Gala Life July 2023

Gala Life

49,58 Sudoku

8 16 22 24 26 30

CONTENTS

Your Community

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

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at keeping your devices safe on holiday.

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at Functional Training and the benefits for everyday life.

Recipe

This month we have Mediterranean style stuffed peppers.

The Gala Garden

Sheila looks at perfecting your garden for the height of the year.

Summer Books

We have a great selection of books to keep you enthralled this summer.

24 Recipe

Advertising

Debbie - 07545299491

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

50 Walk Yourself Happy

30 Summer Books

WELCOME

Gala Rugby Club

All the latest news, gossip and results from the boys in maroon.

Gala Cricket Club

All the latest news from our increasingly popular cricket club.

Sudoku

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

Walk Yourself Happy Part 2! Walk yourself happy, healthy and fit with these simple tips.

16

Welcome to the July edition of Gala Life. It is great to see the town really busy again and all this good weather makes us all feel that little bit happier!

July sees the start of the summer school holidays and we have lots to entertain you and the kids. We have lots of LIVE music, a Witch Corner, the Maroon’d Festival to look forward to, interactive museums and last but not least Roxburghe Rocks. Phew - will we manage it all?

For you this month in our fitness column Alan looks at functional training, and Willie in the computer pages looks at keeping you and your devices safe, especially on holiday. As this is the garden’s peak, it’s time to take stock and see where improvements can be made for next year. We have features on walking and summer books to keep you busy during these long lazy days, or if you prefer the old favourite sudoko. Give it a go - you may be surprised! Sport carries on in the form of Cricket and we welcome Gala Cricket Club to our contributors. The recipe is a real treat this month and a bit different!

Have a great July and see you next time.

The Gala Garden

Our Gala Life Community

Please check with individual groups for the latest information.

Bereavement Support Group (BSG) - Meet every Monday 10am – 12 noon at Quins Restaurant. Get mutual support from people in the same situation. Friendly, understanding and very confidential group.

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

Memory Lane Music - We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at MacArts in Galashiels from 2pm to 3.30pm. It is a singing group for people living with dementia and their family and friends. It uses the joy of singing together as a way of improving wellbeing and supporting people to build lasting friendships.

Café Connect - We meet in the restaurant at Borders College, on the ground floor of the Galashiels campus, from 10.30am until 12.00noon. There is a small cost for tea/coffee and scones (£1.00 each). A dementia advisor is available for information. This café is for anyone affected by dementia and provides a blether and friendship.

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 - 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

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 Parkinsons. 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 Fran on 07790 750 115.

‘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

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. Monthly litter pick is held on 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.

Continued on page 10

WITCH CORNER SCULPTURE TRAIL

Kick off the school summer holidays by venturing into the enchanted wild-wood glen full of Sir Walter Scott’s favourite stories and their mischievous creatures, and enjoy twelve story stops, showstopping sculptures and interactive content for all in a woodland trail full of supernatural surprises.

Find out more: family.scottsabbotsford.com

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 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.

Gentle Exercise Class for Older Adults - Langlee Community Centre - £3 per class. 10.30-11.15am every Wednesday - contact 07713357450 to book.

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’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 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.

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

Red Gauntlet Archers - Now that Red Gauntlet are back in Elibank we would like to invite any ex member to come along to the club any sunday for a free refresher session, with the chance of rejoining the club... or they could think about selling their equipment to some of the new members we have. Anybody interested please phone in to book a place. Jim Stillie 01750 20660.

Reiver Petanque - meets at the playing area near The Waterwheel Tea Room, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, TD7 5LU for regular Club days on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons 1pm-4pm (2pm start in summer months). At other times the area is open to anyone to play with their own equipment unless notices on Facebook or on the noticeboard at the piste state otherwise. There will be occasional league and other matches between other clubs throughout the year. Please contact Peter on 07895 275669 or Ron on 07986 644661 for more information and come along, learn about the sport from established players and have fun. The area is accessible for wheelchair users and the sport is suitable for all ages.

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 - The Eildon Singers are a mixed voice choir of some 45 members from all over the central Borders. We sing mainly classical works, with some lighter pieces. Our rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings in the Corn Exchange, Market Square, Melrose, from 7.15 to 9.00 pm, but we are currently having a break for the summer. We will start up again on Wednesday 30th August, when new members will be very welcome (no auditions). If you would like more information, please contact our secretary, Margery Inglis, on 01750 21085. or visit our website: www.eildonsingers.info

Continued on page 12

Gala Water Singers - We meet on Tuesdays in Station House, Stow at 7pm, everyone welcome.

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

Melrose Music Society - The first of a season of three Sunday afternoon summer concerts will feature the great young pianist Nikita Lukinov playing Beethoven, Scriabin and Mussorgsky on July 9th at 3pm in Melrose Parish Church Hall. Admission £16, members £10, students £5, children free. Tickets available at www.ticketebo.co.uk/melrose-music-society

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.

Dance Class - Circle Dancing is suitable for almost everyone, dancing in simple step patterns to wonderful music from around the world. No previous experience necessary as each dance is taught by dance leader. New dancers are very welcome to join our small friendly group. We dance every Tuesday 2 -4 pm at Anderson Chambers, Market Street, Galashiels TD1 3AF. £5 per class. A lovely way to stay active and meet new friends. For further information Contact Kate 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.

Melrose Historical & Archaeological Association - Old Melrose Walk. Tuesday 4th July 2023. 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 £4, children free. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

The Trimontium Museum, Melrose - Find out all about Roman medicine with the famous Marcus the Medicus July 8 - 9 @Trimontium Museum Introducing the tools and techniques they had to cure ailments and injuries, free with museum entry. Booking recommended. Roman Jewellery workshop on July 15. Roman dance classes Wednesdays at 5:45 pm. Guided walking tours to the Trimontium fort site Thursdays 1:30 pm. Museum craft activities daily during summer holidays. www.trimontium.co.uk

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, check www. galashielsprobus.org.uk or phone 01896 850411 for more information.

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

Lucky enough to be going on holiday this year? In all the excitement, you will easily forget how vulnerable your devices are whilst travelling. A family of four will probably travel with 4 smart phones, 2 iPads/tablets and a laptop. That’s a lot to take care of, so here’s a few tips to help keep them safe.

Don’t take what you don’t need. If you are not really going to use it, don’t take it. Less to worry about.

Back it up before you leave. Imagine losing one of them, and all the data, photos, files etc. Nightmare! Back up everything before you go - and don’t back up onto the devices you are taking.

Turn on Find My Device. Android and iOS both have ways of tracking your device. Make sure it is switched on before you go, and learn how to use it by logging in on a different device. If you lose your phone for example, you can track it, wipe it or even leave a message on the screen for anyone that does find it.

Be careful with your connections. The firewall on your router at home protects you from all sorts of nasties. Public Wi-Fi and computers don’t necessarily offer that kind of protection, so maybe consider installing a mobile firewall to protect you or, just don’t use them. If you do have to use them, remember they are public, so don’t log into your bank, or buy anything online. 4G on your phone will probably be faster than any public connection. Your data plan will likely cover use across Europe, or there might be a small unlimited daily charge, which is encrypted so a lot safer.

Also, switch off the Bluetooth when not actually using it and if you hotspot to give your kids internet access through your phone, make sure it is password protected.

Wrap it up. Make sure your devices are protected with an up to date anti-virus/malware program. Most will update automatically, but it's worth double checking their settings to check that's being done.

Patch it up. Make sure your operating system is up to date, as well any privacy sensitive apps you regularly use e.g. banking apps. Having to update on the move can be very tedious. Use a password manager. There’s nothing worse than going through the ‘I forgot my password’ ritual. Also, make sure all your devices are protected with a PIN, password, fingerprint recognition or facial ID.

Keep an eye on it. It is an unfortunate fact that people will steal things, it’s also an unfortunate fact that some are very clever about it. Whilst you probably wouldn’t wander about on a beach and leave things of value in full view on your sun lounger, you might be less careful within the confines of a nice hotel. It is widely known that local gangs can duplicate wristbands that give them access to the hotel and loiter around the pool or bar areas for rich pickings. That's before we start on pickpockets and they are everywhere you find tourists, the busier the better and easier it becomes. Leaving your phone sticking out your back pocket is not a good idea. A pickpocket team can distract you enough for just a second or two... and it is gone. Whilst your phone might not seem attractive to a thief, as it is fairly secure and traceable, all that can be overcome with the right knowledge. It is, however, of more value broken down and sold as spare parts in a corner phone repair shop. So, keep an eye on it.

Don’t post an invitation. It is strangely satisfying to arrive at the airport, open Facebook and check in, add your destination and wind up friends and family with a comment along the lines of ‘well that’s us off for 2 weeks of sun, sea, sand and sangria!’ To others, however, that reads as ‘we are away on holiday for 2 weeks, the house is empty, help yourself!’ Just post the pictures when you come back.

As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Happy holidays!

Willie

GALA LIFE

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L A N D L O R D S WA N T E D

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F U L L M A N A G E M E N T S E R V I C E , W H I C H I N C L U D E S :

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F r i e n d l y & h e l p f u l s t a ff

info@reiverproperty.co.uk

Galashiels Inner Wheel Club - The club has no meetings in July or August but resumes on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in September. We meet monthly thereafter in Cafe Recharge in Island St Galashiels at 7pm. Ladies from all walks of life are always welcome and for further information on becoming a member please get in touch with Sheila on 07708732320

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, Enthusiast and beginners are all welcome.

The Three Brethren u3a, Galashiels - Find out about u3a on our website www.u3asites.org.uk/ three-brethren A warm welcome to members and those thinking of joining. There is no monthly meeting in July - we start again in the Autumn.

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 TD1 3JU. 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!

John Lamont MP - Conservative

We should never take for granted the positive role that volunteers play in our communities. I have a huge amount of admiration for everyone in Galashiels and across the Borders who selflessly gives up their time to help others. Their contribution can range from supporting local causes, to helping the most vulnerable and to creating awareness about medical conditions.

They are a vital part of society. Without them, some local services would not be able to function.

Yet, they are also often unsung heroes. Volunteers don’t get the credit they deserve.

That’s why this year, I started a Scottish Borders Volunteer of the Year award.

I am delighted to recognise just some of the wonderful people who give up their own time for others. Their dedication, hard work and commitment is incredible. Their efforts keep many local organisations running. They provide amazing levels of support to make other people’s lives a little better.

For the competition, we received several dozen nominations and whittled those down to a shortlist of the most worthy winners. Across the Borders, awards went to people helping to keep local football teams running, saving a nursery from closure, and volunteering with nearly a dozen local clubs. There was one winner from right here in Gala, Megan Bilsland, who does inspirational work every week.

I was honoured to meet Megan and hear about some of the amazing things she does for Down’s Syndrome Scotland.

She is also on the committee for local charity Interest Link Borders, who provide befriending support to people with learning disabilities across the Borders. It is a really valuable service.

Now more than ever, charities like Down’s Syndrome Scotland and Interest Link Borders need all the support they can get. I know the cost-of-living has limited what a lot of people can do but if you can give either charity any help, whether that's a financial donation or even by volunteering, I know they would really appreciate it.

Meeting Megan and many other kind, considerate and generous volunteers like her has been a privilege. Continued on page 28

FITNESS

with Alan Clinch Functional Training and Everyday Life

This is a slightly odd one - for a long time now the fitness industry and training guidance in general has been talking about functional training - the question is, what is it?

The answer… it’s whatever you want it to be! What this means in practice is exercises and physical activity which will help people to perform everyday activities more effectively. This becomes increasingly important as we get older, and our bodies start to accumulate injuries or simply show the effects of age: in simple terms, wear and tear. Not only is this frustrating, but may well mean that we become more susceptible to injury as we try to do things we could once do…. but now can’t. Physical activity then needs to be carefully programmed to ensure that we try to don’t exceed the physical abilities of our bodies.

Most people would agree that there is limited benefit in suffering an injury due to inappropriate training, so it’s best to look at the idea of functional training as a continuum: the level of activity may be low (in the case of people with limited capacity) or high (if you’re an athlete).

We perform a whole range of different movements in our everyday lives – sitting or lying down, getting up, bending down, walking, jogging, running, lifting, moving things around, pushing and pulling… or if we’re involved in sport this might include, twisting, turning, sprinting, or jumping. All these actions should involve smooth movements, as they are less likely to result in injury. Training to improve functionality involves more than simply getting stronger - it focuses more on ensuring that the actions listed above can be performed easily and without risk - this might mean that exercises are done in environments other than the gym.

As I wrote last month, strength is an important characteristic, and another one is flexibility. Both of these will become less effective if we don’t use them: one of the principles of exercise is ‘use it or lose it’. Using activities or exercises in a functional way means performing activities so that the improvements directly enhance daily living. This will benefit the nervous system as well, so the co-ordination between brain and body is improved. Most functional training exercises will use larger movements rather than breaking things down - the brain generally operates in terms of complete movements rather than individual muscles. For example a squat type exercise (for which we need balance and co-ordination) will be more functional than a machine which involves pushing weights with the legs (where the movement is predetermined and may not reflect reality).

This doesn’t mean that machines are not relevant - it simply requires looking for ways in which they can be used more effectively: exercises sometimes need to be broken down to help improve a specific weakness - our knees for example take a hammering over a lifetime, so strengthening the muscles around that joint will generally be a good idea.

To conclude, functional training isn’t all-ornothing: ultimately it’s important that we try to move whenever we can – this will help us to remain strong, flexible and functionally efficient for our whole life.

That said, 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….

Ingredients (serves two)

2 Red/green or yellow Peppers (about 220g)

1½ tbsp Olive oil plus an extra drizzle

240g Lean turkey breast mince

½ small onion chopped

1 garlic clove grated

1 tsp ground cumin

3-4 mushrooms sliced

400g can of chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 chicken stock cube

handful fresh oregano leaves

60g mozzarella, grated

150g green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli, mange tout or green beans), to serve.

Mediterranean Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Method

1. Heat oven to 170C fan. Halve the peppers lengthways, then remove the seeds and core but keep the stalks on. Rub the peppers with a drizzle of olive oil and season well. Put on a baking tray and roast for 15 mins.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Fry the mince for 2-3 mins, stirring to break up the chunks, then tip onto a plate.

3. Wipe out your pan, then heat the rest of the oil over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, stir-fry for 2-3 mins, then add the cumin and mushrooms and cook for 2-3 mins more.

4. Tip the mince back into the pan and add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Crumble in the stock cube and cook for 3-4 mins, then add the oregano and season. Remove the peppers from the oven and fill them with as much of the mince as you can. (Don’t worry if some spills out it – it will go satisfyingly crisp in the oven.) Top with the cheese and return to the oven for 10-15 mins until the cheese starts to turn golden.

5. Carefully slide the peppers onto a plate and serve alongside a pile of your favourite greens blanched, boiled or steamed.

The Gala Garden July

High summer – the proving point of the whole garden year: fresh vegetables, soft fruit and herbs from the plot with plenty of apples, pears and plums in another few weeks, and fulsome borders, crowded with flowers and more on the way!

Look along the beds and borders now: it is easy to spot gaps, disappointing combinations, mad invaders and two-week wonders. To maintain interest for longer with less effort, plant the spine of the border with long-flowering species, interspersed with short-term things like oriental poppies, lilies and alliums (to hide their messy leaves).

Try to position plants that last a short time where they will provide fresh interest when early flowering perennials have finished. For example, some mid-season, butter yellow lilies emerging through a planting of blue geraniums.

Establish the rhythm and repetition of your planting in the middle ranks; this is a strategy for increasing impact and creating cohesion. Remember to use fewer kinds of plants and more of them. Flower shape establishes repetition too: spires and spikes always attract attention. Try veronica or veronicastrum, persicaria, cimicifuga, digitalis or an upright grass like calamagrostis Karl Foerster.

Some good long-season flowers are achilleas, hemerocallis, alstroemeria, aster, lychnis, nepeta, oenethera, osteospermum, penstemon and scabious. Nepeta and osteospermum can also be used for the same reason at the front of the

border combined with other good front edge plants like heuchera, potentilla, violas and stachys byzantina.

Achilleas have flat-headed flowers in a wide range of hues and delicate, ferny foliage. They increase on dry soil in sunshine but languish in the shade and damp.

Hemerocallis accepts varying amounts of light and damp and also has a wide range of flower colours. They have strappy foliage which makes a strong contrast with any other shape of leaf. Clumps should be divided every two or three years to maintain good flowering.

Split up bad colour combinations and re-locate them to better effect. For example, pink and yellow combinations – so much depends on tone: cerise and lime okay, gold and flannel pink, not so much. Avoid planting mauve-blue and turquoiseblue flowers together; they just diminish each other.

Only tolerate mad invaders if you have the time and energy to stay on top of it. For example, persicaria campanulata and lysimachia are excellent plants, but they increase dramatically. Many campanulas spread by underground runners and seed so choose them carefully. Euphorbias can make massive clumps so they may need to be reduced every spring.

Plants that gently self-seed can be useful but getting rid of alchemilla between paving stones is hard work!

Sheila Drummond

To each winner, and to all the other volunteers in Gala and further afield who dedicate their time to helping others, thank you. Your contribution is highly valued and we all greatly appreciate what you do for Gala.

Christine Grahame MSP - SNP

Last week I took the opportunity in several debates to highlight the many attractions of the Borders. These included The Great Tapestry of Scotland building in Gala which has led to that end of Channel Street improving greatly. I also referenced of course Melrose Abbey and Abbotsford and indeed the Trimontium Museum in Melrose. I visited it recently just to see the very smart extension to the building now able to be used for educational purposes. Parking in Melrose is still an issue. But is much better.

I also took the opportunity in yet another debate to highlight the service provided by Community Transport such as Gala Wheels which I have visited myself together with a government minister. We have of course not suffered the rail strikes so prevalent in England as Scotrail settled its pay increase with the Scottish Government although strikes on Networkrail which is UK owned do affect the network at times.

I also paid a visit to MAC arts just round the corner from my office, stepping out of the sunshine into the glamour of theatre and performance arts. Lying ahead is Braw Lads and let’s hope the current weather appears on the day.

Meantime, with Parliament recess approaching, (July and August) my TESCO surgeries will be suspended until September, though I assure you I will be working as will my staff, so my office can still be contacted through the usual routes: phone and email. I will also be doing my Annual Summer Surgery Tour round the villages and so on but I will be issuing a report in the coming months which will give the details.

In the meantime, if you want to hear those contributions it’s all on my FaceBook pages. Though perhaps not!

Euan Jardine Councillor - Gala & District, Conservative

I'm writing this as I walk as I've spent all day boiling in the office, and there was no chance I could spend an evening looking outside my window at Scotland's happiest town, Galashiels, as it basks in 24 degrees of sunshine.

So, as I walk, I struggle to keep my head down and type because of the lovely, beautiful scenery, green grass, and rolling hills. Everywhere I look, I see sheep, cows, pheasants, and all sorts of things, and it reminds me of the ongoing work by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance as it tries to promote the Scottish Borders and the South of Scotland. Its tagline is Scotland starts here. Simple yet effective, as we know, Scotland doesn't start in the Highlands, and it doesn't start in Edinburgh. It begins in the South of Scotland.

When we discuss the whole concept of the South coming together, we are creating a region that shares ambition. Like the Highlands being one large area, we need the South to be the same. I was recently in Glasgow for a conference, and I spoke to a German lady at the hotel and asked her, "Is this your first time in Scotland?" She told me it was and said, "The Highlands are beautiful. The highlands were fantastic." I replied, "Have you ever been to the Scottish Borders?" "Where?" was her reply, "The Scottish Borders." "Where?" she says again. I then told her about the Scottish Borders and talked about all the fantastic things to see and do.

SUMMER READS 2023

Whether you are taking off on holiday, or just lounging in the back garden, soaking up some sun, there's nothing better to keep you company than a good book. Here's what's on top of our reading list this summer. Hardback, Softback or Kindle - lose yourself...

MICHAEL CONNELLYDESERT STAR

Well what can I say? I’ve been reading about Harry Bosch for over 20 years now. He’s like a pair of old slippers... battered, bruised and torn but we still love them. In this latest episode Detective Renee Ballard is given the chance to revive the LAPD’s cold case unit and find justice for the families of the forgotten. The only catch is she must first unravel an unsolved murder, or lose this opportunity of a lifetime... Harry Bosch is top of the list of investigators Ballard wants to recruit. The ex-detective is a living legend - but for how long? Because Bosch has his own agenda: a crime that has haunted him for years - the murder of a whole family, buried out in the desert - which he vowed to close. With the killer still out there and evidence elusive, Bosch is on a collision course with a choice he hoped never to make… It’s a great read and tackles the question of who serves justice and what is justice really. Won’t spoil the end but there won’t be that many more Bosch stories - so enjoy this one!

REVERAND RICHARD COLESMURDER BEFORE EVENSONG

Who would have thought back in the 1980’s and in the days of The Communards, that we would be here reading this. I have to say this surprises me, he has wit and charm and can tell a good yarn.

Canon Daniel Clement is Rector of Champton, where he lives alongside his widowed motheropinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey - and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda. When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village. And then Anthony Bowness - cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton - is found dead at the back of the church. As the police moves in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his community together... and catch a killer. If you love Midsummer Murders (don’t join a group that Joyce belongs to) or Agatha Christie then this is for you.

CHRISTOPHER BOYCE - JOURNEY FOR HAPPINESS

LOCAL AUTHOR!

“I had always felt encouraged by society to judge others, and therefore myself. To find happiness I would need to let go of that judgement. And with time, I did.” Why would a world-leading happiness expert quit his job and cycle 12,000 miles to Bhutan? Not being happy enough for one. A Journey for Happiness recounts the joy, challenge, and heartache of Christopher Boyce’s epic cycle journey. As he weaves across the globe, Christopher grasps the true relevance of the pioneering happiness research he was once immersed in. By the end, he finds deep contentment and here he shows what needs to happen if we are all to be a little happier in this world of ours.

Available in Creative Borders in Gala, and BSpoke Cycles and Whities in Peebles or online https://journeyforhappiness.co.uk/shop/

CRIME!

MURDER MYSTERY!

TAYLOR JENKINSDASIY JONES & THE SIX

HARRY WHITTAKER - ATLAS THE STORY OF PA SALT

This is the conclusive book (8) of Lucinda Rileys saga The Seven Sisters series - co authored by her son Harry Whittaker.

T.V DRAMA!

Everybody knows Daisy Jones and the Six. Their sound defined an era. Their albums were on every turntable. They sold out arenas from coast to coast. Then, on 12 July 1979, Daisy Jones walked barefoot onto the stage at Chicago Stadium. And it all came crashing down. Everyone was there. Everyone remembers it differently. Nobody knew why they split. Until now.

It is a transporting novel - at once a love story, a glimpse into the combustible inner workings of a rock-and-roll band, and a pitch-perfect recreation of the music scene of the Fleetwood Mac era. You’ll never want it to end. I had to check this out and make sure it wasn’t a real band……just in case. Good fun novel and maybe I might just try and catch the series now?

R.F KUANG - YELLOWFACE

A tantalising and deliciously humorous literary thriller that investigates ambition, greed and white privilege with deadly precision.

Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody.

THRILLER!

1928, Paris. A boy is found, moments from death, and taken in by a kindly family. Gentle, precocious, talented, he flourishes in his new home, and the family show him a life he hadn’t dreamed possible. But he refuses to speak a word about who he really is.

As he grows into a young man, falling in love and taking classes at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, he can almost forget the terrors of his past, or the promise he has vowed to keep. But across Europe an evil is rising, and no-one’s safety is certain. In his heart, he knows the time will come when he must flee once more.

2008, the Aegean. The seven sisters are gathered together for the first time, on board the Titan, to say a final goodbye to the enigmatic father they loved so dearly.

To the surprise of everyone, it is the missing sister who Pa Salt has chosen to entrust with the clue to their pasts. But for every truth revealed, another question emerges. The sisters must confront the idea that their adored father was someone they barely knew. And even more shockingly: that these long-buried secrets may still have consequences for them today.

In this epic conclusion to the Seven Sisters series, everything will be revealed.

White lies... When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.

Dark humour... But as evidence threatens June’s stolen success, she will discover exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves.

If you’re into a series then this set is worth a read! A feminist story of 7 sisters who individually explore their true heritage that leads them across the world!

Gala Rugby Club

Fresh Start For The Season Ahead

Gala Rugby is delighted to announce that Craig Dods will lead the 1XV as Head Coach for the 2023-2024 season. Craig is well known to those at Netherdale having come through the Mini Maroons, Gala Red Triangle, Gala Wanderers and has been a regular 1XV player for a number of seasons, notably a member of the squad who won the RBS Scottish Cup Final in 2012. His passion for coaching started in 2012 when he won Ettrick and Lauderdale’s Young Coach of the Year award. Since then, he has carved out a career in coaching starting with roles as Youth Development Officer at Kelso and Gala as well as leading the Hungarian National Women’s programme to compete on the Rugby Europe 7s circuit.

More recently he became a World Rugby coach educator, developing and assessing the next generation of coaches in their qualifications. He will continue in his current role with Scottish Rugby as specialist skills coach in kicking, a role he fulfilled alongside leading the Gala sevens squad to second place in the Kings of the Sevens at the end of the last season.

On his appointment he said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the Head Coaching role at Gala. As my hometown club, I’m incredibly passionate about creating an enjoyable environment for players to be able to play to the best of their ability in.”

Gala Rugby has commenced Phase 2 of the improvement works to their training pitch, thanks to additional funding from Scottish Rugby and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund via the Valencia Communities Fund. Last year, in Phase 1, the club installed full game playing floodlighting to the pitch at a cost of £35,000 with financial assistance from BCCF Environmental and the Hayward Sanderson Trust. This development has allowed for much greater utilisation of the club’s facilities where the club delivers 800 hours of training to 200 players across boys, girls and men’s rugby on a weekly basis , in season. The second phase of the project has been to improve the pitch drainage to provide a more reliable and sustainable facility in the longer term and with improved conditions over the winter months. Through Scottish Rugby’s Club Sustainability Capital Fund the club has been awarded £40,000 towards the cost of the improvements, with a further £24,000 awarded to the club through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund via the Valencia Communities Fund. The works on site, which are programmed to take up to five weeks to complete, have commenced, beginning with the installation of a large collector drain and soakaways and transverse collector drains, as per the attached photographs. On the developments, Club President Gary Isaac said: “We are delighted to confirm the latest improvements to our pitches this summer. On completion the facility will provide training and playing facilities for our 2XV, U18 Gala Wanderers, U16 Gala Red Triangle and Gala Vixens, which will assist greatly with the development of both junior and senior players,

ensuring the sustainability of the development pathway at Gala Rugby. “We are very grateful to the BCCF Environmental, Hayward Sanderson Trust, Scottish Rugby and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund via the Valencia Communities Fund for their investment and support in this project, for which we could not have done this without.”

Everyone at Gala Rugby is working hard to bring together our annual Maroon’d @ Gala Festival, we have grown year on year and are excited to this year have the Borders School of Music Main stage, our Food village , with seating for 300-400, and all our sections involved in 7s Rugby as well as some inflatable and amusments to keep the kids entertained all day. This year Maroon’d is happening on Saturday 19th of August starting with the Minis tournamant in the morning moving onto all other sections in the afternoon. Tickets for Maroon’d are avaiable to purchase on our website at www.galarfc. com come along and enjoy what is sure to be a great day.

We need to start doing that more often, not just expecting people to come here by accident, but we need to do it by really talking to people outside the region. Selling Galashiels, the Scottish Borders, The South, and the concept of Scotland Starts Here is easier than it sounds. Because it sells itself, but we need to give it some momentum. We are also actively working on delivering more accommodation, whether that is hotels or other short-stay destination areas. Finally, I wish the Braw Lad Cory Paterson and Braw Lass Emma Spence all the best for the Braw Lads Gathering, and I have no doubt the Sun will shine for them and all in the town.

I will hold an advice surgery on Wednesday, 5th July, 5-6 pm, at Quins Restaurant, Galashiels. Don't hesitate to contact me at the details below if you need assistance.

Email - Euan.jardine@scotborders.gov.uk

Telephone – 07811977720

Facebook – @VoteEuanJardine Twitter - @VoteJardine

Fay Sinclair Councillor - Gala & District, SNP

With my oldest son getting ready to head to the Academy after summer, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the too true cliché that they grow up so fast. It seems like no time at all since he so rudely interrupted my own birthday meal (a curry – in hindsight perhaps not the best choice at nine months pregnant!) to make his arrival. Now, at just turned 12 years old, he’s matched my height of 5’7” and looks set to tower over me before he hits his teens.

He may be growing up, but he’s not growing out of his love for Pokémon. I’ve been so proud seeing him establish a Pokémon club – every Saturday 12.30-2pm in the Focus Centre – to share his passion with younger kids. He’s now taught around a dozen primary aged children (and their parents) how to play Pokémon Trading Card Game and can be found @PokemonGala on Twitter. The club has moved to a bigger room so can accommodate more primary school aged players, so come along and challenge the expert to a battle!

With three children now aged 12, nine and six I seem to have reached the “taxi driver” stage of parenthood. We are lucky to have so many clubs and activities in the local area as they boast an impressive array of hobbies: as well as Pokémon, all three play instruments with Maroon Brass and rugby with the Mini Maroons; two have started football in the last year but for rival teams, Gala and Tweedbank, ensuring different locations for weekend matches as well as mid-week training; and one is embracing their dramatic flair at Borders Youth Theatre. In the summer holidays we are set to add swimming and athletics to the mix. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

Citizens Advice Bureau

Council Tax debt has been the single biggest type of debt people bring to the Scottish CAB service. If you have been unable to pay your council tax please contact us to discuss. Council Tax debt collection is much harsher and faster compared to commercial debt collection for say credit cards. In a matter of weeks, you can go from falling behind in one Council Tax payment to having your bank or wages arrested to recover the arrears owed.

As one of the main reasons people fall into arrears is low income, you may be entitled to a reduction. When you apply for Universal Credit this does not automatically include Council Tax Reduction. You will need to apply for this separately. There is a short form to complete on

Scottish Borders Council’s website: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/20000/benefits_and_ grants/181/council_tax_reduction

Contact us to have a benefit check carried out.

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

MacArts - July 2023

Saturday 8th - Gary Faulds: Frontier

Doors 7pm / Start 8pm. Licensed Bar open prior to show.

£22.50 For Tickets - www.macarts.scot 01896 756 852

Macarts has some dates available in June for private parties – contact Kate on kate@macarts.scot for more details.

Rotary Club of Galashiels and District

Join over 1.3 million people worldwide to be part of projects that support communities locally, nationally and internationally.

The recent golf competition raised £800 for facilitation of dementia patients at BGH.

We are planning our next year of Rotary events including projects specifically supporting the environment. You can see what we do on our FaceBook page Galashiels and District Rotary Club via the website or by calling Club Secretary Rae Hastings 01896 752924

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 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:

2nd July 11am Trinity, 4pm Old Parish & St Paul’s - Joint church commissioning service for Gala

Summer Break Out, 6.30pm St John’s.

9th July 10.30 Gala churches together in Old Parish & St Paul’s, 6.30pm St John’s, 16th July 11am

Trinity, 6.30pm St John’s.

23rd July 11am Old Parish&St Paul’s, 6.30pm St John’s, 30th July 11am Trinity.

Girls Brigade

1st Galashiels Girls' Brigade meets on Mondays in St John's Church halls, Langlee.

Explorers P1-P3 6-7pm

Juniors P4-P7 6-7pm

Brigaders S1-S6 7- 8.30pm

Please contact Susan Henderson for more information about joining us: 1stgalagb@gmail.com

Girls Brigade will meet again in September.

Bible Study - House Group meets on Tuesday Mornings.

Guild - Will meet again in October.

Coffee Stop - Wednesdays, will meet again in September.

Badminton – Wednesdays 10am-12md Old Parish &St Paul’s

Prayer Meeting – Wednesdays at 7pm in St John’s

Gala Summer Breakout - Monday 3rd till Friday 7th July. Final service together 9th July In Old Parish & St Paul’s

For further information

Minister: Rev Graeme Glover e-mail: GGlover@churchofscotland.org.uk phone: 01896 209455, website: www.galashielschurchofscotland.org.uk

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.

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 11am - the next is on 19th July 2023. All are very welcome.

Galashiels Baptist Church

Galashiels Baptist Church (GBC) would like to share stories about what goes on at our church and show what goes on behind our doors in Victoria Street. This month we wanted to share a little about the history of the church building.

Galashiels has had a Baptist community for over 200 years with the first meetings taking place in 1782. There were originally two fellowships in the town with one meeting in Stirling Street and the other in Bridge Place.

Our existing building in Victoria Street was built in 1882 when the Bridge Place Hall became too small for that congregation. In 1972 the two congregations came together and four years later the Victoria Street building was chosen as the main sanctuary.

Continued on page 44

We still meet today in the original space although this has been modernised by removing the pews and adding audio visual equipment. This makes it a versatile space to allow us to do different things both for our Sunday service and for other activities during the week.

We also have a large separate hall that is used almost daily for community activities that span all the generations.

At GBC, we believe that “church” is more than just a Sunday service or a building. We are very thankful that we have such a great space which we can use to run activities, events and initiatives for those that live locally. This enables Galashiels Baptist Church to be central to the local community and the people that use it are part of our extended family. Check out our website to find out what you could join in with at www.galashielsbaptistchurch.org.uk

If you would like to join us for our regular weekly service, GBC meets every Sunday at 10:30am in our building on Victoria Street.

Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady & St Andrew

Galashiels - Our Lady & St Andrew’s, Stirling Street, TD1 1BY

Holy Mass : Sunday 11am, Wednesday 7.30pm, 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

Parish Priest : Father Andrew Kingham

Email : parishpriest@galacatholic.org

Telephone : 01896 752 328 Facebook : @borderscatholic

Check our website at www.galacatholic.org for our weekly newsletter and for up-to-date information about events.

Caddonfoot Parish Church

Services continue to be led by the Rev June Johnston, who has been appointed Locum at Caddonfoot Parish Church.

The Rev Johnston was appointed Locum after the Rev Victoria Linford took up a post with the Lothian and Borders Presbytery.

The church is linked with St Mary of Wedale of Stow and Heriot, and on May 28, the Rev Norman Smith, the Presbytery’s new clerk, preached the Linking Service at Stow, after which the congregation enjoyed refreshments, as they are at Caddonfoot each Sunday.

It gives worshippers the opportunity to meet and chat after the service and the Rev Johnston joins in before leaving to preach at Stow or Heriot.

At a recent service, a citation was read to say that a Presbytery meeting would be held in Jedburgh Old Parish Church where the Mission Plan was due to be presented. News will be announced next month.

The next Kirk Session meeting was scheduled for Thursday, June 29. Update news next month. The ‘Preaching of the Vacancy’ service was held in Stow Church on April 30, led by Interim Moderator, the Rev Lynn Brady.

A reminder to worshippers that services are now held at 9.30am instead of 9.45am on a trial basis for six months while on the fifth Sunday of each month, services will be held on a rotational basis at Caddonfoot, Stow and Heriot. The next one is on July 30 at Caddonfoot followed by Heriot on October 29.

The Bible continues to be read by members of the congregation with various people reading through the summer.

Visitors should exercise care when walking through the Memorial Garden area, which has re-opened for the summer.

* A reminder to leave any bags for the Food Bank in the vestry. These will be delivered by Miss Frances Pringle.

* Please continue to save your disused stamps for Atholl Innes, who saves them for the Eden Valley Hospice at Brampton.

Hope Church Borders

Jesus loves His church and so do we! The word church means different things to different people. We like the original use of the Biblical word ‘ekklesia’ - a gathering of people, called for a special purpose. At Hope we like to see ourselves as a family of God’s people all on a journey with Jesus together, and we look forward to making you feel at home with us.

Sunday Gatherings - On the first Sunday each month we gather in Life Mission Groups locally across the Borders. All other Sundays we meet at 10:30am at Hope Central, Galashiels. Hope Youth, Hope Kids & Hope Babies meet during the gathering

Mid-Week Gatherings - Weekly Hope Prayer meeting - Tuesdays 10.30am online via zoom. Hope Worship & Prayer Nights - 1st Wednesday of the month, 7pm @ Hope Central, Galashiels.

Green Hope Community Drop In - Every Thursday from 10.30am - 3pm for coffee and community @ Green Hope, Plainfields, Newtown St Boswells, TD6 0RY. For more information, please email enquiries@hopechurchborders.org.uk

Hope Central Community Drop In - Every Friday from 1-4pm. Join us for coffee and community @ Hope Central, 1-3 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DL. Here to listen. Here to care. Here to help! For more information, please email enquiries@hopechurchborders.org.uk

Thrive - Baby & toddler group meeting @ Hope Central, 1-3 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DL every Wednesday during term time from 10.30am - 12.15pm and 1.15-3pm. Bring a snack for your little one and we’ll provide coffee and cakes for parents and carers. We’d love to see you there. Thrive is registered with Early Years Scotland. For more information, please email enquiries@hopechurchborders.org.uk

Hope Central, 1-3 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DL www.hopechurchborders.org.uk

Bethel Rock Gateway Church

We are operating as a virtual church at the moment, and have Bible teaching every Tuesday at 7pm. Join us by sending your email address to - douglasrenton@hotmail.co.uk - and we will send you the joining instructions.

There is much teaching about modern life in the Bible. Join us at 7pm on Tuesday as we go through the books John & Revelation.

Pastors Douglas & Kathy Renton

Gala Cricket Club

Season Under Way

By the time this edition hits the streets, Gala Cricket Club’s teams should have played 9 games in the first half of the 2023 season and will be embarking on the second half. For the 1st XI, bad weather caused the first game to be cancelled and another abandoned with Gala in the driving seat. A comprehensive victory was achieved however against Morton followed by a narrow defeat at Linlithgow; then good victories against Edinburgh, Carlton & Heriot’s. Gala are hoping this season sees the club perform a hat-trick of Championship wins and they currently sit in second place in the league.

As for the 2nd XI, they’ve lost only one fixture to the weather, then recorded four consecutive wins against Peebles, Tranent, Stew/Mel and Kirk Brae. Then they lost to Dunnikier but a week later defeated Dunfermline & Carnegie.

The Gala Foxes have two teams this season at under 12 and under 14 ages and both have done well against their counterparts who hail mainly from the Edinburgh area.

The Cricket Club has been in existence for 170 years and plays its home games at one of the most scenic venues in the country, Meigle Park in Manse Street. Until 2011 the majority of opponents were teams based in the other Border towns but in 2012 the Border League was suspended and all 6 Border clubs decided to seek admission to the leagues administered by the East of Scotland Cricket Association. However, games against other Border clubs still continue to be played and Gala currently hold the Border T20 trophy.

By the publication date Gala should have played T20 games against St Boswells, Hawick and Manderston.

In addition to the attractiveness of the playing area, the ground features a pavilion with a licensed bar and recently the club have established a beer garden which links the pavilion to an area that can be used for a marquee. So, if you fancy hiring a great facility for a celebration be it a wedding or birthday Meigle Park should be on your short list. The Cricket Club also allow other organisations to use its facilities, for example the local pipe band. Why not come along to see what the club can offer; you will find a friendly welcome and, weather permitting, some great games of cricket at Meigle Park, the home of the Border’s premier Cricket Club. The club’s web site is worth a visit – see www.galacricket.co.uk

Email – galacricketclub@gmail.com Facebook – www.facebook.com/Gala1853

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!

Enjoy Walking Yourself Happy, Healthy and Fit

Hopefully, last month we inspired you to get out and go for a walk… or at least consider it! Remember all those benefits to your health and the reduced risk of some chronic illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, asthma and even some types of cancer. This month we look to inspire you even more by pushing you on and getting you to actually start enjoying yourself. So get your shoes on, and let’s go!

If you worry about walking alone, invite a friend to join you or find a local walking group. If it’s your fitness that’s holding you back, then start small with a ten-minute walk and build up from there. If you are a couch potato, or do suffer from illness then speak to your doctor, who will check you over, advise on how much exercise you should take on and encourage you.

If you worry about the weather, you will only get as wet, or cold as your clothing allows, so choose wisely. Ensure your jacket is 100% waterproof, a lightweight one can keep you warm and dry over a fleece, so layer up to suit the season. If it’s cold enough to wear gloves, make sure they are waterproof too.

stand tall and stride out. Don’t be embarrassed to use walking poles, they are not a sign of weakness or old age, some great athletes use them regularly as they give you a full body workout as well as balance when you need it. (Check out our fitness article in March on Nordic Walking).

Don’t just march off. Do a few simple stretching exercises to get the muscles warmed up and do them again when you finish. Cooling down at the end of your walk stops you from stiffening up overnight, or next day.

Walk tall. If you slouch when you walk you could end up with lower back or hip problems, so

Take water, particularly on a warm day, or if you plan to walk for an hour or more. It’s easy to overheat and get dehydrated which can make you feel dizzy.

Once your confidence grows, you can have some real fun. We are lucky in Scotland, we have beautiful countryside, woodland, urban trails, parks, nature reserves and incredible coastline. There are hidden gems everywhere and sometimes you don’t need to travel far to find them. Speak to friends, neighbours, other walkers/dog walkers you meet when out and ask them their favourite walk.

Walking is such a popular pastime now that there are numerous online apps and webs that can also help you. Try AllTrails, Komoot and OS Maps. These allow you to see walks other people have taken, plot your own and map you as you go.

Google maps is also great if walking in a town or city. It shows all the roads and some paths, then if tiring out, tell it where you want to go and it will direct you to the nearest bus stop, with bus times!

Local councils and walking groups also publish established walks on their web. There are

usually reviews that let you know how long they take along with a level of difficulty. I enjoy walking alone, my dog for company is better, however dogs have no conversation, no interest in scenery and just run from one scent to the next. You can of course listen to an audiobook or music playlist, but this can take you ‘out of the moment’ where you will miss out on the wonderful sounds of nature all around you.

On the other hand, walking with someone is a great social event. Catch up, gossip, share the view and the satisfaction of enjoying a good walk. That’s where walking groups come in. You get great company whilst learning new skills, like map reading and navigation, which will increase your confidence. If you choose a lead walk, i.e. under the guidance of someone trained in the outdoors, it will make a big difference. Again you will learn new skills, learn a lot about the area you are in and explore places you would never have thought of.

Walking groups are also a great way to keep motivated, and to make new friends. If walking solo, it is sometimes difficult to keep motivated when the weather turns, or there something good on TV.

Tracking your progress can help greatly. Use a smartphone, smart watch/fitness tracker to keep track of how far you go every day. I always target 10,000 steps and sometimes find myself taking the dog to the end of the street and back at the end of a walk just to achieve that! There’s

a free NHS app called Active 10, it records every minute of walking you do. Just pop your phone in your pocket and away you go! It tracks your steps, helps you set goals, shows you your achievements and gives you tips to boost your activity.

Then there are virtual challenges, usually connected to a charity and involve walking a set distance over a period of time. Walking 1,000 miles in a year is not beyond you!

Another option is to reward yourself, either by stopping for a coffee during your walk, or promising yourself tea and cake when you get back home. I walk my dog every morning for 45 minutes - 1 hour every morning, before breakfast. Breakfasts never tasted so good. The real joy of walking is just being outdoors, in fresh air. It really doesn’t matter how far you walk, every step is doing you more good than you ever realised.

Willie

How To Keep Your Dog Cool In The Heat

As the temperatures begin to rise, it can be tempting to go on adventures with your furry companion, not thinking that this can actually be detrimental to their health. Forward planning with your pooch can reduce the risk of heatstroke and keep them safe.

Heatstroke happens when your dog can no longer regulate their body temperature. This can be fatal, so if you suspect your dog has over heated, call us and we can advise over the phone or in severe cases, you may need to bring them in to see one of our vets.

Signs to look out for include, heavy panting (even when not exercising), trouble breathing, being sick, upset tummy, unwilling to move.

Plan your walks at cooler times of day. Usually, early mornings or late evenings are best as the temperature has dropped. Remember to check the pavements before you commit to tarmac, if it's too hot for the back of your hand for 5 seconds then it’s too hot for your dogs paws. Making sure you always have water available too. To cool that water down you can add a few ice cubes. Infact using frozen treats can be a great for stimulating activities if you’re struggling to keep them from running around like there is no tomorrow. Frozen kongs filled with goodies will not only help keep Fido cool, but helps tire the brain out because they’re having to concentrate on what they’re doing. Licki-mats

www.bordervets.co.uk

Galashiels Veterinary Surgery

Gala Terrace, Galashiels TD1 3JT 01896 752156

with yogurt, berries and mashed banana also frozen does the same job and the licking is soothing for them. Soon, not only will you have a cool pooch but a tired one too. Job done!

Cool mats are also a wonderful tool to help prevent heatstroke. They are usually plastic mats filled with special gel that stay cool so when the dogs not using it, you can borrow it after a day in the garden. Alternatively, damp towels to lie on work great accompanied with a fan. There are more ways to keep your doggo cool during a heatwave, these are but a few. Remember that if your finding it too hot, your four legged friend will be feeling it more.

Alex McMurray, Receptionist

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

Consultations by appointment

Dogs, Cats and

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

You'll also receive the following (if applicable):

25% off Kennel Cough vaccination

25% off Rabies vaccination

25% off flystrike preventative treatment

50% off Primary vaccination course (initial injections typically given between 2 and 4 weeks apart)

Free nurse clinics (where available)

off routine neutering

off dental procedures

off other parasite treatments

Monthly prices shown, vaccinations included: Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis. Cats: Flu, Enteritis, Leukeamia. Rabbits: Myxomatosis, VHD1, VHD2.

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.

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!

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For July 2023

July pushes the sensitive water sign of Cancer to the forefront and the emotional pull of the Capricorn full moon on the 3rd suggests a strong pull between ambition to get ahead and nostalgia and family connectedness. The Cancer/Capricorn axis is concerned with security, both emotionally and materially. This lunation asks you to reflect and find a good balance between wants and needs. Energetic Mars and love planet Venus are in fiery Leo for the start of the month, this dynamic and highly creative energy is available for all, highlighting partnerships and benefitting optimism, confidence and self-esteem. Communication planet Mercury also arrives in Leo on the 11th, the perfect placement for active and inspirational thinking and exchange of ideas. The new moon is in Cancer on the 17th, this is the time for peak lunar energy as the moon rules this sign. Cancer is fiercely protective over home and family, emotions will be high and feeling ‘at home’ with ourselves is of utmost importance.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

July is the best month to focus on your home and your family. The Sun is in the home loving sign of Cancer and the powerful new moon on the 17th gives you additional energy for new projects in your domestic environment. Action packed Mars and romantic Venus light up your love life this month, make the most of any opportunity that comes your way!

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

Mercury and the Sun are in powerful conjunction at the start of the month, this bodes well for any new projects that need communicating to others. Dynamic Mars and love planet Venus are stirring up your domestic area; creative new endeavours can get underway, be positive as there’s plenty of exciting energy for making ingenious changes to your surroundings.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

Venus and Mars, both in fiery Leo, are strong in your communication sector and the radiant Sun illuminates the opportunity for you to review your finances and earning potential. The powerful Cancer new moon on the 17th should offer you the courage and confidence to be bold, step forward and make those vital changes.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

July is your birthday month and things are looking very positive as the radiant Sun and communication planet Mercury both shine brightly in your sign. The powerful new moon arrives on the 17th, be ready for exciting changes and a new lease of life, whether in social or professional affairs as your energy levels reach new heights.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

Energetic Mars and the love planet Venus are both travelling through your sign, both shining the spotlight on all forms of creative communication. The full moon in Capricorn on the 3rd suggests that now is the perfect time to take any new opportunity to broaden your horizons. Group and teamwork involvements will work best for you.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

July’s potent new moon in Cancer on the 17th brings many benefits your way. Interaction with friends and new group activities are suggested, but also take the opportunity to relax and take things easy. Dynamic Mars arrives in your sign on the 10th, your energy levels should be at a peak and a new career opportunity could be on the cards.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

During July the most pivotal sector of your chart is illuminated by the Sun and communication planet Mercury. Be sure to use your incredible drive and energy to view original and exciting prospects as a new direction beckons. Dynamic Mars and relationship planet Venus, both in in Leo, also indicate some positive activity on the social scene.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Under current trends you’ll find that broadening your horizons and planning an important journey becomes much clearer, particularly around the Cancerian new moon in the 17th. Mars and Venus, both in fiery Leo, give you the courage and confidence to make an important decision. Jupiter and Uranus are well placed to suggest positive outcomes.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

The powerful Cancerian new moon in your financial area on the 17th suggests there is work to be done concerning your plans for the future. The practical Capricorn full moon on the 3rd illuminates a new pathway. Vibrant Mars, busy in fiery Leo, indicates that you‘d rather fancy moving to pastures new, be positive, a splendid offer might just come your way.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Your partnerships and relationships are strongly in focus this month. Dynamic Mars and love planet Venus are both powerful in fiery Leo, boosting your energy at a pivotal point of your chart. Plans for innovative new ideas can now be laid down and the New moon in Cancer on the 17th brings a few pleasant surprises your way.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

The Sun, Mercury and the powerful Cancerian new moon on the 17th highlight some important work and lifestyle issues during July. Let go of any limitations that hold you back as such a lot can be achieved with hard work and determination. Mars’s change of sign on the 10th reveals an interesting financial opportunity.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

The Sun shines brightly in the soft and gentle sign of Cancer, illuminating the love and romance sector of your chart. As the new moon culminates in that area on the 17th, the offer of new beginnings becomes very real. Mars and Venus are joined together in creative Leo, suggesting that if you go with your intuition you can’t go wrong.

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 this important year ahead. Find out when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Aim to reach your fullest potential in 2023 by booking an astrological reading now - Consultations are available on Zoom, WhatsApp or by telephone.

Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach

Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com Website: www.yourguidinglight.org

Mobile: 07813 483549 Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/restyleyourlife

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