The CDT Directors met at the beginning of September to look both at existing projects and to prepare for the coming year. High on our agenda was an update on the possibility of BT bringing fibre optic high speed broadband to the valley. Broadband for many is exceptionally slow and seriously limits what can be delivered via existing connections and we lose out on many of the features available to those living in cities and towns. As a group we are working with Community Broadband Scotland to make every effort to make sure our community is included in the 93% of the population who should be connected by 2017. Donald Knox is heading up this project and would be happy to give further information to anyone who wants to know more.

Back Strap Weaving Saturday 5th October Janis Embleton.  Places are available for her workshop.

Drawing; ‘Let’s See’ Workshop: Saturday 19th October Rose Hughes.  There are limited places left for Rose’s workshop.

Christmas Basketry Saturday 2nd November Paula Constantine.  There are additional places available.

Festive Paperworks Saturday 16th November Janet Irons.  Limited places are still available.

If you are interested in these or any of the other workshops, please contact me.  Tamsin Growden 01450 880621 david.growden@btinternet.com Please check out our Facebook page by clicking on the link on the right hand side.

The CDT has adopted the Roberton School logo (with permission) and the Board is grateful to Jenny Butlin for her help with the necessary alterations.

Judith Hutchinson, Company Secretary

The Fund will open for applications on Monday 28th October 2013.  A public information event will be held at Kirkhope Parish Hall, Ettrickbridge on Thursday 24th October at 7.00 p.m.  

The meeting on 10th September about Barrel Law went much as expected.

The appeal has been adjourned in the hope that the position on Eskdalemuir will be much clearer early next year. There is to be another meeting in January to see where things stand. The Reporter did agree that the appeal should not be allowed to drag on for ever and decided that he could make progress on the non-MOD issues. This will include a site visit scheduled for late October.

The issue of radar has not been resolved and if the MOD and ABO can’t agree there will have to be a hearing on this which unfortunately can’t take place until late April.

On behalf of Roberton Show Society, I would like to thank all those who made the show possible. The many helpers and committee who worked tirelessly before, during and after the show, the judges on the day, and all the exhibitors, you all know who you are, there are too many of you to mention individually. I would also like to thank all who gave generously to the raffle, tombola and sales table, all the sponsors and patrons of the show, also the Scout Pipe Band for their music, the Fire Brigade for their demonstration, the Bike Track which attracted a lot of interest and all who came for the afternoon, we had an excellent day, and hope Roberton Show will be on the calendar for many years to come.

Thank you all once again.

June Wilson

President Cathy Campbell welcomed back members after the summer break.

The speaker for the evening was Christopher Ward author of the book “And the Band Played On”.  The story is a personal view of the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic.  Mr Ward’s grandfather Jack Hume from Dumfries was a violinist in the band that kept playing as the people were trying to leave the sinking ship.  His body was taken to Halifax in Nova Scotia and buried there.  The vote of thanks for a most interesting talk was given by Margaret Anderson.

Competition for a Pot Plant was won by Frances Munro, Audrey Bone won the raffle and £13.65 was made at the sales table.

Alison Riddell

Betty Hopkins has provided the answer to Colin Plumbe’s query concerning the naming of Martin’s Bridge.  The bridge was constructed in 1826 and was probably named after the Martin family who lived nearby at Martinshouse for centuries.  Further information can be found in R. E. Scott’s Companion to Hawick and District, fourth edition, published in 2010 by the Hawick Archaeological Society.

Pool Sessions commence Tuesday 22nd October 2013 at Selkirk Pool

Primary 7 children upwards and adults welcome 7-7.45pm for Beginners and 7.45-8.30pm for Improvers.
THIS EVENING IS FREE FOR NEWCOMERS ONLY

(£4 for everyone else) and thereafter £4 per person per session.

All equipment is supplied!  Just bring your swimming stuff! For more info ring 880621

We will soon begin building the Langhope Rig wind farm.  There will be ten turbines each with a blade tip height of 121 m.  The project involves the construction of the turbines, approximately 13 km of access tracks, a welfare building and a met mast.  There will be a temporary compound, borrow pits and other associated works.  Main construction will begin this coming autumn with completion anticipated toward the end of 2014.