Ancrum
Competition
Borders RSPB Local Group and Woodside Walled Garden are to hold a Pallet Garden Callet garden competition at Woodside Walled Garden over the weekend on May 2-5.There will be an entry fee of £5.The winning garden will gain automatic entry to the pallet garden competition at Gardening Scotland at The Royal Highland Centre, Ingleston, from May 31- June 1. Any organisation wishing to enter or wanting more information should contact Keith Davies (keithdavies51@btinternet.com). All entries will be on display at Woodside Walled Garden during the weekend of May 2-5.
Bedrule
WRI
Members enjoyed a talk and photographic show about the life of Sir Walter Scott and Abbotsford, and heard about the property’s new visitor centre. Competition – painted egg in a cup – 1, Teela Ferguson; 2,Margaret Taylor; 3, Olive Hogg. The next meeting, to which all are welcome, is a talk by Mr Tokely on April 16 at 7pm.
Caddonfoot
Church
There was a double celebration at the Sunday morning service when the Reverend Elspeth Harley welcomed Ben and Joe Cooper, and their parents Donna and Bruce, along with families and friends, for their Sacrament of Holy Baptism. It was a special day, too, for beadle and bell-ringer George Wells who was celebrating his 90th birthday. The elder and congregational board member was welcomed into the church with the congregation singing “Happy Birthday”.
At the end of the service, Atholl Innes gave a resume of George’s contribution to the church. Fay Brydon had baked a cake, which George cut, and members raised their glasses in a toast. Later, George attended a family meal and reunion in Melrose.
Next Sunday, Caddonfoot Youth will join Christian Aid’s “Count Your Blessings” project with a home-baking sale after the service, with proceeds going to Christian Aid.
denholm
Minto WRI
Sheila Clyne introduced members to an array of creamy desserts. Several flavours were suggested, including whisky liqueurs, and little dishes of each were offered for her audience to enjoy.
Copies of her recipes were shared out. Competition – individual sweets – 1, Dee Baxter; 2, Janice Palmer; 3, Lindsey Laing; 4, Margaret Armstrong. Lindsey brought along her six-week-old daughter and she was welcomed as the rural’s youngest member.
EARLSTON
Parish church
The March 30 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods.
AGM
Earlston Scouts’ AGM will be held on March 27 at 7.30pm in the church hall.
Women’s Group
Members meet on April 3 at 8pm in the church hall. This is the rescheduled night for the Milestone talk on spring flowers and plants.
eckford
WRI
John Hennessey delivered a talk, illustrated with photographs, of his trip to Cambodia. He visited the jail where Cambodians were tortured by the Khmer Rouge 30 years ago. Competitions – sandwich filling – 1, Isobel Henderson; 2, Margaret Jeary; 3, Carol Wilson-Green; gent’s tie – 1, Christine Tucker; 2, Alma Elliot; 3, Ina Cowe.
edgerston
Committee
Edgerston Village Hall committee meets tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm.
Coffee morning
The next coffee morning will be on April 7 at 10.30pm.
Ettrickbridge
WRI
Mary Thomson, who runs the kennels at Mellerstain, gave a talk on her life and work. Competitions – dog ornament – 1, Marjory Tennant; 2, Marion MacIntosh; 3, Marion McNeil; dog bowl mat – 1, Isla Guthrie; 2, Alison Blackadder; 3,Marjory Tennant. The next meeting – on April 9 – features a talk about Marie Curie.
galashiels
Rotary
Amjad Shaikh works as an orthopaedic surgeon at Borders General Hospital, but spends much of his time in his native Pakistan where he has set up clinics to treat disabilities left by polio, Rotarians heard. A member of the Rotary Club of Karachi, Amjad said Pakistan is one of only three countries where polio is still in existence. This is because of conflict, poverty and lack of knowledge. Rotary is a world leader in the fight against polio, working with the Bill Gates Foundation and the World Health Organisation.
Probus
The Galashiels and District Probus Club meeting was held in the Kingsknowes Hotel on March 15, with 55 members attending. The event was chaired by our President Sandy Frame, with Bob McFarlane giving a talk entitled ‘Behind the Scenes’, which dealt with his highly dangerous exploits as an agent working for the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War following his recruitment to the British Secret Service in October 1943. This was the second part of Bob’s talk and covered his time in India and then Malaya fighting the Japanese from early 1945 up until the Japanese surrender following the dropping of two nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. After jungle survival training he had been parachuted into the Malayan jungle and worked as a radio operator in operations against the Japanese.
In 1996 Bob was honoured to be invited to meet Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, at the unveiling of a memorial to the men and women of the Special Operations Executive. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sandy Frame to a very brave man who had given us two memorable talks. The next meeting will be in the Kingsknowes Hotel today, March 27, and will be the Club’s AGM starting at 11.30am and to be followed by a buffet lunch.
hawick
Family history
The Evergreen Hall will host a Borders Family History Society meeting on March 30 at 2.30pm when Paul Brough will talk about “The (Hawick) Heritage Hub and Developments in Archives”. Paul is the Hub’s archives manager.
Camera club
The Digital Image and Print of Year Competition was held in the clubrooms last Thursday evening, with Ian Fullerton from Haddington judging. Results – projected images – 1, Reflections by Sel Messer; 2, Card Players, Brian Marriott; 3, Poppy Fields, Ali Graham; mounted prints – 1, Pettico Wick, Ali Graham; 2, Flash, Dennis Laing; 3, Busy Bee, Bert Lancaster. Overall winner – Reflections, Sel Messer. The AGM is on April 3. The Borders Digital Challenge took place on Sunday in the high school lecture theatre with 12 clubs taking part. Judge was John Williams of Penrith. The competition resulted in a three-way tie, which was eventually settled by bringing reserve images into account. Results – 1, Morpeth; 2, Morton; 3, Galashiels; 4, Kelso; 5, Hawick. Top image – Pettico Wick by Ali Graham from Hawick.
Rotary
Frank Scott, secretary of the common riding committee, outlined plans to mark the 500th anniversary of the battle of Hornshole. He is co-ordinator of the many groups arranging events. Among these are the erecting of statues, viewpoints placed around the town, a “Return from Hornshole” and a commemorative visit to Hexham Abbey.
Innerleithen
Service
The service on March 30 will be at 11.30am.
jedburgh
Rotary
The club enjoyed a domino tournament on March 20, ably won by Bob Burnside who played a series of skilful games.
On February 27, the Head Boy and Head Girl of Jedburgh Grammar School, Finlay Duff and Beth Mabon, together with the Rector, Kevin Ryals, came to talk about their own progress and the achievements of the Grammar School during the current academic year. They outlined their hopes and aspirations for the future. Finlay is a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and will be attending as a delegate, to the forthcoming meeting of the Parliament in Shetland. Jedburgh Rotary Club is helping to sponsor Finlay and two other delegates to attend the event.
The Club has also agreed to help local girl, Laura Farquarson to work as a volunteer in Malawi, by providing financial support for her placement there.
On March 20 the club hosted Kelso writer Margaret Skea who talked about her new book, Turn of the Tide. The talk was entitled, The Long Road to Publication and detailed Margaret’s determined efforts to write and publish her historical novel.
Jedburgh Rotary Club is actively promoting the ‘Young Writer’ competition for both primary and secondary school pupils during the school year of 2014-15. This involves local heats followed by Scottish and UK heats.
The club is also closely involved in supporting the Jedburgh Christmas Lights and will work in partnership with the Community Council and Trade Association to organise a Christmas celebration on the occasion of the ‘switch-on.’ Please contact the Rotary Club of Jedburgh if you wish to help. Contact details are on the club’s website.
Bridge club
March 17 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone and M. Miller; 2, D. Palmer and P. Palmer; 3, H. Long and M. Weightman; E/W – 1. N. Porter and S. Graham; 2. R. Oates and S. West; 3, R. Stewart and J. Henry.
kelso
Bridge club
March 19 – Rose Bowl 8 – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, Jim and Mary Stone; 3, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, John and Marian Miller; 3, Sheila Urquhart and Lee Leeson. March 20 – Millennium Trophy 14 – N/S – 1, John Urquhart and Janet Kyle; 2, Rena and Archie Stewart; 3, Dominic and Diana Alkin; E/W – 1, Lee Leeson and Bob Stevenson; 2, Lynda Douglas and Michael Horwood; 3, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger.
Project Linus
A coffee morning and display of linus quilts is being held on April 5 in the Abbey Row centre. All proceeds to CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association of Scotland).
Thursday Group
Members enjoyed an afternoon about Cambodia, thanks to John Hennessey’s images and talk. Today, Isabel Gordon presents “Dying for a Cuppa” (a history of tea) at 2pm in Abbey Row Centre. Next week Jonathan Parsons will talk about “Kipling, the man
his life and his works”.
Church News
Last Sunday morning the Men’s Group – men@kne – organised and led worship in both Ednam and Kelso North. The group, around 20 strong, also sang the hymn ‘I will sing the wondrous story’ to the Welsh melody ‘Calon Lan’, which was met with a very warm and enthusiastic applause. Tonight (Thursday) the group travels to Melrose for a guided tour of the Borders Crematorium, with cars leaving from Inch Road Car Park at 6.25 pm.
Tomorrow (Friday) sees the final film night at Kelso North for the current session, when Philomena will be screened at 7pm.
Tickets are still on sale for the Seder Meal and Ceilidh at Kelso Rugby Club on Friday, April 11 and the Lent Study sessions continue on Tuesdays at 2pm in St Mary’s Church, with a repeat on Thursdays at 7pm at Kelso North.
Patterns for knitted teddies are available again in both churches and from the church office. The teddies will be used by the Northumberland Ambulance Service.
Soup and pudding lunches will again be available at the Forestfield Manse during July, with the proceeds going towards providing a year’s education for Pearl Singh at Dr Graham’s Homes in Kalimpong, India, where the church sponsors a number of students.
Langholm
Accordion club
The accordion and fiddle club, which was founded in 1967, ended another season with the March meeting in the Royal British Legion clubrooms last Wednesday evening. Adam Grant was again compere and the guests were the Stuart Anderson Trio, with Stuart from Roberton on accordion, accompanied by Judith Linton (fiddle) and Kieran Johnstone (drums). Accordion players present were Newby Park, Les Hurst, Billy and David Bell, all from Carlisle, James Lawrie from Gilsland and Ken White of the Rigg. Also, David Dunbar of Lockerbie, Tom Herdman from Hawick and Robin and Deryn Waitt of Claygate. Langholm accordion players Eric Goodfellow and Roger Dobson also entertained the company, along with local drummer Robert Willens, and Jock Thompson from Hawick was also on drums. Ian Wilson, Crawford, played the piano and Ian Bell, Canonbie, played a selection on the bagpipes.
Stars in their Eyes
The Castle Craigs committee is holding a Stars in their Eyes karaoke night in the Royal British Legion clubrooms on April 5. There are 14 acts lined up, with things getting under way at 8pm. Tickets will be on sale on March 29 from the Castle Craigs bar in the Crown Hotel (1- 3pm) and limited to two per person.
melrose
Parish church
March 27 – presbytery review (kirk session); March 30 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); April 7 – Blythswood collection at 2.20pm from the rugby club.
Trimontium
The spring quarterly meeting of the Trimontium trustees discussed arrangements for the installation of the Newstead Roman barge steering oar from Edinburgh and the return of the Synton silver denarii hoard from Tweeddale. It was hoped that the establishment of a Borders Cultural Trust would allow for the existing arrangements with Scottish Borders Council museums to continue. Trustees looked forward to the three Trimontium spring lectures in the Corn Exchange on April 3 and 24, and May 1 from doctors John Reid, Nick Hodgson and Chris Bowles.
Newcastleton
Coffee morning
The local school partnership raised £500 at a coffee morning in the village hall. Tickets are still being sold for the hamper. The money will be used to fund activities such as school trips and entertainment groups.
NEWTOWN
Seniors’ club
The next monthly meeting of Newtown and Eildon Seniors’ Afternoon Club will take place in Newtown Community Wing at 2pm on April 1.
oxnam
Library cafe
The new season of the library cafe began on March 12 with 35 visitors and a splendid spread for all. The next gathering is on April 2 in the village hall at 11am.
Oxton
WRI
There was a craft demonstration by Jules Reeley and members had the chance to make Easter garlands and a gift bag. Competition – a keyring – 1, Alice Telford; 2, Sylvia Thomson; 3, Agnes Bell.
Church
From and including April 6, the 10am Sunday service will be held in Channelkirk Church .
Selkirk
Monday Club
At 2pm on March 31 at St Joseph’s church hall, there will be a presentation by Selkirk Fair Trade Group.
stow
Church
Stow and Heriot Church is holding its annual congregational meeting on March 30. There will be a joint service at Stow Church at 10.30am, followed by the meeting and a soup and sandwich lunch.
Traquair
Service
The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on April 13 at 10am.
Yetholm
History society
Members are to make a trip round Berwick’s fortified walls on May 3 when local historian Jim Herbert will conduct the tour. Anyone interested in going should confirm with a committee member or phone 01573 420602.
Film night
“The Life of Brian” will be shown on March 29 (doors open 6.30pm) in the Wauchope Hall.
Play
Anew play is being written by Eloner Crawford about the life of Morebattle poet Robert Davidson. It is of relevance to Yetholm as there will be a performance in the village, and it is hoped to involve Yetholm and Morebattle children and adults as performers.
There will be an open meeting in Morebattle Hall at 7pm on June 12.
Church
Arrangements for Easter week have been made and details are on village noticeboards. There will be a Palm Sunday (April 13) walk from Hownam to Yetholm.
Romany Ramblers
Meet at 9am on March 29 at the Wauchope Hall for car sharing. Route – 10miles – Newton Tors from Hethpool via Hethpool Linn, Easter Tor, Southernknowe and return along east bank of College Burn.