A bid to raise more than £400,000 for major work on St Boswells Village Hall will be launched tonight (Thursday).

A wine and cheese evening and talk by Atlantic rower Leven Brown will feature as part of the evening in the village hall, which starts at 6.45pm, when plans will also be on display.

Insulation, double glazing and new toilets are among the work required on the building.

A ‘bonkers discussion’ was how a senior member of Scottish Borders Council

described a debate on the drinking of alcohol in public.

Michael Cook (East Berwickshire, Ind) made the remark during Thursday’s full council meeting.

Members were discussing recommendations to consult the region’s five area forums, local community council and the public on proposed by-laws prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in public places. Without the by-laws, the police are limited in relation to when they can confiscate alcohol.

But some of the assertions in the report came under fire from several councillors, including Stuart Bell (Tweeddale East, SNP) and Catriona Bhatia (Tweeddale West, LD).

Mr Bell felt it was not relevant for the report to cite health aspects of the issue.

“And with regard to public safety, it is a spurious argument to say 31 local authorities have these by-laws – where is the evidence for this improving public safety?” he asked.

And Mrs Bhatia had concerns the evidence seemed to have been been built up to shore up the recommendations.

Councillor Ron Smith (Hawick & Hermitage, LD) said to claim alcohol problems were prevalent in the Borders was “overstating the case”.

However, Councillor Michelle Ballantyne (Selkirkshire, Con)said all such a by-law would do is give the police the power to prevent incidents becoming something more serious.

And it was at this point Councillor Cook had clearly had enough: “I’m not sure it’s really that edifying for people to hear such a bonkers discussion.

“There’s no ambiguity. It’s been said from day one that community councils want the police to have this power – they recognise there is an issue.

“If the nature of this paper has changed it’s because we asked for it to do so. We need to stop obsessing about nonsense and get on with this.”

Councillors unanimously agreed the views of area forums and community councils should be sought.

A drink-driver crashed into a street lamp, forcing a woman waiting for a bus to run out of the vehicle’s path.

Accused Darrell Potts was told by Sheriff Kevin Drummond at Selkirk on Monday that he had placed the public in danger after what he described as “a shocking piece of driving”.

Potts was double the alcohol limit when he drove at excessive speed on the A7 near Kingsknowes, Galashiels, swerving on the road before losing control of the car and colliding with a street lamp.

Potts, 20, of Chay Blyth Place, Hawick, admitted driving a car on April 21 with a breath/alcohol reading of 70 mcgs – the legal limit being 35. The accused also pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and without a licence or insurance.

The court heard how Potts had borrowed the vehicle before going drinking. He picked up a friend, leaving Selkirk and heading towards Galashiels around 6.30am.

Another driver was aware of Potts travelling behind her at speed and he pulled out as if to pass, to be faced by an oncoming lorry.

“He stayed in the carriageway, as if playing chicken, and then pulled back in to avoid a collision,” explained prosecutor Graham Fraser.

“He was travelling at considerable speed, swerving around the roadway before he lost control and crashed into a lamp. A lady standing at the bus stop in Abbotsford Road had to run out of the path of the vehicle,” he added.

Police were contacted and a taxi traced, in which the accused was a passenger.

Iain Burke, defending, said his client fully co-operated with police, explaining: “He had been given the vehicle to do some work on for his friend, and had been out drinking when temptation got the better of him and he took it for a drive to get fuel.”

Mr Burke said Potts denied he had been “playing chicken”, adding: “He pulled out to overtake and didn’t have the power to do so.”

Sheriff Drummond disqualified Potts from driving in the meantime, deferring sentence for reports until July 8.

Two brothers appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, charged on petition with theft by housebreaking in Hawick.

Jamie Collins, 31, and his younger brother David, aged 26, both of Eildon Road, Hawick, are also charged with possession of drugs, while Jamie faces an allegation of having a knife.

Both accused made no plea or declaration when they appeared before Sheriff Kevin Drummond and the case was continued for further examination of the evidence.

Jamie was remanded in custody and David released on bail.

A Galashiels man appeared in private, charged on petition with assault to severe injury. The offence is alleged to have taken place in the town on March 12.

Jamie Whigham, aka Cairney, of Wood Street, made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

A HAWICK teenager who denies striking a man with a bottle to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement will stand trial on October 7, with a further first hearing on September 20.

Steven Gorman, 19, of Wilson Drive, appeared on indictment at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday and denied assaulting a man at North Bridge Street, Hawick, on September 22. He also pleaded not guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in North Bridge Street and High Street, Hawick, on the same date, and assaulting another man in North Bridge Street.

Gorman further denied struggling violently with police at Hawick police station.

Langholm girls under-15s maintained their 100 per cent unbeaten record last Saturday to be crowned overall National Sevens winners.

Their latest success was at Peffermill, in Edinburgh, and their National Sevens crown accompanies their 15-a-side Brewin Dolphin Cup they shared with Auchterarder.

Langholm defeated Hillhead/Jordanhill and Kyle, both by 30-5, Crieff 35-5, old rivals Auchterarder 25-5, and won 30-20 over Grange from Kilmarnock.

Coach Iain Park, development officer for Langholm RFC, said: “I am delighted that the girls had finished off the season on such a high.

“All the girls have improved during the season and they have played as a team with such commitment to both games and to training. They thoroughly deserve their success and have played some excellent rugby along the way.”

Langholm under-15 girls: S. Murray, H. Reid, C. Horsburgh, L. Meager, K. Jardine, R. Young, L. Thomson, N. Beattie, M. Paisley, C. Hope, A. Wyllie.

Lauder’s Adam Craig picked up a medal at the East of Scotland Athletics Championships to add to the impressive tally of Borders winners.

The 18-year-old, of Tweed Leader Jed Track, qualified as a fastest loser from the combined senior/under-20s 800m heats in a time of 2.01.19 – a personal best.

And he went on to finish an excellent third overall, and U20 champion, in the final with his second pb of the day, going under two minutes for the first time in 1.59.89. The winner was Tom Watson (Central) in 1.54.42.

In total, Borders runners won 19 medals at Meadowbank Stadium over two days.

Among those to impress were triple jumpers Faye Nicholson and Henry Clarkson who topped the podium in their sections, while Bryony Patterson of Innerleithen won two golds. Other gold winners were Isaac Bacon (Gala Harriers), Sophie Elder (Jedburgh), Zaynah Aziz and Eve Huxley (Moorfoot).

West Linton tennis pair Sean Berthelson and Kirsten Begg were the worthy winners of the boys’ and girls’ titles at the Borders U14 singles.

Played at Kelso Orchard TC, Berthelson proved too strong for young opponent Andrew Hogg of Berwick.

Although Hogg fought valiantly, Berthelson’s wide variety of forehand and backhand passes gave him the 4-1, 4-0 win.

And clubmate Begg triumphed by the same scoreline in the girls’ final against Robyn Elliot of Melrose, as the West Linton member’s first serves, volleys and groundstrokes were too powerful.

Gregor Nichol of Selkirk won the boys’ consolation final 4-2, 4-1 against Tom Church of St Boswells.

Kelso member Gregor Welsh lost a close quarter-final to Adam Fawcus of Berwick, and fellow home player Sebastian Scott-Watson was involved in the longest game of the day, losing out to Andrew Davidson of Selkirk.

Kelso president Gareth Stott presented the trophies and thanked main organiser Lesley Thomas, of Hastings & Company, for sponsorship.

Meanwhile, Kelso Orchard has been successful with two applications for grants.

The club was awarded £318 by Tennis Borders towards balls and equipment for the mini-tennis project.

And it has also secured £2,000 from the Communities 2014 Fund towards extending its mini tennis, cardio tennis and high-intensity training programme it is currently undertaking.

The cardio and high-intensity scheme is open to anyone, not just tennis players, and details can be found at www.kelsoorchardtennisclub.org.uk

A super-cool Finn, a home-town favourite and seasoned winner all emerged triumphant from this year’s Jim Clark Rally.

Jukka Korhonen took his second successive victory in the British Rally Championship on the blistering-fast Berwickshire roads, while Duns driver Euan Thorburn won the Jim Clark National Rally for the second year in succession.

But it could have been so much better for Thorburn when leading the ARR Craib MSA Scottish Rally Championship race by 20 seconds, only for a small fire at the end of the penultimate stage to hand victory to Dumfries’ David Bogie and co-driver Kevin Rae of Hawick for their fourth Jim Clark Reivers Rally win in five years.

And there was further Borders success in the Challenge Rally as the St Boswells crew of Ross Hunter and Gary White celebrated victory on Saturday night in their Peugeot 205.

Korhonen was made to sweat in another thrilling shoot-out in the BRC.

He saw a 38-second lead whittled down to 0.1secs by Welshman Tom Cave, but the Scandinavian held his nerve to take the stage by just two seconds after 135 miles of high-speed battling.

“We made it tough on ourselves,” Korhonen, co-driven by Marko Salminen, said.

“We knew early in today’s first stage that we had made the wrong tyre choice and that, combined with a spin, cost us a lot of time.

“But we regrouped and managed to get everything right in the final stage.”

Duns driver Garry Pearson was up to eighth place overall in his Ford Fiesta when he was forced out of the event after hitting a tree stump on the Ayton stage.

Driving a Ford Focus WRC, Thorburn dominated the National Rally from start to finish and won by a comfortable 20 seconds from Radcliffe’s Stephen Simpson in a Subaru Impreza WRC.

He said: “It’s great to win the rally for the second time against some of the top ashpalt drivers in the country.”

There was a lucky escape for Duns driver Dale Robertson and his co-driver Paul McGuire from Tranent. Their Mitsubishi Lancer burst into flames on the Ayton stage. They both managed to escape the blaze without injury, but the car was totally gutted.

Robertson said: “The flames were coming up into the car between Paul and I, and Paul couldn’t get his door open so he had to clamber through the flames to get out the driver’s side.”

Duns co-driver Dave O’Brien escaped unhurt along with driver Keith Robathan when their Ford Escort MkII rolled on the Swinton stage.

WHEN a woman suggested his dogs should be on a lead after they terrified children playing near a river, David Begg retorted it was the youngsters who should be on leads.

Begg was jailed for 13 months after Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told him: “I think the people of Jedburgh require a rest from your activities.”

Begg, 48, of Bountrees, Jedburgh, was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment for a “disgraceful breach of the peace” at The Glebe, Jedburgh, on May 28 last year.

Prosecutor Kate McGarvey told the hearing at Jedburgh last Friday that the accused was sitting on the grass with his partner when their dogs ran towards some children who were splashing in the river. She said the youngsters were frightened and started to cry.

A woman told Begg the dogs should be on a lead, to which he replied: “Your kids should be on f*****g leads. You’re f*****g scum.”

The woman began to walk away, but Begg continued to shout and swear, adding: “You should leave Jedburgh with your scumbag kids.”

Begg also pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Bountrees on July 17.

A neighbour was strimming grass around 9.45am when Begg appeared in the roadway, wearing only a towel, and began to shout and swear at him.

He told the man: “I’ll stick that f*****g strimmer up your arse”, before challenging him to fight and threatening to set his dogs on him.

Begg received a further two four-month jail terms after admitting breaching an ASBO at Howden Crescent, Jedburgh, on September 4, and again at Bountrees on December 16.

On September 4, he began shouting at a woman putting out a wheelie bin, leaving her frightened and scared.

And on December 16, a 76-year-old neighbour told how she had to “turn her hoover on to mask the noise” after Begg was shouting and swearing and creating a disturbance.

“His behaviour got worse after drinking alcohol,” explained Ms McGarvey, “and the woman said he was making her life a misery.”

Begg’s lawyer, Rory Bannerman, said his client wished to “unreservedly apologise to the good people of Jedburgh for his misconduct last year”.

Mr Bannerman added: “He was reported to the police by people who thought that he deserved to be reported, and he agrees with them.

“He accepts that alcohol was the fuel to his fire – a fire which raged out of control in 2012 – and he recognises that others would be upset and intimidated by his behaviour.

“He is not using alcohol to excess now, and is now in a better place to work within the community.”

Gala Fairydean6

Selkirk1

Cameron Gunn U-15s Cup

Gala Fairydean coach Fred Blackie could lose Tommy Patterson to Cowdenbeath after the striker tormented the Selkirk backline to cap a league and cup double.

Patterson, who hails from Selkirk but turned out for the Dean’s senior side last month despite being only 14 years of age, has attracted the attention of the Blue Brazil.

He and his Gala team-mates thoroughly deserved their victory over Selkirk, who were missing five players on a school trip to France.

Blackie said: “We knew Selkirk were short-staffed today, but we didn’t play our best game.

“It is great to get the double, however, and we are keeping this side together and planning to run two under-17 teams next season. We are not sure what will happen with Tommy yet, but the rest of the guys are stepping up.”

Despite being huge underdogs, Selkirk started well and Chris Stansfield hit the post before Martin Jeffrey opened the scoring for Gala. The Souters grabbed a shock equaliser in the second third of the game as Stansfield’s cross was finished well by Fraser Easson.

However, within a couple of minutes, Jeffrey scored again and an own goal made it 3-1 at the end of the second third.

Goals from Tyler Jeffrey, Patterson and Jake Grierson completed the scoring for Gala.

Gala Fairydean2

Hawick1

Jack Gilchrist U-13s Cup

The tightest of cup finals saw Gala Fairydean edge past Hawick – thanks to a Dan Hill extra-time goal.

The Teries had started the game in perfect style with an early strike from Matthew Linton.

But Nathan Henderson equalised at the back post to pull the game into extra time.

In a tense extra period, both teams went close to scoring before Hill’s close-range shot squeezed into the net. Gala coach George Fairgrieve said: “It was a really close game between two sides who are evenly matched.

“We have had a few comments from people on the way we play.

“We are always trying to play passing football and today we created so many chances.

“The effort was unbelievable and I have to thank fellow coaches Callum Caverhill, who deals with lot of the untidy stuff behind the scenes, and Mark Darling.”

DUNS3

HAWICk1

CHRIS DOYLE U-17s Cup

Duns avenged their league title loss to Hawick – thanks to a Daniel Pattenden double.

The pacey striker had bagged five goals in last year’s U15 final, and was a constant threat to the Teries’ rearguard 12 months later.

However, it was Hawick who took the lead when Dale Whillans converted a spot kick after Steven Drummond was adjudged to have been fouled midway through the first half. But within minutes, Pattenden had equalised with a fine finish past Kerr Brown in the Hawick goal.

Duns created the better chances during the second period with Robbie Aitchison and Pattenden firing wide.

Extra time was looming until Aitchison made up for his earlier miss with a low shot across Brown five minutes from the end.

Two minutes later, Pattenden used his pace to breeze past four Hawick defenders and round Brown to tap into the empty net.

Gala Fairydean2

EYEMOUTH5

BRUCE SCOTT U-14s CUP

Gala Fairydean staged a remarkable comeback – only to lose in extra time.

A Connor Hook double sent the final into an additional period, but the Fishermen, led by Daniel Combe, proved too strong.

Eyemouth coach Allan Ponton said: “We have goalkeeper Thomas Lindsay to thank for some great saves.

Combe put in a man-of-the-match showing for The Gulls, and opened the scoring in the second third of the tie with a fine goal.

A Cameron Frater strike seemed to have ensured the trophy was heading back to Eyemouth in the final third, but Hook netted twice, his second with the last kick of normal time. However, Combe struck again as Gala began to tire in extra time and further goals from Evan Smith and Arran Middlemiss put gloss on the final scoreline.

Throughout the summer months, Richard Eland and his father Gordon make the long trip from their homes in Cumbria to the Borders.

The Elands don’t make these journeys to take in the scenery, but to run. Yet, they often return back over the border with no glory.

However, at Earlston Games on Saturday, it was time for the Elands to get a taste of victory as Richard gave a glorious show, winning the main event on the card, the 90m handicap.

Running from a mark of 16.5m, 30-year-old Eland made the final and went up against stablemate Craig Sowerby of Seaton (6.5m), Tommy Finkle (11m), James Park (8.5m) – both of Tweed Leader Jed Track – and Edinburgh’s Lawrie McCombie (12m) and Keiran Kivlin (2m).

And it was Eland’s last run that was to be his best as he stormed to victory in 9.38 seconds, with Kivlin and Finkle second and third respectively.

Speaking to The Southern, Eland said: “I am really delighted to have won a big race in the Borders.

“Since January I have been training six times a week and this has really paid off for me as I have lost over a stone in weight and I am feeling really fit.

“After winning my heat I thought I might be in with a chance of doing something and just went for it.”

Dean Whiteford of Innerleithen celebrated his 37th birthday on the Earlston Haugh track in great style with a win in the 1,600m.

Striding out well from the sound of starter Gerald Paxton’s gun, the birthday boy duly emerged a clear winner ahead of Selkirk pair John McLean and Alistair Laurie in 4 minutes, 19.04 seconds.

Whiteford told us: “I thought I might have got things wrong half way through the race by having gone too fast at the start and felt I might tire.

“However, I have been training hard and managed to keep going. I am really pleased to have won a race so early on in the season and hopefully there might be more to come.”

Hawick teenager Dylan Ali (15m) produced some top-notch running to take pride of place in the 200m. Victor of the 90m and 200m races at Blackford Games the previous week, Ali produced a scorching run from the back to hit the tape in 21.05.

Thirteen-year-old Phillippa Robertson (33m) also put victory Hawick’s way by doing the business in the youths’ 200m. Bidding for her second win of the term after having triumphed in the youths’ 90m at Blackford Games, Robertson took the honours in 20.23.

Berwickshire village Chirnside went two better than Hawick with four triumphs. Jamie Kinghorn was first victor for Berwickshire in the youths’ 800m and Cameron Burnett was next to shine in the senior 800m handicap. Both are part of Henry Gray’s school.

Burnett said: “Last year I won the youths’ 800m at Earlston, so I was determined to try and win the senior 800m today.”

Rory Williams then hoisted the Chirnside victory flag, not only once but twice. Also from Gray’s stable, 11-year-old Williams (8.5m) firstly made his mark by taking pride of place in the junior 90m and then the junior 200m.

Running from a back mark position of 25m, Berwick youngster Nathan Cox, who competes under the banner of Gala Harriers, gave a top class show to win the youths’ 1,600m.

Bryony Patterson of Leithenburn (16m) gave an excellent account of herself in taking the youths’ 90m, and there were also wins for Selkirk’s Geoff Keen in the veterans’ 90m and Greg Turnbull of TLJT in the invitation 60m race.

ANCRUM

WRI

Members discussed the entry for the federation show. Winner of the Fete Cup for Gypsy Creams was J. Butler; 2, R. Sinton; 3, R. Walker. Floral arrangement in an egg cup – 1, M. Dorricott; 2, C. Pringle; 3, R. Sinton; 4, E. Munro. The outing on June 12 is to Pirn House Interiors – meet at the bus stop at 6pm.

Caddonfoot

Church

The Reverend Marion Dodd conducted the service on Sunday in Caddonfoot Church, with the lessons read by Joyce Brown. The nominating committee for the vacancy with Trinity met this week, while Caddonfoot congregational board meets on June 13 at 7.30pm. There will be no Bible study during June and July. June 9 sees the CY prizegiving ceremony. Christian Aid donations in the Clovenfords district amounted to more than £600.

EARLSTON

Wednesday Club

The last get-together of the club year took the form of a coach trip to Fife, visiting Anstruther and Lundin Links. Members next meet after the summer break in September.

Church

The June 9 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods, with a congregational board meeting being held two days later at 7.30pm in the church hall lounge and communion service on June 16 at 10.15am. The congregational walk on June 23 leaves from the church at 11.30am. There will be two routes – round the Mill Meadow; and through Speedies Wood to Drygrange Orchard and back again. There will be refreshments at the church hall afterwards. The civic week service on June 30 will be in the marquee.

FOUNTAINHALL

WRI

The rural closes for the summer on June 12 with a meal at The Cockatoo (7 for 7.30pm).May competition winners – yoghurt loaf – 1, D. Wilson; 2, A. Mathison; family photograph – 1, A. Mathison; 2, C. Davidson. Meetings resume in the village hall on September 18.

Galashiels

Camera Club

The summer day trip to Crail and St Andrews will take place on June 9. First pick-up is at Newtown St Boswells (Waverley car park, opposite council offices) at 9am, then Melrose Square (9.07am) and Galashiels (next to fire station, 9.15am). Any questions – Ian Oliver (07778 383972).

Hawick

Rotary

President Tommy Mulvee welcomed several guests to last week’s club meeting. Eileen Smith accompanied her husband Ron, and Rotarians David Denier and Andrew Lister from Duns Rotary Club to hear the evening’s speaker, motorcycle racer Stuart Easton, with his sister, Linsey, who operated the digital projector. Stuart gave a talk on his sport which requires total dedication and concentration on top of an in-bred talent to ride machines in excess of 200mph. He started on motorcycles at five years of age in schoolboy motocross, with some success, and 10 years later, as soon as he was old enough in 1999, caught the bug of road racing on a 125cc Aprilia. His natural ability soon came to the notice of big teams and the following year he signed up with an outfit and came third in the 125cc British championship. His talents brought more success and two years later he was teamed up with his friend and mentor, the late Steve Hislop, both winning their respective championships. Success kept coming and in 2009 he was third in the superbikes and had the first of his three wins at the Macau GP where he still holds the outright lap record time. He also tried road racing and at the North-West 200 in Northern Ireland he holds the fastest speed-trap record of 204.7mph. However, it was there in 2011 that he had a near-fatal crash through no fault of his own. While slipstreaming a competitor at 160mph, the machine suddenly stopped and he couldn’t avoid a collision, resulting in multiple injuries and three months’ recuperation in a Belfast hospital. He is now in the process of re-establishing his career and has dropped to the 600cc class. Questions followed after which past president George Rennie proposed the vote of thanks to Stuart and Linsey.

heiton

Village hall

Heiton village hall committee met to discuss the autumn programme. Events are to include a concert in September, quiz with supper the following month and a 60s and 70s night in November. The Heiton newsletter is to be delivered soon, where details of these and other activities, with ticket information, will be found. Also discussed was the Heiton rideout on the Monday of Kelso Civic Week and the village dance the same night.

innerleithen

Walking guides

Pupils from P4 and P6 at St Ronan’s Primary School are working with Robert Smail’s Printing Works to put together two walking guides for the area. They have had help from Scottish Borders Ranger Service and Innerleithen Community Trust. P6 are extending a class project to produce a guide from Traquair to Dryhope Tower, based around Sir Walter Scott and his connections to the area. P4 are working on an historical route around the town, which will include points of interest such as St Ronan’s Wells, Runic Cross, Cuddy Brig and Jenny’s Well. The guides will be launched during Scottish Borders Walking Festival Week in September. The youngsters are keen to encourage people to get more active and also spend time and money in the town. They are hoping local businesses will sponsor these leaflets – anyone interested should contact Gen Harrison at gharrison@nts.org.uk.

Coffee morning

Innerleithen, Traquair and Walkerburn Church will hold a coffee morning on June 8 in Innerleithen Church Hall (10-11.30am), the proceeds of which will go towards the training of a midwife in Malawi.

Pipe band

Innerleithen Pipe Band will hold a coffee morning on June 8 in Vale of Leithen Social Club (10am-noon).

Ball

Tickets for the Standard Bearer’s Ball on July 13 are still available – contact stronansgames@googlemail.com or 01896 870316.

JEDBURGH

Lunch club

The lunch club will be held on June 13, providing a nourishing meal for pensioners in the Jedburgh area. Anyone who knows someone who would benefit from this service, or wants to help as a volunteer, should phone 01835 862565. Transport can be arranged.

kelso

U3A

Four Border Abbeys U3A group’s next open meeting is on June 10 at 12.30pm in Kelso Rugby Club for the members’ buffet lunch and social.

Bridge club

May 29 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Mary and Nigel Lindsay; 2, Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt; 3, Alison Ireland and Evelyn Erskine. E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 3, Honor Brown and Lesley Dick. May 30 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 2, David Harris-Burland and Sheila Urquhart; 3, John and Marian Miller. E/W – 1, Shirley Armstrong and Moira Ayton; 2, Archie Stewart and Billy Potts; 3, Nancy Porter and Jock Dun.

Principals

Kelso Community Events Committee has selected the four principals for St James’ Fair on September 7 and 8. There were so many children wanting to be involved that a basket was needed rather than a hat to pick the names from. The king will be Matt Ballantyne and the queen Rosie Kelly, both from Broomlands Primary School. Standard bearer Andrew Lawson is from Edenside, while Sprouston provides the cushion bearer – Emma Scott-Watson.

Goalkeeper

Kelso Football Club is looking for a goalkeeper and outfield players for its under-15 team. Anyone interested should email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com or telephone 01573 420703.

Dry bar

See Yetholm section.

langholm

Common riding

The common riding committee met in the Crown Hotel and at the outset of the meeting Roger Maxwell and Tommy Morrison were unanimously re-elected as chairman and vice-chairman respectively. On taking over the chair, Mr Maxwell congratulated Alasdair Cavers on being elected Cornet and said he could rely on the full support of the committee and hoped he would have a great day. The public meeting on the election night had been well attended and there were no complaints made about the running of the common riding. A point had been raised about the rental charges for the funfair at the Kilngreen and it was said that the cost for similar facilities at Annan was much less. There had been no response yet from Councillor Denis Male. The public meeting night dance had been well attended with 310 tickets sold and £1,550 raised. The band had been paid £300. It was agreed that a rope would be provided to keep a space clear for the horses in a bid to alleviate problems experienced last year at the handing in of the flag. The allowance for the Cornet and Right and Left-Hand Men will remain at £800 and £400 respectively. Norman Maxwell has provided the nibby for the semi-jubilee Cornet and Steven Ellwood said he would find out what his father, George, would like for his jubilee presentation. The vice-chairman will make enquiries with the family of diamond jubilee cornet John Paterson as to his presentation. The quote of £768 – £20 more than last year – by the North Lakes Marquee hire company was accepted. A sub-committee was formed for the Castleholm, and also for the athletics and bar. David Pool is Castle Craigs Fair Crier this year and Stuart Smith confirmed he would arrange for the supply of herring to assist Mary Musialowski. Stephen Rae said the posters had gone to print and the Castle Craigs Club race will now be a handicap, with no betting allowed.

Blooming

The Buccleuch Centre was busy with the Buccleuch in Bloom event. There was plenty to buy among the stalls which included Cochrane’s Nurseries, Latimers, Ian Waldie and Helen Knowles (both had stalls of plants and flowers), Magic Moments (baking), Abbotts (chocolates) and the Smith family (bird tables and nest boxes). There was also tombola and stalls of greeting cards, Graham’s timber products and Barbara Morris was promoting her new book. Langholm Playcare was on hand to keep the children happy with face-painting.

Sale

The local branch of Alzheimer Scotland is holding a mini sale in the Londis Annexe, High Street, today (Thursday) and tomorrow from 10am-4pm, and Saturday (10am-1pm).There will be nearly-new clothes and accessories, gifts, ornaments and toys, plus a raffle.

Libby’s visit

Paralympian Libby Clegg, who won silver in the T12 100 metres in the Paralympics in London when representing Team GB, visited the primary school. She showed the pupils her medals, having won her first silver in Beijing in 2008. Libby had visited the school prior to the Paralympics and was pleased to return and tell the children about her experiences competing in London.

LAUDER

WRI

Sheila Hardie represented the rural in the next round of the Gypsy Creams competition at the Berwickshire federation AGM and was awarded second prize. Thomson Trophy and SWRI Spoon for 2012/13 – 1, Wendy Paterson; 2, Mary Sked; 3 (equal), Kathleen Thomson and Anne Strangeways.

Historical society

The talk about Thomas the Rhymer has been rescheduled from June 19 to June 26 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Further details from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).

Melrose

Church

The church magazine for June, July and August is available for distribution and via email. June 9 services – Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); June 16 – war memorial, 10.45am; Kirkin’ of the Melrosian, 11am.

Trimontium

As well as the expected arrival by July of the Synton Hill hoard of 228 denarii, the quarterly meeting of the Trimontium trustees had the usual number of mundane but necessary matters to consider, including the financing of and charges for the museum and its activities, including school visits. Twenty-five years’ work had resulted in the gathering of an archive and the possibility of external storage was being considered. The museum had been the first independent one in the Borders to be awarded accredited status in 2010, but in order to keep its laurels it would require to submit to an inspection later this year. The date for the outing is August 3 and it was hoped to announce the details with the imminent issue of the annual newsletter, Trimontium Trumpet 27. The trust was playing an active part in the steering committee of the ambitious Old Melrose and Environs Project which, it was hoped, would make a start this year. There will be a Trimontium Walk today (Thursday) at 1.30pm.

Morebattle

Dry bar

See Yetholm section.

Newcastleton

Craft fair

The village hall was a hive of activity last week with the annual craft fair, proving popular with visitors from both sides of the border. This event is the hall committee’s main fundraiser towards keeping the building in good order.

YETHOLM

Hill walking

The eighth hill walking weekend went off successfully, with many taking part. Buses were on hand to take participants to the start point or collect them at the end. There were refreshments in the Wauchope Hall and medical facilities were on stand-by, courtesy of Borders Mountain Rescue Team.

Lunch

The next village lunch will be part of the Festival Week activities. It takes place on June 13 in the Wauchope Hall (noon-2pm).

Council

With the deadline for community council nominations having elapsed, there will be no need for an election, but there is one new member joining – Russell Taylor of Main Street. One of his interests is the local environment.

Drama group

The local drama group had hoped to present a play – A Time to Dye –this evening (Thursday). But due to casting problems, this is not possible, although it is still hoped to produce the play at a later date. However, the show must go on and so tonight, in the Wauchope Hall, there will be An Evening of Music, Laughter and Entertainment starting at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door.

Butcher

There is much relief in the village as a butcher’s shop – Valley Meats and under the control of Eck Hogg – is trading again.

Gardens

Just down the Bowmont Valley are the gardens at Mindrum. They are open to the public, including every Wednesday (11am-4pm) until September. In addition there are special charity openings. One of these is on June 16 (2-6pm) under the National Gardens Scheme, with proceeds going to Kirknewton Church. There will be another 2-6pm opening on July 7 when the benefitting charities will be the British Red Cross Society and Royal British Legion.

Sale

A Floral Gateway Gathering sale will be held on Town Yetholm Green on June 8 (9am-noon). Plant and shrub donations needed – ring Ian Rendall Reid on 01573 420703.

Dry bar

Yetholm Dry Bar needs unwanted DVDs, CDs and books for its village green sale. Drop boxes are placed in Yetholm and Morebattle primary schools, and in Kelso at Seasons. Organisers hope to raise £500 towards the costs of their Summer Festival of Fun. For further information, ring Ian Rendall Reid on 01573 420703 or email ireid@yetholmtown.plus.com.

Fell running

Yetholm hosted the second round of the British Fell Running Championships on Sunday. A total of 238 competitors, including local runners, participated on the day. From entry fees, £1,000 and £500 was donated to Borders Search and Rescue Unit and Macmillan Cancer Support respectively.

The Steading is an attractive, four-bedroom detached country property in a fantastic location, with panoramic views over the Tweed Valley to Kelso and the Cheviot Hills.

The property is in immaculate move-in condition and sits on a good sized plot with parking and attached garage to front, with patio running along the back of the house taking advantage of the location and views.

The unique selling point of the house is the location, with fine views towards The Cheviot Hills and the quiet setting off a minor road near Hume, just a few miles drive from Kelso.

The accommodation comprises a good sized central entrance with generous hall, breakfasting kitchen fitted with attractive units, oak worktops, and patio doors to the garden, with a generous breakfasting/informal dining area to side. The separate utility offers plenty of space.

The sitting room enjoys fantastic views, with patio doors out to the garden and a multi fuel stove provides a focal point.

The downstairs bedroom has the benefit of being next to the cloakroom which again is generously proportioned and contemporary in style. Next to this lies another room currently used as a study but with potential for a further downstairs bedroom.

Upstairs there is a generous landing and good sized bedrooms off, including the master bedroom with views to front and rear and twin wardrobes. The second bedroom is also a double, again with fine views and a walk-through wardrobe.

There is also attic store or hobby room over the garage.

Property includes under floor heating.