.47 M/s WTS Forsyth & Sons; Lennoxlove 2.41 Denholm Meats. Bull: Phantassie £1315.80(1.29)

Cows per head: Phantassie £1315.80, £1294.04, £1244.10, £1142.44, £1102.30, £1052.94; Langhaugh £1148, £1093.66,, £1092.42, £1079.06; Thirlestane 1123.08, £1085.58, £1063.62; Mount Lothian £1094.34; Blain Farming Co £1060.02; Kirklands £1055.

Cows per kg: Dunslaw 1.97, 1.89; Mervinslaw 1.87, 1.77; Mount Lothian 1.83, 1.73; Langhaugh 1.75; Phantassie 1.73, 1.69, 1.63, 1.61(2); Thirlestane 1.71, 1.63; Langhaugh 1.63; Chillingham Home Farm 1.65.

2689 Old Season Lambs averaged 215.8p (SQQ 226p)

Hoggs per head: Tex.x;- £110, £109 Lurdenlaw, £109 Traprain, Suff.x;- £110 Lurdenlaw, £108.50 Boghall (St Andrews), Chev;- £105, £103 Lurdenlaw, £102 New Mains. R, Bel;- £100 Newton of Crathie, £91, £91, £89 Crookston, GF;- £100 Traprain, £97 Newton of Crathie, Char;- £98.50 Towiemore, CHM;- £96, £94(121 Chev) Wester Ulston, Lleyn;- £94.50 The Knock, BF;- £92, £90 Towiemore, BFL;- £90 Newbiggin Walls, SHE;- £88, £87 Burnhouses.

Hoggs per kg: Bel;- 256.4 Newton of Crathie, 244.4 Hartside, Tex.x;- 240 Gilston, 239 Newton of Crathie , 237.2 Nether Howden, CHM;- 235 Wester Ulston, 223.1 Gilston, Chev;- 232.9 Thorlieshope & Saughtree, 231.6 Towiemore, 230.5 The Knock, Suff.x;- 232.5 Gillahill, 231 New Blainslie, 230.5 The Knock, GF;- 232.5 Newton of Crathie, 230 Whitmuir, Lleyn;- 230.5 The Knock, SHE;- 225.6 Burnhouses, Char;- 223.9 Towiemore, Chev.x;- 218 Stoneypath.

Ewes: Tex;- £130 Drumreach, £117 Greenend, £107 Blegbie, £105 Flex, Suff.x;- £113 Ecclaw, £111 Whitsome West Newton, £107 Greenhead. R & Gilston, Chev;- £111 Soutra, Bel;- £105, £91 Hartside, HB;- £93 Ecclaw, GF;- £93 Newbigging Walls, £91 Boghall(St Andrews), & Fountainhall, CHM;- £91 Blegbie, £89 Craighouse, BFL;- £91 Foulshiels & Newbiggin Walls, BF;- £77 Boghall(St Andrews),, £71 Tinnis.

Rams: Tex;- £105 Broomiebank, £100 St Leonards, Chev;- £90 Attonburn, OXF;- £85 Ecclaw, WEN;- £80 Redhouse(Fife).

John Swan Limited sold 908 Aberdeen Angus & Native Bred Store Cattle at their sale on March 27.

The show champion was awarded to Stobo Home Farm for Aberdeen Angus.x bullock which scaled 550kgs and realised £1260. Reserve was awarded to Falahill for Aberdeen Angus.x heifer which scaled 420kgs and realised £990.

Single Bullocks:- 1st , 2nd & 3rd Stobo Home Farm. Single Heifers:- 1st Falahill, 2nd & 3rd Currie Inn. Best pen of 6 or more Bullocks;- Stobo Home Farm

Best pen of 6 or more Heifers:- Currie Inn. Bullocks per head: AA.x;- £1400, £1330, £1270 Flex, £1290, £1170 Currie Inn, £1280, £1180 Outerston, £1260 Camieston & Stobo Home Farm, AA;- £1150, £1045 Rosedale, £1060, £1055(2), £1030, £1000 Falahill, Bsh;- £1040 Pirnie Beef, £860, £850, £845, £820 Mount Benger, £820 Clifton on Bowmont, Sim.x;- £935(2) Mount Benger, £825 Arkleton, Bax;- £880 Wormiston, Luing.x;- £760, £680 Arkleton, Short.x;- £755 Brockhouse, Luing.x;- £740 Pirnie Beef

Bullocks per kg: Sim.x 275 Arkleton, 231.4 Huntershall, AA.x;- 265.4, 260.7 Lower Swinnie, 263.8 Earlston Mains, 261.7 Blackburnrigg, 251.5 Blegbie & Coltcrooks, 249.5 Stobo Home Farm, 248.2 Pirnie Beef, 247.4 Brockhouse, Luing.x;- 261.5, 251.7, 237.5 Arkleton, AA;- 260.5, 257.1, 250, 246.5, 245.6, 245.2, 244.2 Falahill, Bsh;- 246.2 Pirnie Beef, 237.7 Dunshiel 234.7 Mount Benger, 233.8 Clifton on Bowmont.

Bullocks averaged 398.1kilos, 232.5p pkg, £925.60

Heifers per head: AA;- £1300, £1130 Cheeklaw, £1100 Upper Huntlywood, £900, £845, £840 Falahill, £840 Rosedale, AA.x;- £1210, £1130 Wester Middleton, £1110 Currie Inn, £1090 Outerston, £1060 Cortleferry, Baz;- £1110 Wormiston, Char.x;- £1040, £980 Wormiston, Sim.x;- £810, £720 Huntershall, Short.x;- £700 Brockhouse. Heifers per kg: AA;- 240, 235.7, 217.7, 216.9, 216.7, 216, 215.4 Falahill, AA.x;- 236.2, 225.4 Lower Swinnie, 224 Pogbie, 220.3 Whitlaw, 218.6 Cortleferry, 218.5 Stobswood, 217.8 Blegbie, Bax;- 234 Wormiston, Short.x;- 229.5 Brockhouse. Heifers averaged 381.5kilos, 212p pkg, £809.

LONGTOWN

The Cumberland & Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart P.L.C. had forward 12 prime cattle, 4 young bulls, 19 over thirty month cattle, 6,121 prime hoggs and 3,012 cast ewes & rams at their weekly sale at Longtown on March 27. A small show of prime cattle with many more needed to satisfy demand. Trade sold sharper on the week. Top price to 220.5p and 218.5p for Limousin heifers sold by D.J. Garthwaite & Son, Wyseby Hill Cottage. Another excellent show for quality of 6,121 prime hoggs (1,192 lightweights) was forward with many runs of fed Cheviot and Blackface hoggets forward. Good quality export weight hoggs were very easily sold with heavy hoggs and second rate hoggs slightly easier on last weeks fantastic trade. More good quality hoggs required. The overall sale average was 215.4p per kilo (SQQ 220.4p per kilo). Top was £128 per head for Texels from A. Minto & Son, Townhead Farm with a top per kilo of 288p for Texels from Conon Brae Farms.