Vale of Leithen’s East of Scotland Premier Division clash with Edinburgh University was cancelled on Saturday after the students were unable to provide a pitch.

A new date for the game at Peffermill, which could prove vital for Fraser Ogilvie’s men in their efforts to stave off the threat of relegation, has yet to be announced.

Tweedmouth AC 7

Peebles Amateurs 1

BAL Division C

Five first-half goals proved enough to hammer Peebles.

Tweedmouth’s goals came from Jordan Clark, Stephen Henderson, Dave Brown, J.B. Clark, Michael Patterson, Cameron Inglis and an own goal.

Eyemouth United 3

Gala Fairydean 5

EoS First Division

Despite a turbulent season on and off the pitch, Gala Fairydean must be thinking ‘what if’ after this assured victory over Eyemouth United.

The Netherdale club spent an enjoyable 90 minutes on the Berwickshire coast, with a comfortable win over one of the surprise promotion contenders this season.

And with talent such as Marc Berry in their line-up – the teenager grabbing a double to cap a superb showing – Gala must be wondering why their Premier Division ambitions ended months ago.

Management and committee changes, a lack of depth to a talented squad and uncertainty over a proposed consortium takeover have contributed to The Dean’s midtable status.

But their troubles were put aside at Warner Park, despite Grant Gass seeing an early penalty saved by Paul Tansey in the United goal.

At the other end, Steven Shennan hit the post with an overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area, but team-mate Alan Speirs had better luck three minutes before half-time with a looping header over Elliot Turnbull.

But 60 seconds later it was all-square with a run and shot by Gass being parried by Tansey into the path of Geri Rossi for his second goal in as many games.

Gala raced into a 3-1 lead within ten minutes of the restart as Billy Miller set up Jack Hay to fire in and Berry struck past Tansey for a deserved goal.

Eyemouth threatened to set up an exciting finish as replacement Jamie Logan lobbed over Turnbull with half an hour left.

But Berry sprinted clear to score again and to give the Fairies plenty breathing room.

Top scorer Shennan almost added to his season’s tally of 27 goals, and free kick specialist Mark Bolton was unlucky to see his effort hit the crossbar.

But the three points were sealed on 84 minutes as Andrew Brown’s shot across Tansey found the net.

Alan Jess of Eyemouth was then sent off for a late challenge, but it would not be an Eyemouth game without a Shennan goal, and the striker finally found the net in the 93rd minute.

Gala Fairydean’s new permanent manager John O’Hara was delighted with the win, adding: “The hard work to get ourselves to the top level of the East of Scotland League starts now.”

Gala Fairydean: E. Turnbull, S. Davidson (C. Jeffrey 68), A. Brown, G. Lothian, C. McBride, G. Gibson, M. Berry, G. Gass, G. Rossi (F. Hointza 86), B. Miller, J. Hay.

GALA Red Triangle claimed the second Matt Lochrie Memorial Cup with a 27-10 victory over Melrose at Netherdale on Friday night, writes Kenny Paterson.

Gala scored five tries through a Lachlan Johnston double and further scores from Ritchie Rutherford, Alexander Lyons and Aidan Turner, with Johnston adding a superb touchline conversion.

Melrose’s two tries came from Ewan Runciman and Craig Patterson.

The cup remembers former Triangle player Matt Lochrie, who passed away last year at the age of 14.

Gala RT coach Lyall Purves said: “It was a very even game and a good chance for the guys to play on the main Netherdale pitch.

“It was an emotional occasion. A number of the squad played with Matt and this was their last chance to play in the game before stepping up to the next age group.

“Hopefully many of the players from both sides will be performing on this pitch for their senior teams in years to come.”

MELROSE Wasps won their second sevens tournament on the trot at Jed Thistle – but it was Hawick Wanderers who walked away with the overall series title.

Wasps defeated the hosts 36-12 in the final to follow up last week’s win at Selkirk Youth Club over the same opposition.

Results – First round: Langholm Colts 7 Haddington Colts 48; Berwick Colts 7 Jed Thistle A 27; Selkirk YC 18 Edinburgh BATS 0; Kelso Quins 24 Duns Colts 29; Hawick Wands 55 Peebles Colts 5; Jed Thistle B 19 Tynedale Colts 26; Melrose Wasps 26 Hawick PSA 17; Morpeth Colts 17 Gala Wands 21.

Quarter-finals: Haddington Colts 0 Jed Thistle A 17; Selkirk YC 10 Duns Colts 26; Hawick Wands 48 Tynedale Colts 12; Melrose Wasps 29 Gala Wands 14. Semi-finals: Jed Thistle 29 Duns Colts 14; Hawick Wands 12 Jed Thistle 26. Final: Jed Thistle 12 Melrose Wasps 36.

Borders Semi-junior Sevens table final standings: 1, Hawick Wands 56; 2, Melrose Wasps 43; 3, Jed Thistle 39; 4, Gala Wands 36; 5, Selkirk YC 24.

This has been the most competitive Kings of the Sevens ever – with two events to go, seven teams still have a chance of winning the trophy.

However, after this weekend’s two tournaments at Kelso and Earlston, the favourites are probably the two teams who contested Sunday’s final at The Haugh – Melrose and Watsonians.

And it was the Greenyards men who now lead the series after a 33-19 win over the Myreside club.

Melrose have always done well at Earlston, and their victory gave them a fourth straight win at The Haugh.

Callum Anderson was awarded the accolade of player of the tournament, and his hat-trick in the final may have influenced that, but for me, Richard Mill was outstanding throughout the day and contributed massively to Melrose’s success.

The Greenyards men were knocked out of the Kelso Sevens the previous day by a Watsonians team which played, according to captain Mike Ker, “the best sevens rugby they’ve ever played” in their 24-0 humbling of the Black and Yellows.

Melrose skipper Graeme Dodds agreed that his men had allowed themselves to be bullied in that match, and they were determined not to see a repeat of that 24 hours later.

“We were very disappointed with ourselves for allowing that to happen at Kelso,” said Dodds, “and we made sure these things would be different today.

“We’re really chuffed to win again at Earlston, which is our second home, really.

“It’s a special tournament for us with many of the boys being local to the town. We worked really hard for this and deserved it in the end.”

Melrose looked a class act throughout the afternoon, once they got over an uncharacteristic blip in the first-round tie against Kelso, who went 12-0 up early on.

Kelso played some very attractive rugby and it has been a surprise that they have not scored too many points in the Kings of the Sevens series so far this season.

Despite the early lead, Melrose reeled them back in to take the opening round with a 33-17 win before humiliating a strong Edinburgh Accies side 38-0 in a game where everything clicked.

Selkirk provided them with tougher opposition in the semi-final, but they got through 21-12 to face a Watsonians side who always deliver on the Kings circuit.

After seeing off Berwick 33-0 in the first match of the day, they pummelled Musselburgh 38-5 but then had a real struggle to overcome Jed-Forest 15-12, leaving it right to the end to win the tie, with a Mike Ker try and conversion.

Yet, the Myresiders were unable to get back-to-back wins after triumphing at Kelso, as Melrose made it four-in-a-row.

As for the other Borders sides, Gala completed a disappointing weekend, with a 26-10 loss to Jed in the quarter-finals. The result meant Scott Nichol’s squad gave up top spot in the series for the first time this season.

The Riverside Park club showed no mercy on hosts Earlston with a thumping 49-0 win in the first round, while the shock of the early stages was Hawick’s 28-17 defeat to Musselburgh.

John Dalziel’s Melrose side are now aiming to make it three Kings titles in four years, after losing out to Jed-Forest last season.

But there is a lot of rugby still to be played, and with the Selkirk Sevens draw putting both Melrose and Watsonians in the lower half, they could both meet again in the semi-final stage at Philiphaugh on Saturday.

Gala and Edinburgh Accies are in the top half of the draw, while Jed-Forest, Selkirk and Hawick still have a chance.

MELROSE STORM walked away with the St Boswells Sevens title after an emphatic 45-5 win over Selkirk A last Wednesday night.

The Souters beat the hosts 14-12 in the first round before breezing past Earlston 28-0 in the semi-finals, with Scott Bell in fine form with the boot, nailing six conversions from six.

Storm, including former first team player Callum Johnston, knocked out Jed-Forest and then Kelso.

The final proved a one-sided affair as the eight-man Selkirk squad, who required Jed pair Jack Fraser and Martin Chisholm to play for them after John Everitt and Ben Purves were injured beforehand, were no match for the powerful Rose outfit.

The scorer of Selkirk’s solitary try was Riverside Park recruit Fraser.

Melrose Storm captain Douglas Dodds lifted the trophy at Jenny Moore’s Road.

Linlithgow 21

Langholm 17

RBS East League One

LANGHOLM struggled to get a team together for the trip to Linlithgow for the final match of the season, which was of no importance, writes John Smith.

The Milntown men held their own in the line-out and had the edge in the scrums, but it was a bit of a lottery at the breakdown.

Playing against a strong wind in the opening half, they went in front when winger Ricky Kiore crossed for a good touchdown.

With the home support in good voice, Linlithgow secured a couple of converted tries to lead 14-5 at half-time.

At the restart a kick and chase by Linlithgow saw Langholm flanker Steven Nicol get back to cover the danger and looked to have touched down, but the referee – although fully 35m away – thought otherwise and awarded a home try which was converted.

Langholm replied when the ball was fed from a scrum to full back Keith Davidson and the Muckle Toon trailed by just four points when hooker Stephen Devlin went over in the corner for a great touchdown after splendid interpassing between himself and Nicol, and Niall Cubbon sweetly converted.

However, they had to settle for a losing bonus point in what was possibly the last match for number 8 Stuart Graham, who was captain for the day.

Langholm: K. Davidson; R. Kiore, N. Cully, C. Hislop, R. Mackay; N. Cubbon, D. Irving; J. Ratcliffe, S. Devlin, S. Jardine, D. Nordon, J. Ashton-Smith, S. Kitching, S. Nicol, S. Graham. Substitute: J. Reid.

HAWICK LINDEN made the trip to Northern Ireland for the Carrickfergus Sevens, but suffered a tough day of rugby.

First up was the NGN 7 – set up in memory of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence who all died in a farming accident last year in County Down.

Former Ulster player Nevin’s connections were evident as the NGN 7 contained some contracted players from the Celtic League side and New Zealand international John Afoa in their coaching team.

The Linden squad, suffering from the previous day’s activities, had no answer to the NGN’s size and pace, but did extremely well to only go down 38-0.

It did not get any easier in the second tie as they came up against a Newcastle Exiles team whose squad were all big-hitting South Sea Islanders, and Linden succumbed 26-0.

The final group game was against John Wills 7, a young side playing for charity, whose pace was too much for Hawick in a 50-12 win, with Nathan Murray scoring Linden’s two tries.

Hawick Linden: N. Murray, S. Goodfellow, B. Sutherland, S. Renwick, S. Fairbairn, S. Bouglas, B. Willison, C. Gracie.

A last-gasp try and conversion saw Watsonians snatch victory from Edinburgh Accies in a nail-biter of a final at the Kelso Maxwell Motors Sevens.

There was a good-sized crowd and some bright and dry – albeit cold – weather for the afternoon’s rugby.

It was fitting that it was Watsonians captain, Mike Ker, who secured victory with his conversion of Ramsay Young’s try, as the fly-half’s tactical kicking from hand had been superb all afternoon.

The Myreside club are now the first side to win two tournaments in the current sevens series and Saturday’s victory at Poynder Park, followed by a great run to the final of the Earlston Sevens on Sunday – where Melrose extracted revenge for the previous day’s hammering by Watsonians at Kelso – sees the capital city outfit lying second on 36 points, just two behind leaders Melrose, in the Kings rankings.

Tries by Scott McKean, Chris Scott and Jack Ferguson – and two Ker conversions – had given Watsonians what seemed an unassailable 19-0 lead at half-time in the final.

But Accies clawed their way back with three tries from Alex Blair and one from Euan Bonner to give them, what looked like, was going to be their first-ever Kelso success.

Accies were leading 24-19 with the referee on the point of blowing for full-time, when Young broke away with the ball and streaked for the line.

He was brought down just yards short, but quickly sprang to his feet, recollected the ball, and dived over to level the scores at 24-24.

It was then the turn of cool-as-a-cucumber Ker to slot the conversion for the vital winning two points.

There was nothing between the two teams and either would have been worthy winners. With solid-as-a-rock defences, both sides had produced the best rugby of the afternoon.

Speaking after receiving the Kelso trophy in front of jubilant supporters, Ker paid tribute to the battling Accies side which looked to have the final sewn up.

However, it wasn’t the final, but the semi against Melrose that pleased Ker the most.

A shell-shocked Melrose had found themselves trailing 0-19 at half-time after three tries and two conversions from Watsonians.

A fourth touchdown, McKean’s second, plus the reliable boot of Ker, saw Melrose put out 26-0.

In the other semi, it was hosts Kelso who succumbed 17-24 to an Accies side that had already dispatched Jed-Forest and Selkirk in the earlier pool games.

Watsonians route to the final, meanwhile, had accounted for Hawick and Berwick.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Ker said the semi against Melrose had been a highlight: “It’s great to win and with two victories – we’re right up there in the hunt for the Kings title with three to go.

“This is a great bunch of boys with a real desire to win and in the 12 years I’ve been doing this I’d have to say that those 14 minutes against Melrose are some of the best sevens this club has ever played.”

And it was team-mate Jack Ferguson who collected the Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding defensive and attacking qualities.

Of the Borders sides, Kelso and Melrose fared best, both making the semi-finals. Guest side, Pigbarians, were dumped out of the competition in the pool stages after suffering defeats to Gala (0-29) and Melrose (17-33).

Prior to the final, primary seven age group teams from Kelso and Jed-Forest entertained the crowd, with the Kelso Cougars youngsters running out worthy three tries-to-one winners with a sparkling display of rugby.

Monday night saw three Hawick Royal Albert players sent off in just six minutes, before Leith Athletic scored a last-minute winning goal for a 3-2 win, writes John Slorance.

The Albert lead 2-0 through Gordon Ramsay and a Peter Keenan penalty before Athletic levelled.

Hawick then hit the self-destruct button, losing Ramsay, Ronald Fleming and Graham Clee, all to second yellow cards. A dispute on the touchline then ensued, with Albert coach Owen Murphy sent to the stand.

The dramatic ending was complete when Craig Hume bagged the winner. Ramsay, Fleming and Clee will all be banned from Saturday’s match with Burntisland Shipyard.

Vale of Leithen look safe from relegation from the Premier Division after a 0-0 draw at Edinburgh University on Tuesday night. They play Heriot-Watt University this weekend.

Gala Fairydean tackle Leith on Saturday and new boss John O’Hara said: “We played them recently and they are a very good side, so we know what to expect.”

Elsewhere, Gala Rovers sealed the Border Amateur League Division A title on Tuesday night with a 2-1 win at West Barns Star.

Des Sutherland scored both goals in the victory at Dunbar.

Melrose RFC president John Reed has called on semi-junior clubs to take action after its under-18 team suffered verbal abuse at Jed Thistle Sevens.

Sections of the Riverside Park crowd directed personal taunts at the Melrose Wasps side which defeated the hosts in the final.

Last Saturday’s tournament also witnessed underage drinking and four arrests for fighting as the Border Semi-Junior Sevens circuit c ame to a close.

Writing on the club’s website, Reed said: “In the name of rugby and fair play, the adults on our club committees must address this problem. Why should the boys who play, or their parents, have to endure some quite personal verbal abuse directed from the touchline?”

Jed Thistle president Colin Yourston confirmed club officials were due to meet last night to discuss “the good and bad points” of Saturday’s event.

He added: “We want to look at ways of improving the tournament so that it is an enjoyable afternoon for players and supporters.

“For the last few seasons we have been issuing letters to each club advising them alcohol is not allowed into the ground and we have a strong presence on the gates. We can ask if anyone is carrying drink and if they are found to be, it can be removed.”

A Police Scotland spokesman added: “Local officers attended at the Jed Thistle RFC ground during a sevens tournament on Saturday.

“A number of youths were found to be drinking underage and had various quantities of alcohol taken from them.

“Police also responded to reports of a fight at the event and four men aged 17, 18, 18 and 20 were arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice for alleged breaches of the peace.”

Better news from Riverside Park is the appointment of new first XV head coach Brian Hughes. He has moved from Musselburgh and is now tasked with leading Jed back to the National League.

Hughes said: “I now live in Selkirk and all the travelling was taking a toll, so when Jed approached me to return it was hard to resist.

“I’m a Jed man and the opportunity to work with Kevin Barrie and Ali Campbell to hopefully get Jed back where we belong was really appealing.” Sevens report on page 84.

THIS is a most attractive traditional end-terraced cottage which has been created by combining two cottages.

The bright, spacious and well-appointed family-sized accommodation includes a hall/study, sitting room, living room, dining kitchen, utility room, WC, bathroom and 4 double bedrooms.

The cottage has good built-in storage space.

The property benefits from gas-fired central heating and windows are double-glazed. Kitchen and sanitary fittings are modern.

There are attractive areas of garden ground to both the front and rear of the cottage and there is a pair of spacious single-car garages, with electricity, behind the cottage. There is also ample off-road parking to the rear.

Ednam is a popular village with a primary school and village hall which lies approximately two miles from Kelso – one of the most popular towns in the Borders. The village is surrounded by gently undulating arable lowland and has a good community spirit.

wooler

At their weekly Primestock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 236 hoggs and 82 ewes.

Hogg numbers again tight but fleshy types again sold readily, poorer sorts again hard work.

Leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £99.50 (2) New Haggerston, £94 Doune Brae, £91 Newstead, £90 East Fleetham, Shotton (3). Oxf:- £97 East Fleetham. Suff.x:- £93.50 East Fleetham, £92.50 Hendersyde, £91.50 Newstead, £90 Hendersyde. HB:- £90 Shotton. Mule:- £90 Shotton.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 210.3p Ladykirk, 208.5p New Haggerston, 204.9p Shotton, 203.5p Ladykirk, 203.4p Doune Brae, 201.2p Ladykirk and Shotton. Suff.x:- 205p North Sharperton, 201.2p Newstead. Chev:- 200p Shotton.

Less flesh available affecting returns.

Leading prices:- Tex.x:- £118 East Fleetham, £83 Milfield Demesne. Oxf:- £96 (2) East Fleetham. Suff.x:- £95 Reston Hill, £94 Fawdon Farms, £91 South Lyham, £90 Haugh Head, East Fleetham. Bel:- £80 New Haggerston. Mule:- £77.50 Milfield Demesne, £74.50, £70 Reston Hill. Chev:- £65 New Haggerston.

Rams:- Tex.x:- £106, £90 New Haggerston.

st boswells

On Monday John Swan Ltd sold 106 clean cattle, 54 OTM cattle, 711 old season lambs, 30 new season lambs and 370 ewes.

Bullocks (44) averaged 231p per kg and sold to 249p (-4p on week), heifers (59) averaged 224p per kg and sold to 260p (-2p on week), three young bulls averaged 154p per kg and sold to 154p (n/c on week) and 54 beef type OTM cattle averaged 154p per kg and sold to 194p (+1p on the week).

Old season SQQ lambs averaged 221.2p per kg (+7.3p on week) and sold to £119, new season lambs averaged 240.3p and sold to £116, ewes averaged £57.64 , and sold to £117. Heavy ewes £73.76, light ewes £36.81

Principal prices per kg: Lurdenlaw £1755, £1668.45, £1644.50, £1624, £1600.80; Upper Nisbet £1573.

Principal prices per head: Bee Edge 260 M/s J Penny and Sons, 2.53 Robert Wilson Butchers, 2.52 W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.49 M/s Moor; Lurdenlaw 2.49 W Taylor (Lockerbie) Ltd, 2.46 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Pathhead 2.48 M/s Pringle; Upper Hundalee 2.46 M/s TA Shaw; Lennoxlove 2.46 Malone of Edinburgh, 2.43 W Taylor (Lockerbie) Ltd; Caverton Mill 2.46 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Longnewton 2.45 Denholm Meats Supplies; Mosstower 2.45 M/s TA Shaw, 2.44 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd; Upper Nisbet 2.43 Forth Meat Supplies, 2.42 M/s Moor.

Cows per head: Shotton £1383.30; East Fleetham £1375.20; Bee Edge £1365.10; Eastern Middleton £1361.20; Birkenside £1285.20, £1222.20; Legerwood £1284.40; Hyndsidehill £1244.15, £1131; Lower Greenhill £1221.30, Gledswood £1183.20; Toxside £1183; Ruletownhead £1171.35; Mosstower £1165.80.

Cows per kg: Birkenside 1.94,1.89; East Fleetham 1.91; Bee Edge 1.87,1.77,1.74,1.71; Easter Middleton 1.79; Lower Greenhill 1.77; Shotton 1.74; Gledswood 1.74; Mosstower 1.74; Ruletownhead 1.71; Legerwood 1.69; Northhouse 1.69; Toxside 1.69.

Bulls: Lennoxlove £1353.60 (1.44p); Mailingsland £1149.95 (1.09p).

Lambs per head: Hamp;- £116, £110 East Fortune, Tex.x;- £111, £104 Lochside, Suff.x;- £110, £109 Smailholm Mains.

Lambs per kg: Tex.x 256.4, 253.7 Lochside, Suff.x;- 250 Smailholm Mains.

The 711 hoggs averaged £93.01. Hoggs per head: Suff.x;- £119, £115 Helmburn, Tex.x;- £114 Helmburn, £110 Ednam Mains, Chev;- £112 Gospelhall, £111 Southfield, Char.x;- £Helmburn, Mule;- £100 Swinnie, CHM;- £100 Wester Ulston, BF;- £90 Swinnie, £88 Horseupcleugh.

Hoggs per kg: Chev;- 238.4 Southfield, 236.8 Wester Ulston, Bel.x;- 238.2 Wester Ulston, Suff.x;- 238 Seafield, 235.4 Shielswood, Tex.x;- 232.9 Whiterigg, 232.7 Helmburn.

Cast ewes: Tex.x;- £117, £109 Legars, £101 Burnhouse Mains, Char;- £115 Ladyflat, Chev;- £109 Soutra, £77 Brockhouse, Suff.x;- £107 Legars, £95 Sorrowlessfield and Hyndsidehill, BFL;- £97 Burnhead.P, £85 Foulshiels, CM;- £95 Legars, £87 Halidean Mill, £85 Torwoodlee and Foulshiels, GF;- £83 Forth, £79 Corsbie, £77 Burnhouse Mains, Meigle and Mossilee, BF;- £67 Burnhouse Mains, £61 Broomiebank.

Rams: BFL;- £87 Burnhead. P, Tex;- £71 Mossilee.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 42 prime cattle, 12 young bulls, 36 over 30 month cattle, 45 spring lambs, 4,977 prime hoggs and 3,281 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A smaller show of prime cattle saw best quality well fed cattle still making 240p plus with the sale topping at 251.5p twice, both for Limousin bullocks shown by J.C. and D. Nicholson and Son, The Gill, others to 249.5p from A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen. Limousin heifers topped at 249.5p.

THE LAST weekend of May is Greenwood Weekend at Scotland’s first community woodland between Lauder and Galashiels.

The expert volunteers at Wooplaw dedicate May 25 and 26 to helping keen beginners or other enthusiasts.

The woodland’s Bob Fleet said: “We take the full weekend and help people make their own shave horses and/or pole lathe if they want to.

We only charge £40 for a shave horse and £60 for a pole lathe, with the added bonus of making exactly what you want.”

The wood workers will also have their lathes working, so anyone interested can go along and try their hand and learn how to use them.

There is an opportunity to make spoons and other items and those taking part are welcome to camp and have a barbecue over the weekend.

Bob added: “We’ll also be making another horse and a lathe for Wooplaw, so help will definitely be appreciated.”

Wooplaw became the first community woodland in Britain in 1987 started by the late Tim Stead, a wood sculptor and furniture maker who lived in Blainslie and used native British hardwoods.

He wanted to replace some of the elm, oak and ash he had used and made and sold more than 360 unique wooden axeheads to raise some of the money to buy the wood.

Email greenwood@wooplaw.org.uk for a place on the specialist weekend.

BOWDEN

Cafe

The next community cafe will be held on May 15 in the village hall at 11am.

EARLSTON

Parish church

The kirk session meets tonight (May 9) in the church at 7.30pm. Donations (new or nearly-new household goods, toys and clothes – no electrical items or heavy furniture) for the Spring Fling sale can be handed into the church hall from 10-11am today (May 9) and tomorrow from 6-8pm. The Spring Fling is on May 11 (10am-2pm). The May 12 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. A bus will be running from the Square to the Heart and Soul Event in Princes Street Gardens – names to Robert Turnbull, the chemist, or sign up at the church.

Eckford

Film night

The village hall is the venue on May 20 at 7pm for a showing of the comedy “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”, starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Hunt.

Eildon

Ramblers

Twenty-two Eildon Ramblers enjoyed the spring sunshine on Mellerstain estate for a six-mile walk. For more information about Eildon Ramblers, phone 01896 820300.

FOUNTAINHALL

WRI

Members meet in the village hall at 7.30pm on May 15 for a talk about the Margaret Kerr palliative care unit at Borders General Hospital. Competitions – yoghurt loaf and a family photograph. There will also be a bring and buy sales table. April meeting competitions – peppermint creams – 1, D. Small; 2, A. Mathison; sundae dish – 1, A. Mathison; 2, M. Robertson.

Galashiels

History society

Borders Family History Society is holding a fair for those thinking about starting a family tree or looking for more information. More than 40 exhibitors will be present at the event which runs from 10am-4pm on May 11 at Scottish Borders Campus in Nether Road.

Blood donors

A total of 413 volunteers offered to give blood – and 362 donations were made – at blood-donor sessions in Galashiels on April 28 and 29. There were 23 new donors.

Hawick

Rotary

Member Jim Walker went “doon the water” when he spoke at the latest club meeting. With slides shown by his son, Howard, he took members on an interesting and nostalgic trip down the River Clyde during the 1960s and 70s. Jim highlighted the changes in river traffic from that time and showed coloured slides of the steamers which plied their trade in taking tourists on their daily trips, as well as serving as a necessary communication means for people living beside the river. It showed John Brown’s shipyards in their heyday where the QE2 was laid down and built, as well as shots of the MV Waverley 11 and others. Jim even gave renditions of relevant songs such as “The song of the Clyde” and “The day we went to Rothesay O”. He had emotive slides of Gourock, Dunoon, Rothesay, Largs, the Kyles of Bute Narrows and all the famous tourist stops. He also displayed his collection of memorabilia – tickets, menus and posters – which he had collected on these trips. Questions followed. A letter was read from Breast Care Scotland acknowledging the £121 the club donated from a collection in Hawick which was carried out solely by Mairhi Trickett.

Innerleithen

Service

The service on May 12 starts at 11.30am in Innerleithen Church.

Spring fair

St Ronan’s Primary School will hold a spring fair on May 14 (6-8pm). There will be a variety of stalls, food and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Plant sale

Innerleithen Civic Association will hold its annual plant sale on the forecourt of the Memorial Hall on the morning of May 25. Proceeds of the sale will go towards the 2013 Christmas lights fund.

Introdution night

The St Ronan’s Standard Bearer for 2013 will be introduced to the public on May 10 in the Memorial Hall at 8pm. Other introductions taking place on this date are the Standard Bearer’s Lass, Principal Guest and the Lady Busser. The town bands will play outside the hall from 7pm, with teas and coffee being served inside from that time. Following the introduction ceremony, Innerleithen Pipe Band will lead the principals and townsfolk on a short parade, ending up back at the Memorial Hall forecourt where the Standard Bearer’s Reel will be danced.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Ex-Standard Bearers’ Association will hold its annual coffee morning on May 18 in the Vale Club from 10am to noon.

Ball

St Ronan’s Standard Bearer’s Ball will be held on July 13 in the St Ronan’s Marquee. Tickets will be on sale on May 18 from 8am at Foresters, Wells Brae, Innerleithen. The games committee has managed to hold prices for a fourth consecutive year with tickets set at £30 each. Full payment must be handed in at this time with a note of the exact requirements. There is a maximum of 12 tickets per party and dress is strictly formal. Cheques should be made payable to “St Ronan’s Border Games”.

Concert

St Ronan’s Silver Band will hold a celebration concert on May 24 in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm to mark their Scottish Championship win. The concert will feature St Ronan’s Future Band and the main band. Tickets are on sale at £6 each (£5 concession) from John Adam’s Bakery in Innerleithen or Robb’s KeyStore in Peebles. Tickets can also be ordered by sending a stamped addressed envelope to St Ronan’s Silver Band, 21 Miller Street, Innerleithen EH44 6QR. Cheques should be payable to “St Ronan’s Silver Band”. Phone 01896 831721or email KJBelleville@aol.com for further enquiries.

Jedburgh

Lunch club

The club meets again today (May 9) to provide a weekly meal for pensioners in the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from a hot meal and friendship should contact 01835 862565.

Rotary

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Jedburgh and district, the coffee morning realised a handsome sum for the club’s charity account. Winner of the £200 first prize in the main raffle was S. Renwick. At the latest club meeting, the speaker was Jenny Barker, accompanied by Vi Romanis, both from Inner Wheel. They collect old tools for an organisation called Tools for Self-Reliance before transporting them to the Garvald Institute where a group of disabled people renovate the tools in their workshop. They are despatched to Third World countries. Rotarians were more than happy to support Jenny and Vi who left with some unwanted tools – and the promise of more to come.

kelso

Bridge club

May 1 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Jim and Mary Stone; 2, John Urquhart and Miles Browne; 3, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; E/W – 1, Evelyn Erskine and Sheila Urquhart; 2, Jean McLaren and Val Fairbairn; 3, Lee Leeson and John Hayton; May 2 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 2, Rena Stewart and Val Johnstone; 3, James Tweddle and Ernie Hopkins; E/W – 1, Archie Stewart and Elinor Green; 2, Nancy Porter and Jock Dun; 3, Helenor Pratt and Pauline Smart.

Quiz

On May 16 at 7.30pm in the Cross Keys Hotel, a fundraising quiz night in aid of Christian Aid’s Quizaid will be held. Teams of four. Entries on the night. For more details contact Ruth McGrath (01573 228346) or Moira Walsh (01573 225500).

Concert

A MusicAid concert for Christian Aid will take place on May 10 at 7.30pm in Kelso North Church. The event will feature the Heiton and Morebattle national award-winning WRI choir. Tickets are available from concert organiser Moira Walsh (01573 225500) or at the door.

Scouts

Kelso Scouts enjoyed a night of building bird boxes with wood and nails donated by local traders Bowmont Sawmill and Travis Perkins respectively. This thriving group has Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts within its ranks. However, in order to keep each of the sections running efficiently, the group needs adult volunteers to undertake leadership roles. Anyone who enjoys camping, hiking and learning new skills – and can spare a couple of hours a week – should contact Elizabeth McIntosh (email: macbisse@btinternet.com; phone: 07565 218992; address: 85 Inchmyre, Kelso TD5 7LH) for more information.

U3A

Four Border Abbeys U3A Group’s next open meeting is on May 13 at 2pm in Kelso Rugby Club when Shona Sinclair will talk about “A Touch of Class – History of the Braemar Knitwear Brand”.

Service

A joint Kelso Churches Together service will be held on May 12 at 6.30pm in St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church to mark the start of Christian Aid Week 2013 – to give thanks for the work of Christian Aid and to commission the 57 Kelso collectors.

Thursday Group

Isabel Gordon reported that there had been 26 talks this season a wide variety of topics and thanked everyone for their help. Treasurer Keith Hanson presented accounts which showed £338.45 had been distributed to eight charities. Today members have lunch at Teviot Smokery. The new season starts on October 3 – phone Isabel (01573 224753) for an autumn syllabus.

Langholm

Art exhibition

This being the 60th anniversary of the district art club, the committee decided to hold an exhibition in the town hall gallery to celebrate the occasion, showing work from past and present members. The event was opened by former art teacher Jim Hunter who taught at the Academy for more than a decade from the mid-sixties. Club president Tom Kennedy, introducing Jim and his wife Beth, mentioned a number of the tutors they had been fortunate to have over the years, including Alex Drysdale who was present for the occasion. Jim eventually moved to teach at the Borders College of Textiles in Galashiels and now lives in Glasgow. He gave one of his works to help raise money for the club in a raffle or some other fundraiser. Long-serving club member Jean Weatherstone made presentations to Jim and Beth.

Clean-up

The clean-up around the town received good support, with representatives from Rotary, sports clubs – including rugby, cricket, golf and bowling – and Co-operative store, along with primary and secondary schools, Beavers, Scouts and many individuals participating. Bags, gloves and picker sticks were issued and areas were allocated to concentrate on. Bonnie Langholm committee chairman Margaret Pool expressed the thanks of the committee to everyone who helped.

Concert

The Burgh Pipe Band is holding its annual concert in the Buccleuch Centre on May 12 at 7.30pm.

Candidates

Langholm Town Band and Pipe Band will play round the streets on May 10 as townsfolk head for the Buccleuch Centre for the public meeting and election of the 2013 Cornet. The public vote takes place between 6pm and 8pm, followed by the meeting which will be chaired by Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell, who will announce the result after the official count has been finalised. Three candidates have put their names forward. Alasdair Elliot Cavers, 24, is standing for the fourth time and farms at the Murtholm. He is the son of Elliot and Aileen Cavers of Kirkton, Ewes, and has been a regular in the Langholm senior rugby side for a number of seasons. For well over 40 years, Alasdair’s grandfather John Armstrong has welcomed the flute band to his home at Hillhead before the hound trail on the Common Riding morning when the traditional rum and milk is enjoyed. Alasdair first rode the common in 2005 and joined the Castle Craigs Club the same year. He has followed the Cornet every year since. Stephen Thomas Devlin, 26, is standing for the second time and works as a builder with Ronnie Tait. He is the son of David Devlin and Ann Hislop of Meikleholmside. He has also been a regular in the Langholm senior rugby side for a number of seasons. His brother Malcolm was Cornet in 1998, and he first rode the common that year and joined the Castle Craigs, and has followed the Cornet every year since. His father David is a member of the Common Riding committee and looked after the leading principals’ horses for 25 years. Simon Jack Tweddle, 22, is standing for the second time and is a self-employed builder, and the son of Stephen and Maureen Tweddle of John Street. He is a keen golfer and first rode the common and the Castle Craigs in 2000, and has followed the Cornet every year except 2004. His father is a past president of the Castle Craigs and is still on the committee.

Director

Langholm Town Band embark on a new chapter on May 26 when they perform for the first time in concert under their newly-appointed musical director, Chris Shanks. A former student of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and a music teacher by profession, Chris, 26, started playing when he was four years of age. His heavy involvement with the Salvation Army in Bellshill and further afield has seen him travel around the UK and Europe to perform and conduct. During his studies he also held the position of principal euphonium at the 2008 course of the European Youth Band, held in Satvanger, Norway. During the concert Langholm Junior Band will also play a small selection of music under the baton of David Calvert. The event takes place in the Buccleuch Centre, starting at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Paper Shop, John Ritchie Grocers, calling Christine Calvert (01387 380425) or paying at the door on the night.

Langlee

Primary school

Langlee primary school pupils have been involved in eco-activities for their Green Team Fortnight. Activities were centred round the themes of health, wellbeing and school grounds. The whole school took part in a flash dance which Miss Gavin organised. It was meant to be outside, but had to be held in the hall because of rain – but it was still a lot of fun for the youngsters. Everyone also got to take part in Zumba workshops. Leanne Haining from the Healthy Living Network helped the P1-4s to make healthy packed lunches, while the P5-7s enjoyed taster sessions in orienteering and basketball with Mr Blackie. Other activities during the fortnight included class challenges with Anna Craigen from Borders Forest Trust, dressing in earth colours to mark Earth Day and community litter picks. The children found there was less litter around Langlee than they have found previously, but they were sad at the amount of mess along the

Langlee stretch of the Black Path. There was a sea of green at the eco assembly which was held at the end of the fortnight as the children wore something green. All the classes worked hard throughout the fortnight on different aspects in their classes. These were showcased at the assembly and the Green Thumbs committee members introduced their class activities. All pupils took part in daily active challenges, as well as learning a lot to do with being healthy and taking part in competitions. The fortnight was rounded off with a whole school “waste-free and healthy” picnic. Torwoodlee and Boleside houses were joint winners for having the least amount of waste and youngsters pupils were awarded house points for having a healthy packed lunch.

Lauder

AGM

Lauderdale Historical Society’s AGM will be held on May 15 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Further details from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).

WRI

Mrs Waldie welcomed members to the latest meeting before they enjoyed an origami demonstration. Competition – pretty bracelet – 1, Kathleen Thomson; 2, Sheila Hardie; 3, Mary Sked; savoury dip – 1, Anne Lillico; 2, Joanne Watson; 3, Kathleen Thomson.

Guild

At Channelkirk and Lauder Church Guild’s AGM and musical afternoon, the committee was re-elected en bloc. Readings and poems were read by the committee, while Billy Anderson entertained members on the accordion. Members enjoyed an outing to Dobbies Village in Lasswade before high tea at The Lodge, Carfraemill.

LINDEAN

WRI

For the April meeting there was a good turnout for a members’ taste and try night. Competition – tea tray – 1, S. Lamza; 2, M. Mabon; 3, M. Chisholm. Raffle – M. Stephen, J. Stewart, M. Mabon. This month’s meeting was the AGM and presentation night. Elected for 2013/14 – president, M. Milne; secretary, V. Mayo; treasurer, D. Murray; press secretary, M. Lawrie; magazine secretary, B. Lothian. Committee – E. Scott, M. Inglis, S. Lamza, J. Davies, M. Ewart. Raffle – E. Douglas, S. Lamza, D.Lamza, J.Stewart, M. Stephen. Prizewinners – McGowan Cup – M. Inglis, Jess Hope Cup, M. Mabon; Miss Scott Cup, V. Mayo. The final meeting of the year will be a dinner at Quins on June 6.

Maxton

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning for Maxton village hall funds on May 18, starting at 10am. The event will be held in the hall.

MELROSE

Trimontium

Colin Wallace of Liverpool University gave the Bill Lonie Lecture – the third and final in the spring 2013 series – in the parish church hall last Thursday. Once again extra seats had to be brought in. He spoke about the deposition of body parts outside burial contexts – even their display during the Roman Iron Age was comprehensively covered from archaeological reports and from Roman writers’ accounts. The list of sites and finds included Newstead where skull fragments were discovered in the fort ditches and outside the fort in the pits. Today’s (Thursday) Trimontium Walk starts at 1.30pm.

Church

May 12 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); 7.30pm, Eildon Singers (Britten and Schubert); May 12-18 – Christian Aid Week collectors requested and also for the coffee morning on 18th; May 14 – church magazine deadline; May 22 –midweek service and lunch.

OXNAM

Concert

Oxnam Valley Voices are performing a concert of varied music in the village kirk at 7pm on May 10. Entry by donation.

Selkirk

Christian Aid

Collections during Christian Aid Week (May 12-18) will be made in Selkirk, and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys. There will be a commissioning service on Sunday, May 12, at 6.30pm in the United Reformed Church.

Birdsong walk

The Central Borders branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust hosted an evening birdsong walk last Thursday at The Haining. Over a period of two hours, 29 species of bird were seen or heard.

Antiquarian Society

Members meet on May 15 in the parish church hall when Tam Ward will present a talk about the work of the Biggar Archaeology Group. This meeting will be preceded at 7.30pm by a short AGM.

st boswells

WRI

At the April meeting members listened to Jean Garden talk about “New From Old” – how to reuse what people usually throw away. Competition – small recycled object – 1, Janet Irons; 2, Carol Dawson; 3, Rose Cameron. Next meeting is on May 14 and will feature “Bagpipes – beyond the Borders”.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be at 10am on May 12.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on May 19 at 10am.

YETHOLM

Whist drive

Yetholm Macmillan committee members are arranging a whist drive to raise funds for the cancer charity. It will be held in the Youth Hall on May 14 at 7.30pm.

Dance

The Festival Week dance will be held in the Wauchope Hall on June 15. Tickets are on sale from May 11 at the village shop. Dancing will be to Fahrenheit.

Christian Aid

Christian Aid Week will see villagers doing their bit with money being raised through door collections and a lunch on May 16 (noon-2pm) in the Wauchope Hall.

Workshop

A rag rug workshop was held in the Wauchope Hall.

AGM

At the Wauchope Hall AGM, chairman Jim Cockburn agreed to serve for a further year, but to assist him bookings are now being taken by treasurer Pat Young, of 2 Hillview, Kirk Yetholm (01573 420594).Pat also presented a healthy state set of accounts.

Opinion – by Mark Entwistle

We have become accustomed to seeing television and newspaper images of drunken youths disgracing themselves by their conduct at top-flight professional football matches.

But we have always smugly consoled ourselves with the refrain “you’d never get that at the rugby”.

Well, that all changed on Saturday at the Jed Thistle Sevens at Riverside Park. This week we report on how the tournament was sullied with arrests for fighting, under-age drinking and personal abuse being chanted by a section of the crowd at the young Melrose players contesting the final.

Melrose RFC president John Reed has rightly condemned the behaviour, but it needs the parents of those involved and club officials to crack down and get the message firmly across that there is no place for it in rugby or any other sport, and will not be tolerated.

If that takes banning orders from rugby grounds being slapped on certain people in the same way similar behaviour at football matches is dealt with, then so be it.

And all credit to the young Melrose Wasps players, all 18 or under, who gave the best riposte possible to the ignorant morons shouting abuse by lifting the trophy.

If those responsible thought by chanting such foul-mouthed barbs would prevent the Melrose side from knocking out the host club in the final of its own tournament, they were much mistaken.

All they achieved was to bring disgrace and shame on themselves and, sadly, upon this normally very enjoyable and well-run sevens tournament.

Deanfield Residential Home in Hawick was opened by former Scottish Office minister Michael Ancram in July 1987 – almost a year late after the original contractors, Tensa, from Edinburgh, went bankrupt.

James Swinton of Hawick finished the job. From left: regional council convener Tom Hunter, Sarah Murray, Mr and Mrs Ancram, and social work chairman, Councillor Nan Burnett

Boleside on the River Tweed between Galashiels and Lindean was the scene of a total-immersion baptism in June 1987.

Mrs Maureen Thomson was living in the County Hotel, Selkirk, and about to take over the Health and Herb shop in Hawick with her husband Stephen. Selkirk swimming pool was not available because of the common riding and Maureen decided on the river instead of the swimming pool in Galashiels. She was baptised by Pastor Ron Robertson of Selkirk’s newest church, Borders Christian Ministries. Mr Robertson told TheSouthern at the time: “I was a Baptist minister and have carried out quite a few total-immersion baptisms, but this was the first time I had ever carried out one in a river.” He was assisted by church treasurer Ron Scurfield as the congregation sang on the river bank.

There was a bear in the Borders in the summer of 1986. Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, known as the Golden Bear, demonstrated his skills to a party of London businessmen at The Glen House near Traquair.

The American was heading for the Open at Muirfield.