NEW – Summer visit to The Haining in Selkirk taking place on 2nd July 2026
Please meet in front of The Haining at 10:00 am that morning for a guided tour of the house, organised by Past President, Sandy Cameron. There is no charge for this event.
NEW – President’s Lunch with handover to new President for 2026/27, and Honorary Membership for outgoing Programme Secretary.
The President’s Lunch took place at Ochiltree’s on the Abbotsford Estate on the afternoon of 21st May. Mr Gavin Hewitt, Chairman of the Friends of Abbotsford Committee. gave a fascinating talk on his recent research into how Sr Walter Scott acquired significant parcels of land around his new home of Abbotsford, planting over a million trees to improve the landscape.
After the talk, the outgoing President John Crawford, handed over the chain of office to the new President, Veena Dhillon.
Anna Karczewska-Slowikowska, who has filled the post of Programme Secretary from 2021 to 2026, and was previously the first woman President of the club from 2019 to 2021, was presented with an Honorary Membership Certificate by the outgoing President, in recognition of her services to the club.
Probus Global
The latest Probus Global newsletter is now available on their site and can be accessed by clicking here. Ten pages of articles on all sorts of subjects submitted by Probus Members from all around the world.
President’s Outing to Thirlestane Castle, Lauder – 23rd April 2026
Members of the club were blessed with fine spring weather for their guided tour of the historic Thirlestane Castle, ancestral home of the Maitland family, Earls of Lauder.
After assembling in front of the castle steps, two groups were formed, each led by one of the volunteer guides, Fiona and Lesley. The attendees were shown around many beautifully decorated and furnished rooms, and were educated on the fascinating history of the castle and its occupants up to the present day. The collection of portraits dating back to the 16th century was impressive, as were the remarkable gilded plaster ceilings.
After the tour was over, teas, coffees and snacks were served in the Victorian Kitchen.
AGM and 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Waverley Castle Hotel, Melrose – 26th March 2026
Members of the Probus Club of Galashiels and District along with guests from adjacent Probus Clubs in Innerleith, Walkerburn and Traquair, and Kelso, gather for a group photograph outside the Waverley Castle before proceeding indoors for a buffet lunch.
President’s Lunch – 22nd May 2025
The last get together of the session was the President’s lunch held in Townhouse Hotel Melrose on Thursday 22 May 2025.
In her last duty as President , Gillian Arbuckle welcomed the 28 members to the lunch. In her speech of welcome Gillian thanked the many members who had made the year special for her as President, by helping in various vital roles.
She welcomed the new President John Crawford and handed over formally the badge of office.
John’s first role as the new President was to thank Gillian for her leadership during ’24- ’25. Much endorsed by members present.
Gillian had invited the retired GP Bob Souter, to give the after – lunch talk. He gave a most Illuminating talk on the Borders Mountain Rescue Service which was much appreciated by all present.
President’s Outing – 24th April 2025
As part of the annual programme, a visit was arranged to the National Mining Museum Scotland, on the the site of the Lady Victoria mine in Newtongrange – https://nationalminingmuseum.com/
The members enjoyed a light lunch in the cafeteria, followed by a visit to the museum, which contains a wealth of information about the history of mining in Scotland, along with many items associated with process of mining, as well as the communities involved in the industry. Historic photographs also provided a vivid reminder of the when the mining industry was at its peak.
Following this, a retired miner who is now a volunteer guide gave a fascinating talk about the history of the Lady Victoria coal mine, before showing the members around the site, including the pit head and engine room, along with a reconstruction of a mine shaft, to provide a strong sense of what it must have felt like underground when the mine was operational.
(Contributed by John Crawford. Posted 6 October 2025)
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held on 27th March 2025. A copy of the accounts and a full transcript of the President’s Review are available via links on the ‘Members Only’ page of this site.
The meeting accepted the Treasurer’s recommendation that the Annual Membership Fee should remain at £15. The programme cards for 2025/26 are available as subs are paid.
Summer Coffee & Chat Mornings
Next year, the Club will once again be offering the opportunity for informal Coffee & Chat mornings throughout the summer months of June, July and August 2026 in “Ochiltrees” cafe at Abbotsford. The car parking arrangements at Abbotsford are the same as last year at £1 for up to two hours or £2 for the full day but please note if you pay before 10am then your parking time will not start until 10am.