Midlem WI

14/01/2025

Midlem ladies enjoyed their first meeting of the new year, with a game of Bingo. The winners of the favourite Christmas ornament were:
1st, Mary Inglis 2nd, Cathy Borwick, 3rd, Gweyn Williamson.
Thanks were given to Dilys for arranging and calling the Bingo numbers.
Next month, 11th February, we will be getting a visit from, the Guide dogs for the Blind, when the competition will be a photograph of a dog.

30/12/2024

Midlem members enjoyed their Christmas meal, at the Kingsknowes Hotel, 17 members attended, and enjoyed, a lovely meal.
Members also enjoyed a Christmas Quiz, organised by Irene Cotter and won by Gweyn and Edith. Cathy Borwick won the best Christmas Jumper competition.
Thanks to Joan Jamieson, points Secretary, for announcing the winners of the yearly points prize, which was won by Sheila Heatlie, with Jill Freshwater winning the Shetland Bell.
This year, instead of a secret Santa, members gave a donation, which was shared between Selkirk Food Bank, and the Dialysis Unit at the Borders General Hospital.

15/11/2024

LADIES,
This month was our Annual General Meeting, followed by a hands on Christmas Decoration from Rhona and Sheila from Wiltondean.

President Edith, thanked everyone who has made team Midlem WI, the success we've been over the past year.

Special thanks to Sheila, who took over as Secretary from Gweyn, it's the hardest job on any committee, and I'm sure you'll agree, Sheila has taken to the job, like a duck to water, thanks Sheila for all your hard work over the year.
To our treasurer Margaret, I'd like to thank you for looking after our pennies, which in turn has taken care of our pounds also making sure we have enough to keep us going!

Edith spoke of the super syllabus over the year, with some great talks and demonstrations along with some hands on, many members produced some lovely craft skills in the hands on.
Edith gave a big thank you to our Vice President Irene, for taking the minutes every month and to Margot and Anne for taking charge of the raffle. Also to Joan for being Points Secretary, the winners will be announced at our Christmas meal.
At the Roxburghshire Show last month, though we are a small institute, we had a very successful show, winning three trophys! Congratulations to Margot on winning the Isa Yoemans memorial Trophy, for the best Tea Loaf exhibit.
Gweyn won a new trophy, for her Floral Art, exhibit, A table centre for a celebration dinner, in memory of Molly Marshall a stalwart of the Federation. Molly's whole family were there to see the trophy presented to Gweyn and a photo of Gweyn and Molly's grandchildren appeared in the Hawick News. Edith won the trophy for the best in Preserves and Produce for her Cherry Brandy. Anne and Edith won third place in the Inter institute competition for Let's get Ready to Party.
Sheila and Jill did a great job in the Inter Institute picnic competition.
Margaret, Irene, Sheila, Sheena, Jill, Anne, Margot, Ella, Gweyn, and Edith all got winning tickets and we should be very proud to have had such a successful day.
The raffle organised by Midlem, with Gweyn at the helm, made £2,184 pounds, and at the Federation meeting, Gweyn did mention the prizes given by our members which were greatly appreciated by all.
We have gained a new member this year and it would be lovely to see a few more join us next year.
Margaret Rutter gave her treasurers Report, with a healthy balance, finishing of our year.
Election of Office Bearers
President............... Edith Scott
Vice President ...... Irene Cotter
Treasurer .............. Margaret Rutter
Secretary................ Sheila Heatlie
Minute Secretary... Irene Cotter
Points Secy............ Joan Jamieson

Committee............. Sheena Galloway, Jean Grieve, Dilys Wheelans, Gweyn Williamson, Fiona Thomson and Jill Freshwater.

The winners of the Jar of Jam were:
1st Ella Nairn
2nd Sheena Galloway
3rd Irene Cotter
The second half of the afternoon, was a great hands on demonstration by two demonstration guru's Sheila Armstrong and Rhona Glendinning from Wiltondean. They very kindly demonstrated then helped members make Christmas Rolling Pin Decorations. We all enjoyed a very fun filled afternoon, with Irene giving the vote of thanks.

20/10/2024

20/10/2024

That's Roxburgh Federation show done and dusted for another two years. Many thanks to our members who entered the many categories available, Midlem did really well, with many winning tickets being awarded, along with 3 trophy's !
Thank's to our members who helped with the raffle and stewarding and to those who came along to support the show.

The trophy results have been sent out out and winners are as follows:

Somerville Trophy for the Inter Institute Competition - Wilton Dean

Lilliesleaf Cup for most outstanding exhibition in Inter Institute Competition - Barbara Whitelaw (Langshaw)

Lady Fairfax-Lucy Community Cup - Wilton Dean

Inter Institute Cup for Institute with 17 members or more - Wilton Dean

Inter Institute Cup for Institute with less than 17 members - Makerstoun

Grierson Cup for the best exhibit in Knitting & Crochet - Kirsty Robb (Makerstoun)

Maxwellheugh Salver for the best exhibit in Embroidery - Louise Whittle (Makerstoun)

Jean Holmes Trophy for best exhibit in Sewing - Julia Partington (Langshaw)

Kath Runciman Quaich for best exhibit in Painting & Drawing - Susan Ross (Wilton Dean)

Constance Inglis Cup for best exhibit in Handcrafts - Susan Ross (WIlton Dean)

Mary B Jamieson Trophy for best novice exhibit in Handcrafts - Susan Ross (Wilton Dean)

Mary Palmer Douglas Cup for highest aggregate in Handrcafts - Kirsty Robb (Makerstoun)

Ness Trophy for Inter Institute Baking Competition - Langshaw

Silver Medal for best Gingerbread - Sally Martin (Newmill & Teviothead)

Isa Yeoman Memorial Trophy for best Tea Loaf - Margot Hastie (Midlem)

Ann Kennedy Cup for best novice exhibit in Baking - Grace Cessford (Morebattle)

Joyce Menzies Cup for best exhibit in Baking - Julia Scammell (Wilton Dean)

Brooks Cup for highest aggregate in Baking - Joan Duncan (Makerstoun)

Anderson Salver for best exhibit in Cooking - Sarah Plummer (Makerstoun)

Playfair Hannay Cup for best exhibit in Preserves and Produce - Edith Scott (Midlem)

Constance Gordon Cup for highest aggregate in Preserves and Produce - Sarah Plummer (Makerstoun)

Pickwell Salver for highest aggregate in Sweets - Sarah Plummer (Makerstoun)

Shield for best exhibit in novice Floral Art - Sarah Plummer (Makerstoun)

Molly Marshall Rosebowl for the best exhibit in Floral Art - Gweyn Williamson (Midlem)

Janet Warden Cup for highest aggregate in Floral Art - Sarah Plummer (Makerstoun)

Courtney Clarke Memorial Cup for most points in novice classes - Sarah Plummer (Makerstoun)

Inter Institute Photography Cup - Newmill & Teviothead

Edna Young Memorial Trophy for best exhibit in Photography - Lesley Easton (Heiton)

Shetland Clock (Chairman’s Choice) - Cheryl

20/05/2024

May Meeting.
Elaine Munro, very kindly came along at the very last minute, following the cancellation of our booked speaker who had been unable to attend.
Elaine started with a short quiz on different and very interesting facts about cancer.
She told us 80p out of every £1 donated goes straight to Cancer research UK.
Cancer Research has been involved in 8 out of 10 cancer break throughs.
Lung Cancer is still the biggest cause of death by cancer.
The Flame of hope award has been presented to the Selkirk Branch, fir all they've done and the hige amount of money they've raised over the years.
Everyone enjoyed Elaine's very informative and interesting talk.
Elaine very kindly judged the competition for the tray bake she liked the best, a very difficult job indeed. The winners were:
1 Jill Freshwater
2 Ella Nairn
3 Sheila Heatlie
Our next meeting is our June Outing, when we will be going to Branxholme Castle, Hawick, for afternoon tea.

19/05/2024

Members were delighted to welcome Michelle Ballantyne to their April meeting. Michelle is CEO and a trustee of The Haining , Selkirk.
Michelle explained why the trust was put in place and the different methods of raising money, to keep the Haining going. Stable flats were converted into holiday lets, artists studios were put in place and exhibitions were held in the main house, though these were restricted when dry rot was found.
Numerous grants were applied for to provide funding for work needing carried out.
Members were shown various stages of the work during the presentation. A new professional kitchen was fitted, the driveway was improved as were the driveway and paths surrounding this magnificent building. To date over £3.5 million has been spent on the house and activities are planned to support the future viability of The Haining events, such as weddings, exhibitions, private hires etc. There are hundreds of people who walk round the Haining every week, the changes through the seasons, are beautiful, the ducks are very well fed and the sponsored benches throughout the walks are very well used. The Haining is such an asset the Selkirk and the Trustees role is in the protection of the heritage and history. The volunteers are wonderful and the work couldn't be done without them.
Michelle's presentation was extremely informative and gave Midlem members an insight into the ongoing work to a building which is so important, not only to Selkirk and its residents, but also to all he visitors who visit every week.
The Haining is certainly a place for everyone.

19/12/2023

Midlem Ladies enjoyed a beautiful Christmas meal at the Philipburn Hotel. The yearly points trophy was presented by Joan Jamieson to Sheila Heatlie, with Margaret Whyte runner up and Margot Hastie in third place. Sheena Galloway, received the Shetland Bell for having the best point score, outside the winners.
The prizes for the best wrapped Christmas parcel was won my Margaret Whyte with Edith Scott runner up and Lyne Robertson third.
The wrapped parcels were distributed between the members and President Edith thanked everyone for going along, also wishing all members a very Happy Festive period.

14/11/2023

MIDLEM Ladies enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the capable hands of members Dilys and Jean, with a hands on demonstration, and tuition, on Christmas wreath and table decoration making.
A great time was had by all, and the ladies were right to be proud of their finished articles. The winners were:
1) Freida Boag
2) Sheena Galloway
3) Frances Henderson
Irene Cotter gave the vote of thanks to Jean and Dilys for their patience and excellent instructions.
The Annual General Meeting was also held and the following office bearers were elected for 2024:
President: Edith Scott
Vice President: Irene Cotter
Secretary: Sheila Heatlie
Treasurer: Margaret Rutter
Minute Secretary: Irene Rutter
Points Secretary: Joan Jamieson

Committee members: Sheena Galloway, Gweyn Williamson, Dilys Wheelans, Jean Grieve.
Our next meeting will be our Annual Christmas meal, at the Philipburn Hotel, on the 12th December.
The competition will be for the best wrapped Christmas present to the value of £5.

16/10/2023

Midlem WI celebrated their 77th birthday at the October meeting when their guest was the Rev Marion Dodd.
Marion gave a talk on her invitation to Balmoral Castle to attend the service in the presence of the late Queen Elizabeth in 1992, where she was to give the Bible reading and the Sermon.

Marion spoke of her letter of invitation, and how she should arrive at Balmoral on the Saturday pm, leaving after breakfast on the Monday morning. Included in the letter were suggestions of what to wear, evening and casual clothes. At dinner on the Saturday the Royal Family were joined by four senior Scottish Dukes and their wives. She managed a walk round the Balmoral garden on the Sunday prior to the service at Crathie Kirk. The service commenced with a psalm and ended with a hymn. Marion told us of her family's involvement in the writing of the descant to the tune Crimond which was sung at the service along with it being one of the hymns at the late Queen's wedding ceremony. She felt the family were very attentive during the service, the Queen studying the congregation, the Duke reading the service sheet.

Sunday afternoon comprised of a drive around the estate with the Queen at the wheel visiting some of the Royal Lodges in which the decor was much influenced by the Victorian era. In the evening the family were joined by the estate deerstalkers at dinner, the corgies were also very much in evidence and parlour games were played before retiring.
Marion has had a most interesting life, as a minister at Kelso Old & Sprouston Parish Church, singing with the BBC Singers at London Prom Concerts and in June 2013 she conducted a choir of local voices as part of the Flodden memorial events. She also had time to study for a degree in Russian.
The first photo shows Marion cutting our 77th Birthday cake,
Very kindly made by member Sheena Galloway.
The competition for a favourite scarf was won by Margaret White, with Sheila Heatlie second and Margot Hastie 3rd.
The next meeting is on the 14th November, which will be the AGM and Christmas wreath making hands on demo from Dilys and Jean.

18/09/2023

At our first meeting back, following the summer holidays, Midlem Members were delighted when President Edith introduced ex Scottish and British Lions Rugby
Internationalist, John Rutherford.
John was no stranger to many of the members and gave a very interesting insight into Rugby, when he played, a few years ago! He told some great stories, also telling us of his World Cup adventures. John brought along some of his International Jerseys, caps and the Golden Boot he won.
It was a great afternoon and John went on to judge the Traybake competition.

1st Margot Hastie
2nd Jill Freshwater
3rd Sheila Heatlie

Irene Cotter thanked John for coming along.

09/09/2023

Hi Ladies, just a reminder we start back this Tuesday, 2pm, in Midlem Village Hall, when our speaker is John Rutherford. 'Looking forward to seeing you then.

09/09/2023

Well done Midlem member Sheena Galloway on a great day at the Yartow show.

15/05/2023

Congratulations to Secretary Gweyn who won two prizes at the Roxburghshire Federation SWI Spring meeting, at Denholm.
3rd in papercarft and 3rd in a Floral Arrangement in a shell.
Well done Gweyn.

04/05/2023

Keith Rogerson was the speaker at our March meeting. Keith, born in Selkirk, went on to make his career as a Sound Recordist mainly with the BBC.

He was able to tell us about working with Johnny Morris, David Attenborough, Alan Wicker and Jeremy Clarkston along with the many animal experts and researchers. We learned how long it took to make a few minutes of film and how much equipment had to be transported sometimes by donkeys. Along with some entertaining pictures we heard of the team's encounters with polar bears, lions, and air balloon trips. Keith was also involved in the long lead up in planning the filming of the Space Shuttle. He has also filmed on the QE11. H told us of his experience when filming the War Graves with the veterans in the 80s and 90s

Keith won a BAFTA for his sound recordist work which he brought to the meeting, this allowed some of our members to be photographed holding the trophy!

Along with his many experiences last year, 2022, he was the Merchant Company Standard Bearer having filmed the 1963 Common Riding celebrations. Keith was warmly thanked for his very interesting and engaging presentation.

20/04/2023

13/01/2023

Delighted to announce that the 2022 syllabus competition was judged by Kimberley and Vanessa from the Great Tapestry of Scotland, both of them thought that the variety of content would make them think about attending and potentially joining!
1st Langshaw
2nd Makerstoun
Highly commended - Wilton Dean and Midlem. The trophy will be presented to Langshaw at the AGM.

12/12/2022

Ladies, we apologise our Christmas afternoon tea has been cancelled.
A new date will be arranged soon.