\Killearn

\Aberfoyle

Walk in the park Led by trained volunteers (around 45 minutes). The walks are on a winter break and will resume on Monday, January 15. Contact Cathy Scott on 01877 330055 or email cathy.scott@lochlomondtrossachs.org. Strength and balance For older adults, Mondays in the Forth Inn 12.15pm-1pm, followed by 10-minute walk. Yoga and mindfulness Classes in the Memorial Hall, Mondays 7.30-9pm. Contact Gillian on 01877 387201 or 07738 225996. Scottish country dancing Classes resume in the Memorial Hall on Wednesday, January 10. The group meet every Wednesday till the end of March from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. Fun and gentle exercise. All welcome. For more details telephone Allan at 01877 385236. Festive visitor Santa is coming to Aberfoyle tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. He will come along Main Street and into his grotto at the Forth Inn. There will be stalls and other things going on from 11am. St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church On Sunday at 3pm there is a carol service. Watchnight service on Christmas Eve (December 24) at 11.30pm at St Mary’s, joined with Aberfoyle Parish and services on Christmas Day (December 25) are at 8am in Balfron and 11.15am at Aberfoyle. All welcome. Contact is Rector Richard Grosse 01877 382887. Lodge Bailie Nicol Jarvie No 1036 Regular meeting on Tuesday, December 19 is FC degree at 7.30pm. Parish Church Service on Sunday at the usual time of 11.15am will be the Christmas Gift Service, with worship being conducted by the Rev Dr Valerie Allen. People are asked to bring gifts suitable for men, women or children. Alternatively a monetary donation can be given, which will enable Start-up Stirling to buy fresh produce for Christmas dinners. All donations will be taken to Start-up Stirling on Monday, December 18. If you are unable to be at church but would like to donate please contact the session clerk on 01877 382677 who will make arrangements to collect. On Christmas Eve (December 24) the usual morning worship takes place at 11.15am but people are asked to note that the Watchnight Service at 11.30pm will be a joint service with St Mary’s Episcopal Church and this year will be held at St Mary’s. Congregational board Members are reminded that immediately following worship on Sunday the board meets for the purpose of approving the budget for 2018. Guild The guild meets on Monday, December 18 at 2pm in Church House. A warm welcome is extended to all.

\Balfron

Cards Charity Christmas cards are available in Balfron Library during opening hours. Parish church Sunday worship is at 11.15am. Tea and coffee will be available in the church rooms after the service. SWI news The Christmas Night went down well on Monday, December 11. Hearty laughter seasoned games, gab, quiz and finger buffet. The Drymen guests not only judged the competitions but also joined in the shenanigans. Liz Hay even prepared a hilarious party piece that set the smiley tone for the night. Thank you to Liz and Irene for both judging and socialising. Doreen Snadden’s superb storytelling skills captivated everyone and brought the evening suitably to a subdued close. Competition winners were as follows: Decorated parcel - 1 Sue Steven; 2 Helen Taylor; 3 Gladys Farquharson. Christmas confection - 1 Gladys Farquharson; 2 Doreen Snadden. Mrs Little Quaich for the best Christmas Cracker - Ellen McClymont.

\Bannockburn

Miners Welfare Social Club Bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8pm. In Wednesday’s paper, we reported that Gary Collins would be performing tomorrow (Saturday). This is not the case. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.

\Blanefield

Walking group Thursdays, 2-2.45pm, alternate weeks between Blanefield and Killearn. Call 07867 672513. Next walk on January 11.

\Buchlyvie

Yoga Classes in the village hall on Wednesdays, 9.30-10.30am. Contact Gillian on 01877 387201 or 07738 225996. Otago Adult strength and balance class, Tuesdays 11.30am-noon in the village hall, cost £2. Info: 01786 448308. Bridge Group will restart early in 2018. Full details will be posted in this column nearer the start of the new session. For any further information telephone 01360 850487. SWI news Members and friends who braved treacherous ice to reach the Coffee Kiln on December 12 enjoyed a delicious meal and hilarious silly games.

\Callander

Walk in the park Led by trained volunteers. Lasts 15-45 minutes. Walks now on a winter break. Next walk is Tuesday, January 9. Contact Cathy Scott on 01877 330055 or email cathy. scott@lochlomond-trossachs.org. Strength and balance For older adults Tuesdays in the fire station, 2-3pm, followed by 10-minute walk. Bridge Club Waverley Hotel, 6.50pm Wednesdays. Xmas pet appeal Riverside Veterinary Clinic is holding its annual appeal on behalf of Bandeath Dog Shelter and the Cats Protection League. Hand in food, blankets and towels, beds, collars, leads, toys and treats to the clinic in Geisher Road. Cash donations to either charity can also be handed in. Messy Christmas A chance for families to have fun, relax, explore faith and enjoy a meal together in Callander Kirk Hall tomorrow (Saturday) from 10.30am-12.30pm. All welcome. St Andrew’s Scottish Episcopal Church On Sunday there is a carol service at 6.30pm. Communion on Wednesday at 10am with services on Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) at 10am. All welcome. Contact Rector Richard Grosse 01877 382887. Kirk Sunday all age morning service at 11.15am in Callander Kirk, conducted by Rev Jim Brown (Nativity Musical with Junior Choir); Time for Silence is at 8pm in Callander Kirk. Carol service St Andrew’s Episcopal Church is holding an Ecumenical Carol Service tonight (Friday) at 6.30pm with Callander Brass and Callander Chorale.

\Croftamie

Walk in the park Led by trained volunteers. Lasts 45 minutes-one hour. Meet outside the Winnock Hotel, Drymen every Thursday at 10.20am. Next walk is on January 11. Contact Fran at 07747 038008 or email fran. crumley@lochlomond-trossachs.org. Festive event The annual Christmas village evening is on Monday, December 18 from 6.45pm for carol singing round the village Christmas tree in the Quadrant then afterwards at The Wayfarers for mulled wine and mince pies. Everyone welcome! If the weather is inclement then all at the Wayfarers.

\Doune, Deanston

Bridge club Wednesdays, 7.15pm in the Red Lion Hotel. For more info contact Irene on 01786 841785 or Derek on 01786 842224. Intermediate classes are on Tuesdays 7-9pm in Kilmadock Information Centre. Call Susan on 01786 842684 or 07778 506406 or email susan.wilson37@ tesco.net. Keep fit Mondays, 7-8pm in the Rural Hall. Aerobics and legs/bums/ tums, suitable for beginners to advanced. Cost £5.

\Drymen

Walk in the park Led by trained volunteers. Lasts 45 minutes-one hour. Meet outside the Winnock Hotel every Thursday at 10.20am. Next walk is on January 11. Contact Fran at 07747 038008 or email fran.crumley@ lochlomond-trossachs.org. Senior citizens On Tuesday, December 5 the group had a superb Christmas lunch in the Winnock Hotel, Drymen followed by excellent singing from the Drymen Primary School choir. The school was represented by children from all classes, 51 in total, who sang their hearts their hearts out and got everybody into the Christmas spirit. Thanks to the children and their teachers and to the Winnock for a wonderful start to the festive season. Compliments of the season to all members and families. Next meeting is on January 16 with “An afternoon in the company of Alan Crawford” – some tales from an interesting life, and perhaps a few surprises. Church Nativity Service begins at 11.30am on Sunday, come early and enjoy coffee and fellowship before the service. As your Christmas cards start coming through the letter box please remember to save your postage stamps. With fewer folk posting mail they are now more valuable than ever for Leprosy Mission. No Sunday evening prayer meeting.

\Gargunnock

Primary School Enrolment for Gargunnock Primary will take place on Wednesday, January 10 from 9.30am until 2.30pm at the school. If you are unable to attend on that day, please contact the school to arrange an alternative date. All children who are five years old on or before August 20, 2018 must start their primary education on that date. Children who are five years old between August 20, 2018 and February 28, 2019 may start their primary education on that date. Parents should complete the online enrolment form at https://my.stirling. gov.uk/services/education-andlearning/enrolment and attend with their child’s birth certificate, child benefit book/award letter, tax credit award letter, a recent council tax bill and two utility bills. Church The service on Sunday at 10.30am will be conducted by Rev. Andy Campbell. SWI news The group held its Christmas dinner in the Gargunnock Inn on December 12 when much fun and merriment took place and a lovely evening was had by all. The next meeting will be held on January 16 when Peter Rowell will be giving a talk on Scottish bothies. 01877 382956 or Maria Miller on 01259 220679. Church Sunday service at 10am with Rev Scott Brown and Carols by Candlelight at 7pm at Kippen Church, all welcome. On Saturday, December 23 Messy Church is from 3-5pm in the village hall followed by carol singing at 5pm in Gartmore Square. All welcome. Walking group Thursdays 2-2.45pm, alternate weeks between Blanefield and Killearn. Call 07867 672513. Next walk on January 11. Otago Active adults strength and balance class, Tuesdays 9.30-10am and 10.10-10.40am in the church hall, £2. Call Active Stirling: 01786 448308. Concert Strathendrick Singers Christmas Concert is in Killearn Kirk tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm. Tickets £10 adults and £3 children (including mince pies and wine or soft drinks) available from choir members or at the door. Bridge Results from Tuesday, December 12 (Championship): NS 1 Donald Kennedy and Eileen Lindsay; EW 1 Margaret Chrystie and Patsy Muir-Simpson. Christmas show What a Star Christmas show with folk songs and carols in aid of the hospital broadcast radio service. This will take place in Killearn Village Hall on Thursday December 21 at 4.30pm. Tickets are £5, £3 concessions and can be bought at the Co-op. Health centre Killearn Health Centre will be closed on December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 2. If you require medical attention contact NHS24 on 111.

\Killin

Walk in the park Led by trained volunteers. Lasts 15-60 minutes. Walks on winter break. Next walk is Wednesday, January 17. Contact Cathy Scott on 01877 330055 or cathy. scott@lochlomond-trossachs.org. Strength and balance Exercise class for older adults Wednesdays in the Killin Hotel 1.30-2.30pm, followed by 10-minute walk. SWI news At the December meeting, Michael Crowe, his wife Lynne and restaurant manager Jinny welcomed 25 ladies to their premises, the Courie Inn and started the festive season off with a mouth watering array of canapes. The food was varied and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The money raised from the evening £567 is being donated to Robin House Children’s Hospice, Balloch. The January meeting is the 94th birthday celebration which is being held on Saturday, January 6. Anyone wishing more information or wishing to attend this event, please contact Ann on 07796 491362.

\Kinlochard

Yoga and mindfulness Class in the village hall Tuesdays 7.15-8.45pm. Contact Gillian on 01877 387201 or 07738 225996.

\Kippen

Toddlers Meet in the village hall on Thursdays, 10.30am to noon. Church Pop-up Nativity - Adults and children are invited to come dressed as nativity characters to the service in the church on Sunday at 11.15 a.m. which will be led by Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. Some costumes, mainly smaller sizes, will be available. All are welcome to attend. Carols by Candlelight All will be made welcome at the Carols by Candlelight Service at 7pm on Sunday in Kippen Church, followed by mince pies and mulled wine in Church House. School service Kippen Primary School’s end of term service will take place in the church on Friday, December 22 at 11am. All welcome. Cappuccino Chatter All are welcome to the Festive Cappuccino Chatter in the Church House on Wednesday, December 20 from 10.30am-noon. Cancer Cards Margaret Diamond (01786 870429) has Christmas cards to aid Cancer Research available and 2018 diaries are in McNicoll’s Stores. School The parent council will again organise the Christmas Community Concert in Kippen Church on Wednesday, December 20 at 6.30pm featuring a cast of local talent. All welcome, adults £6, children free. Badminton Next night in the village hall is Tuesday, January 9 at 7.30pm. Carol Singing Members of the Wee Sing again invite villagers to join them on Monday December 18 at 6.30pm to sing carols around the Christmas tree on Main Street for half an hour or so. Songsheets will be supplied and there will be a collection for Strathcarron Hospice. The Cross Keys Hotel are again hosting this event. Whist Drive The winners in the monthly wee whist in the Reading Room last week were, ladies 1 Ina Young, 2 Muriel Campbell, consolation Jenny Waterson, gents 1 Dianne Louttit, 2 George McLaren, consolation Fiona Clark. Ceilidh The raffle at the New Year Ceilidh in the village hall will this year aid the Reading Room, a community asset. Tickets will be available in local shops. Dance sold out. SWI news Members and friends will enjoy a finger buffet and games at the monthly meeting in the Reading Room on Wednesday, December 20 at 7.15pm. Competition is a Christmas card and everyone should take a small gift to be distributed from Santa’s bag. School It was full house for the Primary 1-3 Nativity play last Thursday and Friday. All the children were beautifully dressed and word perfect in Hey Ewe!, a lovely story enjoyed by all. Today (Friday) is Christmas Jumper Day supporting Save the Children. Next week staff and pupils enjoy parties and Christmas lunch and a pantomime visits the school on Wednesday, December 20. All are welcome at the Christmas Service in the church on Friday, December 22 at 11am after which the school closes until Monday, January 8. Santa’s Grotto Many took the chance to visit Santa’s beautifully decorated grotto recently and the young ones particularly enjoyed their personal chat with Santa, resident at Linton, Cauldhame. There were purchases to be made, tasty refreshments and a raffle which resulted in £772 being split equally between Startup Stirling and Down’s Syndrome. John and Shirley are most grateful for all the support they received. Surgery The doctors’ surgery on Castlehill will close for the festive holidays on Monday and Tuesday December 25-26 and Monday and Tuesday January 1-2.

\Port of Menteith

Parish Church Morning worship on Sunday at 10am with Rev Dr Valerie Allen. There will be an all-age carol service on Christmas Eve (December 24) in the Port Kirk, starting at 6.30pm. All welcome. Hogmanay Ceilidh Annual end of year event on December 31 at the Port Hall with Katie and Friends. Tickets are adults £12, children £8 and the ceilidh is from 8pm till after midnight. Light snack included, raffle, bring your own booze. Tickets through Eventright, the Port Hall website and any of the committee member.