For more details on upcoming speakers and talks please look further down this page.
2025
Sep 11th James Colledge – Peter Womersley Architectural Legacy
Sep 25th Bruce Keith – Bridgescapes
Oct 9th Alan McLean – The Tumbling Lassie (Probus Club of Hawick visiting today)
Oct 23rd Kenneth McLean – Evacuation to the Border Counties 1939-1945
Nov 13th David Wilks – 100 years of Germs, Worms & Isolation
Nov 27th Robert Longworth – Trimontium: Past, Present and Future
Dec 11th Henry Borthwick and Kristine Fisher- Care in the Community: Get Ready for Self-Directed Support
CHRISTMAS BREAK
2026
Jan 8th Karen 0’Brien-Barrett – Capetown to Johannesburg the wrong way round (NB this meeting will be held in Gattonside Village Hall)
Jan 22nd Peter Little – The Barber Surgeon’s Story
Feb 12th Jimmy Young – If You Can’t Take a Joke! The Origins of Scottish Humour
Feb 26th Dr Louise Aldridge – Mercy Ships
Mar 12th Professor Ray Miller – The Positive Psychology of Happiness
Mar 26th AGM + Lunch
April 9th Nancy Marshall and Alison Smith – Poetry of Birds
April 23rd President’s Outing to Thirlestane Castle, Lauder
May 14th John Crawford – AI: Where are we now, and how did we get here?
May 21st President’s lunch – Ochiltrees Cafe, Abbotsford (NB this is a week earlier than shown in the programme card for 2025/26)
SUMMER BREAK
During the summer months, members of the club can meet informally at Ochiltrees Cafe, Abbotsford, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 10:00 am for tea, coffee and cakes.
For the summer of 2026, the dates are as follows:
11th June, 25th June, 9th July, 23rd July, 13th August, 27th August.
Extra event: A tour of The Haining in Selkirk has been arranged by Sandy Cameron on Thursday 2nd July 2026. Please just come along and meet in front of the house at 10:00 am to see what The Haining looks like now after the major restorations of the past few years.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Dates for 2025/6
16th October 2025
5th February 2026
21st May 2026
DETAILS OF SPEAKERS AND TALKS.
Sep 11th James Colledge – Peter Womersley Architectural Legacy
Biography:
James Colledge is a founding member of Preserving Womersley, a small group dedicated to raising awareness of the architecture of Peter Womersley. His family was connected with the textile industry in the Scottish Borders over two generations. They had close personal ties to Peter Womersley, and are friends of the Klein family. For this talk, James will be joined by Professor Neil Jackson, author of a book on Peter Womersley published in association with the Twentieth Century Society and Historic England in 2023, the centenary of Womersley’s birth.
Synopsis:
The talk will introduce the life and work of Peter Womersley, with a focus on the more accessible Scottish Borders buildings. It will also carry the good news about the recent change of ownership of the Bernat Klein Studio.
Please note that this talk will be recorded (sound only) by Preserving Womersley, the recording will be transcribed onto the original slide presentation by them ,for their future use.
Additional information on the content of the talk (will take you to other web sites):
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Klein Studio press releases
Sep 25th Bruce Keith – Bridgescapes
Biography:
Bruce Keith is a retired chartered surveyor and environmentalist, having started his professional career in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and Edinburgh. In 1996, Bruce moved south of the border to Peterborough as Chief Surveyor with English Nature, but kept his Scottish connections, retiring ten years ago as Head of Property at SSE (the Hydro Board). In his retirement, Bruce has researched and written three books combining his passion for Scottish history, geography and landscape with his interest in heritage conservation.
Synopsis:
In this meeting, Bruce will take us on a journey with his first book, “Bridgescapes”, a celebration of Scotland’s bridge building heritage.
Oct 9th Alan McLean – The Tumbling Lassie (Hawick Visiting)
Biography:
Alan McLean KC was called to the Scottish bar as an advocate in 1993 and became a QC in 2008. In his legal practice, he works on a wide variety of civil cases.
Synopsis:
In 2004, Alan stumbled across an all-but-forgotten decision made by the Court of Session more than three centuries ago called Reid v Scot of Harden. This case tells the fascinating true story of the Tumbling Lassie, a purported slave, and her escape to freedom. It is a story that can act for us as a window into our complex seventeenth century past, at once so familiar and so strange, with connections to the Scottish Borders – but this story also has important resonance for the present day. Come and hear about a journey of historical discovery and life-changing inspiration.
Note: At the end of the meeting there will be an opportunity to contribute to the work of two charitable organisations mentioned in this talk – IJM (International Justice Mission) and SOHTIS (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland).
Update 15 October 2025 – Unfortunately the card reader that Alan McLean brought to the meeting did not work on the day, so no donations were possible immediately after the meeting. If you would like to make a donation to the charities mentioned (with the option of using Gift Aid to boost the total amount), the links below will take you to the relevant sites. Thank you.
SOHTIS (Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland)
https://www.sohtis.org/get-involved/donate
IJM (International Justice Mission)
https://donor.ijmuk.org/page/donate
Oct 23rd Kenneth McLean – Evacuation to the Border Counties 1939-1945: Myth and Reality
Biography:
Kenneth McLean works for LiveBorders as Learning & Engagement Officer at the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns, and a Museum & Gallery Assistant for Berwickshire. He is also Session Clerk of Duns & District Parishes (Church of Scotland), chairman of Dunse History Society, and fixture secretary for the Lowland and East of Scotland football leagues.
Synopsis:
Based on extensive research in Scottish and Borders archives, this talk reveals how planning for the evacuation of children, mothers, pregnant women and the blind proceeded before the Second World War; how it worked in reality across the Borders in September 1939 and subsequent years; practical aspects of the scheme; the largely forgotten evacuation of schools, hospitals and those rendered homeless; camp and special institutions; plus its impact on communities here, including local children sent overseas. It also reveals the key leadership roles that Borderers played at Scottish and British levels.
Nov 13th David Wilks – 100 years of Germs, Worms & Isolation
Biography:
David Wilks studied medicine at Cambridge University and the Middlesex Hospital, qualifying in 1982. He trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases at hospitals in London and Cambridge. He also spent several years in laboratory research, initially in HIV vaccines and subsequently in chickenpox virus. In 1995 he was appointed as consultant physician in infectious diseases at the Edinburgh City Hospital, moving to the Western General Hospital Edinburgh in 1998. His clinical interests included the care of patients with HIV and chronic fatigue syndrome. He was NHS Lothian lead clinician for antimicrobial stewardship for ten years prior to retiring in 2018.
In 2018 he moved to the Borders where he enjoys gardening, hiking and travelling. He is just about to complete the second year of a degree in Physics with the Open University.
Synopsis:
The Edinburgh City Hospital was opened in 1903 as a dedicated 600 bed infectious disease hospital. Over the subsequent 100 years the field of infectious diseases changed dramatically and the hospital went through many changes until it finally closed in 1998. Dr Wilks will discuss the pressures that led to the opening of this state of the art facility, with many fascinating architectural solutions to problems of infection and isolation, and the changes that led to its closure. New infections such as HIV, SARS, Zika and COVID pose new challenges, and the future of infectious diseases will be discussed.
Nov 27th Robert Longworth – Trimontium: Past, Present and Future
Biography:
Rob joined The Trust as their first full time employee at the beginning of 2020 in the role of Heritage Resources Development Officer. The position meant that he was involved in most aspects of The Trusts day-to-day operations and the planning and preparations for the opening of the new £1M Trimontium Museum on The Ormiston site in Melrose. To date this has involved clearing the old museum site prior to commencement of the redevelopment project building works, preparing a temporary exhibition at Abbey House, Melrose prior to the official museum opening in summer 2021, developing an extensive interpretation and activity programme including developing a unique, bespoke VR experience for museum visitors. Daily tasks involve all aspects of museum life, working with volunteers old and new, developing effective working partnerships across the heritage sector in The Borders region & beyond and a multitude of other tasks that come with the territory of working for an active, engaged and progressive Museum Trust.
Rob has previously worked as a Primary teacher & Headteacher, Museum Teacher & Learning Officer, University Lecturer & freelance heritage specialist.
Synopsis:
A chance to hear about the history of one of the most important Roman sites in Britain and learn about the Trimontium Trust’s work in preserving, recording and telling this story. From saving the site from the (then) new bypass construction to recently taking ownership of the site for the next 25 years.
Dec 11th Henry Borthwick and Kristine Fisher – Care in the Community: Get Ready for Self-Directed Support
Biographies:
Henry Borthwick – Born in Edinburgh, Henry was brought up in the Borders before attending Gordonstoun School and Heriot-Watt University. He worked for Anglo American in the mining industry in Africa, and later for British Aluminium in Invergordon. He then farmed in the Oxton area, before teaching engineering and mining at Jewel and Esk Valley College.
Kristine Fisher – Kristine worked in care homes for nearly 15 years. During that time, she often met people who, with the right support in place could have continued living in their own homes. That experience really shaped her passion for helping people access care that works for them. Kristine recently joined the SIRD-funded project Get Ready for SDS as a Pre-Assessment Worker, supporting individuals who are preparing for a Social Work assessment.
Synposis:
Henry will introduce the topic of Self-Directed Support (SDS) as the legislation under which social care and support is provided in Scotland. People can choose how their care is provided, and who provides it for them. He will also relate his own experience of social care, with reference to his late wife, Elspeth.
Kristine will then explain what Self-Directed Support (SDS) is, talk through the four options for accessing it, and offer space for people to share their hopes, questions, and any worries they might have. SDS is available to anyone in Scotland who needs social care or support, including children, adults, and unpaid carers.
The event will conclude with a short (5 minute) featuring four people who have each chosen a different care option, explaining why the option works for them.
We hope that you can attend what promises to be a very informative and useful morning.
Jan 8th Karen 0’Brien-Barrett – Capetown to Johannesburg the wrong way round (NB this meeting will be held in Gattonside Village Hall)
Biography:
Karen took her first flight overseas in the late 1980s and decided she hated flying. Since meeting her husband, John, in 2000 things changed dramatically. Karen’s organisational skills coupled with John’s knowledge of geography and meteorology has led to a great passion for travel. Together they have travelled extensively covering 60 different countries and six of the seven continents. Karen considers herself very much an amateur; relying on luck and a great sense of adventure to get by. She still can’t pack properly.
Synopsis:
Karen O’Brien-Barrett will be talking about her African adventure – travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
Jan 22nd Peter Little – The Barber Surgeon’s Story
Biography:
Peter Little is a keen history researcher and member of the TEVIOTDALE STEEL BONNETS (Formerly The Border Clansmen) re-enactment group.
Synopsis:
In a meeting conducted ‘in the round’, Peter will display and discuss a wide range of tools that would have been used by the ‘barber surgeons’ over the centuries. Not for the squeamish!
Note that we will be joined by members of the Probus Club of Innerleithen, Walkerburn and Traquair for this meeting.
Feb 12th Jimmy Young – If You Can’t Take a Joke! The origins of Scottish humour
Biography:
Jimmy has a life with many facets, 35 years working in IT for Lloyds Bank, 45 years as a DJ covering mobile, hospital and commercial, biker and now (according to him) retired he undertakes regular talks on a wide variety of subjects both educational and entertaining.
Synopsis:
Laughter helps Scots endure life’s challenges; Jimmy explores the origins born in streets, pubs, schools, work and communities. Looking at the legends, the youngsters and the Kings of Scottish humour. It’s a look at the self‑deprecation, resilience, sharp wordplay, community spirit of Scottish comedy. Proving laughter is the nation’s greatest medicine.
Feb 26th Dr Louise Aldridge – Mercy Ships
Biography:
Dr Aldridge is a retired consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist who worked for 25 years at Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, where as well as anaesthetising children of all ages and sizes, she was heavily involved in training junior anaesthetists and running a variety of projects designed to improve quality of care. Her medical training was carried out in Aberdeen and then Edinburgh. In 2011 Dr Aldridge was able to spend some time as an Anaesthetist serving on the Africa Mercy when it was docked in Sierra Leone. As Mercy Ships had a long-term paediatric anaesthetist, she was not required to return to serve on board before her retirement. She is now a Mercy Ships Speaker, talking about the work and mission of the two Mercy Ships – the Africa Mercy and Global Mercy. The floating hospitals, staffed by volunteers, bring hope and healing to many in mostly sub-Saharan Africa.
Synopsis:
Mercy Ships is a faith-based international development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 countries, providing services valued at more than £1.3 billion. By improving healthcare delivery in every country it visits, Mercy Ships is working to eradicate the diseases of poverty and effectively do itself out of a job. Mercy Ships follows the model of Jesus by “bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor”, helping people of all faiths and none.
If you would like to donate in order to support the work of Mercy Ships, please click on this link – https://www.mercyships.org.uk/donate/?form=donate
Mar 12th Professor Ray Miller – The Positive Psychology of Happiness
Biography:
Now retired, Ray Miller worked as a Clinical and Health Psychologist for over 40 years.
Most of that time was spent in the field of NHS healthcare, retiring as Professional Advisor
for Psychology in NHS Lothian. In addition, he has held several professional roles with the British Psychological Society, including thirteen years as a Trustee and a term as Society President. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Society and an Honorary Professorship at Heriot Watt University.
Synopsis:
Happiness is a state of well-being characterised by positive emotions like joy and
contentment, and is often defined by having a sense of meaning and life satisfaction. It involves both the presence of positive feelings and the absence of negative ones, though
it is also understood to include engaging in satisfying activities and feeling connected to
something larger than oneself.
Factors like strong relationships, finding purpose, practicing gratitude, and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle (including exercise, sleep, and diet) are strongly correlated with increased
happiness.
Positive Psychology teaches how we can understand Happiness and improve our experience.
April 9th Nancy Marshall and Alison Smith – Poetry of Birds
Biographies:
Nancy Marshall, since her retirement as a Head Teacher, has expanded her interests in many directions. As a birdwatcher over many years, she has started to look at wildlife through poetic eyes, writing verses to capture their differing personalities.
Alison Smith is a retired architect who spends a considerable part of her retirement in expanding her knowledge and understanding of the natural world around us. This has involved developing her photographic capabilities, particularly in macro imagery, as well as “capturing” birds that then inspire her artistic efforts in various media.
Synopsis:
As friends Alison and Nancy discovered a mutual love of wildlife and poetry, so they put together a presentation called “THE POETRY OF BIRDS”.
With Alison’s varied styles of artwork, they have linked the portrayals with poetry from many famous poets, as well as Nancy’s own work. It is intended to provide an entertaining perspective on our wildlife.
April 23rd President’s Outing
This year the President’s Outing will consist of a guided tour of Thirlestane Castle, the historic home of the Duke of Lauderdale, followed by ‘refreshments and a treat’ .
The cost of the tour is £16 per person, payable to our Treasurer, Will Roberts.
The tour will commence at 11:00 am, the possibility of a second tour starting at 11:15 am if the total number of attendees requires it. You should in any case aim to be at the castle by 10:45 am at the latest.
The tour will last around 75 minutes, and you need to be aware that there are some stairs involved, so we will need to know if you might require some assistance with these.
Here is a link to the Accessibility Statement for the castle, including further information on how to get there, and what facilities exist.
May 14th John Crawford – AI: Where are we now, and how did we get here?
Biography:
John Crawford worked in a variety of roles for the American technology company International Business Machines (IBM) for almost 40 years, across industries including financial services, publishing, and healthcare. He has represented IBM on the boards of several industry associations, and has been a guest speaker and moderator at many international conferences. In the latter part of his career, he was involved in Digital Health, including the potential for Artificial Intelligence within medicine and healthcare.
Synopsis:
Artificial Intelligence, commonly abbreviation to just ‘AI’, has been developing at a rapid pace over the past few decades, finding uses in commerce, industry, healthcare and warfare, as well as everyday life on the Internet through search engines and virtual assistants.
John last spoke to the Probus Club about AI in January 2023 Since then there have been several significant developments, notably the widespread use use of ‘generative AI’ and its effect on the creative arts. In this updated version of that talk, he will guide you through the development of AI since it was first conceived over 75 years ago, to some of the most recent examples of how it is changing our world.
May 21st President’s lunch – Ochiltrees Cafe, Abbotsford
The President’s lunch will take place at Ochiltree’s Cafe, Abbotsford, from 12:30 on Thursday 21st May. You should plan to arrive at Ochiltrees from 12:00 onwards. Please note that this is one week earlier than the date shown on the printed programme cards.
The lunch will consist of either 2 or 3 courses, along with tea or coffee and shortbread, and the cost is £27 per person for 2 courses or £33 per person for 3 courses. The menu will be circulated in early May, and will include vegetarian options.
Following the lunch there will be a talk about Sir Walter Scott and Abbotsford by Mr Gavin Hewitt. This is also the occasion on which the outgoing President, John Crawford, will hand over to the incoming President, Veena Dhillon.