EVENTS. 2011/12

Coffee am.  Feb.18th.

Session Meeting.  7pm. 13th March at Overwells.

Auction at Crailinghall.  Thurs 31st May.

The next Bible Study evenings will start in Lent.

Information to follow.

Jubilee week end. 2nd June.

 The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012

In 2012 Her Majesty The Queen will become the second Monarch in British history to celebrate sixty years on the throne, the previous Monarch to achieve this was Queen Victoria. The Queen has reigned through some of the most profound and breathtaking changes ever to have taken place in our history. So it is absolutely right that The Queen’s achievements – her hard work and dedication across this extraordinary time – be celebrated by all of us.
It has been confirmed that there will be an extra Bank Holiday on Tuesday 5th June and that the traditional late May bank Holiday will be moved to Monday 4th June, providing for a four day weekend to celebrate Her Majesty’s 60 years on the throne.

How should Oxnam celebrate?

On Sunday 3rd June there will be a Big Jubilee Lunch throughout the UK. Some ten million people came out in sunny 1977 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee so the Kirk Session have decided that we should be part of the Diamond Jubilee Lunch celebrations and have booked the Village Hall for that day.
On Monday 4th June 2012 a series of beacons will be lit across the UK to celebrate this jubilee with Her Majesty lighting the National Beacon. Should Oxnam Parish have a beacon?

Only seven months left to plan!!!

Colin Hogg

Presbytery Prayer Group.

This continues to meet every one or two months and is well attended by one member from nearly every congregation. Each Church gives updates which can be shared around and prayed for at the time. All churches are concerned about the lack of young people attending and any innovative ideas would be welcome.

Moira Land

Library Cafe

The Library Café has been a resounding success since opening in March of this year. The first meeting hosted thirteen guests and currently we are running at around twenty. Word has obviously got around that this is the best value coffee shop to be found with lovely cakes and grand coffee all for £1. Guests now come early to make sure of a seat!
Unfortunately we are not able to hold any more meetings till further notice owing to the closure of the Village Hall for refurbishment but we will be open again just as soon as possible.
Margaret Clayton


Harvest Supper.

Fri. 14th October.

Harvest Supper
The Harvest Supper once again proved a resounding success and the tremendous sum of just under £900 was raised for Kirk funds.
Our Session Clerk, Colin Hogg, compared the evening in an entertaining fashion and kept proceedings flowing well throughout the night.
We were blessed to have Rev. Marion Dodd with us. Marion kindly said grace before a meal of hearty home cooking was served.
The entertainment for the night was the very popular band Carlenjig, whose music was much enjoyed by everyone, but not forgetting the humorous jokes they told along the way.
A big thank you to Francis Armstrong, Morag McKeand and Ann Davis for organising the event so well. Not forgetting everyone who provided the food, the raffle prizes and helped in any other way, and of course to the support on the night.

Fiona Geddes

Next Session Meeting.

Mon. 16th Jan.at Mounthooly.

Please contact session clerk if there is anything you would like brought to attention.

Sweet Pea Festival at Sprouston.

Congratulations to Oxnam Sunday School team who won the childrens championship at Sprouston Sweet pea competition from a huge entry.  This is a wonderful achievement for Oxnam, & underlines the success of our community garden in the car park, in its first year.

Library Cafe.

August 10th.

The library cafe resumed on Wed., kindly hosted by Anna & Val, assisted by most diligent young waiters. It was well attended & notable in that we are fulfilling the "outreach" concept by introducing new people in the district to the locals in an informal & enjoyable setting. The scones & cakes were abundant & delicious, & the new coffee machine a big success.  Thank you to our hosts.

Sept 14th.

Anne Fraser & Beryl Barbour hosted a busy coffee am. with a big crowd, further details may follow!

Burns Supper
For the first time a joint Burns Supper was held with Oxnam Hall Committee on Friday 11th February. This proved an outstanding success and a total net sum of £630 was raised, therefore each organisation received £315. The entertainment was excellent with everyone agreeing it was to a very high standard. In the chair was Douglas Cairns who introduced the speakers, Ian Landels (The Immortal Memory), John Tullie (Tam o’ Shanter), Brian Currie (Toast to the Lassies) and Gillian McFadyen (Reply from the Lassies). The music and singing was provided by Stuart Anderson from Fountainhall.
A big thank you to the organising committee and to the ladies who made the lovely meal.

Coffee Morning
To round off a busy weekend the morning after the Burns Supper was the Kirk’s Coffee Morning in Jedburgh Royal British Legion. The event raised the sum of £725. As always the Kirk received tremendous support from the public and a special thanks must go to the coffee makers, Carry Scott and Wilma Collins, and of course to everyone else who helped at the event and contributed to the stalls.

Parish Walk
A total of twenty one walkers, including two children, took part in the walk on Sunday 12th June. The weather was extremely kind and the walkers were blessed with the perfect conditions. After starting at the Kirk the route was by Oxnam Row, The Sawmill then into Birkenside where a well deserved rest and packed lunch was enjoyed. Continuing on passed Dolphinston then stopping for afternoon tea and delicious cakes at Ladfield, kindly provided by Val Hunter, then returning to the Kirk. The sum of £210 was raised. Many thanks to Rob and Anna for organising the event.

Fiona Geddes

New faces in Oxnam
We are pleased to welcome Steve and Sharne Delebecque who have come from Kent to live amongst us at Newbigging Cottage and we hope they will soon feel at home here.  Also Mr & Mrs Paul Syme who are welcome new members likewise.

Oxnam Youth Club
Oxnam Youth Club has had a busy few months and had very good attendance at each Meeting.
On 24th February Wendy Meldrum organised a film night. 
At the end of March Clair Norris joined us to show how to make ceramic Easter Eggs. The children then decorated and glazed the eggs before Clair took them away to fire them in her oven.
John Stenhouse led a bike ride from Harestanes at the end of April which was a bit of an adventure culminating with some of the children swimming in the river at Nisbet then having to cycle back to Harestanes soaking wet!

On 26th May Sarah Glendinning and Tom Watters helped the children clean out and replant the tubs and planters for the village. The flowers were bought with a generous donation from the Community Council.

On 23rd June there will be a Rounders game at Rennieston at 6-30pm and the summer trip will be on 29th June to Bowmont Forest with Anna Craigen from Borders Forest Trust.

Youth Club is open to everyone who is in Primary 2 or above and usually costs £1 a meeting. More information from Gillian 01573 440538

Gillian McFadyen

PRESBYTERY REPORT

In March, Mr. Scott Elliot decided to relinquish his post as Interim Moderator at Oxnam Kirk. He had served us for two years and had been very diligent. We now welcome Rev. Anna Rodwell as the new Interim Moderator for Oxnam.

The Borders General Hospital has always had a Chaplain to undertake duties in the hospital. This position has now been discontinued. Many of the local Ministers do visit the Borders General Hospital regularly and call to see the sick who are in hospital.

Safeguarding Report – Oxnam Parish Church 2011
No incidents have been reported this year and all safeguarding procedures have been kept up-to-date. Fire extinguishers have had their regular inspection as has the First Aid Box. Our Fabric Convenor surveys the interior and exterior of the Church regularly and some minor masonry repairs were carried out prior to the external painting of the Church, which is now nearing completion. Notices warning the congregation of possible hot pipes under some of the pews have been clearly positioned around the Church.
The new toilet facilities have been put to good use, especially by visitors travelling from afar to attend weddings and funerals. Efficient clearing of ice and snow in the recent severe winter ensured no accidents occurred around the premises.
Last November a full day Safeguarding Co-ordinators’ training Course in Denholm was attended by our Session Clerk and Safeguarding Co-ordinator. They also attended an evening course on the implementation of the new PVG scheme and await more developments on this new scheme of checking people working with vulnerable adults and children.

Val Hunter
Safeguarding Co-ordinator

PRAYER PROMOTERS
The Presbytery has a group of Prayer Promoters who meet about once a month in someone’s house. There are representatives from most of the Churches and Oxnam has now decided to join with the group. Each Church is discussed in turn and then every Prayer Promoter is allocated a Church to pray for. It is very interesting to hear the aspirations, hopes and sometimes difficulties other Churches are going through. If anyone is interested to hear more please contact me.

Moira Land

Library Cafe.

At the last meeting of this new venture 23 visitors came to enjoy coffee, goodies and a good natter with friends. We must be doing something right as numbers have gone up at each cafe opening. We even had visitors from Morebattle; our fame is spreading. Must be something to do with the prominent notice about us in the library van.
As our library lady is off on her hols - to Florence, no less, we regret there will not be a library cafe in July and the next one will be on 10th August then three weekly thereafter. See you there.

Coffee or tea & home baking will be on offer, from 11am.  Library comes at approx 11.20am.   All welcome.

This is part of the church "outreach" initiative:  watch this space!

Next Library Cafe after school holidays is on Aug.10

First one took place on 16th March, kindly organised by Mrs Margaret Clayton & Mrs Ann Davies.  The bar was set high with some wonderful baking, & beautifully set out tables creating a welcoming ambience.

All welcome for the next one on 6th April!

This was a full house, due to half term holiday; hosted by Fiona Ralston & Jan Scott.

Next one on 18th May.

Again a big turnout & the standard of baking keeps getting higher, kindly hosted by Francis Armstrong.

THANK YOU

Anyone who has been to Church in the last few weeks will have noticed two wonderful raised beds. A big thank you to Bob McKeand who made the wooden surrounds and carved Oxnam Kirk on the sides. Douglas put some good dung in the bottom and they have now been finished with top soil – all ready for planting.

Moira Land 

WHEELCHAIR
The Kirk has recently been donated a wheelchair which will stay in the Kirk. The chair can be used by anyone who finds it difficult to walk the distance from the car park or anyone in the valley who would like to make use of it for a short period. Just contact any Elder or myself who would be happy to arrange this for you.

Fiona Geddes

FORTHCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS

14th October 2011 Harvest Supper
18th February 2012 Coffee Morning
Summer 2012 Grand Auction, including BBQ and Plant Sale (venue to be confirmed)
24th November 2012 Christmas Fayre
June 2013 Oxnam Open Gardens




















DEATHS



4th December 2010 Hugh Fraser, Overwells



22nd April 2011 Thomas John Jeffrey, Forthill Terrace, Jedburgh



16th May 2011 Isabella Agnes Dagg, Melrose

















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






OBITUARY
Thomas John Jeffrey


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.







OBITUARY
Isabel Agnes Dagg 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.





KIRK TRUSTEES AND OFFICE BEARERS




Interim Moderator and
Locum Minister Rev. Anna Rodwell
Tel: 01573 440761 Email: annarodwell@googlemail.com



Elders Lt. Col. Colin Hogg (Session Clerk)

Tel: 01835 863368 Email: Colin.Hogg25@btconnect.com



Mrs. Moira Land (Presbytery Elder)

Tel: 01835 864776



Mrs. Valerie Hunter (Sunday School Leader)

Tel: 01835 840358



Mrs. Jan Scott (Press & Website Convenor)

Tel: 01835 840225 Email: jan.scott@talk21.com



Mr. Robert Young (Fabric Convenor)

Tel: 01835 862181



Mrs. Ann Fraser

Tel: 01835 863020



Mr. Douglas Cairns

Tel: 01835 864777



Mrs. Geraldine Strickland

Tel: 01835 830650



Treasurer Miss Fiona Geddes

Tel: 01835 865106 (work) Email: fionageddes@crba.co.uk



Parish Page Editor Mrs. Fiona Ralston

Tel: 01835 840600 Email: fionaralston@crba.co.uk













Oxnam Parish Church of Scotland
Registered Charity No. SCO10593

www.oxnamkirk.co.uk

-----Original Message-----
From: jan_scott@talk21.com [mailto:jan_scott@talk21.com]
Sent: 17 July 2011 18:12
To: Fiona Geddes
Cc: Fiona Ralston
Subject: Re: Parish Page


Hi.
Its time for me to update the website with the PP!
Could you poss send it to me, cant remember which format I can get it on!
Thanks.
Jan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Fiona Geddes <FionaGeddes@crba.co.uk>
To: jan_scott@talk21.com
Sent: Thursday, 23 June, 2011 13:06:20
Subject: Parish Page

Hi Jan,

The Parish Page will be available for you tomorrow morning. I will not be in the office Friday afternoon, so will leave them at reception. Failing that I will see you next week.

Fiona

Harvest Supper.

Fri. 29th Oct. in Oxnam Village Hall.

We had a very enjoyable evening with a delicious supper provided by many members of the congregation.  There was a full house & just enough food for everyone to have plenty.

We were entertained with the bagpipes played by Graham Kinghorn, our "adopted piper" & a game of "beetle". Our thanks to Annabelle Scott & Natalie Cairns for all their hard work in organising the whole thing & dishing out, & for Rob Young for setting up & acting as treasurer.

Approx £900 has been raised.

 Session Meeting.

Mon 20th June..  7pm. Vestry.

The session were delighted to welcome 2 new members to Oxnam, Anne & Paul Syme from Morebattle.

The Jedburgh presbytery are meeting at Oxnam church on Wed.29th. June at 7pm.

Next Meeting is on 5th Sept. 7pm. in the vestry.

Joint Burns Supper with Oxnam Village Hall Committee.

Fri. 11th Feb.2011.

This was a very successful  evening with delicious supper & very good entertainment. The sum of £640 has been raised to be split between the church & the Community.