RENOWNED raconteur Rory Macleod has turned his hand to rhyme in a bid to bring Christmas cheer to a local charity.

The well-known youth worker and broadcaster has harboured a passion for poetry over many years.

And now his first anthology, Moments in Life, has gone on sale to aid Galashiels-based charity Lavender Touch.

Always keen to write down his thoughts and observations following a moment or a meeting, he has now compiled his poems into a book.

Sheila Scott, secretary of The Lavender Touch, told us: "We are very excited about Rory’s book and hope it will be a great fundraiser for us.

"We have had some history of books and words becoming successful for the charity in the past - a cookery book, and a history of the charity.

"We hope this will be a no exception, and I feel Rory’s writing talent, which is humorous, poignant, reflective, will be appreciated by all.”

The Lavender Touch raises funds to help support people with cancer living in the Borders with a range of complimentary therapies.

All profits from the reasonably priced £5 stocking filler supports the services offered by Lavender Touch.

Amongst Rory's collection is a poem about the charity itself.

Moments in Life is launched this week.

It will be available at various outlets in the Borders, through the Lavender Touch on 01896 208255 or online through the Lavender Touch website www.lavendertouch.co.uk

Where E’r You Are.

Be happy this Christmas,

This blissmas,

With peacemas.

And lovemas,

Laughmas,

No tearsmas,

Hugsmas,

‘N cuddlesmas,

Crackersmas,

Gamesmas,

Warmthmas,

Fullmas,

Dreamsmas,

Memoriesmas,

Where e’r you are,

D’you missma’s,

This Christmas?

Happy, peaceful Christmas.

A Seat in the Museum.

Today, 2 seats along, sat a man,

Of long wispy white hair,

Max Wall sides,

Berghaus jacket, 15 litre sac, sensible shoes,

On his own, alone, with himself,

Clicking with the computer in the museum,

Learning more,

Remembering less,

Affirming anything, everything,

Building his glass case.

Now I see there are only two seats to go.

Hush, Nae Band.

Hush mon,

Hear whats no’ there,

Nae band,

Nae boom boom boom,

Nae stane oan thir land,

Yet,

No yet dugs barkin, weans larkin, freends parkin’, bacon sparkin’,

Tyin’ ties, rollin’ colours, peened hats, kissin’ mothers,

A’done, th’shinin’ boots, leather, flasks and silvers,

Kerchiefs, breakfast beer taken, prood badges, peened wi’ blethers,

Picters dusted, memories ca’ed, excited friends a’ gather .

Noo , ca’ the Band……..

Base, boom, boom, boom!!

Till time is ca’ed,

Oh Sic’ a day!

Sic’ a day mon!

Noo, hush again, listen, hear it,

Nae band.

Till we ca’ again.

We Are All In It Together.

‘Yes old chap it’s difficult’,

Said a millionaire,

And we are all going to feel the pinch,

Said a millionaire,

Sooner or later,

Said a millionaire,

We will have to give up something

For the greater good.

One less home, he said,

One homeless, I said.

Food for thought, he said,

Thoughts of food, I said.

‘We’re all in it together,’

HIs bucket has a fur lined inner,

I have a hole in mine, dear,

Lies are... what you tell me.

And an Old Lady died listening to,

Dead cold, cold, Dead.

‘We are all in it together.’