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ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING & FORTH VALLEY

Further information: artssocsfvmembership@gmail.com or visit www.theartssocietystirling.org.uk.

FORTH VALLEY DISABILITY SPORT

Members invited to attend AGM on Sunday, March 24, in Stirling Court Hotel, University Of Stirling Campus FK9 4LA, 12.30pm for 1pm start. Forward any motions, amendments or nominations by Sunday, March 17 - and confirm attendance or send apologies - to coordinator@fvds.org.uk.

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF STIRLING

Next meeting Friday April 5.

SMITH ART GALLERY EVENT

Life of Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, co-founder of Scottish Labour Party and founding president of SNP, to be celebrated in two-day event hosted by The Smith. Entitled Don Roberto and Scotland: International Perspectives, weekend (May 11 and 12) will feature talks, dinner, and visits to Gartmore, former Graham family seat, and optional visit to island of Inchmahome in Lake of Menteith where Graham and his wife Gabriela are buried. Speakers include leading novelist James Robertson, playwright Chris Dolan and Professor Alan Riach, Professor of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University.

STIRLING LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Next meeting Thursday, March 28, at 7.30pm in Smith Museum with speaker Dr Valentina Bold. Dr Bold is an internationally recognised expert on Scottish culture and community heritage. Her subject is ‘Stirling street poetry.’ Doors open 7pm. Members free, visitors £3. For information email: enquire@stirling-lhs. org or visit website at Stirling-lhs.org.

STIRLING FOLK CLUB

Anthony John Clarke is the guest on Monday, March 25. Described by Fairport Convention as a National Treasure, this singer-songwriter has been an integral part of the UK music scene for 30 years. Originally from Belfast, AJ emerged there with his songs ‘The Broken Years’ and ‘The Only Life Gloria Knows’, but now presents as one of the most humorous and entertaining acts around. Expect a degree of sentiment, but also songs covering topics from the Man From Uncle to car boot sales, presidents, karaoke nights, nuns, grandchildren and how to avoid them (he has at least five), camping, bigots and hitchhiking. See him at Stirling Rugby Club at 7.30pm on Monday. Tickets at door £13, students £5 and under

14s free.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

Stirling RSCDS class meets in Guide

Hut, Glebe Ave, Stirling on Tuesdays 2-3.30pm. Get fit, have fun, make friends. All welcome. Cost £5. More information contact Jane on 01786 822853.

STIRLING BRIDGE CLUB

Club holds regular duplicate bridge sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at club premises in Colquhoun Street. Full details on club website www.bridgewebs.com/ stirling and new members, with all levels of experience, always welcome.

BALAKLAVA PIPES AND DRUMS

Balaklava Pipes and Drums, Meadowforth Road, Stirling FK7 7SD. Practice/tuition every Monday 7-9pm. Entry free. Open to volunteer pipers, all levels welcome – we play at local functions, not competition band, Further info: email balaklavasecretary@icloud. com or tel 07707604793.

FORTH VALLEY SENSORY CENTRE

Wee County Hub, at Tullibody Civic Centre, run by Falkirk-based FVSC and open to anyone in Clackmannanshire who has sensory loss and their families. FVSC available to people across central Scotland. Weekly drop-in sessions and taster youth programme. Hub provides replacement hearing aid batteries for NHS users and information on local audiology services. Free community ‘Voices Off’ conversational British Sign Language classes (register in advance on 01324 590888). Email: linseystocks@ forthvalleysensorycentre.org.

ARGYLLS MUSEUM LECTURES

Lectures (45 minutes) at 11am in Colours Room in Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Kings Old Building, Stirling Castle. Hot drink on offer before and after event. See www. argylls.co.uk for tickets and full details. Does not include access to castle. Nonconcession holders charged full castle admission fee.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND

RBLS Stirling Branch meet regularly in Stirling. All ex and serving MOD personnel welcome. Information contact James on 01786 609770.

CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY

Last week saw get together at Golden Lion Hotel for social meeting, speaker’s night and meal. After a feed and some chat, the club had the pleasure of Rotarian Doug Mulholland giving after-dinner talk. He talked to us about, and let us see, his wide and varied automotive history. The club is hard at work preparing for annual Kids Out Day in June, arranging the many things which need to be done in advance. Anyone who’d like to socialise whilst helping people, locally and abroad, visit on a Wednesday night or get in touch on social media by searching for ‘@ carserotary’.

FALKIRK SOLO CLUB

Friendship club for both single males and females over age of 55. Meets on Friday nights in North Broomage Social Club, Graham Avenue, Larbert FK5 4PF. Dance with live music starts 8pm. Doors open 7.30pm. Phone Liz on 07392932424 for information or just come along and enjoy.

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DOGS AND CATS DONATIONS

Riverside Veterinary Clinic is gathering donations for Bandeath stray dog shelter in Throsk and Cats Protection in Fishcross. Permanent collection box at clinic at 36 Forth Crescent, Riverside, Stirling FK8 1LG, which is open 4-6pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30am-noon every Saturday. Items that are needed include dog food, beds, blankets, towels, treats, toys, collars,leads and bowls for Bandeath and cat food, beds, blankets, toys, cat litter, litter trays and treats for Cats Protection.

COUNTRY DANCING

Strathendrick Scottish Country Dancing Club meets Tuesday evenings in Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street, Balfron 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome, some experience preferred. Details from Alan 01360 550256.

FAMILY HISTORY DROP-IN

Drop-ins at St Ninians Library, Mayfield Centre, open to anyone looking for advice on family history research with volunteers from Central Scotland Family History Society available to help. Run in conjunction with Stirling Council Libraries and Archives. Booking essential - phone library on 01786 472069 to book.

RSVP WALKING GROUP

Walk leaders with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme organise and lead three walks every week, starting at various places across Stirling and Clackmannanshire on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Anne Marie on 07935 911156 for more information.

HANDYPERSON SERVICE

Handyperson volunteers carry out small/minor maintenance jobs in older people’s homes in Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Callander and Clackmannanshire. Service co-ordinated by registered charity Volunteering Matters. No charge and donations gratefully accepted. Volunteers welcome. Call 01259 928088.

COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STIRLING

Office in Cameronian Street open for all disability related work or enquiries. Operates successfully by phone for all types of benefit form completion and follow up work to tribunal if required. Info at www.councilondisability.org. Phone 01786 462178 or 07521 186159 or email advisor@councilondisability.org.

ROCKTALK

Stirling’s talking newspaper for blind, free to visually impaired in community. Contact Mike Milne at enquiries@ rocktalk.org.uk or 01786 816673.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Central Stirling CAB – Drop us an email with any questions via www.stirlingcab. org.uk or telephone 01786 470239.

NEURO CENTRAL

Neuro Central aims to ensure people in Scotland who live with neurological conditions, plus carers and families, have access to high quality services, therapies, information and support in friendly, relaxed environment. Meet first and third Mondays of month (except January, July and August) at Stirling County Cricket Club, 11am-1pm. All welcome. For information call 07526 281747 or visit neurocentral.org.uk or Facebook page.

ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

Contact dementia advisor Donna Paterson at dpaterson@alzscot.org, 01786 831171 or 07733 302772.

TOWN BREAK

Charity group supports people with early to moderate stage dementia to live well. Contact 01786 641841 or email admin@townbreakstirling.org.

PARKINSON’S SOCIETY

Stirling and Clackmannanshire Parkinson’s branch holds regular meetings for anyone living with Parkinson’s and their partner/carers. See future editions for details of next support group meeting.

FORTH VALLEY TOP TOES

Part of Braveheart Association, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Personal footcare service to adults unable to cut own toenails. Cost £20 per session covers overheads and client nail care kit. NHS trained and approved volunteers. Clinic at Bellfield Centre, Stirling Community Hospital, Livilands Gate, Stirling every Thursday. To book call 01324 633505 or email: braveheartstaff@outlook.com.

STIRLING TAIZE GROUP

Ecumenical group with emphasis on reflective and prayerful worship in Taize tradition. Services include songs, bible readings and prayer with time of silence and last around 45 minutes. Next meeting 7.30pm today (Friday) in St Mary’s Church, Upper Bridge Street, Stirling.

STIRLING POETRY SHARING GROUP

Group meets regularly on first Thursday of each month 11.30am-12.30pm in Smith Art Gallery. All welcome to share and enjoy poetry read aloud. If not wishing to read yourself, group will provide willing reader. Smith Cafe open for refreshments. Further details phone 07464 602077. Forthcoming dates: April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5.

BOOK NOOK

Book Nook in Upper Craigs, Stirling runs two book groups - one on last Sunday and one on last Monday of month, as well as True Crime book club first Thursday of month led by forensic investigator Jim Fraser. Children’s story time every Sunday at 10am (primarily for 3 to 8 year olds). Visit thebooknookstirling.co.uk.

CENTRAL SCOTLAND SONG CLUB

Free events held on last Sunday of every month. New home at Slanja A Va (formerly Kilted Kangaroo) with live sessions creating a welcoming community of performing artists from 12.30-5pm. Each month club welcomes a featured artist who plays original music interspersed with cover versions alongside 12 to 14 local artists from across Forth Valley (and sometimes beyond). Music fans can find out more at www.facebook.com/groups/ stirlingsongclub. The club is also held at Icons Sports Bar and Grill in Falkirk second Sunday of month.

BIRTH PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Parents who have lost children through adoption, fostering and kinship are offered support at the group. Monthly meetings in Mayfield Centre, St Ninians, usually first Thursday of each month, 10am-noon.

FORTH VALLEY U3A

Retired or semi-retired people. Meet new people and become involved in new hobby, interest or activity with Forth Valley u3a (University of third age), run by members for members. Around 80 different interest groups in Forth Valley area, meeting in local venues. Includes book & poetry groups, craft workshops, badminton, coffee and lunch clubs, current affairs discussion, language groups, Tai chi, Karate, Scrabble, Culture Vultures, Art appreciation, and walking groups. Membership socialises once a month for afternoon event. Information at www.forthvalleyu3a.org.uk

GOING FORWARD

The Bridge of Allan stroke group meets on Thursdays in Chalmers Hall, Bridge of Allan Parish Church at 1.45pm for 2pm. If stroke survivor or know anyone who is, join this friendly group for afternoon of social interaction, stimulation, entertainment and tea/ coffee and biscuits. Contact Sandra on 07434 972818.

STIRLING CITY CHOIR

Choir is joining forces with Cupar Choral Society along with professional soloists and orchestra, under the guidance of Michael Segaud, to perform Verdi’s Requiem on Saturday April 20 at Corn Exchange, Cupar and Sunday April 21 at Albert Halls, Stirling. Both concerts start 7.30pm. Tickets available for Cupar performance by emailing tickets@cuparchoral.org.uk and www. stirlingcitychoir.org.uk for Stirling performance (also from members or at door). Rehearsals resume in September on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm at Park Church. Warm welcome to any new members (no audition required). Further information at www.stirlingcitychoir.org. uk or follow on X (twitter) @stirling_choir or Facebook - Stirlingcitychoir.

STIRLING MALE VOICE CHOIR

No audition or test to join. Choir meets Tuesdays, September to May, Logie Kirk

Hall, Causewayhead 7.30-9.30pm. Contact John Barbour on 01786 474166.

TORBREX COMMUNITY CHOIR

Rehearsals between 9.45-11.45am every Tuesday in Park Church, Stirling and performs two concerts a year for charity.

STIRLING, FALKIRK & DISTRICT RAMBLERS

Shiresmill, Valleyfield and Balgownie Woods, Sunday, March 24, start 10am, estimated finish 2.15pm, distance 7miles/11.3km, Grade C+/moderate. Starting in car park adjacent to riding centre, this circular walk takes us through part of former Valleyfield estate and formal gardens designed by Humphrey Repton. We visit ruins of cottage where David Douglas the Scottish botanist and collector lived then make our way across reclaimed mining land to view sculpture commemorating miners lost in Blairhall Pit. After crossing road we enter Balgownie Woods to follow tracks through to Balgownie Mains. Short road section which leads to cycle path, previously Alloa to Dunfermline railway line. We leave this at Comrie Dean Viaduct and retrace steps back to Shiresmill. Walk takes us on good forestry paths and tracks maintained by West Fife Woodland Group. Toilets available at Riding Centre. Start car park adjacent to Shiresmill Therapy Riding Centre, Grid Ref NT000877, postcode KY12 8ER. For information and to confirm attendance contact walk leader Betty on 07936380395. Details at https://sfdramblers.wordpress. com/walks-programme/ and https:// www.fvft-ramblers.org.uk/stirling.html.

OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

In evenings rock climbers are arranging indoor climbing at The Peak. Sessions usually 7pm Tuesday and Thursday. Further indoor climbing at Ratho and Perth climbing wall. Club hosts talk by author Ian Mcneish on Wednesday April 3 in Stirling County Cricket Club at 8pm. This Thursday’s pub meet is at Crossed Peels, Stirling from 8/9pm, non-members welcome. Details of forthcoming meets at Badrallach bothy in March/april and Glen Brittle campsite in May on club Facebook page.

STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB

Today (Friday) Dundee Tapestry at The V&A. We travel by Citylink coach to City of Discovery to view rich history of this ever changing city on a tapestry made by many community volunteers. Lunch in Dundee after visit. Taking M8 Citylink coach from Stirling Bus Station at 0918, arriving in Dundee at 10.55am. Return coach 1420. Remember bus pass. See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ukscotland-tayside-central-68018397. Contact Denis to book: denis45taylor@ gmail.com. Leader Denis Taylor. Sunday, March 24, Gartmore Village circular, Grade C, six miles, meet 10.30am public car park and war memorial, Gartmore Village Main Street, next to Black Bull Hotel and Village Hall FK8 3RW. Circular walk around countryside surrounding Gartmore Village and House on mostly good tracks, with occasional rough sections and woodland paths with few short inclines. Contact Denis to book denis45taylor@gmail.com. Leader Pat Butterworth. Details at https:// stirlingramblingclub.wordpress.com.