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February 2025
Your Community
All the news from our MPs, Councillors, Clubs, Groups and Churches.
Fitness With Alan Clinch
Alan looks at strengthening your core, to help with... mobility!
The Gala Garden
Sheila gives advice on planting common herbs around the garden.
Sudoku
Our Sudoku is also online this month, play every day and keep your brain active!
Recipe
This month we are going for a real hearty winter vegetable soup!
Winter Tyres
We look at all the advantages of having tyres suited to our winter weather.
Willie's Wonky Computer
Willie looks at the latest printer fault diagnosis and repair scam.
WELCOME
Welcome to the February edition of Gala Life. Valentine's Day and lighter nights!! Can’t wait!
February sees the wonderful sights of snowdrops carpeting the landscape and brings hope that spring is not far away. Let’s get off to a great start then in 2025 with a visit to the wonderful Dawyck Botanical Gardens - take the tour and get back to nature at it’s best.
February is set to be a very busy month as we have LIVE music at the British Legion, MacArts and one not to be missed, Queen Rhapsody, at the Volunteer Hall. If that’s not enough get your ticket early for Shrek The Musical.
This month Sheila looks at planting common herbs around your garden - I might try lemon balm for my tea! Willie’s Computer page looks at a devious printer scam and Alan Clinch looks at more CORE exercises in the Fitness Column. Simple movements that give you a strong basis for going on to bigger things. In the recipe this month we have gone hale and hearty again, this time with an easy one-pot winter vegetable soup.
With so many hospitality and entertainment venues here in the town why not indulge yourself with breakfast, lunch or even dinner whilst soaking up the atmosphere and taking part in all the great productions and events. There is so much to see and do in Gala it’s tough to fit it all in.
Have a great February and a fantastic 2025!
The Gala Garden
GALASHIELS VOLUNTEER HALL
SAT 1ST FEB '25 7.30PM
BOOK NOW ON SKIDDLE
Our Gala Life Community
Please check with individual groups for the latest information.
Borders Recovery Group - Meet Fridays at the Focus Centre. Peer support group 3-5pm, Recovery Cafe 5-7pm. For more info contact community@bordersinrecovery.org or 07536455898. www.bordersinrecovery.org
Forget Me Not Café - at Wilkie Gardens, White Rose Place. Galashiels on the 1st Thursday of the month from 2.30pm until 4pm. This is a friendly supportive group for anyone affected by dementia, family and friends. We enjoy a cuppa, conversation activities and friendship. Free to attend and all welcome. This group is run in partnership with Opal Borders. For more information contact 01573 400324 or email Borders@alzscot.org
Selkirk Dementia Singing Café - takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm until 3.30pm at Selkirk Masonic Lodge, 32 Back Row. Selkirk. The group enjoys music, memories and singing for fun in a supportive environment. The group is free to attend and is welcome to anyone living with a dementia diagnosis as well as anyone who may have concerns about their memory and family / friends. For more information contact 01573 400324 or email Borders@alzscot.org
Al-Anon Family Groups - Every Wednesday at 7.30pm, Chaplaincy Centre at the Border General Hospital. Access is through the main entrance to the hospital and follow the pink zone on the ground floor until you see the sign for the Chaplaincy Centre. 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.
Scottish Borders Versus Arthritis Support Group - meet 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
Parkinson's Support Group - held on the last Monday of every month at the Chaplaincy Centre at the B.G.H. from 2pm to 4pm. The aim of the group is to offer support and company to anybody including families and carers who are affected by Parkinson's. We take part in outings quizzes and other activities suggested by the participants, and a cuppa and biscuits provided. If you require any more information or just want a chat please call Anne on 07922093197 anne chisholm@euro.agri.net
Parkinson's Support Group - Anyone with Parkinson's, why not join us at Wetherspoons, Galashiels for a friendly cuppa and chat. We are an addition to Borders Parkinson's support Chaplaincy group. You can join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 11am till 1pm and every 3rd Wednesday night from 6.30pm. For any further information please call Fran on 07790750115 or Harry on 07778278711
Bereavement Support Group (BSG) – Meet every Monday 10am – 12 noon at Quins Restaurant in Galashiels. Get mutual support from people in the same situation. Friendly, understanding and very confidential group.
‘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
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Powering Homes and Businesses across the Scottish Borders and Lothians
All Types of Electrical Work
Solar Pv & Battery Storage
Inspection & Testing
EV Chargers
Rewiring
Borders Online Bipolar Support Group: Open to anyone living with bipolar, including friends/ family/carers. Join us on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm. To get the meeting link, please email us at info@bipolarscotland.org.uk or submit a short form on our website: https://bipolarscotland.org.uk/support-groups
Functional Neurological Disorder Group - cuppa and a chat with FNDers and carers in The Tryst, Borders General Hospital, Melrose on Saturday 15th March 2pm-4pm. Drop in anytime. For more information, to let us know numbers coming or dietary requirements contact 07811594866 or lyncrofthg@hotmail.com
Healing Support - First Saturday of the month 1-4 pm at the Chaplaincy Centre BGH. Offers individual healing treatments, no appointments necessary, free of charge, however, any donations are gratefully received. For further information call 07724 771081 or visit www.bordershealinggroup.co.uk
Royal Voluntary Service Social Centres - at Langlee Community Centre on a Monday and Wednesday between 10:00 - 14:00 for lonely and isolated 65+ to connect with old and new friends. Tuesday and Friday at Tweedbank Community centre for LD adults 50+ to reduce their loneliness and reduce their social isolation too. For more information call us on 01896 754 481.
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 - Always looking for new volunteers to join us in our litter-picking efforts in the Policies. The monthly litter pick is held on the last Saturday of each month (Feb to Nov) - meeting 10am at the small car park by the swimming pool. Bags and pickers provided - own gloves are recommended. We're on Facebook so join us, please, as we're determined to make sure this lovely woodland is preserved as a great 'green' town asset.
Gala Squash and Racketball Club - Monday night 7pm - late: Club Night at Gala Squash Club, turn up and have a hit. £2 for members and £4 for Non-Members. Every Thursday 7pm-8.30pm is Ladies Night at Gala Squash Club - Turn up and have a hit about and a laugh, all ladies welcome.
Gala Windbags - We are a well established charitable group affiliated to Chest, Heart and Stroke, Scotland. We meet every Thursday from 1.30 to 3.30pm for gentle exercise, a chat and a tea/ coffee in the Lucy Sanderson Hall, Galashiels. Contact Wendy Lawson on 07563 761788 for further details.
Gentle Exercise Class for Older Adults - Langlee Community Centre - £3 per class. 10.30-11.15am every Wednesday - contact 07713357450 to book.
Yoga - Weekly chair yoga classes are held in the Chaplaincy Centre of the Borders General Hospital on Fridays at 3 - 4pm. These will suit those with less mobility. Most of the session will be seated on chairs with breath awareness and gentle stretching, a little standing and a seated relaxation. Details from kathmcdonald20@gmail.com
Langlee Badminton Club - Thursdays, 5.15pm-7pm in the main hall at Langlee Community Centre, Marigold Drive, Galashiels, £2 per session. Under-16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian. We're a friendly group who get together once a week to play badminton, all year round. Beginners welcome, racquets and shuttles provided. Call Kevin Janiak on 07825 269667 for more information.
Eildon Ramblers - If you enjoy walking, you might like to try our friendly group, which walks weekly on Saturdays or Sundays at 10:00 am at locations across the Borders. Most of our regulars are in their 40s-70s, but we welcome all ages, and we offer easier, moderate and monthly harder
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walks. You can check our walks programme on www.eildonramblers.org.uk; and, for other queries, contact us at walks@eildonramblers.org.uk or 07785 391331.
Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club - We enjoy walks of between 10 and 15 miles in the hills throughout the Borders. The club meets on alternate Sundays throughout the year starting at 10.00 am. For further information please visit www.borderhillwalkers.wordpress.com or phone 01896 823172.
Reiver Pétanque - meets near The Waterwheel Tea Room, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, TD7 5LU. Regular play days Wednesday and Sunday afternoons 1pm-4pm. (2pm start in summer months). Days may vary depending on weather. At other times anyone can play with their own equipment. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for any league or other inter-club matches. Beginners of all ages are very welcome and coaching is available. The area is accessible for wheelchair users. Come along, try a new and growing sport and enjoy good company in a beautiful location. More information available from Peter (07895 275669) or Ron (07986 644661).
Lindean Carpet Bowling Club - Carpet bowling has started again for the season in Lindean Village Hall. Wednesdays at 7.30pm. We welcome back members old and new. Experienced bowlers will be on hand to give tuition to those who haven’t played before. The game is suitable for all ages, we supply the bowls so all you have to do is bring yourselves. Why not come along to our friendly club and try something just a bit different? Only £1 per night for adults, kids £0.50p, refreshments available at the break. Phone Neil on 01896755316 for further details.
Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football Club - 3G Arena, Netherdale Road, TD1 3HE. A game of football for those over the age of 50, where players walk and don’t run, with other rules adjusted to suit older players and avoid injuries. All men and women in 50+ age group welcome! Sessions are: Mondays and Thursdays 2:00 to 3:30pm, Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:00pm, Membership is £2.50 per month. Games are £2.00 per session. Football boots required. Contact: gordon.smith@gfrfc.co.uk
Gala Harriers Joggers - meet every Thursday at Plumbcentre car park in Tweedbank at 6.15pm. All abilities and fitness levels are welcome to our friendly social running groups, further information available from Charlotte 07799112593 or Anne 07870556142.
Tweed Canoe Club - Pool sessions for beginners on Tuesday evenings at Selkirk swimming pool. All you need is swimming kit and a towel. Experienced paddlers also welcome. Contact tweedcanoeclub@gmail.com for more information.
261 Club Scottish Borders - We meet at Gibson Park in Melrose, on Monday mornings at 9.30am, a community of women running for health and wellbeing, friendship and fun. For further details contact us; email: ScottishBorders@261ClubUK.co.uk web: www.261clubuk.co.uk Facebook: @261clubscottishborders
Abbotsford Nature and Natter Walking Group - we are a gentle walking group which encourages participants to get some gentle exercise with a stroll and natter around the beautiful Abbotsford estate, whilst taking in the flora and fauna. The walk moves at everyone’s walking ability. Dog’s are welcome however must always remain on a leash. Afterwards we will pop into the Ochiltree Café for tea / coffee and blether. This is a group for people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. The group started in December 2024 and will run on the first Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm meeting in the car park.
One Acchord Ladies A Cappella Chorus - Free Learn to Harmonise 6 week course at Bowden Hall, Main Street, Bowden TD6 0SS. Ladies if you love to sing come along, no auditions needed. We welcome everyone who wants to join us. Starting Wednesday the 5th February 2025 - Saturday 15th March 2025. Rehearsal times: Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.30pm, Saturdays 1pm - 4pm. One Saturday per month. Contact us on 07710699619 or visit our website,www.oneacchord.co.uk We are also on Facebook.
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Gala Water Singers - 7pm - 9pm in The Station House, Stow. All are welcome - no rehearsal just come along and join in.
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 from 7.30 to 9.30 pm in the Corn Exchange, Market Square, Melrose. Our new term has started and we are enjoying working with our new conductor, Jim Letham preparing music for our concert in May. New singers are always welcome (no auditions). If you would like more information, please contact our secretary or musical director - details may be found at www.eildonsingers.info
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
Melrose Music Society - Resumes its main concert series in Melrose Parish Church Hall on Friday 28th February at 7:30pm with the Kyan Quartet playing pieces by Haydn, Schubert, Shostakovich and others: admission £16, students £5, children free. Full details and tickets available at www.ticketebo.co.uk/melrose-music-society or on the door from 7pm. Before that, on Sunday 2nd February at 3pm, a special recital by pupils from St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh gives you a chance to hear some stars of the future: admission free; donations, as always, very welcome.
Galashiels Clef Club. Our next meeting of the season is Sunday 9th February at 3.00pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall in Tweed Terrace. We offer a friendly welcome to everyone who can play an instrument or sing to any standard 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 secretary jdavidwood118@gmail.com about visiting or joining. Our website is https://clefclub.co.uk for more information.
Rolling Hills Folk Club - Friday February 21st - Venue: Darnick Village Hall, TD6 9AH with disabled access through side door. Singers and musicians night. Doors open 7.30 for 8pm start. BYOB. All ages welcome. £2 entry. Phone 07986 644661 for more information. Find us on Facebook and at our website (www.rollinghillsfolkclub.org.uk).
Galashiels Studio Club - The Club is for artists and people who enjoy art. We meet weekly over the winter in Old Gala House, on Thursdays at 7.30pm for about 2 hours and have a varied programme of talks or demonstrations by professional artists and workshops some led by club members. For more information see our Facebook site or phone 07958 241798. The Club is open to all levels of artists and new members and visitors are welcome.
Scottish Country Dance Classes - St Paul’s Church Hall, Scott Crescent - September till December then January to end March. 7-9pm. All welcome, newcomers and beginners. Contact Lyn on 07890432383 or Marion on 01896574046. Gattonside Village Hall, 7.30pm, weekly until March with a short break in December. Contact Bill 07443529068. You do not need a partner or wear tartan or be Scottish - comfortable clothes and soft shoes are all you require.
Dance Class - Circle Dancing is suitable for just about everyone. We use simple steps dancing to music from around the world. A mix of gentle, flowing, fun, upbeat. No previous experience necessary. A great way to exercise and meet new friends in a relaxed friendly group. Every Tuesday 2-4pm at The Focus Centre, Livingstone Place, Galashiels TD1 1DQ. £5. Contact Kate for further information 07523 466657.
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FITNESS
with Alan Clinch
Core Exercises to Improve… Mobility
Last month’s article looked at some exercises which you might do in order to develop some stability in the core (the area between the middle of the thigh and lower back). If you’ve had the opportunity to try some of them and started to develop some improvements in stability, you can start to work on movement: remember though, this really is a case of don’t run until you can walk! As before, start with a target of 20 seconds for each exercise (it will be quite difficult). Aim to slowly increase to 30 seconds over a period of weeks, and try two sets of each exercise to begin with (but one will do).
Slow Superman
Start on your hands and knees, hands shoulder width and knees hip distance apart. If you can’t put your hand in the position shown it’s OK to use a fist. Brace the core (see last month) and extend the right leg behind. Keep the foot level with the hip. Next, extend the left arm forward (thumb facing up). Keep the arm level with the shoulder: this is picture 1. Move the left elbow and right knee toward each other and then extend back to the starting position (without putting them on the ground). Complete one set of 5 on the first side and then repeat on the opposite side (This should take you about 20 seconds). Once you become comfortable with the exercise, try to increase the number of repetitions.
Plank With Hip Flexion
knee in toward the chest (4) and return to the starting position. Alternate knees. This is a difficult exercise as it puts quite a bit of stress through the wrists, so if that’s uncomfortable you can adopt a plank type position using the elbows and a chair (see picture 4A)
Lie on your back, place the feet onto floor, arms by sides and palms to the floor (5). Brace the core and lift hips upward (6). Hold for three seconds and slowly release the spine and hips back to the floor. To make this harder, lift one foot off the floor when the hips are lifted (7).
Side Plank with Rotation
Again, really quite a demanding exercise, so only try this if you’re proficient at all of the others. Lie on the right side, place right forearm on the floor. Bend the right knee to 90 degrees and lift the hips off the ground. Reach the left arm above the shoulder (8), with the palm facing forward. Don’t be tempted to drop the head down. Rotate chest toward the floor and bring the left arm under the ribs (9). Continue the set and then switch sides. A harder variation uses a straight arm (see picture 10). Careful of this though - excellent strength and balance is essential!
Start in a press up position (3), with hands shoulder width and knees hip distance apart, weight on the balls of the feet. Brace the core and remember to breathe. Slowly, pull the right
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….
Hip Bridge
Gala Chess Club - meeting every Tuesday evening at Waverley Bowling Club, Galashiels between 7.00pm and 9.00pm. All levels welcome. Facebook - Galashiels Chess Club.macart
Borders Family History Society - at 52 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DP. Borders Family History Society would like to thank our many visitors and members for their continued support throughout the year. Our research and archive rooms will be closed from Thursday 12th December and reopen on Tuesday 4th March 2025. However, we will still be available on an appointment only basis; please contact us through email to info@bordersfhs.org.uk or research@bordersfhs.org.uk
The Trimontium Museum, Melrose - We open to the public on 14th February. On 13th February, join our online talk: Varus, the man who lost three legions, 7:30 pm. On 15th February, learn all about Roman Food & banquets with Vibia Sabina at the museum. On 19th February, Hands on History – get close and personal with Roman artefacts in the palm of your hand. On 22nd February, attend Gladiator School and become a gladiator for a day, an immersive & interactive adventure combining Roman battle choreography and VR. Art Competition runs 14 – 28 February, Gladiator theme! The Trimontium VR Experience is open Tue – Sat, jump back in time and visit the fort as it once was! www.trimontium.co.uk
Galashiels & District Probus Club - We provide regular meetings for retired and semi-retired professional and businessmen 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 welcoming new members and if you are interested in joining please contact Freddie Field, freddieshanghai@me.com for more information.
Rotary Club of Galashiels and District - Join us to make a difference locally and globally. If your resolution for 2025 is to be more involved in your local community then joining us can help you achieve that. We will be allocating the monies raised over December to local good causes and starting a new environmental focus. We meet every Tuesday to hear visiting speakers from local organisations and plan our future activities.You can follow us on our Facebook page. If you want details of how to help us with our projects or to become a member call Club Secretary Rae Hastings 01896 75292.
Focus Point Roleplaying Society - Fortnightly, recurring Pathfinder Society and Tabletop Roleplaying, 5pm to 10pm Thursday nights at Focus Community Centre, Livingstone Place, Galashiels. Playing Pathfinder 2e campaigns, oneshots and society scenarios. Admission is £6 on the door to pay towards renting the space, food, drinks, books, and stationary materials. Contact Seán 07412400949, AScotWithScotch@gmail.com for more details. https://startplaying.games/gm/ascotwithscotch
Galashiels Camera Club - We meet almost every Wednesday at The Red Room, Langlee Community centre, Galashiels. If you are interested in photography visit our website www.galacameraclub.co.uk Professionals, enthusiasts and beginners are all welcome.
Borders Philatelic Society - We welcome new members who have an interest in Postal History, Stamps or Postcards at any level from all across the Borders. We are a small friendly club meeting fortnightly on Monday nights, 7.30 until 9pm in the Church Hall, Old Parish & St. Pauls in Scott Crescent Galashiels. Please contact John Brown on 01721 723759 or Email him at tweedavenue@gmail.com for further information, or just turn up to meet like minded souls! The 2025 dates are:- February 3 & 17, March 3 & 17 & 31.
The Melrose Historical & Archaeological Association - The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th February 2025 at 7:30pm in Marmions @ the Wynd, off Buccleuch Street, Melrose - Margaret Fox will be speaking on 'Crimes of a Heinous Nature : The Stories Behind the Crimes.' All welcome. Free to Members, £5 to visitors.
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The Gala Garden February
About now I get an insatiable appetite for fresh chives and it’s happened again this year! Scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, baked potatoes - I think the winter has gone on long enough and, now that the light is coming back into our days, I realise I have been in the barn too long. Fresh herbs are growing in the sun in little pots in the window but that is not enough. Herbs have been in cultivation for a very long time. For ages these helpful plants have been used as medicine, as cosmetics, for dyeing cloth and for cooking.
Many common garden plants and weeds are herbs and some of them are edible; however, some of them are fairly poisonous. Several dangerous plants closely resemble safe ones so, if you are keen on foraging, don’t pick anything unless you can identify it.
Nowadays, for most people, it is how the herb changes the taste of our food that is most important. A herb bed in a sunny position is easy to make and a dozen or so plants will keep you supplied in the kitchen all year.
Most herbs are perennial plants with a woody structure; these generally come from the Mediterranean region so they need sharp drainage and are happy in poor soil as long as they are out of cold easterly winds. My favourites are sage, rosemary and thyme but oregano and marjoram are also easy to grow.
Chives and parsley grow well together and they don’t mind a semi-sunny place so if you are short of room you can put them at the front of
the border or even in a window box. Another plant I wouldn’t want to be without is fresh mint but that really does have to be contained as it runs at the root; a large pot or a bed of its own will keep it in check. Thyme and mint come in dozens of flavours so have a taste when you’re shopping.
If you like to eat fish then sowing some dill every year will provide you with lovely feathery aromatic leaves to cook with salmon or chop into mayonnaise. Chervil and tarragon are also annuals but they won’t mind going into the border or growing in a pot.
Bay is often sold as a standard or well-grown bush but it is only hardy here all winter if you get lucky. I would grow it in a pot and be prepared to give it an unheated greenhouse or a cold porch during the coldest months.
If you are short of space but have room for some vegetable beds, herbs make good companion plants for some crops: mint or oregano can grow beside cabbage and potatoes and parsley can go under roses or else next to tomatoes in the greenhouse.
Some argue that herbs contain micronutrients that are not found in other foods which is why we crave them added to our foods. All I know is that it lifts my spirits to chop them into every meal one way or another.
Sheila Drummond
The Three Brethren u3a, Galashiels - Citizens Advice Bureau. Three Brethren U3A next meets on Monday 17th February at 2pm -3.30pm for its regular monthly Social Afternoon at the Galashiels Rugby Club, Netherdale. Rene O'Reilly, from Citizens Advice Bureau Galashiels branch, will join us to inform members of the dedicated work carried out by "CAB". She will tell us a little of its history and the different fields in which it is able to offer advice. You are warmly invited to join us. You will be so welcome. Entry cost £2. For details of membership, future meetings and the varied and interesting groups we run, see www.u3asites.org.uk/three-brethren
John Lamont MP - Conservative
I was pleased to have recently had the opportunity to lead a debate in the House of Commons on improving transport links across the Borders.
I spoke about the fact that people's everyday lives depend on access to good, safe, reliable and affordable transport.
I raised the pressing need to invest in better railway and road connections across the Borders, both towards Edinburgh and to the south too.
When I was re-elected as your MP for the Borders, I pledged that I would do everything I could to improve local infrastructure and I will continue to keep that promise by campaigning to improve the local transport network.
In my speech, I said that one of the top priorities should be extending the Borders Railway, which has been a great success story since it was restored.
For many years, I've been working hard with local campaigners to see the Borders Railway extended to Hawick, Newcastleton and onto Carlisle,
I've been doing everything I can to keep making the positive case for the extension because I firmly believe it could be a game-changer for our local area. It could unlock economic potential, create thousands of jobs and transform the local rail network.
I am seeking to bring together a cross-party consensus about the importance of this extension. I will work constructively with the Scottish Government where possible and I intend to have an open dialogue with the new Labour government on what we can achieve together. Unfortunately, Labour has so far been unwilling to commit to the project or even to a feasibility study on the extension.
In my speech to the House of Commons on transport links, I also raised the importance of fixing our roads. For many years, the SNP have failed to invest in improving local roads, leaving local routes like the A7 and A68 in a dire state of disrepair. Motorists desperately need improvements to keep these roads safe but the SNP continually overlook and ignore the needs of drivers, especially in rural communities like ours. They just don't get how much these roads need investment.
I will continue to campaign for better road and rail connections across the Borders and I will raise the issue any time that I can in the UK Parliament, as I did recently on your behalf.
Christine Grahame MSP - SNP
I was delighted to meet up again with representatives of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (after the late great Doddie Weir) who had an exhibition at Parliament this week. Indeed I had the privilege of meeting the man himself when he was still mobile. He was a generous giant of a man in height, heart and spirit. Like too many others he was cruelly cut down by motor neurone disease which he fought off for 6 years.
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Progress has been made in making life manageable while the deadly disease reduces and reduces people to a shell of their former selves, with them knowing all the time how this horrible disease will progress.
1100 across the UK are diagnosed with MHD every year with up to 5000 adults affected at any one time. One day, there will be a cure and before that, some way of early diagnosis, intervention, and drugs halting its progress.
That is why I was interested to learn of the research funded by the Foundation to identify the causes, towards a possible cure. The route towards better support and ultimately a cure was advanced in collaboration with over 100 people across the MND community, to ensure the needs and priorities of people living with MND remained at the heart of the research, towards an ultimate goal of a world free of MND.
Since 2017 the Foundation has provided over £18 million for research. Funding is from the public and you can do your bit by logging on to the Doddie Aid App which you can download or via the website.
Euan Jardine Councillor - Gala & District, Conservative
Happy New Year! I’m writing this in a cold and frosty Galashiels, embracing the -2 degrees while sipping a coffee in a local café. In this column, January is usually when I talk about making changes or taking up a new hobby. Last year, I made a goal of going to the cinema more often, and I managed to make that happen. My top three films for the year were Dune II, The Outrun, and The Substance. All three stayed with me for days afterwards, which I think is a sign of a really good film.
This year, I’ll be looking at a few new ideas, and I’m keen to get creative and involved in the arts again (not painting or drawing!). I have a few ideas of what I might do. As much as I love sports and the freedom to express myself physically, I think the arts and creativity give you another way to challenge yourself and use your imagination.
I hope 2025 inspires you to embrace something new as well. Whether it’s a big goal or just minor changes, I think it’s a great way to keep yourself energised in a world that can sometimes feel a bit draining. Let me know what you’re planning for the year ahead. I’d love to hear about it.
I also want to acknowledge the passing of Betty Scott, who was a big part of the Galashiels community for so many years. Betty was passionate about sport and campaigned tirelessly for things she believed in. I always enjoyed our chats about Galashiels and sport, and I know she’ll be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
If you have something on your mind or would like to share ideas about local issues, I’ll be holding an advice surgery on Tuesday, 11th February, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Quins in Galashiels. Please feel free to pop along.
Councillor Fay Sinclair - SNP Galashiels & District
As I write this, we’re just coming out of a pretty severe cold snap. While my youngest was delighted at the opportunity to try out snowboarding with some neighbours on the hill behind our house, walking to school in -7 degrees was less fun.
Meanwhile, the news headlines have been dominated by the destruction caused by wildfires ravaging California.
While there are some who still deny climate change, extreme weather events are demonstrating that the damage done to our planet is having severe consequences.
As well as plunging temperatures in winter, long and frequent summer heatwaves, more intense storms and flooding are all signs of how global warming is affecting us here in Scotland.
Global warming is causing heatwaves, drought and wildfires like we’ve seen in America through an increase in overall temperatures. But in Scotland, we’re seeing other signs.
As temperatures warm, it rains more heavily, this is partly because warmer air can hold more moisture, meaning more intense rainfall.
Storms are becoming more intense too as warmer sea surface temperatures increase wind speeds. Buildings and their surroundings can be damaged by severe weather like high winds and heavy rainfall, as well as water penetration during prolonged wet intervals causing dampness, mould and condensation.
The impacts on farming, food security, water quality and the natural environment cannot be ignored.
Scottish Borders Council is tackling this challenge in a number of ways: through flood prevention schemes, transformative nature-based solutions, sustainable procurement and looking at our energy use through new approaches to how we heat and light our buildings, cook and travel, for example.
While Scottish Borders Council and even Scotland is a small player on the global stage, we can have global influence by showing the world that a greener, fairer future is possible.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Stressed about debt?
Debt has always been one of the main issues that we see here at Central Borders CAB, but the numbers of cases has risen substantially over the last few years, particularly since the pandemic and then the cost of living crisis. People are finding it hard to get by, particularly with the high cost of energy bills lately. So many people are living with growing costs and falling incomes and that’s just not sustainable for anyone, so going into debt is inevitable.
The trouble is that debt breeds debt, and once you’re in that cycle of borrowing more than you can afford to re-pay, then the interest kicks in and soon the debt is spiralling out of control. The impact this has on people’s mental health can be devastating. That’s why we’re so keen to tell people across Central Borders that support is available. Here at the CAB we help solve peoples’ debt problems every day. We can try to find new income streams for you or negotiate with your creditors to restructure your debt into repayments you can afford. Sometimes we even get some of your debt written off.
Our advice is free, confidential and impartial. And it’s also non-judgemental. We’re not interested in blaming or lecturing you – we just want to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau 111 High Street, Galashiels RD1 1RZ. Call 01896 753889. e-mail: enquiries@centralborders.cab.casonline.org.uk website: www.galashielscab.org.uk
Monday – Thursday 10am – 4pm.
GAOS Musical Theatre
As February fast approaches, we find ourselves just over a month away from opening night and everything is hotting up! Costume measurements are done; photographs are taken; programme is being finalised and all the other requirements necessary for a successful show are in place. Excitement is mounting within the cast who are working hard on their lines and moves, putting together everything they have rehearsed since August to get the show ready for the general public. It’s shaping up to be a fabulous night of entertainment.
That means it’s also time to focus our attention on tickets / booking and how you can make sure you get yours! Some important dates for your diary include:-
If you are a Patron, booking opens on 11th February. Tickets can be booked by the general public at our Annual Coffee Morning on 15th February. For the first time, on line booking opens on 17th February. Full details you require for all these booking options (including ticket prices) can be found on our show poster on the back cover of this edition! Choose the option which suits you best and make sure you don’t miss out!
Our Annual Coffee Morning is always a favourite for ticket booking and also to get a wee preview of what the show has in store. This year is no different. Come along on Saturday 15th February from 10am - 12noon, meet up with friends over a coffee, browse the various stalls, buy a few raffle tickets and be entertained by some of our fabulous cast as they provide you with a flavour of what Shrek has to offer.
In the end what makes this all worthwhile is you, our audience. Your support - at the coffee morning, purchasing tickets, coming along to the show, bringing friends, spreading the wordensures that our hard work has paid off. Hope to see you all in the Volunteer Hall in March for a great night of entertainment for all the family which ‘Shrek The Musical’ provides. Don’t miss out!
Galashiels Inner Wheel Club
The Gala Inner Wheel meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7pm from September to June in Cafe Recharge, Island St, Gala, with social meet-ups and events year round. We visit gardens, the cinema, shows and members are always keen for any excuse for a get together. Feeling lonely, bored or just lacking things to fill your day? Why not come along and see if you enjoy the company?
On February 18th we have a visit from Canine Partners.
New members are always welcome, please contact Helen regarding membership on 07780925076 or for general enquiries Hazel on 07716594121.
Homeopathy, Medicine For The 21st Century
What is it, what can it offer?
In half hour 'find out more' about Homeopathic medicine with time for Q & A. Small group, friendly environment, what have you got to lose?
Saturday February 15th 2-2.30pm, Saturday March 22nd 2-2.30pm Cocoon, Bank Close, Galashiels, TD1 1DS (entry limited to 10 for each date).
In the meantime please do get in touch if there are any questions, my response hours are Monday-Friday 9-10am Luci Joan Lawless RSHom. www.homeopathywithluci.co.uk
07498 121 913 (answer machine, please leave a message, I will call you back).
Mac Arts - February
Saturday 1st February - Hayseed Dixie Independent Venue Week, Support: Kit Trigg. Friday 14th February - Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush.
Saturday 15th February - The Bluebells. Support: Jordi Fox.
Sunday 16th February - She Drew The Gun. Support: Paige Kennedy. Thursday 27th February - Gary Meikle: Neurospicy - Comedy. For further information and tickets see www.macarts.scot
Quingo49 at Lindean Village Hall
Quingo49 is back at Lindean Village Hall on Friday 7th February, this time combined with Stand Up Bingo. Starting at 7.00pm, entry £5 per head, including light refreshments. Quingo49 is a unique combination of a quiz and bingo, is fun for all, and played by teams of two and upwards. If you’re on your own, still come, and you will be allocated to a team. Coffees and Teas available, please bring your own bottle if you wish. An entertaining night is guaranteed, so get your team together and we look forward to seeing you. Your support for this event towards hall funds would be most welcome. Phone 01896755316 for more information.
Redgauntlet Archers
Redgauntlet Archers are holding beginner's classes at Langlee community centre starting on February 6th 2025 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday nights. We are a friendly club and are running an open beginners class. Newcomers can come along on a Thursday night, try a free sample night and then progress on to a five week course that teaches the basics and safety required for the sport.
The course costs £40, which includes insurance, and the club provides all the equipment required and a trained coach. After training, the beginner is expected to buy their own equipment depending on which style of shooting (recurve, compound etc) they prefer. Expert advice on equipment selection is always on hand.
If you are interested and want further information, please contact Jim Stillie on 07720677900 or Keith Allen on 07930670700.
St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church
We are a small but growing church of less than perfect people learning to follow Jesus together in our lives, in Galashiels, and in our complex world. All are welcome to join us – old and new friends, all ages and stages of life.
Services
Sunday Service 10.30am with singing, a short talk, prayers and Communion.
Healing Service Sun 9th February 6pm - reflective service with the opportunity for healing prayer.
Messy Church Tuesday 25th February 5.30-7pm for primary age children – all welcome.
Contact:
Priest: Revd Dr Lesley Penny Telephone: 01896 572013 (landline).
Email: stpeterschurchgala@gmail.com
Website: www.stpetersgala.co.uk
Galashiels Church of Scotland
Old Parish & St Paul’s building – Scott Crescent TD1 3JU
St John’s building – Hawthorn Road, Langlee TD1 2JZ
Trinity building – High St TD1 1SE
We are a united congregation who want to glorify God and exalt Christ 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.
Services are in these church buildings.
2nd February - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St John’s Church, Langlee)
9th February - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church, High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St John’s Church, Langlee)
16th February - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church, High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St John’s Church, Langlee)
23rd February - 11am Morning Service (Trinity Church, High Street)
6.30pm Evening Service (St. John’s Church, Langlee
Look out for Messy Church St John’s Church, Langlee. Date to be arranged. Girls' Brigade
1st Galashiels Girls' Brigade Monday evenings St John’s Church halls Langlee. Explorers P1-P3 6-7pm, Juniors P4-P7 6-7pm, Brigaders S1-S6 7-8.30pm
If you would like to find out more, please contact Susan Henderson 07894268445 or email 1stgalagb@gmail.com
Bible Study - House Group meets on Tuesday Morning 10am.
Guild - 4th February - Getting to know Johnny Gray.
18thFebruary - Speaker from CrossReach.
We welcome anyone wishing to join us for our fortnightly meetings. For any further information
This Month’s Tricky Sudoko
How to play............
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!
please contact Marion Stirling 01896574046.
Coffee Stop - Wednesdays 10am-12md. St John’s small hall. Come in and go as you like. Meet friends and make new ones.
Prayer Meeting - Wednesdays 2.30-3.30 at 23 Lady Moss, Tweedbank. New people always welcome. Badminton - Wednesdays 10am-12md Old Parish & St Paul’s large hall.
Choir rehearsals - The Choir have now started rehearsals. We meet in Trinity small hall on Thursday nights 7pm. Anyone interested in singing will be very welcome. No need to read music! For further information
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.
Messy Church
Messy Church meets from 3.00-5.00pm on the second Sunday of the month. Our next meeting is on Sunday 9th February 2025. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All welcome.
Open Door
Come along to our weekly Open Door every Thursday, 10.00am-12noon, when Melrose Church Hall is be open for tea, coffee, company and chat. All welcome.
Bowden Community Café
This continues to meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Bowden Village Hall at 11amthe next is on Wednesday 19th February 2025. All are very welcome.
Coffee Morning in aid of Church Special Projects
There will be a coffee morning to raise funds for church Special Projects on Saturday 1 March 2025 from 10 - 12noon in Bowden Village Hall. Any help and donations gratefully received.
Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady & St Andrew
Galashiels - Our Lady & St Andrew’s, Stirling Street, TD1 1BY
Holy Mass: Sunday 11am), Wednesday 6pm, Friday and Saturday 10am.
Melrose: - St Cuthbert’s, High Cross Avenue, TD6 9SQ
Holy Mass: Sunday 9.15am, Thursday 10am.
Selkirk – Our Lady & St Joseph’s, High Street, TD7 4JX
Holy Mass: Saturday (Vigil) 6pm, Monday 10am.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosary, 30 minutes before every weekday Mass except Saturday.
Galashiels Baptist Church is a community of Christians committed to loving God, each other and our local community.
If you have never been to church before or are looking to explore Christianity further, we would love to get to know you and journey with you. These are the activities going on each week at our building in Victoria Street:
Sundays
10:30 am (weekly) – Sunday Service. A mix of worship music, prayer, and teaching with creche and Sunday Club for children.
Tuesdays
2:00-4:00 pm (weekly) – Tuesday Tea Club. An afternoon tea including home-made cakes as well as fellowship and conversation.
7:30-8:30 pm (weekly) – Evening Prayer Meeting. A time to pray together on Zoom.
Wednesdays
11:00 am (fortnightly) Ladies’ Prayer Meeting. A time of informal fellowship and prayer in the church lounge.
2:00-4:00 pm (weekly) Arts & Crafts Group. Bring along your painting, knitting, card making etc. and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and creativity with refreshments.
Thursdays
10:00-11:15 am (weekly) – Parents, Carers & Toddlers Group. A group for those looking after children aged 0-3 years with toys and refreshments.
For the most up to date information please visit our website: www.galashielsbaptistchurch.org.uk We’d love to welcome you at any of these activities.
Galashiels Free Church
‘I am the Queen’. These are words I’m confident you never heard Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II say. Yet I’m confident that you knew she was the Queen of the United Kingdom. Her actions and her interactions all demonstrated to us that she was the Queen. As a church, during morning worship, we’re looking at John’s gospel together which is an eye witness account of Jesus’ life. It’s easy to say you are God, in fact anyone can say this, and Jesus does say this. It’s much harder to show that you are God. Jesus shows us by his actions and by his interactions time and time again that he is God. What is even more amazing is that when we see this for ourselves, that is when eternal life begins. Come and see for yourself, come and meet Jesus.
Celebrate Snowdrops at Dawyck
Come and see Dawyck Botanic Garden’s beautiful snowdrops carpeting the banks of the Scrape Burn. You will be delighted by the sight of thousands of snowdrops emerging in the Garden, heralding the first sign of Spring.
Dawyck opened for its annual season on Saturday 1 February and will be participating in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, a six-week celebration of this beautiful flower. Every Sunday afternoon from 2 Feb to 9 March visitors can enjoy a very special guided tour of snowdrops and other early flowering spring plants. These fun and informative tours are free with standard entry fees.
If you don’t know the Garden already, Dawyck is part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh which, across four locations, conserves one of the world’s richest botanical collections. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque valleys, Dawyck enjoys a continental climate in which an abundance of plant species thrive.
Dawyck is a 65-acre Garden offering woodland and burnside walks and is renowned for its seasonal displays of snowdrops as well as bluebells and azaleas. During your visit, you can
also explore its reserve for mosses, liverworts, lichens and fungi.
A world-leading arboretum, Dawyck is home to some of Britain’s oldest and tallest trees and you can walk amongst spectacular specimens including Douglas firs, Scots pines and giant redwoods.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a leading botanic garden and a global centre for biodiversity science, horticulture and education. All life depends on plants and fungi, but biodiversity loss and climate change are putting thousands of plant species at risk of extinction. Through cutting-edge science, conservation and education, the organisation is working to create a positive future for plants, people and the planet. Support this effort by visiting Dawyck, open daily from 1 February to 30 November. For more details about the Garden, the snowdrop tours or about becoming a member, visit
www.rbge.org.uk
Dawyck is just eight miles from Peebles near Stobo, EH45 9JU. Tel: 01721 760254.
Caddonfoot Parish Church
It was a busy festive season at Caddonfoot Parish Church and Christmas was celebrated with the annual Watchnight Service. The service was led by Session Clerk Mrs Anne Grieve with the bell chimed on the stroke of midnight.
The following week, members met with our Linked congregation of St Mary of Wedale and Heriot in Stow Parish Church.
Services are prepared by our Locum Minister, the Rev June Johnston, and are held each Sunday at 9.30 a.m.
Not even the snow on January 5, the 2nd Sunday after Christmas Day, kept worshippers away although numbers were fewer due to the cold weather.
Members of the congregation read from the Bible each week; the bell is rung; and music played on the organ and piano and flute.
Thanks go to everyone who helped to raise cash for Christian Aid (Watchnight), the Food Bank Appeal Fund, as well as donations from the refreshments after each service.
The Kirk Session is due to meet on Thursday, January 30, and again on Thursday, February 27.
We are now well into 2025 and wish a Happy New Year to all our readers.
Send your entry for our Get Out and Community pages to info@galalife.co.uk Or call Willie on 07906375953 by 10th of the month. Entries for non profit groups are free.
This Month’s Easy Sudoku
How to play............
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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Winter vegetable & lentil soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large leek, sliced and washed
2 parsnips, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 medium swede, peeled and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
200g dried green or Puy lentils, rinsed (can also use red lentils or split peas)
1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
1.25ltrs vegetable stock
100g kale, washed and roughly chopped (or savoy cabbage)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
This is a really hearty winter soup, making the most of February's seasonal vegetables. Nourishing, budgetfriendly and delicious. With 1.25ltrs of vegetable stock it makes a hearty soup, or use 750ml for a stew that's great with mashed potatoes.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the parsnips, carrots, and swede. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
3. Add the garlic, smoked paprika and thyme. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the lentils, chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and vegetables are tender (carrots take longest)
5. Stir in the kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread :o)
GET TO GRIPS
WITH WINTER TYRES
Most of us, on buying a car, check the tyres and if good tread accept they are fine… and away we go. It’s not really that simple though. The majority of cars sold, whether new, or second hand, will come with summer tyres. These are designed for best performance in warmer weather. In the winter however, once it drops below 7 degrees, their level of performance - braking, handling and traction drops away particularly in the wet, mud, or snow.
THAT’S WHERE WINTER TYRES COME IN.
As the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, tyres transfer the energy from the engine to the road surface, providing stable travel and effective braking, withstanding weight transfers and absorbing shocks - keeping you safe while you’re driving. That’s why making the right choice between different types of tyres is so important. Whether a standard car, 4x4 or SUV, all vehicles are rated for a certain size of tyres, as well as a specific tyre speed index and tyre load index. Your choice should also take into consideration the weather conditions and their impact on the performance of your tyres, so your first choice will be between the three main categories of specific tyres:
SUMMER TYRES
These tyres, the most common and best-known type, are designed to work at temperatures above 7°C where they perform best on both dry and wet surfaces. They’re designed to deliver excellent results in terms of comfort and fuel consumption for road tyres. However, they are not so good in the cold as their rubber compound hardens, providing less grip. They are also very poorly suited to snow-covered roads, or at times, even getting out of an icy driveway.
WINTER TYRES
Also known as Snow Tyres, they are designed to perform at temperatures below 7°C, when they cope very well with wet and snow-covered surfaces. They are most commonly used to replace summer tyres for the winter season, which for a tyre is
when temperatures drop below 7°C. Winter tyre treads are easily recognisable as their tread features numerous, fine, deep cuts. These are commonly known as “sipes” and act like “claws”, ensuring optimal performance in dry, wet, snowy and icy terrain.
They have better grip than summer tyres in low temperatures as they are designed with:
• 10 times more sipes
• 3D self-locking sipes throughout the entire depth of the tread, which improve handling when driving on dry roads
• 10% more tyre tread depth, which provides flexibility on slippery roads.
Winter tyres also differ from summer tyres in terms of the chemical composition of their rubber. It is formulated to stay soft even in low temperatures, increasing its grip on slippery surfaces. Consequently, if you choose to use winter tyres during the winter period, it is safer to swap them with summer tyres once the temperature begins to rise again.
ALL SEASON TYRES
Also known as Cross Season tyres, they are hybrid tyres which can adapt to temperatures as low as -10°C and as high as +30°C. They combine the features of summer and winter tyres to create a tyre which can drive safely at any time of year, no matter the conditions. In temperatures above 7°C, all season tyres outperform winter tyres both on dry and soggy terrain, as well as being much quieter. Further benefits include not having to swap them throughout the year as is necessary with summer and winter tyres, saving you both time and energy.
Although all season tyres guarantee both safety and mobility when driving in the snow, they are not as effective as winter tyres, which remain the ultimate tyre where difficult driving conditions are concerned.
WINTER OR ALL SEASON TYRES:
Tips on choosing what’s right for you. The main element to consider is the kind of winter conditions you are likely to face with your vehicle. If you regularly encounter snowy roads, have to drive in very low temperatures, live in or must often travel to areas which are difficult to reach in winter (steep slopes, unploughed roads, etc.), then the best option for you is to use winter tyres. If, however, you only occasionally drive on snow-covered roads then all season tyres are your best choice. If you were previously a winter tyre user, switching to all season tyres will spare you the bi-annual tyre swap, saving you both time and energy.
Drivers tend to believe that snow and ice are the biggest hazards for winter driving. And yet, 9 accidents out of 10 occur on dry or wet roads, rather than road surfaces covered in snow or ice. Snow can be a hazard, but it’s far from the only one. Even in the winter, nearly 9 out of 10 incidents occur on a straight road. Why? you may ask. It’s a question of concentration. Drivers tend to be much more vigilant on bends, but when driving on straight city roads, with good visibility, they let their attention wander. As a result, the number of accidents is significantly higher in urban areas.
In conditions like these, your tyres play an even more important role, which is why it is important to equip your car with either winter tyres or all season tyres. Be wary though of only fitting 2 winter or all season tyres as they will give an imbalance of performance and grip, capable of catching you out when least expected, or when you really need it. Always fit them in fours.
Having to change your tyres twice a year can be inconvenient and may make you want to consider opting for 4 season tyres instead, if they suit your needs.
If you do choose winter tyres, it can be a lot easier to buy a ‘package’ that includes the wheels as well. It’s then possible to jack up the car and change the wheels, as and when required in the Autumn and again in Spring. Easier than having to go to a garage to have one set of tyres removed, the others fitted, then also paying for a wheel balance. Also, it’s as easy to store 4 wheels with tyres as it is to store 4 tyres. All the major manufacturers make winter and cross season tyres. Your choice will most likely be determined by either a brand, or your budget. What’s important though is you choose a ‘certified’ tyre.
Winter and cross season tyres will be marked on their side-wall with either M+S, or with M+S and 3PMSF. M+S stands for mud and snow, but are not certified for such use. 3PMSF stands for 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake (as per logo) and unlike the M+S marking alone, the 3PMSF marking indicates that the tyres meet EU standards and have passed a standardised test, ensuring that you will be able to drive safely in winter weather conditions. The 3PMSF marking and its 3 peak logo will also be accompanied by M+S.
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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory
The Great Printer Help Scam
There is nothing more infuriating than a printer that plays up, or just refuses to print. They suffer all sorts of problems with paper getting jammed, failing to connect to your wi-fi or just not responding at all.
The accompanying manual is not always great help when troubleshooting and you usually end up turning to Google in search of help.
This is where the scammers come in and they are clever. They know that by the time you reach for Google, you are exasperated, ready to throw the printer out the window and desperate for a simple solution to the problem.
The most common printers are HP, Canon and Samsung. So say, for example, you Googled ‘HP printer help’, the results page will fill with really useful web results from knowledgeable Tech Support companies offering a quick and easy solution to your problem. The first four or five listings will be ‘Sponsored’ and you probably won’t notice the official HP site further down the list.
Some of these ‘Sponsored’ results are completely bogus and operated by scammers. Yes, Google does eventually identify these results for what they are and remove them, or block your access to them, but the scammers stay ahead by constantly changing their web address.
The results will include the likes ofmegadrive[dot]solutions, geeksprosoftwareprints[dot]org, select-easy123print[dot]com and printcaretech[dot]com
Anyway… in your eagerness to resolve your printer issues, you will click on one offering simple to follow guides to get your printer working again, and you’ve just been hooked. Here’s how the scam works -
After clicking on a malicious ad, the website instructs you to enter your printer’s make, model number and sometimes a description of the fault. It will then advise you that your printer driver is out of date and you should download an updated version ‘by clicking the
link below’ in order to download the required driver.
A driver is a software program that your computer uses to talk to physical hardware (i.e. your printer). In the early Microsoft Windows days, drivers were very important to get printers, monitors and other peripherals working. Today however, Windows is good at detecting new hardware and installing the required drivers automatically. It will also keep the driver up to date, probably without you even realising. There are some exceptions, as some manufacturers like to package additional software with their drivers.
So you click the button and the new driver proceeds to ‘install’. This is entirely fake, and the only thing the website displays is a recorded animation that will always end up with the same error message, along the lines of - ‘Fatal error occurred during the printer installation!’ It will provide some reason, normally due to some network error. All is not lost though as a box pops up warning not to retry the installation again, as it could damage your printer, or invalidate your warranty and offers ‘ TO FIX THIS ERROR - START A LIVE CHAT’ or ‘CALL THIS NUMBER NOW’
That connects you to a scammer who will impersonate a popular brand support agent. They will ask for personal information and most probably will ask to be granted remote access to your computer. That then allows them to do several things, such as stealing your data, locking the computer to hold you to ransom or using it to log into your bank. They will not fix your printer!
The lesson here is be very wary of online search adverts. A good anti-malware program can block such ads and prevents access to their webs.
If you need help, always look for the manufacturers own web, where you will find a troubleshooting section in their Support page and often access to an online users forum which is a good place to start. Be careful out there :o) Willie
HOROSCOPES
BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN
For February 2025
The Chinese New Year began on the 29th of January and we are now in the year of the Wood Snake; this is a rare and significant combination that occurs once every 60 years. This unique pairing of the snake, known for its wisdom and transformative energy, with the wood element, symbolises stability, growth, and creativity. These two powerful energies create a year that encourages both inner reflection and outward progress. Wood is associated with growth, creativity, flexibility, and compassion and snake energy is characterised by its resourcefulness, adaptability, and innovative thinking. The month also starts off with an alignment of Saturn, the moon, Venus and Neptune in the sign of Pisces, this is a highly significant combination, suggesting the opportunity for deeper intuition, sensitivity and compassion. The humanitarian sign of Aquarius is now in the spotlight, this sign is innovative and individualistic and strives for independence above all else. Connecting with your authentic self is the major theme of the month. Dynamic Mars, retrograde since early December, picks up the pace at the end of the month, suggesting that projects, Ideas and business matters should begin to move along smoothly. The love planet Venus enters fiery Aries on the 4th, indicating that Valentine’s Day has the potential for some adventurous and passionate romantic encounters! The full moon arrives in the regal and creative sign of Leo on the 12th, and the new moon in Pisces falls on the 28th.
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
Pioneering Mars, retrograde in the sensitive sign of Cancer, remains strong in your domestic area all through February, suggesting that some excellent opportunities for innovative new home projects and ventures will begin to emerge very soon. Love planet Venus arrives in your sign on the 4th, your social life should be on a roll now; there is much to be gained from courageously marching forward into new friendships and relationships.
TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21
Strong Aquarian energy is at the highpoint of your chart, indicating that now is the time for keeping an open mind on all your potential goals, including some that you may have previously dismissed. Pluto in Aquarius offers the chance for total transformation - will you take it? Venus, your ruling planet arrives in fiery Aries on the 4th, romantic matters are now also on a high – this could be a good time for taking time out with a partner to explore the world.
GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21
Pluto, Mercury and the Sun together in Aquarius during February, suggest that the pull to broaden your horizons and take up new lines of study becomes stronger than ever. Action planet Mars remains in Cancer all month, this placement highlights your finances and earning potential, assisting your ability to work with your intuition when making important decisions. Things get easier after the 24th as Mars starts to move forward.
CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22
Higher education and distant travel are on your mind this month. With so many planets in Pisces your long held dreams and aspirations take centre stage. The independent minded Aquarian Sun emphasises your need to break free and explore entirely new dimensions in your life. Take time out to make new plans concerning your career prospects, the time could soon be right to take the plunge and begin a brand new project.
LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23
The radiant Aquarian Sun, Mercury and transformational Pluto are strong in your opposite sign during February. This powerful combination is emphasising the fact that you might need to address any difficulties in your relationships. The full moon in your sign on the 12th throws some light on an issue that’s been troubling you for a while, good communication will help tremendously as a creative solution comes into view.
VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22
Mighty planet Jupiter, very powerful at the highest point of your chart, offers the potential for some big changes to your goals and to your career. After the 4th be on the lookout for some important new information related to better your financial plans. The current planetary trends also suggest that this is a good time for restructuring a nutritional review, particularly around the new moon in your opposite sign on the 28th
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23
Some new and exciting creative opportunities are suggested during February as the Sun, Mercury and Pluto all occupy this important area of your chart. Innovative new ideas can flourish and as Venus, your ruler, arrives in courageous Aries on the 4th you should find yourself at the top of your game. The auspicious Leo full moon on the 12th illuminates your many talents and offers the chance of a brilliant new networking opportunity.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
Saturn, Venus and Neptune in Pisces are gathered in the sector of your chart concerned with your creativity, self-expression and joy. This is the perfect month to explore your talents, maybe even a hobby that you haven’t visited for a while. The Aquarian Sun and Mercury are both active in your domestic sector, indicating that radical change could now be on the horizon, particularly around the Pisces new moon on the 28th.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
February’s powerful Leo full moon on the 12th accentuates your craving for long distance travel and all forms of further study. It’s time to pull out all the stops and get busy with major initiatives; your strong intuition now may prove to be spot on in the months ahead. Mighty Jupiter, your ruling planet, leaves the retrograde phase after the 4th offering you the chance to view your decisions in a very different light.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
Transformational Pluto, the Aquarian Sun and communication planet Mercury are strong in your financial area, indicating that it’s a good time for initiating any sort of innovative change and for reviewing your earning potential. The powerful Venus Neptune conjunction in mystical Pisces is suggesting there may be some lose ends to tie up before you embark on an entirely new life journey; use your intuition and you can’t go wrong.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18
Expansive planet Jupiter is strong and courageous in the area of your chart concerned with self-expression, joy and creativity, particularly as the energy gets stronger after the 4th. This could turn out to be an exciting month as your new ideas seem to just fall into place. The Pisces new moon on the 28th highlights finances and asks you to use your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills to make important changes.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
The month starts with the coming together of Saturn, the moon, Venus and Neptune all in your sign - what could be better for a brand new start? This is the start of a new cycle, it’s time to plant seeds of intention and dream about the possibility and potential of 2025. Venus in your sign ensures that you are attractive to others and also enhances your intuitive ability. Tuning in and trusting your inner guidance will make the way ahead look so much clearer.
Christine is a professional astrologer offering private consultations in astrology, life coaching and Bach flower essences.
NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, discover your unique birth map and take a refreshing new look at what’s coming up for you in the year ahead. Be more positive and plan with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness as you tune into your highest potential and be alerted to when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Consultations are available on Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp or telephone.
Please contact me for more information.
Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach
