BEDRULE
WRI
Members had a Body Shop open night when ladies from other rurals were welcomed.Competitions – visitors – best perfume bottle – 1, Shona Morrison (Cogsmill); Bedrule – best bud vase – 1, Liz Ramsay; 2, Sarah Ramsay; 3, Janice Palmer. Olive Hogg won the best Gypsy Creams contest.
BROOMLANDS
WRI
President Margaret Mills gave her report for the year, followed by the treasurer, Joan Turnbull. The committee for next year was elected – president, Margaret Mills; vice-president, Janet Greif; secretary, Mary Cron; treasurer, Joan Turnbull; Jeanette Farquhar; Moira Nicholson (press secretary); Cathy Simpson; Janet Small; Mary Thomson (publications/magazines); Hazel Woodsell. In addition Moira Paterson will deal with flowers and cards. Margaret then went on to present the prizes for the cup and fun competitions which are competed for throughout the year. Cup (Rose Bowl) – 1, Moira Paterson (14pts); 2, Margaret Jack (12); 3, Helen Cavers (11). Fun – 1 (equal), Helen Cavers and Hazel Woodsell.
Caddonfoot
Church
The Reverend Marion Dodd returned to the pulpit on Sunday when Eddie Brydon read the lessons. It was announced that the annual Caddonfoot Youth prizegiving day would be held on June 16, and the following Sunday the kirkin’ of Galashiels Braw Lad is to take place at a joint service in Trinity Church at 10.30am. After a week’s absence due to the General Assembly, Bible study resumes in Trinity on Thursday (5-6pm).
EARLSTON
Church
The June 2 service will be conducted at 10.15am by the Reverend Julie Woods. The congregational board meets on June 11 at 7.30pm and communion is on June 16.
EDGERSTON
Welcome, Callant
Callant Gary Ramsay will be welcomed in the village hall at a buffet supper/social evening on June 5 (7 for 7.30pm).
Galashiels
Probus
Member Iain MacKenzie gave a talk about the First World War, featuring little-known facts and details of the conflict from both sides, with some comparisons with the Second World War. The vote of thanks was given by Donald Cameron. The next meeting is on September 12 at 10am after the summer recess.
Talk
On June 4 a talk entitled “China, Past and Present”, by Dr Oliver and Mrs Eade, will be held in the library at 7.15pm.
Ex-Braw Lads
The Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Association is grateful to everyone who supported its coffee morning. A presentation night was held on May 18, and during this function the Braw Lad and Lass, plus their Attendants, were presented with their stocks and gloves by the Braw Lad and Lass from 2003 – Craig Whitehead and Helen Berry. Association chairman, Ex-Braw Lad Sandy Blacklock, presented the chairman of the Braw Lads’ Executive Council, David Houston, with a cheque for £1,000. Mr Blacklock also presented the Braw Lad and Lass with waterproof riding coats from the Ex Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Association. A presentation was also made to two new association life members – Ex-Braw Lad Gordon Keddie and Ex-Braw Lass Claire Howden. The association is holding a number of events during the Braw Lads’ Week. These start with the riders’ social in Quins Restaurant after the Lindean rideout on June 24. Lindean badges will be on sale at this function for all those who participate in the rideout for the first time. The association’s annual dinner will be held next day in the Volunteer Hall at 7.30pm. All former principals are invited to come along and sing in the choir at the Braw Lads’ Investiture Concert in the Volunteer Hall on June 28. Meet in the upstairs lounge at 6.45pm.
The annual march to the war memorial will take place on June 29 and any ex-principles who wish to participate should meet at Bank Street Brae at 7.45pm. The Final Fling in the Volunteer Hall on June 29 starts at 9pm. Entry by ticket only. Tickets for the annual dinner and Final Fling will be on sale upstairs in the Salmon Inn on June 5 at 7pm.
Hawick
Rotary
Last week’s meeting saw president Tommy Mulvee welcome Teyl de Bordes, Whitmuir estate factor, Selkirk, who gave a presentation entitled “Farming in harmony with nature”. The estate is 435 acres in size and comprises of the farm, 20 per cent woodland, 25 per cent arable and 55 per cent grazing and since 1999 has received 250,000 euros of EU funding. The money is used for diversification and among the projects has been providing self-catering holiday cottages to let. At the latest survey there were 89 species of birds, 23 types of animals, 208 species of moths/butterflies and 370 types of fungii. 260 species of wild flowers were also spotted and 1,600 birds were ringed for future observation. A count was also made of the hedgehogs. A decline in the number of songbirds has been found, but this coincided with an increase of raptor birds of prey, namely buzzards and red kite, but the most likely culprit is the hooded crow and its nest-robbing activities. School pupils visited the farm to learn about country life. Last Saturday’s coffee morning raised around £500 for local charities
Innerleithen
Church
There will be a communion service in Innerleithen Church on June 2 at 10.30am.
Fun day
A Family Fun Day will be held on June 2 in Victoria Park from 1-5pm. There will also be a cricket match on the Vale Park starting at 10am, with sports taster sessions throughout the day.
Coffee morning
Innerleithen Horticultural Society is holding a coffee morning on June 1 in Vale of Leithen Social Club (10am-noon).
Folk group
Tweeddale Folk Group has organised a concert and club night on June 1 in the Union Club from 7.30pm. The concert will feature Tweeddale Folk Group and St Ronan’s School choir. Tickets are available from the Thrift Shop.
AGM
St Ronan’s youth and community centre management committee’s annual general meeting will be held in the centre (behind St Ronan’s School) on June 3 at 7.30pm, followed by an ordinary meeting. Members of the public are welcome to attend. More committee members are needed to ensure the future of the centre as a democratically-run facility.
Council
Innerleithen and District Community Council will hold its monthly meeting on June 3 in the council chamber, Leithen Road, at 7.15pm.
Duck race
St Ronan’s Silver Band will hold a duck race on June 4 from Cuddy Brig to the top of the Batty at 6.30pm. There is a first prize of £100 plus various others. Ducks can be purchased from the Thrift Shop, any band member or at the Family Fun Day on June 2.
Games committee
The next meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games committee will take place on June 5 at 7pm in the council chamber, Memorial Hall.
Pipe band
Innerleithen Pipe Band will hold a coffee morning on June 8 in Vale of Leithen Social Club from 10am-noon.
Ball
Standard Bearer’s Ball tickets are still available – email stronansgames@googlemail.com or ring 01896 870316.
JEDBURGH
Lunch club
The lunch club next meets on June 6. Call 01835 862565 for more information.
Rotary
The latest gathering was a partners’ evening held at Teviot Smokery. The meal was followed by a talk from Geoff Banks of Border Meringues in Jedburgh. He gave an outline of the company’s development during the past few years and how it is operating at the moment. From a beginning which was entirely concerned with the production of meringues for the likes of Asda, Baxter’s and Dobbies, the operation has have moved into a situation of part-supply to outlets and part-coffee shop. It has now expanded into a second shop – in Kelso.
kelso
AGM
Kelso Amateur Dramatic Society held its AGM when the 2013/2014 committee was elected. The society had approached Mary Easson with a view to act as president for the following two years – and she had accepted. Chairperson Susan Stewart said the society wished to acknowledge the continued hard work and support given over many years by Anne Underwood, and Isobel and George Amos by making them honorary life members. John Weierter had been appointed producer for the November production, but no play had yet been chosen. Readings for the November show were to be held in the Abbey Row Community Centre at 7.30pm on June 4, 6, 11 and 13. Anyone interested is welcome.
Bridge club
May 22 – Tom Peel Quaich – 1, John Hayton and Ian Watson; 2, Elinor Green and Lesley Dick; 3, Rena Stewart and Brian Saywood; 4, Alex Jeffrey and Mary Stone; 5, Val Fairbairn and Myra Thomson; 6, Dominic Alkin and Jeanette Chalmers. May 23 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Pauline Smart and Helenor Pratt; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Jim Stone and Annie Mitchell; E/W – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Reg Drysdale and Penny Davidson; 3, Miles Browne and Richard Oates.
Quilters
The next meeting of Abbey Quilters will take place on June 11 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre – the AGM followed by a “show and tell”. Members should bring a wrapped fat quarter for the game, as well as their clown-themed piece of work for the competition to gain the Margaret Fletcher trophy. For further information. contact Rineke Sangster on 229414.
CBAH
Charity Begins At Home (CBAH) distributed almost £50,000 to 49 organisations in the TD5 postcode area on Sunday. Since its inception 13 years ago, the Kelso charity’s Bridge Street shop, run by volunteers, has distributed nearly £400,000. This year funding again covers all ages, from playgroups to pensioner groups, sports clubs and horticultural societies, Christmas lights and support groups, all seven schools in the Kelso catchment area, local village halls and events that run in Kelso. CBAH also supported the recent schools day at the Border Union showground when 1,200 S5 pupils attended. Chair of the charity’s trustees, Margaret Riddell, announced that more money had been set aside to enhance sporting facilities at the proposed new Kelso High School and discussions are taking place with the school management staff to see how it can best be used. The Honourable Gerald Maitland-Carew presented the cheques in the Cross Keys Hotel and expressed his admiration for the charity’s work. The criteria for funding is that an organisation within the TD5 postcode can ask for help, but individuals and salaries are not supported. Further information is available from Colin Henderson (07854 333901).
Farmers’ market
Broomlands Primary School is hosting a farmers’ market on June 7 (6-8pm) as part of its sustainable food and farming topic.
Langholm
Probus
President Jim Thomson welcomed a turnout of 31 members to the meeting in the Eskdale Hotel. After business was looked into, and correspondence from Age Scotland, the president introduced speaker Gavin Graham whose subject was Mormons of Utah. He gave an insight into the modern State of Utah, its history, geography, people, community, sport, politics and religious influences. The 500 inches of snow, Winter Olympics, rapid high-tech development, high standards of education and the salt flats of Lake Bonneville, and the speed records attempted there, were all covered. Jim Thomson proposed a vote of thanks.
Neil Armstrong
Preparations are well under way to celebrate the life of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, with events in the town next month. The astronaut was made a freeman of the town with a special service in the parish church in 1972 – three years after his moon walk. An exhibition highlighting Armstrong’s moon landing and visit to the town opens on June 3 in the town hall gallery and runs until June 15. A number of science-related events are to be held over the two weeks. Professor Martin Hendry of Glasgow University will give a lecture for secondary school pupils and the public in the Buccleuch Centre on June 13 in which he will debunk moon hoax conspiracy theories. The following day Glasgow University’s astronomy and astrophysics department has a mobile planetarium for primary pupils. There will be a commemorative service in the parish church at 6.30pm. On June 15, Dr Stuart Clark, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, explains what the astronauts left behind on the moon in a public lecture in the Buccleuch Centre at 2pm. At 4pm the film Apollo 13 will be shown free in the centre. Dumfries Astronomy Group is hosting a night sky tour at the rugby club (9.30pm).
Langshaw
WRI
Members welcomed Leanne Haining to the May meeting and were treated to a cookery demonstration – and an even better tasting session. She gave tips and recipe sheets to take away. Competitions – Gypsy Creams – 1, Jennifer Dun; 2, Kath Runciman; 3, Sheila Forsyth; holiday souvenir – 1, Lesley Fitchett; 2, Kath Runciman; 3, Anne Runciman.
The rural is having a celebration dinner on June 19 for its 90th birthday year at Herges on the Loch, Tweedbank. The session then resumes on September 18.
LAUDER
Charity haircut
Co-op shop assistant George Steven, 24, raised more than £800 for the Carers’ Trust when he shaved off his beard and hair which he had been growing for two years. He said: “The reason I raised the money was because I have been brought up to give money, and my family and I have always done things and raised money for different charities, and I enjoy helping the lesser-known charities.”
MELROSE
Trimontium
The highlight of the Trimontium Trustees’ quarterly meeting last Thursday was the sample of representative coins from the Synton Hill hoard shown by Mrs Colton, of Scottish Borders Council’s museums and galleries service. Each coin lay in a little white envelope with its details written on the front. All were of emperors, except one, and that the latest in date of the Empress Crispina, wife of Commodus, the villain who figures in the film Gladiator and comes to a sticky end. The little local Lockie Collection, which has lacked display for many years, is in the hands of the conservator and it is hoped to bring both together this summer when the best method of display is worked out for both.
Church
Arran Bergius, Molly Gordon and Soren Shepherd were christened amid family and friends on Sunday morning and each received a baptismal candle lit from the church’s Easter candle, signifying new life. Arran received another from his grandmother in Germany. The Christian Aid Week total so far, and counting, is £3,720. The church magazine should be available for collectors midweek. Services on June 2 and 9 – 9.30am, Bowden; 11am, Melrose.
Walk
An Old Melrose walk will be hel on June 3 from 1.30pm.
Flower club
The May meeting of Border Flower Club had a change of demonstrator as Valerie Guest had an accident and was unable to attend. Kath Gibson came to the rescue with the title, “Having Fun With Flowers”. Her first design was to recall a visit to Madeira where she encountered snow on the mountain, using white lilies for the snow and an orchid to remind her of the island sunshine. Dancing Waters was the next idea – fan-shaped with Marie Claire roses. Then it was the turn of artist Van Gogh and a picture made from sisal complemented the sun flowers. A contemporary design with Aspidistra leaves glued to white felt and aloe vera stems covered with white wool was mind provoking. Leaf manipulation was very relevant in the final design which had a green and white colour scheme. The club lunch was followed by a game to finish off the day. The next meeting is on June 5 in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm when the demonstrator will be Linda Souter. Her title is “ Reflections”. Club past chairman Elizabeth Forster was one of the team to create the Scottish Association of Flower Arrangers’ Society exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show – the team won a gold medal.
MERTOUN
Garden fete
There will be a garden fete at Mertoun House on June 2 (2-5pm) in aid of Maxton and Mertoun Church.
MOREBATTLE
Coffee morning
A coffee morning in Morebattle Institute for hall funds will be held on June 8 from 10.30am.
WRI
Members are visiting Woodside Gardens, Ancrum, for their summer outing on June 12.
Guild
The guild summer rally will be held in Yetholm Church on June 5 at 7.30pm.
Debut gig
On June 1 the Templehall Hotel will be the venue for The Boyds’ debut gig. The new venture of Kelso musician Gus Boyd, the duo will perform a set of classic songs from 8pm.
Fishing club The annual fishing club coffee morning was held on Saturday. The event realised the sum of £280.
Newcastleton
Tub
Four candidates put forward their names to be Tub at Copshaw Common Riding. After the votes were counted last Friday evening, Gillian McGimpsey of D’Mainholm Farm was elected. Gillian works on the farm with her parents, George and Gladys, and starts off her duties with the rideoot-bye on June 15. Copshaw Common Riding is on July 6.
OXNAM
Library cafe
The cafe held on May 22 raised £40 for the Marie Curie charity. The next meeting is on June 12.
Oxnam Owls
The next meeting is on June 4 at 7.15pm and will be the annual charity event which this year is a concert by Quintessence. Proceeds are in aid of the Borders Children’s Charity. Tickets from Dot Heard (01896 755690).
PEEBLES
Tea dance
A tea dance is held fortnightly in the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Phone 01835 862565.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on June 9 at 10am.
Walkerburn
Service
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on June 16 at 10am.
YETHOLM
Wine and Cheese
A wine and cheese party was held in Kirk Yetholm. Organised by the Macmillan cancer charity, further funds were raised via a raffle. The local committee was grateful to Mike and Susan Stewart for hosting the event.
Grass seeding
The village Floral Gateway group has undertaken a project to tidy up the verges surrounding the Greens. Areas have been cordoned off and reseeded. Notices have been erected urging the public to keep off and stop parking on the verges.
Wee Yett
The copy date for the summer edition of the Kirk magazine has now been fixed. Contributions should be sent to the Reverend Robin Mchaffie no later than June 16.
Radgie Gadgi
On a visit to Tyneside, a Yetholm resident was astonished to come across a bottle of beer labelled Radgie Gadgie. Radgie in the old Yetholm gypsy dialect meant daft and Gadgi is a young man now associated with the village festival celebrations. The beer comes from a micro brewery in Wallsend.
Mission hall
Further details have emerged of the plans to turn the former evangelical mission hall into a village heritage centre. The local history society is enthusiastic – provided all hurdles can be overcome. Matters to be clarified include running costs and how these are to be met. While a survey proved satisfactory, the property’s planning status has to be confirmed and Scottish Borders Council planning and museum departments are to be asked for advice. Representatives are to be invited to the village to meet history society members. Meanwhile, contact with the mission hall trustees in the United States will be maintained.