CADDONFOOT
Church
The first of four country evening worships was held in Caddonfoot Church on Sunday. The service was led by Paul Goode, of Earlston, who was joined by Marion Stirling (Old Parish and St Paul’s), Katriona Goode (Earlston), Nancy Bain and Jim Tennant (Old Parish and St Paul’s), Hans Waltl (Earlston), and Atholl Innes, Fay Brydon, Jo Lawson and Georgie Bird (Caddonfoot). The Reverend Marion Dodd was at the piano and the Reverend Sheila Moir, Melrose and Peebles presbytery moderator, led the Grace. A retiring collection was taken for presbytery’s Malawi project. The three remaining evening worships are at Mertoun Kirk (August 11), Heriot Church (September 1) and Legerwood Church (September 15). Earlier in the day, the Reverend Dodd conducted morning service in Caddonfoot and the lessons were read by Roddy Beatson.
Cappercleuch
Preaching
The blanket preaching will take place in St Mary’s churchyard at St Mary’s Loch on July 28 at 3pm. Teas, in aid of the church fabric fund, will be served afterwards in Cappercleuch Hall.
Earlston
Church
The July 28 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and members of the worship team. Refreshments will be served after the service.
Ettrickbridge
Coffee morning
The next monthly coffee morning and sale in aid of hall funds will be held in the village hall on August 3 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell should turn up, take a table, and give a small donation to the hall.
Hawick
Rotary
Members had an illustrated talk from nurse Fiona Jackson. Involved with nurse training at Borders General Hospital, she is a volunteer with “Facing Africa, 2012” and travels regularly to Ethiopia to treat victims of noma, a condition which infects facial skin and tissue, resulting in the infected part being eaten away. There are 140,000 victims a year in Ethiopia, with a survival rate of 10 per cent. Fiona goes as part of a team of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to carry out plastic surgery on victims. There is also a teaching programme to encourage native nurses to learn the procedures. Many questions arose from her talk after which Robin Mason gave the vote of thanks.
Innerleithen
Church
The next service in Innerleithen Church will be on August 4 at 10.30am.
JEDBURGH
Tennis camp
A summer tennis camp is being run at Jedburgh Grammar School from August 5-9. Contact Rebecca Bruce for details on 07854 677065.
Lunch club
The lunch club, which meets on August 1, provides a weekly nourishing meal for pensioners in and around the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from a hot meal and some weekly friendship should get in touch. New members and volunteers welcome. Transport can be arranged. For more information, telephone 01835 862565.
Kelso
Garden competitions
Judging for the Kelso Front and Patio Garden Competitions will be carried out during the first week of August, with results announced and prizes awarded at Kelso Horticultural Society’s summer exhibition in the Tait Hall on August 25.
Bridge club
July 17 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; 3, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Ian and Eliz Ross; 3, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas. July 18 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 2,Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, Brian Saywood and Evelyn Erskine; E/W – 1, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 2, James Duncan and Ged McIvor; 3, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross.
Fun festival
See Yetholm section.
Langholm
Art exhibition
Chairman Tom Kennedy welcomed everyone to the District Art Club summer exhibition in the gallery at the town hall which was opened by Margaret Hobson. She had joined the Langholm club in 1989 after moving to live near Waterbeck and said it had been most enjoyable, with a relaxed atmosphere, and tutor Alex Drysdale and the members were a great bunch. Margaret, who mainly paints in watercolour, said she had learned a great deal over the 15 years with the club and had kept in touch with people, despite now living near Silloth.
Rotary
The club welcomed Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand men – Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman – to a special dinner and speeches in the Crown Hotel. President Tom Stothart was in the chair and the main speaker was Ronnie Nichol from Hawick. Among the guests were Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey and Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood.
Ride-outs
There was an extra addition to the preliminary ride-outs arranged by the Castle Craigs Club during the lead-up to the Common Riding. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men – Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman – led young pony riders round the town, headed by the pipe band. On the Saturday the Cornet had a following of 61 riders to the Benty in glorious weather. Before leaving the Kilngreen the pony judging was carried out by Stewart and Sarah Pool. Later at the Benty, the Cornet presented the W. H. Harkness Jubilee Shield to Lewis Bell, with runner-up Lloyd Johnstone receiving a switch, and other prizes were also awarded. Westerkirk WRI treated all the riders to tea and there were speeches and songs in the hall before the mounted cavalcade headed back home by way of Westerhall. On the Sunday the leading principals had 40 mounted followers, including a number of female and young riders, as they set off in fine weather from the Kilngreen on the ride-out to the Craig. There was an entry of nine for the best turned out ponies, and the judges were the Cornet’s parents, Aileen and Elliot Cavers. Castle Craigs president Andrew Johnstone thanked Will Ewart of the Craig for the use of the field and also landowners Jim Robertson and Francis Hislop. Cornet Cavers then presented the James Harkness Trophy for the best turned out horse or pony by a girl studying at Langholm Academy to Emily Beattie. Her sister, Nicole Beattie, received the Craig Cup for the best turned out pony. The midweek evening ride-outs took place in glorious weather and on the Tuesday to Henwell the Cornet and his Right and Left-Hand Men had 53 mounted followers The ponies were judged at the Kilngreen by Robbie and Sheila Trussler. Later at Henwell, the Cornet presented the Henwell Perpetual Trophy to Thomas Coates, with Shannon Jardine runner-up. They both received switches donated by Castle Craigs committee members. There were a number of young enthusiasts among the 49 riders who followed the leading principals to Peden’s View on the Thursday night. The ponies were judged by Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey and Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood at the Kilngreen before departing. The Caulfield Cup and a Common Riding tie, donated by Ian and Sandra Elliot, were presented by Cornet Cavers to Chloe Aitken for the best turned out unplaited pony. The Graham Cubbon Memorial Trophy and voucher, donated by the Cubbon family for the best turned out unplaited pony by a paid-up member of the Langholm Young Riders, went to Amy Moscrop. Switches were again donated by Castle Craigs committee members.
Social
The flute band held its annual general meeting and social evening in the Buck Hotel last Thursday, providing the opportunity to play a few tunes together. Roddy Innes was chairman and he presented an inscribed tankard on behalf of the band to Cornet Alasdair Cavers. He also presented a bottle of whisky to Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey. A bottle of whisky was also presented by Charlie Graham to Jubilee Cornet George Ellwood, and ex-Cornet Colin Irving accepted whisky from Kenneth Pool to give to his father-in-law, Diamond Jubilee Cornet John Paterson.
Cornet’s night
The Cornet’s Night in Langholm Royal British Legion Club was once again sold out. Cornet Alasdair Cavers and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, were given a rousing cheer as they entered the clubrooms. David McVittie was chairman. The toast to the Common Riding was given by the Reverend Scott McCarthy, with Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell replying. The toast to the Cornet was proposed by David Divers and in his reply Cornet Cavers wished everyone a good Common Riding. Margaret Howe was the accompanist for singers Billy Young, Irving Stuart, David Pool and Charlie Graham. Members of the town band played a number of Common Riding favourites, and later in the evening they provided music for the dance. A vote of thanks on behalf of the Legion was proposed by Eddie Fisher.
Castle Craigs
It was warm and dry for the Castle Craigs ride-out when Cornet Alasdair Cavers set off from the Kilngreen with around 100 mounted followers. The Kirk Wynd and slopes of Mount Hooley were full of people to watch the Cornet lead the gallop before the riders headed on to the Castle Craigs. Among the mounted cavalcade, which later made its way to Cronksbank, was Semi-Jubilee Cornet Andrew Jeffrey. There was a stop for refreshments at the Castle Craigs with a number of people having arrived in cars and on foot from the town. On returning to the town late afternoon, the riders were met by Langholm Pipe Band who led them round the streets. Later the members attended the Crown Hotel for the annual Castle Craigs dinner. President Andrew Johnstone congratulated Cornet Cavers on the lead he had given throughout the day and there then followed speeches and songs, with a selection from some Langholm Town Band members. New members were presented with their badges. The president closed the proceedings with a vote of thanks to the landowners, entertainers and Crown Hotel for supplying the meal. The leading principals sang “A Wee Bit Toon” and this was followed by the company singing Auld Lang Syne.
Kirkin’
There was a large congregation in Langholm Parish Church for the kirkin’ of Cornet Alasdair Cavers. The service was conducted by the Reverend Scott McCarthy and the organist was Muriel Askew. Cornet Cavers read a lesson, as did Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell. A presentation was made to the Cornet and the retiring collection was in aid of Sunday school funds. Before the service, the Cornet and his Right and Left-Hand Men, Andrew Elliot and Lee Earsman, and members of the Common Riding committee, joined Mr McCarthy at the war memorial in Buccleuch Park for a short service of remembrance and a wreath was laid by Cornet Cavers. Band member Nicole Weatherstone played The Last Post and piper Craig Irving The Lament. In the evening Lodge Eskdale Kilwinning held its annual parade, led by Langholm Town Band, to the service in the parish church which was conducted by Mr McCarthy. Organist was Henry Jeffrey. Visitors from other lodges attended, and the retiring collection was in aid of Langholm Day Centre.
Presentation
On the 30th anniversary lunch of the Probus Club, founder member Willie Friell was presented with a framed certificate in recognition of his 30 years of service to the club. Eddie Armstrong was the first president, in 1983, and Willie took on the job of secretary, and for the next 16 years he provided support for a succession of presidents until he took over in 1999.
Melrose
Church
July 28 services – Bowden, 9.30am; Melrose, 11am (Very Reverend Dr John Cairns, ex-moderator and Dean of the Chapel Royal); August 3 – church fete, Bowden Village Hall.
Trimontium
A national newspaper carried an article about recent treasure trove material assigned to museums and the Synton Hill hoard received a mention. It is hoped shortly to raise its display position for better viewing by visitors. The accompanying Welcome Exhibition for the coins – done by 52 Melrose Primary School pupils in clay, fabric and posterwork – is attracting favourable comment, as is the little Lockie Collection of bronze coins. On July 28 at 2pm, there will be a Trimontium site walk from Newstead Milestone.
Morebattle
Fun festival
See Yetholm section.
OXNAM
Garden
Last Sunday Frank and Margaret Clayton opened their garden at Shibden in aid of Oxnam Kirk funds, raising £330. A team of village ladies provided home baking.
Teviothead
Time for tea
A new venture is proving to be a great success at Teviothead Village Hall. On the first and third Thursday of the month, from 1-4pm, there is a drop-in tea shop when everyone is welcome, for a small donation, to come along for a get-together, home baking and cup of tea or coffee. Children are welcome. It is also a chance for people who have recently moved into the district to meet their new neighbours.
Barbecue
On August 24, the annual barbecue will be from 4pm onwards and everyone is welcome.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on August 11 at 10am.
Walkerburn
Service
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall is on July 28 at 10.30 am.
Yetholm
Fun festival
Yetholm Dry Bar’s Summer Festival of Fun runs from August 5-9. August 5 – 9.45am-4.30pm – Recofash; August 6 – 9.45am-4.30pm – animation; August 7 – 9.45am-4.30pm – table tennis coaching/tournament; August 7 – 9.45am-4.30pm – Pop Star Puppets; August 8 – 9.45am-1pm – Art of the Mosaic; 1.30-4pm – orienteering; August 9 – 8.45am-5.30pm – Beach Madness at Coldingham Bay. Further information from ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com or ring 01573 420703. Booking forms available at Yetholm village website, Dry Bar Facebook page, village post office and Seasons, Kelso.
Tractor run
The annual Yetholm Tractor Run, no longer confined to vintage machines, saw participants follow a route which reached Doddington, near Wooler, before returning to Yetholm Haugh. More than £1,200 was raised for the Great North Air Ambulance.
Theatre outing
The village drama group visited Pitlochry Festival Theatre and saw a production of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter. A picnic lunch was enjoyed at The Hermitage, Dunkeld.
Allotments visit
Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club members visited the Yetholm allotments. Prior to touring them, John Thompson gave a short talk about their background and Stan Brown spoke about their development, including fundraising, irrigation system and equipment purchased. Members of the allotments association acted as hosts, supplying coffee and scones on arrival and a barbecue lunch. Afterwards, the group drove to Mindrum, just over the border, where Mrs Fairfax showed them round the garden and provided afternoon tea.
Open gardens
Village gardens have again been open under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Teas were served in the Youth Hall with bric-a-brac, plants and other crafts sold in the Wauchope Hall. There was live music in one garden and poetry readings in another. A raffle for a table lamp made by Jim Cockburn was won by Carole Morrison from Kelso. At the end of the day, more than £1,300 had been raised to be shared between the scheme’s charities and the local Riding for the Disabled Group.