Gala Life May 2016

Gala Life

A local magazine with directory of trades and businesses - 11,000 copies delivered FREE to every home and business in Galashiels, Tweedbank, Melrose, Clovenfords, Darnick, Dingleton, Newstead and Gattonside.

May 2016

Message

Contents

from the Team

Features

Welcome to the May edition of Gala Life. I cannot believe that we are already through Spring and nearly onto Summer – if only it didn’t keep snowing!

The garden is fabulous just now with lovely bulbs providing fantastic colour everywhere. There is lots of new growth on the plants and the trees will be in leaf soon. May blossom is the best ever.

With that in mind we have a huge gardening section again and lots to do in the home. The features this month include Alan Clinch’s summary of NHS healthy eating guidelines, as well as an interesting piece on Windows Restore Points. It is worth a read in case you ever need it.

Do you want to smell nice for summer then the Perfume article is a good read. I always thought Perfume was more expensive then Eau de Toilette for no reason - seems I’m wrong!

It will not have escaped anyone’s notice that there is to be an election soon. We have a bit of background information on the candidates. So whomever you support make sure to use your vote on the 5th.

We have included a Sudoku this month, and it’s not quite as tricky as last month – which was impossible to solve. Sorry to everyone who manfully gave it a go!

Apollo Blinds Gala Cricket Club Alec Lucas Memorial Football

22 42 48

Regulars Fitness Garden Computing Sudoko Vet Recipe

12 30 34 39 40 44

Community Diary Get Out Clubs & Classes

4 6 16

Useful Numbers Index

54 54

Advertising Debbie - 07545299491

Art & Eds Willie - 07906375953

www.facebook.com/mygalalife Deadline for June Edition - 15th May 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.

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

Please Re-Cycle ....eventually!

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Community Events & What’s On In Galashiels Full details in the Get Out pages 30thApril-1st May 30th April 4th May 6th May 6th May 7th May 10th May 12th May 14th May 14th May 14th May 14th May 15th May 15th May 20th May 21st-28th May 21st May 21st May 21st May 22nd May 24th May 25th May 27th May 28th May 28th May 28th May 29th May Monday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday Sunday

Various 10.00am 7.30pm 7.30pm 9.00pm 10.00am 7.00pm 7.15pm 9.00am 10.00am 10.00am 7.30pm TBC 7.30pm 7.30pm Various 10.00am 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 1.30pm 7.00pm 9.15am 10.00am 9.00pm 2.30pm 5.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm 10.00am 10.00am 1.30pm 6.30pm 7.00pm 10.00am 10.30am 7.00pm 7.30pm 10.00am 1.30pm 5.15pm 6.30pm 9.30am

Galashiels Mini Walking Festival Science Exhibition: Reflections - The Haining Border Flower Club - Corn Exchange, Melrose Rolling Hills Folk Club Jessie Ray - Reivers Sports Bar Spring Fayre - Holy Trinity Church, Melrose Caddonfoot Hall AGM Free Mindfulness Introductory Session Plant Sale – The Wynd, Melrose Clovenford Primary School May Fair Balmoral Primary School Fair Legion Scotland World War 1 Commemorative Concert Flying Scotsman Visits Tweedbank Eildon Singers May Concert Rolling Hills Folk Club Tweedbank Fair The Scottish Wildlife Trust - Duns Castle Estate Galashiels Town Band. Autumn Concert The Roxburgh Singers – Melrose Parish Church The Roxburgh Singers -St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kelso Foster Care Connect Open Day Cornerstone Choir - Mac Arts Centre Heriot Watt University Fashion Show - Abbotsford House Archaeological Research In Progress Day Conference Book Fair - Corn Exchange, Melrose Guns n Rozes Scotland - Indigo Rooms Borders Family History Society Annual General Meeting 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 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 Gala Windbags, Lucy Sanderson Hall Langlee Badminton Club Ladies Night at Gala Squash Club Borders Group of Advanced Motorcyclists

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 Gala Life - Be A Part Of It............01721 720 129

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4th May - Border Flower Club - Corn Exchange, Melrose - 7.30pm. Demonstrator John Dalton Carlisle " Dance Into Springtime" . All welcome.

5th May - Election Day - 7.00am. Every vote counts, so make sure yours does too. For a quick reminder of our candidates, read their entry on page 50.

6th May - Rolling Hills Folk Club - Smith Memorial (Village) Hall , Darnick, near Melrose 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Singers and Musicians welcome. BYOB. All ages welcome. Collection and raffle. Phone 07986 644661 for more information www.rollinghillsfolkclub.org.uk 6th May - Jessie Ray - Reivers Sports Bar, 69 High Street, Galashiels - 9.00pm. Catch the great Jessie Ray for free!

7th May - Spring Fayre - Holy Trinity Church, Melrose - 10.00am to 11.30am. Home baking, tombola, books, crafts, raffle, plants, bric a brac. £2 includes tea/coffee and traybake.

10th May - Caddonfoot Hall AGM - 7.00pm. All welcome.

12th May - 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.

14th May - Plant Sale – The Wynd, Melrose – 9.00am to 12noon. To include summer bedding plants. In aid of Arthritis Research UK, Melrose Branch.

14th May - Clovenford Primary School May Fair - 10.00am - 2.00pm. Cake & candy, raffle with fantastic prizes, trade stalls, fun & games, Food & drink, bouncy castle, face painting & tattoos! Come along and support the heart of your community.

14th May - Balmoral Primary School Fair - 10.00am to 12noon. There will be a bouncy castle, craft stalls, car boot sale (£5/car), food and entertainment (Langlee choir, Ward School of Irish Dancing).

14th May – Legion Scotland (Royal British Legion Scotland, Melrose Branch) World War 1 Commemorative Concert, Holy Trinity Church, Melrose – 7.30pm. Langlee Community Choir and John Bryden on the new church organ. Tickets £10 01896 822349 or at door.

Refreshments.

15th May - Flying Scotsman Visits Tweedbank - TBC. 15th May - Eildon Singers May Concert - Melrose Parish Church - 7.30pm. The Eildon Singers invite you to their May Concert where they will be performing works by 19th Century Composers, including music by Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Gounod. Tickets-£8 at the door, including refreshments.

20th May - Rolling Hills Folk Club - Smith Memorial (Village) Hall , Darnick, near Melrose - 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Guest: Pete Coe. Pete is a stellar folk musician who entertains with songs, wit and brilliant musicianship and sometimes with clog dancing as well. A song writer, collector and researcher of traditional music and song, he is a widely acknowledged expert in all aspects of the folk tradition. £6/£5 concessions. Under 18s and Young Scot card -free.

BYOB. All ages welcome. Phone 07986 644661 for more information www.rollinghillsfolkclub.org.uk 21st - 28th May - Tweedbank Fair. Don’t miss all the fun, see page 28 for more details. continued on page 10

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• • • • • •

Joinery Flooring - Real Wood & Laminate Plumbing Tiling Paving General Repairs No Job Too Small

Call Moubray Tod

01896 751566 07737090840 mt_maintenance@btinternet.com 47 Abbotsford Road Galashiels TD1 3HB

Slating & Roofing Contractors

James R Graham (Roofing) Ltd • • • • •

Slating Flat Roofs Tiling General Repairs All our Tradesmen are Time Served

www.jrgroofing.com info@jrgroofing.com Brae House, Plumtree, Galashiels TD1 1PZ

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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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21st May - The Scottish Wildlife Trust - Duns Castle Estate – 10.00am. There is an artificial loch and a pond set in woodland . Good for birds and plants. There are waymarked walks (3— 6 Km, or 2—4 miles ) mainly on level ground so suitable for disabled . Meet at St. Dunstan’s (Health Centre) car pk. Melrose, NT545341 , at 10.00am. to organise car share , or take A-6105 to Duns, then A-6112 (signed to Preston) for about 100m. . Park at top of Castle St. opposite the Archway entrance , NT784542 , TD11 3NW . Bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and stout shoes or boots. Leader : Murray Henderson , but for enquiries contact Jim Russell 01835 824898.

21st May - Galashiels Town Band. Autumn Concert - Volunteer Hall - 7.30 pm. Come along for a great evening of brass entertainment with the Galashiels Town Band, Galashiels Youth Band and Galashiels Junior Band. Tickets £7, (£5 for concessions). Under 12 free.

Tickets from A & A Doyle, 10 Bank Street or on the door.

21st May - The Roxburgh Singers – Melrose Parish Church – 7.30pm. Under the directorship of Marion Dodd, sing Haydn's Creation as a Charity event for TD1 Radio, Guest orchestra.

Soloists: soprano Fiona Wilkie, tenor Steve Phillips, bass Jim Lethem Tickets £10, available at the door. Accompanied children free.

22nd May - The Roxburgh Singers -St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Kelso – 7.30pm.

Under the directorship of Marion Dodd, sing Haydn's Creation as a Charity event for TD1 Radio, Guest orchestra. Soloists: soprano Fiona Wilkie, tenor Steve Phillips, bass Jim Lethem Tickets £10, available at the door. Accompanied children free.

24th May - Foster Care Connect Open Day - 42 High Street, Galashiels - 10.30am. See page 26 for more information.

25th May - Cornerstone Choir - Mac Arts Centre, Bridge Street, Galashiels - 1.30pm.

Monthly choir for people with learning didabilities, thir friends and carers. Come and join us. £1.50 includes refreshment. www.macarts.scot 27th May - Heriot Watt University Fashion Show - Abbotsford House - 7.00pm.

28th May - Archaeological Research In Progress Day Conference - Volunteer Hall, Galashiels - 9.15am. For tickets and further information see page 36 28th May - Book Fair - Corn Exchange, Melrose - 10.00am to 4.30pm. Items for sale and valuations given. See page 18 for more info.

28th May - Guns n Rozes Scotland - Indigo Rooms, Galashiels. A great tribute band for a great night out. Tickets £6 from 01750 725480 or at the door.

29 May - Borders Family History Society Annual General Meeting - Corn Exchange & Ormiston Institute, Market Square, Melrose – 2.30pm. Followed by The pre-1855 Parish Registers of the Roman Catholic Church. A talk by Donna Maguire, archivist and records manager to the Bishops Conference of Scotland, will talk about the Catholic registers for parishes that were founded before 1855, the six Scottish dioceses and the records of the Bishops Conference of Scotland and its agencies. All welcome.

Get Out entries are free to non profit clubs, groups and organisations.

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

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What are the NHS Healthy Eating Guidelines, and why are they important ?

A study, published in April’s Lancet medical journal, announced the news that there are now more overweight people in the world than underweight. The study of nearly 20 million adults from 186 countries, and concluded that more than 640 million people globally are classed as obese (up from 105 million in 1975).

It found that over the past four decades, the average age-corrected male Body Mass Index rose to 24.2 from 21.7, and in women rose to 24.4 from 22.1. This is equivalent to the world's population becoming on average 1.5 kg heavier each decade.

Sadly however, low body weight remains a serious public health issue in the world's poorest regions, with many people not getting enough to eat: in South Asia almost a quarter of the population is underweight, and in Central and East Africa, about 12 percent of women and 15 percent of men are underweight.

The NHS produces healthy eating guidelines – this is all very well, but we always deal with things better if we fully understand them….so here are the reasons behind the guidelines: Base your meals on starchy carbohydrates: Starchy carbohydrates include potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals. They should form about a third of our food intake, and provide high quality energy. Wholegrain varieties contain more fibre, and can help you feel full for longer. They also have fewer than half the calories of fat.

Eat lots of fruit and veg: Five portions of fruit and veg (about 80g or a handful of each) will give you vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin C and potassium. They're another source of fibre, which can help to maintain a healthy gut, reduce risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

Eat more fish – including a portion of oily fish: Fish is a source of protein and contains plenty of vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including at least one portion of oily fish. Oily fish contains omega-3 fats, which may help to prevent heart

disease. Oily fish include salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and pilchards.

Eat less salt - no more than 6g / day for adults: Too much salt can raise blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or stroke. More than 1.5g of salt per 100g means the food is high in salt. Adults and children over 11 should eat no more than 6g of salt (about a teaspoonful) a day. Younger children should have even less.

Don't get thirsty: Water makes up over two thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints, muscles, and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste, and keeps the skin healthy.

It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stop us getting dehydrated – current recommendation is 6-8 glasses every day. This is in addition to the fluid we get from the food we eat. Warm weather of activity means we need more fluids.

Don't skip breakfast: Skipping breakfast won’t help you lose weight - research shows that eating breakfast can help control weight. It restores glucose levels(essential for the brain to function effectively), can improve memory and concentration levels, improve mood, and lower stress levels. It can help reduce heart disease, hypertension, insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels.

Cut down on saturated fat and sugar, get active, and be a healthy weight: I’ve written extensively on this, so no point in repeating – check back to the articles last year.

An average man should have no more than 30g saturated fat a day, while women should have no more than 20g. Saturated fat is found in foods such as hard cheese, cakes, biscuits, sausages, cream, butter, lard and pies.

Unsaturated fats are found in vegetable oils, oily fish and avocados.

Regularly consuming foods and drinks high in sugar can contribute to weight gain. Many packaged foods and drinks contain surprisingly high amounts of free sugars. More information here: www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z8849j6

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Caddonfoot Parish Church: It has been a busy time again in Caddonfoot Parish Church with special services to mark Easter when the children, and a few adults too, rolled their eggs following the service on Easter Sunday. The Rev Elspeth Harley conducted the services, which included the Sacrament of Holy Communion on Good Friday, when the congregation was joined by members from Trinity Church in Galashiels.

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism was celebrated when Ellis Isabella Moir, the little girl of Stuart and Natalie, was baptised by the Rev Harley. The service was also attended by family members and friends. Bible Study resumed in the Trinity Church office at Galashiels on April 20.

Elders and Congregational Board members attended a meeting with Presbytery representatives in Caddonfoot to put forward their views for the future of the church.

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 20

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We Are Recruiting Established in the Borders since 2001, Caddon Healthcare Ltd provide experienced Registered Nurses and Health and Social Care Assistants who can deliver professional care, support and dedication to individuals in Nursing Homes, Residential Homes and Private Homes. We urgently require experienced Staff to join our small and friendly team.

We offer:

• • • • •

Competitive rates of pay (Pay award pending June 2016) Holiday Pay Mileage Training and development opportunities A friendly support service

If you have at least one years relevant and current experience, working towards or have SVQ11 or above, a member of SSSC and PVG and are in possession of a current Moving & Handling certificate, please contact Diane or Val on 01896 820 333 or 07958691372 or by e-mail at vale.caddon1@btconnect.com Caddon Healthcare Ltd, The Paddock, Huntly Road, Melrose TD6 9SB For enquiries about funding call your local Social Work Department. Regulated by Care Inspectorate Scotland, accredited by Scottish Borders Council, Caddon Healthcare Ltd Registered in Scotland No. 243381. Licensed by appropriate Health Board & Local Authority. We are fully insured.

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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

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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: Galashiels members continue to support the weekly Heart and Soul class 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. Talks have taken place on the possibility of a monthly gym class under a professional trainer and these are still being progressed.

Borders Pet Rescue, Craigsford, Earlston - On the first Sunday of every month we run a series of guided tours of the rehoming centre at half hour intervals, starting at 12 midday with the last starting at 1.30pm. Come along and see what we do to help the animals in our care.

Also everyone will receive a small gift pack with information, badges and car stickers.

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 Wednesdays 7.30pm 9.30pm at Newtown St Boswells Community Hall. Try free for 4 weeks. For more info call 01896 668594 or 07989461012.

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!

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.

Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club The Club’s AGM was held in Lindean Hall where Les Forster was re-appointed as chairman and Evelyn Horsburgh as secretary. Atholl Innes stood down as Hon President. A programme of walks across the Borders and beyond was arranged for 2016, including Ben Venue. The majority of the members reside in the Galashiels area.

Gala Cycling Club turbo training night Thursdays 7pm Tweedbank hub till end of March 2016. Wednesday race nights 7pm Abbotsford house car park April till early September 2016.

Nordic Walking - great fun and tailored to your fitness level. Now with 'Bungypump'! Regular walk classes on Wednesdays 13.30, Thursdays 18.15, and a gentle walk and strength class Saturdays 11.00. For more information and to book please contact Jude Cormack, Tweedwell Nordic Walking, m: 07880 785775, e:nordicwalking@tweedwell.com or visit our website www.tweedwell.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/tweedwell 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. continued on page 24

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The year of motorised blinds Motorised window blinds are set to become the must-have home interior accessory of 2016 after Apollo Blinds announced the launch of One Touch™ – a breakthrough in remote-controlled window blinds technology.

Apollo Blinds is at the forefront of promoting One Touch™ because it brings the price of motorised blinds right down. For just £75, homeowners can now motorise Roller blinds and operate them using a remote control.

Alan Snowball from Apollo Blinds said that homeowners can operate up to five blinds from a One Touch™ remote control.

“Motorised blinds are no longer the domain of wealthy homeowners as Apollo Blinds introduces its new, affordable One Touch™ solution, offering automation functions and reliability but at a fraction of the price,” said Alan.

• The blinds will operate for one year on one

charge (normal use) • Up to five blinds can be controlled from one

remote For more information, call Alan on 01573 229036 or go to www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/borders

What else is new at Apollo Blinds?

Sales of traditional blinds such as Roller, Vertical and Venetian blinds remain steady, but the fastest selling products are innovative, new ones, such as the energy-saving Duette® blinds and Intu® blinds, which are designed to fit seamlessly within the frames of most modern windows, bi-fold doors, tilt-and-turn windows and conservatories.

“We have introduced a lot of new collections over the last 12 months that have proven very popular with my customers because they offer new solutions for homeowners,” said Alan.

“My customers can now put their feet up and enjoy a little luxury for a lot less. It is one of those things that, once you have it, you cannot live without it.”

“But, without doubt, my best-selling product is Plantation shutters because they are fantastic value for money and look absolutely stunning because they are very good quality.”

The Apollo Blinds One Touch™ motorised system offers simple, convenient and easy-to-use operation for blinds.

“There’s a real skill to fitting shutters that I’ve perfected over the years, and it’s the reason that Apollo Blinds has such a good reputation in Kelso and across the Borders for the quality of our installations.”

• The blinds can be operated by remote control

from anywhere in the room • They are battery powered, which removes the

need for mains wiring • Adding a motor to blinds also negates the need

for a cord, meaning that they are extra safe for families with young children

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A buyer’s guide to blinds Here are five questions to ask if you’re thinking of buying new window blinds.

1. What do you want the blinds to do?

The beauty of blinds is that they can often fulfil more than one requirement. They can block out light, keep heat in or simply look stunning.

2. Where do you want them?

Matching the right blind to the right condition is vital because, for example, even good-quality wooden blinds will warp over time if they are in rooms with lots of moisture.

Do you want them operated by a cord, a wand or even a remote control? These are just some of the questions around the operation of blinds.

4. How do you want the blinds installed?

Typically, blinds are either fitted to the frame of a window or a door or directly to the wall. If, for example, you have UPVC windows or a conservatory, there are now blinds available that can be fitted without the need to drill holes into frames.

5. What else should I ask?

You should always ask whether the blinds are child safe and how long the guarantees are on the blinds.

3. How do you want to operate them?

For more information, go to Alan’s website www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/borders or call him on Do you want blinds that will move from side to side? Do you want blinds that move up and down?

01573 229036

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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 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. Restarts on August 24th. £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 - suitable for men, women and teens of all levels. Tuesdays: 7 - 8.15pm Complete Health Borders, Galashiels, Wednesdays and Fridays: 9.15 - 10.30am, Really Wild Yoga Studio, Galashiels, Thursdays: 8.00 - 9.00pm Galashiels Swimming Pool, Saturdays: 9.00 - 10.15am, 10.30 - 11.45am, Really Wild Yoga Studio, Galashiels. For more info or to book your place please contact Shelagh Wallace (RYT200 Yoga Alliance) on 07931212198. www.facebook.com/reallywildyoga (Please note 24 hr booking cancellation policy on classes at Really Wild Yoga Studio - thanks).

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.

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 - 4.30pm. Adult £2, child/student £1, family £5. For further information phone 01896 822651.

continued on page 38

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26

individuals who can offer a full time place in their home for a child or young person and also those who can offer a shorter period of time for holiday periods, day care, and overnight stays on a short term basis ranging from half a day to two weeks at a time.

We offer an excellent package of support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This includes support from experienced staff, opportunities to meet with other Foster Carers on a regular We all know how important a stable, loving basis, learning and development opportunities home environment is to help children be all to suit your individual needs that fits around they can be. Unfortunately, for all sort of reasons, your life, and an attractive fee and allowance not every child has that experience. An unstable package. home environment can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of a child. For some children their needs are better met elsewhere. Foster Care provides a positive option for children and young people. In 2014/15 there were 15,404 children who were ‘looked after’ in Scotland. Of these children, 34% were being cared for by Foster Carers.

Foster Carers do one of the most varied, rewarding and challenging jobs available. At Foster Care Connect you become part of a professional team around a child or young person helping to promote positive outcomes for them. The children and young people we care for come from all over the country. You care for every aspect of the child ranging from their emotional wellbeing, helping to promote positive interactions with others, achievements at school, being part of the society we live in and much more.

Some of the early childhood experiences that our children and young people have can mean that life can present them with some challenges.

Foster Care requires carers who have a strong desire for fairness, justice and equality to help children to be the best they can. If you have a good sense of what is right and wrong, if you are the kind of person who strives to understand society, is positive about change and is optimistic about the future then Foster Care could be for you. If you enjoy working with others and sharing your experience in a service that offers an excellent support package then Foster Care Connect could be for you.

Everyone deserves someone in their corner.

Could that someone be you?

If you would like to know more you will find us at: 42 High Street, Galashiels, TD1 1SE (directly opposite Iceland, above Rogerson’s Shoe Shop), or call 01896 751999 Alternatively, pop into the office on Tuesday 24th May from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

We look forward to welcoming you and answering your questions.

Make a difference to the life of a child or young person.

Foster Care Connect welcome enquiries from everyone who is interested in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. It is possible to be a Foster Carer and to also continue in your current job. We welcome

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7th May

Focus

14th May

White Satin

21st May

Neil Diamond Tribute

28th May

Rumour Has It

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28

The 2016 Tweedbank Fair is upon us once again and we have organised an exciting programme of events based on the feedback from many of the residents of the village. I would urge everyone to support the Fair, the young people who have been selected to represent the village and the hard working committee members and volunteers who make it all possible.

The Fair has something for all ages and we extend a warm welcome to new residents, visitors, parents and young people. We especially welcome representatives from the Braw Lads Gathering and Melrose Festival and thank them for their continued support.

I would like to thank our many supporters both local businesses and individuals, your contribution enables us to run many of the events at no or little cost. I would like to thank all our hard working committee members and volunteers who give freely of their skills and time to make the Fair the success that it is.

I look forward to seeing you during the Tweedbank Fair Week.

Rob Goudie- Convener The Tweedbank Fair was first organised around 1977 by Bill Laughlan (founder of the Tweedbank Tap newsletter in 1975) and others in conjunction with the Community Council and George Wilson who at that time was Headmaster at Tweedbank Primary School. At its very outset the Fair colours of Red and Black were chosen to match the School colours.

The purpose of the Tweedbank Fair was to promote a sense of belonging, responsibility, pride and tradition in Tweedbank amongst the more senior pupils at Tweedbank Primary School.

Hence the Tweedbank Lad and Tweedbank Lass, or Tweedledum and Tweedledee as they were known in the early years, were chosen by way of a project, essay or other task set by the Headmaster at Tweedbank Primary School.

The selection process has been changed to one where young people put themselves forward for one of six principal roles. Names are selected at random from a closed ballot box; each child who puts their name forward has an equal chance of being selected.

The Tweedbank Fair Programme has continued to be expanded and changed to reflect the requests of the young people and adults who live in the village.

The Tweedbank Fair Committee would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has helped organise the Fair and to all the companies and individuals who have donated time and prizes, and to the Principal Parties from Galashiels and Melrose but most of all to the local community in Tweedbank for your continued support

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Saturday 21st May Chris Doyle Football Festival. Tweedbank Sports Complex Pitches, 10.00am. Organised by Tweedbank Thistle FC. Prizes for Player of the Day for each age group. Tea/Coffee/ Tuck Shop.

Sunday 22nd May Grand Car Treasure Hunt. Registration at 12.00noon, Tweedbank Community Centre.

Entry £5.00 per car. Prize giving and BBQ to follow Car Treasure Hunt at Herges on the Loch 1st Prize is £50 Herges Voucher.

Monday 23rd May Kids Bingo. Community Centre 6.00pm.

Tuesday 24th May Investiture Evening. 7.00pm in the Community Centre. Followed by Family BBQ and Disco.

The Galashiels Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Attendants will be presented to our Principal Party to exchange colours signifying the Investiture of this year’s Principal Party. Licensed Bar / Tuck Shop.

Wednesday 25th May Fancy Dress Parade. Judging 6.30pm at the school. Parade led by Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band. Melrosian will be introduced to Principal Party and exchange colours. Followed by Disco at the Community Centre. Licensed Bar / BBQ & Tuck Shop

Thursday 26th May Indoor Bowling Tournament. Tweedbank Bowling Centre 6.30pm. Licensed bar.

Friday 29th May An afternoon with Riddell Fiddles. An afternoon’s entertainment for the over 50’s at the community centre from 2pm to 4pm. Licensed bar, teas, coffee and cake.

Adult Bingo. Community Centre 7pm to late. Cash Prizes. Licensed Bar Strictly Over 18’s.

Saturday 28th May Street Art . 10am to 11am. Meet at the paved area at the School Entrance. Weather permitting.

Fruit and Flower Grand Parade. 12.45pm. Community Centre to Tweedbank School. Melrose & District Pipes & Drums will lead the parade from the Community Centre, accompanied by our Tweedbank Lad, Lass and their Attendants, followed by local community groups and individuals.

Fete & Fun Day. 1pm onwards. Including the penalty shoot out competition for the Chris Doyle Trophy, open to all P7’s. Activities for all Children/Adults in the School grounds and surrounding area. Fantastic magic show in the school hall. Car boot sale in school playground- please bring your own table.

Fun Run. 3pm. Entries on the day, meet at the football pitch.

Tweedbank Fair Raffle. 3.30pm Saturday Night Live. Doors open 7pm. Richard Nelson, live hypnotist and live band The Racketeers, Community Centre. Tickets only. £10, available from any Committee Member or Tweedbank Late Shop. If there are any tickets still available on the night, they will be sold on the door on a first come, first served basis. Strictly over 18’s.

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The Gala Garden May 2016 Have you ever planted something to find that it disappeared completely from that spot to emerge somewhere else entirely?

Yes, plants can move about.

I don’t mean like Treebeard; trees are pretty much stuck, but a surprising number of other plants can move house if they don’t like their location.

What makes them do that?

Light and shade, food, water and space drive plants to relocate. Light is vital because photosynthesis, whereby plants absorb carbon dioxide and energy from sunlight to form carbohydrates from nutrients taken up through the roots, is essential for plant growth. Some plants have different strategies for growing in low light conditions but all plants have a strong inclination to get towards the amount of light they need to thrive.

Different mineral elements affect different parts of plant growth. In poor soils, especially ones that drain quickly, growers supply extra food in the form of specific minerals. The lack of specific elements causes physiological problems that can usually be seen on the plant’s foliage or stems.

Room to grow without competition is especially important when raising productive plants. Generally, if plants are placed too close together, it will result in small vegetables so it is worthwhile placing the plants and the rows at the correct distances.

In the ornamental garden, most plants dislike being crowded but that doesn’t mean you must plant in rows or leave bare earth showing.

You can plant closely by planting in layers and by knowing the ultimate size and spread of each species.

Plants have several methods of movement: some will seed into their desired positions; others will crawl there either on top of the soil or even underground. Some shrubs

will tip root, dying out where you put them but spring up in a better place to flourish.

So when a plant looks poorly, the gardener should consider relocation. To find the right place for the plant you need to know its particular requirements. It’s no use just bombarding the poor thing with an overdose of chemical fertiliser and waiting for results.

Sometimes the plant is overcrowded after a few years. Sometimes another plant is shading it out.

Sometimes the plant has finally succumbed to unsuitable conditions because of an excess of water in the soil or too many cold winters.

The good news is that, given half a chance, these treasures will recover when you respond by re-planting them in just the right conditions. Maybe that’s why there is always something to do in the garden.

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

Food and water are as important to plants as they are to us. Nutrients are absorbed in fluids taken up by the fine root hairs. It follows that if the ground is absolutely dry, no nutrients can be absorbed. Equally, if the ground is completely saturated, only a few species will cope because air in the soil is also necessary.

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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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Willie’s Wonkey Computer Factory Windows 10 is fairly good at sorting itself out when it encounters a problem. Sometimes though you have to give it a hand, and Microsoft have provided a number of built in tools that do a pretty good job. The easiest to use and get to grips with is System Restore.

We’ve seen this in earlier versions of Windows, however in Win 10 it is disabled by default, so you need to switch it on.

System restore basically allows you to go back to an earlier recorded working state of your Windows, without affecting your documents, photos etc. It does this by saving restore points when something significant happens – like a Windows update, or when you install a new programme. That means if something goes wrong, Windows can restore itself to the state it was in before all went wrong.

Let’s switch it on. Type System Restore in the Win 10 search box, bottom left of the Task Bar. Now select Create a restore point from the results and then the System Protection tab.

Now click on the Drive you would want to restore, there may be several listed on your computer, but the ‘C’ drive is where Win 10 is by default. Now select Configure and in the box

that opens up select Turn on system protection.

Then use the slider to determine how much space you are allocating, this also determines how many restore points there will be saved, 5 – 10% is enough. Click OK. If you ever need to create a restore point manually (just before you start messing with any system settings, for example), return to this dialog box and click the Create… button, otherwise Windows 10 will create them automatically.

Restoring your PC. As every computer is different because of what you have in it, there are times when either a Windows update, or a new programme you’ve installed doesn’t agree with something and causes problems. Windows will have created a restore point automatically, before the update or programme is installed, so that’s a good point to revert back to. To do this open the ‘System Properties’ box as above, click on System protection and then on System restore. Select a restore point just prior to when your troubles began and follow the instructions.

At this point you can also select Scan for affected programmes to see what might change and once happy click on Next. The process might take a while, so just sit back and let it get on with it.

Sometimes a serious Windows problem can stop the restore from working. All is not lost, you just need to start Windows in Safe Mode – that means all the non-essential and problematic apps, drivers and settings are disabled and Windows runs on the bare-bones. System Restore should then work.

To start in Safe Mode go to Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery and click Restart now (which is below Advanced start-up).

Windows will restart in Safe Mode and will offer a ‘Choose an option’ menu. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore and use System Restore in the usual way.

Hope you never need it, but it’s ready to go if you do.

Willie

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The Roman Way - guided walk from Medieval Melrose to the site of the Roman Fort of Trimontium at Newstead. Every 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.

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. Commencing on Friday 29 April and thereafter on the following dates: 27 May, 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.

Gala Clef Club: Do you sing or play an instrument and do you enjoy classical music? Gala Clef Club is a platform for local performers of any age or standard to perform voluntarily to a small, friendly audience. Perhaps you are a student needing some performance practice or a music tutor with pupils about to sit exams? Or are you in a choir or music group which would enjoy doing a floor spot? Are you an experienced performer wanting trying out a new piece on a live audience? Or maybe you've had that instrument in the attic for years and want to get back into music and make new friends? If any of this is you, then Gala Clef Club is the place to hone your performing skills. Please come along and join us and help keep this historic music club going for another 89 years. We are a small group of like-minded musicians and fellow performers who will give you every encouragement you need and we like to team up and form chamber music ensembles. We mainly play classical but enjoy all styles of music. Piano, keyboard and accompanist available. Annual subscriptions £12/£6/£1, guests free. Venue: Lucy Sanderson Hall, Tweed Terrace, Galashiels, from 7.30 - 9.30pm.

Visit us on www.onlineborders.org.uk/community/galaclefclubor contact 0778 037 8590 or hgoodship@tiscali.co.uk Community entries are free to non profit clubs, groups and organisations.

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Do You Sudoko??

5

9

2

8

7

1

2

6

7

9

3 6

9

4

9

8

5

3

5

1

6 7

4

5

1

6 9

1

2

6

4

8

7

4

3

2

3

9

8

1

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!

Do You Sudoko??

3

1

5

3 5

2

5

6

6

3

9

6 9 1

4

8 7

1 2

9

8

Tricky :o)

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

9 7

Easy :o)

3 1

4

6

8

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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CARLA MURPHY

&

BVMS MRCVS

MELANIE BROAD BVMS MRCVS

Summer Smiles Firstly thanks to all our clients who have participated in the Borders Pet Rescue Chipping. As I write this in mid-April we have already raised ÂŁ315 and there are two weeks of the offer left to run so I will update you again next month with our total.

May sees our focus move to dental health awareness. Every year we like to run a free dental check-up service for anyone who is worried about their pet's teeth. Perhaps you have noticed a bit of a pong when you are cuddling your dog or maybe there is a swelling on their face potentially indicating an abscess. Sometimes your pet might go off food or only want to eat soft things. They might drop food or even squeal when eating or chewing. If you have suffered from tooth ache you will know this isn't a laughing matter.

We would like to encourage you to "lift their lip" and have a look at the teeth. The gums should be nice and pink like salmon, not red (if your pet has black pigmented gums this can be hard to tell) and not swollen or receded. There shouldn't be any bleeding, which just like the lady in the advert can be a sign of gum disease. If you can see brown tartar building up on the teeth then it's time to book a scale and polish. In pets this is done under anaesthetic but is a simple procedure which can help to keep gums healthy and we should probably be doing it much more than we think.

Here is a statistic that I always find quite shocking and reminds us that we should be making dental disease more of a priority: "It's estimated that by the age of two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease." The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that pet owners brush their pets' teeth every day, or at least several times a week.

In May we are offering free dental checks for dogs and cats with our Registered Nurses Colin and Megan or with our vets at selected appointment clinics. We have some free goodies to give away too. We can teach you how to brush your pet's teeth and give you tips on how some simple changes like moving to a dental biscuit might reduce tartar building up in the future. If your pet requires a dental procedure then we also have 10% off in May. Carla & Mel

Carla & Mel www.bordervets.co.uk Galashiels Veterinary Surgery

Office: Weekdays 8.30 - 6pm, Sat 8.30 - 12noon

Gala Terrace, Galashiels. TD1 3JT

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

01896 752 156

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GALA CRICKET CLUB It is set to be an exciting season at Meigle Park as Gala Cricket Club embark on a new venture.

Training for the 2016 season is now underway and will continue through the summer at Meigle Park, situated beside Victoria Park.

It starts at 6.15pm on Mondays and Thursdays and with a new development team this season, all players of all ages and standards are invited to come along.

Junior training begins on Tuesday 19 April at 6.15pm. Again, current and new players are encouraged to come along and try the sport with games available at under 11 and under 14 age groups. A registration day is also planned in the coming weeks.

If you or any of your friends or children or other family members (including females) are interested in trying cricket, please get in touch with Gala CC’s Secretary, Kenny Paterson, kppaterson@yahoo.co.uk You can also contact the club and keep it touch with the goings on at Meigle Park on the new Facebook page www.facebook.com/ gala1853, Twitter www.twitter.com/ Gala_Cricket or at the website www.intheteam.com/galacricket.

The club will be continuing its Friday night social games but is looking to start a new 6-aside round robin competition, which would see teams asked to play only a couple of nights in a group format. If you think your work colleagues, friends or sports team would want to enter, please get in touch with Stuart Scott on 07879465207.

If you would like to take on Gala CC Thirds in an 11-a-side game, please get in touch with Stuart also.

The club has started a newsletter which will be emailed to those on the distribution list occasionally during the season to keep you up to date with the club and events going on The 2016 season may well prove to be an historic one if for no other reason than the fact through season. Anyone who wishes to sign that old rivalries have been set aside and Gala up should email kppaterson@yahoo.co.uk have joined forces with Hawick & Wilton C to Likewise, if you would like to hire the clubrooms enter a development team in the East League. for an event, please get in touch.

This venture came about in part due to a nd Thanks to all who helped and attended the paucity of fixtures for 2 XIs last season. club’s first sponsored dog walk with the nd In an effort to give 2 team players and juniors Borders Pet Rescue in March, while those on verge of stepping up to senior cricket more who helped get the club ready for the season competitive and meaningful games the joint through its CricketForce Day were also team will play in East League Division 8. thanked. The event saw the training nets put back up, the floors of the cellar and away Gala 1st XI will play in Division One under changing rooms given a lick of paint and new captain Kevin Gallagher while the 2nd XI is under the captaincy of young Jack Halls (who benches put in place around ground. will also act as Vice-Captain of the 1st XI).

Kenny Paterson Games started on 30 April and run through to Gala CC Secretary end of August – please come up and support the club and use the bar.

Photo: Team winning the Border 2020 Cup last season

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The Humble Tattie Scone You can’t have a full Scottish breakfast without a couple of potato scones fried until crispy around the edges. Whilst shop bought ones do the job just fine at breakfast, there’s nothing like a freshly made, home made tattie scone, slathered in butter and rolled up like a crumpet!

They are easy to make, but there’s a few rules to achieve a perfect scone!

First of all, the best scones are made by preparing the potatoes specially for them, they need to be still hot. If you use cold leftovers the texture is nowhere near as good.

Then you must use a floury potato like King Edwards.

Don’t add any liquid, the potatoes are moist enough, and don’t fry them in butter, only use a dry heavy pan, or girdle.

You need 500g floury potatoes all roughly the same size, 100g plain flour, 25g butter, 1/4 tsp salt Put the potatoes in a pot unpeeled and cover with cold water. Cover and simmer until they feel soft when pierced with a sharp knife. When cooked, drain and leave to dry and cool slightly, until you can handle them. Then peel the skin off with your fingers.

Now mash the potatoes with the butter and salt until completely smooth, then work in half the flour using your hands. When that has been well incorporated add the rest of the flour. You might need more flour if the dough is a bit wet. You want a fairly soft but not sticky dough.

Heat up a girdle or heavy based frying pan over a medium high heat so it is ready to go.

Divide the dough into 4 to make 16 scones and roll out each piece to 5mm thick (thicker than a pound coin) on a floured surface. Then immediately transfer it to the pan/girdle – you do not need any fat to cook them. Prick the scone all over with a fork. Bake them on either side for 3 – 4 minutes. You want to cook them fast so they get a good colour on the outside, but not too fast that they burn and stay raw in the middle. You can flip them more than once to make sure they are thoroughly cooked. Quarter them when done.

Serve hot spread with butter, or store in the fridge to be fried for breakfast.

Not so humble? Try rolling grated cheese between two layers of dough before cooking them!

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TO ALL LEVELS INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED COURSES WITH IMMEDIATE RESULTS

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The Alec Lucas Memorial Football Tournament.

Saturday 4th June, Whitestone Park, Peebles 11am till 4pm The Alec Lucas Memorial Football Tournament is a great family fun day out. This will be the 8th and final family fun day although the football tournament will still go ahead as usual. This is a chance to come along and celebrate and commemorate the life of this very brave Royal Marine Commando, who was killed in action in 2008, while serving in Afghanistan. His great passion, after his family, was football. He played and supported many teams in and around Peebles and was a great believer in youth sport.

On the day there will be 16 - 7a side teams competing for The Alec Lucas Memorial Trophy, including The Royal Marine Commandos and local teams. The proceeds raised will go to local football clubs and to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Monies raised so far has contributed to a mini bus for the youth football team, floodlights at Whitestone Park, new strips for all youth teams in Innerleithen & Peebles, and many other essential items to keep the clubs up to date.

On the day there will also be lots to entertain everyone. A Beer Tent (of course)! Hog Roast, Home Baking, Tea and Coffee, Pony rides, tombola and Penalty shoot out!

Also we have a Bouncy Castle Fun Day with lots of inflatables, giant slides, assault course and much more! Bounce all day for a small fee of ÂŁ5!! great value for all!!

Also attending are Peebles Fire Service, Pipe Band and The Silver Band.

No admission fee, donations welcome.

Everyone is invited to come along and give their support on this very exciting and special day.

Car Boot Sale ÂŁ10.00 per car boot (pay on the day) but please phone and reserve your space. Come along and browse through all the boots and bag yourself a bargain.

To book your space, or for more info Tel: Susan 07727 159323 or 01721 720001

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Fiona Dugdale - Scottish Labour Candidate I am not a career politician but a mum and public sector worker. I am a frontline mental health professional. I am driven by a passion to rid society of poverty and inequality.

I believe that Scottish Labour values are key to ridding poverty and inequality from our society. I believe that public services including health, education, and social care are central to achieving these aims. To do this we have to fund them properly and fairly. That is why Scottish Labour will replace the council tax and introduce a fairer, more progressive tax system.

The council tax freeze is having a negative impact on our public services. I have heard about the reduction in additional needs assistants and the potential closure of the specialist nursery at Langlee. I will stand with communities around Galashiels against these cuts.

Labour will invest in your family’s future. We will protect our environment for future generations by banning fracking in Scotland. We will help first time buyers save for a deposit for their home. We will tackle the attainment gap in our schools by introducing a Fair Start Fund which will provide £78 million a year directly to schools to help 72,000 of our most disadvantaged young people.

As your MSP I will stand up to be counted on the things that matter. If you want a fairer, stronger and more successful Scotland I hope I can count on your support.

Christine Grahame - SNP: I have been a member of the Scottish Parliament since its reopening in 1999, first as an SNP Regional Member then for the past five years as Constituency member for Midlothian South Tweeddale & Lauderdale.

In the first session I was convener of the Justice Committee, in the second session I convened the Health committee, in the third session I convened the Health & Sport Committee and in the fourth session I convened the Justice Committee and Policing committees. In 1999 I established and chaired the Cross Party Group to restore the Borders Railway and set up and chaired the Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare, meeting quarterly.

I am proud to be independent minded and an unreconstructed back bencher .I have been known not to tow the party line, and I have held my own Government to account on more than one occasion both as chair of committees and in debates. In particular I opposed the abolition of the requirement for corroboration in criminal cases. This was subsequently dropped by the Government.

I have found representing the constituency the highlight of these years, dealing with around a thousand cases a year; holding surgeries in my offices at Galashiels and Parliament, in the libraries at Gorebridge and Newtongrange making home visits where required and on alternate Saturdays at the local TESCO supermarkets in Gala, Peebles and Penicuik. Each summer I have had a Summer Surgery Tour round the smaller towns, villages and hamlets. In this time I have dealt with some 1000 cases a year and helped many local campaigns.

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Michelle Ballantyne - Scottish Conservatives: Elections are an opportunity for change. I know that we all have similar cares and worries about our economic security because I share them. Many of us feel that politicians are out of touch and that they lack the experience and instinct to actually put things right on the ground. I am not that kind of politician. I have spent over thirty years in the NHS and business.

I pledge to treat you with respect and consideration at all times; and to do my utmost to ensure that the Scottish Government makes the very best use of the resources that it has, before demanding more of your income.

I will fight to ensure that the needs of every part of our society are considered and treated fairly; because a just society is one that allows you the opportunity and freedom to succeed and benefit from your efforts but that also protects and helps those who are less fortunate. Politics affects every part of our daily life and no one can escape its influences. With the instability of the global economy we need strong, capable politicians with good moral compasses.

When you cast your vote on 5th May I hope you will choose the candidate who offers balanced, compassionate representation. One who puts people before ideology. One who brings experience and conviction to the job.

A vote for me on 5th May is a vote with both heart and head and it will be respected.

Kris Chapman - Scottish Liberal Democrats: It is time to stop wrangling over the constitution and instead take action on the issues that matter to us in Scotland. This is the straightforward, clear message that Scottish Liberal Democrats and our leader Willie Rennie have been making throughout this election campaign. It is a message that I believe will resonate with all of us as we see standards in education falling, our council under the strain of Scottish Government cuts, and an NHS struggling without the investment it needs to provide the best service possible. The Borders deserve better.

The SNP Government has allowed education standards to slip rather than investing so that every child can realise their full potential. The SNP cannot simply continue to talk left, govern right and hope that the negative consequences of underinvestment in education go unnoticed. As a local youth worker, I see the impact every day. Enough is enough! Action must be taken!

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have a positive vision for Scotland, at its forefront a progressive policy of investing in our children and young people with a ‘penny for education’. This means a small increase in tax on those who can afford to pay to fund a ÂŁ475 million investment in Scottish education. Some of that money will be spent on introducing a pupil premium targeted directly at raising the attainment of disadvantaged pupils.

This is just one of many progressive policies from the Scottish Liberal Democrats. I hope I can count on your support at this election to see these polices become a reality.

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YOUR HOROSCOPE For May 2016

By Astrologer Christine Chalklin The Cosmos During May May sees the sign of Taurus the bull in the spotlight, the Sun is joined by Venus, the planet of partnerships and love. Taurus is down to earth and constructive, this practical energy can be used beneficially to keep your projects going at a steady pace. Taurus is also the sign of nature and we’ll all benefit from getting outdoors and enjoying the abundance of the natural world. Mercury is in retrograde motion in Taurus until the 23rd, as always take care with communications and travel arrangements. A rare transit of Mercury occurs on the 9th, we will be able to see the fastest inner planet reveal itself in broad daylight as it crawls across the Sun. Let’s hope for a clear sky – Please NO looking without eclipse glasses! Astrologically this event may reveal what was previously hidden, a chance to really connect with our true potential and purpose ARIES MARCH 21 – APRIL 20 Mars, your ruler, is staying in retrograde motion all month. Plans and projects may seem heavy going and far from gathering momentum, for best results stay with this pace and use this time wisely. . The new moon on the 6th brings some financial issues to the surface.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 May is a very special month for Taurus as Venus, the love planet, moves through your sign until the 24th. The new moon in your sign on the 6th brings a new vision into your consciousness. It’s time to allow your cosmic gifts of practical creativity to come to the forefront.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 This month could turn out to be rather introspective for normally outgoing Gemini. The Sun, Venus and Mercury encourage new dialogue with partners, talk to each other and dig deep to unearth new truths. Venus enters your sign on the 24th – relationships will flourish!

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 May promises a social whirlwind as the Sun, Venus and Mercury all light up this area of your life, with the new moon on the 6th being particularly important. Although you sense job changes are on the cards, matters may be on hold as Mars remains in retrograde motion all month.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 Goals and ambitions are your top priority this month as Venus arrives at the highest point of your chart. . Be sure to pay close attention to the small print on any contracts or legal documents, retrograde Mercury may be out to trick you! Full moon on the 21st brings a surprise encounter.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 Any travel plans that have been on hold can now resume momentum as 3 planets gather in this area. The new moon in Taurus on the 6th could well turn out to be pivotal, but don’t rush things as Mercury and Mars are retrograde. Take your time and check things through.

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LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 May could turn out to be a busy month as the area concerning your finances, funds and investments is in the spotlight. Cash may have been a worry recently, but as the Taurus new moon on the 6th emphasises new beginnings you can banish fears and consider new avenues.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 May brings relationships and partnerships to the forefront; make the most of the love planet Venus in deeply sensuous Taurus until the 24th, and dreams can come true. Once communicative Mercury has gone direct after the 23rd conversations flow smoothly and you can say what you want.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 May might seem like an extremely slow month as energetic Mars is still in the retrograde phase in your sign. Try not to fight it - you can‘t win, instead contemplate on how you can build on your success – Venus will help here as she bestows an extra portion of charm!

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 The most powerful planetary activity is taking place in the area of your chart concerned with love and creativity, be open to new possibilities. Mighty Jupiter moves direct on the 10th bringing an exciting new phase to your life, exploration and learning are in the spotlight.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 May brings your attention to your home and family, three planets fill the domestic sector of your chart and the new moon on the 6th signals some changes to the place where you live. Friends and acquaintances are also high priority this month, make an extra special effort to get out and have fun.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 May brings all forms of communication to the forefront of your life. You should be feeling assertive and you may need to review how you come across to others in your circle. Make your plans, but wait to act until after Mercury goes direct on the 24th. The new moon on the 6th is auspicious.

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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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A & A Doyle Ltd Funeral Dr

37

Floors Castle Loyalty Card

13

Menus Delivery

43

A to Z Decorations

49

Floors Forestry Fencing

45

Michelle Ballantyne

47

Action For Children

21

Foster Care Connect

26

Mike TV

27

Alec Lucas Football Memorial

48

Gala Cricket Club

42

MT Maintenance

8

Apollo Blinds

22

Gala Life Garden

30

Needlepoint

45

Archaeology Scotland

36

Grants Gardens

32

Newlyn Properties

25

Book Fair

18

Green Square

17

Plumbstore

35

Border Vets

40

Greenspaces

33

Politics

50

Borders Hypnotherapy

45

H20

11

Recipe

44

Borders Pharmacy

7

Horoscopes

52

School Bell Tuition

46

Bowen Health

46

House of Hearing

19

Scotlight

14, 46

British Legion

27

Hutchisons Carpets

17

Spec Savers

56

Bruce Matthew Lawn Care

32

Invision Signs

8

Starting a New Business

49

Buccleuch Plants

27

James Graham Roofing

8

Street Crepes

37

Caddon Health

18

James Lauder

33

Sudoko

39

Caravan Fix

36

Jean Muir Student Village

13

Suzanne Ferguson

37

Castle Warehouse

15

Jonnie Jones Plumber

8

The Handyman

33

Crolla's

37

K 2 Roofing

2

Travelsure Ltd

45

DM Hall Chartered Surveyors

49

Keith Penny DĂŠcor

9

Tweedbank Fair

28

Driveway Cleaning Co

31

KenKleen

27

TweedDogs

36

DW Noble

19

Lifestyle Landscapes

32

Vapour Shop

55

Longridge Towers School

43

Walk It

37

Edmundson Electrical

25,41

Fencing & Hedges

33

Mackenzie Plumbing

9

Willie's Wonkey Computer

34

Finlaysons

9

Man with a Van

41

Yoga

49

Fitness

12

Marmions Brassiere

5

Your Local Blind Man

9

Flexible Respite

21

Maxwell Roofing

14

Zaika Tandoori

18

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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