A COMMUNITY has come together to celebrate a major birthday for one of its local celebrities.
The residents of Lilliesleaf threw Merlyn Horne a surprise 80th birthday party in the village hall to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Pam Johnson, one of the party’s organisers and friend of Merlyn’s, gave a speech sharing Merlyn’s achievements including as an author of local history books and painter of horse portraits.
Merlyn can also be found in a number of local artist Rob Hain’s artworks.
Selkirkshire councillor Leagh Douglas said: “Merlyn Horne epitomises everything about a true community ambassador. I came here today a local resident very proud to be able to call Merlyn my friend.
“I have many fond memories of Merlyn over the years, in particular of our days together in the ‘Leaf Dramers’. Merlyn was always one of the highlights of our shows be it reciting a Joyce Grenfell monologue, playing a mischievous schoolboy, or simply playing herself in one of our home grown pantomimes.”
Before the coronavirus pandemic Merlyn was a member of the ‘Leaf Dreamers’ group which put on sell-out shows to raise funds for local causes like Riding for the Disabled and the Borders Children’s Charity.
Leagh added: “You might call her ‘Magic’ Merlyn as her birthday get together has ignited a new flame of desire for locals to get together again this year and hold a Christmas show.
“Long overdue as a result of the pandemic and indeed given the cost of living crisis raising funds for local causes is something many of the locals here are keen to do.”
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