Lauderdale News Spring 2024

Lauderdale News

THIRLESTANE CASTLE WELCOMES THE BBC’S ANTIQUES ROADSHOW AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS THIS SUMMER

Thirlestane Castle in Lauder is excited to be welcoming the Antiques Roadshow on Tuesday, the 2nd of July. This year marks the shows 47th anniversary, and the team are on the hunt for a broad mix of antiques, family heirlooms and vintage treasures to share on screen. Applications for tickets and to showcase items are now open with limited places. To apply for both please visit: www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

Edward Maitland-Carew commented, “It is wonderful to welcome such a well-known TV programme to Thirlestane Castle. The Antiques Roadshow is as popular as ever and is watched by around five million people every Sunday evening. It is a privilege to be chosen as one of the 2024 venues and we look forward to seeing what treasures are shown on the day.”

Presenter Fiona Bruce, who will be filming her seventeenth series of Antiques Roadshow, says: “A new series of the Antiques Roadshow begins again and I, for one, can’t wait. Travelling the length and breadth of the UK to see what the great British public have pulled out of their attics and off their shelves. I know we’ll see items of great quality and value - but I’m always drawn in by a moving personal story too. They are what often stick longest in my memory. And I’m determined to improve my record on Basic, Better, Best. Surely I’ve got to get more of them right this year!”

WATCH OUT, YOUNG LAMBS ABOUT!

Lambing season is well under way in Scotland's countryside, and you may see young lambs or pregnant sheep. Dog owners and walkers are reminded to keep dogs under control when walking near livestock. Drivers are asked to slow down particularly on unfenced roads.

On the 19th of May, Thirlestane will be hosting a fun family day for Dachshunds, their owners, and all family dogs and then the BVAC Classic; Festival of Motoring will be returning to the Castle on Sunday 2nd of June. This premier classic car show attracts over 1,000 classic and vintage cars of all models and styles, plus motorcycle and military vehicle displays. Enjoy thrilling live rally action, arena stunt shows, pipe band displays, along with retail, food and drink exhibitors.

Thirlestane Castle will be opening its doors for regular tours from May to October. This year, Thirlestane are also launching a brand-new series of Specialist Tours, exploring certain topics including the castle’s military connections, art and architecture, and Maitland family history. Afternoon Tea and Tours also return on various dates throughout 2024.

Further information about all events can be found on the Thirlestane Castle website, where guests can also book their tickets in advance. www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

“Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore…”

Looks like a still from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ but this is actually Claire Ritchie’s garden shed taking itself for a wee daunder up the Stow Road during the storms a few weeks ago!

Credit Graeme Hewitson

Making Lauder Blooming Lovely !

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you like what we do and would like to show your support then we currently have various sponsorship opportunities available. So whether you're a local business, resident, community group or perhaps you would like to sponsor a planter or flower bed in memory of someone then simply contact us to find out more and help us to keep our town looking blooming lovely!

FREE Community Group Sessions

If your group would like us to come and run a gardening / wildlife session with you then we'd love to hear from you as we are always looking at ways to connect with other groups in our community.

Lauder in Bloom is finalist in the Britain in Bloom 2024 Large Village category

Following last year’s success in the national Beautiful Scotland awards, we are delighted to have been nominated to represent Scotland in the UK RHS Britain in Bloom finals! Although it'll be a huge challenge for

us, we are proud to have this opportunity so that Lauder’s wonderful community spirit can be showcased to the UK Britain in Bloom judges. We will be one of eight finalists in the Large Village category alongside others from Northern Ireland, Wales, Guernsey and regions of England. The Britain in Bloom judges will tour the UK between 24 July and 16 August, with the results being revealed at the London awards ceremony in October. We’ll be looking for extra pairs of hands in the run up to judging day for that final polish so look out for pleas for help nearer the time. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who continues to pop their spare change into our collection tins at Firebrick Bakery and Weigh Greener – it really does help!

Email us at LauderInBloom@Gmail.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

THIRLESTANE CASTLE

Credit Phil Wilkinson

The Thirlestane Castle team are delighted to be opening for regular tours from May to October and to announce our exciting programme of 2024 events

The Antiques Roadshow is coming to Thirlestane!

We are excited to be welcoming the Antiques Roadshow to Thirlestane Castle on Tuesday, 2nd July. This year marks the shows 47th anniversary, and the team are on the hunt for a broad mix of antiques,

family heirlooms and vintage treasures to share on screen. Applications for tickets and to showcase items are now open with limited places. To apply for both please visit: www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow

The BVAC Classic - Festival of Motoring will be taking place on Sunday, 2nd June. This premier classic car show has been held annually at Thirlestane Castle for over 15 years and attracts over 1,000 classic and vintage cars of all models and styles, plus motorcycle and military vehicle displays. Enjoy thrilling live rally action, arena stunt shows, pipe band displays, along with retail, food and drink exhibitors, there really is something for all the family.

This year we are also launching a brandnew series of Specialist Tours, exploring certain topics including the castle’s military connections, art and architecture, and Maitland family history.

Our Afternoon Tea and Tours return on various dates throughout 2024. These highly popular events are the perfect opportunity to enjoy decadent treats created by an award-winning local bakery Firebrick, before discovering the Castle’s history on one of our regular guided tours.

Further information about all events can be found on the Thirlestane Castle website, where guests can also book their tickets in advance.

Volunteer at Thirlestane

Volunteers are incredibly important to Thirlestane Castle and are involved in several areas, from leading guided tours to assisting with caring for the grounds. There is a real community feel and sense of belonging among our volunteers.

If you would like to be involved, please contact visitorcoordinator@thirlestanecastle.co.uk for further information.

Lauder marks Remembrance Sunday

2023

HILL RALLY ACTION RETURNS TO THE BVAC CLASSIC AT THIRLESTANE CASTLE

We are very excited to announce that the Hill Rally stage will return to this year’s BVAC Classic in a new and improved format, on Sunday 2nd June at Thirlestane Castle.

Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the sight and sound of over 30 Hill Rally monsters, setting off on a special timed stage in the grounds of Thirlestane Castle, as they battle it out to win the Scottish Summer Hill Rally.

A popular addition to last year’s BVAC Classic, the stage has been re-formatted for 2024, so that visitors will be able to see these impressive machines and their crews, in action for longer.

The Scottish Summer Hill Rally, which is organised by the Scottish Hill Rally Club, will see competitors tackle stages across the Scottish Borders County on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June, including the special spectator stage within the BVAC Classic at Thirlestane Castle. The event’s rally service park will also be based within the BVAC Classic Showground, again.

Hill Rallying is a cousin of traditional stage rallying and see’s competitors (driver and co-driver) tackle a variety of off-road stages against the clock; the main difference between hill and stage rallying is that the terrain often tends to be more extreme than in normal stage rallying and as such, so are the competing vehicles! The cars are mostly derived from road going 4×4’s but with some fairly major modifications; expect to see stripped out Land Rover Defender’s with V8

engines giving out 500+ bhp amongst other weird and wonderful off-road monsters!

Commenting on the news, Fraser Wenseth of the Scottish Hill Rally Club said:

“The Scottish Hill Rally Club are delighted to be coming back to Thirlestane Castle and to be partnering with the BVAC to bring the Summer Hill Rally to the Borders. As well as an improved spectator special stage at the castle, the event will feature some new features and a few surprises!"

You can see the Hill Rally cars in action and get a taste of what to expect, in our 2023 highlights video!

Beyond the Hill Rally stage, the show will feature a huge array of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. There will extensive displays of stunning veteran, vintage and classic cars, a retail area, children’s play zone and activities, arena stunt display’s, pipe band shows and plenty of wonderful food and drink vendors to keep visitors fuelled throughout the day!

Be sure not to miss out on the action; book

your tickets online in advance and grab a bargain with a special advanced ticket price of £10, available to visitors who purchase before 1st March 2024 (online ticket pricing will then rise to £12.50 until advanced sales close on 30th May).

Under 16’s, accompanied by an adult, can enjoy free show access and tickets will also be available to purchase on the day, for £15. Well behaved dogs will also be welcome! The show gates will open at 11am and the event will close at 5pm.

Full ticket information and purchases can be made via -

https://bvac.org.uk/bvac-classic/tickets/ Further information from – BVAC Classic Social Channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ BordersVintageAutomobileClub

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ bvacclassic/

X: https://twitter.com/BVACClassic

07706 04 88 22

info@tommytoyousweeps.co.uk www.tommytoyousweeps.co.uk

Photo Credits Ridgeline Prints

Forgotten something, or just feel like a treat?

The Golf Club has endured a harsh period of extended rainfall throughout the winter but through the continued hard work of the maintenance staff the course has been open for play. The Winter League, played on Sunday mornings, is progressing unabated and will draw to a close at the end of March when the players with the best eclectic score and overall best net scores will be announced. The new season starts on the 1st April and a full calendar of events and competitions has been published and runs through until the end of October

The AGM was held in February and the Club is in a healthy position on all fronts. New equipment has been acquired to augment the existing machinery needed for course maintenance and membership numbers have remained at a healthy level. All sections of the Club welcome applications from new members and details can be found on the club website at https://lauder.golf-club.website

Open

Monday – Friday 08:30 – 12:00 | 16:00 – 18:00

Saturday 08:30 – 12:00 Sunday 09:00 – 12:00

Tel. 07598 430050

Facebook.com/oxtoncommunityshop

LAUDERDALE LIBRARY

OPENING HOURS – Tuesdays: 2pm – 4pm

Thursdays: 5pm – 7pm Saturdays: 10am – noon

The library continues to be well used and appreciated by the community. We are happy to accept reasonably new books in good condition to add to our collection. We do only have limited space though, so may need to pass some donations on to charity.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED

We require a Volunteer to join our Tuesday rota on a one week in three basis. If you could help please call Kate Hankey on 01578 718633, Alison Macgregor on 01578 718883 or pop in to the library for more information during opening hours.

There was a very special visitor in the library in December…

Lauderdale Archery Club

The Lauderdale Archery Club was formed in 2021 for target archers shooting Olympic recurve and barebow. It uses the facilities at Lauder Primary School to shoot on indoor and outdoor ranges throughout the year. Recently the club has begun using a sports field at Earlston High School during the summer months.

Lauderdale Archery Club is a member of Archery GB and Scottish Archery. Founding member, Natalie Macdonald, is a Level 2 Development Coach with Archery GB and runs all the courses at the club.

Membership of club continues to grow and currently there are over 20 archers who shoot on a regular basis and take part in competitions at regional and national events.

There are regular Beginner’s Courses available throughout the year and the club also runs courses for Scouts and other Youth Groups. The club also takes part in the Archery GB Start Archery Week which

Lauder Christmas Lights

will run from 4-12 May 2024 during which the club will host some sessions for anyone interested in starting up archery.

As the club expands and recruits new members it is looking to improve its equipment and to include foam targets which will allow it to welcome archers who shoot compound or longbow as well as to organise competitions.

Contact the club via its Facebook Group; search for Lauderdale Archery Club on Facebook.

The Lauder Christmas elves would like to thank everybody in Lauder for a fantastic switch on event back on Saturday 2nd December. Without the support of the community and local businesses we would not be able to make Lauder sparkle over the festive season because as a group we get no financial help and are solely reliant on fundraising and successful grants.

Thanks to funding from the SBC Neighbourhood Support Fund in 2023, the Lauder Christmas Lights Festival were able to purchase and install an extra 15 lights along the town. In addition, we purchased a new gazebo for the festive market and as a community asset. As a committee we are always keen to understand lessons learned from each event and get feedback from the community. Based on this, our focus for this year is to extend our festive decoration, filling in the decorative gaps along the A68 (North on West High Street at the junction with Crofts Road to the Avenue and South on East Hight Street from Kirk Wynd to Castle Wynd). The committee are looking at some innovative and sustainable solutions for this space. As always, the committee want to ensure we have enough funds to install, dismantle and maintain our lights for this and future years.

As part of the lights festival this year we will be hosting a Family Hogmanay Ceilidh in the Public Hall on the 31st December 2024. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and posters round the town for details of this and other fundraising events, our AGM and news from the elves: facebook.com/LauderChristmasLightsFestival. Planning is already underway for the 2024 festival, the switch on will be Saturday 7th December. We hope to see you all there!

Book Club

Lauder Book Club marked its first birthday in January and we celebrated with a lively lunch at the Lauderdale Hotel.

We are still using Galashiels Library’s book scheme as there are over a hundred titles to choose from. That’s enough to keep us going for several years.

We continue to meet on the first Thursday afternoon of the month 2pm at The Lauderdale Hotel to discuss the current book over a coffee, soft drink or a glass of wine.

The conversation is never boring!

If you are happy to source your own copies of our chosen books and would like to join us then please get in touch.

Diane Mitchell pdianemitchell@msn.com

Lauderdale Cycling Club getting kids on bikes

The Lauderdale Cycling Club has continued to inspire children and young people to cycle over the last year. The club was founded in 2016 and now has 31 members aged five and above. The club is proud to have a high proportion of girls among their membership, promoting one of its key objectives to get more women and girls riding bikes. During spring and summer, grass-roots coaching sessions take place at the primary school grounds for the youngest club members. More advanced riders take part in led rides around Lauder to test what they have learnt in the grass-roots sessions out on the trail, in a relaxed and fun environment.

This year, Lauderdale Cycling Club need to increase the number of coaches and volunteers at the club in order to maintain the sessions which have been established over the past eight years and continue to encourage young people in Lauder to cycle.

E & J Taxis

Your friendly local taxi service

Tel: 01578 722441

Mob: 07836 290467

1 West Mains

Lauder TD2 6QR

About our Salon:

Meishu Hair & Beauty

55

We are an Aveda Salon. Aveda creates high performance products that are responsibly sourced, 100% Vegan and not tested on animals. Our friendly professional team look forward to welcoming you for all your hair and beauty needs. Our services include styling, cutting, colouring, wedding/special occasion hair and make-up, waxing, tinting and facials. We also offer an express beauty menu that you can enjoy whilst your colour is developing or if you are short of time. Available Wednesday (open until late), Thursday, Friday & Saturdays.

Nails by Becky uses The Gel Bottle products, polishes are rich, highly pigmented, chip-resistant and offer extremely long-lasting shine. The good news doesn’t end there because we are also VEGAN, CRUELTY FREE. Available Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays.

Meishu Hair and

Beauty:

Address: 3 Mid Row, Lauder, TD2 6TB

Phone: 01578 717284

Email:

info@meishusalon.com

Book Online at: www.meishusalon.com

Sunny Smith is a massage therapist with 20 years of experience, who can offer authenticity in her treatments and has a deep understanding of the spiritual and cultural element of the Thai massage. Available Monday evenings, Wednesday mornings. Other days available on request.

Nails by Becky:

Address: 3 Mid Row, Lauder, TD2 6TB

Phone: 07590 436221

Instagram: _ _ nails.by.becky_

Facebook: Nails By Becky Book Online at: www.meishusalon.com

Sunny Smith Massage

Therapist:

Address: 3 Mid Row,

Lauder, TD2 6TB

Phone: 07767 432940

Email:

sunnysmith0871@gmail.c

om

Book Online at: www.meishusalon.com.

Lauder Larder

The Byre, Lauder Leisure Centre

Lauder Larder, your local community foodbank, open to all

Drop-in, by appointment & orders for collection We are an entirely volunteer run local community

Lauder Larder @ The Byre, next to Lauder Leisure Centre continues to provide a vital resource for many people in our local community supporting those people who sometimes find things really tough and on Wednesday 7th February we celebrated our 3rd year anniversary of when we opened our doors.

Open To All, No Means Testing

We are also proud that we are able to reduce waste through the donations to the ‘rescue’ table which everyone is welcome to come and take whatever they want.

Open Wednesdays 2 -4pm & Sundays 10am-2pm accept donations from the local community and various charities to welcome anyone who may need food products, toiletries or pet food

Throughout that time we have helped over 6 thousand customers with 116 families able to enjoy their Christmas’s through providing them with one of our wonderful hampers.

To keep our doors open we have to buy in stock of basic essentials and we would like to take this opportunity to say how extremely grateful we are to all the kind people, shops, organisations, Scottish Borders Council and Friends of Lauder Larder within the Lauderdale Community who have been very supportive in bridging that gap through donating to us on a regular basis - either monetary or in food stuffs.

A huge heartfelt thanks goes out to you all.

We do have a cash donation box in The Byre, it is not necessary to give, but very helpful for us to replenish stock when we are running low – We encourage all the community to use this produce and kindly swap for our core items – please also remember that we also have a ‘surplus’ box situated outside where we add fresh bread that hasn’t been taken.

lauderlarder@outlook.com

Again, we have joined forces with local young people completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award who helped enormously over the Christmas period – Thank you all for your hard work. We also welcomed back a young lady now completing her ‘silver’ award which we are delighted with.

If you need our service in any way please come along and visit us or drop us a pm on facebook or you can email us.

PLEASE NOTE OUR OPENING TIMES HAVE CHANGED

Pheonix Accountancy £td

brian@pheonixaccountancy.co.uk www.pheonixaccountancy.co.uk

We are now open:

also take donations of fresh food and share to

Wednesday 2-4pm & Sunday 10.30am-12.30pm

Many thanks to all our volunteers and donators who make it all possible!

Follow us on Facebook or email us at lauderlarder@outlook.com

For anyone who would like to become a friend of Lauder Larder and donate a small amount each month our a/c number 80-22-60 22016867

Anyone who is resident in the community council area can become a temporary member to work on a specific project or to fill a vacancy. LCC would welcome more involvement from local residents.

-in, by appointment & orders for collection welcome are an entirely volunteer run local community initiative

Lauderdale residents are reminded that the main role of community councils is to:

• Represent their local area

• Consult with local residents

• Pass their views onto public sector organisations such as SBC, Police and NHS Borders.

All LCC meetings are open to the public and are advertised locally and on the LCC Facebook page along with agendas and notes of meetings.

ZOOM! – this technology has transformed meetings especially on a dark and snowy evening in January! LCC misses the face to face contact but members and local residents have the choice whether to leave their fireside to come out for meetings or whether to join via ZOOM.

• There are three new members on LCC, Marilyn Aitkenhead, Joanne Dryburgh and Emma Herdman. They will concentrate principally on the wind farm applications but are a great help on other subjects.

• Ditcher Law and Longcroft Wind Farms –a survey was held and the results collated to be incorporated in LCC responses to consultation on both.

• Defibrillators – reports are in every month that they are all in working order and any repairs undertaken.

• The Community Shed is up and running and very successful.

• Consultation is ongoing about the bus timetable and how it can be improved.

• Discussion has been held about the Coop takeover and dissatisfaction with the transfer to Penny Petroleum.

• Christmas Lights – greatly appreciated.

• Lauder in Bloom – congratulations on all their achievements!

• Vandalism to flower beds reported to Police

• Speed cameras and signs discussed, also 20MPH speed limit approved.

Bringing warmth to your home

1984

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Success for Limpers at Borders Cross-Country Series

It was a fruitful cross-country season for the Lauderdale Limpers running club, with several members securing high placings in the final overall standings in the Borders Cross-Country Series. Rowan Johnston won the female category for ages 8 and 9, having claimed victory in every round of the series. “I enjoy racing against other clubs and getting better each time. I like the hilly courses rather than the flat and sandy ones. I felt really excited to have won my age category,” Rowan said of her experience competing in the seven-race series.

The club, which meets for training for juniors and seniors of all abilities in Lauder every Tuesday evening, enjoyed strong performances across the board. Marc Wilkinson won the Spittal leg of the series on his way to second in the men’s senior championship, while Sam Robertson was fourth in the male category for ages 14 and 15 after two podium placings.

Lauderdale Historical Society

The Lauderdale Historical Society (LHS) continues to thrive with approximately 40 members and others regularly attending meetings. Understanding our history is important in helping us navigate the future. This every is bit as important at local levels a swell as at national levels.

The LHS is open to membership not just from within Lauder but also the local area for an annual fee of £10 per year. The programme since the last edition of the Lauderdale News has included a talk by Michael Middlemiss on the Lauder Burgesses and Burgess Acres on 18th October. This was followed by a “spooky” talk about Lauder Witches by Mrs Mary Criag on 15th November. Fortunately, we now live in a much more enlightened age. The Society held it’s annual Christmas Dinner on 20th December at the Lauderdale Hotel. As usual there was no meeting in January but most recently, we heard an excellent talk by Mr Angus Hay on the performance of the 51st Highland Division in World War II. A number of members later commented on the fact that they had relatives who had served in the 51st Division

We look forward to a talk on the Evolution of Lauder in Bloom by Mr Robin Hugh on Wednesday 20th March. Robin Hugh was one of the founder members of Lauder in Bloom and has been active ever since. On Wednesday 17th April Michael Hunter, formerly curator at Osborne House will deliver his second talk on Osborne House.

The Annual General Meeting of LHS will be held at the Lauder Scout Hall on Wednesday 17th May 2024 at 19:30. We look forward to seeing as many of you as are able to attend.

The Society is keen to encourage new members and if you are reading this please join us and help increase the influence of the Society.

` Lauder’s local suppliers of quality fresh fruit and vegetables

` Wholefood and fresh flowers

` Suppliers to business and restaurants

` Seasonal vegetable boxes delivered £8, £16 or £24

Orders taken via facebook or call 01578 722591

14 West High Street, Lauder www.purpleplumlauder.co.uk

BRIGHT IDEAS

(CRAFT GROUP AT CHURCH CENTRE )

We have had a very busy year making bootees and mitts for premature babies as well as knitted blankets and quilts for children at the Borders General Hospital. We have also knitted hats, scarves and mitts for various charities and during the Festive Period we knitted over 200 Christmas crackers! These were very gratefully received.

We continue to make heart shaped cushions for breast cancer patients and our twiddlemuffs for dementia patients are an

ongoing project.

Many thanks once again for the kind donations of wool and material and thanks also to all who have knitted the different items, we really do appreciate everyone’s efforts.

We continue to be an ever growing, friendly group which meets in the Church Centre on Tuesdays at 1.30pm - if you would like to join us please contact Jackie on 0771470043 or Wendy on 07970609876.

Hello,

I am Rev Lynn Brady Interim Minister at Channelkirk and Lauder Church. Thank you for the opportunity to share with you.

My favourite flower is snow drops. In the darkness of Winter, they work away at growing in the dark earth. When I see my first snow drops it reminds me that days are getting longer every week, and more light is returning.

In the Christian Church we mark the return of light. In time past there was tradition that all the candles were brought to the church to be blessed to bring light in the year ahead. This was called Candlemas. In some traditions snow drops were regarded as the candle’s bells of spring.

As a Christian Church it is our calling to work alongside our communities to bring light ,to be light.

I was a minister in Orkney for some years They have a great phrase Orcadians say to express that something is good “it is

right “lightsome”. They used this phrase to describe a person or experience that brought light, or joy into their life.

As we think of all that is happening in communities, and in our world, we need light, we need to be right lightsome.

It is very encouraging to see the community spirit of Lauderdale grow, to experience a community that is striving to meet the needs of all the generations of its residents.

The challenge for us as Christians is to be people of light.

We as a church hope we can continue to help to play our role in responding to the needs of our community.

You are always welcome join us in our weekly worship. This year Easter is very early.

So Holy week begins with Palm Sunday on the 24th March and Finishes with Easter Sunday on 31st March.

Look out for our Facebook page with all details of our services.

Rev Lynn Brady February 2024

CHANNELKIRK AND LAUDER CHURCH GUILD

The Guild meet on the first Wednesday of the month in the Church Centre. We have had a very good Session since October 2023. Good attendances with 18 members. Including in our Syllabus was Former Editor of the Border Telegraph, talk on Wojtek the Bear, Songs of Praise, talk on Lauder Larder, the Guild Theme 2023/24. The Session closes with our Musical Afternoon with the Barbershop Quartet and AGM, in April. Our monthly coffee mornings, first Saturday, are a hive of chat and fellowship. We were pleased to welcome Marie White as our Guild Elder in February.

New members and visitors are always welcome.

A Proposed New Way Marked Walking Route in the Scottish Borders

(Walk with Cuthbert the Shepherd)

Building on the success of the four previous ‘Walk with St. Cuthbert’ events, a small group from Channelkirk and Lauder Church has been working towards establishing the route as a permanently recognised Pilgrim Way, which will be known as the ‘Walk with Cuthbert the Shepherd’. The change of name better reflects that Cuthbert made this, his initial journey of faith, as a very young man.

The proposal is that, as before, it will begin at Channelkirk Church and end in Melrose.

Apart from taking walkers through Lauder, past the Church and then on to the Burnmill, the trail will remain unchanged.

All necessary permissions are presently lodged with SBC and, if successful, the hope is to have an inaugural Walk at the end of August, to celebrate the creation of the newly way marked route.

The development of this project is supported by a grant from DLX Wind Farm Trust. Look out for more information in the coming months.

Lauder Primary School

There is definitely now a spring in our step, as we begin to enjoy the longer nights and the sunnier days. Here is a little update of what’s been going on and coming up for the pupils at Lauder Primary School and Nursery.

We danced the winter blues away when we all took part in our annual Dance Festival. Once again, all the classes, Nursery to P7 were amazing with a huge variety of dances and music. We were all so very proud watching each of the classes perform. For some children, this really pushed them out of their comfort zones. All the children loved being the audience and encouraging each other. Then to finish off the festival, there was a surprise staff dance. Although we were good, we were nowhere as accomplished as the pupils!

Our nursery children are exploring their local environment and are beginning to look out for signs of the seasons beginning to change. They will be exploring their favourite books, stories and characters to celebrate World Book day. They are discovering all about the concept of reduce, re-use and re-cycle, making good use of their collected household junk!

Primary 1 and 2 are learning about personal safety. Our Primary 1 pupils went for a walk to Lauder fire station and met a lovely fire fighter, who talked to the children about emergency situations, whilst learning about fire safety equipment. The best part of the visit of course, was having a go of spraying the fire engine with the water hose!

Primary 2 had a visit from our local police officer, who came to speak about some of the ways that the children can keep themselves safe when they are out and about in their local community.

Primary 3 are enjoying finding out about all aspects of weather, including keeping moon diaries, recording the weather digitally and working with our older pupils on magnetism and compass directions.

Primary 4 are back into the swing of tending to our school garden area, now that the better weather is here. They are helped by

“Coffee, Company & Chat”

Since 8th November 2022 to end of February 2024, there have been 28 Tuesdays of Oxton and Channelkirk Community Coffee mornings in Oxton War Memorial Hall.

The small organising team greatly appreciate the support of all participants – whether as organisers, furniture movers, table setters, caterers or attendees, or on most Tuesdays, a mixture of these roles.

The funding provided by Dunlaw Trust is most valuable in covering hire costs of the War Memorial Hall.

The response to this community iniative has been most encouraging, with good attendance at every session and special events, with entertainment and gift raffles for Christmas and Summer Afternoon Tea, and occasional home baked treats.

The generous donations have enabled not only the catering, flowers and raffle prizes but also the acquisition of all necessary equipment and crockery to provide pleasant surroundings for all.

A strong community link has evolved with Channelkirk Primary School as pupils have entertained us with musical interludes for our Special Events and are in process of joining us to take part in chat, reading and storytelling.

All are most welcome on alternate Tuesdays to enjoy a warming cuppa, good company and lots of chat. Future dates will be advertised locally and on social media.

Further information from Marie White - 01578 750289.

kind volunteers each week to get the beds ready for welcoming new plants and are encouraging everyone in school to use the composting area for recycling their snack litter. They are also very excited that swimming sessions at Galashiels pool will be starting this term!

Primary 5 are engaging in lots of hands-on learning experiences throughout their forces, electricity and waves project. They have been working together to create boats to show different energy transfers-lots of fun to be had!

No sooner had I been writing about our younger children taking part in our school Christmas nativity production, it is now the turn of our Primary 6 and 7 pupils to take centre stage for our annual Easter term musical called ‘The X Factory’. With witty characters and upbeat songs, they are sure to hit the right note with their audiences! Here’s to a busy term for everyone… It’ll be Easter before we know it!

Louisa Scully, Depute Headteacher Lauder Primary School

Lauder Primary School Parent Council The Friendly Joiner (proprietor

- Stevie Smith)

u All types of joinery work undertakennew builds, extensions, conversions, renovations, windows, stairs, bespoke joinery

u A real joiner at great prices

u 25 years experience in the building trade

u Job management

u Free, no obligation estimates and advice

Tel: 07585 775844 E: thefriendlyjoiner@hotmail.co.uk

We are very lucky and grateful to have such a supportive local community. A prime example of this was the Christmas Fayre in November - it was wonderful to see so many people come along. Thanks to all the stall holders for providing us with a great variety of Christmas gifts and to those who generously donated prizes for our Christmas raffle. You helped us to raise a fantastic £1900 altogether!

As well as this, we are very pleased to have been awarded a grant of £1600 by the ASDA Foundation. The money raised through our fundraising makes a huge different to the children of Lauder Primary. Last year the children and staff benefited from new reading books across the whole school as well as equipment to enhance their outdoor learning experiences. We were also really pleased to be able to fund storytelling sessions for the children in nursery. This year the money is being used to help the school to buy some high quality maths resources for the children and to help fund an outdoor area to support their play pedagogy developments in Primary 1. We will also continue to contribute to things like swimming lessons, the annual Good Citizen Award and the school hardship fund as well as other things that arise throughout the year.

As well as events at school, the Parent Council also raise funds through a weekly lottery, the EasyFundraising scheme and via Stikins Name Labels. We’d love you to get involved as well!

Our lottery pays out a cash prize every week to one of our supporters, as well as offering the chance to win £25,000 and great spot prizes. Since it launched over three years ago Lauder players have won over £4,500! Anyone can play, so long as you’re over 18. To sign up, go to www. yourschoollottery.co.uk and search for Lauder Primary School under ‘Play’.

EasyFundraising partners with thousands of brands who will donate part of what you spend online to the Parent Council, and it doesn’t cost you any extra at all! Simply go to www.easyfundraising.org. uk and search for Lauder Primary School under ‘Find a Cause’.

Stikins name labels will pay a commission to the Parent Council for every order made, with no additional cost to you. The labels are great for school uniform, sports kit, Beavers or Cub uniforms – there are loads of uses! To order, go to www.stikins. co.uk and input our School Fundraiser Number 11677.

Dates for your diary:

Our Annual Spring Bop Disco will be held at the school on Thursday 18th April for Primary 1 to 7. Thank you to Marr’s Disco for providing the music and entertainment. It is always a fun and lively occasion!

We are also looking forward to holding the Summer Scoff once again on Friday 14th June. Last year’s event was blessed with sunshine so here’s hoping for the same again this year! Further information

will be posted onto our Facebook page in due course.

As well as fundraising we work in close partnership with the school to develop and engage in activities that support the children’s education. An example of this our collaboration with the school and local community to develop children’s outdoor learning experiences, including the funding of new resources and support in developing Lucky’s Woods as a regular space for play and learning. We also act as a voice for the parent forum, of whom all parents are members. If you’d like to get involved, suggest any new ideas for supporting children’s experiences or just find out more about the Parent Council you can contact us at lauderparentcouncil@ gmail.com, find us at www.facebook.com/ FriendsofLauderPS or www.facebook. com/LauderPrimarySchoolParentCouncil or by visiting the school’s website Lauder Primary School – Ambition Respect Resilience Compassion (wordpress.com)

S R A G A Z E L L E

S R A G A Z E L L E

R H G A S E A T N E

R H G A S E A T N E

A I I Z L H L I I Z

A I I Z L H L I I Z

E N R E E S H P U N

E N R E E S H P U N

B O A K A N C F G A

B O A K A N C F G A

R C F A P C I F N P

R C F A P C I F N P

A E F T A K R E E M

How many 3 or more letter words can you make using the below?

Chocolate Easter Eggs

e.g taste, set, goal...

Set by Holly Mitchell

L R E D R B T A P I

A E F T A K R E E M

L R E D R B T A P I

O O P K D A S T I H

P S E A L I O N H C

O O P K D A S T I H

P S E A L I O N H C

WORDSEARCH

WORDSEARCH

Answers back cover

TEN ZOO ANIMALS TO FIND (NO DIAGONALS)

GIRAFFE CHIMPANZEE

TEN ZOO ANIMALS TO FIND (NO DIAGONALS)

SEALION PENGUIN

GIRAFFE CHIMPANZEE

MEERKAT OSTRICH

SEALION PENGUIN

POLAR BEAR RHINOCEROS

MEERKAT OSTRICH

LEOPARD GAZELLE

POLAR BEAR RHINOCEROS

LEOPARD GAZELLE

Short Story Competition 101 Words

The Lauderdale New is excited to launch a new short story competition!

We are calling all budding writers over the age of 16. There are no prizes apart from the thrill of seeing your story in print!

The format is simple. The story must be exactly 101 words long. Hyphenated words count as one. Crucially it must include the following five words but in any order:

Madrid; taxidermy; groping; volcano; anthropology. Those of you with several years on the clock and good memories may remember Bob Quilietti aka ‘Magic Bob’. He was a well known and much loved magician in the Scottish Borders. As well as being a magical magician he was a talented wordsmith.

Several years ago he entered and won a Radio 4 ‘Front Row’ 101 words short story competition which used these five words.

We will publish the winning entry alongside Bob’s story in the Christmas Edition of the Lauderdale News.

Entries may be submitted by email to pdianemitchell@msn.com

Or by post to Short Story Competition, 14 The Loan, Lauder TD2 6TL

Closing date July 31st 2024

Happy writing!

Lauderdale

Woolly Crafts

If you like to knit, crochet or other woolly crafts come and join us every Monday from 6 till 9 at the Lauderdale Hotel. If you’d like further info contact Liz on 07506515793.

If you have any questions phone Liz on 07506 515 793

Walking Football

Walking Football every Friday 2 – 3pm at the Leisure Centre. All welcome, men and women of all ages and abilities. Should you require further information please call 07828 672596

Showjumping News

Amy Morris finished off 2023 with a great result, qualifying for the London International Horse Show!

This used to be held at Olympia but has now moved home to the new London Excel centre. It’s an amazing show, if a bit far away, but we made the trip down just before Christmas.

Lola jumped incredibly well in her biggest class to date starting height is 1m45 for just a couple of poles, this was a wonderful experience for both Amy and Lola as this is now the height they will be competing at in future competitions.

Lola then went on holiday for a well-deserved rest and Amy concentrated on her young horses that are just backed.

On returning to jumping, Lola picked up a 4th in her first show back in the 130 class and Hope won it so it was a good start to 2024.

Amy and Lola have now just left for a sun shine tour in southern Spain where she will jump for five weeks before heading up to Belgium for a couple more weeks jumping, so it’s an exciting time ahead for them.

Once home she will focus on getting everyone at home ready for the Royal Highland Show in June.

Roll on summer and the better weather!

Lauder Art Group

Lauder Art group continue to meet in the Church Centre on Thursdays from 9.30 – 11.30. We have recently welcomed new members but there`s always room for more!! Just bring along a cup and £1.50 and any art materials you like to use and we`ll provide the banter!!! We have recently been gifted a variety of art books and art materials from members of the community who no longer have a use for them. Thank you for thinking of us.

Our most recent collaborative piece was small pictures in the shape of a clock depicting our versions of the signs of the Zodiac. This and other recent pieces are displayed on the walls in the Church Centre.

Last week one of our members gave us an excellent demonstration on the use of watercolours and displayed some of her art work to inspire us – we`ll keep practising Chris!

BRIGHTER BLAINSLIE

What a difference a community can make!

Just over 2 years ago a group of Blainslie residents secured funding from Building Better Borders and the Scottish Borders Council Covid-19 Recovery Funds to form “Brighter Blainslie”. The goal was not only to improve the village surrounds but also to bring together residents of all ages.

The village is now bright and beautiful with a renovated phone box that serves as a book and toy exchange. We built and planted up planters around the village and brightened the roads through back-breaking work of planting hundreds of spring bulbs along the verges. Some of us still haven’t recovered from that exercise! We purchased lawn mowers and strimmers to keep our verges and paths accessible. New signage and a grit box at the A68 is a happy achievement. Our village now has owl boxes and we have ‘owl cameras’ to record activity. We have made a village notice board and will be commissioning a local pathways guide. This group has not only become friends and supports to each other but has also bought together residents previously unknown to each other. Our residents (aged 2 to mid 90’s) get together once a month to have a cheery blether over home made soup and Great Blainslie Bake Off bakes. We are pleased to say that further funding will allow us to continue with our lunch dates and the new dates for anyone wishing to join us are 12-2pm on:

Feb 29th, March 28th April 25th, May 23rd, June 20th, July 25th, August 29th and September 26th.

We have recently joined hands with our Village Hall Committee to strengthen our joint funding applications to be able to continue improvements not only to the village but also to the hall.

If you feel you would like to help in any way, please contact us on BrightBlainslie@gmail.com.

These are the achievements of a community with determination and spirit!

Adieu to Lauder Lass

Lauder Lass, as you all know, at some stage must have experienced what can only be considered as a form of high-handed approach, which had led to a massive amount of disease or fear of anything that looked at all like a human, and was hugely sensitive to various sounds resulting in her being very unhappy, nervous and extremely cautious to connect, and of anything that moved. After many months of patience and understanding, a stable with real life sized foals painted on them, a few non 'normal' horsey treats and a large cable drum, we were able to lay one finger on her and from there her road of trust began.

At this turning point the relief, on everyone's part, was immense, especially when some traditional horse people had said she should just be shot or put down, but there was no way that any vet could have got near her to do that awful deed, plus this was not going to be an option. Apart from anything else, why should a horse, like any scared human, not be given a chance to realise that all humans are not of a dictatorial nature.

It was with a million thanks to the support from some of Lauderdale Community, Rev Fran Henderson being the Minister at Channelkirk and Lauder Church at the time, The Southern Reporter, The Border News, Lauder Lass's visitors and her visiting groups, that she turned out to be the most gentle, reassuring, trusting and considerate mare for many neighbouring horses, ponies, humans and groups. She taught each and everyone who came across her that to connect with anything, whether petrified or not, we all have to utilise:

1. Kindness

2. 50/50 communication

3. Patience

4. Understanding.

All of the above are extremely important in every aspect of life but ultimately create a sense of:

1. 100% trust

2. Approachability

3. A positive relationship with all

4. A safe environment for every living creature.

This special mare was a total inspiration to many and helped other Equine owners to have more confidence in how to communicate with their charges, giving them a deeper understanding on how a 'non verbal' animal, no matter the breed, communicates. Her trust by the end had gone way beyond what anyone had ever imagined, and we are all extremely proud of the massive steps she took to get there. She may not have been a racehorse, a showjumper or No 1 in the dressage arena, but she will always be remembered as the 'Horse who touched the hearts of many.

Lauder Lass, we all tried to make you feel safe, may you now rest in peace. We still have your hoof prints on the ground....... they will fade...... but never those imprinted on our hearts.

For those of you who do not know of her history Lauder Lass's book can be found in the Library. In time we may finish her book called 'Lauder Lass and friends'.

We have been giving our website a face lift recently and you can now BOOK ONLINE for our Flamingo Experience and birthday party package.

We are open every day from 10.00 - 16.30h. The coffee shop is open from 10.00 - 16.00h for delicious coffees, cakes & light lunches. Head to the website to find out more. www.birdgardensscotland.com

Animal Hearts

Each animal has its own special heart, its own message and its own natural gift. The aura of each is contemplation, a message in silence, the gift of peace.

In silence you accept and they understand. Silence is the language of love and peace. Silence is music and harmony.

In silence you can breathe as one.

There is a secret in the heart of each that attracts into the sphere of sheer delight. People who thirst for beauty and infinite can, in time,find their hearts beating as one.

Giving all animals the chance to trust is a must, let their hearts open forever, listen to the beauty and power of their silence and your hearts will forever beat together.

Anonymous.

Weigh Greener: Lauder's Refill Shop Celebrating 3 Years of Sustainable Shopping

At Weigh Greener, we're not just celebrating three years; we're celebrating three years of redefining the shopping experience. More than offering great quality products, we provide a packagingfree, plastic-free, and sustainable alternative that empowers our community to reduce personal waste and embrace a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle.

How it Works

It's simple. Bring your containers or bags and fill them with everyday essentials, from pasta to shampoo. Whether you want a teaspoon or a kilo, we've got you covered. Need containers? We've got a selection to kickstart your refill journey, and our friendly team is always happy to help.

Shopping Local

Shopping local has a ripple effect. Our customers are more likely to walk or cycle to get to us, reducing air pollution, traffic, and carbon emissions. Supporting our high street shops isn't just better for the environment; it also helps grow the number of jobs locally, creating a healthy economy for our community. We supply local products, helping to reduce our carbon footprint, support local businesses, and champion sustainable practices. Weigh Greener currently employs two local people and runs an active volunteering program.

Making a Difference Together

We're not just a shop; we're a Social Enterprise with a primary goal of promoting positive environmental change. In three years, our amazing volunteers have clocked up over 3000 volunteer hours through our active program, including supporting seven young people through the volunteering section of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.

Our Impact, Your Impact

Since opening in March 2021, our impact has been staggering. Our customers aren't just shoppers; they're change-makers. In three years, they've collectively saved over 60,000 single-use plastic items from the bin, taking 60,000 steps toward a greener, cleaner future. We've refilled over 7,888 litres of liquid, saving a staggering 15,775 plastic bottles. The carbon savings? A substantial 1306kg, equivalent to driving 3,945 miles in a family car or the full length of Scotland more than 14 times.

Community Recycling Points

We've established community recycling points for those hard-tofind plastic-free items, ensuring they're recycled and transformed right here in the UK.

Empowering Change, One Small Act at a Time

MACMILLAN COLLECTING TINS

To date the Macmillan collecting tins in Lauder have raised £189.71

Many thanks to the shops who have a tin on our behalf and to everyone who has donated to this worthy cause.

Tins are located in the Premier Store, the Pharmacy and Shaw's the Butcher for donations.

Feeling powerless against climate change? At Weigh Greener, we believe in the power of one small act. Our mission is to empower individuals to make positive changes. By shopping with us, you're supporting all the work we do. Join the Refill Revolution with Weigh Greener Lauder and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Charlotte Aitchison, Managing Director Weigh Greener CIC

Lauderdale Curling Club

The Mathieson Cup was won by Elaine Robertson, (Skip) Ross Ker, Derek Redpath and Amanda/Will Goldie. The Willie Sharp Quaich for the pairs was won by Colin Stirling and Ross Ker The points trophy by Emma Neill.

The Club won the Border Bonspiel at Kelso Ice Rink and are in the final playoff for the Border League. In the Family Bonspiel the Neill rink of Emma, Nicola Neill and Colin and Pat Stirling came out on top.

The season finishes in the middle of March and the club are looking forward to next season with a new plant at the Ice rink and not so many disruptions to our fixture list.

Lauder Community and Leisure Centre

I was appointed as Chair towards the end of last year and we have made some changes already with the help of Sharon (Cafe Manager) staffing levels have increased, opening hours have been extended so we are now open until 5pm on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

THE CAFE

Our cafe is open every day so pop in for a bacon roll and coffee, a bite to eat for lunch or a cup of tea with Sharon's homemade scones or cake. We offer a loyalty card - for every 10 coffees or teas you buy you get one free.

We have lots of books, jigsaws etc you are welcome to borrow.

GYM

The gym is open 0700-2100 hrs daily –sessions can be booked via the Gymcatch. com app. We are looking to increase our user numbers and are exploring avenues such as offering PT sessions, discounted gym rates for our regulars.

CLASSES

We offer various classes throughout the week and have recently introduced a new

spin class, yoga sessions etc (again bookable through Gymcatch.com app).

** We offer Fitness Bundles at a discounted rate – please contact us for details **

HALL HIRE

Our hall is available for hire either hourly or half hourly, so please ask for details either by popping in to speak to Sharon or by emailing - laudercommunityleisurecentre@ hotmail.com

The Smiddy is a particularly good space for a pop-up shop at any time of the year.

SOFT PLAY

Our soft play area has been a huge success, opening hours are the same as LCLC. Let the kids come in and let off steam while you enjoy a coffee!!

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS

We are continuing with these as they have proved popular but have recently had a few late call offs from vendors but I will endeavour to drive this forward in the coming year.

We are also looking at ways in which we can make the LCLC more of a community

hub, recently we offered "free soup and a scone" to the Over 60s with the support of SBC and will be rolling out another scheme soon. Later this year we are looking to offer 2 e-bikes for hire, watch this space for more details. We would welcome any suggestions from you the community as to what you would like to see happening in the Centre.

Janet Thomas, Chair

Lauderdale Community Shed

Since January 2023 when the components of our shed were delivered, the members constructed the cabin, often in appalling weather, and with the help of local contractors, completed the roof (Tower Roofing) installed the electrical system (Andrew Beveridge) and plumbing (Nigel Atkinson). Whereupon, we had the task of retrieving our equipment from various storage sites and setting up. We are grateful to have the late Les Mitchell’s workbench and engineers’ cabinet. The first few weeks we spent building benches and testing all the tools.

Throughout this period we could not have done without the café at the leisure centre who kept up supplied with hot drinks and bacon rolls. Thank you Iona and Sharon for your contributions!

On 22 July, the Community Shed was formally opened by Edward Maitland Carew, with a blessing by Rev. Lynn Brady. Since then we have been taking on all sorts of work on behalf of the community, the Leisure Centre, Lauder Larder and Lauder in Bloom.

Projects have ranged from drop spindles, window boxes, a bird table, artists’ palette sign, commemorative bowls for the parish 350th celebrations and various refurbishment projects. Some longer-term projects have been delayed slightly when we decided to put our effort into making items for Christmas. The Christmas trees have been a great success, as well as candle holders. The Lauder shopping evening event was a great success for us with considerable sales, new commissions and new members.

We have just finished a collaboration with Birkhill to help a group build a set of nest boxes. Six more are in progress, plus two bat boxes are being built for Earlston in Bloom.

With a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, we

have now purchased a new lathe and other equipment to start some tuition sessions.

If you are passing nearby, please feel free to drop in and see what we’re up to. We are open from 10am to 1pm Monday to Saturday, unless we are having our coffee break next door!

HERDS SUPPER

75th Anniversary Celebrations

Lauder Herds Supper Committee held their 75th anniversary supper in the Lauderdale Hotel on Friday 16th Feb and once again were treated to an excellent evening of fine food and exceptional speeches and entertainment!

This event originally started in the back room of the Thistle Inn in Westruther where 8 or 9 local herds and farmers decided to have a small get together before the busy lambing period started. After a few years and due to the popularity of this initial night they decided to move this event to the Black Bull Hotel in Lauder so many more could attend! As the years went on the event grew bigger and was well supported from near and far, which is still the case today. The supper is now held in the Lauderdale Hotel after moving there 20 plus years ago!

This years evening started with local piper and Lauder Cornet Jake Mirley piping in the top table speakers to the gathered audience, after the meal, representatives from Quadcare presented the top table speakers with engraved glasses to mark the 75th Anniversary!

It was then over to Chairman David Haggart who thanked Quadcare on behalf of his fellow speakers for the glasses received and got the evening up and running. As is always the case the first toast of the night is to the Herds which fell to Derek Redpath who did this in an excellent humorous and subtle manner!

The reply came from Derek Bo Brown who gave another first class response on his industries behalf leaving no stone unturned with a few added anecdotes for extra measure. Mark Wylie was on hand to propose the toast to the Farmers and certainly had the audience amused with some of his stories and tales about various farmers and their way of life! Farmer Findlay Smith had the task of replying to the previous speech on his counterparts behalf which he certainly did with an excellent account of his years in the industry even to the extent of remonstrating and taking to the table to display his earlier years competing as a clipper at the annual competition at the Royal Highland Show.

George Strang was the last of the top table speakers whose task it was to give the vote of thanks to all involved but mainly to toast his good friend David Haggart who had chaired another excellent evening!

Thanks must also go to Gavin Hutchison who provided a stick to be raffled on the night, throughout the evening we were

entertained by local singer George Lothian, piper Jake Mirley and our top table speakers.

As is always the case we held an auction and raffle on the night to allow us to give a sizeable donation to charity and again the generosity and support from those who donate items and buy tickets on the night continues to amaze us with this year no exception!

Local Auctioneer Iain Dick was the man on hand to wheedle the hard earned pounds from the guests and he did an excellent job in achieving this! A massive thank you must go to Steven and Audrey McIntosh of Saltire Roofing and Building who generously donated two hospitality packages for Heart of Midlothian football club, one which went within their own workforce and a further one which was auctioned on the night raising an amazing total of £2,050, a set of the anniversary glasses went for £300 along with various other items auctioned off.

Lloyd ltd of Kelso donated £250 along with Harrison and Hetherington Auctioneers who donated £150 combined as our top table sponsors. Keith Robertson explained about the cancer support group that had been set up after last years £2,000 donation to the sarcoma unit at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following his surgery, Dougie Scott then explained that this years recipient of the donation would be the Macmillan Centre at the Borders General Hospital following his own cancer battle, this centre provides essential follow up treatment and aftercare!

A further donation of £1,000 was put forward from Craig Dickman of Southern Uplands Moorland Group to add to this years total and we can now say that the committee have been able to make a massive donation of £4,000 to the Macmillan Centre! This total now takes our donations to charity in the last 10 years to over £12,000!!! Planning for the 2025 supper will start again later in the year when we will once again aim to organise another memorable evening!

Lauder Herds Supper Committee

Herds Speakers left to right - George Strang, Derek Bo Brown, Mark Wylie, Findlay Smith , David Haggart and Derek Redpath

Herds Anniversary glasses

Lauder Over 60s

Lauder Over 60s had their annual Christmas Lunch in December at the Lauderdale Hotel. Seventy five people came along and enjoyed a great meal with entertainment from Eileen Blackie on the Accordion, and Xmas Carols from Laura Anderson and Ladies. Thank you to the community for their support both in donations and raffle prizes! Also a big thank you to Susan Russell for our fabulous Christmas Cake which is raffled for free and which was won by Mr Trevor Burrows!

Please keep an eye out for the Summer Outing Posters which will be going out soon.

ALEC PATON Motor Engineers

Contact us on 01578 722383 / 07850 694106

Email: hallhire.lauderdalescoutgroup@gmail.com

Lauderdale Community Choir

Established in 2010, Lauderdale Community Choir is a thriving, mixed voice choir singing a range of music from pop to classical, folk to sacred.

We perform by invitation at local community and charity events and this year are already rehearsing for a joint concert supporting Singing for Lung Health at Inverleith St Serf’s Parish Church in Edinburgh on Sunday 5th May. The choir doesn’t draw the line at where we sing and in November, several members are travelling to New York to sing in an international choral event in

the Carnegie Hall. Our main concert of the year normally takes place in December in Earlston High School. We always welcome new members so why not come along to one of our rehearsals? It’s a non-audition choir and not necessary for choir members to be able to read music –just to love singing within a warm and supportive environment, under the baton of James Robertson, conductor, composer and former music therapist, and accompanied by our talented local pianist, Claire Brennan.

We meet every Thursday from 19.30 to 21.00 at Lauder Public Hall.

For more information, please email our chairperson, Debbie Dunn at debbiedunn.laudercommunitychoir@ gmail.com

or simply come along at 7.15.

What goes on At Birkhill House?

We have been so busy At Birkhill House CIC, welcoming groups and individuals for crafting, animal assisted activities and gardening opportunities. If you are curious about what goes on here, there are lots of ways to come along for a taster session and help support our not-for-profit social enterprise. Here are some FREE ways to be involved:

Volunteering, Mondays 9am-1pm: There are so many jobs! From helping with the animals to preparing crafting materials for our workshops and kits, there is something for everyone. Application form available on our website. Open crafting sessions, Tuesdays 6-8pm & Fridays 10am-12noon: Grab a project and come along! Creativity loves company. No booking necessary - just drop in.

Makers Group, Wednesdays 10am-12.30pm:

Learn new skills and help us stock our shelves along the way. Our nine-week pilot finishes at the end of March but we have applied for funding to carry on. Enquire via email if you are interested in a slot.

Wooly Wednesdays, Wednesdays 2-4pm:

Help us sort through donated sheep's fleeces in preparation for the raw fleece market we are managing at Tangled Galashiels at the end of May. No booking necessary - just drop in. Gardening sessions, Fridays 1.30-4pm: Gardening season is nearly upon us! Come help tend our veggie beds and natural dye garden. Enquire via email if you are interested in helping.

We also host all sort of paid-for workshops, welcoming local makers and artisans who are keen to share their skills with visitors. We are soon to host a four-week doodle workshop series, which will be great fun (see advert for more details). What would you like to see on our schedule? Or we can put together a bespoke session specifically designed for you or your group. Just give us a shout!

We have a wee shop on-site, where we stock all sorts of fibre-based products, including beautiful yarns made from own homegrown alpaca fibre. Alongside specialist equipment, like hand-turned drop spindles courtesy of local craftsman Tony Nelson, and other

specialist artisanal items, we also have loads of crafting materials and items, including a huge selection of donated yarns and other destash items. Bear us in mind for locally-sourced, independently produced gifts that support a good cause. The shop is open during open crafting hours or we are happy for you to fire us a text or email to name a time that suits you to come and browse. If you don't have much time, you could always swing by our honesty stall, where we put out all kinds of seasonal produce and products. There is a QR code for ease of payment and a good old fashioned honesty box, too. All revenue generated goes right back into running the programme here, which focusses on our mission to help improve mental health in the Scottish Borders through caring, creativity and collaboration.

Whatever way you choose to be involved, we are looking forward to welcoming you!

Lauder SWRI

LAUDER SWI MEETINGS

The Lauder SWI Scots lunch was held in the Lauderdale Hotel on Tuesday 16th January 2024. The food was delicious and

The Probus Club of Lauderdale

The next meeting of the Lauderdale Probus Club will be in the Lauderdale Hotel on Tuesday 9th April when the speaker will be Jim Shanks from Standhill Tomatoes.

In March, Jim Tough gave a talk on Scottish Arts and Culture. In February the members heard about Fala Village from Henry Borthwick and in January we were entertained by John Nichol from Selkirk. The committee attempts to obtain speakers who give talks on a variety of topics.

To anyone wishing to know more about Probus or being interested in becoming a member of the Club contact the Secretary (Robert Turnbull) at rgtapoth@btinternet.com

was complimented by Scottish music played on his accordion by Billy Anderson who very kindly stepped in at the last moment. Our gradually more enthusiastic singing was supported by the lyrics displayed on our mobile phones, as well as Billy’s funny encouraging? remarks. Poetic interludes by Isabel (and Joanne) had everyone laughing. The Scottish jewellery competition was won by Joanne Dryburgh, Jane Stevenson and Sandra Fullerton. Thank you for the generous donations for our raffle. Thank you to the amazing Lauderdale staff. And thank you particularly to Isabel who did so much organising to make the event possible.

On February 13th 2024 Lauder SWI held an extremely interesting meeting with Trevor Black from Kelso giving members an opportunity to learn about his fascinating

background in antiques. It had been a lifelong interest from a young age. Trevor shared many entertaining stories, at the same time talking about every item members had brought along - their description, history and estimated values. This was followed by a vote of thanks from Senga Towers, teas, a raffle and scone competition won by Elizabeth Stephenson.

As the Lauderdale News goes to print we will already have held our March meeting when the Rev. Lynn Brady will have given a talk entitled ‘Join the church, travel the world.’ The competition will have been favourite holiday photographs. All are welcome to join us for our interesting and friendly afternoons in the Scout Hall in Lauder on the 2nd Tuesday of the month

The Tim Stead Trust

Conserve, Create, Grow, Dream. The Tim Stead Trust, is seeking new Trustees to shape, guide and contribute to the organisation’s future direction. We are looking for people who are committed to using their expertise and who will enjoy supporting our charitable objectives.

Board Members attend online or in person 7 board meetings a year and contribute to specific areas of work supporting The Steading & our Director. As a Board Member, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the future sustainability of The Steading in Blainslie and our exciting plans for development & public engagement.

We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in Organisation development, Legal work, Archiving, Communications/Marketing & Volunteer Management. We are also keen to diversify our Board. If you’re interested in a Board position but don’t currently have Board experience, or do not fit into any of those skill gaps but have other skills and experience to offer our dynamic organisation, we encourage speaking with us, as a wide range of experience

is relevant. From Gardening to Fundraising and everything in between.

To apply, please get in touch with Tavienne Bridgwater director@timsteadtrust.org / 01896552960

www.timsteadtrust.org

Sean Bagley photo of The Steading Kitchen

DPF

DPF

Walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion which can help refresh you mentally as well as physically.

Why not join us on Wednesday mornings, striding across Lauder’s lovely countryside, sharing stories and giving each other support.

WalkIt Further Lauder is a free Scottish Borders Council Health walk leaving from Lauder Leisure Centre on a Wednesday at 10 am; it is a walk of approximately five miles.

No need to book just come along any Wednesday that you feel like a walk, most of the walks are through woods, along tracks and around fields (sorry no dogs allowed).

After the walk you will be rewarded with a free Coffee / Tea in The Lauderdale Hotel.

If you want any more info then please call Anne on 07814336241.

Shorter Walk

For those of you who think five miles is too much then

WalkIt Easy is a short walk around Lauder, for further info please call Dr John Crombie Smith on 07711610287.

Crème Egg Cookies

Ingredients

250g Butter

200g Dark sugar

150g Caster sugar

2 Eggs

600g Plain flour

3tsp Baking powder

1 tsp Bi carb

2 creme eggs

1/2 tsp Salt

Method

Melt the butter, brown sugar & white sugar gently

Whisk in the eggs

Sieve the flour, baking powder and bicarb

Fold in the flour

Add the chopped crème eggs

Fold all together until mixed in.

Form into balls 80g and freeze for an hour

Place on grease proof paper, cook 170c for approx 10mins or until golden brown.

Recipe courtesy of Amanda Jordan at the Firebrick Bakery

COPY DEADLINE

The copy deadline for the next issue of The Lauderdale News is 20th October 2024

16 Market Place

Lauder TD2 6SR

small and friendly B & B

One twin, ensuite, one further single bedroom for price & availabilty call: 0772 547 2543 01578 718776

ADVERTISING WITH THE LAUDERDALE NEWS

The Lauderdale News is a great way to advertise to every household in the local area. Our rates are very reasonable and we can adapt your business card or other material you may have already prepared.

43x48 mm - £10 92x43 mm - £20 92x92 mm - £40

92x190 mm - £70 Half page - £100 Full page - £160

Other sizes priced on request; contact us for more information at info@lauderdalenews.co.uk

NEWS FROM THE LAUDERDALE NEWS COMMITTEE

The members of our Committee are - Diane Mitchell, Chair; Maggie Czajka, Vice Chair; Wendy Perry, Secretary; Kate Farnsworth, Treasurer; Shaun Fagan, Editor; Alison Macgregor, Sub Editor; Walter Brotherstone, Photographer and Judi Gunn, Facebook Content Manager. Deliveries are coordinated by Jacqui and Robert Miller, we're very grateful to them both and to everyone who delivers for us.

The Lauderdale News Facebook page is in new hands. If you have anything that you would like to bring to the attention of the wider Lauderdale community between editions of the magazine please either message the page or email us at info@lauderdalenews.co.uk and we will post it for you.

Can we remind everyone that the magazine doesn't 'just happen'! A lot of work goes into each issue and it would be a great help to the Committee if contributors could send content in good time. The date for submission for the next issue is displayed prominently in every edition - please take note!

Residents of the more outlying properties around Oxton can pick up a copy of the magazine from Oxton Shop, the Bird Gardens or from the Post Office in Lauder.

As always, we thank all our contributors and advertisers for their support.

APPEAL TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS

To ensure reports, notices and other items reach the Lauderdale News team in good time could everyone who may contribute please add editor@lauderdalenews.co.uk to their address book as a safe sender. Many of our emails seem to get automatically filed as junk or spam. Many thanks.

Spring Quiz

This quiz focuses on different breeds of dog. Hope it doesn’t give you a bone to pick or send you barking mad! Answers can be found below.

Anagrams

1. Do pole (6)

2. In a malt ad (9)

3. Bald roar (8)

4. Dull bog (7)

5. Lower trite (10)

6. Rest brand (2,7)

7. O’er bird cello (6,6)

8. Eat danger (5,4)

9. Luck less jar (4,7)

10. Her SW logic (5,5)

11. O hold bound (10)

Christmas Quiz Answers

Cryptic

1. American bus line (9)

2. A collector of precious metal (6,9)

3. Dog whose bark isn’t worse than its bite! (7)

4. A canine pugilist (5)

5. Be agile - confused and I got lost (6)

6. Drop ugly dog inside (3)

7. Sounds like a demand to punish harshly (7)

8. Hear you were eying up knees! (9)

9. Dog belonging to the Baskervilles (5)

10. Zut! Confusion after we hear this hits the fan? (4,3)

This quiz focused on colours, Primary and Secondary plus their associated tones. Hope it didn’t make you feel blue! Answers below.

Anagrams 1. Le dream (7) - Emerald 2. Mrs Coin (7) - Crimson 3. By Lukes (3,4) - Sky blue 4. Chore (5) - Ochre 5. Or moan (6) - Maroon 6. Clothe cobra now (9,5) - Chocolate brown 7. If a chip sunk (7,4) - Fuchsia pink 8. Ere mingle (4,5) - Lime green 9. Cilla (5) - Lilac 10. Rouse –quit (9) - Turquoise

Cryptic

1. Did I hear you mention Miss O’Hara? (7) - Scarlet 2. Violent lady loses her bearing North (6) - Violet 3. Pop Eye’s girlfriend (5) - Olive 4. Shout and it hurts (6) - Yellow 5. Lady Jane – queen for just nine days (4) - Grey 6. A beautiful patch of prose (6) - Purple 7. Elvis’s famous suede shoes (4) - Blue 8. A colour within for angels (6) - Orange 9. Feeling tickled with this colour? (4) - Pink 10. Discovered inside Higher Education (3) - Red

Wordsearch Answers

10. Zut! Confusion after

9. Dog belonging to the Baskervilles (5) Hound

8. Hear you were eying up knees! (9) Pekingese

7. Sounds like a demand to punish harshly (7) Whippet

6. Drop ugly dog inside (3) Pug

5. Be agile - confused and I got lost (6) Beagle

4. A canine pugilist (5) Boxer

3. Dog whose bark isn’t worse than its bite! (7) Basenji (dog that has no bark!)

2. A collector of precious metal (6,9) Golden Retriever

1. American bus line (9) Greyhound

Cryptic

11. O hold bound (10) Bloodhound

9. Luck less jar (4,7) Jack Russell 10. Her SW logic (5,5) Welsh Corgi

7. O’er bird cello (6,6) Border Collie 8. Eat danger (5,4) Great Dane

5. Lower trite (10) Rottweiler 6. Rest brand (2,7) St Bernard

3. Bald roar (8) Labrador 4. Dull bog (7) Bulldog

1. Do pole (6) Poodle 2. In a malt ad (9) Dalmatian

Spring Quiz Answers Anagrams

we hear this hits the fan? (4,3) Shih Tzu