\Strathaven

Probus Club

Thanks to the generosity of South Lanarkshire Council in allowing the club a travel grant, a coachload of Strathaven and District Probus Club members and their relatives and friends enjoyed a day’s outing to Callander and the Trossachs. The coach left Station Road for Callander where there was a brief stop for morning coffee and a look at the shops. The tour continued over the winding road of the Trossachs with spectacular views and beautiful autumnal colours as the party made its way to Aberfoyle for lunch/afternoon tea. The return journey took the party past the Lake of Menteith to Stirling and the motorway home. President Chris Hyslop thanked the organisers, Alan and Graham Findlay and trea-

surer John Strachan for a most enjoyable outing. The club’s next meeting is on Wednesday, November 2, in the Rankin Church Hall at 2.30pm when Stuart Craig will address the club on the topic of “Island Hopping”.

Balloon Festival The annual general meeting of the Strathaven Balloon Festival will take place today (Wednesday, October 26) in The Office, adjacent to The Strathaven Town Mill Arts and Heritage Centre in Stonehouse Road, at 7.30pm. All welcome. Strathaven Balloon Festival has become a major community event, attracting over 20,000 visitors in fine weather, and is highlyacclaimed by members of the public and international hot air balloonists alike. It is planned, organised and managed by a team of local folk, who are keen to encourage others to join them – and to encourage businesses to sponsor this annual event.