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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.
FRIENDS OF THE SMITH
All talks and events planned for the coming months are similarly cancelled or postponed until further notice.
ARGYLL 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 there are still no new events planned. 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 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/thetelephone/. 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.
BRIDGE OF ALLAN AND DUNBLANE ROTARY CLUB
Gary Holcroft, Head of Physical Sciences at the Forensic Services of the Scottish Police Authority, was the welcome speaker at the Club’s Thursday evening Zoom meeting. Gary has worked in the forensic science sector for 34 years, initially in England. His personal specialism is in the physical sciences, involving the examination of evidential material such as footwear marks, paint, fibres and so on. Following the privatisation of the Forensic Science Service in England in 2010/11, Gary moved to take up his current post. He talked about the work of the 500 highlytrained and skilled scientists and staff employed by the Scottish Forensic Services who, operating from four main laboratory sites in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and at the Scottish Crime Campus in Gartcosh, are responsible for delivering world-leading forensic services to the Police Authority. The service provides an integrated crime scene to court model that ensures robust support to the delivery of justice. In this model, the investigators move from the gathering of evidence on the crime scene, through a complex forensic analysis of this to, ultimately, providing evidence in court. The very latest technology is employed, including the most up-to-date analysis of DNA using automated robotic platforms, and specialised techniques in the identification of firearms. Steps to digitise fingerprint examinations are currently underway. As Gary explained, the early assessment of hard evidence determined from such techniques can often elicit an admission of guilt thereby avoiding complex and costly court proceedings. Moreover, as well as identifying criminals, the outcome of the forensic processes is also important in enabling the elimination of suspects. While working closely together at all stages of the investigative process is at the heart of the process, what Gary described as a ‘sterile corridor’ is in place between Forensic Services and Police Scotland. This separation ensures the integrity, impartiality and independence of the Forensic Service. These key values, together with ensuring a high quality of service, are crucial to the delivery of an effective forensic service. Gary was pleased to report that the majority of the work of Forensic Services has been accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for more than 20 years, providing third party quality assurance of the technical and managerial standards in place. This, he said, is a standard they are proud to have achieved. Thanking Gary, President David Chisholm said that members had clearly been interested in his detailed and comprehensive description of the work of the Forensic Service, and been reassured by evidence of its high standards. More information on the club’s programme and activities can be found on the website: www.dunblanerotary. org.uk or on Facebook: www.facebook. com/dunblanerotary.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND
The RBLS Stirling Branch will hold a meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 2 in the Kilted Kangaroo, Upper Craigs, Stirling. Spaces are limited to eight members (four committee). Members wishing to attend should contact the secretary John Bell. For any more info please contact James on 01786 609770.