IN 1944, Czech Army Officer, Milos Novak, was billeted with a family in Earlston. He was a talented artist and he gifted to the family this charming pen and ink drawing of the Charles Bridge in Prague, and an oil-painting of the view from his wartime Earlston home, looking onto the Black Hill.

The two families remained in touch after the war and it was known that Milos had immigrated with his own family to Montreal in Canada around 1948, but contact was unfortunately lost in 1965. And efforts are now being made to trace any of Milos’ descendants in Canada to make them aware of his art work and the fact that he is still remembered in Earlston.

This lovely wartime story emerged as part of the local heritage group Auld Earlston’s activities in gathering memories from local residents, in preparation for its forthcoming annual exhibition. The theme this year is “Earlston at War and Peace: 1914-1949”, to be held in the Church Hall on Saturday October 20, 10am-4pm and Sunday October 21, 12noon-4pm.

The accompanying slide show will include the showing of a short film on Earlston in the 1930s – taking place on Saturday at 11am and 2pm; Sunday 1pm and 2.30pm. Admission including tea/coffee: adults £3, children free.