HANDYPERSON SERVICE

Handyperson volunteers carry out small/minor maintenance jobs in older people’s homes in the Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Callander and Clackmannanshire areas. Jobs include changing light bulbs and fitting batteries in smoke alarms; putting up shelves, curtains, pictures and mirrors; assembling small flat packs; unblocking sinks and rewiring plugs. The service is co-ordinated by registered charity Volunteering Matters. There is no charge, donations gratefully accepted. Volunteers welcome. For details call 01259 928088.

ROCKTALK

Stirling’s talking newspaper for the blind is free to visually impaired members of the community. Contact Mike Milne at enquiries@rocktalk.org.uk or 01786 816673.

NEURO CENTRAL

Meetings on first Monday of the month at Stirling County Cricket Club, Royal Stuart Way from 11am-1pm. Book a place by emailing secretary@neurocentral. co.uk or phone 07929 033558.

RSVP FORTH VALLEY WALKS

Start 10.15am Wednesdays, 10.30am on Thursdays and Saturdays. Led by trained volunteer leaders. For a free list of RSVP walks, call 07757 765067.

STIRLING MEN’S SHED

Meetings every Monday-Friday from 11am at 44 King Street, Stirling in basement of former Wilkie’s store. Open to all men in Stirling and the district.

ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

The Community Connections programme features drop-in cafes, walking group, peer support, football reminiscence, musical memories. Volunteering opportunities available. The weekly dementia cafe is now in Henderson’s Bistro at the Albert Halls every Wednesday, 10am-noon. Contact dementia advisor Donna Paterson at dpaterson@alzscot.org, 01786 8311 or 07733 302772.

SUNLITE COMMUNITY CAFE

Let’s Make it Better runs the cafe at the Cowane Centre, Stirling. Open Mondays 10am-2pm. Three-course meals, just a cuppa or home deliveries. Call 01786 475459.

GOING FORWARD STROKE GROUP

Going Forward invites stroke survivors to meet with others and join in sociable and beneficial activities in friendly and supportive surroundings on Thursday afternoon in Chalmers Hall, Bridge of Allan. More on 01786 831640 or 01786 834150 or www. stirlingstrokesupportgroup.com. New members always welcome, as are carers. Affiliated to Chest, Heart and Stroke

Scotland.

TOWN BREAK

The charity group supports people with early to moderate stage dementia to live well. There are lunch clubs, CST, a befriending service and friendship groups. People can refer themselves or referrals can come from health professionals and social services. Volunteers are needed to help run the services; full training is given, expenses plus the opportunity to volunteer in a supportive and fun environment. Information from 01786 476797.

COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STIRLING

CoD Stirling offers practical and emotional support to anyone living in the Stirling Council area who has (or who cares for someone with) a disability or chronic health condition. Volunteers will help to access support, be it welfare benefits, appropriate housing or grants for a specific need. CoD is located in The Norman MacEwan Centre, Cameronian Street in Stirling FK8 2DX and can be contacted on 01786 462178. E-mail is codstirling@talktalkbusiness.net.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society classes are on Tuesdays in the Guide Hut, Glebe Avenue, Stirling from 2-3.30pm. All welcome. For more information telephone 07848 394600.

OCHIL SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB

Classes resume in St Ninians Old Parish Church Hall on Monday, January 13. Classes are on each Monday and the first class is free for newcomers. Beginners class runs from 7-8pm, where you can learn the steps and formations. General class runs from 8-9pm. Cost £4 per night and £3 joining fee. For more details contact Maralyn Unsworth on 01786 447356 or email maralyn.unsworth@ btinternet.com.

STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB

Today (Friday) the walk is Carse of Lecropt, Bridge of Allan. Grade C: five miles. Meet: Blairforkie Drive, Bridge of Allan to leave at 10am. At the end of the walk, there will be a drive up to Bridge of Allan Golf Club where members will enjoy pre-ordered lunch in the clubhouse. Names for lunch to Denis Taylor on 07720 885676 or email denis45taylor@gmail. com. On Sunday, December 29 there are two options: Castlelaw, Dumyat and two reservoir delight - Grade B. Distance:eight miles; meet at start of walk at 10am at Pendreich car park (off Sheriffmuir Road). Map Ref: NS814978. Description: Walk by Castlelaw to Dumyat, on good tracks and down to Lossburn Reservoir, returning by Cocksburn Reservoir. Ascent 235m. Leader: Martin Scott Smith on 01259 214906 or martinscottsmith@ googlemail.com. Other walk is Gartmorn Dam, Sauchie wander. Grade C: about four miles, meet 10.30am at Gartmorn Dam car park. Description: A stroll to see out the old year with winter views across the water to Ochil peaks, bird life and a good blether. Further relaxation at the Visitor Centre Cafe on completion. Leader: Mirren Robertson at mirren@ mirren.me or tel 07778 167924.

STIRLING, FALKIRK AND DISTRICT RAMBLERS

The next walk is the Broxden circular on Sunday, December 29 when walkers head for the trig point on Mailer Hill, then on to masts on Craigie Hill and return to the start via Buckie Braes. Grade C-plus: seven miles/four hours/ ascent 800ft. Meet at Linden Avenue Car Park, Stirling at 9.30am or the start of the walk at Broxden Park and Ride, Perth PH2 0PX at 10.15am. Non-members welcome. Contact the walk leader Babs Butler 01324 720165 or 07711 575561 or barbarafbutler@btinternet.com or for more information visit the group’s website sfdramblers.wordpress.com.

NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND

The Stirling Members’ Centre NTS is presenting an illustrated talk “Recent Discoveries in Stirling’s Archaeology” by Dr Murray Cook, Archaeologist, Stirling Council, in St Ninians Old Parish Church Halls, Stirling on Thursday, January 16 at 2.30pm. Dr Cook explores recent archaeological highlights and discoveries from the area. His wideranging review includes new research into a previously unknown prehistoric fort in the King’s Park, a broch-like structure near Gargunnock, a likely medieval murder victim in a Bronze Age grave and the hiding in plain sight of a medieval Catholic stoup. In addition Dr Cook offers new insights into why the English lost the battle of Stirling Bridge. He also hopes to be able to include new material from investigations in the last six months of 2019. Usual refreshments and nibbles afterwards. Non-members welcome. For more information see www.spanglefish. com/ntsstirling or contact Sandy and Margaret Moreland on 01259 761700.

STIRLING AND UNION BRIDGE CLUB

Results from December 13: NS 1 Peter and Ella Galletly 2 C Gannon and J Douglas 3 W McCallum and A Hutton EW 1 Janet and Tim Hedley 2 Sheila and John McVey 3 M Anderson and A Millar. December 16: (afternoon) NS 1 S Wilson and M Ainsworth 2 P Cockshoot and R Hatleskog 3 M Findlay and E Jamieson EW 1 C Dickson and M Kraemer 2 K Park and J Cable 3 Janet and Tim Hedley; (evening) NS 1 A Ritchie and G Harrower 2 S Hopkins and S Thomson 3 D Fairlie and B Wales EW 1 E Outred and E Wood 2 George and Gillian Roberts 3 P Booth and T Barr. December 17: (improvers) NS 1 J Lindley and A Falconer 2 J Anderson and D Donnelly 3 N Atkinson and S Findlay EW 1 M Harrison and G Keith 2 B Clarke and V Smith 2 J Paterson and P Trevis-Smith. December 18: (afternoon) 1 Janet and Tim Hedley 2 M Findlay and E Jamieson 3 David and Sarah Johnson; (evening) NS 1 A Ritchie and J Brown 2 R Miller and E Outred 3 D Fairlie and P Wilson EW 1 P Booth and D Forsyth 2 I Condon and B Wales 3 T Jackson and L Moore. December 19: NS 1 M Bain and B Wales 2 A Ritchie and G Harrower 3 Janet and Tim Hedley EW 1 E Galletly and E Crozier 2 S Mackenzie and A Roberts 3 J Arthur and M Jackson.