Bowden
WRI
The AGM was followed by a moving talk from Iris Lawrie, with technical help from her daughter, on their work in the Philippines at a school for street children. The joint winners of this year’s H&H points cup were Ann Stewart and Karen Fagan, and Karen also won the trophy for most entries. The evening’s competition – three homemade sweets – 1, Joyce Smith; 2, Karen Fagan; 3, Kathleen Hughes.
Caddonfoot
Parish church
The Reverend Marion Dodd conducted morning service in Caddonfoot Parish Church on Sunday when the lessons were read by James Macfarlane. A panel on the review and reform consultation with elders, congregational board members and the congregation will be held in Trinity Church hall tomorrow (Friday) between 2-4pm. The subject is “The Future Shape of the Church of Scotland”. There will be a retiring collection for those affected by the disaster in the Philippines after the service on Sunday.
Cappercleuch
Remembrance
Fifteen people attended the remembrance service at the war memorial on Monday, November 11.
Coffee morning
A Christmas coffee morning will be held in Cappercleuch Hall on November 23 (10am-2pm), with seasonal accordion music provided by Steve Kendal.
DENHOLM
Minto WRI
This month’s meeting was enthralled by Bill Stewart, from the Borders Family History Society, who talked about tracing one’s ancestors. Using names from Minto gravestones, he followed two families back several generations over 200 years, while also suggesting various websites to use to help. The business meeting introduced the new committee members’ positions, and then decided on the Cross Keys for the Christmas lunch on December 13 (competition – favourite Christmas ornament). The evening’s competition for biscuits – 1, Ann Reid; 2, Dee Baxter; 3, Norma Kerr; 4, Enid Cruickshank.
Earlston
Fundraisers
The women’s section of Earlston Royal British Legion Scotland branch raised £650.50 at a coffee morning and £1,782.72 from a Poppy appeal collection.
Church
Today (Thursday) the church will be open from 11am for quiet reflection with a
short led service at noon. The service on November 24 at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and November 27 sees a short evening service in the church at 7pm.
Eccles
Fair
Eccles/Leitholm Primary School will be holding a Christmas fair in Eccles Village Hall on November 30 (10am-noon).
EDGERSTON
WRI
At the AGM held last Wednesday, elected were – president, Rosemary Wilkes; vice-president, Joan Badger; secretary, Marion Anderson; press and minutes, Evelyn Grierson; treasurer, Mary Upton. Competition – “Something made from something old” – 1, Evelyn Grierson; 2, Mary Upton; 3, Marion Anderson. The raffle was won by Rosemary Wilkes.
EDNAM
Christmas fair
A Christmas fair will be held on November 30 (10am-noon) at the village hall in aid of Ednam primary school.
Ettrickbridge
Interest evening
The next interest evening in the hall is on November 28 at 7.30pm. Mick Bowra will tell the story of the loss of an S-class Second World War submarine in 1940, and the research and location of her wreck site in 1989.
Gift night
The Cross Keys Inn is the venue for an evening of gifts for Christmas with Basanti India on November 26 (7.30-9.30pm). Profits will go to the Lavender Touch charity.
Festive Fling
Kirkhope hall is hosting a Festive Fling (70/80s night) on December 7 from 8pm. Tickets from Linda on 01750 52257 and fancy dress is optional.
Galashiels
Clef Club
The next meeting is on November 23 (7.30pm) in the Lucy Sanderson Hall. Haydn features prominently on the programme with a quartet for flute and strings, followed by a Haydn piano sonata. There will also be a sonata for treble recorder and piano by Paisable, plus music for piano and jazz guitar and songs from the musicals, all performed by local musicians. More information is available from Elizabeth Fraser (phone 01896 752375; email robertfraser@uwclub.net).
Probus
At the meeting last Thursday in the Kingsknowes Hotel, two new members and two visitors were welcomed. Jack Clark then gave a talk entitled “The Life of an Auctioneer”. He had been an auctioneer for some 49 years, mainly with Swan’s at Newtown St Boswells. His comparisons of conditions in the 1930s with those of the sixties and also today were fascinating. The low points of his career were the foot-and-mouth outbreaks of 2006 and especially 2001, which hit the Borders hard. In recent years he has been a commentator for the Royal Highland Show and in 2006 was elected president of the Scottish Livestock Auctioneers. The next meeting is at 10am on November 28 when Lord Joicey will talk about Flodden.
Rotary
Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)creates happy memories for families, said the charity’s south of Scotland fundraiser, Kirsten Dugan, in a talk to members. It provides residential care for youngsters with serious illnesses and their families in hospices in Kinross and Balloch. CHAS also has a home care service where staff visit children at home. In the Beat the Borders charity event in August, 300 people took part in a 40-mile cycle and 18-mile walk. CHAS hope to repeat the event every year and Rotarians have offered to help with this.
Church
A consultation on the future of the Church of Scotland will be held tomorrow (Friday) from 2.30-4.30pm in Trinity Church hall.
Glendouglas
Whist
Results from the monthly hall whist drive – ladies – 1, Joan Kile; 2, Rose Cameron; 3, Hannah Wilson; booby, Chrissie Paterson. Gents – 1, Dorothy Corrie; 2, Roy Buchanan; 3, Jock Middlemas; booby, Angus Cameron; bingo, Evelyn Taylor.
Lunch club
The first monthly lunch club gathering was held last Wednesday.
WRI
The new committee is meeting on November 26 at 2pm to form the 2014 syllabus. The rural’s Christmas lunch is on December 4 at 1pm.
Hawick
Bridge club
November 5– SBU Autumn Pairs – 1, V. Johnstone and D. Usher; 2, K. Auckland and D. King; 3, S. White and J. Urquhart; 4. L. and T. Witten. November 12 – N/S – 1, D. Usher and V. Johnstone; 2, P. Gilligan and M. Millar; 3, K. Auckland and D. King; E/W – 1, J. and M. Miller; 2, R. Goldie and M.McLeod; 3, Marion Miller and P. Simpson.
Rotary
Last week a deputation from Selkirk Rotary Club visited for a round of the Rotary Plate quiz which comprised of president Jim Ferguson, Jan Henderson, John Pack and Les Rutherford. The hosts were represented by Gus Neilson, Ron Sutherland, Ron Smith and Jim Walker. Quizmaster was Alan McCreadie and Hawick ran out winners by 20-12.
Film and Video Group
Jean Tait produced and presented a short film about a trip on the Bo’ ness and Kinneil steam railway near Grangemouth, which was accompanied by the Flying Scotsman music of the Alexander Brothers. Henry Gray screened two films which were downloaded from the internet, the first featured a group of six talented young children in North Korea, each playing a guitar. The second film was a military parade in China. Alec Peterson completed the show with a DVD of the 1953 expedition to climb Mount Everest.
Camera club
At the agricultural competition in Galashiels last Wednesday, George Sudlow won a first and second in the nature and livestock categories respectively. Dennis Laing was awarded a third place in the landscape section and four other members were commended for their photographs. The following evening saw an informal club night with members showing sequences of the summer outing to Berwick. The meeting continued with a screening of the “Hawick Past and Present” DVD which was produced by Gordon Gilfether and Eric Scotland, and is on sale in several shops in the town, with proceeds going to the community hospital. The meeting on November 28 features an illustrated talk on photographing the Alps with Les Miller.
HEITON
WRI
The 85th birthday dinner took place at The Smokery last Wednesday when 25 members enjoyed a meal provided by Russell and his staff. Competition winners for the year – 1, Lesley Abernethy (silver salver); 2, Jan McDonald; 3 (equal), Elizabeth Nowakowski and Brenda Wright.
Hownam
Whist
The village hall is hosting a whist drive on November 26 at 7.30pm in aid of the children’s Christmas party.
Innerleithen
Service
The next service in Innerleithen Church will be at 11.30am on November 24.
AGM
St Ronan’s Bowling Club’s annual meeting is on November 25 in the Union Club at 7pm.
Countdown Club
Members meet on November 27 at 10.30am in Innerleithen Church Hall.
Fair
St Ronan’s Primary School Christmas fair takes place on November 28 in the school from 6-8pm.
Music festival
Innerleithen Music Festival AGM is on December 3 in the Masons, Chapel Street, at 7.30pm. Ideas and suggestions for the festival, or perhaps a new fringe event, welcome. For more information, contact imfpublicity@aol.com or pamela@scotlight.co.uk
Jedburgh
Bridge club
November 11 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone and M. Miller 2, M. Purdie and O. Whillans; 3 A. and R. Stewart; E/W – 1, R. Oates and S. West; 2, D. Cessford and D. Gray; 3, B. and I. Middleton.
Kelso
Bridge club
November 13 – Rose Bowl 3 – N/S –1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, Archie Stewart and Billy Potts; 3, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Brian Saywood and Ken Ross; 2, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 3, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger. November 14 – Children in Need – N/S –1, Jim Stone and Annie Mitchell; 2, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas; 3, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; E/W – 1, Evelyn Erskine and Brian Saywood; 2, Ian Southward and Allison Long; 3, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger.
Museum friends
Friends of Kelso Museum were treated to a different aspect of Flodden when Dr Chris Burgess talked about the reasons for the battle and the outcome.
The fourth and final talk in the November series of lectures will be held on November 27 in the Abbey Row Centre at 7.30pm when Kristian Pedersen speaks about “Doggerland”.
Rotary
Sixteen teams took part in the Rotary quiz night at the rugby club. Winners were Simply Mortgages Plus who took home the Rotary Trophy, plus a prize. Running a close second was the rugby c lub, followed by, in joint third, the cricket club and Kelso Laddies Association. The wooden spoon went to Red Hot Trivia Peppers. Surplus funds from the event will be used by Kelso Rotarians in the delivery of their ongoing youth and community support effort.
Exhibition
Kelso Horticultural Society’s autumn exhibition was held in the Tait Hall. Trophy/prizewinners – three vases of chrysanthemums, Jimmy Givens; most outstanding exhibit in classes 2-15, Tom Hardwick; most points in floral art (two exhibitors with the same points, but the winner with most first places), Moira Matthewson; most outstanding exhibit in floral art, Moira Matthewson; most points in pot plants section, Alex Watson; collection of vegetables, Alan Manning; three pot leeks, Rona Ridley; three blanched leeks, Alan Manning; best exhibit in vegetable section, excluding collections of vegetables, and leek and onion classes, George Blythe; most points in honey section, Sarah Gash; Red Velvet Cake, Stuart Young; most points in baking section, Jane Bell; best exhibit in baking section, Jane Bell; most points in industrial section, Jane Bell; best exhibit in junior section (under 5), Harry Fleming; best exhibit in junior section (5 to 10), Samantha Dagg; best exhibit in junior section (11 to 16), Ewan Donaldson. Best exhibit cash prize winners – chrysanthemums, Tom Hardwick; floral art, Moira Matthewson; pot plants, Jimmy Colledge; vegetables (excluding class 65 – Border Onion Championship), Alan Manning; preserves and other produce, Helen Hope; baking, Jane Bell; handicrafts, Maureen Cranston.
Embroiderers
The next meeting of Kelso Embroiderers’ Guild is on Tuesday, November 26, at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre when Janis Embleton will lead a practical evening on woven boxes. For instructions contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414. The Christmas meeting is on December 3 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Members should bring a small wrapped gift (£5 in value), as well as a plate of eats and own mug. For further information contact Rineke Sangster.
Thursday Group
Just a few days before Remembrance Sunday, it was fitting that Lady McEwan should talk about the Polish soldiers and airmen in the Borders, as well as the story of Voytek the Bear. Today (Thursday), Mary Craig talks about Scotland’s involvement in the slave trade at 2pm in Abbey Row Centre.
Market
Kelso farmers’ market will be taking place in The Square on November 23 (9.30am-1.30pm). The Rezz Youth Centre will be running one of the stalls to raise funds for a Christmas trip. During the past couple of months, the young people have been creating festive treats, such as Christmas cakes, chocolates, cards and decorations. Hot soup will also be on offer.
Guild
Kelso North and Ednam Parish Church Guild met last Thursday when Miss Aitken led the meeting in worship. Speaker for the evening was Sylvia Marchant whose subject was “Iona – a Thin Place”. Her love and knowledge of the island was apparent and the talk was illustrated with views of Iona. The next meeting is in Kelso North Parish Church on November 28. Speaker – Mrs E. Finlay.
Pavilion trip
Kelso Youth Project members are off to see “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” at the Pavilion in Galashiels on November 23. Meet outside the high school entrance at 1.15 pm. To book a place, email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.
Film club
Kelso Youth Project film club season at the Tait Hall continues with the Oscar- winning Lincoln on November 28 at 6.30pm. Doors open at 6pm. Free entrance.
Rangers fans
The bus to the Border Bears Race Day at Galashiels on November 23 leaves Kelso at 1.15pm. Contact Jim on 01573 226240 for more details.
Langholm
Probus
Representatives from organisations which have benefited from the distribution of Probus surplus funds gathered at a club meeting in the Eskdale Hotel. They were – Jim Thomson, Operation Sunshine; John Scott, Day Centre; Andrea Brockley, Playcare; Stella Tait, Friends of Thomas Hope Hospital; Ramsay Johnstone, Young Riders’ Club. Probus president Jack Rae also accepted a donation on behalf of the club.
Play
A murder and mystery play presented by the local amateur dramatic society has been performed this week in the Buccleuch Centre. “And Evermore Shall Be So” is produced by Bob McLure.
LAUDER
WRI
Dr David Long, recently retired from his post as a research botanist at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, was guest speaker at the latest meeting. His main work has involved Himalayan and Chinese botany, particularly cataloguing the plants of Bhutan over 20 years and editing the nine-volume Flora of Bhutan. In addition, he has participated in many botanical expeditions, particularly to India, Nepal, Bhutan and China, but also to South and Central America, the Arctic, southern Africa and the Middle East. His slide show-illustrated presentation – “Plant hunting in China” – was informative, humorous and colourful. Hostess Wendy Paterson proposed the vote of thanks. Competitions – pot plant – 1, Sheila Hardie; 2, Annette Holton; 3, Christine Riddell; jar of chutney – 1, Christine Riddell; 2, Anne Strangeways; 3, Sheila Hardie. President Janette Waldie attended to the usual business items and thanked the large turnout of members and visitors for attending. The next meeting is on December 3 (7.30pm) in the primary school, featuring Norah Lonie and Christmas decorations. Competitions – table decoration using a candle and three shortbread fingers.
AGM
Lauderdale Library will hold its AGM at 7pm on November 28 in the Old Jail.
Melrose
Quiz
Melrose Waverley Tennis Club is holding a quiz night on November 23 in Darnick Village Hall (7pm for 7.30pm).Teams can be up to six. Anyone not part of a team is welcome because they can be fitted into a team. More information is available from Pat Nicholson on 01835 823924.
Turn to page 28
From page 27
Family history
Borders Family History Society is hosting a lecture on November 24 at 2.30pm in the Corn Exchange and Ormiston Institute. This year, 2013, marks the 175th anniversary of the total abolition of British slavery in the New World. In the past, many historians have ignored the part Scottish people played as owners and managers of slave plantations in British colonies such as Jamaica. But in his talk, Professor Geoffrey Palmer, born in Jamaica, will outline various aspects of Scottish/Jamaican historical connections in terms of family ties, property, culture, economics and Robert Burns.
Trimontium
In May 1898, in one of James Curle’s many letters to the British Museum over a 40-year period, he asks if they know of anyone who would “do” a good bookplate for him – i.e. the label that people used to paste in their books, probably in an attempt to ensure that if loaned out it might eventually come back. The design on the bookplate was the big window and the little doorway of the south front of Melrose Abbey, which Curle would see every morning when he came out of the front door of Priorwood. The other day a local antiquarian came to the museum and produced a framed print of the bookplate which he had snapped up at an auction in Montrose.
Parish church
The Traidcraft Christmas sale raised £1,800. November 21 – 2,30pm, guild, “Out of Africa...”; 7.30pm, kirk session; November 24 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); church magazine deadline; November 27 – midweek service and lunch (December 18 Christmas lunch tickets will be available).
Literary society
At a joint meeting of the town’s literary society and historical and archaeological association last Tuesday, Catherine Maxwell Stuart (Lady Laird of Traquair) and archivist Margaret Fox presented an illustrated talk based on their book, “The Stuarts at Traquair: 1491–1875”. Melrose Literary Society meets fortnightly in the Ormiston Institute at 7.30pm. The next gathering is on November 26 – and the subject is “Wilfred Owen and Benjamin Britten: War Requiem”. Further details are available from.melrose.bordernet.co.uk/literary-society or Peter Hoad (01896 823852).
Midlem
WRI
Sheena Galloway, president, welcomed members to the AGM and after the office bearers read their reports, the new committee was formed. The cup for most points received in the monthly competitions was won by Sheena Galloway, with Anne Cochrane runner- up, followed by Margot Hastie.
The evening’s prize for three mince pies was won by Anne Cochrane, with Sheena Galloway runner-up and Irene Cotter third. Competition for a fancy teaspoon – 1, Dilys Wheelans; 2, Anne Cochrane; 3, Sheila Swanston. The next meeting is the Christmas night out which will be held at the Glen Hotel on December 10 (7pm for 7.30pm) when the competition will be for a handmade Christmas card.
Morebattle
Remembrance
There was a good attendance at the war memorial where Linda Fleming took the service. Douglas Hall and Angus Johnston laid the wreath, and Alison Fleming played the pipes. This was followed by a service in the church conducted by Dr Ian Clark.
WRI
The Border Tarts entertained at the AGM and Eileen Woodward gave the vote of thanks. Competitions – jar of chutney – 1, Nancy Anderson; 2, Margaret Blackmore; 3, Mary Pringle; Christmas candle – 1, Marian Dumma; 2, Marie France Taylor; 3, Helen Cessford. Lizzie Thomson and Mary Pringle were joint winners of the cup for most points – 28 – while Nancy Anderson’s 24 earned her the runner’s-up slot. Two new people were appointed to the committee – Janette Stenhouse and Catherine Mabon. Mary Pringle is the new president, with Catherine Mabon vice-president. Arrangements were made for the Christmas party.
Coffee morning
A coffee morning held last Saturday for Kelso Cadets raised £335. Margaret Lees won the hamper, Sandra Darling the sweets and Cheryn Easton-Wisniewsi the basket of vegetables.
Hospital fundraiser
There will be a coffee morning in the institute on December 7 for the Sick Children’s Hospital, Edinburgh.
Carols
The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Morebattle Games Queen, with carols round the tree in the institute grounds on December 1 at 6.30pm.
Pavilion trip
See Kelso section.
Film club See Kelso section.
NEWTOWN
WRI
At the AGM a new committee was elected. Office bearers – president, Mary Redburn; vice-president, Nan Ruthven; secretary, Elaine Thornton-Nicol; treasurer, Elizabeth Lindsay. Winner of the Trudy Green Cup for most competition points over the year was Margaret Luke. Competition – hand-made poppy – 1 (equal), Lorna Dickson and Elaine Thornton-Nicol. The next meeting is on December 5 when members will enjoy a Chistmas meal out – venue to be arranged.
Oxnam
Library cafe
The latest library cafe was well attended and hosted by Frank and Margaret Clayton, with help from Carrie Scott, Sharne Delabeque and Elspeth Currie. The next cafe is on November 27 (11am) with hosts Linda Johnson, Carrie Scott and Susan Corbett. Non-library members welcome.
Selkirk
Monday Club
At 2pm on November 25 at St Joseph’s Church hall, John Pack will give a photograph-illustrated talk entitled “Tigers in India”.
Presentation
A presentation was made to Father Robert Afayori following his move to new parishes at Duns and Eyemouth at a ceremony in the hall of the Church of Our Lady and St Joseph’s on Sunday. He received a quaich with the Selkirk coat of arms, a framed photograph of the church and its new window, and a wallet of notes. The presentations, which were made by Douglas Turnbull, with parish priest Father Basil Clark in attendance, were followed by a buffet. The group was joined by guests from other churches. Mass will be celebrated at the usual time next Sunday, together with a collection following the disaster in the Philippines.
Stichill
Dance
The St Andrew’s Night dance in the village hall on Saturday (November 23) starts at 7 for 7.30pm.
Walkerburn
Service
The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be held on Sunday, December 15, at 10am.
Keeping warm
A Winter Warmth and Wellness Information Day will be held in Walkerburn Village Hall on November 27 (10.30am-3pm). There will be lots of information on how to keep warm and well during the winter months, as well as keeping fuel bills down. Stalls include Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, Home Energy Scotland, Scottish Borders Council emergency planning department, NHS Borders Healthy Living Network and Borders First Responders.
Yetholm
Fair
A Christmas shopping fair, organised by community councillors, will be held in the Border Hotel on November 28 (1-8pm), featuring local crafts, mulled wine and a raffle.
Treasure trove
Members of the history and archaeology society heard that treasure trove can take many forms – and this was demonstrated by Dr Natasha Ferguson when she gave a talk at this month’s meeting. A member of the National Museum of Scotland’s treasure trove unit, she projected a wide range of objects, including coin hoards, weapons. cannon balls and jewellery made during the last 3,000 years. Photographs of such objects could be a starting point for the proposed heritage centre for the village because the unit lends artefacts to secure local heritage centres.
Lunch
A village lunch will be held today (Thursday) in the Wauchope Hall, with proceeds going to the primary school.
Shepherds
Retired local shepherds reminiscing about their lives took centre stage during filming in the Plough Hotel for an ITV documentary with Robson Green. Taking part were Jim Mallen,Bert Redpath and Gil Telfer.
Pavilion trip
See Kelso section.
Film club
See Kelso section.