Things got off to a good start with a 'Gardener's Question Time' on Friday evening when questions were put to a panel of experts including Jim Jermyn, show manager of Gardening Scotland and proprietor of the world famous Edrom Nurseries for over 20 years; Alec West, who built his own house in the walled garden at Antons Hill; Patsy Blacklock, whose gardens at Maxton are open under Scotland's Garden Scheme and Andrew Simmons, head gardener at Floors Castle.

One of the main features of the festival was a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, with the first perfoamnce on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday brass band enthusiasts and poetry lovers were entertained by with The Brass on Tweed Ensemble and readings of some of the poems which have been submitted by local writers to form 'Spectres on the Landscape', a Berwickshire Poetry Anthology.

Visitors to the church have also been able to cast their eyes over a number of exhibits from local artists and craftspeople and bid for an interesting array of lots in a Silent Auction.
The performance of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' by Duns Inter Church Praise Group was a dynamic production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical performed in Christ Church, Duns on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 as part of the Christ Church Festival of Talents.

As soon as the lights dimmed the audience's attention was happily engaged by the excellent band of musicians as they performed an entertaining overture made up of the musical's well known tunes.

Next, into the spotlight stepped the narrator Moira Smith, who with a charming presence and delightful singing voice tunefully linked the action of the story.

On the Saturday evening unfortunately the sound system had a few initial problems and the audience was left to deduce some of the prologue, but by Sunday it was cured and the show ran very smoothly indeed. The audience displayed a whole-hearted appreciation, giving a rapturous reception to all the performers.

The skilled and often amusing performances of the experienced actors and the enthusiasm of the chorus were well co-ordinated and all combined to produce a highly professional show.

Amidst a whole host of wonderful songs, one fun tune 'There's One More Angel in Heaven' stood out as particularly catchy and, later, the whole church was in an uproar of hilarity when Joseph was pursued into every available corner by a voluptuous Mrs Potiphar played expertly by Rosie Daley.

Pharaoh, played by Mike O'Reilly, raised the roof with his incredible Elvis impersonation as he sang a very jazzy rock'n'roll number which had the whole audience dancing in their seats.

In contrast Joseph's solo 'Close Every Door' beautifully sung by Dougal Affleck, had everyone spellbound and very moved.

This was a wonderful combination of youth and experience. It was so good to see the talent which this weekend was celebrating in such great abundance from the oldest to the youngest member of the cast.

'Joseph' is a wonderful musical and Duns Inter Church Praise Group did it full justice. It was great fun for actors and audience alike.'