GALA Fairydean Rovers have confirmed the following pre-season friendlies for the first team who will play in the Lowland League for season 2014-15.
Friday June 27 v East Fife (H) kick off 7.45p.m.
Saturday, July 5 v Jarrow (H) kick off 3pm.
Thursday, July 17 v Dunfermline Athletic (H) kick off 7pm.
Saturday, July 19 v Bonnyrigg Rose (H) kick off 3pm.
Saturday, July 26 v Arniston Rangers (A) kick off 3pm.
Cademuir Hill, on the south side of Peebles, is the venue for a new hill race organised by Moorfoot Runners on Saturday, August 16.
The Cademuir Rollercoaster will offer two courses, a 3k and a 6k, on the open grassy slopes which organisers say will provide a sufficiently challenging short race for the experienced hill runner, but not so testing as to preclude the fit novice, newcomer or junior.
The race has a Scottish Athletics permit and sponsorship has been secured from Peebles’ popular Italian restaurant, Franco’s.Speaking at the launch, Moorfoots’ Gregor Nicholson said: “We spotted a gap in the calendar for a race of this nature and Cademuir Hill provides a fantastic runable course with some fantastic views of Peebles and the surrounding countryside.
“Hill races tend to attract runners of all ages and ability and there is always a great community feel about them, whether you are racing or running for enjoyment.
“We’re hopeful that our new race will prove to be a popular addition to the calendar and we’re delighted to have Franco’s restaurant on board as race sponsor.”
Franco himself, proprietor Francesco de Martino, was on hand to help launch the event, but says his own running days are behind him so has nominated his waiter of 16 years standing, Adam Tally, to take part as the sponsor’s representative.
“I’ll not be winning any prizes, but I’ll definitely be expecting a free pizza from the boss that evening,” said Adam.
The host club’s Lucas Cheskin is one young hill runner who does hope to be towards the front of the 6k race. Lucas, who won the English Under-18 Uphill Championship last year and was fourth in the Scottish Under-20 Championship, is only just back in full training following a spell of injury.
He said: “The Cademuir Rollercoaster falls two weeks before the official trial race for the Scotland Under-19 team for the Junior Home International, so it will be perfect preparation for me.”
Go to www.moorfootrunners.co.uk for more information.
Border College Rugby Club was invited to play at the Helensburgh Rugby Sevens tournament where the team performed well and reached the semi-finals.
Heavy overnight rain made running rugby extremely tiring for the teams who were divided into four pools of three.
The Borderers got off to a poor start against a strong Helensburgh team, who won the tie due to some missed tackles. However, the next tie against University of West of Scotland was a complete turnaround with the college lads playing some good rugby, with a fair deal of pride, winning by quite a big score. This result placed them in the semi-final against Mull, who, after an extremely hard-fought and exciting tie, managed to win by three tries to two.
Captain Gary Adams thanked the Helensburgh officials, who in turn informed him that his team had been excellent ambassadors for the College. The students would like to state their appreciation for the financial support given by the Students Association and College, for the playing shorts provided by Melrose RFC and the support given by their coach, Bill Noble.
Squad: Gary Adams (capt), Eoghainn Hunter, Nathan Emery, Lewis Martin, Sean Johnstone, Kirk Ford, Scott Peffers, James Rowley, Jamie Hynd.
Archery
Ettrick Forest
The club’s big weekend saw archers from all over the country travelling to their field at Thirladean for their two-day BLBS target and clout extravaganza.
Numbers were down a bit from previous years, perhaps because of the poor weather forecast, but those who turned up were lucky enough to avoid the worst of the downpours.
Results – Mixed Western round (Saturday): Ladies –most hits, Elaine Pearson 77, 325, 6; highest score, Barbara Campbell 56, 262, 6; most golds, Elizabeth Normand 60, 246, 3. Juniors – Kyle Fairbairn 29, 97, 2. Gents – most hits, Richard Hampshire 83, 411, 9; highest score, Doug Anderson 75, 335, 8; most golds, Adair Anderson 73, 309, 8.
Clout round (Sunday): Ladies champion – Elaine Pearson 58, 169, 2; first round – Elaine Smith 23, 61, 0; second round – Barbara Campbell 24, 83, 5.
Gents champion – Scott Notman 42, 105, 0; first round – Mike Pearson 17, 44, 1; second round – Martin Stillie 24, 58, 0.
Shoot-off by ends: Ladies – Elaine Pearson; gents – Scott Notman.
Bowling
BBA
Saturday started as it should have with bright sunshine, but by lunchtime it had started to cloud over and as luck would have it the rain started just as the Hamilton Trophy match between Borders and West Lothian got under way at Melrose BC.
And boy, did it rain, but the boys tried hard to play in absolutely terrible conditions and Borders did show promise right from the off, and had a 33-24 shot lead after five ends.
However, as the rain did not ease, the match was stopped after all rinks had played 11 ends. The agreed score being Borders 98 West Lothian 69 after 11 ends.
Not the best win for the Borderers, but under the circumstances a win is a win.
The next game is Borders away to East Stirling County at Allendale BC on Saturday.
Hawick
The Seniors travelled to Jedburgh last Tuesday to play their counterparts.
Although cloudy and overcast, the rain stayed off for what was a closely-fought match, with the hosts narrowly emerging winners by two shots. The match result being Jed 51 Hawick 49.
On Wednesday the A team travelled to Earlston where the home side emerged comfortable, but slightly drookit, winners by 83-64. Top rink for the Hawick side was the N. Amos skipped rink, who won by 22-12.
The B team match with Abbotsford was cancelled due to a flooded green.
Newcastleton
The American triples on Sunday were won by the Eaglesfield entry of Sandy and Sheena Kirkpatrick and Ian Blenkinsop.
In the final, they beat the Langholm triple of Carolle Warwick, Malcolm Johnstone and James McVittie.
The Langholm Old Town triple of Billy Currie, Grant Fletcher and Colin Turk lost in the semi-finals, and also knocked out at that stage was the host entry of Robert Robson and Elizabeth and Jemima Richardson.
There was an entry of 15 and the winners were presented with the trophy by Newcastleton president Stuart Beadle. The tournament was sponsored by Copshaw Kitchen.
Cricket
Langholm
The Mini/Midi Rugby Coaches won the annual cricket sixes at the Castleholm at Langholm on Sunday by defeating the Copshaw Select by 67-35 in the final.
Except for the odd shower it was a warm and sunny afternoon and a good crowd enjoyed the party atmosphere with barbecue food and refreshments on sale.
The table tennis team knocked up a good score to beat the Buccleuch Estates in the opening match, and Copshaw made their journey over the hill worthwhile when they advanced at the expense of the Legion football side.
After an early scare, the mini/midi rugby coaches worked out the solution and gave the Academy a batting lesson.
The 999 side were not called out for the opening round as they received a bye.
In the semi-finals Copshaw outplayed the table tennis team and 999 had no answer to the coaches.
Langholm cricket club captain Duncan Elliott thanked everyone who had helped make the day a success and then presented the cup to the winning captain Davie Gordon.
Mini/midi rugby coaches: Davie Gordon, Christopher Tait, Russell Bell, Graham Park, Ian Jackson and Mark Grieve.
Golf
Galashiels
John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors June Stableford: Winner, R. Brown 20 points.
Telegraph Cup 2014: 1st scratch, S. Fairburn 67; 2, C. Riddell 70; 3, K. Donaldson 71. 1st handicap, C. Thompson 74 (10) 64; 2, J. Laing 84 (18) 68; 3, J Hardie 79 (12) 67.
Jedburgh
Starrett Cup: 1, G. McKechnie 76 (12) 64; 2, T. Riddell 71 (4) 67 BIH; 3, J. Temple 81 (14) 67.
LGU Medal: 1, M. Smail 108 (34) 74; 2, H. Hughes 115 (35) 80; 3, K. Chapman 115 (34) 81.
Captain 2000 Cup: 1, M. Forsythe 97 (23) 74; 2, M. Smail 112 (34) 78 BIH; 3, P. Hogg 93 (15) 78.
Kelso
Clydesdale Bank Summer Stroke: 1, R. Cowe 73 (5) 68; 2=, P. Stewart 84 (15) 69, A. Fleming 83 (14) 69.
Ladies SLGA Flag Brooch (scratch competition): 1, S. Paterson 76; 2, L. Wilson 79.
Lauder
May Medal: 1, E. Brotherstone 105 (31) 74; 2, L. Bain 108 (33) 75; 3, W. Bryson 102 (24) 78.
Coronation Foursomes: 1, W. Bryson & H. Lumsden 27 points; 2, J & A Stevenson 25 (BIH); 3, G. Dun & E. Brotherstone 25.
Captains Prize: 1, L. Bain; 2, E. Brotherstone; 3, G. Dun.
Melrose
K. R. Cars Competition: Abandoned due to conditions, to be rearranged.
Thanks go to I. Swan and A. Duncan for arranging a well attended and hugely succesful race night at the clubhouse, which raised more than £500 for club funds.
Minto
Last Thursday, the ladies played in the Teviotdale No 3 where Flora Kerr came first with a 92 (21) 71, she was closely followed by Gill Cartwright 106 (31) 75 and Lynn Bruce 96 (21) 75. The scratch winner was Sharon Lees with a score of 90.
On Sunday, the juniors played their Kenneth Oliver 36-hole competition.
Iain Rolland had the best nett score of 63 for the first round while Joseph Flynn had the best scratch with an 80.
In the second round, Finlay Campbell had the best nett with a 65 and Angus Brown shot the best scratch score with an 84.
However, the overall winner was Fraser Lothian, who defended his title for the second year in a row with a combined nett score of two 66s, giving a total of 132. Joseph Flynn had the best combined scratch score of 166.
St Boswells
G. A. White Motors Junior Trophy: 1, A. Smith; 2, F. Campbell. Scratch: R. Lacon.
Many thanks to G. A. White for his continued sponsorship of this popular Junior Competition.
Ladies’ Club Trophy (3): 1, R. Macdonald 82 (17) 65 (lowest gross); 2, H. Rennie 97 (26) 71; 3, S. Gerard 103 (32) 71.
SB & CO Invitiation Greensomes: 1, A. Whellans & R. Pearson nett 61.2; 2, J. Quinn and Ptnr 63.4; 3, G. Townsend & P. Townsend 64. Scratch: M. Ovens & M. Gillie 74.
Many thanks to all who took part, the weather although kind to the morning golfers, but, alas was not to be for the afternoon. However, this did not detract from the good day had by all, the course was in fantastic condition and many thanks to Chris Bell for his kind sponsorship.
This Saturday it’s the Texas scramble, there still some spaces available for teams of four. Sunday is the June medal and there is match on June 19 at St Boswells against Minto.
Torwoodlee
Tuesday Order of Merit (round 5): 1, K. Rankin 71 (6) 65; 2, G. Black 72 (5) 67; 3, D. Gillie 67 (+1) 68.
Homing
Earlston & District
Members sent 99 birds to a Wetherby, liberated at 06:45 into a light south west wind. Results: 1, 6, 7, 10, W. Gray & Son 1622.77; 2, 4, S. Hardie & Sons 1613.98; 3, 5, 9, A. Simpson 1594.91; 8, S. Martin 1566.29.
Swimming
Gala ASC
After a couple of weeks’ rest from competitive swimming, Gala ASC were back to their winning best last weekend at the Stirling Junior Open Swim Meet, held at the Peak Sports Village.
Four swimmers travelled up to Stirling and put in a true Braveheart performance with some fantastic swims.
Amy Headspeath started the charge gaining PBs in 100 backstroke, 100 IM and 100 free and Bethany Hamilton kept the momentum going gaining a PB in 400 IM and put in strong swims for the 100 breast/free and fly and 200 IM.
Not to be outshone by the girls, Andrew Watt gained some fantastic PBs in the 400 IM, 100 back, 100 breast and 200 free with strong swims in 100 free, 100 fly and 200 IM.
Maili Brown wrapped up the weekend with a strong swim in the 400 IM, where she managed to gain another club record with a time of 6.08.
When the dust had settled, the weary but jubilant swimmers had managed to take away 14 medals between them (3 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze), with Andrew Watt also collecting the trophy for overall best boy aged 12 – a truly fantastic effort by all the Borders swimmers.
A special thanks to Louise Mercer for looking after the competitors all weekend.
The club reporter would also like to apologise to Jake Shepherd for an incorrect spelling of his name in the last report.
Former Gala Fairydean assistant manager Ally McCulloch travelled to the Far East last week for the Seniors World Cup in Sa Kaeo Province in Thailand.
After winning the competition in 2013, the squad’s hopes were high, but they knew it would not be easy – it is a World Cup, after all.
And after 0-0 draws against Iran and Australia, and a 7-0 thumping of Siam, all they had to do was beat the hosts to get to the final.
And this they did, in a hard-fought match, by a single goal to nil.
The superb achievement of coming through their first four games with a clean sheet gave them a ticket to the final, to play none other than the Auld Enemy, England, which was played on Saturday.
After another tight final which ended 2-2, a penalty shoot-out was required to sort matters out. And England, of course, do not have the best record in those.
But this time, incredibly, the Auld Enemy managed to do it.
Defender McCulloch said: “To be pipped at the end, to be beaten on penalties, was hard to take, but hats off to England.
“We were fantastic, but football is a cruel sport and England deserved to win as they held firm under huge pressure from us.
“We have had the best week and all of us will be friends forever.
“We should be proud of what we have achieved and how we achieved it.
“Well done Scotland ... and next year we will do the business.”
Other than the football, the squad had a wonderful experience, getting up close with the wildlife, taking part in a coaching day with more than 1,000 Thai kids, and making new friends.
McCulloch had a message for the many friends who wished him and the team well through Facebook.
He said: “Thanks to all for following us – it has been an incredible journey with so many highs and very few lows, well done to everyone.
“For me, I look forward to another campaign as I have met so many new friends and reacquainted with some old pals, an amazing time.”
A group of fairly committed footballers took to Netherdale’s 3G pitch on Saturday evening in monsoon conditions to raise money and awareness of bowel cancer.
Organiser Paul Bertram had been approached by Gordon Elliot of the Healthy Living Network to put on the event.
Mr Elliot said: “I’m helping to promote the bowel cancer screening programme for NHS Borders and I spoke to Paul about putting on a charity match to raise awareness about bowel cancer in the Scottish Borders.
“There are 4,000 people in Britain every year diagnosed with bowel cancer. It’s the third most common cancer, for men, especially.
“It’s really important that people also realise what they can do about it as well, such as eating healthily and doing a bit of exercise.”
Mr Bertram told The Southern: “It’s a good cause. You are most at risk between the ages of 50 and 70 years old, but you don’t hear about it too often. You don’t see any events like this raising awareness – it’s kind of hidden in the background.
“I’ve got together a lot of guys who I have played with for many years now and it’s good to see a lot of them again.
“I’d like to thank our sponsor, Fountain News, who donated water and medals, Sharon and Kirsty for the energy drinks, the Healthy Living Network for paying for the pitch and all the players and supporters who have come out in such horrible conditions.”
Borders Sport and Leisure launched its ClubSports Network Business Plan at the Festival of Football, held at Netherdale last week.
ClubSport Borders (formerly the local Sports Councils) comprises four independently constituted organisations, funded by Borders Sport and Leisure, and covering Roxburgh, Ettrick & Laudersdale, Tweeddale and Berwickshire.
The new business plan covers six defined themes over three years and will take the organisations forward in their aims to support talented local sports people and clubs.
Rick Kenney, chair of ClubSport Borders said: “I am pleased to have been part of the group which has spent so much time producing this exciting business plan and I look forward to seeing the four ClubSport groups go from strength to strength over the next few years. ClubSport Borders plays a vital role in assisting local clubs and sports people and we intend to improve our range of support for sport in the Borders over the next few years.”
The biggest week of the year is fast approaching, with final preparations being made for Melrose Festival.
Taking place between Sunday, June 15, and Saturday, June 21, the highlights of the week are the ride-out on the Monday and the installation of the Melrosian, and crowning of the Festival Queen at the beautiful setting of Melrose Abbey on the Thursday.
This year it is Fraser Anderson who will proudly lead the celebrations, with Sam Thomson – right-hand man – and Graeme Crawford – left-hand man– by his side. Festival Queen is Charlie Hume.
As usual, the town will have a fairly busy week, with the main events being the ride-out on the Monday, the installation on Thursday, the ball on Friday and the Tour of Ceremonies and the sports on Saturday. The fancy dress is always popular on the Tuesday and last year the festival introduced a festival family barbecue following the bike ride on the Wednesday, which proved popular.
Organisers hope as many people in the Melrose and surrounding communities as possible come out and support the Melrosian and his Queen.
The official start of the festival programme is the laying of a wreath at the war memorial on Sunday morning, followed by the Kirkin’ of theMelrosian.
The five-a-side football will follow on Sunday afternoon.
On Monday, the ride-out leavesfrom the Greenyards at 6pm, with the concluding ceremony in the Market Square at 9.30pm.
The fancy dress kicks off in Gibson Park at 6.15pm on Tuesday, while the popular bike ride takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday.
After the installation on Thursday, the Festival Ball takes place on Friday night. On Saturday, Fraser and his followers will carry out the Tour of the Ceremonies, leaving at 9am. The sports take place at 2.30pm, the pipe band will entertain from 7pm and the festival concludes with the annual dinner at 8pm.
John Paxton is a year away from being 50, so you would think that his days of winning a major event on a big sporting occasion were gone.
Well think again, for at Hawick Border Games on Sunday, Paxton put the age barrier behind him when showing that the rolling of the years means absolutely nothing, by winning the 110m handicap on the Volunteer Park track.
For Hawick man Paxton, who is a nurse at the Kelso Community Hospital, a victorious display was just what the doctor ordered.
Competing from a mark of 17m, Paxton’s first show of delivering the right medicine came in his heat when he motored to a fine win in 12.37 seconds.
From the Billy Edgar stable, Paxton then gave himself a shot in the arm, clocking up a winning time of 12.10 seconds in his cross-tie.
Paxton found he was in the final along with TLJT pair Craig Grieve (4.5m) and Greg Turnbull (2m), fellow Hawick athlete Dylan Ali (3m), Billy Martin of Markinch (9m) and Kieran Reilly of Edinburgh (6.5m).
With hundredths of seconds separating the finalists in cross-tie times, the last bid for the £1,000 first prize looked like being a red-hot affair.
And a real sizzler it turned out to be.
Indeed, it took the photo finish system to help the judges come to their decision of selecting a winner.
Following a long delay, it was Paxton who got the nod of approval.
Martin was placed second and Grieve third.
Following his successful final outing, Paxton told The Southern: “You get your ups and downs on the games circuit and I have had my share of both over the years. I won the Morebattle sprint in 1989 and 1990 and the Peebles sprint in 2006, and I got a great thrill out of these wins. Today, however, I have won a sprint on my hometown track and you can’t get better than that”.
In the 400m handicap, 16-year-old Jason McIntosh (43m) put victory Kelso’s way through a spot-on run.
Coached by Adie Gray, McIntosh ran a splendid race from start to finish to gain the honours ahead of Euan Pettigrew of Jed AC (25m) and Kyle Potts of TLJT (43m).
McIntosh said: “I don’t run in many 400 m races, but I am glad I ran in this one.
“It was hard going, though. This was my third win in two days as I won the 800m and 1600 m handicaps at Helensburgh Games on Saturday, so it’s been a great weekend for me”.
A real star in the making was seen in the under-17 100m championship.
And it was Berwick youngster Cameron Tindle who did the shining.
Tindle, who had celebrated his 16th birthday just a few days beforehand, has been burning up the tracks on the amateur scene, including a recent 200m win in 21.72 seconds.
And, hey presto, he did it all again with a magical run on a heavy Hawick track when scorching through the tape ahead of Ryan Houten of Cardrona and Craig Smith of Jedburgh.
Coached by Henry Gray, Tindle said: “I was very pleased to win the championship. Running at the games is completely different from the running I do as an amateur as most of the running at the games is in handicap races, but I enjoy both.”
In the 1,600m handicap, in which the back markers just could not get in touch with the front runners, Keith Redpath of East Kilbride (400m) and Alistair Laurie of Selkirk (350m) gained the first two places. Craig Rendle of Innerleithen (150m) was third.
Lady runner Sarah Ross of Pitreavie (50m), the girlfriend of beaten sprint finalist Craig Grieve, took pride of place in the 200m handicap.
Following an impressive heat win, Ross showed the field a clean pair of heels in the final when hitting the finishing line in pole position.
Michael Burns (35m) also notched up a win for Pitreavie when doing the business in the 800m handicap, while Ryan Charters of Lasswade won the invitation sprint.
The youth races on a bumper Hawick card brought about some exciting racing, as well as unearthing a bundle of up-and-coming young talent.
In the youth’s 800m handicap, Hawick’s Fraser Clyne of Teviotdale Harriers (185m) produced a grandstand finish down the home straight to edge out Olivia Rodden of Jed AC (285m) on the tape in a thrilling race.
Buzz bomb Amy Campbell (19m) also of Hawick chalked up her fourth win of the season when giving a great account of herself to take the youths’ B 90m handicap race.
Emily Dagg of TLJT (12m) hit the high spots as well, coming out on top in the youths’ A 90m handicap event through some grand running.
Eleven-year-old Tom Fowler of Hawick (39m) excelled when winning the youths’ B 200m handicap.
Scott Armstrong of Durham (25m) made the trip over the Border well worthwhile in winning the youths’ 200m A race.
And back marker Niall Smith of Eastcraigs (24m) triumphed in the youths’ 400m handicap.
wooler
At their weekly sale of primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 288 new season lambs, 38 hoggs and young sheep and 33 ewes.
Sheep numbers curtailed by inclement weather conditions and Scotsheep but selling vendors receiving cracking returns.
New season lambs: Leading prices per head - Tex.x:- £111.50, £110 Lilburn Estates, £110 (3) Springhill, Seahouses, £108.50 Ladykirk, £108 (2) Lilburn Estates. Bel:- £108, £106, £105, £104 Chillingham Home Farm. Sfx:- £102 Treaty Park, £101 (2) Howtel. Leading prices per kilo:- Bel:- 271.8p, 269.2p, 266.7p, 257.1p Chillingham Home Farm. Tex.x:- 268.3p (3) Springhill, Seahouses, 263.4p, 262.5p Lilburn Estates, 259p Newstead, 258.3p Ladykirk, 257.5p Springhill, Seahouses, Sfx:- 252.5p Howtel, 248.8p Treaty Park.
Hoggs: Leading prices per head - Tex.x:- £119.50p, £117.50p Norham, £102.50p South Ditchburn, £99.50p Treaty Park, £94.50p Islay Hill, Shotton. Sfx:- £104.50p Newstead, £96 Kettleburn. Mule:- £100.50p Shotton. Swa:- £71.50p Treaty Park.
Ewes short of numbers but a flier. Leading prices:- BL:- £118, £109 Eildon Cottage. Tex:- £109 South Ditchburn, £99 Norham, £93 Milfield Demesne. Sfx:- £104 Kettleburn. Mule:- £88.50p Kettleburn, £86 Howtel, £85 Milfield Demesne, £84 Ladykirk.
Rams:- BL:- £119 Eildon Cottage.
st boswells
At its weekly primestock sale on Monday John Swan Ltd sold 78 clean cattle, 29 OTM cattle, 1,009 new season lambs, 298 old season hoggs and 203 ewes.
Bullocks (25) averaged 199p per kg and sold to 221p (-2.5p on week), heifers (49) averaged 207p per kg and sold to 235p (-2.3p on week), young bulls (4) averaged 169.2p per kg and sold to 190p (n/c on the week), 29 beef type OTM cattle averaged 128.4p per kg and sold to 159p (-0.4p on the week) and five dairy type OTM cattle averaged 103.4p per kg and sold to 117p.
New season lambs averaged 248.6p per kg (-12.5p on the week) and sold to £126, old season hoggs averaged 167.4p per kg and sold to £101 and ewes averaged £75.42, and sold to £116. Heavy ewes £89.47, light ewes £64.29.
Principal prices per head: Dunslaw £1325.16; Crookhouse £1319.50, £1306.50; Bee Edge £1316, £1309.62.
Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.35 Ms WTS Forsyth and Sons, 2.19 M/s TA Shaw, 2.17 Robert Wilson Butcher Edin; Upper Nisbet 2.25 Charles Wilson Butcher, 2.19 M/s J Gilmour and Co Ltd; Haughhead 2.24 JF Finlay, 2.23 Malone of Edinburgh; Upper Hundalee 2.22 Charles Wilson Butcher; Caverton Mill 2.21 G and L Archibald, 2.19 TA Shaw, 2.18 Malone of Edinburgh; Hexpath 2.21 Malone of Edinburgh; Lennoxlove 2.20 Denholm Meats; Longnewton 2.19 WTS Forsyth and Sons; Snawdon 2.19 Robert Pringle and Sons; Lurdenlaw 2.18 M/s WTS Forsyth and Sons.
Cows per head: Penston £1052.58, £1023.78; Bee Edge £1014.70, £1003.58; Northhouse £982.70, £899.08; Upper Hundalee £948.04; Towford £946.96, £915.90; Over Roxburgh £942.30; Todshawhaugh £941.64; Hyndsidehill £904.24.
Cows per kg: Penston 1.59, 1.51; Nisbet Mill 1.55, 1.35; Northhouse 1.55, 1.33; Bee Edge 1.39 (2); Blegbie 1.37, 1.29 (2); Over Roxburgh 1.35; Towford 1.33 (2); Todshawhaugh 1.33.
Bulls: Upper Hindhope £1146.20 (1.10); Wolfstar £1086.80 (1.10); Shaws £1018.03 (1.26); Nisbet Farms £960.36 (1.06).
New season lambs per head: Tex;- £126 Headshaw. L, £125 Redden, £122 Sunnycroft, £117 (2) Lochside, £117 Thornington, Suff.x;- £125, £123 Knock Farm, £119.50 Oxmuir, £119 Headshaw. L, £118 Knock Farm, Oxmuir and Huntington, £116 Applecross, Suff;- £118 Trows Cott. Ham;- £101.50 Greenburn.
New season lambs per kg:- 284.1 Redden, 280 Headshaw. L, 272.1 (2) Lochside, 271.8 Huntington, 269.8 Lochside, 267.5 Headshaw.L, 265.9 (4) Thornington, 265.9 Lochside, Suff.x;- 268.3 Headshaw. L, 268.2 Oxmuir, 265.1 Upper Bolton, 263.4 Knock Farm,, 261 Upper Bolton, Ham;- 238.1 Marigold Farming.
Hoggs per head: £101 Carcant and Venchen, £92 Linton Farm, £90 West Moneylaws, £80 Housebyres, Suff.x;- £80 Dunslaw and West Moneylaws (2), Chev;- £87 Carcant, £84 Lylestane, BF;- £66 Dunslaw.
Hoggs per kg: BF;- 200 Dunslaw, Tex;- 187 Carcant, 183.7 West Moneylaws, 173.7 Dunslaw, Suff.x;- 173.9 West Moneylaws, 164.3 Dunslaw, Chev;- 181.3 Carcant.
Ewes: Tex;- £109 Oxmuir, £106 Greenhead, £101 Greenburn, GF;- £85 Traprain, £81 Venchen, £81, £77 Greenburn, Suff.x;- £113 Lochside, £111 Venchen, £100 Greenhead, Corsbie and Hermiston, Chev;- £95 Torwoodlee, £87 Traprain, HB;- £91 Applecross, Suff;- £116 Oxmuir, £113 Torwoodlee, £93 Belmont Farm, BF;- £63, £60 Danesgarth Mill, £60 Henderland.
Rams: Suff;- £93 Belmont, £83 Haltree, Tex;- £97 Danesgarth Mill.
longtown
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 28 prime cattle, two young bulls, 19 over 30 month cattle, 1,551 spring lambs, 1,654 prime hoggs and 3,667 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.
A nice show of prime cattle were on offer, prices followed a similar pattern to all other centres this week. The sale was topped at 219.5p twice for Limousin heifers, firstly from D.J. Garthwaite and Son, Wyseby Hill Cottage, then soon followed by A. and W.J. Taylor and Son, Dashwellgreen.
Bulls sold to 119.5p per kilo for Black and Whites from T. and M. Irving, Becton Hall.
Cast cows were more keenly sough after and a Limousin cow topped the sale at 140.5p from Messrs D. and Y. Wilson, Plumpe Farm.
A much larger show of 1,551 spring lambs sold fantastically well with a top of 310p per kilo for Texels from J.R. and N.G. Smith, Westhills, and to £136 per head for Suffolks from C. Nixon, Long Strumble. Overall average of 257.5p per kilo. With more and more producers drawing lambs at lighter weights, heavyweight lambs sold extremely well and short of requirements.
A good show of 1,654 prime hoggs for the time of year. All good quality hoggs carrying flesh as well as heavyweight hoggs again sold extremely well. Top price of £127 per head for Texels from Messrs Hyslop, West Logan, with a top per kilo of 258p for Texels from W. Gribbon and Co., Waterside. The overall sale average was 205p per kilo (SQQ 205.2p).
Another good show of 3,667 cast ewes and rams sold to an increased ringside of buyers. All ewes sold to great demand with best quality ewes and cast rams being extremely dear. Top of £154 for a Texel ram from J.F. Latimer, Ina House.
border livestock exchange
Last week Border Livestock Exchange sold 186 prime cattle including 28 cows, 1,639 prime lambs, 215 cast ewes, 82 store cattle and 26 cows with calves at foot.
Prime cattle were again steady with good demand for in spec steers and heifers. Over 16 month young bulls were slower to sell. Aberdeen Angus cross steers from South Farm, Newcastle, sold to 365p per kg to Well Hung and Tender, Berwick. Cast cows were short of demand selling to 270p per kg and £1,329 per head for a Charolais crosses also from South Farm.
Prime lambs continue to sell very well with top prices going to Yetholm farms of Primside, Lochside and Cherrytrees. Texel cross to 535p per kg and £112.35 per head. Charollais crosses from Cornhill to 520p per kg and £109.20.
Old season lambs sold to 460p per kg and £101.20 Hill Top East, Darlington.
Breeding and store cattle were short of requirements with a firm demand for all types.
Tweed Forum is inviting the public to comment on land use strategy points, writes Derek Robeson.
In April 2013, the Scottish Government set up Land Use Strategy (LUS) pilot projects in the Borders and Aberdeenshire, to see how the National Land Use Strategy could be expressed through regional land use frameworks.
Scottish Borders Council is working in partnership with the Tweed Forum, leading on stakeholder engagement. The objective is to work towards producing a framework in the Borders, at a landscape scale, to consider how existing and future land uses can be managed in a collective and integrated way.
The emerging framework will be map-based, using an ecosystem approach which identifies what nature provides society. Crucial to this process has been to involve people in decision making.
The first stage of the project was to map collated information to identify the stocks of natural capital provided by the land. In the second stage, this work was extended through stakeholder engagement, to help define opportunities and constraints to change land use or its management to deliver ecosystem services.
Tweed Forum is seeking feedback on key points identified through stakeholder engagement as well as providing an opportunity for anyone to provide further comment.
To comment, download, complete and return the document which can be found at: http://tweedforum.org/lus/LUS_consultation_web.pdf before June 27.
The Borders Nature Festival, including exhibitions, continues regionwide through the rest of this week and the weekend.
Tomorrow (June 13) sees a free Bugs, Bats and Badgers talk in the evening at Abbotsford, near Galashiels, when experts will talk about local wildlife including butterflies, moths, bats and badgers.
Those interested should book by ringing 01896 752043.
On Saturday afternoon, there is a free event, A flock, some fields and the hill, near Kirkton Manor in Peeblesshire.
A council ranger and a local farmer will talk about how sheep have changed the landscape in the area.
For more information, contact the council’s ranger service on 01835 826750.
Lindean Loch, near Selkirk, is the venue for a butterfly survey (at 1pm) and pond dipping (from 2pm to 4pm) on Sunday afternoon.
Council rangers say participants will learn about the stickmen and the stonemen that live in the loch and look for a rare water spider.
For more information contact the rangers on 01835 826750.
Meanwhile, at Bowhill in Selkirk, later this month, organisers at Buccleuch Estates are inviting gardeners to come to Horticultural Homecoming events on June 25 or 29 from 2pm to 4pm when there will be a short guided walk around the estate and chance to learn about the uses of native plants followed by a workshop to encourage gardeners to grow native species in their own garden.
Festivities are in full swing in West Linton with Whipman Calum Murray and his Lass Alison Hardie leading the way.
The smiling duo were appointed in April and installed last Friday at a special ceremony on the village’s Lower Green, before being led around the village by the West Linton and District Pipe Band.
Whipman Play Society secretary Sheila Forsyth said: “It’s been a busy week and Calum and Alison are doing a great job.
“Everything is going really well and, although we have had a lot of rain, the sun has shone when it needed to at all our events.”
Tonight’s events are junior rugby and cricket. Last night villagers were set to take part in cross country races, the children’s bogie race, adult’s wheelbarrow race and men and women’s pillow fight.
Tomorrow night will be the Ex Whipman’s Dinner Dance followed by Saturday’s procession, led by the pipe band, to the war memorial where Whipman Calum will lay a wreath. Sports Day, opened by Calum and his Lass, follows and, in the evening, the Whipman Market, while on Sunday the Whipman Songs of Praise will take place in the marquee at 6.30pm.
The Whipman Rideout last Saturday was well supported. Organisers said: “The ground was good and weather conditions were perfect for most of the ride, the rain coming in early afternoon.”
The Sashes races was won by Jedburgh’s Billy Spence, Jedburgh; Stuart Rendall took the open race and Robert Muir first hired horse, with Hamish Dykes taking the Ian Morrison Memorial Flask. Also last Saturday were the junior fun day (when Silky Skills were the overall winners), junior tug o’ war (won by Unusual Rainbow Unicorns) and the fancy dress with trophies to overall winner, Frankie Court, best dressed group Isobel and Nicola Amos and Owen Jones who won the best dressed, 9-11 years category.
Organisers say there was a “great turnout of bikes” for last Sunday’s cycle rideout; Eastern BMW won the five-a-side football with So Stobo United runners-up and Scott MacFarlane player of the tournament. The dog show attracted 71 entries and, following last year’s success, the second Whipman Playlist Music Festival was that evening . Monday brought kids football (Cameron Robb captained the winners, Alex Tait the runners-up), junior netball (won by Puffle Buffs, with Marshmallows the runners-up) and scooter and cycle races, while Tuesday’s toddlers and juniors fun discos were well attended.
In our final two reviews of contenders for this year’s Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, Texas and New Zealand are the backdrops.
The Promise by Ann Weisgarber: Review by Bridget McCann
Every so often a novel comes along that quietly gets under your skin from first word to last. This is one such gem, so that, even months on, I feel a loss that these characters and their world are no longer in my life.
The setting is Galveston Island, Texas in 1900, against the backdrop of the worst storm in American history. But we cannot ignore the impact on young pianist Catherine Wainwright of being a woman living at the turn of the century, without position or power, and driven from society. It is her ensuing desperation that drives this unfolding love story.
The characters are beautifully and honestly drawn, their flaws and failings only making them more vulnerable and human. But this “narrow bar of dirt and sand, water on all sides,” is as vital to the feel of this novel as the people, the salty air, the heavy Texan heat and the sounds of this weathered landscape. Weisgarber paints such a vivid description of the storm water which steals over this flat land that I was left wanting to shout out “Run for your lives!”
You will not be able to put this book down and will be moved by this story of redemption and of promises kept.
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton: Review by Sally Gillespie, The Southern Reporter
What more can be said about the Man Booker prize-winning The Luminaries from the competition’s youngest winner, Eleanor Catton? It’s a stunning book, Catton’s second, and deserving of the many plaudits it has garnered. The Observer describes it as ‘a dazzling feat’, the Independent praises its ‘sheer rip-roaring readability’ but not all have enjoyed, with the Standard’s David Sexton describing the prose style as ‘annoying’ and writing: “Catton never shows, she tells.”
The action is set in the 28-year-old author’s native New Zealand, in the South Island west coast town of Hokitika during the 1860s gold rush, and starts with unsupecting prospector Walter Moody arriving at his hotel where the book’s characters are seated.
Written in the style of a 19th-century novel, The Luminaries deals in secrets, sex, opium and murder, all manner of nefarious goings on really. It’s complex – at the least, characters are associated with the astrological zodiac – but it’s hugely readable and Catton at all times remains in command of the exquisitely crafted work, which at 832 pages achieves another Man Booker first by being the longest to win the prestigious prize.
Well, it’s here. The wait is over for one of the Borders’ most popular events, which this year is set to be even bigger and better than ever.
The 2014 Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival in Melrose gets off to an absolutely fabulous start today (Thursday) with comic genius Jennifer Saunders being joined on the opening night by leading politician Paddy Ashdown; Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason; adventurer and explorer Steve Backshall; broadcaster Kate Adie and novelist and screen writer Lynda La Plante.
As part of Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival will, over the four days, welcome a host of big names from the world of literature, politics, stage and screen.
And with less than 100 days to go before Scotland decides its future, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown will take to the stage to talk about his vision of Scottishness and how Scotland might lead Britain, not leave it.
Political rivals Michael Forsyth, former Secretary of State for Scotland and Jim Sillars, former Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party, continue the debate as they argue with passion, intellect and wit on the most important issue facing Scotland.
Other highlights include Rory Bremner returning to the Borders with a wealth of new material, observations and insight; veteran broadcasters Jon Snow and Allan Little; foodie experts Jay Rayner, Carina Contini and Incredible Spice Men duo Tony Singh and Cyrus Todiwala; as well as masters of crime John Connolly and Chris Brookmyre.
The Borders Book Festival is known for the unexpected and this year is no exception, including: Kirsty Wark and Jim Naughtie talking about their bestselling novels; a dramatisation of the life of Sir Harry Lauder as a tribute to the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War; a unique adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s great, innovative novel, Waverley, written specially for the festival by Alan Caig Wilson, and performed by Phyllida Law, Samuel West, John Sessions and David Robb to mark the 200th anniversary of its publication, courtesy of the generosity and patronage of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. And a Book Festival finale like no other featuring the talented comedian and ventriloquist, Nina Conti.
Tomorrow (Friday), the winner of the fifth £25,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction will be announced, with four of the six shortlisted authors in attendance to hear the result, three of them having earlier taken part in a separate panel discussion on historical fiction – Historical Fiction At Its Best.
The Family Book Festival, running throughout the Saturday and Sunday, provides a treat for all ages including the BBC’s Simon Mayo with his Itch Rocks series for older kids and their parents, and there are some Family Day Passes still available for both days.
Tomorrow (Friday) is also the Knight Frank Schools Gala Day with some fantastic events and activities expecting over 1,600 pupils and their teachers from more than 20 schools. Festival director, Alistair Moffat, told us: “We look forward to welcoming our authors, sponsors and supporters, but most of all our audience to Harmony Garden for what will be a truly memorable weekend.”
The Brewin Dolphin Borders Book Festival takes place in Harmony Garden, Melrose from Thursday, 12 to Sunday, 15 June. The full programme is available at www.bordersbookfestival.org
The greatest asset of any local newspaper is very much its personnel and none more so than its staff photographers.
For almost four decades, Southern Reporter snapper Alastair Watson captured the highs and lows in the lives of ordinary Borders across this region.
From the most joyful of occasions and sporting triumphs to the saddest of tragedies, he treated all assignments with professionalism and consideration for those involved.
So when Alastair died in October after a short illness, it was not just this newspaper and his colleagues who lost a true friend and supporter, but the wider Borders community.
To honour Alastair’s contribution to The Southern and this region, colleagues have launched an award in his memory.
And as an integral part of Alastair’s working year was coverage of common ridings and festivals, what could be more fitting than a prize for the best image from such an event by one of the region’s younger photographers?
For many of us who covered common ridings and festivals alongside Alastair, this first summer without him and his irreverent sense of humour will seem strange.
But the Alastair Watson Memorial Award will ensure his name continues to be a lasting feature of our coverage of summer festivals for many years to come.
A drunken woman involved in a brawl with her partner after Hawick Common Riding, has been fined £200.
First offender Sharon Takacs, 29, of Galalaw Road, Hawick, appeared from custody and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Rosebank Road on June 6.
“Both parties had taken considerable refreshment,” explained prosecutor Tessa Bradley.
“Hawick Common Riding celebrations were ongoing and the area round about was very busy,” she added.
“At 7.10pm, the accused and her partner were walking into Hawick from the Moor. They were having an argument and shouting and swearing,” continued Ms Bradley.
“The public round about were shocked by the language and behaviour, which was so heated that cars were slowing down.
“She struck him on the cheek, and there was struggle, and she ended up rolling about on the ground, and they had to be split up by the police.”
Takacs told officers: “I stuck up for myself.”
Solicitor Iain Burke, defending, said his client was “very upset and distressed” about the offence.
“She feels very ashamed,” he added.
Sheriff Derrick McIntyre fined Takacs £200, telling her: “This happened during the Common Riding, and people shouldn’t have to put up with this kind of behaviour.”
A 37-year-old who denies being in charge of a van while over the alcohol limit, will stand trial on October 14.
Robert MacDonald of Midburn Farm Cottage, Bonchester Bridge, Hawick, denies being in charge of a van at Huntshaw Road, Earlston, on May 5, with a breath/alcohol reading of 67 mcgs – the legal limit being 35.
A Russian driver competing in the Gumball 3000 rally from Miami to Ibiza, has been fined £600 after driving dangerously on the A702 near Dolphinton.
The 28-year-old was contesting the Edinburgh-Manchester-London leg of the event on Sunday.
A driving instructor travelling on the Dolphinton straight was forced on to the grass verge after being confronted by the accused as he overtook in a powerful four-wheel drive Mercedes ML3.
Vyacheslov Tonakanyan of Moscow Oblast, Russia, appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday and admitted driving dangerously, into the face of oncoming traffic, on June 8.
He was also banned from holding a UK driving licence for two years and ordered to resit an extended test.
The accused was taking part in day four of the rally, which commands a $4,000 entrance fee.
Employed as an architect in his native Russia, he was driving the vehicle for his boss, whom he was due to meet in London.
Prosecutor Tessa Bradley said the charity event, which began on June 4, involved more than 100 drivers.
She said the accused had been travelling on the Dolphinton straight in Peeblesshire.
“It is a main arterial route through the Borders, and carries a large volume of traffic,” explained Ms Bradley.
“The weather was fine and visibility good,” continued Ms Bradley.
“Police were on uniform mobile patrol because of the event as a large number of prestige vehicles were travelling that route.”
The police vehicle was behind a driving instructor travelling north.
As the driving instructor came on to the straight he was aware of two southbound vehicles travelling towards him in the northbound carriageway, while overtaking a line of cars.
“He is an experienced driver and reduced his speed, anticipating they would get back on to the right side of the road,” explained Ms Bradley.
The first vehicle returned to its correct carriageway, but the 4 x 4 – driven by the accused – continued towards him.
“He applied his brakes, but it still kept coming towards him, and it was clear to him if he didn’t take evasive action, there would be a collision,” continued Ms Bradley.
“He swerved to the nearside and pulled off the road on to the grass verge.
“As the 4 x 4 passed him, still travelling on the wrong carriageway, he described it as being so close that he could see the driver’s teeth,” added Ms Bradley.
Police officers following the instructor turned their vehicle and pursued the accused, who told them, “I apologise, I’m sorry.”
Solicitor Ross Dow, defending, said his client had been looking forward to “the trip of a lifetime”.
“Instead, it is turning out to be a nightmare,” he said.
Mr Dow said his client had been driving his boss’s car, which he was due to hand over to him in London the previous day.
“He was due to fly to Moscow from London last night,” continued Mr Dow.
“Now, he has to get to Paris to meet his boss.
“The car will be boarded on the Channel Tunnel and rail roaded to Paris.”
Mr Dow said his client had been chosen to complete the first leg of the rally by his boss.
“It is not a race, it is a rally of like-minded individuals coming together, most of whom are very wealthy,” explained Mr Dow.
“He is a not a wealthy individual himself, and will incur significant cost for the vehicle being transported to France,” he added.
Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told the first offender his driving could have had serious consequences.
“This was pretty dangerous – you could have killed someone,” he told the accused.
A woman accused of diamorphine drug dealing will stand trial by jury on June 16.
Janine Mullins, 35, of Keppoch Hill Road, Glasgow, denies being concerned in the supply of the class A drug at Chapel Quay in Eyemouth, on May 1 last year.
A Hawick man who caused distress to a former partner, and assaulted another, has been sentenced to a two-year Community Payback Order.
Hermes Lobo, 36, of Trinity Street, caused a former partner fear and alarm, persistently attending at her address, engaging in arguments with her, and refusing to leave, on various occasions between August 13 and September 22 last year.
Lobo also admitted assaulting another ex-partner to her injury at Trinity Street on February 27 this year.
Sheriff Derrick McIntyre ordered supervision and a requirement to attend the Respect Programme.