£ 0.70 The Upper Tweed Community News Issue 71 December 2015 T h e B r a v e S h a v e

Fiona’s Haircut for Charity Fiona Park who lives in Springwell Brae had her hair cut recently to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support through their “Brave the Shave” fundraising campaign. Impressive fireworks in Brougton on This was no ordinary haircut for it was performed by Barney McIntyre who is November 7th. Photo by Kitty Lambton. a professional sheep shearer. He has worked in many parts of the world but his Report on page 10. Also photo page 12.. . only hair cutting experience is shearing sheep. To date Fiona has raised £1,850 and the appeal is still open. If anyone would like C o n t e n t s to support her and add to this total, send a cheque made payable to Biis & PCs p 2 Fiona Park, 15 Springwell Brae, Broughton ML12 6FE or hand a cheque or WW1 Remembered. p 3 cash to May Fraser in Broughton Village Store. Rifle Volunteers p 4 Except for a few years, Fiona Howieson, as she was known before her marriage, Oliver p 5 has lived in Broughton nearly all her life. She has two daughters, Tamzin and Brighten Broughton p 6 Kaye. She works for two days per week on night duty at Garvald Care Home Broughton Primary School p 7 for young adults near Dolphinton and has previously worked privately for both Broughton United Curling Club p 8 the disabled and the elderly. She enjoys walking and in her youth she was also Talk p 9 keen on riding. Noticeboard p10 Please support Fiona and help her break the £2,000 mark for her campaign. Bananas News p11 , Concert and Photos p12

Golden Eagle soars over Upper Tweed majestically. Photo by Alex Lintott, aged 10. Clubs gathering for the bonspiel at Murrayfield Ice Rink on November 14th, marking 200 years of the Brougton United Curling Club. Participating teams were from West Linton, Newlands, Eddleston, Peebles and Peebles Ladies and Biggar. Report on page 8. This issue is sponsored by B i t s & P C s C o m p u t i n g ,B i g g a r page 2 Upper Tweed Community News 1 Upper Tweed Community News 2 WW 1: In Memorium British Red Cross In June 2014, theUpper Tweed Community News listed the men from our communities Mr Julian Birchall gave a fascinating who died in the disastrous, tragic World War 1. Some families still live in our illustrated talk, From Patogonia community. We will continue to feature some of these men over the next 3 years. to in Drumelzier Hall on November 20th. It was a fine blend of history, social commentary, geography and images of wild life. The committee of the Drumelzier Hall and Digby Welch, supported by his family, organised the event splendidly. It raised over £1000 for the British Red Cross Refugee Appeal. Well

HANDYMAN

Fencing gardening small building repairs Private Andrew Knapp Sergeant Hugh Crawford and renovations 16th Battalion Royal Scots 11th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Andrew Knapp was born in Cowglen Sergeant Crawford of Broughton, whose Douglas A Roper near Dunfermline and was educated at name is on the Broughton War Memorial, The Logan, Tweedsmuir Possilpark Public School in Glasgow. was said to be a man of soldierly bearing He moved to Tweedsmuir but there and experience. In the early part of the TEL: 01899 880284 is no record of where he lived or his century he served in the army in both employment there. India and South Africa before joining the Caledonian Railway. He joined the 16th Battalion Royal Scots in January 1915. This Battalion was known At the outbreak of war, he rejoined Electrical Contractor as McCrae’s Battalion and was raised by the army serving in the 11th Battalion and named after the charismatic Colonel Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. (Prop: N Curatolo) Sir George McCrae MP, who had joined This battalion was formed in 1914 in • Domestic, Commercial & Industrial the Edinburgh Rifle Volunteers as a private Stirling and moved first to Aldershot and Installations soldier when just eighteen years old. then to Basingstoke before landing in McCrae’s Battalion largely consisted of France at Boulogne in July 1915. It was • Security Lighting & Alarms professional and amateur footballers and heavily engaged in the Battle of Loos in • Electric Showers was the first of the so-called “Footballers September that year, which he survived. • House Re-wires Battalions”. Heart of Midlothian led the However, before a further engagement, • Portable Appliance Testing first division at the time that war broke he wrote to his minister, Mr Baird, and • SBSA Registered Self-Certifier out and sixteen players, plus five hundred told him that he was preparing for battle supporters of the club, joined up followed under his trusted officer, Captain Home, All work guaranteed by 150 from Hibernian and others from formerly his Majesty’s Inspector of Unit 2, Lindsaylands Road, Raith Rovers, Falkirk and Dunfermline. Schools, but said that this might be his Biggar ML12 6EQ Fans were encouraged to fight alongside Tel 01899 220160 07860 750982 last letter. He received serious injuries their football heroes and this became a Fax 01899 220160 while burying a colleague and died on most effective recruiting theme. In 2014 E-mail: [email protected] 10th November 1915. He is buried in the McCrae’s Battalion was inducted into the http://www.nacelectrics.com/ Villers Cemetery. Scottish Football Hall of Fame. Their first major engagement was st on1 The Archive July 2016 at Contalmaison on the Somme These biographies are drawn from the excellent book by Dr A Gunn, The where more than 400 of the battalion died Book of Remembrance for Tweeddale Burgh and Parish, published in 1925. over three days. Andrew Knapp survived It provides short biographies and photographs of those who died in WW 1. this battle but was killed accidentally on Additional information from families for the series will be welcome. 30th November 1916 when a dug-out The book is available in an impressive digitised version from the National collapsed on him. Archives of Scotland at https://archive.org/stream/bookofremembranc1925gunn#page/n9/mode/2up. Andrew’s name is on the memorial in Tweedsmuir Kirk.

Upper Tweed Community News 3 Peeblesshire Rifle Volunteers B r o u g h t o n a l e s

The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was the alternatively in Broughton, Rachan Mill Broughton Ales has been bought by a trio last European conflict involving British and Stobo. of executives with extensive experience troops for 99 years until the outbreak of in the drinks industry. The first Volunteer funeral took place in World War One in 1914. David McGowan has worked for September 1861 when Sergeant William Diageo and Scottish & Newcastle, Steve However, in January 1858, this era of Scott, ploughman of Holmsmill was McCartney and John Hunt, both have peace nearly came to an end when an buried at Stobo Kirk with full military worked with Heineken. attempt was made in Paris on the life of honours. the French Emperor Napoleon III. The Broughton Ales was founded by Sir A rifle range was established at Catcleuch would-be assassin, Felice Orsini, was an David Younger and James Collins 36 on the Ratchill Farm land at the head of Italian but he had come to Britain and the years ago. Ratchill burn. There were targets at bomb he intended to use had been made The new owners plan to invest in this 200, 400 and 500 yards and many years in Birmingham. There was already a lot craft beer business and to market it more later numerous bullets were found in of anti-British feeling in France at that widely in Scotland. the ground around the target area.. The time and there was a perceived threat of a We look forward to continuing to drink third annual county challenge Shooting French invasion when a large proportion the excellent Broughton Ales. Cup was held on the Broughton range in of British troops were engaged overseas, 1864. The range was probably closed in particularly on garrison duties around the BARC COACH HIRE - 1873 when the Broughton company was empire. going places amalgamated with the Peebles company As a precaution, the Secretary of State for due to falling numbers. BARC Coach Hire have War, Jonathon Peel, issued a statement Regular annual social events were the a variety of coaches operating authorising the formation of a National Grand Ball which was held in the great throughout the Scottish Volunteer Rifle Corps. Volunteers Forces hall of the Chambers Institution and the Borders. were to be formed on the recommendation Annual Supper and Prize Giving at the of the Lord Lieutenant and officers were Tontine Hotel. We are focused on great customer to hold their commissions from the Lord service at competitive prices and Lieutenants. Members had to swear an By 1862, the Volunteer Force UK had a will pull out the stops to give you oath of allegiance before a Justice of the strength of 162,681 of which over 130,000 the best experience in coach travel. Peace and were liable to be called up ‘in were rifle volunteers. Today, with almost case of actual invasion’. While under exactly double the UK population of that We cover all kinds of contract arms, volunteers would be subject to time, the governments target strength for work & private hire – and are Military Law and received Regular Army the Regular Army is 82,000. certain we can meet your needs. pay. In 1880, the Peeblesshire Rifle Volunteers Initially, Volunteers also had to pay for became part of the 2nd Admin Battalion We are going places . . . and so their firearms but these were provided Midlothian and Peeblesshire Rifle can you. by the War Office to ensure uniformity. Volunteers, with the Peebles Companies 01721 722222 Members were declared “effective” if being designated I and K Companies [email protected] they attended 8 days drill or exercise in and the Innerleithen and Walkerburn four months or 24 days in the year. Companies, being designated L Company. UPPER TWEED In 1888, the PRV was attached to the COMMUNITY NEWS The Peeblesshire Volunteer Rifles Royal Scots and became the 6th Volunteer We welcome articles and notices was formed in 1860. There were four Battalion Royal Scots. companies, 1st Peebles, 2nd Broughton, on all subjects of interest to the 3rd Innerleithen and Walkerburn and Fifteen men from the Peebles Company people of Upper Tweed. 4th West Linton. Each company had to fought in the Boer War. One of them, contain no fewer than 60 men. At the Thomas Dickson, died in the conflict. Editor: Duncan Davidson time of formation, Broughton had the Assistant Editors: Richard Carr, Gill The original crisis of 1858 which largest number of members, even more Lindsay, Denise Lintott, Murdo Elder prompted the creation of the Volunteer than Peebles. Two prominent members of Advertising & Sponsorshp: Murdo Force soon passed but the Force itself the Peebles Company were William and Elder lasted for nearly fifty years and only came Alexander Buchan, both uncles of John Treasurer: Brian Bushell to an end in 1908 following a Defence Buchan. The next issue will be published on Review by the Liberal government of the 1st March 2016. . The Broughton company was formed day. It was replaced by the Territorial Articles and notices should be almost immediately and James Tweedie Army. submitted by 16th February 2016 to: of Quarter and Rachan was appointed This article is based on “The Peeblesshire Duncan Davidson, Oliver, Captain, with John Tweedie of Patervan Rifle Volunteers” by Robert Knox. Tweedsmuir, Biggar, M12 6QN. and John Pretzell of Drumelzier Place It is available from Whitie’s Book Shop, Tel 0189 880278 or being appointed Lieutenants. Due to Peebles, Atkinson Pryce, Biggar & Linton [email protected] the scattered population of the area, the Books,West Linton. Broughton company was divided into three platoons which met for training Upper Tweed Community News 4 O l i v e r The story of Oliver, in Tweedsmuir, extends back 800 years and 4 dwellings. Frasers were the dominant family in Tweeddale in the 12th century, also with expanding interests and power elsewhere in Scotland. One son of Sir Gilbert de Fraser was Oliver or Olifurd who built the castle or hill fort in about 1180 at the imposing site overlooking Tweedsmuir, facing towards Talla. ‘Castrum Oluirgi’ is mentioned in a document about 1200. Perhaps the most famous Fraser of Oliver was Sir Simon Fraser III, the ‘Patriot’. He fought with Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, was captured and suffered the same grim fate as Wallace—he was hung, drawn and quartered in London in 1306. was one of a chain of hill forts or peel towers built along Oliver, probably 1860s, with a plain central block, and the Upper Tweed valley, with castles at Fruid, Oliver, , Wrae, wings. Drumelzier and Dawyck. Little remains now and it is marked by a copse of trees. Inspection of the site (Canmore database 1974) describes 2 lines of defence enclosing an area of about 200 ft by 180 ft. To the east there were 3 crescentic scarps which could mark the site of contemporary wooden buildings. The castle passed for a time to the Fleming family; then, in the early 14th century, Oliver, Drumelzier and other Fraser strongholds passed to Tweedies by marriage. Tweedies had homes at Rachan, Quarter, Patervan, and Dreva but the main ones were at Drumelzier and Oliver. In 1565 a charter for Oliver was granted to William Tweedie, on payment of 1d per annum. The Tweedie family has been labelled as ‘the Turbulent Tweedies’ but they lived in turbulent times. The Tweedie clan in Drumelzier had many blood Oliver extended with an attic storey and bay windows feuds, particularly with Veitches. On one occasion they stopped a traveller and demanded ransom. He turned out to be King James V, travelling in disguise. Bad move! Two Tweedies, William Tweedie of Drumelzier and Adam Tweedie of Dreva participated in the frenzied murder of Queen Mary’s Italian advisor, Rizzio, in Holyrood in 1566. No doubt the Tweedie family took part of the reiving business but who recorded that? When the castle deteriorated and defence needs changed, the stone was reused partly in building the nearby Tweedie house, the Bield. Patrick Tweedie used some stone in building a house on the south side of a mill dam in 1649. Nothing remains of that house now. The next Oliver was built in 1734 by James Tweedie and Margaret Ewart for £1,275. The lintel in inscribed ‘JT ME 1729’. The buildings are now steadings. Oliver after 1930s renovations. - current appearance The current Oliver was started in about After Lawrence Tweedie died without 1780 by Thomas Tweedie. It was typical family in 1837 Oliver passed to George nnof the small homes of lairds at the time Stodart, the son of Thomas Stodart and - a simple 2 storey square block, with Christina Tweedie, Lawrences’s sister.. BORDERS central door and a room on either side of George took the name Tweedie-Stodart the central stair. Single story wings and which remained the family name until CHIROPRACTIC a third floor with dormer windows were 2008 when the last Tweedie-Stodart, Dr added later. The walled garden, probably N M (Tim) Tweedie-Stodart died. for fruit and vegetables, was present in Oliver is still a family home. The previous OfferingChiropractic drawings in the 1830s. sheep farm is now the commercial forestry treatment for a variety of In the 1930s the third story was removed of Oliver Forest. joint, posture and muscle problems and upper storeys to the side wings added. The stunning views from Oliver to Talla The Tweedie heraldic panel, brought from are ever-changing. Morning mists may the earlier home, is on the front wall... Acupuncture, massage, and linger. Sometimes the glow of sunrise is ultrasound also available Inside there is a panel also brought from bright over Broadlaw. The valley may the earlier home that states ‘This seat sparkle in sunshine, or be darkened by first built by Patrick Tweedie of Oliver Tel: 01721 720 694 sweeping snowstorms, rain showers, borderschiropractic.co.uk and Janet Bullock his spouse Anno Dom or hail. Then again sunlight sculpts the 1649 rebuilt by James Tweedie, his great hillsides with ever changing patterns. 2 Cherry Court, Cavalry grandson and Margaret Ewart his spouse This is Tweedsmuir. Park, Peebles, EH45 9BJ Anno 1737.’ Upper Tweed Community News 5 Brighten Broughton In recent years the Brighten Broughton A new group of enthusiastic volunteers Brighten Broughton was started by the late committee have found the maintenance have agreed to look after the floral Celia Byers in early 2001 and the group and erection of the lights and the planting displays, with the finances reported continued after her death to maintain and and maintenance of the floral displays too annually through the UTCC accounts. install the Broughton Village Christmas onerous with full time work commitments If you are interested in becoming involved lights and organise an annual Christmas but they would like to keep running the with this group, have strong views about Fayre on the first Friday of December. Christmas Fayre. In February 2015 the the floral displays or would like to adopt On the evening of the Christmas Fayre UTCC agreed to take over the funding of a tub to maintain and water during the children from the local primary school the Christmas lights with local volunteers summer months please contact Ros walk down the village street, turning on to erect the tree and put up the lights. Hume, Secretary to the UTCC, and/ or the lights, singing carols and ending up Thanks to a successful funding application complete a short questionnaire available at the Village Hall where local residents to Council they have in the Village Store. display crafts they have made during been able to buy new lights and these will the year. Proceeds from the Fayre have be installed in time for the Christmas [email protected] traditionally helped fund plants, compost Fayre on Friday 4th December. and bulbs for the floral display in the 48 tubs dispersed throughout the village. In DAVE CAMPBELL 2003, thanks to Celia’s efforts, Broughton Your local handyman Village won the Beutiful Village Available for most home maintenance and DIY jobs, small competition. construction projects and hedge trimming 01899 830317/ 07531109530 DAVID [email protected] MUNDELL MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweed- dale Constituency

Six ways to contact David: • write to David at 2 Holm Street, Moffat, DG10 9EB • telephone on 0800 731 9590 (freephone) • visit one of David’s surgeries – see local press for details • E-mail [email protected] • David’s website at www. davidmundell.com • Tweet at @DavidMundellMP AC C Ountants AND TAX ADVISORS TO THE AGRICULTURAL SEO CT R SINCE 1926. The Orchard • Self assessment tax returns, tax planning and advice 93 High Street, Biggar • Audit and accountancy services • Secretarial and book-keeping services including payroll 01899-221449 • General financial consultancy services including business plans Please contact resident partner Leslie W Reid Fruit, Veg, & Fine Foods 25 Bloomgate, Lanark, ML11 9ET Gift baskets couriered UK wide Telephone: 01555 663251 Fax: 01555 702034 E-mail: [email protected] Biggar Flavour REGISTERED TO CARRY OUT AUDIT WORK AND REULATED FOR A RANGE OF INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES BY THE 99 High Street, Biggar INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF SCOTLAND. 01899-220056 Award-winning Baking, Fresh Ready Meals,Outside catering,Hot & Cold Takeaways

Have you tried our fresh single portion ready meals? Suitable for microwave or oven heating. Suitable for home freezing Delivery service available Upper Tweed Community News 6 B r o u g h t o n P r i m a r y S c h o o l The children of Broughton are now preparing for the Christmas Nativity and The 2015/2016 year got off to a fine start The children have also been busy service. As always, a huge thanks to Mrs at Broughton Primary School. The staff designing their own Christmas cards. Elder for helping us out with the music. welcomed Interim Head Teacher Mrs These are currently being printed in packs The Enterprise committee BIBS are Wilson back for another session and also and will be issued soon. The P5/6 class preparing for this year’s shopping day. welcomed Mrs Scott, P1 teacher, and Mr also entered the annual David Mundell They will announce the shopping date Hutchinson, P2/3 probationary teacher. Christmas card competition so good luck soon and all classes can do their shopping We were delighted to welcome 19 new to them. in one afternoon. P1s in to school and with the help of their The classes so far have been visited by The whole school was also involved in an P7 buddies they settled very quickly into Childline, Action for Children and Zoo ECO Hero Challenge day. The activities their new class and their routines. Lab. The P4/5 classes took part in the they enjoyed, while raising awareness The year kicked off to a busy start as the Tweeddale Rugby Festival at Peebles of sustainability, reducing, reusing and House and Vice-Captain elections got High School and the P7s visited this recycling, included making Christmas underway. Before long the manifestos year’s Crucial Crew activity day in shopping in one afternoon! were presented and election day arrived. Gala. This annual event, organised by The term ended with the news that Debbie The new House and vice captains were the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Walbaum, our much-loved classroom elected, with the JRSOs and the Pupil team, allows the children to take part in assistant, had decided that after 13 years Council also taking their places. The a variety of activities to help them stay she would be redirecting her career and Enterprise club, the Eco club, the safe in all sorts of situations. The P7s leaving Broughton Primary. She will be Newspaper club, the Gardening club and also thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the sadly missed by all those who worked the Running club were also all up and Kelpies at Falkirk. with her. Good luck Debbie and thank running and the Fair Trade Tuck Team Halloween Party – lots of fun and a huge you for your dedication and hard work were soon ordering this term’s supplies. success!! The whole school has been over the past 13 years, we hope you take The Horticultural show always marks treated to theme days in the lunch hall, many happy memories with you from the beginning of the school year and the the latest of which was a French lunch your time at Broughton. children are always keen to enter the introduced in French by the P5, 6 and various categories. Thomas Roper of 7 Classes. Thank you to Carolyne and P7 delighted us all when he won all the Tracey, our dinner ladies, for the extra prizes and a special commendation for effort they put in to make these days such effort. Well Done Thomas!! a success. The P7 class hosted this year’s The news of the opening of the new Remembrance service and the ceremony railway from Gala to Edinburgh filtered at the war memorial in the village. SWANS through and the children were asked to Thank you to all those who joined us to MINICOACH HIRE get involved in the Roald Dahl themed remember all the brave men and women assembly where they dressed as a book who sacrificed their lives in wars past and character and were given a special bar of present. 3 Springwell Brae chocolate. Beth Revell of P5 was lucky As the clocks have now changed and Broughton enough to find a ‘Golden Ticket’ in hers the days are getting shorter the Junior 01899 830251 and she was treated to a free journey on Road Safety Officers reminded us of the the new railway. importance of being seen when we are The P1 class hosted a super Harvest out. 16-seater mini coaches Festival, singing about the meaning The whole school was also involved in an for hire of harvest and displaying some lovely ECO Hero Challenge day. The activities examples of harvested food on their they enjoyed, while raising awareness The Glenholm beautifully decorated hats. The P2/3 class of sustainability, reducing, reusing and Guesthouse decorated the harvest table and the Rev recycling, included making smoothies Bob Milne collected the food donations on a smoothie bike, creating scarecrows All rooms are en suite and for The Edinburgh City Mission . from recycled items, making a recycled furnished with many extras. The Enterprise Committee packed and mural using bottletops, building bug sold bulbs, compost and biochar to hotels as well as making cress heads. A children who wanted to enter the bulb- fabulous day was had by all and thanks Somewhere different for growing competition in the spring. This to the Tweedgreen volunteers for all their dinner? was very well supported. help. Eco Hero We are not a restaurant or a Challenge day hotel but we do serve fresh, home- recycled mural cooked dinners to non-residents. Booking essential.

For more information or to book call Fiona on 01899 830408

Upper Tweed Community News 7 BROUGHTON UNITED CURLING CLUB BICENTENARY This coming curling season will see curling moved to Murrayfield in 1980, Broughton Glenholm & Kilbucho Curling where we still curl today without worry Club, or better known as Broughton about the weather. United Curling Club, celebrate 200 years There have been some long-serving since it was formed in 1816 by the Rev. members over the years including 12 who Hamilton Paul. were in the club on our 175th. anniversary Hamilton Paul was born in Ayrshire in and are still members, but the longest on 1773, educated in Glasgow and ordained record was George Deans Ritchie who Drummond & as a minister in 1800 at Ayr. He could joined in 1871, became chairman in 1888 Murray Ltd not get a parish in the early years and so and remained until his death in 1938 - a worked as an assistant at Coylton church member for 67 years and chairman for 50 and did relief preaching in the area. years. He was a friend and admirer of Robert Famous Broughton curling names from Burns and did much to preserve Burns’ the past were Dan and James Tudhope Plumbing & Central memory by, for example establishing who skipped many successful rinks. Heating engineers Burns’ suppers. An entry in the 1937 minutes states that Oil - Solid Fuel - Gas In 1808 he took a majority share in the a Broughton rink reached the semi-final Installations & Maintenance Ayr Advertiser and became its editor. of the World Championships, but gave no Conversions After 3 years the post of minister of the other details! united parishes of Broughton, Glenholm Another member of note was Sandy tel: 01683 220065 & Kilbucho came up and he sold his Dunlop who skipped a successful Scottish holding in the newspaper and moved rink against England in London in 1982. fax: 01683 221621 to Broughton in 1813. The new Parish He toured Canada in 1965, was a Council 36 Well Street, Moffat, Church had been recently built near Easter member of the Royal Caledonian Club, Dumfriesshire, DG 10 9DP Calzeat and Hamilton Paul, in defiance of President of Edinburgh Curling Club and the Heritors and Presbytery, insisted that Peebleshire Province for 14 years. the manse be built there to be able to curl The winning rink at our 175th anniversary in the surrounding flooded fields. bonspiel was Benny Masterton, skip, Glenholm Software He founded the Club in 1816, was elected Grace Masterton, John Kay, and Hugh as President and he held this post until his Gibson who are still all playing with the Solutions death in 1854, a period of 38 years. The club. original minute book was lost in 1849, We held a bonspiel at Murrayfield on while in his care, and no written records Saturday 14th November involving Computer Training exist until after his death. He was a noted Provincial Clubs and Biggar, sponsored and Assistance for 1 to 1 by Stobo Castle Health Spa. Later a writer, poet, speaker and story teller. computer training and Club meetings were enlivened by his dinner and social evening was held in wit and the pages of the lost book were Broughton Village Hall. Everyone had problem-solving sessions illuminated by his literary talent. a super day, soup & sandwiches first. The curling game was won by Peebles, on Windows based computers The second minute book records that runners up West Linton. Then there was meetings were held twice a year, on 30th. a dinner in Broughton Hall, sponsored December as the President’s guests at the call Neil on 01899 830408 by Stobo Castle Health Spa, followed by Manse and on 30th March at Broughton toasts & speeches. Most Microsoft applications covered Green Inn. The following years had only one meeting in Broughton Green Inn, usually around 30th December. Curling Environ-IT Ltd was done on Rachan Mill Pond. One P TAYLOR trophy that has been played for since Software Painter and these early days is the Goat’s Horn. This came from Hamilton Paul’s pet goat and development service Decorator was made into a snuff mull. Website development All types of Interior and By 1881 the name Broughton United Exterior Decorating appears for the first time, instead of the Content management systems Fully Insured longer BG&KCC. On-line database and tools Only large open competitions were played Web GIS and mapping on inside ice at Crossmyloof in Glasgow For free quote and Haymarket in Edinburgh. All regular Multiple device websites club games were still played on home ice, call Paul weather permitting. 1949 was the first tel: AndrewMason Tel: 01899 220489 time that mentioned was made of booking 01899 880200 inside ice at Haymarket. When it closed Mobile: 07709 323125 [email protected] Upper Tweed Community News 8 T w e e d s m u i r T a l k

Mud was the main attraction in Tweedsmuir over the last few months. The mini-mudder was held in September in the Crook gardens to raise awareness of the community purchase of the remaining Crook buildings and land through the Scottish Land Fund. Reluctant parents (unprepared for getting wet) followed about 70 delighted children through the River Tweed, through muddy chicanes, a tough hill climb, back through the river, through a water tank, a maze, swinging through a trapeze, climbing over BIG bales and sliding through soapy water. The 2015 Official Mountain Marathon Obstacles as well as mud and water at the Crook Inn, (OMM) is described as ‘a test of endurance, navigation and mountain survival, held in some of the most remote locations and at a time of year when conditions can be extremely challenging – it is meant to be hard’. This year it was based at Hearthstanes. Tweedsmuir fulfilled all expectations! A video of the event can be seen on www.theomm.com/ omm-2015-tweedsmuir-scottish-borders/. The Autumn colours along the A701 were the best that we have seen for many years – the mature trees on the old estates of Mossfennan, Stanhope, Kingledores, Polmood and Hearthstanes, Tents for entrants to the 48th Original Mountain marathon at Heartstanes. Over complemented the new mixed plantations, 1500 competitors started, running over Broadlaw in the rain, camping overnight the changing bracken and the most in the Manor valley, before another marathon, this time in sunshine. Regarded as amazing roadside Rosebay Willowherb very successful The campsite was immaculate afterwards! (fire plant). A seminar was held about the newly STUART-MENTETH designated ‘Scottish Wild Land’ area in S OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE the Tweedsmuir Hills. It includes Talla, Mrs. Rosalind Stuart-Menteth, D.O. Gameshope, Meggat, Grey Mare’s Tail and Hart Fell. A proposal has been raised Osteopath to make Southern Borders a National Gentle osteopathic treatment,sometimes with ‘cranial’, is given foback ache, Park. muscular aches, joint stiffness, poor posture etc. SSE Clyde Borders (wind farm) will hold All ages are seen: babies to senior citizens. events in the area to promote the increase in community funding. 31 Elcho Street, Peebles EH45 8LQ 01721 722301 The Tweedsmuir Community Council, through discussion with SBC, have revised the Laurel Bank in Broughton the school journey times and are making tea room ♦ bistro ♦ bar plans for the snow clearing, community Tel 01899 830462 assistance as we work towards becoming a ‘resilient’ community. The community council supports Broughton Parent Council’s concerns over the cuts in learning support. It has also raised concern over the lack of road marking in the area. Tweedsmuir is unlikely to be part of the superfast broadband roll out and are looking into alternative solutions.

Christine Parker Upper Tweed Community News 9

. N o t i c e b o a r d Report of the Upper Tweed Broughton fireworks H a n d i cr a f t s Community Council Meeting, display f o r B r o u g h t o n Nov 16th 2015 Horticultural Show At their meeting on 16 November the This year the rain thankfully held off th Upper Tweed Community Council and on 7 November the Upper Tweed 27 August, 2016 learned with regret that Rosalind Community Council held an absolutely Hume wishes to stand down from splendid bonfire and fireworks display, A soft toy, embroidered article, her role as Secretary, in view of the attended by many people. The picture using buttons, cushion cover pressure of other work. We would be occasion was thoroughly enjoyable – in appliqué, article in knitting, article glad to hear from anyone who might the huge bonfire roared away, while in cross stitch, article in patchwork, be willing to take on this unpaid but the brilliantly coloured fireworks lit article in crochet, card in any craft, a very interesting role – for an informal up the sky and must have been visible mask, a fascinator, original painting in initial discussion, please contact the and audible for miles. Afterwards the any medium, item made from wood, Chairman, Chris Lewin (telephone soup and sandwiches which volunteers something new from something old, 01899-830250). had provided in the village hall were an item of any other craft not specified. The Council was informed that parents very welcome. at the Primary School are unhappy Upper Tweed Arts For with the way that Scottish Borders Thanks are due to the fireworks All Council has handled the withdrawal of team under the able leadership of Christopher Lambton; Dave the dedicated Learning Support role. Upper Tweed Arts for All is now Campbell, David Halsall, Matt Davis, There are numerous pupils who have properly up and running with a bank Alexander Lambton, Justin King and learning support needs and we were account and insurance. We are currently James Gordon. We are also grateful told of fears that the education of other providing a popular Friday afterschool to the fire marshals who kept everyone pupils, too, may suffer. Art Club at Broughton Primary and safe – Jamie Hope, Phil Rees, James The meeting discussed the recent are keen to put on more art and music McKirdy, Donald Stewart, Finlay fireworks display and those present events in our community. If you have Smith and Ian Revell. Valuable help expressed their warm thanks to any ideas for groups, projects or in building up the bonfire came from Christopher Lambton and other concerts please contact us and we can Gus Swan and Colin Nelson. helpers, including several members of work together to see if we can make the Council. Generous donations were it happen. Arts for All is now able to Many other people helped in one received, but there were unexpected apply for funding to help support any way or another, including the supper additional costs due to a last-minute ideas come to life. withdrawal by the Red Cross, who volunteers, first aiders and everyone who contributed so generously towards had agreed to provide first-aid cover. We have plans to put on a few informal the cost of the fireworks. It was a real The result was that alternative, more Sunday afternoon concerts with tea community effort, of which we can be costly, cover had to be found at very and cake at different halls in Upper proud. short notice. The consequence is that Tweed early in the New Year. If you no funds can be carried forward to would like one of these concerts in any fireworks display which we might your local hall and are willing to lend want to hold next year. a hand please get in contact. We would It was reported that a defibrillator has SCOTT VEHICLE like these concerts to be family events. been installed at the garage and is now Entry will be by donation, keep an eye operational. Rosalind Hume, who has out for posters. managed this project for the Council, REPAIRS was congratulated on this achievement. onation to ospital She said that further training sessions D H ervice epairs rivers cheme will be held for local people and a S , R D S second defibrillator is planned in the MOT TESTING STATION The Scottish Endurance Riders Club Rachan Mill area. Tyres, and exhausts has made a remarkable, generous Other subjects discussed at the meeting Calor gas, coal & donation of £435 to the Upper Tweed included Christmas lights, microgrant Hospital Drivers. applications, flower tubs, flooding on car wash The Upper Tweed Community News the B712 near Rachan Mill, current sponsors the Scheme and is very planning applications, work required The Garage grateful for this support. at the Broughton cemetery, police We remain grateful also to the availability, and the identification of Broughton voluntary drivers and to Fiona projects which might qualify for grants Tel: 01899 830 240 Hamilton who organises it. from funding organisations.

Upper Tweed Community News 10 B a n a n a s n e w s Staff have been working with the committee to sort out an increased amount of paperwork to submit a tender to provide Bananas may have half the number of children attending this ELCC in 2016-17, updating information and fund-raising. year but we have been busy. Our transport theme evolved into Thank you to everyone who supports us but to be financially learning about recycling after we visited George Scott’s bin viable we need more children! We have a great range of lorry. George told us all about what happens to our rubbish resources here at Bananas including a mud kitchen, a gazebo, and how it is sorted. Lesley then told us how farmers recycle 2 sheds with outdoor toys, puddle suits so we can go out in the plastic on farms and what can be made from old rubbish – all weathers, a purpose-built playroom with little toilets and if we recycle properly! dedicated trained staff. www.bananasplaygroup.co.uk We have been able to eat our own home grown tomatoes Christine Parker. Coriena Douglas after waiting a long time for them to go from green to red and found some peas. The potatoes didn’t smell very good but we weighed and counted them on our scales. We’ve collected colourful Autumn leaves, had a fairy-catching session when the Rosebay Willowherb seeded and, although the wind prevented us from exploring Dawyck, we enjoyed our snack in the café and singsong/quiz in the education centre. Each child has been able to take a turn in the spotlight during show and tell and trick or treat. We made a huge difference to the area outside our windows on ground force day. Everyone was dressed for the occasion and the children worked extremely hard taking all the weeds, leaves and mud to the compost heap in wheelbarrows and tractor trailers. Indoors at Bananas: a project The children were all very interested to learn about Remembrance Day and took part in the school memorial service but weren’t so keen on the rationed snack.

Learning about rubbish and recycling

Ground force day - at work clearing up Broughton Village Store

N e w s a g e n t , L i c e n s e d www.treesurv.co.uk g r o c e r a n d m o r e Establishment, Greetings Cards. Fresh Bread Management and restoration Frozen fish & Cooked meats of Native Woodlands Fruit & Vegetables rboricultural laundry services A Deliveries on request Surveys tel 830465 Hedge Planting & Open daily 7.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Maintenance Sundays 7.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Tree Surgery Timber Construction Tel: 01899 830 587 Mob: 07903 924 565

home baking ♦ lunches ♦ bistro meals & bar every evening OPEN 7 DAYS ALL YEAR 01899 830462 Upper Tweed Community News 11 Halloween Parties

The Toddlers played pass the parcel, and all had a turn at unwrapping, followed by a lovely snack and Halloween cake, then playing with toys. Toddlers meet from 9.30-11.30 am on Tuesdays in the Broughton Village Hall. Children up to 3, including all small babies and even pregnant mums are welcome. There are visits each term.. They went to the Zoo this term and there will be a Christmas Party on Dec 15 th. The leader of the group, Sarah Smart, is shown above with the children. wearing her Halloween costume. (Contact

Tweedsmuir children at their most fiercesome in Tweedsmuir Village Hall. The Halloween party, for adults as well as children, started with scary stories, a joint supper and was followed by some really Broughton Fireworks. by Kitty Lambton silly games and then some utterly disgusting messy stuff !

Autumn Colour in Tweedsmuir

Christine Parker

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Upper Tweed Community News 12