Gala Life August 2016

Gala Life

A local magazine with directory of trades and businesses - 11,500 copies delivered FREE to every home and business in Galashiels, Tweedbank, Melrose, Clovenfords, Darnick, Dingleton, Newstead and Gattonside.

August 2016

Message

Contents

from the Team

Features

Welcome to the August edition of Gala Life. Summer is most definitely here…Gala is buzzing with activity and it’s great to see so many people enjoying all that we have to offer. This issue is jam packed with our great advertisers, giving you the best places to Eat, See and Do! Gala Life is full of your local updates too. Make sure it continues to be the community magazine of first choice by sending in your updates – we can’t do it without you! If you belong to a club, group or team then get in touch and maybe we can run a feature on your club and get you some new members!

In this month’s edition we have a look at finding the old Windows favourite games and a trip to the “Apps Store” – sounds geeky but can mean free stuff for your computer.

It’s time for summer bedding with Shelia Drummond in the garden and the Rugby’s back! I know pre-season is in full swing in my house already ! We also take a look at Arthritis in the Fitness page If you are off to college or Uni we have a feature on banking…..have a read and save yourself £££££’s. For those families with even younger ones, we have the school calendar for 2016/17.

Let’s hope for some good weather and see you all soon.

Student Banking School Calendar

50 52

Regulars Fitness Vet Computing Recipe Garden Sudoko

10 20 22 24 38 46

Community Diary Get Out Clubs & Classes

4 6 26

Useful Numbers Index

54 54

Advertising Debbie - 07545299491

Art & Eds Willie - 07906375953 www.facebook.com/mygalalife

Deadline for September Edition - 15th August Gala Life is delivered to every home and business in the Galashiels, Tweedbank, Darnick, Dingleton, Melrose, Newstead and Gattonside areas. Copies are also left at various ‘pick-up’ points around the area allowing visitors the opportunity to join us.

If you have any queries, suggestions or feedback, please do not hesitate to make contact and don’t forget to keep up with us on Facebook.

Please Re-Cycle ....eventually!

Gala Life 57 Glen Crescent Peebles EH45 9BS Office - 01721 720129 Sales - Debbie: 07545 299491 Artwork - Willie: 07906375953 info@galalife.co.uk

www.galalife.co.uk

Community Events & What’s On In Galashiels Full details in the Get Out pages 1st August 2nd August 2nd August 4th August 6th August 6th August 9th August 11th August 12th August 12th August 13th August 13-14th August 14th August 19-21stAugust 20th August 28th August 31st August 3rd September 3rd September

1.30pm 11.00am 6.30pm 7.15pm 8.00am 10.00am 9.00am 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.45pm 7.30am 6.00pm 10.00am Various 1.00pm 11.00am 7.30pm 10.00am 2.00pm

Old Melrose Monastic Walk Holiday Ranger Club - Bowhill House Handlebards - Much Ado About Nothing - Bowhill Theatre Free Mindfulness Introductory Session - Village Hall, Newstead Berwickshire County Show - Mainsgate Park, Duns Coffee Morning - Galashiels Trinity Church Bird Netting and Ringing with the RSPB Music At Mellerstain Tripping The Light Fantastic - Caddonfoot Hall Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham Peebles Agricultural Society - Grand Open Show The Lady Vanishes - Dudendance Theatre - The Haining The Abbotsford Arrow - Abbotsford House Innerleithen Music Festival Summer Fair - Clovenfords Massed Pipe Band and Family Fun Day - Floors Castle The Eildon Singers - Ormiston Institute Coffee Morning - Galashiels Trinity Church Melrose Flower Show - Melrose Parish Church Hall

Monday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday Sunday Sunday

5.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm 10.00am 10.00am 1.30pm 1.30pm 6.30pm 7.00pm 10.00am 10.30am 7.00pm 7.30pm 10.00am 1.30pm 1.30pm 5.15pm 6.30pm 9.30am 2.00pm

Gala Town Band Junior Section, Band Hall, 6A Roxburgh St Langlee Community Choir at Langlee Community Centre Club Night at Gala Squash Club Stitch & Chat, Gala Library Lipreading Class, RNID, High Street, Gala 'The Roman Way' guided walk from the Heritage Centre Tweedbank Fifty Plus Club Gala Youth & Town Band, Band Hall, 6A Roxburgh St. Gala Galashiels Scottish Country Dance Club, St Paul’s Church Hall Walk It Melrose - meet in Market Square Gentle exercise for older people in Langlee Community Centre Gala Ex Serv Pipe Band - Royal British Legion Club One Acchord Ladies Acappella Chorus Bookbug Sessions at Galashiels Library 'The Roman Way' guided walk from the Heritage Centre, Gala Windbags, Lucy Sanderson Hall Langlee Badminton Club Ladies Night at Gala Squash Club Borders Group of Advanced Motorcyclists Trimontium Fort site walk from the millennium milestone

Remember to keep us informed of all your events, there is no charge for diary entries for non profit and charity organisations. Call 01721 720129 with details, or e-mail to info@galalife.co.uk 4 Gala Life

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1st August - Old Melrose Monastic Walk - Old Melrose Furniture Studio/Tearoom, Melrose - 1.30pm. A guided walk through 2000 years of history including the site of the original Melrose Monastery. £2 which goes towards the excavation. Children free. For more information please call 01835 822823.

2nd August - Holiday Ranger Club - Bowhill House, Selkirk - 11.00am to 1.00pm.

Running two days a week throughout the summer holidays, sessions will include the ever popular den building, pond dipping, while including some woodland art and bush craft sessions.

Booking recommended. For details of each session please ask while booking.

Suitable for ages 6+, and over 8′s can be left unattended. For further information or to book, please call or email info@bowhillhouse.co.uk 2nd August - Handlebards - Much Ado About Nothing - Bowhill Theatre, Selkirk - 6.30pm.

An evening of uproarious fun and first class entertainment is promised as these four young men carrying everything they need on bicycles perform this most glorious of Shakespearean comedies in the atmospheric setting of Bowhill’s beautiful grounds. Tickets are £12 for adults or £10 for under 16s. A family ticket can be bought for £40 (2 adults and 2 under 16s). Booking recommended, call 01750 22204, or info@bowhillhouse.co.uk 4th August - Free Mindfulness Introductory Session - Village Hall, Newstead, Melrose 7.15pm - 8.30pm. Book your place online at www.livemindfully.co.uk or phone Elaine on 01896 822757 or 07739 552752.

6th August - Berwickshire County Show - Mainsgate Park, Duns - 8.00am to 5.00pm. An agricultural livestock show along with family entertainment, horse events, poultry show, vintage display and dog show, created on a beautiful site next to Duns Castle. There is literally something for all ages, based around community groups and entertainment from farther afield. It is truly a family outing, with a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere!

6th August - Coffee Morning - Galashiels Trinity Church - 10.00am - 12 noon. with Cake and Candy Stall. All welcome.

9th August - Bird Netting and Ringing with the RSPB - Woodside Plant Centre and Birdhouse Tearoom Ancrum - 9:00am – 12noon. Suitable for children. Ringing birds is an important part of the RSPB’s research into the habits of birds. We have a variety of garden and woodland birds to net and ring, under the expert guidance of RSPB Field Officer Mike Fraser. A wonderful opportunity to see some of our birds close up, and to contribute to this research.

Free activity, but donations to the RSPB welcome. 01835 830315 for more info. No need to book.

11th August - Music At Mellerstain - Mellerstain House, Gordon - 7.30pm. Violin & Piano Recital. Marcus Barcham- Stevens (Violin) Christina Lawrie (Piano). Kreisler, Beethoven, Grieg, Franck. Light Supper. Tickets £13.50/£17.50 (light supper). 01835 864153 for more info.

12th August - Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham: 'Le Grand Anniversaire' 30th Anniversary Tour - Corn Exchange, Melrose – 7.45pm. Together Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music. Mike Russell has described them as "probably the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear. With their musical magic and quick-witted humour they will pull your emotional strings one moment and have you falling off the seat with laughter the next. 2016 sees Aly and Phil mark many milestones. This will be their 30th year of working together, Aly turns 70 (hard to believe!) in May and Phil also celebrates 40 years as a professional musician. To celebrate they plan some surprises on their annual trip round Scotland including a nostalgic backdrop of images from all those years, and with the release of a new album. Tickets £20 from www.borderevents.com or 01750 725480, just tell them Gala Life sent you :o) continued on page 14

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ALL OFFERS VALID UNTIL 31st August 2016

Arthritis – more common than you might think….

Over the last couple of months I have focussed on how the human body deteriorates when it isn’t used fully. In my own circumstances, a combination of events has resulted in the development of osteo-arthritis in the left knee.

Fortunately, whilst the condition is not curable, it is possible to take some action in order to try and minimise the effects. In this month’s column then, I’ll concentrate on this particular condition: osteo-arthritis. It’s the more common of the two variants (the other being rheumatoid arthritis), affecting around 8 million people in the UK. Whilst it affects people of all ages, including children, it’s most likely to develop in adults over the age of 40. Like many conditions, a family history may increase individual risk, but it can also develop as a result of injury.

Exercise and physical activity are unlikely to make the symptoms worse as long as a few simple rules are followed – try to avoid impact type activities such as running on pavements: exercising on a bike or in a swimming pool will keep muscles strong. The use of walking poles will also help reduce the impact through the joints. Exercise will also help with losing weight, which in turn will improve posture and decrease joint stress. Bear in mind though that doing too much exercise too quickly, or doing inappropriate activities, may damage your joints.

What happens ?

In very simple terms, the internal protective surfaces (cartilage) of the joint wear out.

Every day of our lives the joints are subjected to wear, but sometimes the wear causes damage which cannot be repaired. When the cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, sometimes exposing nerves which will then cause pain and instability.

Because osteoarthritis usually affects the smooth lining of the joint, it makes movement more difficult, leading to pain and stiffness.

Once the cartilage lining starts to thin out, the tendons and ligaments that hold the joint in place have to work harder. In turn, this can cause swelling and the development of bony spurs known as osteophytes. The final stage is bone rubbing on bone. This is likely to alter the shape and alignment of the joint.

What to do ?

The joints most commonly affected are hands, spine, knees, and hips. There isn’t a cure for osteoarthritis, but with care the symptoms can be relieved. The most effective treatments are those that maximise activity – this will help keep muscles and joints strong and bone density up.

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The following two websites are those of the biggest UK organisations working with arthritis, but don’t forget the NHS website which I’ve referred to before. www.arthritiscare.org.uk/ www.arthritisresearchuk.org/ There is absolutely no doubt that if you are suffering from arthritis then you need to get some help from a medical professional – in the first instance this is likely to be your GP. If you think you may be affected by osteo-arthritis, act now……

alan@galalife.co.uk

CHRIS (tiv) MACKENZIE & SON Plumbing & Heating Engineers All types of plumbing & heating work carried out

15 Craigpark Gardens Galashiels TD1 3HZ

01896 757586 07890 100681

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12th August - Tripping The Light Fantastic - Caddonfoot Hall - 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

A 60-minute, interactive music and projection/light performance filtered through the prism of The Blues with live music by British singer/guitarist/songwriter Justin Lavash and live projections by American film maker/video artist Darrell Jónsson. This is an illuminated, finely crafted journey through the Blues’ Delta origins, to the primal electrified call-and-response found on nearly every dance floor and set of headphones today. Tickets priced £8.00, concessions £5.00. Event for over 16's only.

13th August - Peebles Agricultural Society - Grand Open Show - Nether Horseburgh farm, Cardrona, Peebles - from 7.30am to 5.00pm. Food Tent, Education Tent, Craft Tent, Bike Display, Children's Amusements, Licensed Bar, Children's Pet Show, Wool Tent With Interactive Wool Display, Scottish Bee Association, Walkerburn Bowling Club, Swri Handicraft And Baking Tent, Huge variety of trade stands. Free parking. A fantastic family day out, see www.peebles-show.co.uk for full details.

13th & 14th August - The Lady Vanishes - Dudendance Theatre - The Haining, Selkirk – 6.00pm. A highly visual landscape performance in grounds of The Haining. Meet at stables archway. Free. 07907 445578 for further details.

14th August - The Abbotsford Arrow - Abbotsford House, Melrose - 10.00am to 4.00pm.

A unique and popular range of fun and creative activities for the whole family. Watch the archery competition, join in with games and play and stay all day. Garden entry fee applies. For more information contact 01896 752043.

19th- 21st August - Innerleithen Music Festival - Memorial Hall, Leithen Road, Innerleithen.

Great concerts with award winning acts from the world of Celtic Music, including Rachel Sermanni, Manran, The Barra MacNeils, Emily Smith and Boreas. Also, free music all weekend, workshops and sessions. See http://innerleithenmusicfestival.org/tickets or 0774 0681879 for tickets and info.

20th August - Summer Fair - Clovenfords - 1.00pm to 5.00pm. The Braw Lad and Lass will open the Summer Fair at Clovenfords and will lead a fancy dress parade into the park. There will be various activities, tea and coffee, a barbecue and a raffle. In the evening, there will be a disco and a social evening in the hotel. The Fair replaces the Clovenfords Magazine picnic.

28th August - Massed Pipe Band and Family Fun Day - Floors Castle, Kelso - 11.00am to 4.00pm. A fantastic day out for the whole family, featuring pipe bands from across the Scottish Borders. See page 25 for more details.

31st August - The Eildon Singers - Ormiston Institute, The Square, Melrose - 7.30pm till 9.30pm. We meet every Wednesday and start rehearsals again on 31st August. Mixed voice choir. New members very welcome. Contact Sheila Wilson, Secretary, on 01896 757500.

3rd September - Coffee Morning - Galashiels Trinity Church - 10.00am - 12 noon. with Cake and Candy Stall. All welcome.

3rd September - Melrose Flower Show - Melrose Parish Church Hall, Weirhill - 2 pm - 4.30pm.

Long established traditional show including classes for cut flowers, fruit and vegetables, baking, craftwork and floral art. Schedules available from Melrose Library, local shops and the Secretary on 01835 823994 or email bowercarolyn@yahoo.co.uk Get Out entries are free to non profit clubs, groups and organisations.

All entries to info@galalife.co.uk or call Willie on 01721 720129 by 12th preceding month.

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6th August

Xpression

13th August

Jamie Mac Buble Nights

20th August

Cobra

27th August

Bobby Hunter

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07482 303986 Gala Life 17

GALA RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB A Busy Pre-Season Peebles Sevens on 6th August signals the start of the new season for Gala, having been in pre-season since early July. A packed three weeks, culminating in a friendly against Newcastle Falcons on Friday 19th August should give the players plenty of opportunity to prepare for the BT Premiership kick off the following week.

Newcastle last faced Gala at Netherdale on 6th March 1996, winning 24-12 under the name of Newcastle Gosforth. Craig Townsend scored Gala’s two tries and David Changleng kicked a conversion. Featuring on the wing for Gala that day, was current Gala coach Chris Dalgleish.

Newcastle Falcons have visited Netherdale since, however, as guests at the Gala 7’s, also to play European matches against the Border Reivers in 2005 and Exeter Chiefs in 2010.

Kick off on Friday 19th August is at 7:30pm with free entry for members. Prices for non-member are £10 adults, £5 concessions and FREE children. Pre-match food will be available from 6:30pm.

Looking back at last season, Gala managed to maintain their Premiership status in April with a 22-10 play-off victory over Marr at Bridgehaugh. Frankie Robson’s 11 second try gave the Maroons the ideal start against a lively Marr side. Euan Dods and Josh Irvine scored further tries, and a strong defensive display in the second half saw Gala come away with the vital win.

On a wet Friday evening, three weeks prior, an expansive display against Peebles saw Gala score 10 tries, winning 60-12 to put them top of the Booker Border League. With the Border League stretching into the sevens season, the final fixture against Jed-Forest was cancelled allowing the Maroons pick up the trophy for the fourth time in five years. This added to the Waverley Cup which was won back on Boxing Day. Gala open their Booker Border League defence away to Selkirk on Saturday 13th August, with a new two pool system hoping to alleviate fixture congestion and reduce future cancelations.

Gala A finished their season as Border Reserve Cup winners, beating Selkirk A 34-10 in the final at Philiphaugh. They also finished a very respectable fourth in the BT Reserve League National 1.

Gala YM ended up two points behind leaders Earlston, to finish second in BT East Regional League Division 3. With a re-structuring of the East Leagues, Gala YM will enter the new BT East Region League 2 for the 2016-17 season alongside the likes of Langholm and Hawick Linden.

The sevens squad couldn’t quite hit the heights of the previous season with a final appearance at the Kelso Sevens being Gala’s best finish. A large squad was used throughout the series and was is positive to see new recruit, George Lott and Gala Wanderer, Aidan Turner both make their Kings of the Sevens debuts.

A new coaching team has been put in place for the new season. Opeta Palepoi, Chris Dalgleish and Bruce Millar head up this new team, with Ewan Johnstone and Peter Dods assisting in specialist areas. This group, which boasts over 950 appearances for Gala between them, will oversee a squad featuring a number of new and returning players.

Scrum Half, George Lott, has arrived from New Zealand and ex Glasgow Warrior, Gregor Hunter, returns to not only play for the Maroons, but take on the role of Youth Development Officer. Ian Millar will continue to work with the primary schools as well as taking on the Club Manager post. Further new faces are due to appear at the club soon so please keep an eye on the club website and social media over pre-season for further information.

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Gala Rugby Club is greatly appreciative of the support given last season by all supporters and sponsors. A particular thank you to main sponsor Fraser James Partnership and sevens sponsor Five Star Taxis for their continued support.

As the excitement builds towards the new season, please keep an eye on a number of new initiatives such as the new Maroons Family Zone and an improved 1875 membership experience. We look forward to seeing you over pre-season.

The annual Player Awards Dinner took place on Friday 20th May in the Carlsberg Centenary Lounge at Netherdale which featured an excellent speech from ex Gala and Scotland captain, P C Brown. The club also celebrated the international achievements of Rory Sutherland and Lisa Robertson by adding their pictures to the wall. Congratulations go to the following award winners: Gala RFC Edwin Garrett Player of the Year – George Graham and Callum Rowlandson Gala RFC Players’ Player of the Year – Graham Speirs Gala RFC Most Improved Player of the Year – Chris Keen Gala RFC Young Player of the Year – Frankie Robson Gala A Player of the Year – Scott Chapman Gala A Hammer Award – John Watson Gala A Eddie Scissor Hands Award – John Watson Gala YM Player of the Year – Colin Campbell Gala YM Players’ Player of the Year – Colin Campbell Gala YM Young Player of the Year – Graham Dun

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CARLA MURPHY

&

BVMS MRCVS

MELANIE BROAD BVMS MRCVS

Under Pressure?

We all know someone in the family that has high blood pressure, but did you know that that someone could be your cat?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, which is a common problem in people, and also now recognised as a common condition in older cats.

Feline hypertension is commonly found as a complication of other underlying medical conditions (so-called ‘secondary hypertension').

The most common cause of secondary hypertension in cats is chronic kidney disease but other diseases like overactive thyroid or heart conditions can cause it too.

Hypertension is damaging to the body. The effects are most serious in certain vulnerable organs: • Eyes - Bleeding can occur in the back of

the eye if the pressures are too high.

This can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. Often vision can be improved with medications, but sometimes the blindness can be permanent. Often the only thing that you can notice in your cat is that he or she has gone suddenly blind and starts bumping into the furniture.

• Brain - Bleeding into areas of your central nervous system can cause many things like odd behaviour or a wobbly gait. The commonest behaviour issues we see in our patients with undiagnosed high blood pressure are dementia signs. Things like forgetting where to go to the toilet, or asking for food all the time, or sitting in

the middle of the room yowling for no reason. These can all be linked to high blood pressure. Severe headaches can occur in humans with hypertension, and it is likely that cats may suffer something similar.

• Heart - Over time the heart adjusts to the

high blood pressure by thickening the walls of the chambers. This can lead to signs like breathlessness and lethargy.

• Kidneys - Over time the high blood pressure damages the kidneys and increases the risk of kidney failure developing.

Diagnosing high blood pressure in your cat is done in much the same way as getting your own blood pressure taken – a cuff gets put round your arm and then inflated and slowly deflated. The procedure in your cat takes around 10-15 minutes until they are relaxed with the idea of having the cuff on.

During the month of August we are offering some free nurse clinic slots for a free blood pressure check for cats over 10 years old.

Please phone as places will be limited.

Carla

Carla & Mel www.bordervets.co.uk Galashiels Veterinary Surgery Office: Weekdays 8.30 - 6pm, Sat 8.30 - 12noon Gala Terrace, Galashiels. TD1 3JT

01896 752 156 20 Gala Life

Consulting times: Weekdays 9 - 10am and 5 - 6pm, Sat 9 - 11am

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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory Hearts was introduced with 1992's Windows for Workgroups 3.1 - the first network-ready version of Windows - and allowed players to Microsoft moved all the Windows games to the compete with other Hearts players on a local Apps Store with Win 8. That’s not as bad as it network. It wasn't just a card game. It was a way to get people interested in (and hopefully sounds. ‘Store’ conjures an image of a shop, and that means buying things, as in paying for impressed by) the networking capabilities of them. Not so, think of it as a library of thousands the new Windows. and thousands of Apps (short for Applications, FreeCell was released with Windows 3.1 as which was plucked out of a thesaurus by some part of the Microsoft Entertainment Pack Volume 2. It was bundled with the Win32s genius somewhere as a more modern word than Program). A huge number of these Apps package which allowed new 32-bit applications are free and all the old favourites; Minesweeper, to run on the 16-bit Windows 3.1. Its purpose Hearts and Freecell are still available, in fact if was actually to test the 32-Bit data processing subsystem, which had been introduced as part you search the Store for ‘Solitaire’ or type of Win32s. If improperly installed, FreeCell ‘Solitaire’ in the Windows search box – both wouldn't run. So not a game, but actually a will produce the same results - you will get stealth test of software systems. about 730 hits.

Windows 10? Can’t find Solitaire?? You won’t, it’s not there, but all is not lost, not even your money.

There’s always a catch though, isn’t there, and with ‘free’ Apps you get some sort of advertising bundled in free as well. However, it doesn’t cost anything to try the free versions that are on offer. If you find the adverts too distracting, try some of the many clone versions available for download and for online play. You will probably find at least one where both the design and the amount of advertising are acceptable, or simply pay the small charge – and they are surprisingly small, compared to the days when you had to drive down to the nearest computer games shop and buy it on a CD, in a fancy box. Any wonder you don’t see many games shops any more. Just remember to check if your payment is a one of, or monthly, the latter can add up over time.

Interestingly, the ‘old favourites’ were not actually intended as entertainment.

The oldest, Microsoft Solitaire, was first added to Windows 3.0 in 1990. Its real aim was to teach a generation of command line input computer operators how to drag and drop with a mouse, without even realising that's what they were doing.

Explore the Windows Store, there are lots of great apps and like I said, many are free. You will be asked to sign in with your Microsoft Account. This is the e-mail and password you used when you first installed or upgraded to Windows 10. The e-mail appears when you first boot up windows and depending on how you initially set it up, may or may not ask for your PIN. Your PIN is not your password. If you were overcome with excitement when you opened Windows 10 for the very first time and skipped setting up an account, that’s no problem, there is an option to create an account. When you go to the store, select Sign in. In the Sign in page you will see the option ‘No account?

Create one!’ Select that and follow the simple instructions. You can use any e-mail address you have; it doesn’t need to be a Microsoft one. Just make sure you use one that is both valid (they will send a verification e-mail) and one that you do check regularly.

So, now that games have been removed from Windows 10, and when you go looking for them in your search bar you are instead shown search results from the Windows Store, where you can download the latest versions. Maybe Minesweeper was introduced to Windows 3.1 - that's intentional, what better motivation do you not to demonstrate that Windows was an adept need to learn how to use the Windows Store, gaming system, but to make the idea of left than to get your hands on your favourite and right clicking second nature, and to teach games? Microsoft still teaching by stealth speed and precision in mouse movement. then?

Willie

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Barbeque Spare Ribs Barbeque ribs are a bit of a misconception. They are really a US Southern States speciality, where racks of ribs are cooked long and slow, like up to 8, even 12 hours in a relatively low temperature fire-pit, as opposed to our BBQ where food is cooked quickly over a hot grill. The secret then, is to compromise, cook the ribs in an oven first, then finish off on the BBQ. A method well suited to our weather! Here’s a tasty recipe to get you started: 2 racks of baby or loin back pork ribs. Ask the butcher to remove the membrane from the back, or you can do it yourself quite easily. This helps the marinade flavour all the meat.

For the Marinade • 1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped • 2 heaped tablespoons tomato ketchup • Thumb sized fresh ginger peeled and grated • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped • 100mls soy sauce • 150mls apple juice • 100g soft brown sugar • 100mls white wine vinegar Preheat the oven to 200ºC. • Drizzle a little oil over the ribs and rub all over with a some salt and pepper.

• Make the marinade. Place the chilli, ginger and garlic into a medium pan along with the apple

juice, white wine vinegar, tomato ketchup, mustard, soy sauce and brown sugar. Whisk together and place over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

• Put the ribs in a large roasting pan, brush with the marinade and cover with foil.

• Cook in the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the meat pulls away from the bone easily.

Baste the ribs with the marinade after 30 minutes. After 1 hour remove the foil, baste and cook, uncovered, for the final 15 minutes, basting again after 10 minutes.

• Fire up the BBQ and when hot, transfer the ribs to it. Cook over a medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the edges and caramelise some of the marinade.

Slice the ribs and enjoy, there’s nothing better than eating ribs with your fingers and chewing on the bones !!

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Caddonfoot Parish Church: Members of the congregation moved to Trinity Church in Galashiels on June 26 for the Kirkin’ of the Braw Lad and Braw Lass at the starting of the Gathering Week. The service was conducted by the Rev Elspeth Harley. The Principals read the Bible and the children took part in various activities. There was a presentation to Mrs Claire Macfarlane, who was standing down as Caddonfoot Youth (CY) Leader, and the children received Bibles. Services resumed at Caddonfoot the following Sunday, when the Session Clerk, Mrs Anne Grieve, led the service and the Rev Harley read the Intimations. During the service, member James Macfarlane sang ‘Focus My Eyes’. Bible Study is now having a summer break and the church remains open to the public on certain days.

Hope Church - We are a lively and inclusive contemporary Christian Church recently established and thriving in the Scottish Borders. We gather every Sunday to worship together and celebrate the presence of God in our lives. Our meetings are lively and informal, family friendly, with a blend of traditional and contemporary worship led by a great band. Everyone is welcome, whether you have a church background or are just seeking answers to the big questions in life. So please join with us any Sunday at 4.00 pm at Tweedbank Community Centre, Essenside Drive. See our website for more details: www.hopechurchborders.org.uk Galashiels Baptist Church We are a friendly and welcoming church, which seeks to make the Bible relevant to our everyday lives. Our worship is mainly contemporary in style and we use media to enhance our worship of God. GBC, as it is known, is not a church that is religious, but a group of people who have discovered a personal and living relationship with Jesus Christ, who have experienced his transforming power and who are on an exciting journey of faith to find our true purpose in life through Him. Our services are family-friendly with something for all ages, and we meet every Sunday at 10.30am through till 12noon, in Victoria Street, Galashiels (TD1 1HH for GPS users) Normally we enjoy refreshments after the service, which gives everyone time to connect with others. There is a full programme of activities for children from crèche age, right through to a lunch club for the elderly, throughout the week. You can find out more on our website www.galashielsbaptistchurch.org.uk. So why not give us a try.

St Peter's Episcopal Church - 1st Sunday each month 10.30am Family Communion Service.

2nd Sunday evening at 6.00pm there is a healing service. 3rd Sunday each month 8.30am Holy Communion. All other Sundays 9.30am Sunday Squad followed by juice and toast, 10.30 Sung Eucharist followed by friendly chat over tea and biscuits in the hall. We also have a midweek Communion Service at 10.00am in Thursday mornings. Also on Thursdays there is a Study Group which starts at 11.00am and is followed by a soup lunch.

St Peter’s Church Music Group - for all pre school children every Monday and Friday 10am to 11am. Term time only. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Holy Trinity Church, Melrose - Taizé worship is held at Holy Trinity Church, High Cross Avenue, Melrose, on the last Wednesday of every month. See 'What's On' for dates and times.

Taizé is a form of non-denominational Christian worship involving sung and chanted prayers, meditation, a period of silence, and liturgical readings, with no preaching. The experience has been quoted as being "poetic and contemplative." The style of prayer practiced is sung in an almost Buddhist style of meditative chanting.

All are welcome to join in the service, which is based on the worship style of a monastic community located in Taizé, northern France. Members of the community make a life commitment to live in joy, simplicity and mercy as a "parable of community," a sign of the Gospel's call to reconciliation at the heart of the world. For further information visit our website at www.holytrinitymelrose.org.uk, telephone 01896 822626, or you can e-mail us at infoholytrinity@gmail.com continued on page 30

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Expires 31st August 2016

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Our Lady and St Andrews Catholic Church ministers to a weekly congregation of around 200 at 1100 Mass. There is a lively choir and time to chat at tea and coffee, after. We are fortunate in having a flourishing Polish community. On Wednesday evenings in Lent there will be Stations of the Cross at 7 pm. All visitors are welcome.

Heart and Soul: The weekly Heart and Soul class continues in the Borders General Hospital’s Chaplaincy Centre each Thursday from 5 to 6 pm for patients who have been through the heart rehabilitation programme. There are several Galashiels members, and talks have taken place on the possibility of a monthly gym class under a professional trainer.

Langlee Community Choir rehearses on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Langlee Community Centre, Galashiels. The choir always welcomes new singers of any age or ability. If you are a shy singer, the choir will bring out your confidence. If you only sing in the shower, why not come along and have a go? No pressure, no auditions, just good fun. Keep watching out in Gala Life or listen to local radio for upcoming performances. To book the choir or for any other information, please visit the contact page of our web site at www.langleecommunitychoir.org.uk/contactus.html One Acchord Ladies Acappella Chorus - invites you to join us most Wednesdays 7.30pm 9.30pm, plus one Saturday pm per month at Newtown St Boswells Community Hall TD6 0QX. Try free for 4 weeks. For more info call 01896 668594 or 07989461012.

The Eildon Singers - Meet every Wednesday in the Ormiston Institute, The Square, Melrose, from 7.30pm till 9.30pm. Starting rehearsals again on 31st August. Mixed voice choir. New members very welcome. Contact Sheila Wilson, Secretary, on 01896 757500.

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, Lynn Ker on 01896 755814.

The Galashiels Town Band - Mondays - Gala Junior Band, 5.00pm - 6.00pm, Tuesdays, 6.30pm Gala Youth Band and 7.45pm Gala Town Band. Band Hall, 6A Roxburgh Street, Gala.

Open to experienced and inexperienced players of all ages. Instruments can be supplied, so go give it a try!

Redgauntlet Archers - Beginners Class 2016, a 5 week course commencing Thursday October 13th at 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Langlee Community Centre Hall. Minimum age is 16. Limited number of spaces available if interested please contact Fiona Cowburgh on 01896 759677 for further details and to register.

Galashiels Studio Club workshops - Meet every Thursday evening at 7.30 pm in Old Gala House, with craft afternoons on the last Thursday of every month, up to the 11th March 2016.

Further info please telephone: 01896 820023.

Langlee Badminton Club - Every Thursday at Langlee Community Centre, 5.15pm - 7.00pm.

All welcome, from beginners to Olympic superstars! It's a very sociable club, and we're looking for more players. Please call chairman Kevin Janiak on 07825 269667 for more info.

Gala Cycling - Wednesday race nights 7pm Abbotsford House car park from April till early September 2016.

The Gala Gazelles: Gala’s first netball team needs you! We meet on Thursday evenings 8.00pm -9.30pm in Gala Academy’s large PE Hall (at the back of the building) to indulge in a little 'me' time with like minded netball nerds! Everyone from beginners to pros welcome - good fun, keeps you fit and there's always a bit of banter! £2.50 per session or £20 for the term. For further information email Rhona on rsrf@galamclemans.co.uk continued on page 34

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D.W. NOBLE Fishmonger Fresh Fish Daily - Filleted In The Shop Natural Oak Smoked Haddock Smoked On The Premises 29 B ANK STREET G ALA SHI ELS TD1 1E N

0 1 8 9 6 75 1 7 0 0 Gala Life 31

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Gentle Exercise For Older People Of All Abilities: Every Wednesday 10.30am - 12noon in Main Hall, Langlee Community Centre. £2 per class provided by FitBorders and SBC. No need to book, just come along. Refreshments and chat afterwards.

Tweedbank Guid Fettle - Gentle exercise for the over 60’s - Wednesdays in Tweedbank Community Centre. 11.00am - 12.30pm. For more info contact Leona on 01896 754273.

The Dorothy Dobson method of over-60's exercise. Fun exercising to music. Monday mornings 10 till 10.45 in Old and St Paul's Church Hall. £4.

Gala Windbags - Thursdays, 1.30pm - 3.30pm in The Lucy Sanderson Hall. An Exercise Club for people with Chest and Heart problems. Approved by Physiotherapy, BGH. Only do what is right for you. We help each other with transport if required. For further details phone Wilma Turnbull 01896 753 493 or John Owen 01896 755 488.

Galashiels Stroke Services - Tuesdays, 1.30pm - 3.30pm. A communication support group at the Focus Centre in Galashiels for people who have experienced a stroke. For further details please contact Rosemary Anderson on 01896 822 600 or 07918723786, or by email at rosemary.anderson@chss.org.uk ; For information on our full range of services including volunteering opportunities call, email or visit our website at www.chss.org.uk Yoga - Ashtanga/Vinyasa & Hatha Flow, Galashiels - Suitable for men, women and teenagers, all levels. MON (Ashtanga Express): 12.30 - 1.15pm, Complete Health Borders, TUES: 7 - 8.15pm, Complete Health Borders, WED & FRI: 9.15 - 10.30am, Really Wild Yoga, SAT: 9.00-10.15am, Really Wild Yoga & 10.45-11.45am (Beginners) Complete Health Borders. Contact Shelagh on 07931212198 for info on the best class for you, and to book. (Please note 24 hr cancellation policy at Really Wild Yoga - thanks). www.facebook.com/ReallyWildYoga Walk-It Melrose - We are a new walking for health group based in Melrose and we meet in Market Square every Wednesday at 10.00am. We do gentle walks safely around the area followed

by Free coffee and biscuits. We are a friendly welcoming group and promote getting fitter and fun out in the fresh air. We are looking for more recruits and you can just turn up. For more info you can contact the Walk Leader (Martin) 07858386485.

Walking Football - We play (older adults-men mainly but women very welcome) each Monday in Langlee Community Centre 2.30 -4pm and every Thursday afternoon 3-4pm at NetherdaleGFR 3G 5-a-side cage. We have been playing since February last year and regularly have 10-12 players turning up, come and join us.

Jog Scotland - ‘The Galavanters’ We meet every Tuesday and Wednesday evening at Gala swimming pool 6.30pm, the group is for all levels from the absolute beginner to the more experienced jogger and everyone is welcome, we charge £2 per session and there's no need to book just turn up. People can email me for more info arlenebotha@yahoo.co.uk.

Lipreading: Sessions held at RNID Building, 46 High Street, Galashiels, on Tuesday 10.00am - 12noon. Free. 01896 759020.

Stitch and Chat Craft Group -Galashiels Library. Meets every Tuesday 10am -12pm at the library. All welcome -meet new people, share ideas. All you need is to bring a piece of work with you. A cup of tea/coffee is included. Galashiels Library on 01896 664170 for more info.

Discover Roman Scotland - visit the Three Hills Heritage Centre in Market Square, Melrose, to see the amazing artefacts of the Roman capital of South Scotland. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am 4.30pm; Sun 2.00 - 4.00pm. Adult £2, child/student £1, family £5. For further information phone 01896 822651. continued on page 36

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The Roman Way - guided walk from Medieval Melrose to the site of the Roman Fort of Trimontium at Newstead. Every Tuesday and Thursday, leaving the Three Hills Heritage Centre, Melrose, at 1.30pm, returning 5.30pm. Refreshments provided. Adult £4, child/student £1, family £10; dogs welcome. For further information phone 01896 822651.

Roman Site Walk - learn about the Romans in Scotland during a leisurely guided walk round the pivotal Trimontium Fort site. Leaves the millennium milestone at the east end of Newstead village every Sunday afternoon at 2.00pm, returning 4.30pm. BYO refreshments. Adults £2.50, pupils/students £1. For further information phone 01896 752429.

Borders Family History Society can help you build your family tree and trace your ancestors.

Our Library & Research Room at 52 Overhaugh Street, Galashiels, TD1 1DP is open on Monday evenings 6pm – 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am to 4pm. Find out more at www.bordersfhs,org.uk or email research@bordersfhs.org.uk.

Border Prostate Cancer Support Group meetings held at the Macmillan Centre, B.G.H. on the first Wednesday of the month. 7.00pm.

Galashiels Dementia Café (please note change of venue) - Worried about your memory?

Drop into our café for help, support and advice. You can find us at The Restaurant, Borders College from 10.00am to 11.30am. On 10 June, 23 September, 28 October, 25 November and 16 December. For further info contact MHOAT on 01896 827105.

Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG). We are a local charity, set up and run by parents of children with complex, special or additional needs in the Scottish Borders. Based in Tweedbank, we hold monthly meetings at Tweedbank Community Centre and provide days out and parties for all of the family. Our meetings are for 0 - 9 years and our new Youth Sector for 9+ years. They run side by side giving something for the whole family as children can play whilst parent/carers have a coffee and a chat. As well as the two groups we have a Chris Achenbach our Music Therapist who takes groups for Music Therapy during the meetings.

Our new Youth Sector has qualified Youth Leaders who do a range of activities with the young members of BANG. We provide much need support and information for families on funding, respite breaks and much more.

The Bipolar Scotland Borders Self Help Group - Meets 2nd Monday of the month, 7.00pm 9.00pm in the Gala Resource Centre, 69 Gala Park, Galashiels. For people with bi-polar disorder, their partners, carers, family and friends. Just come along, no need for referral.

The main office contacts for this group are Graeme Bowman & Alan Douglas on 0141 560 2050 graemeb@bipolarscotland.org.uk Dog Training Classes - Monday Night 6.45pm - All levels Puppy to Advanced. Tweedbank Community Centre. Phone Trudy Davison on 01896 823153.

Borders Philatelic Society - Anyone interested in Stamps, Postcards or Postal History are most welcome. Meetings fortnightly on Monday evenings, 7.30 - 9.00pm in the Old Parish & St. Paul's Church Hall, Scott Crescent, Galashiels, TD1 3JU. Next dates are: Sept.12th & 26th.

Gala Rotary Club - Meets every Tuesday at 6.00 for 6.30pm in Kingsknowes Hotel for a meal and fellowship. The Club is involved with many projects locally and internationally. Find out more at www.galashiels.rotaryweb.org/ or on Facebook’ Community entries are free to non profit clubs, groups and organisations!

All entries to info@galalife.co.uk or call Willie on 01721 720129 by 12th preceding month. Please keep us updated.

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The Gala Garden August 2016 If you rely heavily on early summer-flowering plants to fill your borders, this month you may appreciate tender perennials like pelargoniums, fuchsias and dahlias.

These are plants that are either wintered in a frost-free shelter or else kept as dormant stock, revived in the spring and re-planted when the danger of frost is past.

Tender perennials come from warmer places but they flower over a long period of time, usually hitting their stride at high summer. There is a wide range of delicious colours to choose from to create impact right to the frosts.

Apart from those mentioned there are other good choices: argyranthemums, cannas, lobelias, tithonia and zinnia, tender salvias and verbena bonariensis to name a few.

Some of these, like dahlias and fuchsias, are greedy and need to be fed specially to maintain the tremendous amount of flower that will be produced. Tomato fertiliser is a good choice but remember to dilute it correctly. Other tender perennials, like argyranthemums and tender salvias, will make do with good enriched compost.

The most obvious use of

these plants is in containers where they make a good show of interesting foliage and sumptuous flower all summer long. Fuchsias, argyranthemums and pelargonium are probably best in containers.

However, some tender perennials can be used successfully in the borders amongst hardy plants; for example, verbena bonariensis, tender salvias and lobelias, canna and dahlias.

Dahlias used to be frowned upon until Christopher Lloyd sang their praises. Large decorative ones can be planted to overtake things like poppies and peonies in the middle ranks of the border. Single-flowered types will blend with medium grasses or spiky plants like persicaria, nepeta or salvia.

Now think of all the colour combinations you can make!

Dahlias and cannas can both be kept over the winter, stored in a cool, dry, dark and frost-free place. Bring them into growth under cover in late winter to plant out after the last frost.

As a general rule, these plants will do best in a full sun position where the ground is well drained and there is some shelter from the wind.

The effect of planting dahlias and cannas in the border will be to create drama and a touch of the exotic. Cannas have spectacular red and orange leaves and bold spikes of hot-coloured flowers at the end of the summer. Mix them

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with tall grasses and crocosmias.

Tender fuchsias are also happy in a cool greenhouse or polytunnel all winter. Cut back and re-pot them in the early spring and don’t forget the fertiliser. Fuchsias, especially standards, are wonderful in tall containers in a sheltered, semi-shady position where they will associate happily with pots of ferns and hostas.

Tender perennials do need a bit of attention but the results will last until the clocks change.

Sheila Drummond Portland Garden Design 07905 397185 drummond.sheila@gmail.com

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Garden Care Property and Garden Maintenance ALL Types of Garden Work from grass cutting to decking

Landscaping Handyman Service Also Available

Phone Colin

07738287877 01835 - 823536

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Advertising Information •

Gala Life - The Border’s favourite magazine has been running for over 7 years. A lot of our advertisers stay with us - because it works and continuously generates lots of business.

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

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

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We offer a generous discount for repeat adverts in blocks of 3 or 6 issues.

Please call to discuss the options available.

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42 Gala Life

To advertise in Gala Life, or for more information - please contact Debbie on

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YOUR HOROSCOPE For August 2016

By Astrologer Christine Chalklin The Cosmos in August August brings the dynamic sign of Leo the lion into the spotlight, summer is here and the days are golden! Although this is traditionally the holiday month, Leo is also the sign of creativity and the Leo new moon on the 2nd kick-starts the month with an abundance of inspirational ideas. Diligent Mercury spends the whole of August in industrious Virgo, careful planning will allow time for productiveness and plenty of time to party afterwards.

Venus joins Mercury in Virgo on the 6th , giving an extra push for some hard work before the holidays. Mars, the planet of energy and motivation, arrives in adventurous Sagittarius on the 3rd - the heat is on and wild destinations beckon!

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Mars, your ruler, bursts into fiery Sagittarius on the 3rd - it’s all change this month as new adventures come calling. The sector of your chart concerned with travel is now buzzing and a long held dream may come to fruition. The Leo new moon on the 2nd it particularly revitalising.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 August shines the light on your home and family as the Leo Sun puts you in a generous and light hearted mood. Venus joins Mercury in Virgo on the 6th bringing some important decisions to the forefront. As Mars enters Sagittarius on the 3rd your finances may need some revitalizing.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 With Mercury and Venus passing through the domestic area of your chart this month you’re being asked to make some important decisions concerning your family. Pay attention to dreams and coincidences, as it is here you’ll find the best clues about how to proceed.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 The Sun and Venus occupy the wealth corner of your chart during the first week of this month, leaving you feeling successful and prosperous. As the month progresses you’ll be considering just what you want from your working life. Mars entering Sagittarius on the 3rd expands your intellectual horizons.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 August is your birthday month and the new moon in your sign on the 2nd ensures that this will be a month to remember. Abundant Jupiter, still strong in your financial sector, is joined by Venus and Mercury this month emphasising an excellent time for innovative money making schemes.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 August looks like an extremely busy month as Jupiter, Venus and Mercury are all in your sign. This could be the month for a makeover on all levels as you move towards a new phase of action. Dynamic Mars arrives in Sagittarius on the 3rd, bringing your home and family into the spotlight.

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LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 August: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury all reside in a very introspective part of your chart this month, it’s time for some serious contemplation about your ultimate goals. You should find some answers to what is holding you back, particularly around the Aquarian full moon on the 18th SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Dynamic Mars leaves your sign on the 3rd and arrives at your financial sector for the rest of the month. Innovative new ideas for earning potential are evident, and these could involve travelling abroad. The Leo new moon on the 2nd highlights your creativity.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 August is an action packed month for Sagittarians, Mars charges into your sign on the 3rd bringing enthusiasm and drive. With the emphasis on broadening your horizons through travel and education, there won’t be a dull moment. The Aquarian full moon on the 18th favours communication.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Money, assets and shared resources are the focus for August. The Leo new moon on the 2nd brings some important issues to your attention, facing facts professionally or personally will eventually make life easier. Mars joins Saturn on the 23rd, this is the best time to focus on restructuring.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 Jupiter, Venus and Mercury reside in meticulous Virgo and occupy an important sector of your chart this month. Focussing on the realities of your financial situation will stand you in good stead. Mars highlights your social circle on the 3rd, bringing help from unexpected quarters.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 The Leo new moon on the 2nd emphasises the area of your chart concerned with work and daily life. Mars arrives in Sagittarius on the 3rd providing a massive cosmic boost to your career zone. Use these positive energies to get really clear on what you want for yourself.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS – with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness. Find out what 2016 has in store for you!

Tune into positive and productive planetary cycles and become more successful in life and in business. I offer a full motivational and transformational coaching programme using astrology, coaching and the Bach flower essences. My client base is international, all my consultations are available in person, by telephone or Skype. Please contact me for more information. Intuitive Tarot card readings for wisdom and guidance are also available.

Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach, www.restyleyourlife.co.uk Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk Telephone: 07813 483549

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Councillor Bill White will hold an Advice Surgery On Friday, 5th August 2016 from 5.30pm – 6.30pm At Old Gala House And On Friday, 19th August 2016 from 5.30pm – 6.30pm At Langlee Community Centre

Councillor John Mitchell Will be holding a

SURGERY on

Friday 12th August 2016 between 4.30pm and 5.30pm at

Councillor Bill White Tel. 0300 100 0220 or 07767 003291 Email: Bill.White@scotborders.gov.uk

STOW TOWN HALL

Do You Sudoko??

6

2

1 1

3 9

9

5

7

4

2

1

6

3

9

4

4

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7

8 4

9

1

3

2 5

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

8 8

6

5

7

1

Easy :o)

7

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!

Do You Sudoko??

4 7

1 5

3

7 8

9

9

4

1

4 9

3

2 8

7 6

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

1

4

6

7

7

1

6

2

6

Tricky :o)

5

Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.

Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

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SO, YOU ARE OFF TO UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE Then, one of the many things you need to sort out now is your money

… YOU CAN BANK ON IT. If you're going to university this year, or are currently studying, funding is obviously a key issue, so make sure you're aware of all the loans and grants available to you, and plan accordingly.

Managing your money is really best done with a Student Account. This is a bank account specifically for those in higher education. It allows you to pay money in and out, as well as offering additional benefits such as an interest free overdraft. An overdraft facility allows you to spend more money than you actually have in your account, up to a certain limit.

Most importantly, Student Accounts provide a set level of interest free overdraft for the duration of your course. Remember though, the bank is just lending you this money, it will need to be paid back when you graduate, so don't get too comfortable with it. Always keep in your mind that's it's not actually yours, it's the banks.

student wants to avoid.

Whilst we wouldn’t stick our neck out and recommend what bank to use - everyone has their own opinion and differing circumstances our research has brought up the following five things you should keep in mind.

Go for the biggest zero percent overdraft deal possible.

Most students will need an overdraft while at university, so make sure you're not getting charged for it. The aim should be to get the biggest, guaranteed amount that will last as long as possible.

Be wary - some banks give 'guaranteed' amounts to those accepted, others publish 'up to' amounts - so ensure you're comparing like with like.

Never go over your overdraft limit.

This isn't a rule just for students, it's a rule for life. The game changes totally if you go beyond Big banks love enticing students with goodies! your overdraft limit - charges can shoot up to a The first thing to realise is that the incentives nightmare level and you can be caught in a are just a distraction. As alluring as they sound vicious cycle that is tough to ever escape from. they really should not be the main reason for If you do find yourself struggling, talk to the choosing an account. While many accounts offer freebies – such as a free five-year 16-25 bank and at least try to agree an overdraft railcard – it’s worth remembering that a Railcard extension, though then you're likely to be only costs £24 a year, so really the saving isn’t charged interest, up to a huge 24% AER. It's better to plan and budget to avoid this. If not, that much. You can easily accumulate over or if you do go over without permission, the £24 worth of overdraft charges if you haven’t charges can be enormous - up to £30 per chosen the right account. Banks know that transaction (so a shopping trip spending a many students are young and naive and use this to their advantage; offering a Railcard or a total of £30 in five debit card transactions could see you facing £150 of charges!) - take discount on mobile phone insurance is an note and beware! easy sell to many.

For most, the student account with the biggest overdraft should be one of the biggest draws.

You want to choose the account that offers the biggest zero percent borrowing for the longest period. This is particularly important because if you go beyond your 0% overdraft you will incur huge bank charges, obviously something every

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You will be credit scored.

When you apply for any debt product, including a bank account with an overdraft, the lender will credit score you. This is to decide how desirable a customer you are, based on behavioural predictions from all your prior financial data. Yet, as a student, it's likely

there will be very limited data on you, which makes credit scoring very difficult. Sadly, this can leave some students rejected due to ridiculous anomalies, and there may be no rhyme, reason or solution to this.

It is this credit rating that will likely determine how much overdraft the bank will be prepared to offer. Although it is possible to get £3,000, this amount isn’t guaranteed - Unless you have a great credit rating, which most students don’t, you probably won’t get this limit. You are given £500 automatically when you open your account. You will then have to apply for any increases, which you will get depending on your circumstances.

Don't base your choice on the closest branch or ATM. Just because there happens to be a particular bank on the campus you'll be going to, or a conveniently located cashpoint nearby, this does not mean you should choose an account with them.

You can withdraw cash free of charge from any bank's ATM and almost every bank offers online access. So which branch is nearest has little relevance for most able-bodied students, but bear in mind, you may want to pop in one day.

After graduating, switch to a top graduate account.

You'll be pleased to know that for at least a year after finishing your course, you're still eligible for preferential terms, including the zero percent interest overdrafts, allowing you to gradually pay off the debt. That means that after you do graduate, you can switch to a

Graduate Account to continue to gain all the benefits of a Student Account.

So, it’s important to look at every aspect of an account before making your final decision. You don’t want to be stung by high charges you didn’t know existed.

Usually, to be accepted for a Student Account, you'll need your UCAS confirmation letter offering either a conditional or unconditional place. As soon as you've got this, you can open an account, so don’t delay, use any extra time to make full use of the account benefits before the start of term. As with all bank accounts, you'll need proof of address and who you are. This can include: passport, birth certificate or current UK photocard driving licence.

Existing students can switch their account to get the same terms as others in the same year of study. If you're a second or third year student, be sure to check the new account at least matches what you're already being offered.

Remember - Banks know most customers remain loyal. If they get you now, they can make serious money out of you for a long, long time. However, savvy students can take advantage. Choose the right student account, max your gain from it, but don't let their short-term bribe buy you for life. Grab what's on offer, then after Uni ditch and switch to the Top Graduate Account, then move on to a Top Bank Account. It’s your money, make it work for you.

Debbie Gala Life 51

Borders Council School Holiday Dates 2016 - 2017 Well the kids are heading back to school and we can get on with our lives in relative peace until at least the middle of October. Here are the term times for the coming year; they will let you plan holidays, childminders, days out, days in etc. Watch out for the 2 casual holidays and the 5 dreaded ‘In-Service’ days. Then there will be the snow.....

Autumn Term Autumn Holiday

Christmas Holiday

Winter Term

Spring Holiday

Summer Term

Monday 15th August 2016

Staff resume, in service day

Tuesday 16th August 2016

Pupils resume

Friday 7th October 2016

All break, mid-term

Monday 10th October

Start

Friday 14th October

End

Monday 17th October 2016

All resume

Thursday 10th November 2016

Staff in service day

Friday 11th November 2016

Staff in service day

Monday 28th November 2016

St Andrew's Day holiday, schools closed

Thursday 22nd December 2016

All break, term ends

Friday 23rd December 2016

Start

Friday 6th January 2017

End

Monday 9th January 2017

All resume

Thursday 9th February 2017

Pupils break, February holiday

Friday 10th February 2017

Staff in service day

Wednesday 15th February 2017

All resume

Friday 31st March 2017

All break, term ends

Monday 3rd April 2017

Start

Monday 17th April 2017

End

Tuesday 18th April 2017

All resume

Friday 28th April 2017

Staff in service day

Monday 1st May 2017

May Day holiday, school closed

Wednesday 28th June 2017

All break, term ends

Each learning community allocates 2 casual holidays for pupils and staff which are usually aligned to their local festivals. Our local schools fall under: Eildon East Earlston - 15th February 2017 and 5th June 2017.

Eildon East Selkirk - 15th June 2017 and 16th June 2017.

Eildon West Galashiels - 15th February 2017 and 5th June 2017.

The Autumn Term 2017 commences 14th August for staff and 15th for pupils.

Further information relating to schools in the Borders can be found at the Borders Council website - www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/878/schools/

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A to Z Decorations

35

Floors Forestry

40

Man with a Van

39

A & A Doyle Ltd Funeral Dir

48

Floors Loyalty Cards

31

Manor Ballet

53

Action For Children

49

Floors Pipe Bands Day

25

Maxwell Roofing

35

AMFAB

41

Gala Garden

38

Menu Delivery

40

Angus Buchan - Hope Church

5

Gala Rugby Club

18

Mike Tv

13

Apollo Blinds

35

Get Out

MT Maintenance

16

Border Vets

20

Grahams Plumbing

8,9

6

Needle Point

17

Borders Pharmacy

43

Grants Gardens

39

Plumbstore

56

Bowen Health

17

Greenspaces

40

Rate Card

42

British Legion

15

Grove Bedding

27

Recipe

24

BVTv

47

H20

7

School Bell Tuition

17

Caravan Fix

48

Handyman Services

39

School Calendar

52

Castle Warehouse

23

Highland Hustle

53

Scotlight Decorating

33

Catford Investments

28

Horoscopes

44

Scotlight Electrical

16

Chris Crafts Blind

48

House of Hearing

32

Student Banking

50

Community Pages

26

Invision Signs

13

Sudoko

46

Councillor Mitchell

46

James Graham Roofing

16

Symington Shoes

1

Councillor White

46

Jean Muir Student Village

15

The Framing Gallery

33

Crolla's

15

Jonnie Jones Plumber

13

The Handyman

41

Dawyck

37

K & H Roof Racks

21

The Workshop Fabric Sale

21

Diary

4

K 2 Roofing

2

Travelsure Ltd

32

DW Noble Fishmonger

31

Keith Penny DĂŠcor

12

Velvet Cushion

48

Fencing & Hedges

41

KenKleen

13

Walk It

33

Finlaysons

12

Live Mindfully

17

Willie's Wonky Computer

22

Fitness

10

Lloyds of Kelso

55

Yoga

53

Flexible Respite

49

Longridge Towers School

25

Your Local Blind Man

12

Floors Castle Cafe

23

Mackenzie Plumbing

12

Zest Blinds

11

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

01896 752222 08452727999 0800 111999 01896 826000 01896 752111

Scot Borders Council Citizens Advice Bureau BorderLine NHS 24 Victim Support

0300 100 1800 01896 753889 0800 0274466 111 01896 751212

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

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