Gala Life October 2023

Gala Life

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Debbie - 07545299491

Photography & Design

Lynsey - 07305577953

Editor

Willie - 07906375953

Your Community

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

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie gives some advice on selling on your laptop.

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at buying an electric bike that's best suited to you.

Recipe

This month we have some great easy to make Halloween treats!

Sudoku

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

The Gala Garden

Sheila looks at preparing your garden for winter coming.

www.facebook.com/mygalalife

Gala Cricket Club

All the latest news from our increasingly popular cricket club.

Dopamine Decor

Lynsey explains how colours used in decorating can change your mood.

Dawyck Botanical

Graham Stewart, Curator, talks us through the sites at Dawyck this Autumn.

Gala Rugby Club

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

WELCOME

12 Wonky Computer

Welcome to the October edition of Gala Life. Wow - Halloween already! To keep us all busy in these long evenings we have a fantastic array of events, live music at the British Legion, theatre performances and concerts. We also have all your favourite clubs and society updates.

In the home this month we look at Dopamine Colour - It’s quite amazing the difference colour can make to your home. In our fitness column we look at which electric bike is most suited to you. Joining a gym can be a great way to get healthy and meet new friends, Tri Fitness is a friendly local gym with lots of experienced staff to help you get the most from it. As we mentioned Halloween, what better time to think about making your own scary gingerbread men - see the recipe! Whilst they are in the oven you can try the old favourite sudoko. Or even pop over to the Abbotsford House Witch Corner with the kids!

The Rugby World Cup is on at the momentbut that doesn’t mean any rest for the grass roots guys and Gala Rugby are in full swing. Let’s hope we have a great season!

Whatever you plan to do have a great October 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 Anne on 07922093197 anne chisholm@euro.agri.net

‘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

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

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/

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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.

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.

Yoga - Weekly classes will start at the Chaplaincy Centre of the Borders General Hospital on Monday October 2 at 11 - 12.30. This will suit students of all levels of ability whether beginners or with some experience. A Chair Yoga class starting on Friday 6 October at 3 - 4pm will suit students with less mobility. 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’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.

Lindean Carpet Bowling Club - We meet every Wednesday, 7.30pm, in Lindean Village Hall from start of the new season 4th October. New members of all ages welcome at our friendly club, we supply the bowls so you just need to bring yourselves. Tuition given to those who haven’t played before, so come along and give it a go! For full details, phone Neil on 01896755316.

Red Gauntlet Archers - We have restarted the indoor shooting sessions at Langlee Community Centre on Thursday nights 7.30 - 9.00 pm. We are starting a beginners course which runs for five weeks from 5 October 2023, followed by an improver’s course for a further 5 weeks . As space is limited we can only accommodate six people at once. Another beginners course will start in January. Red Gauntlet is one of the oldest field archery clubs in Scotland. We currently shoot outdoors in Elibank forest and indoors at Langlee Community Centre. Our current members attend competitions all over Scotland. Field archery can be enjoyed at all levels from a pleasant day out to top level competition. Anyone interested can come along and see what is involved or phone Jim at 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.

Tweed Canoe Club - Pool sessions for beginners start 6:30pm, Tuesday 24th October at Selkirk swimming pool. All you need is swimming kit and a towel. Experienced paddlers also welcome. Contact tweedcanoeclub@gmail.com for more information.

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 9.00pm. We are in full swing again under our conductor James Young, preparing music for our Christmas concert on Sunday 3rd December. New members are very welcome (no auditions) and if you would like more information please contact our secretary Carol Bowman on 07753 192374 or visit our website www.eildonsingers.info

Gala Water Singers - 7pm - 9pm in The Station House, Stow. All are welcome - no rehearsal just come along and join in. Christmas Concert will be on Sunday 10 December in the afternoon - more details will follow in the next edition of the Newsletter. Carol Singing around Stow on Tuesday 12 December evening - more details will follow in the next edition of the Newsletter.

The Galashiels Town Band - Fancy giving brass a go? Come along to our Recruitment Day on Monday 23rd October from 4pm to 6pm at the Galashiels Town Band Hall, 6a Roxburgh Street, Galashiels. Instruments, tuition, music all provided! Rehearsals : Mondays - Gala Beginners Band 5.00 - 5.45pm, Tuesdays - Gala Youth Band 6.00 - 7.00pm, Gala Senior Town Band 7.00 - 8.45pm. For more information please contact info@galatownband.org.uk or by calling Nichola Broatch on 07856266230.

Syrinx Flutes - Meet one Monday evening (7pm to 9pm) a month from September to May in the Corn Exchange at Melrose with leader Tracy Short (07891902239) Email: tshortmusic@yahoo. co.uk. Or try elizabethraitt@icloud.com in the first instance. All abilities and ages from approx Grade 3. Why not dust off your underused flute and join our friendly group? It’s such fun playing with others.

Galashiels Clef Club - Our next meeting is Saturday 21st October at 7.30pm in Lucy Sanderson Hall in Tweed Terrace. We offer a friendly welcome to everyone who can play an instrument or sing and they are free to choose any piece of music to entertain their fellow members. The range of music is wide and includes all styles of classical music, along with folksongs and songs from the shows, excursions into jazz, and members' own compositions. Please contact our secretary John jda.wood@virgin.net about visiting or joining. Our website is https://clefclub.co.uk for more information.

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

Last month we looked at buying a used computer. This month, let’s look at selling one, and what you need to do to protect all your personal information and files.

Before selling, you obviously need to back up all your files, contacts etc. and move them to your new computer.

Resetting to Factory Settings is the easiest way of wiping your old computer. For the older mechanical hard drive (HDD) this is pretty good at completely removing all your stuff, with a solid state drive (SSD) however, it’s a wee bit different.

If you bought you computer in the last 5 years or so, it will most likely have the faster SSD, check the spec that came with it. Securely deleting files from an SSD is very hard. They use a technique called wear levelling to prolong life and the side effect of that is data can remain on a drive even after you’ve erased it. The easiest way of overcoming that is to encrypt the drive. The content is then all muddled up and protected with a passkey, without the key, recovered files on the drive are complete gibberish, so even if someone does recover your files, they won’t be able to open them.

Some Windows laptops will have encryption enabled by default. To check:

In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security, look for Device Encryption on the left sidebar. If Device encryption isn’t an option on this screen, it’s not available, however try searching for “device encryption” in the search bar, as it may show up there. If Device encryption is turned off, turn it on.

In Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption. If Device encryption is turned off, turn it on. If device encryption isn’t an option, look for BitLockerIn the search box in the taskbar, type “Manage BitLocker” then select it from the result. Click Turn on BitLocker and follow the instructions.

On a Mac the encryption is called FileVault 2. Open System Preferences, Click Security & Privacy, select the FireVault tab and click Turn

on FileVault.

Ok, last chance to backup any files before you proceed, so check again.

To wipe and reset your computer -

On Windows 10:

1. Open Settings and select Update & Security.

2. Click the Recovery tab, then Get Started

3. Select Remove everything.

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings and select Windows Update.

2. Click Advanced Options, then scroll down to Recovery.

3. Click Reset PC then Remove everything. Follow the on-screen prompts, and your computer will restart; depending on the size of your storage drive, this can take a few hours. Eventually it’ll land on the setup screen, and you can power it off. The new owner will be able to set it up in their own name from there.

For a Mac, you need to boot your computer into a special menu:

1. Turn on your computer and immediately press and hold the Command and R keys on the keyboard until the Apple logo appears. Once it does, release the keys. Your Mac will boot into a special recovery menu.

2. Select the Disk Utility option from the menu and Choose your storage drive. Then click the Erase button. Keep the default settings for the format and the scheme.

3. Now click Security Options. If you encrypted the storage drive, you can leave this at the default option, but if you’re formatting an older mechanical hard drive, you should move it up to at least the second most secure tier, “3-pass secure erase.”

Once Disk Utility finishes erasing everything, you can turn off the computer. Or you can go back to the Utilities menu and select Install macOS if you want to start the process for the next owner, but that isn’t required.

Safe to go.

Willie

Melrose Music Society - We begin our new season of concerts on Sunday, 1st October with Emma Abbate and the Sacconi Quartet playing piano quintets by Shostakovich and Dvořák, followed on Sunday, 29th by the Phoenix Duo with works for cello and piano by Beethoven, Schumann, Debussy and MacMillan. Both recitals are in Melrose Parish Church Hall at 3pm. Adults £16, students & 18-25s £5, under 18s free. Tickets available at www.ticketebo.co.uk/melrose-musicsociety and at the door from 2:30pm.

Rolling Hills Folk Club - Friday October 20th - The Folk Club is back for the autumn season and offers a friendly welcome to all ages. Singers and musicians, poets, raconteurs and non-performers (including knitters) can look forward to a relaxed evening in the wonderful Smith Memorial Hall in the centre of Darnick. We enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary contributions from very talented musicians from far and wide and like to encourage young talent. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start. BYOB. Fairtrade tea/coffee available for donation. All ages welcome. £2 per person or pay what you can. The legendary raffle continues! Venue: Smith Memorial Hall,(aka Darnick Village Hall), Abbotsford Road, Darnick, TD6 9AH (with disabled access). There is no parking at the side of the Hall. Please use on-road parking at the wider part of Abbotsford Road, not outside the Hall, other than for drop-off. 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.

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.

Scottish Country dancing at Melrose Reel Club - Our club of friendly dancers meets on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in Melrose Parish Church hall starting on 27 September. If you enjoyed dancing at school, or would like to learn you are very welcome to join us, as would more experienced dancers. Please contact Margaret on 01896 850293 or mmwaller33@gmail.com

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.

Borders Family History Society - Sunday 29th October at 2.30.pm. Monthly meeting: 'The Border Burnings' by Mary Craig informing us of why there were so many 'witches' in Scottish Borders during the 17th century and the persecution that took place. Venue: St. Peter's Church Hall, Parsonage Road, Galashiels, TD1 3HS. All non-members and members welcome.

Melrose Historical & Archaeological Association - Old Melrose Walk. Tuesday 3rd October 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. Please note that this will be the last monthly walk of 2023.

The Trimontium Museum, Melrose - HANDS on HISTORY at the Trimontium Museum - Handle authentic Roman artefacts & learn to craft your own. Oct. 11, 14 and 22, 11 am – 12:30 pm with our very own Ancient Weapons Expert! Join us on Oct. 26 at 7 pm for a fabulous TALK “Walking the Antonine Wall” with Dr Alan Montgomery, in person and online. On Oct. 28 – 29, discover the origins of HALLOWEEN and celebrate SAMHAIN, the Celtic/Gaelic festival, with face painting and activities. Guided Walks to the Trimontium fort site continue Thursdays & Saturdays, 1:30pm. www.trimontium.co.uk

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with Alan Clinch

Choosing an Electric Bike

It’ll be no surprise that the best e-bike for you will depend on what you intend to use it for. There is an e-bike for every type of riding. For example, if you want to commute there are folding bikes and hybrid bikes, or if you want to get off the roads and onto the trails and green lanes then look at mountain bikes or gravel bikes. There are also some really lightweight e-road bikes.

Here is a brief overview of the main types currently available:

Hybrid bikes – these will have a quite upright riding position, flat bars, and have very stable handling. As a rule they are the least expensive (but don’t be fooled – you can spend as much as you like on any of these options!). Hybrid bikes will often have considerable capacity, so you could mount mudguards to keep the worst of the muck off you, or panniers and baskets. Hybrids are good for commuting, just riding around in your local area, or to go on easy trails. Due to their usage, they can be quite heavy as they use simpler motor systems and are pretty robust. This is worth bearing in mind if you are thinking of carrying them or perhaps putting them on a roofrack. Prices for reasonable quality hybrid e-bikes would start at around £2000, though you could pay more or less depending on quality, battery size, range, power, and any accessories. If you’re short of space or want specifically to commute, how about a folding e-bike? Like many other types, the battery will either be hidden in the frame or be removable – a removeable battery makes the bike easier to move around (for example if you need to use public transport on your journey), and can be easier to position for charging. Common folding e-bikes weigh around 17-20kg, with a range of around 40km. Prices start around £2500.

If you’re thinking of an e-MTB (mountain bike), I’d sit down before you start looking at prices! An e-MTB will get you to the top of the trails quicker, particularly if it’s a steep or technical climb. That means that you’re less fatigued for the descents (which generally makes things safer) and getting up the climbs more easily means you can stay

out longer and go further. Again, the technology has come forward in leaps and bounds recently, so weight, performance, and handling is not too dissimilar to a standard mountain bike. If you’ve not ridden an e-MTB before, it’s worth practicing as the extra weight may give your favourite downhill section a slightly different feel!

Finally, road bikes. Road cycling in Scotland will almost certainly involve hills and wind. If this is your thing, then e-road bike could be what you need. Like mountain bikes, the technology has been rapidly improving - most e-road bikes use lightweight motor systems which provide less power than e-hybrid or e-MTBs. This means they’re usually quite a bit lighter too, with the very lightest models around 11kg (compared to about 9-11kg for a normal road bike). The main issue is that many road cyclists will be pedalling at speeds close to the maximum allowed (15.5mph/25km/h) with the motor cutting out above that. It all depends on how hilly your local area is…..

Finally, a note about batteries and range. E-bikes are powered by a rechargeable Li-on battery. This is because of their low weight and high performance, along with typically charging fully in a few hours. As is so often the case, the more expensive the e-bike, the larger the battery capacity, so thus the range. The batteries can normally be charged from a standard wall plug, either whilst on the bike via a port or with the battery removed. Battery packs are often locked onto the bike, as they are expensive items to replace. E-bikes have multiple assistance levels - an eco mode will require more effort, but the battery will last longer. A higher assist setting is useful to get up hills, but will drain the battery more rapidly. If you’re looking for advice, a good bike shop will be able to help.

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. Also, if you’ve not ridden a bike for a while….. get some help and training.

Ingredients

300g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground cinnamon

125g butter

100g soft dark brown or dark muscovado sugar

2 tbsp golden syrup

2 tbsp black treacle

100g royal icing

Black edible food colour pen (optional)

Halloween Gingerbread Men

Method

Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Mix the flour, bicarb, ground ginger and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Put the butter, sugar, syrup and treacle in a pan and heat gently until melted. Pour into the flour mix and combine to a dough (if it feels too stiff, add a drop of water to help bring it together).

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work-surface to about ½cm thick. Cut into biscuits using a gingerbread man cutter, then gather up the off cuts, reroll and keep cutting until you have used up all the dough.

Lay onto two baking-paper-lined baking sheets and cook for 12-14 minutes until dark golden brown. Cool completely.

To decorate, put the royal icing in a bowl and mix in enough water (about 1-2 tbsp) until the texture resembles toothpaste.

Use a piping bag with a very thin nozzle to pipe skeleton outlines on the biscuits. Leave to set, (then add faces with an edible food colour pen or writing icing, if you like)

These will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container. If transporting to a party, put sheets of baking paper between the biscuit layers to keep the icing from being damaged.

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.

Galashiels Inner Wheel Club - The October session of the Inner Wheel Club meets on Tuesday 17th October in Cafe Recharge, Island St at 7pm with a visit from Kimberley Davidson from the Wee Souk shop in Channel St. Also, on 6th October is our International Rally afternoon tea at St Michael’s church hall Musselburgh in aid of The Book Bus. New members from all walks of life are always welcome and for further information on our aims and potential membership please contact Helen on 07780925076.

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 - The October monthly meeting of the Three Brethren u3a is on Monday 16th October, 2pm at the Galashiels Rugby Club. And it will be something a little bit different - Sukie Barber is coming along to tell us about her charity 'Opportunities Zambia'. Its aim is described as 'sending blessings to Zambia from Scotland and creating real opportunities to lift people out of poverty'. We hope that she will bring along some of her famous Sukie's Scones for us to taste. We look forward to seeing many members there, as well as prospective members. £2 entrance, refreshments served. See our website www.u3asites.org.uk/three-brethren

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! This seasons dates are:- October 9 & 23, November 6 & 20, February 5 & 19, March 4 & 18, April 1.

John Lamont MP - Conservative

Buying local makes such a positive difference to our communities and our economy.

That's why I was pleased to support the first ever Scotland Loves Local Week at the start of September. The benefits of buying local are vast and varied.

When we support local businesses, we don't just put money in their pocket. We help everyone who works for them or with them.

When we purchase food from a local shop, we help everyone in the supply chain, from the farmer onwards, who gets that produce to market.

When we visit a local venue, we help everyone connected with it, including their workers, their suppliers, and everyone who helps maintain it.

When we spend money in the Borders, it stays within our local economy. It helps our high streets to survive and thrive. It allows communities to grow sustainably.

And when we buy something from nearby, instead of having it transported from further away, it makes a huge difference to our environment. It is cleaner and greener. It helps to tackle climate change.

We all benefit from buying local in a variety of ways beyond the moment of purchase. That is the essence of the Scotland Loves Local campaign - when we love local, we can create better places to live, work and visit. We are choosing to back local businesses and build stronger communities.

As part of the campaign, I've been delighted to promote and support brilliant Gala businesses like the music and arts venue, MacArts, and Diamond Cycle Centre.

As your local Member of Parliament for the Scottish Borders, I always try to get out and speak with workers and business owners to listen to their concerns and make sure they know I am here to support them however I can.

We can all help local enterprises by buying local as much as we can. Of course, it encourages me that buying local comes naturally to most people in the Borders. We like to support a new local shop. We want fresh produce from nearby. We would rather go local than give money to a big multinational business.

We are lucky to live in a place where there is still a strong sense of community spirit, where we all understand the importance of buying local.

Christine Grahame MSP - SNP

Back in the saddle at Parliament and I have spoken in already a few debates including Scotland’s Food and Drink where I referenced our farmers and drinks producers such as Traquair Brewery. I also reminded the Chamber of the tough time our hospitality sector has had especially during and as a result of covid restrictions. There were so many having equally tough times in Gala from pubs and restaurants, shops, local cinema and Bingo Hall. Not all benefitted from covid support due to the criteria. I also added that during my Summer Surgery Tour I had a delicious lunch at Burts in Melrose. The kedgeree was a delight.

Today it was the issue of Short Term Lets and I took the opportunity to air some constituents’ concerns. It doesn’t always make you popular with your own front bench but for me when I see issues I will speak up, even if not always popular.

Speaking of saddles, tomorrow I have the pleasure of hosting the visit of Blood Bikes - a voluntary group of bikers who deliver small urgent items that are required to be moved from one site to another or to a patient’s home in the community, supporting teams in both primary and secondary care including GPs, District Nurses, Care Homes, and Community Hospitals. I met them at a constituency show and am delighted to introduce other MSPs to this service. They are bringing a motor bike with them into the Garden Lobby and I have no doubt MSPs will be queuing up for a photo-possibly astride the bike! Leathers not mandatory.

Euan Jardine Councillor - Gala & District, Conservative

"It's the hope that kills you" is a quote from not only Ted Lasso, which is one of the best TV shows of the past 20 years, but also a quote that talks about sport and about a lot of things in life where we believe in something with so much hope that we experience a more significant fall in the end when it doesn't work out.

Now, I want to talk about not just hope but actual opportunity, a real chance we have with the town team starting to establish itself in Galashiels. This town team can realign the area in terms of groups and networking, and it can help show where we want to be and what we wish to prioritise. I've seen great examples across the South of Scotland. Stranraer, for instance, has been an outstanding case study on delivering these types of community consultations and creating community decisions that take on people's opinions. They have taken people's ideas and thoughts Continued

and gotten the community to vote on what they see as their priorities for the future. I am sure that is something that the town team in Galashiels will also get behind. It's encouraging that we're moving forward with this proposal because that's the only way for communities to grow organically, with the community delivering that change, not the council, not the Scottish Government, not the UK parliament, but communities themselves growing together to establish a network and make things happen in the town. We don't need to hope it will happen because we know it will happen, so it's a fantastic opportunity to help change the town's landscape.

I will hold advice surgery at Quins restaurant Galashiels on Wednesday 4th October 5-6 pm. 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

Speeding is something that is raised regularly with all councillors and while the permanent 20mph limits throughout towns and villages in the Borders were not universally popular, I think it is important to remember why the measure was brought in – to prevent accidents and potentially save lives.

Since the introduction of SBC’s 20mph limits, there has been a significant change in driver habits, though some still break the limits and I know that is a particular concern for parents walking their children to school. Reducing speed saves lives. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph has a 20% chance of being killed, while a pedestrian hit at 20mph has a 2.5% chance of being killed.

My middle child has just taken over the mantle of his school’s Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) from his big brother (big pressure for number three in a couple of years’ time to carry on the family tradition).

Donning his hi-vis vest and lanyard with pride every morning, he is taking very seriously his responsibility to make sure children can safely walk to school and that vehicles around the school are being driven with care and consideration for young pedestrians.

I’ve asked Andrew to share his top JRSO tips:

“Children should stay on the pavement and as far away from the road as they can. With crossing roads, they should think, stop, look, listen then cross.

“Drivers should be aware of their surroundings, make sure they stay under 20mph and have headlights on when it is dark.”

I hope that pedestrians and drivers alike take heed of this JRSO’s expert advice and keep the roads, and particularly walking and cycling routes to school, safe for all.

Councillor Fay Sinclair, SNP - Galashiels and District. 07773619753 E: fay.sinclair@scotborders.gov.uk

Neil Mackinnon Councillor - Gala & District, SGP

I visited Galashiels foodbank this month, to see first-hand the great work being done by volunteers in our community. Each week up to a hundred packages of food and other vital goods are prepared and distributed.

In these hard times we are living in donations are reducing while demand is going up, I would urge everyone to donate what they can to ensure the foodbank is able to continue to provide this vital service. And if you would like to do more new volunteers are always welcome. It has to be asked though, why is there a need for this service at all? Continued

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!

The Gala Garden October

This is a busy month for gardeners; after the clocks change, night time temperatures fall and precipitation tends to increase, often accompanied by strong wind. So, it is a good idea to get everything tidied up now. That doesn’t mean you should be cutting herbaceous perennials hard back or pruning every shrub. The top growth of perennials protects the crown of the plant from hard frosts and the decaying growth is a home for insects. These insects, and any seeds, are good food for birds foraging in the garden over the cold winter months.

Many shrubs don’t require any pruning now: they either flower on wood made this season –like forsythia – so you would not want to cut off the buds for next year, or, they flower late – like buddleja – and should only be pruned in late winter.

Rose bushes however do need a bit of pruning and that can be completed now, removing flowered shoots, any dead or diseased wood and reducing overall height. Flowered wood on ramblers can be cut back hard and climbers can be shortened, and new shoots tied in with soft string.

Overgrowth on deciduous foliage shrubs can wait another month until you can see the structure of the plant. Then remove the dead, the diseased and the damaged, take out any crowded or crossing branches and stop. Always cut back to a main stem.

If you have hedges to clip, start with any

coniferous ones and try to do the work before there is a risk of frost at night which will brown off the cut tips. Deciduous hedges like beech and privet can be done at the end of this month or in early November.

There is still time to move any shrubs which have outgrown their position. Prepare the new planting hole first, digging a bigger hole than you need and adding good compost. Put a handful of bone meal in the hole. Dig round the shrub beyond the spread of the branches and lift the whole root ball. Get some help if this is a big plant. Re-plant the shrub, making sure that the compost comes to the same level at the stem of the plant. Firm in gently. Check this plant if there are windy periods and re-firm.

Rake up fallen leaves and stuff them into black bags to rot down to make leaf mould. This will take a few months but the resulting material is invaluable for improving the texture of clay soil. The lawn will benefit hugely from some attention now: remove thatch and spike all over, brushing in a mixture of 50:50 compost and sharp sand to improve drainage. Cut the grass to about an inch.

Weed the borders and top up the bark mulch if necessary.

If you’ve done all that, and the spring bulbs are in, take the time for a walk in the woods to enjoy the last of the autumn leaves because winter’s coming.

Sheila Drummond

In 2010 when the Conservatives came to power foodbank use was very low with only approx. 40,000 foodbank users in the UK. Last year foodbank usage had increased to such an extent that approx. 2.9 million people used a food bank at least once, around 14% of whom were in work, including nurses and other NHS staff.

This increase in reliance on foodbanks is a direct result of political choices made by the Conservative government in Westminster that punish the less well-off while benefitting the rich. It is a disgrace that in a rich country such as ours that people rely on the generosity of others and the work of volunteers to put food on the table.

The only way to change this is to vote for Independence and allow Scotland to take control of its resources and take care of our own properly.

Citizens Advice Bureau

We have been incredibly busy over the past few months with enquiries from our local citizens on a wide variety of topics. We do endeavour to deal with every enquiry as quickly as possible – but this is only possible due to the commitment and dedication of our team of advisers. Our Service is very much dependant on Volunteers for both advice giving and governance.

We are eager to recruit and train new people to help meet the demand for information, support and advice. We have a fantastic training programme to learn new skills as well as opportunities for further learning and development. Many of our volunteers gain paid employment from the skills obtained from our volunteering and training programme.

If you would like to know more about our volunteering opportunities, please do get in touch. If you are worried about your growing debt and increased monthly costs, please contact us. Our advice is always free, confidential.

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 - October 2023

Weds 4th - Film Premiere - The Difference Between Us By Etienne Kubwabo

Thurs 5th - Music: Folk - Polly Paulusma & Kathryn Williams, The Big Sky Tour 2023

Fri 6th - Music: Incubator Session - 8 Days / Devin Casson / Radio Silence

Sat 7th - Music: Gypsy Blues Bop N Stroll, The Urban Voodoo Machine

Thurs 12th - Comedy/ Sketch Show - Weegie Hink Ae That

Fri 13th - Music: Indie - Wrest

Weds 18th - Music: Rock - The Damn Truth

Fri 20th - Music: Folk - Martin Stephenson & The Daintees

Sat 21st - Music: Rock - Blizzard Fest - Rsdb/Earl Of Hell/Dog Tired/ Black Lesion

Sun 22nd - Music: Event/ Music - Richard Jobson (The Skids) & Martin Metcalfe (Goodbye Mr Mackenzie)

Thurs 26th - Music: Indie - Withered Hand

Continued on page 30

Sat 28th - Event: Halloween Cabaret - The Spooky Revue Burlesque And Cabaret

Sun 29th - Music: Indie Pop - Randolph’s Leap

www.macarts.scot / 01896 756852

Gala Cricket Club

The 2023 cricket season has ended and, despite some memorable episodes, what will live long in the memory is how poor the weather was! The 1st XI had 6 games affected by rain and, rather than be in the mix for honours at the end of the season, they had to settle for 4th place in the Championship. To be realistic, the club, in April, would have been happy with fourth place but in mid-season the guys had built up a head of steam and it looked as if they might win the title for the 3rd consecutive year. It was not to be however and fair play to this season’s champions, Edinburgh South.

The real success story of this season was the performances of Gala’s 2nd XI who won promotion from Division 6 in impressive style, despite also having 6 games cancelled. They finished with 9 wins from the 12 they played and, if the team can stick together for another season or two, they will help achieve the club’s aim of having the 2nd XI’s playing in as high a league as possible. Gala’s policy of employing a professional has paid off again this year and, it was not surprising when Janith Chathuranga was voted “All-rounder of the Year” at this season’s presentation evening. In 18 games throughout the summer, Janith scored 656 runs, took 31 wickets and held 14 catches.

Other awards went to Siddanth (Sid) Ponneri (494 runs) who won “Player of the Year” and “Players’ Player of the Year”, while Max Hastings (376 runs) won “Player of the Year” for the 2nd XI and Robbie Paterson (203 runs and 18 wickets) was voted “Young Player of the Year”.

It has been another good year for the junior section who have proved to be among the best in the Borders but who can also be proud of the performances against strong opposition from Edinburgh clubs who are supported by private schools. Particular thanks are due to the coaches and drivers and all the parents who provide the back up to the two teams.

If you are reading this and want to be involved more closely with Gala Cricket Club, please get in touch through our web site www.galacricketclub.co.uk

Look forward to seeing more of you at Meigle Park next season.

GAOS Musical Theatre

Rehearsal for our 2024 production of ‘Me and My Girl’ are now well underway. The Company has spent the last few weeks getting to grips with the music and were all invited to take part in our auditions evening a couple of weeks ago.

And a very successful evening it was! Auditions were held for all principal roles (large and small) and for those wishing to take on principal dancing roles and we now have in place a very talented and enthusiastic cast who are looking forward to taking on their roles.

So everything is now in place and we are raring to go to bring this well loved musical classic back to the Volunteer Hall stage in March. Look out for next months update when we will give some more detail on individual principal castings and how everything is progressing in our last update before our Christmas break.

Rotary Club of Galashiels and District

Join over 1.3 million people worldwide to be part of projects that support communities locally, nationally and international. We recently supported a club member who raised over £5,000 for Borders Water Rescue Team.

The plans are advancing for Santa Sleigh visits and the annual Christmas Market on 2nd December. You can see recent events and news on our FaceBook page Galashiels and District Rotary Club, via the website or by calling Club Secretary Rae Hastings on 01896 752924.

Borders Chamber Choir

The Borders Chamber Choir is Scotland’s newest choir. It aims to number approximately 25/30 made up of gifted amateurs and semi-professionals, and to perform a wide variety of accompanied and unaccompanied choral music to the highest standard. It is being created by its director, Robert Marshall who is widely regarded as a choral conductor and director. Plans for our first year include:

• A performing window at the inaugural concert of the Borders Chamber Orchestra on 4 November 2023

• A performance of Bach’s St John Passion on Easter Saturday 2024

• A performance in the Melrose Music Festival 2024

Membership is by audition, to be held first on 30 Sept 2023 in Melrose Parish Church Hall, 10.30am – 2.30pm, with the first rehearsal on Sat 4 Nov 2023. Other audition dates will be set owing to demand.

Please contact us at borderschamberchoir@gmail.com to register an interest and to book an audition place!

Caddonfoot Hall

‘Charles Lapworth, one of Britain’s greatest geologists’

Join us to hear a talk by Dr Malcolm Lindsay on Charles Lapworth, who lived in Galashiels from 1864 to 1875, and whose research led to an understanding of the geology of the Southern Uplands.

At Caddonfoot Hall, Clovenfords, on Friday 3rd November at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm. Entry £3 includes refreshments.

For more information email infocaddonfoot@btinternet.com

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.

Sunday services are in these church buildings. Morning services will be held in Trinity building from 1st October to 31st March 2024.

DOPAMINE DECOR!

power of colour in your home!

COLOUR! We all love colour, some more than others and our choices of them are uniquely personal. While you might love dusty pinks, your best friend finds it revolting and prefers electric lime! However, colour can go much deeper than that. They have a deep tap root in our psychology and can be quite spell binding, playing a huge role in our health and wellbeing; allowing us to feel more relaxed, energetic, happy as well as even helping us regulate our sleep and body temperature. One thing is for sure, choosing the right colour for the purpose and feel of each room can have a big impact on how you feel in your home.

ORANGE! A joyful fiery colour, and perhaps a favoured flavour of sweet, but interior design trend experts say that this colour featuring in peoples homes in 2023 is a mini act of post-pandemic rebellion! Perhaps after being locked away in a home full of grey for almost 2 years has made people feel the need for something expressive! Orange invigorates the senses, enhances moods, and even improves neural function. Much like magenta, pops of this happy colour in your soft furnishings can really add to an already decorated room, or if you feel an act of rebellion coming on, perhaps go all out with statement walls! Although orange packs a punch, earthier terracotta or rusty tones can help to create a sense of warmth and support, as well as relaxation, making it a good colour for rooms where you like to unwind in.

MAGENTA! VIVA MAGENTA! Pantones colour of the year 2023! This punchy attention grabbing colour of beauty is really having a moment this year whether it be at its full bloom or in its softer hazier pastel hue. As you can already tell, Magenta really is a good wellbeing colour. It’s playful in pops of colour around your home, whether it’s on soft furnishings or fully painted rooms. This colour is fun, feminine, evokes passion and romance and even boost creativity! If full bloom magenta is a bit too bold for you, then perhaps opt for the calming, and comforting pastel hue. A pastel pink shouldn’t be underestimated, as it is a powerful colour towards our mood. Scientifically proven to reduce anger, and frustration. So after a stressful day, walking into a hallway or living room coated in that all encompassing cloak of the rosy hue can help dissipate that bad mood. And to take things further, by choosing an earthy (or dirty as my mother would call it) hue, you can additionally help feel more secure and grounded.

The psychological

YELLOW! A bright, happy colour! But there’s much more to yellow than it just being a happy colour. Although it evokes positivity and even optimism, yellow also can make people feel hungry, a popular colour for kitchens and dining rooms. Yellow also, can help regulate your sleep cycle - hello yellow bedroom - as well as boost your mood in areas where natural light isn’t always available, or where you can’t access outdoors. So it’s also a great choice for flats or homes without gardens. And, it doesn’t stop there, yellow is also a great colour for creativity and an increase energy levels! If a bright sunshine yellow is a bit much for you try choosing something more earthy and mellow, such as wild wonder by Dulux, or even a rich mustard accent colour in your soft furnishings.

EARTHY BROWN Yep,brown. Brown is not boring and don’t worry if used right, won’t look 70’s - if you don’t accompany it with magenta, mustard and orange!! Earthy Brown to be more precise, as opposed to chocolate, is a more neutral almost sandy colour this year. As fail-safe as grey, in fact, it’s the new grey. Helping to create a soothing atmosphere and allowing you to mentally de-clutter and calm your racing mind. It even helps reduce our internal temperature. Also, a perfect colour for a cold room, perhaps your north facing snug room, add in some soft textures and it can be a real cosy treat. Brown in the home is associated with feelings of stability and comfort, and can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. So zen.

COOL EARTHY GREENS Think sanctuary sage, soft moss, morning dew on fresh grass. Cool, earthy (the theme of 2023) tones for green to give you that calm ‘sanctuary’ feel to your home. Green allows us to feel that natural connection to nature, and can help our minds relax thus allowing our bodies to do the same. A perfect colour to integrate into your bedroom, as it aids good sleep by promoting calmness and in your bathroom, green can help create that spa like feel, of peace and solitude. Green can also be such luxurious colour also, especially when you use a dark green to create a statement, perfect for a living room or dining room.

SOOTHING BLUES Blue is a colour that crops back from time to time. Whether you choose an opulent deep blue, such as the classic Hague Blue, or a cool soothing hue, blue can have a wonderful impact on your wellbeing. Perfect to promote a sense of calm and provide a restful atmosphere. Blue, or navy tones to be precise, can also have great affect on our concentration and focus, as well as creativity, so is perfect in an office. Blue in fact has been shown to help lower blood pressure also!

MONOCHROME This colour scheme trend is huge at the moment, especially in - you guessed it - earthy tones. Soft muted and to many, quite boring. However, using a monochrome colour scheme can make interior design looks feel more cohesive, and incredibly curated. The benefits of a monochromatic scheme is simple, it allows your eye to not register so much at once. So it’s very beneficial helping create a calming space and make a room or home feel relaxing. A great mood booster! To create that all encompassing, enveloping mood boosting atmosphere paint your ceiling the same colour. The room will look a little larger too, and saves you the effort of keeping the edges very neat. You can also opt for black and white, but using softer black tones or even dark navies/greys and use a gentle, neutral tone instead of a stark white can be a gentler contrast.

THE NO-TRENDS

TREND

Another new trend making a great impact. A complete rebellion against the short lived, TRENDS. This non-trend allows you to maintain a personal and very individual sense of style. By simply incorporating designs you love, that hold deep sentiment, that allow you to express yourself, using colours that make you feel your best can create a home you love the most. This no trend vision can create a real sense of timelessness and uniquenss. Popular brands are now focussing on timeless designs and some brands are entirely timeless and choose to ignore trends in their ethos. An interior design top tip, choose a season that you love most. The seasonal colours you’re always drawn to. This use of colour psychology can help you follow a colour palette that not only refreshes your space and make you feel your best but also can help maintain a curated design.

1st October 11am Trinity- Harvest Thanksgiving and Girls Brigade enrolement, 6.30pm St John’s

8th October 11am Trinity, 6.30pm St John’s

15th October 11am Trinity, 6.30pm St John’s

22nd October 11am Trinity, 6.30pm St John’s

29th October 11am Trinity, No evening service

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

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

Bible Study - House Group meets on Tuesday Mornings.

Guild - meets fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons 2.15pm. Will meet again from 3rd October In Old Parish& St Paul’s. All welcome.

Coffee Stop - Wednesday mornings. 10am – 12noon. St John’s small hall. Drop in to meet friends.

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

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

Choir Rehearsals – Thursdays at 7pm. Meet in Trinity small hall. Anyone who enjoys singing will be made very welcome. There is no necessity to be able to read music! There will be no choir rehearsals 5th & 12th October.

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.

Messy Church - meets from 3.00-5.00pm on the second Sunday of the month. On Sunday 8th October we’ll be meeting in Bowden Kirk for the usual stories, games, crafts, singing, food and fun. 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 11am - the next is on Wednesday 18th October 2023. All are very welcome.

Autumn Glory at Dawyck

Dawyck Botanic Garden at Stobo, near Peebles, is one of the world’s finest arboreta and a delight to visit in autumn.

As the days begin to shorten the Garden foliage starts to turn from green to all different hues of reds, oranges and yellows. These wonderful changes are all about survival and are nature’s way of recovering the goodness in the leaves and ‘recycling’ the energy to help sustain the plant over the winter period of dormancy. The reduction in chlorophyll production (the green colour in the leaves) is triggered by the onset of cooler, crisp weather and the shortening of the days. The chameleon coat is the by-product of a gradual extraction of chemicals from the leaves which shows up as changing colour pigments in the leaf surface.

Dawyck has many plant species which are known for their autumn colour including the vine maple which is always the earliest to colour up. From as early as August this ‘shrubby’ tree shows off its autumn hues and holds them right through until October. Other maples with autumn colour include the Japanese maple, Acer palmatum and Nippon maple, Acer nipponicum as well as Acer rufinerve, the Snake Bark maple which also has the most amazing striped green and white bark. The candy floss tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, also from Japan, has the bonus of having the most wonderful scent resembling burnt sugar or candy floss, both in spring, when the leaves are beginning to unfurl, and once more in the autumn when its yearly cycle is coming to an end. During a visit to Dawyck in autumn, look out for other splashes of vibrant colour from Betula alleghaniensis, the swamp birch and the Chinese cork tree, Phellodendron Chinense.

When you are walking around the Garden, don’t forget to look down. Autumn is a wonderful time for lower plants and fungi. Avid spotters can see a wonderful array of fruiting bodies of all shapes, sizes and colours littering the woodland floor. These unusual ‘fruits’ are the mechanism by which the fungi reproduces through spores.

If you would like to learn more about the magical kingdom of fungi, why not join mycologist Neville Kilkenny for a Fungal Foray at Dawyck, home to the world’s first Cryptogamic Sanctuary, on Sunday 1 October at 10.30am. The cost is £5 plus normal Garden admission. The Garden will open in support of Scotland’s Garden Scheme charitable beneficiaries on Sunday 8 October. Come along and join a Garden Tour at 2pm to find out more about Dawyck and its plant collection, which includes some of Britain’s oldest and tallest trees.

If you are on the lookout for new plants for your garden, then don’t miss Dawyck’s Autumn Plant Sale on Sunday 22 October. It will be held from 10am to 3pm and entry is free. After stocking up on new plants, visitors can join one of the regular Sunday tours at 2pm.

The latest creations by the Woodneuk team, formerly part of the workshop of the late Borders’ craftsman Tim Stead, are being exhibited in the Dawyck Studio until the end of November. On display is furniture crafted from the finest hardwoods, namely elm and oak, as well as burr elm sculptures by David Lightly. For details about the Garden and events visit rbge.org.uk/dawyck.

By Graham Stewart, Curator at Dawyck Botanic Garden, a Regional Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

www.rbge.org.uk/dawyck

Galashiels Baptist Church

Galashiels Baptist Church is a community of Christians committed to loving God, each other and our local community.

We are open to all ages and you are welcome to join us in our building or online. 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.

After a break for many activities over the summer and with the new school year upon us, these are the activities we have going on:

Sundays - 10:30 am (weekly) – Sunday Service, A mix of worship music, prayer, and teaching with creche and Sunday Club for children.

Tuesdays - 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 served.

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 served.

All of these activities take place at our building on Victoria Street and we’d love to see you there at any of them and get to know you.

We also have a number of different house groups which meet regularly to study the Bible together and enjoy fellowship. Please contact us if you’d like to join one.

For the most up to date information please visit our website: www.galashielsbaptistchurch.org.uk

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 until 5th October, Father Benedict Iwatt from 6th October.

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.

Gala Rugby Club

New League Structures for Gala and Gala A

We have begun our 2023-2024 season with a mixed bag of opening results across our sections. Gala Rugby starts this season with new Head Coach Craig Dods and Dean Keddie as Assistant Coach. There are also a number of young players stepping up this year from the Wanderers to senior rugby so there are lots of new (young) faces in the Gala side. This also sees a new National 1 League structure containing only ten teams, instead of the previous twelve.

Gala’s first away game of season was against Watsonian’s which saw the result go to the home sides way, so Gala returned to Netherdale to focus on their next game which saw us host GHA. This result went Gala’s way and was a huge boost to the confidence of the team. The squad now look ahead to their next matches as they will both be physical contests.

The Wands travelled to Perthshire RFC in the first game of the new format of the Scottish Youth Cup (U18) where they came away with a fantastic win, 47 points to 19. GRT U16’s were at Boroughmuir also in the Scottish Youth Cup (U16) and were unfortunate to not get the result they had hoped for but will take on the learnings for their future games. Vixens started their season in the Aspiring League, and we wish them good luck for the season ahead.

The new Border Junior League started at Netherdale where Gala A played Peebles, it was a brilliant game and could have gone either way, but it was Gala who held out of the win on the night, and it was brilliant to see a big crowd supporting the local league. We hope all these games will be well attended and its great for the Border clubs to be playing more local rugby this season – see attached Border Junior League logo.

With a new season brings new events to the club. The Rugby World Cup is now in full swing and we have a special hospitality lunch with a full day of World Cup rugby and Gala in action on the 7th of October. We have our annual Ladies Lunch on the 14th of October where we enjoy lots of bubbles and a lovely 2 course lunch. There is a huge amount of excitement surrounding our Fireworks night on the 4th of November which sees us team up with St Peter’s Parent Council to bring light back to the skies of Galashiels with our Disney inspired fireworks. The family can enjoy a hospitality lunch prior to the game and gain free entry to the night-time spectacular.

Gala Rugby were extremely saddened to hear of the death of Jim Gilchrist, a former Club President. Jim was an officer and a boy in the 3rd Galashiels Boy’s Brigade at St Peter’s Church and played his rugby for Gala Wanderers and Gala 2nds. He was instrumental in forming the Gala Rugby Football Supporters Club in the 80’s and then along with the late Donald Fairgrieve and Jim Riddell in the September of 1996 setting up the ever-popular Friday Lunches. Jim had the honour of becoming the Gala Rugby Football Club President from 1995 to 1997 and being President of the Border League at the same time both of which he carried out with great distinction. Jim was also elected a Life Member of the Club.

Fixtures Gala 1XV Gala A 2XV Gala Wanderers

30th Sept Melrose (A) Jed- Forest (H) Hawick Youth (H)

7th Oct Ayr (H) Hawick Force (A) West of Scotland (H)

14th Oct Highland (H) Kelso Sharks (H) Melrose Wasps (A)

21st Oct Glasgow Accies (A) Peebles Reds (A) Duns (H)

28th Oct Dundee (H) Melrose Storm (H) Selkirk (H)

Mini’s training Sundays 10-11am

Vixens training Wednesdays 6.45-7.45pm

Caddonfoot Parish Church

As we move quickly into autumn, it has been another busy month at Caddonfoot Parish Church, where services continued to be led by Locum, the Rev. June Johnston.

The services each Sunday at the earlier time of 9.30 a.m. have proved successful and welcomed by the congregation.

In the minister’s absence at any time, services were led by Mrs Catriona Bird and Mrs Anne Grieve, both of whom also play the flute with Andy Bird keyboard and piano.

On the fifth Sunday of each month, on a trial basis, there are united services with St Mary of Wedale, Stow and Heriot at 10.30 in each congregation on a rotational basis. The next one is in Heriot Church on October 29.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion was led by the Rev. Johnston on the first Sunday of September before which she walked round the church (a weekly routine) to greet members as she had to rush off quickly to take worship in Heriot.

The Bible continues to be read by church members with different people reading throughout the summer. Refreshments, provided by varying members of the congregation, are enjoyed after each service. The Kirk Session meeting was held on the last Thursday of August when various items were discussed. The Harvest Thanksgiving service is on Sunday, October 1, and the Church and Community Harvest newsletter has now been produced.

Apart from messages from the Rev Johnston, there are articles by the Lothian and Borders Presbytery Moderator, the Very Reverend Dr Susan Brown, and Presbytery Clerk, the Rev Norman Smith. The magazine also features the 70th wedding anniversary of former members, the Rev Jack and Ena Kellet, and a ‘first’ book written by Virginia Lingstadt, daughter of member Kathleen – and much more.

Visitors and church-goers are reminded to exercise care when walking through the Memorial Garden area.

There’s a reminder to leave any bags for the Food Bank in the vestry. These will be delivered by Miss Frances Pringle. And another reminder: to hold on to your disused stamps for Atholl Innes, who saves them for the Eden Valley Hospice at Brampton.

St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church

We are delighted to announce that we have a new minister – Rev Dr Lesley Penny.

Lesley is currently a Curate at St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh and has been training with the Scottish Episcopal Institute for the last five years. A vet by profession, she has been involved in church leadership for over 30 years in Edinburgh. Lesley has felt a call towards the Borders for a long time and is delighted to be coming to the linked charges of St Peter’s, Galashiels and St John’s, Selkirk.

Lesley says, “The Scottish Borders have been on my heart since the start of the ordination process over 6 years ago. So when this position was advertised I jumped at the chance. Childhood holidays at Gattonside, and time spent at the vet practice at Galashiels when I was a student means that the area around Gala and Selkirk is very familiar. My husband and I are delighted to be moving to a place that we both love.

St Peter’s has been impacted by the challenges of COVID and being without a minister. However, they have maintained regular services and strong community links through Messy Church and

Foodbank. I am looking forward to getting to know the congregation and how I might support and encourage them, as well as building together on the foundations that already exist. It will be great to get started in October!”

Our Sunday Service is at 10:30am when we celebrate Holy Communion.

Healing Service every second Sunday in the month at 6pm. A quiet reflective space. Messy Church every fourth Tuesday in the month from 5:30pm to 7pm. Enjoy food, activities and fun. Children must bring a parent or other adult with them.

Vestry Secretary: John Marsden Email: stpeterschurchgala@gmail.com Telephone: 07538094986.

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

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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.

GALA LIFE

• Gala Life - The Border’s favourite magazine has been running 14 years. A lot of our advertisers stay with us - because it works and continuously generates lots of business.

• Price - Gala Life is the most cost effective way to reach all the residents and businesses in the Galashiels, Melrose and surrounding areas.

• It is truly local - all advertisers operate in, or close to the area.

• Longevity - It isn’t thrown away like the local newspaper. Everyone keeps it as a point of reference from one month to the next.

• Gala Life is published monthly - around the last weekend of the month.

• It is delivered to over 11,500 homes and businesses every month, with up to an additional 500 made readily available for visitors and tourists to pick up.

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We offer a generous discounts for repeat adverts in blocks of 3, 6 or 12 issues. Please call to discuss the options available.

November Edition 13th October

December Edition 13th November

January Edition 8th December

February Edition 13th January

March Edition 13th February

April Edition 13th March

To advertise in Gala Life, to discuss your requirements, or for more information - please contact Debbie on 07545299491 or info@galalife.co.uk

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 October 2023

October pushes Libra, the sign of the scales, into the forefront; this month is all about finding balance and taking time out to review and reflect on your overall wellbeing. Mercury joins the Sun in Libra on the 5th, suggesting that balanced thought and communication is also essential. The Libra new moon arrives on the 14th, new moons are magical times of new beginnings and they are important for ushering in major lifestyle changes. Warrior planet Mars, also in Libra, helps us to weigh up our options in any challenging situations that we may find ourselves in. The energy changes around the 12th as Mars powers on into intense Scorpio, urging many of us on to take the plunge in search of truth, by uncovering anything that we feel is hidden from view. Venus, goddess of love, arrives in practical Virgo on the 9th; commitment and attention to detail become more important now and we may find ourselves showing our love through being of service to others. The Taurus full moon on the 28th suggests a deep need for safety and security, financial matters may also come to the forefront around this time. Beneficial Jupiter and maverick Uranus are both in this sign, suggesting a potential opportunity for abundance, but also for sudden change.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

The Libra Sun and dynamic Mars both occupy a pivotal sector of your chart, suggesting that some exciting developments appear to be up for grabs during the first half of this month. The powerful Libra new moon on the 14th challenges you to up your game and reach out to take some risks, but be sure to weight up both sides of any disagreement before making a final decision.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

Your financial situation, earning potential and your values are all your top priorities this month as the Moon, Jupiter and Uranus all occupy this important area of your birth map. The Sun and Mars both in balanced Libra suggest the possibility of some kind of future joint venture. Venus, your ruling planet, moves from Leo to Virgo on the 9th indicating that some practical decisions may have to be made.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

Love and romance are in the spotlight during October as the Sun and energetic Mars stir up any issues concerning your relationships. Communicative Mercury, your ruler, arrives in Libra on the 5th , finding balance is a key issue this month and some deep soul searching may well be needed; it may be best to think carefully and weigh all options before you express your opinion.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

Home and family are your top priorities this month, particularly after the 5th as Mercury joins the Sun and Mars in Libra, the sign of the scales. The powerful Libra new moon on the 14th highlights a brilliant new beginning and gives you the opportunity to speak your mind as your thinking becomes much clearer and you prepare to forge ahead with an important decision.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

With the assistance of the radiant Sun and dynamic Mars, both in the sign of the scales, October is looking very positive for all levels of communication and negotiations. Your mind should be open but focussed in order to expand your knowledge. Expansive Jupiter is also in a pivotal position to enhance your creativity, optimism and good luck, particularly in your career endeavours.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

Exciting new beginnings are evident as the month commences, the Libra Sun shines brightly on your financial situation and with the assistance of dynamic Mars, some pre-planned changes can now be given the go ahead. A positive Libra new moon on the 14th brings your attention to what is really important and helps you to ignore or dismiss what is no longer valid.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

As Venus, your ruling planet, moves from Leo into Virgo on the 9th plans around finances might take on a more practical role. Your intuition should be at a highpoint assisting with any important decisions that now need to be made. Creative planning is necessary as you consider new and exciting ways to get your message across. Your new moon on the 14th gives a strong boost to achieving goals.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

The Libran Sun and dynamic Mars start the month in the most introspective part of your chart indicating that you need to take care of your physical health as your vitality may not be at its best. All change on the 12th as Mars, your ruling planet, powers into your sign offering you the chance to reconnect with your determination and courage and clearing the path for innovative new projects.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Venus arrives at the highest point of your chart on the 9th, emphasising your need for new directions and challenges in your career. Abundant Jupiter, your ruler, offers opportunities that you hadn’t thought of, but be sure to steer your energy towards realistic targets that can be completed with hard work and determination. The Libra new moon on the 14th suggests an important breakthrough.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Jupiter and Uranus are strong in your chart this month indicating that love and romance are both important themes. There is also a challenge to your work and career situation as the Sun and Mars both illuminate this area of your life. Try not to give into unnecessary self-criticism, as your task this month is to balance logic with imagination. Opportunities arrive after the Libra new moon on the 14th.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

Planetary patterns are urging you to take up a new form of study that can eventually lead to enhanced wisdom and spiritual growth. Venus arrives in Virgo on the 9th indicating that your finances and resources are also due a review. The powerful full moon in Taurus on the 28th brings up issues around your home and family, new projects that require your concentration and endurance could begin now.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

An exciting creative opportunity appears to be up for grabs during October as the communication area of your chart is activated by abundant Jupiter and innovative Uranus. This powerful energy challenges you to up your game and reach out to take some risks. Mars arriving in Scorpio on the 12th could bring some important news, suggesting that your luck is changing.

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 all aspects of your life. Reach your fullest potential 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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