The above rally, which is predominately for historic rally cars, will be driving through the valley on Sunday 29th November for a special stage at Craik.  The stage is expected to arrive at Craik at 1.00 p.m. and leave around 2.40 p.m.  It is estimated that 100 competitors will be taking part and the valley roads will be subject to increased traffic during the day.

The Scottish Borders area is forecast to receive heavy rain showers and strong winds this weekend, our Neighbour Services Teams are proactively checking all the main grilles and watercourses throughout the area to ensure there has been no serious build up of leaves that could potentially block the grilles and cause issues.
Should you have a grille in your community that you see has become severely blocked with leaves please report it to our customer services team on 0300 100 1800 or online https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/site/xfp/scripts/xforms_form.aspx?formID=143&language=en

Digital Scotland unveiled the latest set of exchanges to be upgraded to Superfast Broadband and sadly, the Borthwickbrae Exchange is not one of them :-(

But, visiting http://www.digitalscotland.org/whereandwhen and entering your telephone number (or postcode) reveals the following for the Borthwickbrae Exchange customers :-

Fibre broadband is not currently available in this area.

Digital Scotland plans to extend fibre broadband coverage in this area. Please note that engineering plans and delivery timescales depend on many factors and can be subject to change. All information is based on the best view we have today using our current plans.

Our defibrillator arrived on Thursday 12 November. Pictured are the eleven of us who had excellent training from Sam at the NHS ambulance service.  We are indebted to the ambulance service for providing a defibrillator to be housed at the Hall.  It will be accessible 24/7.  Samantha is willing to provide an evening training session for those who wish.  If you are interested then please get in touch – 880256.

Well, last night was a great success with over 50 people attending this year's Harvest Supper at the Forman Hall, following the service at the Kirk.

The Hall had been decked out with a great display by the Gardener's Forum Organising Committee and the menu for the evening was Sausage Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots and Broccoli, followed by Eve's Pudding.

The usual Gardener's Forum competition ran throughout the evening with guests voting (with buttons) for their favourite entry. The theme, this year, was "Colours from my Garden in a 1lb jam jar" and the winner (by 1 button) was Alan Bone's entry (photo attached, featuring the trophy).

Forman Folk, our traditional music group, will meet on Wednesday 25th November from 7:00 to 9:00pm with a tea or coffee break during the evening.  Everyone is welcome to bring along their chosen musical instrument - including voice.  The only charge is a donation towards the hire of the small Hall. Contact Donald on 880256 for any more information.

The CDT is part of a consortium of valleys who are going through a long-winded process to apply for some of the Scottish Government's £40million fund to improve rural broadband.

Thank you to everyone who filled in the Broadband Survey and special thanks to the directors of the CDT who attempted to visit every house in the valley. Although exact figures have not yet been released, by my estimates we had nearly 60% of valley properties fill in the questionnaire.

Apparently, that's quite a good survey return rate.

The sale of the Valley Calendars has been a great success. Thanks go to the photographers who submitted such great photographs, everyone who has purchased a calendar and the Directors of the CDT who helped sell them.

There are 7 remaining, so if you would like a calendar, please contact me on 01450-880397. They will also be available at the Harvest Supper, if there are any left by then.....

All the proceeds go to support the CDT.

We are holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Saturday 26th September from 10am in the Forman Hall.  Entry is just £2.00 for a cuppa and scone.  Home baking will be on sale as well as tombola, raffle and lots more.  Please come along and support a great cause.

The Gardener's Forum are once again organising the harvest supper which will be held in the Forman Hall on Sunday 4th October at 7.00 p.m.  following the Harvest Thanksgiving Service in the Kirk at 6.00 p.m. to which all are welcome.  We shall be serving Sausages Braised in Red Wine with mashed potato, carrots and broccoli followed by Eve's Pudding and custard.  The cost will be £6 per head.  As usual please bring your own drink as we shall be providing water only.  This year's competition is "Colour in My Garden" to be presented in a 1lb jam jar and is open to all.   The harvest supper is a lively and informal evening and you will be made very welcome.  If you would like to attend please contact Colin Plumbe on 01450 880266 by the 29th September to book your place.