Two Innerleithen guest houses have been named amongst the top 20 places to stay in the south of Scotland.

Glede Knowe Guest House was ranked fourth in trivago’s inaugural Top Hotel Awards, which were put together from online user ratings.

The trivago Top Hotel Awards have been based on an index which aggregates 190 million ratings from over 30 websites.

Glede Knowe has been attracting visitors to the Innerleithen area for the last 34 years, and was joined in the top 20 by Caddon View Guest House, also near Inerleithen.

Eyemouth’s Home Arms and the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course were also among the most popular place to stay while top spot in the awards went to the Huntingdon House Hotel in Dumfries.

James Bond is busy breaking box office records at the movies just now, but this week you can enjoy a slice of less serious espionage-based fun on the small screen. Our DVD of the week is the entertaining spoof Spy.

Written and directed by Paul Feig, the man who brought us Bridesmaids, Spy sees Melissa McCarthy star as CIA operative Susan Cooper. She is the awkward desk-based support worker for Jude Law’s smooth and smarmy agent Bradley Fine. When catastrophe strikes Cooper is thrust into the heart of an international nuclear weapons dealing conspiracy.

McCarthy is excellent throughout the film, playing the lead role expertly as Cooper transforms from a glorified PA chronically lacking in self-confidence into a mean and aggressive operative. As she gets cruder the comedian gets funnier and there are several memorably expletive-laden moments in the film where Cooper’s razor sharp tongue is unleashed.

She’s not the only abrasive spy in the film though. Jason Statham sends up just about every role he’s ever played in his portrayal of Rick Ford, a tough-guy whose grip on reality seems far from secure. Gentler support is provided by another Brit, the comedian Miranda Hart.

It is a testament to the writing and direction that all these cast members get a chance to shine and although the plot gets a little untidy, there is enough hilarity to keep things moving. As things shift from one comedy set piece to another not every joke hits the mark but there are enough laughs to keep the movie entertaining.

Secret agent films are a notoriously male-dominated genre of movies. Spy provides a refreshing change of pace, suggesting what Miss Moneypenny might be capable of if she was given a gun and let out from behind that desk.

Police in the Borders have arrested and charged two men, aged 22 and 28, following a number of break-ins and thefts in the Newcastleton area.

Entry was forced to five sheds and outbuildings between 30 and 31 July of this year, and items including a quad bike and £5,000 worth of tools were subsequently stolen.

Detective Sergeant Dave Reilly of the Community Investigation Unit said: “Housebreaking of any kind is a deeply personal crime and officers conducted extensive enquiries in order to trace the suspects.

“We’d urge everyone to remain vigilant in securing their property, and report any suspicious behaviour to us.”

Both men have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Ward 4 at the Borders General Hospital has been closed to admissions due to the confirmed presence of norovirus.

The situation is being managed by NHS Borders Infection Prevention and Control Team with support from frontline colleagues.

Visitors to Ward 4 are strongly discouraged, and the general advice to members of the public is to stay away from any hospital ward if you or anyone in your family has experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the past 48 hours.

Dr Ed James, consultant microbiologist, said: “Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness.

“It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people. This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However it doesn’t just occur in hospitals, and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.

“It is vital to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching this unpleasant virus. Patients, visitors and staff can help minimise the spread by complying with instructions given by staff and paying attention to the signs at the entrances to the hospital and wards.”

Hundreds of people braved heavy rain for Saturday’s unveiling of a memorial featuring one of the Second World War’s unlikeliest heroes.

The story of how a brown bear cub, rescued by Polish troops in the Middle East during the war, grew up to face the hardships of battle alongside his comrades, has been made famous around the world by Berwickshire author Aileen Orr.

It was Aileen who helped found the trust which raised almost £300,000 for the memorial statue featuring Wojtek and which also pays tribute 
to the Polish soldiers who fought for freedom against the Nazis.

The statue, unveiled by Polish war veterans in a prime location in Edinburgh’s West Prince’s Street Gardens, was created by sculptor Alan Herriot and depicts Wojtek and a Polish soldier ‘walking in peace and unity’ to represent the bear’s journey from his Middle East home to Scotland.

The design is based on memories of those who lived around Sunwick camp in 
Berwickshire where Wojtek lived with his Polish comrades after the war, especially Augustyn Karolewski, who died in 2012.

The huge bear is said to have drank beer with the soldiers and helped carry ammunition during the fighting.

The bronze sculpture stands on a platform of granite from ­Poland and Polish Second Corps veteran, Wojtek Narebski, who unveiled the statue with Edmund Szymczak, observed: “Wojtek could not return to Poland, but he is staying on Polish soil.”

Polish ambassador Witold Sobkow read a message from Polish president Andrzej Duda, who described Wojtek as a “most unusual hero”.

He said the statue would “serve as a reminder of Poland and the Polish soldiers who fought in all theatres of the Second World War, and provided living evidence of valour, courage and dedication”.

Among the crowds was Hamish Allan, 66, who recalled seeing the bear on frequent visits to Edinburgh Zoo, where Wojtek spent his final years before dying in 1963.

“I remember being rather saddened by him, being in a cage, but it’s a wonderful story. I’m astounded at the amount of interest by the number of people here,” said Mr Allan.

“Animals gave everything asked of them and many were very badly treated – but ­Wojtek was the exception

Aileen told us: “After years of hoping this would be a reality, it finally happened with the help of so many people.”

Angling equipment worth more than £5,000 has been stolen from a fishing hut at Friar’s Haugh, Kelso.

Police believe the hut was broken into by forcing a secure door between 5.30pm on Thursday November 5 and 8:45am the next day.

Six fly rods were taken.

MSP Christine Grahame has written to Scottiswh Borders Council leader David Parker to ask that parking charges be removed in a popular car park Galashiels during the busy festive period.

Ms Grahame wrote to Councillor Parker after being contacted by constituents about parking problems in the town, particularly drivers staying for long periods of time on the streets around the centre.

She said: “Following an investigation I have found that revenue generated from the car park in the High Street has reduced by £30,000 since 2011/12.

“I can imagine that an awful lot of people simply won’t pay to park in Galashiels and indeed may travel elsewhere to do their shopping. This could be down to a number of factors but in particular the jump in charge when parking for longer than three hours.”

Ms Grahame is suggesting that the car park in the High Street be free from charges for the month of December to encourage people to shop in the town centre.

She added: “This would release the warden/s to monitor on-street parking and issue fines where appropriate.

“It would also ensure that businesses aren’t suffering as a result of people parking outside their premises for long periods of time.”

Burgons of Eyemouth has suffered “serious financial losses” since being bought over three years ago, according to company directors.

In a statement released last night, they confirmed that the owners are planning to close the crab factory at Eyemouth “due to continued losses at the business”.

Burgons was bought by The Blue Sea Food Company in July 2012. According the parent company has decided the business is no longer sustainable.

The statement reads: “Despite investments of over £500,000, the business has suffered serious financial losses that have been supported by the parent company (The Blue Sea Food Company). These losses can no longer be sustained.”

STATEMENT IN FULL

“The Owners of Burgon have informed their staff that due to continued losses at the business they are considering closing the Burgon operation at Eyemouth.

As such, the owners have warned all the employees based at the site that their jobs are at risk of redundancy.

Employee representatives will be appointed and will work closely with the owners to consider alternatives to redundancy or ways of avoiding redundancies.

This decision will impact 32 permanent staff and a further 49 temporary seasonal workers who were due to be laid off at the end of December.

Burgons of Eyemouth was purchased from the previous owners in July 2012. Since then, and despite investments of over £500,000, the business has suffered serious financial losses that have been supported by the parent company (The Blue Sea Food Company). These losses can no longer be sustained.

Key agencies have been briefed, as well as the local MP Calum Kerr and MSP John Lamont.

Discussions have already commenced with staff, customers, suppliers, Scottish Enterprise, the local council, Marine Scotland, and MSP’s as well as the wider seafood industry, to seek any way of either continuing the business or mitigating job losses.”

Mr T Bartlett

Mr D Markham

Ms D Spencer

The Directors, Burgons of Eyemouth

Stepping down as chair of Selkirk Community Council this week, Graham Easton called for a more positive approach to what we have in the town.

Giving his report to the council’s AGM in the Victoria Halls on Monday night, he reflected on the last four years of his stewardship.

“The experience has generally been a good one, sometimes challenging, sometimes frustrating with elements of enjoyment thrown in for good measure,” he said.

Mr Easton said challenges faced during the four years had been met with professionalism and commitment.

And he added: “While external factors are often outwith our immediate control as a community council, having to deal with internal matters involving our own elected community councillors is frustrating, time consuming and deviates from the work we are all attempting to carry out for the people of Selkirk.

“I believe we have all learned lessons from the type of incidents I am referring to and now have the confidence and self-assurance to deal with them positively should similar situations arise.”

He then went on to say there were a lot of positives about Selkirk and that sometimes, people perhaps forgot how lucky they were to live, work and go to school in such a beautiful area.

Listing all successful projects in the town over the last four years, Mr Easton told the meeting: “We need to be taking a more positive approach to what we have, what we can offer and how to seduce more businesses and visitors to the area.

“This is a role that not only the community council is responsible for but the residents and good people of this place and the wider area.”

•Mr Easton was later elected as vice-chair of the community council, with Alistair Pattullo elected as new chairman.

A teacher who had sex with a 16-year-old girl was placed on the sex offenders register for three years at Selkirk Sheriff Court, pictured, on Monday.

Thirty-year-old Ryan McInally admitted committing the offence at his home at St Boswells while his fiancee worked nightshift.

McInally, who has returned to his native Dundee, was suspended from his job at Earlston High School.

The accused pleaded guilty on indictment to having sex with a 16-year-old, while in a position of trust, on one occasion between December 22, 2013, and January 16 last year.

When the teenager found Higher level modern studies difficult, McInally suggested helping her during a free period. They started to communicate on Twitter and McInally gave her a Christmas card with his email address, and a note inside “in case you need help”.

It also included quotations from her favourite book, The Great Gatsby – one with a “romantic connotation”.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said: “She emailed him, and they communicated. He suggested they should meet, and she was happy to go along with this. On December 22, they drove into the countryside in Galashiels and stopped at a viewpoint at a wooded area.

“They kissed and there was some joking about how awkward it was going to be at school.”

They arranged to meet on Hogmanay, when he took her back to his home, and she stayed overnight.

Mr Fraser explained: “There is absolutely no suggestion the complainer was unwilling to enter into the relationship,” describing the offence as “wholly unprofessional, illegal and inappropriate”.

Defence solicitor Robert More said his client’s partner had stood by him and they had rebuilt their relationship.

“She has attended at court with him today, and has stuck by him through incredibly difficult circumstances,” he explained.

“He is a man of high intelligence and was extremely foolish,” he added.

Mr More said McInally would not be returning to teaching.

McInally was sentenced to a three-year community payback order with supervision and 200 hours of unpaid work, as a direct alternative to custody.

Minister for housing and welfare Margaret Burgess MSP opens a two-day national conference on fuel poverty at Peebles Hydro today as the keynote speaker.

The conference is entitled ‘Turning up the heat on fuel poverty’ and is organised by the national charity Energy Action Scotland.

The conference will cover the progress being made to assist people and also what still needs to happen to solve the problem of cold, damp and expensive-to-heat homes.

Among those speaking tomorrow are Murdo Fraser MSP; Patrick Harvie MSP; Sarah Boyack MSP; Cllr Vicky Davidson of Scottish Borders Council; and Jackie Baillie MSP.

earlston

Parish church

The service on November 15 at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods. The kirk session meets on November 16 at 7.30pm in the church hall lounge. November 22 sees a traditional hymns service at 10.15am. Following the Remembrance Day church service and parade to the war memorial, a short service was conducted at the memorial by the Reverend Woods. Piper was Bruce Hastie and Standard Bearer George Goodfellow. Wreaths were laid as follows – Lord Lieutenant’s, Disney Barlow; Royal British Legion Scotland, Robert Bell; Women’s Section Royal British Legion Scotland, Jennifer Bryson; Armed Forces, Kay Brownlee; Scottish Borders Council, Jim Torrance; Community Council, John Paton-Day; Rotary, Jan Connell; British Red Cross, Andrew Lees; Explorers/Scouts/Cubs/Beavers Group, Ryan Smith (flag bearer, Ellie Holley); Girl Guides, Chelsea Elliot (flag bearer, Kady Lees); Brownies, Kate Horan (flag bearer, Kirsten Redpath); Earlston High School, Sophie MacBrayne.

Paths Group

A 2016 CD-size calendar, celebrating the group’s 10th anniversary, is on sale in the village at Turnbull Chemists, Tom Davidson Gallery, Border Chainsaw and Harbro. See noticeboard for more information.

edgerston

Remembrance Sunday

Locals braved the elements on Sunday to pay their respects to The Fallen at the war memorial. Also a thank you to all those involved in preparing the Hall and the food for the light lunch afterwards.

Folk night

Real Time folk group, led by Kenny Speirs, will be entertaining on November 13 at 8pm.

Quiz night

A quiz night will be held on December 11 at 7.30pm.

Ettrickbridge

Coffee morning

There will be a Christmas coffee morning and sale in the village hall on December 5 in aid of a bit of fun as well as hall funds. Anyone with anything to sell is asked to contact George on 01750 52243 to book a table.

fountainhall

SWI

The next meeting is on November 18 at 7.30pm. It’s the AGM (remember voting papers) and there will be a “taste and try”. Competitions – winner of “taste and try” and a pretty plate. Last month’s competitions – knitted toy – 1, Christine Sinclair; 2, Agnes Mathison; dog ornament – 1, Janice Currie; 2, Fiona Walters.

galashiels

Camera club

Open competition, judged by Bill Hume from Kelso – Prints – 1, Janet Kennedy; 2, Janet Kennedy; 3, Christine Swalwell; Commended – Ron Bell, Alan Kennedy (2), Ford Renton (2). Digital Print Images – 1, Gordon Swalwell; 2, Paul Anderson; 3, Alistair Peacock; Commended – Paul Anderson (2), Alan Kennedy, Christine Swalwell (2). “Red Domination Prints and Creative Digital Projected Images” – 1, Ford Renton; 2, Alistair Peacock. In a change to the syllabus, Murray Dickson, from the Old Gala Club, gave a talk entitled “My Grandfather’s Gala”. This was both a historical and visual presentation. Murray then proceeded to take members on a tour of the archive room. Phil McLean (Duns) was another visitor to the club who gave an interesting visual display relating to his passion for nature photography. The club’s next talk – November 18, Langlee Community Centre, 7.30pm – will be given by members Alan Kennedy and Steve Currie. Entitled “Their journey to obtain Royal Photographic Society Distinctions”, this is a change from the original syllabus.

Trinity church

Session clerk Bill Cheyne welcomed the Reverend Marion Dodd and Dorothy Howden back to take the Remembrance Sunday service and lead music respectively. Alistair Bell placed a wreath of poppies in front of the altar. May Montgomery read the Bible lessons. There will be a guild coffee morning on November 14 (10am-noon) in the church hall and after morning service the following day, there is to be a quick meeting with Dorothy Howden of all the people participating in the Christmas show.

glendouglas

Collection day

November 12 is collection day for art exhibition artists – 1.30-2.30pm and 5-7pm.

Dancing

Old-time and ceilidh dance classes on November 12 at 8pm. There is a Reel Half Hour starting at 7.30pm for learning

new set dances. Beginners welcome. On November 14 there is dancing to a Scottish dance band (byo supper).

gordon

Exhibition

An exhibition will be launched at Cafe Obrigado on November 15 (2-6pm), displaying images of the Borders by local photographer Gavin Liddle. There will be a selection of framed prints and canvases for sale. The exhibition runs until spring 2016.

hawick

Rotary

A big turnout of members, wives, guests and visitors appeared at last week’s meeting chaired by vice-president Jim Walker. Speaker was David McLeod, nephew of past president Bobby Cairns’s wife Ina and he gave a talk about his life on a luxury cruise liner. Formerly director of music with Midlothian Council, he took early retirement 18 months ago and now takes six-month contracts as music and entertainment director with Royal Caribbean Cruises. David’s parents were present at the meeting to hear his address when he gave a tune on his trumpet, accompanied on keyboard by Grace Jack.

Rugby Memories Club

Jim Telfer was the special guest at the November session held at Mansfield Park. The former Lions and Scotland coach talked wittily and perceptively about World Cup rugby, great players past and present, the arrival of professionalism and the important role played by Borders rugby clubs and players in the development of the game. The next session takes place on December 3 at 2.30pm with Jim Renwick as special guest.

Hownam

Whist

There will be a whist drive in the village hall on November 24 at 7.30pm in aid of the children’s Christmas party.

innerleithen

Postponed

St Ronan’s Future Band’s solo contest has been postponed.

Sale

Innerleithen and District Amateur Operatic Society will hold a craft fair and table-top sale in the Memorial Hall, Leithen Road, on November 14 from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Games committee

The next meeting of St Ronan’s Games committee will take place on November 25 in the Council Chamber, Memorial Hall, at 7pm.

Fair

St Ronan’s Primary School Christmas fair will take place on November 24 in the school from 6-8pm.

Coffee morning

St Ronan’s Border Games will hold a coffee morning on November 28 in the Vale Club from 10am to noon.

AGM

Innerleithen Music Festival AGM will take place on November 17 in the Traqs Bar, Traquair Arms Hotel, at 7.30pm.

Concert

A feast of seasonal music is on offer from St Ronan’s Silver Band at a Christmas concert to be held in Innerleithen’s Memorial Hall on December 12 at 7.30pm. Under the direction of Chris Bradley, the event will feature a selection of pieces from the band’s repertoire. The Future Band will also make an appearance during the programme. Tickets can be obtained from Adam’s Bakery and the Thrift Shop in Innerleithen, Robb’s KeyStore in Peebles, by ringing 01896 831721 or emailing KJBelleville@aol.com. Anyone in the Innerleithen area who requires transport should contact Elma on 01896 830577.

PTA

St Ronan’s School PTA held a coffee morning, raising £420 towards extras for the pupils.

Christmas lights

The 2015 Innerleithen Christmas lights will be switched on on December 6.

Countdown club

The Countdown Club will meet on November 25 at 10.30am in Innerleithen Church Hall of Friendship.

Service

The church service on November 15 will be at 11.30am. There is also a service at St Ronan’s House at 4pm.

Jedburgh

Rotary

The Rotary Club of Jedburgh is to host the Scottish National Grayling Fishing Competition on December 5 on the River Teviot. Entry fee is £10 and there will be opportunities to win trophies and prizes. The event was started by the club in response to tsunamis which devastated many coastal communities in the Indian Ocean region during 2004. It has continued since and is used to raise funds for similar good causes. To enter, contact, www.jedburghrotary.co.uk or call Ian Davis on 01835 850788.

Workshop

See Kelso section.

Bridge club

November 2 – N/S – 1, R. Oates & I. Weir; 2, M. Weightman & H. Long; 3, D. & P. Palmer; E/W – 1, K. Jackson & P. Nichol; 2, D. Harris-Burland & I. Whillans; 3, B. & I. Middleton.

Kelso

Concert

Kelso North and Ednam Parish Church host an evening of traditional music on November 13 at 7.30pm in Kelso North Church. Artists are Highline, Small Hall Band, Liz and Martin Marroni, and Carly Blain and Graeme Armstrong. Tickets available from the church office or pay at the door.

SWI show

The SWI Roxburghshire Federation Show was held in Springwood Park. The following cups were presented by Davina Morrison, from the Shetland Isles – Roxburghshire Federation SWI Inter-Group Cup-Group J, leaders Ancrum; Somerville Trophy (winner inter-institute comp.), Minto; Lady Fairfax Lucy Community Cup (community work comp.), Makerstoun; Inter-Institute Cup (over 25 members), Newmill & Teviothead; Inter-Institute Cup (under 25 members) Midlem; Mary Palmer Douglas Cup (highest aggregate , handcraft class), Joan Duncan,

Makerstoun; Brooks Cup (highest aggregate, baking class), Janette Stenhouse, Morebattle; Constance Gordon Cup (highest aggregate, preserve and produce), S. Richardson, Cogsmill; Janet Warden Cup (highest aggregate, floral arrangement), Molly Marshall, Bedrule; Courtney Clarke Memorial Cup (under 60 years) Jan Little, Newmill & Teviothead; Playfair Hannay Cup (best individual in inter-group), Kath Runciman, Langshaw; Lilliesleaf Cup (most outstanding in inter-institute), Lesley Abernethey, Heiton; Grierson Cup (best exhibit, knitting and crochet), Joan Duncanson, Makerstoun; Constance Ingles Cup (best exhibit handcraft), Marion Miller, Edgerston; Jean Holmes Trophy (best exhibit plain sewing), Joan Duncanson, Makerstoun; Maxwellheugh Salver (best exhibit embroidery), Susie Finlayson, Wilton Dean; Joyce Menzies Cup (best exhibit housewives), Janette Stenhouse, Morebattle; Isa Yeomans Memorial Trophy (best Bakewell Tart), Joan Duncan, Makerstoun; Anderson Salver (best exhibit, cooking), Jan Little, Newmill & Teviothead; Silver Medal (best gingerbread), Rose Cameron, St Boswells; Pickwell Salver (highest aggregate, sweets), Nan McKellar, Wilton Dean/Sheena Galloway, Midlem;

Edna Young Memorial Trophy (best exhibit, photography), Evelyn Grierson, Edgerston;

Anne Kennedy Cup (best exhibit, novice baking), Margaret Armstrong, Minto; Shield (best exhibit, novice floral arrangement), Kimberley Bone, Makerstoun; Shield – Junior under-10, Marion Hastie, Hannah Third, Alexander Hastie, Midlem; Shield – Junior 10-14, Lily Towers, Towford; Shetland Clock (chairman’s choice), Susie Finlayson, Wilton Dean; Ness Trophy (inter-institute baking), Towford.

Stitchers

Kelso Stitchers will meet on November 24 at 7pm in Abbey Row Centre. It is a UFO evening, so bring along something to work on. Members will also be putting finishing touches to their wallhanging and should remember to bring mug and name badge. For further information, contact Rineke on 01573 229414.

Thursday Group

Members heard about the life of Marie-Louise von Motesiczky, an Austrian portrait painter whose life spanned much of the 20th century and

who fled to England from Nazi Germany. Today, Brian Coulson presents “What’s in a Name: placenames in Scottish History” at 2pm in Abbey Row Centre. Next week it’s Malcolm Ross and “The Wildlife of East Africa”.

Workshop

Cheviot Youth’s Employability Club is running its first workshop, entitled The Job Search, on November 12 from 6.45pm at The Planet (next door to the Border ice rink) for 15 to 25-year-olds. It will cover searching online and offline newspapers, word of mouth and referrals, online job boards, Facebook and LinkedIn. This service is free. For further information, email Ian at ianrendallreid@cheviotyouth.co.uk or ring 07958 277766.

Bridge club

November 4 – Rose Bowl – N/S – 1, Val Johnstone & Mary Millar; 2, Dominic & Diana Alkin; 3, Val Fairbairn & Jean Bunyan; E/W – 1, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; 2, Lynda Douglas & Chris Anthony; 3 (equal), Sheena McPherson & Sheila Urquhart, Jean & Quentin McLaren. November 5 – Calchou Cup – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson & Lee Leeson; 2, Avril Ronald & Donald Swanson; 3, Jean Henry & Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, David Harris-Burland & Sheila Urquhart; 2 (equal), Shirley Armstrong & Moira Ayton, Maureen Weightman & Jon Bridger.

Langholm

Moorland

A celebration of all things moorland is being organised for March by the town’s Making the Most of Moorlands project. There will be guided activities, talks and exhibitions. Anyone who wishes to participate in the festival should put forward their names. The area of interests include outdoor activities, art, music and creative writing.

Christmas lights

A Santa Dash is being organised for December 5, which is the day the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on. Eskdale Community Sports Hub hosted an open meeting to generate interest and discuss organising things.

Men’s Shed

A relatively new movement – the Men’s Shed – has been establishing itself all over the country and is coming to Langholm. A shed is known as a place where men potter or mend things, or just fill in time – and the movement has capitalised on this tradition. Premises do not need to be sheds, and can be rooms or halls where members – both men and women – take part in activities. They can also call in for a blether and a coffee, and find out information about services, or help their community. Anyone in the town interested in joining a Men’s Shed which is being set up in the British Legion clubrooms should contact Avril Grieve on 013873 80529.

Remembrance Day

It was a wet, miserable morning for the Remembrance Day parade organised by the Royal British Legion in Langholm. The pipe band led the march to the parish church under parade leader David Patterson, formerly of the RAF. The Queen’s colours and the branch colours were followed by the flags of the various youth organisations. The church service was taken by the Reverend Scott McCarthy and music during the service was provided by Langholm Town Band, under conductor David Calvert, and during the act of remembrance piper Craig Irving played the Lament and Town Band member Nicole Weatherstone played the Last Post and Reveille.

After the church service the parade marched into Buccleuch Park where a short service was conducted by Mr McCarthy at the war memorial and wreaths were laid for the Royal British Legion, Royal Navy, Army and RAF. Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the community council and a number of other organisations and clubs. Mr McCarthy conducted short services of remembrance in the afternoon at Eskdalemuir, Westerkirk and Ewes where wreaths were laid for the church and community council. Canonbie paid tribute to The Fallen with a short service at the war memorial on Sunday morning when the roll of honour was read and two minutes silence was observed at 11am. Wreaths

Turn to page 38

From page 37

were laid on behalf of the Royal British Legion, community council and Probus club. Wreaths were also laid by the Guides and Brownies. A service followed later in the United Parish Church. There was also a short wreath-laying service at Claygate.

LAUDER

Historical society

Member Malcolm McVittie will give a presentation about the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders at the Battle of Balaclava on November 18 at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. Further details from Joan Stevens (01578 722559).

makerstoun

Bonfire Party

The children and Heather raised £147 by guising at Halloween in aid of funds for the fireworks. Aaron made the guy and Barbara the soup. Graham and Ross built the bonfire, which was lit by Lord Nicholas Biddulph, and Lady Mary Biddulph is grateful to all who helped her.

Remembrance Sunday

A Service of Remembrance was held at Makerstoun war memorial on November 8. Crosses were placed and a wreath was laid by Lord Biddulph on behalf of the parish. This was followed by a service at Makerstoun church, taken by Jim Smith, session clerk.

Poppy collection

The poppy collection in Makerstoun parish raised a record £310.19p. Lady Mary Biddulph is gratefull to all the collectors, Mrs Fleming, George Duncan and Peter Wilson, and all those who gave so generously.

melrose

Cheque

November 27 at 7pm will see the presentation of the Borders Challenge cheque to Arthritis Research UK at the rugby club.

Parish church

The church office needs material for the next church magazine asap. Services on November 15 – 9.30am, Bowden; 11am, Weirhill.

Trimontium

“Britannia”, the annual journal of Romano-British studies, arrived this week with a new study of the Hawkshaw Head, found near Tweedsmuir in the 18th century. It is carved from a white, crystalline marble and is part of a Roman statue, presumably ‘head-hunted’ and looted from a prime location and buried as a trophy. The Hawkshaw Head may well have started life as that of the Emperor Domitian (a nasty piece of work) and ended up re-carved as the head of the popular next but one Emperor Trajan, the extender of the empire.

Cards

Melrose Scout Group

will be delivering cards to Melrose, Darnick, Gattonside, St Boswells, Tweedbank and Newstead for 20p each. Collection points are Spar, Martin Baird Butchers, Williamson’s Fruit Shop and Boots the Chemist from November 15.

Delivery – December 19.

Greener Borders

Earlston Orchard Town will be giving a talk entitled “An Abundance of Food from a Small Area” on November 19 in the Ormiston Institute at 7.30pm. Speaker Graham Bell, local author and permaculturist, will talk about his own garden in Coldstream where he grows an incredible diversity and volume of food. He will be showing how to become more self-sufficient, eat well and save the planet at the same time. There will also be news about the Climate March in Edinburgh on November 28.

morebattle

On song

Under the auspices of Voices for Hospices, Roxburgh Singers, with their conductor Marion Dodd and pianist Anne Kerr, sang Vivaldi’s Gloria and Faure’s Requiem to an appreciative audience in Morebattle Church on November 1. As a result, £1,134 has been donated to the Margaret Kerr Unit at Borders General Hospital.

Guild

President Catherine Mabon welcomed members and visitors to the guild meeting last Thursday night when a talk, highlighted with photographs, from Stuart and Damien showed how Border Search and Rescue Unit covered all eventualities, from people getting stranded in the hillside to stewarding local festivals. A vote of thanks was given by Catherine Mabon.

Show winners

At Kelso Horticultural Show on Saturday, winners from Morebattle were – Jock Cessford (vegetable section), Neil Paterson (honey), Jeannie McNulty and Janette Stenhouse (baking).

Remembrance Sunday

The Reverend Robin McHaffie took the service at the war memorial on Sunday when Joe Scott-Plummer laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant. Andrew Bell, assisted by Greg Cessford and Rhaidan Scott, who had been to battlefields recently on a Kelso High School trip, also laid a wreath.

Folk night

Kelso Folk Club entertain in the Templehall Hotel on November 14 at 8.30pm. This evening, which includes the annual bottle draw, is a fundraiser for the village hall and flower show. Tickets available from committee members, the Templehall or by phoning John Mabon on 01573 440329.

Newmill

SWI

Thirty members and friends met at The Woll for a meal. Afterwards, Mary Irving gave her report for the year which saw Newmill and Teviothead gain the trophy for most points for the institute with over 25 members at the federation show in Kelso. Individual members also did well, notably Jan Little gaining the Courtney Clare Memorial Cup and Anderson Salver. The new committee was introduced – president, Liz Howieson; vice-president, Sheila McLaren; treasurer, Betty Rennie; secretary, Gill Francombe; press secretary, Alison Barker; points secretary, Muriel Baptie; committee – Larraine Lord, Pat Douglas, Jan Cheytwyn, Sheila Purdie. Membership remains at £18 and visitors pay £3. Meetings in 2016 will start at 7pm and members are asked to bring their own mug. Points for Year – 1, Muriel Baptie (24); 2, Mary Irving (12); 3 (equal), Julia Templeman and Caroline Tullie. The December meeting will see Hilary Bell from Yarrow entertaining. Competitions – home-made liqueur and doggy treats in a stocking (to be donated to Beagle Welfare and anyone wishing to donate treats can). Mulled wine and festive treats for supper.

OXTON

SWI

The latest meeting was a celebration of the group’s 91st birthday. A lively beetle drive was enjoyed by members and guests. This was followed by a buffet supper and birthday cake. Members’ competition – small candle, won by Alice Telford; visitors competition – pill box, won by Joanne Watson from Lauder SWI. The next meeting is on November 18 when Emma Emmerson from Woodside Gardens will give a talk and demonstration. The competition is for an evening bag.

Coffee morning

Channelkirk Senior Citizens’ coffee morning in the War Memorial Hall on November 14 runs from 10am- noon.

Selkirk

Antiquarian Society

The joint meeting with Old Gala Club takes place on November 18 at 7.30pm in Selkirk Parish Church hall. Isabel Gordon will present her talk, “Bruce’s Legacy: The Stuart/Douglas Rivalry – A gallop through 700 years of Scottish history”. All welcome. Throughout the season the society offers many different topics in an informal setting and further syllabus information can be found at www.selkirkshireantiquariansociety.co.uk.

SOUTHDEAN

Fair

A Christmas gift fair will be held on November 14 (10am-3pm) in Southdean Hall.

st boswells

Drama club

At its latest meeting, St Boswells AmDrams had an enjoyable get-together on the subject of ‘wine’ and readings included some members’ own works, plus some from Keats, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Shakespeare, R. L. Stevenson and a short comedy by James Scotland. The next meeting will be held from 7.30-9.30pm in the village hall’s Upper Room on November 19. The subject is ‘potatoes’ and a one-act Irish comedy will be included in the readings. The December meeting, in the same venue, is on the 10th.

STICHILL

SWI

At the November meeting, Sue Alder Bateman demonstrated willow weaving. Competitions – item made on the night – 1, June Brown; 2, Yvonne Wood; 3, Margaret Cochrane; Christmas decoration – 1, Yvonne Wood; 2, Margaret Cochrane; 3, Gaynor Taylor. The raffle was won by Jean McDermid. The Christmas meal will be held at Teviot Smokery on December 1. Meet at the village hall at 12.30pm so that transport can be arranged.

Stow

AGM

Sound Out community music group is holding its AGM on November 18 at 7pm in Stow Town Hall. There will be the opportunity for the public and committee to discuss the future of the group and Stowed Out Festival.

teviothead

SWI

See Newmill section.

Traquair

Service

The next service in Traquair Kirk will be on November 22 at 10am.

Walkerburn

Service

There will be a communion service in Walkerburn Public Hall at 10am on November 15.

yarrowford

AGM

Yarrowford Public Hall AGM is on November 15 at 7pm in the premises.

YETHOLM

Gnomes

The gnomes at the far end of the village have once again been busy collecting money all summer and to date have raised £750 for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

SWI

Members hold their AGM on November 17 at 10.30am in Wauchope Hall when Claire Edgar will talk about guide dog training. Members are reminded to bring their voting sheets to this meeting.

Lunch

A village lunch will take place on November 19 at noon in Wauchope Hall – proceeds to Border Search and Rescue.

Panto

There will be a panto in the village in the New Year. Anyone interested in taking part or helping out is welcome to attend a meeting on November 19 at 7pm in Wauchope Hall.

MECHANIC ATTACKED

A mechanic sustained a broken jaw after being punched by a father and son.

Fifty-seven-year-old David Drummond and his 36-year-old son of the same name, both of Main Street, Tweedmouth, appeared on indictment and admitted assaulting a man to his severe injury.

The offence happened at East End Garage, Main Street, Chirnside, on April 10 last year.

Selkirk Sheriff Court heard on Monday how the 42-year-old mechanic had been working at the garage at around 3pm when the two men came to collect a van.

They were talking to the garage owner’s wife when the mechanic pointed out there was an extra £25 to the bill for fitting a tow bar.

“There was some dispute about this, which went on for some time,” explained prosecutor Graham Fraser.

Drummond senior punched the mechanic on the face, knocking him over, and his son also punched him.

Mr Fraser said the men were pulled off the mechanic, who suffered bruising to the side of his face, a break to his jaw and nerve damage to his face.

Solicitor Robert More. representing Drummond senior, said his client and his son had gone to pay the bill.

“They were speaking to the wife of the garage owner and there was nothing to suggest there was any difficulty,” said Mr More.

He described the mechanic as “a big man” of about 6ft 2in tall.

“He became involved when the accused were in the process of paying the bill and there was an altercation.”

Both accused remained at the garage and were there when police arrived.

Mr More said the severity of the injury was not immediately known and his client had expressed “regret and remorse”.

Drummond junior was described by his solicitor as “a caring family man”.

The lawyer went on: “He is a member of the travelling community and he and his father have been going to this garage for a number of years without incident.

“Tempers were frayed as a result of a remark attributable to the complainer,” he added.

Drummond junior was sentenced to a 12-month community payback order with supervision, and 180 hours of unpaid work.

His father had sentence deferred until November 23 for reports and a restriction of liberty assessment.

CHARGED WITH ROAD DEATH

An Innerleithen man has been charged with causing the death of a cyclist.

William Stewart, 54, who lives at Mathieson Street, Innerleithen, appeared in private before Sheriff Peter Paterson.

He is charged on petition with causing death by careless driving near Peebles last October.

He made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination of the evidence.

Stewart was released on bail.

HAWICK ASSAULT WITH BOTTLE

A 33-year-old has admitted assaulting a man with a bottle in Hawick.

Greg Bain, of Wellfield Road, Hawick, appeared on indictment and admitted assaulting a man by striking him on the head with a bottle, to his injury, at Mansfield Gardens on January 1.

Sentence was deferred until December 1 for a psychiatric report.

Fraud sale of £90 air rifle

A Walkerburn man obtained £90 by fraud, pretending he had an air rifle for sale.

Sean Mercer, 31, of Hall Street, admitted pretending he had an air rifle for sale and obtaining £90 by fraud at Torwoodlee Road, Galashiels, on October 21 last year.

He was ordered to pay £90 compensation. Mercer was also fined £100 after he admitted stealing a game controller at Tesco, Galashiels, on May 1.

ACCUSED OF LODGINGS FIDDLE

A Galashiels man has been accused of obtaining more than £3,000 hotel board without paying.

William Moffat, 48, of Abbotsford Road, is charged with obtaining £3,175 board and lodgings at The Lodge, Carfraemill, between September 7 and October 22 last year, without paying or intending to pay.

His case was continued without plea until November 23.

Shouted and swore in Gala

A Galashiels man shouted and swore in a supermarket.

William McLaughlin, 41, of Thistle Street, Galashiels, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour at Tesco, Paton Street, Galashiels, on August 30.

Sentence was deferred until November 23.

CANNABIS SUPPLIER

Police found cannabis worth up to £1,000 in a Galashiels house.

Raymond Russell, 35, of Kenilworth Avenue, Galashiels, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis at his home on December 11 last year.

“Police had a serach warrant and went to the address at about 8.35am,” explained prosecutor Graham Fraser.

“They found a number of items consistent with the use of cannabis,” he added.

“There was 72.5gms of cannabis, with a value of between £750 and £1,000, depending on the deals.

“They also found £745 cash, and I would seek forfeiture,” concluded Mr Fraser.

Defence solicitor Mat Patrick said his client had recently lost his employment with an auction house.

“He has been a significant user of cannabis for some time,” he explained.

“People knew that he would have cannabis and from time to time he would supply it.

“He does still use it from time to time, but is working towards cutting it out completely.”

Mr Patrick said Russell worked as a carer.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told the accused: “Society has taken a view that supply of a class A drug is a serious issue. This was undoubtedly a commercial operation.”

Sentence was deferred until December 21 for reports and forfeiture of the £745 cash found was granted.

GALASHIELS DRUG DEALER

A Galashiels man has admitted being concerned in the supply of diazepam.

Allan Ellis, 36, of Tulley Court, Glenfield Road West, admitted being concerned in te supply of the illegal drug at his home on October 2.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of diazepam on the same date.

Sentence was deferred until December 21 for reports, including a restriction of liberty report, and Ellis was released on bail.

A not-guilty plea from co-accused Tammy McEwan, 34, of the same address, was accepted by the Crown.

SERIES OF ASSAULTS DENIED

A series of alleged assaults in Galashiels has been denied by a local man.

Samuel Wightman, 23, of Galabank Street, Galashiels, denies breaching a bail curfew at Winston Place, Galashiels, on October 18.

He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting two men, threatening them with violence, smashing a bottle, picking up strands of glass and attempting to strike them.

Wightman further denies assaulting a woman, struggling with her and stabbing her with a piece of glass to her injury.

He also denies recklessly punching a door and windows.

Wightman has also pleaded not guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour, uttering threats to stab the occupants of a house with glass.

He denies assaulting a man, entering a taxi, and punching him.

Wightman denies shouting and swearing, and obstructing police on the same date at Galabank Street in Galashiels.

He also denies assaulting a police officer and kicking him on the thigh, and assaulting another police officer by kicking him on the leg.

Wightman will stand trial on January 21, with an intermediate hearing on December 21.

He was released on bail with a 10pm to 8 am curfew.

HEADBUTT TRIAL DATE FIXED

A Galashiels man has denied headbutting a window in the town.

Dean McCallum, 24, of Wood Street, Galashiels, also pleaded not guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour at Wood Street, Galashiels, on July 25.

He will stand trial on January 21, with an intermediate hearing on January 5.

POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUG

Forty diazepam tablets worth £20 were found in a Galashiels home.

Jasmine Lauder, 24, of Beech Avenue, Galashiels, admitted having diazepam at a house at Beech Avenue on November 28 last year.

“Police had a search warrant and found 40 tablets, worth about £20,” said prosecutor Graham Fraser.

The defence solicitor said her client had a drug addiction at the time, but had been drug-free for three months now.

Sentence was deferred for six months until May 9.

Today in rural Dorset, an elderly Borderer will receive France’s highest honour in recognition of the part he played in the Normandy Landings.

Selkirk-born Andrew Henderson, now 93 and a resident of the south coast town of Poole, will be at Sherborne Abbey to be presented with the Legion d’honneur by the French Honorary Consul – appropriately 24 hours after Britain marked Armistice Day following last weekend’s Remembrance commemorations.

Unfortunately, this annual time of remembrance has not been immune to heated debate.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn came under fire for not – in some folk’s eyes – bowing deeply enough at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, while last year Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow was criticised after condemning a trend he described as “poppy fascism”.

However, on the subject of remembrance and whatever one’s view is on wearing a poppy, remember that if it had not been for the courage of people like Andrew Henderson, many of us might not now enjoy the freedom which allows such vigorous discourse.

Hollywood movie, Saving Private Ryan, shocked with its graphic depiction of the carnage at Omaha Beach in the wartime Normandy Landings.

But Selkirk-born Andrew Henderson does not need any cinematic reminders. He has his own vivid memories of what Omaha Beach was like in those early days of June, 1944.

US forces suffered the heaviest toll from any of the five allied invasion beaches, taking almost 4,000 casualties by tea-time on D-Day, with the beach littered with hundreds of bodies, burned-out tanks, vehicles and boats.

What is much less well known, however, is that attached to the American units was a small number of Royal Air Force personnel, tasked with a vital role.

Some 180 men of the RAF’s 21-BDS (Base Defence Sector) went ashore at Omaha Beach around 5.30pm on D-Day, with others following in the days after.

The RAF men were radar and signals specialists whose role would be to help provide ground troops with the maximum protection from the Luftwaffe (German Air Force).

And in recognition of his service with 21-BDS during Operation Overlord, as the invasion of Normandy was codenamed, Andrew will today (Thursday) receive France’s highest decoration.

Andrew, who is now 93 and lives in the Dorset town of Poole, will be presented with the Legion d’honneur, along with two other Normandy veterans, at a special ceremony at Sherborne Abbey.

The ceremony is the latest in a number of special commemorations that have taken place since the 70th anniversary of D-Day last year, when French President François Hollande pledged to honour all those British veterans who had served in France during the Second World War.

The ceremony will take place during a special concert in aid of the Royal British Legion, with the French Honorary Consul presenting the medals to Andrew and his fellow Normandy veterans.

Speaking to us from his Dorset home, Andrew says he can hardly remember how he got ashore.

“I was a signals officer, I think the youngest in the unit aged just 20 or 21, and was a casualty replacement, going ashore on D-Day plus three.

“Things had quietened down a bit by then, but the Americans had been very badly shot up and there were some terrible sights.

“The Germans had been rolled back a fair bit by the time I got there, and although German shells were still occasionally landing on the beach, people had pretty much started ignoring them by then.”

While Andrew has not lived in Selkirk for many years, he will still be remembered both as a local cricketer who played for Scotland, as well as a rugby player in the town.

The Henderson family can trace its links with Selkirk back to the 1400s and Andrew’s family ran a butcher’s business, although his father will be better remembered as an optician.

Andrew considers himself a “lucky character” during the war, surviving not just the invasion of Normandy, but also such notable campaigns as the Ardennes offensive in 1944 and the Liberation of Paris.

After the war he returned to finish his university studies in chemistry and physics, gaining his PhD in 1951.

After university, a career followed with such well-known firms as Ferranti and Plessey, the latter where Andrew was chief chemist and metallurgist.

A father of four with 11 grandchildren, he has been back to Normandy nine or 10 times over the years for commemorations, including last year’s special 70th anniversary events.

And he says he is very proud to be receiving the Legion d’honneur: “The first time I went back, which was for the 50th anniversary, people in France appeared unimpressed by any of it. But by the 70th anniversary last year, that had all changed and the French people were completely involved in the commemoration events and the contribution we had made,” said Andrew, who was Mentioned in Dispatches for his part in the fighting around Bastogne during the Ardennes campaign.

Asked if he had been aware he was helping make history during the Normandy invasion, Andrew answered: “Frankly no. All anybody at that stage was really interested in was when could you get some sleep, when could you eat, how to keep dry and how to keep yourself alive.”

Galashiels will be the first Borders town to host refugees fleeing war-torn Syria under plans due to be approved tomorrow.

A report from Scottish Borders Council’s senior policy adviser Douglas Scott sets out how this region will welcome up to 10 families over the next four years.

It will be our pro-rata contribution to a programme which will see 2,000 Syrian refugees resettled in Scotland – and 20,000 across the UK – over the same period.

Mr Scott says the council is supporting the UK-wide Syrian Vulnerable Persons Scheme which prioritises women and children at risk, people in severe need of medical care and the survivors of torture and violence.

All cases will be screened by the Home Office which retains the right to reject applications on security, war crimes and other grounds.

Mr Scott acknowledges that local authorities in Scotland are in “different positions” with respect to resettling refugees.

“It is understood up to 18 local authorities [out of 32] may take refugees before Christmas, 2015, but SBC has no past experience of taking refugees or asylum seekers and would thus be one of the later local authorities to take part,” he states.

Mr Scott highlights “a number of immediate issues” which need to be addressed including the availability of housing and support services and “how to harness and coordinate the community in supporting refugees to successfully resettle and integrate into the local community.”

The report gives an update on the work already carried out by the recently established officer group, involving council services with input from NHS Borders, Border College, Police Scotland and registered social landlords.

“The group has been meeting on a weekly basis to scope out a resettlement scheme for the Borders and is liaising with the voluntary sector and other partners,” says Mr Scott.

“The group has been working through the service implications – welfare benefits, social care, education, health, language interpretation, community safety, employment and training – and is developing a plan for the resettlement of up to 10 refugee families over the next four years.

“It is proposed to begin with two families and then gradually increase the number by building on the learning process…this is in line with the approach taken by other local authorities.

“The initial location for resettling the refugee families will be Galashiels because of its good transport connections, services and support structures. It is intended other locations will be considered as part of the roll-out of the scheme.”

Councillor Frances Renton, executive member for social work, said the council and its partners were “fully committed” to assisting the Syrian refugee schemes.

“Being an area not previously involved in the relocation of refugees has meant we have taken more time to get in a position to welcome families,” said Mrs Renton.

“However, it is vital we ensure we are fully prepared and have everything in place ahead of their arrival.”

Tomorrow’s full council meeting is being asked to endorse the work of the officer group and to open negotiations with the Home Office.

ballet

November 12

ROH Live presents Viscera, Afternoon of a Faun, Tchaikovsky pas de deux and Carmen at Tower Mill, Hawick, 7.15pm. Four short ballets in one evening with a quadruple programme from The Royal Ballet. Tickets £15 (£13 concs). Call the box office on 01450 360688, or drop into the Visit Scotland desk.

theatre

November 13

Gramophones presents End to End, Ashkirk Village Hall, 7.30pm. The story of a journey made by three women from Land’s End to John O’Groats on one pound a day. Tickets £8, available on the door.

November 15

Gramophones presents End to End, St Boswells Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £8, £4 concessions.

November 18-20

Langholm Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society presents Make Way for Lucia, Buccleuch Centre, Langholm, 7.30pm. Comedy based on E. F. Benson’s hilarious novels of the 1920s and 30s. Tickets £10 (concs £8). Call the box office on 01387 381196, or see www.buccleuchcentre.com

November 19

National Theatre Live presents Of Mice And Men, Tower Mill, Hawick, 7pm. The hit Broadway production Of Mice and Men, filmed on stage in New York by National Theatre Live, comes to UK cinemas. Tickets £14 (£12 concs). Contact details as before.

music

November 12

Mairearad & Anna, Eastgate Theatre, 7.30pm. Two of Scotland’s most revered traditional musicians, Mairearad Green on accordion and bagpipes and Anna Massie on guitar, banjo and fiddle, deliver a warm, highly energetic performance. Tickets £14 (£12 concs, £5 for schoolchildren). Contact details as before.

November 13

Brodsky Quartet, Kelso Old Parish Church, Kelso, 7.30pm. One of the most inventive and adventurous quartets around. Tickets £12 (students £5, under 18s go free). For booking details visit www.kelsomusicsociety.com

November 14

Yetholm Sinfonia presents Frank James, Kelso Old Parish Church Hall, 7.30pm. See preview on p41.

November 15

Hawick Music Live! presents Hoot, Tower Mill, Hawick, 2.30pm. Scotland’s award-winning harp and flute duo, Helen MacLeod and Emma Wilkins. Tickets £10 (under 18s go free).

Open music session at the Gordon Arms, from 3pm.

Peebles Orchestra presents Sunshine in November, Eastgate Theatre, 7.30pm. With music by Weber, Brahms and Beethoven. Tickets £10 (£1 for schoolchildren). Contact details as before.

November 16

String Theory presents Rod Clements plus support, Tower Mill, Hawick, 7.30pm. Live music Mondays. Admission free.

November 19

Ragazee String Quartet, Buccleuch Centre, Langholm, 2.30pm. Young Dutch/British string quartet, acclaimed for its musical enthusiasm, talent, versatility and dynamic presentation. Tickets £12 (£10 concs, £5 for under 18s). Contact details as before.

film

November 13

Ricki and the Flash, Tower Mill, Hawick, 2.30pm, 7pm. A musician who gave up everything for her dream of rock-and-roll stardom returns home, looking to make things right with her family. Tickets £6 (£4.50 concs). Contact details as before.

November 14

Inside Out, Tower Mill, Hawick, 3pm. After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school. Tickets and contact details as before.

Slow West, Tower Mill, Hawick, 7pm. Jay Cavendish leaves Scotland in pursuit of his lost love, Rose, and is taken under the protection of mysterious traveller Silas Selleck. Tickets and contact details as before.

November 17

Miss Julie, Tower Mill, Hawick, 6pm. Over one eventful Midsummer’s Eve, aristocratic Miss Julie and her father’s servant, John, engage in a fierce psychological battle, pitting their opposing sexes and classes against one other. Tickets and contact info as before.

November 19

Leviathan, Gavinton Community Cinema, 7.30pm. Russian with English subtitles. Tickets £4.50 adults, £2.50 under 16s. (15)

exhibitions

Till November 28

Solvitur Ambulando, Mad Nomad Gallery, Hawick. New collaborative paintings: one canvas, two artists, one journey, by Catherine and Keith Ryan, as well as individual paintings, drawings and sculpture. See Mad Nomad Gallery on Facebook.

Throughout November

Galawater Camera Club, exhibition of photographs, Cloudhouse Café, Stow. People are invited to come along for light refreshments, a chat and a leisurely viewing. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm and closed on Mondays.

Till December 7

‘Spaicial Folk wi Spaicial Stories’ - Ian Landles Oral History Archive Exhibition, Heritage Hub, Tower Mill, Hawick. An exhibiton centred around retired teacher and local historian Ian Landles’ vast collection of oral histories, now part of Heritage Hub collection. Open daily from 10am.

Till December 20

Next of Kin, Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick. A picture of Scotland and personal stories of loss experienced during the First World War, told through treasured objects. Admission free.

October 10 – January 31

Between Myth and L(edge)nd, Tower Mill, Hawick, from 10am. Myths and legends inspire this mixed media exhibition by the Edge textile artists group. Contact details as before.

November 15 – January 31

After the Fall, Borders Textile Towerhouse, Hawick. Frances Teckkam showcases her unique, hand knitted pieces inspired by the seasons and natural surroundings of the Scottish Borders. Open Monday and Wednesday to Friday, 10am-4pm. Call 01450 377615 for more info, or email textiletowerhouse@scotborders.gov.uk

walk

November 14

Eildon Ramblers, Smailholm circular. Meet 10am at Smailholm Village Hall. Walk time 4.5 hrs. For more information and to register for the walkplease contact walk leader Derek Sawyers 07925 254116 or dereksawyers@mail2web.com

November 15

Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club, Southdean walk. Meet at the Council car park, Newtown St Boswells at 9.15am. Call club secretary Evelyn Horsburgh on 01750 76214 for more information.

talk

November 19

Galashiels Studio Club presents an illustrated talk by countryside illustrator Hannah Longmuir, Old Gala House, 7.30pm. Members free, visitors £4. New members always welcome. Enquiries please telephone 01896 820023.

wine tasting

November 13

Annual wine tasting event with Villeneuve wines in the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles. A great opportunity to try some of the award-winning wines, ports, sherries, beers, whiskies and more from Villeneuve’s extensive range. Tickets are priced £20. Contact 01721 725777, or see www.eastgatearts.co.uk See www.villeneuvewines.co.uk for further information.

A Galashiels businessman has poured cold water on claims his town has been given a retail boost by the Borders Railway.

“If anyone thought the trains would make this town a magnet for city shoppers, they were very much mistaken,” said Raymond Hamilton, who runs a soft furnishing outlet in Channel Street’s pedestrianised area.

He was responding to comments in last week’s Southern by Borders MP Calum Kerr who said traders in Galashiels had reported a big jump in trade and that the railway was “the biggest success in decades for the Borders”.

“That might be the case for some in the hospitality trade, but I believe even that is falling off along with the novelty value of the railway for visitors,” said Mr Hamilton.

“What hasn’t fallen off, however, is the number of locals who are using the train to do their shopping in Edinburgh, leaving shopkeepers here really suffering.

“There was an increase in footfall in the town centre in the first three weeks after the line opened [on September 6], but that has steadily decreased and now it’s worse than it was before the railway came.

“Most days you could fire a bullet down Channel Street and not hit anybody. That’s how bad things have got and I know many of my fellow traders around here feel the same. They have never known things to be this desperate and are genuinely worried about the future.

“The number of empty shops is already a great disincentive for visiting shoppers

and I fear this will get worse which means more folk will be boarding the train to Edinburgh. You can’t blame them.”

Local MSP Christine Grahame MSP is also keen to improve the shopping experience in Galashiels, but believes parking is a major problem.

This week she has written to Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker to ask that parking charges be removed from the town’s High Street car park for the whole of December.

Ms Grahame said she had been contacted by constituents concerned about drivers stopping for long periods on town centre streets to the detriment of local businesses.

“I can imagine an awful lot of people simply won’t pay to park in Galashiels and, indeed, may travel elsewhere to do their shopping,” she told us.

A report to last week’s meeting of SBC’s executive revealed that shop front improvement grants worth £42,000 had been approved so far this year to support 24 properties in Galashiels.

“Works to buildings are now beginning to make a difference to the town centre,” stated the report.

Police are encouraging the public to be vigilant following reports of bogus workmen operating in the area.

They believe the men are targeting elderly residents and are asking for the public’s help to trace them.

Three men called at properties in Kingsland Road, Selkirk, and Abbotslea in Tweedbank last Thursday.

They were able to inspect the roofs for defects on some properties after gaining the trust of homeowners.

Afterwards they stated that they had found either loose tiles or produced a piece of rotten/damp wood.

On some occasions they have managed to access the roof space via the attic before arranging an appointment to come back on the following day. The men, however, were unable to produce suitable identification and no money was exchanged.

Police believe the same men have been operating in the area for months and are targeting elderly residents.

A thorough investigation is now underway and anyone who has any relevant information that can help identify the unsolicited callers is asked to come forward.

The men, in their late 20s and early 30s, are travelling in a white-coloured Transit Van and a white-coloured Citroen Berlingo with ladders on the roof.

Detective Constable Elizabeth Miller ,who works in the CID, said: “Fortunately, the homeowners did the right thing and refused to hand over any money.

“Instead, they contacted the police and we are now pursuing various lines of inquiry in order to trace these men.

“From the descriptions given and the similarities in their action, there is a strong chance that these men may be responsible for at least one other report related to bogus workmen in the area.”

Whether covering a national book event or grabbing an exclusive interview with Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, the youngsters behind the VOMO project are certainly giving this region’s youth a voice of its own.

For over a decade now, VOMO (Voice of My Own) has been helping young people in the Borders use the medium of the moving image in a series of short films to tell the world what they feel strongly about.

Able to call on experienced film makers, TV and radio producers and youth workers, VOMO gives young people up to the age of 25 the opportunity to learn the skills of professional production - scripts, storyboarding, locations, technical and legal stuff, editing, graphics, directing and acting.

And since the summer, the latest in state-of-the-art equipment has seen the production of a web-based weekly TV news broadcast from new studio premises at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels.

The station www.vomo.tv was launched after the award-winning youth film group received funding from Creative Scotland.

VOMO project manager Robert Sproul-Cran is amazed by the station’s rapid progress. “Our first programme went out about the end of June, beginning of July, after we were able to acquire cutting-edge technology that only hit the market this year and which allows us to do multi-camera mixing.

“The result was that, suddenly, overnight, VOMO was able to produce studio programmes and cut between cameras for a truly professional output.

“The youngsters are filmed against a green screen and then the footage can be dropped into a range of virtual studio settings.

“It means in under a year, VOMO is offering something only previously available at colleges in Edinburgh and Glasgow, if at all.

“This is not only a Scotland first, but I would think almost certainly a first for the UK as well.”

VOMO TV’s weekly news report is recorded on a Friday afternoon covering developments through the week, as well as previewing what the weekend and following week has in store. Between 20 and 30 young people are involved and recently its young news crew covered the opening of the new Borders Railway, and managed to snatch that exclusive interview with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon right under the noses of the national and international media pack.

{https://vimeo.com/144916474|Watch VOMO TV video|link to video}

VOMO TV’s Facebook page has received praise from Vietnam, Africa and the USA. Now the aim is to build up a number of self-contained ‘news units’ to cover such locations as Peebles and Eyemouth, creating original content and sending it in for broadcast.

“Because we record the programmes in one take, it is ‘live’ in a sense,” explained Robert. “And VOMO also still produces specific short films if there is particular subject people want to cover or a certain group wants to make one.”

The weekly programmes, which are upload to the web channel on a Saturday, are accompanied by a piece of original music - the current score being a specially composed track from local young musicians and recorded at the Indigo Rooms nightclub in Galashiels.

Robert believes the new station will lead to long term benefits for the Borders. He said: “Our young talent has always had to leave the area to be trained, and then stay away to find a job. Even worse, many young people couldn’t even get training places because they had no chance to gain the experience they needed for their CVs.

“Now the young people of the Borders are gaining experience of live vision mixing unavailable anywhere else in Scotland. VOMO’s achievements are being recognised, and that’s fantastic news for the prospects of our young people. And they are taking to the technology with total confidence.”

Project co-ordinator Lisa Cowan agrees: “To the young people of the Borders I’d say - this is your TV station, and it’s run by young people. Come and get involved, either from the Galashiels studio or from your own part of the Borders. You can contact us through the website, or just come along on a Friday afternoon.”

“VOMO has always believed in supporting young people and offering them opportunities to help them realise their potential, regardless of the challenges they face. VOMO makes it possible for young people to have a louder voice in their community and discover and develop their skills and abilities.”

Other opportunities may include a weekly soap opera, comedy show, chat show, book programme or a weekly report from a sports club. VOMO TV will give anything a go.

The funding for VOMO TV has come from a number of sources, including £10,000 from the Big Lottery; £50,000 from the Cashback for Communities scheme, through Creative Scotland, as well as £100,000 from Creative Scotland’s Time To Shine project.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Communities, says portfolio managers at Creative Scotland and other funding bodies clearly hold VOMO in high regard.

“I see this as the start of some very exciting developments as VOMO creates a new structure and new way of sharing its message with the public,” she added.

l Any young people interested in experiencing the world of TV can contact Lisa Cowan at lisa.cowan@scotborders.