THE Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club held its annual meeting in Lindean Hall with a good attendance of members.

Chairman Les Forster, secretary Evelyn Horsburgh and treasurer Rodger Adams gave their reports on another successful year for the club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary lunch this month.

The proposed programme of fortnightly walks was approved and includes the regular Borders programme, visits to Ford and Etal, Dufton, near Appleby, and Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway.

It was agreed to start the New Year’s Day walk to the Three Brethren at 10am instead of the usual 12noon; hold the lunch walk in the Denholm area on Burns Day, January 25; and finish off the year at Galafoot.

A decision was also made to hold its regular walk on September 6, the Sunday of the Borders Walking Festival at Galashiels (members could join a Festival walk if they wished); and to look at using the train for a walk from Stow to Galashiels. Plans to hold that on September 6, the day of the planned opening of the railway, was deferred.

Subscriptions will remain at £5.

Office-bearers were elected as follows: Hon President, Atholl Innes; Chairman, Les Forster; Secretary Evelyn Horsburgh; Treasurer, Rodger Adams; Committee, Marion McQueen, Alastair Hogg, David Spence (Watt Miller stood down), and Mike Still.

Atholl Innes proposed a vote of thanks to the officials and all members who had supported the club during the year.

A booklet, compiled by Hamish Dobson and Mike Still, and supported by Atholl Innes, Stephen Smith, Alastair Hogg and Stan Scott, with printing by the Rev Duncan McCosh, is available for £5 and can also be purchased at the special lunch.

Ahead of the AGM, Douglas Methven, better known as Corbie, gave a talk, illustrated with slides, of wildlife in the Borders and beyond.