Volunteers from the Borders Help for Heroes Team helped the charity launch its nationwide Colossal Cake Sale earlier this month.

The team in Kelso’s square was led by Anne Armstrong, of Gordon, who was assisted by several friends and volunteers.

People from Kelso, Gordon and the surrounding area donated hundreds of cakes, buns and tray bakes.

Support was also received from Gregg’s, the Four Seasons Cafe and other local outlets and, despite a cold day and work in the square, people bought almost £700 of cakes.

Mrs Armstrong, whose son was an RAF helicopter pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan, said: “People’s generosity made it a huge success, and I will be doing the same next year.”

Matt Maynard, the charity’s Borders co-ordinator, said: “To raise almost £700 is fantastic. It’s a tribute to Anne, her friends, and people of Roxburghshire.”

Mr Maynard said although the UK’s campaign in Afghanistan was almost over, the real work for the charity starts now.

“The wounded are wounded for life, and, as so many of them are still very young, they have many years of care left to maintain. We must also acknowledge the psychological scars soldiers bear that may not manifest for a number of years. This issue is likely to be significant, and we must be poised to deal with it effectively,” he said.

The first of Scotland-wide workshops to boost lamb growth took place in the Borders on Tuesday.

The meeting aimed to help producers maximise lamb growth rates in the early season, through good grazing and flock health management, and achieve optimal selling weights.

Farmer Graham Lofthouse who runs 450 ewes and 120 ewe hoggs, along with 87 spring calving suckler cows, on approximately 300 acres (121 ha) at Bankhouse, Stow, near Galashiels hosted the event.

Prompted by the limited acreage, Mr Lofthouse, who farms with part time help from his parents Wilma and Bert, is keen to find systems that increase kilos of meat produced per hectare.

Currently he subdivides fields into one hectare paddocks that sheep graze rotationally on one to two day shifts in the summer which he says increases grass dry matter production by at least 21% when compared to set stocking.

His predominantly Easycare cross ewes, and a reducing number of Texel crosses, are put to Suffolk and Easycare tups.

The ewes start lambing on April 1 and all male lambs are left entire.

Finished lambs are sold direct to Scotbeef at an average of 21.7kg deadweight between late June and January.

Mr Lofthouse’s creed is nature (maternal selection and choosing the right tups) and nurture (nutrition) equal performance.

Guest speakers included QMS knowledge transfer specialist, Michael Blanche who spoke on “Getting the most from your grass”; SAC Consulting veterinary investigation officer, Heather Stevenson on “Flock health and effective trace element supplementation” and Farm Stock (Scotland) livestock procurement officer, Jonny Williams who talked about “The optimum weight for selling lambs based on last year’s Farm Stock Scotland results”.

The meetings are being funded by QMS, Farm Stock (Scotland) Ltd and the Scottish Government Skills Development Scheme and facilitated by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) to boost collaboration and communication in the supply chain, and improve productivity and profitability at all levels.

Mr Blanche said the visit offered local producers the chance to find out what well run flocks, where attention to detail is key, do to get results

Speaking before Tuesday’s event, he said: “We will cover how to measure grass production and how the rotational system has improved stocking rate and lamb growth rates.

“Two groups of lambs will be weighed before the meeting to calculate growth rate from birth and we will also discuss flock health issues including worms, fluke and trace element supplementation.”

Facilitator SAC Consulting’s Iain Riddell said: “The Lofthouses have also succeeded in reducing lamb losses on the farm to a very low level and during the visit we will look at the role played by careful ewe selection in that.”

For anyone who missed Tuesday’s workshop, the next is at the James Hutton Institute farm, Hartwood, Shotts on June 10.

Police Scotland have confirmed that the three people who died in the collision at 4.05pm yesterday near Little Swinton were a 64 year old man, a 63 year old woman and a 71 year old man, all from the Greater Glasgow area.

Police said that further details will be made available once next of kin have been informed.

Anyone wishing to leave a floral tribute should do so at the Village Green in Swinton, where an area has been set aside.

Commenting on the tragic incidents at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday 31 May, Scottish Borders Council Convener Councillor Graham Garvie said: “All our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones or whose loved ones were injured as a result of the tragic accidents yesterday. We offer them our sincerest condolences.

“The Jim Clark Rally and rallying generally is a longstanding and important part of our culture here in the Borders and our close knit community has been hit hard by yesterday’s events.

“The Council, working with partner agencies, will ensure it offers the maximum level of support not just to our local communities, but to everyone affected by yesterday’s tragic events. “

Police have confirmed the identities of the three spectators killed during the Jim Clark Rally yesterday (Saturday).

The deceased are Iain John Provan (64) and Elizabeth Allan (63), both from Barrhead, along with 71-year-old John Leonard Stern (known as Len) from Bearsden, who were killed yesterday afternoon around 4.05pm.

A 61-year-old man who was also injured in this collision is in a stable condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, while a 61-year-old man who was injured in the earlier collision near Eccles, is in a critical but stable condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

It has also been announced that Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland will tomorrow, Monday June 2, visit Kelso Police Station to receive a briefing from Police Scotland in relation to accidents at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday.

Following discussions with opposition business managers today it has also been agreed that the Justice Secretary will make a statement to Parliament on these tragic events on Tuesday.

Mr MacAskill said: “As the First Minister said yesterday, this is desperately sad and difficult news from the Borders of the tragic events at the Jim Clark rally.

“The Jim Clark Rally is a long-standing event and has been part of the local community for over 40 years.

“This incident will have come as a tremendous shock to the local community and wider motoring family. All across Scotland people are sharing the sadness of this tragic event and stand ready to support the local community.

“Above all, our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected. I will visit Kelso Police Station tomorrow with Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland to meet Police Scotland and discuss the work that has been undertaken by the emergency services since the incident took place.”

Police Scotland is to provide a briefing for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Lord Advocate at Kelso at 3pm tomorrow.

As fear grows about extreme workouts, Borders Sport and Leisure Trust has defended its promotion of the latest American fitness fad.

Created by US exercise guru Shaun Thompson, Insanity workouts, like the more-popular CrossFit routines, involve high-intensity interval training which puts the body under a large amount of stress for short periods, then resting before quickly repeating.

However, there is growing concern in the sports medicine community over a possible link to a potentially-harmful condition called rhabdomyolysis that can be caused by intense exertion.

This sees skeletal muscle damaged, releasing proteins into the blood, with possible harm caused to the kidneys.

Borders Sport and Leisure Trust recently announced that eight of its instructors had been trained to deliver Insanity.

Trust chief executive Ewan Jackson commented: “Our fitness instructors are fired-up to deliver Insanity sessions across the Borders as part of our aim to offer new and interesting ways for people in the region to get active.”

Quizzed over what research the trust did into Insanity before deciding to promote it, a spokesperson told us: “Whilst all forms of exercise carry a potential risk of injury, our highly-trained instructors do their best to minimise this and any injury risk has to be balanced against the proven benefits in terms of health, wellbeing and life expectancy associated with becoming more active.”

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery has told a press conference in Kelso that Police Scotland are aware that the three people killed at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday may have had media accreditation.

However, she added that the investigation is still at an early stage.

Chief Supt Imery, joined at the press call by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP, also appealed for spectators to send video footage or photographs of the collisions at the weekend to assist police in their investigations.

Mr MacAskill will give a speech to the Scottish Parliament on the incident and investigations tomorrow (Tuesday).

The only local authority-run children’s home in the Borders has received a glowing report following an unannounced inspection in April.

Wheatlands care home for young people aged 12-18, in Galashiels, was awarded ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’ grades after the two-day visit by the Care Inspectorate.

Inspectors praised the Scottish Borders Council-operated home’s committed, multi-skilled staff team for their work with young people in their care, making particular reference to the ways in which young people were supported to achieve their goals and broaden their experiences.

Wheatlands provides accommodation for up to five young people assessed as requiring medium to long-term residential care for a variety of reasons.

The inspection took into account the views of young people living at Wheatlands as well as views of staff members and evidence from documents such as care plans, meeting minutes and incident records.

Based on the findings of the inspection, Wheatlands was awarded the maximum grading of ‘excellent’ for its quality of environment and quality of staffing, and ‘very good’ grades for its quality of care and support and quality of management and leadership.

Three Borders breweries are helping Aldi kick off the summer by showcasing their craft beers in the retailer’s annual summer beer festival.

Products from Scottish Borders Brewery, Broughton Ales and Traquair House Brewery will be on sale for five weeks as part of the festival, which has helped generate substantial sales for small Scottish breweries in the previous two years it has run.

It is doubtful if many members of the book festival’s audiences will harbour a secret , life-long desire, to be a stand-up comic.

But while the success of her new career signals she certainly has the talent needed to make people laugh, the message Viv Groskop wants her audience to take away after her appearance is that it’s never too late to rekindle those dreams that never got acted upon thanks to other careers, the coming along of children and mortgages.

Groskop’s memoir, I Laughed, I Cried, is based on how she took a risk and revived a childhood wish to try her hand at stand-up comedy.

Her appearance will give a Melrose audience a preview of the show she is taking to this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Melrose for the book festival – I’m just hoping people find me funnier than Gordon Brown,” she laughed, referring to the appearance by the former prime minister the same evening.

“But I love book festival audiences as they tend to be more open and friendly than comedy audiences – you don’t tend to get heckled so much!”

A prolific journalist (Guardian, Mail on Sunday and Red), BBC Radio 4 broadcaster and stand-up comedian, she first performed with Stephen Fry in a Footlights show in Cambridge at the age of 18 and then did nothing on stage for 20 years.

After several false starts and a lucky break hosting Jo Brand’s book tour, Groskop started doing stand-up properly in 2011 and reached the Finals of Funny Women in 2012.

But how did she pluck up the courage, when nearing 40, with a husband, three kids and a mortgage, to revisit her dream?

“The most important thing is to grow a large set of balls. Mine got a bit lost along the way and then hurtling towards 40 with three kids and a mortgage, I decided I needed to give it a try.

“It’s a lot easier when you’re 18 or 21 when you get told to follow your dream. But people are living a lot longer into their 80s and 90s – and that’s a long time to live with regrets.”

The secret Groskop says is not to think you have to put a match to your entire present life.

She started doing comedy gigs and did them at night so it did not interfere with her childcare duties or day job as a freelance journalist.

“Growing up, I was a big fan of the Fame television series. There was a character called Doris Schwartz who wanted to be a stand-up comic and I thought it looked the greatest thing ever.

“But growing up in a little village in Somerset, I’d never even been to London, let alone actually know anyone who did stand-up comedy.

“So I parked the thought in the back of my mind and went off to Cambridge and university. That was a big deal, as I wasn’t the most confident of people back then and I was the first person in my family to go to university.”

At Cambridge, Groskop rubbed shoulders with future small screen comedy stars such as Stephen Fry, David Mitchell and Sacha Baron Cohen. But after a few attempts, shrank away from pursuing a career as a performer and moved into the world of writing.

“I put all those feelings in a box and put it away. But then along came the classic chronic mid-life crisis. I felt I couldn’t really be telling my kids to follow their dreams when I hadn’t done that myself.”

With no time to waste, Groskop went on the mother of all comedy marathons – 100 gigs in 100 consecutive nights - to see what it was like immersing herself in the life she had so long dreamed of.

“I found it easier than I expected. But I’m still worried that people in Melrose might not find me funnier than Gordon Brown.”

z Viv Groskop is at the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival on Saturday, June 14, at 7.45pm. Tickets £10, £8 conc.

There are recurring themes in John Connolly’s writing:  redemption, the battle between good and evil – the relationship between life and death, and the agonies of youth and childhood.  Connolly will be at the festival to talk about The Wolf In Winter, in which private investigator Charlie Parker dives into the midst of where he shouldn’t be, as a favour to a dead man, to try and find a girl who couldn’t save herself.  

Since his debut Every Dead Thing launched Dublin-born Connolly right into the front rank of thriller writers, all his subsequent novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers.

z John Connolly is at the festival on Sunday, June 15, at 7.45pm in Born in Borders marquee.

Police in the Borders are appealing to parents to warn their children about the dangers of drinking alcohol in rural locations.

The plea comes following a recent surge in the number of youths who are gathering in areas of countryside to camp overnight and consume alcohol.

Groups in excess of 50 youths, aged between 13 and 20, have been using social media to arrange to meet on the outskirts of Galashiels, and Police Scotland has subsequently had to deal with associated drunkenness and anti-social behaviour.

“The issues of youths drinking and camping out at weekends are not new but, given the large number involved in recent weeks, my concerns have been raised,” explained Local Community Inspector Tony Hodges.

“In particular, we are worried about the safety of the younger children involved given the diverse ages and backgrounds of those who are gathering.

“I would ask parents to ensure they know where their children are going at weekends as well as speaking with them about the potential risks associated with over consumption of alcohol in isolated rural locations.”

Local officers will be stepping up patrols in those areas known to have been frequented by youths in recent weeks, and Police Scotland will be taking a robust approach to any offences in an effort to keep these young people safe.

Inspector Hodges added: “Anyone who has any knowledge of such pre-planned events can contact us on the non-emergency number 101 or alternatively in confidence via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111.”

The Scottish government will commission a review of motorsport event safety in Scotland following the Jim Clark Rally tragedy in Berwickshire.

The cabinet secretary for justice, Kenny MacAskill, made the announcement to the Scottish Parliament today following the deaths of three spectators during the rally near Swinton on Saturday.

Police will also carry out a review of safety at public events in Scotland.

Mr MacAskill said: “While the Jim Clark Rally is unique as a closed road and unticketed motor rally, the Scottish Government will ask Police Scotland to work with event organisers and local authorities to undertake a health check of event planning for events taking place this summer.

“This will ensure that robust safety regimes and risk assessment procedures are in place and that licensing conditions are being met. Police Scotland have undertaken to carry this out review over the next four weeks.

“Spectator safety must always be paramount. In the light of the weekend’s deaths the Scottish Government will commission a review of motorsport event safety in Scotland, drawing on safety experts and the knowledge and expertise of the motorsport community.

“The review will also include Scottish Borders Council, Police Scotland, the Motor Sports Association, event organisers and other key stakeholders. It will include a review of the training and deployment of stewards as well as all other safety related controls.”

Berwickshire MSP John Lamont welcomed the review and full investigation, but urged caution against knee jerk reactions.

He said: “The review being set up by the Scottish Government into motorsport event safety should be a positive step towards ensuring that we never see a repeat of these deaths. However, I am keen to urge caution against any knee jerk reactions in response to this news.

“The Jim Clark Rally is a long established event in the Borders and whilst everyone is shocked by the events at the weekend, I think it would be regrettable if any premature decisions were taken about the event’s future.”

Mr Lamont added: “That is why the Cabinet Secretary must work closely with the Motor Sports Association and with the Border Ecosse and Berwick and District motor clubs before implementing any controls on events of this nature. We cannot allow this historic rally to cease running altogether, and any suggested changes must be realistic and achievable.”

Thirlestane Castle near Lauder was the venue for the annual Borders Vintage Car Club show on Sunday.

This year the event was blessed with fine weather and thousands of visitors turned out to support it.

A feature of this year’s show was the introduction of American ‘muscle cars,’ and their display in the main ring was one of the highlights.

Overhead there was also an aerobatics display, whilst on more solid ground there was a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, tractors, vans and buses.

Inspectors have given the council’s only children’s home a glowing report, grading it ‘Excellent’ in two areas and ‘Very Good’ in the other two aspects assessed.

Wheatlands in Galashiels provides accommodation and care for up to five young people aged 12-18.

The Care Inspectorate’s Sandra Wright carried out a two-day visit in April but her report has just been published.

In it she praised the staff for their work with the young people, making particular reference to the way young people are supported to achieve their goals and broaden their experiences.

The report identified one area for improvement, recommending that action be taken to avoid duplication of information being recorded and to ensure it is up to date.

Executive member for social work, Councillor Frances Renton, said: “It is superb to see the hard work of all those at the home recognised.

“It is an excellent report and the whole staff team within Wheatlands, the staff who place and support the young people and the young people themselves should be very proud of their achievements.”

Villagers flocked to the centre of St Boswells last week to see the unveiling of the newly refurbished village hall.

A huge fundraising effort has enabled substantial works to be carried out on the hall, including the creation of a new internal staircase, new foyer, toilets and installation of insulation.This has come at the cost of around £350,000.

The refurbished hall was opened by village stalwarts Christine and Roy Lawrie.

They praised the efforts of all those involved in the fundraising campaign and said they hoped the hall would now be used by more people and groups, both from within the community and from those further afield.

Village hall committee chairman Robin Wild told The Southern: “We’ve been very lucky as the fundraising committee had several specific professional people who have committed so much of their professional knowledge and expertise to the project and we’d never have managed without their particular input.”

Mr Wild added that a further £62,000 is required to put the finishing touches to the refurbishment.

This includes a new floor in the main hall, stage lighting and audio equipment and curtains for the stage and hall.

Half of the overall project funds have come from the Climate Challenge Fund, with the remainder coming from other funds, organisations and individuals.

Nigel Pollock, chairman of the hall appeal committee praised the main contractors for their efforts.

He told the assembled audience on Thursday night: “Murray and Burrell performed an extraordinary job.

“I was here the first day and there was probably 20 people in here, all with jobs to do, and they have been an incredibly good team and have finished on time and in budget.”

Mr Pollock added: “The refurbishment sub committee have made an enormous contribution to this project and without their professional expertise and the huge amount of time they have put in to it the prospect of securing the grant from the Climate Challenge Fund would have been very slim.”

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) today (Wednesday, June 4) welcomed this week’s announcement by the Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill MSP, that the Scottish Government will commission a review of motor sport safety in Scotland following two accidents at the Jim Clark Rally in the Borders at the weekend, which left three spectators dead and a number of others injured.

As detailed by Mr MacAskill, the review will call upon the knowledge and expertise of the motor sport community and the MSA says it will play a full role in this, alongside Police Scotland, Scottish Borders Council and other key stakeholders.

The MSA stated: “The MSA’s over-riding concern as the governing body of UK motor sport has always been the safety of participants, whether competitors, organisers or spectators.

“There is an ongoing investigation by Police Scotland. Like all connected with this incident, the MSA must respect that investigation and is fully cooperating with it.

“At this time, we can only express once again our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of these three people and send the thoughts and prayers of the motor sport community, to which they belonged, to the families and friends of those affected by this tragic accident.”

Northumberland College’s land-based Kirkley Hall Campus is to be one of the main sponsors of this year’s Glendale Show.

The Glendale Show, held on the outskirts of Wooler is the premier show in North Northumberland, and attracts 15,000 visitors annually. It is one of the largest livestock shows in the county with sheep, cattle and goat classes. The industrial and horticultural section of the show is always a highlight along with the many equine classes.

The college, who are the leading provider of land-based and animal training in the region, will have a stand near the main arena with reptiles from its zoo. College staff will be available on the main trailer to give information and advice on courses and bursaries including the new 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.

Northumberland College’s Marcus Clinton said: “As the leading provider of land-based training in the county we are proud to be one of the leading sponsors of The Glendale Show this year.

“We like to support activities and events that also support the rural community, and as such believe the shows provide both a very important and relevant opportunity to promote our offer in terms of training and education. The Glendale Show is a truly rural showcase, we have attended in the past as exhibitors and really felt this year that we wanted to up the ante in terms of our support.”

A £3m investment at the Kirkley Hall Campus is expected to be completed by December 2014.

The 2014 Glendale Show takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25.

The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS) has announced its support for extending the Pentland Hills Regional Park into the Borders.

Responding to the recent consultation by local MSP Christine Grahame, APRS said it was clear that the compromise boundary established in 1986 lacked logic, as it resulted from administrative considerations at the time rather than defensible landscape criteria, and so it was right that this anomaly should now be rectified.

“This will help the entire Pentland Hills range and its surrounding communities to achieve its full potential, and will secure the integrated management of the Pentland Hills for the benefit of future generations,” said the organisation.

APRS has supported the concept of regional parks since their introduction, and believes they continue to have an important role in conserving substantial tracts of open land close to large centres of population, whilst providing opportunities for quiet recreation such as walking, cycling and watersports.

APRS Director John Mayhew said: “Extending the boundary would provide greater opportunities for a wider range of people to enjoy the health benefits of outdoor recreation, including people who do not currently benefit from this type of activity.”

Scottish Power is offering £5,000 for information that leads to the conviction of criminals involved in stealing copper from electricity substations in Hawthorn Road and Broom Drive, Galashiels, on Thursday, May 22.

Engineers have responded to a number of faults reported by customers in these areas since the thefts took place, and repairs are being carried out.

Initially engineers were called to investigate electricity supply problems, and found that two substations in the area had been broken in to, with the theft of vital cables.

As well as causing supply faults for a small number of properties in the area, the thefts have caused significant damage to ScottishPower’s network of underground cables in the area.

The company hopes to complete repair works over the weekend.

Guy Jefferson, network operations director at Scottish Power Energy Networks, said: “The recent thefts in Galashiels are very concerning.

“The criminals have left the substations damaged and unsecured – exposing residents to potentially very dangerous situations.

“The thefts have also have caused supply issues for local homes, and it is clear that the criminals do not care at all about the safety of the public.”

He added: “Our engineers believe that the criminals are very lucky to be alive, but they have caused a significant amount of damage. It beggars belief that anyone could be so reckless, and we will be working closely with police to help ensure that the criminals responsible are caught.”

ScottishPower is encouraging anyone who can provide information on the break-ins to either contact the police, or to call the company’s security hotline on 0800 027 1950.

Ancrum

WRI

At the May meeting, Mrs Allan, president, welcomed PC Andy Loughlin who gave a talk increasing members’ awareness of “scammers”. Competitions – baby blanket – 1, M. Dorricott; 2, R. Walker; 3, R Sinton; winner of the Fete Cup for carrot cake – 1, J. Butler; 2, R. Sinton; 3, R. Walker. The next meeting is the annual outing on June 11 – meet at the bus stop at Ancrum at 6.30pm for transport to Carters Rest, Jedburgh.

Ashkirk

Parish church

Anyone wanting a lift to the June 8 service (noon-1pm) should ring 01750 32257.

Bowden

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning on Saturday in Bowden Village Hall (10am-noon) in aid of hall funds.

earlston

Parish church

The June 8 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. This will be Hanna Fawcett’s last service as trainee. The next stewardship meeting is on June 9 at 7pm in the church hall lounge.

edgerston

WRI

Members enjoyed a demonstration of container planting by Mary Beaton and her sister, Ina Lunn, at their latest meeting. Advice was also given on tackling diseases and pests. A collection was made as thanks for the talk and plants the pair had provided. This will be donated to Weens House care home at Bonchester Bridge, at their request. Member Marie Hogg was thanked for raising £104 from her musical quiz in aid of the rural’s funds. Competitions – flower arrangement in a teapot – 1,Marion Anderson; 2, Marion Miller; 3, Maggie Greenwood; cup cakes – 1, Marion Anderson; 2, Marie Hogg; 3, Maggie Greenwood. The raffle winner was Joan Badger.

Ettrickbridge

Coffee morning

The monthly coffee morning and sale in aid of village hall funds will be held on June 7 (10am-noon). Anyone with anything to sell should come along, take a table and give a small donation. At around 11am, John Anderson, who is organising the forthcoming cycle sportive “Tour of the Borders”on August 10, will give a brief chat about its organisiation and answer questions about the event.

FOUNTAINHALL

WRI

The rural’s summer outing to The Woll, Ashkirk, is next Wednesday (June 11) – meet there at 7 for 7.30pm. This is the last gathering for this session, but meetings will resume on Wednesday, September 17. May meeting competitions – tea loaf – 1, Dorothy Small; 2, Christine Sinclair; bud vase – 1, Christine Sinclair; 2, Dorothy Small.

Galashiels

Camera club

The club’s summer outing to New Lanark is on June 7. Any members planning to go should contact Alistair Peacock.

Probus club

John Rogerson, from Galashiels Historical Society, gave a talk, entitled “Border’s Tale”, which encompassed a virtual historical journey from Moffat to Peebles. Among many other stops on the route, the journey took members from the Star Hotel in Peebles, which, at just 20ft wide, is the narrowest, past the Moffat Spitfire, then on to Stobo, Neidpath Castle, which was bombarded by Cromwell, John Buchan’s house at the Peebles roundabout and the spectacular Peebles war memorial. The journey ended at the only Grade 2-listed, cast-iron public toilet. The next meeting will be in the Kingsknowes Hotel on September 11 at 10am when Mark Nixon will speak on “Local Political Agitation 1884”.

glendouglas

Whist

The monthly whist drive is on June 9 at 7. 30pm.

Lunch club

The monthly lunch club is on June 11 (11.30am-1.30pm).

WRI

The rural has organised an evening with Callant Jack Fraser on June 11 at 7.30pm.

hawick

Bridge club

May 27 – N/S – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, John Urquhart and Sam White; E/W – 1, Malcolm Ouldcott and Bob Witherington; 2, Rob Goldie and Margaret MacLeod.

Rotary club

Vice-president Sandy Bannerman chaired last week’s meeting when he introduced member Mairhi Trickett who spoke on the subject of carers. Mairhi, who is on the board of the Princess Royal Trust Borders Carer Group, outlined the group’s role and the care on offer, whether it be a parent, child, sibling, relation or neighbour who takes responsibility for others unpaid. She explained the benefits available to the client and how they could be guided towards them. She also explained the different care groups in the system and what they offered. The coffee morning raised £600 and this is being disbursed 50/50 – to Go-go Olive, an Orkney charity which supplies wool and knitting needles to women in Namibia who knit toys to sell and raise money to help feed their families; and to supply 10 aquaroll water barrels to Africa in the Roll out the Barrel Trust project, the idea for which originated from a Hawick Rotary Club member.

innerleithen

Church

The service on June 8 starts at 11.30am. There is a coffee morning on June 7 (10-11.30am) in Innerleithen Church.

School quiz

For almost the last 10 years, Rotary clubs throughout the south of Scotland have run a primary school quiz – and this year was no different. Following local heats, the seven teams who had qualified for the Borders semi-final were invited to Innerleithen Parish Church. But Langholm primary was unable to attend and so played the tie a few days’ earlier under the close scrutiny of the local Rotary club. With an audience of about 75 friends and supporters in the church, the teams of four P7 children were challenged to answer four questions in the following categories – language, mathematics, health and well-being, expresive arts, science, technology, social studies and pot luck. Morebattle was unable to field its four players, but Selkirk’s Knowepark had a “spare” girl with them and so she joined the village school’s team – and ended up beating Knowepark. For the first four or five rounds, three teams tied in top spot on the scoreboard. The seventh round saw a resolution – and Peebles’ Kingsland took the honours with a four-point lead over Gordon. The other teams participating were Duns and Langlee. Kingsland (and possibly Gordon as a highest scoring runner-up) will be going to the final at Carluke Lifestyle Centre on June 7.

jedburgh

WRI

The WRI’s Roxburghshire federation held its spring rally in Jedburgh Town Hall when a large number of members enjoyed songs and sketches by Hilary Bell and John Nichol. Competitions – plain scones – 1, F. Armstrong, Towford; 2, L.Howieson, Newmill and Teviothead; 3, J. Stenhouse, Morebattle. Individual sweet – 1, S. Galloway, Midlem; 2, P. Kilpatrick, Newmill and Teviothead; 3, M.Hastie, Midlem. Fingerless mitts – 1, S.Morrison, Cogsmill; 2, L.Howieson, Newmill and Teviothead; 3, M.Taylor, Bedrule. Greetings card – 1, M.Taylor, Bedrule; 2, J. Little, Newmill and Teviothead; 3, R. E. Maber, Southdean. Foliage arrangement – 1, M.Blackmore, Morebattle. Floral arrangement in cup/saucer – 1, E. Rennie, Newmill and Teviothead; 2, M.Blackmore, Morebattle; 3, E.Thornton-Nicol, Newtown St.Boswells. Classes of stumpwork, glass painting and floral art are being arranged for the near future.

kelso

Quilters

Abbey Quilters will be having their AGM as well as a “show and tell” on June 10 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. For further details, contact Rineke Sangster on 01573 229414.

Quiz night

A quiz night in the White Swan in aid of the Scottish Borders Africa Aids Group raised £152.52, which was matched with a donation of £155 from the pub to bring the total for the evening up to £307.52.

Painting

The fundraising campaign to buy Margaret Peach’s painting of Kelso Abbey in the Middle Ages for the town is past the half-way mark. The painting is hanging in the library and for anyone who wants to contribute to the cash-raising efforts, there are three possibilities – postcards of the painting are on sale in H. Innes, Blairs Jewellers and Seasons Cafe; a limited number of reproductions of the painting are also on sale; or one can just make a donation. More information from C. Henderson, 21 Shedden Park Road (tel. 01573 224940).

U3A

The next open meeting of The Four Border Abbeys U3A Group will be the summer social with buffet lunch on June 9 at 12.30pm at Kelso Rugby Club.

Bridge club

May 28 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; 3, Ian Watson and Stuart Graham; E/W – 1, Janet Kyle and John Urquhart; 2, Ian and Eliz Ross; 3, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart. May 29 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Jon Bridger and Gerry Eglington; 2, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 3, Alison Darling and Mary Logan; E/W – 1, Richard Oates and Sheena West; 2, Annie Mitchell and Lynda Douglas; 3, Sheila Urquhart and Ruth Mackay.

Langholm

Common riding

At the outset of the Common Riding committee meeting in the Crown Hotel, secretary Kenneth Hill called for nominations for the offices of chairman and vice-chairman. It was the unanimous decision that Roger Maxwell and Tommy Morrison would remain as chairman and vice-chairman respectively. Everything was in place for the Commonwealth baton parade and Cornet Dale Irving, and his right and left-hand men, will wear their ride-out jackets and bowler hats. Three helpers will be on hand to assist with the horses coming down The Wynd. It was agreed that the allowance for the Cornet be increased to £850, and to £425 for the right and left-hand men. The committee discussed a number of things that had been brought up at the public meeting, such as the re-instatement of the high jump, and the secretary said his nephew had expressed interest in running the event along with a number of his cousins. It was not in the poster, but flyers would be sent out and Ernie Blair would be asked to insert it on the Border athletics website. The prizes would be at the previous levels. The admission for the concert was raised from £3 to £4. There was no point in putting a loudspeaker up the Kirk Wynd as the fair crier did not have a microphone, but the committee will see if another speaker could be placed further along the High Street. There had been around 320 attending the dance which had gone without incident and the band had been paid £300. It was suggested that next year there could be a table reserved for the Cornet’s family. The Young family will continue to sponsor the heather besom parade. The arrangements were made for the Cornet’s spurs. Norman Maxwell has provided the nibby for semi-jubilee Cornet Andrew Johnstone and jubilee Cornet Irving Edgar had chosen a photograph which will be framed. Cyril Johnstone will hand a crop in to the secretary and, along with the the nibby

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and photograph, will be delivered for engraving. The chairman read out the list of officials and organisers, and Billy Young will be Castle Craigs Fair Crier this year. Following the retiral of Norman and Linda Imrie, a quote had been received for the catering, but things have still to be finalised. It was agreed that recently-retired treasurer Paul Davidson should be sent an invitation and given an M&S gift voucher for £100. A donation of £250 had been received from Irving Edgar.

Bruce Park suggested that a seat could be erected in the park at Rosevale Gardens in memory of Dick Hill, and this met with the approval of the committee.

Presentation evening

The Young Riders’ Club is holding a presentation evening in the Masonic social club on June 20 to mark Dale Irving being elected Cornet for 2014. Dale is the first Cornet to have come up through the ranks of the club.

Melrose

Art exhibition

Tweedbank Art Club will hold its annual exhibition in the Ormiston Institute from June 6-10 (10am-5pm).

Parish church

Church magazine available for distributors and online. June 8 services – Bowden, 9.30am; Melrose, 11am.

School fundraiser

June 6 – 1.30pm, Melrose PS Summer Extravaganza.

Trimontium

The trust’s summer outing is on August 2 to the Antonine Wall, recently-declared World Heritage Site. It falls into three parts for visiting purposes – and the Melrose party is to tackle the eastern section, starting at Kinneil near Bo’ness, moving on to Camelon, Falkirk and Bonnybridge. All being well, the outings for the next two years will cover the central and western sections. Today (Thursday) at 1.30pm sees the regular Trimontium Walk from the Heritage Centre.

morebattle

Coffee morning

The institute coffee morning will be held on June 14 at 10.30am.

WRI

The outing is to The Smokery on June 10, from 6pm – dinner 7pm. Names to Mary Pringle as soon as possible.

Fishing club

The coffee morning held last Saturday raised around £230. The fishing competition will be held on Saturday (June 7) – names to David Gray no later than 9pm today (Thursday) for the draw.

Newcastleton

Craft fair

A large number of locals, and visitors from both sides of the border, visited the annual craft fair in the village hall. This is the main fundraiser for the hall, which is constantly used by various clubs, groups and organisations. There was a large choice of items on the 38 stalls, including woodwork, horncraft, jewellery, paintings, photographs, hand-made products, cushions, soaps, chocolates and honey. There was also home-baking and preserves, plus various plants and hanging baskets. Tea and coffee, along with home-made scones and cakes, were on sale by the committee in the function room. Liddesdale Parish Church also opened its doors to sell jams and chutney, along with home baking.

Oxton

WRI

The outing is on June 18, not June 21.

St Boswells

Dementia night

June 5 – 6.30pm, Buccleuch Arms, Action on Dementia Night (0131 243 1453) to reserve a place.

Stow

Railway

Local residents have an opportunity to hear about the latest Borders Railway construction plans for the area, including Stow station, at a drop-in meeting hosted by the project team on Wednesday, June 11, in Stow Primary School from 3.30-7pm.

Tweedbank

Art exhibition

See Melrose section of district news.

Walkerburn

Service

The next service in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on Sunday, June 15, starting at 10am.

yetholm

Plant sale

A Floral Gateway Gathering plant and bedding plant sale will be held on June 14 (10am onwards) outside the village shop.

If tragedy strikes when people are enjoying themselves, it seems to make the horror all the harder to bear.

And so it was on Saturday, when three spectators watching one of the Borders’ most popular events died, while a number were injured, during the Jim Clark Rally.

This was the 44th running of the event, named after the Borders’ most famous sporting son, and which has previously boasted an excellent safety record.

Police Scotland is now investigating Saturday’s two accidents, which have also triggered a government review of all motorsport event safety.

Last Saturday’s events have left not only the families and friends of those killed and seriously injured distraught, they will have a life-long impact on the crews of the cars involved, for rally organisers and for those who witnessed them.

It has also had a massive impact on the community of Jim Clark’s home county of Berwickshire, in which much of the rally is proudly staged.

So it is only right that a review is held to see what, if any, lessons can be learned from Saturday to reduce the risk of repeating these dreadful events. But there have also been calls against any knee-jerk reactions of the sort urging that the rally be scrapped permanently.

Rallying, like all sports involving high-powered cars, bikes and boats, is both thrilling and dangerous. That, after all, is part of the attraction.