Some welcome summer sunshine got this year’s St Boswells Village Week off to a flying start at the weekend – with more fun still to come.
Things kicked off on Saturday morning with a coffee morning run by Newtown and St Boswells Community First Responders group, which proved a great success.
Stalls of books, CDs and kindly-donated baked goods were emptied by the 100 or so people who turned out for the event.
There were also displays of the equipment used by the First Responders, plus information about life-saving – and even a few demonstrations of CPR for those who were keen to learn.
Saturday night and the village hall were the time and place for St Boswells Live!
A near sell-out audience enjoyed a wonderful and varied evening of music, with what was the first live event held at the village hall since its reopening.
With the absence of curtains, which the village hall committee is working hard to get funding for, it was a challenge for the sound man. But the combined talents of Archie Fisher, with his mellifluous voice and sublime guitar playing, and the brilliantly-talented Fell Runners (Tommy Ashby’s band) got the enthusiastic crowd smiling, singing and eventually up and dancing.
With new lighting and sound in the pipeline, the future looks bright for live performances in St Boswells.
Good weather on Sunday morning ensured that the car boot sale was well attended. Around 50 vehicles participated, with tennis club funds receiving a boost of around £500 as a result.
This was followed by the Family Tennis Fun Day and barbecue. Around 45 adults and children took part in this mini-tennis tournament, with adults and children all playing with mini racquets and nets.
The event was kindly organised by Rebecca Bruce and Andrew Robertson from the tennis club. Winner of the children’s event was Neve Clark.
Monday proved great fun for youngsters with entertainer Jango Starr. The the event was well attended and organisers have already received positive feedback.
The traditional guided walk, with local historian John Wood, is always a favourite event, and took place on Tuesday night with this year’s itinerary going from the village to the Wallace Statue and back.
Last night was due to see the popular car treasure hunt, while on tonight (Thursday) is Beat the Retreat on the village green, followed by the quiz night. A new event in this year’s programme, the quiz night will be in the Royal British Legion. Tickets are available for purchase in advance from the village post office.
Still to come are the fancy dress parade, and family disco and karaoke tomorrow night, while Saturday will see various events, including the pet show, the chance to climb aboard a fire engine and family football.
Sunday’s final events of the week include the potted sports, silver band, village race, rounders and a barbecue.