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INNER WHEEL OF STIRLING
The club managed to deliver their contribution of Christmas gifts to the Salvation Army, Drip Road, Stirling, just before the latest lockdown. Approximately 150 gifts were donated and these will be shared amongst local children and hopefully they will help to bring a smile to their faces on Christmas morning. The use of Comfort Stones was first thought of as a way of family or friends conveying a loving message to Covid patients at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, but it has grown so popular that they are now being used in all wards, as well as the local community hospitals in Stirling, Falkirk and Bo’ness. The stones are painted by volunteers and varnished, then sanitised further at the hospital before a message is written on the back by hospital staff. A wonderful idea, which is turning into a long-term project, as well as a worthwhile pastime in these strange times. Our monthly meetings are currently being held successfully on Zoom. We very much look forward to welcoming current and new members to our monthly meetings and delicious food at Henderson’s Bistro when normality returns.
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 currently suspended.
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 are cancelled until further notice.
ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION (STIRLING BRANCH)
Due to the current and continuing Covid restrictions, the branch will not be holding any monthly meetings but will let everyone know when these will resume. If you would like any further information about the branch please contact us by emailing the secretary on secretary. aashstirlingbranch@btinternet.com or by contacting the chairman by phone 07940 828434 or email: james21healy@ outlook.com.
PARKINSON’S
All Stirling and Clackmannanshire branch meetings have been cancelled until further notice. More details from Jim 01259 762734, Muriel 01360 850357 or National Helpline 0808 800 0303.
STIRLING CITY CHOIR THE ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING AND FORTH VALLEY
Anyone who would like to join the Stirling and Forth Valley group please contact the membership secretary by e-mail : artssocsfvmembership@gmail. com or www.theartssocietystirling.org. uk./
FORTH VALLEY FRIENDS OF SCOTTISH OPERA
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.
STIRLING CIVIC TRUST
Civic trusts started up in the years following the end of World War Two to give advice and help to people who wished to voice their objection to the destruction of old historic buildings and the insensitive build of new buildings in their place. Over the intervening years and the many changes in environment protection, the tendency now is for local residents to respond to controversial planning issues by forming protest groups and briefing experts to advise them, and this has resulted in a lesser requirement for civic trust services to perform that function. This year the Stirling Civic Trust has seen an irreversible declining membership and loss of committee members and consequently loss of expertise, and after exploring other possibilities, sadly the committee has decided to wind up the charity function. The closing cash balance will be donated in full to the Scottish Civic Trust.
ROTARY CLUB OF STIRLING
President Alan welcomed members to our Zoom meeting of November 20. We were fortunate to a have speaker, Barry Fisher previously a director of The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, now CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, a charity based in Stirling with responsibility for all aspects of Scotland’s environment. Barry opened with a a short video highlighting its three main aims - combat climate change, reduce litter and waste, and aim for net zero emissions. To start we should look around our own environment, the places we care for. One of the few benefits of Covid19 lock down has been to illustrate how much more pleasant it has been when many human activities are absent. David Attenborough’s recent presentations have been very successful in bringing the serious problems which lie not so far ahead to the attention of the public. This is our problem, we must change our habits. At a local level litter, often casual and thoughtless, is something of which we are all aware, but in a targeted action Glasgow has cut out the use of disposable cups leading to half a million less items flung away on the streets. It is a startling fact that 80 per cent of all items dropped on land end up in the sea. On the basis that changing attitudes must start in children, Keep Scotland Beautiful runs eco projects now involving almost all primary schools in Scotland, and indeed youngsters are very receptive to the idea that it is individuals who must change. Barry drew a parallel with drink driving which has become socially unacceptable to most people, hopefully littering will become looked at in the same light. Enforcement alone is often not effective, changes in infrastructure help, provision of camp sites with facilities will cut some of the problems of wild camping and organised parking areas for motor homes will allow more people to enjoy our beautiful countryside without destroying it. Rotary with its local knowledge is well qualified to take part in useful activities, a single litter pick can be very effective in bring a possible solution to the notice of the public. The club hope to take part along with KSB in a great British Spring clean next year. Barry’s talk caught the interest of members and raised possibilities for action next year.
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The choir has resumed rehearsals, using Zoom, on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. Current choir members who wish to participate should check their email for details. Any potential new members should contact the choir through the website www.stirlingcitychoir.org.uk The choir will be concentrating on Vivaldi’s Gloria at the start of the session. It is hoped that physical rehearsals will resume in St Columba’s Church Hall when government guidelines permit.