Voice of the People

BRIDGE OF ALLAN AND DUNBLANE ROTARY CLUB

There was a warm welcome from the club for Helen Tew, a trustee and former director of the Butterfly Trust, who continues to work with the trust as a counsellor. The trust, which started in 2002 with help from the government and Big Lottery, provides face-to-face social support across Scotland for people with cystic fibrosis.

Helen explained that cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting condition caused by a faulty gene. While there have been positive developments in treatment, the average life expectancy is currently 40, though many do not reach that age. It is a complex condition that affects many different organs but, in the early years, causes most problems in the lungs and the digestive system, resulting in repeated chest infections and difficulty in gaining weight. Over time, the infections leave tissue damage in the lungs that can affect lung function. Physiotherapy and medication can, however, help to minimise the number of infections. Some older people with cystic fibrosis can develop arthritis, liver disease and diabetes and may need additional treatment. Daily treatment is demanding on patients and for their family or carers. It typically involves physiotherapy, usually twice a day, linked with medication, often needing to be nebulised, delivered up to five times a day. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics can be needed twice a day and during the night. The trust provides families with a listening ear and skilled support after diagnosis, offering them muchneeded help in a variety of social work contexts. This can range over practical issues such as advice on education and employment; securing transport for visits to hospital; offering emotional support for families and carers; providing help in securing access to safe housing; and seeking fair rates of disability benefits. In addition, the trust also has a befriending initiative where patients are matched with someone who can talk about aspects of daily life. For those over 18, some of whom may be living alone, there is a mentoring service that can help to open up horizons and explore the scope for increasing life choices. In addition, Helen added, volunteers from the trust offer a massage therapy service that can encourage relaxation and relieve muscle tension. President David Chisholm thanked Helen for her talk that had opened members’ eyes to the nature of this condition. The trust was obviously doing a very great deal to support patients. More information on the club’s programme and activities can be found at www.dunblanerotary.org.uk or www.facebook.com/dunblanerotary.

STIRLING AND DISTRICT FLORAL ART CLUB

The committee thank members and friends who attend their monthly meetings for great support in 2019-20. We enjoyed a varied and interesting programme and superb Christmas open evening in November. The Spring session had to be stopped at very short notice in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic and government instructions to lockdown. After careful discussion we have had to take the hard decision to cancel our Autumn meetings and the November Christmas open evening, which is normally our largest demonstration, fundraiser and social evening attracting over 150 people. We are taking into consideration the government advice about large gathering and the availability of the hall as well as the high cost of running the event and the scarcity of flowers. Both at UK level and Scottish level there have been numerous cancelled shows, exams and meetings. It is an uncertain period for floral art clubs but we want to assure you our club is not closed, just ‘paused.’ Our wonderful programme secretary, Mrs Monique Hainsworth, has been working hard to plan a varied and diverse range of demonstrators to enjoy in the year 2021-22 when we have some very talented demonstrators booked. If the government allow us to meet in the Spring we hope the club will resume our cancelled session on Tuesday, March 18 2021 at 2pm with the brief formal AGM at 2pm followed by a demonstration. This will be confirmed to members and visitors nearer the date.

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. The service is co-ordinated by registered charity Volunteering Matters. There is no charge and donations are gratefully accepted. Volunteers welcome. For details during the current climate call 01259 928088.

COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STIRLING

The office in Cameronian Street regrets having to close its doors for an indeterminate period due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Staff do not know how long they will be unable to see clients on a face to face basis. However, there will be someone in regularly to check the telephones, mail and emails. Please get in contact should you need assistance and COD will do its best to help you.

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 have been cancelled until further notice. See www. neurocentral.co.uk for more details.

ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

Contact dementia advisor Donna Paterson at dpaterson@alzscot.org, 01786 8311 or 07733 302772.

GOING FORWARD STROKE GROUP

Meetings are suspended until further notice.

TOWN BREAK

The charity group supports people with early to moderate stage dementia to live well. For more information in the current climate, contact 01786 641841 or email admin@townbreakstirling.org.

STIRLING FIELD AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Following the easing of lockdown, the society has resumed its summer programme of visits to outdoor locations. The next outing is on Saturday, August 22 to Finlarig Castle and Lawers deserted village, leaving The Smith at 9.30am non-members are welcome to come along. The castle was build c1629 by the 7th Campbell Laird of Glenorchy (15501631), known to his followers as ‘Black Duncan of the Cowl.’ Its substantial ruins stand at the west end of Loch Tay on a wooded mound that may be the site of an earlier castle. After lunch we will visit the deserted village of Lawers, which was ravaged by Royalist troops in 1645 but survived to be the home of the ‘Lady of Lawers’, famed for her prophecies, who went there as a bride in 1650. The village was deserted in the 18th century and today the site is marked only by 17th-18th century ruins including the laird’s house, the church and two miles. Some health precautions have been introduced for our outings: car sharing is suspended; all must provide their own transport; directions from the Smith to the destination will be given on departure but a printed map and a site description will not be handed out. Social distancing rules between different parties should be observed as usual. Please wear appropriate clothing, bring a packed lunch and be prepared for some walking at Lawers.

FRIENDS OF THE SMITH

All talks and events planned for the coming months are similarly cancelled or postponed until further notice.

ARGLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

The Stirling branch is still accepting membership applications so If you would like to join the branch or would like more details contact the secretary on secretary. aashstirlingbranch@btinternet.com or by contacting the chairman by phone 07940 828 434, or email: james21healy@ outlook.com

PARKINSON’S

All meetings of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire branch have been cancelled until further notice. More details from Jim 01259 762734, Muriel 01360 850357 or National Helpline 0808 800 0303.

FORTH VALLEY FRIENDS OF SCOTTISH OPERA

Unfortunately we are still not able to plan any new events. Our usual venue, the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, has announced that they will not be taking group bookings before January 2021. Scottish Opera cannot put on live performances at the moment but there is a lot to watch and listen to on their website. Their contribution to the Edinburgh International Festival’s current My Light Shines On season is Gian Carlo Menotti’s 1947 opera The Telephone. It’s a very witty production, updated for the mobile phone era and set in the front of house areas of the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh (with a bit of product placement for a Clackmannanshire ale). It lasts less than half an hour and can be found at https://www.scottishopera.org. uk/shows/the-telephone/. If you’d like to get updates by email from the Forth Valley Friends, whether you’re a member or not, please contact Elise Macrae at macraefernbank@btinternet.com.