Gala Life August 2022 by Pitlochry Life

Gala Life

A local magazine with directory of trades and businesses - 12,000 copies delivered FREE to every home and business in Galashiels, Tweedbank, Melrose, Clovenfords, Darnick, Dingleton, Newstead and Gattonside.

August 2022

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CONTENTS

24, 46 Sudoku

Recipe

Recipe This month we are cooling down with an iced-coffee!

Willie's Wonky Computer Willie gives some tips on creating passwords, and how to manage them.

Fitness With Alan Clinch This month Alan looks at all the benefits of exercising with Pilates.

Your Community All the news from our MPs, Councillors, Clubs, Groups and Churches.

Sudoku Our Sudoku is also online this month, play every day and keep your brain active!

Advertising Debbie - 07545299491

Control Your Dog

Photography & Design Lynsey - 07305577953 Editor Willie - 07906375953

www.facebook.com/mygalalife Gala Life 57 Glen Crescent, Peebles EH45 9BS info@galalife.co.uk

www.galalife.co.uk

The Gala Garden 4 Gala Life

Deadline for September

42 40 44

Term Times All the school holiday dates you need to plan holidays and some child-minding days.

WELCOME

The Gala Garden Sheila looks at filling in late summer gaps and planning for next year. Controlling Your Dog Lynsey gives advice on controlling your dog and keeping it out of trouble.

Welcome to the August edition of Gala Life. This month we have an amazing line up of great bands, ballets, comedy nights, sport and summer blockbusters to choose from. We are truly blessed to have all these venues locally including the Volunteer Hall, Pavilion Cinema, Scott's Abbotsford, MacArts, Kelso Folk Festival and Floors Castle nearby. This year Abbotsford is celebrating its 250 years anniversary - don’t miss their festival on August 12th - 14th. Then of course there's the fantastic free music and sport festival - MAROON'D at Gala Rugby Club on the 20th. Hope to see you there! Why not get in shape and this month with the Tri-Fitness great deal for new members, then check out the Scottish Borders Festival of Walking - coming up in September.

Computer Page

School Term Times

Our recipe is iced coffee, Sheila looks at taking photographs of your garden now to review how it has preformed this year. Alan talks pilates and Lynsey looks at controlling your dog. Lastly Willie’s Wonky Computer page looks at how to create a very secure and safe password - and no it’s not your year of birth! With so much to see and do this month we recommend you sit back have a good read of Gala Life and make a plan, don’t forget to include some great food experiences too! Stay safe and see you in September

is the 13th August

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Get Out... with Gala Life! Please check with individual groups for the latest information.

Borders Recovery Group - Meet Fridays 5-7pm @ Focus Centre. This group is run for and by people with lived experience of recovery. "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it's connection" Johann Hari. This group is a safe and welcoming space for anyone who is 16+ to meet for peer support, fun activities and training. For more info contact info@youthwellbeingcoaching.com or 07971757514. Gala Waterways Group - The Group usually meets at 10.00am until noon on the first Saturday of each month and typically prunes trees, clears undergrowth and removes rubbish along the Gala Water and Mill Lade in Galashiels. For more information contact galawaterways@gmail.com or 07763 850087. www.facebook.com/galawg/ Gala Policies Group - The group holds a litter pick round Gala Policies on the last Saturday of the month from 10 - 12pm. Meet up at entrance to the Policies near Gala swimming pool. Litter pickers and bags provided. Please bring own gloves if possible. We are COVID compliant. Langlee Community Choir - Mondays at 7.00pm in Langlee Community Centre, Galashiels. The choir always welcomes new singers of any age or ability. If you are a shy singer, the choir will bring out your confidence. No pressure, no auditions, just good fun. Keep watching out in Gala Life or listen to local radio for upcoming performances. To book the choir or for any other information, please visit www.langleecommunitychoir.org.uk/contactus.html One Acchord Ladies A Cappella Chorus - Ladies, if you want to sing, please come and meet us at Bowden Village Hall, Main Street, Bowden, TD6 0SS. Learn to sing in 4 Part Harmony, no auditions needed. We welcome everyone who wants to join us. Rehearsal times: 3 Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm and 1 Saturday 2-5pm a month. Phone 07710699619 or visit our website www.oneacchord.co.uk The Eildon Singers - We are a mixed voice choir of some 40 members from all over the central Borders. We sing mainly classical works, with some lighter pieces. Our rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, starting again on Wednesday 31st August in the Ormiston Rooms, Market Square, Melrose, from 7.15 to 9.00 p.m. We'll be preparing music for our Christmas concert on Sunday 4th December, and new singers are always welcome (no auditions). If you would like more information please ring our secretary, Margery Inglis, on 01750 21085. Just Singing - We meet on the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 - 5pm in the Trinity Centre, High Cross Avenue, Melrose, to sing songs of peace and justice. We welcome new singers and those who think they can’t sing. There is no need to read music as all songs are taught by ear. Contact kathmcdonald20@gmail.com Syrinx Flutes - meet one Monday evening (7pm to 9pm) a month from August to May in the Corn Exchange at Melrose with leader Lis Dooner (07774 813693) lisdooner@btinternet.com Or try elizabethraitt@icloud.com in the first instance. All abilities from approx Grade 3. Why not dust off your underused flute and join our friendly group? It’s such fun playing with others. Galashiels Clef Club. Our next meeting is Saturday 24 September at Lucy Sanderson Hall in Tweed Terrace. We offer a friendly welcome to everyone who can play an instrument or sing and they are free to choose any piece of music to entertain their fellow members. The range of music is wide and includes all styles of classical music, along with folksongs and songs from the shows, excursions into jazz, and members' own compositions. Please contact our president, Dorothea dmghall@ hotmail for more information. Continued on page 8 6 Gala Life

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@symingtonshoesGala Life 7

Get Out... with Gala Life! Pipe Band - The Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band, Wednesday nights, 7pm at The Royal British Legion Club, Park Street, Galashiels. Experienced players and beginners most welcome to join. Please contact the secretary, Scott Mitchell on galafirefox@gmail.com

The Galashiels Town Band - Mondays - Gala Beginners Band 5.00 - 5.45pm, Tuesdays - Gala Youth Band 6.00 - 7.00pm, Gala Senior Town Band 7.00 - 8.45pm. These take place at the Galashiels Town Band Hall, 6a Roxburgh Street, Galashiels. Open to experienced, inexperienced and beginners of all ages. Instruments can be supplied, so go give it a try. For more information please contact info@galatownband.org.uk or by calling Nichola Broatch on 07856266230. Gala Windbags - We are a charitable group affiliated to chest heart and stroke Scotland with meetings every Thursday 1.30 to 3.30pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall Galashiels. Contact details are Hazel Crombie phone 01896 753788. Al-Anon Family Groups - Every Wednesday at 7.30pm, St Peter's Church, Parsonage Road, Galashiels. Many people are affected by the excessive drinking of someone close to them. Find understanding, help and support in Al-Anon Family Groups. For further information call 07709948205 or visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk for meetings in Selkirk and Hawick. Circle Dancing - Delighted to be restarting and inviting you to join our small, friendly, welcoming group. A mix of traditional and new dances and music from around the world. No previous experience required, no partner needed. Every Tuesday 2 - 4pm at The Yoga Mill, Market St, Galashiels TD1 3AF. Contact Kate for further information 07523 466657. Scottish Country Dancing - Old & St Paul's Church Hall Tuesdays 7-9pm. All welcome. Contacts 01896822354 or 01578730591. Gala Chess Club - meeting every Tuesday evening at the Focus Centre, Galashiels between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. All levels welcome. Facebook - gala chess club. Scottish Borders Versus Arthritis Support Group - meets online first Saturday of each month from 11am until 12.30pm. With a variety of interesting speakers and coffee and catch-up sessions, anyone who is living with arthritis or has an interest is very welcome. For more information, please, email info@scottishbordersversusarthritis.org ‘Heart for Art’ - Trinity Church Hall, High St, Galashiels every Wednesday afternoon, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. This is a Church of Scotland project which seeks to bring creativity and connection to those living with dementia in Scotland. Come along to our free art classes (with a carer if you wish) where staff of experienced professional artists and volunteers have enhanced dementia training. For more information look on facebook @CrossReachHeartForArt or email: heartfor.art@crossreach.org.uk Langlee Badminton Club - Thursdays 5.15pm-7pm in the Queen's Centre, Galashiels. £2 per session. Under-16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian. A friendly group who get together once a week to play badminton, all year round. We normally play at the Langlee Community Centre, but are currently playing at the Queen's Centre due to the former facility still being used as a Covid Testing Centre. Eildon Ramblers - If you enjoy walking you’ll enjoy walking with the Eildon Ramblers. We meet weekly on either a Saturday or a Sunday at 10.00am at various locations in the Borders. To see Continued on page 10

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details of upcoming walks visit www.eildonramblers.org.uk or for general information please email eildon.ramblers@gmail.com or phone 07877 159126. Our motto is friendship, fitness, fun and fresh air. Melrose Historical and Archaeological Association - Tuesday 2nd August 2022 - Old Melrose Walk. Starting from the Old Melrose Tearoom, off the A68, at 1:30pm. A guided walk through 2000 years of history, including the site of the monastery where St.Cuthbert began his religious life. Adults £2, children free. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times. Ormiston Bridge Club - The club meets each Monday at 6.30pm in Gala Rugby Club from September to April. New members are very welcome. If your bridge is a bit rusty or you are unfamiliar with club play, we can provide some refresher sessions. For more information email ormistonbridgeclub52@gmail.com or visit the Ormiston club website. Hope to see you in September! Galashiels & District Probus Club - We provide regular meetings for retired and semi-retired professional and business men and women to enjoy the company of like-minded people who appreciate the camaraderie of being part of the Club. We meet fortnightly from September to May on Thursday mornings at the Waverley Castle Hotel, Melrose and after tea or coffee we enjoy a wide variety of interesting talks by guest speakers. We are always open to welcome new members and If you are interested in joining please ask any member or phone 01896 822892 for more information. The Three Brethren u3a, Galashiels - Date for your Diary - It is the 40th Anniversary of the u3a movement this year as well as the 15th Anniversary of the Three Brethren u3a. We will be marking u3a week (Sept 17-24th) with an Open Meeting on Monday, September 19th when members are invited to Bring a Friend to the Galashiels Rugby Club at 2pm. You will be able to talk to our group facilitators and learn all about the Three Brethren u3a. So do come along if you are a 'Third Ager' and 'retired but not retiring'. We look forward to meeting you. Details at www.u3asites.org.uk/three-brethren Rolling Hills Folk - Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer In Concert on Friday August 26th at The Smith Memorial Hall , Darnick. Doors open at 7.30 for 8pm start. Tickets: £10 BYOB. Phone: 07986644661 to reserve please as tickets are limited to 55 by the venue. Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer are acclaimed for their heart-warming melodies, expressive vocals and authentic musicianship. They are also renowned for their warmth, humour and remarkable ability to engage with their audience. Karen’s wonderfully energetic delivery and Paul’s calm geniality combine to turn a great performance into a truly magical event. They do not fit into a specific musical genre so come along and be amazed! We are thrilled to have coaxed them to Darnick before their Edinburgh Fringe event. The Great Tapestry of Scotland Afternoon Tea - Available on the last Sunday of the month. Treat yourself or someone you care for with The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s Afternoon Tea in Stitchers Café. Enjoy a range of specialty teas, a selection of sandwiches, savoury bites and sweet treats with a Tapestry mocktail. Booking required, please see www.greattapestryofscotland.com or call 01896 809353.

If you, your club, group, team, school or whatever are planning any events in the coming months, just send the details and we will include them in the relevant month's edition. All entries to info@galalife.co.uk by 10th of preceding month. Free to non profit groups. 10 Gala Life

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Iced Coffee Ingredients A serving of cold coffee Ice Cold milk or single cream

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Method If you are a coffee drinker, there’s nothing more refreshing than an ice cold coffee on a hot day. It’s really easy to make, and doesn’t matter if you use freshly ground beans, or you favourite instant. • Make a serving of hot coffee. However to make sure your iced coffee doesn’t turn out to be a cold watery mess, make it quite strong - with up to twice the normal amount of beans/granules you would normally use. That keeps the full flavour as the ice melts. Or, if you like, make your own coffee ice cubes. Simply make a batch of coffee, allow to cool, pour in an ice tray and freeze. You can always water it down if too strong. • Leave the coffee to go cold, you can then chill it some more by putting in the fridge. • Take a tall glass and fill with ice. Add the cold coffee and stir. Don’t pour hot coffee over ice. • If you normally take sugar, it is best adding when the coffee is still hot, that allows the sugar to dissolve. If making a large batch for others with different tastes you can sweeten it with sugar syrup - just dissolve the sugar in some boiling water and allow to cool. Or, try sweetening it with flavoured syrup maple, vanilla, or even some chocolate hazelnut spread! • Add milk/cream to taste, or ramp it up with an ice-cream float! • If you have a blender, you can of course add everything and blend into an iced coffee smoothie :o)

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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory In 2013, Intel created World Password Day, an annual made up celebration to remind everyone of the need to create better, more complicated passwords.

Don’t recycle. Even the best passwords can be stolen and compromised. So limit the fallout by making sure you set unique passwords for all of your accounts.

Despite years of warning, most people are still using weak passwords to protect their most sensitive information, then re-use them again and again to protect multiple accounts. Hackers know this and if they can crack one password, they could gain access to your entire digital life. Not only could you lose everything, but if they then clone your ID and create fake bank accounts, loans etc. it could plague you for years to come.

Use Two Factor Authentication. 2FA is a second layer of protection to keep you safe. You will come across more and more websites that require this. It is a second form of ID and could be a fingerprint, facial scan or a code generated by an authenticator like the Google Authenticator app. Try to avoid 2FA systems that send a code to your phone - it’s not as secure as you think.

Whilst Microsoft, Google and Apple are increasing their support for a passwordless sign-in - like facial scan, or fingerprint, not all applications can handle that and we will be stuck with passwords for a few years yet. So, what makes a good password? Longer is better. Start at 8, but 16 characters is best. At that length, you don't have to worry so much about password-cracking software. Random sequences of characters are best, but pass-phrases, such as a combination of three unrelated words, will be OK in most circumstances. Throwing in a special character, such as symbols or punctuation marks, in the middle is also a good idea. Don't use your birthday or another significant personal date because cyber-criminals can find them easily, just browse through Facebook and you will see what I mean. Song titles and famous quotations are also bad ideas. Keep your details off social media. The more personal details you post, the more cyber-criminals know about you. Those little, seemingly unimportant, bits of data could be used to crack your passwords. Avoid those Facebook trivia quizzes that ask a series of seemingly harmless questions in order to tell you where you should live or what your ideal holiday is. They are fun, but are likely to be someone collecting personal information that could be used to crack your passwords later on. 14 Gala Life

Use a Password Manager. If you can remember your passwords they are probably not strong enough. If you have an iPhone or a Mac, it will suggest a strong password every time you need to create one. Most people look at that and think ‘there’s no way I will remember that’, but there’s no need to. Your Apple device will remember it for you, and share it across your other Apple devices. You can of course go ‘old school’ and write them down. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that as long as you don’t use Post-Its or leave your password book lying around. Never store your password list on your computer or phone, that’s just asking for trouble. The best solution for keeping strong passwords is to use a Password Manager. They will create and store all your passwords, usernames, personal details etc., then autofill when you need them to. You just need to remember the one strong password to get access and you can use it anywhere. There are many free versions of Password Managers available. Have a look at Bitwarden https://bitwarden.com to get you started. The free version is excellent, the Premium version at £10/year is outstanding. Keep safe. Willie

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FITNESS with Alan Clinch

Pilates – What, Why, And How ? Though thought by many to be similar to yoga, Pilates is in fact worlds apart in terms of both form and function. Joseph Pilates arrived in the UK 1912, and during the First World War designed exercises to help in the rehabilitation of people who were confined to their beds due to medical conditions or war related injuries. Amongst other things, he attached springs to hospital beds, which allowed bedridden patients to exercise against resistance. After the war the Pilates exercise system was widely adopted by dancers to help them develop specific core strength. In 1926 he moved to the USA, where he worked extensively with the New York Ballet. The Pilates method grew in popularity throughout the remainder of the 20th century, and Pilates continued to train clients at his studio until his death at the age of 87 in 1967. In the last 40 years, Pilates as an exercise medium has expanded hugely - the exercises are low-impact and gentle, so people with postural issues, sports-related or repetitive strain injuries can benefit without compromising the healing process. What is Pilates? Pilates exercises focus on improving flexibility, strength, and body awareness. They consist primarily of controlled movements performed on a floor (mat work), or on specially designed equipment where the resistance is supplied by springs. As with many exercise modalities, it is important that sessions are planned and supervised by trained instructors. The two main areas of focus are core muscle strength and spinal alignment. The muscles of the core are usually defined as affecting the spine, abdomen, pelvis, and hips: core strength means that we can effectively transfer energy from the legs to the lower back (or vice versa). During a session the instructor will emphasise the importance 16 Gala Life

of concentrating on these muscles, as well as on breathing, muscle contraction, and the quality of the movements. The objective is co-ordination of mind, body, and spirit, which Joseph Pilates called ‘contrology.’ Originally Pilates developed 34 exercises, published in 1945, and still underpin all classes taught today. Many claims are made about the effectiveness of the method, and after analysis of the huge number of resources available there is significant evidence that Pilates exercises contribute as follows: • Increased core strength, stability and limb/ joint mobility • Heightened body awareness • Very low impact, so easy on joints – particularly helpful for arthritis and joint injury • Easily adapted to benefit most people, from rehabilitation patients to elite athletes The following links will show you some examples of the sort of exercises which you might undertake in a Pilates session: www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/ pilates-for-beginners/ www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/a-z/whatis-pilates www.verywellfit.com/what-is-the-pilatesmethod-of-exercise-2704855 A web search of your local fitness centres will point you in the direction of qualified instructors offering Pilates classes. As ever, if you haven’t exercised for a while, or have any medical conditions which might cause problems, check with your Doctor to ensure it’s safe to increase your activity levels. Remember, pain is a sign that something is wrong… alan@galalife.co.uk

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John Lamont MP Braw Lads’ Gathering The Braw Lads’ Gathering was a huge success and was a very welcome return to normality after being absent for a few years. Braw Lass Abbie Hood and Braw Lad John Turnbull did a brilliant job despite the long wait to fulfil their duties. I always try my best to attend all common ridings and festivals across the Borders. They all have their own quirks and special moments, from The Hut in Hawick to watching the Coldstream Guards parade down the High Street. But one of my favourites must be watching the riders and their horses fording the Tweed as part of the Braw Lads’ Gathering Saturday. It is one of the great sights of the summer in the Borders and I was so glad to be present for it this year. Our common ridings and festival are such an important part of Borders’ identity. Long may they continue! Leadership I was very happy to see my colleague, Cllr Euan Jardine, elected as Leader of the council recently. This is a very important role as we try to revitalise the Borders after Covid-19. Not only is he a great representative of Galashiels & District, but he is already showing that he is a great champion for the Borders. He demonstrated this great leadership when he and his brother, at his own expense, tidied up the entrance to Galashiels on the A72. They also planted some new flowers to help brighten up the area for the Torwoodlee Rideout. Great work on behalf of their community. Borders Events There have been some great events recently in the Borders with the cycling in Galashiels, the concerts at Floors Castle in Kelso, and the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic at Thirlestane Castle in Lauder. This is absolutely brilliant for the local economy with lots of visitors coming and spending money. Playing host to some of these large events will really help boost our tourist economy. I hope that Scottish Borders Council will continue to create the right conditions so that these big events want to come and utilise what we have to offer year after year.

Euan Jardine Councillor - Gala & District, Conservative Hello again, and I hope you have been enjoying the summer sunshine. It has been great to see all the festivals back and other events like the borders book festival taking place over the last few weeks. One thing we do well in the borders is deliver events that attract visitors to the region and create a great community spirit. Many volunteers run these events, which makes the scale of what we do in the borders even more impressive. Event season isn't over in the town as the Maroon'd in Gala festival is taking place on 20th August and will deliver on all fronts from sport to entertainment. I have also been taking part in my summer tour of the borders, and the one consistent theme that keeps coming up in conversations has been the need for the council to get back to the basics of looking after our neighbourhoods. That is in terms of street cleanliness and cemeteries maintenance etc. It has been something that I have been trying to fix but have found some roadblocks on the way as it has not been everyone's primary focus. So hopefully, now that we have it in black and white, this is what the communities want. We must work on getting it right, and I know the council have a stretched budget, so it may take some collaboration with communities to make fundamental changes happen. However, I am optimistic we can do it! Continued on page 20

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I will be holding an advice surgery on 5th August between 10-12 noon at Quin's restaurant in Galashiels. As always, if you need any assistance on any issues. Please feel free to contact me at the details below. Email - Euan.jardine@scotborders.gov.uk Telephone – 07811977720 Facebook – @VoteEuanJardine Twitter - @VoteJardine

Citizens Advice Bureau It’s nearly time for the new School term to start and the children are getting excited about going back to catch-up with friends and meet their new teacher. It can also be a worrying time financially for parents and guardians. In Scotland all children at a local authority school in P1-P5 will receive a free school meal automatically during term time. If you meet the income criteria and have a child in P1-P5 you should still apply for free school meals. Similarly if you have older children from P6 – S6. The Scottish Government provide additional funding to schools based on pupils who are entitled to free school meals. In addition, if in receipt of free school meals due to low income, you will receive a Scottish Child Bridging Payment of £130 4 times per year for each school age child who qualifies. You may also be eligible for a School Clothing Grant. Again, this can be applied for through SBC. This is paid once per academic year for every qualifying child and ranges from £120 -£150 depending on the age of the child. If you're 16 to 19 years old and studying at school or college beyond school leaving age, and you come from a low-income household, you may be eligible for financial assistance from an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Applications for all these and other information can be found on the Scottish Borders Council website: www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/20040/clothing_meals_and_transport/480/free_school_meals_ and_help_with_schoolwear If you would like a check to see if you are eligible for any benefits and/or if you meet the criteria for these, please contact us or call our Money Talk Team helpline 0800 085 7145 or www.parentclub. scot/articles/who-are-money-talk-team Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau 111 High Street, Galashiels RD1 1RZ. Call 01896 753889, e-mail: enquiries@centralborders.cab.casonline.org.uk

Gala Opera Returning in 2023 We are on our way back! March 6th - 11th 2023 In Volunteer Hall Galashiels. We are delighted to announce that after a 3 year absence we have chosen our return show and can’t wait to get back on stage!! Currently, however, due to licensing restrictions on advertising still in place for the next while we are unable to publicly announce what our show is! Continued on page 22

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What we can say is … *It’s a popular classic *It’s set in the 1950s *It’s a fun, lively, lighthearted show well known and well loved *Its a show never performed by Gala Opera before. So - if you are interested in finding out more; if you want to join us for 6 months of fun; If you are 14 or over by March 2023 - Come along to our Open Night Meet and Greet in the Burgh School Hall, Galashiels on Monday 22nd August at 7pm. Bring a friend, have a sing, meet our production team and hear their plans for the show. And if you have not already heard by word of mouth by then find out what our March 2023 production is going to be! More details as soon as advertising restrictions are lifted!!

Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club Want to get fit and have fun; want to run off the excess weight. Come and join us at Galashiels Squash and Racketball Club; we have so much more to offer than just squash. Our club house also boasts pool and table tennis facilities with an adjustable exercise bike and cross trainer too. There is also a “Chill out” room overlooking both courts and a kitchen with fridge, oven, microwave and kettle. We also offer squash Coaching for all levels. Our current coach is Scottish International Rory Stewart, Rory is the no.3 Player in Scotland and is shortly representing Scotland in the Commonwealth Games. Rory comes down to Gala Squash Club every fortnight and coaches club juniors and adults, complete beginners and right through to seasoned veterans. This is very reasonably priced and very flexible. We run ad-hoc junior sessions throughout the year and this is open to anyone under 16. As well as Squash, the juniors regularly use the table tennis and pool tables! There are tournaments throughout the year with the on-going junior ladder and in the spring/summer we run the Junior Championship. We have a team in East of Scotland League - “Border Reivers” and this involves games from SeptApril against clubs primarily in the Lothian area, although we do go as far as Kirkaldy. Next season will start in Sept. We also organise “Social” games throughout the year against other clubs or the BGH and these are well attended. The Best way to get involved is to come to one of our Club nights every Monday 7pm till LATE. This way you can meet some members and have a look around the club. If Mondays are no good, just get in touch at memsec@gsrc.org.uk and a committee member will be happy to meet you at a time of your choosing.

Galashiels Town Band 12 years ago the Galashiels Town Band sat with around 8 players. We were not able to fulfil local engagements and had to rely on other bands to help us out. Fast forward to 2022 and we now have a 3 tier system with a senior band, a youth band and a beginners band. We do 3 main concerts a year plus various other engagements and projects and our young people regularly compete successfully at the national level. We have worked with some of the top brass players in the country and commissioned new music. In 2019, for the first time in over 30 years, the band took to the front of the cavalcades at the Braw Lads Gathering. These are achievements that we would like to continue and build on for many many years to come. Continued on page 26

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This Month’s Easy Sudoku 3 2

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3 8

5 4

How to play............

6 9

Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up. Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

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Therefore, we are always seeking more people to join in the fun. You might have played years before, or you might be an absolute beginner. You might be 7 or 70! Our rehearsals take place in our band room 6a Roxburgh Street Beginners rehearse Monday - 4.50 - 5.40pm Youth Band rehearse Tuesday - 6-6.50pm Senior Band rehearse Tuesday - 7 - 8.45pm If you are interested, or want to know more, get in touch by emailing info@galatownband.org.uk or our Facebook page and come see us to help continue putting the band back into the public eye.

Galashiels Church of Scotland Old Parish & St Paul’s Church – Scott Crescent TD1 3JU St John’s Church – Hawthorn Road, Langlee TD1 2JZ Trinity Church – High St TD1 1SE We are a united congregation who want to be God glorifying and Christ exalting in our worship. The Word of God is faithfully preached and therefore we would like to invite everyone to come and listen to God speaking to us through His Word. Sunday services are in these church buildings. 7th Aug 14th Aug 21st Aug 28th Aug

11am Trinity 6.30pm St John’s 11am Old Parish & St Paul’s 6.30pm St John’s 11am Trinity – Sunday School new term begins. All ages welcome to church! 6.30pm St John’s 11am Old Parish & St Paul’s 6.30pm St John’s

Prayer Meeting – Wednesdays at 7pm in St John’s. Girls Brigade will be meeting for outdoor summer fun on 4 Monday evenings during the school holidays. Dates and details available from Susan 1stgalagb@gmail.com Choir – Rehearsals on Thursdays at 7pm in Trinity building, starting 1st Sept. For further information Minister: Rev Graeme Glover e-mail: GGlover@churchofscotland.org.uk phone: 01896 209455. website: www.galashielschurchofscotland.org.uk

Galashiels Baptist Church Sharing Life at Galashiels Baptist Church Over the next few months, we’re going to share some stories about what goes on at Galashiels Baptist Church and introduce you to some of the people who are part of the Church family. The first is someone who you might know already… Tell us a little bit about you My name is Judy and I have been part of Galashiels Baptist Church family for 29 years. I have two

Continued on page 30

26 Gala Life

12th- 14th August

Join us for an action packed weekend fit for all the family at ScottFest 2022! Featuring... • Jousting tournaments • Birds of prey • Living history • Traditional medieval music and dance • Food and drink • Local craft stalls and much more.... See website for tickets and details. Parking charges will be suspended for the event. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Abbotsford Melrose TD6 9BQ t. 01896 752043 www.scottsabbotsford.com The Abbotsford Trust is Registered Scottish Charity No. SC037425

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children and three grandchildren all now adult. Why are you a part of Galashiels Baptist Church? Initially we settled here when my husband became the pastor/minister of GBC. However when he retired we stayed because we enjoyed the close feel of family within the church and the support we found amongst the people. What is your role within the church family now? After we retired, I was asked if I would help to run the Parent, Carer and Toddler group as the person who had been doing this was moving away. I agreed to help and I still continue today! Why does GBC run a Toddler Group? Our life experience as Christians has given us an awareness of the needs of those around us, and a desire to help if we can in some way. Both my husband and I recognised that young families needed support early in our time in Galashiels, and after taking some advice and training we set up the group. We still continue to serve many young families by sharing Gods love in practical ways. Each morning we meet the children have a chance to play with a large assortment of toys while the adults - parents, carers, and grandparents, share coffee/ tea and conversation in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. When does the group meet? We meet throughout the year on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10-11.15 am. If you care for young children, why not come along? You’ll get a warm welcome!

Bowden & Melrose Parish Church Minister Rev. Rosemary Frew. 01896 822217 email RFrew@churchofscotland.org.uk Office: 01896 823339 email bowden.melrosepc@btinternet.com Sunday Worship We meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and at 11.00am in Melrose Church. The Melrose service is livestreamed, and you can join us on our church website or Facebook page or watch the recording thereafter www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org A worship podcast is posted in Facebook, Instagram and our website on Saturday evenings. You can listen on 01896 808551.

Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady & St Andrew Parish Priest: Father Andrew Kingham Address: Catholic Presbytery, Stirling Street, Galashiels TD1 1BY. Telephone: (01896) 752328 Email: ParishPriest@GalaCatholic.org Website: www.GalaCatholic.org Facebook: @borderscatholic Churches: Our Lady & St Andrew, Stirling Street, Galashiels TD1 1BY St Cuthbert’s, High Cross Avenue, Melrose, TD6 9SQ Our Lady & St Joseph, High Street, Selkirk TD7 4JX 30 Gala Life

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Gala Rugby Club MAROON’D@GALA 2022 20th AUGUST We are delighted and excited about the return of Maroon’d@Gala for a second year. We have kept all the best bits and improved upon others, lets hope that we get a dry day this year, rather than the only wet day in August last year! It's still a FREE to enter event, so no excuse for not coming down and watching all ages compete at rugby sevens from primary school age to seniors. We only ask that you consider a small donation with your free programme on entry. Our charity partner the Rowan Bowland Trust will share in the cash collected. We have over 1,000 participants this year playing on the back pitches and the main Netherdale pitch from about 10.00am until 7.30pm. You can watch all the action on the big screen with live streaming from the Netherdale main pitch. You can listen to local up and coming bands on the music stage at the Fairydean end of the stadium and this year we have provided a roof over your heads, just in case it does rain!! We have a much wider choice of fairgrounds and shows, mostly located on the back pitches this year with 10 street food outlets on the back pitches , in the stadium and on Nether Road. Everything from burgers to pizzas with a sprinkling of Caribbean food, German sausages and fish and chips with some funky doughnuts and ice cream to boot! We look forward to welcoming you all to the event and don’t forget that there is a half hourly FREE bus service from Currie Road to Netherdale, running from 12.00 until 21.00, so no excuses not to come and enjoy the day. There will of course be lots of refreshments available with three inside bars and two outside.

If you want to push the boat out a little you can enjoy full hospitality in the Borders College building with live streaming of all that’s going on in the main stadium and back pitches with access to a VIP bar in the ground and free and reserved seating in the main stand. Just call the club office on 01896 755145. Photos courtesy of Alwyn Johnston 32 Gala Life

FIXTURES August 2022 Gala 1sts

Gala Wanderers

6th August Peebles Sevens 13th August Hawick Sevens 20th August Maroon’d@Gala 27th August Friendly TBA

7th August Peebles Sevens 20th August Maroon’d@Gala 27th August Melrose Wasps (Away)

Gala Red Triangle

5th August Peebles Sevens 20th August Maroon’d@Gala

Mini’s training Sundays 10-11am Vixens training Wednesdays 6.45-7.45pm

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Caddonfoot Parish Church It has been another busy time for local churches, including Caddonfoot, with regular services each Sunday at 9.45am. Numbers remain good with the services led by our Minister, the Rev Victoria Linford, assisted at times by our Session Clerk and Worship Leader, Mrs Anne Grieve, and Mrs Catriona Bird. Now that the need for masks has been withdrawn, many Caddonfoot church-goers still wear them for it’s a matter of choice. Members of the congregation showed great teamwork as they continued to read the Bible each Sunday. A number of members have suffered from Covid, and the Stated Annual Meeting (SAM) was also a victim. Once again, music is regularly provided by Andy Bird (organ and piano) and Mrs Bird and Mrs Grieve (both flute). The church has re-opened the Memorial Garden after it was closed due to the damage caused by fallen trees. Visitors should exercise care when walking through the area. The Harvest Church and Community newsletter is being finalised in the next month and will contain messages from the minister and local councillors as well as reports from the Community Council, Resilient Group, the local hall activities, the Summer Fair and much more. Thanks to previous contributions from former councillors Mrs Shona Haslam and Stuart Bell, who have stood down from Scottish Borders Council. Thanks also to Councillor Robin Tatler, who remains on SBC, and we have invite the new members, Councillors Marshall Douglas and Julie Pirone, to contribute also to future issues. Deadline for copy in August 28. The Kirk Session met by Zoom at the end of June and much business was discussed. Atholl Innes continues to collect disused stamps for the Eden Valley Hospice in Brampton and thanks to all who have donated.

St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Galashiels 2nd July was very busy at the gates to St Peter’s as we used 14kgs of bacon and 14doz rolls, plus several dozen eggs and gallons of milk to feed hundreds of folk on their way back to Gala after watching the cavalcade ford the Tweed. 10.30am services every Sunday followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. 6.00pm Healing service every 2nd Sunday of the month. Do come along and join us, especially if you are new to the area. Vestry secretary John Marsden 07538 094986 john@mustardseedsshared.org contact John to book the hall for regular groups or social gatherings.

Share Your News Gala Life has been proud to support all local groups, charities and events by sharing their news, publishing their events and promoting their activities on line and in print. We have been doing this at no charge for over 13 years now. If you take part in a group, a charity or have an event to raise funds for a good cause - then get in touch with us. We only ask that the activities and groups are run for the benefit of a group and not for any individual profits. If you would like to include an editorial piece in the community section then please email us at info@galalife.co.uk Entries should be less than 300 words and arrive by 12th preceding month. 34 Gala Life

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New Consultant - New Venue MONDAY Galashiels St Pauls Church, Scott Crescent 9am, 10.30am, 3.30pm and 5.30pm

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The Gala Garden August This is a good time to evaluate the garden, taking photographs and making notes so that you know what worked and what didn’t. Photographs will reveal things you don’t see at a glance because the camera doesn’t edit. Look for your best combinations and the ones that didn’t pan out. Look for plants that did poorly or succumbed to pests and diseases. Look for gaps in the planting or lack of impact all round. After high summer passes there can be a lot of gaps in the borders if you have concentrated on early and mid-season plants because they are mostly finished by now. Temporarily you can fill those gaps with tender perennials for instant colour this season. Dahlias, cannas, tender fuchsias and pelargoniums are still available but they will only last until the frost. If you want to add perennials there are plenty that are just hitting their stride now and these will last until the end of this year and then come back again next spring. There are two main colour groups to choose from: cool shades of pink and blue or hotter shades of red and orange. Good late perennials with flowers in cool shades include one of my favourites, actaea (used to be cimicifuga) with excellent foliage, often in shades of maroon or purple, and tall spikes of scented white flowers. That would go well with any of the Japanese anemones in various shades of white, pink and deep pink. You could add asters to this planting: deep purple A Wunder von Stafa or deep pink 40 Gala Life

Barr’s Pink. All of these plants will flower happily in sun or semi-shade in a retentive soil. If you want to make the change to hotter colours as the season turns then look to deep yellow daisies like rudbeckia or hardy chrysanthemums in shades of copper, bronze or rust. Pair spikes of kniphofia in fiery orange and red with marmalade heleniums like H Moorheim Beauty or H Wyndley. Foliage plays an important part in a successful planting: different shapes, colours and textures of foliage create effects that last longer than flowers. Spiky and strappy leaves in particular are useful because they make a subtle contrast with other, softer foliage. Hemerocallis is invaluable this way and some good late varieties are worth looking for. There are flowers in shades of cream, yellow, apricot, orange, pink, deep reds and purple so they are easy to blend with hot or cool colours. Ornamental grasses are another type of plant that really add sparkle to the late border: try any of the miscanthus, calamagrostis or stipa tribe. They can be used as focal point plants, as screens or mixed with other perennials as a foil. They do flower and many of them also give good autumn colour. Best of all their forms persist all winter, extending their interest even in frost or snow. The best way to create impact in a garden is to remember to use fewer kinds of plants and more of them. Sheila Drummond

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Borders Council School Holiday Dates 2022 - 2023

Well, with luck, the kids will be back at school this month and we can get on with our lives in relative peace until at least October. Here are the term times for the coming year; they will let you plan holidays, childminders, days out, days in etc. Watch out for the 2 casual holidays and the ‘In-Service’ days. Then there will be the snow.....

Autumn Term

Mid Term Holiday

Autumn Term

Christmas Holiday

Winter Term

Easter Holiday

Summer Term

Monday 15th August 2022

Staff resume, In Service Day

Tuesday 16th August 2022

In Service Day

Wednesday 17th August 2022

All resume

Friday 7th October 2022

All break, mid term

Monday 10th October 2022

Start

Friday 14th October 2022

End

Monday 17th October 2022

Staff resume, In Service Day

Tuesday 18th October 2022

All resume

Monday 28th November 2022

St Andrew's Day - school closed

Thursday 22nd December 2022

All break

Friday 23rd December 2022

Start

Friday 6th January 2023

End

Monday 9th January 2023

All resume

Friday 10th February 2023

Pupils break, mid term

Monday 20th February 2023

Eildon East (Selkirk) resume

Tuesday 21st February 2023

All resume

Friday 31st March 2023

All break

Monday 3rd April 2023

Start

Friday 14th April 2023

End

Monday 17th April 2023

All resume

Monday 1st May 2023

May Day -school closed

Tuesday 2nd May 2023

Staff resume, In Service Day

Wednesday 3rd May 2023

All resume

Thursday 29th June 2023

All break

Each learning community allocates casual holidays for pupils and staff which are usually aligned to their local festivals. Our local schools fall under: Eildon East Earlston - Tuesday 29th November 2022 and Monday 13th February 2023. Eildon East Selkirk - Thursday 15th June 2023 and Friday 16th June 2023. Eildon West Galashiels - Monday 13th February 2023 and Monday 5th June 2023. If you are planning holidays next summer, the Autumn Term 2023 commences 14th August for staff and 16th August for pupils. Further information relating to schools in the Borders can be found at the Borders Council website www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/20009/schools_and_learning/621/term_holiday_and_closure_dates/2 42 Gala Life

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IS YOUR FRIENDLY DOG OUT OF CONTROL?!

wning a dog has got to be one of the most rewarding and dare I say life affirming things we can do! I’ve owned dogs more or less my whole life and thoroughly enjoy their company. We adopted Victor, a Bull Terrier Lurcher Cross with the goofiness of Scooby Doo and the preciousness of a sheltered Prince. Despite Victor being so sweet and gentle, he is very anxious and can be fear reactive to other dogs. It’s been through the relentless positive behaviour modifying training I have to do with Victor that has changed my perspective as a dog owner, and what it means to have control. So, what does having your dog under control mean and how does this look on an everyday walk and what are the implications of having a loose dog?

THE LAW Yep, I’ve come in hard and fast with this, but thought it was a good starting point to fully understand my legal obligation as a dog owner. The Control of Dogs Act (Scotland) 2010, works in tandem to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and is there for the obvious reasons of protecting people and wildlife from out of control dogs and dangerously out of control dogs. According to the Control of Dogs Act (Scotland) 2010, “A dog would be considered to be “out of control” if: It is not being kept under control effectively and consistently (by whatever means) by the owner who is in charge of the dog AND its behaviour gives rise to alarm, or apprehensiveness on the part of any individual, and the individual’s alarm or apprehensiveness is reasonable.” This creates a pause for thought, often we brush off the idea that our dogs maybe out of control because we know they mean no harm. However, in control is one thing, in reliable control is another. We have to remember our dogs are their own beings and can react 44 Gala Life

differently and unreliably at any given time for whatever reason they see fit. If something happens to your dog, or another dog/ person as a result of your dog not being adequately under control you bare responsibility, even if harm comes to your own dog. Not only can it be devastating for your dog, but you can in fact be given a hefty fine, or even a criminal record for negligence. This may seem extreme, especially when we consider our beloved dogs as not dangerous, but we can forget to consider we do not know every other dog, or person in passing and having faith our controlled dog will continue to act reliably is in fact a big risk to take.

TO OR NOT TO LET THEM LOOSE! We love letting our dogs run free, it’s an easy way to let them exert pent up energy, and what’s not to love about that big bright goofy smile? How often have you let your dog off leash at a blind opening of a park, or not checking who’s in the park or field? Yeah, me too! Dogs can get very excited very quickly and easily, I’ve seen a dogs prey drive, yes all breeds have one, kick in and an uncontrollable chase of endangered birds, game and even small dogs happen. Or, the destruction of a farmers crop simply because a dog jumping is TikTok worthy… It’s also not unknown for dogs to, sadly, be shot on site for running freely too close to livestock, and the owner being given a penalty for having an uncontrolled dog. Just an all too sad end for a simple preventative act of looking and maintaining control (please note the simple presence of your dog can cause serious distress to livestock.) It’s just simply not worth it. Leash them. However, using extendable leads or better yet lunge lines are a great option to give a sense of freedom and to support your dogs recall training in safe open areas. But they do not offer 100% control and should not be used in extension by a roadside. There are great blogs and training videos

online that help you learn to use a lunge line safely and explain why its safer than an extendable leash. Better yet, if you like your dog to run freely you can book in at a secure Run Free Field/Unleashed Dog Adventure Park, these places have become a popular to allow dogs to have safe freedom they so deserve, and little distraction if you are training, and some even offer agility equipment. If your dog has friends you can take them altogether and let then run riot for the hour!

approaching a dog. Just like you, some don’t like a hand being shoved in their faces and then patted on the head, some don’t like even being touched, particularly if they’re a rescue. Its this approach and lack of consideration that often results in people and kids being bitten, leading to a tough and complex legal matter on its own!

I HAVE A YELLOW DOG…

Victor is a yellow dog… not in the literal sense as WHEN TOO FRIENDLY ISN’T… from a he’s more orange, but he has a yellow sash that says dogs perspective ‘I need space’ that adorns his leash. It has been a great help in allowing us to carry on with his training So here’s a thought… You’re out in a public space, safely, people often respect it and leash up their dogs it’s busy with strangers milling about. Suddenly an overly enthusiastic stranger bounds towards you with and give him space. The Yellow Dog system is a very helpful communicative symbol to allow walkers from a great big smile, open arms and gives you a big hug and a sloppy kiss…! How would you, realistically feel? a distance to have a chance to recall their loose dogs, or tighten their extending Happy? I doubt it. Perhaps leashes to allow the yellow you’d feel completely violated, dog time and space to move casting the person as a total out of their way or to pass weirdo. You might even react, carefully. A dog that has a shout obscenities; maybe yellow collar, sash, ribbon, even assault them in order to jacket or lead is a dog that protect yourself? I doubt that under no circumstance should their friend shouting “DON’T be approached. It doesn’t WORRY THEY’RE FRIENDLY!” matter their reason, just be makes you feel any better respectful and considerate either. Funny enough this is and leash up your dog and an all too common situation give them that time and for our dogs, they are space to move out of your expected to welcome it and way. You don’t have to say not to react with malice. your reasoning as to why your “Not every dog wants to be dog may need space, either. friends with every dog, just Some dogs have a yellow sash, because they’re dogs!” Is because the dog is in training, the ringing quote from our a rescue, old or recovering dog behaviourist. Even the from injury or sickness. friendliest dog can turn to an Some sashes, and jackets unfriendly dog in split seconds say ‘nervous’, others say ‘no simply because they’re not dogs, ‘rescue’, ‘in training’, ‘blind dog’, or helpfully in the social mood. If you allow your ‘friendly’ dog to approach another leashed/controlled dog without due green ones say ‘friendly’. Ideally, I would love to see care or permission, and it gets bitten or even mauled, the yellow dog posters at the information areas, and entrances of public parks and walks to help remind an sadly the responsibility lies with you and not the attacking dogs owner. This means that you will not be inform other walkers. allowed to ask the attacking dogs owner to cover the vet bill, or report them for owning a dangerous dog, as When we truly think about what it means to keep our dogs under control much of it is simple common the law sides with them. Not only that but the result sense and a little consideration for others around you, of such situation can have long term repercussions, such as hefty vet bills for injury followed by extensive sometimes though, we often don’t think past how friendly our dog is, and it’s this perspective that can trauma rehabilitation and training as all too often, have lasting repercussions, even if those repercussions and a fear based unwanted behaviour can develop. aren’t obvious at the time. By all means, don’t not let your dog say hello, just be more in control over the matter, such as having Lynsey your dog leashed and just use your good old common sense. The same applies to yourself or kids when Gala Life 45

This Month’s Tricky Sudoko 8 2

3 9

6 7

9 8

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How to play............

1 3 7

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Last Month's Sudoko Answers Easy

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Tricky

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WORMS!

What to Look For and Action to Take

Nobody likes to talk about their dog or cat having them, but there is nothing unusual about this. In fact, your puppy, dog, kitten, or cat will have had them at some point in their lives. Worms can cause your pet suffering, illness and even death. Some types of worms can be spread between pets and people and can cause diseases. Even healthylooking animals can carry worms, so it's important to worm your pets regularly. What are worms: Worms are parasites that live in the gut tract, hearts and or lungs. There are many different types of worms; intestinal worms include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Heart worm is more common in countries oversea, so it is important to treat your pet when travelling with them. It is common for puppies and kittens to get worms when they are first born, as they can be passed on from their mum’s milk.

How to prevent your pet from worms: Puppies and kittens should be wormed every 4 weeks from the age of two weeks until they are 12 weeks old and then each month until they are 6 months of age. There after you should worm your pet at least 4 times a year (every 12 weeks). If you have young children in the house it is advised to worm your pet every 3 months.

Disinfecting your pet’s food and water bowls regularly and ensuring that your house is regularly cleaned and disinfected if you see worms from your pet is also another way to prevent your pet from Other examples of how your pet can gets worms are worms. from the environment, eating larvae or eggs from Treatment: the worms (infected faeces or living in the grass), Treat your pets for roundworms from a young eating raw meat and if your pet is a hunter and likes age and when they're adults, also treat them for to catch prey. tapeworms. Different worms may need different Symptoms your pet may have worms: treatments. Talk to your vet about which treatment Here are some simple signs that your pet may have is safe and suitable for your pet. It is also important to treat them for fleas, as fleas can carry tapeworm worms: • Seeing the worm/s in your pets’ faeces, vomit eggs. or around the anus area

What to do if your pet has worms:

•

Tiredness/weakness

•

Diarrhoea and vomiting

•

Hungry but not putting on any weight

Give the Border Vets team a call and they can help you with the correct treatment and advise you on a regular worming protocol.

•

Swollen belly/pot belly

Chloe Wodehouse

www.bordervets.co.uk Galashiels Veterinary Surgery Gala Terrace, Galashiels TD1 3JT 01896 752156 50 Gala Life

Office: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm. Saturday 8.30am - 1pm. Consultations by appointment

Our Pet Health Plan is the simple and convenient way to look after your pet's health. Our easy and convenient monthly direct debits save you money too. Dogs, Cats and Rabbits

Small (up to 10kg) £14.49

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Large (25.1kg-40kg) £17.99

X Large (40.1 and over) £25.99

Cats (All) £14.49

Rabbits (All) £9.99

Your Pet Health Plan includes: Essential annual vaccination with a full health check Flea and tick treatments (sufficient for a year) dispensed quarterly Worm treatments (sufficient for a year) dispensed quarterly 6 monthly health check with your vet

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Gala Life 53

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Abbotsford

Floors Castle

Maroon’D

Aberlour Kilt Walk

Gala Baptist Church

Milton Jones

ABSS

Gala Church of Scotland

Nat Mining Museum

Action for Children

Gala Garden

Newcastle Airport

Adam Purves

Gala Opera

Our Lady & St Andrew

Apollo Blinds

Gala Rugby Club

Pavilion Cinema

Border Cleaning Fairies

Gala Squash Club

Pet Crematorium

Border Vets

Gala Town Band

Plumbstore

Borders Buses

Green Spaces

RC Electrical

Bowden & Melrose Parish

Grove Bedding

Recipe

Buglass Gas Services

Gutter Pro

School Bell Tuition

Caddonfoot Parish

Hilarys Blinds

School Terms

Café Sitooterie

House of Hearing

Slimming World

Castle Warehouse

Infinity Blu

Snappy Shopper

Chris Sinton Painter

James Agent

St Peter's Episcopal

Citizens Advice Bureau

James Graham Roofing

Sudoko

Control Your Dog

John Lamont MP

Councillor Euan Jardine

18,27

18,53

24,46

Suzanne Ferguson

Jonnie Jones Plumber

Swan Lake

Crafty Workshops

JS Repair

Symington Shoes

Crème de la Crème

Keith Penny Décor

TriFitness

CSS Cleaning Equipment

Kelso Folk Festival

Walking Festival

DM Hall

Kilt Walk

Will Evans Plasterer

DW Noble

Leaflets

Willie's Wonky Computer

Fit Lates

Lowrie Property

Wilson Electrics

Fitness

Mackenzie Plumbing

Helpful Numbers to Hand Gala Police Station Scottish Power Gas Emergency BGH Social Work Emergency

01896 752222 08452727999 0800 111999 01896 826000 01896 752111

Scot Borders Council Citizens Advice Bureau BorderLine NHS 24 Victim Support

0300 100 1800 01896 753889 0800 0274466 111 01896 751212

Whilst every care is taken in preparing this magazine to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by an error in an advert. Artwork is accepted on the condition that it is legal and copyright free and that the advert is fair and accurate. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers or the views expressed by contributors, nor do the publishers necessarily share such views. We reserve the right to refuse articles and advertisements. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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We are still open for our customers as normal, but practising social distancing

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