Doctors just keep on running
Last updated 10:31, Thursday, 08 May 2008
FOR upwards of three weeks the rival claims of the Langholm versus the Liddesdale line of Railway have been before the Committee of the House of Commons appointed to judge of their respective merits. MR William Minto, blacksmith, Steele Road, comes of an old and revered Border family. THANK goodness there will now be some symmetry in John Street with pavements on either side.WITH ten days to go before entries close, there are around seventy entrants for the Muckle Toon Run.
RIVALRY OF THE RAILWAYS
Three weary weeks of examination and cross examination of witness after witness must surely have wearied the patience of the Committee, as it has most certainly done of those in the country so anxiously waiting the result of their deliberation, viz. their decision.
We have not attempted to give even a vidimus of the reports of the proceedings before the committee, as they have been supplied almost daily by a sheet published especially for circulation in the districts interested in the matter, and most of our readers are already more familiar with the subject than any mere synopsis of their proceedings could make them.
A VETERAN LIDDESDALE BLACKSMITH
He has now reached a ripe old age, and has gained the respect and esteem of all who knew him; and throughout his long and useful career in Liddesdale has set up a golden example of what a good, thorough, country tradesman may be.
It is beyond anybody’s power to fully eulogise Mr Minto’s many good qualities, and, indeed, there is no one who would dislike “buttering up” more than himself.
On account of frailty, feeble health, and the infirmities of advanced years, Mr Minto has relinquished his business, and retires from the duties of an active and industrious life at the coming May term.
He has faithfully served the community of Liddesdale for 48 years, not only as a skilled tradesman, but in the capacity of veterinary surgeon as well.
During these years much of his leisure time has been devoted to the special study and investigation on original lines of some of the most deadly diseases of domestic animals.
In his treatment of “looping ill”, “red water”, and other inflammatory diseases of sheep and cattle, he has always been remarkably successful, and has been the saving to farmers, flockmasters, shepherds and cottars, the lives of many valuable animals.
The people of Liddesdale are not slow to seize the opportunity of showing their appreciation to an old faithful servant; consequently a movement is afoot to present Mr Minto with a suitable testimonial on the occasion of his retirement from active duty.
A considerable sum has already been collected locally, and should any friends or admirers outwith the parish and district feel disposed to associate themselves with Mr Minto’s testimonial, contributions however small, will be received and gratefully acknowledged by Mr Brown, Hermitage School, Newcastleton, or by Mr Grieve, Steele Road.
All who have had an active part getting up this testimonial wish it to be understood that the presentation will take the nature of a private function; and this opportunity is taken on behalf of Mr Minto to tender to subscribers, one and all, sincere and cordial thanks for their extreme kindness and liberality.
DISCOVERY
This is the opinion of many of our readers, not necessarily those who reside in the street itself.
The laying of the new concrete pavements in John Street, however, led to a rather interesting discovery of an old well, which was situated at the foot of the gable of the dwelling at number 10, occupied by Mr. J. Storey.
The well was circular in type and about three feet in circumference.
Built of freestone without mortar, part of it was actually underneath the gable just below ground level, and on the gable, immediately above the centre of the well, can be seen the remains of an iron bar, leaded into the masonry, where the pump would be affixed when the well was in use.
No mention of this particular well is made in Langholm As It Was.
No doubt it would fall into disuse when the first gravitation water supply was made available in Langholm in 1852.
THE MUCKLE TOON RUN
Entries have come from all over the country.
Last year’s winner Dr. J. A. McFie of Edinburgh is again entered, and will be hard pressed by Dr. John Moore of Bearsden, who is fresh from a very creditable time in the London Marathon.
Patrick Gray of the Cumberland Infirmary may however surprise them both.
There has been a fair response from local entrants, and in particular, several officers of the Boys’ Brigade are in the running including Brian and Steven Little, Jimmy Henderson, Roddie Innes and (though recovering from surgical treatment) Gavin Graham.
They hope to get themselves sponsored towards funds for new equipment including canoes.
Will they be joined by other present and past Brigade members?
Local girls, Liz Bart-Smith and Winnie Armstrong, are reported to be in hard training.
Liz and husband Peter must stand a chance for the Husband and Wife prize, though Mary and Archie Houston from Motherwell are known quantities .
There will also be a Father and Son and Mother and Daughter prize, and a prize for the oldest competitor.
The Earl of Dalkeith has kindly agreed to start the race, and the Countess is to present the prizes.
A handsome trophy has been donated by the TSB. and every finisher will receive a unique medallion designed and produced at Border Fine Arts.
Other prizes include a case of champagne from the magazine “General Practitioner”.
Entry forms and advice on training schedules are available at the Health Centre.
Come on local Heroes.
