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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 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, meetings have resumed on the first and third Monday of the month at Stirling County Cricket Club from 11am-1pm. Next meeting is on October 4. Precautions will be taken to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of our members, volunteers and therapists. Further information is available on the Facebook page, by calling 07526 281747 or on the 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 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
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Parkinson’s Branch meeting is on Tuesday, October 5 from 2-4pm in the Cochrane Hall, Alva. Please note the change of day, time and venue from previous meetings. Anyone living with Parkinson’s and their partners/carers are welcome. Please contact Jim on 01259 781522 to find out more or to let us know if you plan to come along. 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. stirlingcitychoir.org.uk or on Facebook.
ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION (STIRLING BRANCH)
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.
FALKIRK SINGLES CLUB
Looking for something to do on a Friday night then come to an evening of socialising and dancing to live music from 8pm in The North Broomage Club, Graham Avenue, Larbert FK5 4PS . The club has members from all areas. All singles over 50 welcome. Call Liz on 07585 334521.
BRIDGE OF ALLAN AND DUNBLANE ROTARY CLUB
The club gave a warm welcome to Rhona Blue who was the speaker last Thursday. Her subject was the work of Blue Sky Autism, an innovative programme designed to support children aged from six months to 11 years who are experiencing some form of delay in their development that may include autism. The charity, founded by Dr Ruth Glynne-Owen, is based in London and Bridge of Allan, but serves a much wider community of need across the UK. Rhona has been an Assistant Consultant at the Bridge of Allan Centre for eight years. The Blue Sky approach stresses the advantages of providing early intervention where a child is seen to be experiencing some form of difficulty in social, linguistic or other aspects of development. Research has shown that one of the early signs that a child is experiencing these developmental difficulties is a delay in the child’s early communication skills. In seeking to address these issues through its programme of support activities, Blue Sky has shown that even very young children can benefit from targeted, play-based interventions that focus on developing their engagement, mainly with parents. It is through the promotion of such interactions that children can be encouraged to develop non-verbal responses as well as language. Rhona did, however, point out that children experiencing these challenges may respond in different ways to any given approach: there is no single activity that will suit all children and their families. Recognising this, Rhona explained that the Blue Sky programme includes a number of important strands that, following thorough assessment, can be implemented as appropriate. These include therapy sessions on a one-to one basis; specific coaching of parents to support the development of their interaction skills with their children; social skills groups for children of different ages; and support to nurseries and schools that are employing the programme’s activities. But, of these, Rhona insisted, it has been the early, intensive, family-based treatment programmes that have shown particular benefits. Parents, coached and encouraged through such means as the Blue Sky Play2Talk programme, use a variety of games and other interactive play to support early social communication skills, including speech. This play leads to a closer parent-child relationship that is crucial to establishing the development of positive responses from the child. Further information on the work of Blue Sky Autism can be found at blueskyautism. com. Meetings are now being held in the Westlands Hotel, Dunblane. But it is also possible to join by Zoom. Non–members are welcome to attend. Those wishing to do so should contact secretary Stuart Brown at secretary@dunblanerotary. org.uk. 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.
STIRLING ROTARY CLUB
President Robin Sutton welcomed members and guests to President’s Night, the first for two years. Members were fortunate to have as speaker Squadron Leader Robert King, a friend of Robin’s of many years standing. When Squadron Leader King joined the RAF, most entrants were thinking about fast jets, but from the beginning his interest was helicopters. After training this took him to Dubai, Germany during the Cold War, and Scotland as an instructor when Sea Kings had just arrived on the scene. After moving to Central Flying School he was sent to Cyprus as UN Force Commander working with personnel from several nations. He was then asked if he would like to join the Queen’s Flight, a testament to his reputation as a pilot, as he would be flying the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, as well as visiting heads of state. All the members were there by choice rather than just being appointed. It carried a special level of responsibility. At that time they had two Wessex helicopters as well as several fixed wing aircraft, supported by teams of ground staff who would check out the landing site, and three other helicopters with armed personnel who would always accompany them. They had three main objectives Safety, Comfort and Punctuality. They had to arrive exactly on time and land in exactly the right place. Early arrival would mean those on the ground would not be in place causing great confusion. They always advised that the grass should not be cut that day as otherwise those on the ground would be covered in grass clippings. Flights were always planned in great detail and maintenance of the aircraft was of very high standard. Members of the Queen’s Flight were always on call and carried a heavy burden of responsibility,but on the other hand they got to know the Royals well and had many interesting outings. It was clear from Bob’s talk that his time in the Queen’s Flight were the crown of his RAF career, something he looks back on with great pleasure.
CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY
Last week saw the club gather at the
Golden Lion for a business meeting. This is where everyone gets together to socialise, enjoy a meal and discuss the business of the club. Members are still working away in the background looking at how to organise events like Santa’s Sleigh, Kids Day Out and the Primary School Quiz. Whilst no-one can fully predict the future, it is ther hope that events like these can go ahead and planning is being done around this. Anyone who would like more information on becoming a Rotarian can either visit the Golden Lion on a Wednesday night, or get in touch through social media channels, by searching for ‘@carserotary.’
4TH/6TH STIRLING SCOUTS
Cub Scout leader desperately needed for the 4th/6th Stirling Scout Group, Park Church, Stirling. Cubs run on Fridays from 6pm to 7.30pm. Please get in touch with Jane MacPherson on either email, themacphersonfamily6@gmail.com or call 07792 827584. General helpers are also needed so if you feel you can give up an hour or so on a Friday evening please get in touch.
OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
Unfortunately the weather for last weekend’s meet in Skye was very poor so club members elected to walk further east over the weekend. Two club members were in Skye earlier in the week and managed a day on the ridge. One member managed the Braeriach to Devil’s Point munros in a very fast six hours, well done. Others were walking in the north eastern hills of Mount Keen and Brown Cow Hill. As the days shorten thoughts are heading towards indoor climbing, particularly at the Peak, although one intrepid member is still managing midweek climbing at Kips Crags. On the social front, last week’s pub meet was to the Curly Coo Bar was well attended. Details of forthcoming weekend meets to Glen Etive and Laggan 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.