Musings from the Merse
Friday, July 10, 2009
Posting will be a bit erratic over the next week as Huttonian is off to Foreign Parts-on another grand parenting visit and given the inadequacies of French IT might not be able to blog on a regular basis. In the meanwhile I will have chance to see the fabled Ba' Game in Duns Market Square- a sort of gang warfare where the Bachelors take on the Married men in attempting to propel a ball (rumoured that it was originally the head of an Englishman)from one side of the square to the other.
I'll remain discreetly in the background in case a new ball is needed
I'll remain discreetly in the background in case a new ball is needed
Labels: Duns Ba' Game, Reivers Week
Thursday, July 09, 2009
HOT SPOT EYEMOUTH
If you want a house in Eyemouth, so apparently does every one else, so you had better rush whilst stocks last-at least that seems the message from the lead story in today's Berwickshire News which you can read here
And how do we know that Eyemouth is such a desirable place to live and therefore to buy property?
The Queen likes it and is prepared to show her approval by making a full forty minute visit to the place. Not my idea but the Provosts:
HRH Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Eyemouth last week, and Honorary Provost of the town and chair of Eyemouth Town Council, Douglas Younger, said you can't really get a better seal of approval than that.
"Eyemouth is definitely the place to be. We've got a new high school that's absolutely fantastic, second to none and we've also got the beach, the harbour and the beautiful surroundings that come with them.
"We had a visit from the Queen and Prince Philip last week and if it's good enough for them it should be good enough for anybody!
"The fact that they came to the town shows that Eyemouth is well thought of not just locally but nationally too."
Now Huttonian has a lively interest in a property for sale in Allanton. How can we get the Queen there?
Not by 60 bus I suggest- although by now the driver may know the way
Labels: Boom Town, Eyemouth, Property Prices
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
BORDERS BUS MYSTERY TOUR
" Yes but you will have to help me find it" said the Number 60 Bus Driver to the lady in front of me boarding the bus at Duns in reply to a question as to whether the 0920 Duns to Berwick stops at Allanton. Apparently this was his maiden voyage from Galashiel/Berwick via Duns (and indeed via Allanton only reachable on the 9.20 on weekdays)In consequence the passenger, Allanton bound, was up and down from her seat giving the Driver detailed instructions en route-ending up with the suggestion to do a U-turn opposite the Allanton Inn to head back to join the main route at Chirnside. She then disembarked. One would be passenger waiting at the Allanton Bus stop, knowing a novice when he saw one, abandoned his plan to board the bus preferring, presumably to await a more familiar driver on the next Berwick bound bus (in exactly 24 hours time)
Having lost his guide the driver had to ask a boarding passenger just short of Chirnside the best route through the town but once on the main Chirnside/Berwick road he drove very fast and with great confidence which was bad luck on a the sole potential passenger from Foulden who did not quite reach the bus stop in time-not to worry there will be another along in 120 minutes.
I was a bit concerned that once in Berwick the tyro driver would not know about the diversion to the station so with 200 yards to go before the turn off I got up and asked him if the bus would go to the station.
"Up to you" he replied
So it did
" Yes but you will have to help me find it" said the Number 60 Bus Driver to the lady in front of me boarding the bus at Duns in reply to a question as to whether the 0920 Duns to Berwick stops at Allanton. Apparently this was his maiden voyage from Galashiel/Berwick via Duns (and indeed via Allanton only reachable on the 9.20 on weekdays)In consequence the passenger, Allanton bound, was up and down from her seat giving the Driver detailed instructions en route-ending up with the suggestion to do a U-turn opposite the Allanton Inn to head back to join the main route at Chirnside. She then disembarked. One would be passenger waiting at the Allanton Bus stop, knowing a novice when he saw one, abandoned his plan to board the bus preferring, presumably to await a more familiar driver on the next Berwick bound bus (in exactly 24 hours time)
Having lost his guide the driver had to ask a boarding passenger just short of Chirnside the best route through the town but once on the main Chirnside/Berwick road he drove very fast and with great confidence which was bad luck on a the sole potential passenger from Foulden who did not quite reach the bus stop in time-not to worry there will be another along in 120 minutes.
I was a bit concerned that once in Berwick the tyro driver would not know about the diversion to the station so with 200 yards to go before the turn off I got up and asked him if the bus would go to the station.
"Up to you" he replied
So it did
Labels: 60 Bus, Duns/Berwick, new bus drivers
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
This is Duns Summer Festival Week-or Reivers Week depending on where you are standing in which pub and it is the big community event of the year. It really depends on good weather and it is not getting it so far; the crowning of the 'Wynsome Mayde' had to be done inside and I suspect she and her court got something of a soaking before they reached the War Memorial in Duns Park and the ensuing equestrian cavalcade had to process through torrential rain in its traditional tour of the town. Only the Pipe Band seemed equipped for bad weather although the drums got increasingly muffled as the wet evening went on. I don't know how many missiles came the way of the bed racers and I suspect by the time they reached the fourth pub on their race they felt no pain
Its hissing down today.
Labels: Duns Reiver's Week, Wynsome Mayde
Monday, July 06, 2009
HUTTON KIRK DANCING IN THE AISLES
Well I never thought etc....but to see the old Kirk heaving at the seams, jazz band in full flow, Songs of Praise and then something less spiritual..wine being taken while people foot tapped, jigged and swayed-two of the staider Elders displayed some fancy foot work; all this against the background of a weekend of gardens being open throughout the village, an exhibition of old Hutton in the church, the village hall full of tea and cake consumers, big raffle (Yes I did since you ask) and a spirit of Mafiking throughout.Even Vortek, the drunken, fighting, smoking, Polish bear was on parade. I suspect that this was his first appearance beside the pulpit.
Worth waiting for.
Not Mafiking in fact (The news may not yet have reached Hutton) but the 175th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the present church; hence the exhibition including some ancient maps which can best be seen by clicking on them. The opening of the village gardens (including the splendid one around the Old Manse-slightly tidier since Huttonian's day)some 14 in all.
And next year it will be done all over again. Another 175th-this time of the opening of the church.
Start saving now.
Labels: 175th Anniversary, Dancung in the aisles, Hutton Kirk
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Vox Pop Borders' Style
I don't think I have ever seen 'Borders Speak' in writing before and am not in a position to judge how genuine it is but it has the ring of authenticity. The 'Issue' is whether the Scottish Borders Highheidyins should reverse a decision to no longer pay for Duns Volunteers Hall out of public funds. Under strong local pressure
They did
SIR, - Whit heartenin it wiz tae witness first hand the reversal o the Coonsil decision o December 18, 2008, tae cease paying the lease on the Volunteer Hall.
Every coonsillor present on Thursday last, bar yin, respected the general feelings o the folk o Duns and district an agreed that there had bin a mistake made previously.
This mistake was borne out of insufficient research and information being made available tae these coonsillors thae said. The coonsillors reflected on the lack o consultation and the damage that this caused. They stood up tae bi coonted when it mattered and whether they supported the motion pit forrit bi oor toon cooncillor Frances Renton or the amendment pit in bi Cooncillor Donald Moffat whae wiz absent due tae hiz holidays, the vote was 28 for change (and whae kens or cares whit the dissenter wiz thinkin or daen).
The actual result wiz 21 votes fur the motion and seven fur the amendment. The motion jist sought reversal. The amendment wanted a three year rolling lease.
The folk o Duns an district acknowledge wholheartedly the fact that many many people stepped up tae the plate when this situation manifested itsel. Apert fae the 350+ folk whae attendit the public meetin an the 2,017 whae signed the petitions maist o whae actually exist (and each an evry yin o e deserve a mention but the paipers no big enuff ), a wee group verra ably led bi Ex Reiver (1974) Stuart Renton flew the flag on oor behalf an ah think that ah speak oan behalf o the vast majority when ah register throo eer paiper a hearty vote o thenks tae thaem.
Tae Francis Renton, whae hed a hard stert tae this fur a sorts o reasons but when it wiz required did the right thing by uz a, ah offer a personal vote o thenks.
Ah watched an listened in utter amazement at the barrackin sum coonsillors gied this lass an nae matter whaur ee stan' oan this it was oot o order. Some o thaem there that day, whither thae supported oor cause or no should reflect, an behave thirsells gaun forrit. Thae seem tae forget that thae ur representitives o thur toons an commoonities.
The wee band representin Duns wur able tae disagree wi the coonsil withoot bein disagreeable - apert fae me likely cos ah lapsed an jined in wi a bit o polite jeerin an booing at selectit moments. In fact efter the roll call vote and jist at the feenish o mah third lap o honour roon the coonsil chamber, ah extracatit mahsel jist afore ah wiz forceably ejaculatit intae the street bi security personnel!
Tae Coonsillors Jones, Moffat, Garvie, Cook, Fullarton, Parker an a the rest whae got tae thur feet an spoke positively in support o a listenin, common sense, communicative coonsil , weel dun and thenks.
That might jist, if delivered restore the faith o sum o uz in the eastern Borders that oo er pert o the bigger picter.
John Lamont did his bit. Oor commonity coonsil didnae fail uz. Glenn Rodger the director o education and lifelong learning wiz the first coonsil official tae venture near Duns tae pit hiz case and oo respect him fur that.
It is understood until sumbuddy tells us itherwise, that this decision means that the coonsil pays the lease fur the foreseeable future. Whither that iz the case or no, oo shood prepare oorsells tae accept the invite tae the coonsil pairty as or when it comes.
S
Well Dinged indeed
I don't think I have ever seen 'Borders Speak' in writing before and am not in a position to judge how genuine it is but it has the ring of authenticity. The 'Issue' is whether the Scottish Borders Highheidyins should reverse a decision to no longer pay for Duns Volunteers Hall out of public funds. Under strong local pressure
They did
SIR, - Whit heartenin it wiz tae witness first hand the reversal o the Coonsil decision o December 18, 2008, tae cease paying the lease on the Volunteer Hall.
Every coonsillor present on Thursday last, bar yin, respected the general feelings o the folk o Duns and district an agreed that there had bin a mistake made previously.
This mistake was borne out of insufficient research and information being made available tae these coonsillors thae said. The coonsillors reflected on the lack o consultation and the damage that this caused. They stood up tae bi coonted when it mattered and whether they supported the motion pit forrit bi oor toon cooncillor Frances Renton or the amendment pit in bi Cooncillor Donald Moffat whae wiz absent due tae hiz holidays, the vote was 28 for change (and whae kens or cares whit the dissenter wiz thinkin or daen).
The actual result wiz 21 votes fur the motion and seven fur the amendment. The motion jist sought reversal. The amendment wanted a three year rolling lease.
The folk o Duns an district acknowledge wholheartedly the fact that many many people stepped up tae the plate when this situation manifested itsel. Apert fae the 350+ folk whae attendit the public meetin an the 2,017 whae signed the petitions maist o whae actually exist (and each an evry yin o e deserve a mention but the paipers no big enuff ), a wee group verra ably led bi Ex Reiver (1974) Stuart Renton flew the flag on oor behalf an ah think that ah speak oan behalf o the vast majority when ah register throo eer paiper a hearty vote o thenks tae thaem.
Tae Francis Renton, whae hed a hard stert tae this fur a sorts o reasons but when it wiz required did the right thing by uz a, ah offer a personal vote o thenks.
Ah watched an listened in utter amazement at the barrackin sum coonsillors gied this lass an nae matter whaur ee stan' oan this it was oot o order. Some o thaem there that day, whither thae supported oor cause or no should reflect, an behave thirsells gaun forrit. Thae seem tae forget that thae ur representitives o thur toons an commoonities.
The wee band representin Duns wur able tae disagree wi the coonsil withoot bein disagreeable - apert fae me likely cos ah lapsed an jined in wi a bit o polite jeerin an booing at selectit moments. In fact efter the roll call vote and jist at the feenish o mah third lap o honour roon the coonsil chamber, ah extracatit mahsel jist afore ah wiz forceably ejaculatit intae the street bi security personnel!
Tae Coonsillors Jones, Moffat, Garvie, Cook, Fullarton, Parker an a the rest whae got tae thur feet an spoke positively in support o a listenin, common sense, communicative coonsil , weel dun and thenks.
That might jist, if delivered restore the faith o sum o uz in the eastern Borders that oo er pert o the bigger picter.
John Lamont did his bit. Oor commonity coonsil didnae fail uz. Glenn Rodger the director o education and lifelong learning wiz the first coonsil official tae venture near Duns tae pit hiz case and oo respect him fur that.
It is understood until sumbuddy tells us itherwise, that this decision means that the coonsil pays the lease fur the foreseeable future. Whither that iz the case or no, oo shood prepare oorsells tae accept the invite tae the coonsil pairty as or when it comes.
S
Well Dinged indeed
Labels: . Duns, Volunteer Hall
Saturday, July 04, 2009
DUNS DINGS A'. BUT BE CAREFUL
Duns Summer Festival or Reiver's Week starts tomorrow with the Kirkin' O' Reiver and the Openin' Ceremony (Swallow your most of your final consonants and you are speakin' correc' loca' lingo)The very attractive Festival Programme is out and amidst the historical articles, poetry and programme lurk a sense of possible impending disaster or civil disorder. The Family Cycle Run ( British safety standard helmets must be worn, take part at your own risk) Family Ceilidh (Participants must be accompanied by an over 18 year old) Family Fun Day (cancelled if weather bad) Five-a -side- Football (Participants take part at own risk) Gymkhana (Participants etc) Reiver's Dinner and Ball (Strictly over 18's only)Fun Run (Yes, at own risk) Hand Ba' ( In case of damage property owners in the vicinity of the of Market Square may care to board their ground floor windows...dangerous nature of the Hand Ba' ..children are not to be left unattended)
Its a relief that apparently the Teddy Bear's Picnic and the Tea Dance are risk free and , surprisingly, the same applies to the DUNS GOT TALENT event. But the most striking (Npi) plea for good order and military discipline is connected to the Bed race on Monday evening
Competitors take part at their own risk
A risky bed race? Really?
The clue lies in the large print at the bottom of the page
PLEASE DO NOT THROW MISSILES AT THE COMPETITORS
Duns Summer Festival or Reiver's Week starts tomorrow with the Kirkin' O' Reiver and the Openin' Ceremony (Swallow your most of your final consonants and you are speakin' correc' loca' lingo)The very attractive Festival Programme is out and amidst the historical articles, poetry and programme lurk a sense of possible impending disaster or civil disorder. The Family Cycle Run ( British safety standard helmets must be worn, take part at your own risk) Family Ceilidh (Participants must be accompanied by an over 18 year old) Family Fun Day (cancelled if weather bad) Five-a -side- Football (Participants take part at own risk) Gymkhana (Participants etc) Reiver's Dinner and Ball (Strictly over 18's only)Fun Run (Yes, at own risk) Hand Ba' ( In case of damage property owners in the vicinity of the of Market Square may care to board their ground floor windows...dangerous nature of the Hand Ba' ..children are not to be left unattended)
Its a relief that apparently the Teddy Bear's Picnic and the Tea Dance are risk free and , surprisingly, the same applies to the DUNS GOT TALENT event. But the most striking (Npi) plea for good order and military discipline is connected to the Bed race on Monday evening
Competitors take part at their own risk
A risky bed race? Really?
The clue lies in the large print at the bottom of the page
PLEASE DO NOT THROW MISSILES AT THE COMPETITORS
Labels: Duns Dings A', Duns Summer Festival, Health Warnings, Reiver's Week
