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STIRLING ROTARY

President Robin Sutton welcomed members to our meeting, once again back in the Golden Lion. He began with a tribute to past president Sandy Farquharson who died suddenly this week. Sandy was a man of many activities including Rotary, initially in Dundee from 1978 transferring to Stirling in 1993 where he was president for two years 2018 -2020, and then ADC of Rotary area 7. Initially he worked for Nationwide eventually becoming Scottish manager, and from 2008 - 2018 he was CEO of the Marie Trust, an organisation providing care to the socially deprived in Glasgow. In addition he was involved in numerous voluntary bodies, including vice chair of William Simpson home, Start up Stirling, vice chair of Glasgow council for voluntary sector and board member of chief officers of Scottish voluntary organisations. In 2019 he was awarded the MBE for services to homeless, disabled and socially excluded persons. A well deserved honour. Outwith these activities Sandy was a keen golfer and cyclist covering hundreds of miles on charity rides in India and the middle East. Sandy was a man we all respected and whose company we will all miss. Looking ahead we will meet at the Golden Lion each Friday we additional Zoom meetings for those unable to attend in person.We continue to the shoe box project distributing each box filled with small items to children in disadvantaged communities abroad. On October 8 we will have a visit from DG Heather Stewart, and our president’s night is on Saturday September 25. Next meeting is tonight (Friday), when speaker’s host will beJim Kerr and visitor’s host Alan Cheethan.

BRIDGE OF ALLAN AND DUNBLANE ROTARY

“Stories Behind the Logbook” – the title of a talk to the club on Thursday by Roy McIntyre - gave more than a hint that some interesting stories would emerge. And members were not disappointed. Roy retired from the Royal Air Force after a career spanning 36 years, during which time he flew several multirole combat aircraft including Phantoms and Tornados. As Roy explained the entry in a logbook is a very bald record of a flight. Behind that, there can often be a story that is intensely memorable for the pilot. The first date Roy highlighted, January 1984, was one that will always remain with a pilot: the first solo. At RAF Elvington, Roy was being instructed in a Jet Provost when his instructor climbed out of the aircraft and told Roy to fly a circuit on his own. The realisation that he would be on his own was both exciting and daunting. But all went well: Roy was a solo pilot. His second entry, for 13 March 1987, was when he was a fully operational pilot on Phantoms with 43 Squadron, a squadron appropriately enough formed in Stirling. The mission on that day was to intercept unauthorized incursions by Russian aircraft into NATO airspace. A four-hour flight saw Roy intercept two Russian Bear aircraft, with what emerged as largely friendly contact. On August 19, 2002, Roy was flying a Tornado aircraft in an airshow at Leuchars. He recalled having the privilege of giving Chris Hoy a demonstration flight on this occasion.

His squadron was then later employed in enforcing the no-fly zone during and following the first Gulf War. During the second Gulf War, Roy was flying a Tornado at night on offensive sweeps. He highlighted April 2, 2003 as a particularly active day, when he and his crew flew a six-hour plus night-time mission countering Iraqui air-defence systems. Coming full-circle, in September 2009, Roy, now a flight instructor, remembered how nervous he felt when he was being sent solo. Now it was his turn as an instructor with responsibilty for sending a young pilot on his first solo. Finally, looking back to 1988, when he was based in Cyprus, Roy told of giving a flight to a young lady officer. His motives were entirely pure: he proposed to her and was accepted, though he wasn’t aware that on the ground colleagues were listening in to the proposal! The romantic story spread to the media, being highlighted on the following Valentine’s Day. Speaker’s host Stuart Brown thanked Roy for a fascinating account of these key dates from his logbook. Club meetings are now being held in the Westlands Hotel, Dunblane. But it is also possible to join by Zoom. Non– members are very welcome to attend. Those wishing to do so should contact the Club Secretary, Stuart Brown at secretary@ dunblanerotary.org. uk. On Thursday, September 23, there will be a talk on Blue Sky Autism. Further information on the club’s programme can be found on the club website: www. dunblanerotary.org.uk or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/dunblanerotary.

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CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY

Last week saw Rotary Club of Carse of Stirling gather at the Golden Lion for a meeting. This is where everyone gets together to socialise and discuss the business of the club. Rotarians were thinking ahead and discussing plans for Santa’s Sleigh, Kids Day Out and the Primary School Quiz. Whilst we can’t fully predict the future, it is our hope that events like these can go ahead and planning is being done around this. We were also delighted to be joined for dinner by Californian actress and producer Keely Dervin. It was great hearing about Keely’s fascinating career and her home of Rancho Mirage in Riverside County and we look forward to welcoming her back on future trips. We’d encourage anyone who’d like more information on becoming a Rotarian to either pay us a visit on a Wednesday night, or get in touch through our social media channels, by searching for ‘@ carserotary’.

OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

The club cottage hosted a very enjoyable and sociable club members meet last weekend. Various folk out hillwalking in the Crianlarich hills on both days. The location of the cottage was handy for some to head for a day on the Glencoe hills. One club member had an early start for some hill running on Tarmachan ridge. Some midweek climbing was enjoyed at Kips crags. Details of forthcoming weekend meets to Skye and Glen Etive are on the club website at www.ochils.com, or check out Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook for current activities.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

The RBLS Stirling branch is for all serving and ex serving military personnel. For more information, please contact James on 01786 609770.

ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING AND FORTH VALLEY

Anyone is most welcome to join the Stirling and Forth Valley Arts Society. Please contact our membership secretary by e-mail: artssocsfvmembership@ gmail.com. More details at www. theartssocietystirling.org.uk.

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 phones, mail and emails. Please get in contact should you need assistance and

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

Neuro Central aims to ensure that people in Scotland who live with neurological conditions, as well as their carers and families, have access to high quality services, therapies, information and support in a friendly, relaxed environment so nobody has to feel alone. For the last 18 months, due to Covid restrictions, we have been unable to hold our ‘face to face’ meetings. As guidelines have now been relaxed, we will be resuming our meetings on Monday, September 20, at Stirling County Cricket Club from 11am-1pm. We will have to take precautions to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of our members, volunteers and therapists. Further information is available on our Facebook page, by calling 07526281747 or on our website ‘neurocentral.org.uk.’ As usual, everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there. If you would like to have a cuppa, please bring your own cup.

ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

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

GOING FORWARD STROKE GROUP

It is the intension of Going Forward to restart regular weekly meetings when all government Covid restrictions have been lifted, and conditions are safe for all members, helpers and committee to do so.

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.

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

Weekly rehearsals for the choir have resumed in Park Church (former St Columba’s) each Tuesday. In line with Government guidelines, sessions will be shorter (7.30-8.30pm) and physical distancing will be observed. New members are welcome, new male voice members are very welcome. The choir will be working towards a performance of Handel’s Messiah this year. The choir can be contacted through www.

Monthly meetings are now being held face to face again in line with current Covid regulations at the King Robert Hotel, Glasgow Road, Whins of Milton. Meetings are monthly on the first Wednesday in the month If you would like any further information please contact the secretary on secretary. aashstirlingbranch@btinternet.com, or by contacting the chairman by phone 07940 828 434, or email: james21healy@ outlook.com.

DUNBLANE VERSUS ARTHRITIS

Monthly meetings currently cancelled. The website with helpline and forums are available to anyone requiring information relating to their arthritis and can be found at www.versusarthritis. org; helpine 0800 5200 520 and email helpline@versusarthritis.org. Local contact : dolly.g@talktalk.net.

STIRLING STITCHERS

Do you enjoy textiles? Do you sew? Do you like to make things? This is a call to join Stirling Stitchers who are starting a new group and are welcoming new members. The group offers a friendly environment to learn new skills and tech niques or work on your own project. Plans are to meet on the third Saturday of each month from August to May at Lecropt Kirk Hall, Bridge of Allan with some meetings at Braeport Centre, Dunblane. Meetings will run from 11am till 3pm. Both venues have kitchen facilities. During this time there are plans to meet with like-minded friends, run workshops and enjoy listening to a visiting speaker. There is a library and occasionally sales tables for resources and inspiration. All comers of any ability are invited to join in this new venture. if you are interested please contact stirlingstitchers@hotmail.com.

FALKIRK SINGLES CLUB

Looking for something to do on a Friday night then come to an evening of socialising and dancing to live music. Dancing begins at 8pm. The club is held in The North Broomage Club, Graham Avenue, Larbert FK5 4PS and has members from all areas. All singles over 50 are most welcome. Call Liz on 07585 334521.

LODGE ABERCROMBY NO 531

The lodge is delighted that meetings will recommence on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. STIRLING AND DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY

The first meeting of the new session for the Stirling stamp club is at 7.30pm on Monday September 27 at the Allan Centre, 25 Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan, FK9

4AT. This will be an AGM and a general get together of members after the long break. Visitors and/or new members are very welcome. The society website is www.nzstamps.org.uk/sdps