An independence debate held last week has been hailed a success after it help make up the minds of many undecided voters.

The attendance, and the quality of the debate between four Borders politicians at the debate, organised by the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce, was also warmly welcomed by Jack Clark, convenor of the chamber.

After the debate, at the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels, Mr Clark told The Southern: “It is only in recent months that the tempo and bar has been raised in terms of the debate and discussions regarding what is going to happen on September 18 this year.

“We thought it was only right that we should have an open debate here in Galashiels, open to members of the Borders chamber and also to non-members too.

“It was very pleasing that in the region of 200 people were here tonight to hear our four speakers under the excellent chairmanship of Cameron Buttle.”

Before the start of the debate a show of hands was called to find out how many of the audience were undecided. This was repeated at the end, which revealed at least a 50 per cent reduction in the number of undecided voters.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP and Christine Grahame MSP spoke for independence, while Michael Moore MP and David Mundell MP advocated the benefits of the union.

During his 15 minute speech, Mr Wheelhouse spoke about the successes of the Scottish Parliament to date and also accused the Better Together campaign of “scaremongering” on various matters, including border controls.

Mr Wheelhouse said in an independent Scotland there would be points-based immigration policy, similar to that in Australia, and that EU membership under independence would provide greater access to Common Agricultural Policy funding and European development cash.

He added that access to trans-European transport funds would be of “great benefit to the Borders” and said that oil reserves of around £1.5trillion remained in the North Sea.

Mr Wheelhouse concluded by suggesting people also consider what the arguments would be for joining the rest of the UK if Scotland was currently independent, but warned that if Scotland voted for independence it would not become a “land of milk and honey overnight”.

Michael Moore told the audience that the debate was not about if Scotland could become independent, but rather if it was better off being independent.

He said Scotland could continue to “enjoy the best of both worlds” if it stayed in the union, with many decisions taken close to home in the Scottish Parliament and with the added strength of being part of the UK.

He added that as part of the ‘UK family’ Scotland had greater security and a greater place in the world and more “clout”.

On oil, Mr Moore said: “Tax receipts over the last few years have pretty much collapsed.”

He concluded by saying that as part of the UK, Scotland had a “place at the top table” with the EU, the G8 and Nato.

He added: “After this vote there will be change. If it is a vote for independence it will be of an unprecedented scale, but if we vote to stay part of the UK I believe things will change too.

“I believe more powers are an unstoppable reality of Scottish politics. We can take all the powers we want as Scotland, and as part of the UK.”

A lively question and answer session covered a wide range of topics before David Mundell and Christine Grahame had five minutes each to sum up.

Mr Mundell said: “We have got a great future together, and Scotland can continue to prosper with a strong Scottish Parliament.”

Christine Grahame said the Scottish Parliament was “hampered” and that Scots did not have the ‘best of both worlds’.

Referring to the ‘bedroom tax’ and the Scottish Government’s response, Ms Grahame added: “We try to fire fight policies that come from Westminster that are not in the interests of Scottish people and that take money from budgets that you quite rightly want spent on other projects.”

She said independence would ensure that Scotland would get a government it voted for.

Football

saturday, february 22

SPFL league Two

Albion Rovers 0 Peterhead 0

Clyde 1 Montrose 1

East Stirling 1 Berwick Rangers 1

Elgin City 2 Stirling Albion 3

Queen’s Park 0 Annan Athletic 1

South Challenge Cup 3rd Round

Preston Athletic 5 Heriot-Watt University 1

Lowland League

University of Stirling P Selkirk P

Lowland League Cup Section A

Vale of Leithen P Gala Fairydean Rovers P

East of Scotland Qualifying Cup

Semi-Finals

Spartans 2 Lothian Thistle H Vale 1

Leith Athletic 3 Whitehill Welfare 4

King Cup 1st Round

Burntisland Shipyard 1 Coldstream 2

Easthouses Lily MW 6 Eyemouth United 0

Edinburgh City 3 CS Strollers 0

Gretna 2008 2 Tynecastle 2 
(aet; Gretna won 4-2 on pens)

Kelso United 0 Edinburgh University 5

East of Scotland Qualifying League

Section B

Stirling University P Duns P

East of Scotland FIRST DIVISION

Berwick Rangers 4 Hawick Royal Albert 2

Ormiston P Hibernian P

P W D L F A Pts

Hibernian 12 10 1 1 49 10 31

Easthouses Lily 12 9 3 0 44 17 30

Berwick Rangers 12 5 0 7 23 23 15

Ormiston 11 5 0 6 21 26 15

Eyemouth United 12 4 2 6 26 36 14

Kelso United 11 3 4 4 21 26 13

Burntisland Ship 10 3 3 4 16 24 12

Duns 13 3 2 8 21 35 11

Peebles Rovers 10 2 3 5 17 29 9

Hawick RA 9 3 0 6 13 25 9

South of Scotland Cup Quarter-Finals

Hawick Waverley 3 Mayfield & Easthouses 1

Leithen Rovers 5 Musselburgh Windsor 3

Terregles Athletic P Carluke Baps P

Waddell Cup 2nd Round

Hearts of Liddesdale 1 Gala Fairydean Rov 4

Sanderson Cup Quarter-Final

Earlston Rhymers 1 Lauder 3

border amateur League a division

Ancrum 1 Tweeddale Rovers 0

Greenlaw 3 West Barns Star 5

Stow 2 Newtown 2

P W D L F A Pts

Chirnside Utd 18 11 4 3 54 34 37

Hawick Waverley 15 8 4 3 37 28 28

Newtown 17 7 4 6 35 30 25

West Barns Star 13 7 2 4 47 39 23

Gala Fairydean R 18 7 2 9 50 50 23

Greenlaw 14 6 2 6 32 37 20

Leithen Rovers 10 6 1 3 27 17 19

Stow 12 5 2 5 30 20 17

Tweeddale Rovers 17 5 2 10 29 38 17

Ancrum 13 4 3 6 29 41 15

*Hearts of L’dale 15 1 2 12 23 59 -1

*points deducted

border amateur League b division

Biggar 1 Coldstream Ams 0

Eyemouth Ams 1 Gordon 8

Hawick Legion 1 Linton Hotspur 1

Jed Legion 4 Langholm Legion 1

Langholm Legion P Gala Hotspur P

Selkirk Victoria P Jed Legion P

P W D L F A Pts

Jed Legion 16 13 0 3 55 17 39

Hawick Utd 16 10 2 4 51 46 32

Hawick Legion 16 9 2 5 63 41 29

Gordon 11 9 0 2 70 17 27

Eyemouth Ams 18 7 4 7 66 49 25

Langholm Legion 15 7 2 6 49 34 23

Gala Hotspur 15 6 3 6 47 41 21

Coldstream Ams 14 6 2 6 37 26 20

Linton Hotspur 14 4 1 9 26 39 13

*Biggar 12 1 0 11 15 48 -3

*Selkirk Victoria 13 0 0 13 1 122 -6

*points deducted

border amateur League c division

CFC Bowholm P Chirnside Utd Colts P

Kelso Thistle 5 Hawick Legion Rovers 3

Melrose 2 St Boswells 3

P W D L F A Pts

Chirnside UC 14 9 2 3 49 30 29

Kelso Thistle 15 9 2 4 37 25 29

Earlston Rhymers 12 6 3 3 32 21 21

St Boswells 14 6 3 5 36 34 21

Melrose 14 6 2 6 42 34 20

*Tweedmouth Am 14 6 2 6 31 36 17

CFC Bowholm 13 4 2 7 25 32 14

Lauder 11 3 3 5 24 29 12

*Hawick LR 15 2 1 12 25 60 4

*points deducted

LAIDLER/LANCASTER CUP 1st round

Embleton WR 6 Rothbury 2

Hedgeley Rovers 3 Bamburgh Castle 9

Shilbottle CW 3 Wansbeck AFC 0

North Northumberland Division 1

Red Row Welfare 6 Highfields Utd 1

Springhill 0 Tweedmouth Rangers 0

P W D L F A Pts

Shilbottle CW 10 9 1 0 52 18 28

Tweedmouth R 10 7 2 1 41 15 23

Bamburgh Castle 10 6 1 3 33 32 19

Red Row Welfare 10 5 2 3 32 23 17

N Sunderland 10 4 1 5 19 30 13

Rothbury 9 4 0 5 24 32 12

Highfields United 12 3 0 9 26 41 9

Tweedmouth H 12 3 0 9 24 46 9

*Springhill 13 3 1 9 19 33 7

*points deducted

North Northumberland Division 2

Craster Rovers 3 Lowick Utd 3

Duns 5 Anmouth Utd 0

Wooler Reserves 2 Amble St Cuthbert 2

P W D L F A Pts

Wansbeck Jun 17 14 2 1 93 22 44

Lowick United 15 10 2 3 71 26 32

Duns 13 8 1 4 46 21 25

Craster Rovers 14 5 7 2 30 21 22

Amble St Cuthbert 14 6 2 6 30 43 20

Embleton WR 13 6 1 6 44 37 19

Alnmouth United 15 6 1 8 27 56 19

*Wooler Res 14 3 2 9 20 61 8

*Lynemouth Ang 12 1 1 10 21 36 1

Hedgeley Rovers 11 0 1 10 8 67 1

*points deducted

Northern Alliance Division 1

Ponteland Utd 2 Wooler 0

P W D L F A Pts

Cramlington Town 19 13 3 3 51 32 42

Newcastle Chem 14 10 2 2 41 16 32

Wooler 21 8 6 7 40 41 30

*Gateshead Red 15 10 1 4 60 31 28

*Newcastle Univ 16 8 4 4 49 31 25

North Shields Ath 13 8 1 4 39 27 25

Birtley St J 18 7 4 7 43 39 25

Ponteland United 16 6 6 4 32 32 24

Gosforth Boh 17 6 4 7 33 37 22

New Fordley 17 6 3 8 39 50 21

Cullercoats 17 5 4 8 30 35 19

Hexham 17 6 1 10 29 46 19

Bedlington T Res 16 5 3 8 35 35 18

*Heddon 20 5 1 14 33 73 13

Willington Quay 18 1 3 14 23 52 6

*points deducted

tuesday, february 25

SPFL league Two

Annan Athletic 3 Queen’s Park 2

Albion 1 Clyde 0

P W D L F A Pts

Peterhead 25 14 7 4 48 28 49

Annan Athletic 25 13 5 7 48 36 44

Stirling 25 11 6 8 39 38 39

Clyde 26 11 6 9 31 33 39

East Stirling 26 10 8 8 37 34 38

Albion 26 9 8 9 31 32 35

Berwick 26 9 7 10 43 35 34

Montrose 26 8 8 10 33 36 32

Elgin 25 7 6 12 43 49 27

Queen’s Park 26 3 5 18 21 53 14

Fixtures

saturday, mArch 1

SPFL league Two (3PM)

Annan Athletic v Berwick Rangers

Clyde v Elgin City

Montrose v Albion Rovers

Peterhead v East Stirling

Stirling Albion v Queen’s Park

Lowland League (3pm)

East Kilbride v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Edinburgh City v Preston Athletic

Spartans v Threave Rovers

Whitehill Welfare v University of Stirling

Lowland League Cup Section A (3pm)

Selkirk v Vale of Leithen

Lowland League Cup Section c (3pm)

Gretna 2008 v Dalbeattie Star

east of scotland Premier Division (2.30)

Coldstream v Heriot-Watt University

Craigroyston v Leith Athletic

Lothian Thistle HV v Tynecastle

Spartans v Civil Service Strollers

east of scotland first Division (2.30)

Berwick Rangers Reserves v Peebles Rovers

Eyemouth United v Kelso United

Hibernian v Burntisland Shipyard

Ormiston v Easthouses Lily

East of Scotland Qualifying League Section B (2.30)

Hawick Royal Albert v Duns

Stirling University v Edinburgh University

border amateur League a division (2.30)

Newtown v Greenlaw

Stow v Hearts of Liddesdale

Tweeddale Rovers v Ancrum

West Barns Star v Leithen Rovers

border amateur League b division (2.30)

Coldstream Ams v Jed Legion

Eyemouth Ams v Hawick Legion

Gordon v Biggar

Langholm Legion v Hawick Utd

Linton Hotspur v Selkirk Victoria

border amateur League c division (2.30)

Kelso Thistle v CFC Bowholm

Lauder v St Boswells

Melrose v Chirnside Utd Colts

Tweedmouth Ams v Earlston Rhymers

NFA MINOR CUP SEMI - FINAL (1.30)

AFC Newbiggin v Red Row Welfare

RUNCIMAN CUP QUARTER-FINALS (1.30)

Duns v Amble St Cuthbert

Wooler Reserves v Wansbeck AFC

Lowick Utd v Embleton WR

Alnmouth Utd v Lynemouth Anglers

North Northumberland Division 1 (2pm)

Bamburgh Castle v Springhill

Shilbottle CW v Tweedmouth Harrow

Rothbury v North Sunderland

North Northumberland Division 2 (2pm)

Craster Rovers v Hedgeley Rovers

tuesday, mArch 4

SPFL league Two (7.45)

Peterhead v Annan Athletic

Lowland League Cup Section A (7.45)


Preston Athletic v Vale of Leithen

Lowland League Cup Section c (7.45)

Threave Rovers v East Kilbride

RUGBY

friday, February 21

national league

Peebles 14 Biggar 14

P W l d F A B Pts

Boroughmuir 16 14 2 0 491 233 12 68

Stewart’s-Melville 16 12 3 1 339 252 7 57

Watsonians 16 10 6 0 528 289 13 53

Dundee HSFP 16 10 5 1 439 276 8 50

Kelso 16 9 6 1 360 402 7 45

Selkirk 15 8 6 1 409 305 9 43

Peebles 16 6 9 1 304 330 5 31

GHA 16 4 12 0 278 460 6 22

Hillhead/Jord 16 2 14 0 240 507 7 15

Biggar 15 1 13 1 193 527 2 8

Saturday, February 22

national cup quarter-finals

Ayr 24 Glasgow Hawks 28

Edinburgh Accies 8 Aberdeen Grammar 13

premiership

Hawick 21 Gala 22

P W l d F A B Pts

Gala 16 12 3 1 437 274 13 63

Melrose 16 13 3 0 434 280 8 60

Heriot’s 15 11 3 1 325 264 6 52

Ayr 14 9 5 0 347 228 10 46

Edinburgh Acad 15 6 9 0 297 414 6 30

Glasgow Hawks 15 4 9 2 327 335 8 28

Hawick 15 5 9 1 291 362 6 28

Stirling Co 16 5 11 0 248 330 8 28

Currie 15 5 9 1 281 413 3 25

Aberdeen 15 3 12 0 290 377 9 21

border league pool a

Jed-Forest 29 Kelso 27

east regional bowl quarter-finals

Ross High P St Boswells P

Walkerburn 0 Gala YM 72

border regional shield

Hawick Harlequins 27 Earlston 8

east Division 1

Duns 0 Preston Lodge 15

P W l d F A B Pts

Preston Lodge 17 17 0 0 828 177 15 83

RHC 18 15 3 0 658 166 12 72

North Berwick 18 14 4 0 449 267 9 65

Dunbar 17 12 5 0 585 257 10 58

Linlithgow 16 9 7 0 430 270 12 48

Hawick Linden 18 5 13 0 239 632 5 25

Portobello 16 5 11 0 235 458 4 24

Langholm 16 4 12 0 196 577 3 17

Duns 18 3 15 0 214 577 4 16

Hawick Harlequins 18 2 16 0 262 715 6 14

edinburgh regional shield pool 1

Linlithgow 13 Dunbar 12

P W l d F A B Pts

RHC 1 1 0 0 55 11 0 4

Linlithgow 2 1 1 0 24 67 0 4

Dunbar 1 0 1 0 12 13 1 1

borders semi junior league

Duns Colts 14 Peebles Colts 0

Jed Thistle 45 Gala Wanderers 15

Fixtures

saturday, mArch 1

Premiership (3pm)

Aberdeen Grammar v Melrose

Ayr v Edinburgh Acads

Currie v Hawick

Heriot’s v Glasgow Hawks

Stirling County v Gala

National League (3pm)

Biggar v Boroughmuir

GHA v Watsonians

Peebles v Dundee HSFP

Selkirk v Hillhead/Jordanhill

Stewart’s-Melville FP v Kelso

championship b (3pm)

Haddington v Hawick YM

Howe of Fife v Murrayfield Wanderers

Lasswade v Kirkcaldy

Livingston v Jed-Forest

Musselburgh v Aberdeenshire

east regional bowl semi-finals (3pm)

Gala YM v St Boswells

Broughton v Liberton FP

border regional shield (3pm)

Earlston v Langholm

Hawick Harlequins v Berwick

Hawick Linden v Duns

edinburgh regional shield pool 1 (3pm)

Dunbar v RHC

east Division 3 (3pm)

RDVC v Walkerburn

borders semi junior league (3pm)

Gala Wanderers v Duns Colts

sunday, mArch 2

borders u16 league (3pm)

Duns v Jed-Forest

Gala Red Triangle v Hawick Albion

Langholm v Peebles

Selkirk v Melrose

Two Borders Pool League players have been representing their country at the European Championships in Malta.

Scott Bowers (Waverley Bar, Hawick) played in the senior events, gaining his 50th cap, while Kieran Riddell (Reivers, Galashiels) made his debut for the C team.

Riddell produced some fine pool to beat Sasha Gauci (Malta) in the singles prelim round before going down to classy Northern Ireland player Jimmy Moore. Bowers, pictured, reached the last 32 before being ousted by his old foe, Shane Robinson (England), in a pulsating match.

He told TheSouthern: “To reach 50 caps was a great achievement, but I played my best pool for years and the opposition (three World and five European champions) was unbelievably tough. Kieran had a brilliant week and played well. Malta is an intimidating cauldron to play in for an international debut.”

Both Borders players recorded decent stats in the team events.

Sports digest

Athletics

Berwickshire

Berwickshire High School is the venue tomorrow for the first Berwickshire Cross Country Championships for P5-7 pupils from 10am to noon.

Nine primary schools will be taking part and it is anticipated that more than 180 children will be competing in 2km races.

Gala Harriers

Results from the National Cross Country at Callendar House, Falkirk.

Under-13 boys: Jamie Logan (14th overall in 13 minutes 24 seconds); Andrew Hogg (13.37); Corri Campbell (13.46); Mark Purves (19.11) – ninth team placing overall.

Under-13 girls: Susannah Godfrey-Faussett (5th overall in 14.07) Rhiannon Fagan (14.39); Elena Heger (17.38).

Under-15 boys and girls: Calum Tharme (15.58); Katie Rourke (18.22); Joanna Mitchell (18.35).

Under-17 boys: Jason McIntosh (16th overall in 24.57); Broc Drury (25.37); Thomas Otton (26.03); Gavin Bryson (26.41) – 6th team placing overall. James Mercer (28.33).

Senior Women: Jenny Forbes (33.15); Fiona Dalgleish (33.39); Kate Jenkins (34.44); Anya Campbell (36.14) – 10th team placing overall. Gillian Duncan (36.34); Fiona Shepherd (37.20); Joeleen McKean (38.10); Dawn Grant (38.18); Anne Weir (40.30); Arlene Botha (40.43); Eileen Nicol.

Senior Men: Fergus Johnson (45.03); Graeme Murdoch (45.40); Colin McCall (47.55) – 15th team placing overall.

Moorfoot

Results from the National Cross Country at Callendar House, Falkirk.

Under-13 boys: Craig Angus (14.43).

Under-13 girls: Beth Hobbs (10th overall in 14.38); Mairi Wallace (15th overall in 14.53).

Under-15 girls: Zaynah Aziz (13th overall in 16.28); Fiona Grant (17.35).

Under-17 women: Naimh Shaw (21.27).

Under-17 men: Kobe Stevens (26.14); Sam MacNeil (26.54); Ben Hindley (31.38).

Under-20 women: Sophie Collins (20.12).

Senior women: Scout Adkin (31.59).

(All results can be found on the scottishathletics website).

Curling

Border Ice Rink

The Agrii Border League moves on to a very close finish in both sections, with Coldstream and Earlston on 12 points, the Rhymers with a game in hand.

Duns, also with a game in hand, are on 11, with Glendale shadowing on 10 points.

Section two finds the table headed by Kelso and Roxburghe, both on 10 points and both with two games in hand, while Ayton Castle are also on 10 points with one game in hand which is against Kelso, so there is still everything to play for over the coming three weeks.

In the Dickinson competition, apologies are due to Ayton Castle CC for mis-reporting last week that Duns had beaten them in the opening round.

Following last Wednesday’s quarter-finals, Coldstream had both rinks in contention, accompanied by Ayton Castle and Foulden 1. In the semis Ayton Castle came through in a close game, while Foulden had a less close game against their Coldstream opponents. At the end a battle royal took place, ending with Coldstream winning 5-4, this being the Streamers’ second successive victory.

In the Auld Yins League, Logan Forrest’s lead looks a bit shaky, while, with a win to his credit, Michael Aitchison is still holding up the entire table.

Chirnside Invitation Bonspiel will take place tomorrow evening at 5.15pm.

The long-running Corstorphine Friendly will not be held this season as the Edinburgh club doesn’t seem to be as friendly as in days of yore.

More curling on pages 80 and 83.

Football

Gala Fairydean Rovers

Gala Fairydean Rovers are inviting applications for the position of manager for the club’s reserve team

next season. Kev Matheson and Colin Riddle have indicated they are stepping down from running Gala Fairydean Rovers Amateurs at the end of this season due to business and family commitments.

The pair have done a tremendous job of steadying the ship this season in the Border Amateur A Division after all the upheaval in the summer when many of the playing squad moved up to the Lowland League team.

That leaves a vacancy for a new manager to come in and challenge for honours, as well as providing a conveyor belt of players for the first team.

A club spokesman said: ”Come and join our ambitious project and become a vital cog in the club.

“Applicants must be over 18 years old, must be able to motivate players and have good communication skills.

“You must possess good tactical and technical awareness and be willing to commit your time to help develop and push players towards the first team.”

Applications should be submitted to club secretary Graeme McIver by emailing graememciver@btinternet.com or in writing to c/o Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, Nether Road, Galashiels TD1 3HE before March 21.

Hawick Legion Rovers

Kelso Thistle 5

Hawick Legion Rovers 3

Thistle were the first to do the business in this free-scoring Border Amateur League Division C encounter when sailing into the lead near the quarter-hour mark.

After the Tweedsiders had slotted away a second, Chay Caldwell was just off target with a good effort for the Rovers.

Kelso went further in front before half-time and early in the second period Thistle demonstrated further sting by notching a fourth.

Rovers then showed what they had to offer when Jamie Dalgleish found the net with a perfectly-struck free kick.

Kelso, however, soon restored their four-goal lead.

A young Rovers outfit still had something to offer, though, and Caldwell got amongst the goals with a cracking shot on the volley.

The livewire Caldwell was not quite finished and in the closing minutes beat the Thistle keeper with a curling drive.

For Rovers, schoolboy goalkeeper Ronan Alexander had an impressive debut, pulling off some fine saves.

Golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Winter League: winner, G. Ford nett 36.

Melrose

Belhaven Winter League: 1, M. W. Gillie 2 up; 2, D. Page 1up.

Selkirk

Three-man Texas Scramble: 1=, J. Cockburn, T. Welsh, R.J.Wilson and J. Coyle, M. Thomson, A.Webster nett 28.9.

This weekend there will be the usual Winter Woollies competition and there will be golf balls for those with the skill or luck to hole out in two. New members are welcome to join in the fun.

Torwoodlee

Weekend Individual Stableford: 1, R. Semple 39 points; 2, A. Grierson 37; 3, R. Hastings 36.

This weekend’s competition is an individual Stableford – League to Dubai qualfier on Saturday or Sunday, March 1 or 2. £3 members.

Midweek 8 Hole: 1, G. Fraser 21 points. This week’s competition takes place today and tomorrow around the bottom half of the course. £2 entry for members, £5 for visitors, including soup.

The Woll
The club’s AGM is tonight (Thursday) at 7pm in the Hazelknowe suite, Bar 19, Woll Restaurant.

Rugby

Selkirk Youth Club

Playing their first Border Cup game of the season, the Youth Club posted a convincing 59-17 away win against Berwick Colts last weekend.

Sam MacKay (2), Donald Nichol (2), Lewis Martin (2), Philip Anderson (2), Alan Rutter and Jack Elliot all touched down for the young Souters, while Darren Knox kicked three conversions and a penalty goal.

Snooker

Borders

Results from the Jean Yule Cup: Hawick Conservative Club A 2 Hawick Burns Club A 4; St Boswells 2 Jedburgh Legion 4; Kelso Legion 3 Hawick Conservative Club B 3; Innerleithen P Selkirk A P. Free Week: Selkirk B and Hawick Burns Club B.

Tommy Douglas Storage Border Snooker League fixtures (tonight): Selkirk A v Hawick Conservative Club A; Kelso Legion v Innerleithen; Hawick Burns Club A v Hawick Burns Club B; Jedburgh Legion v Selkirk B; Hawick Conservative Club B v St Boswells.

League standings after 15 weeks: 1, Hawick Conservative Club A 76; 2, Selkirk A 57; 3, Hawick Burns Club A 56; 4, Kelso Legion 55; 5, Hawick Burns Club B 50; 6, Jedburgh Legion 47; 7, Selkirk B 33; 8, Hawick Conservative Club B 30; 9, St Boswells 28; 10, Innerleithen 18.

This weekend’s big event is the Hawick Burns Club-sponsored Borders Snooker Pairs Semis and Final Day at Hawick Burns Club on Sunday, March 2 – noon for 12.30pm start (strict dress code applies).

Squash

Galashiels

Club night friendlies: D. Sharratt 2 R. Kohler 0; I. Chalmers 2 I. Ross 0; A. Rocha 1 M. Sillies 1; D. Burnie 2 S. Walker 0; D. Sharratt 2 A. Ross 0; A. Gill 2 M. Sillies 0; D. Sharratt 2 A. Rocha 0.

KELSO racecourse stages its richest race day of the season on Saturday, with a seven race-card worth over £90,000.

Racing comes under orders at 1.55pm, with the £35,000 Totepool Premier Hurdle the feature race of the afternoon.

A cracking entry includes the hattrick-winning Seeyouatmidnight, who bids to retain his unbeaten record for Greenlaw trainer Sandy Thomson and his wife, Quona. He comes into the contest on the back of a £20,000 success in a Grade 2 hurdle at Haydock recently.

Another on a winning treble, including two strikes at Musselburgh, is Clever Cookie, trained by former jockey Peter Niven. He holds an entry in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Tote also sponsor the “Best Odds Guaranteed at Totepool” 2m 7f chase - a Class 1 Listed race. Leading Grand National fancy Monbeg Dude, trained by Michael Scudamore, takes the eye as he continues his Aintree countdown, while Nicky Richards’ Tutchec has won his last four races. Mr Moonshine, another Grand National entry, is part-owned by Jim Beaumont and Douglas Pryde who landed the Aintree spoils last year with Auroras Encore.

Joiner Terry Frame sponsors the opening race at 1.55pm, which has attracted a competitive field. Martin Todhunter has his horses in good order and he will be looking for Rockabilly Riot to follow up last month’s Musselburgh win.

Another loyal racecourse supporter is award-winning North Berwick butcher John Anderson, who supports the handicap hurdle.

The novice chase is sponsored by the Alexander family and Fife trainer Nick bids to win the race named in memory on his late father, with Jet Master. Stuart Coltherd had a double at Kelso’s last meeting and the Selkirk handler bids for more success with one of those winners, Surprise Vendor.

Premier Traffic Management backs the chase run for the prestigious Hamilton memorial trophy. This is the first in the Betfair Scottish Chase series, with Kelso staging the final on Wednesday May 7. Tristan Davidson recently became just the sixth Northern Area rider to notch 100 winners and he saddles Collyns Avenue. Whiskey Ridge, a winner at Sedgefield recently for Galashiels jockey Ryan Mania, aims for a quick follow-up for Yorkshire trainer Sue Smith.

The final race of the afternoon is the CGA Foxhunter Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase which is the last of three races sponsored by the CGA under their “Road to Cheltenham” scheme.

Last year’s Aintree Fox Hunters’ hero Tartan Snow is the star turn in this as he heads back to Liverpool to defend his crown, following an easy win at Kelso’s last meeting for in-form Stuart Coltherd. Galashiels handler Katie Scott could have two in the race - Moscow Menace and Douglas Julian.

There is limited package availability in the Pavlion Marquee - contact Laura on 01668 280800.

THE rain had eased for the second of the practice sessions at the Cowdenbeath Racewall and whilst the drivers never had the chance to try their cars on a dry surface the times were certainly tumbling towards the end of the session.

One surprise for most of the fans was the appearance of Earlston’s Paul Ford with his Formula I car and boy did it sound good, even though he could never get the full power of the car onto the track.

Ford was trying his car out for the forthcoming Formula I weekend where it is hoped that he will be amongst the front runners. Ford has had plenty of experience of racing at the Racewall where he won many a race when he had his Formula II and whilst the power differential is enormous, track knowledge helps.

There is another practice session this weekend when the lightning rods, prostox and hot rods have their chance to set up their cars for the start to the season. Again the session is from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

Borders College sports lecturer Chrys Murphy has won the Borders Cross Country senior veterans’ (over-60) title for the second year in a row.

Not only that, but he came first in all six races in his group to claim the outright title.

What made this achievement more remarkable is that Chrys suffered a serious knee injury in the same race last year (a broken kneecap), but he was determined to get back to fitness and retain his title this year.

A Wooler man, Chrys also runs for and has coached Wooler Running Club, but now runs for Gala Harriers.

A FORMER Selkirkshire resident has been included in the Scottish Rifle Team who departed for their tour to the USA this week.

Jamie Campbell attended Ettrickbridge Primary School and learned to shoot while his family were living on Bowhill Estate.

Jamie is to represent his country for the first time when he joins the squad of 14 men and two women who will take part in four individual tournaments and three team matches over the course of 22 days, at distances up to 1,000 yards, culminating in test matches against the USA and Canada on March 7 and 14.

Jamie’s dad, Niall, told The Southern: “Hopefully Jamie’s success will encourage youngsters to take up the sport by starting with small-bore rifle shooting at the new range near Midlem.”

Jamie captained Aberdeen and Scottish Universities rifle teams before taking a 14-year gap to concentrate on a career in mechanical engineering. He now works in corporate strategy and lives in Sussex with his wife and their two black Labs.

BY WAY of a sharpener for the nationals, several Gala Harriers took to the Pentland Hills for the Carnethy Five Cross Country on a cold but ultimately beautiful afternoon.

With almost 500 hardy souls in the field, eight Harriers made it around the testing hilly route, led home by Fergus Johnston in a very creditable 36th place overall in 1 hour and 56 seconds.

Excellent and gutsy performances came from Anja Campbell (1.18.52), Martin Clarke (1.19.06), James Purves (1.20.45), Fiona Shepherd (1.23.09), Dave Nightingale (1.23.52), Alison Wilson (1.23.55) and Shelagh King (1.46.31). National results on page 81.

YOUNG Hawick boxer Macauly Walker makes the journey to Paisley tomorrow (Friday) to take part in his first bout since winning the Eastern District title.

He boxes at a show run by former pro fighter John McIntyre at Linwood – and his coach and father Gareth is confident he’ll do well.

Speaking to The Southern this week, coach Walker said: “Macauly no longer suffers from negative nerves.

“He’s confident and has been training hard. He is really looking forward to it and this will give him more experience before next month’s Scottish Championships.”

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Zack Clarkson, who picked up a silver medal at the Eastern Districts, has left the Hawick club and is making weekly trips to Edinburgh to train with Lochend.

“Zack’s father is hoping to further his career by training in Edinburgh and I’m sad to see him go,” commented Walker.

“Zack is a good young lad and the door is always open here for him. We wish him well for the future.”

Two familiar Hawick boxers have returned to the O’Connell Street gym. Heavyweights Sean Allison and John Scott are both training and are looking at ring returns in the next few months.

The Hawick club also hosted sparring this week when they were visited by boxers from Tranent’s Bronx Club.

Walker added: “This provides the youngsters with good experience and stands them in good stead for the future.”

Anyone wishing to train at the Hawick club should contact Gareth Walker on 07834 739994.

Eight licensed premises in the Borders have been recognised for their efforts in promoting a safe environment for patrons and assisting police in preventing crime.

The venues were presented with a Best Bar None award at a ceremony in Melrose last night (Wednesday).

Base from Hawick and Indigo Rooms in Galashiels were both be presented with a gold award, while Hawick’s Coopers and Waverley Bar and the Waggon Inn, Kelso, received silver awards.

Bronze awards were given to the Horse and Hound Country Inn at Bonchester Bridge, and Borders College Union and Refectory and Hunters Hall, both Galashiels.

Inspector Mike Wynne said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and to reducing alcohol-related crime throughout the Borders.

“Each recipient of the Best Bar None award has demonstrated a willingness to work alongside police and local authority to assist with our efforts to protect the public from harm and ensure a safe environment for patrons at licensed premises.”

Councillor Willie Archibald, convenor of Scottish Borders Licensing Board, presented the awards.

ANOTHER award has been added to The Mainstreet Trading Company collection, the latest for the delicatessen, which was only opened in November 2012.

From nearly 300 entries nationwide, Rosamund and Bill de la Hey’s business scooped the ‘Delicatessen of the Year’ in the Farm Shop and Deli Awards.

The awards, in partnership with Olives Et Al, recognise the very best standards in speciality retail and celebrate the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement.

Bill de la Hey said: “It’s very exciting to have won this prestigious award. The endorsement of such a knowledgeable judging panel will drive us forwards with even greater ambition.

“It is a privilege to be able to turn a passion into a business and, together with our hugely talented team of staff, enjoy sourcing from an inspiring range of producers and suppliers.”

The Mainstreet Trading Company was selected as one of twelve category winners following a day of intensive judging by leading speciality retailers and key industry figures along with mystery visits conducted throughout December by BBC Radio 2’s Nigel Barden, chair of judges.

Mr Barden said: “It’s gratifying to know that there are so many excellent purveyors of food and drink in Britain, like The Mainstreet Trading Company.

“During the mystery visits I have been delighted, moved and inspired by the people I’ve met and it’s marvellous to find local retailers like The Mainstreet Trading Company are so much at the heart of their community.”

Fellow judge Neil Nugent, executive chef and head of product development at Morrison’s said: “The awards are a brilliant opportunity for the UK’s small independent businesses to get recognition nationally and enable them to become a destination.”

The awards received a record number of entrants and thousands of public votes from consumers supporting their favourite speciality retailers.

An overall winner will be announced at the Farm Shop and Deli Show at Birmingham’s NEC in March.

Borders MSP John Lamont has lodged a motion with the Scottish Parliament to commend the efforts of Mainstreet’s owners.

Mr Lamont said: “I was delighted to hear that once again The Mainstreet Trading Company has been recognised on the national stage.

“For years they have been widely regarded as one of the best book shops in the UK, but to also win an award for their fantastic deli shows the high standards they are achieving.”

He added: “We are extremely lucky to have one of the best businesses in the UK operating here in the Borders.”

Councillors are today (Thursday) expected to agree to the establishment of a trust to run the authority’s cultural services by October 2015.

The move could avoid the closure of some libraries, museums and halls currently under the council’s control.

In a bid to find savings of £406,000, a review of the council’s cultural services found the creation of a trust and transfer of property, staff and services could save £276,000.

A second option, involving the retention and restructuring of services, could save £336,000, but would involve the closure of multiple services and cuts for others.

Cultural services include libraries, halls, museums, archives and arts development.

An appraisal of the two options saw the trust option come out on top.

In his report to councillors, Ian Brown, cultural services manager, says: “By transferring services to a trust it will be possible to secure the entire savings target for the review from rates remission.

“If the services are retained, the savings will have to be found from service withdrawal and/or reduction, facility closure and streamlined management and backroom support.”

Mr Brown adds: “At this time, all cultural services (with the exception of the integrated library/contact centres) are proposed to transfer to a new trust, though the scope of the proposed trust will remain under review during the next phase of work.”

Transferring combined libraries and contact centres to a trust has been examined separately, with no business case found for them to be transferred, with additional issues around data protection also proving a stumbling block.

It has been estimated that the cost of establishing a trust to run the various services would be around £70,000.

At today’s meeting, councillors will be asked to approve the principal of a move to a trust model, and that a further report will be brought back before members in August.

Should everything go ahead as planned, the trust could be launched by October next year.

The existing cultural services have a combined budget of almost £5million and are delivered from 58 facilities by more than 200 employees.

Gillian Paterson, aged 21, originally from Melrose and now studying at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, is president of the university’s boat club. She is preparing her crew to face rivals Aberdeen University Boat Club as they attempt to take home the title of rowing champions in the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. Gillian is giving us a weekly rundown of her diary as the crew takes to the waters and undergoes rigorous training in the quest for victory.

It’s the week before Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, and tradition dictates that both my crew, the Robert Gordon University Boat Club, and our rivals, Aberdeen University Boat Club, must take part in an annual race against the top teams of young rowers from Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association (ASRA).

This challenge is always greatly anticipated amongst both the rowers and those who come along to watch, as the calibre of rowers from ASRA is very high and it always makes for a fun and action-packed race. So we took to the river on Wednesday with high hopes of a winning streak and the outcome was a win for my crew.

As well as preparing for this we have had a busy week continuing training, spending around four evenings down at the river practicing intensely, with our final training session taking place today. Tomorrow we will have a day of rest and recuperation before the big race on Saturday.

This week was also a perfect opportunity to get the team together for one last gathering before the big day.

The crew spends so much time together, training in all elements, encouraging, motivating and inspiring each other through blood, sweat and tears, so much so that if we weren’t already good friends to begin with we all become best friends by our final training session.

It’s always a bit strange when things die down after the race and we don’t see each other as often so we decided that we should take some time to have fun together and unwind for a few hours and the best way to do that was deemed to be an evening of pizza, movies and board games.

The clock is ticking and the winner of the 2014 boat race will soon be revealed, let’s hope it’s another year of success for RGU!

PUBLIC voting for this year’s Celebration of Sport awards will finish at 12 noon today so, if you haven’t already done so, now is your last chance to help pick the winner before tomorrow night’s ceremony at the Cardona Hotel, Peebles.

Text the letter of your choice below to 01896 242008

l Text A to vote for Ryan Mania in the Inspirational Performance category

l Text B to vote for Chris O’Hare in the Inspirational Performance category

l Text C to vote for Greig Laidlaw in the Inspirational Performance category

l Text D to vote for Libby Clegg in the Sports Personality of the Year category

l Text E to vote for Ryan Mania in the Sports Personality of the Year category

l Text F to vote for Stuart Easton in the Sports Personality of the Year category

l Text G to vote for Borders Elite Swim Team in the Team of the Year category

l Text H to vote for Team Borders in the Team of the Year category

l Text I to vote for Melrose Bowling Club in the Team of the Year category

l Or register your vote by phone by calling 01896 242008 and follow the instructions.

l Calls will be charged at local rate and texts at the standard network rate.

Borders Ice Rink Curling Club have been no stranger to success over the last 50 years and now, on their Golden Anniversary year, they have even more to celebrate.

For they have won the bid to host one of the most prestigious curling competitions in Scotland.

The Henderson Bishop Finals, ran by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC) Ladies section, will be held at Kelso in February 2015 and Nina Clancy, Border Ladies Vice-President, told The Southern: “It is a tremendous honour to hold this competition. The best ladies rinks from all over Scotland will take part. We are very excited.

“We won the bid because we have one of the best facilities in Scotland and the RCCC and Kelso in particular has to offer.”

Twenty teams will take part in the national competition held over four days, while competitors and their supporters will also be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the Scottish Borders.

Elsewhere the club have been enjoying the knock-on effects of the Winter Olympics and are hoping for a big turn out at their Come and Try sessions which kicked-off on Monday.

Gary Craig, Border Curling Development Group Chair, told us: “We have certainly noticed a new enthusiasm for the sports since the start of the Olympics.”

Sports fans inspired by the success of Team GB’s men and women now have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Eve Muirhead and Dave Murdoch through free local taster sessions with a qualified coach. All the necessary equipment, such as stones and brooms, as well as training aids will be available so all you need are a pair of trainers and some warm clothing.

“Curling enthusiasts of all ages and all abilities (including those with a disability and those in a wheelchair) are welcome to come along and get involved,” added Gary.

Border Ice Rink Come & Try sessions: Saturday, March 1 (9.15am-11:30am and 1.30pm-3.30pm); Thursday, March 6 (12.15pm-1.45pm).

For further information or to register please contact Liz Cullen at liz@royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org or telephone 01573 224 774/07745 428 130.

Each session is free of charge.

Watch our video at www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk

wooler

Last Tuesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 135 head of store cattle, all cattle sold at extreme rates well above vendor’s expectations and other markets and with a ringside of buyers more cattle could easily have been sold.

A.A.x steers sold to £1340 from GW Green and Sons, Wandon while 10m Char.x heifers sold to £1120 from Fawdon Farms, Fawdon. Steers average 235.7p per kilo, heifers average 214.3p per kilo.

Leading prices per head - Steers:- A.A.x:- £1340 (16m) Wandon, £1060 Lowick Moorhouse and Wandon. Lim.x:- (10m) £1000, £980 Fawdon Farms, £980, £970 (2) Branton Eastside, £960 South Ord, £960 (2) Branton Eastside. Char.x:- 10m £1060, £1050, £1040 (2), £1020 Fawdon Farms.

Leading price per head – Heifers:- 10m Char.x:- £1120, £880, £860 (2) Fawdon Farms, £1110, £1000, £990 Goswick, £970 Brockley Hall.

Leading prices per kilo - Steers:- 10m Char.x:- 280.7p, 276.1p, 272.3p, 267.1p, 266.3p Fawdon Farms. A.A.x:- 247.7p Wandon, 235.6p Lowick Moorhouse. Lim.x:- 260.9p, 258.9p Fawdon Farms, 258.7p, 258p, 245.5p Branton Eastside.

Leading prices per kilo - Heifers:- Lim.x:- 247.2p, 236.6p, 232.8p Branton Eastside, 212.3p South Ord. Char.x:- 234.8p, 234.3p, 224.9p Fawdon Farms.

At their weekly primestock sale last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 716 hoggs and 247 ewes.

Hoggs generally a better show, more flesh about returning higher averages to vendors gain. Higher numbers could be easily handled.

Leading prices per head:- Chv:- £92.50, £88.50 Humbleheugh, £84 Shotton, £83, £81 Humbleheugh. Tex:- £92 North Sharperton, £84.50 Meikle Harelaw, £84 Kettleburn, £82 Yetlington Lane, Kettleburn, Mindrum Farming Co (2), Meikle Harelaw, £81.50p Newstead. Sfx:- £88 Brockley Hall, £87 Mindrum Farming Co, £85 Kettleburn, Meikle Harelaw. Bel:- £81, £79 Ladykirk. Mule:- £80 West Longridge. BF:- £70 West Longridge.

Leading prices per kilo:- Chv:- 205.3p Shotton, 202.7p, 200p South Ord. Tex:- 205p Yetlington Lane, 204p, 202.7p Cockhall, 200p Greystonnes. Mindrum Farming Co (2). Sfx:- 202.6p Cockhall, Greystonnes. Bel:- 200p Ladykirk. Mule:- 193.8p West Longridge.

Ewe numbers similar, with an increase in hill bred ewes entering the market. All classes achieving returns in line with the previous week.

Ewes:- BFL:- £90 Clennel. Tex:- £86 Southfield, £77 Barmoor Red House. Sfx:- £84 Southfield, £79 West Longridge, £78 Brandon. HB:- £80 Brandon. Chv:- £79, £65 Humbleheugh, £60 Biddlestone Home Farm. Mule:- £73, £71 Southfield, £68.50p Greystonnes, Barmoor Red House. BF:- £63 Clennel, £60 Alwinton.

Rams:- Tex:- £95 Kettleburn, £87 North Sharperton. Chv:- £77 Biddlestone Home Farm.

SWA:- £75 Low Bleakhope.

st boswells

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 79 clean cattle, 43 OTM cattle, 1,732 old season lambs and 898 ewes

Bullocks (33) averaged 220p per kg and sold to 240p (+3p on week), heifers (43) averaged 214p per kg and sold to 257p (n/c on week), three young bulls averaged 123.7p per kg and sold to 130p (n/c on week) and 43 beef type OTM cattle averaged 127.6p per kg and sold to 197p (-3p on the week)

Old season SQQ lambs averaged 199.6 per kg (-4p on week) and sold to £107 and ewes averaged £63.78 and sold to £109. Heavy ewes £81.92, light ewes £56.34.

Principal prices per head: Saughland £1560; Bee Edge £1529.15, £1505.70; Crosshall £1509.30; Upper Nisbet £1469.40, £1439.60.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.57 Robert Wilson Butcher Edinburgh, 2.48 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.39 M/s Cropper, 2.34 Malone of Edinburgh; Saughland 2.40 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.34 Denholm Meats; Wester Ulston 2.37 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons; Upper Nisbet 2.37 Malone of Edinburgh, 2.36 M/s Cropper; Lennoxlove 2.34 Malone of Edinburgh; Caverton Mill 2.34 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd; Crosshall 2.34 M/s Black and Sons.

Cows per head: Stoneypath £1388.85, £1174.50, £1071.60, £985.50; Upper Huntlywood £1343.30, £972.70; Kersknowe £1265.40, £1244.10, £1032.75; Grahamslaw £1195.40, £1065.35; Muircleugh £1110.05, £1057.35.35; Corsbie (Fullerton) £1110, £1029, £977.55.

Cows per kg: Stoneypath 1.97, 1.45, 1.41(2); Corsbie (Fullerton) 1.85, 1.47; Kersknowe 1.71, 1.53, 1.43; Muircleugh 1.59, 1.49; Shotton 1.59, 1.55, 1.49; Grahamslaw 1.43, 1.39.

The 1,720 old season lambs averaged 194.7 (SQQ 199.6).

Hoggs per head: Tex.x;- £107, £98 Crookston, £97.50 Gerrisford, Tex;- £101.50 Roxburgh Mains, Suff;- £100 Roxburgh Mains, Suff.x;- £99.50 Falside and Berryhill, £98.50 Bedrule, Bel.x;- £99 Berrymoss, £98 Crookston, £93 Hartside, Hamp;- £93 Saltoun Station, BF;- £92 Crookston, £91 Blackhouse, Chev;- £91 Traprain, £90, £87.50 Whitchesters, Mule;- £90.50 Bonjedward Mill, £85 Crookston.

Hoggs per kg: Bel.x;- 222.7, 220.5 Crookston, 221.6 Berrymoss, Tex.x;- 220.5 Traprain, 216.2 Stoneypath, 214.5 St Leonards, Chev;- 214.5 Traprain, 209.5 Bedrule, 206.9 Langhope, Suff.x;- 212.5 Blegbie, 212.2 Blackburn, 211.8 Stoneypath, EC;- 206.6 Girrick, Chev.x;- 205.4 Traprain, 204.3 Laggan of Clachaig, Mule;- 205.1 Stoneypath, bf;- 201.4 Hartside.

Ewes: Tex;- £109 Craig Douglas, £99, £91 Lochside, BFL;- £85 Edston, Suff;- £83 Roxburgh Mains, Chev;- £81 Seafield, £77 Attonburn, Suff.x;- £79 Primside, £77 Hermiston, CM;- £79 Whitehill, £76 Halidean Mill, GF;- £75, £73 Boon, £73 Trowknowes, £71 Hermiston, £70 St Leonards, Wen;- £75 Eckford House, HB;- £73 Haltree, Shet.x;- £69, £67 Seafield, BF;- £63 Threepwood, £61 Hartside and Tinnis, EC;- £63 Girrick.

Rams: Tex;- £91 Larriston and Borthwickshiels, £83 Saltoun House, Suff;- £89 Saughtree, Char;- £88 Borthwickshiels, BFL;- £71 Threepwood Cott (Sandilands), BF;- £65 Bowland, Chev;- £65 Bowland, Rye;- £61 Eckford.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart PLC had forward 30 prime cattle, four young bulls, 24 over 30 month cattle, 4,609 prime hoggs and 5,083 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

Prime cattle sold to recent rates and more quality sorts are needed. Top price to 233.5p for a Limousin heifer shown by Messrs A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen.

Bulls also sold to similar trade all dairy bred selling to 185.5p twice, firstly for a Simmental shown by J.A. and D. Forster, Gillalees, then for a Limousin from T. and M. Irving, Becton Hall.

All classes of cows saw a much improved trade up 8p on the week. Top price to 168.5p and 160.5p for Charolais from Messrs Baxter, Moss Side. Top price per head to £1,659.73 also Messrs Baxter, Moss Side.

Another excellent show of 4,609 prime hoggs (1,053 lightweights) were forward to the usual full ringside of buyers, with best quality export weights continuing to meet high demand, lightweight hoggs more numerous and dearer on the week. The overall sale average was 193.6p per kilo (SQQ 200p per kilo). Top was £117 per head for Texels from Sharplaw with a top per kilo of 278p for Beltex from Westerly.

A larger show of 5,083 cast ewes and rams were forward to a fuller ring of purchasers. All classes of ewes sharper on the week especially heavy ewes which would be £3 to £4 dearer on the week. More needed to fulfil buyers requirements. Lightweight ewes a better show for quality on the week.

The Ministry of Defence has apologised and agreed compensation over the death of Hawick soldier, Private Jason Smith, a decade ago in Iraq.

Law firm Hodge Jones & Allen LLP have acted for Private Smith’s mother, Catherine Smith, since the first inquest into his death, which was held back in November, 2006.

Mrs Smith claims were for negligence and under the Human Rights Act 1998 for breach of Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the right to life.

Private Smith was 32 when he died on August 13, 2003, after collapsing from heatstroke.

It emerged that soldiers were not given correct advice regarding the amount of water they should be drinking; the ‘yellow card’ they were provided with was drafted for the heat of the UK, not Iraq. In addition, the number of heat illness casualties and the climatic conditions were not properly monitored.

The MoD has now apologised unreservedly to Mrs Smith for the death of her son, and acknowledged the difficulties she has had trying to obtain information in relation to the circumstances of his death.

It also apologised for the loss of his medical records, and acknowledged Private Smith’s commitment and dedicated service to the Territorial Army.

After the settlement, Mrs Smith said it had been a long fight for information.

“I am glad that the Ministry of Defence has finally acknowledged that there was a missed opportunity to intervene, and the risks that contributed to Jason’s death could have been reduced,” she said.

“ I have continued to fight because no other families should have to go through what I have been through.”

Mrs Smith added: “I have been reassured that changes have been made as a result of Jason’s death.”

BEDRULE

wri

Members enjoyed a Craft Corners evening. Competition – candle holder – 1, Sharon MacKenzie; 2, Liz Ramsey; 3, Susan Govan.

Caddonfoot

Church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted what she said was a “service with a difference” on Sunday when gale-force winds brought down power lines and plunged the church into darkness. Also, there was no organ music for hymns, so session clerk Anne Grieve and CY leader Catriona Bird stepped in with their flutes. The lessons were read by Joyce Brown.

Earlston

Camera club

Former knitwear designer and lecturer Mark Timmins entertained members of the club with a presentation of his photography. This included abstract pieces looking at reflections in water, numbers and letters, and even fish boxes. He also judged the competition – abstract/still life, which had 45 entries. Digital – 1, Adam Drummond; 2, Stephen Morris; 3, Linsey Anderson. Print – 1, Adam Drummond; 2, Linsey Anderson; 3, Stephen Morris.

Parish church

The 10.15am service on March 2 will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. A series of Lent Study and Worship services begins on March 5 at 7pm in the church which also hosts the World Day of Prayer service on March 7 (7pm).

Women’s group

The next meeting is on March 6 at 8pm in the church hall when the speaker is from Milestone Garden & Leisure Centre.

Social club

A Thursday social club is run weekly (11am-2pm), providing support for older and isolated people in the Earlston area. A lunch is provided, along with activities and entertainment. Just turn up at Hanover House or phone 01835 862565 for more information.

eckford

WRI

Cynthia Wise showed members how to make marzipan vegetables as a novel way of decorating a birthday cake before they all had fun making pandas. The winning decorated biscuits were brought by Gail Chandler, Christine Turner and Carol Wilson-Green. Prettiest cake plates – Ina Cowe, Gail Chandler and Christine Turner.

galashiels

Quiz

Quins restaurant is hosting a quiz night in aid of Selkirk-based national charity Scottish HART. Teams of four or more are wanted for the event on March 7 (8pm). More information from Matthew on 01896 757004.

Lunch club

The Lapwing Lunch Club, held every Tuesday, provides a meal for pensioners in the Galashiels area. Transport can be arranged and volunteers are welcome. For more information, phone 01835 862565.

Glendouglas

Dancing

The old-time and ceildh dance class meets tonight (February 27) at 8pm, with the Reel Half Hour at 7.30pm. The class will continue to meet on the first and third Thursday of the month. A dance will be held on March 8, with Susan MacFadyen and her Scottish Dance Band providing music.

WRI

The rural celebrates its 64th birthday on March 5 (7.30pm).

GORDON

Bingo night

The primary school is the venue for a bingo night on February 28, starting at 7.30pm. Tea, coffee and cake will be available, but bring your own drink and nibbles.

Hawick

Camera club

The sixth monthly competition – monochrome – took place last Thursday with professional photographer Tony Cook from Leith as judge. Results – projected images – 1, “Pettico Wick”, Ali Graham; 2, “Winter’s Gibbet”, Ali Graham; 3, “Avenger”, Mark Murdie; mounted prints – 1, “Do Not Enter”, Ali Graham; 2, “Atop Sweet Hope Hill”, Ali Graham; 3, “Splash”, Dennis Laing; overall winning image – “Do Not Enter”. Members are requested to submit 10 images each at the March 6 meeting.

Art club

Hawick Art Club has organised a meeting on March 6 at the high school lecture theatre when Borders artist Win Nicol will lecture on the versatility of acrylics. The event starts at 7.30pm. The club also holds painting afternoons every Thursday (1-4pm) from October to April at the Catholic Church Hall.

Bridge club

February 11 – Margaret Burgon Quaich for teams of four – 1, V. McPherson, R. Francombe, M. Miller and J. Miller; February 18 – 1, John and Susan Law; 2, John and Marian Miller; 3, Sam White and John Urquhart; 4, Patsy Gilligan and M. Millar.

Rotary

A Selkirk club deputation – president Jim McPherson, with past presidents Edith Scott and Stuart Wilson – were the visitors at last week’s meeting. The speaker had to cancel at the last minute and president Jim filled in. Jim, who retired from teaching at Selkirk High School four years ago, had taken up a post with the Borders outdoor education department. He has had a lifetime experience of outdoor activities with the school, Borders Exploration Group and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He is involved with senior pupils from Kelso, Hawick and Jedburgh, and takes them, among other things, canoeing, skiing and rock climbing, as well as spending nights under canvas. He also tutors Duke of Edinburgh Award candidates.

heiton

WRI

The February meeting featured a talk and book reading by local author Margaret Skea. Members heard about her interest in 16th-century Scottish history and the research and preparation required before she wrote her award-winning novel, “Turn of The Tide”. Competition – an original verse of our own composition – 1, Norma Wright; 2, Lesley Abernethy; 3, Gill Harrop.

Hownam

Towford WRI

The family night included musical entertainment from Cathy Johnston and her friends – Tom and Helen on fiddles and Graham (guitar). The rural’s members provided supper. Competition – glass of fruit punch – 1, Mary Towers; 2, Jean Douglas.

Innerleithen

Service

The service on March 2 begins at 10.30am, followed by a light lunch in the hall.

Coffee morning

Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society’s coffee morning raised in excess of £600 – cash which will go towards the spring production of South Pacific (tickets from 0845 224 1908).

PTA

St Ronan’s School PTA will hold a coffee morning on March 1 in the Vale Club from 10am-noon. Donations for the raffle/bottle and cake/candy stalls welcome.

Public meeting

The annual public meeting of St Ronan’s Border Games will take place on March 14 in the Vale of Leithen Social Club at 7.30pm.

Jedburgh

Bridge club

February 17 – N/S – 1, A. and R. Stewart; 2, M. Purdie and O. Whillans; 3, H. Long and M. Weightman; E/W – 1, R. Oates and S.West; 2, B. and I. Middleton; 3, N. Porter and S. Graham. February 24 – N/S – 1, B. and I. Middleton; 2, N. Porter and S. Graham; 3, A. and R. Stewart; E/W – 1, M. Forsythe and M. Weightman; 2, R. Oates and S. West; 3 (equal), M. Ouldcott and H. Ouldcott, E. Pearson and J. Pearson.

Twinning

Jedburgh and District Twinning Committee is aiming to revive the town’s link with Malestroit in Brittany. The towns were twinned during the 1990s, but there have been no official trips to or from Malestroit for a number of years. A number of independent trips have, however, taken place and the committee wants to hear from local organisations and individuals who might be interested in travelling to Malestroit or hosting people from the town. There will be more information at a committee meeting in Jedburgh Community and Arts Centre (formerly St John’s School) at 7 pm on March 3, which will include the AGM. Anyone who can’t make it, but wants to express an interest or find out more, should email jedtwin@gmail.com.

Lunch club

A lunch club will be held every Thursday, providing a nourishing meal for pensioners in the Jedburgh area. Transport can be arranged and volunteers are welcome. Phone 01835 862565 for more information.

Stock appeal

The Sue Ryder shop in Canongate is running a stock appeal from March 3-29. The charity will take everything from a once-worn blouse to an odd sock. Shop manager Nikki Mirk said: “Often people choose to throw away items rather than donate as they feel no one will want them. But those long-forgotten pair of shoes lying in the bottom of your wardrobe could help pay for food for a day for one of our patients, providing them with the nutrients they need to stay well for as long as possible.At Sue Ryder we care about the environment as well as caring for people, and we can stop tons of clothing going towards landfill every year.” To donate, call Nikki or Pauline on 01835 864662, or email nicola.mirk@sueryder.org.

kelso

Bridge club

February 19 – Abbey Salver 7 – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Beth Stark; 2, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; 3 (equal), Jim and Mary Stone, Lesley Dick and Lynda Douglas; E/W – 1, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 2, Alex Jeffrey and Jock Dun; 3, Jean Bunyan and Val Fairbairn. February 20 – Calchou Cup 10 – N/S – 1, Dominic and Diana Alkin; 2, Rena and Archie Stewart; 3, Jock Dun and Nancy Porter; E/W – 1, Lynda Douglas and Michael Horwood; 2, Gerry Eglington and Jon Bridger; 3, Helenor Pratt and Pauline Smart.

Thursday Group

Roger Hemming stepped in at short notice and spoke to members about an environmental conference in Murmansk to which he took two Borders pupils who gave a paper about their researches at St Abbs. Today, David Thaw speaks about “Hardship and Hope in Zambia” – 2pm, Abbey Row Centre. Next week sees Peter Neilson (The Horse Whisperer).

Parish church

The coffee morning and film night at Kelso North organised by the Bates family in memory of Michael Bates, who died in a motoring accident last July, raised more than £1,400 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Kelso North was overflowing with young people – Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – along with their leaders, helpers and parents for their annual Thinking Day Service. Tomorrow (Friday) the men’s group – men@kne – will be challenging Women Together at a quiz in the upper hall at 7pm. Nibbles will be provided, but BYOB. Along with the other member churches of Kelso Churches Together, members and friends will gather at the rugby club on March 4 for their annual Pancake Party for Shrove Tuesday from 6-8pm. The following evening (Ash Wednesday), the Presbytery of Jedburgh will be gathering for their monthly meeting at Kelso North. Sunday sees the normal pattern of worship – Ednam at 9.30am and Kelso North at 11am, where there will be a retiring offering for Noah’s Ark Playgroup and an opportunity to buy goods from the Fair Trade stall. Open days are being planned at Kelso North from March 14-16 when there will be an opportunity to view proposals for The Bowmont Street Project. The next film night at Kelso North will be on March 14 at 7pm with a screening of “Sunshine on Leith”. Tickets are on sale for the Seder Meal and Ceilidh at Kelso Rugby Club on April 11.

Drop-in evening

The Abbey Row committee has organised a drop-in evening at the centre on March 4 (6.30-8.30pm) to show off the new kitchen and renovated coffee room, and chat about Abbey Row and what it offers to the local community.

langholm

Accordion club

Although the weather was rather poor, there was still a good attendance at the February accordion and fiddle club meeting in the Royal British Legion clubrooms. Compere Adam Grant introduced guest band The Bon Accords who had made the short journey from Claygate, and Robin and Deryn Waitt on accordions had been joined for the night by Derek Hamilton (Galston) on piano, Ronnie Matthews from near Newcastle on fiddle and Keiran Johnstone, formerly from the town but now in the Edinburgh area, played the drums. Accordion players who entertained were Les Hurst and Newbie Park from Carlisle, Davie Dunbar (Lockerbie) and James Lawrie (Gilsland), along with Guy Forrest from near Newcastle. Locals Roger Dobson and Robert Willens were on the accordion and drums respectively, while Ian Wilson from Crawford played piano, with Canonbie’s Ian Bell performing a selection on the bagpipes.

Investiture

John Glover, who was born in the Ewes valley where his late father was minister, has been invested with the MBE at Buckingham Palace by the Prince of Wales. He received his award for services to the community and his involvement over 20 years with Dumfries-based charity the RAP Foundation, which works to relieve suffering among children and young people in Romania. John worked for the health service for 41 years before retiring at the end of 2012. This included responsibility for the community hospital at Langholm. John, a regular visitor to the town, was welcomed to the local Rotary Club where he gave a talk on the RAP Foundation and was given a donation for the charity.

Langshaw

WRI

Stuart Scott delivered photography presentation at the latest meeting. He brought along a selection of his photographs of wildlife and landscapes, which members were able to buy on the night. Competitions – vintage postcards – 1, Clare Milne; 2, Kath Runciman; 3, Margaret Fairburn; bowl of bulbs – 1, Margaret Fairburn; 2, Victoria Watt; 3, Fiona Wilson. The next meeting is on March 19 when the speaker will be Aileen Orr. Her subject – Wojtek the Bear.

LAUDER

Lunch club

A lunch club is to be held weekly on Tuesday, providing a nourishing meal for pensioners in and around the Lauder area. Transport can be arranged and volunteers are welcome. For more information, phone 01835 862565.

Guild

Channelkirk and Lauder Church Guild’s monthly coffee morning is on March 1 in the Church Centre (10-11.30am). The next meeting is on March 5 at 2.30pm in the same venue when Sandy Aitchieson will give a talk about Stow Church.

Prayer

A World Day of Prayer service will be held in Earlston Parish Church on March 7 at 7pm. This is a joint service with Lauder, Channelkirk, Stow and Earlston churches.

Melrose

Trimontium

Eight schools have booked spaces for the route march from Leaderfoot to Newstead milestone before being transported to the museum experience in Melrose. Two are coming with double classes of 60 pupils. The Synton denarii hoard returns from Tweeddale in April, along with the steering oar from the National Museums in Edinburgh.

Parish church

February 27 – 2.30pm, guild, Jenni Young; March 1 – Traidcraft coffee morning, Trinity Centre; March 2 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am); March 7, 2.30pm, World Day of Prayer; March 20 – 7pm, Arthritis whist drive.

Border Flower Club

The February Fun Night was well attended. Marion Hamilton gave the instructions on the handwork, using different textures and colour to be used in the finished designs. She had different finished designs, with the handwork incorporated, showing different ways the handwork could be used. Foliage and flowers were made available and many interesting designs were achieved. The next meeting is on March 5 in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm when the demonstrator will be Val Guest from Darlington

Turn to page 28

From page 27

with “ Tantalising Textures”.

Literary society

Alan Riach, professor of Scottish literature at Glasgow University, addressed members at their latest meeting on Hugh MacDiarmid, bringing his poetry to life through readings from some of his works. The society meets fortnightly in the Ormiston Institute at 7.30pm – the next gathering is on March 4 when Allan Massie will focus on “Witchwood” and John Buchan’s other historical novels. The AGM will be held on April 1 (not March 18 as on the membership card). Further details are available from.melrose.bordernet.co.uk/literary-society and Peter Hoad (01896 823852).

morebattle

Playgroup

The communities of Yetholm and Morebattle came out in force to mark the villages’ playgroup’s 40th anniversary in the Wauchope Hall on Saturday. The committee and play leaders were joined by former office bearers, including the majority of the founding group of mums. A photographic display spanning the playgroup’s history had many visitors reminiscing about happy times. A total of £932 was raised on the day.

NEWTOWN

Afternoon Club

The next seniors’ afternoon club meeting is on March 4 (2-4pm) in the Community Wing when there will be an opportunity to meet community police officer Karen McIlroy.

Oxton

WRI

Jackie Mackenzie and her colleague Claire spoke about dementia. Competition – flower from the garden – 1, Sonya Borthwick; 2, Marion Muir; 3, Helen Lothian.

Church

The stated annual meeting will be held in Lauder Church Centre following a joint service in Lauder Church on March 23.

Health and well-being

Zumba with Fit Borders starts on March 7 in Oxton War Memorial Hall (6-7pm). Contact 07899 792317 for more information.

Selkirk

Monday Club

At 2pm on March 3 at St Joseph’s church hall, Carol Byres will give a talk entitled “Arabian Adventures”.

Stepdance

Riddell Fiddles are running a stepdance class on March 2 (11am-12.30pm) in the Argus Centre.

stichill

Party

Mary’s Annual Charity Party was held on February 15 in the village hall, raising £510 which has now been donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care in Kelso. Crawford and June Brown co-ordinated the event, Gordon Brown’s Dance Band provided music, while other entertainment was provided by Sandy Redpath (stories) and Peter Fry (songs).

Stow

Church

The men’s breakfast in The Cloudhouse on Saturday featured lively discussion on the topic of “The Language of Christianity.” At Sunday’s service, the minister reminded everyone about the World Day of Prayer service in Earlston Parish Church on March 7 at 7 pm. Anyone interested is invited to take part in any or all of the Lent Discussion Group meetings to be held on Mondays in the manse (March 10-31 at 7.30pm).

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk is at 10am on March 9.

Yetholm

History society

History society members meet in the Mission Hall on March 4 at 7.30pm when Dr Elizabeth Watson will be talking about an intrepid woman from the 16th century who spent the early part of her life in the Borders. “From Borders lass to royal grandmother” is the story of Lady Margaret Douglas.

Kirk

Last week all those involved in the production of the kirk magazine, The Wee Yett, met for lunch. There was also a wine and nibbles fundraiser at the manse.

Tickets

The village shop has tickets for the Will Ogilvie evening – a fundraiser for the Wauchope Hall on March 15 – and shepherds’ show dance and supper on March 8.

Pancake lunch

Yetholm’s Macmillan cancer committee has organised a pancake lunch in the Youth Hall on March 3, beginning at 10.30am.

Prayer event

The Reverend Douglas Nichol will be the speaker at a World Day of Prayer event in the kirk at 7.3opm on March 7. Egypt is the theme of his talk.

Playgroup

The communities of Yetholm and Morebattle came out in force to mark the villages’ playgroup’s 40th anniversary in the Wauchope Hall on Saturday. The committee and play leaders were joined by former office bearers, including the majority of the founding group of mums. A photographic display spanning the playgroup’s history had many visitors reminiscing about happy times. A total of £932 was raised on the day.

Looking at the standing water in Borders and North Northumberland fields it’s difficult to believe that most farmers have escaped lightly in what is now officially the wettest winter on record.

That’s winter as defined by the Met Office of the calendar months December, January and February, none of this “Winter starts on December 21, spring starts on 21 March” business. Calendar months is also my own preference for dividing the seasons, even if giving the Met Office my endorsement is rather like Mrs Thatcher’s famously unnecessary comment “As God once said, and I think rightly …”

In fact the winter of 2013/14 became the wettest on record by half way through this month and many areas have had more heavy rain since then. Others such as Somerset and Wales are way above the average and have had much of the publicity because of lowland flooding. Less publicised, the west of Scotland has had almost 100 centimetres in the past three months, more than Somerset.

Thankful for small mercies as we are, standing water causes problems wherever it is, particularly as the spring sunshine we’ve seen something of in the latter half of February encourages incorrigible early-bird gardeners to cut grass and makes farmers itch to spread fertiliser, spray growing crops and sow spring ones. Some are less deterred by soggy soil than others and evidence of the ruts in fields created by the impatient will be there until harvest.

Apropos the Somerset floods and the undoubted misery caused to farmers and home owners I see that a group of ladies involved in farming and horses in Fife are trying to raise funds to help farmers in the south of England feed their livestock. The fund raising will be by dinner and a ceilidh. Well meant, but it always strikes me as strange that raising money for a disaster means having a good time.

One of the many paradoxes of farming is that while the number of farm staff has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years because of mechanisation and changing systems, there are still a remarkable number of – mainly – men with long service on one farm. As we reported last week, the dedication of 18 employees with a total 729 years of service was recognised at the biannual Border Union Agricultural Society lunch.

There’s no doubt we’re in a different world now than when long service awards were introduced. That was a time when farm workers tended to move jobs frequently, either because they didn’t like their employer or vice versa, a time of annual hirings, low pay and poor quality housing.

But what was obvious from the potted histories of the 18 recipients at the recent awards lunch – one, Jake Fairley, with more than 60 years to those with 30 years – was the interest, enthusiasm and dedication to their work each one still has: farming’s unsung heroes.

In an Oscars sty-lee, I would like to thank my lovely hens for laying such lovely eggs, the lovely Gamford for trudging back and forth tending to the lovely hens, my lovely family for putting up with my ‘hobby’ which is waaaaay out of hand now, the lovely chaps and chap-esses at Carrs Billington for supplying the lovely layers’ pellets (which handily come in larger-than-normal 25kg bags), and Bruce the cockerel for keeping my lovely hens happy.

And happy hens lay prize-winning eggs.

We have just returned victorious from the Peebles poultry show clutching a handful of cards – four first prizes, four second prizes, two thirds and one fourth – our best haul ever in the three years we have been exhibiting at the show. Yahooooo!

Even though we are not regular exhibitors – this is the only show we take part in – we really enjoy putting our eggs in. You select, clean and carefully store the chosen few eggs, carefully transport them to the show where you place them gingerly on to paper plates and then let fate take over.

Will they be too small? Too large? Too bumpy? Too pointy? What about those wee marks on them? Is that OK? What will the judges think?

This year we entered a class where you have to have six eggs of the same colour (ie. laid by the same hen). Oh, the pressure! For us, not the hen (obviously), who would have no idea so much was riding on her producing perfectly identical eggs day after day.

I hate handling the eggs once they are ‘the chosen ones’. My pulse quickens and I have that odd, queasy feeling that I might just drop one. Or put it down too quickly and crack it. Ever so slightly, but enough to produce a hairline crack which could cause an epic fail on the show plate.

It’s the same sort of feeling people who don’t like heights get when they have to climb up a ladder to fish leaves out of their gutters. Not good.

Oh the relief when they are on the show tables, and become Someone Else’s Problem. If the judge bashes into the table and a few eggs roll off on to the floor, c’est la vie. But today was The Perfect Day – crowds of like-minded people showing and admiring birds, delish bacon rolls (honest, Kev and June, they were! You were just a bit too late), a raffle, an auction... and those lovely, lovely prizes. Bliss.

Thank you, Peebles and District Poultry and Bantam Club. We’ll be back!

z Once results are collated, a full report will appear in The Southern, but in the meantime, visit our website to view the video: www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk