News from Caddon View

At Caddon View from 30th November 2008 to end March 2009, we are offering 3 nights bed and breakfast for the price of 2 nights.

Please note that this is not valid between Christmas and New Year.

Also, it's now possible to book a stay at Caddon View online directly through our website although you still have the option of phoning to reserve your room.

Our new a la carte menu is being launched on the 2nd November featuring 5 delicious options at each course rather than the old fixed price 3 course menu. You can see this on our website from the 2nd November.

To celebrate St Andrews day we have joined up with the family run, organic Peelham Farm(www.peelham.co.uk) in the Lammermuir Hills, and Forth Wines to bring you 5 wonderful dishes and 5 accompanying wines on the 29 November at our Almost St Andrews Day dinner. If you wish to dine with us tickets must be purchased in advance, please phone or email to reserve your table. Tickets are £42 per person.

The menu includes:

Canapés - Gustave Lorentz Cremant d'Alsace
Minestrone soup with Peelham smoked ham - Gavi di Gavi Volpi
Devilled Peelham lambs kidneys - Beronia Reserva Rioja
Roast shoulder of field raised Peelham rosé veal - Selaks Founders Reserve Merlot from New Zealand
Tobermory cheddar cheese and homemade oatcakes - Torreon de Paredes Don Amado Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend
Lemon Posset - Torreon de Paredes Late Harvest Gewurztraminer
Coffee and petit fours

Traquair House

29th & 30th November Free Christmas Opening - roasted chestnuts & mulled wine, children's treasure hunt, craft stalls and discounts on gifts

Eastgate Theatre

7.30pm 8 November

Strange Brew makes a welcome return to the Eastgate, having rocked the theatre earlier in the year! With tunes from Cream, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple and many more, this is an evening not to be missed by local rock fans.

www.strangebrewrock.co.uk £6 - £4

10 November Martinu Quartet - The quartet came together in 1976 when they were students at the Conservatoire in Prague; then went on to win prizes in eight international competitions as well as recording, broadcasting and touring throughout the world. The concert includes works by Smetana, Borodin, and Brahms' Quintet for clarinet and strings. £10

3-7 December Snow White £8 - £6

For more at the Eastgate theatre visit their website on: www.eastgatearts.com/

Kailzie Gardens

Open 7 days a week during daylight hours in the wintertime. There is also a putting green or why not try your hand at a spot of fly-fishing at the stocked trout pond.

Outdoor Pursuits

If you are feeling more adventurous then why not spend some time mountain biking, either at Glentress or on Innerleithens downhill race course. Maybe horse riding is more your thing at Kailzie Home Farm.

If it's just a gentle walk that you fancy then there are so many to choose from: Thornielee Forest overlooks the Tweed Valley where you can see Muckle Meg - a wooden statue symbolising a romantic tale with a twist! Cardrona Forest and Glentress forest both have wonderful trails as well as Caberstone Forest which is right on our doorstep.

Homecoming Scotland 2009

2009 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of the nation's bard, Robert Burns. To commemorate the birth of this cultural icon, a rich and diverse range of events will showcase everything that is wonderful about Scotland, with the aim of encouraging people of Scottish descent - or those who simply love Scotland - back to its shores.

Whether you visit Scotland simply to enjoy the magnificent tranquility of the rural and coastal landscapes, to explore historic houses, castles and gardens, for a round of golf, for the annual Border Common Ridings, or to see the 60 or more annual Highland Games and Gatherings, the events listed in the programme are just the beginning of the Homecoming story. Register at www.homecomingscotland.com to keep up to date with news.

Ceud Mille Failte (a hundred thousand welcomes).

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 30 October 2008

Thurs Fri 30 & 31 Oct 7.30pm
Bold Girls
drama
For three women in war torn Belfast, although their men have been killed or imprisoned for their political activities, everyday life must go on. However, the arrival of a disturbing young girl and the revelations which follow threaten to disrupt their friendship. A strong drama from Tweed Theatre – but wait for the poignant ending.

1 & 2 November Saturday 6.45pm & Sunday 2.30pm
It's Time to Dance
dance
This is the annual show of the Fiona Henderson School of Dancing, featuring dancers from three to 26 years old. A glittering performance showcasing the progress and talents of the dancers who regularly attend classes at the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles. Not to be missed!

2 November Film Sunday
WallE (U) 5pm
An avant-garde, ambitious and outrageously alive mix of robot love story and ecological fable.
The Dark Knight (12A) 7.30pm
Director Christopher Nolan reinvents the Batman story, with the hero (Christian Bale) confronted by the white-faced Joker (Heath Ledger) in Gotham City.

3 - 16 November, Daily
Twenty-One Years On The Road
exhibition
A fascinating exhibition of costumes, posters and other memorabilia as part of Rowan Tree Theatre’s 21st birthday celebrations. Bringing back fond memories, this exhibition highlights how the company has developed over the years.
FREE

5 November 7.30pm
The Sleeping Beauty
dance
Come and be swept away by this magical ballet, presented by European Ballet and set to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score. Directed by Stanislav Tchassov, former principal dancer at The Bolshoi Ballet, the company is known for the dedication and energy of its talented dancers. Colourful sets and lavish costumes make this a favourite for all ages. In addition, some local students from the Fiona Henderson School of Dancing will also enjoy the dream of performing alongside such a renowned troup.

6 November Thursday 7.30pm
Genticorum
music
Weaving wooden flute, fiddle, acoustic guitar, jew’s harp, bass and foot percussion with strong vocal harmonies, these Quebecois musicians offer a blend of traditional songs and tunes as well as original compositions. Their distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence make them a supreme crowd pleaser.

7 November Friday 6 - 10pm
Villeneuve Wines Annual Wine Tasting
food & drink
A great chance to beat the credit crunch! Have a great evening AND get your money back as once more, The Eastgate hosts one of the best, biggest and most important wine tastings in Scotland. With over 120 wines to sample including Champagnes and Ports, there are experts on hand to dish out advice. Wine lovers unite: come along and meet the wine producers, masters of wine, and Villeneuve Wines’ staff. Taste and try before you buy... book now!

News from the Glen Cafe

Hello from a wet and wild Glen Cafe at St. Mary's Loch near Selkirk, but as always the views from the cafe are stunning. As I write this I am watching 3 foot waves crashing on the lochside with spray whipping off the tops of the white horses. I would suggest having a look at our webcam but the rain on the glass impairs the image a little bit!

As the clocks change tonight we thought it is about time that we updated you on our winter hours for this year, and possibly give you a bit of Christmas inspiration.

Winter Opening Hours

From November 3rd 2008 to Just before Easter sometime - Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm Wednesday: 12.00 - 4.00pm

We will therefore be closed on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

We will be closed in the week or so around Christmas & New Year but we will update you on the specific dates when we have worked them out.

Christmas Inspiration

Speaking of Christmas have you all got your presents sorted. We have a range of clothing made from Bamboo fabric in the cafe. The range now includes socks, T Shirts, Ladies relaxation trousers and sports bras, Activewear & towels. More details of these super soft eco friendly clothes, with amazing properties, can be found on our sister website www.activebamboo.co.uk. The full range that we have is now on display in the cafe so come along and give them a feel!

Christmas Cakes

Barbara is once again making Christmas cakes. These 6" (2lb) Rich Fruit Cakes made from a traditional family recipe (Barbara's Grans!) are Iced and Decorated to order with a price of 15.00. For those who know Barbara's baking you know that these are made with no corners cut.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 23 October 2008

Thu 23 Oct 7.30pm
No Obvious Trauma
drama
Set in an isolated psychiatric institution in 1933, this entertaining yet provocative and haunting production tells us of a doctor’s lost love affair. As memories float through the walls, trains shriek through the night and a mysterious patient questions her identity, doctors track the fragile line between madness and desire. Performed by Unpacked Theatre Co

Fri 24 & Sat 25 Oct 7.30pm
Back Beat Beatles
music
Yes... they’re back - due to popular demand after a total sell out last year. “Probably the nearest you’ll get to the real thing” (The Daily Mail). Friday night is a concert, Saturday night it’s cabaret style to give you more room to dance and scream or simply look on whilst tapping your feet at your table. Early booking is advised.

Sun 26 Oct 7.30pm
Crawl Down The Ogre – Doug Scott
talk
Hear some incredible stories from the man who reached the heights as the first Briton to climb Mount Everest then to plumb the depths when every climber knows serious injury can mean staring death in the face. Doug Scott, during his 24,000ft descent from the summit of the Ogre in the Karakorum broke both ankles, while his climbing partner broke two ribs and contracted pneumonia. He has been involved in more expeditions to the greater ranges than virtually anybody else alive. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear it all from the man himself!

Tues 28 Oct 7.30pm
Southern Tenant Folk Union
music
This exciting six piece folk and bluegrass band features Pat McGarvey, ex-member of The Arlenes & The Coal Porters. The brand new second album, Revivals, Rituals & Union songs is as rambunctious as it is infectious; expect uptempo tunes, ballads and more from this unique band of musicians.

Thurs/Fri 30th & 31st Oct 7.30pm
Bold Girls
drama
For three women in war torn Belfast, although their men have been killed or imprisoned for their political activities, everyday life must go on. However, the arrival of a disturbing young girl and the revelations which follow threaten to disrupt their friendship. A strong drama from Tweed Theatre – but wait for the poignant ending.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 17 October 2008

Fri 17 Oct 8pm
Stories & the Blues
family
Borders Guid Crack Club offers this uniquely atmospheric cabaret-style event. Colin Mackay, one of Scotland’s most popular and respected raconteurs, will enthrall with wonderful stories. Mud In Your Ear blues trio will treat you to classic 1920’s – 1950’s blues. Vintage guitars, harmonica & boogie-woogie piano galore! This promises to be a rare treat for visitors and locals alike.

Sat 18 Oct 7.30pm
Fondoo
music
This musical platform for local talent is recognised as the best music showcase in the area. Fondoo brings together the grooviest bands from far and near to play their special mix of the smoothest hippest tunes, always chic... always a “happening”. Check out www.fondoo.eu

Sun 19 Oct
Film Sunday
Kung Fu Panda 2.30pm
Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan, Lucy Lui, ...Kung Fu panda Po is summoned to fight alongside his heroes the Furious Five.

Mamma Mia 5.00pm & 7.30pm
Abba’s music is the backbone of this hit movie about a bride with 3 potential fathers to give her away. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth & Stellan Skarsgard

& For This Week Only – Film Wednesday!!
- due to demand - additional shows Wed 22nd 5.30 & 7.30pm

Thu 23 Oct 7.30pm
No Obvious Trauma
drama
Set in an isolated psychiatric institution in 1933, this entertaining yet provocative and haunting production tells of a doctor’s lost love affair. As memories float through the walls, trains shriek through the night and a mysterious patient questions her identity, doctors track the fragile line between madness and desire."Breathtakingly beautiful... every single second a visual feast" - Three Weeks Brighton Performed by Unpacked Theatre Co.

Fri 24 & Sat 25 Oct 7.30pm
Back Beat Beatles
music
Yes... they’re back! Due to popular demand after a total sell out last year. “Probably the nearest you will get to the real thing” (The Daily Mail). Friday night is a concert, Saturday night it’s cabaret style to give you more room to dance and scream, or simply look on whilst tapping your feet at your table. Early booking is advised.

Midweek Offer from Kailzie Bunkhouse

If you’re looking for great accommodation at a low price, then the midweek breaks at the Kailzie bunkhouse near Cardrona and Glentress might appeal - prices down to just £15 per person per night, from now until the end of February 2009. This rate is available Monday to Thursday. So if you’re fishing, walking or cycling around the Tweed Valley, check them out. Please contact dorinda@btconnect.com for more details or call 01721 723334.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c 9 October 2008

Thurs 9 Oct 8.00pm
The Blank Album
dance
The Blank Album is a compelling and unique mix of rock music, pop imagery and complex choreography by dancers who sing standing on their heads, cellos that dance, and sketch show guitars. This tongue-in-cheek production created by Natasha Gilmore, "the Catherine Tait of contemporary dance" and the Quee MacArthur of Shooglenifty appeals to both teenage and adult audiences.

Fri 10 Oct 7.30pm
Michelle Chandler & Beck Sian
music
Michelle Chandler is a skilled and gifted guitarist with a beautifully rich velvet voice, influenced by folk, jazz, blues and country. Beck Sian draws inspiration from the subtropical rainforests of her native Australia, creating what she fittingly calls 'Haunted Forest Music', through voice, guitar, whistle and didgeridoo.

Sat 11 Oct 6.15pm
John Etheridge & Kit Holmes guitar workshop
workshop
Come along to this fun show and gain expert tips and advice about all aspects of guitar playing! Try out some warm-up exercises; explore tab and music; develop your technique, musicianship and performance skills. You can take part by bringing along an acoustic guitar or simply watch, listen and learn! All abilities welcome from age 10 years upwards.

Sat 11 Oct 7.30pm
John Etheridge & Kit Holmes concert
music
A welcome return by John who once was the guitarist for Stephane Grappelli, performed with Soft Machine, Pat Metheny, Andy Summers, Dizzy Gillespie, Nigel Kennedy and is currently in a duo with the eminent classical guitarist John Williams. Kit Holmes is a singer/songwriter and rising guitar star. Her music fuses a broad range of influences from pop to folk, blues and soul.

Mon 13 Oct 3.30pm
Alice and the White Rabbit
family
Indigo Theatre Company
A great way to spend the first afternoon of the school holidays! First the puppet show then a chance to see the puppets up close. Follow Alice on her magical adventure as she chases the white rabbit back in time on a fantastic spiralling journey into Wonderland. Watch her change in size in this dream-like shadow adaptation inspired by the famous tale by Lewis Carroll. Utilising shadow theatre techniques, string puppetry, digital projection and original music, this classic tale equally enchants adults and primary age children.

Tue 14 Oct 7.30pm
2008: International Year of Planet Earth
talk
Prof. Aubrey Manning was Professor of natural History at Edinburgh University and, following his retirement in is currently Professor Emeritus. He is one of the country’s leading authorities on animal behaviour on which he has presented BBC television programmes and taught at all levels.

Fri 17 Oct 8pm
Stories & the Blues
family
Borders Guid Crack Club offers this uniquely atmospheric cabaret-style event. Colin Mackay, one of Scotland’s most popular and respected raconteurs, will enthrall with wonderful stories. Mud In Your Ear blues trio will treat you to classic 1920’s – 1950’s blues harmonica boogie-woogie piano and vintage guitars galore! This promises to be a rare treat for visitors and locals alike.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c/ 25 September 2008

Thu 25 Sep 7.30pm
Town and Country
drama
Rowan Tree Theatre Company
Enjoy this superb evening as part of the Rowan Tree’s 21st birthday celebrations! This double bill of superb solo plays consists of the Fringe First award winning Nancy Sleekit and, for some deep suspense, the gripping John Buchan short story, The Herd of Standlan.
These triumphant yet intimate performances star local lass Zoe Hunter from West Linton and Colin Moncrieff who grew up in Traquair. Why not enter the playwrite competition?

Fri 26 Sep 7.30pm
Ready Steady Cook
family
They’re back! After last year’s hilarious success, once more, local chefs* compete against the clock to prepare a meal using only the surprise ingredients supplied by their partners (time to get their own back?!). Local rivalries and humour will no doubt ensue! Building on the success of last year’s first Peebles Food Festival which celebrates high quality local produce this is a weekend of linked activities – including a wine tasting on Saturday 27th *David Hodson – Courthouse Restaurant, David Morgan – Castle Venlaw Hotel, Val Brunton – Sunflower Restaurant & Ivor Clark – Macdonald Cardrona Hotel.

Sat 27 Sep 1.30pm
Junior Ready Steady Cook – part of the Peebles Food Festival
family
Over the past few weeks primary school students from Peebles have worked with local chefs to devise and source a meal that they will cook live on stage. (see below for top chef demonstrations).

Sat 27 Sep 2.30pm
Celebrity Chefs – part of the Peebles Food Festival
family
Following on from the junior cooks, enjoy the thrill of demonstrations by top chefs and learn some tricks of the trade – use your new found knowledge at home to impress your friends!

Sat 27 Sep 2.30pm
Wine Matching Masterclass – part of the Peebles Food Festival
family
Local wine merchant, Kenny Vannan of Villeneuve Wines, gives a wine matching masterclass. Find out how to select wines that compliment delicate food, robust enough to stand up to spicy dishes or complex enough to enhance the subtleties of the darkest chocolate. Wine and food tasters included in the price.

Sat 27 Sep 7.30pm
Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble
music
The Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble plays Schubert's famous Octet for clarinet, horn, bassoon and strings; is joined by a flute for Stanford’s Nonet; and gives a centenery birthday performance of Howard Ferguson’s lyrical Octet. The players are all members of Neil Mantle’s Edinburgh based orchestra The Scottish Sinfonia.

Sun 28 Sep 7.30pm
Bob Fox & Stu Luckley
music
Bob and Stu reunite to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their legendary album: Nowt So Good'll Pass which took the folk world by storm in the 1970s. Their album won Melody Maker's Folk Album Of The Year in 1978 and has stood the test of time. Recognised by some as one of the most innovative and highly acclaimed collaborations ever seen, this 2008 reunion tour will not be repeated – get your tickets now because nowt so good'll happen again.

Wed 1 Oct 7.30pm
An Evening with Pam Ayres
comedy
Pam Ayres comes to the Eastgate with her current show, which includes material from her recently published bestselling book Surgically Enhanced, along with some old favourites. Sorry the show is sold out – cancellation list in operation.

Thu 2 Oct 7.30pm
Bruce Macgregor, Sandy Brechin & Brian o Headhra
music
These three seasoned artistes have drawn on a wealth of tunes and songs from the Gaelic and Scots traditions, as well as each being acclaimed composers in their own right. Not only are Bruce, Sandy and Brian excellent musicians, but they are also loved by audiences for their witty and entertaining live performances, so why don’t you join this foot tappin’ hand clappin’ ceilidh atmosphere. The trio performed at the Blas Festival 2007 receiving a five star review from The Scotsman.

Fri 3 Oct 7.30pm
Glengarry, Glen Ross
drama
Shelley Levene is in real estate sales and is down on her luck, hasn’t closed a deal in months and lives in the shadow of her friend yet competitor Ricki, number one on the sales board. When the office is robbed and all the Glengarry leads are stolen, everyone becomes a suspect in this snappy, fast paced play by David Mamet. Performed by Emotional Tramps Theatre co.

Peebles Food Festival 2008

The second annual three-day Peebles Food Festival runs from September 26th - 28th, covering a Ready Steady Cook Competition, a Junior Schools Cookery Competition with Chef's Demonstrations, a Wine Matching Masterclass, a Food Market and a Gala Dinner. The seven course gala dinner on Saturday, September 27 starting at 7pm in the Drill Hall is the highlight of the Festival. Each of the 7 courses is prepared by a different local chef and includes a welcome drink and a glass of wine with each course. This superb evening ends with a ceilidh.

The Eastgate Theatre - w/c/ 18 September 2008

Sat 20 Sep 7.30pm
Fondoo
music
Back with another exciting line-up, Fondoo stages five local bands this Saturday at the Eastgate Theatre. Ranging from singer song writer Kat Healy to the newly formed trio Epsilon, the performance also includes Robbie Tatler and Scatterbrain, with five piece band The Elements closing the show. This host of local talent is not to be missed! Further band info – check out www.fondoo.eu

Sun 21 Sep
Film Sunday
Journey to The Centre of The Earth (PG) 2.30pm
Starring Brendan Fraser, based on the tale by Jules Verne and directed by Academy Award winning visual effects veteran Eric Brevig (Total Recall, Pearl Harbour).
The Edge of Love (15) 7.30pm
Keira Knightley, Cillian Murphy and Matthew Rhys in this tale of two couples trying to make sense of their own mortality, their desires and the complications of love between friends.

Mon 22 Sep – 17 Oct Daily
Hilltops And Teapots
exhibition
For lovers of landscape and still life paintings the American-born artist Rachel Sharp offers a feast of her work, on view until mid October. After training at The New York Studio School, Rachel moved with her British husband to Scotland where she now lives on the Berwickshire coast. She has exhibited throughout the United States and the UK. Free

Wed 24 Sep 7.30pm
Michael McGoldrick, John Doyle and John Joe Kelly
music
Michael McGoldrick, one of the greatest flute players ever, brings a crossover of trad Irish to modern day sound this coming Wednesday. Once voted the Best Overseas Artist in the Irish Music Magazine Readers Poll, this multi-instrumentalist has been playing traditional Irish music since his early childhood days in the working class town of Manchester. His talents led him to work with bands such as Afro Celt Sound System and Capercaillie. This time he performs with Dublin born vocalist and guitarist, John Doyle, and Flook's inimitable John Joe Kelly with the bodhran.

Thu 25 Sep 7.30pm
Town and Country
drama
Rowan Tree Theatre Company celebrates their 21st birthday with a double bill of superb solo plays consisting of the Fringe First award winning Nancy Sleekit and, for a touch of suspense, the gripping John Buchan short story, The Herd of Standlan. You will not want to miss this triumphant yet intimate performance in the Company’s hallmark style they like to call "chamber theatre". Enjoy being drawn into the heart of the production, done in the Scots dialect and you will be left under no illusion that this creative company will be wooing us for at least another 21 years.

Fri 26 Sep 7.30pm
Ready Steady Cook
family
They’re back! After last year’s hilarious success, once more, local chefs compete against the clock to prepare a meal using only the surprise ingredients supplied by their partners (time to get their own back?). Local rivalries and humour will no doubt ensue! Building on the success of last year’s first Peebles Food Festival which celebrates high quality local produce there is a weekend of linked activities – including a wine tasting on Saturday 27th. Get your tickets now!