Excerpts from Boswells Bulletin - Spring 2008

Welcome to the first Boswells Bulletin of 2008.

Rocking Reporters this issue are Lucy Melrose, James Ross, Natalie McNeill, Erin Laidlaw, Emma Cowan, Caitlin Jackson, Alisha Mann, Molly Burns, Zoe Bruce, Spencer McCann, Ella Warner, Megan Shepherd and Gemma Watson.

In February, the Rocking Reporters sadly said “Goodbye” to our wonderful friend Atwiya Nakirijja. Atty came to Scotland in July 2007 from Nserester Orphanage in Uganda and has been staying with the Lee family at Sandystones. She has been very busy during her long visit – from helping with the family’s chickens to all sorts of exciting trips and experiences. She saw snow for the first time here!
We were pleased to be able to give her a tea party before she left and the Rocking Reporters made her cakes and cards to wish her well.
The cakes in the photo spell out “Haste Ye Back Atty” and we hope she will do just that!
We had lots of fun at the party, making short work of the cakes and giving our cards to Atty.

ST BOSWELLS PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS NEWS

Since Christmas St Boswells Primary School have been flexing their muscles – legs, arms and brains – with quizzes, tournaments and after school activities. All that and their school work too! Here are our reports:-

Primary Schools Chess Tournament
On the 22nd February I took part in a chess tournament in the Focus Centre, Galashiels. It was the 25th Primary Chess Tournament and maybe the last time for organiser, Tom Lawson. The TV crew were there filming for Lookaround. 18 different teams of 4, from different schools were there. I was board four and played 10 games. Unfortunately we didn’t win anything but the main thing was that we had fun! St Mary’s School won the main prize which was a huge silver cup! It was really exciting because we also got a piece of cake. I enjoyed the tournament and met a lot of other children.
Gemma Watson, P6

Lauderdale Rotary Quiz Night in Newtown St Boswells
A few weeks ago Molly Burns, Joe Church, Louise Hall and I went to the Lauderdale Rotary Quiz Night at Newtown St Boswells Primary School. There were schools taking part from the Borders. The questions were really hard and we tried our best to answer them well. In the end, we came 3rd! We were really pleased with the result and had great fun too.
Ella Warner, P7

Gymnastics
Every Wednesday I go to gymnastics at Earlston Gymnasium. I have lots of fun with my friends. Soon I will be competing in my first competition. We also do grades, 7 is the easiest and once you have passed 2 you automatically pass 1 and go on to bronze, silver and gold medals. I am on bronze at the moment.
Natalie McNeill p6

After School Activities
Our new Active Schools Co-Ordinator Derek Napier has been running a block of activities...
Primary 6/7 is doing a session of after school games with Derek. We do lots of fun activities like Thunder ball and French cricket. I really enjoy the games and I hope that they will last for many more weeks.
Megan Shepherd, P6

Jubilee Concert
The concert due to be held on 5th February had to be postponed and a new date will be with you as soon as possible. We hear it will be worth waiting for !!

Pony Club News
On 24th February I passed my pony club D Plus test on Teasle, one of Nenthorn’s ponies. Teasle is a liver chestnut and stands 13 hands high. He is a super pony.
Alisha Mann, P6

Valentine Disco
Love was in the air at St Boswells Primary School on 21st February when helpers from the Parents and Friends Partnership (PFP) committee ran two belated Valentines parties.
In keeping with our Jubilee Celebrations we had a 50s, 60s and 70s theme and pupils were asked to dress up. Magnum Disco provided great tunes for us to dance to and thank you to Dave Black for a great disco.

Primary 1, 2, 3 and 4 had a joint party and the costumes were just fantastic. Well done to everyone who made a great effort (parents too!). Dancing and games with a juice and crisps interval – it was a fun filled hour and a quarter. Primary 5, 6 and 7 had their disco next and it was a slightly more sophisticated affair. Again well done to all those who dressed up and entered into the spirit of the evening. There were some fabulous outfits and photographic evidence can be found in the school reception area.

Netball Tournament
In February some of the P6/7 girls took part in a netball tournament at Earlston High School. We played three games against Melrose A, Parkside B and Earlston. We won the first game against Melrose 2-0 but we lost the other two games. We really enjoyed the tournament and would like to say a big thank you to Mr Rodwell and Mrs Wilson for coaching us.
Erin Laidlaw, P6

Competition Winners
Winners of the “Decorated Electric Guitar” competition were announced at the Valentine discos. The winners won lovely Valentine mugs and teddy bears.
P1,2 3 & 4 1st Prize – Ines White, Runner Up – Melissa Taylor
P5, 6 & 7 1st Prize – Stuart Hill, Runner Up – Emily Sinclair

Max Marshall the Magician Visits Primary 1, 2 and 3
Max the Magician came to the infant end of the school. I asked Chloe, from P1, what it was like. She said he was really funny and cool! Everyone enjoyed the show and they hope one day they will see him again.
Erin Laidlaw, P6

Report from Spencer
Hi! Spencer here for the third and maybe the final time. I’ve been checking out restaurants in the Borders and my favourite is Fei Wong in Langlee, Galashiels. I had a lovely dinner at Christmas and I got lots of presents. Just the other day I found out that someone famous called Jean Lawrie used to live in our house. I have also been playing with my friends.
Spencer McCann, P6

Boy’s Brigade
At Boy’s Brigade it is two weeks until display night. This year we are doing a drill display. We are practising seriously. We are working very hard doing a series of gymnastic skills, jumps and marching.
There will be awards handed out for perfect attendance and badge work awards. Some of the boys will be moving from Juniors to Company section. Anchor boys, Juniors and Company all display their work. There are also some special awards, such as the Queen’s badge.
It’s been a busy time since we started in September. Display night in March is the end of the season. Boy’s Brigade starts again in September, anyone who wishes to join would be welcome.
James Ross, P6

ECO-School
Our school has an eco friendly committee. We work on many different subjects such as energy, water and health and wellbeing. Our group so far is running smoothly. We are all enjoying the meetings and hope they will keep running. We are aiming for a Bronze Award.
Erin Laidlaw, P6

Easter Holiday Activities
Easter Holidays start soon with the last day of term being Friday 28th March. Two lovely weeks – let’s hope the sun shines on us! The Rocking Reporters have been thinking about some of the places you might like to visit during the Easter Holidays – here are a few of them...

Floors Castle Garden Centre
On the way to Kelso you will see a sign for the Floors Castle Garden Centre entrance. Turn right into the entrance and down the road to the garden centre and through the back to a great play park with swings and, best of all, a zip wire. The cafe is very nice and ice creams excellent.
Ella Warner, P7

The Hirsel
At Coldstream there is a place called the Hirsel. There is a beautiful walk that goes round a big lake. There is a playpark and a cafe with lollipops if you like them. There is a gift shop and a few little sheds with old-fashioned tools.
Zoe Bruce, P5

Jedburgh Jail
Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum is a brilliant place in Jedburgh. You can go back in time to see what it was like to be in Jail. It is an exciting place; there are real notes from people who were in it.
Alisha Mann, P6

Jedburgh Attractions
Jedburgh is a TOP place to go as you can get a bus from St Boswells (if you don’t want to drive) and there are cafes – Simply Scottish is very nice – and plenty of attractions. The Jail (see above) is exciting but also pretty scary and free if you live in the Borders. Then there is the Abbey where you can dress up in period costume on the way in and go around the Abbey pretending that you live there. Mary Queen of Scots House – said to be haunted. Visit Jedburgh this Easter Holidays.

100 Aker Wood Visitor Centre
100 Aker Wood is a great place for a family fun day out. There is a small play park and a wood with wildfowl and peacocks. It also has a lovely cafe and shop. The cakes are very nice. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great day out.
Erin Laidlaw, P6

Harestanes Visitor Centre
Harestanes is my favourite place. I like to go and play in the little river when we go for a walk. Me and Ella and mum paddle and make dams and then we clear them again. We have a picnic. Badger, our dog, loves Harestanes too.
Finlay Warner, P2
Harestanes opens again at Easter and if you call them on 01835 830306 you can find out about any activities that are on during the holidays.

Smailholm Tower
Smailholm Tower is a fantastic place to visit in the Easter Holidays because it has an interesting history. It has been a lookout for hundreds of years and the views across the countryside are lovely. Our favourite part of the tower is standing on the top of the balcony and battlements. There is a good gift shop. Around the tower are rocks to climb on and places to sit and have a picnic. We give Smailholm Tower **** four stars.
Megan Shepherd, P6 and Ella Warner, P7

Tweedbank Park
Tweedbank Park is a great place to visit. There are lots of fun activities including an assault course, slides, climbing frames and seesaws. There is also a duckpond and the ducklings are so cute! In my opinion it is a great place for a fun day out!!!!
Erin Laidlaw P6

SPRINGTIME
Snowdrops blooming in gardens
Purple flowers growing everywhere
Rainbows suddenly arriving
I pick lovely pink flowers
Now birds make their nests
Green grass and flowers
Tractors sowing corn
I walk through flowers
Mother birds are singing
Easter is nearly here
Sian Laverty, p2/3

Restaurant Reviews
We know you look forward to these hot places to eat....

Marmions, Melrose
On Saturday 23rd February I went to Marmions in Melrose. It is a small restaurant bar and the food is delicious. Starters, main courses and desserts are all yummy. The waiters are kind and I recommend it for someone who wants some delicious food. I had chicken goujons and then for dessert I had chocolate cake with a strawberry on it.
Erin Laidlaw, P6

Simply Scottish
Simply Scottish is in the main street in Jedburgh. I like to go there with my family for tea. The staff are friendly the restaurant is nice and the food is very good. Last time I went I had Lamb Shank and it was amazing, really tender with lovely gravy. My mum had fish and she loved it, even Finlay likes it and he can be a bit fussy. Puddings are also excellent. I have also been there for lunch and that was good too.
Ella Warner, P7

Local and Lovely – Milestone Garden Centre Café
Milestone is a great place to go for lunch. They have awesome Hot Chocolate with marshmallows. They also have a lovely gift shop.
Lucy Melrose, P6

P.S. If you drink lots of hot chocolate and eat many cakes at Milestone you could walk it off by walking from Newtown to St Boswells via the river. What a lovely walk!

Mayfield Garden Centre
At Mayfield Garden Centre there are animals you can have a look at and they are really sweet. The cafe is very good with marvellous soup and lots of other good food, hot and cold. In the Garden Centre, is a lot of garden stuff like shovels and seeds.
Emma Cowan, P6

Woodside Organic Gardens, Ancrum
Woodside is a good place to go. It is an organic garden with some great plants and birds to look at. The best part is the cafe with scrumptious homemade cakes!
Molly Burns, P6

The Black Bull, Lauder
Fantastic food, good atmosphere and friendly staff. We went in the evening but apparently Sunday Lunch is excellent.
Kate Warner, way beyond P7!

Famous people from st Boswells past...

This month we look at the life and works of....

John Younger

John Younger was a poet and writer. He was a shoe-maker to trade and very keen on fishing. He was born at Longnewton in 1785. His father was a small holder and shoe maker and was finding it hard to make a living in Longnewton. The family moved to Elliston when John was 13. He became quite an expert little fisherman. Before he came to Elliston he had fished the Ale whenever it was possible. Now in Elliston he also learned about nature and the ways of the birds.
Natalie McNeill, P6

I am doing a project at school on Robert Burns so I was interested to read that a local hedger told John Younger about the works of Robert Burns. It was some time before he could get a copy of Burns’ work from the local library because he could not afford to join. Before that he read Thompson’s “Seasons” and this he found very enjoyable. It was after that that he began to write himself. He married in 1811 and lived in Lessudden (old St Boswells). His first poems were published in 1834 and in 1840 he wrote “River Angling for Salmon and Trout”. This book made him £30 which was a lot of money then. From 1852 to 1855 he was Lessudden Postmaster but before he died in 1860 he went back to being a shoemaker. He is buried in Benrig Churchyard.
Ella Warner, P7

Book Reviews

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
This book is fab. It is about a boy called Bruno who lives in Germany. His father has a very important job. They live in a beautiful house and he has everything he wants. They move to a new, even bigger house but it is beside a camp with barbed wire all around it. The book is set during Wold War II and the boy does not realise that his father is a Nazi Commandant and the camp is a prisoner of war camp. Bruno meets another boy through the wire fence and they become friends. There is also a nice man working in their house who is also a prisoner and has to work for the family even though in his former life he was training to be a doctor. I will not give the end of the story away but it is really exciting. I recommend this book and give it **** 4 stars.
Ella Warner, P7

The Beasts of Clawstone Castle by Eva Ibbotson
Just now I am reading a book called “The Beasts of Clawstone Castle”. It starts with two ordinary London children, Madlyn and Rollo, who are sent away to their great Uncle and Aunt who own Clawstone Castle. When the children get there it seems to be just an old run down Castle but in the grounds live a herd of white beasts. The children set out to try and make some money for the castle and hold an audition. Through the audition they find the perfect solution to make Clawstone a more interesting place to visit....
I am really enjoying it and I recommend it to all. I give this ***** 5 stars
Ella Warner, P7

Bad Girls, by Jacqueline Wilson
Bad Girls is a book about a girl called Mandy. Mandy is bullied because she is smart and different. She is desperate to have a friend who understands her. When Mandy meets Tanya she is over the moon but Mandy’s very protective mum isn’t happy. Mandy starts to rebel and she finds herself in trouble...Jacqueline Wilson has done a super job. I was hooked from the first page. ***** 5 stars
Molly Burns, P6

Film Reviews

The Water Horse
I went to see The Water Horse at the Pavilion Cinema with my mum and sister. The amazing motion picture was about a Loch Ness monster like creature living with a young imaginative boy in the middle of World War 2. The strange monster is the only one of it’s kind in the world! I am trying not to give too much away. I give this movie **** 4 stars because it is very adventurous but it has sad events. It is rated PG.
Gemma Watson P6

The Water Horse
The Water Horse is a film about a boy in World War II. At that time every boy was sad if their father went to war but it really upset Angus. When he was out by the beach he saw something – a massive egg! It made him excited and happy. That is when the adventure begins when the egg hatches to be.... This movie is great and you never knew what the ending was going to be. That’s why I liked it and give it **** 4 stars.
Molly Burns, P6

Enchanted
Enchanted is a brilliant film about fairy tale characters who find themselves in the real world. Lucky for our Princess she meets her real Prince Charming. She ends up living with him until Prince Edward comes to get her once he does she realises she has already met her true love. It is an amazing film, a “must see” and I give it ***** 5 stars.
Caitlin Jackson, P6

St Trinians
St Trinians is really funny. There is a new girl who comes to the school and she is very different to the naughty girls who are there. The girls have to try and make some money for the school or it will close down. They decide to steal a portrait from the art gallery to make money. The girls in the movie are pretty but rude and naughty. I give this movie ***** 5 stars – it is amazing!
Zoe Bruce, P5

[/b]Burns poetry competition [/b]
St Boswells Primary school had a Burns poetry competition where every pupil in the school recited a poem. Everyone got a choice between a few poems for each year. It was quite embarrassing but we managed.
Well done to everyone who took part.
Gemma Watson, P6

Welcome to St Boswells New Minister
Our new minister is Rev Sheila Moir. She is really kind. She came to our school assembly and said a lovely prayer. We are really glad she is coming to our school and would like to welcome her to our community.
Erin Laidlaw P6

SpringTime
Snowdrops are growing in my garden
Pink tulips are growing in a pot
Rain dripping to the ground
I run to pick daffodils
Getting near Easter
Time to buy Easter eggs
I pick daffodils for Mum
Many lambs are born
Everybody is very happy

By Jordan Harper, P2/3

Cubs News
On the 28th February in Cubs we had to entertain some of our parents. We had been working on our Entertainment Badge but sadly I missed the two parts of the badge. We had to make a script in our group and then make a puppet show. I managed to have a go when I was the Evil Sidekick of Fat Bob! I was handy. All the Cubs did well with their shows – well done!
Molly Burns, P6

Recipes from James Ross...

Leek, Potato and Bacon soup
Serves between 4-6 people. Preparation time 30 minutes, cooking time 30 minutes

Ingredients:
300g leeks, washed and finely sliced
300g potatoes, washed and sliced
150g lean bacon, chopped
700ml chicken stock
290ml milk
Fresh ground pepper
Cream (optional)

Method:
Sauté the potatoes, leeks and bacon in a pan until soft but not coloured
Add the stock and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Liquidise.
Return to the pan and add the milk.
Add cream if desired.

James’ handy tip: use scissors to cut bacon.

Haggis and mushroom starter
Use flat, open mushrooms. Lightly cook top of the mushroom under the grill or lightly fry. Turn the mushroom over and fill the underside with haggis. Top with a cheese of your choice and place under the grill or in the oven until hot and bubbling.

James’ handy tip: cut off the mushroom stalk

Chocolate Fudge Sundae
Serves 4

Ingredients:
Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate ice cream
Whipped cream
Toasted chopped nuts
Sauce
50g plain chocolate
120ml sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons water
25g butter or margarine

Method:
To make sauce put chocolate and condensed milk in a heatproof bowl placed over a pan of simmering water. Heat until the chocolate has melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in the water and butter or margarine. Put a scoop of vanilla and chocolate ice cream in each of four sundae glasses or bowls. Spoon over chocolate fudge sauce and top with a whirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle with nuts and serve.

James’ handy tip: use margarine it tastes better

St Boswells Rainbows
This term got off to a busy start when we welcomed 5 new girls to the pack. This brings our numbers up to 15.
We are always busy and this term has been no exception. We started off the term with a Scottish evening in January, closely followed by pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. When there is food everyone seems to enjoy the evening. February was also very busy with Valentines. The girls made cards and a heart message tree which is on display in the hall.
February 22nd was Thinking Day for all Rainbows where we remember the birthdays of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. The girls had a two minute silence which they all managed amazingly. They are a rather chatty crew who always have a lot to tell each other and us. But they did it.
To finish February off we all were very creative. Judith Folan kindly offered to do soap making with the girls and hopefully the mums received the soap, cards and the special promises they all made. So a Big Thank You to Judith.
For our new girls – they each made their Promises and Mums and Dads came to watch which was lovely. We have a few more activities planned for the coming weeks. The girls help choose the activities from the Rainbow Roundabout and should all receive their badges at the end of term. Yes, a moonlit walk, PJ party and some Easter activities. The young leaders are also planning a fun filled session. So, as I said, another busy term!

St Boswells Brownies Report
Brownies are going swimming to Kelso swimming pool in a couple of weeks time where they will complete their water safety badge. They have also completed their Stargazer badge, part of which was looking at the moon and some of the planets like Saturn through a telescope. This certainly inspired the girls.
We have made Mothers Day presents and next week we will be having our annual Easter egg hunt so let’s pray for good weather. We have 23 brownies at the moment but two will be leaving us at Easter and hopefully moving on to Guides.
Doreen Osmond

St Boswells Guides Report, Spring 2008
We started our new year at Guides by completing a Glamourama Go For It! This involved the girls making soap, participating in yoga and massage sessions and various self esteem activities largely based on resources from the well known Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. We also held a heated debate on the arguments for and against animal testing.
In February, we held a mini Thinking Day Service within the Unit. The theme for 2008 is water, and the girls did many activities, including calculating how much water is used in households every day and simulating penguins losing their natural habitat as a result of global warming!
We have continued our environmentally friendly theme throughout the term, including making Mother’s Day gifts from recycled paper products.
The term culminates with a talk from PC Kenny Houston about Drugs and Alcohol and a trip to Kelso Swimming Pool where the girls will complete their Water Safety Badge.
Going into the summer term, we will continue completing the Grrreeeen Go For It, as well as doing many outdoor activities and crafts, weather permitting of course!
Happy Easter to all and we look forward to seeing you all in the summer term, Guides will resume on April 22nd 2008.
Fiona Taylor & Doreen Osmond

District Commissioners Appeal
Some of you might have heard our appeal on Radio Borders the other week for more people to come along and help within some of the local units. We are desperately looking for people to join all of the different units, you might like to be a unit helper, or you might like to go for the Adult Leadership qualification and become a unit guider. It is really good fun working with the girls. Although we are looking for people to join Brownies and Guides in St Boswells we are desperately looking for people to join Newtown as we are trying to get the Rainbow and Brownie units started back up there after Easter. If you would be interested in finding out more please call Doreen on 01835 822566

St. Boswells Thursday Night Badminton Club
The Thursday Night Club has been very well supported over the Winter.
The Junior and Intermediate groups go from strength to strength with three boys from the Primary School entering the Borders Primary Schools Competition and a competition at Duns High School.

The Club also entered the Borders High School Competition. Congratulations to all who played so well.
We finish the Season with Cup nights for both adults and the Junior clubs.

The new season will begin again in October, dates to follow.

St Boswells Village Hall Report
Free Fruit in the Fridge
Users of the Hall who have been enjoying free fruit have recently been thanking us and saying how much they enjoyed having the fruit available to their groups and clubs. The good news for 2008 is that we have secured another grant for free fruit again this year and we should be restarting that soon. All groups using the Hall are welcome to help themselves to the free fruit.

Would YOU Like to Join the Village Hall Committee?
Village Hall Committee is a voluntary group who run the Village Hall and organise fund raising and upkeep of the Hall so that users in the Village can benefit. We have regular Committee meetings and Open Meetings that anyone using the Hall can attend.

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting is to be held on 6th May 2008 in the Lesser Hall at 6.30pm. That is the time to come and join us – we are always looking for new members with fresh ideas and skills.

Mid Summer Week
Look out for some new ideas at the Mid Summer Week this year. Those new to the Village will love this action packed week.

This year the Village Hall Committee will be hosting the excellent Car Treasure Hunt & Soup Supper (Wed), Fun Whist, Dominoes and Connect 4 Night (Thur), Family Disco and possibly an Adult Dance too - as well as (hopefully) an all-new Bicycle Gymkhana at the Sunday Sports Day!! Brave or Daft – You Decide!

For more details of the Village Hall Committee & Events contact Kate Warner ~ 823770;

To Book your Party, Meeting or other Event in the St Boswells Village Hall, please call Jennifer White ~ 822648.

ST BOSWELLS PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS AND FRIENDS PARTNERSHIP (PFP)

PFP have a lot to do over the coming months. Why not get involved in one or all of the activities mentioned. Parents, Grandparents and friends all welcome. All help, large or small, will be greatly appreciated.

The purpose of the PFP is to be a voice for the parents and support the school in the development of our children. The friendly meetings are held every 6 weeks or so. You would be made to feel most welcome if you could join us. We are parents of the children, with co-opted teacher members and co-opted members from the community and support from Miss Ross.
Valentine Disco
Pupils have just enjoyed their Valentine disco. The disco was provided by Magnum discos, many thanks to Dave Black. The disco had a ’50s, ’60s and ’70s theme which was chosen by the Pupil Council.

PFP suggestion boxes
Two PFP suggestion boxes have been placed in the school. These are situated on the table inside the school’s main entrance and inside the door of the Early Years dept. These are available to post views and ideas to the PFP. These will be collected on a regular basis and all will be considered.

After school activity
A PFP sub group has been set up to consider a pilot for an hour’s ‘after school activity’ session one day per week to be ran by the PFP and supported by PFP and a rota of helpers. We are still at the planning stage so if you have a special skills or interest that could be used for these activities (such as arts, crafts, drama, dance) your help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact us using the PFP suggestion boxes or phoning the contacts below. Sessions will hopefully start after Easter and cost £1 per session. More information to follow.

Treats!!!
PFP supports the middle school with swimming lessons and the P7s with their residential trip. Max Marshall (magician) will be visiting P1 – P3 on the afternoon of 28th February.
A visit from a ‘trash band’ is also being considered for the whole school – for the summer term in the hope of better weather and a noisy playground!!

Mid Summer Week
Why not join our next meeting Wed 19th March where more details will be discussed – come with your ideas, preferably with a willingness to help during the week as well or post your thoughts in the new suggestion boxes in School.

You Are Welcome at the Next PFP Meeting
The next PFP meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 19th March in the School – why not come along and join us.

Contacts: Lynne Church (Chair) Tel: 823958 or Linda Ross (Clerk) Tel: 822645

A Few Seasonal Garden Tips
By Peter Warner

The weather is warming up and with the promise of some sunshine time to get back out in the garden...

March
· Top dress containers with fresh compost.
· Prune back Cornus (Dogwood) and Salia (Willow) grown for colourful winter stems.
· Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.
· Vent the greenhouse or conservatory on warm days.
· Good time to clean the greenhouse (Kate !)
· Plant onion sets and shallots.
· Clean out bird’s nesting boxes ready for some new inhabitants.
· You will have purchased and be chitting your potatoes by now.
April
· Feed hungry roses and shrubs.
· Sow hardy annuals and herb seeds.
· Tie in climbing and rambling roses.
· Protect fruit blossom from late frosts.
· Sow new lawns and repair any bare patches.
· Divide water lilies.
· Plant potatoes.
· Now safe to prune cherry and plum trees. If these are pruned during autumn and winter months they may be vulnerable to silver leaf.
May
· Earth up potatoes.
· Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils.
· Protect tender plants if late frosts occur.
· Hoe off weeds.
· Stay alert for gooseberry sawfly which stripped the leaves off my gooseberries last year – spray the blighters with a suitable insecticide.
· Sow French and runner beans, cucumbers and pumpkins.
· Put in supports for herbaceous plants before they get too tall.
· Take soft wood cuttings from fuchsia.

The School Garden Needs Your Help !!
We are planning to start work on the school garden. We would like help with all sorts of things. Even if you know nothing about gardening please come and help – more information soon.
If you would like to be involved please contact Miss Ross.

ST BOSWELLS NURSERY, PLAYGROUP AND TODDLERS

Spring is in the air and the nursery were fortunate to have a bright day for their trip to Dryburgh Abbey which was part of their castles and “olde” theme. Kitted out in appropriate tunics the children explored the ruins and hunted for dragons, as you do! We are all watching the weather forecast as preparations for the Drama Club show mean we will be out and about for a few days – a nursery visit behind the scenes at Asda, a nature walk at Harestanes, a BBQ (!) at Whooplaw and a trip to see lambs will fill our days.

Currently the playgroup are exploring colours with a different one chosen each week. The children can wear and bring in items of the appropriate colour and then make things and sing about the chosen shade. Everyone also enjoyed World Book Day again this year – dressing up as popular characters and showing their friends their favourite book. Our recent Information Evening and Enrolment Afternoon for next session were well attended and it looks like numbers are set to continue to be high, with the biggest ever pre-school class.

After the holidays we commence a ‘Hungry for Success’ topic using a grant secured from NHS Borders. We will be discovering fruit, making smoothies and yoghurts and then taking them out into the community to carry out a survey to find people’s favourite – you have been warned! As always, thank you to all our staff. A warm welcome to Sam Hogg and Jill Gilbert who have now joined the team and settled in well and quickly. It is great to have a full complement of staff again and we have a really good mix of youth and experience.

Finally, a Big Thank You to everyone who helped at and supported our Christmas Fayre and Raffle which made £1500 which was fantastic. We are now in the process of spending it on new equipment, toys and outings. Fundraising, of course, continues all year round - we had an excellent quiz night last month at the Legion and plan a Car Boot Sale in May. Right off to do some training for the Easter Egg Hunt, out of the way kids – mmmmm chocolate.

St. Boswells Drama Club

By the time the Boswells Bulletin goes to press the club will have completed their
2008 season with the comedy “Find The Lady”.

We do hope many of you were able to come along and enjoy the production.

We are always on the lookout for new members, both acting and behind the scenes, so please join us at our AGM in September.

We are indebted to those who help behind the scenes but more help in this area would be appreciated.

If anyone would like to assist us in any way, either before or during drama week, please contact any member and you will be added to our mailing list.
Mary Sargent

St. Boswells Curling Club

The Club has now finished all its competitions. We are still in the hunt for the Border League Final and it all depends on the result of the final game. Jedburgh and St. Boswells both have Yester to play and we’re level on points so fingers crossed. The other team in the final are Ayton Castle who qualified from the other league.

The Club Championship was won by Malcolm Bruce, Isla Forsyth, Alec Harper and Hazel Breed who managed to finish the competition unbeaten which is quite unusual. The Rink Medal has just finished and was won by Isla Forsyth, Carol Lawson, Eric Forsyth and Andrew Ker (a.k.a. Harry Dodds, Ron Shaw and Gordon Bruce).

The last competition was the Presidents Medal which involves each member of the rink taking their turn to skip. Each team member moves position after 2 ends. After an entertaining session the winners were Malcolm Bruce, Isla Forsyth, Alec Harper and Hazel Breed.

If anyone would like to join the Curling Club or if you would like more details please contact Isla Forsyth on 01573 460222 or go to http://www.boswellscc.fsnet.co.uk and email us.

St Boswells Lawn Tennis Club
Members have been warming up for the new season with winter league matches; the club is fielding two teams in a pool of nine Borders teams. Scottish Cup matches start in April closely followed by the main summer league fixtures as well as the junior leagues.

Rusty Rackets started in mid February on Monday mornings from 9.15am. Numbers are building steadily, players of any standard are welcome and rackets are available. A qualified coach is on hand to guide, encourage and make sure you enjoy the tennis, followed by a morning cuppa. If you are interested please contact Lucy on 01835 840389.

Juniors have been playing mini tennis in the village hall over the winter months and three competed in the Borders Primary School Mini Tennis Competition in Gala on 7 March – Dylan Grieve, Calum Arnott and Jamie Brown. Dylan, Calum and Harris Macdonell recently took part in a ‘player plus’ event in Earlston. Congratulations to Calum who won the Boys Under 7 event at the Borders Mini Tennis Championships in Gala on 15th March – a splendid achievement. All junior coaching is now back out doors.

The club held an enjoyable and successful Wine & Canapés evening in Bowden Village Hall on 7 March with £700 being raised for club funds – a huge thank you to Sarah & Sylvia for their organisation, and to all those who supported and contributed in any way.

Bouncy Castle Fun
You can hire a bouncy castle from Ready Steady Bounce in St Boswells. The delivery and the collection are free and you can use the castle indoors or outdoors. There is even a rain cover if it rains on the day of your party. It is great to have a bouncy castle at children’s parties. To hire call Craig McNeill on 07825177986 or David Henry on 07814835176.
Natalie McNeill, P6

Orienteering
No ordinary run!
A chance to try Orienteering in pleasant Borders woodlands.

Three courses are available - one basic, one slightly more technical and one aimed at those who have completed a few Orienteering courses already. Introductory talk and demonstration available – please ask - when the basics of following an orienteering course can be explained, with time to try a simple course afterwards.

We will supply the map, just come prepared for a walk or run in the woods.

All dates are Wednesday evenings, starts from 5.00 to 6.30pm.
Adults £2, Juniors £1.

30th April Bowmont Forest, Kelso
Parking signed from sawmill off minor road connecting B6401 and B6352 at NT 729288.
Organiser Rob Cranston, 01450 372095

14th May Selkirk Hill, Selkirk
Signed form A7, just South of Selkirk High School
at NT 476286
Organiser Lindsey Knox, 01450 377383

28th May Gala Hill, Galashiels
Signed form entrance to Gala Academy, Elm Row.
at NT 492357
Organiser Robin Sloan, 01896 822548

11th June Eildon Hills
Newtown St Boswells. Signed form Eildon Village, on old Melrose road at NT 572326
Organiser Ian Maxwell, 01835 863268

St Boswells Community Radio – For YOU!
Brick FM - Community Radio covers local villages, including St Boswells. Listen in 24 hours a day at 103.0 FM.
Broadcasting from St Boswells Rugby Club, Brick FM is currently running pilot shows and hopes to get more involvement from the community. If you would like to have your news and views aired, or would like to make a show then please contact the radio by calling 01835 823503 or emailing brickfm@brickfm.co.uk.
The Rocking Reporters are hoping to be able to broadcast the Boswells Bulletin on BrickFM in the very near future so listen out for us!!

Earlston High School
Over the past few months there have been a number of memorable events held in school. The Parent Council Sub Group organised the annual Burns Supper for senior pupils, parents and friends. There was an extremely high calibre of entertainment by invited guests and school pupils. Head Girl, Elizabeth Maclean, was in her usual entertaining form; singing, playing the accordion and replying on behalf of the lassies.

The Sixth Year Charities Committee held a very well organised and well supported Fashion Show, modelling clothes from Asda. Elizabeth Maclean and Head Boy, Jack Louden, compered the evening and pupils of all ages and some members of staff modelled outfits ranging from 'On Safari' to 'Artistic Licence' and 'Casual' in between. Taking to the catwalk from St Boswells were Glen Ross Oxton, Arran Jackson, Jodie Snook, Harriot McClemont, Caroline Turner, Kate McClemont and Hilary Morton. As well as strutting their stuff, the models raised sponsor money and the evening raised a fantastic sum of nearly £2000 for the committee's designated charities. Well done to everyone!

The Sixth Year's organised a fun night out to 10 pin bowling for the Second Year pupils and a great time was had by all - another great effort by senior pupils.
The annual Dance Festival took place over two evenings last week. Organised by the PE Dept, there was an amazing display of talent and it included a huge range of dances -Tap, Irish, Scottish, Creative, Hip Hop and much more. A lot of the dances were choreographed by the dancers themselves. Dancers from St Boswells included Stephanie Richard, Caroline Turner, Harriot McClemont, Alison Melrose, Amy Osmond, Gemma Laidlaw and Kate McClemont.

The First Year pupils recently enjoyed a 'Natural High' presentation by David Graham. It was a very interactive session and the message was that everyone has a natural high and should use their talents and experiences to get a real buzz and feel happy. Drug taking only leads to fake highs, which are short lived. Pupils were challenged to come up with catchy slogans, one of which was ' Get the natural high and you will touch the sky; go fake and you will break.'
The verdict was that it was absolutely brilliant and it got everyone active.

Representative Sport

Hockey
Suzanna Ruthven has been playing with the South U18 hockey squad which recently travelled to Aberdeen to participate in the Inter-district Indoor Tournament. In their first match the team was beaten by East, holders for the last five years. They went on to beat West,
2-1, and North, 3-1. They went into their final game against Midlands with it all to play for as East had been well beaten by West. However, despite their valiant efforts and excellent hockey throughout the tournament it was not to be on this occasion.

Rugby
The recent Inter District U18 Championship saw the inclusion of Arran Jackson in the Borders squad.
They played warm up matches against Hawick RFC Academy, which they won, and Newcastle Falcons U18s, which they lost.
In the Championship they travelled to a foggy Myreside to play Edinburgh where they were beaten by a try in the closing minutes of the match. It was then on to Kirkcaldy where they were beaten 15-5 by the eventual champions, Caledonia. The duck was broken when they finished on a high, defeating Glasgow 12-0 at Riverside Park.

Craig Jackson played with the Borders U17s in the Inter District Development matches on the back pitches at Murrayfield.
The Borders were beaten in both matches by strong opposition, Caledonia and then Glasgow.

The U16 campaign is underway and Mark Stewart is our local lad in the Borders squad. They have played a warm up match against Newcastle Falcons U16s where, despite Mark being a try scorer, the team were beaten by a strong home side.

The Inter District fixtures are:
23rd March v Edinburgh at Berwick, 30th March v Caledonia at Kirkcaldy and 6th April v Glasgow at Dalziel. All KO at 2.30pm.

Then it’s off to Yorkshire to play in the Cross Border Programme with matches against Yorkshire and Scottish Exiles on 25 – 27th April.
Play well and enjoy!!!

St Boswells Golf Club
Would like to take this opportunity to say how proud we are of our juniors successes in 2007.
We would like to congratulate Clinton Rae and Robbie Shirra Gibb on qualifying at Lauder GC to play in the regional final at Haddington GC.
Playing in the Minto Boys Open Michael Cruickshank finished 2nd and Lyle Oxton was 3rd.
The Border Boys Under 16 h/cap section was won by Robbie Shirra Gibb.
The overall winner of the Jedburgh Open was Cairn Rae and Ian Millar was runner up.
Overall winner of Kelso Open was Jamie Leslie and Robbie Shirra Gibb took the under 16s h/cap with Michael Cruickshank finishing in 3rd spot.
At Gala Open Ian Millar was the overall winner and Gavin Robertson finished 3rd in the h/cap section.
Last but not least Michael Cruickshank was the overall winner in the Hartlepool Open.
Well done boys!
[All new young members will be very welcome, with the new season starting on April 7th.
Tots (4-8 years old) 4pm – 5pm
Beginners (9-17 years old) 5.30pm – 7pm
Tournaments 5pm

Junior Fixture List 2008
Apr 7 Junior Medal ****
Apr 21 Championship (Qual)
Apr 28 Jubilee Cup (1)
May 5 Junior Medal ****
May 12 Jubilee Cup (2) **
May 19 Morrisson Shield **
May 26 Daily Telegraph **
Jun 2 Championship (1/4 finals)
& Junior Medal ****
Jun 9 Championship (semifinals)
Jun 21 Championship Finals Day **
Jun 15 G.A. White Medal **
Jun 30 Buller Trophy **
Jul 7 Junior Medal ****
Jul 28 Millennium Trophy **
Aug 4 Centenary Trophy **
& Junior Medal ****
**** counts for medal table
** counts for Order of Merit
Oct Presentation Night (to be confirmed)

Chris Hardie, Junior Convenor

Melrose Rugby
Mini Hornets are extending coaching for another three weeks, coaching will be held in St Mary’s School with the last one on 30th March 2008, same time as usual.

Melrose 7s – 125th Anniversary!
2008 is the 125th Anniversary of the Melrose Sevens and it is proposed to hold an extended tournament with guest teams coming from all over the world. Previous years have included sevens guests Randwick and Manly from Australia, Bay of Plenty from New Zealand, University of Free State and Stellenbosch from South Africa. Europe has been represented by guests from England, France, Portugal, Ireland to name a few. The town of Melrose takes on a carnival atmosphere with the day being considered a main social date in the sporting calendar. To complement the main Melrose 7s tournament other attractions are being planned for the international sports event.
A special sevens coaching clinic takes place on the morning of the event where youngsters from all over Scotland are invited to take part under the watchful eye of former Scottish Director of Rugby, British Lion and Melrose captain Jim Telfer.
For more details see the Melrose 7s website at www.melrose7s.com

Melrose RFC promotes the sport from grass roots level, including mini, midi and age group rugby flying under the flag of Melrose Hornets. Junior sevens are held annually including The Melrose Wasps Sevens for the under 18 age group. The Crichton Cup is the world’s oldest junior sevens tournament and is held for local teams whilst The Drummond Cup is played for by invitation.

Borders Model Boat Club
The Club sails on the Private Boating Pond located in woods behind St Boswells Tennis Club. Parking available.
The model boats are powered by battery, steam or sail. Sailing times are every second Tuesday evening, starting April 1st until September. During the summer two regattas are held, these being on Sundays.
All visitors are welcome

Contact for further information:
Club Chairman - Tel: 01896 848244
The club is a member of the Scottish Federation of Model Boat Clubs.

WRITE TO US !!!

We would like items by Tuesday 3rd June 2008 but please send them as soon as possible – we look forward to hearing from you.