Joined up Rotary in the Borders

It all started on 3 July when the Queen opened Abbotsford House after major renovation. The Clubs worked together to organise car parking and stewarding of guests at the event. Abbotsford was the home of Sir Walter Scott and, after the deaths of the last surviving descendants to occupy the house, was taken over by a trust who raised money to create a new visitor centre and completely renovate the house.

Melrose Rotary Club took over the running of the Melrose Pipe Band Championship this year. It had not been held in 2012 after the previous organisers retired. On 20 July, a perfect day for the event, the Championship was a great success with a large crowd watching the various bands playing and parading around the town. Kelso supplied wristbands to children, Galashiels ran the car park and gate while Selkirk and Lauderdale helped out with all the duties.

The month ended at the 200^th Border Union Agricultural Show on 26^th and 27^th, again in perfect weather. Large crowds attended and Kelso, helped by the other Clubs, again supplied wristbands to many children. The numbers of parents who now expect to be able to have their children