Ancrum
WRI
Elected at the AGM were – president, Mrs Allan; vice-president, Mrs Butler; treasurer, Mrs Goodfellow; secretary, Mrs Smail; minute secretary, Mrs Law; press secretary, Mrs Sinton. Committee – Mrs Dorricott, Mrs McDonald, Mrs Little and Mrs Wight. Cups were presented – most points – Mrs R. Sinton; runner-up, Mrs J. Butler; cookery, Mrs R Sinton; handicrafts, Mrs M. Dorricott and Mrs R. Sinton. Competitions – best-dressed haggis – Mrs R. Sinton; four shortbread fingers – Mrs R. Sinton.
Broomlands
WRI
The Christmas party meeting featured a quiz night, followed by supper supplied by members. Everyone brought a wrapped Christmas parcel, which was judged for the competition. First prize went to Helen Cavers, with Moira Nicholson and Joan Turnbull runner-up and third respectively.
Caddonfoot
Church
The second Sunday service of Advent was celebrated in Caddonfoot Church on Sunday when the Candle of Hope was lit by Hannah Birch. Proceedings were conducted by the Reverend Marion Dodd and lessons read by session clerk Anne Grieve. The theme of the Reverend Dodd’s address was the life of Nelson Mandela. It was also the last opportunity to sign the call for the Reverend Elspeth Harley, the new minister, who is expected to conduct her first service in February. Sunday was also a Gift Service Day and members of the congregation donated cash for Borders children’s charities. Christmas newsletters and the list of festive services are being delivered this week. A watchnight service with Trinity Church will be held on December 24 at 11pm.
Atholl Innes is asking members to save their Christmas stamps to help raise cash for the Eden Valley Hospice at Brampton.
DARNICK
WRI
Flower arranger Joyce Tinlin sang a special song relating to each arrangement she produced. Competition – floral arrangement in an egg cup – 1, Mrs Crosbie; 2, Mrs Waldie; 3, Mr Arthur. Today (Thursday) the village hall will host the Christmas party which starts at 7.15pm. Members should bring a supper plate for the buffet table. The January meeting is the birthday meal at Quins in Galashiels.
EARLSTON
Parish church
The nativity service on December 15 at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. Carol services at Hanover Lounge (3pm) and Grangehall Nursing Home (2.15pm) will be held on December 16 and 17 respectively. An Advent service will be held on December 18 at 7pm in the church.
Guide post
The last collection is on December 14 at noon for delivery on 16th. The post box is in Aquarius Hair Design.
Edgerston
WRI
The rural’s 86th birthday lunch was held in The Clocktower, Jedburgh, on December 4. Afterwards, a draw took place and the winner of the wood-turned pen, donated by Alan Thompson, was won by Joan Badger. The points cup went to Evelyn Grierson. Best wrapped present – 1, Joan Badger; 2, Celia Badman; 3, Maggie Greenwood.
Ettrickbridge
Fundraiser
The next village hall fundraiser is on December 16 at 7.15pm when Selkirk Silver Band play Christmas carols. Tickets from Linda on 01750 52257.
Galashiels
Probus
At a meeting held in the Kingsknowes Hotel on November 28, members were given an illustrated talk by James (Lord) Joicey about the Battle of Flodden and the ecomuseum set up to celebrate its 500th anniversary (www,flodden1513).com. The next meeting will be held today (Thursday), starting at 10am.
Shopping evening
Royal Voluntary Service funds will be swelled tonight (Thursday) at a Christmas Indulgence Shopping Night (6-8pm) held in North Wheatlands Mill, Wheatlands Road.
Camera club
Last night’s men v women competition marked the final meeting of this session for Galashiels Camera Club. Gatherings resume on January 8 at 7.30pm – opening with a quiz entitled “Where in the world?” Members meet for their Christmas meal on Friday, January 10.
GLENDOUGLAS
Call My Bluff
The winning team was Linda McCall, Lenny Wyse and Rob Hogg.
Carols
December 16 sees carols round the Christmas tree at 7pm with Jedforest Instrumental Band.
Demonstration
A seasonal floral demonstration evening with Ruby Brown from Jedburgh will be held on December 18 (7pm). Bring along greenery and containers to make an arrangement and any other items you wish to use. Flowers will be available to buy on the night.
Dancing
The old-time dancing party night is on December 19 (7.30pm) – bring and share supper.
Games
A games evening will be held on December 27 from 6pm.
Hawick
Film and Video Group
One of the founding members of the club, Scott Renwick presented a programme of his films.
Camera club
Les Miller, accompanied by his son Nigel (who took care of the computer and technical aspects), presented a talk entitled “Photographing the Alps”. The meeting on December 12 will be a practical night about “Sequences”.
Rotary
Due to the speaker calling off at the last minute, club member and past president Jack Swanston stepped into the breech at last week’s meeting to give an illustrated talk on three air trips he had made across the Borders – two in a helicopter and one in a single-engined plane. At an earlier meeting, Galashiels firefighter Rachel Harris spoke about firefighting through the ages. The Great Fire of London saw moves towards a more organised service in Britain, initially mainly organised by insurance companies, until brigades were taken over by local authorities. She explained what it was like to be a firefighter today – starting with the selection process, training at Gullane and then to a station to start work.
Camera club
The annual three-way competition between Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick took place last Wednesday, with the former hosting the event. Result – 1, Galashiels (254 points); 2, Hawick (249); 3, Selkirk (218). Hawick member Sel Messer was awarded full marks for his digital image “Reflections”. The meeting on December 19 will be an informal competition between the president and vice-president and their teams. This will be followed with a Christmas buffet.
Hownam
Towford WRI
Joyce Luby demonstrated how to make sparkly Christmas boxes at last month’s meeting. The competition for a decorated witch’s hat was won by Sue Aitchison, while the Ann Douglas Trophy for a knitted jumper went to Jean Douglas. All jumpers are to go to South Africa for underprivileged children. The Points Trophy was jointly won by Jean Douglas and Margaret Hornsby. This gathering was also the annual business meeting and all office bearers and committee members were appointed. Members enjoyed a meal at the Glenbank Hotel, Jedburgh, on December 3. Successes of individuals and the group at the federation show were celebrated and trophies presented. Margaret Jeffrey was presented with a certificate and gift for 50 years of involvement in Towford rural. The next meeting is on January 7 at 7.30pm in Hownam Hall. This will be a try-and-taste evening with everyone bringing a favourite recipe. Competition – a slice of Christmas cake.
Innerleithen
Service
The service on Sunday in Innerleithen Church will be at 11.30 am. There will be a carol service in the church at 6.30pm.
Coffee morning
St Ronan’s Border Games Committee’s winter coffee morning raised £400 towards Games Week 2014.
Jedburgh
Bridge club
December 2 – N/S – 1. A.and R. Stewart; 2, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 3, R. Oates and S.West; E/W – 1, K. Jackson and D. Cairns; 2, M. and H. Ouldcott; 3, D. Cessford and D. Gray. November 25 – N/S – 1, O. Whillans and A. Ireland; 2, A. and R. Stewart; 3, T. Davidson and M. Allan; E/W – 1, M. Forsyth and P. Harris; 2, I. Middleton and D. Cessford; 3, N. Porter and S. Graham.
Probus AGM
President, Kennie Hogg; vice-president, Ian Weir; secretary/ treasurer, vacant; committee, Kennie Hogg, Ian Weir, Harry Wright, Michael Smith and Jim Thomson.
Historical society
Paul Brough, from The Heritage Hub and Archives Centre in Hawick, outlined plans for the centre aimed at benefiting historians and family researchers. He also illustrated the range of materials it held. The next talk is in the British Legion on December 12 at 7.30pm when Chris Veitch will recreate the ramblers’ club walk around the Jedburgh of 1913.
Exhibition
Jedburgh Grammar School pupils are holding a Christmas cake and craft exhibition in the school on December 17 and 18.
AGM
Roxburghshire Federation WRI held its AGM in The Thistle Pavilion. Reports were given by office bearers on activities which had taken place during the year, including the recent very successful show. The entertainment convener gave a resume of the events planned for the coming year, including the annual quiz and the trip to St Andrews in May. It has been decided to suspend the Reading Aloud competition meantime. The H&H rally will take place in May in Jedburgh Town Hall. As Liz Jackson and Helen Moffat have completed their terms as central councillors, Caroline Tullie and Ann Reid have been elected to take their place and were presented with their badges of office. Liz and Helen were presented with orchid plants as a token of appreciation. Gweyn Williamson of Midlem was elected press secretary on the retiral of Elizabeth Topp who was presented with a gift. Hermitage members were winners of the competition for best syllabus which was in celebration of their 90th birthday and gave a history of the rural, with Midlem runners-up. The federation plans to hold a dinner in October to celebrate its 90th birthday. Elizabeth Jackson (01450 372511) would be pleased to hear from anyone wishing to join.
Kelso
Thursday Group
Members were transported to Antarctica by Captain Mike Perry to follow the experiences of research teams who spend several months of the year in that region. Today (Thursday), at the Christmas tea, Trevor Black will talk about his life as an auctioneer and value objects brought by members – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre.
Guild
Kelso North and Ednam Guild met in Kelso North Parish Church on November 28. Speaker Elizabeth Finlay reminded members of the many changes in day-to-day living, a world of make do and mend, hard work and hard times, but also of neighbourliness and hospitality. Mrs P. Donaldson thanked her for her reminiscences of the past. The guild meets again on December 12 for a Christmas evening with the Reverend Tom McDonald.
Bridge club
December 4 – Celtic Pairs and Rose Bowl 4 – N/S – 1, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; 2, Alex Jeffrey and Jock Dun; 3, Bob Stevenson and Annie Mitchell; E/W – 1, Lee Leeson and John Hayton; 2 David Harris-Burland and Ruth Mackay; 3, Mary and Nigel Lindsay. December 5 – match-pointed pairs – 1, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 4, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson. November 27 – Abbey Salver 4 – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 2 (equal), John and Marian Miller, Dominic and Diana Alkin; E/W – 1, Ian and Eliz Ross; 2, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart; 3, Jean Bunyan and Val Fairbairn. November 28 – Calchou Cup 6 – N/S –1, Jean McLaren and Ken Ross; 2, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, Bob Stevenson andNancy Porter. E/W – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 3, John and Marian Miller.
Museum friends
Friends of Kelso Museum’s final talk in the autumn series was delivered by Kristian Peterson who kept the audience enthralled by his description of “Doggerland” and what this part of the world would have been like many thousands of years ago. The next series of talks resumes on March 5.
Probus
Kelso and District Probus Club last Thursday elected its first female president – Veronica Saunders, who has been club secretary for several years.
Library friends
Friends of Kelso Library enjoyed an afternoon of refreshments and Christmas readings last Wednesday when members and their guests entertained. Alasdair Hutton also delivered extracts from his book, “Tattoo Fox”.
Scout post
Kelso Explorer Scout Group ls running a Christmas card postal service for Kelso and Ednam. The recommended donation is 25p. Boxes will be situated at Seasons Coffee Shop in Roxburgh Street and at James Stewart and Son, Woodmarket, tomorrow (Friday) and Saturdav. All cards will be delivered bv Christmas Eve. Part of the money raised will be going to the Cash for Kids charity which helps disabled and disadvantaged children from birth to age 18. Any cards addressed outwith Kelso or Ednam, and any
unaddressed envelopes will be recycled.
Fair
See Yetholm district.
Lauder
WRI
Meeting at Lauder Primary School last week, members heard Norah Lonie, from Loanhead, speak about Christmas decorations, as well as reciting three humorous poems. She gives her time to help Macmillan Cancer Care and has raised £1,600 this year, making an approximate total of £12,000. Norah recently donated a reclining chair to Borders General Hospital. She judged the competitions which resulted – table decoration using candle – 1, Christine Brandeschi; 2,Anne Strangeways; 3, Wendy Paterson; shortbread fingers – 1, Joanne Watson; 2, Christine Riddell; 3, Sheila Hardie. Members then exchanged Christmas gifts. The next meeting is the Scots Night – Ian Brotherston Concert Party –in the Lauderdale Hotel on January 17 – names to Janette Waldie (01578 722273). Competitions – four rum truffles and a kilt pin.
Lindean
WRI
President Margaret Milne welcomed members and guests to the Christmas party when they were entertained by five ladies from the music group Quintessence. After supper provided by the members , the talented ladies from Hawick led carol singing. The competition for a wrapped gift was won by Margaret Milne, Valerie Mayo and Diana Murray. Santa had left sacks of presents and there was a special raffle to ending the evening.
melrose
Trimontium
Pupils from Priorsford Primary last week route-marched from Old Drygrange Bridge at Leaderfoot to the Newstead milestone before going to the museum in Melrose. At the quarterly meetings of the Trimontium and museum trust, held in the Ormiston, Stephen Huyton, the intern shared between SBC Museums and Trimontium, spoke on his work. A number of new papers attached to the inspection of the museum’s accredited status were approved, relating to additional requirements about the environment, responsibilities of (and towards) volunteers, policies for conservation, access (including ‘Take the train to Trimontium’) communications and Forward Plan up to 2015. Mention was made of steps being taken to try to have the Bradford Report of the 1989-98 dig completed and possible implications for the museum. The once-a-month walks at Old Melrose, led by Ian Skinner and starting on Easter Monday, would continue in 2014, as would liaison with Melrose Historical and Archaeological on the investigation of the peninsula in the context of the central Tweed valley.
Church
Activities – Scout post available till December 21; St Mary’s School carol service today (Thursday) at 10am; December 14 –Newstead Hall carols, carols in Melrose Square at 6pm; December 15 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am), 7.30pm, Eildon Singers’ Christmas concert; December 18 – 11.45am, midweek service and Christmas lunch.
Morebattle
Fund boost
About £90 was raised for the Morebattle defibrillator fund at a collection when refreshments were served in the institute following the switching on of the Christmas lights by the Games Queen and carol singing round the tree.
Fair
See Yetholm district.
Playgroup
See Yetholm district.
Newmill
WRI
Newmill and Teviothead members were last week treated to The Festive Fare, presented by Caroline Tullie and Jan Little (aka The Nutcrackers), featuring no-pastry quiche to strawberry Santas, with lots of other inspirational goodies in between. Competitions – jar of home-made mincemeat – Muriel Baptie, Trish Kirkpatrick and Liz Howieson; favourite Christmas tree decoration – Liz Howieson, Alison Barker
Turn to page 28
From page 27
and Trish Kirkpatrick. The 2013 federation show will be discussed at the next meeting on January 7 at 7.30pm when PC Patterson will be giving a talk on bogus callers. Competitions – a copper item and piece of Christmas cake.
Newtown grant
Newtown and St Boswells Community First Responders – a group of volunteers who support the Scottish Ambulance Service by providing early intervention in the event of life-threatening heart conditions – has been awarded a grant of £6,590 by Awards for All, part of the Big Lottery Fund. The cash will allow the group to buy the most up-to-date defibrillator used by first responders, a medical response bag, uniforms and a range of training equipment. Newtown and St Boswells Community First Responders have been operating for about six months, with four trained volunteers. More volunteers are needed and anyone interested should email boswellsfr@operamail.com or telephone 07881 647818.
Christmas lights
About 200 people took part in the torchlight procession and festive lights switch-on around the Christmas tree with Father Christmas, piper, brass band and carols. Afterwards, the Community Wing was bulging at the seams with people enjoying refreshments and shopping at the large variety of stalls. George Luke, community council chairman, thanked the volunteers who helped make the day success, Councillor Michelle Ballantyne, who switched on the lights, St Boswells Silver Band, local businesses and particularly Milestone Garden Centre for their support.
Bazaar
The Christmas b azaar in aid of Newtown Church funds realised £1,617.83. Prizewinners – value of Christmas hamper – Cath Park; runner-up, Margo Harper; guess weight of Christmas cake – Nathan Armstrong; runner-up, Shenagh Ellershaw; number of balloons in limo – Mrs Doyle; runners-up,Shona Cathro, Elvira Denoon and Margaret Gladstone.
Oxnam
Cafe
The last library cafe on November 27 was well attended with some new faces. It was hosted by Linda Johnson, Carrie Scott and Susan Corbett. The final cafe this year will be a Christmas special held on Wednesday, December 18, hosted by Margaret Clayton, Carrie Scott and Elspeth Currie.
Selkirk
Charity sale
Marion Hutchison and Dorothy Torrance will be in the pop-up shop at 23 High Street on December 14 (9am-4pm), selling hand-made bears, bags, quilts and snakes, plus other bits and pieces. All proceeds will go to Cystinosis Foundation UK, in support of Marion’s granddaughter Morven and others who suffer from this rare genetic condition.
Stow
Fair
The church Christmas fair will be held in Stow Town Hall on December 14 from 10am until noon.
Traquair
Service
Traquair Kirk hosts a carol service on Christmas Eve at 7pm.
yetholm
History society
Yetholm History Society members enjoyed a Christmas dinner held in the Plough Hotel. John Nicol from Selkirk provided entertainment. No stranger to the village, having appeared in numerous productions in the Wauchope Hall, recited amusing monologues and also sang. At the end of the evening, the chairman, David Hutchinson, proposed a vote of thanks.
Storm
On Thursday morning the village woke up to storm-force winds and lashing rain. The road to Kelso was blocked by an overturned lorry and a fallen tree made the Cornhill road impassable. However, by mid-morning the storm abated and travel soon returned to normal.
Art group
Yetholm welcomed Kelso Art Group to the village on Saturday. Members took over the Youth Hall as a venue for a day school.
Party time
The Friends of the Primary School will be holding a children’s party in the Wauchope Hall on December 21 (2-4pm). Tickets may be purchased from the village shop. A pub quiz also raised money for the school.
Choir
Yetholm Ladies’ Choir are about to go into action with Christmas-themed concerts.The first will be at 3pm in Kelso Old Parish Kirk on December 15, followed by another at 3pm on December 22 in Yetholm Parish Kirk. In addition to the ladies and their conductor, Geoffrey Emerson, Kate Fish and Roy Howell will also be taking part.
Fair
A Christmas fair will be held on December 14 from 10.30am in the Youth Hall for the young people of Kelso, Morebattle and Yetholm. Donations are needed and can be dropped off at the Youth Hall the previous day (4-6pm) and from 9am on the day itself. Ring Ian (01573 420703) for further information.
Playgroup
Morebattle and Yetholm Playgroup will have spaces available from January. Children can start at two years of age and the group meets three times a week in Yetholm Primary School. More information is available by telephoning Melanie on 01573 440646.