CATCHING up with familiar faces and shared memories were the order of the day as the Borders Children’s Charity celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a Coffee Morning at Thirlestane Castle Tea Rooms in Lauder recently.

With all serving members limited to a maximum five-year term, the Charity’s Committee has included over 145 women of the Borders to date, many of whom made time to attend and celebrate.

Amongst the guests were two of the original founding members, Anne Wilson and Alison Johnson, who shared some of their reminiscences of the early days of the charity with a crowd that also included local MSPs John Lamont and Christine Grahame, as well as the Lord Lieutenant of Berwickshire, Jeanna Swan and of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, Gerald Maitland-Carew.

Founder member Alison, who made the trip up from Yorkshire especially for the event, said “Congratulations to all the Committee for organizing such a lovely event, and I wish the BCC all the best for the next 50 years.”

Current chair Lucy Tile said: “We have come a long way since a group of farmers wives met in 1966 to found the Charity and enjoy the companionship of friends.

“Last year over £45,000 in grants was given to help nearly 600 Borders children. This included 68 beds, specialist equipment for 47 children with additional needs, and 423 children helped to participate in activities and trips.

“But our aims remain the same, and as long as there are vulnerable children in need across the Borders, we hope the Border’s Children’s Charity will be there to help alleviate their suffering.”