After starting the campaign with three straight wins, including two 8-0 whitewashes, defending champions Royal Burgess have suffered back-to-back blows in the Clarity Edinburgh Summer League.

First they suffered a rare home defeat at the Barnton – Turnhouse inflicting that with a hard-earned 4.5-3.5 victory – and that was followed by a 7-1 hammering at Royal Musselburgh.

The double disappointment has left Turnhouse as the favourities to top Group A, with Olly McCrone bagging eagles at both the sixth and ninth as he clinched their victory at Royal Burgess.

Royal Musselburgh were delighted with their triumph over the title holders, especially as it was badly needed following a defeat at Prestonfield in their previous outing.

Bruntsfield Links, the 2014 winners, look as though they have their sights set on a strong title challenge this season, having improved their position at the top of Section B with an eye-catching 6-2 success at West Linton.

Results

Prestonfield 5, Royal Musselburgh 3: C Cheape lost to C Ratcliffe 5&4; G Dear bt S Cunningham 4&3; L Blyth lost to C Macrae 4&3; K Wood lost to A McLean 2&1; J Binning bt K Young 6&5; A McHardy bt C Johnston 5&3; G Moran bt A Hall 4&3; S Johnston bt C Johnstone one hole.

Longniddry 5, Newbattle 3: M Bacigalupo bt S Thorburn 4&3; D Connolly bt G Thorburn one hole; J Watt halved with C Church; C Farrell lost to S Stables 5&4; N Aiken bt S Simpson 6&5; D Martin lost to S Rutherford 4&3; K Girdler halved with G Reid; F Johnston bt C Surgeon 8&6.

Merchants 3.5, Glencorse 4.5: A Helm lost to S McGarvey 4&3; R Craig halved with Jordan Lamb; G Muir bt A Shanks 2&1; A George lost to D Thomson 3&2; P Wilson bt J Laing 3&2; D Francis bt Josh Lamb 3&2; F Smith lost to E Walker 6&5; G Stevenson lost to P Lamb 6&5.

West Linton 4.5, Broomieknowe 3.5: S Walter lost to J McIntosh 4&3; A Stott bt A Sim 3&2; D Coyle lost to K Hastings 4&3; S Mackay bt S Porter 2&1; A Young lost to W Henderson one hole; C Coyle halved with S Marc; P Neil bt J Ross 4&3; C Taylor bt S Beck 4&2.

West Linton 2, Bruntsfield Links 6: S Walter bt S McLaren one hole; A Stott lost to K Cattanach 4&2; D Coyle lost to A Anderson one hole; S Mackay lost to E McIntosh one hole; J Grahame lost to J Liddel 4&3; P Neil lost to D McIntosh 5&4; N Barr bt K MacKenzie 4&3; S Walker lost to M Kernaghan 4&2.

Royal Musselburgh 7, Royal Burgess 1: C Ratcliffe bt J Lockie 3&2; A Brooks bt J Fraser 2&1; R Colquhoun lost to M Pennycott one hole; B Fairgrieve bt S Cochrane two holes; C Mackie bt V Varadharajan one hole; C Johnstone bt A Rigby 5&4; S Cunningham bt G Pollock 2&1; R Barnes bt B Tait 5&3.

Glencorse 6, Merchants 2: S McGarvey halved with A Helm; P Stewart halved with R Craig; Josh Lamb lost to M Leitch 4&2; A Shanks bt G Muir 4&3; D Thomson bt A George 4&3; Justin Lamb bt A Brown 3&2; E Walker bt C Hall 6&5; Jordan Lamb bt F Smith 5&4.

Royal Burgess 3.5, Turnhouse 4.5: S Buckley lost to E McIntosh one hole; J Lockie losy to L Bain 7&5; J Fraser bt J McVey 3&2; G Archibald bt C Davidson 3&2; M Pennycott bt L Gordon 2&1; V Varadharajan lost to A Young 4&2; S Cochrane halved with O McCrone; J Yuille lost to S Armstrong 3&2.

Mortonhall 4.5, Broomieknowe 3.5: I Dickson bt A Sim two holes; R Paterson lost to S Beck two holes; W Kerr halved with K Smith; D Hamilton bt J McIntosh 6&5; S Cochran bt J Ross 2&1; G Clark lost to S Marc 4&2; C Timms bt K Hastings one hole; A Hogg lost to C Renton 7&6.

Swanston New 5, Musselburgh 3: R Fergus lost to B McLeod 3&2; A Ellis bt M Chambers 5&4; M Evans bt J Noon by a walkover; D Melville lost to J Wright 3&2; C McArthur lost to I Fyfe one hole; M Campbell bt C Burgess one hole; C Mackinnon bt C Henderson 3&2; S Fergus bt L Shepherd two holes.

Baberton 7, Liberton 1: C Malone halved with K Cantley; S Robert bt J Chainey 5&4; D Waugh halved with G Scott; S Marshall bt G Emmerson 4&3; F McCall bt S Dickson one hole; T Cannon bt D Rennie 4&3; K Messer bt D Eardley 3&2; J Downie bt J Butler 5&4.

Murrayfield 5.5, Kingsknowe 2.5: D Marshal lost to A Mackay one hole; A Thurlow bt G Malone 4&3; A Ni bt S Connell 4&2; L Black lost to D Munro 5&4; S McKay halved with B Buchan; C Whyte bt G Muir 7&6; B Gibson bt M Cairnie 2&1; P Lawrence won 4&2.

Silverknowes 3.5, Duddingston 4.5: A Dick bt G Thomson one hole; T Caldwell bt C Hay 2&1; K Reilly bt M Armstrong 2&1; B Carswell lost to S Smith 2&1; J Keggie lost to P Heggie 3&2; I Doig lost to S Dickson 3&2; M Paterson lost to G Santana 5&4; K Alexander halved with D Williams.

bowden

Cafe

The next community cafe will be held in the village hall from 11am-noon on Wednesday, June 15.

caddonfoot

Parish church

The Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted the service on Sunday. The Bible reading was delivered by Bill Birch, and music played by Andy and Catriona Bird. Bible study during the summer months will be held in Caddonfoot Church. There is a trial opening of the church this week – volunteers should contact Irene Bruce. The gardens at Yair House were open under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on Sunday, with part of the proceeds going to the church. A few members of the congregation added their support. This Sunday’s service will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods, from Earlston, following the Local Congregational Review, and members are asked to attend early (from 9am) to chat to the minister, who would like to talk to as many as possible.

cappercleuch

Fun day

The village hall and St Mary’s Sailing Club will join forces on Saturday, June 11, from 2pm with a fun day at the sailing club field, St Mary’s Loch. The event, open to all, includes stalls, barbecue and a bar, plus races games and challenges.

earlston

Lunch club

Proceedings began with a hairdressing demonstration by Morag from Aquarious Hairdressers and one of the club members had her hair done. After lunch there was a game of indoor golf and the winner was Mrs M. Greenshields. The club was saddened by the loss of one of its members, May Cessford, last month. It is grateful to her family for a donation of £407. The next club gathering is Thursday, June 9.

Parish church

The service at 10.15pm on Sunday, June 12, will be conducted by members of the worship team. Holy communion will be celebrated on Sunday, June 19, at 10.15am.

Wednesday Club

Hostess Mrs S. McKay opened the latest meeting, welcoming members before entertaining them with a slide show entitled “Auld Earlston Part Two”. It brought back lots of memories and laughs. Competition – evening bag – 1, Ms K. Brownlie; 2, Mrs W. Henderson; 3, Mrs A. Penman. The next meeting is the annual trip – this year to Barony Castle to see the Great Polish Map of Scotland made by Polish soldiers. The bus will leave The Square at 12.15pm.

Eckford

Path launch

Impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner will launch the newly-created Jubilee Path linking the three villages in the Crailing, Eckford and Nisbet Community Council area on Friday, June 17, at 10am in The Loaning, Eckford.

Strawberry fair

A strawberry fair will be held in the village hall on Sunday, June 12 (11am-3pm).

galashiels

St Peter’s Church

Thursday, June 9 – 10am, communion in church hall, followed by study group and soup lunch. Saturday, June 11 – 12.30pm, soup and pud lunch. Sunday, June 12 – 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist followed, by coffee and chat; 6pm, healing and anointing service. Monday, June 13 – 11am, communion at Oakwood Park. Thursday, June 16 – 10am, communion in church hall, followed by study group and soup lunch.

Trinity Church

Sunday’s service was conducted by the minister, Elspeth Harley, and the music led by Dorothy Howden. Bible lessons were read by Marette Hose. Bill Cheyne announced that the coffee morning which was held on Saturday morning had raised £200. A short communion service was held at Caddonfoot Church on Sunday afternoon. On Saturday, June 11, there will be a service in the church at 8pm. This is a commissioning service for the new street pastors who will go out for the first time that evening at 10pm. On Sunday, June 12, the Reverend Julie Woods will be taking the service which will be followed by a lunch and local review in the hall. The kirk session will meet on Tuesday, June 14, at 7pm in the small hall.

glendouglas

Whist

The monthly whist drive will be held on Monday, June 13, at 7.30pm. Entry, £2, includes supper.

jedburgh

Bridge club

May 30 – 1, J. and M. Miller; 2, J. Bridger and A. N. Other; 3, J. Urquhart and J. Kyle; 4, M. Weightman and H. Long.

kelso

Sinfonia

Yetholm Sinfonia Wind Soloists presented an evening of entertainment to mark the 200th anniversary of Kelso Town Hall on Sunday. The opportunity to see the council chamber in the setting where concerts were regularly held during the early 20th century was celebrated in style with a memorable performance. Proceeds for this event are being donated to the Yetholm Macmillan committee.

Roxburgh Singers

The Roxburgh Singers performed Haydn’s “Creation” to appreciative audiences in Melrose Parish Church and St Andrew’s in Kelso. Directed by Marion Dodd, with an orchestra led by Cath Cormie and three soloists – Aimee Toshney (soprano), John Findon (tenor) and James Letham (baritone) – the performance was acclaimed as “polished”, “magic” and “very professional”. There will be a donation to TD1 Radio from the charity performance at Kelso. The Roxburgh Singers are looking for others to join them. They rehearse in Hawick (Drumlanrig School) on Mondays at 7.30m. Anyone interested should contact Margaret Moyes on 01750 22418 for further information.

Bridge club

Wednesday, June 1 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Joyce Thomson and Helenor Pratt; 2 (equal), Dominic and Diana Alkin, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; E/W – 1, Sheena McPherson and Sheila Urquhart; 2, Ian and Eliz Ross; 3, Brian

Turn to page 46

From page 45

Saywood and Ken Ross. June 2 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson; 2, Mary and Nigel Lindsay; 3, Stuart Graham and Jim Stone; E/W – 1, Brian Saywood and Sheila Urquhart; 2, Marion Miller and Chris Anthony; 3, James Tweddle and Bill Elliot.

LANGHOLM

Fun day

The local Co-op held a fun day, with entertainment lasting several hours. The proceeds were shared between the British Red Cross and several local charities, and the Co-op car park was a hive of activity in sunny weather. The pipe band was in attendance, and the police and fire brigade were also on hand with demonstrations. Other attractions included a bouncy castle, throwing the wet sponge, face-painting, baking stall, tombola and raffle.

Common riding

Simon Tweddle was welcomed to the common riding members’ meeting held in the Crown Hotel and was congratulated by chairman Roger Maxwell on being elected Cornet for 2016. The chairman said it was the fifth year that Simon had stood, and he had waited a long time, but maybe that would make it all the more enjoyable for him, and he could rely on the full support of members. It was agreed that the allowance for the Cornet would be increased from £850 to £900. The allowance for the Right and Left-Hand Men will also go up, from £425 to £450. The Flute Band would get £200, as they did last year, and the Town and Pipe Bands would both receive £500, with the matter of a bonus payment to be discussed at a later date. The report on the public meeting night revealed it had been reasonably well attended and there had been no complaints about the running of the Common Riding. Jimmy Hotson said it was a worrying time with the marshalling of horses at the handing in of the flag when the Cornet came into the Market Place at the end. He wondered if it was possible to have the officiating magistrate give most of his speech when the Cornet had gone to the Townfoot with the procession, so that all that would be left would be the address to the Cornet and his reply. The chairman confirmed that the matter had been discussed at length among the members. Among other things brought up by the public was the condition of the wall at the Kirk Wynd and Councillor Denis Male will be contacted about this. It was also said there were insufficient rubbish bins in the High Street as they were overflowing, and it was asked if they could be be emptied during the day. But it was agreed this was not a matter to concern members and they would write to the public houses and chip shop, asking them to consider the matter and perhaps contact the council for additional waste bins. Stephen Rae was instructed to order a new gazebo for the Highland dancing area. It was confirmed that there will be no championship at the Cumberland wrestling this year. Vice-chairman Tommy Morrison confirmed that the Castleholm was generally in good order and that fencing was being erected that week. He said the Wynd also seemed to be in reasonable condition. Only sponsors providing cash will be specifically named in the programme.

Band concert

The Town Band concert coincided with the Spring Fling when members held their event in Canonbie United Parish Church. On the Friday evening a large audience enjoyed a wide and varied selection of music. Under the baton of Chris Shanks, the band played former conductor Alan Fernie’s Paul Lovatt Cooper tribute, “Prismatic Light”, a fitting opening item. “Carindale”, a Salvation Army march from the Southern Hemisphere followed, before a complete change of tempo when principal cornet Nicole Weatherstone played “My Love is like a Red Red Rose”. The band then performed the test piece they had done in March at the Scottish championship, “A Cambrian Suite”, which has three Welsh hymns at its core. Christine Calvert entertained with the flugel solo, “Under the Boardwalk”, before the first half ended with Paul Lovatt Cooper’s “The Dark Side of the Moon”. Following the interval the Junior Band, under Christine Calvert, delighted the audience with a number of popular musical items. The youngsters rehearse every Tuesday evening and are continuing to improve, thanks to several members of the main band. Pharell Williams’ “Happy” provided a rousing start to the second half of the concert and “I Will Follow Him”, from the film Sister Act, continued the energetic theme. Jacqueline Elliot and Chris Shanks enthralled with the euphonium duet take on the classic Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli number, “ The Prayer”, “Gigue”, “Alleluia Amen”, “In God Presence” and the Jimmy Webb classic, “MacArthur Park”, brought the second half to a close. To round off the evening, a further treat for the audience was the Town Band being joined by the junior members to play The Proclaimers hit, “I’m Gonna Be ( 500 Miles)” and Alan Fernie’s “African Funk”.

lauder

Historical society

Isabel Gordon will give a presentation about “England’s Rough Wooing” on Wednesday, June 15, at 7.30pm in Lauder Youth Trust Hall. This is an open event and a non-member pays £2 at the door. Afterwards there will be tea/coffee and biscuits available for £1.

Church

There will be a joint service in Lauder Church on Sunday, June 12, from 11.30am, led by the Reverend John Shields. Within the service will be an acknowledgement of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

melrose

Parish church

Bowden and Melrose held a united service, after which a congregational meeting was held to select a nominating committee of 13 people which met the presbytery’s advisory committee on Wednesday, June 8, as the next step in the procedure for filling the vacancy. Sunday, June 12 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am – kirk session after); 7.30pm, Abbey Consort at Holy Trinity, celebrating Shakespeare.

Trimontium

You wait for ages for a bus – and then two come together. Trimontium waited 25 years for national news coverage, and then on the same day Trimontium Trust chairman John Reid was interviewed on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 (as well as Radio Wales and Radio Scotland), and he and Burnswark (site of last year’s trust dig) appeared on the front cover of the July issue of Current Archaeology magazine – with a seven-page article inside. The dig starts again this summer and BBC4 will be filming it for inclusion in the “Digging Britain” series to be shown this autumn. The trust has submitted a funding application for a museum/community extension at the Ormiston (for which an amount of match-funding will require to be raised). Thursday, June 9 – Trimontium Walk, 1.30-5.30pm.

Open day

National Care Home Open Day and June fair will be held at Grange Hall, Drygrange, on Saturday, June 18 (2-4pm). Everyone is welcome to visit the home, get a guided tour and to join in the fun of the fair. There will be afternoon tea, stalls and – hopefully – games outside, plus musical entertainment by Jackie Kerr.

morebattle

Fishing

Morebattle fishing competition took place on Saturday. Results – 1, Jim McNulty; 2, George Cessford; 3, Stuart McNulty. The Caverton Mill competition will be held on June 18. The draw takes place on June 16, in the Templehall – names to David Gray.

Blooming

Morebattle In Bloom committee members were at the Kelso-based Charity Begins At Home presentation in the Cross Keys Hotel on Sunday when they received a cheque for £500. The cash will go towards plants, tubs, etc.

Queen’s birthday

As part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, villagers are holding a garden party in the Templehall on Sunday, June 12, from 1pm – hog roast, salads, tray bakes, birthday cake, bouncy castle, face-painting, games, live music and fancy dress.

Coffee morning

Morebattle Institute’s coffee morning will be held this Saturday, June 11, at 10.30am.

Festival Week

A Festival Week meeting will be held in the village hall on Tuesday, June 14, at 7.30pm – all people and ideas welcome.

newtown

Collection

This year’s house-to-house collection in Newtown and Eildon for Christian Aid raised £867.06.

oxton

swi

Fourteen members attended the Annual Generral Meeting held on Wednesday, May 18. The previous minutes were read by Agnes Bell, president, and approved. A new committee was voted for, with Agnes remaining in post as president, Sylvia Thomson (treasurer), Wendy Gilchrist, Jackie Pinkerton and Margaret Smith making up the committee. The secretaries duties will be shared. Following the AGM, everyone enjoyed a variety of food and home-made liqueurs brought along by members to the taste and try evening. The summer outing is to Woodside Gardens on Wednesday, June 15 – bus leaves Oxton at 5.30pm.

SOUTHDEAN

Open gardens

Sunday, June 26, from 2-6pm. Starting at Southdean Hall, this is a visit a collection of local gardens, returning to the hall for a cream tea, plant stall and sale of nearly-new gardening books.

stow

Fair

A summer fair with a soup ‘n’ pud lunch will be held on Saturday, June 18, at Stow Church. The event runs between 11am and 2pm.

YETHOLM

Theatre group

Isosceles Theatre Group return to Yetholm on Thursday, June 9, at 7.30pm for a concert entitled “Probably The Best Comedy Songs in the World Ever, Maybe!!”. Tickets are £8 and can be bought at the village shop or by contacting Susan Stewart.

Festival Week

Festival Week events start on Friday, June 10, with the principals visiting the primary school in the morning and men’s darts in The Plough at 7.30pm. Programmes are on sale in the shop and butchers, with details of all events throughout the week.

A troubled teenager who sprayed blood over police officers and ambulance staff during a disturbance has been warned he faces the prospect of a custodial sentence.

The 17-year-old – who cannot be named because he’s under 18 – pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Guards Road, Coldstream, on January 30, and also at the accident and emergency department of Borders General Hospital.

The teenager also admitted a second allegation of assaulting a police constable by repeatedly head butting and kicking his arm in an ambulance.

The teenager also broke the conditions of his bail by having seven male friends in his Coldstream home.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser told Selkirk Sheriff Court that at 2.11am on January 30 police officers got a message about a disturbance in Abbey Road, Coldstream.

He explained: “Blood was found there and they followed a trail of blood which led to the accused.

“He was clearly bleeding and an ambulance contacted, but he refused to go to hospital although it was obvious he required urgent medical attention.”

The procurator fiscal added: “Efforts were made to get his foster mother to convince him to go to hospital and everyone was trying to get him to do so.

“But he sprayed his blood towards police officers and all over the emergency services vehicles and ambulance personnel.

“He was handcuffed and put in an ambulance, but he lashed out at an ambulance worker and constable with his arms and head, and had to be restrained with straps.”

Mr Fraser said: “He spat over the interior of the vehicle and a spithood was applied to his head.

“This had been going on for two hours and it was 4am when they arrived at Borders General Hospital.”

Mr Fraser went on: “He continued to shout and swear when there were sick patients there and refused to be calmed down or X-rayed.”

The fiscal added: “He was told he was being arrested and he fell asleep.”

Mr Fraser told the hearing the severity of the injury, which was a cut on his right thumb, required him to be referred to St John’s Hospital in Livingston for specialist treatment.

The teenager’s lawyer, Ed Hulme, said his client had taken an excess of alcohol and had no recollection of the events, adding: “He has stopped drinking spirits and only drinks lager one night at weekends.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson called for a restriction-of-liberty assessment to be prepared to see “if there is an alternative to a custodial sentence”.

Sentence was deferred until July 4.

A Peebles teenager snapped when his mother refused to go to a shop and buy him cigarettes, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Peter Morey was described as being “immature” and having “a lamentable attitude” towards his mother.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour by shouting and swearing, throwing furniture across a room and repeatedly slamming doors, causing damage in the family home in Dalatho Crescent on November 3.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the disturbance started at about 9.30pm when Morey demanded his mother go to the shop to buy cigarettes for him.

When she refused he started swearing at her and turned over a sofa and clothes drier.

Mr Fraser said he continued to direct abuse towards his 38-year-old mum who was forced to call her 65-year-old mother for help, but even when she arrived Morey refused to calm down.

He continued: “He abused his grandmother as well and eventually the police were called. He left with a holdall full of clothes. The mother and grandmother were visibly upset at what had taken place.

“He was later traced by police.

“I understand he was working for a while at a delicaetessen, but was sacked because of his attitude.”

Mr Fraser told the hearing: “He has been offered a council house in Hawick, but wants one in Peebles where his friends are and he can go to Edinburgh.”

Mr Fraser said Morey’s mother had expressed concern about his alcohol consumption.

The procurator fiscal added added that the accused had a “lamentable attitude” towards his mother.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “The eruption in the house had been building up for some time. It did not take much for him to lose his temper and control.

“He is an intelligent young man and is well aware that the behaviour is not acceptable.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson called Morey “immature” with an “appalling attitude”, adding: “I am going to call for background reports here to see if there is an alternative to a prison sentence.”

He ordered a criminal justice social work report to be prepared and deferred sentence until July 4.

A Galashiels man who breached his ASBO (antisocial behaviour order) by swearing loudly in the casualty department of Borders General Hospital has been jailed for four months.

Scott Morrison, who is 29, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on Monday morning.

Hours later he appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court where he was told by Sheriff Peter Paterson: “Conduct of this sort in hospital is not acceptable.”

The court heard that Morrison had been taken to hospital at around 10pm on Sunday for treatment to a cut on his left hand.

He was placed in a cubicle with a female friend, but despite several warnings would not stop swearing despite there being other patients around and children.

Solicitor Ross Dow, for Morrison, said the swearing was not directed at anyone, but that his client was annoyed at himself for cutting himself.

Mr Dow added: “He was under the influence of alcohol and did not realise he was so loud.”

Sheriff Paterson said: “The ASBO is there for a very good reason. There is no alternative to custody.”

A Galashiels man found in possession of an axe in a street has been ordered to stay in his home address between the hours of 7pm and 6am for the next year.

Wayne Stillwell, 27, was found guilty after a trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court of having the sharply-pointed blade in the Huddersfield Street area of Galashiels.

The offence happened on the morning of December 28.

The accused was given a restriction-of-liberty order keeping him indoors at his uncle’s Church Street home at night-time.

MAN UNABLE TO ATTEND COURT

Sentence has again been deferred on a 23-year-old offender who used racially-offensive language towards a man in a Galashiels bar after it emerged he has broken both his legs in a car accident.

Ryan Brodie, of Corton House, Ayr, admitted acting in a racially-aggravated manner at Reivers Sports Bar in High Street on September 8. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman there.

Brodie admitted spitting at a female in Market Square, Galashiels, and acting in a racially-aggravated manner, intending to cause alarm to another woman, a few hours later.

Brodie also pleaded guilty to a further complaint of assaulting an employee to his injury at Reivers Bar on September 13.

Sentence was originally deferred until April 25 to await the outcome of another case involving Brodie at Ayr Sheriff Court.

At his last court hearing details of the car accident emerged and sentence was deferred for an update. Selkirk Sheriff Court was told on Monday that Brodie is in a wheelchair with casts on both legs and unable to attend court.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until August 1.

PRIVATE HEARING

A 21-year-old man appeared in private at Selkirk Sheriff Court on a charge of theft by housebreaking.

Brendan Watson, of St Andrew’s Way, Gorebridge, is accused of committing the offence at premises in Galashiels last November. He made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination.

Watson was released on bail by Sheriff Peter Paterson.

BIRTHDAY IN COURT

A Hawick man marked his 64th birthday last Thursday by appearing in court from custody.

Thomas Laidlaw is accused of wilfully or recklessly puncturing the tyre of a vehicle parked outside a neighbour’s house in Wilton Crescent, Hawick, last Wednesday. He is also charged with being in possession of a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Laidlaw was held overnight before appearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court the following morning.

Laidlaw pleaded not guilty to both charges and a trial date was fixed for July 26, with an intermediate hearing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on June 27.

He was released on bail by Sheriff Kevin Drummond.

BUST-UP WITH EX-PARTNER

A Hawick man who was involved in a bust-up with his former partner has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Forty-seven-year-old Christopher Cooper – who has previous convictions for domestic abuse – pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing and refusing to leave a house in Fairhurst Drive, Hawick, on December 27.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard that Cooper turned up at her door drunk, demanding entry and when he became aggressive she dialled 999.

Cooper told officers that they were just arguing.

Mat Patrick, defending, said his client had not had an alcoholic drink since the offence.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Cooper, of Wallace Court, Hawick, that the rest of the community did not need to share his problems.

MOTORING OFFENCES

A motorist appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and admitted committing a string of offences in Kelso.

Thirty-seven-year-old Stephen Sansom drove while disqualified, with no insurance and failed to give a preliminary breath test in Dryinghouse Lane on Tuesday last week.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to give two breath samples at Hawick police station.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond called for background reports and imposed an interim driving ban.

Sansom, from the Killingworth area of Newcastle, will re-appear for sentence in June 27.

BACKGROUND REPORTS

Background reports have been ordered into a Jedburgh man who admitted being involved in a domestic disturbance.

Craig Stevens, of Howden Road, appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting and swearing and kicking and breaking a door.

The incident happened at a house in Grieve Avenue, Jedburgh, on Sunday.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond called for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared and deferred sentence until July 11.

Forty-eight-year-old Stevens was released on bail with special conditions not to enter Grieve Avenue or contact a named woman.

TWO-MONTH TRIAL DELAY

The trial of a Jedburgh motorist accused of endangering the safety of emergency services personnel by ignoring road-closure signs during heavy flooding has been delayed for two months.

Jane Brewis, 50, is accused of committing the offence during a period of severe flooding in the Borders.

She appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court where she maintained her not-guilty plea to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct on December 6.

It is alleged she ignored road-closure signs as she headed towards Kelso and had to be rescued from the River Teviot after her vehicle was washed into the water before becoming wedged between two trees.

However, her trial could not go-ahead due to the non-availability of a key witness and a new date was fixed for August 9.

NIGHTCLUB ASSAULT

Headbutting a teenager in a Galashiels nightclub cost a Clovenfords teenager £400.

Karis Hislop, of Todburn Way, pleaded guilty to repeatedly headbutting 19-year-old Craig Munro to his injury at The Warehouse in Overhaugh Street on May 8.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the victim had been at Selkirk Sevens and had gone to Galashiels for a night out and was in the nightclub at 3am.

He continued: “For reasons totally unknown, the accused walked into the booth and twice headbutted Mr Munro to the face.

“It left him with a laceration to the face which he was bleeding from.

“Mr Munro was taken to Borders General Hospital where he had five stitches inserted in a three-centimetre laceration above the right eye.”

The incident was caught on CCTV and when traced by police Hislop said he had been very drunk.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said the pair were known to each other several years ago, so it was not a random stranger, but his client had no recollection of the attack.

He added: “He was very stupid.”

Hislop, 18, who works as a waiter, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £200 compensation to his victim.

CHEQUE CRIME BACKFIRED

An Innerleithen woman was conned out of £650 in a car purchase by Gordon Grant who knew his cheque would bounce.

But his con backfired on him as, following a police investigation, it was found he was driving while disqualified and with no insurance when he visited the property in Horsburgh Street in February 2013.

Grant, 32, of no fixed abode, was ordered to pay £400 compensation to the woman and ordered to carry out 70 hours’ unpaid work for the motoring offences.

In addition, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Borders MP Calum Kerr has donated a quad bike he won at the Duns Summer Festival last year to the Stable Life charity based at Dryden.

“Stable Life is an amazing charity which supports young people who are experiencing various challenges in their lives and, as a result, find fitting into a school routine overwhelming,” said Calum.

“Working with Stable Life’s outstanding staff, referred children can achieve great results through helping to care for and understand the horses and ponies there and, by building on their achievements, they can gain the confidence they need to face the world again.

Explaining how he became the owner of a Polaris quad bike, Calum said: “Last year, when I was at Duns Agricultural Show I bought some tickets for a raffle that the Duns Summer Festival Committee were running as a fundraiser. Incredibly, I was fortunate enough to win the bike!

“I decided that such an amazing prize should benefit a worthy cause and so I started to look around for a charity or organisation who could make good use of it. Having visited Stable Life previously, I decided to ask if they would like it and they were very happy to accept.

Nicola Glendinning, the driving force behind the project, said: “The bike will be incredibly useful for accompanying rides out onto the hill and we will be able to load it with packed lunches for longer excursions.”

The Royal Highland Show (June 23-26), has announced that it has raised almost £450k in sponsorship for the 2016 event, with title sponsor, The Royal Bank of Scotland, continuing to support the Show and the agricultural industry in Scotland.

A number of other major sponsors - Heineken, Marks & Spencer, Greenspan Energy, ScottishPower, McDermott Group and Quality Meat Scotland - have confirmed their renewed support for the event, which attracted over 180,000 visitors in 2015. Peter D. Stirling has increased its sponsorship this year, making the company a new major sponsor, and the Gillespie Family will mark their 38th year as a loyal supporter of the Show in the show jumping competition.

The event has welcomed a number of new sponsors including: The Scottish Salmon Company, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, Highland Spring, Fisher Paykal, Strathallan Events, Easterton Stables, Scottish Beef Association, Odysseus Capital Management, Dengie, RD Sports horses, MacMillan Land and Newark Livestock Mart.

A new element of the Show this year, an overall prize in the Scottish Cheese, Scottish Ice Cream, and Scottish Butter Championships, will be sponsored by Lactallis McLelland, which continues its sponsorship under its Seriously Strong Cheddar brand.

Willie Gill, RHASS Chairman, said: “As a registered charity, the Society relies on this sponsorship to put on the Show. The overwhelming support we receive from our sponsors year on year is testament to the popularity of the Royal Highland Show and its reputation for being the place to do business. The 35 years of support from the Royal Bank of Scotland is really a testament to their commitment to the rural and agricultural community in Scotland.”

MSP John Lamont hopes the decision to extend the deadline for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments to farmers will not be used as an excuse for more delays in the Borders region.

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, announced his intention to extend the cut-off point from June 30 to October 15.

Mr Hogan said it was an “exceptional measure” and an “unprecedented level of flexibility” for member states, including Scotland, that have struggled to process the vital payments on time.

This means that the Scottish Government will likely avoid fines of up to £125 million that could have been imposed if 95% of farm payments were not made by June 30.

In the Borders, farming businesses were due over £50m in payment last December.

Mr Lamont said this week: “Today’s news cannot be used as an excuse for any further delays in the distribution of CAP payments to farmers in the Borders.”

Elsewhere, NFU Scotland’s chief executive Scott Walker voiced a similar opinon: “Any deadline shift must not be used as an excuse by the Scottish government in delaying the payment of outstanding 2015 monies any further.”

Councillors are to be given the chance to pull the plug on controversial plans to site a £6m centre housing the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Tweedbank.

They will be offered the option of voting to create a home for the tapestry at nearby Galashiels instead or scrapping the project altogether.

Other suggested locations for the proposed centre including Selkirk and Hawick have been ruled out, however.

A decision on the fate of the project will now be made in August.

The construction of the centre at Tweedbank had looked to be a done deal after planning consent for it was granted last October, and work was expected to have started in February, but controversy over the council’s choice of site has continued to rage ever since.

That dissent has led to the Scottish Government refusing to commit the £2.5m stake in the project it had provisionally offered to Scottish Borders Council until the plans have undergone further scrutiny.

A spokesman for the council said: “We continue to work with the Scottish Government to carry out the necessary due diligence work for the Great Tapestry of Scotland site at Tweedbank.

“The Tweedbank site has many advantages. It is very close to the Borders Railway and located in an ideal location for the road network.

“The public transport provision by bus at Tweedbank is also excellent, and the site provides high-quality pedestrian and cycle routes.

“Tweedbank’s proximity to Melrose, Galashiels and Abbotsford House, along with excellent road links to the rest of the Borders, is one of the key reasons why the site was chosen.

“The figures published this week which show Tweedbank has had 184,000 passenger journeys since the railway opened – 10 times the original estimate – demonstrate a real desire to use the railhead.

“The tapestry being located in Tweedbank would provide a critical tourist hub for the whole of the Borders and would provide other facilities that would benefit visitors and regular users of the railway alike.

“In recent months, a new opportunity has arisen to consider the location of the tapestry in an alternative development in central Galashiels. Buildings have recently become available that were not vacant when the council carried out its original assessment of Galashiels.

“At present, the council is carefully assessing whether recent developments provide the potential for an alternative location to house the tapestry in Galashiels town centre.

“This opportunity may create an important tourist attraction for the town and at the same time develop a significant regeneration project for the centre of Galashiels.

“Work on Tweedbank and the emerging possibility of Galashiels being the location for the tapestry will continue over the summer, and in August a detailed report will come to councillors.

“This will give Councillors the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with Tweedbank or whether to progress with a project in Galashiels, if it proves viable.

“Councillors will also have the opportunity to cancel the project in August, if they so wish.”

A private report will be presented to councillors on Wednesday, June 29, giving them a detailed update on the project ahead of the meeting the month after at which its fate will be sealed.

Tapestry trustees’ spokesman Alistair Moffat added: “Tweedbank remains the preferred site for the home of the Great Tapestry of Scotland as the trustees believe that a very innovative and strong proposal has been developed.

“Following discussions with the council, the trustees are open-minded about considering a Galashiels option, if it proves deliverable and financially viable.

“The trustees are very clear that no other Borders site, apart from one in Tweedbank or Galashiels, would be acceptable as it is critical that the tapestry visitor centre has the best road access possible and is within walking distance of the railway station at Tweedbank or Galashiels.”

The 469ft-long tapestry, claimed to be the longest of its kind in the world, is made up of 160 embroidered cloth panels depicting dates of interest in Scotland’s history.

It was designed by Andrew Crummy, based on an idea by author Alexander McCall Smith, and sewn by more than 1,000 volunteers.

It has never had a permanent home but has been exhibited all over Scotland since its creation in 2013 at towns and cities including Ayr, Paisley, New Lanark, Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Stirling.

With Common Riding season now well under way picture entries are being sought for this year’s Alastair Watson Memorial Award.

The annual photography competition is now in its third year with previous winners from Coldstream and Galashiels. The contest was launched by colleagues of Borders photographer Alastair Watson who died in 2013. Alastair lived in Coldstream and worked for the Tweeddale Press Group for almost four decades. Covering border common ridings and festivals was a major part of Alastair’s work and colleagues felt this would be a suitable topic to be the subject of a competition aimed at recognising young photographers.

Entries should be a photograph, with accompanying caption, that features a common riding or summer festival activity. One photograph per entrant should be emailed to kimberley.powell@jpress.co.uk before the closing date of September 1.

Make sure to include the entrant’s full name, address, date of birth, and contact telephone details for a parent or guardian.

Entries will be judged by a panel of Borders-based NUJ members with the winner being awarded a £50 cash prize as well as the trophy to keep for the year.

A unique document of the horrors soldiers experienced in the trenches of the First World War is to be shown in Hawick this summer.

Imperial War Museums (IWM), Live Borders Archive service and Local History Centre, The Heritage Hub, are working together to show the UNESCO-listed film The Battle of the Somme, from 1916.

The film was the first feature-length documentary about war, and changed the way both cinema and film was perceived by the public.

In the year of its release around 20 million people, almost half the population of Britain at the time, watched The Battle of the Somme, many hoping to see the image of a loved-one, or friend captured on film.

One hundred years later, this unique film is being shown to commemorate the centenary of the battle.

The silent film will be accompanied by Laura Rossi’s score, which was commissioned to mark that 90th anniversary.

Archive manager Paul Brough says “Even in ‘a war to end all wars” the Battle of the Somme commands attention, epitomising the failure to learn which characterises the first half of the First World War. Though the Somme was not a key factor in the Scottish Borders’ war experience we believe that viewing this film from 1916 is essential to a proper understanding of the conflict.”

Screenings will take place at the Heritage Hub, Heart of Hawick, on Friday, July 8 from 7pm and on Saturday, July 9 from 2.30pm.

There will also be an opportunity to view an exhibition created by Gateways to the First World War entitled Cinema during the First World War, which will run from July 8-29.

The Heritage Hub, along with Live Borders Museum and Library Services, are currently engaged in a two-year project, Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of World War One, which will provide a lasting commemorative record of the First World War and its legacy for the Borders.

The project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Armed Forces Covenant, aims to digitally preserve material relating to individual experiences of the war.

There will be a selection of Scottish Borders stories on display at the event and the project welcomes any further contributions of material from the public.

These screenings are free but space is limited.

To book your place, or for more information about the Saving and Sharing project, please contact the Heritage Hub on 01450 360699 or at: http://www.liveborders.org.uk/libraries_and_archives/archives

On August 18 1965, the boxing legend Muhammad Ali landed at Glasgow airport for a short stay in Scotland.

Known then as Cassius Clay, he was in Paisley to take part in a promotional fight with Jimmy Ellis at Paisley Ice Rink.

Although the crowds did not turn out in great numbers to see Ali then, those that did, were rightly entertained by this engaging man.

Whilst in Glasgow, Ali stayed at the McDonald Hotel Eastwood.

It was here that the now retired and local to St Boswells restauranteur, Rene Duzelier met Muhammad Ali.

Rene was the catering manager at the McDonald Hotel from 1963 to 1969 and he met many famous people including many well know film stars of the day.

It is Muhammad Ali however, that sticks fondly in Rene’s memory. Rene recalled ‘The Greatest’ after his funeral this week: “I remember the day Muhammad Ali arrived at the hotel.

“It was 6 o’clock in the evening of August 18, 1965. Being the catering manager I was in the welcoming party which greeted Muhammad Ali.

“I remember the Scottish television cameras being there and it being on the news that evening.

“Ali struck me as being a very gentle and kind man. He stayed at the hotel for 5 days.

“I was charged with the task of taking his meals to his room every evening as he didn’t wish to eat in the dining room.

“I can remember exactly what he ate that first night.

“He didn’t ask for a menu, he just said he wanted a 14oz Scotch Beef steak, a bowl of tossed salad, a jug of milk and a bowl of fresh fruit. That was it, nothing else. I was quite surprised.

“For five days and nights I looked after Ali and had several discussions with him. He was a very entertaining and gracious man. On the morning of his departure I offered to take his cases to the car but he declined, he carried them himself, stopped at the car, gave me a big smile, shook my hand and thanked me for his stay.

“I was deeply moved. He had quite a large entourage with him, yet he still carried his own cases. I remember that, as it was unusual with guests.

“I was deeply saddened when I learned of his death last week. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I wish I had got a photograph with him, as it would be one of my treasured possessions, but I didn’t. I still like watching sport on television and Muhammad Ali will always be one of the greatest sportsmen (and nicest people) of all time to me.”

The JS Crawford MS Borders Fun Run returned to Melrose at the weekend when more than 200 people took to the five kilometre course, on a circuit along the River Tweed, starting and finishing at St Mary’s School.

As well as the race, the afternoon of Sunday June 12 saw a visit from the Andy Struthers rally team, Radio Borders, rugby sevens star Scott White, who waved the runners off, and charity rugby team The Powerbombs.

The annual event raised more than £5,000 for the Borders MS Society, which will be put towards treatment and therapies for those in the region diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The strengths of the Borders economy, especially in ourism and agriculture, were highlighted this week in a report to the region’s Chamber of Commerce.

In his report to the chamber’s AGM, Jack Clark, convenor, highlighted those two sectors as being of vital importance to future growth.

Speaking on Friday, June 10, Mr Clark said: “We in the Borders need to remind ourselves what a beautiful and vibrant region we live in – and what a great place it is to do business from. I feel we sometimes forget this.

“Of course we have issues and challenges – which part of the country doesn’t? – but when you factor in quality of life, proximity to Edinburgh, the excellence of our schools and increasing business opportunities, then I believe few areas have more to offer.

“And it is that thought that lies at the heart of the chamber’s increasing activity as the voice of business in the Borders to attract economic development in this marvellous region.”

Mr Clark reserved particular praise for the work of the Scottish Borders Business Awards, which the chamber will again host in November.

“These awards are an effective showcase for excellence and innovation in the Borders,” he said, “and a chance for local businesses to sell themselves in front of a wide audience.”

He continued: “Many of the businesses we expect to be nominated for an award will be tourism-based. I spoke last year about the need to capitalise on the energy to be found amongst local tourism providers in seeking out ever greater opportunities. Tourism is one the cornerstones of the Borders economy and there is no doubt it has received a welcome and significant boost from the opening of the railway last year.

“Agriculture is another main stay of the local economy. Farmers across the Borders will be relieved by the Scottish Government’s promise – repeated by the Minister, Fergus Ewing, as recently as June 8 - that funds from the 2015 EU Basic Payment Scheme will finally be paid by the end of June.

“This vital money is not a subsidy. It is a means of ensuring that farmers – especially those in the livestock sector – can continue to produce food at an economic price to the consumer. Without it, many businesses would find it difficult to compete. The Chamber has consistently called on the Scottish Government to sort out the computer problems which caused the late payments. Now we are seeking assurances that the problems will never arise again. Only time will tell.”

A woman in her seventies had a lucky escape after her car turned on its side at the weekend.

The accident, which featured no other vehicles, occurred at around 9.30am on the A6105, about half a mile outside Earlston.

The fire service were called to the scene, and the car, a Suzuki Swift, was removed, with the road reopening just after 12 noon.

The driver was uninjured.

St Boswells enjoyed some excellent weather for Village Week, and even when the rain came on Sunday, the fancy dress parade still drew plenty of entrants.

Events kicked off on Saturday with a coffee morning and an afternoon of fun at the Tennis Club, followed in the evening by music from Stillhound at St Boswells Live.

Sunday was an afternoon of family fun at the Golf Club and on Monday the children were entertained by Chris Wish in the Village Hall.

From the coffee mornings to the car treasure hunt, guided walks, fancy dress, family football, to the Queen’s tea party and the annual Village Race the entertainment was endless.

A particular highlight was Boswells Got Talent where there were a number of different acts, from dancing and singing to poetry.

Village Week chair Suzan Bell said of the events: “It’s been another successful Village Week for St Boswells, and events were well attended.

“Despite the decline of the weather toward the end of our week, we still managed to carry on with festivities.

“The Village Week relies upon supporters and helpers. Thanks to everyone who supported and attended the events, helping us to raise money for our local clubs and groups. Also a big thank you to everyone who helped organise the village week, including those putting up bunting and flags, organising events and marshalling the village race.”

Retired complimentary therapist Val Petrie changed her life with her local Slimming World group, and is about to start her own group in Jedburgh.

Val had always been one of these lucky people who didn’t have to watch what they ate, but things changed when she got to menopause and she developed a sweet tooth.

Although she put on a few pounds she had an active job, so with a bit of effort managed to remain reasonably slim.

She said: “In October 2006, me and my retired husband moved to Spain, and that’s when the weight started to pile on.

“Finding it too hot in Spain in the summer months, we moved to France, and the indulgences increased.

“Tempting shops and markets selling fresh bread cheese, gateaux and patisseries, the lovely wine and the relaxed way of life was enjoyed to the full.”

Sadly, Val was getting a lot ‘fuller’ too.

The couple moved back to Scotland in 2011. Although Val tried to lose weight it wasn’t until she had a health scare in 2015 that she decided to join Slimming World, where she found to her surprise those luxuries were permissible and she could still enjoy a glass of wine (or two).

She said: “Food optimising with Slimming World fits the bill, with gorgeous ‘free’ foods that can be eaten so you are never hungry, any time, day or night.

“Also there is an online service where you can read about other members’ experiences and search for amazing recipes such as chocolate pavlova, of which I am a little partial, but what is so striking is that I was immediately made to feel welcome by all the members who are keen to share their recipes and tips in our group meetings under the guidance of consultant Becky Scott. I can genuinely say that these members are now my friends and we all give each other help and support.”

Val is now two stones lighter and feeling fitter.

She said: “The icing on the metaphoric cake is that the last blood pressure reading and cholesterol tests were normal.

“I feel at least 20 years younger and my grandchildren love having an energetic granny who can play tennis, ride a bike, go karting and generally have a happy healthy time with them.

“I love being a role model for my daughters, believing passionately that we must educate our children and grandchildren to eat healthily”.

Val will be the new consultant for Jedburgh as of Thursday, June 23 at 7.30pm, at the Royal British Legion, 57 High Street.

This week’s big DVD release is another superhero movie from the Marvel universe – but before you roll your eyes, Deadpool is very different to the usual spandex-clad fare.

Starring Ryan Reynolds as “the merc with the mouth” the film takes us into the life of former Special Forces soldier Wade Wilson who is now living a grimy civilian life taking jobs for money.

When a terminal illness threatens life with his new love he undertakes a dangerous experimental treatment. The brutal experiment leaves the mercenary badly scarred but with accelerated healing powers, so when he is betrayed by his would-be saviours and left in a burning building he manages to survive.

Horribly disfigured, the mercenary puts on a costume and the Deadpool persona, vowing revenge on his erstwhile saviours.

On the face of it Deadpool sounds like a fairly standard slice of superhero action but this is a film with a difference. Foul-mouthed, extremely violent and with no respect to the fourth-wall, Ryan Reynolds’ character is very different to your normal protagonist.

He’s irreverent, unpleasant and characterised by a jet-black sense of humour which comes out in an endless line of quips and one-liners – often accompanied by acts of graphic violence.

It’s a refreshing change to the PG tone of most modern superhero films, even when the character edges into smug territory.

Although a few of the minor X-Men characters pitch up, this film is all about establishing the character of Deadpool and it does so with aplomb.

How much you enjoy the film will rest on what you make of this character.

Deadpool is irreverent, puerile, trashy and extremely violent. It’s also entertaining, often funny and acutely self-aware, sending up superhero films while conforming to many of their conventions.

If you can stomach the violence, and aren’t bothered by political correctness then Deadpool is definitely worth a watch. It will be unlike any other superhero film you see this year.

Schoolchildren took part in a pageant in 1986, depicting the history of Melrose Abbey.

And judging by those puddles, they were probably glad of the extra head coverings. Weather notwithstanding, the pageant was a great success, with around 280 children from Melrose Grammar School, St Mary’s and Newtown St Boswells Primary taking part in processions to the abbey from four different points in the town. The pageant was part of events marking the abbey’s 850th anniversary.