Cappercleuch

FUN DAY: The fun day in aid of village hall funds raised more than £700. The next hall event will be a ceilidh on October 24.

Denholm

WHIST: The whist drive on Monday night for Ruberslaw Church raised £146. Highest – Beryl; ladies – 1, Helen; 2, M. Frost; 3, Rose; 4, Pat; half-time – I. Mabon, Marion M; booby – May; gents – 1, Ann; 2, Roy; 3, Jock; 4, Bill; half-time – Marion T, Robert; booby – Stuart; bingo – Mary.
MEETING: At a public meeting held in the village hall last week, the chairman of the Feuars and Householders' Committee, Kenneth Steel, introduced Sandy Watson, from Scottish Enterprise Borders, to speak on funding available to the community from the developers of the proposed wind turbine project on Dunion Hill. The impending removal of the telephone kiosk by British Telecom was also discussed. The feeling in the hall was that this was premature as a suitably strong signal for some mobile phones was not always obtained in Denholm, resulting in the telephone box still being used by a lot of people. It was hoped that a new, clear-sided bus shelter could be erected on the site of the old wooden structure which was removed last year. New flower tubs around the green could be purchased with money left on deposit with the Feuars' Council from the defunct Denholm in Bloom committee. Volunteers would then be required to maintain and water the plants during the summer. Anyone interested should contact the chairman or any member of committee.

Earlston

PARISH CHURCH: This Sunday sees the return of the normal timetable of services – 9.45am, all ages; 11am, traditional.
FLOWER SHOW: Earlston Horticultural Society will hold its annual show in Earlston High School hall on Saturday, August 30. The hall will be open to the public from 2pm, with the presentation of prizes by headteacher Michelle Strong at 4.15pm. Entries are still open and show schedules are available from the Spar shop and Cavanagh Newsagents, Earlston.

Eccles

PARISH CHURCH: Today – 2-3.45pm, summer teas in the church hall; Sunday – 9.45am, morning worship.

Eckford

COFFEE MORNING: The coffee morning held in the village hall last Saturday raised £332 for Help the Heroes.

Edgerston

COMMITTEE: A village hall committee meeting will take place at the hall on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
COFFEE MORNINGS: Coffee mornings continue on the first Monday of each month from 10.30am.
SHOW: Edgerston Agricultural Show will be held at the village hall on September 13. All entries to be in by 11.30am on show day. The event opens to the public at 2pm. Further information and a show schedule can be obtained from Ned Greenwood on 01835 840252.

Ettrick

FLOWER SHOW: Ettrick Flower Show takes place this Saturday at 2pm in the Boston Hall. It will be followed in the evening by a hog roast supper and ceilidh, with live music and dancing to Jimmy Gold. Supper will be served at 7pm and tickets are available from any committee member or by calling 01750 62285.

Galashiels

PATCHWORK: The Focus Centre will be holding beginners' patchwork classes which start the first week in September on a Wednesday (10am-noon) and Thursday (7-9pm). It is hoped the classes will lead to a quilting group being formed in the centre. For further information, contact Vivien on 07787 774655.
BLOOD: The mobile blood transfusion unit will be at the Volunteer Hall on Sunday (10am-12.30pm and 2-4pm) and Monday (2.15-5.15pm and 5.30-7.30pm).
Rotary Club: The club has been awarded a presidential citation by the president of Rotary International for its work during the past year. At last week's meeting, members heard about the London-Edinburgh cycle run undertaken by members Bill Zawadeckyj, Alastair Christie, Graeme Johnstone and Rob Oliver, with back-up from Duncan McCosh and Rae Hastings. The run was in aid of Jaipur Limb, which makes artificial limbs for people in Third World countries. At the last count, more than £4,000 has been raised and it is expected that the final total will be more than £5,000.

Hawick

Rotary Club: President Keith Bird welcomed assistant district governor Harry Smith to last week's meeting. Secretary George Rennie was taking a team to Galashiels to compete in the Rotary Border Junior Golf Tournament. The foundation committee reported a donation of £950 to the Rotary Foundation charity. Rotarians Tommy Mulvee and Sid Huddart reported on a quoiting competition held on Denholm Green last Sunday when £40 was raised and donated to Rotary funds. New district governor Alistair Seale will visit the Hawick club on October 9.

Innerleithen

REGISTRATION DAY: Leithen Vale Sports Club registration day will be held on August 30 (10-11.30am) at Victoria Park. Any school-age children from Innerleithen and surrounding area who wish to play football will be welcome. The club runs weekly training sessions and participate in the Scottish Borders Junior FA League. Queries to Paula Edmiston on 01896 831983.
CIVIC ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of Innerleithen Civic Association will be held in the council chambers at 7.30pm on September 17.
COFFEE MORNING: Last Saturday's St Ronan's Silver Band and Future Band coffee morning raised approximately £450.
CHURCH: Morning worship at Innerleithen Church starts at 11.30am on Sunday when the Very Rev. Finlay Macdonald, principal clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, is guest preacher. The series of meetings exploring the meaning of church membership continues at the manse on Tuesday. Tea and Chat takes place in the hall from 10-11.30am on August 28 and every Thursday unless cancelled. On August 31 a service will be held at Innerleithen Church at 10.30am. The kirk session meets in the church hall at 7pm on September 1.

Jedburgh

Mini Rugby (P1-7): The new season starts on August 31 at Riverside with a registration and fun day from 11am-3pm.
SWIMMING: Jedforest Swimming Club training sessions begin on Tuesday (6-7pm and 7-8pm). New members welcome and should come along to the 6pm session in the first instance. Further information available from Jonathan on 01835 863430.
BAZAAR: Jedburgh Old and Trinity Parish Church hosts its annual bazaar in the Town Hall on Monday from 9.30am-3.30pm.
ROTARY: Last week's club assembly saw the committee chairmen present their plans for the coming year. President Matt Fleming then introduced Harry Smith from Lockerbie who spoke of his role as zone leader.
SCHOOL REUNION: Anyone turning 40 this year and wanting to attend the school reunion on October 18 should ensure replies are returned A.S.A.P. Queries to Audrey Munro (Anderson) on 01835 830278.
CHURCHES TOGETHER: The annual joint churches outing this year was to Carlisle which took place last Saturday. In the afternoon, a short service was held in Carlisle Cathedral. The Rev. Graham Astles led the service, assisted by Father Jeremy Bath, who is shortly leaving the Borders to take up a post in Livingston. There were bible readings by representatives from St John's and St Mary's, and hymns were sung.

Kelso

Rotary Club: A business meeting was held last Thursday to identify the club's aims and objectives for the year 2008-2009. Several international, national and local causes were put forward for consideration and status reports regarding last year's projects were given. Social events and visits were also discussed. The club hope to recruit new members and several ideas were put forward to increase awareness of the work that Rotary does. The next meeting will take place at 6pm tonight at the Ednam House Hotel. The speaker's subject will be The Waverley Line.
MARKET: Kelso farmers' market will be held on Saturday in The Square from 9.30am-1.30pm.
DANCE: Registration for the Michelle Douglas School of Dance's new term is on Saturday. If a parent's child cannot make this class, they must ring 01573 470700 to ensure the youngster's place is not given to someone on the waiting list.
KELSO NORTH AND EDNAM: Virginia Voices, a touring choir from the USA, will be holding a concert in Kelso North on August 29 at 7.30pm. The group arrives in Kelso next Wednesday and during the week will be visiting Broomlands and Edenside primary schools, Kelso Hospital and Grove House, where they will give short performances. Members are being encouraged to take part in The £10 Challenge, whereby £10 will be given to them and they can then decide how to use this money and increase it for church funds.

Langholm

Flower Show: There was an overall entry of 1,431 for Canonbie village flower show last Saturday. Maurice Wear, from Hawick, was a first-time entry at Canonbie and he included most points in the cut flowers among his collection of five cups. Davy Campbell from the town was presented with the Whittaker cup for most points in the pot plants, and local Jack Smith had the best exhibit in the fuchsias. The E&L trophy for most points in the baking went to Jean Martindale of Annan, who also had the best exhibit. Kate Elliot from Ewes collected the cup for most points in the jams and jellies, and the Society cup for most points in hand knitting was won by show secretary Gillian Lamont. The Bowholm Shield for coloured photographs went to Paul Elborn of Newcastleton, while Kathryn Orr had the best exhibit in the children's general section, and Kerrie Waitt won the secondary section. The BFA cup in the primary was presented to Caroline Donald and Leanne Donald had most points in the under-eight section, with Marcus Adamson getting the pre-school cup. The penny pitching was won by Sandy McVittie from the town, with sponsor Kenny Tweddle finishing second. Overall winner in the fancy dress was Sophie Robb.
Food festival: Eskdale Sports Centre was the venue for a food festival last Sunday. Celebrity chef Paul Rankin visited the food festival during the morning and signed copies of his latest book. Later he cooked up a feast of gastronomic delights at the Buccleuch Centre.
Art exhibition: The summer exhibition of the district art club was opened in the Scott Hay Gallery last Saturday by Julie Dumbarton, who has the Bakehouse Studio in the town.
Citizenship: Kim Anh Logan, who is originally from Vietnam, celebrated becoming a British citizen at a ceremony in Gretna last Thursday. Ly Logan, as she is more familiarly known, moved to the town four years ago and later married Iain Logan. She looks after the administration of her husband's passenger transport information business.
Windfarm money: A presentation took place in the Town Hall last Tuesday when the Ex-Servicemen's Hall at Bentpath, the local pipe band and the Young Riders' Club received a cash boost. Income had been received from Minsca wind farm project after former community chairman George Whillans and treasurer Ronnie Tait had been involved, along with 21 other community councils in the area, in talks with Airtricity. The money is primarily available for non-profit making organisations, and £1,700 per year will be given over 25 years.

Lauder

CHURCH: The Rev. Dr Bruce Gardner will be inducted to the charge of Channelkirk and Lauder on August 28 at a service to be held at 7pm in Lauder Old Parish Church. A social gathering will take place in Lauder Public Hall following the service. The general public are welcome at both events. The first official duty for the new moderator of the Presbytery of Melrose and Peebles, the Rev. Catherine Buchan, will be to preside over the induction. She will also preside over a meeting of the presbytery to be held in Lauder Church Centre at 6.45pm that evening.

Lindean

WRI: The rural begins its new session on September 4 at 7.15pm with a talk on the digital TV switchover. Competition – a pretty glass paperweight. Subscriptions (£10) now due. New members welcome.

Melrose

PARISH CHURCH: A group of young Americans from the youth hostel joined the service and stayed for coffee afterwards. Activities – tomorrow and Saturday, a cup of tea and a book, the Ormiston, 10am-4pm; Sunday – services at 9.30am (Bowden) and 11am (Melrose); 2pm, Joined-up Strings in the church hall; 2.30-4.30pm, Melrose in Bloom summer garden party at Strathallan, Waverley Road. Tickets from 01896 822758/822024.
TRIMONTIUM: Newstead takes its place in the latest book on The Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, by Tony Wilmott, excavator of the Chester amphitheatre, who has been invited to speak in Melrose next year. There are two pages about its features plus a plan, the latest aerial photograph taken in 2006, and a reference to its finding 'by local archaeologist, Dr W Lonie'.

Morebattle

CHEQUE: Morebattle Gun Club's annual charity auction/dinner, held earlier this year, has resulted in a £500 cheque going to Macmillan Cancer Support.
COFFEE MORNING: There will be a coffee morning (10.30am) in the Wauchope Hall, Yetholm, on Saturday for the joint churches.
HOLIDAY CLUB: The holiday club finished off a successful week with a service in Morebattle Church.
COFFEE MORNING: There will be a coffee morning in the village hall on August 30 (10.30am) for Diabetes Scotland.

Newcastleton

FLOWER POWER: A flower festival will be held in Liddesdale Parish Church from 1pm tomorrow until 6pm on Monday.
Beautiful Scotland: The judges for Beautiful Scotland visited the village last Wednesday. The rain held off as chairperson Margaret Eliott and secretary and treasurer Hazel White gave the judges a tour of the village. It will be September before the judges deliver their verdict.

Oxton

New Minister: The Rev. Dr Bruce Gardner will be inducted to the charge of Channelkirk and Lauder on August 28 at a service to be held at 7pm in Lauder Old Parish Church. A social gathering will take place in Lauder Public Hall following the service. The general public are welcome at both events.

Selkirk

OPERA: Crazy For You is Selkirk's Operatic Society's next challenge. Enrolment night is on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the high school music department.

Southdean

SHOW: Southdean Show will be held on Saturday from 2pm.

Stow

SHOW: Gala Water Horticultural Society is holding its annual show on September 6 in Stow Town Hall from 2-4pm. Schedules are available at Stow post office and 17 Craigend Road.

West Linton

BLOOD: Donors can give blood in West Linton on August 28 when the transfusion unit visits the primary school between 5-8pm.

Walkerburn

CHURCH: Sunday's service at Walkerburn Church starts at 10am.

Yetholm

FESTIVAL WEEK: The festival week committee has decided to meet monthly. Meetings, at which the public are welcome, will take place in the Plough Hotel at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month. However, the next meeting will be this Monday and not September 1.
SHEEPDOG TRIALS: Bill Elliot recently retired as shepherd at Halterburn and now lives in the village. However, he has kept his sheepdogs and remains heavily involved in sheepdog trials. Last week he was competing in the Scottish National Sheepdog Trials at Ballantrae in Ayrshire – and Bill and his dog, Wes, have been selected to join the Scottish team for the international trials to be held in Wales next month.
FAREWELLS: There were two farewells in the village last weekend. Linda Bell recently left her job in The Plough to take up a position at Ednam House Hotel, Kelso. She was back in The Plough on Friday for a presentation party. Regulars had contributed funds and Linda received a painting by artist Peter Tait of her dog, together with a voucher. Meanwhile, on the other side of the green, Moyra McDonald has retired from her job in the village shop. She had been due to retire in November, but brought the date forward as she is temporarily moving to Edinburgh to look after a sick relative. Moyra, a stalwart of the village pantomime, will be returning to the village. A collection is being arranged for her.
SATURDAY FUN: The rain held off on Saturday afternoon for two separate events on the playing field. The successors to the parent-teacher association, the parents' council, held a fair, including a pet show and fancy dress. when about £300 was raised for the school. Meanwhile, on the football pitches, the Scottish Borders Primary Schools football competition was taking place. A feature of this was the use of an inflatable sided pitch.
FIVE-A-SIDES: The Borders five-a-side football tournament saw 35 five boys and girls participating and more than £500 was raised for SFA training in the village. The winning number of the 50/50 draw was 36, with a prize money total of £152.45.
KIRK SALE AND COFFEE MORNING: Preparations are well in hand for this Saturday's coffee morning in the Wauchope Hall at 10.30am.