Bonchester bridge
Quiz
A quiz and raffle will be held in the Horse and Hound on February 22 at 7.30pm with proceeds going to Rulewater Carpet Bowling Club.
BOWDEN
Cafe
The next meeting of the community cafe is on February 19 at 11am in the village hall.
caddonfoot
Church
The new minister, Elspeth Harley, preached the service on Sunday and lessons were read by Catriona Bird. Congregational board members meet in the church today (Thursday) at 7.30pm. Atholl Innes is grateful to everyone who donated used stamps which he passed on to the Eden Valley Hospice at Brampton.
EARLSTON
Parish church
The 10.15am service on February 16 will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods, followed by the monthly communion in the worship area. The next session meeting is on February 25 at 7.30pm in the church hall lounge.
Camera club
Jonathan Gaunt from Kelso entertained members at their latest meeting, showing images of wildlife he has captured both locally and further afield. Judging the club competition – Wildlife – Jonathan, a Duns Camera Club member, gave first place in the digital category to Linsey Anderson, with Allan Drummond second and Adam Drummond third. First in the print category went to Adam Drummond, with Stephen Morris in second and Curtis Welsh third.
ECKFORD
Concert
Dumfries & Galloway-based Men With Hats bring their Classic Hits Show to the village hall on February 15 (7.30pm) featuring music by the Bee Gees, The Corrs, Shania Twain and many more.
FOUNTAINHALL
WRI
Members meet in the village hall at 7.30pm on February 19 for an art class. Competitions – cheese straws and a piece of pottery. Competition results from January’s meeting – finger puppet – 1, D. Small; 2, C. Sinclair; winter scene photograph – 1, C. Sinclair; 2, D. Small.
Galashiels
U3A
The next meeting of The Three Brethren (U3A) will take place on February 17 at 2pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall, Tweed Crescent. The topic will be “The politics of the Middle East” when the Reverend Alistair Bennett, minister of Bowden and Melrose parish, gives his perspective on this born out of a link between his parish and a school for the blind in Palestine. Prospective members also welcome.
Tickets
Tickets for Galashiels Amateur Operatic Society’s production of Half A Sixpence will be available at its annual coffee morning in the Volunteer Hall on February 15 and thereafter from the 24th at the same venue.
Camera club
The Scottish Mining Museum in Newtongrange was the venue for this year’s 12-way inter-camera club competition on Sunday. Twelve clubs from across the Borders, Lothians and South Lanarkshire put forward their members’ best prints and digital images for judging by Jim Dyas, LRPS (Licentiateship of the Royal Photographic Society), from Law, South Lanarkshire.
Galashiels came a very close second in both print and digital print image categories. Just a point more in both classes would have seen the Borderers take first prize, which went to Livingston.
GLENDOUGLAS
Whist
The monthly whist drive is on February 10 at 7.30pm.
Burns supper
The Burns supper is on February 15 and tickets are still available. For more details, phone the community hotline 01835 840625 or email glendouglashall@btconnect.com.
WRI
Nancy McNichol addressed last Wednesday’s meeting when she gave her personal view of the similarities between Denmark and Scotland. Her links with the Scandinavian nation go back to when, as a Girl Guide, she met a guide from Denmark. Her friendship continues to this day. Competition – holiday photograph – 1, Cath Turner; 2, Francis Minto. The raffle was won by Cathie Johnson. The next meeting – on March 5 at 7.30pm – is the 64th birthday party to which members from other rurals have been invited.
Hawick
Bridge club
February 4 – 1, S. White and J. Urquhart; 2, P. Gilligan and M. Millar; 3, A. Carter and M. Walker; 4, M .Tuson and R. Witherington.
Film and Video Group
Former club president and stalwart member David Peacock presented a talk and demonstration of cine and video technology spanning 50 years from 1964 when he began this hobby until the present day. There was a showing of a short film of Hawick and its folk, made during 2002 which provided a snap-shot of life and the state of industry within the town at the time. The meeting on February 25 will be the annual quiz night.
Camera club
The fifth monthly competition – Sequences – was held last Thursday evening with Hazel and James Frost judging. Digital slideshow – 1, “Tweedlove” by Bert Lancaster; 2, “Auschwitz” by Kenny Baillie; 3, “Food for Thought” by Gordon Gilfether; mounted print – 1, “Flight” by George Sudlow; 2 and 3,“Hanging On” and “My Camera History”, both by Dennis Laing. At the Newtongrange inter-club competition held on Sunday,Hawick was placed seventh. The meeting on February 20 will be the monochrome competition with Tony Cook judging.
Rotary
The club has organised a quiz night in the Catholic Hall tomorrow (Friday) at 7pm. Teams of four – details from Sandy Bannerman (01450 373536, sandybannerman21@btinternet.com). At last week’s meeting treasurer Bob Kellet reported a healthy state of affairs in the club’s finances, while George Rennie, community service convener, said a Rotary pilot project would be applied this spring to P6 pupils at Burnfoot Community School when each pupil would be presented with a D4L – dictionary for life – at a total cost of £112. Robin Mason said the literary high tea for the Reivers Festival in Mansfield clubrooms on March 30 at 4.30pm was arranged when Lucy McRae and Kaye McAlpine, Edinburgh University department of Celtic and Scottish culture, assisted by Billy Young of Langholm, would speak about the Border Reivers. Henry Douglas and Kathy Hobkirk are to sing songs pertaining to the subject. The club congratulated past president Billy McWatters on his appointment as president of the Probus Club and also Jim Walker, who had accepted the post of Rotary Club junior vice-president.
Mass message
Father John Robinson is returning to Edinburgh to resume supply work after serving as temporary administrator in the Borders. A message from Archbishop Leo Cushley was read out at masses in Hawick, Kelso and Jedburgh last weekend. In it, the archbishop thanked Father Robinson for his work in the Borders before revealing: “Father Jeremy Milne, of the Cathedral parish in Edinburgh, now takes up the task of your pastoral care.”
Innerleithen
Service
There will be a communion service in Innerleithen Church on February 16 at 11.30am, followed by a service in St Ronan’s House (4pm).
AGM
The annual general meeting of Innerleithen Horticultural Society will be held in St Ronan’s Hotel on February 18 at 7.30pm.
Ceilidh
St Ronan’s School PTA is holding a family ceilidh on February 21 in the school hall from 7-10.30pm. Tickets are available from the school office or by phoning 01896 830349.
Coffee morning
St Ronan’s School PTA will hold a coffee morning on March 1 in the Vale Club (10am-noon).
Games meeting
The annual public meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games will take place on March 14 in the Vale of Leithen Social Club at 7.30pm.
Jedburgh
Bridge club
February 3 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 2, I. Weir and G. Young; 3, M. Forsythe and M. Weightman; E/W – 1, M. Ouldcott and H. Ouldcott; 2, J. Portch and D. Harris-Burland; 3, R. Oates and S. West.
Mass message
Father John Robinson is returning to Edinburgh to resume supply work after serving as temporary administrator in the Borders. A message from Archbishop Leo Cushley was read out at masses in Hawick, Kelso and Jedburgh last weekend. In it, the archbishop thanked Father Robinson for his work in the Borders before revealing: “Father Jeremy Milne, of the Cathedral parish in Edinburgh, now takes up the task of your pastoral care.”
Rotary
The club held a Burns evening in the Carter’s Rest. Guests included George Turnbull and his grandson, Gareth, a P7 pupil at Howdenburn Primary School, who gave the address to the haggis. Singer and guitarist Kenny Spiers, from Denholm, performed several Burns songs, while Andy Docherty recited from the bard. Club member Steve Smith read out a poem he had written in the style of “To a Mouse”. Ken Fotheringham played keyboard while members sang Burns songs to his accompaniment. The Rotary ladies are utilising the former Selkies shop in High Street for the first two weeks in February as a charity shop. Items for sale include clothing, footwear, books and toys. More than £700 was raised for local charities during the first week. The swear box placed in the Clock Tower restaurant has raised in excess of £30. On February 8, members were in High Street selling silk crocus End Polio Now buttonholes to fund the purchase of vaccine to combat the disease.
Ladies’ Group
Selkie’s Artisan Soaps will feature at the Jedburgh Ladies’ Group meeting on February 19 in the Thistle Pavilion at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
Mini rugby
Jedforest mini rugby’s new seaaon starts on February 16 (10.30-11.30am) at Riverside – P1-7 boys and girls welcome.
Opening night
See Kelso section.
KELSO
Bridge club
February 5 – Abbey Salver 6 – N/S – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Jim and Mary Stone; 3, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Lee Leeson and John Hayton; 3, Jean Bunyan and Val Fairbairn; February 6 – Millennium Trophy 10 – N/S – 1, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 2, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; 3, Pauline Smart and Helenor Pratt; E/W – 1, David Harris-Burland and Lynda Douglas; 2, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 3, Russell Watt and Ian Watson.
Embroiderers
Kelso Embroiderers meet on February 25 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. Members will be “passing on a skill”. Bring sewing kit and a mug. For further information, contact Rineke Sangster 01573 229414.
Quiz night
The horticultural society is holding a quiz night and Irish bingo on February 19 (7.30pm) in the Tait Hall. Entry (teams of four) on the night.
Rangers fans
Tickets for the match against Ayr United this Saturday are available from Jim Vass (01573 226240).
Thursday Group
Members welcomed back art historian Matilda Mitchell who spoke on the life and work of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham whose drawings were recently exhibited at Wilton Lodge. Today (Thursday), Roger Hemming will address the group at 2pm in the Abbey Row Centre. David Thaw is now the speaker for February 27, while Malcolm Ross will address members about the Isle of May next week.
Puppet workshops
Kelso Youth Project has places left for puppet theatre-making workshops starting on February 22 (10am-12.30pm) in Abbey Row Centre. For further information, email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.
Opening night
Kelso Youth Project’s Club Merengue opening night is on February 28, running from 6.30-10pm, in Abbey Row Centre. It features Edinburgh and Borders DJs playing Radio One playlist, classic dance and house tracks. Tickets are available from Seasons in Kelso, and the school offices of Berwickshire High, Jedburgh Grammar and Kelso High. For further information, contact ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.
Mass message
Father John Robinson is returning to Edinburgh to resume supply work after serving as temporary administrator in the Borders. A message from Archbishop Leo Cushley was read out at masses in Hawick, Kelso and Jedburgh last weekend. In it, the archbishop thanked Father Robinson for his work in the Borders before revealing: “Father Jeremy Milne, of the Cathedral parish in Edinburgh, now takes up the task of your pastoral care.”
Langholm
Rotary award
Academy pupil Rebecca Hall won the Rotary district final of the Young Chef competition. She saw off competitors from southern Scotland and Edinburgh area at the Livingston event. She now goes through to the Scottish final.
Burns supper
Gilnockie Burns supper took place last Friday when the chairman was John Caskie of Dumfries. Davie Scott of Duns, chief guest, proposed the Immortal Memory and recited Tam O’ Shanter. Rob Cockburn, also from Duns, proposed the toast to agriculture, with rugby captain Alasdair Cavers replying. Another Dinger, Robin Dodyk, toasted The Lassies and Judith Johnson responded. The singers were Sheila Knox and Vi and Charlie Graham. The haggis was piped in by Ian Bell and carried aloft by P. S. Dhesi, with the chairman making the address.
Fundraiser
The Town Band held a ceilidh in the British Legion last Saturday, with music by The Ceilidh Thistle Band.
lauder
Breakfast
Lauder mums Amanda Jordan, Kate Farnsworth and Ray Theedam Parry are today (Thursday) hosting a breakfast at the local primary school as part the Winston’s Wish fundraising week to raise £50,000 to support bereaved children. They said: “In 2011 two young families at our school lost their dads suddenly and unexpectedly. As a result of this we are taking part in the Winston’s Wish Great British Brekkie to help to make people aware of the great work that this charity does. Our local school have kindly allowed us to run an outdoor pop-up bacon buttie stall for parents during the school rush hour in the morning, as well as a Teatime Treats stall at the end of the school day.” Also today, pupils have been invited to take part in a Winston’s Wish non-school uniform Wear W Day. They can turn up in anything beginning with the letter W – wigs, wands, wellies and walrus outfits!
Historical society
Dr Natasha Ferguson, of National Museums Scotland, will give a presentation entitled “Treasure Trove of the Scottish Borders” on February 19 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Further details from Joan Stevens on 01578 722559.
Lindean
WRI
At the February meeting member Marjorie Lawrie demonstrated different ways herbs could be used in cooking. Competitions – flask of soup – 1, Janet Mitchell; 2, Edith Scott; 3, Val Mayo; paperweight – 1, Edith Scott; 2, Margaret Milne; 3, Margaret Inglis.
Melrose
Church
Winter sunshine greeted the christening at Bowden of Edwin Arthur Bertram Witchell and, at Melrose, of Crombie William Bennett Robertson. February 16 services – Bowden (9.30am); Melrose (10am and 11am). February 20 – 10am, The Historical Jesus; 7.30pm, kirk session; church magazine contributions wanted asap.
Guild
February 13 – 2.30pm, Chris Harvie on “Scott the Man”.
Quartet
February 13 – 7.30pm, music society, Doric String Quartet.
Trimontium
The museum has opened for the school half-term break. Preparation for the opening of the 2014 season in April continues with the arrival of supplies of souvenirs and books, confirmation of speakers for the spring lectures (April 3 and 24, and May 1) and walks programme arranements.
Morebattle
Playgroup
Morebattle and Yetholm Playgroup is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a Birthday Bash (10.30am-2pm) in the Wauchope Hall, Yetholm, on February 22.
Guild
Members held their February meeting in the institute last Thursday night when speaker Stephen Fox gave advice on coping with dementia. Jenny Flannigan proposed the vote of thanks.
AGM
The institute AGM will be held on February 25 at 7.30pm.
Coffee morning
Morebattle Games coffee morning, held on Saturday, raised £330. Competitions – guess the number of sweets – Luke Jackson; lucky number (bottle of wine) – Jennifer Bryce.
Puppet workshops
See Kelso section.
Opening night
See Kelso section.
NEWMILL
WRI
Newmill and Teviothead members welcomed Alan McGee at their latest meeting. Giving a talk on first aid, he spoke about the development and role of the Scottish Ambulance Service and paramedics before going on to demonstrate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Guidelines for CPR change periodically some members were able to update their knowledge. Four volunteers were able to practice on mannequins. Alan shared some of his experiences as a paramedic in a humorous and entertaining way, while never underestimating the seriousness and value of his role. Competition winners – rum truffles – Bettie Rennie, Liz Howieson and Jan Little; favourite milk jug – Elsie Crouch, Muriel Baptie and Jan Little. The next meeting – “The Strive” – will be on March 4, a swap night when members are asked to bring along patterns, material, wool, recipes, etc. they wish to swap or share. Competitions – knitted article for a premature baby (which will be donated to BGH) and an old coin.
Turn to page 28
From page 27
OXNAM
Coffee morning
The kirk coffee morning is being held this Saturday in the Royal British Legion, Jedburgh.
OXTON
WRI
The next meeting is on February 19 at 7.30pm when Jackie McKenzie and her colleague, Clair, will give a talk on dementia. There is also a brain-training exercise. Competition – flower from the garden.
Selkirk
Monday Club
At 2pm on February 17 at St Joseph’s church hall, Hamish Reid will give a presentation about Abbotsford.
Camera club
President’s Candid Competition – 1, John Fair (Sleeping Beauty); 2, Eileen Nichol (Yawning Man); 3, Pauline Fenton (Alone); commended, Pauline Fenton (Chloe).
Antiquarian society
On February 19 at 7.30pm in St Joseph’s Church Hall, Mary Craig will present a talk entitled “Criminality in medieval Borders, beggars, thieves and prostitutes”.
St Boswells
WRI
Last month’s meeting featured a talk from The Vine Trust about their work with young people in other countries. Competition – a cold remedy – 1, Una Forsyth; 2, Marlyn McCall; 3, Jean Blackwood.
STICHILL
WRI
At the February meeting, Erica Smith introduced her fellow members to napkin-folding. Everyone managed to produce a creation following Erica’s instruction. Margaret Dutton gave the vote of thanks. Competitions – folded napkin – 1, Brenda Waring; 2, June Brown; 3, Tanya Campbell; napkin ring – 1, Gaynor Taylor; 2, Frances Rogers; 3, Ann Stoker. The raffle was won by Margaret Cochrane. The next meeting is on March 4 at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Quiz night
The village hall is hosting a quiz night, with supper, on February 28 (7pm for 7.30pm). For tickets and more information, contact Dave Waring (01573 470336).
Teviothead
Burns supper
Despite a last-minute power cut, Teviothead Church’s Burns supper went ahead. Thanks to local electrician Alan Smith and ScottishPower, electricity was reconnected promptly and candles put away. The Immortal Memory was proposed by Gordon Jackson, with Andrew Elliot toasting The Lassies before Marjory Tennant, complete with a popular calendar, replied. Recitations were delivered by John Tullie who also read a poem written by fellow farmer Alan Smith. The musical entertainment was again provided by Stuart Anderson (accordion and song), Louise Douglas (fiddle), and Jennifer Warwick and Dougie Riddell (song). The Reverend Lisa Jane Rankin was in the chair with the haggis (supplied by Huttons of Hawick) carried in by Eric Watson. Catering was provided by The Lassies, with and Pat Douglas proposing the vote of thanks.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk is on February 23 (10am).
Yarrowford
WRI
Members enjoyed a talk by Mary and Sue from Fairtrade Selkirk on the origins of the organisation, how it works and why Selkirk is a Fairtrade town. Competitions – favourite plate – 1, Betty Fraser; 2, Margaret Watson; cherry shortbread – 1, Margaret Robinson; 2, Ena Mitchell. The raffle was won by Betty Fraser. Next meeting – annual whist – in the hall on February 18.
yetholm
Community council
Yetholm Community Council is looking for a new secretary to replace Dan Blackburn who is moving to a new job in Cumbria. The post attracts an honorarium and anyone interested should contact David Hutchinson by phoning 01573 420263.
History society
David Welsh of Morebattle and Newcastle spoke about reivers in the Bowmont and Kale valleys. He dispelled many myths about them, pointing out that most farmed marginal lands and many did not even own a horse. The next meeting of the society, which is now a registered charity based at the Mission Hall, is at 7.30pm on March 4 when Dr Elizabeth Watson will speak about Lady Margaret Douglas, mother of Lord Darnley.
Film night
Yetholm Film Night organisers have secured the screening of Philomena in the Wauchope Hall on March 1.
Playgroup
Yetholm and Morebattle Playgroup, to celebrate its 40th birthday, is staging a function in the Wauchope Hall on February 22 (10.30am-2pm) when there will be various activities, including a photographic display. All welcome. For full story plus pictures, turn to pages 10 & 11.
Burns supper
The tradition of the Border Worthies Burns supper was continued this year in the Border Hotel Kirk when many new faces attended and performed.
Puppet workshops
See Kelso section.
Opening night
See Kelso section.