BOWDEN
Cafe
The next community cafe will be held on May 15 in the village hall at 11am.
EARLSTON
Parish church
The kirk session meets tonight (May 9) in the church at 7.30pm. Donations (new or nearly-new household goods, toys and clothes – no electrical items or heavy furniture) for the Spring Fling sale can be handed into the church hall from 10-11am today (May 9) and tomorrow from 6-8pm. The Spring Fling is on May 11 (10am-2pm). The May 12 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. A bus will be running from the Square to the Heart and Soul Event in Princes Street Gardens – names to Robert Turnbull, the chemist, or sign up at the church.
Eckford
Film night
The village hall is the venue on May 20 at 7pm for a showing of the comedy “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”, starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Hunt.
Eildon
Ramblers
Twenty-two Eildon Ramblers enjoyed the spring sunshine on Mellerstain estate for a six-mile walk. For more information about Eildon Ramblers, phone 01896 820300.
FOUNTAINHALL
WRI
Members meet in the village hall at 7.30pm on May 15 for a talk about the Margaret Kerr palliative care unit at Borders General Hospital. Competitions – yoghurt loaf and a family photograph. There will also be a bring and buy sales table. April meeting competitions – peppermint creams – 1, D. Small; 2, A. Mathison; sundae dish – 1, A. Mathison; 2, M. Robertson.
Galashiels
History society
Borders Family History Society is holding a fair for those thinking about starting a family tree or looking for more information. More than 40 exhibitors will be present at the event which runs from 10am-4pm on May 11 at Scottish Borders Campus in Nether Road.
Blood donors
A total of 413 volunteers offered to give blood – and 362 donations were made – at blood-donor sessions in Galashiels on April 28 and 29. There were 23 new donors.
Hawick
Rotary
Member Jim Walker went “doon the water” when he spoke at the latest club meeting. With slides shown by his son, Howard, he took members on an interesting and nostalgic trip down the River Clyde during the 1960s and 70s. Jim highlighted the changes in river traffic from that time and showed coloured slides of the steamers which plied their trade in taking tourists on their daily trips, as well as serving as a necessary communication means for people living beside the river. It showed John Brown’s shipyards in their heyday where the QE2 was laid down and built, as well as shots of the MV Waverley 11 and others. Jim even gave renditions of relevant songs such as “The song of the Clyde” and “The day we went to Rothesay O”. He had emotive slides of Gourock, Dunoon, Rothesay, Largs, the Kyles of Bute Narrows and all the famous tourist stops. He also displayed his collection of memorabilia – tickets, menus and posters – which he had collected on these trips. Questions followed. A letter was read from Breast Care Scotland acknowledging the £121 the club donated from a collection in Hawick which was carried out solely by Mairhi Trickett.
Innerleithen
Service
The service on May 12 starts at 11.30am in Innerleithen Church.
Spring fair
St Ronan’s Primary School will hold a spring fair on May 14 (6-8pm). There will be a variety of stalls, food and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Plant sale
Innerleithen Civic Association will hold its annual plant sale on the forecourt of the Memorial Hall on the morning of May 25. Proceeds of the sale will go towards the 2013 Christmas lights fund.
Introdution night
The St Ronan’s Standard Bearer for 2013 will be introduced to the public on May 10 in the Memorial Hall at 8pm. Other introductions taking place on this date are the Standard Bearer’s Lass, Principal Guest and the Lady Busser. The town bands will play outside the hall from 7pm, with teas and coffee being served inside from that time. Following the introduction ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band will lead the principals and townsfolk on a short parade, ending up back at the Memorial Hall forecourt where the Standard Bearer’s Reel will be danced.
Coffee morning
St Ronan’s Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association will hold its annual coffee morning on May 18 in the Vale Club from 10am to noon.
Ball
St Ronan’s Standard Bearer’s Ball will be held on July 13 in the St Ronan’s Marquee. Tickets will be on sale on May 18 from 8am at Foresters, Wells Brae, Innerleithen. The games committee has managed to hold prices for a fourth consecutive year with tickets set at £30 each. Full payment must be handed in at this time with a note of the exact requirements. There is a maximum of 12 tickets per party and dress is strictly formal. Cheques should be made payable to “St Ronan’s Border Games”.
Concert
St Ronan’s Silver Band will hold a celebration concert on May 24 in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm to mark their Scottish Championship win. The concert will feature St Ronan’s Future Band and the main band. Tickets are on sale at £6 each (£5 concession) from John Adam’s Bakery in Innerleithen or Robb’s KeyStore in Peebles. Tickets can also be ordered by sending a stamped addressed envelope to St Ronan’s Silver Band, 21 Miller Street, Innerleithen EH44 6QR. Cheques should be payable to “St Ronan’s Silver Band”. Phone 01896 831721or email KJBelleville@aol.com for further enquiries.
Jedburgh
Lunch club
The club meets again today (May 9) to provide a weekly meal for pensioners in the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from a hot meal and friendship should contact 01835 862565.
Rotary
Thanks to the generosity of the people of Jedburgh and district, the coffee morning realised a handsome sum for the club’s charity account. Winner of the £200 first prize in the main raffle was S. Renwick. At the latest club meeting, the speaker was Jenny Barker, accompanied by Vi Romanis, both from Inner Wheel. They collect old tools for an organisation called Tools for Self-Reliance before transporting them to the Garvald Institute where a group of disabled people renovate the tools in their workshop. They are despatched to Third World countries. Rotarians were more than happy to support Jenny and Vi who left with some unwanted tools – and the promise of more to come.
kelso
Bridge club
May 1 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Jim and Mary Stone; 2, John Urquhart and Miles Browne; 3, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; E/W – 1, Evelyn Erskine and Sheila Urquhart; 2, Jean McLaren and Val Fairbairn; 3, Lee Leeson and John Hayton; May 2 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, James Tweddle and Ernie Hopkins; E/W – 1, Archie Stewart and Elinor Green; 2, Nancy Porter and Jock Dun; 3, Helenor Pratt and Pauline Smart.
Quiz
On May 16 at 7.30pm in the Cross Keys Hotel, a fundraising quiz night in aid of Christian Aid’s Quizaid will be held. Teams of four. Entries on the night. For more details contact Ruth McGrath (01573 228346) or Moira Walsh (01573 225500).
Concert
A MusicAid concert for Christian Aid will take place on May 10 at 7.30pm in Kelso North Church. The event will feature the Heiton and Morebattle national award-winning WRI choir. Tickets are available from concert organiser Moira Walsh (01573 225500) or at the door.
Scouts
Kelso Scouts enjoyed a night of building bird boxes with wood and nails donated by local traders Bowmont Sawmill and Travis Perkins respectively. This thriving group has Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts within its ranks. However, in order to keep each of the sections running efficiently, the group needs adult volunteers to undertake leadership roles. Anyone who enjoys camping, hiking and learning new skills – and can spare a couple of hours a week – should contact Elizabeth McIntosh (email: macbisse@btinternet.com; phone: 07565 218992; address: 85 Inchmyre, Kelso TD5 7LH) for more information.
U3A
Four Border Abbeys U3A Group’s next open meeting is on May 13 at 2pm in Kelso Rugby Club when Shona Sinclair will talk about “A Touch of Class – History of the Braemar Knitwear Brand”.
Service
A joint Kelso Churches Together service will be held on May 12 at 6.30pm in St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church to mark the start of Christian Aid Week 2013 – to give thanks for the work of Christian Aid and to commission the 57 Kelso collectors.
Thursday Group
Isabel Gordon reported that there had been 26 talks this season a wide variety of topics and thanked everyone for their help. Treasurer Keith Hanson presented accounts which showed £338.45 had been distributed to eight charities. Today members have lunch at Teviot Smokery. The new season starts on October 3 – phone Isabel (01573 224753) for an autumn syllabus.
Langholm
Art exhibition
This being the 60th anniversary of the district art club, the committee decided to hold an exhibition in the town hall gallery to celebrate the occasion, showing work from past and present members. The event was opened by former art teacher Jim Hunter who taught at the Academy for more than a decade from the mid-sixties. Club president Tom Kennedy, introducing Jim and his wife Beth, mentioned a number of the tutors they had been fortunate to have over the years, including Alex Drysdale who was present for the occasion. Jim eventually moved to teach at the Borders College of Textiles in Galashiels and now lives in Glasgow. He gave one of his works to help raise money for the club in a raffle or some other fundraiser. Long-serving club member Jean Weatherstone made presentations to Jim and Beth.
Clean-up
The clean-up around the town received good support, with representatives from Rotary, sports clubs – including rugby, cricket, golf and bowling – and Co-operative store, along with primary and secondary schools, Beavers, Scouts and many individuals participating. Bags, gloves and picker sticks were issued and areas were allocated to concentrate on. Bonnie Langholm committee chairman Margaret Pool expressed the thanks of the committee to everyone who helped.
Concert
The Burgh Pipe Band is holding its annual concert in the Buccleuch Centre on May 12 at 7.30pm.
Candidates
Langholm Town Band and Pipe Band will play round the streets on May 10 as townsfolk head for the Buccleuch Centre for the public meeting and election of the 2013 Cornet. The public vote takes place between 6pm and 8pm, followed by the meeting which will be chaired by Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell, who will announce the result after the official count has been finalised. Three candidates have put their names forward. Alasdair Elliot Cavers, 24, is standing for the fourth time and farms at the Murtholm. He is the son of Elliot and Aileen Cavers of Kirkton, Ewes, and has been a regular in the Langholm senior rugby side for a number of seasons. For well over 40 years, Alasdair’s grandfather John Armstrong has welcomed the flute band to his home at Hillhead before the hound trail on the Common Riding morning when the traditional rum and milk is enjoyed. Alasdair first rode the common in 2005 and joined the Castle Craigs Club the same year. He has followed the Cornet every year since. Stephen Thomas Devlin, 26, is standing for the second time and works as a builder with Ronnie Tait. He is the son of David Devlin and Ann Hislop of Meikleholmside. He has also been a regular in the Langholm senior rugby side for a number of seasons. His brother Malcolm was Cornet in 1998, and he first rode the common that year and joined the Castle Craigs, and has followed the Cornet every year since. His father David is a member of the Common Riding committee and looked after the leading principals’ horses for 25 years. Simon Jack Tweddle, 22, is standing for the second time and is a self-employed builder, and the son of Stephen and Maureen Tweddle of John Street. He is a keen golfer and first rode the common and the Castle Craigs in 2000, and has followed the Cornet every year except 2004. His father is a past president of the Castle Craigs and is still on the committee.
Director
Langholm Town Band embark on a new chapter on May 26 when they perform for the first time in concert under their newly-appointed musical director, Chris Shanks. A former student of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and a music teacher by profession, Chris, 26, started playing when he was four years of age. His heavy involvement with the Salvation Army in Bellshill and further afield has seen him travel around the UK and Europe to perform and conduct. During his studies he also held the position of principal euphonium at the 2008 course of the European Youth Band, held in Satvanger, Norway. During the concert Langholm Junior Band will also play a small selection of music under the baton of David Calvert. The event takes place in the Buccleuch Centre, starting at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Paper Shop, John Ritchie Grocers, calling Christine Calvert (01387 380425) or paying at the door on the night.
Langlee
Primary school
Langlee primary school pupils have been involved in eco-activities for their Green Team Fortnight. Activities were centred round the themes of health, wellbeing and school grounds. The whole school took part in a flash dance which Miss Gavin organised. It was meant to be outside, but had to be held in the hall because of rain – but it was still a lot of fun for the youngsters. Everyone also got to take part in Zumba workshops. Leanne Haining from the Healthy Living Network helped the P1-4s to make healthy packed lunches, while the P5-7s enjoyed taster sessions in orienteering and basketball with Mr Blackie. Other activities during the fortnight included class challenges with Anna Craigen from Borders Forest Trust, dressing in earth colours to mark Earth Day and community litter picks. The children found there was less litter around Langlee than they have found previously, but they were sad at the amount of mess along the
Langlee stretch of the Black Path. There was a sea of green at the eco assembly which was held at the end of the fortnight as the children wore something green. All the classes worked hard throughout the fortnight on different aspects in their classes. These were showcased at the assembly and the Green Thumbs committee members introduced their class activities. All pupils took part in daily active challenges, as well as learning a lot to do with being healthy and taking part in competitions. The fortnight was rounded off with a whole school “waste-free and healthy” picnic. Torwoodlee and Boleside houses were joint winners for having the least amount of waste and youngsters pupils were awarded house points for having a healthy packed lunch.
Lauder
AGM
Lauderdale Historical Society’s AGM will be held on May 15 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Further details from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).
WRI
Mrs Waldie welcomed members to the latest meeting before they enjoyed an origami demonstration. Competition – pretty bracelet – 1, Kathleen Thomson; 2, Sheila Hardie; 3, Mary Sked; savoury dip – 1, Anne Lillico; 2, Joanne Watson; 3, Kathleen Thomson.
Guild
At Channelkirk and Lauder Church Guild’s AGM and musical afternoon, the committee was re-elected en bloc. Readings and poems were read by the committee, while Billy Anderson entertained members on the accordion. Members enjoyed an outing to Dobbies Village in Lasswade before high tea at The Lodge, Carfraemill.
LINDEAN
WRI
For the April meeting there was a good turnout for a members’ taste and try night. Competition – tea tray – 1, S. Lamza; 2, M. Mabon; 3, M. Chisholm. Raffle – M. Stephen, J. Stewart, M. Mabon. This month’s meeting was the AGM and presentation night. Elected for 2013/14 – president, M. Milne; secretary, V. Mayo; treasurer, D. Murray; press secretary, M. Lawrie; magazine secretary, B. Lothian. Committee – E. Scott, M. Inglis, S. Lamza, J. Davies, M. Ewart. Raffle – E. Douglas, S. Lamza, D.Lamza, J.Stewart, M. Stephen. Prizewinners – McGowan Cup – M. Inglis, Jess Hope Cup, M. Mabon; Miss Scott Cup, V. Mayo. The final meeting of the year will be a dinner at Quins on June 6.
Maxton
Coffee morning
There will be a coffee morning for Maxton village hall funds on May 18, starting at 10am. The event will be held in the hall.
MELROSE
Trimontium
Colin Wallace of Liverpool University gave the Bill Lonie Lecture – the third and final in the spring 2013 series – in the parish church hall last Thursday. Once again extra seats had to be brought in. He spoke about the deposition of body parts outside burial contexts – even their display during the Roman Iron Age was comprehensively covered from archaeological reports and from Roman writers’ accounts. The list of sites and finds included Newstead where skull fragments were discovered in the fort ditches and outside the fort in the pits. Today’s (Thursday) Trimontium Walk starts at 1.30pm.
Church
May 12 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); 7.30pm, Eildon Singers (Britten and Schubert); May 12-18 – Christian Aid Week collectors requested and also for the coffee morning on 18th; May 14 – church magazine deadline; May 22 –midweek service and lunch.
OXNAM
Concert
Oxnam Valley Voices are performing a concert of varied music in the village kirk at 7pm on May 10. Entry by donation.
Selkirk
Christian Aid
Collections during Christian Aid Week (May 12-18) will be made in Selkirk, and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys. There will be a commissioning service on Sunday, May 12, at 6.30pm in the United Reformed Church.
Birdsong walk
The Central Borders branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted an evening birdsong walk last Thursday at The Haining. Over a period of two hours, 29 species of bird were seen or heard.
Antiquarian Society
Members meet on May 15 in the parish church hall when Tam Ward will present a talk about the work of the Biggar Archaeology Group. This meeting will be preceded at 7.30pm by a short AGM.
st boswells
WRI
At the April meeting members listened to Jean Garden talk about “New From Old” – how to reuse what people usually throw away. Competition – small recycled object – 1, Janet Irons; 2, Carol Dawson; 3, Rose Cameron. Next meeting is on May 14 and will feature “Bagpipes – beyond the Borders”.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be at 10am on May 12.
Walkerburn
Service
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on May 19 at 10am.
YETHOLM
Whist drive
Yetholm Macmillan committee members are arranging a whist drive to raise funds for the cancer charity. It will be held in the Youth Hall on May 14 at 7.30pm.
Dance
The Festival Week dance will be held in the Wauchope Hall on June 15. Tickets are on sale from May 11 at the village shop. Dancing will be to Fahrenheit.
Christian Aid
Christian Aid Week will see villagers doing their bit with money being raised through door collections and a lunch on May 16 (noon-2pm) in the Wauchope Hall.
Workshop
A rag rug workshop was held in the Wauchope Hall.
AGM
At the Wauchope Hall AGM, chairman Jim Cockburn agreed to serve for a further year, but to assist him bookings are now being taken by treasurer Pat Young, of 2 Hillview, Kirk Yetholm (01573 420594).Pat also presented a healthy state set of accounts.