Ancrum
WRI
Members dined out at Lilliardsedge Caravan Park for their Christmas meal. Competition – best-wrapped present – 1, J. Charles; 2, R. Sinton; 3, D. Canby; 4, J. Butler. The next meeting is on February 12 when Jennifer Smith will give a talk on her visit to Uganda. Competitions – slice of Christmas cake and an artefact from abroad.
Caddonfoot
Church
The second Sunday of Epiphany was celebrated on Sunday when the service was conducted by the Reverend Marion Dodd. Lessons were read by Hamish Tennant. The induction of the new minister of the charge, linked with Trinity in Galashiels, the Revered Elspeth Harley, will take place on January 31 at 7 pm in Trinity Church. The kirk session’s Caddonfoot meeting scheduled for January 22 has been cancelled.
Cogsmill
Dance
The next old-time Scottish country dance will be on January 24 at 8pm, with Gordon Brown playing. Booking advisable – phone Mary (373722) or Christine (372921).
Burns supper
The Burns supper is on February 1 when some of Hawick’s top entertainers will be performing. Only a few tickets left – phone Christine (372921).
WRI
The next WRI meeting takes place on February 12 at 7.30pm with a hair-care demonstration by Lisa Donaldson.
Denholm
Whist
There is a whist drive in the village hall on January 24 (7.30pm) in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Earlston
Camera club
Members entertained each other at the latest meeting, with presentations from Allan and Eleanor Drummond, Peter Moore and Curtis Welsh. These covered subjects from family history photographs to images from a recent holiday and war cemeteries in France. Member Angela Jewell had the difficult task of judging the competition, with images to be inspired by a book, film or poem title. The print category was won by Stephen Morris, with Curtis Welsh second and Allan Drummond third. The best digital entry was judged to be from Eleanor Drummond, with Stephen Morris and Linsey Anderson awarded second and third respectively.
Parish church
The service on January 19 at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods.
edgerston
WRI
An informal meeting was held last Wednesday when the new programme was discussed. Competition – three scones – 1, Rosemary Wilkes; 2, Jackie Dun; 3, Mary Upton. The raffle was won by Evelyn Grierson.
ettrickbridge
Dinner
Tickets are on sale for the annual dinner in aid of village hall funds on March 1 from Linda Elmitt (01750 52257). Speakers will be Ian Landles (Hawick) and Eric Paxton (Kelso), with Tommy Knox, Jimmy Gibb and Darren Knox providing music.
galashiels
Probus
Club member Ian Skinner gave a talk entitled “Knickerbocker Glory” about the natural ice industry on the Hudson River in the USA during the late 19th century. The largest company in the industry was the Knickerbocker Ice Co., from which the ice cream sundae was named. Next meeting – February 13 (10am).
Clef Club
The next meeting is on January 18 at 7.30pm in the Lucy Sanderson Hall, Tweed Terrace. Featuring local artists, the programme includes music for string quartet by Haydn, a baroque trio, solo piano and songs for Burns night, plus music played on a 180-year old harp. For more details, contact Elizabeth Fraser (01896 752375) or go to http://onlineborders.org.uk/community/galaclefclub.
U3A
The next meeting of The Three Brethren U3A will take place on January 20 at 2pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall, Tweed Crescent. The topic will be “Melrose in Bloom” – a brief history of the foundation and development of this award-winning volunteer group – by Vivien Chisholm, a founder member. Prospective U3A members are also welcome.
Glendouglas
Hall
The hall whist drive on the second Monday of every month and the lunch club (second Wednesday) have resumed after a festive break.
WRI
George Wright spoke about his two-year service with King’s Own Scottish Borderers, spending most of it in Malaya. Competition – 1, Catriona Graham; 2, Iris Willacy. The raffle was won by Sandra Jeffrey.
Hawick
Camera Club
Former club member John Peters, winner of several prestigious photographic awards and competitions throughout his career, presented an inspirational talk on digital photography featuring contrast and exposure controls in particular. His lecture was carefully planned to take the audience step by step through the various computer processing stages, including exposure bracketing and dodging/burning techniques. The resulting effects of this work were projected onto the club’s large screen. The vote of thanks was proposed by Bert Lancaster.” The January 23 meeting includes the colour competition, with Suzanne Alderson judging. Members are requested to submit entries for the sequence competition at this time.
Rotary
Thirty Rotarians attended the latest meeting when President Scott Elliot welcomed members from Jedburgh and Langholm clubs – the latter’s traditional first-footing visit to Hawick. After a meal, a domino tournament was held which resulted in victory for Langholm president Tom Stoddart, who defeated Andrew Suddon, from the host club. Semi-finalists were Howard Ashton-Smith and Gus Neilson. The evening was arranged by Kerr Scott and the prizes were provided and presented by President Scott.
Heiton
WRI
Eighteen members attended this month’s meeting which featured games and a quiz. Competition – favourite Christmas card –1, Sandra Craig Littlewood; 2, Elizabeth Nowakoski; 3, Ann Bacon.
AGM
Heiton and District Horticultural Society’s AGM is on February 4 at 7pm in the village hall.
Hownam
Towford WRI
A “taste and try” evening was held on January 7, with everyone bringing an item of food to taste and the recipe so that other members could make the dish at home. Members also tried out crochet, with impressive results from beginners. Competition – slice of Christmas cake – 1, Frances Armstrong; 2, Joanne Douglas. The family evening is the next meeting on February 4 at 7.30pm in Hownam Hall. Supper will be provided followed by musical entertainment. Everyone welcome. Competition – a glass of fruit punch.
innerleithen
Countdown Club
The club meets on January 22 at 10.30am in Innerleithen Parish Church hall.
Service
The service in Innerleithen Church on January 19 will be at 11.30am. There is also a service in St Ronan’s House at 4 pm.
Jedburgh
Bridge club
January 6 – N/S – 1, I. Weir and M. Hardy-Bishop; 2, A. and R. Stewart; 3, D. Cessford and D. Gray; E/W – 1, R. Oates and S. West; 2, P. Harris and M. Forsythe; 3, A. Ireland and M. Weightman.
Kelso
Guild
Kelso North and Ednam parish guild last Thursday held a joint meeting with Women Together in the Bonar Room. Entitled “Let Us Entertain You”, Miss M. Aitken and Mrs V. Bolton led the devotions. Three guild members performed humorous poetry readings. Members of the drama group then entertained with two sketches. After supper, the meeting ended with saying grace. The next meeting will be held on January 23 when the Reverend John Shields is speaker.
Church
With a few late donations, the final total of the Kelso North and Ednam parish collections taken over the Christmas period for the BGH Special Care Baby Unit amounted to £1,817. Last Sunday evening, Abbey Consort gave a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in Kelso North. Earlier in the day, services were held in both churches. The kirk session meets tonight (Thursday) at Kelso North at 7.30pm, and Broomlands Primary School Parent Council has organised a Movie Night in the same venue tomorrow (Friday) when the animated film “Brave” will be showing at 7pm. Tickets will be on sale at the end of the month for the Seder Meal, in Kelso Rugby Club on April 11, followed by Scottish dancing, with music provided by Gordon Brown, and a buffet supper. Short lunchtime services organised by Kelso Churches Together to mark the Week of Prayer of Christian Unity will be held from January 20-24 in Kelso Old Parish Church from 12.45-1pm. A service in the Old Parish Church on January 26 starts at 6.30pm. This Sunday follows the normal pattern, with services being held at Ednam (9.30am) and Kelso North (11am).
Thursday Group
Duncan McCosh will today (Thursday) talk about his visit to Jaipur in India and the Jaipur Limb charity in the Abbey Row Centre at 2pm. Next week, Scottish Borders Council convener Graham Garvie will deliver a talk entitled “Local government – has it a future?” For more information and a syllabus, phone Isabel (01573 224753).
Bridge club
January 8 – BGB Sim. Pairs – N/S – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt; 3, Mary and Nigel Lindsay; E/W – 1, Archie Stewart and Billy Potts; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Stuart Graham and Ian Watson. January 9 – Calchou Cup 7 – N/S – 1, Rena and Archie Stewart; 2,Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 3, Jim Stone and Alison Ireland; E/W – 1, Miles Browne and John Urquhart; 2,Mary Logan and Alison Darling; 3, Nancy Porter and Jock Dun.
Film night
Kelso Youth Project Film Club will be showing Warm Bodies (12A) at the Tait Hall on January 23. Doors open 6pm – film starts 6.25pm. Entrance is free. For details of the remaining films, to shown during the 2013/2014 season, email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.
Workshop
A few places are left for the mosaic workshop on January 18, part of a group of four at the Abbey Row Community Centre (10am-12.30pm). Email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com to book a place.
The Hobbit
Bookings are being taken for Kelso Youth Project’s visit to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug at The Maltings, Berwick, on February 1 (2.30pm). More information from ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.
Board plea
Volunteers are wanted to join the board of Cheviot Youth and help make the Kelso Youth Project a central part of the life of the town. No particular experience necessary, just drive, enthusiasm and the willingness to give a few hours a month. Anyone wanting more information should email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.
Langholm
New pitch
Despite an application for funding from sportscotland being turned down, a 3G pitch will be laid at the Scholar’s Field. Dumfries and Galloway Council’s education authority has stepped in and agreed to fund the pitch in full from its capital fund. The facility will be adjacent to the primary school which is being built, and due to open around Easter.
Action group
A meeting of the A7 action group will be held tomorrow (Friday) in the Mosspaul Inn. Discussions will include consultation on the proposed 20mph limit in the town. Members will also debate ideas for the route action plan and hear from BEAR Scotland on how it is dealing with community concerns.
Charity sale
A sale in aid of charities will take place in the High Street premises next to Londis from January 21-25 (10am-4.30pm). Donations are welcome at the shop from January 20, and among the items on sale will be bric-a-brac, household goods, antiques and soft furnishings, but no clothes. Among the causes supported will be Alzheimer’s Scotland, Parkinson’s UK, Cancer Research, and Chest Heart and Stroke.
lindean
WRI
The January meeting featured a collection of photograghs of Old Selkirk from the Clapperton Studio. Janet Mitchell and Aileen Wilson brought back many memories and interesting facts which prompted much discussion and great enjoyment. Competition winners for old sepia or black and white photograph – Edith Scott, Margaret Milne and Sheila Lanza. Raffle winners – May Livingston, Marjorie Lawrie and Aileen Wilson.
Maxton
Gaelic and Burns
Gaelic in the Borders is holding a Taste of Burns ceilidh house on January 24 in Maxton Village Hall, starting at 7.45 pm. This is an informal evening of music, song and poetry (in Gaelic and English) with a haggis supper provided.
Melrose
Church
January 19 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); January 22 – 11.45am, midweek service and lunch; food bank – dried and tinned foods welcome.
Trimontium
The Archaeology Book of the Year deadline for voting is February 7– which is just as well, for the www.archaeology.co.uk website has been forbidden territory for the past week for anybody even trying to access Current Archaeology. When contacted, the editor was unaware. “It must be down for maintenance – but do keep voting this week,” he said.
Literary society
Members had, on January 7, three speakers on the subject of nature writing. Carol Norris spoke about poet John Clare and read extracts from his work, with particular reference to the nightingale. Michael Braithwaite told about the wildflower studies of the 19th-century Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, while Mary Low discussed the relationship between people and animals, particularly in the Borders. The society meets fortnightly in the Ormiston Institute at 7.30pm and the next one is on January 21, featuring “A Projection of Wonder: The Rise of Contemporary Scottish Poetry”, by Bridget Khursheed.
Opera
Members are starting production rehearsals two nights a week (three for principals) for “Patience” at the end of March.”
MINTO
WRI
Christmas lunch in The Cross Keys, Denholm, was attended by 22 members. Competition – Christmas ornament– 1, Gena Hughes; 2, Liz Johnstone; 3, Dee Baxter; 4, Chris Nicol. Subscriptions have risen to £16, due at last Wednesday’s meeting in the Lesser Village Hall. The 31 members and visitors who turned up were given a talk by Alan Bailey who described the setting up and running of Ruberslaw Wild Woods camping site in the grounds of Spittal Tower, near Denholm. Designed as part of agricultural diversification, it is for tents only, excluding camper vans and caravans. Even cars are only allowed at the base part of the site. Competition – insect jewellery (dominated by butterflies) – 1, Dot McLennan; 2, Gena Hughes; 3, Pat Jardine; 4, Pat Welsh.
morebattle
Board plea
See Kelso section.
The Hobbit
See Kelso section.
Film night
See Kelso section.
Workshop
See Kelso section.
Turn to page 28
From page 27
Peebles
Blood donors
At a blood-donor session on January 2, 183 volunteers offered to give blood and 163 donations were made. There were 18 new donors.
smailholm
Crafty
On February 2 (10am-3pm) there will be a craft desatsh fair in Smailholm Village Hall, giving an opportunity for anyone who wishes to try their hand at a new skill and add to current stock. About 20 local crafters are having a clearout of goods which will include jewellery and card-making items, fabrics, buttons and ribbons. The village hall is also to host – on the first Sunday of each month from March and at the same time – a craft market featuring local handmade items. Homemade cakes and cuppas will also be on offer.
STOW
Church
Stow and Heriot Church’s Christmas fair raised £822. The collections from the Fountainhall Christmas Eve and Stow watchnight services, totalling £367, including Gift Aid, are being sent to the partner church in Zomba, Malawi, to help alleviate food shortages. At Sunday’s services, the Reverend Linford reminded everyone that food bank donations are welcome at any time via collection boxes in both churches.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on January 26 at 10am.
Walkerburn
Service
The service in Walkerburn Public Hall on January 19 starts at 10am.
Gardening project
The village hall is to stage, at 4.30pm on January 22, a public meeting to discuss a proposal for a community gardening project. It is hoped this will involve the local allotment and vegetable societies, plus the primary school. The project’s aim is to get all of Walkerburn’s green spaces working for the local community in terms of keeping them well groomed, growing good-quality food and keeping people healthy and in touch with their neighbours – particularly those who may not get out and about as much as they once did. The plan is to share or ‘adopt’ any unused or overgrown gardens or plots of land, encourage people to take up one of the new allotment sites, and get older and younger folks working together and sharing gardening skills. Further details are available from Steve Bonner at the Walkerburn Watch by calling 07502 303898.
YETHOLM
Retiral
Ron Breeze, treasurer of Yetholm Festival Committee, announced his retiral at the January meeting. As well as finances, he excelled in dealing with officialdom regarding to the committee’s parades and rideouts, and insurance matters.
Lunch date
A village lunch will be held today (Thursday) in the Wauchope Hall from noon until 2pm. Any profits go to the Youth Hall.
Burns supper
The Border Worthies Burns supper is in the Border Hotel on February 1. Susan Stewart, The Yett, Kirk Yetholm, has more information and wants to hear from anyone wishing to take part in the entertainment.
Souper Sunday
The second January church gathering took the form of a service followed by a soup and sandwich lunch in Morebattle institute and was well supported by Yetholm residents.
Dry bar
Yethlom Dry Bar is open tonight (Thursday) at 6.30pm in the Youth Hall, featuring a craft session with Ailsa and the Borders Darts Cup first round.
Board plea
See Kelso section.
The Hobbit
See Kelso section.
Film night
See Kelso section.
Workshop
See Kelso section.