eb living winter issue

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L FREE Issue Winter 2014 The only magazine for East Berwickshire and surrounding areas estive F PAGES St Abbs Christmas Market Paxton House Christmas Cracker Seasonal Shopping at The Crafters Whigmaleerie Festive Makes WAYS to Winter Wellbeing 5 NEW SPORTS SECTION PLUS DISCOUNT VOUCHERS & PRIZES, LOCAL PEOPLE & PLACES, FOOD & WINE, GARDENS, BOOKS, HISTORY, NATURE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

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Welcome to our bumper winter issue – full of festive pages and lots to read over the winter months

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Page 1: EB Living Winter issue

LFREEIssue

Winter 2014

The only magazine for East Berwickshire and surrounding areas

estive FPAGESSt Abbs Christmas Market

Paxton House Christmas Cracker

Seasonal Shopping at The Crafters

Whigmaleerie Festive Makes

WAYSto Winter Wellbeing

5NEW SpoRtS SEctioN

pluS DIsCount vouCHers & PrIzes, loCal PeoPle & PlaCes, FooD & WIne, garDens, books, HIstory, nature anD MuCH, MuCH More

Page 2: EB Living Winter issue

W e’re delighted to bring you a bumper winter issue of

your favourite magazine covering November, December, January and February.

As you know, EB Living depends solely on the great support of our advertisers and our volunteer contributors and editorial team. But, since much of the commercial activity of our area depends on visitors, January and February are quiet months when our advertising revenue drops below the amount needed for design and printing costs. So, only after much consideration - and with great regret – we decided to combine two issues into one. However, you’ll still find all your favourite features, topics, competitions and offers in this issue.

As well as a special festive section, discover stories about Gunsgreen smugglers, about Eyemouth’s Dr Cormack and about George Home of Wedderburn. Browse the bookshelf of reviews and learn how a novel is born. Share the joys of local bus travel, celebrate two remarkable local residents, explore different aspects of country and coast, look after your health, add beauty to interiors and serve up a delicious meal with matching wines.

We introduce two new contributors who’ve joined the team – Luke Barry writes our new sports page and Aaron Bolton brings us news of the young people of the area.

As if all this wasn’t enough, there are discount vouchers for favourite venues and a chance to win beautiful art prints from two talented local artists, a dramatic photo print from Kevin O’Brien and copies of newly published fiction and non-fiction books.

Why not share the pleasure of EB Living with family and friends. A six-issue subscription makes a great Christmas present – just complete the form in the magazine or email us at [email protected].

Enjoy EB Living this winter and see you next year!

Pat elliott, Editor

L

Reproduction of any material, in whole or part, is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of the editorial team. Allmaterial is submitted at the owner’s risk

and EB Living does not accept responsibility for facts or opinions expressed in the magazine

or on the website, nor does it accept any responsibility for material lost or damaged.

EB Living is a social enterprise company registered at Companies House

Company registration SC447410Registered office Birchfield House

Eyemouth, TD14 5LS

the only magazine for East Berwickshire and surrounding areas

Pat

Front cover is of lamberton Moor by kevin o’brien

editorial team

Pat elliott [email protected]

amanda Hogg [email protected]

Melanie Miller [email protected]

Designer

MaMi Designs [email protected]

Photographer

kevin r o’brien Fineart-Images-gallery

10a Church street eyemouth berwickshire tD14 5DH

www.fineart-images-gallery.co.uk

Printer newman thomson ltd

Jubilee road, victoria Industrial estate burgess Hill, West sussex, rH15 9tl

EB Living, Birchfield House, eyemouth, tD14 5ls

t. 07765 057409 e. [email protected]

www.ebliving.co.uk

like us on or follow us on

to EB Living

We aim to cover all of east berwickshire and surrounding areas. If you have difficulty getting hold of your copy of EB Living, please let us know. You’ll find our contact details in the magazine.

pick up

your FREE

copy

When finished with your copy

of EB Living, please pass it on to someone who may not have read it or recycle it responsibily

2 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

Photo: ©kevin o'brien

Page 3: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 3

NaTurE

19 Head Lines Winter at St Abbs Head

20 View A walking tour

21 Ask for Christmas The joys of cycling

BOOKSHELF

10 Recommended Reads

LOcaL HiSTOry

15 Story of a Smuggle Gunsgreen revisited

16 Dr James Cormack Local connections

18 The Reluctant Jacobite People of Paxton House

arT

30 Competitions to WIn Season’s End, Eyemouth Harbour, Berwick’s Chandlery

LOcaL HErOES

07 Reston’s champion

LOcaL PEOPLE PrOFiLE

05 Berwickshire’s oldest man

HEaLTH

26 Beating Winter Blues 5 tips for health

26 Payne Remedies Eyemouth’s Payne clinic

rEGuLarS

38 Problem Page A problem shared

38 Lab Report Four legged comment

39 Competition Winners Prize winners from Issue 7

39 Your Letters Write to us

39 Discount Vouchers

FEaTurES

04 Border Tarts Sing for their supper

06 Going Digital Berwickshire Housing Association

08 Hare – How a novel was born WIN a copy of this novel

09 Pride in the Pack Berwickshire’s young people

11 Altered Worlds In praise of the bus

22 HMS Pathfinder A fitting tribute

24 Dive WIN this stunning new book

25 Life on the Ocean Wave25 Home to Harbour

HOmES & GardENS

12 Room Recipes WIN Annie Sloan’s latest book

13 January Cheer Beautiful blooms indoors

14 Floral Gateway Winning Ayton

19

Contents

27 WOW Help for women

27 Heart of the Village Ayton’s defibrillator

FOOd & driNK

28 Allanton Inn Recipe Daube of Beef

29 Divine Wine? Spicing up beef

SPOrT

37 Scottish Champion Duns driver wins

37 Tara’s Serves A good role model

33 Family Traditions

33 Festive Treats

34 Stocking Fillers

35 Paxton House Christmas Cracker

36 Whigmaleerie Makes Mice

Festive Pages

16

Page 4: EB Living Winter issue

4 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

FEATURE

We are all familiar with Border tart, but do you, I wonder, know about the “Border Tarts”?

The Border Tarts are a seven-women (of a certain age!) cappella harmony-singing group who entertain around the Borders, singing for their supper (and petrol too).

The group was formed in 2007 after their previous mixed choir, Borders Harmony Quire, was disbanded when they were reduced to a few women and one solitary man, who with the best will in the world was unable to sing both tenor and bass at the same time!

Thus the idea was born for a completely different sound.The seven women live on both sides of the border, in

Eyemouth, Duns, Foulden, Berwick and Ford Village. They sing at church guilds, Women’s Rurals, harvest suppers, ploughman’s suppers; in fact anywhere they are asked. When organisers ask what they charge, they get the standard reply, “ we sing for our supper”; and very nice suppers they are, too!

border tarts in performing mood

Border Tart, anyone?WriTTEN By PaT OLdaLE

Their gigs so far have been, on the Scottish side, as far out as Earlston, and on the English side as far south as Felton and Brinkburn Priory; and also, on one memorable occasion, as far south as Salisbury, Wiltshire (but that’s another story!)

A lot of people comment after their performances that they look as though they thoroughly enjoy doing it, which they do. Also, I might add that their practice sessions each week consist of 50% singing and 50% laughter! (Oh, and tea and cakes)

In November they will be joining forces with the Eyemouth Fishermen’s Choir to sing songs from the 1914-18 period and on December 10th they will be contributing seasonal songs and carols at Berwick Library. On 20th December they will be organising what has become an annual event, “Karoloke” in the Granary Restaurant in Berwick. This is most definitely a joining-in event - all welcome! lIf you want the Border Tarts to sing at your event, ring Mary (Queen of Tarts!) on 01289 307809.

21 DAY TOUR ONLY £855.00 Fri 27th Feb-Thurs 19th March 2015

• 14 nights Full board (with table drinks) at the 3 star Hotel Poseidon Palace, Benidorm • No overnight Travel

• 3 included excursions + 3 optional excursions• Dover to Calais ferry crossing • Air-conditioned coach travel

• Local pick ups available in Scottish Borders

Call:01665 720955 for your brochurewww.travelsure.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Page 5: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 5

FEATURE

name? Alfred George Robinson. I prefer Alf.

age? 104.

When and where were you born? Jamaica Street in Edinburgh on the 19th of July 1910.

Childhood? I lived in a tenement with one bedroom and kitchen with my lorry driver father, mother, and seven siblings. One of my early memories is that four of us children were sent to the Fever Hospital in Colinton to be treated for scarlet fever. On leaving, we saw a big group of lads heading along the street to join up. It was the start of the First World War. At five I went to St Bernard’s school in Stockbridge but shortly after starting school I was diagnosed with TB in my stomach. My mother sent me to stay with her aunt in North Berwick and I was there from around 1915 to 1918. I remember an uncle who was in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders home on leave from the Front. I’m pleased to say he survived the War. At the same time, my TB cleared up. It must have been all that fresh air I breathed in working as a caddy on the Golf Course at North Berwick.

occupation? I left school at fourteen to take up a job

delivering butchers meat. The job which set me on a path for life came when I was fifteen - I became an apprentice nurseryman. I did that for three years before going to work as a student gardener at Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens. Working at the Botanics was a fantastic experience and great education. However, it was hard to get a job in Scotland in this line of work, and many of my compatriots went abroad. I went South to the John Innes Institute in London, which analysed soils for farming and gardening. I then worked as a manager at Letchworth Garden City, the first ever garden city, until the start of the Second World War. Early in the war, I recall my wife and me looking on as London burned eighty miles away during the Blitz. To support the war effort, I went to work in a factory making shells before joining the RAF in 1941. I was one of two master instrument makers, which involved us making specialised equipment for use in all kinds of aircraft: Blenheims, Burleys, Oxfords…you name it. In 1943, notice came through that one of us master instrument makers was due to be posted overseas. We tossed a coin, and I won! I was due to leave Britain after two days leave. On coming back from leave slightly late, an officer strode up to me. I thought I was going to get jankers (i.e. military punishment). However, he told me that I’d been taken off the draft. The ship sailed and was lost with all hands shortly

after leaving these shores. I’d had a lucky escape.

Family? I married Elizabeth Patterson at Fairley’s Hall, Leith Street, Edinburgh in 1934. You could say that things were a bit different back then. I got the train from Kings Cross to Waverley on the Friday night, got married on the Saturday before travelling back to London the same day! Folk didn’t have the time or money for honeymoons. During sixty-two years of happy marriage, we had a son and daughter of whom I’m immensely proud. I had to wait until I was 100 before I saw my first great grandchild! But I now have four, which is wonderful.

As you’re so green-fingered, Alf, do you have a favourite flower? Lilies

Favourite colour? Blue

Favourite book? I like Walter Scott’s Waverley Novels and his poetry. At this point, Alf breaks into recital of Lady Heron’s Song from Marmion – Young Lochinvar is come out of the west, Through all the wide Border his steed was the best…

It is sometimes said that “men are like wine. Some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” Cheers Alf! l

local People ProfileCatriona Cook’s second interview is with Alf Robinson, Berwickshire’s oldest man. Here Alf recounts memories of times past.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP

Regional Office 8 Sandbed

Hawick TD9 0HE

Tel: 01450 379 572

Open: Mon-Fri

10am-4pm

Email: [email protected]

Parliament Office Room T3.04 The Scottish Parliament

Edinburgh EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 6891

Open: Tues-Thurs 9am-5pm

Member of the Scottish Parliament for the South Scotland Region (SNP)

@PaulWheelhouse

PaulWheelhouseMSP

Find me on:

Page 6: EB Living Winter issue

6 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

BHA’s Annual General Meeting and show case event which took place in Duns in September proved to be a great

success. The event offered something for

everyone with many informative displays some of which included information on BHA’s solar panel project, news on the progress of its new homes that are now on site in Duns and Eyemouth and information on its money and benefits advice service which has recently been rolled out Borders wide thanks to Big Lottery funding.

The meeting also saw another first for BHA as it launched its first ever digital annual report. Appropriately named ‘The Voice’ the short film showcased a summary of the year’s activities with BHA’s employees explaining how some of the services they provide support BHA’s vision of Thriving Communities.

BHA’s previews its first ever digital annual report

FEATURE

Amongst those starring in the film were Kathryn Taylor and Hannah Tennant, BHA’s newly recruited modern apprentices who have now successfully completed their probationary period.

Talking about joining BHA in the film Kathryn states “I feel proud to say I work for BHA. Everyone needs a good home and we provide that – it’s so fantastic.” The opportunity has given Hannah a new purpose in life “It gives me a purpose - to get up in the morning, get dressed up and go to work”

Helen Forsyth BHA’s Chief Executive said “We hope to reach many more people

by putting our thoughts about the way we work in Berwickshire on film. These are the voices of our staff, our tenants, our Board and most importantly, the people we have helped in the past year telling it like it is” lYou can watch ‘The Voice’ online at www.bhagroup.org.uk/thevoice

{ }i feel proud to say i work for BHa. Everyone needs

a good home and we provide that

Page 7: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 7

Impressed by the enthusiasm of the RAGES committee, Barrie’s workload over the past three years has grown considerably. ‘With the new ScotRail franchise being considered by Transport Scotland I, with other committee members, have met with all five companies bidding for the franchise - stating the need for a local Edinburgh to Berwick rail service and the re-opening of Reston and East Linton Stations. I’ve also met with Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP and managed to speak to Alex Salmond about bringing a rail service back to Berwickshire’ he says.

So what keeps Barrie motivated? ‘I’d like to see Berwickshire have more employment for young people in the years ahead and more facilities at Reston if the station is re-opened … perhaps a Premier Inn or Travel Lodge. Berwickshire has lots to offer visitors to our coastal villages. And I get to meet so many interesting people. I’ve recently been elected to the Railfuture Scotland Committee and, after a lapse of several years, I’m again a member of the Berwickshire Community Safety Panel and of Aln Valley Railway.’

And his advice to others? ‘I’d say, don’t give up. Keep shouting. I was told years ago Reston station would never re-open but RAGES has achieved a lot over the past fourteen years. Berwickshire needs people of all ages. We need to be heard.’ l

AReston resident for almost seventy years, father and grandfather Barrie Forrest was born into a footballing

family who took over the Red Lion Hotel in 1935. A lifelong Hearts fan – ‘my idol was centre forward Willie Bauld’ – Barrie worked in Reston Auction Mart from 1960 until its closure in March 2001.

Barrie has served on Reston and Auchencrow Community Council since 1978 and has been Chair four times and, as currently, Vice Chair.

‘The best part of being a Community Councillor is accomplishing a task you set out to achieve for the two villages’ he says. ‘It can take a long time and some people expect results overnight but community councils don’t have a lot of power so aims are always going to be difficult to achieve. I’d like more young people to come along to meetings and get involved as they can express what they want for the future. But I see changes on the horizon with Scottish Borders Council giving full support to upgrading the A1 road junctions and the reopening of Reston station.’

Well known for his commitment and tenacity, Barrie has become one of the most influential local figures in RAGES – the Rail Action Group, East of Scotland. Having been invited to join RAGES as Reston’s Community Council representative in 1999, Barrie has since been elected Vice Chair and has travelled rural rail lines extensively researching routes and stations.

FEATURE

local HeroSo many people in our local communities give generously of their time and talents and we’re always delighted to celebrate their contributions. In this issue we feature one of Reston’s local heroes who works tirelessly for both the village and the wider area.

reston station

Page 8: EB Living Winter issue

8 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

FEATURE

Like all the best ideas, the plot for Hare came to me in the bath. I was on assignment back in 2009 for The Scotsman Magazine and had been up watching wildlife since the early hours of the

morning, so sleep deprivation was probably kicking in.

WriTTEN By PETEr raNScOmBE

HareI was staying at Moness Resort, a former

hunting lodge just outside Aberfeldy in Perthshire, having been out for the day with Donald Riddell and his team at Highland Safaris on Land Rover tours. As I slipped into the massive bath tub, I could hear a band called Ben’s Brother playing a tongue-in-cheek version of Lady Gaga’s song Poker Face as part of their acoustic set on Dermot O’Leary’s Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2.

The song’s lyrics have absolutely nothing to do with the plot for the book but, as the sound of the acoustic guitar filled the bathroom, the final scene for the novel slipped into my head fully-formed. I write in a very visual way, with images filling my mind, so it’s not unusual for whole scenes to play out in my head.

But what was different about that climactic sequence for Hare was that I also had an inkling of the plot that had led up to that point; there were still some twists and turns to be added along the way, but I had a good idea how these two characters ended up reaching the dramatic end to the book.

Like all Scots, I grew up knowing the story of Burke and Hare, arguably Scotland’s most notorious criminals. Despite some confusion in popular culture, Burke and Hare weren’t grave robbers but were instead murderers, killing their victims and then selling their bodies for dissection at Dr Robert Knox’s medical school in Edinburgh.

Burke and Hare were Irish immigrants, who had moved to Scotland to work

as navvies building canals. When they were caught, Hare turned king’s evidence against Burke and so was set free while his partner-in-crime was hanged.

That idea of there being no honour among thieves struck a chord with me and became one of the central themes of the novel, which imagines what happened to Hare after he left Edinburgh. My story places him in Boston towards the end of his life during the American Civil War, when a series of murders places Hare under suspicion once more.

Going from that initial idea to the finished book is a long process. I was working as a journalist at The Scotsman at the time and so I read the newspaper’s report of Burke’s hanging to get a flavour of the times. Dipping into the archive was great fun and, after that, it was a case of letting my imagination run riot to fill in the gaps.

It took about 18 months to write the book during snatched moments in evenings and at weekends. Then it took a further 18 months of trying to find an agent, before instead turning to smaller publishers.

My wife spotted an article in the East Lothian Courier about Marie Macpherson, another local author whose book had been selected by Knox Robinson Publishing, a small publisher that specialises in historical fiction and which is based in London and New York.

Knox Robinson offered me a contract in April 2013 and Hare will be published in hardback on Tuesday 9 December 2014. I had enjoyed success at school with my poetry and short stories, winning

competitions and being published as a young writer. So when Hare finally hits the shops, I will literally be fulfilling a lifelong dream.

And it’s all thanks to a warm bath, an acoustic guitar and some sleep deprivation. l

Hare (ISBN 978-1-908483-83-6) by Peter Ranscombe is available from the Knox Robinson website at www.knoxrobinsonpublishing.com/book/hare/ or from all good bookshops.

To win a copy of Peter Ranscombe’s novel ‘Hare’ simply answer the following question:

With which newspaper did Peter work when he started to write his novel ‘Hare’?

submit your answer together with your name, address and telephone number by email to [email protected] or by post to Birchfield House, eyemouth, tD14 5ls. Please clearly mark your entry Peter ranscombe Competition 9. Closing date 31 December 2014.

The winner will be chosen and notified after the closing date. the editor’s decision is final and no cash alternative is available. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from eb living or its partners.

WiN!

Page 9: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 9

FEATURE

over recent months we have seen them achieve academically, work

on improving travel in the Borders and take responsibility for their future by voting in the Scottish Independence Referendum. Young people are vital to the development of our communities and I am working to ensure that young people are respected and included across the East Berwickshire and Borders wide area.

Young people are enthusiastically engaged through Scottish Borders Youth Voice (SBYV) – a team dedicated to improving our Scottish Borders. The East Team has raised awareness in both young people and transport providers of the Young Scot card for travel concessions. Travel becomes easier and cheaper with their National Entitlement Card.

Young people are actively promoting this and are not afraid to raise issues with people in leadership and power. With confidence and maturity to discuss important matters, young people are finding their voice, talking to Scottish Government MSPs such as Keith Brown and John Lamont and larger

organisations like Transport Scotland. Through their involvement with SBYV, many of the young people have gained confidence in talking, in presenting and in those team work and planning skills needed for life.

Of course it’s not only the young people of the SBYV teams who are making a difference. September saw the annual Eyemouth High School prize-giving with Kirstie Swain as the keynote speaker. Kirstie is a former pupil of the High School and is now a writer with BBC Scotland, working with programmes such as Eastenders and Holby City.

Presenting the awards, Kirstie inspired the young people to ‘have a desire, a

goal, a quest or a journey to go on and to be their hero in their own story’. In addition to the many academic achievements including that of the S6 School Dux were young people’s achievements in other areas of the school - volunteering, sport, community, personal. The young people of Eyemouth High School are committed and enthusiastic to learn.

‘Each year, you can feel a buzz of excitement when you attend Eyemouth High School for the prize-giving’ Councillor Michael Cook said. ‘Students have worked incredibly diligently, competed hard, sometimes shown great courage in adversity, or used their time and energy to support others. They seem thrilled to have their achievements and commitment recognised. And so they should. It is a testament to their endeavours, a boost to their confidence and the confidence of the whole school, and uplifting for all who witness it.’

I’m immensely proud that East Berwickshire’s young people are a unique and fantastic bunch - and you should be proud too. l

Pride in the PackThe achieving young People of East BerwickshireWriTTEN By aarON BOLTON

{ }young people are finding their voice

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East Berwickshire has a unique set of young people - a group with enthusiasm, commitment and enjoyment.

Page 10: EB Living Winter issue

10 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

IT’S hard to believe the first of Harvey’s Resnick novels was published back in 1989. However, I’m going to review one of Harvey’s later books. The main character in Darkness & Light is Frank Elder, a retired detective who – as is often the way in crime fiction – reluctantly becomes involved in a murder enquiry. While visiting his ex-wife and daughter, Frank is persuaded to look into the disappearance of Claire Meecham, a middle-aged widow. Claire’s family paints a picture of her as a reserved, solitary woman with few friends, but Frank discovers she has a secret life, meeting men through an internet dating agency. Then she reappears, dead and fully-clothed in her own bed, a fate which reminds Frank of an unsolved case from eight years earlier, when he worked in Nottingham’s Major Crime Unit. This brings him back into contact with his old colleagues, including a fleeting, Hitchcock-like glimpse of Charlie Resnick.

Alongside the unfolding of Frank’s investigation into the women’s murders, the narrative occasionally goes back in time to 1965 and the experiences of psychologist Alice

Silverman with a disturbed little boy. These are obviously linked to later events, but their significance is only revealed at the end of the story.

There is nothing radical about Darkness & Light, but the quality of Harvey’s writing elevates it above similar fare. Frank is doleful and divorced, struggling to connect with his daughter, which could have felt clichéd in another writer’s hands but doesn’t here. Other characters are also well drawn and convincing, especially Maureen Prior, a police officer whose successful career turns out to be insufficient compensation for the hurt she endured in her past. The book’s plot unfolds at a steady rather than a breakneck pace, but it packs enough surprises to satisfy fans of the police procedural branch of crime fiction.

Darkness & Light is the third book in Harvey’s Frank Elder trilogy but that made no difference to my enjoyment of it. I now want to catch up with the books which came before - and reread all those Resnick novels.

Janet O’Kane - Published by Arrow, Janet’s own novel, No Stranger to Death is available from Amazon

darkness & Light by John Harvey

READERS of “a certain age” will be able to identify with this book. It is easy to read - the paper back edition I had, has good, large print. The plot has various unexpected twists and turns – I won’t spoil it for you but the sinking of the Lusitania is particularly well researched and really draws the reader in to experience the horrors.

The hardships endured by the farm workers is brought to life but also the sensitivity and the kindness of the Estate owners towards their loyal retainers. We have so much to help us with everyday living these days that it is a real eye opener to read just how hard life was in those days for the working people, particularly in the long, dark Scottish winter.

This year the world is remembering the sacrifices made by so many young men and women in WW1 and this makes me think it would be a really good 2014 read. My only criticism is the use of the Scottish and Yorkshire dialogue written phonetically. I found this irritating, but perhaps that is just me.

My mother’s life and her stories of her relatives mirror this novel. I loved it and I am sure most readers will be able to relate to the characters in the rural setting of the Borders and re-live the life of a bygone age – although it isn’t really that long ago. AH

Glencairnie by Penny Worton

THIS novel had me hooked from the start. It is written in the form of a diary from the eve of the Great War, when the diarist, Millicent King, is thirteen, to 1995 when she is ninety four.

It was originally intended to be factual, since the author Margaret Forster was contacted by a woman who hoped she might edit and publish her ninety eight year old aunt’s diaries, and arranged a meeting. In the event, the aunt changed her mind, and Margaret Forster never in fact got to read the diaries. The seed had been sown,

however, and these fictional diaries are the result.

But so convincing is the writing that one constantly forgets that this is in fact a work of fiction. The novel begins thus:26th November 1914“Father said if I want to keep a diary I must begin it on New Year’s day. He said no one starts a diary in November. But New Year’s Day is five weeks away and I do not want to wait....I don’t

diary of an ordinary woman by Margaret Forster see why I have to write in it every day either. If I don’t feel like it I won’t, and that is that.”

Spanning as it does the whole of the twentieth century, the novel encompasses both world wars and their effects, an insight into the professions of both teaching and social work of the time and the emergence of the Peace Camp at Greenham Common.

Millicent lives a life undreamt of by her parents, shaped and reshaped by events she is powerless to control.

Pat OldalePublished by Vintage, 2004 price £8.99

Page 11: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 11

FEATURE

I recently lost my car which had kept me safe and given many years of good service. It died (12 years old) after three harsh

Scottish winters and the whole matter left me in a quandary about what to do. I really do love to drive and especially so living in the beautiful Borders with almost empty lanes and sweeping vistas. And how, stuck here on The Hill would I cope without a car?

But cope I did and it plunged me into an unknown world. The World of “The Bus”. WOW!

I had been transported (pardon the pun) into a world I had not even have contemplated. A world not even envisaged before.

I remembered buses of my teens and public transport as smelly, unfriendly experiences and so, with that in mind and a feeling of immense trepidation, off I went with timetable to travel between Burnmouth and Eyemouth and I must confess I have been truly AMAZED! Admittedly, I have relied upon Tesco online and Co-op home delivery now and again, and the odd occasion the wonderful local taxi, but on the whole I have trotted down to the bus, done the “butchers, bakers, supermarket dash” in Eyemouth and often I have even been able to catch the same bus, en route from Coldingham, back again.

No gym fees for me. I feel so fit! Of course, working from home has made it easy for me to saunter out as and when I need to catch said bus but, even so, I’ve found it quite a regular and well-timed service.

Life without a car has changed my perspective. You see, hear and smell all manner of interesting things missed when closeted

in a car. And, to my amazement, I’ve found buses full of an array of interesting people. Whether this is a summer phenomenon I am not sure, but I suspect not. There are conversations struck up with friendly strangers. I am beginning to wonder if the bus has become the new Social Club, replacing the Pub, Village Hall, and, it even occurred to me, speed dating (not that I have an interest in such). The bus is clearly a vehicle (!) of gathering together interesting folk in one place and I found it a mine of information which might surpass a library.

My journey between Burnmouth and Eyemouth, including waiting at the stops, is between around ten to twelve minutes at most and I ponder how, if I continued on to Berwick and back, much more enlightened with the conversations I would be. The oddity is that seldom are conversations held at the bus stop. It is on the bus that they come alive.

Perhaps it is the need to say something to the person next to you in such close proximity, or the movement of the vehicle which stimulates chat. I am not sure, but the bus is seldom quiet. A few regular travellers seem to act as a catalyst to the jollity and chatter.

The buses themselves are wonderful. They are modern, clean and pleasant and I found the drivers courteous and beyond. I always thought buses were underused but my experience has been that they have been full and lively.

In my ‘car’ days, I had only ever seen the bus as another vehicle. Now, when I encounter the bus, being familiar with what lies inside, I shall think differently of them and wave as they pass by as one old friend to another. l

{ }Something quite strange happened to me lately.

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Altered WorldsExTracTS FrOm aN arTicLE WriTTEN By HiLL Lady

Page 12: EB Living Winter issue

12 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

HOMES & GardENS

D ecorative paints expert Annie Sloan comes to the rescue with her latest book Room Recipes for Style and Colour. Co-authored

by Annie’s son Felix - a designer who is Brand Director at Annie Sloan Interiors - this comprehensive book examines nine popular interiors styles and hundreds of gorgeous images showing the homes of selected interiors enthusiasts and designers throughout Europe. There are ‘paint your own’ ideas and sketches, plus mood boards and a host of practical tips on how to achieve the looks in your own home.

‘I chose interior design as the subject for my latest book because we frequently hear that people just can’t get things to look right in their own interiors. I believe this is because they need to really think about what their own personal style is, rather than be swayed by the latest trend. I realise that most tastes are a fusion of many styles’ Annie says. ‘It is also important understand the style of the property you are working with’

As Felix Sloan explains, ‘What we have set out to achieve is not to produce a definitive rule book on a number of styles, but to explain a little bit about each of the popular ones and show how it is possible to work with a number of those successfully, without slavishly keeping to just one. We are all eclectic and have various bits of furniture that we need to incorporate in our homes. We very much believe in avoiding style clichés. We show you how to incorporate elements of many styles.’ l

Recipes for Style and ColourFor many of us, once the festive season is past, thoughts turn to redecorating projects. But for all those who appear instinctively to know what makes up their personal style, there are as many for whom this is a daunting dilemma.

To win a copy of Annie Sloan’s latest book Room Recipes for Style and Colour

Simply answer the following question:

What position does Felix hold in the Annie Sloan Interiors Company?

submit your answer together with your name, address and telephone number by email to [email protected] or by post to Birchfield House, Eyemouth, TD14 5ls. Please clearly mark your entry Interiors Competition 9. Closing date 31 December 2014.

The winner will be chosen and notified after the closing date. The editor’s decision is final and no cash alternative is available. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from eb living or its partners.

WiN!

©Photos from annie Sloan’s room recipes for Style and colour, Photography: christopher drake, Publisher : cicO Books,.

EB living Reader offer Annie Sloan’s Room Recipes for Style and Colour is published by CICO Books at £25, and available from all good bookshops. EB Living readers should call 01256 302699 quoting GLR CODE O8O to purchase a copy at the special price of £18 including free p&p. For more information, please visit www.cicobooks.co.uk

Page 13: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 13

HOMES & GardENS

Ideal Beds (just off the A1), Ramparts Business Park, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1UN Tel 01289 332646

Did you sleep well last night?Wake up feeling refreshed?

At Ideal Beds we have the bed you’ve been promising yourself. Set aside some ti me and come in to see us.

Tom Buttler Furniture, Unit 1, WarkWorkshops, Wark, Cornhill onTweed, TD12 4RE.T: 01890 883300www.tombuttlerfurniture.co.uk

Furniture, kitchens,bedrooms and home officesindividually created for youin our workshops

TOMBUTTLER

F U R N I T U R E

Handcrafted Furniture & Kitchens

I don’t know about you but after all the Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations I’m left feeling a bit low knowing

there are still weeks of winter that lie ahead; so what could be nicer to grow in your home during the dreariest days than some lovely spring bulbs?

Planted indoors, in autumn, fragrant “paperwhite” narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus) will only take approximately eight weeks to flower and you don’t even need to use compost! If you use a high sided glass container (even drinking glasses can be used) you will have an unusual display which will also fascinate children as they watch the bulbs develop and grow.

Here’s how to do it:-• Fill the container with a layer

of pebbles or glass beads and gently push the bottom of the bulbs into the pebbles to hold them firmly in place.

• Add water to just below the base of the bulbs, no higher, as the bulbs may rot if they get too wet.

• Place the container on a cool, bright window sill and keep topping up with water, when necessary.

• Roots will quickly form, followed by the flower spikes and finally you will have the delicate scented flowers to enjoy.

Alternatively, (even easier!) you could grow “prepared” hyacinths in a specially designed glass bulb vase. These are inexpensive and available from garden centres and supermarkets at this time of year. Always purchase “prepared” hyacinths as they have been cultivated especially to flower early when grown indoors.

• Fill the bulb vase with water to the neck and then place the bulb in the top. Again, the water level should be just below the bottom of the bulb.

• This time, put the vases in a completely dark, cool place for 10-12 weeks, but don’t forget to top up the water level, as before.

• When the shoots are 4-5cm tall, place the vases on your window sill and wait for the flowers. Keep turning the vases to keep the flowers straight as they have a tendency to grow towards the light.

These bulbs will look and smell fantastic in your home and will keep you cheerful through to spring! l

January CheerWriTTEN By: SuE BOLTON

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Ayton wins The Floral Gateway Small Village Award

FEATURE

A yton Village won the small village award in the Floral Gateway of

2014 narrowly leading the villages of Newcastleton and Chirnside in second and third places. The judges gave marks in three sections – firstly, floral presentation in both open spaces and in public and private gardens. Secondly, cleanliness around the village, and third-ly noting the evidence of community involvement in both the former sections. Ayton received commendations for both its permanent and annual planting, which is backed up by photographic and written evidence throughout the year, all of which is taken into account by the judges.

At the instigation of the Community Council, the Ayton Enhancement Group was formed in February 2011 and is chaired by Vic Swain.

As we all appreciate, many hands make light work, so in 2012 the Gardening Helpers were gathered together to offer gardening help to plant the many tubs and troughs, to weed and to prune, and to plant the newly created Jubilee Beds at the junction by Ayton Church which has permanent planting, and enhances the southern end of the village. Without

WriTTEN By: camiLLa BaiLEy

{ }ayton received commendations for both its permanent and annual planting

all these volunteers, none of this would be possible and the Ayton Enhancement Group is indebted to each and every person for their involvement.

Funds have been raised by a couple of plant sales combined with coffee mornings, as well as donations from Ayton Community Council, Ayton Castle Estates, RBS, Ayton Horticultural Society and a grant from Scottish Borders Council. A third plant sale will be held in Ayton in the spring of 2015 which will sell perennials and herbs. The “Bootiful Ayton Competition” added much amusement and colour to the village throughout the summer when many residents produced old boots which were planted up in varying imaginative ways, enhancing doorsteps, and exploding with annuals of all colours, and the winners were announced at the Ayton Horticultural Show at the end of August.

The joint winners are Ann Dolan and Fiona Swain.

Future plans in Ayton are to replant the two flower beds at the northern end of the village with shrubs, and to replace the tulip bulbs in all the tubs for a spectacular spring display - as yet, the new colour remains a secret which will be unveiled in early March when the Kaufmanniana tulips raise their heads to signal that spring has finally arrived in Ayton! l

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W hen I am showing people round Gunsgreen House, people often ask me “what happened when John Nisbet

was caught?” Well, this full account of one particular smuggle (the eighteenth century word for a smuggling incident) will help to explain. The information all comes from the official records.

On 7 May 1762 the ship Hope of Eyemouth, Thomas Hogg, master, sailed from Eyemouth to Hamburg carrying a cargo of Barley and Wheat for Robert Robertson, Eyemouth’s leading merchant. Hamburg was an important source of contraband, so the fact of an Eyemouth ship going there was quite interesting.

In July 1762 the Hope was on her way back home when…it appears that the Ship Hope Thomas Hog Master from Hamburg was discovered by Mr Daniel Dow, and the Boatmen at Dunbar (actually Eyemouth), hovering on the Coast, and that they attempted to board her, but not being able to do it, and meeting with Captain Dowthwait of His Majesty’s Ship Ranger, they concerted measures with him, in consequence of which he went in pursuit of the said Vessel, and Secured and delivered her into the Custody of the said Mr Dow and his Boatmen, who brought her into Leith, where the Cargo was Seized in pursuance of the Boards directions… (Minutes of the Board of Customs, 6th June 1763)

At their meeting on 8th February 1763, the Board of Customs, meeting in Edinburgh, had to decide what to do about the Hope and her cargo.

Application having been made to the Board by Mr John Nisbet Merchant in Eymouth Claimer of the Ship Hope of Eymouth and her Cargo consisting of the Articles

LOCAL HiSTOry

undermentioned Vizt.

Proposing to withdraw the Claim entered to the Brandy and to pay the Appraized Value for the quantity which shall be delivered to him, and also to pay the French Duty for the Wine, provided the Board will agree to deliver up the Ship Appraized at £250; consent to the vacating the Recognizance; and not insist upon the Costs incurred by the Crown; And the Solicitor having Reported that he had upon the 15th of last Month written to Captain Dowthwaite Commander of His Majesty’s Sloop The Ranger, by whom the Ship and Goods were Secured, in order to furnish the Proof necessary for Condemning the Wine and the Ship, and that he has received no Answer; And it likewise appearing by a Letter from Mr Adam Hendry Seizure Maker on Record, from the Information of Lieutenant Welsh late of the Ranger that the Persons by whom the Proof was to be made have absconded; For these Reasons the Board are of the Opinion with the Solicitor that it is expedient to accept of the Terms offered, and he is to proceed accordingly, taking care that the Time for paying the Duties of the Wine and the Appraized Value of the Spirits to be properly vouched.

What this means is that despite the law stating that the claimer (owner) of contraband goods should be fined three times their appraised value, and, in certain circumstances, have their ship confiscated, the Board of Customs were advised by their solicitor that as they had no witnesses to support their case, it would be prudent to accept John Nisbet’s offer, which appears to have amounted to £314 8s 2½d. Half of this was then distributed to the Seizure Makers.

Hovering, by the way, was a technical term, applied when a ship was hanging about off shore, looking for the opportunity to run contraband ashore. The very act of hovering was sufficient for the ship and its cargo to be Seized.

The reference to Daniel Dow, boatman at Dunbar refers to the Tidesurveyor based at Eyemouth, who was also the Commander of the King’s Boat – the rather grand name for the small boat with oars and sails, crewed by four boatmen and the Commander, armed with cutlasses and blunderbusses – no match for a decent size merchant vessel, armed with small cannon. Dow, incidentally, was the uncle of Alexander Dow, whose story was told an earlier edition of EBL, who was John Nisbet’s clerk until 1756, and a lifelong associate.

The records of the Board of Customs reveal that many mer-chants whose ships had been seized by the customs negotiated a deal – a Composition – as it was known, particularly when, as in this case, there were problems finding the witnesses!

Thomas Hogg and the Hope came to the attention of the authorities again in May 1764, when ‘the Boat from North Berwick was fired upon with Sharp Shot from a Brigantine belonging to Eyemouth, formerly called the Hope and now commanded by Thomas Hogg’. Subsequently the ship was stopped and a consignment of wine was seized, which was declared to be Burgundy Wine. l

£ s d

1105 Gallons of Brandy Appraized at 6sh 4d per Gallon 349 18 4

832 Gallons of Red French Wine ay £19 per hhd 266 0 0

The Story of a SmuggleWriTTEN By: dErEK JaNES

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LOCAL HiSTOry

W hat do Eyemouth, Jenners Department Store, and the birth of modern China have in common? The thread connecting these various strands together is Dr. James Grieve

Cormack. His amazing story, largely forgotten today, has the humblest of beginnings.

His father Alexander Cormack was a fishcurer from Anstruther. In 1854 he married Margaret Douglas from Eyemouth and took her back to Fife to live in his mother’s family home. Alexander fought a lifelong battle with drink and was constantly in and out of debt. Eventually he left his family altogether for Canada. Alone with four children to feed, Margaret moved back to Eyemouth to work in the family’s store on Market Place. Jamie’s childhood revolved around the general store, the Eyemouth Parish School, and the auld Free Kirk.

His older brother Robert, at 14 years of age, became apprenticed to Charles Jenner’s Haberdashery in Edinburgh. He steadily worked his way up from sweeping floors and errand boy to salesman and then buyer. When the store was destroyed by fire, a huge new building was built on Princes Street complete with electric lights and hydraulic lifts. Just a few years later in 1903, Robert was promoted to Managing Director of Jenner’s. Needless to say, Robert became the financial mainstay of the family.

The Cormack family had always been church-goers, but Margaret and her children developed a deeper sense of commitment to Jesus Christ inspired in part by the great religious revivals of the late 19th century. James, now a teenager, found a new sense of purpose in his Christian faith. He met a young lady named Annie Anderson. They fell in love and were married. Both shared a strong desire to serve God. In 1890 they applied to the China Inland Mission, established by the famous missionary Hudson Taylor, and were accepted. Shortly before they left for China, they returned to Eyemouth to visit family. While there, a special service was held in the Baptist Chapel. It seemed the whole village turned out to wish the young couple “God speed.”

After several years of missionary work in China, James and his family returned to Scotland in 1899 narrowly avoiding the vicious civil war known as the Boxer Rebellion. James had returned to Scotland determined to become a doctor. With his brother Robert’s financial help, Jim excelled in his studies at the

Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. After completing an apprenticeship at the Royal Infirmary, he was ready to sail for China.

Now with the London Missionary Society, Jim and Annie returned to China. Over the years that followed, they personally

witnessed many of the historic events which convulsed China as it came to terms with the modern age. Throughout these turbulent times, Jim and Annie faithfully continued to minister among the Chinese people. Jim became principal of the new Peking Union Medical College. Founded in 1906 by American and British missionaries, it is today one of China’s most prestigious educational institutions. Dr. James Cormack was still practicing medicine in Peking (modern Beijing) when Dr. Sun Yat-sen arrived in 1924 to broker a peace among the warring factions. Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary leader and “Father of the Nation,” had served as the first president of modern China after helping precipitate the 1911 revolution which toppled the imperial government. While in Peking, Sun Yat-sen became seriously ill. An examination at the Peking Union Medical College hospital revealed he had liver cancer. He died in March 1925. James Cormack was accorded the singular

honour of embalming Sun Yat-sen’s body for burial. As conditions in China continued to deteriorate and civil

war spread throughout the entire country, Jim and Annie took the opportunity to retire and returned to Scotland in 1927. He died in 1934 with his wife Annie by his side. His niece Margaret Gray of Eyemouth recalled: “He was our favourite uncle and even in his busiest years he made time for ploys and picnics with the younger generation. He could lure a crowd of us into the Church Lecture Hall on a summer evening to hear his ‘Chalk Talks.’ . . . There is a stained glass window in Coldingham Priory to his memory, a fitting place, as many of his ancestors are buried there.”

Overcoming many hardships and difficulties, Jim and Annie remained faithful to their calling throughout their lives leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and self-sacrifice—lives which truly deserve to be remembered and celebrated still today.l

For further information, see Joan Rowlands, Voluntary Exiles: From Tamatave to Peking (Maryborough, Victoria: Hale & Iremonger, 2000)

THE STOry OF

WriTTEN By: STEPHEN BENdEr

Dr James Cormack

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LOCAL HiSTOry

1715 and George Home, Laird of Wedderburn, was swept along by the wave of support for James Stewart, nick-named ‘the Old Pretender’ by the followers of the Hanoverian Monar-chy in London. But George wasn’t swept very far. He reached Kelso and decided he would rather return to his family and fireside. His companions had other ideas and tied him to his horse, leaving him no choice but to travel south to Preston where the Jacobites occupied the town.

They were defeated after only three days and George was among the captives. The ring-leaders were tried and sentenced to death. The rest of the prisoners, including George and his young son, also named George, were made to draw lots to see who would stand trial and who would go free. Both were unlucky and were imprisoned in the notorious Marshallsea in London. The lad was too young to go before the court and was eventually sent back to Scotland.

The first in a series about the people associated with Paxton House.

After his trial in July 1716 George wrote to his sister telling her not to worry even though he had been found guilty as they had been assured that no more were to be executed. Eventually he was allowed to return home to Wedderburn where he died in 1720.

His younger brother, Francis of Quixwood (near Grantshouse) was not so lucky and was to be transported to America. He wrote a moving letter to his sister while he was waiting to sail from Liverpool, mourning the death of his wife and asking her to look after his children.

Both men had a benefactor, the Rev Home, a distant relative. He bought Francis out of slavery, the usual punishment, so he could sail as free man becoming factor to the Governor of Virginia.

The Rev Home held mortgages on Wedderburn, so instead of the estate being forfeit to the crown it was eventually granted to him and he settled it on to George’s children.

Young George, uncowed by his adventures, sought the attentions of Miss Johnson, at The Hirsel. There were various ‘incidents’ and it was suggested that he should emigrate to the colonies and the care of Uncle Francis. Here he became a government surveyor mapping large areas of Virginia. Towards the end of his career he had the young George Washington as his pupil. What would his rebel relations have made of that! l

GeorGe, the Reluctant Jacobite and other rebelsWrItten by: MartHa anDreWs

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A s far as Mother Nature is concerned, November to February is probably

the period of greatest transition from au-tumn to winter to the first signs of spring.

November really marks the change from autumn to winter – with the leaves mostly gone from the trees and tempera-tures starting to plummet. So it seems an odd time for any wildlife to breed. But that’s just what grey seals do, with the peak pupping time in mid-November. Pregnancy and suckling a pup is hugely draining on a female grey seal’s resources. Apart from the cost of gestating the pup for 9 months, she also has to produce milk that is 50% fat and feed it for three weeks. During this time the pup quadru-ples its size, whilst the mother can lose a third of her body weight. Not so surpris-ing then that she needs to feed up during the summer to sustain her. November and December are great times to see pups hauled out on beaches and perhaps even courtship and mating between adults (which occurs three weeks after pup-ping). Do remember that a seal pup on a beach on its own is normal. It won’t need human intervention unless there’s something obviously wrong (eg injury or disease). If you come across an obviously

injured pup, ring the SSPCA (03000) 999 999.

With weather forecasters predicting a colder than average winter, it will be an interesting time. Being by the sea which

has a warming influence on the land, we don’t tend to get too much snow at St Abb’s Head. In harsh winters, therefore, we often get a lot of birds heading to the coast where the ground isn’t rock hard or the lochs frozen over. In the hard winters of 2010/11 and 2011/12 the Mire Loch was full of wildfowl, and everywhere on the reserve there were woodcock flying up from under your feet! But we do some-times get snow which makes the Head look glorious – the white contrasting markedly with the deep red of the cliffs.

In January and February the first signs of spring appear, the most notable being the snowdrops that carpet the woodlands

around the car park and the Mire Loch.For us Rangers, this is time to catch up

with work we aren’t able to do during the busy field season or when there are more visitors. This winter we will be repair-ing the Mire Loch boat house roof as a stopgap measure to prevent the building degrading further, with more permanent repairs in the future. And we will also be refurbishing accommodation. On the re-serve we will be cutting back gorse where it threatens our species rich grasslands, and carrying out footpath maintenance. We will also be working in partnership with Gunsgreen House on their Smug-glers Trail initiative. To help me our Seasonal Ranger, Jack, will be staying on for an extra few months, and we will also be ably assisted by a long term volunteer, Lizzie. l

If you would like to keep up to date with go-ings on, check out our website http://www.nts.org.uk , our blog http://stabbsrangers.blogspot.co.uk/ or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StabbsHeadNation-alNatureReserve. If you would like to get involved, or would like a guided walk or a talk about the Reserve, please give us a ring on (018907) 71443.

NATURE

News from St Abb’s Head National Nature ReserveWrItten by: lIza Cole

PHotograPH © lIza Cole/natIonal trust For sCotlanD

{ }We do sometimes get snow

which makes the Head look glorious

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NATURE

A s this issue extends into next year here is a high-speed tour of places

you can visit for warming exercise over the winter months. Be warned though - don’t try all of these views on the same day! Transport, walking boots and ap-propriate clothing are recommended.

East Berwickshire is easily delineated on the East but a little sketchy in the West, so forgive me a minor excursion into East Lothian later on. Starting at the A1 go up the road to Lamberton Moor, where you can enjoy the stunning vista of Berwick’s coast, the Cheviots and Tweed valley. From there you should head towards Foulden and then to Chirnside where the public seats at the junction have saved this exhausted cyclist more than once. But what a view south to England.

Onwards to Duns and the Longfor-macus road, stopping at Langton Edge to see the Robert Burns Cairn looking out over The Merse; fabulous on a frosty day, then a short walk through Young Jeannie’s Wood up to the communica-tions tower provides views West as far as Melrose. On to Longformacus pass-ing the two Dirrington Laws, which at 340metres are worth climbing, but better still is the 7½ mile uphill walk to get you to The Twin Cairns on the Southern Upland Way right on top of the Lam-mermuirs. As a commendable tradition locals leave chocolate and Easter eggs for travellers here.

Continue on the road to the B6355 junction and if you haven’t run out of su-perlatives this is the place to wax lyrical, for you are standing on the edge of the Midland Rift Valley that extends from Girvan to Dunbar with ancient rocks thrust through by the younger volcanic intrusions – Bass Rock, Traprain Law & North Berwick Law. Descend to Garvald and find the Balfour Monument perched on its rocky escarpment and you will get exactly what I mean. The Ochil Hills to Lindisfarne are your panorama with the coastal plain laid out in front of you – the peregrines perspective!

Coldingham bay sunrise by nicholas box (www.nickboxphotos.co.uk)Congratulations go to nicholas whose image Coldingham bay sunrise was awarded best in show at the st abbs visitor Centre Photo Competition.

©nICHolas box (WWW.nICkboxPHotos.Co.uk)

WrItten by: JoHn CaMPbell View

Now head for Cockburnspath and climb to the ancient fort near Ecclaw to get a feel for our ancestors’ reasons for settling here. The coast road now takes you to St Abbs, with its tilted rock cliffs at Pettico Wick and 180° sea views from the National Trust pathway, similar indeed to the coastal path by Hilton Bay from where you can head back to Lamberton.

Exhausted? Enjoy the views! l

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ViewNATURE

WrItten by: brIan Payne

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WHat sHall I ask For at

Christmas

W hat shall I ask for at Christmas? I doubt that the readers of

this article are of an age where a list of presents to be supplied by Santa Claus is the guide. My advice is to ask for a cycle helmet. Or cycle shorts…or both if your approval rating deserves it.

Some years ago, your correspondent found himself compelled to raise money for charity. I had not willingly cycled for years, but the cause gripped me. It was a gut feeling. That I had a substantial tum at the time was irrelevant. I wanted to do it. And I did. Money was raised and my tum reduced. And I shall be out on my bike again after Christmas in Berwickshire.

Now at this point, a number of readers will be about to turn the page. But pause, please – just read on. Cycling is not some lycra enveloped, high speed activity. Well it is for the likes of Wiggins but the gentleman and gentlewoman cyclist need not be training for months to whizz about facing down at the road. No the sort of cyclist who will enjoy Berwickshire is the potterer who knows that you can get off and walk up hills with the velocipede tamely clicking alongside, who can pull over and enjoy the view from a gateway, who can lock the bike to a gatepost and have a coffee. In other words, the old fashioned touring cyclist.

Berwickshire and Northumberland are suited to this. The

flat roads of the Merse allow you to cover distances that will surprise you. The traffic is light if you avoid the obvious busy roads and times. The hills are steepish in places, but that allows you some enjoyable free wheeling when you get over the top. I repeat that you can walk up hills if you want. Above all, you can see places that

otherwise would swish past outside your car windows. Castles, Peel towers, churches, gardens are all there to be enjoyed, as is a good lunch somewhere along the way.

You do not have to have a super Whizzo bike. Mine cost me £53 from E Bay. It will not cost you much more to have the steed fettled at a local bike shop [thus supporting a local business]. The helmet speaks for itself, and the shorts can be concealed under other clothes if you are mildly shy – I advise them as a very practical way of staying comfortable. Our cycling forefathers and mothers were either impervious to the chafing qualities of tweed, or didn’t let on about it in public. Pick your weather, and off you go!

Don’t stress about distance and time – let the road unfold and enjoy every aspect of it. When you feel like it, stop, have a rest and turn back. If you keep at it, hills become easier, distances covered become longer and you improve your health. Best of all, you will see aspects of Berwickshire that you might otherwise have missed. I commend it to you. l

{ }The sort of cyclist who will enjoy Berwickshire knows that you can get

off and walk up hills

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HmS PaTHFiNdEr

5 th of September 1914 was a beautiful late summers day and the Great War was barely a month old. Those ashore were going about life much as they had always done, while the cruiser HMS Pathfinder led

the 8th Destroyer Flotilla while carrying out a sweep from the naval base at Rosyth the home of Admiral Betty’s battlecruisers.

The destroyers turned back around lunchtime, but Captain Francis Martin-Peake RN contin-ued his patrol in the Pathfinder. It was a sedentary sweep by the ten-year-old scouting cruiser, already obsolescent if not obsolete, her top speed of 25 knots now reduced to a mere 5 knots because of a shortage of coal.

But Pathfinder was not the only ‘man o’ war’ on patrol and Kapitänleutnant Otto Hersing com-mander of U21 was soon to enter the history books.

Shortly before 3.45pm, Hersing in U21 seized his chance from a range of little over 2,000 yards. Los! Away. “I fired the first live torpedo in the history of the world,” Hersing proudly observed in his memoirs.

Scything through the North Sea at 27 knots was a G6 tor-pedo, 1½ ft. in diameter, 20ft long and packing 350lbs of high explosive. Pathfinder’s bridge team didn’t see Hersing’s peri-

scope, but they did spot the tell-tale streak of the torpedo’s wake. Lieutenant Commander Ernest Favell the officer of the watch ordered starboard engine full astern, port full ahead and the rud-der hard over, it was the last thing he ever did.

Moments later Hersing’s torpedo struck Pathfinder beneath her bridge, piercing the two-inch-thick armour.

The impact alone and the hole it left may have done for the cruiser, but a second cataclysmic explosion tore the ship apart – in all likelihood the fires caused by the tor-pedo ignited her magazine, throwing columns of black and white smoke into the air.

Pathfinder went down in four minutes, her death quick, but violent. Her stern was thrust out of

the North Sea at an implausible 60 degrees. Her bow broke away under the strain. The fore mast and fore funnel collapsed. The Captain, although the ship was well within sight of land, ordered one of the 4 inch stern guns to be fired to attract the attention of those ashore. However, when the gun was fired, damage must have been sustained to the kingpin as the gun toppled from its mount, rolled over the quarter deck, struck the after screen and then toppled over the ship’s side taking the gun crew with it.

{ }One hundred years to the

day the loss of HMS Pathfinder

was marked by diving groups

from around the uK

TExT aLySOuN SHarPE www.shadowcatfilms.com imaGES Jim GiBSON www.gisphotographic.co.uk

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FEATURE

maiN PicTurE: captain chris Smith rN lays the wreath.

THiS PaGE, cLOcKWiSE FrOm LEFT: HMS Pathfinder; U Boats in Kiel 1914-U21; Divers get ready on Wavedancer 2; Portrait of Otto Hersing;Kia William Stern.

For those below deck who survived the explosive force of Hersing’s torpedo and the detonation of the forward magazine there was little or no hope of escape. For those on the upper deck, there was no time to put the boats away. As a result, the death toll was terrible. No more than 18 souls survived the loss of the Pathfinder. Two hundred and sixty-one officers and men – the latter almost all Chatham ratings perished.

Destroyers closed on the scene, while the lifeboat from St Abbs was launched. Its crew returned with a story of horror, as novelist Aldous Huxley - recuperating in Scotland from illness - recounted.

“There was not a piece of wood, they said, big enough to float a man – and over acres the sea was covered with fragments – human and otherwise. They brought back a sailor’s cap with half a man’s head inside it.”

Publicly, the Admiralty would claim – with some degree of success – that Pathfinder had fallen victim to a German mine. And privately, many Naval officers believed the official line – although Francis Martin-Peake corrected them; Pathfinder’s commanding officer was one of the few survivors.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, Admiral Jel-licoe, took Martin-Peake at his word – and took the U-boat threat seriously, almost to the point of paranoia. Yet too many of Jellicoe’s contemporaries did not. Hubris inevitably leads to nemesis – but it was the flower of Britain’s youth who would

pay the ultimate price, not the men laden with gold braid.One hundred years to the day the loss of HMS Pathfinder

was marked by diving groups from around the UK with the BSAC group led by David Lock laying a wreath on the wreck, and families of crew travelling to mark a moment in history which is barely remembered.

The Stern family came to remember Stoker William Stern who was 22 years old when he went down with his ship and was the first Jewish serviceman to be lost at sea.

“I had a plaque made which I threw into the water. I saw it moving backwards and forwards. It took about twenty sec-onds before it went out of sight” said Malcolm Stern, William Stern’s nephew.

The Royal Navy also commemorated the event, with a lone Royal Marine Bugler sounding the Last Post, and Captain Chris Smith RN laying a wreath from HMS Example over the remains of HMS Pathfinder.

The surrounding Dive Boats Wavedancers 1 and 2 were able to use their radios to listen to the service for the 260 Sailors and Marines who were lost the day when the submarine became a force to be reckoned with. One of the Divers, Justin Owen, said afterwards “We had the service on the surface before we did the dive by the Royal Navy and they transmitted it over the radio so all the dive boats here today could hear what they were saying……it was quite emotional” l

Page 24: EB Living Winter issue

24 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

FEATURE

TO win a copy of this stunning book simply answer the following question:

How many global sites does Dive cover?

submit your answer together with your name, address and telephone number by email to [email protected] or by post to Birchfield House, Eyemouth, tD14 5ls. Please clearly mark your entry DIve Competition.

Closing date 31 December 2014.

The winner will be chosen and notified after the closing date. the editor’s decision is final and no cash alternative is available. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from eb living or its partners.

©laWson WooD

DIVe WiN!

W here can I swim with turtles? How do you get to Stingray City? What is the best time of year to dive

with sharks in the Bahamas?Eyemouth’s Lawson Wood, one of the

world’s leading underwater photographers and author and co-author of some fifty books, has produced another glorious and information-packed volume of unmissable dive locations with stunning pictures of marine life and ancient wrecks in over two hundred and fifty global sites. This new guide with its specially commissioned maps will enable divers – seasoned and novice alike - to plan their adventures around the world with total confidence.

A scuba diver since 1965, Lawson now has over 15,000 dives

logged in all of the world’s oceans. He made photographic history by becoming a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society

and the British Institute of Professional Photographers solely for underwater photography and he is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. As a highly respected international underwater photographer whose photographs have won many competitions worldwide, Lawson also founded the first marine reserve in Scotland and is a founding

member of the Marine Conservation Society. His books are also translated into several languages. l

DIVE by Lawson Wood is published by Quercus price £16.99

{ }an information packed volume of unmissable

dive locations with stunning pictures

Page 25: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 25

FEATURE

T he Eyemouth and District Rotary Club were joined by District Governor Alistair Marquis to listen to a presen-

tation given by three girls from the Eyemouth High School, who have recently returned from a sailing adventure. The girls are 4th year students (Izzi Maclean, Lizzy Edmondson and Abby Lannagan ) and have developed an interest in sailing and wanted to learn more by a training voyage aboard the 72 foot yacht Alba Endeavour run by the Ocean Youth Trust.

They approached the Eyemouth Rotary Club for sponsorship, but also invented three fund-raising activities to help pay for the trip. They descended on Morrison’s in Berwick with a piano and instruments and regaled the customers with a collection of jazz pieces. This impromptu concert raised several hundred pounds. The girls also did a sponsored swim and ran a plant sale to complete the funding.

life on the Ocean WaveTHE OcEaN yOuTH TruST

President Jim Hettrick drove the girls to Oban to join the ship, where they set sail for Tobermory, catching the tail end of hurricane Bertha to add to the experience. After sailing around the islands of Coll and Mull they returned five days later to Oban. In the process they learned much about navigation, keeping journals and practised various skills needed to run an ocean going yacht.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are a great example to other students, showing what can be achieved with determination and ingenuity, well beyond the normal academic goals. The Eyemouth Rotary Club encourage and sponsor students to participate in a wide variety of youth events such as RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and competitions such as Young Technologist, Young Musician, Young Writer and many others. l

WrItten by: Dave HollanD

A s he celebrates his first year in post as Harbour Master, we look back on Richard Lawton’s journey to

Eyemouth. From early childhood Richard felt the pull of the sea.

Family holidays in Filey whetted his appetite for salt water and he built his own dinghy in the garden in Brighouse going on to run a seaside shop in North Yorkshire some forty years ago. For almost a decade he was crew on the Stathes and Runswick Lifeboat before, at the age of forty-six, studying at university for a BA(Hons) in Maritime Leisure Management.

After nine years working on the River Hamble, first

as a Seasonal Assistant Harbour Master then as a full time Assistant HM, Richard returned to Yorkshire as Assistant Harbour Master (Leisure). When the Harbour Master post in Eyemouth became vacant, he immediately applied. According to wife Jackie, Richard is ‘by nature modest and he was extremely surprised when he was appointed’.

Happily settled in the town, Richard has, in his first year as Harbour Master, been delighted to experience the 70th Herring Queen celebrations, the Scottish Harbour Masters Conference – the first in Eyemouth for twenty years – and the dredging of the harbour which takes place every three years.

We wish him well for many happy years in Eyemouth. l

Home to Harbour

Page 26: EB Living Winter issue

26 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

I t almost beggars belief that a therapist specialising in pain conditions is called Payne, but my name is Joanna Payne

and I own The Payne Clinic just outside Eyemouth! I specialise in two massage techniques called Myofascial

Release and CranioSacral Therapy, blending the two techniques into tailor-made sessions to assist with pain conditions such as migraine, sore joints/muscles, bad backs and even conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and painful periods.

Hang on minute you might think, how can the same techniques treat such diverse issues? Well, that’s because I treat the body’s Connective Tissue, or ‘Fascia’ (pronounced ‘fasher’), basically a huge 3-dimensional net running right through the body. The organs, skeleton and circulation systems sit within and are part of the net, as their membranes, down to a cellular level, are also made up of fascia. Fascia consists of 3 elements: collagen giving support; elastin for elasticity; and the gel-like ‘ground substance’, mostly consisting of water.

When the fascia gets restricted through surgery, trauma, illness, or stress, your tissues get dehydrated, losing elasticity (think of the difference between a dry, brittle sponge and a moist, springy one) but not strength, so the support healthy collagen normally gives that part of your body becomes a straitjacket binding down on the surrounding tissues, organs, nerves and blood vessels. Myofascial Release feels like a slow, deep stretch which loosens the fibres and helps to re-hydrate the area of tightness restoring range of movement and function.

CranioSacral Therapy is another myofascial release technique, focussing on the fascial membranes that surround your brain

HEALTH

Myofascial Release CranioSacral Therapy

For many acute and chronic pain conditions

thepayneclinic

Joanna Payne018907 81825 • 07702 293018

[email protected] • www.thepayneclinic.co.ukRedhall Steading • Eyemouth • TD14 5SG

Ad EB Living 2014 26/09/14 3:06 PM Page 1

eat HealtHIlyAs the colder days and darker nights of Winter draw in, we often opt for comfort food and stodgy options. We probably don’t eat as healthily as in Summer. These stodgy processed options are not only devoid of important nutrients that the body needs but they also reduce your energy levels. One of the best ways to keep your energy levels high is to reach for the super foods such as pomegranates, dark leafy greens, butternut squash and kale.

exerCIseEveryone knows about the benefits of exercise, but perhaps we should remind you of the mental rewards? Exercise is a great stress-reliever and the effects can last for hours after the activity. If your usual exercise routine is interrupted by shorter

daylight hours, why not try your hand at alternative winter sports like ice skating, tobogganing, snowboarding or Nordic walking.

soCIalIseIt is very easy to lock yourself indoors during the dark winter months but that’s a definite ‘no, no’! Accept invites from friends for any impromptu gatherings and commit to going to the work’s Christmas party. Better still, host your own games night, or dinner party and treat yourself to a new lipstick, aftershave or new outfit.

relaxIncreasingly hectic schedules often means we have more stress in our lives so counteract that stress with some relaxing ‘me time’. Take time to read a book, meditate, or run yourself a hot bath. Relaxation can alleviate stress and leave you with calm energy.

get soMe sun We need natural sunlight to give us vitamin D, and we need to get it wherever we can in winter. One way is to sit near a window, showing as much skin as you comfortably can. Or take a five minute walk in daytime to help boost vitamin D levels. Alternatively, consider investing in a good nutritional supplement containing Vitamin D and take daily. l

and spinal cord. All the nerves in your whole body begin or end with these structures, so releasing these areas can benefit a huge variety of pain and dysfunction issues, including autism and baby reflux.

I treat all ages, starting from within the womb upwards! It is honestly quite difficult to explain what I do, so the best thing is, if you have an issue that you feel is restricting your movement or giving you pain, come and feel for yourself and book in for an appointment. Hope to see you soon! l

Please visit my website www.thepayneclinic.co.uk for more information and client testimonials. The Payne Clinic, 018907 81825, 07702 293018.

WrItten by: Joanna Payne,Payne Remedies

5 Ways to beat the Winter BluesWrItten by: JaCquelIne breWster www.miraclealoevera.com

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www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 27

HEALTH

5 Ways to beat the Winter Blues

I am writing as the very proud Grandmother of 2 year old Benjamin. He brings such incredible joy into our lives -

but for more than five years I wondered if I would ever be called “Granny”. Now I get a beautiful smile and “Hi Granny” whenever I see him. It’s silly but it means so much.

My daughter in law suffered dreadfully – enduring miscarriages and several cycles of IVF treatment before conceiving naturally and, importantly, carrying her baby until term.

The charity WELLBEING OF WOMEN is dedicated to improving the health of women and babies across the UK. It has invested more than £50m into research since it was founded in 1964. It is vital to find the answers to unknown questions – we don’t know enough about fertility, miscarriage, gynaecological cancers, pregnancy complications, menopause or incontinence.

Why does WellbeIng oF WoMen exist?• 1 in 2 women in UK will suffer from some kind of

reproductive or gynaecological health problem• 17 babies a day die every day in the UK at or near birth• 145 women a week in the UK die of a gynaecological cancer• 2 million women suffer the pain of endometriosis• 1 in 3 women will suffer from urinary incontinence at some

point in their lives

calling all Grandmothers and Young Women WrItten by: aManDa Hogg

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T hanks to local fundraising efforts, Ayton village now has a defibrillator which the Scottish Ambulance Service has supported and will continue

to support where necessary. The defibrillator is temporarily stored in the Community Hall [ACHA] whilst funds are raised for a permanent cabinet.

John Slater Chair of Ayton Community Council thanked everyone for their support in obtaining a defibrillator and funds for the ongoing operation. “It was less than six months ago that we started the process of trying to get a defibrillator for the village. It is great to see the community pulling together to expand the village facilities”. l

Heart of the Village

• 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage

What does WellbeIng oF WoMen do?• They raise money to fund medical research• They also raise money to fund research training grants• They provide health information to women

How does WellbeIng oF WoMen do it?• They raise funds in lots of ways: from corporate sponsorship

and partnership; individual giving, events, our network of volunteer branches.

Christmas is a time for children: you can buy Christmas cards at the Card Shop in support of Wellbeing of Women. You will find full details of these and loads of other info on the website: www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk.

As you plan a magical Christmas for your children and grandchildren, and on the 25th December, when you are sharing the expressions of pure joy and happiness on little faces, do remember those women and families who are denied these awesome, unforgettable moments and perhaps find a way to support WoW. The more money invested into research on the above problems, the greater impact it will have on the lives of women and their babies for generations to come. l

Page 28: EB Living Winter issue

28 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

ALLANToN INN reCIPeDaube of Beef (Braised Beef) Serves 4

Ingredients• 1kg featherblade of beef• 50g seasoned flour• 1ltr full bodied red wine• 2 carrots roughly chopped• 1 onion roughly chopped• 200g button mushrooms• 200g pancetta lardons• 1ltr Veal/Beef Stock• fresh thyme• ½ an orange• 2 garlic cloves• 2 tbs vegetable oil• 1 tbs butter• salt & pepper

1. Preheat oven to 105C / gas ¼2. Season beef with salt & pepper and

dust with flour

3. Heat 1tbs veg oil over a medium heat and gently sear the beef on each side until golden

4. Remove beef and set aside. Add a glass of wine to the pan to deglaze and set aside.

5. Place a pan over a medium heat, melt ½ tbs of vegetable oil with ½ tbs butter, once hot add carrots, onion, garlic & thyme and fry for 10 minutes.

6. Add lardons & mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes.

7. Add remaining wine to a clean, large

saucepan and bring to the boil and flambe to evaporate alcohol.

8. Place all wine, beef, vegetables and orange to a braising pot, cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours.

9. When ready, remove the meat and carefully pass the sauce through

...available from

With carefully chosen items from small artisan Italian producers and an impressive selection of Scottish foods and unique items you won’t

that’s unique in Eyemouth.Selection...DeliOur hampers make a superb gift for that special person and come ready made or they can be tailored from our deli range to your bespoke requests. We’ll make sure it’s packaged and presented beautifully for you - and at no extra charge!

Be sure to visit us next time you’re in town. Just pop in to shop and browse at your leisure - no purchase necessary!

www.oblobar.com

FOOD & driNK

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Page 29: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 29

FOOD & driNK

aLLaNTON’S daube of Beef is not only pretty hearty in texture but also well supported by herbs and vegetables. This argues against the usual “cabernet sauvignon with beef ” advice in favour of something spicier.

Few grape varieties do spice better than syrah. in the New World it is, of course, known as shiraz and the late Peter Lehmann once claimed “When God invented shiraz, He had the Barossa Valley in mind”. divine intervention or not, the results there are often very impressive - as you can assess for yourselves with 2013 Extra Special Barossa Valley Shiraz (£5.98 at Asda).

Its juicy, cherry and plum flavours will provide a fruity backdrop to the beef while the chocolate and menthol elements should work well with the thyme, orange and clove components of the dish.

if the focus of New World versions is on the fruit, back in France equal emphasis goes on syrah’s substance and texture. a good illustration of the point can be found in 2011 Les Jamelles Syrah Pays d’Oc (£6.49 at the Co-op). It has a layered nutmeg, almond and orange depth that resonates particularly well with some of the food ingredients yet still delivers attractive cherry and blackcurrant flavours to enliven the beef.

Happily neither wine has excessive tannin to blunt its freshness or fruitiness.

Brian Elliott is the wine correspondent of Scotland on Sunday and lives in East Berwickshire.

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the sieve into a clean saucepan. Boil on a high heat until reduced by half, add equal amount of stock, reduce again on a high heat for 15 minutes.

10. Cut the beef into 4 pieces, place back into the braising pan, pour over the sauce and put back into the oven for 15 minutes.

Serve with:-• 100g carrots roughly chopped• 100g onions roughly chopped• 100g button mushrooms• 100g pancetta• 1 tbs butter• 1tsb vegetable oil

1. Heat half of the oil & butter in a pan over a medium heat and cook the carrots & onion for 10 minutes until soft.

2. Add the remaining oil & butter and cook the pancetta and mushrooms for 2 minutes. Pour off excess liquid.

3. Remove the beef from the oven and stir in the pancetta, mushrooms and vegetables into the sauce.

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes. l

Allanton Inn, Allanton, Berwickshire TD11 3JZ Tel: 01890 818260www.allantoninn.co.uk

Page 30: EB Living Winter issue

30 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

ART

WiN!

taken from the 2013 eyemouth storm Collection by kevin o’brien of Fine art Images gallery, eyemouth

to win this beautiful print simply answer the following question:

in what year did the massive storm pictured hit Eyemouth Harbour?submit your answer together with your name, address and telephone number by email to [email protected] or by post to Birchfield House, eyemouth, tD14 5ls. Please clearly mark your entry eyemouth storm Competition 9. Closing date 31 December 2014.

tHIS StUnnIng 20 x 16 MOUntED PrInt of Eyemouth Harbour

The winner will be chosen and notified after the closing date. The editor’s decision is final and no cash alternative is available. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from EB Living or its partners.

WiN!

I am fascinated with the beauty of buildings; the architecture and the raw aesthetic charm. I especially love those dwellings which portray the true character and history of the places and the people who lived there and I enjoy exploring line and perspective. the variety of buildings we have here in the borders is fascinating and provides endless opportunity.

Currently, I am preparing for an exhibition to be held in the Hayloft gallery at Paxton House from 12th april to 3rd May 2015. In this exhibition I have focused on those buildings I feel best portray life over the centuries. a much loved local pub where stories of hard days work and the latest gossip were shared, a castle whose ruins emanate the drama of a county at war, a sleepy fishing rest or a hardened shepherds hut….

I am always willing to take on any commission work, big or small. Please check out my facebook page for more examples of my work and more information. sarah Dagrosa www.facebook.com/pages/sarah-Dagrosa-art/683334048427337

simply answer the following question:

where will Sarah exhibit her work from 12 April to 3 May 2015?

THiS BEauTiFuL PaiNTiNG OF BErWicK’S cHaNdLEryroughly A3 size mounted with a white card frame

submit your answer together with your name, address and telephone number by email to [email protected] or by post to Birchfield House, Eyemouth, TD14 5LS. Please clearly mark your entry Chandlery art Competition 9.

Closing date 31 December 2014.The winner will be chosen and notified after the closing date. the editor’s decision is final and no cash alternative is available. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from eb living or its partners.

Page 31: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 31

ART

www.numberfourgallery.co.uk Thursday - Sunday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm Northfield farm St Abbs Tel 01890771111

Informal, relaxed, inspiring, we look forward to seeing you.

WiN!

It’s hard to believe that 20 years have gone by since we moved from my home town of edinburgh to Cockburnspath. after emerging each day (bleary-eyed and grumpy) from the 6.40am Dunbar to Waverley commuter train, this sweeping view across Princes street gardens east towards the national galleries and the Castle always made me smile.

I hope you have a peaceful Christmas and a very happy 2015, and may the rotund man in the red suit bring you all the good things you’ve wished for. In the meantime, if you fancy stopping by on Facebook or twitter, it’d be lovely to see you. With all good wishes - Roni.

to win this beautiful print simply answer the following question:

How long has Roni lived in Cockburnspath?submit your answer together with your name, address and telephone number by email to [email protected] or by post to Birchfield House, Eyemouth, TD14 5LS. Please clearly mark your entry rb art Competition 9. Closing date 31 December 2014.

tHIS gOrgEOUS 12 x 10” SIgnED MOUntED PrInt

“Season’s End” By rONi BuTcHEr

The winner will be chosen and notified after the closing date. the editor’s decision is final and no cash alternative is available. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from eb living or its partners.

John holds advice surgeries in Duns on the 3rd Wednesday of every month,

as well as other regular surgeries through-out the Berwickshire area.

Please call the office for further details.

The Constituency Office of John Lamont MSP, 25 High Street, Hawick, TD9 9BU 01450 375948

John Lamont MSP Constituency Surgeries

Page 32: EB Living Winter issue

32 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

The CrafTers

In the heart of Melrose, lies a little gem of a shopping experience…the Crafters

Established in 1998, this very special cooperative of Borders artists and designers offers a wide range of unique products including: pottery, clocks, art-glass, jewellery, handbags, handmade soaps and candles, turned wood, kidswear, knitwear, soft furnishings, silk and velvet scarves, jackets, hats, personalized artwork for kids, fine art and photography prints and cards. They also promote guest exhibitors throughout the year, bringing further variety, while at the same time giving an opportunity to other local craftspeople.

On an annual basis, The crafters organize one of the most exclusive seasonal shopping experiences in Scotland showcasing the very best in design, art and craft. a wealth of beautifully handmade products.

you can also meet the makers/artists and there will be demonstrations of certain crafts, plus an exhibition/gallery space to display larger works of art. The atmosphere is informal & festive with delicious refreshments provided by macmillan cancer Support.

This year the crafters art & design Fair will be held on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd november at Springwood Park, Border Union Showground, Kelso, tD5 8LS. Admission £1.00 and kids go free. there is ample free parking and disabled access.

For more info visit www.thecrafters.co.uk or Tel: 01896 823823

unIque anD CHIC sHoPPIng exPerIenCe

baCkgrounD ©steve gIbson

ADVERTORIAL

Page 33: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 33

C hristmas is a happy, chappy time of year, especially when you’re little.

I have brilliant memories of Christmas. I always remember when my uncle - or sometimes my auntie - would dress up as Santa and bring my seven cousins and me beautifully wrapped presents, then let the cat out of the bag by coming in a few minutes later still dressed in the suit minus the hat and beard. How did we continue to believe in Father Christmas I wonder?

My parents and I take turns in which family we spend our Christmas with each year. One year it’s a “Wight” Christmas with my mum’s family and the next it’s a Cook’s Christmas (my dad’s). In mum’s family there are twenty-two of us so there’s much loud chatting, going round the circle ensuring you’ve asked everyone how their year has been and thanked them for your present. It’s great fun and last year mum and I were praised for wearing matching Christmas pudding jumpers. This is the one day of the year you can actually match your mum without feeling like an utter loser.

The Cooks are a lot more intimate. Most of the time there are five of us - with my uncle and his wife making an occasional appearance - but it’s still as special as we all sit round the stove opening up millions of presents from my

too generous grandparents.As I am an only child it’s inevitable

I should be spoilt at this time of year. I remember one year waking to a trail of presents leading downstairs to a giant Barbie house. That was a great day. When you reach your teens the Christmas thrill can lose a bit of its edge. No more early rising as instead I tell my parents not to wake me up before ten and no more staying awake to hear Santa. Instead it’s irritation at hearing your parents’ rustling outside your room (yeah I know what a Grinch!).

Many people have their own special Christmas traditions and my family are no exception. We always open our presents in mum and dad’s bed. We go to church on Christmas Eve and when we come home we watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Sounds cheesy perhaps but it is actually a fantastic film and I highly recommend it. I always decorate the tree which means every year having to untangle the tinsel (thank goodness the tree is artificial and comes with the lights already on).

And, of course, my mum makes trifle which is absolutely delicious. Forget the turkey, ham or goose - just give me trifle any day!

Have a great Christmas, merry folk, and enjoy your own special traditions! l

Everyone at EB Living was invited to share their favourite festive treats. Here are some

of the things our editorial team and regular contributors love

at christmas.

Kevin O’Brien: a bottle of Somerset cider Brandy on the table

Amanda Hogg: Hibicus flowers in the bottom of a glass of fizz as an aperitif

Pat Elliott: Having the family gathered around a roaring log fire

Janet O’Kane: Breakfasting on a glass of champagne and a plate of smoked

salmon with scrambled egg then opening presents from my husband which always include - what else - at

least one crime novel.

Brian Payne: an ale Farm christmas goose.

Derek Janes: The full works: roast Goose with prunes in armagnac,

roast parsnips with parmesan cheese, roast potatoes, sprouts, followed by

diane's christmas pudding with brandy butter and cream, all accompanied by

champagne and Sancerre!

Sue Bolton: after all the christmas dinner has been cooked, consumed

and dishes cleared, sitting on the sofa (preferably with a sleepy Border terrier on my lap) watching the film “Love actually” because it makes me

laugh & cry all at the same time!

Brian Elliott: using christmas pud as an excuse for one of those neglected

but luxurious dessert wines

Aaron Bolton: a warm mince pie and sitting by the stove watching christmas TV as it begins to snow

Gina Ford (whigmaleerie): This just tops off your christmas

dinner: on finishing your portion, it requires nothing more than lying back in a comfy chair, hands clasped over

a full tum, eyes closed and contented ZZZZZZZZs emanating into the air. Not even room for 'a waffer theen

meent'

Roni Butcher: Early morning walks on a crisp, frosty beach

Family Traditions

WrItten by: CatrIona Cook

fesTIVe TreaTs

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Merry Christmas

Page 34: EB Living Winter issue

34 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

Merry Christmas

Stocking FillerS

Heart knIt bootIesgeorge at asDa, £14

elF sleePsuItnext, £10

PHotos: ©PrsHots

baby MusIC boxes - Forest FrIenDsbeCky + lolo, £14.98reD Heart FlIP MIttens

george at asDa, £6

PersonalIseD latte glassHouse oF batH, £14.95

annIe sloan FragranCe. six high-quality fragrances available in a Candle or reed Diffuser £34.95 each. available from annie sloan stockists or visit www.anniesloan.com or telephone 01865 247 296 for further information.

PottIng sHeD tea MugDotCoMgIFtsHoP, £3.95

MoustaCHe etIquette Cotton tea toWel In gIFt boxDotCoMgIFtsHoP, £8.95

WooDen FarMyarD DoMInoesHouse oF batH, £9.95

Page 35: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 35

PAxTON HOUSE Christmas Cracker

o n 6th & 7th December, the annual Paxton House Christmas Cracker returns for 2014. The event

is always very popular, with people visiting to pick up unique Christmas gifts from the top quality craft, gift and food stalls and enjoying the beautiful Georgian House decorated for Christmas. As always there will be hot turkey rolls and other festive treats on offer in the Stables Tearoom, a Christmas raffle and tombola and for the little ones- a visit from Father Christmas and some great fun crafts to enjoy.

The Christmas Cracker is also a great value event, with entry just £2 for adults and under 16’s free. So why not come along to Paxton House on 6th & 7th December be-tween 11am and 4pm to see what treasures you can pick up for your loved ones (and for you too!). l

thurs 27 nov Eyemouth Christmas

Late Night Shopping Event

Don't forget...

The Ginger DuckGlycerine soaps scented with pure essential oils and

uniquely coloured with teas and freshly ground coffee and 100% soy wax candles scented with essential oil

blends. All handmade in the Borders.

www.gingerducksoap.com FB: The Ginger Duck Twitter: @gingerducksoap

Page 36: EB Living Winter issue

36 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

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Merry Christmas

It's the kids who will be doing the nibbling when these sweet mice are around.

IntroductionThese tiny fabric, or card creatures with their red-and-white-striped tails make fitting favours at a holiday dinner or delight-ful gifts for children to give to friends and relatives.

Materials• Candy Cane Mice template • Top section - Body• Middle section - Ears• Bottom Section - Inner Ears• Pencil • Fabric shears, if using felt • Craft glue • Candy canes

Candy Cane Mice sourCe: MartHa steWart kIDs, HolIDay 2003

step 1on a photocopier, enlarge Candy Cane Mice template by 150 percent; cut out.

step 2With a pencil, trace ears and body onto felt, or card; cut out.

step 3Cut inner ears and a dot for a nose from felt, or card in a con-trasting colour, cut dots for eyes from black. Glue the face and inner ears in place.

step 4Make slits in body for ears and candy-cane tail where marked; to make cutting easier, fold felt, or card across centre of slits, and snip. Slip ears through slits at front; then slide wrapped candy cane through body slits, tucking the end underneath the ear piece at the back.

Page 37: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 37

T hanks to the annual Jim Clark Rally – a round of both the Scottish

and British Rally Championships - most Borderers are aware of the sport of motor rallying. And the tragedy that occurred last May outside Swinton will forever be implanted in the minds of both locals and motorsport fans.

Somebody who witnessed the freak accident was Duns rally driver Euan Thorburn, who competed earlier in the event but had to retire when his Ford Focus World Rally Car suffered mechanical issues.

Thorburn, whose family runs the John Thorburn & Sons construction business in Duns, is well known locally as a competitor in the Jim Clark Rally. However, he is becoming well known in other parts of the country too, and he is certainly tipped to be one of the hottest prospects in British rallying.

Last season Euan won the BTRDA (British Trial & Rally Drivers Association)

title behind the wheel of his Focus WRC, bolstering his reputation and in return getting a free entry into the World Championship finale, Wales Rally GB.

One championship that Euan has always wanted and was missing from his CV is the Scottish title, dominated over the past 5 years by Dumfries’ David Bogie. However, on Saturday 4th October 2014, on the Colin McRae Stages Rally in the forests of Aberfeldy that was all to change.

Thorburn needed to win the event to be crowned Scottish Champion with one round to spare. Heading into the final stage, he held a two second lead from Bogie. Bogie crashed and the title was Euan’s.

Thorburn posted on Facebook, “Scottish Rally Champions finally! What a feeling!! We can’t thank you all enough for your support throughout the whole year, especially in the run up to today! Paul on the notes, the team and the car have been absolutely faultless! Now it’s time for a beer or 10!!" Well done Euan. You’ve done the Borders proud. Here’s to more successes! l

{ }Thorburn is well known locally as a competitor in the

Jim clark rally

SPORT

Duns Driver Thorburn crowned Scottish champion

S eventeen year old Tara Harvey has been a tennis fan ever since she can

remember. She has always been a fan in particular of Roger Federer, one of the

world’s greatest.Tara started playing when

she was six or seven and hasn’t stopped playing since. I went to primary and am at secondary school with her,

and her dedication to follow her dream is obvious.

She is driven by being the best, improving her game and achieving an ambition of maybe one day becoming a professional tennis player. Even if this doesn’t work out, she still wants to just play even if it’s not at a professional

level. She is driven to be the best she possibly can, which is something we could all learn from.

This summer has been a good one for Tara. She improved her ranking and won some titles along the way. Currently, she is ranked second in the country for under 18s and open – great achievements.

Tara’s skills lie further than just with a tennis racquet. She is pursuing a dream and doing something she loves, trying to extract the very best from herself. It would be easy for Tara to be over confident but, although she has a great CV, she is still modest about her prospects and I respect that. I wish her all the best for the future. l

Tara serves as a good role modelWrItten by luke barry

PHOTO: ©Humberto

PHOTO: ©rhythms

WrItten by: luke barry

Page 38: EB Living Winter issue

ask Aunt Sophie

Don’t worry – she doesn’t need your name, just send your question to Aunt Sophie, E B Living, Birchfield House, Eyemouth, TD14 5LS or email [email protected]

Fed up with family? Neighbours niggling? Mother moaning?

Teenagers talking back? Nobody knows your nearest and dearest’s secret life?

Aunt Sophie has seen and heard it all...

You sound like a really caring person, but you are

going to have to take on board that your Mum

and Dad are adults and they have chosen the life

they lead. You should not feel that you have to

sort out their matrimonial problems. Maybe your

Mum does know about her husband’s lifestyle and

is confident that he is not seriously involved with

the ladies you discovered. Sometimes other people’s

behaviour looks suspicious and turns out to be quite

innocent. It sounds as if your family has lived here

for a few years now, has your Mum made some new

friends to support her? Have you asked her why she

is miserable? Perhaps she has health issues which a

visit to the doctor could solve. Why not suggest she

gets out of the house by doing some voluntary work

or takes up a new hobby? If your sister is old enough

to go out with her friends then she is old enough to

help your Mum around the house or take her out,

to give you some space for you to lead your own life.

I don’t need to tell you that going to University is a

huge and expensive step requiring 100% commit-

ment, I am sure your Mother would be horrified

if she realised that you are not able to do your best

because of worries about her.

Got a bit of a surprise the other day. The guys down the Kennel Club were really flattering about my dog-i-festo in the last issue. So here, by popular request (well, one of the noisier terriers asked for it), are two more pieces of dog sense - better than horse sense because it’s closer to what happens ‘on the ground’.

Something that makes me hot under the collar is the failure to standardise health care between those with two legs and those with four. i watch folks shell

out pounds at the vets yet they would consider it an outrage if they had to pay for their own medical care.

Equally, though, my biped was decidedly miffed at spending two years on an NHS dental Waiting List only to receive a letter from the vet offering to sort out my plaque at 48 hours notice. Obviously, consistency is needed.

We also need to use one of those yellow “dog Waste” bags on the language you humans use. With so many (to me) perfectly straight forward words now barred as “inappropriate”, let’s wage war on some that really are insulting! i suggest that no one should ever be called a “dirty dog”, or be “dogged by ill luck” or call a mess “a dog’s breakfast” or bad poetry “doggerel”. if we really are man’s best friend, treat us with a bit of respect, chaps!

lab rEPOrT By staff reporter K Nine

Dear Aunt Sophie

I came over to this country with my parents and sister when I was 12 and

now I am at University. We came because of my Dad’s job and I know

my Mum didn’t want to leave our lovely house and all her friends where

we lived before. My sister and I were teased at school when we moved

here because we spoke differently and my Dad always seemed to be away

on business, so my Mum was left to cope all on her own. I recently found

out that my Dad has had a string of lady friends and I think my Mum

knows this too. She always used to be so happy and singing now she is

quiet and miserable and when he is around they are constantly shouting

at each other. I try to keep my Mum cheerful and I do as much as I can

round the house to help, but I have a part time job to pay for my univer-

sity stuff and my sister needs me to drive her to places with her friends.

My university work is suffering, I can’t sleep at nights worrying how to fit

everything in and I have no time to go out with my own friends. I am at

the end of my string, what can I do? Lilly

38 winter 2014 eb living www.ebliving.co.uk

agony AUNT

Page 39: EB Living Winter issue

www.ebliving.co.uk eb living winter 2014 39

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And, to be sure of receiving your copy, take out your own subscription. Only £18 for 6 issues (UK)or £25/year (elsewhere) incl p&p. Please make cheques payable to EB Living. Fill in, cut out and send the form below, together with a cheque made payable to EB Living, to Birchfield House, Eyemouth, TD14 5LS.

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To claim your special offer from businesses below, please hand this page or the voucher from it to a member of staff at the business concerned.

• Jordyn Finn Art - Y.G. Crookham• Roni Butcher Art - B.H. Chirnside• 101 Sandwiches - A.L. Berwick upon Tweed

Congratulations to all our issue seven competition winners

Letters

Thanks to all those who’ve written or emailed us and do keep those

comments coming in.

Magazine arrived today - what a great publication. Well done on layout, con-tent and ambition... and i agree with the reader who wrote in to say fab to have something that acknowledges life exists east of duns.

i am very much enjoying the Bookshelf section in particular, reading about books by local writers or reviews by lo-cal readers. Looking forward to seeing many more!

Thank you for a great magazine. i’m only sorry that the location of that lovely front page picture in this issue of the magazine isn’t shown.

we’ve had several emails and letters asking that we show the location of the beautiful pictures on the front covers of EB Living. we’ll certainly try to include this information in future issue. The glori-ous picture on the front cover of issue 8 was a view over St Abbs taken by Kevin O’Brien. Ed.

gunsgreen HouseFREE ENtRy to Gunsgreen House for a child. This coupon entitles the holder to one free child entry to Gunsgreen House. Voucher is valid for one child aged 5-16 with an accompanying full price adult. Voucher can only be used once and must be surrendered on use. Valid until 31 December 2014. not valid in conjunction with any other offers.

www.gunsgreenhouse.org

Paxton House FREE tEA oR FiltER coFFEE in the Stables Tea room at Paxton House, when buying any scone or cake. Valid 3rd nov-5th Dec. not valid in conjunction with any other offer, voucher must be surrendered at time of purchase. One voucher per person, voucher can only be used once. 01289 386291.

www.paxtonhouse.co.uk

nuMber Four gallery10% oFF any purchase on presentation of this coupon.Offer closes December 31st.Number Four Gallery, St abbswww.numberfourgallery.co.uk

oblÒ bar & bIstro, eyeMoutH10% oFF All HAMpERSwhen spending £30 or more. Only 1 voucher per customer please, which must be presented to staff to receive offer. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.www.oblobar.com

gIaCoPazzI’s oF eyeMoutHFREE 1 Scoop icE cREAMwhen dining in our restaurant and purchasing a main meal Mondays to thursdays. Only 1 voucher per customer please, which must be presented to staff to receive offer. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

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Coldstream tD12 4lW10% DiScouNt oN All SAlES Sat 6th & Sun 7th Dec Original, handmade gifts made in the Borders. Present coupon at time of purchase. Expires 7.12.14

• Edinburgh Shorts - E.I. Melrose• Berwick Bear - J.B. Eyemouth

arts & crafts centre

Page 40: EB Living Winter issue

We’ve got Berwickshire covered...ROUTE 253 Berwick > Burnmouth > Ayton > Eyemouth > Coldingham > Reston >

Cockburnspath > Through East Lothian onto Edinburgh City Centre!ROUTE 60 Berwick > Foulden > Chirnside > Duns > Greenlaw > onto Galashiels via BGHROUTE 235 Berwick > Burnmouth > Eyemouth > Coldingham > St AbbsROUTE 67 Berwick > Norham > Cornhill > Coldstream onto Kelso & Galashiels via BGH

We can also take you to the wonderful HOLY ISLAND on ourRoute 477. This Service departs from Berwick and the Timetable

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