A few notes to Grahame Fraser Allan - after the funeral

Well Grahame, not sure what you made of today - pretty impressive all round I thought. Your family friends and colleagues did you proud - Lauder nearly ground to a halt and for any passing villains it was heart attack time - there must have been more police in Lauder between those on duty and those off duty than there were working throughout the rest of the Lothian and Borders Police area. For me it was great to see them all in their best dress uniforms, real Policemen, rather than the combat style gear. From the Chief Constable, to the traffic wardens they did you proud, and if I am correct in thinking that Colin Shillitoe was you boss it was nice to see him again, sorting things out - he bought my Honda m/cycle from me years ago when he was in the Traffic Department at Dalkeith. The same bike in fact that you used to go sit on in my garage.

The Church Service was first class and considering that the Minister had only been in Lauder a few weeks he handled the proceedings well. Nice little church and I ended up nearest to God high in the balcony. Your friends did well with two personal tributes at the side of the coffin, a lot of personal information about - I did not realise that you were so keen on your garden, tatties and all.

From the Church there were many who headed up to the Crematorium at Mortonhall, to join up with many more for a short service before the internment. Lots more Police faces there, more from Penicuik, including the lads from your old team in Penicuik Rugby Club - which was good for me as I used to be their bagman at the matches, wet sponge, cold spray etc.,

I was surprised how many took the trouble to go to the "Wake" at the Tusitala - an immense turnout and tribute to you, where I am sure that Allison, your Mum, Claire, Tom , Brenda and family were able to mingle with people who genuinely cared about you, and relax a bit after a few very stressful days.

I was thinking about the day we took you and RGB on his 16th for dinner and you both ordered Port and Stilton soup, simply get get that wee glass of port !! The day I tried to make you eat veggie burgers and Mrs B had to rescue you. The couple of weeks after you were transferred out to Dalkeith and while on your own regularly popped in for tea and as many biscuits as you could manage !! But I did not realise you had even ridden your bike up to Ullapool and had two fish suppers, back to back as the two chippies on the front by the harbour were so good!! Big Chris thought you were on your way up there to see him last week the day of your accident as you had responded to his "facebook photo" while he was away.

You used to bring Olivia up to see us at the house, now she is a bit concerned as to who will cut the grass and look after the garden, but she is making sure that your rules about stones on the lawn are being stuck to. I am not sure if she managed to write that wee letter to you last week for you to read in quiet times.

RGB made it back from Portugal in time to meet up with everyone at the Crematorium and then to the "wake, he did spot on the display of photographs that you had acquired his No 7 rugby jersey, but don't worry about it - he has plenty more.

So Grahame, that's a few words from me about today, be assured that your many friends and colleagues will do their best to help support Allison , the children and the family in the difficult times ahead.

Say "hi" to your Dad, we miss him as well.

Mr. B

Even more sad news - Andrew Johnston - RA 500

I was unfortunately a bit late in getting home last night so this is the first opportunity I have had to report on the death of Andrew Johnston , well respected member of the Laird o'Cockpen RA Chapter No. 500, and a member of Lodge 26 Selkirk. He was our Master of Ceremonies, prompter, an exceptional ritualist and was always there to keep me right - good lad.

Andrew passed away in is sleep during the early hours of yesterday morning, having lost a long struggle against cancer. His last hours were spent at home, his wish, being cared for by his family who were assisted by the McMillan nurses.

His funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday 8th October 2011, in Bonnyrigg Parish Church, followed by an internment at Cockpen Cemetery - afterwards, family and friends will meed in the Masonic Hall, High Street, Bonnyrigg.

Challenge 25 - more red tape

Life just gets worse in the pub trade, the new Licensing Scotland Act came into force on 1st October so now we have to ask for proof of age / identity of anyone who appears to be under 25, and they must carry ID. Next party piece is that the Licensing Officers will be sending customers in who look Under 25 and if they are not Challenged then the bar staff are likely to be charged by the Police.

Smoking takes another hit as we have to be registered to sell tobacco, or even have cigarette machines on the premises.

My new Pubwatch, now incorporating the Tranent and Musselburgh, was put to test today, one of my customers is on the list with a five year ban, so he was non too pleased to be caught out and then put out.

Pleased to see the article in today's Scottish Daily Express about a possible debate on the UK's membership of the EU - a bunch of interfering politicians who make Robin Hood and his Merry men look like angels. AND - apart from trying to straighten bananas, cucumbers, bring in EU Regs to replicate existing identical UK Regs - latest is to do away with Greenwich Man Time and bring in the atomic clock - what utter piffle. LET US OUT / GET US OUT.

Better news for Heart of Midlothian fans after they managed to score two goals against a very lacklustre Celtic yesterday - what did I say last week - big wages do not guarantee good players - look for a heart.

SHOP EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS - not presents, but basic essentials and shop around, as TESCO failed yet another shopping test. Next, if the weather forecasters are correct, snow boots, shovels, snow tyres for the car, and I see BEAR have bought an ice breaker from Scandinavia to keep the M8 motorway in the event of repeat conditions like last year.

With Subo ( Susan Boyle) selling her new album at great speed, the BBC have got it correct by having her sing on the new Strictly Come Dancing show - which is getting better ratings than the X-Factor (now 2nd rate entertainment).

Fram Lad to Laird - Alexander Millar

Something a bit different today - while RGB was running the Edinburgh 10k charity run, along with 10,000 plus others, I headed off to Hopetoun House, where the Breeze Gallery of Peebles / Jenners, had organised an exhibition of Alexander Millar's work, plus the opportunity to talk to the man himself.

It was not at all what I expected, a lovely event with masses of his works on display, from paintings, drawings, and sculptures - and a really mixed audience, which even included a former colleague from my days with Edinburgh Crystal Glass.

His works are mainly based on the "gadgies" and to entertain there were a couple of gadgies present.

On the way out we met the "black sheep" of the Hopetoun Family !! before being confronted with some more views of the fascinating Forth Bridges.

made the mistake of going back through the old part of South Queensferry, which was grid locked with traffic, but we then discovered that there were literally hundreds of folks taking part in an sponsored abseil from the railway bridge above the Hawes Inn - looked fantastic.

A good day out.

Special night at RA 500 Laird O'Cockpen

Having made it back to Penicuik in one piece, and with a sore bahookey after my one hundred and twenty mile flying visit to Bedrule - it was a quick change and then picked up by Sparky Mark to head for Bonnyrigg.

Sparky was still shell shocked having broken his brand new fishing rod in the morning, first day out, and practicing his casting- however, I digress.

The meeting taking place in the Lodge Rooms of 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg, was the first meeting of the new term of RA 500 Laird o'Cockpen, and was unusual insofar that the candidate was Craig Gordon, the reigning RWM of 720. the degree team put together for the meeting were all from other Chapters in the Province and they event was a great success. Also present was John Fraser, the First principal of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland (the boss) - who had driven down the A9 from the Black Isle in horrendous weather conditions. The surprise of the evening was when our MEZ, Douglas Neill, presented "the Boss" with Honorary membership of RA500. Just a pity there was no opportunity to get everyone in regalia, but from left to right we have Douglas, Joan Fraser and Craig Gordon.

Footnote- sparky must have forgotten to put a shilling in the meter, car battery was flat, so at 11.30 p.m. we had to bump start the mean green machine.

Mr and Mrs Douglas (Shuggie and Pippa) MacInnes

A really hectic day yesterday, and I did make it on the "steed of steel" down to the tiny picturesque church in Bedrule, by St Boswells. ( just a bit near the edge of the world).

Arrived a few minutes before Philippa in her vintage car and in time to see Douglas (Shuggie) head into the church.

The service was very nice, and as I was still in motorcycle kit, I sat up in the balcony, and then took further snaps outside.

Lovely to see the new Mr and Mrs MacInnes with their friends, just unfortunate that we were not able to accept the invitation to the reception which was taking place in the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel.

After the service I had a look around the church and there is a plaque commemorating William Turnbull, of Bedrule, the Bishop of Glasgow, who founded Glasgow University in 1451.

Headed home and even took the wrong turning, ending up in Jedburgh, giving me a sixty mile run back to Penicuik.

Funeral arrangements - Grahame Allan

news has come that the Funeral service for Grahame will take place, firstly at 1.15pm on Wednesday in the church in Lauder, and then the cortege will travel to Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh, for a short service at 3 p.m.. Friends and family will then be invited to meet at the Tusitala Restaurant, Fairmilehead ( aka The Pavilion).