When Darryll Stanton had a bust-up with his wife, he ended up cutting himself on his head with a disposable razor and police were called.

The 37-year-old admitted that when he is angry he either self-harms or punches walls.

His lawyer, Mat Patrick, added: “When he drinks, he can become abusive.”

Stanton pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley told Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday that the couple were in their home in Hillend Drive, Hawick, on February 15 when they started arguing about money.

Ms Bradley said: “She had been out to pawn some jewellery to pay a bill and he accused of her of being with an ex-partner and called her a dirty slag.

“He went to sleep and she consumed some alcohol, and he woke up and they started arguing again.

“He went out and got a bottle of wine and his wife was on the phone to a friend when he came back and he began shouting and swearing. At this point he had a disposable razor over his head, causing minor abrasions, and appeared to be self-harming and police were called.”

Ms Bradley revealed that his wife kept a diary of his behaviour which Sheriff Craig Turnbull later described as alarming.

The sheriff deferred sentence for good behaviour for three months.

It was the beginning of the end for the Nazi occupation of Europe, but 70 years ago tomorrow, D-Day also saw thousands of Allied troops lose their lives on the beaches of Normandy.

To mark their sacrifice, tomorrow’s anniversary will see a live screening at the Pavilion Cinema in Galashiels, right, of the national commemoration concert taking place at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Scottish Borders Branch of the military charity SSAFA, one of the charities to benefit from the event, reports that the needs of those who have served are changing.

While many of those who took part in the landings lost their lives, a great many others suffered lifelong injuries.

SSAFA is the longest established military charity providing lifelong support for those who serve, used to serve, and their families.

SSAFA volunteer Gerry Kelly commented: “We are delighted to be among those benefiting from the live screening at the Pavilion in Galashiels from the Royal Albert Hall. This is a timely reminder of the bravery we expect from our military.”

The D-Day Commemoration Screening at the Pavilion Galashiels will start at 7.45pm.

Alex Salmond described the Jim Clark Rally tragedy as “a black day for the Borders and for Scotland”.

In a statement issued after it was confirmed that three spectators had been killed, Scotland’s First Minister said: “The Jim Clark Rally is a long-standing event of over 40 years. It is much-loved in the Borders and by the rally-driving community who I know will share in our sadness at what is a black day for the Borders and for Scotland.”

Borders MP Michael Moore said there was “a palpable sense of shock everywhere in the Borders”, while Berwickshire MSP John Lamont, who lives in Coldstream, about two miles from where the fatal accident took place, added: “I know that everyone is shocked and saddened by this dreadful news.”

Berwickshire councillor Michael Cook said the events had “really rocked the community”.

He commented: “It’s a black day, there is no getting away from that fact.”

Scottish Borders Council convener Graham Garvie said the community had been “hit hard” by the tragedy.

“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 the events,” he said.

Councillor Frances Renton added: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of all involved. The whole community, not just here in Berwickshire, but also in the motorsport world is in total shock by these tragic accidents.”

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “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.”

Attacking a man outside a Galashiels nightclub in front of a police officer cost Craig Williamson a £300 fine.

The 28-year-old chef pleaded guilty to assaulting his victim in Overhaugh Street on April 18.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard on Monday that the pair had been told to leave the Indigo Rooms after a verbal argument and the victim went up to a police constable and claimed that he had been assaulted.

It was then that Williamson, who had been on the opposite pavement, walked over and punched him on the head. He was then arrested.

His solicitor, Mat Patrick, said the victim had been annoying Williamson all evening and asking him to buy drugs for him.

Mr Patrick added: “It was not a random attack – his patience ran out.”

The victim was described by the investigating police officer as “a challenging individual to deal with”.

Sheriff Craig Robertson said he took into account what had been said, but told Williamson, c/o Burts Hotel, High Street, Melrose, that “crossing the road and punching him on the head in front of a police officer was an act of extreme foolishness”.

Appointment Night in April was an important one for these five Souters. Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Greg MacDougall is flanked here by his Attendants – behind, Darren Knox and Thomas Bell and in front, Scott Rodgerson and Adam Nichol.

Greg is an auctioneer and valuer with Richard Turner and Sons at Bentham, North Yorkshire.

He was at Attendant in 2004 to Colin Squance; 2005 (Scott Tomlinson); 2007 (Alasdair Craig); 2011 (Michael Craig) and 2013 (Martin Rodgerson). His uncle, the 1976 Standard Bearer James Heatlie, is the Senior Burgh Officer. His father Ewan was the Merchant Company Standard Bearer in 1999, and his cousin Alistair Heatlie cast the Colonial Flag in 2009.

Darren is about to leave Selkirk High School and hopes to study physiotherapy at university. He rode his first Common Riding as a nine-year-old in 2005 behind Standard Bearer Scott Tomlinson.

Thomas is studying Horticulture and Garden Design at Oatridge College in Edinburgh and works part time on the green keeping team at The Woll golf course. His first Common Riding in the saddle was in 2011.

Scott first rode the Common Riding at the age of six and has now been round 21 times. This is his fourth term as Attendant following on from 2005, 2006 and 2010. He’s a warehouse manager at Dash Components in the town.

Adam is a third-year apprentice butcher at J.A.Waters and Sons and was an Attendant last year. He’s a product of the Young Souters Association which he joined on its formation and plays with the Silver Band.

In addition to the flag of the Royal and Ancient Burgh, there are six other flags each year at Selkirk Common Riding – those of the Hammermen, the Weavers, the Fleshers, the Colonial Society, the Merchants and the Ex-Soldiers.

Incorporation of 
Hammermen

The Incorporation received its Seal of Cause in 1681 and has been in continued existence ever since. Its 150 membership is made up of joiners, stonemasons, painters, electricians, plumbers, plasters and slaters.

This year’s Standard Bearer is David Main. He served his time as a painter and decorator with N.W. Purves before retraining as an electrician with the now-closed Exacta Circuits. He completed this apprenticeship with his father at JGM Services and five years ago took charge of the company. He’s a retained firefighter in Selkirk.

Corporation of Weavers

It was in May 1608 that the bailies and councillors of Selkirk granted the Corporation of Weavers its Seal of Cause – the first of the town’s trades to given that right. On the 400th anniversary, the Corporation opened its membership to any person employed, or previously employed, in the manufacture of cloth. The 2014 Standard Bearer is John Black left school to serve a five-year apprenticeship as a shader at Whinfield Mills He moved to Ettrick and Yarrow Spinners and is now a financial planner with an Edinburgh-based company.

Incorporation of Fleshers

The Fleshers had formed a professional body long before receiving their Seal of Cause from the King in 1679. Sadly, the Incorporation disappeared from the Common Riding but was revised by enthusiasts in 1980, with Lindsay Grieve as Standard Bearer. The Incorporation didn’t Cast until the following year. This year’s Standard Bearer is Ivor Ward who trained at Lows before moving to work with Jim and George Hogg. He’s enjoyed several career changes and is now a stonemason.

Selkirk Colonial Society

Late in the 19th century a thriving textile industry had developed at Hespeler in Ontario which attracted a number of Selkirk to emigrate. Two Souter friends – one from Hespeler and the other from Australia – returned for the 1909 Common Riding but didn’t know the other was there. The following year in Hespeler 46 Souters formed the Colonial Society. Kenny Thomson returns from new Zealand as Colonial Standard Bearer. His father Georgie was Colonial Standard bearer 50 years ago and brother George fulfilled the role in 2012.

Selkirk Merchant Company

The earliest surviving minute book of the Merchant Company dates from 1694 but there were Guilds of Merchants in Selkirk during the 1165-1215 reign of William the Lion. The first record of a Standard Bearer is 1721, but it wasn’t until 1968 that Merchant Company flag was Cast by Bill Ainslie. Andrew Anderson is this year’s Standard Bearer. Grandfather Andrew was Standard Bearer in 1926 and 1949. His father Elliot was Royal Burgh Standard Bearer in 1949, as was his brother David – the current Provost – in 1992. He has worked for 25 years in international human rights and is deputy director of Front Line Defenders.

Selkirk Ex-Soldiers’ 
Association

The Association was founded by men from the town who had fought in the Boer War, to consolidate their comradeship, joining the Common Riding procession in 1910. When the British Legion was founded after the 1914-18 conflict, the two organisations became intertwined. It is to the Ex-Soldiers Standard Bearer that falls the duty of the final Cast and the dipping of the Union Flag in silent remembrance of the Fallen. This year history is being made. For the first woman will climb onto the Casting platform. Fiona Deacon served in the Royal Military Police between 1988 and 2006, attaining the rank of sergeant. She served in West Germany, Northern Ireland, London and Kosovo, as well as the Royal Military Training School at Chichester and Aldershot. Her husband David was Standard Bearer last year and has already bussed his wife’s Colours.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland volunteers were presented with mugs by the charity in recognition of the work they do during their weekly meetings at the Focus Centre in Galashiels. This week – June 1-7 – is Volunteers’ Week.

See our website – www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk –for a video report.

Organised by Scottish Borders Tilting as part of the Borders Festival of the Horse, a delegation of riders from Denmark alongside participants from Scotland, impressed a local crowd with their expert demonstration of the ancient equestrian sport of Tilting at Ring, at The Haining in Selkirk recently.

The sport, which is more than 400 years old, has its roots in Denmark, and requires skill from both horse and rider.

BBC news highlighted the event, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland, or indeed the UK, and the Danish Consul in Scotland, Mr Stuart MacPherson, was among the crowd of spectators.

The enthralled audience watched as, using skill and precision, participants cantered towards a ‘gallows’ with outstretched lance to catch a ring which is suspended from it. In competition, the winner is the person who manages to catch the smallest ring starting at 22mm in diameter, 
with the smallest ring being 5mm.

“We are developing this as an annual event in the Borders, and encouraging other equestrians to learn this amazing sport, which requires specific training,” said Judith Steel, chairman of the Scottish Borders Tilters Association.

The Haining, offers a venue for events and functions and is working with Scottish Borders Tilters to develop this amazing sport.

A Heriot family has been given permission to build a new home on a greenfield site despite councillors being told it went against planning policy.

Andy Smith made an emotional statement to a meeting of the planning committee on Monday, when members heard the family’s home of 20 years had been subject to a compulsory purchase order for the Borders Railway.

Mr Smith said their application for a house and workshop next to the A7 at Falahill Farm was the result of “10 years of uncertainty” as their current home near Heriot was not initially included in the properties to be acquired for the railway.

He added that searches for suitable homes or land for a new build in the immediate area had proved fruitless.

“Over the past 20 years we’ve made Heriot our home, and home for our children, and we hope you will look favourably on this exceptional case for the construction of a new home to replace the one we are about to lose,” Mr Smith told the committee.

In recommending refusal, senior development manager John Hayward told the committee that the application went completely against the housing in the countryside planning policy and that there was no justification for the workshop on the site.

He added that there was no “compelling evidence” that the site was the only one available in the Heriot area.

But following an extensive debate councillors voted five to two in favour of a motion to grant planning permission.

Councillor Jim Brown, who moved the motion to go against he officer’s recommendation, said: “Generally I feel that with any major civil engineering woks, such as the Borders Railway, there is going to be winners and losers.

“My first response is that Mr Smith has spent a great deal of time to see if he could find a site nearer the village, with no success, but has now found a site and I would like to turn Mr Smith and his family from losers to winners.”

Councillor Donald Moffat seconded Councillor Brown’s motion, stating: “I think this is definitely an exceptional case.”

Councillors Michelle Ballantyne, Simon Mountford and Jim Fullarton supported the approval of the application, with Stuart Bell and chairman Ron Smith voting against it, despite being sympathetic to the situation faced by the Smith family.

Councillor Bell said: “What we have got here is the most extreme example of a proposal for housing in the countryside.”

He added that he was concerned about the visibility of the development from the A7.

Councillor Smith added: “This is a very, very complex situation we find ourselves in. I am sympathetic to the situation Mr and Mrs Smith find themselves in, but we are talking about driving coach and horses through our planning policies.

“This is a greenfield site, is not part of a building group, is not related to a building group and there is no economic justification for it being there.”

To prevent further building on the plot a legal agreement will be drawn up which will also tie the workshop to the house and require the family to live there for at least three years.

Landscaping to screen the site will also be required.

This week, staff behind the scenes at the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival pick their favourite events from this year’s 2014 programme.

“John is a great storyteller, and The Wolf in Winter grips you from the explosive first chapter, never letting up the pace.

“It’s set in Maine on the East Coast of the US, with private investigator Charlie Parker searching for a missing young woman, then discovering the unsettling truth about a wealthy, seemingly respectable community whose founders emigrated from Northumberland centuries earlier.

“It’s a compelling read, with something menacing, wild and ancient at its heart, and fans of gothic horror and hard-boiled American detective thrillers will love Connolly’s masterful, chilling, darkly humorous writing style.

“I saw John at a memorable event at the Mainstreet Trading Company in St Boswells a few years ago, when he talked passionately about the writing that has inspired him – by fellow Dubliner, Bram Stoker, and by author of The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man, Dashiell Hammett; he did such a persuasive job that I bought copies of every single book he mentioned!

“It’s no surprise that he is considered to be in the front rank of thriller writers, and all of his novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers.

“I’m looking forward to seeing John back in the Borders, for what promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s festival.”

“Where better to hear charismatic and articulate young writer, Robyn Young, talk about the final book of her trilogy on the life of Robert the Bruce than just a few yards from the burial place of the hero-king’s heart?

“And, not to be missed by anyone of secondary school age - or the young at heart - is Simon Mayo, the BBC 2 star who has turned brilliantly to children’s and young adult fiction featuring 14-year-old Itchingham Lofte, science freak and accident-prone anti-hero. We are very lucky to have Simon at the festival so please make sure we give him a big Borders welcome!”

“I’ll be working throughout the festival so our young kids get to take my husband for a couple of unmissable shows on Father’s Day: Mr Gum is a legend to 7-plus kids, and Andy Stanton is doing a special one-off event for BBF this year with a mixture of storytelling, mad jokes and true-life tales about being a writer.

“Steve Hartley brings a breath of fresh air to the Family Book Festival with his Oliver Fibbs and the Clash of the Mega-Robots – a giant pair of knickers and an inflatable bogey are used in his stage set, so I’m sure my family won’t be disappointed!”

“If you like your food writing a little on the sharp side, then Jay Rayner is the one for you. Jay is never off the media with his BBC One Show reports, food quiz for Radio 4 and regular critiques for the press. He’s just as good in person, and will be coming to the Borders to take us on a journey through the world’s edible landscape with his book A Greedy Man in a Hungry World. Again, we are lucky to have pulled him up to the Borders so grab your opportunity to see a foodie celeb in the flesh!”

Former national hunt champion jockey John Francome was the speaker at a charity dinner and auction which raised more than £18,000 in Kelso on Saturday, May 24.

The event in Kelso Racecourse’s Tweedie Stand was organised by Rhona Elliot of the MS Borders Racing Club, pictured with Francome, to raise money for the Borders branch of the MS Society and the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), which celebrates its 50th year this year, with Francome its president.

The former television pundit, who is also a successful author, golfed at The Hirsel, Coldstream in a charity game before the evening’s dinner and auction was attended more than 200 people.

Rhona said the money will be split between the two charities.

More than 1, 000 football mad kids dribbled, passed, controlled, shot and ran their hearts out at the 11th annual Festival of Football at Netherdale on Sunday.

While the Borders’ top teenage sides contested the Cameron Gunn Finals on Gala Fairydean Rovers’ 3G pitch, across the fence, the region’s primary school players displayed their skills for the large crowd.

Hawick sides featured heavily in the Cameron Gunn finals, which act as the cup finals for the Scottish Borders Junior Football Association age groups.

First of all, they beat Melrose 5-0 in the Under-13s, before their Under-14 side beat their hosts by the same score.

Gala regained some pride in the Under-15 final of the Cameron Gunn Cup, beating Kelso in a 4-3 thriller.

And the Chris Doyle Memorial Cup for the Under-17s went to Duns, who beat Kelso 4-2.

The event, run by Borders Sport and Leisure, continues to expand year on year and is now the biggest of its kind in Scotland.

z Meanwhile, Saturday saw the annual Alec Lucas Memorial Tournament take place at Whitestone Park in Peebles.

The event is held in the name of the former Peebles player and Royal Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008, and raises thousands of pounds for local sports charities, as well as the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

And this year, the event added more than £12,000 to its fundraising total.

The Peebles Rovers stand was also renamed the Alec Lucas Memorial Stand on the day.

The tournament was won by a Carluke Hearts side, who beat Spartans 3-1 in the final.

Tom Wardrop kindly hosted this year’s Oxnam Gymkhana at Harden Mains Farm.

The weather was a challenge to begin with, but did improve.

Organisers thanked competitors and parents, the set-up team ands all the helpers and judges who made the day such a success.

Winners: Open Equitation – Fiona Steel, Foxwood Falcon Crag (overall group champion).

13-15 years – Overall Champion – Louise Hebdon, Fly; Reserve – Ellie Meldrum, Sylvester.

11 & 12 years: Overall champion – Katie Edgar, Glenford Little Jack; Reserve – Alexandra Edgar, Millview Grey.

Nine & 10 years: Overall Champion – Hamish Stenhouse, Bendicks Pepsi; Reserve – Holly Kirk, Barley.

Eight years & under: Overall Champion – Daisy Scott-Watson, Coco; Reserve – Rory McFadyen, Beauty.

Lead Rein: Overall Champion and winners of The Oxnam Shield six years and over – Olivia Kirk, Wendy; Reserve Champion: Tom Mactaggart, Harmony.

Overall Champion and winners of the Logan Family Trophy for five years & under – Connie Turnbull, Percy.

The British Orienteering Championships were held in north Northumberland at the weekend – and several Roxburgh Reivers found their way round beautifully.

The forest for the individual race on Saturday has been rarely used and provided a very physical challenge to all the runners, with most of the area covered in either heather, high bilberries or tree brashings, making running very difficult.

However, Reivers still managed to get two people on the podium in the shape of Fiona Forrest on W40 and John Tullie on M55 – who were both third in their classes.

Pauline McAdam just missed out, finishing fourth on W55.

The relay championships provided much more pleasant running conditions among grassed-over mine workings near Otterburn.

Jedburgh’s Kirstin Maxwell had a great run to help her Edinburgh University team to first place on the Women’s Premier class in what was her final run as a student.

Roxburgh Reivers had a record six teams competing, including two junior teams.

Although none made it onto the podium, Elena Heger deserves a mention for having the fastest time on her leg on the mixed under-18 class, and Yousuf Khursheed also ran well for fourth place on his M14 leg.

The last local event before the summer break is at Teviothead this Saturday, with starts from 1-2pm.

More details at www.roxburghreivers.org.uk

Anyone interested in rural issues is invited to send in ideas for Scotland’s first Rural Parliament in November.

Parliament organisers, Scottish Rural Action (SRA) is asking for ideas for the themes to be debated and challenges and practical solutions the parliament should be addressing.

The association said research suggested priorities include transport, broadband, housing, deliveries, community confidence and changing populations. To put forward the suggestions visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/

scottishruralparliament

Welcoming the launch, Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead, said: “Rural Parliaments work well in other European countries, giving our rural communities and businesses a stronger voice in policy making and an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about living and working in rural areas. I would urge everyone across rural Scotland to take advantage of

the opportunity to be involved in shaping the agenda and themes of our nation’s very first Rural Parliament and make it a success.”

Some welcome summer sunshine got this year’s St Boswells Village Week off to a flying start at the weekend – with more fun still to come.

Things kicked off on Saturday morning with a coffee morning run by Newtown and St Boswells Community First Responders group, which proved a great success.

Stalls of books, CDs and kindly-donated baked goods were emptied by the 100 or so people who turned out for the event.

There were also displays of the equipment used by the First Responders, plus information about life-saving – and even a few demonstrations of CPR for those who were keen to learn.

Saturday night and the village hall were the time and place for St Boswells Live!

A near sell-out audience enjoyed a wonderful and varied evening of music, with what was the first live event held at the village hall since its reopening.

With the absence of curtains, which the village hall committee is working hard to get funding for, it was a challenge for the sound man. But the combined talents of Archie Fisher, with his mellifluous voice and sublime guitar playing, and the brilliantly-talented Fell Runners (Tommy Ashby’s band) got the enthusiastic crowd smiling, singing and eventually up and dancing.

With new lighting and sound in the pipeline, the future looks bright for live performances in St Boswells.

Good weather on Sunday morning ensured that the car boot sale was well attended. Around 50 vehicles participated, with tennis club funds receiving a boost of around £500 as a result.

This was followed by the Family Tennis Fun Day and barbecue. Around 45 adults and children took part in this mini-tennis tournament, with adults and children all playing with mini racquets and nets.

The event was kindly organised by Rebecca Bruce and Andrew Robertson from the tennis club. Winner of the children’s event was Neve Clark.

Monday proved great fun for youngsters with entertainer Jango Starr. The the event was well attended and organisers have already received positive feedback.

The traditional guided walk, with local historian John Wood, is always a favourite event, and took place on Tuesday night with this year’s itinerary going from the village to the Wallace Statue and back.

Last night was due to see the popular car treasure hunt, while on tonight (Thursday) is Beat the Retreat on the village green, followed by the quiz night. A new event in this year’s programme, the quiz night will be in the Royal British Legion. Tickets are available for purchase in advance from the village post office.

Still to come are the fancy dress parade, and family disco and karaoke tomorrow night, while Saturday will see various events, including the pet show, the chance to climb aboard a fire engine and family football.

Sunday’s final events of the week include the potted sports, silver band, village race, rounders and a barbecue.

A prize of £1,000 awaits the winner of the Hawick Border Games 110 metres handicap at the town’s Volunteer Park on Sunday.

Joint back-markers for the event are Greg Turnbull of Tweed Leader Jed Track (T.L.J.T.), James Parker of Hawick and Edinburgh’s Ben Robbins, who have all won big sprint handicaps.

All three go from a mark of two metres.

A metre ahead of them is Hawick’s own Dylan Ali.

Victor of the New Year 110m handicap at Musselburgh in January, Ali began this summer season with a bang.

Thanks to some explosive running, he has bagged three wins at two games meetings.

Victory number one arrived at Earlston Games last Saturday when the Hawick flyer stormed home in the 400m handicap.

The following day, Ali pulled off an excellent double at Markinch Games, gaining the honours in the 400m handicap, as well as the 90m invitation handicap.

From the David Rae/Che Campbell running school, Ali is certainly on song at the moment and should be worth a punt.

Among a sea of Border athletes set to get down on their marks in the Hawick sprint are Iskan Barskanmay (6m) and Martha Douglas (19m) of Jed AC, Selkirk’s Colin Bruce (11.5m) and Keith Gerrard (9m).

Also running are Mhairi Henderson (20.5m) and Craig Grieve (4.5m) of TLJT, Drew Bryson (20m) and Gordon McPherson (11m) of Hawick, and Peebles’ Amy Clancy (8m).

St Johnstone football star Steven MacLean of Peebles is on a mark of 23m for the 200m handicap, a matter of weeks after scoring the second goal in his team’s Scottish Cup victory over Dundee United.

Borders runners in the 800m handicap include Kobe Stevens of Moorfoot (65m), John McLean of Selkirk (65m) and Andrew Thomson of Jed AC (60m).

Dean Whiteford of Innerleithen (125m), Wayne McIntosh of Kelso (150m) and Gavin Tait of TLJT (190m) are in the 1600m handicap.

Other senior races as well as youths’ events completes the Hawick programme.

The 90m youths’ sprint handicap sees Berwick’s Cameron Tindle – who’s made a great start to the season – take the back mark position, off -1m.

The Volunteer Park bill starts with The Hill Race at 12.15pm.

Track events commence at 1pm.

Galashiels paddler Alice Haining has a busy summer of canoe slalom racing ahead of her for the GB Under-23 team and seniors.

She moved to Nottingham in the winter and has been training hard with GB coach Neil Buckley.

She started her race season with the Universities Championship at Teesside, winning medals in KIW, C2 and C1, and clinching the championship with her fellow paddlers – all members of the GB team.

Then, before heading into selection in March, she had her first premier race win on home ground at Grandtully.

After being selected, Haining has raced well and has a place in the GB Under-23 team going out to Macedonia for the European Championship in July.

This weekend she is in the demonstration boat for the K1 women from 35 countries for World Cup Race One in London at the Olypmic venue at Lea Valley. Then she heads out to race herself as a senior team member to World Cup 2 in Tacen, Solvenia.

After Macedonia she has to get ready for the rest of the premier race season throughout Europe and, finishes with the British Open in London.

Wooler

At their weekly sale of primestock held last Wednesdday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 249 new season lambs, 67 hoggs and young sheep and 45 ewes.

Increase in spring lamb numbers, resulted in an increase in buyers operating.

New season lambs, leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £112, £110 Lilburn Estates, £110 Ladykirk, £110, £108, £107 Holy Island, £108 Wrangham East. Sfx:- £110 Holy Island, £105, £102 Howtel. Bel:- £108, £102.50p Chillingham Home Farm.

Leading prices per kilo:- Tex.x:- 265p Ladykirk, 257.2p (2) Lilburn Estates, 257.1p Holy Island. Bel:- 263.4p, 262.8p Chillingham Home Farm. Sfx:- 250p Holy Island.

Hoggs, leading prices per head:- Tex.x:- £119 Holy Island, £115, £109.50p Shotton, £114.50p Crunklaw. Mule:- £109 Charlton Mires. Sfx:- £108.50p, £104.50p Shotton.

Less ewes available, with an increase in returns. Leading prices:- Tex:- £119 Barelees, £144 Edlingham Newtown, £103 Fowberry Moor. Suf:- £107 Edlingham Newtown. Sfx:- £100.50p Shotton, £97 Edlingham Newtown, £95 Charlton Mires. Zwa:- £100 Barelees. HB:- £98 Barelees. BF:- £84 Edlingham Newtown. Mule:- £82.50p Edlingham Newtown, £81 Shotton.

Rams:- Suf:- £129 Edlingham Newtown. BF:- £95 Edlingham Newtown.

st boswells

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 81 clean cattle, 71 OTM cattle, 459 new season lambs, 306 old season hoggs and 238 ewes.

Bullocks (36) averaged 201.5p per kg and sold to 229p (-5.2p on week), heifers (41) averaged 209.3p per kg and sold to 234p (+6.3p on week), young bulls (4) averaged 188.3p per kg and sold to 200p (+17.1p on the week), 66 beef type OTM cattle averaged 128.8p per kg and sold to 165p (+2.5p on the week) and five Dairy type OTM cattle averaged 103.4p per kg and sold to 117p

The 459 new season lambs averaged 261.1p per kg (+10p on the week) and sold to £125, top price 274.4p per kg for a Texel lamb, 306 old season lambs averaged 205.2p per kg (+15.6p on the week) and sold to £114, top price of 226.5p per kg for Cheviot hoggs and 238 ewes averaged £73.10, and sold to £120 for a Suffolk ewes. Heavy ewes averaged £79.55, light ewes sold to £86 for Cheviot ewes and averaged £66.07.

Principal prices per head: Longnewton £1457.54; Lurdenlaw £1428.88; Bee Edge £1421.40, £1370.04; Jedderfield £1376.34.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.34 W Taylor (Lockerbie), 2.33 Denholm Meats, 2.30 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.26 Robert Wilson Butcher Edin, 2.24 Robert Pringle and Sons; Kirkton 2.30, 2.24, 2.23 Malone of Edinburgh; Humbie Mill 2.29 Ramsay Family Butchers, 2.21 John Anderson Butchers; Chapel Hill 2.29 Malone of Edinburgh; Kirkend 2.25 Malone of Edinburgh; Saltoun Home Farm 2.24 M/s TA Shaw, 2.20 Colin Peat; Caverton Mill 2.21 Alex Smith, 2.20 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons.

Bulls: Boon £1344.20 (1.10); Roxburgh Mains £1207.44 (1.08); Outerston £1150.72 (1.16); Branton East Side £1150.60 (1.10); Moorhouse £1010.88 (1.17); Stobshiel Mains £993.84 (1.01); Tushielaw £906.98 (1.01).

Cows per head: Kersknowe £1342.70, £1226.12; East Learmonth £1220.40, £1165.72, £1137.78, £1126.84; Clarence House£1197.84; Branton East Side £1193.64, £1150.60; Easter Middleton £1142.60; Middlethird £1108.26; Stoneypath £1096.26; Soutra £1083.24.

Cows per kg: Branton East Side 1.65, 1.47; Clarence House 1.61, 1.49; Soutra 1.53; East Learmonth 1.51, 1.47; Langhaugh 1.51, 1.49, 1.47; Kersknowe 1.51; Stoneypath; Mosstower 1.49; Pogbie 1.45; Kaeside 1.45 (2).

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 18 prime cattle, one young bull, 14 over 30 month cattle, 809 spring lambs, 3,420 prime hoggs and 3,806 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A small show of prime cattle forward with trade steady as the deadweight continues to fall. Top price to 217.5p and 215.5p for Limousin heifers shown by A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen.

Bulls sold to 161p per kilo (£912 per head) for Limousin from Waterhead of Dryfe. Cast cows sold sharper and more needed to satisfy demand. The sale was topped at 147.5p for a Limousin from Messrs A. and B. Scott, Dinley. Charolais to 146.5p sold by Mr J. Watret, Burnside.

A fantastic show of 809 spring lambs sold to the trade of the week, surpassing all other centres.

Top of 320p per kilo for Texels from J. and M.E. Ackerley, Milton Mains and to £136 per head for Texels from Messrs N. Forsyth and Son, Oswie. Overall average of 264.2p per kilo (SQQ 264.7p). More lambs required to meet buyers requirements. Producers are urged to keep drawing lambs at lighter weights.

All ewes sold to great demand.

Border Livestock exchange

Last week Border Livestock Exchange sold 209 prime cattle including 41 cast cows, 1,958 prime new season lambs including 329 ewes, 84 store cattle and 29 breeding cattle.

Prime cattle numbers remained good for the time of year with trade showing signs of firming. Home bred Limousin cross young bulls from Whitmuirhaugh, Kelso, hit the high spot when seven sold to £1,543 and 351p per kg to average £1,372 per head. Aberdeen Angus cross steers sold to a top price of 372p per kg for an R4L grade.

New season lambs broke all the records when the company sold 1,629 which sold to a top price of £113.92 and 541.99 p per kg for Meatlinc crosses from Primside Mill, Yetholm, and Lamberton Holdings, Berwick. Texel crosses from Cherrytrees, Yetholm, sold to £112.35 and 535.2 p per kg. Lightweight Euro lambs sold to 520p per kg and £72.80 for a consignment of 186 Continental Cross. Cast ewes continue to sell well with heavy types to £110 from Eastfield of Lempitlaw, Kelso.

Store cattle sold to 250p per kg for organic Limousin cross heifers. Limousin bulls 18 months from Bowsden Moor, Berwick, sold to £3,675.

When is a walk not a walk? When it’s a matter of life or death.

That’s the stark contrast between taking a stroll down the lanes and through the woodlands around Selkirk and Lilliesleaf, and walking in temperatures of over 100F in desert-like conditions.

The RotaKids of Philiphaugh community and Lilliesleaf primary schools (two groups supported by Selkirk Rotary Club) put their best feet forward last week to enjoy miles of smiles – and to miss a morning of lessons!

Children in many countries miss school most days as they have to walk miles to collect water – often not even clean water.

Walking for Water, organised on a European-wide basis by Rotary International in Holland, is nothing new. Indeed, the RotaKids took part last year – but this year they did it with the whole school. The proceeds will support the Walk for Water cause and school funds.

Pupils were sponsored and event organisers provided a backpack to each RotaKid and their buddies as a momento of the occasion. Each walk took nearly three hours, with the P1s and 2s in the lead from the start to finish at Philiphaugh.

Walking for Water is an awareness and fundraising initiative. School children are sponsored by friends and family to walk six kms while carrying six litres of water in a backpack, giving them a little idea of what children in Africa may do daily.

The picture shows members of Philiphaugh RotaKids and their buddies. The backpacks were given to them by the Rotary Club of Selkirk.