bowden
Community cafe
The next community cafe gathering will be in the village hall at 11am on August 19.
Fete
Bowden and Melrose Parish Church’s annual fete will be held in Bowden village hall on August 15 (2-4pm). Stalls include books, bottles, bric-a-brac, cake and candy, home-made cards, plants and raffle. Donations gratefully accepted.
Caddonfoot
Parish church
The future of church buildings and the fact that no one can do everything were the themes of the Reverend Elspeth Harley’s talks at morning service on Sunday. The congregation was asked for their favourite churches before Mrs Harley spoke of the importance of churches today and the need to delegate work. The Bible reading was performed by Fay Brydon, while music came from Andy and Catriona Bird. Members were saddened to hear of the death of Arthur Dorward, whose funeral is in the church at 11am today (Thursday). There will be a short meeting after the service on August 23 to discuss plans for the annual sale of work on October 31. Members were are reminded of the weekly Bible study evenings which run every Wednesday from 7.30-8.30pm at the manse in Galashiels. They start on September 2.
eARLSTON
Wednesday club
The new session starts on August 19 with the AGM – new members welcome. Competition – scarf ring/clip.
Parish church
The August 16 service at 10.15am will be conducted by the Reverend Julie Woods and members of the worship team. The congregational walk on August 23 will be after the service and is to Anne and Gerry Crighton’s house at West Lodge, Carolside, where lunch will be provided. Names of those going should be added to a list which will be put up in church.
edgerston
Barbecue
The village hall committee is hosting a barbecue on August 15 at 6.30pm, with entertainment by Riddell Fiddles. Tickets must be booked in advance by phoning Christine on 01835 840246.
galashiels
Trinity church
The Reverend Elspeth Harley conducted the service on Sunday. Bible passages were read by Gill Ward and Dorothy Howden led the music. Trinity is taking part in the Galashiels Open Doors project which is being organised by Energising Galashiels on September 19 and preparations are being made to put together an exhibition of church life, past and present.
HAWICK
Bridge club
August 4 – 1, Mary Millar and Sam White; 2, Helen and Malcolm Ouldcott; 3, John and Marian Miller.
Reunion
Final arrangements have been made for the reunion for pupils who started Hawick High School in August 1967. Any person who wishes to attend and who has not been contacted, visit the website class67.hhsreunion@gmail.com.
Rotary
Rotarians went outdoors for the last two weeks. They held their annual bowls tournament at Wilton Bowling Club and then retired to the Buccleuch Hotel for a meal. Last week golfers in the club played over the Minto course where the winning team was Ron Sutherland, Iain Smith and David Oliver. The golf dice game was won by Ron Sutherland. Rotarians then enjoyed a meal at the golf club.
Community council
Hawick residents have until 5pm on August 31 to put their name forward to become a community councillor. Returning officer, Councillor George Turnbull, said: “Hawick Community Council plays an important role in the town and I would encourage anyone interested in working with their community to put their name forward for the community council. I have no doubt that a new community council will build on and develop the success of the outgoing one. If anyone would like an informal chat about community council life, or would like a nomination form, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me (george.turnbull@scotborders.gov.uk or 0300 100 0220).” Nomination forms are available from the Scottish Borders Council contact centre in High Street, the town library or www.scotborders.gov.uk/ccelections
Jedburgh
Bridge club
August 3 – 1, M.Miller and V. Johnstone; 2, D. Palmer and P. Palmer; 3, R. Oates and S. West.
St John’s Church
Tomorrow (Friday) sees the children’s Messy Church Fun Day at The Old Parish Church,Kenmore Halls.Weather permitting, there will be outside activities and a barbecue. All youngsters who have been, or who would like to become involved, are welcome to turn up from 10.30am-2.30pm. On August 16 there will be evensong at St John’s at 6pm, with the usual holy communion (9am) and sung eucharist (10.30am). There are a few seats available for the Churches Together outing to Morpeth on August 22 – more information from Marion Anderson or the rector. The annual autumn fair will be held on September 19 in St John’s Old School. The next healing service takes place on August 30 at 6pm.
kelso
Bridge club
August 5 – match-pointed pairs – N/S – 1, Brian Saywood and Ken Ross; 2, Ian Watson and Alison Ireland; 3, John Urquhart and Miles Browne. E/W – 1, Annie Mitchell and Bob Stevenson; 2, Jean Henry and Myra Thomson; 3, Mary and Jim Stone. August 6 – aggregate pairs – N/S – 1, Rena Stewart and Maureen Weightman; 2, Ruth Mackay and Sheila Urquhart; 3, Bob Stevenson and Lee Leeson. E/W – 1, Shirley Armstrong and Moira Ayton; 2, James Tweddle and Allison Long; 3, Brian Saywood and Ken Ross.
Quiz night
The cricket club’s annual quiz night is on August 15 (8pm). Maximum of four people per team and £20 entry per team. Quizmaster is Dougie “D” Davidson. There will be a light supper available.
Langholm
Concert
The concert and investiture on the Wednesday prior to the Common Riding is always a popular event and this time was no exception with an enthusiastic audience. The pipe and town bands played from the Market Place through to the Buccleuch Centre prior to the event. Common Riding committee chairman Roger Maxwell welcomed everyone and then handed over to concert producer and compere, Ex-Cornet David Pool, who’s late father, Alex, had been in charge for many years. During the concert the investiture of Cornet Jamie Fletcher was carried out by Michaela Maxwell, daughter of Mr Maxwell. She was taking over from Marion Pool who had retired after many years. Michaela presented the Cornet with his official sash and riding crop. She also spoke warmly of her grandpa, diamond jubilee Cornet Jimmy Maxwell, who was unable to be there because of ill health, but had received gifts from the committee the week previous. Michaela presented semi-jubilee Cornet Kevan Hotson with an inscribed shepherd’s crook, and jubilee Cornet David McVittie with an inscribed local painting. The town band led off the concert and there was also music from the pipe band to start the second half of the programme. There were music and songs from The Borthwicks, Langholm Folk, Nicky Henderson, Jackie Beckett, Steven Milligan and David Pool, and Henry Jeffrey was accompanist.
Window competition
The shop window competition run in conjunction with the Common Riding was keenly contested by a number of businesses. The event was organised by the community council and many of the windows were prominent with the Common Riding colours of black, white and red. Judges were Cornet Jamie Fletcher’s mother, Jackie, and granny, Jean Ellwood. Best-dressed trade window was awarded to the Bank of Scotland, with the best shop window and overall winner being The Truly Scrumptious cafe.
Heather besoms
The heather besom parade is a popular and unique feature of the Common Riding. There is excitement for the children of gathering the heather with their elders from the hill, then making the besoms and carrying them in the procession on Common Riding Day. For the past few years, the local pie club have had a competition for the best heather besom and the judging takes place while the children wait on the horses returning from the hill. The winner this year was Abbie Laidlaw, who lives at Jedbank.
MELROSE
Parish church
Saturday’s good weather carried over into Sunday for Bowden and Melrose, where Sadie Emily Murray was christened amid family and friends, and received a baptismal candle, lit from the church’s Easter candle, symbolising new life. August 16 – services at Bowden (9.30am) and Melrose (11am). August 26 – midweek service and lunch; August 28/29 – books for MDCC bookshop (822758).
Morebattle
Festival Week
Monday – The coffee evening was a great success when £210 was realised for festival funds. The winner of “guess the lucky pet” was Katy Milne. A full house (no pun intended) was attracted to the family bingo night in the Templehall Hotel. Stand-in bingo caller Bryan Johnston, assisted by Joanne Sudlow, did an excellent job. Tuesday – At the camera club exhibition, the overall winner of the annual trophy was Gloria Wilson, with best exhibit going to Moira Wight. The sum raised was £222.50. Pool competition winner was Garry Mabon, with Andrew Scott runner-up. Wednesday – Whist, ladies, 1, Hannah Wilson; 2, Greta Middlemas; 3, Betty Mallen; 4, Liz Watson; booby, Joan Veitch; longest sitter, Christine Ballantyne; gents, 1, Kenny Tait; 2, Lizzie Thomson; 3, Gil Telfer; 4, George Amos; booby, Mary McTaggart; longest sitter, Dorothy Corrie. Dominoes, 1, Kerry Dixon; 2, Matthew Little; 3, Morag Thomson; booby, Grace Cessford. Thursday – At the egg hunt, teddy bears’ picnic and treasure hunt, more than 50 children enjoyed a lovely afternoon. Results, egg hunt, 1, Luke Jackson; 2, Ellie McBlain; 3, Livia Berardelli; teddy bear competition, 1, James Thomson with Rugby Teddy; 2, Ellie McBlain with Cat; 3, Sophie Ralston with Disco Teddy; treasure hunt, 1, Emma Thomson, Giorgio Berardelli, Millie Douglas, Ellie Douglas and Carmen; 2, Lucy Thomson, Georgio Thomson, Niamh O’Brien and Martin, Myles and Cameron; 3, Kym Cessford, Megan Douglas, Beth Thomson, Elliot Murray, Orla O’Brien, Jenny Thomson; 4, David Douglas, James Ralston, Sasha Jackson, Paulina and Liam. Pet show, large dog, 1, Helen Connell with Dude; 2, Lucy Thomson with Robbie; 3, Flora Thomson with Rhubarb; small dog, 1, Mary Pringle with Lola; 2, Helen Connell with Diago; 3, Matthew Little with Sky; small pet other than dogs, 1, Emma and Jenny with Tigger the Cat; rescued pet, 1, Lucy Thomson with Robbie; 2, Emma and Jenny with Tigger the Cat; owner most like pet, 1, Kerry Dixon with Oscar; 2, Matthew Little with Sky; 3, Mary Pringle with Maddie. Friday – The fancy dress parade was held and resulted, children 7 and under, 1, Jenny Thomson as The Borders Railway; 2, Jake Young as E.T.; 3, Bella Chamberlain as Box Troll; children 8-16, 1, Matthew Little as Minion; 2, Niamh O’Brien as Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland; 3, Liam Purves as Soldier; children’s groups, 1, Emma and Lucy Thomson as Border Berries; 2, Sasha and Luke Jackson as Spacemen; 3, Ellie and Paige McBlain as The Princess and The Frog; individual adults, no entries; mixed groups – 1, Cessfords and Barbours as The Borders Railway to Morebattle; 2, Village shop as The Old Bags; 3, David and Katy Cessford, and Jamie Wilson as Great Morebattle Bake-off; overall winner of Fancy Dress Cup, Emma and Lucy Thomson as Border Berries. Scarecrow competiton (16 entries), shield winner, 1, Kate Paterson (Mobile Scarecrow); 2, “Oyen” (Miss Muffet); 3, Neil Gaminch (Swag). Award – John Mabon received the Bob Pringle Award for outstanding services to the community. This honour is presented by the community council, and Helen Cessford and Mary Pringle made the presentation on its behalf.
Coffee morning
The coffee morning in aid of sufferers of diabetes will be held on August 22 from 10.30am in the village hall.
Holiday club
The summer holiday club is being held this week at Yetholm, with a joint service on Sunday in Yetholm Church at 10am.
southdean
Show
Southdean Centenary Show will be opened on August 22 at 2pm by the Earl of Hume. The hall was built at Chesters Crossroads on land donated by his great grandfather. The Mabons of Lustruther are organising a stockjudging competition, Bill Rae Agriculture presenting “Guess the weight of the heifer” and there will be a “Fine Feathers” poultry competition to which all hens, cocks, ducks and geese are invited. There will also be a variety of craft stalls, as well as children’s races, pony rides and “Driving Blindfold” – an activity arranged by FARX4 offroad driving adventures.
Stichill
Whist
Whist evenings restart in the village hall on August 17 at 7.30pm. The group meets on the third Monday of each month and anyone interested is welcome.
yetholm
Choir
The village choir recommences rehearsals on August 26 at 10.30am in the Youth Hall. New members welcome.
Concert
Kathryn Joseph (winner of the Scottish Album of the Year award) will be performing in Wauchope Hall on August 27 at 7.30pm. Contact Susan Stewart on 01573 420231 for tickets.
Meeting
The next meeting of the community council will be held on August 25 at 7pm in the Youth Hall. This gathering also includes the first festival meeting of the new season.
Church
Cheviot Churches are holding a table-top sale and barbecue at the manse on August 29 from 11am-3pm.