Tuesday August 4th 2026
Newtown Fund Raisers. In the picture: Cllr Leagh Douglas, Newtown Community Christmas Fund Raising committee members and local volunteers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A caring community has rallied magnificently after a blaze at a Borders school threatened to extinguish plans for a very merry Christmas.
Preparations are in place to ensure that pupils at Newtown Primary School can return to their studies on August 19 following the fire late last month.
But a second challenge also emerged as organisers of a Newtown Community Christmas fundraising event on Sunday, August 9, had planned to use electricity and the school’s toilet facilities to support the event.
It was then that the community stepped into the breach.
Generators were sourced to provide the electricity needed, and local Selkirk councillor Leagh Douglas contacted Border Group Kelso (formerly Bordaloo) to ask if they could help with toilet facilities.
Company director Henry Lloyd did not hesitate, offering portable toilets free of charge to ensure every penny raised on the day can go towards the group’s plans for the community at Christmas rather than unexpected event costs.
The family fun day promises something for everyone, including bouncy castles, an obstacle course, entertainment, BBQ, a car treasure hunt in the evening and much more.
All is to raise funds for Newtown Community Christmas Lights and to enable a weekend of free Christmas community events.
Councillor Douglas said: “I know how important this fundraising event is for our community and how incredibly hard this group of volunteers work.
“I was delighted by the response from Border Group Kelso. They were eager to help at no cost given all the circumstances.
“It is a wonderful example of a local business stepping up when a community needed it most.”
Shelley Edgar, who leads the Newtown Community Lights group, said: “Losing access to the school created a real challenge, but the support we’ve received has been incredible.
“The generosity and commitment shown has enabled the event to go ahead as planned, and we hope the community will come along, enjoy a fantastic day and support our fundraising for this year’s Christmas celebrations.”
Neil Wilson, office manager at Border Group Kelso, added: “When we heard about the situation, helping was an easy decision.
“Community events like this rely on volunteers and local support, and we are delighted we could play a small part to ensure the fund-raising event is successful despite the very unfortunate unforeseen circumstances.”
The fire may have created unexpected challenges, but one flame continues to burn brightly – the enthusiasm and community spirit of the Newtown Community Christmas fund raising team and everyone who stepped forward to help.
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