ANCRUM
WRI
At the March meeting, Amanda Withall told the story of the origin of Crookedshaws Pate. Competitions – ramekin of pate – 1, Janet Macdonald; 2, Ruth Walker; 3, Rachael Sinton; hand-made Easter card – 1, Rachael Sinton; 2, Diana Canby; 3, Ruth Walker. The next meeting is on Wednesday, featuring Danish Connections with Nancy McNichol. Competitions – a Danish pastry and 6x6 hand-made fabric plate rest with embroidered or fancy edges.
Caddonfoot
Church
The Easter Sunday service in Caddonfoot Church was led by the Reverend Marion Dodd, who was joined by elders Effie Brydon and Jo Lawson.
The lessons were read by Jim Hayes. After the service the children – and adults – rolled their Easter eggs outside the church. There was a farewell to Wendy Hamilton who is leaving Clovenfords to live in Edinburgh. Fellow elder Jo Lawson paid tribute to her work for the church and there was even a special song, written and sung, entitled Wendy’s Farewell. The congregational board meets after morning service next Sunday.
EARLSTON
Parish church
Sunday’s service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. There is a joint congregational board and kirk session meeting on Monday in the church hall lounge at 7.30pm.
Women’s group
Jenni Young from Traidcraft will address members at 8pm tonight (Thursday) in the church hall.
Wednesday Club
Hostess Sheila McKay provided a music and entertainment quiz at last week’s meeting. Competition – decorated hard-boiled egg – 1, Connie Seaton; 2, Wilma Moffat. The competition for next week’s meeting is a wedding cake favour.
WRI
Members enjoyed a talk and question-and-answer session by Julie Hopkirk on her role as practice nurse at Earlston Health Centre. Competitions – Gypsy Creams – 1, Linda Riddell; 2, Edith Cockburn; sewn peg bag – 1, Trish Grierson; 2, Brenda Knox.
Centenary
Lodge Ercildoune will celebrate its centenary with a re-dedication meeting on May 18 at 2pm, performed by Grand Lodge of Scotland office bearers. Past and present members are welcome to attend and should contact the lodge.
Coffee morning
Earlston Thursday Social Club is holding a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday (10am-noon) in Hanover House. Donations to 01835 862565.
EDGERSTON
Fun night
The monthly family fun night will take place tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm with a bring-and-share supper.
Lunch
A lunch in aid of the Lavender Touch charity will take place on April 21. Contact Christine on 01835 840246 or email p10caw@aol.com for tickets.
Ettrickbridge
Coffee morning
The next monthly coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds takes place in the village hall on April 6 (10am-noon). Anyone with something to sell is welcome to take a table and give a small donation.
Galashiels
Studio Club
The annual exhibition runs from April 6 to May 4 in the Boyd Room, Old Gala House. Opening times are TuesdaySaturday (10am-4pm). The artists exhibiting are all local and most of them amateurs.
Fun day
A family fun day in aid of the Margaret Kerr Unit and Abbotsford Albion is being staged on April 13, running 10am-10pm in the Abbotsford Arms Hotel.
Probus
At the AGM the following were elected – president, Sandy Frame; vice-president, Bob McKendrick; treasurer, Alan Redhead; club secretary, Brian Roberts; syllabus secretary, Murray Thom. The next meeting is on April 11 at 10am.
Gordon
Services
Starting from this month, church services will be held at 11.30am on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month.
GREENLAW
Services
Starting from this month, church services will be held at 10am every Sunday.
HAWICk
Bridge Club
A bridge night was held on March 25 when £150 was raised for CHAS (Children’s Hospice Assocation Scotland), the chosen charity of president Bob Witherington. March 27 – Easter pairs – 1, M. Tuson and R. Francombe; 2, K. Auckland and R. Witherington; 3, H. and M. Ouldcott; 3, P. Gilligan and M. Millar.
Camera Club
The club’s 75th anniversary photographic exhibition at Hawick Wilton Lodge Museum finishes on Sunday. The Hawick and its People competition is still open to all who reside in the TD9 postcode area – more details available on www.hawickcameraclub.co.uk website. There will be a coffee morning at Trinity Church Hall on Saturday (10am-noon). Helpers should be at the hall by 9am.
RNLI
Hawick and Denholm RNLI branch raised £2,789 during the past year, its AGM heard. Office-bearers elected for the coming year – president, Lord Minto; patron, Sir Chay Blyth; chairman, Andrew Suddon; vice-chairman, Giles Passmore; secretary, Sheena Haire; treasurer, Roy Veitch. Anyone interested in helping the RNLI should phone 01450 376908.
Rotary
The Reivers’ Tea was well attended, while the club was eliminated from the Rotary quiz when Kirkcudbright defeated them 23-12. In the absence of a speaker, a hat night was held. Jim Walker, who chose childhood memories and trains as his talk; Jack Swanston recalled scary aircraft landings; while Ron Laidlaw recalled his National Service days. The club supported Breast Care Scotland for the two weeks encompassing Mother’s Day and, as a result, raised £121. Rotarians are grateful to Beanscene, Annie’s Sweets, Pringle the butcher, Dorwards, McCulloch the fishmonger, Sheil’s Store, Lindsay and Gilmour, North Port and Londes Store for their support with this project.
INNERLEITHEN
Coffee morning
St Ronan’s Border Games annual coffee morning will be held on Saturday in the Vale Club (10am-noon). Donations of cake and candy and raffle prizes would be gratefully received on the day.
St Ronan’s Wells
A garden volunteer day is being held on Saturday (10am-4pm). For more information phone Di Bennett on 07908 098026. On April 15 the support group annual public meeting will be held at St Ronan’s Wells, starting at 7.30pm.
Service
The service in Innerleithen Church on Sunday starts at 10.30am, followed by a light lunch in the hall.
Jedburgh
Lunch club
The next gathering is today (Thursday), providing a weekly meal for pensioners in and around the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from this facility should contact 01835 862565.
Historical society
Christopher Bowles, archaeology officer for Scottish Borders Council, spoke about work on the Bishop’s Palace in Ancrum, the Anglo-Saxon cross base in Mary Queen of Scots House and discoveries made at 31 High Street during its demolition. Among these were heavy oak beams supporting the floorboards, dating back to the 16th century and possibly among the last oaks from the old Jed Forest. Roger Hemming will give an illustrated talk entitled Back to Bhutan at the next meeting in the British Legion on April 11. It will be preceded by the society’s AGM.
KELSO
Bridge club
The club held it’s annual social and prizegiving evening last Wednesday. Abbey Salver – 1 (equal), John Miller and Marian Miller; 3 (equal), John Hayton and Lee Leeson. Calchou Cup – 1 (equal), Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 3 (equal), John Miller and Marian Miller. Millennium Trophy – 1, Archie Stewart; 2, Evelyn Erskine; 3, Brian Saywood. Rose Bowl – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, John and Marian Miller; 3, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas. Stewart Trophy – 1 (equal), John Miller and Marian Miller; 3 (equal), Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson.
Thursday Group
Members welcomed back Di Higham who spoke about St Andrew, the man and what he stands for in her usual entertaining and informative way. Today (Thursday) George Moffat will describe the work of the Borders Forest Trust – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre. Next week Denise Playfair will demonstrate painting animal portraits.
Museum
The final talk of the Friends of Kelso Museum’s March series of lectures was held last Wednesday when the audience were treated to a talk which spanned four centuries on the history of Thirlestane House, a small estate in Yetholm parish, by current owner Catherine Ross.
Abbey Quilters
The next meeting is on Tuesday at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre when Anne Donald will show how to do textured appliqué. For further information as well as requirements list contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.
U3A
The next open meeting of the Four Border Abbeys U3A will be held on Monday at 2pm in Kelso Rugby Club when Tom Tokely will talk about the Yetholm gypsies.
Outing
See Yetholm district.
Langholm
Rotary club
The club held its annual umbrella sponsored walk in dry but cold conditions. Around 82 walkers from groups and organisations in the town set off from the Kilngreen over the usual route and another 32 took part at Canonbie. It is estimated that about £7,500 will have been raised. Kelly Little and Rhea Cavers were raising funds to send the former to a teaching post in Tanzania. Local charitable trusts also helped increase the money and the presentations will be made at the Rotary meeting in the Crown Hotel on May 2.
Probus club
Julie Kalocizi, whose subject was swimming with dolphins off the Isle of Bimini, in the Bahamas, spoke at the latest meeting. She trained as a nurse and midwife, and became interested in a variety of complementary therapies. Julie explained how she came to know Dr Horace Hobbs who set up International Dolphin Watch. His studies developed the concept of dolphin-assisted therapy, which can help mentally and physically disabled children. Julie read his book, Dolphin Healing, and learned about Operation Sunshine, based on Bimini North Island, which encourages groups and families to see and swim with wild dolphins. Julie booked a week’s holiday on Bimini in 2001 and now works at Operation Sunshine every summer.
Common riding
At the committee meeting in the Crown Hotel, arrangements were made for the public meeting night and election of the cornet which will be on May 10. Nominations for cornet need to be in by noon on May 3. Andrew Jeffrey will be the vote count representative and Alistair Scott will again be asked to act as enumerator. There was a discussion on the problems that had occurred last year at the handing in of the flag. The horse appeared to have been spooked by the close proximity of the crowd. It was suggested that committee members and volunteers could hold the crowd back with a rope. There appeared to have been a mix-up in regard to last year’s £1,500 sponsorship money for the 90 metres sprint handicap from ScottishPower, which had not been received. It was agreed the secretary would write to the utility about the matter. Admission at the Castleholm will be increased to £8, or £6 if ordered in advance, and concessions will be £4. The stance charges have been increased to £80, but will remain at £40 for locals. Taylors Amusements said there was a possibility of bringing some of the shows to the Kilngreen on election night, but suggested the rent might be reduced as only part of the car park would be used. The committee will write to Councillor Denis Male to see if the council would consider this.
LEGERWOOD
Services
Starting from this month, churc h services will be held at 10am on the first Sunday of each month.
Melrose
Literary society
At the AGM, in recognition of the service and support they had given to the society over many years, four long-standing members were welcomed as life members – Dennis Wood, Sheila Wood, Laing Speirs and Alison Speirs. After the election of office-bearers and committee for the coming year, the meeting enjoyed a selection of members’ favourite readings, many of the choices inspired by writings discussed during the society’s just-ended session. For information about the society’s meetings, the secretary can be contacted on 01896 823852 or by emailing peterhoad@aol.com. Officials – president, Malcolm M. Morrison; vice-president, Dennis Wood; treasurer, Rosemary Morrison; secretary, Peter Hoad; minutes secretary – Pamela Gordon. Committee – Chris Brotherton, Jean Foster, Bridget Khursheed, Maria McAndrew, Norrie McLeish and Laing Speirs.
MIDLEM
WRI
The March meeting was a jewellery demonstration by Cathy, of Granny’s Den, which saw members making ear-rings. Competitions – bowl of hyacinths – 1, M. Hastie; 2, A. Cochrane; 3, G. Williamson; three pieces of Turkish Delight – 1, E. Nairn; 2, A. Cochrane; 3, S. Galloway. The next meeting is a film/talk on the Bondagers with Dinah, and competitions are three potato scones and favourite cake plate.
Morebattle
Guild
The guild coffee morning raised £668. The AGM will be held today (Thursday) at 7.30pm in the institute.
Village hall
The coffee morning will be held on April 13 at 10.30am in the hall.
WRI
Members meet in the institute on Wednesday at 7.15pm when there will be a rag rug demonstration by Margaret Kenny. Competitions – knitted square (6in x 6in) and a small plant pot.
Coffee morning
The coffee morning for Morebattle in Bloom realised £428.
Outing
See Yetholm district.
NEWTOWN
Community council
Members agreed to support the Scottish Borders Council resilient community initiative and encourage the formation of a community plan for the area. This requires the formation of a list of volunteers prepared to respond to local emergencies and assist neighbours at times of severe snow or flooding etc. Information leaflets and a questionnare will be delivered to households. Members also agreed, along with the Newtown in Bloom group, to hold the first village litter pick/spring clean on April 14 (2-4pm), meeting at the Co-op. Also on the agenda at the latest meeting was the presentation of the Walks around Newtown and Eildon leaflet prepared by the secretary Roger French. It is available in local shops and cafes. Councillors welcomed the funding from SB Local small schemes budget to provide multiplay equipment for the Sprouston Road children’s playpark and agreed to contribute £730 towards the new equipment which should be installed by early summer. The next meeting is on April 30.
Peebles
Tea dance
A tea dance is held fortnightly in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, School Brae, from 2-4 pm. Transport can be provided. Phone Borders Voluntary Older People’s Services (01835 862565).
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on April 14 at 10am.
Walkerburn
Service
CONTINUED ON page 30
From Page 29
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on April 21 at 10 am.
WESTRUTHER
Services
Starting from this month, church services will be held, beginning at 11.30am, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
Yarrowford
WRI
Members enjoyed a talk by Findlay Grahame on his career as a forensic psychologist. Competitions – flask of soup – 1, Hannah Young; 2, Margaret Watson; favourite scarf – 1, Jane Telfer; 2, Betty Fraser. The raffle was won by Jean Scott. The next meeting is on Tuesday and features a talk by Mr and Mrs Shanks of Standhill Cheeses. Competitions – a bookmark and three gypsy creams.
Hall
The hall will be open on the first Sunday of each month, starting on April 7, for soup, tea, coffee and home baking, 11am-4pm.
Yetholm
Outing
The Yetholm Dry Bar Easter cinema outing to see The Croods at The Maltings, Berwick, is on Tuesday. Meet at Town Yetholm bus shelter at 1.30pm. Contact Ian (ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com; 01573 420703) for more details.
Plant exchange
The annual Floral Gateway Gathering (FGG) plant exchange is on April 27 at the Youth Hall. For further information contact Ian (01573 420703) or any FGG committee member.
SCHOOL NEWS
Kirkhope Primary
Pupils picked up the Strang Steel Trophy at Selkirk Rotary
Club’s Rotakids quiz. Six teams entered from the Selkirk area and Kirkhope were represented by Luis Mendoza, Olga Burt Smith, Tabitha Marston and Rosalin Scott. The eco committee has organised Fair Trade and Eco Action days for May 22 and June 11 respectively.
St Ronan’s Primary
Players from Innerleithen Tennis Club returned with two out of the three trophies, on behalf of St Ronan’s, at the Borders primary schools mini competition. Rhys Bootland, Andrew Bradford and Drew Lobb were triumphant in the boys’ tournament, while Luke Rathie, Elliot Brydon and Lola Pring lifted the mixed title. The school was also represented by two other teams – Anna Leckie, Amber Richards and Isla Campbell; James Reynolds, Jamie Sked and Bailey Fairbairn. A family fun night to finish off the school year will be held on June 14, at 5pm.
Yarrow Primary
Taking part in the Farmhouse Breakfast Competition, P1-3 pupils had to keep a diary of their breakfast for a week and then create a new cereal. They
then put it all together in a portfolio. P4-7 made up a healthy Scottish breakfast menu for a proprietor to use in her bed and breakfast business. For their efforts, P1-3 won a place in the final, winning a £50 book token for the school, and P4-7 received a highly-commended certificate. Youngsters has a visit to the Megget Dam, which included a tour and a video. The school has been awarded £1,000 for equipment – and children are hoping for a snooker table, tennis set, rugby ball and football goals.