\Strathblane
Advice Citizens Advice Bureau outreach team is available every fourth Thursday at MacGregors Market, Main Street, from 10.30am-2.30pm, no appointment necessary. The next outreach will be on Thursday, January 12.
\Kinlochard
Yoga and mindfulness Class is held in the village hall on Tuesdays from 7.15-8.45pm. Contact Gillian on 01877 387201 or 07738 225996 for details of 2017 classes.
\Kippen
Cappuccino Chatter Meet in the church house on Wednesdays, 10.3011.30am. Next meeting is on January 11. Used stamps Heather Dunlop, 10 Oakwood, collects used stamps to aid a charity for the blind. Leave a narrow margin of paper round the stamps and hand them to Heather or leave them for her in McNicoll’s. Otago Active adults strength and balance class, Wednesdays 9.4510.15am in the church hall, £2. Contact Active Stirling on 01786 448308. Next class is on Wednesday, January 11. Badminton Weekly sessions resume in the village hall on Tuesday, January 10 at 7.30pm. Enrolment Kippen Primary School enrolment is on January 17 from 1.30-3pm, January 19 from 9-10.30am and January 20 from 1.30-2.30pm. If you are unable to attend contact the school to arrange an alternative date. Ceilidh The raffle at the New Year ceilidh in the village hall will aid the Kippen Sports Development Group for the maintenance work on the sports field. Raffle tickets are available in local shops but the dance is sold out. Church Rev Ellen Larson Davidson lit the candle of love in the Advent Crown at the start of the Nativity service on Sunday. Many of the congregation dressed as shepherds, wise men, donkeys, villagers, etc. Time was taken to dedicate the gift of a rail up the garden steps and new speakers in the church house in memory of elder William Dougall. Many attended the carols by candlelight service in the evening. Led by the minister, organist David Loosley and an augmented choir, the traditional carols were interspersed with readings and poems, followed by festive fare in the church house. Particular thanks go to John Fulton and David Loosley and to all whose hard work provided the candlelight and refreshments. The Watchnight service is at 11.15pm and on Christmas Day there is a service for all ages at 11am. Doctors’ surgery The surgery on Castlehill will be closed on Monday and Tuesday and on January 2 and 3. The Christmas hamper raffle in the surgery was won by Winnie Dunlop and raised £230 for Strathcarron Hospice. Whist drive The winners of the monthly Wee Whist in the Reading Room last week were: Ladies 1 Agnes Yuill, 2 Carol Wells; consolation Fiona Finnigan. Gents 1 Dianne Louttit, 2 Betty McAllister; consolation Fiona Clark. Pantomime ‘Knight Fever’ proved an excellent choice for Kippen Drama Club’s annual pantomime last week in the village hall. It was well cast, beautifully dressed and the borrowed stage turntable was ideal. Decoration The Christmas tree, a large chunky one this year, has been erected by the street fayre committee on Main Street, courtesy of the Cross Keys Hotel. Main Street buildings add to the festive look, particularly Glenora and Buchanan House. There are also plenty of colourful flashing trees and roofs throughout the village. Concert Festive fare was available before and after the community Christmas concert in the church last Wednesday. Piped in by Douglas Graham, they received a warm welcome from community council chairman Helen Wilson and MC Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. David Loosley was organist and playgroup, nursery and toddler children led off with ‘[Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. Delightful solos, duets, groups and choir singing, lovely instrumental music, audience carols and Rev Davidson’s Christmas message were all much appreciated, not forgetting the surprise performed by teachers and staff. Courtesy remarks were given by headteacher Carole Logan before piping by Murray O’May preceded everyone singing ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’.
\Port of Menteith
Hogmanay ceilidh Tickets are left for the Hogmanay ceilidh. Contact the committee for details. Enrolment Primary school enrolment is on Tuesday, January 10, from 10am-noon. If you are unable to attend on that day contact the school to arrange an alternative date. Parish church On Christmas Eve there will be a traditional family carol service, led by members of the congregation and the community, starting at 7pm. At 11.30pm there is a Watchnight service in Aberfoyle Parish Church. At 10.30am on Christmas Day there is a joint service with Aberfoyle in Port of Menteith Kirk. Mini Makers Tuesday in the kirkrooms, 9.30-10.30am. Art and creative fun for 18 months to five years.
\Thornhill
Playgroup For over-twos, Tuesdays 9.45-11.45am, Fridays 9.30am-noon, term time in the community hall. Norrieston Church Morning worship will be led on Christmas Day by Rev Ellen Larson Davidson at 10am. There will be an early evening service on Christmas Eve at 6pm. Dried goods can be collected until Christmas, when they will then be taken to the foodbank. To have boxes collected contact John Woodley.