Obituaries - Oxnam Kirk

Deaths

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Thomas John Jeffrey on Fri. 24th April.2011. Toe was our most senior elder who worked tirelessly for Oxnam Church.

Thomas John Jeffrey was born in Lanton on 13th October 1926. His Father, Peter, worked as a farm steward. His Mother, Margaret, called him Toe and he was a wee brother to Doddy and Jenny. Young Peter followed Toe and the family was complete with the birth of Margaret. The family moved to Riccalton and it was from there that Toe first went to school at Towford Academy as he was proud to announce. Toe loved Riccalton and spoke fondly of his time there, in fact, Toe loved wherever he was. He saw beauty and value in the country and people around him wherever he was. The family moved to Oxnam Row and Toe then went to school at Oxnam. He left school to work on the dairy farm at Spittal-on-Rule. Father Peter then decided to move to Crailinghall so that both Toe and Peter could work on the farm together. Again Toe loved Crailinghall. He ploughed the fields with his gentle giants, the farm horses. He often spoke of those days, of how well the horses knew their jobs, of how they had a routine every day and anticipated Toe’s every move. How hard they toiled all day and how they would allow him to jump on their backs at the end of a long day all exhausted but exhilarated. As they neared home the gentle beasts would break into a trot, knowing that a bucket of feed would soon be proffered to them.
It was at Crailinghall that Toe joined the Young Farmers and went to all the local dances. Toe loved to dance, he had a twinkle in his eye and a twinkle in his toes. He went bowling and was generally a part of the thriving Oxnam Water Community. When tractors came to Crailinghall, Toe was one of the first to use them. He liked them fine but was always amazed when, at the end of the day, you just put them in the shed and they stayed there! No feeding, no mucking out, but also, no gentle brown eyes and warm breath on the back of your neck.
It was whilst at Crailinghall that Toe met Ruby Paxton. They were married in Oxnam Kirk on 22nd May 1961 by Rev. Bill Thompson. Their first home together was in Hindhousefield Road in the town. Toe started work at the laundry amongst members of his family and friends.
Later Toe and Ruby moved to the flat at The Royal British Legion, Jedburgh where Toe became Steward. Whilst working in the British Legion Toe was approached by Michael Wares who had recently purchased The Carters Rest. Michael had been looking for someone to be in charge of the bar and after asking his customers if they knew of anyone suitable for the post everyone came up with the same name, Toe Jeffrey, and so began a long and happy working career and friendship with the Wares family. Toe and Ruby moved to Forthill Terrace and both worked in The Carters Rest for many years. Sadly Ruby became unwell and when her health deteriorated Toe gave up work at The Carters Rest to look after her. Toe was devasted by Ruby’s illness but he was determined to care for her and he did so to the very best of his ability, cooking and cleaning and taking Ruby out whenever he could. However, sadly Ruby lost her battle with cancer in July 1994.
On 13th October 1995, a new chapter began in Toe’s life, when he married an old friend, Annie Margaret Learmond White. Toe and Margaret had known each other since childhood and were married by Rev. Bill Thompson in Oxnam Kirk. Margaret moved to Forthill Terrace and they found solace in each other’s company together facing their grief of loved ones lost.
Together they walked all round the local countryside and holidayed in Fife at Pettycur Bay.
Toe and Margaret continued to play an active part in the life and worship of Oxnam Kirk where he was an Elder for many years. He was involved in every aspect of the running of the Kirk and always made everyone welcome on a Sunday morning and would go out of his way to ensure that any strange faces were made to feel at home. Toe was a man of great faith and church was very important to him. Although it had been several years since Toe had actually lived in the Oxnam valley his heart had always been firmly fixed there. Toe and Margaret continued to support activities in the Oxnam valley and were renowned for organising events such as the Kirk’s annual Burns Supper. Toe would make sure that he had secured the highest level of entertainment for the occasion and together he and Margaret would prepare the food for the supper.
Sadly, after a long period of ill health Margaret passed away only 6 months before Toe in October of last year.
Toe knew everyone and everyone knew Toe. He was always willing to help others and was heavily involved in various organisations in Jedburgh which included Jethart Callants Festival Committee, Jedburgh Hotricultural Society and Probus to name but a few.
Toe was in ill health for a number of years, however, he always remained bright and cheerful and was a genuine kind, caring person who was always willing to help others. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.

Michael Wares.

Isabella Agnes Dagg. 16th May 2011.( nee Dodds )

Isabella Agnes Dodds was born in Jedburgh Cottage Hospital on the 10th of October 1944. She was the first child of Thomas and Ellen or Nellie. Thomas farmed Hardenpeel and he and Nellie were delighted by the birth of their little girl. Later Isabel was joined by Andrew, then Thomas, but what Isabel wanted more than anything was a little sister. High excitement then when Nellie announced there would soon be another little brother or sister. Here was her chance. Now to Isabel’s great disappointment Colin Dodds was duly delivered and the family was complete. Isabel was a resourceful child however and she knew the farming ways. She knew what happened to kittens when they were not wanted and she thought it would be a splendid idea if Colin was just drowned at birth. She soon got over these feeling however when she realised what a charming little soul Colin was and the four children were very close. They played happily together all around the farm making their own entertainment wherever they went.
School days began at the Pleasants for Isabel. She had only to climb over the back fence and she was in the schoolyard. School was a marvellous discovery for Isabel and she was a star pupil. Here she excelled and found a place where she felt at home. Isabel loved the school and the Pleasants was the start of her lifelong love of learning. At the weekend and after school she played with Mary Pretswell from Millheugh and the Hunters, and of course with her brothers, who thought sisters were not so bad after all. Thomas and Nellie loved to dance and they also loved accordion music and it was at this early stage that Isobel would accompany them to the Scottish Country dances and the accordion clubs and her own love of music and dance began.
From the Pleasants she went on to Jedburgh Grammar School and from there on to Hawick High School, where she lodged with her Aunt and Uncle, Jock and Betty Thomson in Roberton in order to complete her education. From Hawick, Isobel went on to Moray House in Edinburgh to train as a teacher. She worked hard at her studies and came out as a first class teacher.
Her first job was at Parkside in Jedburgh but she also spent some time at Morebattle Primary. When not teaching Isobel was an active member of the Oxnam Water Young Farmers.
It was in Oxnam Kirk that Isobel longed to be of a Sunday at that time. Obviously for spiritual reasons but also because it was here that Isobel would see a certain David Allan Dagg. Isobel looked forward to the services and a chance to speak with Allan. They also met at Young Farmers events, but it was in Oxnam Kirk, that Isobella Agnes Dodds and David Allan Dagg were married on the 15th July 1966.
Their first home was at Ettrickbridge, Newburgh Farm. Isobel was a proud house wife and also taught at Ettrickbridge Primary School. She was always busy and never more so than when William John Michael was born. Isobel took to motherhood like a duck to water and two years later Nicholas Allan was born. It was with two young children that the Dagg family sold up the farm and set off for Australia and a new life on the other side of the world. They settled in Adelaide and went from sheep to Kangaroos. Isobel taught in a school in Adelaide but never really settled. The pull of family and home was too strong. They moved back to Sameiston in the winter of 1972 and it was there that little Darren Wayne was born.
The boys remember a mum who was always busy. Whether it was preparing her lessons or washing the mountain of clothes they kindly produced for her. She was famous for conjuring a meal within half an hour of getting home and she could bake for Scotland – she would need to because the boys would eat the baking as fast as she could make it.
Isobel remained close to her mother and father and Sundays were often spent at Hardenpeel. Her boys remember many happy days playing on the farm in all the places Isabel explicitly told them not to go.
The family home was now at Craighouse, Melrose and Isobel was really happy there. Isabel was teaching at Earlston and was as busy as ever. There were holidays in Blackpool, Aviemore, Morecombe, Scarborough, not to mention the steam fairs and the caravan at Spittal.
Isabel continued in her love of Scottish Country dancing and accordion music. She was very proud when her boys began to play and accompanied her to the dances. Isabel was also gifted in arts and craft and knitted and sewed and made cushions, she also loved her garden. She was secretary of the Border Vintage Agricultural Association for about 30 years and did a lot of work for Marie Curie Cancer care.
In 1995 Isabel moved into Melrose and a new chapter of her life began. She continued to be busy and even after retirement from teaching she worked as an invidulator up until last year. Isobel was overjoyed with the birth of each of her grandchildren : Imogen, Bronte, Samantha, Arabella and Jack. She was a devoted Granny or Nanna, even making the long journey out to Australia to visit them.
Isobel was frustrated by ill health and was cruelly robbed of the chance to see her beautiful children and grandchildren grow and flourish. She has left a world enriched by her presence. She has taught a generation of children with strictness but fairness. She had a presence in the classroom and a voice of authority. She was respected by teachers and pupils alike.
Her boys remember a mother who was a natural, a mother who was never tired. A mother who loved them and held their respect until the end.

Hugh Fraser. Overwells, Jedburgh.

8th Dec 1932---4th Dec. 2010

Our session clerk for 12 years.

Beloved husband of Ann, brother of Charlotte, father of Andrew, Simon, Patrick, & Marion.

Funeral was held on Mon.13th Dec.

HUGH FRASER – A TRIBUTE – OXNAM KIRK - DECEMBER 13TH 2010
We are here today in the heart of the Oxnam Valley to give thanks for, and indeed to celebrate, the life of Hugh Fraser, farmer, countryman, stockman, entrepreneur and family man – who if not born in the valley, he has certainly, with his wife and family, during the past 40 years, become very much part of it. And while I knew Hugh quite well for all of that 40 years and more, some of you here who will have known him for longer than that – but, even so, you, like me, may now be asking yourselves ‘How well did I really know Hugh?. Well thanks to the immediate family, Charlotte, Hunter, Ted and Rainy you may learn something in the next few minutes!
Hugh’s grandfather had moved to Linton Burnfoot from Ayrshire in 1917 as tenants of the Clifton Park Estate. Hugh’s parents were able to buy the farm around the time of Hugh’s birth on December 8th 1932 – his sister Charlotte being already in residence. The family had to work very hard to keep their heads financially above water, but a flock of pedigree Suffolk sheep was established which was to become very well known and an abiding passion for father Hugh and later his son. The children started their schooling at nearby Linton School and young Hugh was by all accounts quite a mischievous young boy, getting up to a few tricks like scrambling through the inside of the static threshing machine (fortunately not when it was running!) and falling off his bike seriously enough to break his jaw. All this he survived and, in spite of the financial pressures which must have been involved, Hugh was sent to New Park prep school and then on to Fettes.
But he came home to farm aged 16 in 1948 and, with others in the area, such as Ted Thomson and Billy Potts, became an active member of Ednam Young Farmers Club. Not above playing pranks himself, he was surprised at the end of a YFC gathering at Caverton Mill to find his car had disappeared - (in fact his friends had rolled it up the ramp into Ted Thomson’s stock lorry) – and Hugh had to borrow a tractor to get back to Burnfoot. More seriously though, he excelled as a Speech Maker and Stock Judge – skills which were to stand him in good stead later on. In 1958 he won one of the first P&O travel scholarships which took him by sea to Australia and New Zealand for 9 months. He must have made many friends there, because for some years after, Antipodeans would arrive on the doorstep who had met Hugh during his travels.
In 1960 his YFC skills of smart talking and stock judging must have really come to the fore when he met, at a reputedly wild party at Oxnam Row, a pretty young girl from Yorkshire called Ann MacDonald who was mud studenting at Harden Mains. As it happened, Ann already had good family connections in the Borders. So their marriage two years later which, in spite of Hugh’s occasional later references to ‘ball and chain’, was to be one made in heaven. The happy couple moved into the farmhouse at Linton Burnfoot and it was to there that they invited Lesley and I to a party, shortly after we had arrived at Otterburn in the summer of 1963 - an occasion, fondly remembered by other guests – and at which we were to meet many of you who were to become friends for life.
However, sadly, it was not long before Hugh, now seeking greater independence, could no longer see a future in farming under his father’s wing, and later in 1963, they moved to Muirhouselaw where Hugh acted as manager for Alastair Platt and where their first son Andrew was born in 1964.
In 1965 Ann’s parents retired to the Borders, and Hugh and Ann moved to join them at Newhouses and Alton, just outside Hawick where they lived and farmed for the next 20 years and where Simon, Patrick and Marion were all born.
In 1969 Overwells Farm was acquired as a suitable place to fatten stock from Newhouses, but which was then improved to increase its arable productivity. Later the farms of Easter Ulston and Thickside were joined to Overwells, but that was after 1985 when the family had moved from Hawick to the Oxnam Valley and Newhouses had been sold. Whilst Hugh was a stocksman at heart (and indeed was lambing his small flock of sheep until well into his 70s) he was no slouch when it came to farming crops, and here we had someone who in his farming lifetime had seen the transition from horse power to tractors, the introduction of Charolais and other continental cattle breeds, and the widespread use of winter sown crops and of the sophisticated agrochemicals to go with them – and Hugh was also an early adopter of the use of liquid fertilizers.
In 1967 Hugh was one of the founder members of Glenteviot Farmers, a group of us who could be said to have shown the way in the successful sharing of machinery and other cooperative activities, and this in the face of incredulity from other farmers, and long before Machinery Rings became fashionable. Traditionally the Chairmanship of the Glenteviot rotated every two years around the members: but Hugh did it so well that for a long period up until 2008 Chairman Hugh guided our meetings and our discussions with a firm but delicate touch which won him universal admiration from his colleagues, and helped to ensure the Group continues to flourish to this day in spite of the retirement of many of the original instigators.
But Hugh’s life was not just on the farm or directly in farming. He was for many years a commentator of the Grand Parade at the Border Union Show – especially well suited to the job with his dulcet tones and encyclopaedic memory of Border farms and their livestock - and indeed on many other matters as well. He also used his eye for stock to good effect in his ability to spot the best of pictures, or a bargain, in John Swan’s art catalogue with a particular interest in the work of Border artist Tom Scott. Hugh liked poetry, particularly Walter Elliot and occasionally wrote his own under the moniker ‘Doggerel’. And although he had never achieved academic qualifications he was extremely well read, and also a stickler for spelling and the use of correct grammar – perhaps learned from his mother who had been a school teacher. Although Hugh claimed not to like horses he was always supportive of Ann’s equine ambitions and on more than one occasion returned from Biggar Horse Sale with a ‘bargain’ purchase. But Hugh’s life and interests were full of surprises, and you may not all know that he was an ardent cook of quite legendary tablet - batches of which were often made in the middle of the night at lambing time while waiting for a ewe to lamb. He also produced jams and marmalade - but, according to Ann, the subsequent washing up was never his strong point. There was, however, a certain obstinacy in Hugh, and never a particular enthusiast of shooting, he was on occasions to upset his father-in-law William Macdonald by moving the electric fence on the turnip break right in the middle of a shoot drive!
But alongside all of this, there was in Hugh a strong Christian ethic and he was a life long supporter of the Kirk – an Elder at Wilton Church in Hawick where his duties including ejecting the drunks from the Midnight Service at Christmas, and then later here in Oxnam where he remained as Session Clerk until earlier this year and in which role he fought long and hard for the best way forward for Oxnam Kirk. But above all of this considerable activity and days of hard grind on the farm and off it, stood Hugh the family man – not above exclaiming in moments of childhood misdemeanours ‘Well you cant expect to breed tame rabbits from wild ones!’, but nevertheless devoted to his wife and children and ever interested in the goings on of all of his nine grandchildren. And I am sure they in their turn will carry on the skills and traditions passed down to them by their grandfather.
And to the whole family we offer our warmest condolences in their sad loss. For Hugh was, in so many respects, a quite exceptional gentleman for whose passing we are all the poorer. Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your patience, but to coin a phrase that sums up Hugh ‘We shall not easily see his like again’.

Mr. R.I. Dick, Otterburn, Morebattle
The collection for Oxnam church raised £1250.

25th Oct 2010. Margaret Jeffrey, beloved wife of Toe, our senior elder.
Annie Margaret Learmond McLean was born at Humebyres, Stitchill on 25th May 1933. She was the first daughter of Charles and Violet and a little sister for Jim. Charles was a shepherd and the family moved often at the hirings. The next home was a Queenscairn where Irene was born. Margaret would watch her mother bake and learnt her craft from a master. Years later, as an adult, Margaret would bake the most delicious scones but was often heard to comment “these are no my mother’s scones.” Margaret attended school at Stitchill but soon, however, moved to Overwells where Liz was born and Margaret attended Pleasants school. Before long Margaret was walking to Cappuck to get the bus to Jedburgh Grammar School. When she left school Margaret started work on the farm at Overwells. She did leave the farm briefly to work at one of the mills in Hawick, but soon she realised this was not the life for her and she returned to the work she loved outdoors on the farm.

In 1955 Margaret married John White. They were married at the manse in Oxnam and their first home together was at Shieldstock Braes, Morebattle. Jock worked the farm with his father and Margaret settled into married life helping out on the farm and getting involved in village life. When Margaret and Jock were blessed with the birth of a Son, Charles Lawrence White, Margaret was over the moon and before long they were back in the Oxnam valley, living next door to Violet and Chade at Overwells.

Ian McLean White was born at Overwells and in 1964 Margaret and Jock’s joy was complete with the birth of Thomas Raymond White. Whilst bringing up the boys Margaret worked at the big house as housekeeper and would do piece work on the farms around when it was available.

In 1968/69 the Whites moved to the Jedforest Lodge. Jock did the gardens at the hotel and worked on various farms while Margaret worked in the hotel. Weekends at the Lodge were long affairs! When the hotel closed, family and friends would decamp to Margaret and Jock’s and the party would continue. How Margaret enjoyed having family and friends around her.

In the early eighties, Margaret suffered a stroke and the family moved to Kersheugh. Margaret faced her recovery with the same courage and strength of spirit that she had for life.

In 1992 Jock became ill, and after two valiant years, lost his fight with cancer in February 1994. Margaret was devastated but the family pulled together and supported each other.

On 13th October 1995, a new chapter began in Margaret’s life, when she married and old friend, Toe Jeffrey. Toe and Margaret had known each other since childhood and were married by Rev. Bill Thompson in Oxnam Kirk. They set up home together in Forthill Terrace and found solace in each other’s company together facing their grief of loved ones lost.

Together they walked all round the local countryside and holidayed in Fife at Pettycur Bay.

Margaret continued to knit and bake for Scotland! They loved nothing more than combing the woods for wild rasps for Margaret to make her annual crop of rasp jam. A year was not complete if it did not include the making of rasp, strawberry, blackcurrant and rhubarb and ginger jam. Margaret loved to watch the seasons change and she kept an eye on all the fields round about. Together Margaret and Toe continued to play an active part in the life and worship of Oxnam Kirk. Margaret was a woman of great faith and church was very important to her.

For a person who had been so busy and able in life, the last few years of ill-health were incredibly frustrating for Margaret. Very few will ever know the extent of her suffering because she was a master of ‘putting on a brave face.’ She struggled gamely and without complaint right to the end. She was always there for those who needed her. She was a source of joy, comfort, support and a source of fun. Life was never dull with Margaret around.

Beloved by all who knew her, Margaret will be sorely missed by Toe and the family.

Norah Isobelle Richardson 1927--2010.

Obituary.
Norah was born at Whuphill, in Wigtonshire, on the 2nd of September 1927. She was the second child of Robert and Ellen Little and a little sister for Elizabeth and Sheena.
School days were spent at Dalbeattie Primary and many holidays were spent with their uncles in Garleston.
When she left school, Norah worked in Greys the grocer in Dalbeattie. Greys was an old-fashioned grocer, where butter had to be cut into pats and wrapped in brown paper and sugar had to be weighed and put into pokes. It was at this time Norah met Alexander Little-John McClumpha Richardson. Alec worked with his father on their farm and Norah became a frequent visitor. Norah and Alexander were married in Dalbeattie on the 5th June 1947. They set up home at Greenhill farm and Norah left the shop and threw herself into being a farmers wife. She worked extremely hard. She milked the cows, she reared chickens, she did the accounts, she kept house for Alec and his father, she cooked and baked and baked and cooked.
On the 5th December 1948 Norah gave birth to her first son, Keith Alexander. The family moved to Meiklecloak farm, in Colven Parish, where they continued to farm beef and keep dairy cattle.
On the 25th May 1953, the family were blessed with another little boy, Kenneth, then on a snowy night in March 1958 David McClumpha appeared into the world. Five years later, Norah’s joy was complete when Alan Charles came along.
When the family were grown, Norah loved to go abroad. She loved the warmth of the sun, new places to visit and all the new people she would meet there. Alec and Norah were trail blazers to holidays in the south of Spain long before it was fashionable. They enjoyed the freedom to relax and escape the hard work of the farm.
In 1988, together they made the dramatic decision to move to the East. Norah and Alec came to Upper Samieston, in the Oxnam Valley. Together they planned and built the bungalow, The Beeches. Norah threw herself into Oxnam life. She went to the church, the guild, the rural. She was welcomed and loved by the community.
She fought so gamely to stay. She fought to be here with the ones she loved. When she knew she could fight no longer, she asked God to forgive her and went to be with him and those she loved who had gone before her. She died on her 63rd wedding anniversary.

5th September. 2009.

George Thompson White, Blair Avenue, Jedburgh.

29th June 2009

Rev. William Moffat Drew Thompson, Beech House, Etal.

The Session was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Bill Thompson at the end of June. Bill was Minister in Oxnam for 50 years and even following his retirement to Etal several years ago his heart always remained in the valley. Both Bill and Vida were greatly missed when they left but they remained loyal supporters of the Kirk and local events. They also enjoyed keeping in touch with their many friends in Oxnam.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family and especially Vida. We wish her well as she continues to recover from her fractured leg.

Hugh Fraser, Session Clerk

24 June 2007

Betty Thomson (nee Dodds), formerly Hardenpeel, Jedburgh

30 July 2007

Walter John Dagg, formerly Samieston Farm, Jedburgh

09 August 2007

Win Myers, formerly Oxnam Cottage, Oxnam, Jedburgh

2008.

Mary Marchbanks Henderson, formerly of Cappuck.

Annie Allan, formerly of Marchcleugh.

Elizabeth [Betty] Forster, formerly from Netherwells.

Helen [Nellie] Brown Dodds, formerly of Hardenpeel.

Ena Richardson, formerly of Oxnam Neuk.

Obituaries

George Thomson White

Born on the 27th November 1926, George Thomson White was the second son of Jean and Charlie White and a little brother for Jock. They lived at Woodside when Dod was born, but moved to Lochside and later Loch Tower, just outside Yetholm. Early school days were at Yetholm school but when the family moved to Crailinghall, Dod attended Pleasants and Oxnam schools. Dod’s first job was at Middleknowes working for Danny Taylor, but when Charlie White took Sheilstock Braes Farm, Dod and Jock worked the farm together alongside their father. Dod loved working on the land but for some strange reason never took to Morebattle [of course he was a Yetholm laddie]. On the 21st September 1957 George Thomson White married Mary Elizabeth Queenan in Oxnam Kirk. Bill Thompson married them and Vida played the organ. Their first home was at Crailinghall were Dod was now shepherding. They moved to Oxnam Row then to Pirnie where Dod continued to work as a shepherd and then Hassendean for a few years but wherever home was Dod and Mary were members of Oxnam Kirk and attended regularly. Dod and Mary were very much part of the Oxnam community and supported the Harvest Suppers, the coffee mornings and the goings on. Then came the move to Swinnie Toll where Dod worked for Thomas Johnston and Dod and Thomas and Cathy and Mary became good friends. It was here that Dod discovered a love for gardening and he and Mary worked side by side in the garden making Swinnie a joy to the eye of the traveller on the Bonchester road. Flowers and vegetables filled every inch. The garden was a riot of colour. Dod built himself a greenhouse then another greenhouse then put an extension on the greenhouse. Every spare minute was spent in the garden. Although not a dancer, Dod would sing. He would sing in the garden and sing in the house and sing on the hill. It was with great sadness that Dod moved into the town. He loved to feel the earth under his feet and feel the breeze in the trees. Mary still worked out in Oxnam so Dod would take a hurl up to Oxnam with her and walk the valley while she worked. He would walk all day if he could although now there was no dog at his heel. Twice a week he was back in his heartland in the cathedral of nature. Friends were soon made in the town, but church life was still Oxnam. Latterly, illness brought limitations to Dodd’s enjoyment of life. He was frustrated that he could not walk the length he wanted to walk. He was angry with himself when his mind would not allow him to say the things he was trying to say. He passionately hated being in hospital. He actively hated being parted from Mary. But he never once complained – never once!

WILLIAM MOFFAT DREW THOMPSON

Bill was born in Dundee on Christmas Day 1922. An only child, his mother too was an only child and his father an only son. He spent much time and many holidays in the company of his grandparents, but though often alone, he was never lonely. His early memories, as recounted by Bill to his grandchildren, were of the red hot iron and the hissing water in the blacksmith’s forge, the taste of wild raspberries, guddling for trout in the river, and visits to neighbouring households with their often strange and elderly occupants.

After school in Angus, Bill was enrolled as Kitchener scholar at St. Andrews University in 1941, where he took a degree in Classics three years later, denied an honours degree by the rationing of the war years. One of Bill’s professors was Sir d’Arcy Thompson, a brilliant Greek scholar, naturalist and mathematician, whose book “On Growth and Form” was later described as “the finest work of literature in all the annals of science that have been recorded in the English tongue”. He described Bill as his most able student, with the potential to be the greatest classicist of his generation. Endowed as he was with daughters, he apparently wished Bill had been his own son, and he tried to dissuade him from entering the Church. But Bill had always been clear in his own mind that he wanted to be a minister, and after taking a year out to teach at Strathallan school, he embarked on a course in divinity at St Mary’s College in St. Andrews in 1945.

It was at St. Andrews that Bill met Vida, who was reading history at the university. They were engaged to be married in 1946, after a romantic proposal at midnight at the end of the St. Andrews harbour pier, and they were married in August 1948. Bill then volunteered for a one-year ministry on the remote island of Stronsay in Orkney, and the following year he was assistant minister at St. Giles’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. In 1950 he was inducted to the parish of Oxnam where he ministered for 49 years, adding along the way the parishes of Crailing, Eckford and Roxburgh, with an interlude as temporary minister at St. Andrew’s Church of Scotland in Rome in 1955.

Bill adored Vida above all others. She was his Venus de Milo, with the skilful hands which played the organ for his services over so many years. He was incredibly proud of her, he worshipped her, and she gave him the family of children in which he rejoiced. David, Edward, Jane and Harriet were four much loved and treasured children, throughout their childhood and into their adult lives, followed by fifteen grandchildren, altogether spanning a whole generation from eldest to youngest.

Bill was a family man, tender-hearted, eager to play, fun to be with, a fantastic father. He took his children seriously and was excited by what they were learning. He was ambitious for each one of them, but not for himself. As a family they led a frugal but loving life. Bill was very giving of himself, but always setting a high standard for human behaviour. Christmas was a double celebration and a cause for great excitement. There was ski-ing at Murren, and annual holidays at Achatelisaig between Morar and Arisaig, next door to Jimmy and Anne Price and their children, with a temperamental stove, intermittent water and no fridge, but huge fun.

Bill was not a practical person, but he was infinitely resourceful. He had the ability to assimilate information and ideas and to remember them. His range of knowledge was vast, on topics often unknown to those closest to him. He was quick to tune in to the wavelength of others, he found out what was of interest to them, he made them feel good about themselves, and he could motivate them with ideas and with his infectious intellectual curiosity. He was perhaps at his best in a one-to-one situation, but he nevertheless played a role in public life, sitting as a councillor for many years, and in the days before he had a car, bicycling to Kelso to catch a bus to Edinburgh for committee meetings. He was at one time the youngest ever clerk to the presbytery, but he was not interested in Church politics and he never sought preferment for himself.

Bill had a deep and unshakeable faith. There was a certainty in his spiritual life, which served as a beacon for his parishioners and friends. He did not thrust his belief on others, but readily discussed religion if asked to do so. His guidance, to himself as well as his family, might be found in a verse from the Book of Micah: He hath showed thee O man what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Bill personified the essential Christian concept of forgiveness. He understood, he was there when he was needed. He believed in the inner conviction of the individual, telling a young couple in their marriage service that there is no human law, which may not sometimes require to be broken, citing Nelson’s blind eye as an example. Listen to your inner voice. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, and inner peace.

For Bill parish work was paramount. There was not a baptism, marriage or funeral but he was there, often interrupting his own private time to attend. He worked hard for his parishioners and he was well liked. Everyone mattered to Bill. He knew their life story and their family’s roots in the community. He followed the practice of visiting his parishioners, and they in turn attended his services. To be prepared by Bill for confirmation or marriage, and to stand and be welcomed into Oxnam Church must have been an experience of the most profound spiritual significance.

Bill loved poetry and literature. This was evident in his skill with words, in his prayers and sermons. His prayers were a conversation with God, in which we participated through Bill. His sermons, which he regarded as a form of journalism, explored the relationship between God and mankind, and dwelt on the meaning of mortality, happiness, goodness, always informed by Bill’s deep understanding of human nature. To quote Bill, “The mark of a good man is that he makes it easier for other people to be good. He brings out the best in others. He introduces others to their better selves and puts them on better terms with themselves.” Bill was a good man.

Bill was a strong contrast. He combined his brilliant scholarship with the simplicity of life and rigour of his chosen calling to the Church, and a love of the arts in every form, an appreciation of beauty, of colour, a brilliant eye for interior design, and above all a love of humanity. He had an exceptional mind, he was unshockable, he was flexible, he was humorous, he was a loyal friend, to the outside eye always calm, gentle, patient, ready to help, he could endure acute physical discomfort, yet he adored life and took intense joy from everything around him. Life was a rich seam to be mined. One of his closest friends was Mark Oliver who lived with Helen and their children nearby at Edgerston. Mark was much older than Bill, but they enjoyed much in common. He was a connoisseur of beautiful things and lovely pictures, fine wine and delicious food, and when Edgerston was sold, Bill catalogued the library which had been built up over many generations and helped with the sale of the books, which were another of his loves.

Throughout Bill’s life, Vida was the caring, rock-solid base for him and his family, his muse, his musician, helping to generate an atmosphere of serenity in the beautiful home and garden they created together, and handling whatever life threw up, especially that move to Rome in 1955, with three small children and Harriet on the way. Sheer heroism. We noticed when she was not there, as one Sunday at Crailing when Bill’s stand-in organist was unavailable and he arrived at the church without his sermon. A member of the congregation was despatched to the organ loft with instructions to keep playing whilst Bill drove off in a cloud of dust to fetch the missing text.

I will end, as end I must, with a fragment of a lost poem by an unknown hand:

His laughter paid the dues of God

We should have lit a ship

An enigma, but so was Bill. He was a huge human being and for that we loved him.

“…. Finally, I should like to say how much I love this place, where I have lived and ministered for over fifty years; the river, the sky, the scudding clouds as they chase their shadows at midnight across my lawns, the always voices of the birds, pigeons and the calling of rooks and crows, and this small white church, this kirk on the hill. And the enormous loyalty and good nature and forbearance of my friends, my most true friends, the people of this place; their great natural abilities, their outspokenness, their down-to-earthness, their strong commonsense, their countryman’s cheerfulness and their quiet observant kind neighbourliness. I have loved it since the first day I saw it and its primroses in the damp orchard grass. I love it now, and I shall love it always.”

From WMDT’s last address at Oxnam Sunday 31st August 2003

KIRK SERVICES

6th December 2009 Sacrament of Communion

Usual Hospitality Afterwards

20th December 2009 Christmas Family Service (4th Sunday in Advent)

Sunday School

You are invited to bring a decoration for the Christmas Tree

24th December 2009 Family Candlelight Carol Service at 6.00 p.m.

A special collection will be held as usual

3rd January 2010 New Year Service

Festive Hospitality Afterwards

17th January 2010 Sunday Service

Sunday School

31st January 2010 Sunday Service (5th Sunday)

7th February 2010 Sunday Service

Usual Hospitality Afterwards

21st February 2010 Sunday Service

Sunday School

7th March 2010 Sunday Service

Usual Hospitality Afterwards

21st March 2010 Sunday Service

Sunday School

4th April 2010 Easter Sunday Service

All services start at 10.30 a.m. unless otherwise stated

Winter Beauty

When it’s winter in the Valley

and my breath hangs in the air,

The snow will crunch beneath my feet

and glisten in the air.

The stars at night light up my world

so I never walk alone;

It’s clear and crisp and beautiful

in the Valley I call home.

Oxnam Parish Church of Scotland

Registered Charity No. SC010593

AWHS

Mary Henderson
Mary March Banks Hendry was born in Lanarkshire on the 19th Feb 1917. Mary met and married James Henderson who was a dairyman. They were married in Mary’s family home at Kirkmuir Hill. Mary worked alongside her husband in the dairy. In December 1948, they moved to Cappuck, where they were to stay for 19 years. Mary was a quiet soul and kept herself to herself. She felt very welcome in the Oxnam community and enjoyed regular visits to the guild. The next move was into the town and to 26 Hartridge Crescent. Both Mary and James now took work in Manetti and they loved their work there. When James died Mary carried on. She was a fit, strong woman and when ill health over-took her she fought to be independent to the last. She was a content woman who was loved by all her family.

Nellie Dodds
Helen Brown Borthwick was born on the 20th January 1921 at Synton Mains. Nellie started her school days in Ashkirk, but later continued in Glendouglas Primary, when the family moved to Langlee. What she loved more than anything was to play rugby with her brothers in the field at Langlee! She was rugby daft, even to her dying day. She kept up to date with the local and national scene. On the 30th April 1943 Helen married Thomas Dodds, in Boston Blackfriars church in Jedburgh. Married life began at Hardenpeel, where Tom’s family farmed. Nellie loved it here. She attended Oxnam church and the woman’s guild. She made good friends. When Tom died in 2001 Nellie missed him terribly. Family and good friends were close by and were a tower of strength. In June 2006 the move to Queens Court was like a breath of fresh air to Nellie. She relished being so independent. She loved the freedom of the town and she loved being able to keep an eye on the movements of ‘her boys’ as they flew past in their various contraptions. Nellie was a tower of strength and had a fantastic sense of humour. She was always there for her children and her grandchildren. She was part of the very fabric of the Oxnam Valley community.

Betty Thomson

Betty was born at Hardenpeel on 9th January 1931. She was a little sister for Tom, Rob, Madge. Jim and Nessie, a sixth child for Nancy and Andrew Dodds.

She attended Pleasants School and later Jedburgh Grammar, she was also a regular attendee at Sunday School. On leaving school she went to Galashiels, but returned to Hardenpeel in 1949 to help on the farm.

Betty married Jock Thomson in Jedburgh Old Parish Church in November 1958 and married life began at Howcleuch Sheil where Jock farmed. They had two children, John and Nancy. Betty became heavily involved in Roberton WRI and the local agricultural show, which was held on the farm. She also loved to sing and dance old time Scottish dances.

Jock died in November 1985 and Betty never stopped missing him, however, her close family was a great comfort to her, especially her grandchildren. In November of last year Betty became unwell and sadly died on 24th June 2007.

Ruth Wright

Ruth was born in Leith on 7th May 1915. She was a new little Sister for May, Jim, Beth, Tom, Nan and Isa. Isa was only ten months older than Ruth and was more like a twin. While Elizabeth was pregnant with Ruth her husband was listed as missing and although Elizabeth never gave up hope, Ruth never met her father.

During the WWII Ruth joined the Land Army and was posted to the Scottish Borders and to Oxnam Row. She embraced farm life and loved working with the horses and driving the tractor.

Ruth kept in touch with her family and her Edinburgh friends and when the War was over returned to the city. She took a job working in Blairs and soon became a buyer of coats. She then moved to Wilkies as a buyer and had great fun travelling to London twice a year and modelling fur coats for Mr. Wilkie.

When her mother died Ruth bought a flat in Brunton Gardenns, Edinburgh and went out to New Zealand to visit her sisters, Nan and Isa. It was whilst in New Zealand she became a house mother to a boys school and later a girls school.

When she returned to Scotland she moved into her flat and worked in a remand home for girls in the city. This was a hard and at times traumatic job for Ruth and it was at this time she bought a flat back in the Borders where she had been so happy. She lived in Jedburgh and continued to work in Edinburgh. The draw to Jedburgh became too strong and she left the remand home to live permanently in Jedburgh where she worked as a receptionist in a Lawyers and finally in the gift shop.

For the last four years, Millfield Gardens was her home and Ruth was very happy there. She always retained her sense of fun and her elegance.

Grant Dagg

Grant was born in Selkirk on 18th January 1929, the first son of Walter and Margaret (May) Dagg. His first home was Middlesknowes. Later the family moved to Harwood-on-Teviot, Hawick, then came the livestock price crash of the thirties which forced a move to Whitecloserigg, Longtown, Cumbria where Grant attended Shankhill school. On leaving school Grant worked alongside his father to rebuild the family finances. Grant was a member of the Young Farmers Club and he took part in livestock judging and other activities. He also competed at pony club events and competitions.

The family returned to Scotland in 1957 on the purchase of Samieston Farm, Jedburgh and a partnership was formed with father, Grant and brother Eric. On the untimely death of their father in 1961, Grant and Eric took brothers Arthur and Alan into the partnership.

Later, Alan left the partnership to go to Australia, but Grant, Eric and Arthur continued at Samieston until 1996 when they retired to Kelso.

Grant enjoyed his retirement, especially his visits to brother Alan’s farm at Craighouse.

Holidays were enjoyed at Seahouses where, with Brothers Eric and Arthur, he owned a static caravan. He also enjoyed bus tours and holidays to various destinations on the South Coast. He liked to visit his sister, Betty and family in Leuchars, Fife and also long-term friends from Cumbria. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Duncan Riddell

Duncan Riddell was buried at Oxnam on 13th June 2007. Although not a member of our congregation, he was a great help to Rev. Bill Thompson around the manse and frequently used his cabinet making skills in the Kirk. His wife, Yvonne, attended Church with us and continues to live a Mossburnford.