A major blaze has broken out at the Gordon Arms Hotel in the Yarrow Valley between Selkirk and Moffat.

Staff spotted the fire in the roof earlier this afternoon and it quickly spread.

First crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on the scene described it as well developed.

They called for back-up which included a height appliance from the Sighthill station in Edinburgh.

Crews from Innerleithen, Selkirk, Moffat and Galashiels are in attendance.

The fire is now under control.

The Gordon Arms, close to st Mary’s Loch, is popular with folk musicians and houses a recording studio.

No-one was hurt in the incident.

Luigi Caterino’s barbershop in Galashiels has only been open for two years, but he’s already at the top of a cut-throat business.

Last year, his remarkable skills and steady hand brought him within a hair’s breadth of winning the Best Shave in Britain award, in a competition run by the British Barbers’ Association.

On Sunday, he found himself back in the ring for the final, held this year at the NEC in Birmingham. And this time he not only made the cut – he won the title.

And for Luigi – who prior to opening his Italian Job shop on the corner of Channel Street, had been working for 14 years as a waiter for his brother in the Monte Cassino restaurant in Melrose, where he still helps out – it was the culmination of a life-long dream, to be recognised for doing what he loves.

He said: “I was very emotional when the guy lifted up my hand to say I had won. I started to cry like a baby. Everyone around me was so nice and they cuddled me.

“It is great to win this, for me it is a dream, for me and my family.”

Luigi learned his trade in Italy from his father, who has come to work for his son when he is on holiday in Scotland.

He said with pride: “My father is so special, he is one of the last barbers in Italy to work in the old style, with the leather belt.”

Luigi’s journey to Birmingham again began in the regional heat at Gateshead, where he retained his title of Best Barber in Scotland.

This qualified him for Sunday’s event, sponsored by The Bluebeard’s Revenge shaving range and held, for some reason, in a boxing ring.

He swept aside North West champion Phil Christodoulides in the quarter-final, getting his eye in by shaving his own model.

But for the semi-final and the final, he was given a new person to work with.

Nerves escalated with every move, but he managed to beat South East victor Elvis Gjokaj in the semi.

By this time, the crowd had become very animated and was shouting his name when he stepped into the ring to take on Shakar Bakani, the Midlands winner, for the title.

“I was very nervous in the final, said Luigi. “I was trying to check everything, every movement I do around my customer in this moment. It was tense.”

But his calmness, knowledge of his craft and skill with the blade won through and he was crowned the best shavemaster in the land.

He said: “It has been an amazing time of my life. It has been good for me, for my family, and I think for the Scottish Borders.

“And, of course, it is very good for my business.”

Buried Borderers could be dug out of their graves and reburied under controversial plans being mooted by the Scottish Government.

It’s part of Holyrood’s way of extending the lifespan of cramped cemeteries and freeing up limited burial space.

And the recycling of graves is being backed by Scottish Borders Council, which says it could save them cash.

The local authority, which manages 154 burial grounds, is supporting new legislation which, if enacted, would allow plots which are already full to be re-used.

The radical move is enshrined in a Scottish Government consultation paper on its proposed Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill.

The re-use of full lairs, common practice in several European countries, involves remains being exhumed and re-interred at a deeper level.

However, it will only apply to graves where the last burial took place at least 75 years ago and councils will have to publicly advertise their intention to re-use a lair.

The consultation paper states: “If any surviving relative came forward to object, then re-use would not be permitted.”

However, a key aim of the proposed legislation is to stop lairs and cemeteries falling into disuse and disrepair.

And if a descendant does come forward, he or she will become responsible for the upkeep of the lair and any memorials.

Responding to the proposals on Tuesday, SBC’s executive endorsed a report by neighbourhood area manager Jason Hedley who said the re-use of graves, although potentially controversial, could reduce council costs in providing new burial space and increasing the capacity of older cemeteries.

He said the council could also benefit financially from the proposal to end the practice of lairs being sold in perpetuity and that transfer of ownership need not be restricted to family members.

Councillors agreed that the new legislation should contain provision for so-called home burials.

But these would only be allowed provided there were no land ownership issues and interments were carried out by competent staff to ensure appropriate health and safety procedures are followed.

Mr Hedley reported that, in 2014/15, the council had undertaken 768 burials, including five assisted funerals where the deceased was intestate or had no next of kin.

He estimated that around 600 cremations had taken place at the two privately-run crematoriums in the region – at Melrose and Houndswood, near Eyemouth.

There were 1,295 deaths registered in the region in 2014/15.

History was in the making when, for the first time ever, boys from the Borders District stepped on to the pitch at the National Glasgow Hockey Centre to play in the Under-14 Inter-district Tournament on Sunday.

The local lads teamed up with neighbours East Lothian to make a Borders/East Lothian team and after three training sessions together headed off to the competition where two losses and a draw saw them finish fifth equal with Highland on points.

Borders hockey development officer Janet Jack said: “All the boys showed great effort and tremendous workrate in their first ever inter-district tournament.

“There was a lot to take in, but this was a great experience for all the boys.”

Borders (all Fjordhus Reivers) boys playing in the BEL squad: Mathew Comiskey, Charlie Jack, Nicholas Henderson, Calum Arnott, Calum Folan, Sam Prentice, Toby Dawson and George Godfrey-Faussett.

Sporting digest

Athletics

Gala Harriers

The tough annual Ben Lomond Junior Hill Race starting at scenic Rowardennan is always a very competitive affair and, under clear blue skies on Saturday, this year’s race was no exception.

Coming an incredibly impressive second in the under-15 girls’ race was Gala Harrier Susannah Godfrey-Faussett, who flew up and down the testing course in cracking form. And running for the first time in the under-20 men’s race was Thomas Otton, who put in an awesome effort to finish third in this tough new age category.

A day later, clearly recovered from his sterling efforts on the streets of London, Fergus Johnston completed the longer senior Ben Lomond Race in one hour, 14 minutes and six seconds, giving him 12th position out of 166 runners.

Bowling

Abbotsford

This week saw the start of the Border League with the A team at home to Melrose, the visitors clinching the points by winning 73-72.

On Friday, the team travelled to play Waverley, who managed to win comfortably by 98-65. The only winning rink for Abbotsford was John Hardie, Callum Riddell, Gordon Bowers and Andrew Hancock.

The senior team also played two matches on Tuesday at home to Peebles.

The match started in heavy rain and both clubs agreed to play the minimum 11 ends. At this point the score was 44-33 in favour of Abbotsford with Rob Simpson, Neil Miller and Tom Boyd the highest-up triple. On Thursday the team travelled to Kelso and achieved a 53-46 victory, with Jimmy Grieve, Bill Philip and John Manczak the highest up.

Finally on Sunday the two-bowl singles competition was contested, with the winner being the runner-up from last year, Scott Thomson, who defeated Colin Hancock in the final by two sets to nil.

This Saturday, there is a friendly against Summerside BC from Edinburgh. In the evening there will be live music in the clubhouse. On Sunday, the John Hardie-sponsored Open Triples is to be held and entries will be taken up until close of play today.

Hawick

Hawick Seniors played an Earlston/Melrose combination on Tuesday, in what can only be described as horrendous conditions. After a closely-fought battle, it was Earlston/Melrose who emerged as narrow winners by 56-54.

On Wednesday, the A team played their first game of the season at Kelso. The Hawick side came away with a 10-shot victory, winning by 95-85. Top rink was the L. Clarkson-skipped rink, ably supported by W. Wells, A. Wilson and K. Ford.

Thursday saw the Seniors travel up to Innerleithen to play St Ronan’s, who have recently joined the seniors league. The weather remained dry, but bitterly cold, and it was the hosts who came away as comfortable winners by 62-43.

Langholm New Town

A rink from the club took the honours at the Invitation American Rinks tournament at Ancrum on Sunday.

The winners, who received the cup and £200 in prize money, were Paul Warwick, his mother Carolle Warwick, Sue Roebuck and Malcolm Johnstone.

Golf

Galashiels

Championship Qualifier No 1: 1, A. Bunyan 76 (11) 65; 2, J. McDonald 82 (16) 66; 3, S. King 72 (6) 66).

The next competition is the Gala Masters on Saturday and Sunday.

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Turner Cup winner, A. Simpson net 35; Dickson Cup winner, I. Caisson 33.

Jedburgh

RM Turner Trophy: 1, J. Hogg 77 (12) 65; 2, D. Young 81 (15) 66; 3, B. Purves 75 (7) 68 BIH.

McTavish Trophy: 1, K. Hogarth 83 (15) 68; 2, J. Hogg 81 (11) 70 BIH; 3, R. Wight 80 (10) 70.

Kelso

Gents’ Open Texas Scramble: 1, K. Hook, K. Millar, B. Walker & A. Ballantyne 58 (-3.2) 54.8; 2, C. Disk, P. Boud, R. Nicholls & J. Donaldson 57 (1.8) 55.2. Many thanks to our sponsors for this competition, Border Safeguard.

Intersport Salver (2): 1, I. Rae 40 points; 2, Alan Snowball 34 BIH; 3, 3, D. Hirst 34.

Ladies’ Spring Stroke: 1, L. Mathewson 87 (16) 71; 2, L. Wilson 82 (6) 76.

Melrose

Stroke Competition: 1, G. Hannah 69 (4) 65; 2, G. Lackie 70 (5) 65; 3, K. Haldane 74 (6) 68. Scratch: I. Ramsey 71. Seniors Cup: winner, K. Haldane; runner-up, I. Ramsey.

Minto

Minto Golf Club was very pleased with the successful outcome of the Open Day held last Sunday.

Visitors, young and old, toured the course, played golf, practised putting and chipping, and benefited from coaching.

The target was to gain at least 10 new members and that goal was exceeded, with people joining from across the age spectrum.

Club members played an important role on the Open Day with sterling leadership from ladies’ captain Sue James and club captain Albert Thompson. Minto also recognises the support given by the Scottish Golf Union.

Seniors Summer League: 1, D. Taylor 41 points; 2, N. Simpson 38; 3=, T. Kerr, M. Laidlaw 37. League positions: 1, D. Taylor 37.5 points; 2, N. Simpson 37; 3, J. McFarlane 26.

Tuesday Stableford: 1, G. Ferguson 36 points (after countback); 2, S. Paisley 36; 3, R. Pringle 35.

Junior Medal: 1, J. Goodfellow 99 (39) 60; 2, R. Nichol 82 (18) 64; 3, D. Murdoch 74 (8) 66 (lowest gross).

Juniors’ Chips ‘n’ Cheese League: 1, R. Nichol 7 points; 2= A. Brown, 2= J. Goodfellow 6.

In a closely-contested friendly match between Minto and Torwoodlee gents, honours were shared, with each team scoring two wins and two matches were drawn.

St Boswells

Wm Marjoribanks Mixed Open: 1, B. Taylor & F. Turnbull net 62.6 BIH; 2, R. Thorburn & B. Thorburn 62.6; 3, J. Oram & G. Oram 64.8. Scratch: J. Mc Donald & S. McDonald 76.

Many thanks to all who entered and to sponsor Wm Marjoribanks Heating & Plumbing Ltd, St Boswells for its continued support of the club and competitions.

Marjoribanks May Medal (Championship qualifier No 1): 1, K. Graham 77 (19) 58; 2, N. Lowrie 71 (12) 59 (lowest gross); 3, C. Hardie 74 (11) 63.

Ladies’ Club Trophy 2: 1, R. Thorburn 101 (23) 78 (lowest gross); 2, S. Gray 107 (27) 80; 3, L. Crow 110 (29) 81.

Junior May Medal: 1, D. Murdoch 71 (9) 62 (lowest gross); 2, A. Smith 108 (44) 64; 3, R. Macdonald 82 (18) 64.

Gents’ Millenium Salver: 1, C. Hardie 73 (11) 62; 2, A. Smith 68 (5) 63 (lowest gross); 3, J. Quinn 76 (11) 65.

Gents’ President’s Putter: 1, M. Ovens 73 (10) 63; 2, C. I. Ovens 66 (2) 64 (lowest gross); 3, D. Tindall 92 (28) 64.

Torwoodlee

Spring & AJ Thomson results: 1, S. Whitehead 74 (11) 63; 2, J. Fotheringham 81 (14) 67 BIH; 3, D. Gillie 68 (1) 67 BIH.

Homing

Earlston & District

Five members sent 131 birds to Ripon, into a light north west wind: 1, 4, 7, 9, S. Martin 1102.28; 2, 3, 5, 6, W. Gray & Son 1071.26; 8, A. Bain 1028.00; 10, S. Hardie & Sons 1018.55.

Galashiels

Nine members sent 159 pigeons to Ripon, a distance of 115 miles. Result: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, Douglas & Spearman 1054.972; 5, A. R. Lindores 1012.735; 8, W. Hopewell 975.574.

Langholm

Members liberated 96 birds last Sunday from Lymm over 126 miles in a south east wind. Result: 1, A. Henderson 1698.799; 2, D. Nordon 1666.666; 3, A. Henderson 1460.709; 4, 5, W. Irving 1401.406.

Squash

Galashiels

M. Brook 1 D. Sharratt 1; R. Kohler 2 F. Forrest 1; M. Brook 2 J. Barowska 0; D. Sharratt 1 F. Forrest 1; R. Kohler 2 R. McAleese 0; M. Brook 2 J. Barrow 0; D. Sharratt 2 J. Barowska 0; D. Sharratt 2 R. McAleese 0.

Plate Tournament quarter-final: J. Barrow (-4) beat J. Barowska (+9) 3-2 (5-11; 15-13; 13-15; 8-15; 15-13).

League Two: J. Barrow 3 Rachel McAleese 0 (9-6, 9-7, 9-6).

Rugby

Jed Thistle

Jed Thistle finished off their season in style, winning the Under-18s Cup at the Emirates Glasgow 7s.

Thistle beat West of Scotland (17-14), Glasgow Accies (17-7) and Dollar Academy (17-7) before coming up against St Aloysius in the final, which the Jed youngsters won 19-10.

Kelso

Kelso High School S2 continued their amazing success by winning an invitation sevens tournament in Glasgow this week.

They qualified as Borders representatives after their success at local tournaments and on their way to winning they beat Garnock, Strathavon and Greenock Wanderers. The tournament was decided not only on performance, but also on the spirit in which they played the game.

They used their full squad throughout the event and displayed a fine team ethic with outstanding support play and discipline.

A good end to their year and evidence of the success of Kelso High School as one of the SRU’s Schools of Rugby.

Jamie Fletcher, a 21-year-old electrician who lives in Walter Street, was elected Langholm Cornet on Friday – winning the public vote by a narrow margin of 22 votes.

After being dry for most of the day, rain arrived late afternoon and it was a very wet evening as everyone headed to vote and the bands played round the streets. There was still a good turnout with a total of 1,016 votes being cast in the Buccleuch Centre for the four candidates.

The result was: Jamie Fletcher 358, Simon Jack Tweddle 336, Stephen Thomas Devlin 219 and Jamie Gormley 103.

When the results of the vote were announced, the Right and Left-Hand Men, Dale Irving and Alasdair Cavers, rushed out of the meeting and made their way to the home of the elected cornet to break the good news to Jamie and his father and mother, Stuart and Jackie, and brother Neil.

Also there to receive the news was grandfather George Ellwood, who was cornet in 1963, along with grandmother Jean and uncle Stevie Ellwood, who was cornet in 1995.

Neighbours, relatives and friends soon gathered at the house to congratulate Jamie who works at the Buccleuch Estates.

The new cornet headed off with supporters to visit the various hotels and clubs, starting off at the Masonic, where they received a warm welcome and were entertained with a number of common riding tunes by members of the town band.

Later in the evening the leading principals attended the dance in the Buccleuch Centre, which was well supported, and music provided by Bon Accord. The traditional polka was danced with the cornet and his partner taking the lead.

Earlier in the evening at the well-attended public meeting, Langholm Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell congratulated last year’s Langholm Cornet, Dale Irving, and said he had carried out his duties with great maturity and was a credit to all concerned. The Right and Left-Hand Men, Alasdair Cavers and Andrew Elliot, were also praised.

Mr Maxwell congratulated the three bands and made the traditional vote of thanks to all the sponsors, donors and the committee, and praised numerous others who had helped make the common riding a success.

The chairman mentioned the sad passing of Alex Pool who had been in charge of the concert for many years. The nominations for the committee were announced, and with two having retired, an appeal was made for new members .

Secretary Kenneth Hill said this year they had a diamond jubilee, jubilee and semi-jubilee cornet.

He spoke of the common riding 60 years ago when plasterer James Maxwell had been elected, but sadly he was not able to attend the meeting. However, Mr Hill asked his son, Roger, the chairman, to pass on the good wishes of everyone. Jimmy went on the committee, then became the chairman for many years and eventually took over as officiating magistrate.

In 1965 joiner David McVittie had been voted cornet with 460 votes from over 1,000 cast..David had then gone on the committee, and took over as chairman from James Maxwell in 1988. In 1990 there was a turnout of 1,107 and bricklayer Kevan Hotson was elected with 506.

Treasurer John Elliot gave details of the new charitable organisation and a rundown of the accounts which revealed the common riding had showed a profit of £1,800, but £3,000 had then been paid for legal fees to set up the new organisation. Langholm Common Riding was incorporated by trust deed as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) on July 10, 2014.

Among the questions brought up was one from committee member Stuart Tedham.

He said that as 1816 was the year that townsfolk first rode round the common on horseback, he thought that something could be arranged to mark the occasion in 2016. The chairman said it would come under discussion within the committee. There was also an enquiry to see if anything had been arranged with the sponsorship of the sprint handicap by ScottishPower, but this is still being looked into.

The chairman then received the official count which he announced to the eagerly-awaiting public.

Wigton II beat

Langholm by 9 Wkts

Langholm suffered defeat in their Edenvalley league match at the Castleholm last Saturday.

Their total of 83 was not likely to be enough, and after losing an early wicket, the visitors were never in danger from then on.

Prior to the match, the club held its ex-players day, and a memorial bench was unveiled in memory of Castleholm stalwart Gordon Johnstone, who passed away recently.

Gordon worked tirelessly for the Langholm club, first as a player then in various other capacities.

Kelso beat Edinburgh

South by 68 runs

Kelso were put into bat and the opening partnership of captain Dougie Wilson and Mark Henderson lasted until the seventh over, when the latter went for two.

Tom Leslie came to the crease and steadied the ship before falling for 11 with the score at 40 after 20 overs.

Wilson then went for 31 and the wickets of Greg Davidson and Jason Gibson closely followed. Thomas Roberts got the Kelso innings back on track and was joined by Callum Davidson after Stewart Cessford went for five. The pair took the game to the bowling side and got the runs flowing.

Roberts went for 26 and Jack Beasley came in to continue the good work and helped Kelso reach a total of 150 for 9 off 50 overs.

Edinburgh’s reply didn’t get going with frequent loss of wickets, thanks to the tight bowling of Stuart Cessford. Jason Gibson and Greg Davidson who took eight wickets between them to give Kelso their first victory of the season.

Roxburgh Reivers Kirstin Maxwell and Lindsey Knox headed to Lisburn in Northern Ireland for a weekend of orienteering events.

Maxwell had an excellent start on Friday, taking second place in a world-ranking sprint race round the city and finishing only four seconds behind the winner. On Saturday, Knox finished in second place in the Irish Long Distance Championships on a very wet and windy Slieve Croob mountain.

After a day off, the girls each won their classes in a UK Urban League race, gaining enough points to head their tables overall.

The Scottish Junior Hill Running Championships were held on Ben Lomond on Saturday and there was an impressive collection of medals brought home to the Borders.

Pride of place went to Moorfoot’s Jacob Adkin, who retained his crown in the under-20 men’s race over the 6km two-lap up and down course with 300m of climb.

Jacob led from the first climb and a strong start saw him soon distance himself from the others, coming home in 29 minutes, nine seconds for a 41-second winning margin over fellow Edinburgh University fresher Alex Chepelin.

Gala Harrier Thomas Otton, in his first of three years in this age-group, ran well to take the bronze medal in 31.26. Moorfoot’s Lucas Cheskin was vying for third and fourth as the second climb kicked in, but was hit by stomach cramps. He did well to battle to the finish in fifth in 34.50.

Mairi Wallace (Moorfoot) had medalled in the U15 age-group in the previous two years, but was up to the U17 girls’ age group and racing over a considerably increased distance of 4.3km/2.35 miles against older opposition which included the Scottish U17 cross-country champion Laura Stark from Kilbarchan. But the extra distance and climb didn’t faze Mairi who, despite a face-plant into the bog on the descent, took an excellent bronze medal in 23.53, only one minute behind Stark, who was beaten to the title by Emily Nicholson from Pitreavie. Mairi is the only one of the top five finishers still eligible in the same age-group next year.

In the U15 girls’ race over 2.7km/1.55 miles there was double medal joy for the Borders with Gala’s Susannah Godfrey-Faucett taking silver and Moorfoot’s Beth Hobbs the bronze. Both girls were racing in their first hill race championship and they came off the descent together for the 400m run-in, in which Susannah’s flat speed prevailed in a storming finish which took her across the line in 13.52, only three seconds off the winner Nuala McCheyne from Inverclyde. Beth was home in 14.10 and like clubmate Mairi, is the only one of the top six still eligible in this age-group next year.

The sixth Borders medal came courtesy of Moorfoot’s Ethan Elder who was also having his first taste of these championships. His narrow win in the Lomonds of Fife junior race two weeks previously augured well and although form from that race with Corstorphine’s David Addison was reversed, he took an excellent bronze in 13.20. With one win apiece this year, the races between the two in the hills later in the summer should be interesting.

Hawick & Wilton beat

Teuchters by 104 runs

Gary Alexander scored the first century of his career at Buccleuch Park last Saturday to set the Teries on their way to becoming joint table leaders.

The home side were put in to bat and got off to a solid start, with Gary and Ronan Alexander laying a solid platform.

The father-and-son pairing put on 74 for the first wicket before the latter was bowled for 25. Pierce Solley joined Alexander at the crease and they continued to take control of the innings. Solley continued his good form of the previous week and made 26 before Christo Beukes stepped up for a fine 34. Alexander continued to dominate and gave away no real chances, remaining unbeaten on 107 at the end of the innings.

Playing with only eight men, Teuchters needed 226 from their 40 overs, with only seven wickets required for Hawick.

The opening pair put on 37 for the first wicket, which came from Neil Storey, who proceeded to take a second as Allan Moffat had the batsman stumped. After the two openers had been dismissed, Teuchters’ wickets began to tumble with Stuart Hair joining in on the act with a quick brace.

Beukes bowled a tight seven over a spell which only conceded 11 runs and also managed to get his name in the scorebook. Ronan Alexander picked up Hawick’s sixth wicket to leave the visitors on 66. However, the last pair put up an excellent fight and put on 55 runs before Stuart Hair found the last wicket with a run-out in what was a convincing win for the hosts.

Reivers Vaulting Group had a very successful 
first competition of the season at the Senior European and Junior World Championship selection day.

Competing at Oatridge College, Edinburgh, Shannon Purves from Lauder won the Junior female class on Shamus, lunged by Rebecca Hewit.

The 17-year-old led from the compulsory round and followed this with a great freestyle performance.

Emma Counsell pulled up a place after her compulsories to finish in an excellent third place, also on Shamus.

Both girls will now travel to Belgium, aiming for selection for this year’s Junior World Championships.

Also travelling with them with the same aim will be Charlie Lochhead, who finished a close third in the junior male section, again on board Shamus.

In the senior female class Stacey Macpherson performed solidly through her three rounds and finished in a good fourth place on Shamus.

Stacey changed role in the child class and lunged Shamus for Henry Johnston Smith and he had his best result to date, finishing a close second.

In the female section, Gaby Purves finished in fourth place on the club’s new horse Houston – lunged by Rebecca Hewit – who performed two solid rounds.

“This was a great result for a horse at his first competition,” remarked Hewit, who wishes to thank everyone who helped out on the day.

Also on Houston was Katie Buchan, lunged by Anna Marie Macpherson, who finished second in a huge walk individual class.

Houston also carried the Reivers Intermediate Team to first place.

The team, which was made up of Gaby Purves, Chloe Aitchison, Sophie Aitchison, Emma Counsell, Stacey Macpherson and Henry Johnston Smith, put on a good performance on a new horse.

The day finished with a superhero winning performance from the fun walk team on board Dalton.

The team, including Shannon Purves, Charlie Lochhead, Elsa Hibbert, Amelie Johnstone Jones, Katie Buchan and Lilybeth Bromley, all dressed as superheroes, entertained the judges.

The next competition of the season is at Rockrose, Haddington, on May 19.

Nigel Twiston-Davies made a worthwhile journey from Cheltenham to land Kelso’s feature £12,000 Bedmax handicap chase at the course’s penultimate fixture of the season.

Winged Crusader cruised home 14 lengths clear to land the spoils in the hands of the trainer’s son, Sam.

The gelding was bouncing back to form after being treated for stomach ulcers, and may run again at Hexham on Saturday.

“That was a surprise,” admitted Ian Robinson of owners Imperial Racing Partnership.

“He jumped well and won with a bit in hand.”

Four went to post in the opening Black Bull Inn Wooler novices’ chase, where 4-5 favourite Pair of Jacks got off the mark over fences at the fourth attempt for in-form Malton trainer Malcolm Jefferson.

Isaacstown Lad received a rousing cheer after his success in the Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers Novices’ handicap hurdle race. The eight-year-old carries the colours of the enthusiastic MS Borders Racing Club, founded by Rhona Elliot from Jedburgh.

“He’s a tough little horse who stays well,” explained winning trainer Nicky Richards. The former point-to-point winner was opening his account at the second attempt, coming home three-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Hurricane Rita, trained at Selkirk by Stuart Coltherd.

Nicky Richards was deprived of a quickfire double when My Friend George got the better of Winter Alchemy, to land the Annie MacDonald Birthday Bash selling handicap chase, for Cumbria trainer Kenneth Slack. Chicago Outfit from George Bewley’s Hawick stable finished third, in the hands of his son, Jonathon.

Glasgow handler Jim Goldie saddled Turtle Watch to win the Principal & Prosper Conditional Jockeys handicap hurdle race, for East Lothian owners Ray and Anita Anderson Green.

Recording a third victory over hurdles, the seven-year-old cruised home for a comfortable 12-length success.

“He would have won at Ayr if he hadn’t made a bad mistake at the last,” said Goldie.

Chanceofa Lifetime was a popular winner of the Berwick Speedway Every Saturday Kids Free novices’ hunter chase for Alnwick handler Victor Thompson. He came home one-and-three-quarter lengths clear of the George Bewley-trained 12-1 chance Mister D.

A competitive afternoon’s racing concluded with two divisions of the Cheers Bar National Hunt flat race. Alan Swinbank’s stable has a good record in bumpers and he sent out the flat-bred Micklegate Run to land the first division, seeing off favourite Gully’s Edge – owned by Alix Stevenson from Langholm and her daughter, Karen Gaffney – by half a length.

Having taken the opener, Brian Hughes and Malcolm Jefferson completed a double when heading the concluding bumper with Dante’s Way, who got the verdict in a photo-finish with Nuts Well.

Full results at www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk

Racing returns to Kelso for its final meeting of the season – Ladies’ Day – on Sunday, 
May 24.

Your best moment in sport so far:

Competing for Scotland in the Glasgow International at the Emirates Arena against GB, Germany and France. I worked so hard to get there, it was amazing and a great experience.

Aims for the next 12 months:

To keep improving and bringing my PBs down.

Who in your sport has inspired you most and why?

In sprinting, it has to be Usain Bolt. He’s the best, but I find inspiration everywhere.

Favourite sporting moment of all time as a spectator:

Watching Scotland play at Murrayfield in the Six Nations.

Best thing about your sport:

You get the best of both worlds with athletics, you’re out on your own doing your own thing, but you’re also part of a club/team and have that support.

What do you do to “tune-in” immediately before a competition?

I put my headphones on, turn the music up, zoning everything else out.

If you had the chance to change one thing in your sport, what?

I’d make more opportunity and recognition for disability sports at younger ages.

Venue at which you most aspire to compete:

Any venue that hosts athletics, but to be on any track in 
the Commonwealth 
Games one day, I’d be 
very happy.

If not in this sport, would like to compete in:

Rugby.

Current most-played song or track on your MP3:

Take me to church, Hozier.

... but can’t stand:

Anything by Lady Gaga.

Other interests away from my sport:

Listening to music, watching a movie, Xbox and chilling with my mates.

Fantasy away day (all-Expenses Paid):

Just having a full day at the beach with the lads with nothing else to do. Doesn’t have to cost much to have the best day.

The Borders Athlete Support Programme (ASP) is funded through Borders Sports and 
Leisure Trust and provides support services to 
promising athletes from 
the Borders.

For more information see www.bslt.org.uk/
sport/athlete_
support_programme

All roads point to Riverside Park this weekend, where the 114th playing of the Mainetti Jed-Forest Sevens and 10th and last round on the 2015 abbreviated circuit is ready to roll.

Gala have already won the AM/PM Event Catering Kings of the Sevens title, but the race is on for second, third and fourth place between Borders rivals Hawick, Melrose and Jed-Forest.

Not to mention those all-important bragging rights of lifting the last trophy of the season.

Mainetti managing director Jim Hutchison, whose company is sponsoring the event for the third consecutive year, is looking forward to seeing if Jed-Forest can lift their own trophy for the 12th time.

“I hope that all the guests will have an enjoyable day, whoever they support, and that the tournament produces a memorable finale to the annual sevens circuit,” he added.

Sevens convener Jim Thomson is looking forward to welcoming the 15 other Scottish club sides to Riverside Park.

He told The Southern: “I sincerely hope that our tournament will be a fitting finale for all in what has been a long season for everyone, players, officials, committees and most importantly supporters and spectators.”

The sponsors’ marquee at the north end of Riverside will be well attended as usual by sponsors and their guests who can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, not to mention the excellent food (and drink). As usual, the popular beer tent at the town end will no doubt be in full swing with music all day and night

For spectators in the ground, Kings of the Sevens sponsors AM/PM Catering will be on hand to serve the hungry throughout the day and onwards till late.

The after-sevens dance in the marquee sees live band Desilva take the stage, with Spectrum disco on hand as usual.

Riverside will also be welcoming later in the afternoon the Travel Channel from the USA, who are in the borders filming for their programme Watts World which features Nick Watt, now in LA, but originally from Melrose, to show their viewers some sevens rugby.

Jed president Roy Laidlaw said: “I look forward to welcoming everyone to Riverside Park and am delighted that Mainetti UK are once again our sevens sponsor and that they and club sponsor RJT and all the other sponsors and supporters in the marquee and around the ground have a most enjoyable day.”

Also in the marquee this year, celebrating a 40th anniversary, are most of the winning seven from 1975 who won the Jed cup after a gap of 53 years. The same team had lifted the Melrose cup the year before, thus ending many long years playing sevens without winning a trophy.

President Laidlaw also congratulated Gala, who claimed the 2015 Kings title after winning their quarter-final at the Selkirk event last week.

“Gala have been the most consistent team in the AM/PM Kings of the Sevens this season with their power, pace and strength in depth.

“They will pick up the trophy today for the first time in 11 years following an impressive sevens season. Well done Gala.”

This year’s chosen charity at the Mainetti Jed-Forest Sevens is Cash for Kids and there will be collections around the ground throughout the afternoon.

bedrule

SWI

Fellow members showed others how to make origami flowers. Competition – Salt and Pepper – 1, Sharon McKenzie; 2, Margaret Taylor; 3, Olive Hogg.

bowden

Community cafe

The next meeting of the community cafe will be held on May 20 at 11am in the village hall.

caddonfoot

Parish church

Last Sunday’s service was conducted by the Reverend Elspeth Harley. Bill Birch delivered a Bible reading, and music was led by Andy and Catriona Bird. The congregation was reminded of Christian Aid Week, with the local collection being co-ordinated by Roddy Beatson.

earlston

Wednesday Club

The Reverend Julie Woods gave a talk on her journey to becoming a Church of Scotland minister. Competition – flower ornament – 1, Mrs A. Falconer; 2, Mrs J. Watson; 3, Mrs W. Henderson. The next meeting will be on May 20. Competiton – pendant.

Parish church

The May 17 service at 10.15am will be conducted by Rachel Wilson. The summer edition of the church magazine will soon be ready to go to the printers.

Plant sale

Earlston Horticultural Society holds its annual bedding plant sale and coffee morning at Hanover Close on May 16. Proceeds towards Earlston Flower Show.

FOUNTAINHALL

SWI

The next meeting is on May 20 at 7.30pm when there will be a gardening talk. Competitions – floral arrangement in a small jug and a vase. Competition winners from the April meeting – Paradise Slice – 1, Christine Sinclair; 2, Fiona Walters; holiday snap – 1, Dianne Wilson; 2, Kathleen Espie.

galashiels

Reunion

Galashiels Academy’s class of 1980, when they were in first year, are holding a reunion at Gala Rugby Club on May 23 from 7.30pm. For further details, contact Elaine Emond on keb23568@gmail.com or Helen Fraser on helen@fcconnect.co.uk.

St Peter’s Church

As part of Christian Aid Week, Karen Ellis told the congregation how climate change is affecting a nine-year-old girl in a small African village which has no electricity or running water. The congregation was asked to send Christian Aid postcards to our government, telling it to support the international conference on climate change later this year.

Trinity Church

Friends and members of the Church for the Deaf joined the congregation on Sunday to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Dorothy Howden led the music and Sheila Wilson read the lessons. As Sunday was the start of Christian Aid Week, minister Elspeth Harley based her service on the needs of the people in Africa, particularly Ethiopia.

Inner Wheel

Lesley Roster from Beadelicious in Kelso showed how to make a double-stringed bracelet with beads. The club held a presentation afternoon when money from the charities account was presented by president Vi Romanis to – Bill Glennie, Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team; Elaine Whellans, Teenage Cancer Trust; Carol Mitchell, TUSC (Transport for Ugandan Sick Children); Iona Cruikshank, who is going to South Africa to teach maths and English. The 45th birthday dinner will be held in the Kingsknowes Hotel on May 19 at 7.30pm.

Glendouglas

SWI

Members had an evening of gentle exercise with Denise Carmichael from Fit Borders. Competition – sundae dish – 1, Catherine Johnson; 2, Catherine Turner. The raffle was won by Elma Montgomerie. The next meeting – on June 4 – is an outing to Kelso Garden Centre.

Dance

Glendouglas Hall will host a dance in aid of Arthritis Scotland on May 16 (7.30pm). Music is by Gordon Clark, and there will be a stovie supper.

Hawick

Bridge club

May 5 – 1, John and Marian Miller; 2, Malcolm and Helen Ouldcott; 3, Valerie Johnstone and Marion Miller.

Camera club

Starting today (Thursday) and subsequently every second Thursday of the month until September, Hawick Camera Club is having walkabout/photo-workshop evenings, depending on the weather. Meet at the clubrooms at 78 High Street at 7pm. Non-members welcome.

Rotary

Anne Wright, past president of Kelso Rotary Club, explained the workings of a scheme she was involved in which helps finance small businesses in the Third World. The money can be used for anything and she gave as examples providing a sewing machine to help someone make goods to sell, or even buying a breeding animal to start a smallholding. The Rotary club, a group of members or even an individual can agree to become a lender and the money can be repaid at any time. Profits from the coffee morning on May 23 will go to the Nepal earthquake appeal.

heriot

Coffee morning

St Mary of Wedale and Heriot Parish Church is holding a coffee morning on May 16 (10am-noon) in the Macfie Hall.

Hownam

Towford SRI

Due to the cancellation of the speaker, discussions for the SWI show at the end of October were held instead at the latest meeting. Competition – individual sweet – 1, Diana Tweedie; 2, Jean Douglas; sports competition – tie between Jean Douglas and Mary Towers. The next meeting is the summer outing to Teviot Smokery on June 2 – meet for 6.30pm. The annual whist drive is on May 26 at 7.30pm in Hownam Hall.

INNERLEITHEN

Coffee morning

Innerleithen Music Festival coffee morning is on May 16 (10am-noon) in the Vale Club.

Concert

There will be an opportunity to hear the Silver Band in concert on May 22 in the Memorial Hall from 7.30pm. Tickets (£6 – £5 concession) are on sale at John Adam’s Bakery and The Thrift Shop in Innerleithen, or from Robb’s KeyStore, Peebles. They can also be ordered by sending a stamped addressed envelope to St Ronan’s Silver Band, 21 Miller Street, Innerleithen EH44 6QR. Cheques should be payable to “St Ronan’s Silver Band”. Phone 01896 831721or email KJBelleville@aol.com for more information. If anyone in the Innerleithen area requires a lift to/from the concert, contact Elma on 01896 830577.

Crafts

Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society is holding a craft and table-top sale on May 23 (9.30am-12.30pm) in the Memorial Hall. To book a table, ring 01896 830577 or email secretary@idaos.org.uk.

Church

The service on May 17 will be at 11.30am. There is also a service at St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

Fair

St Ronan’s Primary School hosts a summer fair on May 28 (6-8pm).

Ball

St Ronan’s Standard Bearer’s Ball is on July 11 in the St Ronan’s Marquee. Tickets will be on sale on May 30 from 8am at Foresters, Wells Brae. They cost £32.50 and full payment must be handed in at this time with a note of exact requirements. Maximum of 12 tickets per table and dress is strictly formal. Cheques should be made payable to “St Ronan’s Border Games”.

Family fun

Innerleithen Family Fun Day will take place on May 31, from 1-5pm, in Victoria Park. There will be a children’s pet competition, with judging at 3pm. A cricket match will be held from 10am in the Vale Park – more information from Tom Harrison (01896 833492). There will be a car boot sale and anyone who would like to book a place should call 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com – £10 per car. Should any local organisation wish to have a stall at this event, ring 01896 831721 or email KJBelleville@aol.com.

Kelso

Fundraising dance

Kelso Accordion and Fiddle Club is holding a fundraising evening of Scottish old-time and ceilidh dancing at Kelso Rugby Club on June 5, from 7.30-11pm. Music will be provided by Gordon Brown’s Scottish Dance Band, Charlie McIntee’s Scottish Dance Band, and Bob Liddle and the Blackthorne Ceilidh Band.
Entry on the door.

Bridge club

May 6 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Jean McLaren and Alison Ireland; 2, Alex Jeffrey and Lee Leeson; 3, Val Johnstone and Mary Millar; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Diana and Dominic Alkin; 3, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart.

Best-dressed window

The winner of Kelso Races’ best-dressed shop window competition will tomorrow (Friday) be presented with a trophy and get a table for four in the Final Furlong Marquee at the course’s Ladies Day on May 24.

Langholm

Boys’ night

Castle Craigs Club held its annual boys’ night in the Crown Hotel. Club president Kevan Grieve was in charge proceedings. The function was attended by Cornet Dale Irving who presented the prizes, and he was accompanied by his Right and Left-Hand Men, Alasdair Cavers and Andrew Elliot. Ryan Johnstone received the R. E. Borthwick Shield as winner of the quiz, with Sam Cottrill second and Calum Jeffrey third. The prize for the best-dressed boy went to Callum Henderson. There was a tie-design competition and the winner in the over-sevens group was Robert Wood, with Leo Aitken and Ben Borthwick second and third respectively. Ryan Warwick took the seven-and-under, with Aaron Wood second and Greg Cartner third.

Spring clean

The spring litter clean-up around the town has proved to be one of the most successful for years. The Academy pupils were heavily involved, with a group clearing rubbish from the Galaside Wood and another from the area around the Co-operative store. There had been more than 20 areas targeted in the best turnout of volunteers for years.

lauder

Historical society

Lauderdale Historical Society is organising “Lauderdale’s Rich History Open Day”, to be held on May 16 in Lauder Public Hall (10am-4pm). There will be local history books for sale. More details from Joan Stevens (joan.c.stevens@btinternet.com).

Lindean

SWI

President Margaret Milne welcomed members to the

Turn to page 30

From page 29

AGM and gave a resume of an interesting year. Treasurer Margaret McKinlay presented the audited accounts which were approved. Officials elected – president, Margaret Milne; secretary, Valerie Mayo; treasurer, Margaret McKinlay; vice-president and press secretary, Marjorie Lawrie. Six other members agreed to serve on the committee. Prizes were awarded – Miss McGowan Trophy for most points, Margaret Inglis; Jess Hope Trophy for runner-up, Marjorie Lawrie; Miss Scott Trophy for most entries, Valerie Mayo. There followed a mini beetle drive which was won by Margaret Oliver with Valerie Mayo runner-up. The two least successful “beetlers” were Barbara Lothian and Margaret Inglis. Raffle prizes went to Margaret Chisholm, Sandra Todd, Janet Mitchell and Grace Aitchison.

Maxton

Coffee morning

Maxton 21 is holding a coffee morning on May 23 in the village hall, starting at 10am. Proceeds will go to Maxton 21’s charity for 2015 – Border Search and Rescue Unit. This will be an opportunity to sponsor local man Tom Veitch on his charity walk.

melrose

On song

Roxburgh Singers are to perform “The Armed Man” (a mass for peace), by Karl Jenkins, on May 16 (7.30pm) in Melrose Parish Church. The work reflects on the passing of the First World War and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future. The concert begins with Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester psalms. Tickets at the door.

Parish church

Christian Aid Week house-to-house collection, or contributions can be made at the coffee morning on May 16, or at church services held on May 17 at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am).

morebattle

Coffee morning

There will be a coffee morning in the institute on May 16 at 10.30am in aid of a school working trip to Austria.

OXTON

Plant sale

Oxton Horticultural Society holds its annual plant sale and coffee morning on May 16 (10am-noon) in the Memorial Hall. Schedules for the flower show on September 12 will be available.

SWI

The AGM is on May 20 and members should bring their voting sheets or hand them in to Jackie, and well as handing in their penny cup. It is also a taste-and-try evening – bring along favourite dishes/cakes or soups to sample.

peebles

Blood donors

At a blood-donor session on May 10, 188 volunteers offered to give blood and there were 169 donations. There were 12 new donors.

Selkirk

Camera club

The camera club is holding a sale of photographic work in its High Street clubrooms on May 23 (10am-1pm), with all proceeds going towards helping victims of the Nepal earthquake.

Smailholm

Folk music

Shona Mooney and Friends are playing contemporary folk music at Smailholm Village Hall on May 24 (7.30pm). Tickets – 01573 460666.

STICHILL

SWI

Kathy Wilkie welcomed members and visitors from Broomlands, Greenlaw, Heiton, Langshaw, Morebattle, Newtown, St Boswells and Yetholm to the May visitors’ evening. She introduced Lewis, George, Mary and Gordon, of Border Folk, who stepped in at short notice to entertain with Scottish, Irish and English folk melodies, interspersed with banter. On behalf of the visitors, Grace Cessford (Morebattle) expressed her thanks to Stichill members for an enjoyable evening. Competitions: visitors – pill box – 1, Marilyn McCall (St Boswells); 2, Nancy Jerdan (Broomlands); 3, Brenda Wright (Heiton); members – pill box – 1, Yvonne Wood; 2, Brenda Waring; 3, Pam Hall; three-fruit marmalade – 1, Janine Wilson; 2, June Brown; 3, Jean McDermid. The next meeting will be held on June 2 at the earlier time of 7pm.

Stow

Coffee morning

See Heriot section.

Sound Out

Sound Out is hosting a night of ska music, starring Skababs, in Stow Town Hall on May 16. Doors open 7.30pm. This is a fundraiser for Stowed Out Festival. Tickets from Stow Post Office or on the door.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on May 24 at 10.30am.

Walkerburn

Serivce

The service on May 17 will be at 10am in Walkerburn Public Hall.

yetholm

SWI

The annual guest night is on May 19 at 7.30pm in the Wauchope Hall when the speaker is Linda Hamilton, fundraising manager for the Macmillan cancer charity’s Lothian and Borders area. Competition – photograph which makes you happy.

Village lunch

The next lunch is on May 21, from noon, in the Wauchope Hall. Proceeds from this will go the history society.

Coffee morning

Yetholm Guild will hold a coffee morning on May 23 from 10.30am in the Wauchope Hall.

Yetholm Sinfonia

On May 24 at 7.30pm in Norham Parish Church, Yetholm Sinfonia wind soloists present a programme which will include Sir Arthur Sullivan, Iolanthe Overture; Ernö Dohnányi, Serenade; Sergei Rachmaninov, Symphonic Dance; Sir Edward Elgar, Serenade.

wooler

At their weekly sale of primestock last Wednesday John Swan Ltd had forward and sold 164 hoggs and 116 ewes.

Hoggs a better fleshed show, clearly dearer.

Leading prices per head: Suff.x:- £90.50 Brandon, £88 Newstead, £83.50 Elwick. Tex.x:- £85 Ladykirk (2), £84, £83 Newstead, £81.50, £80 (4) Elwick, £80 West Longridge. Mule:- £77 West Longridge.

Leading prices per kilo: Tex.x:- 188.9p (2), 187.5p Ladykirk, 186.1p West Longridge, 185.2p Elwick. Suff.x:- 185.6p Elwick, 170.7p Newstead. Mule:- 179.1p West Longridge.

A small show, but dear rates maintained.

Leading prices: Suff.x:- £116, £108, £100, £95 Lilburn Estates, £94 Newstead, £90 Milfield Demesne. Tex.x:- £112, £97 Elwick, £96 Newstead. Mule:- £84 Kimmerston.

st boswells

At their weekly primestock sale on Monday, John Swan Ltd sold 104 clean cattle, three OTM cattle, 54 beef cows, 1,264 old season lambs, 147 new season lambs and 259 ewes.

Bullocks (37) averaged 204.3p per kg and sold to 226p (-1.9p on the week).

Heifers (67) averaged 210.8p per kg and sold to 244p (+1.3p on the week).

Three young bulls averaged 177p per kg and sold to 187p (n/c on the week).

Three OTM cattle averaged 159p and sold to 173p (+9.9p on the week) and 54 beef type cows averaged 135.4p per kg and sold to 167p (+6.9p on the week).

Old season lambs averaged 176p per kg (+9p on the week) £84.59 per head and sold to £98, top price 201p per kg for Chv.

New season lambs averaged 207p per kg (-15p on the week) £90.67 per head and sold to £118, top price 230p per kg for Texel.

Ewes averaged £91.34, and sold to £150 for Texel.

Heavy ewes averaged £95.26. Light ewes sold to £81 for Chv and averaged £47.

Principal prices per head: Lennoxlove £1442.28, Bee Edge £1439.60, £1414.70, £1404.20.

Principal prices per kg: Bee Edge 2.44 Border Meats (Lockerbie), Bee Edge 2.40 Shaws of Lauder, Bee Edge 2.38 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, 2.35 Shaws of Lauder, Pathhead 2.35 M/s W.T.S. Forsyth and Sons, Wester Ulston, Lurdenlaw 2.32 M/s J. Gilmour and Co Ltd, Wester Ulston 2.32 Robert Pringle Butchers, Lurdenlaw, Traprain 2.30 Linton Butchers, Caverton Mill 2.30 Shaws of Lauder, Pathhead 2.30 J.F. Finlay and Company Ltd, Nisbet 2.29 Gosford Farm Shop, Wester Ulston 2.28 Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd, Pathhead 2.26 Shaws of Lauder, Lurdenlaw 2.25 Michael Malone of Edinburgh Ltd.

OTM cattle: Corsbie £1276.74 (1.73), Nisbet £961.02 (1.71).

Cows per head: Glenrath £1262.52, Caverton Mill £1261.70, Upper Tofts £1233.18, Mosstower £1227.60, Longnewton £1219.24.

Cows per kg: Glenrath 1.67, Mosstower 1.65 (2), Longnewton 1.63, Glenrath 1.61, 1.59, 1.55, Caverton Mill, Hyndlee 1.55, Upper Tofts 1.53, Corsbie 1.51, Smailholm Mains 1.47, Grahamslaw, Mosstower 1.43.

New season lambs per head: Tex;- £118 Thornington, £106.50, £106 Corsbie, £105, £104 Lochside, Sfx;- £97 Berryhill, £95, £93.50 Smailholm Mains, Suf;- £96 Ladyflat, Ham;- £96 East Fortune, Cha;- £93.50 Ladyflat, £87 Fairlaw, Ber;- £85 Whitehaugh.

New season lambs per kg: Tex;- 2.30 (2), 2.28 Lochside, 2.26 Corsbie, Cha;- 2.17 Ladyflat, Sfx;- 2.11, 2.09 South Falaknowe, 2.06 Smailholm Mains, Suf;- 2.08 Ladyflat.

Hoggs per head: £98, £96 Boghall St Andrews, £95.50 (2) Clochnahill, Sfx;- £96, £95, £94 Boghall St Andrews, £93, £89.50, £88.50 Clochnahill, Chv;- £93.50, £89.50 Boghall St Andrews, £88 Traprain, Cha;- £87.50, £85 Whitlaw, SM;- £88.50 Boghall St Andrews, £77 Bedrule, Chx;- £82 (2) Boghall St Andrews, BF;- £81 Hutlerburn, £80 Boghall St Andrews.

Hoggs per kg: Chv;- 2.01 Thorlieshope, Saughtree, Sfx;- 2.00 Stoneypath, 1.93, 1.84 Dunslaw, Tex;- 1.92 Dunslaw, Stoneypath, Hamildean, 1.90 Inchkeith, Wormiston, Cha;- 1.92 Whitlaw, SM;- 1.79 Bedrule, BF;- 1.89 Traprain, 1.86 Dunslaw.

Ewes: Tex;- £128 Stouslie, £125 Chapelhill Peebles, £121 Toxside, Sfx;- £115, £112 Middlestead, £110 Lochside, Wormiston, Ber;- £107 Springwood Estate, £101 Whitehaugh Hawick, SM;- £101 Stouslie, £99 Symington Mains, Chm;- £101 Halidean Mill, £91 Wester Ulston, Upper Tofts, Dor;- £93 Whitehaugh Hawick, Chv;- £81 Whitsome East Newton, BF;- £59 Wormiston, £55 Inchkeith.

Rams: Tex;- £150 Symington Mains.

longtown

The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart plc had forward 22 prime cattle, four young bulls, 10 OTM cattle, 5,248 prime hoggs, 123 spring lambs and 2,048 cast ewes and rams at their weekly sale at Longtown last Thursday.

A larger show of prime cattle were slightly harder to sell, but very much in line with the national trend.

A larger entry of 123 spring lambs were forward.

Many more could be sold to advantage, especially lighter weights.

Top price of £96 per head for Suffolks from North Cowshaw and to 222p per kilo for Texels from Bellfield.

A larger show of 5,248 prime hoggs were forward to the usual ring of buyers.

All classes of hoggs were sharper on the week, with a tremendous show of Cheviot and Continental-fed hoggs forward.

Leaner types harder to cash, although lightweight hoggs remained extremely sought after. The sale averaged 180.7p overall (SQQ 188.8p).

Top price per head was £100 per head for Texels from Mid Harrietsfield and to 237p per kilo for Beltex from Southernby Hall.

A much smaller show of 2,048 cast ewes and rams were forward to a full ringside of buyers. All classes of ewes £10-£14 dearer on the week and well short of buyer requirements. Many more could be sold to advantage.

It was a remarkable night’s election viewing and listening for anyone who had the stamina or thought they could get through the next day’s work without sleep.

But as the Conservatives outflanked all poll predictions except the exit one, any farmers watching must have had mixed feelings.

Without me being pro or anti any political persuasion that is, because the Conservative leader, Prime Minister David Cameron, has promised a referendum on Europe. Even as things stand the Conservatives are the only party to have in mind a reduction in farm subsidies and more dependence on market returns.

If in 2017 we vote to leave the European Union that would end EU farm subsidies in Britain. There is no guarantee that the present annual total of more than £3billion paid to British farmers would be replaced on anything like the same scale by a British government elected on an austerity platform.

If farmers, particularly those in the most heavily-subsidised sectors of beef cattle and sheep, do have to rely more on the ups and downs of the market, it gives extra emphasis to a recent PhD project by Scottish Rural University College graduate Kalina Kasprzyk.

She analysed the farm incomes of 151 farmers over a range of farming systems and areas over 14 years and found that over these years the gap between the highest and lowest earners changed very little. That is, none of the farmers in the bottom 25% of those analysed moved up and none of the top 25% slid down. A bit like the premier football league, the same names stayed at or near the top, the mid-table and relegation strugglers struggled on year by year.

It makes me wonder whether the annual reports on, say, beef and sheep production produced by organisations such as Quality Meat Scotland do any good. They prove consistently that good managers in control of costs are in the top third and those whose management is poorer and can’t control costs are in the bottom third.

What these reports are intended to do is encourage the bottom third of performers to improve. They don’t show year to year whether they do. What Ms Kasprzyk’s project indicates is that they don’t. She concludes: “Inequality within the industry is structural and persistent and the higher incomes are held by a small proportion of farmers”, no matter how hard Europe’s common agricultural policy (CAP) has tried to even incomes out.

I had occasion recently to have several lengthy phone calls with an insurance company which also involved some almost lengthy ‘on-hold’ spells. Irritating and frustrating, but I couldn’t help a wry smile as I listened, at different times, to ‘In or out of the money’, ‘Happy together, unhappy together’, and best of all, ‘Come rain or shine.’ An insurance company with a sense of humour? Surely not.

Great excitement at Shoogly Towers this week, as we have three broody hens. Every spring, nature tells some hens to creep into a full nestbox and sit on the eggs there. The more the merrier.

Once there, they become immoveable. Solid. Flattened down to the straw like some sort of chicken egg-cosy. Their feathers are all fluffed out, their tail sticks up in a v-shape, they put me in mind of a (mini, feathered) hovercraft.

All attempts to shift them are met with growls and odd screeches. Other hens queue up outside the boxes, almost crossing their legs, desperate to get in there to lay. But the broody hen will not budge. No siree. She’s made up her mind to be a mum, and be a mum she will.

Some folk try to ‘break’ broodies and the methods are many and various. But because we like to breed our own chunky chooks (with spare boys for the pot), if we get a broody we like to use it.

And this year we have our two new cockerels, Sergeant Murdoch the very handsome Scots Grey, and Gilou the La Bresse Gauloise (aka the French chicken).

As my few loyal readers might remember, Seargeant M is named after one John Murdoch, a relation of Mr E’s who was killed at the beginning of World War One. Gilou got his name because we are fans of the excellent French cop drama, ‘Engrenages’ (called ‘Spiral’ over here). Gilou is a banty cock of a man, one of lead character Capitaine Berthaud’s trusty sidekicks, whose retro policing style has a lot in common with DCI Hunt in Life on Mars.

Well, now will be the time to see whether Gilou and Sergeant Murdoch have been doing their proper cockerel job, if you get my drift. Aware of the younger reader who might have been forced to read this column as part of their punishment during school detention, I will keep it clean.

We had three hens determined to go broody this week, so we are letting them have their wish and have set up three lovely, quiet, cosy wee nest boxes with runs for them to sit in peace on eggs. Gamford even re-felted the tiny roofs, under the watchful eye of Queenie the turkey, acting in a supervisory role.

It’s a fine line between failure and success – you need to get in there quick and get them on some eggs before they decide to give up and wander off. It’s also important that you let them cause (major) disruption to the coop for a couple of days just to make sure that they are as committed as they seem, otherwise you pop the eggs under them and they jump up and wander off.

One has all green and blue eggs, the second has all brown eggs and the third, who is tiny, has a handful of eggs in cream and white. This clutch includes two teeny bantam eggs from our one and only bantam, which is the Young Master’s pet and isn’t getting any younger.

Hooefully, he pays it so little attention to it now that when it drops off the perch we can substitute (hopefully) one of its ‘mini-mes’ from this year’s hatch and he’ll be none the wiser.

Roll on Day 21 and hatchin’ time, and we’ll see if our boys have made the grade.

Tweedlove has grown majestically in its six years of existence, from holding just a few events for locals to becoming the UK’s biggest bike festival.

It kicks off at 9am on Saturday, May 16, with a Teenage Dirtbags free ride-out on the trails around Peebles and Innerleithen, for 12-18-year-olds, accompanied by qualified local helpers and volunteers.

That’s followed on Sunday by the ever-popular Skinny Tweed road ride. It’s billed as one of the friendliest road event of the year, a 75km course on quiet Borders roads, with breath-taking scenery ... a perfect introduction to sportive riding, with a free food station, in which, we are told, cakes are involved.

Three more family events take place next week.

The Love Cross event and Family Ride are on Tuesday, May 19, and Peebles Cycling Club’s Dirt Crit at Glentress is on Thursday, May 21.

The Love Cross, at 7.15pm, is a brand new event, with a Le Mans-style running start and incorporates many disciplines and obstacles in an action-packed pedal to the podium.

The Family Ride is a big favourite, in which anyone can take part. Just bring along a bike and enjoy a car-free pedal through the course. This event starts at 6.15pm.

And the Dirt Crit, held on the Glentress trails, is a free race open to all under-16s. To enter in advance, visit www.peeblescycling.org

There are many more events throughout May to keep the bike fan happy, whether it is on their own two wheels or watching the best practitioners of downhill mountain biking in the world ply their trade.

From Wednesday to Sunday, May 27-31, the Enduro World Series hits Glentress and Innerleithen trails.

It sees world champions lined up against local amateurs to take on one of the most exciting races on the planet – loved by the best of the best, it is sold out faster than any race in the series, worldwide.

Top stars such as Jerome Clementz, Nico Lau and Tracey Mosely are set to rub shoulders with local riders Gary Forrest, Katy Winton and Ruaridh Cunningham, who have had success on the world stage as well.

What’s more, it’s free to spectate, and you can mingle with the stars of the sport in the expo village.

After the thrills and spills of the EWS races, cyclists can try out the same tracks themselves in the EWS Extra event on Monday, June 1, at Alpine Bikes, Glentress and Innerleithen.

And if you’ve had enough of pedalling and mingling, there are many social events and competitions to take in as well, from the Tweedlove Film Night to a photo competition, both held on Thursday, May 28, and a film competition.

For more information on any of the above events, visit the Tweedlove website on www.tweedlove.com

With the first reported cuckoo calls received and the swifts zooming overhead, I think we can safely say that spring is now officially under way.

On my favourite stretch of riverside walk, the spring flowers are coming into their own. In amongst the carpets of wild garlic and forget-me-nots, some hidden gems are there to be found if you look closely.

One is the strange wood goldilocks, which looks like a buttercup which has been in the wars. It is a straggly plant and the flower heads never seem to have a full compliment of five petals.

At first glance it seems to be a mixture of two plants, but detailed inspection reveals a confusion of palmately lobed basal leaves and whorls of narrow stem leaves on the same plant.

Not the most beautiful of flowers, but certainly one to look out for.

If you look even closer, there is one tiny flower in bloom just now, which is easily missed, but well worth seeking out. It is moschatel or “town hall clock”, so called because of the arrangement of blooms on a single stem.

Well-formed flowers have four flowers arranged like lighthouse beacons to the four points of the compass and a fifth flower pointing directly upwards.

The flowers are pale greeny yellow and only an inch or so in height, so good eyesight is required to find them. 

In damp places or by water, the water avens is in full flower at the moment.

It is a native plant and the wild cousin of the geums which we grow in our gardens. The nodding, cup-shaped flowers have dark red sepals and orangey-pink petals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens; they hang delicately on long, purple stems.

The round leaves are usually found at the base of the stem. The colour combination is so unusual on this flower that it is definitely one of my favourites.

Different from all the previous ones, in that it towers above all else and is not native, is the sweet cicely.

Nonetheless I always look forward to its appearance on my riverside wanderings, as I can never resist crushing a portion of its soft feathery leaf between my fingers and inhaling the lovely aniseed aroma.

A member of the carrot family, it has blousy white flowers and was originally grown as a herb and has since escaped into the wild, where it is now well established.

With the leaf canopy rapidly thickening, it is becoming harder to see any bird activity, so why not cast your eyes downwards and enjoy the feast of wild flowers currently on display in our woodlands.

Email me on corbie@homecall.co.uk