A new form of leisure centre membership from Live Borders aims to enable people of all ages in the region to become more active more often, through a low-cost annual subscription fee.

The Live Borders One Club membership will provide access to gyms, swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and gym-based fitness classes at leisure centres across the region for an annual fee equivalent to just £29 per month – around £6.70 a week.

Ewan Jackson, chief executive of Live Borders, said: “We want to make using the facilities in our care as easy and affordable to local people as possible. Our new One Club membership is an effort to try and help achieve this by offering what we believe to be great value access to leisure facilities across the region.

“We will even be giving an additional 15 per cent discount on the cost to those aged 65+, students, and members of the Accreditation Club benefits scheme.”

Live Borders is a non-profit trust and the new scheme will operate across the following leisure facilities in its care – Galashiels, Kelso and Peebles Swimming Pools, Tweedbank Sport Centre, Teviotdale and Selkirk Leisure Centres, and Eyemouth Leisure Centre.

Between the facilities, the exercise and activity opportunities on offer range from swimming and use of the latest gym equipment to an array of fitness classes catering for people of all ages and abilities, from gentle yoga and t’ai chi-inspired body balance to dance-based Zumba, calorie burning spin and high intensity metafit and HIIT.

Mr Jackson added: “There are over 40 different types of fitness class on offer through our leisure centers, including aqua-based activities, all available free through One Club, in addition to unlimited swimming and gym use.”

In addition to offering One Club on an annual subscription format, the membership is also available on a month-to-month rolling contract but at a higher cost. For more details, visit liveborders.com or contact Live Borders on 01896 661 166 or phone any of the leisure facilities involved in the scheme.

A rare opportunity to buy an arable farm in the Borders has come up with Harrietfield – 900 acres of prime Roxburghshire land – going on the market.

The land lies close to Kelso and it lies in a particularly attractive and fertile part of the Tweed Valley which is renowned for the high quality of its farmland.

A planning application has been submitted for the creation of a substantial new 4/5-bedroom farmhouse to the west of the existing farm steading, and permission is likely to depend on this property being occupied by farming owners or agricultural tenants.

The farm itself is already equipped with a useful range of farm buildings, including grain-drying facilities and storage for 1,950 tonnes.

Luke French, associate director of selling agent Savills, said: “It’s been a number of years since an arable farm of this size and quality has come on the market in the Borders, so this is a highly significant sale. Farming families keen to establish themselves in this most beautiful and productive region will jump at this opportunity, particularly with the potential of a brand new farmhouse in the mix.”

Harrietfield is neatly contained within one continuous block, intersected by minor public roads and a network of good hard farm tracks, which together allow for straightforward access.

The fields are well laid out and generously-sized, easily accommodating modern machinery. Split between Class 2 and 3 (1) by the James Hutton Institute for Soil Research, the land at Harrietfield contains: 821 acres of arable land; 19 acres of pasture and 46 acres of woodland.

In recent years, the farm has been managed as part of a larger in-hand farming business with field operations mostly undertaken by a local contractor, based on a rotation involving winter wheat, winter oats and oil seed rape.

The present owners enjoy a driven shoot over the farm as part of the larger estate shoot, but Harrietfield offers real potential to establish its own smaller standalone shoot, benefiting from the appropriate scale, covers and land topography.

More than half of British kids prefer their granny to their own mother, according to a new report.

Mum is no longer the word for 52 per cent of children, says the study by new website for families, www.familiesonline.co.uk

Researchers took an in-depth look into how busy lives and hectic schedules mean grandmothers are having a bigger influence than ever on family life.

More than half of the British mums who took part in the study admitted that, if you asked their children, they would say they preferred their own mother or their mother in-law to them.

And it’s breaking mothers’ hearts across the nation - with almost one in three (27 per cent) complaining they feel ‘hurt’ by their children’s devotion to their grandma.

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES KIDS ENJOY WITH GRANNY

1. Trips to the park - 71%

2. Long walks - 54%

3. Arts and crafts - 48%

4. Meals out - 41%

5. Baking - 40%

6. Holidays - 35%

7. Swimming - 30%

8. Dancing - 17%

9. Bike rides - 15%

10. Fair grounds - 13%

Mums say the main reasons for kids preferring granny are that she spoils them (79 per cent), they always get their own way with her (50 per cent), and she’s a better cook (20 per cent).

And almost half (46 per cent) complained a bias towards granny is largely to do with her being ‘less stressed’ with the kids.

A further 13 per cent admitted granny has more patience and is better at listening to the children – and 15 per cent say she reads books to them on a regular basis.

Faye Mingo, from www.familiesonline.co.uk, which commissioned the study among 1600 of its members, said: “It’s great news for grandmothers that children enjoy their company so much.

“The bond between grandparents and grandchildren can be very special. However, mums need not feel worried or threatened by it at all.

“There really is no stronger bond than between a child and its mother – and it’s only when we grow up and have our own children that we realise just how much we really appreciate our own mum.

“We know that due to the pressures of modern day life, a lot of parents just aren’t able to spend the time that they’d like with their children, and these ‘silver saviours’ are stepping in where they can to help.

“Finding that quality family time is really important, which is one of the reasons that Families was set up, providing inspiration for days out and activities that all the family can enjoy.”

Gretna 2008 1, Gala Fairydean Rovers 1

A late smash and grab by Gretna 2008 denied Gala Fairydean Rovers a deserved win in a Lowland League match they dominated from start to finish at Raydale Park last night.

Steven Noble’s men somehow contrived to miss a raft of chances, while at the other end, the only shot on target the home side had during the 90 minutes found its way into the visitors’ net to secure a share of the spoils for the managerless Gretna side.

With Rangers temporarily recalling on loan ‘keeper Kieran Wright before kick-off, Noble was forced into handing a debut to new signing Michael Fenton in goal.

Meanwhile, Gretna’s chief executive, Stuart Rome, took charge of the home side after Steven Rudd resigned from his role as head coach earlier in the week because of work commitments.

Interested onlookers at Raydale included former Gretna FC boss Rowan Alexander, who led the now-defunct original club to the 2006 Scottish Cup Final, and Gavin Skelton, the player who missed the penalty that handed the cup to Hearts in that game, as the present Gretna team took the field having lost in its previous five league outings.

The visitors took control of the game almost from the first minute and dominated possession without carving out too many early chances.

They took a deserved lead, however, on 12 minutes, when Taylor Hope side-footed home a corner past Danny Armstrong in the Gretna goal.

The home side seemed content to sit in and allow Gala plenty of possession while trying to hit back on the break.

Rob McCartney on the left hand side proved a handful for the Gala defence but the Gretna winger could not deliver a telling final pass and debutant Fenton had very little to deal with in the first 45 minutes.

The game was delayed for around five minutes just before half-time following a bad knee injury to Gretna’s Dan Wadge, which resulted in an ambulance being summoned to for the defender.

Gala started the second period in determined fashion and should have doubled their advantage on numerous occasions.

In 50 minutes, Danny Simpson found himself through on Armstrong but he shot straight at the home keeper.

Just five minutes later, Ross Aitchison blazed over following good work by Dean McColm and then the same player saw his attempted chip of the keeper fall just past the wrong side of the post. Simpson had another shot well saved just after the hour mark before Aitchison charged down a clearance by Armstrong, but the ball flew just wide of the goal.

Given Gala’s profligacy in front of goal, it was perhaps inevitable that Gretna would equalise with their first and only shot on target all night.

Gala conceded a free kick on the edge of the area on 76 minutes and captain Josh Simpson sent a well-placed shot over the wall and past the despairing Fenton into the bottom right hand corner of his net.

On 80 minutes, the visitors thought they had regained the lead thanks to good work down the left by substitute Stuart Noble, whose cross was turned in at the back post by Sean Paliczka. However, the far side assistant deemed the former Newtongrange Star man was in an offside position. In a dramatic finish, Gala struck the underside of the bar following a Darren Smith free kick, which proved to be the final kick of the ball on a frustrating night for Steven Nobles’s men.

The exasperated Gala gaffer said afterwards: “We are really disappointed not to win a game we dominated in terms of possession and chances.

“But, when you are only 1-0, up there’s always a chance the opposition can get back into it.

“We need to dust ourselves down and try and pick up the three points on our travels to Hawick on Saturday.

“Draws in games we should be winning are killing us this season but we can take a number of positives from our performance.

“I thought the back four did well in restricting the home side to only one shot on goal all night.”

Gala Fairydean Rovers: M. Fenton, L. Stephen, B. Miller (captain), S. Main, T. Hope, D. McColm, D. Smith, R. Aitchison (A. Nicol 80), D. Simpson (S. Noble 73), S. Paliczka, D. Bonnar. Unused subs: George Windrum, Ryan Clapperton.

Gretna 2008: D. Armstrong, J. Brannan, D. Wadge, J. Dickinson, B. Murray, C. Casey, D. Wood, J. Simpson (captain), C. Murray, R. McCartney, J. Hope.

Elswehere last night, Gala FR’s opponents this Saturday, Hawick Royal Albert, overcame a revived Selkirk by 4-3, while Vale of Leithen are due to visit BSC Glasgow tonight (Wednesday).

Eyes to the skies! We’re in for a month-long meteor shower thanks to dust from Halley’s Comet.

The Orionid meteor shower is visible until November 7 with its peak expected on the night of October 20 into the morning of October 21.

At its height, up to 20 meteors are visible every hour. The best time to view the Orionids is just after midnight and right before dusk.

A Met Office spokesman urged residents to wrap up warm, go outside, lie back and look up.

The spokesman said: “To see the meteor shower, you don’t need a telescope, binoculars or any other equipment – all you need is your eyes.

“Find a spot away from bright lights and let your eyes get used to the dark – this will take about 15 to 20 minutes.”

The spokesman added: “Orionid meteors are known to be very fast, travelling at about 41 miles per second, and typically on the faint side, although with clear, dark skies you still have a good chance of spotting one with its persistent, long trail.

“The Orionid meteor shower is named as such because it appears to radiate from the constellation Orion, which is one of the most visible and recognisable in the sky throughout the world.”

The Orionid meteor shower is one of two created by debris from Halley’s Comet.

It takes around 76 years to make a complete revolution around the sun and will next be visible from earth in 2061.

A site visit to the Fallago Rig wind farm is to be made by councillors before they decide whether or not to support plans to extend it.

A final decision on adding 12 turbines at the Lammermuir Hills site, plus extending the lifespan of the existing 48 turbines by five years, will be made by the Scottish Government’s energy consents department, but Scottish Borders Council is among a number of consultees being asked for their views.

East Lothian Council opposed the original building of a wind farm at Fallago and continues to oppose the current application.

Scottish Borders Council also opposed the initial wind farm, approved by the Scottish Government, but this time around its councillors are being recommended by their planning officers to support the extension.

At Monday’s planning meeting, though, members unanimously agreed that they need to have a site visit first before reaching a decision on Monday, November 7.

Three community councils – at Lammermuir and Lauderdale, plus Gordon and Westruther – oppose the plans, as does Berwickshire Civic Society, but some local businesses support it.

After the planning committee decided on a site visit, Lammermuir Community Council chairman Mark Rowley said: “Since their last visit Aikengall II’s 145m turbines have been constructed, as have the wind farms at Crystal Rig III and Penmanshiel.

“While we warmly welcome the enthusiasm and commitment of the members of the planning committee to visit the area and see what our residents see daily, a key concern remains the quality of advice they are being offered in the report, which recommends they support the re-consent of Fallago Rig 1 and the consent of an additional wind farm at Fallago Rig 2.”

Prior to the meeting wind farm operator EDF’s head of onshore wind development, Tony Scorer, said: “The extension of Fallago Rig will contribute to the council’s targets for inward investment, jobs supported and renewable energy as set out in its economic development strategy.”

Landowner Roxburghe Estates’ Roddy Jackson, wrote to all councillors on behalf of the estate prior to this week’s meeting, saying: “We have worked hard with EDF and council officers to ensure that the proposals are sensitive to local residents and to the landscape of the Lammermuirs.

“We think we have achieved our aim of delivering additional renewable energy capacity in a way that doesn’t impact unduly on local residents.”

Borders College Students’ Association is hosting an internet safety day on Tuesday, October 18, from 11am to 2pm, supported by Police Scotland.

It coincides with Get Safe Online Day 2016, and constable Kirsty Neish said: “The use of the internet by young people is significant and a clear reflection of today’s society.

“They use it for social networking, gaming and for school projects.

“However, it is a route through which those who seek to harm young people are able to operate.

“Police Scotland is committed to combating internet criminality, raising awareness of potential online crimes and providing people with advice on how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”

A new survey has revealed where Scots think our education system is falling short.

500 people in Scotland were asked by school locker manufacturer Action Storage for their insight on where schools could be improved most.

In the wake of Britain’s record-breaking performance at the Rio 2016 Olympics, 41% of Scots believe new health and fitness programmes could mark a step in the right direction for our schools.

For 37% of Scots, empowering teachers is the answer to improving our education system – and 50% of voters aged 35-44 are convinced this is the case.

New schools of thought

Many Scots put stock in students’ progress – calling for simpler exams (27%) and more frequent updates for parents (18%) – while other respondents recommended investing more in new equipment (36%) and anti-theft measures (9%).

The British government came under fire, with 44% of women – and 60% of respondents aged 45-54 – pushing for further funding.

This call for increased government funding comes shortly after Jeremy Corbyn’s outline for a national education service, designed to offer learning opportunities at every stage of life and close the growing productivity gap.

32% of respondents said schools could do more to motivate children, while 67% of 35-44 year olds believe this is an area for significant improvement.

Education through empowerment

According to the BBC, this year’s Pride Glasgow festival included a drive for schools to educate children on LGBTI issues – and 28% of the Scottish public agree that tackling discrimination and bullying should be a key focus going forward.

40% of 18-24 year olds said anti-bullying initiatives should be priority number one, making this the greatest concern among Generation Y.

27% of all participants thought schools should rethink the way they deal with bad behaviour, as did a substantial 60% of 18-24 year olds.

One resounding outcome of the survey saw Scots push for more power to be placed in the hands of both teachers and their pupils.

27% of people surveyed thought reducing head teachers’ workloads could offer a solution – freeing them up to invest in school development, rather than spending time on day-to-day administrative duties.

Extracurricular activity

The survey also revealed an interest in more sustainable schools, as 18% of Scots expressed the importance of an eco-friendly approach.

Some respondents offered their own two cents on where schools could be most improved – with alternative answers including reducing class sizes and treating children as individuals.

Topline results:

Respondents were allowed to select multiple answers to the following question:

In which of the following areas do you think schools could be improved most?

Implementing health and fitness programmes: 40.9%

Empowering teachers: 36.9%

Investing in new equipment: 36.4%

Increased government funding: 36.2%

Motivating children: 31.8%

Simplifying the exam process: 27.1%

Tackling bullying: 27.7%

Dealing with bad behaviour: 27.4%

Freeing up head teachers to invest in school development: 27.3%

Adopting an environmentally friendly approach: 18.2%

Updating parents on their children’s progress: 18.0%

Preventing theft on school premises: 9.4%

Other: 9.1%

A group of Borders College students saw their fundraising efforts in memory of a late classmate honoured with a special award at their graduation ceremony last week.

The horse care students received the annual award for citizenship in recognition of their fundraising campaign following the death of their 18 year-old classmate Caroline Taylor-Smith, of Duns, in a road accident last year.

They celebrated their graudation alongisde more than 150 class mates and 550 family and friends at a packed Springwood Park in Kelso on Friday, September 30.

Earlier this year, the students hosted their take on the modern pentathlon which saw teams take part in a walk or run, followed by a showjumping competition and organised races.

They raised money to buy a commemorative bench, as well as making donations to their chosen relevant charities.

The amount raised exceeded all expectations and allowed the group to buy a commemorative bench and plaque which, with the help of the college landscaping students, was placed outside the office at the Ian Stark Equestrian Centre, near Selkirk, where the students train.

A commemorative cherry tree was also planted in the public park in Caroline’s home town.

The remaining funds were donated by the students to the British Horse Society and the Scottish Air Ambulance Service.

A further donation was made to the Ettrickbridge and Dryden Riding for the Disabled group.

The final part of the funds raised will go towards providing a saddle for two rescue ponies recently rehomed and cared for by the students as a health and welfare learning opportunity.

Graduates Rebecca Miller, Katie Duncan and Lucie Shand accepted the citizenship award at the graduation ceremony on behalf of the group.

An honorary fellowship was bestowed upon fund-raiser Wilma Gunn, of Selkirk.

She was honoured for her work in installing defibrillators across the Borders and the whole of Scotland and in raising awareness of heart disorders in young people.

Following the death of Wilma and husband Kenneth’s eldest son, Cameron, the day before his 20th birthday, Wilma set up Scottish Heart At Risk Testing, a charity which provides screening for, and raises awareness of heart disorders in young sports people.

Students at the ceremony heard how Wilma has worked to raise £5,000 to supply a special cardiac special bed at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Cameron suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition which, left undiagnosed, can lead to the fatal collapse of otherwise healthy young sports people during exercise.

Since the creation of the charity in 2002 and thanks to Wilma’s tireless commitment, the cardiac arrest survival rate in the Borders alone has risen from 3% to 22.7%.

Prizes and special awards were also presented to students by principal Liz McIntyre to recognise their achievements in the course of their study.

She said: “Their success has come about through hard work and a huge amount of dedication on the part of each and every one of our graduates, and I would like to congratulate them all on their achievement.I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff of the college whose dedication, enthusiasm and encouragement have aided them in achieving their success and in making Borders College one of the most successful colleges in Scotland.”

This year’s other award-winners were Chelsea Middleton, for best higher education student; Gina Antonacci, named best further education student; Megan Redpath and Sasha Borthwick, given an award for superior performance while on a work placement; and Lesley Renton won the award for creativity.

The award for best access to learning went to Ryan Gillie, Reece McNaughton collected the entrepreneurial and enterprise award, Kris McLeod was named the Scottish Motor Trade Association’s apprentice of the year, and the Stuart Wilkie memorial trophy was presented to Gareth Irving.

When his internet date ended their relationship, Mathew Dallimore continued to hound the woman with texts and letters, pleading for her to reconsider.

The 34-year-old, of Jamiesons Court, Kelso, admitted engaging in a course of conduct which caused his former partner fear and alarm in Kelso and Coldstream between July 12 and 23.

“This was an unfortunate episode of internet dating which went badly wrong,” explained procurator fiscal Graham Fraser at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

The fiscal added: “He met the 24-year-old woman online and on July 12 she ended their relationship, and he was not happy at that. He turned up at her place of work and asked to speak to her outside, continuing to plead for a reconciliation.

“He was not prepared to accept the relationship had ended and sent her 34 texts on July 12.”

Mr Fraser said the accused posted on Facebook, and sent letters and packages to the woman’s home. He also went to a pub in Coldstream and spoke to a member of staff there, showing her a picture of the woman and asking if they were friends.

The worker was concerned about this and told the woman what had happened.

Police spoke to Dallimore on July 14 and warned him to leave the woman alone.

Dallimore personally delivered a letter to her home address, pleading for her to rekindle the relationship. He also sent her a parcel which contained a “selfie” picture, taken from her Facebook page.

“This picture was taken before the relationship had started,” said Mr Fraser.

“He had been putting pictures of her up on his wall and he also created a false profile on Facebook, and continued to plead with her not to let the relationship continue. She was very distressed by all of this and went back to the police.”

Mr Fraser said there had been nothing abusive in the messages Dallimore sent, but the volume was concerning.

He told police: “I should have stopped contacting her.”

Mat Patrick, defending, said his client had not contacted the woman since July 26, adding: “That is evidence that he realises that it would be inappropriate and he has taken serious measures to avoid coming into contact with her.”

Dallimore was sentenced to a community payback order with supervision, and an 18-month non-harassment order was also imposed.

Sheriff Ian Anderson warned him that the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

DEFERRED SENTENCE

A woman was alarmed when a stranger approached her in the bar of a bowling club and laid his head on her chest.

The 34-year-old had been enjoying a night out at Gordon Bowling Club when the offence happened.

First offender Michael Oliver, 40, of East Gordon Farm Cottage, Gordon, admitted committing the crime on June 12/13.

Oliver’s solicitor, Ross Dow, said his client had been persuaded to go out during the local civic week celebrations.

“A mixture of alcohol and medication led to him having no memory of this. He has lived in the village for 11 years, but because of his acrophobia, was a stranger,” he added.

Sheriff Ian Anderson described the offence as “an unusual case” and deferred sentence until October 31 for reports and a restriction of liberty assessment.

CONTINUED WITHOUT PLEA

A prisoner has been accused of threatening a custody officer in sheriff court cells.

Rory Morrison, 29, of Talisman Avenue, Galashiels, appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

He is charged with recklessly breaking a counter in the cells area of Selkirk Sheriff Court on April 14 and having an offensive weapon (a perspex sheet). Morrison is also alleged to have used threatening or abusive behaviour, brandished a perspex sheet and threatened G4S staff.

The case was continued without plea until October 24 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

MAN FACES SEX ASSAULT TRIAL

A Jedburgh man who denies sexually assaulting a woman will stand trial on November 1.

Kevin Swan, 48, of Grieve Avenue, is said to have touched a woman’s breast under her clothing in Jedburgh on April 23. He also denies repeatedly sending the woman text messages, asking her to send him pictures of her breasts.

BENEFITS ALLEGATION

A woman has been accused of receiving £5,828 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

Caroline Bell, 28, of Eccles Tofts, Greenlaw, is charged with failing to notify a change in circumstances regarding her partner’s increased earnings and receipt of housing and council tax benefit. The offence is said to have been committed between February 2013 and July 2014.

She has pleaded not guilty and will stand trial on November 3.

CANNABIS CHARGE

A Duns man denies being concerned in the supply of cannabis in the town.

Andrew Douglas, 22, of Teindhill Green, is alleged to have committed the crime at his home and at The Mount on May 4.

He is due to stand trial on November 1, and a further intermediate hearing was set for October 17.

NOVEMBER

TRIAL DATE

A Newcastleton man will stand trial over an alleged bust-up with a neighbour.

John Campbell, 53, of Whisgills, pleaded not guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner, shouting and swearing, using abusive language, cutting down hedging without the owner’s consent and brandishing a strimmer.

He denies committing a breach of the peace at a house in the Whisgills area on July 18.

A trial date was fixed for November 1.

ATTACK

CLAIM

Two women who deny assaulting another woman in Kelso will stand trial on November 3.

Donna Rowley, 34, of Burn Wynd, Jedburgh, and Jade McCann, 30, of Inchmyre, Kelso, both deny repeatedly striking a woman to the head and body to her injury at Maxmill Park on August 8.

They also deny threatening or abusive behaviour, and repeatedly shouting and swearing.

STOLE TO FUND GAMBLING HABIT

A painter and decorator stole money and jewellery to fund his gambling habit.

Terry West, 68, of Mansfield Court, Kelso, admitted committing the theft while employed at a house at The Tofts, Kelso, on May 21.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said there had been full recovery of the £920 theft.

Ross Dow, defending, said: “The only good thing to come out of this is that he has never gambled since. At the time he had a gambling problem which had been going on for about a year.”

Sentence was deferred until October 31 for reports.

DENIES NAKED POSTS THREAT

A Chirnside man has been accused of threatening to post naked images of his partner on the internet.

Andrew Frizzell, 30, of Lammerview, denies threatening or abusive behaviour at a house at Windram Road, Chirnside, on September 2.

He will stand trial on December 15, with an intermediate hearing on November 14.

Frizzell was granted bail with a condition not to enter Windram Road or to approach his partner.

WOMAN BIT POLICE OFFICERS

Sentence has been deferred on a Hawick woman who bit two police officers during a disturbance.

Emma Stewart, 23, of Trinity Street, pleaded guilty to the offences which happened in North Bridge Street, Hawick, on April 20.

She bit one constable on the body to his injury and also assaulted another officer by biting him on the body, and spat blood at him.

Sheriff Ian Anderson deferred sentence until October 31 for reports and a restriction of liberty assessment.

COCAINE

CRIME

A Hawick man has admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

David Manson, 28, of Silverbuthall Road, committed the offence at his home on July 22.

A not guilty plea from co-accused Chelsea Yardley, 25, of the same address, was accepted by the Crown.

Manson had sentence deferred until October 31 for reports and bail was continued.

NOT-GUILTY PLEA TO BGH CHARGE

A Hawick woman who denies threatening or abusive behaviour at the Borders General Hospital on August 25 will stand trial on November 3.

Karen Turner, 30, of Beaconsfield Terrace, also pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer there by kicking her on the leg. Turner further denies assaulting three people at Howegate, Hawick, on August 13, shouting and swearing, and challenging others to fight.

DENIES CAUSING FEAR AND ALARM

A man has denied causing his ex-partner fear and alarm.

Ian Ramsay, 43, of Ladyrig View, Heiton, is alleged to have persistently sent the woman messages, attempted to reconcile and threatened to expose her on social media at Fisher Avenue, Hawick, between August 11 and 14.

He will stand trial on November 1.

FOX-HUNTING ALLEGATION

Two men have been charged with deliberately hunting a fox with a pack of dogs.

Jonathan Riley, 23, and 66-year-old John Richardson, both of The Kennels, Abbotrule, Bonchester Bridge, are charged with deliberately hunting a wild mammal on land surrounding Townfoot Hil, near Swinside, Townfoot, Jedburgh, on February 18.

Their case was continued without a plea until October 17.

POLICE SNIFFED OUT OFFENDER

When police officers opened his car door to speak to Jack McKinlay, they could smell cannabis.

The 19-year-old, of Millburn Park, Lauder, admitted possession of the illegal drug at Scotts View, Earlston, on June 18.

“Police saw a Subaru Impreza parked at Scotts View, with the inside light on,” explained procurator fiscal Graham Fraser.

He added: “They went to speak to the driver and when they opened the door could smell cannabis.”

Some 13gms of the illegal drug, worth £130, was found in the car.

“His attitude was that he was a complete idiot, and he was very co-operative,” added Mr Fraser.

Defence solicitor Ed Hulme said his client, a farm worker, had a “personal amount” of the illegal drug.

“He is very apologetic and tells me this has scared him off using cannabis,” said Mr Hulme.

A fine of £300 was imposed on the teenager.

L DRIVER ALMOST FOUR TIMES LIMIT

A provisional licence holder who was almost four times the alcohol limit was banned from the road at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday.

Suzanne Murphy, 31, of Queens Drive, Hawick, admitted driving a car in the town’s Eildon Road on September 18 with a breath/alcohol reading of 83 mcgs – the legal limit being 22. She also pleaded guilty to driving without supervision or L plates.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said police saw Murphy driving out of a street near her home shortly after midnight.

He added: “She pulled over and as they drove past they realised she was only a provisional licence holder and was alone in the car.

“They went to speak to her and it was immediately obvious that she had been drinking. She was approaching four times the limit.”

Ross Dow, defending, said his client had only driven about 400 yards and that the mother of three had held a provisional driving licence for some 10 years.

“She has been getting lessons,” he added.

“She accepts it is a high reading and deeply regrets taking a chance, which is what she did,” concluded Mr Dow.

Sheriff Ian Anderson imposed an interim driving ban and deferred sentence until October 31 for reports.

DRINK-DRIVER WAS CUT FREE

A drink-driver had to be cut free from the wreckage of her car after landing in a field.

First offender Katriona Haig, 20, of Priors Meadow, Jedburgh, admitted driving a car near Crailing on June 12 with a blood/alcohol reading of 81 mgms – the legal limit being 50.

Police were contacted at around 5am about an accident where a woman was trapped in her car in a field. Emergency services attended and Haig had to be cut free. She was taken to hospital suffering from a head injury and bruising.

“Five hours after the crash, a blood sample showed she was 60% over the alcohol limit,” said Graham Fraser, prosecuting.

Haig’s solicitor said her client had made a stupid mistake, adding: “She had been drinking with friends and thought she would be okay to drive. She is at a loss to explain how the accident happened.”

Haig, a customer services adviser, was fined £400 and banned from driving for 12 months.

DRUNK MAN HAD KNIFE

A drunken Hawick man was seen by neighbours wandering around a car park late at night with a knife.

Thomas Laidlaw, 64, of Wilton Crescent, admitted having a knife in Wilton Crescent on June 1.

Prosecutor Graham Fraser said: “A neighbour became aware of a man falling about between cars and the accused said he was intoxicated. He was ushered away and it was then noticed he had a knife in his hand. It had a six-inch blade and a five-inch handle.

“It was not used, but he should never have been in possession of it, particularly when he was so drunk.”

His lawyer said: “It is his position that he was going to let the air out of some tyres. It’s an odd set of circumstances.”

Laidlaw was given a 12-month community payback order, with supervision.

THREATENED TO STAB PEOPLE

A drunken man who brandished knives and threatened to stab people in Hawick has been sentenced to a community payback order, with 80 hours of unpaid work.

Joseph Adams, 44, of Ramsay Road, Hawick, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Ramsay Road on August 27, and having two kitchen knives in his possession.

“It was 11.15pm on a Saturday evening and he was heard shouting and bawling by a number of neighbours,” said prosecutor Graham Fraser, adding: “He was threatening to stab people and had two kitchen knives. He was also seen trying to kick a door and punching a gas meter.”

Mr Fraser said Adams was drunk, and was being threatening and abusive. Witnesses were “shaken” by the accused’s behaviour.

Adams shouted: “You f*****g b*****d, I’ll f*****g kill you, I’ll f*****g knife you.”

He told police officers: “I can’t remember. I’m bloody ashamed.”

Defence solicitor Mat Patrick said: “He very unwisely accepted an offer of unknown drugs from two people earlier that day. That, on top of the alcohol, led to him acting as he did.”

ASSAULT ALLEGATION

A Kelso woman who denies assaulting another woman in the town will stand trial on December 13.

Susanne McDermott, 33, of James Stewart Court, is alleged to have barged into a woman at Farrier Court, spat on her, seized her head, struggled with her and bit her on the body, to her injury, on June 13.

An intermediate hearing was set for November 14.

INDECENCY CHARGE

A 38-year-old man who denies public indecency will stand trial on October 18.

James Horsburgh, of Cavers View, Hawick, denies masturbating underneath his clothing at Dickson Street, Hawick, on May 29.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

A Peebles man who breached a bail condition has had sentence deferred until October 17 to appear personally.

David Horsburgh, 51, of Waverley Way, admitted breaking a condition not to contact a woman when in her company at Bank Street, Galashiels, on August 21.

NOVEMBER

TRIAL DATE

A man accused of having an offensive weapon at St Leonard’s Park, Hawick, on June 10 will stand trial on November 3.

Joshua Chalmers, 23, of Wellogate Brae, Hawick, denies having a glass beer bottle and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing.

He further denies struggling violently with police.

OFFENDER ADMONISHED

A man who used racially-abusive language has been admonished.

Liam Young, 25, had been of good behaviour during nine months of deferred sentence.

Young, of Bourtree Bank, Hawick, admitted the offence which happened in Hawick High Street on April 29 last year.

DENIES BAIL BREACH

A Galashiels man who denies breaching a bail order not to contact three women will stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court on October 27.

Robert Thomson, 55, of Torwoodlee Road, who appeared from custody, also had an intermediate hearing set for October 10.

Anyone coming into Galashiels from Edinburgh – by rail or road – will be treated to a blanket of purple in the spring.

The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary International’s fight to eradicate polio throughout the world.

To show that children have taken part in the immunisation programme, they have their pinkies dipped in purple dye. Rotary, working with the United Nations and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has succeeded in making the world 99% polio free – but in August, the World Health Organisation confirmed two cases of wild poliovirus type 1 in Nigeria. These are the first cases in the country since July 2014. This shows the need to redouble efforts to help Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria to retain strong immunisation coverage and, hopefully, to rid the world of this infectious and disabling disease which can be fatal.

To mark World Polio Day on Monday, October 24, Galashiels Rotary Club is giving £500, raised at its recent collection in the town, to the End Polio Now campaign. This will be tripled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. As each immunisation costs about 40p, this money will save 3,750 children across the world from the risk of being paralysed by polio.

BOWDEN

Camera group

Members next meet in the village hall at 7.30pm on Monday, October 10, when Oliver Eade will talk about “Unusual Angles in Photography”. Members should bring three images in black and white on their pendrives for the second half. Visitors welcome.

CADDONFOOT

Parish church

Margaret Blyth gave a talk on her Church of Scotland visit to Hungary at Sunday’s morning service, conducted by the Rev Elspeth Harley. The Bible reading was performed by Atholl Innes, and music played by Mrs Blyth and Anne Grieve. Thanks to everyone who donated cash to Mary’s Meals or gave to the foodbank at the harvest thanksgiving service. Plans are in hand for a joint kirk session/congregational board social in Kingsknowes Hotel on Friday, November 4, at 7pm. Bible study takes place in Caddonfoot when David Bethune leads the group on “Climate Conversation”. Blythswood boxes should be returned to Mrs Blyth by the end of October.

DARNICK

Birthday party

On Friday, October 7, the Rolling Hills Folk Club is holding a 10th birthday party in the Smith Memorial Hall. Over those years, the club has brought a wide range of live music to the Melrose area, with more than 150 guests since its inception. Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start. BYOB. Please bring nibbles/ snacks to create a sharing supper. All ages welcome and there is no pressure to participate in singing or playing. There will be a donation collection during the evening to fund the venue and future guests, as well as a raffle. Phone 07986 644661 for more information.

EARLSTON

Parish church

Sunday, October 9, is the date of the harvest service, which begins at 10.15am and will be conducted by the Rev Julie Rennick. There’s also a harvest lunch at noon in the church hall. The harvest offerings will be donated to Mary’s Meals. Holy communion will be celebrated on Sunday, October 16, at 10.15am. Blythswood Shoebox Appeal leaflets will be delivered with church magazines and the last collection date is Sunday, November 6. Additional Leaflets can be obtained from the church, Ruth Scoular (13 Station Brae) or Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services (Unit 4, Station Road Industrial Estate). Filled shoeboxes can be delivered to all these places, as well as the manse.

Women’s group

Tonight (Thursday), in the church hall at 8pm, the speaker will be Colin McIntosh, The Butler from Bowhill.

Lunch club

Thursday lunch club members’ autumn trip featured a bus run to Haddington where they had a meal before returning home via the coast. The latest gathering started with a game of card bingo and after lunch there was entertainment in the form of Fifties and Sixties music by Sheila McKay. The club’s next meeting is today at the later time of noon.

Wednesday club

Hostess Ms K. Brownlie opened the latest meeting, welcoming members before introducing Stephen Fairfield from The House Of Hearing in Galashiels. His talk was both interesting and amusing. Competition: Letter opener – 1, Mrs G. Forsyth; 2, Mrs R. Murray; 3, Mrs D. Cannon. The next meeting, on October 13, is the club’s 46th birthday party and the competition is for a small bell. November 9 is the date of the autumn outing.

Coffee morning

The annual Macmillan coffee morning held at the rugby club last Saturday raised £1,915.

ECKFORD

SWI

Members enjoyed an evening of handbags and accessories with the girls from Liberty Star Trading in Selkirk. The competition for a jar of jam was won by Christine Tucker and the prettiest plates were brought by Chris Robertson, Annette Fraser and Gail Chandler. The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 19, when John Hennessey will give a talk and show photographs of Cuba.

ETTRICK

Pop-up shop

There will be a pop-up shop running on Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8, at Jenny Muir’s in Selkirk High Street, from 8.30am-4pm, for the Ettrick Valley committee of Macmillan Cancer Support, featuring home baking, crafts, gifts and Christmas cards, as well as a raffle. For any further enquiries, contact Marjory Tennant on 01750 62327.

GALASHIELS

Camera club

Last Wednesday’s meeting consisted of a members’ showcase night. Presentations included a selection of “Landscapes and other favourite shots over the years” by Adrian Kentleton, “A Baltic Cruise” by Alistair Peacock, “Birds of the Farne Islands” by Ford Renton, “Western Isles Landscapes” by Ian Oliver and “A Weekend in Krakow” by Ron Bell. The club welcomed two new members, with an additional two returning after a break. The next gathering, on Wednesday, October 5, will welcome Ken Sharp from Musselburgh Camera Club. He’ll deliver a presentation entitled “Impressions of Kenya”. Then on Wednesday, October 12, it’s Ford Renton and “Photographing the Night Sky”. The October 5 meeting is the final hand-in date for entries in the first club completion of the year, and the following week’s gathering is the final hand-in date for the club’s annual “Agri” competition. Submissions are open to all Borders clubs. An entry form and rules can be found on the club’s website – www.galacameraclub.co.uk.

Clef Club

The next meeting is on Saturday, October 8, at the Lucy Sanderson Hall, Tweed Crescent, at 7.30pm. The musical entertainment includes a Mozart sonata, piano music by Bach, Handel and Elgar, music for string quartet and a selection of favourites from the Palm Court Players. If you play an instrument or sing, why not come along to meet us and support local music making? New members are always welcome – contact 07780 378590, or visit www.onlineborders.org.uk/community/galaclefclub for more information.

Trinity Church

The Rev Elspeth Harley conducted the service on Sunday. Dorothy Howden led the music and Sheila Wilson read the Bible lessons. Margaret Blyth, from Caddonfoot Church, spoke about her interesting visit to Hungary with others from the Church of Scotland. In the afternoon, a short communion service was held and a busy Sunday was concluded with a “Marvellous Music” concert in the evening, organised by Dorothy Howden. The kirk session meets on Tuesday, October 11, at 7pm. Session clerk Bill Cheyne announced that the Fair Trade stall had raised £68.69 last week and he thanked everyone who had donated food items for the foodbank at harvest thanksgiving. He also thanked those who donated to the Christian Aid Malawi Food Crisis Fund.

St Peter’s Church

Today (Thursday) at 10am sees holy communion, while on Sunday, October 9, at 10.30am, it’s the family harvest service followed by coffee and chat. There is no 9.30am service, but there is a 6pm healing service. Monday, October 10 – 11am, communion at Oakwood Park. Thursday, October 13 – 10am, holy communion. Sunday, October 16 – 8.30am, holy communion; 9.30am, Sunday Squad, followed by juice and toast; 10.30am, sung eucharist, followed by coffee and chat. Monday, October 17 – 7pm, bottle top sort.

GLENDOUGLAS

Whist

A whist drive, including supper, will be held on Monday, October 10, at 7.30pm.

Lunch club

The club next gathers on Wednesday, October 12, (11.30am-1.30pm).

Dance class

The old time and ceildh dance class starts on Thursday, October 13, and will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. It starts at 8pm, although preceded with a reel half hour (7.30pm). Beginners welcome.

HAWICK

Rotary

President Jim Walker welcomed a special guest to last week’s meeting. Gale Willner – wife of Harald Willner, Paul Harris Fellow and honorary member of the Hawick club and member of Kingston-upon-Thames Rotary Club, who died recently – thanked members for their thoughts and condolences. She said he thoroughly enjoyed his visits to the Hawick club. Jim thanked her and said she was welcome at the club when she visited her Hawick holiday flat. Members will be involved in planting 5,000 purple crocuses at the Homebase roundabout on the A7 on the north side of the town so that when they bloom in the spring, people will be reminded of the Rotary International project, End Polio Now.

Bridge club

September 20 – 1, Fraser & Morag Beaton; 2 (equal), John & Marian Miller, Valerie Johnstone & Marion Miller. September 27 – 1, George Graham & Bob Francombe; 2, Bob Witherington & Malcolm Ouldcott; 3, Valerie Johnstone & Marion Miller. October 4 – 1, John & Marian Miller; 2, Morag & Fraser Beaton; 3, Mary Millar & Patsy Gilligan.

HEITON

Fair

There’s a chance to buy early Christmas gifts and Cushions for Cancer, raising funds for Borders General Hospital’s Macmillan unit, at a craft and gift fair in Heiton Village Hall on Sunday, October 16 (10am-3pm).

INNERLEITHEN

Service

The service on Sunday, October 9, will be at 11.30am in Innerleithen Church.

JEDBURGH

Historical society

The next meeting is on Thursday, October 13, at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion. There is a change to the published programme – Chris Vetch will give an illustrated talk on the history of Jedburgh Grammar School. At the last meeting Gordon McDonald introduced members to James Wilson (1805-60), “lad o’ pairts” from a prominent Hawick Quaker family. He moved to England, established himself as a businessman and journalist before entering the House of Commons. In 1843 he started The Economist as a newspaper to campaign for free trade. In 1859 he resigned his seat in parliament and went to India to help restructure its taxation system. He was there less than a year when he died.

Bridge club

September 26 – N/S – 1, V. Johnstone & M. Miller; 2, P. Harris & M. Forsythe; 3 (equal), R. Stewart &M. Weightman, J. Urquhart & S. West; E/W – 1, J. Louden & S. Graham; 2, D. Cessford & D. Gray; 3, C. Taylor & Y. Sharrat.

Glass act

The Borders Children’s Charity will benefit from a hands-on glass-engraving event on Friday, October 14, from 7-9.30pm at Middleton Mill, Bongate. Earlier in the day, at the same venue, from 1.30-3pm, and 3-4.30pm, there are afternoon tea sessions. More information about these events is available by ringing Pauline on 01835 862719.

KELSO

Thursday Group

The Thursday Group starts again today with local author Margaret Skea and “The Dreaded Sequel” – 2pm, Room 4. Abbey Row Centre. Next week sees “The World of Arthritis Research UK”. Annual subscriptions (£7) are now due. For more information and a syllabus, phone 01573 224753.

Bridge club

September 28 – Abbey Salver 1 – N/S – 1, Jean McLaren & Alison Ireland; 2, Caroline Sutherland & Elinor Green; 3, Rena Stewart & Beth Stark; E/W – 1, Maureen Weightman & Helen Long; 2, Annie MItchell & Bob Stevenson; 3, Lynda Douglas & Lesley Dick. September 29 – Calchou Cup 2 – N/S – 1 John & Marian Miller; 2, John Urquhart & Janet Kyle; 3, Dominic Alkin & Diana Alkin; E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell & John Loudon; 2, Gerry Eglington & Vanessa Wilson; 3, James Tweddle & Allison Long.

Concert

On Friday, October 7, at 7.30pm in Kelso Old Parish Church, a string quartet from Italy, the Quartetto Di Cremona, play Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Tickets on the door, or online from www.kelsomusicsociety.com

Abbey Quilters

Abbey Quilters meet on Tuesday, October 13, in Abbey Row at 7pm when Debbie Renton will talk about “Threads”. Members should remember to bring their mug for tea. For further information, contact Rineke Sangster by phoning 01573 229414.

Music Makers

Kelso Music Makers’ first event of the season at Abbey Row last Friday attracted a large audience who enjoyed a varied programme of classical, traditional, contemporary music and song from a wide age range of performers. Among the items were individual and group pieces from “Highline” with Carly Blain; two piano serenades; two piano and baritone horn duos; two movements of a Bach sonata with piano, baritone, flute, and mandolin; three contemporary songs, two with guitar and tenor ukulele; two Scottish traditional songs with guitar and mandolin; and a few short piano selections from some young players. The next event in Abbey Row is on Friday, October 28. Performers and listeners welcome. Contact 01575 224920 for further information.

LANGHOLM

Drum major

The local pipe band drum major has been picking up a number of trophies lately – but with another band. Ricky Henderson, who lives up Ewes a few miles from the town and works for Scottish Water, has been travelling throughout the country to compete in drum major competitions. He has won at Ardrossan, Gourock, Girvan and Innerleithen, and also been runner-up at Ayr and Peebles – and all this has been achieved competing for Lochmaben Pipe Band. The reason for this is that the Langholm musicians are not registered with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, but Lochmaben are. He was the highest-placed Scottish drum major at the Scottish championships and second highest at the British and European competitions. The competitors are judged on their dress, flourishing (spinning of the mace), marching and deportment.

Tennis

Judy Murray, mother of tennis stars Andy and Jamie, visited the Academy, bringing her Tennis on the Road programme. She set up the initiative three years ago to take tennis all over Scotland to young people, and she had the coaches and pupils at the school involved in a variety of exercises to improve their skills and enjoyment of the game.

LAUDER

Church

Harvest thanksgiving will be celebrated at Channelkirk (10am) and Lauder (11.30am) on Sunday, October 9. Both services are to be led by the Rev Rae Clark. Donations for local foodbanks will be welcome at both services. Filled shoeboxes will also be accepted during both services for this year’s Blythswood Shoebox Appeal. If you would rather contribute individual items, please bring them along on Sunday too. Blythswood will collect the shoeboxes on Tuesday, November 8.

Turn to page 32

From page 31

LILLIESLEAF

Ceilidh

A Halloween ceilidh will be held on Saturday, October 29, from 7-10.30pm, in the Currie Memorial Hall. It is a fundraiser for four Selkirk High School pupils who are going to Bolivia next year with the Borders Exploration Group. Tickets – 01835 870348, or on the door.

MAXTON

Coffee morning

On Saturday, October 8, there will be a coffee morning in aid of Maxton and Mertoun Church funds. The event is in the village hall, starting at 10am.

Maxton Meets

The next talk in the Maxton Meets series is on Monday, October 10, when Charles Strang will give an illustrated talk on “The Architectural Heritage of the Scottish Borders”. The village hall event starts at 7.30pm.

MELROSE

Parish church

Organist Jim Marshall’s endof-service voluntary – Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and popularised by Albert Schweitzer – was a fitting prelude to his presentation party on Tuesday for 50 years at the parish church organ (and several years before that in other churches). The Monksford golf competition raised £600 for special projects. Members are needed for the church choir (Sunday practices at 10am) and volunteers for reading lessons. Sunday, October 9 – harvest thanksgiving at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am – aid envelopes for Malawi, with lunch at noon). Sunday, October 16 – 7.30pm, music society, Jessica Leary. Friday, Octobr 21 – Arthritis Research musical evening, Selkirk. Shoebox appeal and foodbank ongoing.

Trimontium

The museum (six days) and Thursday afternoon walks season enters its last month for 2016, the last Old Melrose outing having taken place on Monday. However, the triple lecture season begins today (Thursday) at 7.30pm in the Corn Exchange when Stratford Halliday (ex-Edinburgh University and the Royal Commission) talks about the huge project of collating an atlas of all the hillforts in the UK (including for us, Eildon Hill North). Trust chairman John Reid is off to Masada in Israel this week to meet with archaeologists to discuss possible similarities with his Burnswark investigation, and to report back at the second lecture on Thursday, October 13. Professor Ian Armit, of Bradford University, is the final speaker on Thursday, October 27. His subject is the 800-year-old hillfort of Broxmouth in East Lothian. The site was excavated in the 1970s, but not written up till he raised the money and the people, and had it published last year.

MOREBATTLE

SWI

On Wednesday, October 12, at 7.15pm in the institute, Diane Mackay will be demonstrating savoury dishes. Competitions – individual sweet using chocolate and a trinket box.

Surgery

Councillors Simon Mountford and Tom Weatherston are holding a surgery in Morebattle Institute on Saturday, October 15 (11am-noon).

Badminton

Badminton restarts on Monday, October 17, in the village hall at 7pm. New members welcome.

AGM

The lunch club AGM will be held on Tuesday, October 18, at 1.30pm in the institute. The club meets every Tuesday at noon – new members welcome.

OXNAM

Library cafe

The next library cafe is in the hall on Wednesday, October 12, from 11am-noon.

peebles

Geologist talk

David Adamson, of Galashiels, will give a talk about the life and work of Charles Lapworth, at the Osprey Centre, Kailzie Gradens, on Wednesday, October 12, at 7pm. Lapworth was a late Victorian geologist who made most of his remakable discoveries locally and transformed geolgical thinking at the time. He was also a teacher at Galashiels for 11 years. Donations on the night will go to Friends of Kailzie Wildlife and help towards their ongoing educational nature projects.

SELKIRK

Pop-up shop

See Ettrick district.

ST BOSWELLS

SWI

The first meeting of the winter session was held in the village hall when Carol Lawson, of Foulden, conducted a hands-on class in making marzipan fruits. Wilma Morris gave Carol a vote of thanks. Competitions: Four pieces of tablet – 1. Sadie Ainslie, 2. Marilyn McCall; A yellow item – 1. Rose Cameron, 2. Marilyn McCall, 3. Briony Hawthorne. Members will be attending hospitality evenings at Midlem SWI and Newtown St Boswells later this month. The St Boswells hospitality night will be on Tuesday, October 11, when retired vet Nigel Brown gives a talk. Competitions are for an amusing four-line poem and/or an animal ornament. This will be held in the large village hall and begins at 7.30pm. There will be supper and a raffle.

stichill

SWI

At the October meeting, Isabel Gordon gave an interesting and informative talk on a history of tea, tracing its origins in the Far East to its introduction to Europe in the 17th century through trading companies and to the national drink we enjoy today. Avril Purves gave the vote of thanks. Competitions: Three slices of tea loaf – 1. Margaret Dutton, 2. Kathy Wilkie, 3. Frances Rogers; Tea towel – 1. Margaret Dutton, 2. Frances Rogers, 3. Pam Hall. The next meeting will be held in the village hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 1.

TRAQUAIR

Service

There will be a service at 10am in Traquair Kirk on Sunday, October 9.

WALKERBURN

Service

The next service to be held in Walkerburn Public Hall will be on Sunday, October 16, at 10am.

YARROWFORD

Village hall

Gordon Cree – “The Master of Music and Mirth” – is appearing at Yarrowford Village Hall on Saturday, October 15, at 7.30pm. Tickets – 01750 76204.

SWI

Members had a demonstration of sweet making by Carol Lawson which ncluded hints and tips on showing sweets. Mrs Lawson judged the competitions: Loaf of bread – 1. Shirley McDonald, 2. Linda Bradshaw; Bread knife – 1. Betty Fraser, 2. Margaret Robinson. The raffle was won by Linda Bradshaw. The next meeting is the AGM and Taste and Try on Tuesday, October 11.

YETHOLM

Dancing

Country dancing restarts in the Youth Hall at 2pm on Thursday, October 6.

Ceilidh

Yetholm and Morebattle schools are holding a joint ceilidh on Thursday, October 6, from 6.30-8.30pm. This is a family event – contact members of the parent teacher council for further information.

Film night

Film night on Saturday, October 8, at 7pm in the Wauchope Hall features “Spotlight” (15). Entry is £5 and doors open at 6.30pm.

Whist

A whist drive takes place in the Youth Hall on Tuesday, October 11, at 7.30pm, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.

Coffee morning

The Macmillan coffee morning realised £415.

Kelso swimmer Ryan Brown received one of the top awards in his sport last weekend.

The 18-year-old City of Glasgow and Kelso ASC swimmer was awarded the WG Todd Trophy for Top Scottish Junior Male Performer of the Year at the Scottish Swimming Awards in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.

He earned the accolade as a result of his qualification and subsequent performances at the European Junior Championships in Hungary in July where he finished 12th in the semi-finals and also swam the butterfly leg of the medley relay.

Ryan later went on to win the Boys 17-18yrs 200 metres butterfly at the British Summer Nationals in Sheffield, confirming his position as Britain’s number one in the event for swimmers aged 18 and under.

Support from Clubsport Roxburgh, Borders Athlete Support Programme, Qube GB and Rugbystore allows Ryan to compete at these major competitions.

He is back in hard training after a well-earned summer break, aiming to continue to improve and looking to perform well at the Commonwealth Trials next year.

More Borders derby football confrontations are set to light up the Lowland League on Saturday.

Following a midweek flurry of rearranged fixtures, this weekend’s card pitches the league’s four southern sides against each other.

Gala Fairydean Rovers regarded Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Gretna as a couple of points dropped after dominating the game but failing to build on a 1-0 lead, which was cancelled out by a late free-kick – Gretna 2008’s only shot on target in the entire match.

Gala FR face in-form Hawick Royal Albert, who enjoyed a 6-2 Scottish Cup replay romp on Saturday against Civil Service Strollers.

On Tuesday at Albert Park, Hawick got the better of a resurgent Selkirk, who themselves have been scoring abundantly in recent league games.

But Garry O’Connor’s side went down 4-3 to the League newcomers.

Selkirk visit Vale of Leithen, who have also been going well in the league. Boss Chris Anderson said Vale gave their best performance of the season last weekend against leaders East Kilbride, despite conceding a last-minute goal to lose 2-1. They’d been mauled 9-1 just a week earlier by the Lanarkshire side in the Scottish Cup.

A Hawick man, who denies being concerned in the supply of cannabis, will stand trial on November 1.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, Jori Silver, 23, of Princes Street, denied being concerned in the supply of the illegal drug at his home on March 18.

He also denies possession of ecstasy.

A Hawick man who denied using racially offensive language will stand trial on November 3.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, Jamie Wilson, 28, of Fraser Avenue, denied repeatedly using racially offensive language towards a man at Dickson Court, Hawick, on July 8.

Galashiels and Selkirk were flooded with creative juices at the weekend as the Creative Coathanger festival got in full swing.

From paintings to performances, crafts and creations, the public turned up in their droves to witness the best artistic talents in the Borders and beyond.

Festival director Mark Timmins said the events so far have gone better than he could have hoped for.

He told the Southern: “It has been amazing.

“Saturday dawned with the most beautiful weather, and I’d say around 150 people turned up first thing to watch the mural being unveiled.”

The mural, which is a huge piece of artwork now in its permanent home at the side of the Grapevine Restaurant in Douglas Bridge, Galashiels, was painted by Edinburgh artist Chris Rutterford to celebrate the arrival of the Flying Scotsman.

It depicts – among other local celebrities – writer Walter Scott, footballer John Collins, rugby star Chris Paterson and 94-year-old ice-cream man Adam Kelly, alongside telly host Lorraine Kelly, who the artist has a soft spot for, and a huge cast of Gala folk who paid to be painted into the delightfully colourful picture.

Lord Steel, who unveiled the painting and is also featured in it, said of the festival: “Galashiels is alive and buzzing, and it is going to grow again.”

Also in Douglas Bridge was the Creative Coathanger hub, where locally-produced crafts were sold, art was displayed and contacts made.

A fantastic exhibition of woodsman Tim Stead’s work was also in the hub.

There were also displays of art and music in various venues throughout the town centre, including the MacArts building, Trinity Church and several shops that would otherwise have been empty.

Mark said that the people who gave demonstrations of their work said that they were delighted.

He said: “The Borders Forest Trust said they had more people interested in what they do than they would normally get in six months.

“And the open studios were also well attended – artist Janice Cleghorn says she made £200 for the Macmillan cancer charity, and Wasps Studios in Selkirk reported hundreds of people through the door ... the place was buzzing.”

All the artistic flair is engineered to increase footfall in the town.

He said: “We are also hoping to get some of the landlords of the empty shops interested.

“If they can see that more footfall can be generated through events like this, then they can then show that to prospective clients.

“And venues such as Grapevine and Turnbulls are trying to instill something of a cafe culture, with seats outside for people shopping, and creating a bit of a buzz.

“We want people to see that there is more to do in Galashiels rather than just going to the supermarkets for their big monthly shop and then going away again.”

The festival closes this weekend, with the Selkirk Sessions and Scott’s Selkirk celebrations.

Sean Fraser, along with Archie, top, and James Lyall, has come up with a great way to help Friends of the Borders General Hospital purchase a bladder scanner and an endoscopic telescope.

Scottish Borders Council is donating broken bikes to the cycle recyclers to repair and sell them, and he is sending all the proceeds to the friends.

Sandra Henwood, of the Melrose hospital group, said: “Sean’s project will be of great help. If anybody who has an old bike that they no longer want, and which might be in need of repair, they could support this project by contacting Sean on seanfraser67@hotmail.com.”

Almost 20 pothole-riddled urban roads are now in line to be resurfaced after Scottish Borders Council agreed last Thursday to divert an extra £1.98m of capital funding to repairs.

The resurfacing of 19 roads agreed will take place this financial year at a cost of £1.33m, with the balance going on short-term overlays, drainage and the patching of roads in villages and rural areas.

Once another £422,000 is to fix flood-damaged bridges at Bowanhill, Selkirk and at Newmill, near Jedburgh, is taken into account, the repairs approved add up to a £2.4m package.

While welcoming the windfall from other capital projects that have underspent or been abandoned or delayed, Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar, the authority’s executive member for roads and infrastructure, warns that more money is required to bring the region’s road network up to scratch.

“I cannot overstate the importance of having safe and well-maintained roads,” said Mr Edgar.

“Our businesses, schools and social work services all depend on them, and I’m afraid that roads have been the poor relation when it comes to this council’s other spending priorities in these challenging financial times.

“Even with this extra boost, which I have fought hard for, I reckon we need to be spending £12m every year for the next five years to make a real difference to our 3,000km of roads and countless bridges.

“Sadly, the reality is my department only has £4m a year to do the job, and it’s just not enough.”

More than half the £2.4m roads spending boost, unanimously endorsed by councillors last week, is down to the freeing-up of £1.28m the council had set aside in its capital programme to provide a 3G synthetic sports pitch in Peebles but now going spare.

With the failure of that community to reach a consensus on a suitable location, the project has been shelved indefinitely, much to the annoyance of Tweeddale West councillor Catriona Bhatia.

“To say I’m angry at this turn of events is putting it mildly,” Mrs Bhatia told the full council meeting.

“We will now have three 3-G pitches – in Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels – but none at all in Peeblesshire or Berwickshire, which means the provision is neither fair nor inclusive.

“This is not just about lack of access to football – this is about the health of our population.”

Mrs Bhatia’s call for council officers to liaise with the two football clubs in Peebles and investigate the potential for improvements to the grass pitches at the town’s Violet Bank was unanimously endorsed.

A bid to demolish a landmark Galashiels church has been blocked by Historic Environment Scotland.

Plans had been in place since 2014 by Cumbrian-based group Book Developments to create 16 flats out of the former B-listed St Aidan’s Church in the town’s Gala Park.

The company also sought consent from Scottish Borders Council to demolish the adjoining church hall and build another 11 apartments.

However, an external inspection five years ago found some deterioration in St Aidan’s since the previous site visit. Rear windows were no longer wind and watertight, glass was broken elsewhere and the building’s gutters were clogged.

It was deemed to be beyond repair, and the company lodged a planning application to demolish the building.

However, Historic Environment Scotland objected to the plans, and the application was pulled.

The proposals to build new flats were also objected to by several members of the public.

Originally founded as the South United Presbyterian Church in 1880, it was merged with the former Trinity Church in the town’s High Street. The name was then changed to St Cuthbert’s.

In 1974, St Cuthbert’s was united with Ladhope Parish Church to become first of all Ladhope St Cuthbert’s and then, in 1981, St Aidan’s.

St Aidan’s closed in 2005, with its congregation joining with that of St Ninian’s to create Trinity Church.

St Aidan’s church and hall were finally put up for sale in 2007, at offers in excess of £300,000.

The hall was in better condition but still had clogged and broken gutters and was steadily being encroached upon by trees and vegetation.

Braedale Developments bought the church and its hall in 2007 and was set to transform them into 26 flats, with planning permission granted in August 2009.

However, the housing market crashed, and there was no interest in building.

Braedale Developments was dissolved, but Book Developments took over the project in 2014 and submitted a new planning application for a revised scheme of 16 flats, seeing it approved in 2014.

However, the deterioration of the interior had become worse, and it was going to cost more than £450,000 to put right and still keep the exterior of the church.

Book Developments stated this was not viable and applied for permission to demolish the building.

However, Historic Environment Scotland’s Ian Thomson objected, saying: “The information currently presented to justify loss of this B-listed building falls short of what is expected and raises issues for the historic environment.”

More Borders derby football confrontations are set to light up the Lowland League on Saturday.

Following a midweek flurry of rearranged fixtures, this weekend’s card pitches the league’s four southern sides against each other.

Gala Fairydean Rovers regarded Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Gretna as a couple of points dropped after dominating the game but failing to build on a 1-0 lead, which was cancelled out by a late free-kick – Gretna 2008’s only shot on target in the entire match.

Gala FR face in-form Hawick Royal Albert, who enjoyed a 6-2 Scottish Cup replay romp on Saturday against Civil Service Strollers.

On Tuesday at Albert Park, Hawick got the better of a resurgent Selkirk, who themselves have been scoring abundantly in recent league games.

But Garry O’Connor’s side went down 4-3 to the League newcomers.

Selkirk visit Vale of Leithen, who have also been going well in the league. Boss Chris Anderson said Vale gave their best performance of the season last weekend against leaders East Kilbride, despite conceding a last-minute goal to lose 2-1. They’d been mauled 9-1 just a week earlier by the Lanarkshire side in the Scottish Cup.