District News
ABERFOYLE WALK IN THE PARK
Departing 10.20am every Monday behind the Visitor Information Centre. No need to book, just turn up for a onehour walk and natter. To find out more contact the Countryside Trust’s Health Walk Coordinators: fiona@ trustinthepark.org / grace@ trustinthepark.org or call 07784 240 270.
PARISH CHURCH
We are invited to join with St Mary’s today for a Good Friday Service at 3pm. Our Easter Sunday Service is at usual time of 11.15am. A warm welcome will be extended to all, with face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety. Sunday April 7 is our next joint service with St Mary’s.
LENTEN WALK
Tomorrow (Saturday) Rev Dr Leslie Stanley will lead walk in grounds of Stirling University, beginning in car park of Pathfoot Building at 10am. (Enter by main entrance, turn left after security kiosk and left again almost immediately). A longer and shorter walk will be available. After the walk coffee/tea and home baking available in the Chaplaincy which will give walkers an opportunity to see where Lesley does her ministry on the campus.
ST MARY’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Service at 11.15am each Sunday. More details, secretary@ stmarychurchaberfoyle.org.uk.
START-UP COMMUNITY HUB
New Buchlyvie community hub open every Thursday in Village Hall from 12.30- 2.30pm where you will find a warm welcome, soup and a sandwich or just a cuppa and a chat. It’s free for everyone and the invitation is extended to all the neighbouring villages including Gartmore, Aberfoyle, Arnprior and Kippen. We look forward to seeing you.
FIX AND CHAT
Tuesdays 2-4pm in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall - if you have small household items which are broken hopefully the collective skill of the group can help repair or give advice to avoid throwing it into landfill.
KNIT AND NATTER
Fridays 2-4pm in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall - get out and about, kids welcome to pop in with parents after school, cuppa and snacks available.
ARNPRIOR START-UP COMMUNITY HUB
New Buchlyvie community hub open every Thursday in Village Hall from 12.30-2.30pm. Warm welcome, soup and sandwich or just a cuppa and chat. Free for everyone and invitation is extended to all neighbouring villages including Gartmore, Aberfoyle, Arnprior and Kippen. Look forward to seeing you.
BALFRON DANCERCISE
Low-impact exercises and dance routines, perfect for active seniors/ beginners in the Mclintock Hall on Mondays at 10am. For more details and to book contact Yasmin on 07979 856837 or email yasmin@throthegrapevine.co.uk.
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Citizens Advice Bureau drop-in in Balfron Library runs fortnightly on Thursdays from 9.30am-12.30pm. Contact CAB or see www.stirlingcab.org.uk.
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.
BALFRON CHURCH
Service on Easter Sunday at 11.15am taken by the Rev Dr Lesley Stanley. Tea/coffee served after service. Easter Services - Good Friday, Fintry Kirk at 7pm; March 31, Easter Sunday, Balfron Church at 11.15am. Any member of the congregation needing urgent pastoral care during the vacancy should contact Rev Alison Britchfield on 07415683871.
COUNCILLOR
Councillor Gerry Mcgarvey (Ward 2 - Gargunnock, Kippen, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Fintry, Balfron, Drymen, Killearn, Croftamie, Milton of Buchanan, Blanefield, Strathblane, Balmaha and more) is available for telephone, inperson face-to-face, or online surgeries. To book an appointment, email mcgarveyg@stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 233122. He also holds surgeries prior to any community councils he is attending. Details on Stirling Council’s website.
STRATHENDRICK FILM SOCIETY
On Friday April 5 showing at 7.30pm - Downton Abbey A New Era (PG). The Crawleys welcome a movie crew filming a silent movie and there’s a mystery about the Dowager Countess and her past! The film is packed full of exuberant moments, excitement and humour. There’s also a great prize raffle and sweet treats on the night so please come early to buy tickets.
BLANEFIELD STRATHENDRICK FILM SOCIETY
On Friday April 5 showing at 7.30pm - Downton Abbey A New Era (PG). The Crawleys welcome a movie crew filming a silent movie and there’s a mystery about the Dowager Countess and her past! The film is packed full of exuberant moments, excitement and humour. There’s also a great prize raffle and sweet treats on the
night so please come early to buy tickets.
BUCHLYVIE CHURCH
Joint Good Friday service at 7pm today, March 29, at Gartmore led by the Worship Group. On Easter Sunday, March 31, outdoor worship on Gartmore Playing Field at 9.30am and a service in Buchlyvie Church at 11.15am, both led by the Worship Group. The last Carse Churches Lenten Walk tomorrow (Saturday) in the grounds of Stirling University starts at 10am from the Pathfoot car park. Rev Dr Lesley Stanley will lead a walk followed by refreshments in the University Chaplaincy. Joint service on Sunday April 7 at 10.30am in Gartmore, led by the Worship Group.
VILLAGE HALL
What’s on in the hall. Weekly: Mondays, toddler group 10am-noon; Tuesdays, Yasmin’s Dancercise class 10-11am; Wednesdays, Pilates 7.30-8.30pm; Thursdays, Neighbourfood collection point 6-6.30pm.
COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gerry Mcgarvey (Ward 2 - Gargunnock, Kippen, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Fintry, Balfron, Drymen, Killearn, Croftamie, Milton of Buchanan, Blanefield, Strathblane, Balmaha and more) is available for telephone, inperson face-to-face, or online surgeries. To book appointment, email mcgarveyg@ stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 233122. He also holds surgeries prior to any community councils he is attending. Details will be on Stirling Council’s website.
START-UP COMMUNITY HUB
New Buchlyvie community hub open every Thursday in Village Hall from 12.30- 2.30pm. Warm welcome, soup and sandwich or just a cuppa and chat. Free for everyone and invitation extended to all neighbouring villages including Gartmore, Aberfoyle, Arnprior and Kippen. Look forward to seeing you.
BUCHLYVIE WI
Next meeting is on April 9.
DANCERCISE
Low-impact exercises and dance routines, perfect for active seniors/ beginners are held in the village hall on Tuesdays at 10am. For more details and to book contact Yasmin on 07979 856837 or email yasmin@throthegrapevine.co.uk.
CALLANDER CALLANDER KIRK
Service at 11.15am in Callander Kirk every Sunday, also livestreamed onto Callander Kirk Facebook page and video uploaded of service onto the You Tube Channel. Email or paper copy of services available, contact Rev Jeff Mccormick BD. email: jmccormick@churchofscotland. org.uk or the Church Office / Hall For bookings, email: callanderkirk@ btconnect.com.
EASTER SERVICES
Callander Kirk, Good Friday, March 29, Ecumenical walk and meditation around Callander at 10am, walk begins in Kirk Hall garden - all ages welcome to come and take part; service today (Good Friday) at 7pm in Callander Kirk. Easter Sunday, March 31, Early Service at 8.30am near Tom na Chessaig, Callander Meadows; Easter Day Service at 11.15am.
TROSSACHS CHURCH
Easter Weekend at Trossachs Church Flower Festival from today (Friday) to Monday April 1, daily 1pm-4pm. Join us for floral decorations, tea and coffee. All welcome. Sunday March 31 at 3pm, Trossachs Easter Service.
ST ANDREW’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Holy Communion with music at 9.30am on Sundays. Midweek worship on Wednesdays at 10.30am. For more details see www.standrewschurchcallander. org,uk.
WALK IN THE PARK
Departing 10.20am every Tuesday from Ancaster Square. No need to book, just turn up for a one-hour walk, natter and cuppa afterwards. To find out more contact the Countryside Trust’s Health Walk Coordinators: fiona@trustinthepark.org / grace@ trustinthepark.org; (Starting point may occasionally change; visit www. trustinthepark.org for full schedule).
CALLANDER RAMBLERS
To be added to the mailing list email: paulgprescott@googlemail.com.
CALLANDER U3A
Callander & West Perthshire U3A (University of the Third Age) offers a monthly talks programme. Have a look at website candwpu3a.org for more on the range of groups we run.
CROFTAMIE WALK IN THE PARK
Meet outside The Winnock Hotel in Drymen on Thursdays at 10.20am. No need to book, just turn up for a one-hour walk and chat. Contact walk coordinators for more details: Bev Clarke - beverley. clarke@lochlomond-trossachs.org, or Fran Crumley - fran.crumley@ lochlomond-trossachs.org.
DRYMEN WALK IN THE PARK
Meet outside The Winnock Hotel in Drymen Square on Thursdays at 10.20am. No need to book, just turn up for a onehour walk and chat. If you are interested in joining a Health Walk, please contact walk coordinators for more details: Bev Clarke - beverley.clarke@lochlomondtrossachs.org, or Fran Crumley - fran. crumley@lochlomond-trossachs.org.
OPEN DOORS
Drymen Village Hall’s Open Doors Project sees hall open Mondays from noon-3pm, Tuesdays 2-5pm and Fridays 10am-5pm for anyone to use. Free refreshments and lots of free activities throughout the month. Citizens Advice hold an outreach service every second Monday and there is a community laptop available for use.
DRYMEN CHURCH
This Sunday is Easter Sunday and everyone welcome to service at 11.30am, led by the minister, Rev Alex Smeed. Groups for young people and children meet during service, which is available later on Youtube and online at www. drymenchurch.org.uk. Tonight’s Good Friday service is at 7pm in Buchanan Church to which all are invited. Weekly Drop In Coffee Morning each Friday from 10.30am-noon in the Winnock Hotel is open to all. For further information generally or if we can be of any
assistance, Session Clerk can be contacted on 01360-660361.
STRATHENDRICK STITCHERS
Strathendrick Stitchers will meet on Tuesday April 16 in Killearn Kirk Hall from 10am-2pm. AGM at 10.30am and ‘Blue squares’ workshop begins at 11am. We are a friendly group of people interested in embroidery and other textile arts. We meet on third Tuesday of the month from September-april and organise workshops and talks to enhance our skills. We have a library of books on embroidery and a sales table of specialist fabrics and threads. You don’t have to be an expert stitcher to join us. The annual exhibition of our work may be viewed in Drymen Library until April 9 during normal library opening hours.
CRAFT ‘N’ CRAIC
Every Friday from 10am until 1pm in Drymen Village Hall. Bring along your latest project. Crafting, tea, coffee, sweet treats and good company. Free.
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Final meeting of 2023-24 session Members Night and AGM on April 25, commencing 7pm with cheese and wine reception. Further details at www. drymen-history.org.uk, or Facebook @ drymenhistorysociety.
ART CLUB
Drymen Art Club holds classes in the village hall on Wednesday afternoons from 1-4pm and anybody with an interest in drawing and painting is welcome to join. The club appointed multi-media artist Iain Mcaulay as tutor during the year and he is on hand to offer guidance and encouragement.
ART EXHIBITION AND SALE
Drymen Art Club Exhibition and Art Sale takes place on Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21 from 9am-5pm in Drymen Village Hall. Come see what members have created this session. Entry is by raffle for a member’s painting, with proceeds going to the RNLI. Tea, coffee and home baking available.
STRATHENDRICK FILM SOCIETY
On Friday April 5 showing at 7.30pm - Downton Abbey A New Era (PG). The Crawleys welcome a movie crew filming a silent movie and there’s a mystery about the Dowager Countess and her past! The film is packed full of exuberant moments, excitement and humour. There’s also a great prize raffle and sweet treats on the night so please come early to buy tickets.
BRIDGE CLUB
Drymen Bridge Club has resumed in the village hall every Thursday at 1pm. New members welcome with or without partners. For more information phone 01360 660256.
COUNCILLOR
Councillor Gerry Mcgarvey (Ward 2 Forth and Endrick - Gargunnock, Kippen, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Fintry, Balfron, Drymen, Killearn, Croftamie, Milton of Buchanan, Blanefield, Strathblane, Balmaha and more) is available for phone, in-person face-to-face, or online surgeries. To book an appointment, email mcgarveyg@stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 233122. He also holds surgeries prior to community councils he is attending, details on Stirling Council website.
FINTRY STRATHENDRICK FILM SOCIETY
On Friday April 5 showing at 7.30pm - Downton Abbey A New Era (PG). The Crawleys welcome a movie crew filming a silent movie and there’s a mystery about the Dowager Countess and her past! The film is packed full of exuberant moments, excitement and humour. There’s also a great prize raffle and sweet treats on the night so please come early to buy tickets.
GARTMORE CHURCH
Easter Services: Good Friday (today) at 7pm in Gartmore Church led by the Worship Group. Easter Sunday, March 31, open air service on Gartmore Football Park at 9.30am led by the Worship Group and followed by rolls and coffee at the Black Bull. Please let Janet Billett know if you wish to order a roll. Easter Sunday, March 31, service in Buchlyvie Church at 11.15am led by the Worship Group. All welcome to these services.
LENTEN WALK
Tomorrow (Saturday) Rev Dr Leslie Stanley will lead walk in grounds of Stirling University beginning in car park of Pathfoot Building at 10am. (Enter by main entrance, turn left after security kiosk and left again immediately). A longer and shorter walk will be available. After walk coffee/tea and home baking available in the Chaplaincy which will give walkers an opportunity to see where Leslie does her ministry on the campus. All welcome.
MOBILE LIBRARY
Mobile library visits every second Friday from 1.30-2.45pm. Next visit April 5. You can now browse the books on the van, up to two households at a time. Outwith visits, books can still be reserved either by phoning 01786 237553 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10am and 2pm, or by email to mobilelibrary@stirling.gov.uk.or on the website.
GARTMORE HERITAGE SOCIETY
All enquiries call Paul Wilson on 07979 552106.
COMMUNITY CAFE
Community Cafe sessions at Black Bull on Wednesdays 3-4pm and Fridays 10.3011.30am. Cost £3 (cash please) covers tea/coffee and cake/cakes of the day. The cafe is great opportunity to chat to old friends or meet new neighbours and also generates welcome additional funds for Village Hub and Pub.
START-UP COMMUNITY HUB
New Buchlyvie community hub open every Thursday in Village Hall from 12.30-2.30pm. Warm welcome, soup and
sandwich or just a cuppa and chat. Free for everyone and invitation extended to all neighbouring villages including Gartmore, Aberfoyle, Arnprior and Kippen. Look forward to seeing you.
COMMUNITY CINEMA
Next showing: April 19 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (12A). Screenings in Gartmore Village Hall. Licensed cash bar, snacks and soft drinks. Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start. Admission - adults £5, children (under 16) £3. Cash only please. Season ticket £25 for all eight films. Tickets purchased at door. Visit: digitalreset.wixsite.com/gartmorevillage/cinema and follow Gartmore Community Cinema on Facebook.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Next meeting of Gartmore Community Council is on Wednesday, April 3, at 7.30pm in the village hall.
STRATHCARRON PLANT SALE
Takes place on Saturday May 18 from 10am-12.30pm in Gartmore Village Hall.
INVERSNAID PARISH CHURCH
We are invited to join with St Mary’s today for a Good Friday Service at 3pm. Our Easter Sunday Service is at usual time of 11.15am. A warm welcome will be extended to all, with face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety. Sunday April 7 is our next joint service with St Mary’s.
LENTEN WALK
Tomorrow (Saturday) Rev Dr Leslie Stanley will lead walk in grounds of Stirling University, beginning in car park of Pathfoot Building at 10am. (Enter by main entrance, turn left after security kiosk and left again almost immediately). A longer and shorter walk will be available. After the walk coffee/tea and home baking available in the Chaplaincy which will give walkers an opportunity to see where Lesley does her ministry on the campus.
KILLEARN DANCERCISE
Low-impact exercises and dance routines, perfect for active seniors/ beginners are held in the village hall on Fridays at 10am. Adult jazz dance class energetic work-out for adults of all ages - in the village hall on Thursdays at 7pm. More details and to book contact Yasmin on 07979 856837 or email yasmin@ throthegrapevine.co.uk.
KILLEARN KIRK
Morning worship on Sunday, March 31 (Easter Day) at Killearn Kirk will commence at earlier time of 10am. Tea and coffee available after service. All welcome. Service of linkage with Strathblane Parish Church on April 25, venue and time to be confirmed. Prayer Gathering meets on Wednesdays at 10am in Session House. Prayer requests may be placed in prayer box at church entrance, or given direct to the Minister or Session Clerk. Book Group meets fortnightly on Mondays at 10am in hall foyer.
COUNTRY DANCE
Strathendrick Scottish Country Dance Club has resumed on Tuesdays at 7.30pm in Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street, Balfron. New members welcome, some experience preferred. Details from Alan 01360 550256.
BABY WELLNESS
Back Onside’s Baby Wellness Class at Killearn Village Hall. Join us on Fridays from 11.30am-1pm for tea, coffee, biscuits and of course, toys and activities for your little one(s). Fun and relaxed and environment for parents and babies to meet, chat and play. All we ask is for a donation in our bucket on arrival. Email Kirsty@backonside.com to reserve.
STRATHENDRICK FILM SOCIETY
On Friday April 5 showing at 7.30pm - Downton Abbey A New Era (PG). The Crawleys welcome a movie crew filming a silent movie and there’s a mystery about the Dowager Countess and her past! The film is packed full of exuberant moments, excitement and humour. There’s also a great prize raffle and sweet treats on the night so please come early to buy tickets.
STRATHENDRICK STITCHERS
Strathendrick Stitchers will meet on Tuesday April 16 in Killearn Kirk Hall from 10am-2pm. AGM at 10.30am and ‘Blue squares’ workshop begins at 11am. We are a friendly group of people interested in embroidery and other textile arts. We meet on third Tuesday of the month from September-april and organise workshops and talks to enhance our skills. We have a library of books on embroidery and a sales table of specialist fabrics and threads. You don’t have to be an expert stitcher to join us. The annual exhibition of our work may be viewed in Drymen Library until April 9 during normal library opening hours.
COUNCILLOR
Councillor Gerry Mcgarvey (Ward 2 - Gargunnock, Kippen, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Fintry, Balfron, Drymen, Killearn, Croftamie, Milton of Buchanan, Blanefield, Strathblane, Balmaha and more) is available for telephone, inperson face-to-face, or online surgeries. To book an appointment, email mcgarveyg@stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 233122. He also holds surgeries prior to any community councils he is attending. Details on Stirling council website.
KILLIN WALK IN THE PARK
Departing 10.20am every Wednesday from Mclaren Hall car park. No need to book, just turn up for a one-hour walk, natter and cuppa afterwards. To find out more contact the Countryside Trust’s Health Walk Coordinators: fiona@trustinthepark.org / grace@ trustinthepark.org; (Starting point may occasionally change; visit www. trustinthepark.org for full schedule).
KINLOCHARD PARISH CHURCH
We are invited to join with St Mary’s today for a Good Friday Service at 3pm. Our Easter Sunday Service is at usual time of 11.15am. A warm welcome will be extended to all, with face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety. Sunday April 7 is our next joint service with St Mary’s.
LENTEN WALK
Tomorrow (Saturday) Rev Dr Leslie Stanley will lead walk in grounds of Stirling University, beginning in car park of Pathfoot Building at 10am. (Enter by main entrance, turn left after security kiosk and left again almost immediately). A longer and shorter walk will be available. After the walk coffee/tea and home baking available in the Chaplaincy which will give walkers an opportunity to see where Lesley does her ministry on the campus.
LOCAL HISTORY
Annual membership £15 or £4 per meeting. Further details from Joyce Kelly (01877 387292) or James Kennedy (01877 387201).
KIPPEN CHOIR PRACTICE
All welcome at All Age Choir Practice this Sunday, March 24, beginning at 9.45am in the church.
HOLY WEEK
Holy Week – Carse Churches. Tonight at 7pm Good Friday Service in Norrieston Church, Thornhill. All welcome. Rev Larson Davidson will lead service in Kippen Church this Easter Sunday, March 31, at 11.15am. Remember to put clocks forward. Updates of interest can always be found on Facebook ‘Kippen and Norrieston Parish Churches of Scotland.’ Access also via ‘Google’.
ONLINE WORSHIP
Please contact Ellen to get Zoom link for service from Norrieston Church at 10am. Rev Ellen Larson Davidson’s contact details: tel 01786
871249; email: elarsondavidson@ churchofscotland.org. uk.
CARSE CHURCHES’ LENTEN WALK
Tomorrow (Saturday) Rev Dr Leslie Stanley will lead walk in grounds of Stirling University, beginning in car park of Pathfoot Building at 10am. (Enter by main entrance, turn left after security kiosk and left again almost immediately). A longer and shorter walk will be available. After walk coffee/tea and home baking available in the Chaplaincy which will give walkers an opportunity to see where Lesley does her ministry on the campus. All welcome.
START-UP STIRLING
Start-up Stirling food bank box in Kippen Church for nonperishable items (open on Sunday till 12.30pm). More and more people are needing help. If able, a little something would be greatly appreciated to help others in the area.
STRENGTH AND BALANCE CLASS
Weekly Strength and Balance Class organised by Active Stirling at 10am on Wednesday, April 3, in the Village Hall, Fore Road.
USED STAMPS
Diana Mccall, Firbank, Kippen, Stirling FK8 3HL still collects used stamps to fund the Assistance Dogs’ Charity, Canine Partners, to train puppies to help disabled people. Please leave a margin of paper, of at least 5mm, around each stamp and hand them in or post to Diana or leave them at Mcnicoll’s Stores in Kippen.
START-UP COMMUNITY HUB
New Buchlyvie community hub open every Thursday in Village Hall from 12.30- 2.30pm. Warm welcome, soup and a sandwich or just a cuppa and chat. Free for everyone and an invitation is extended to all neighbouring villages including Gartmore, Aberfoyle, Arnprior and Kippen. Look forward to seeing you.
COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gerry Mcgarvey (Ward 2 - Gargunnock, Kippen, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Fintry, Balfron, Drymen, Killearn, Croftamie, Milton of Buchanan, Blanefield, Strathblane, Balmaha and more) available for telephone, in-person face-to-face, or online surgeries. To book appointment, email mcgarveyg@stirling. gov.uk or call 01786 233122. He also holds surgeries prior to community councils he is attending. Details on council website.
PORT OF MENTEITH CHURCH
Our Easter Day Service will be led by Rev Iain Goring, and start at 10am. There will be collection for Medicins Sans Frontier at this service. Everyone welcome.
STRATHBLANE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
The library outreach programme is fortnightly on Thursdays in Strathblane Library from 2-4pm. More information via www.stirlingcab.org.uk.
COUNCILLORS
Councillor Gerry Mcgarvey (Ward 2 Forth and Endrick Gargunnock, Kippen, Arnprior, Buchlyvie, Fintry, Balfron, Drymen, Killearn, Croftamie, Milton of Buchanan, Blanefield, Strathblane, Balmaha and more) is available for phone, in-person face-to-face, or online surgeries. To book an appointment, email mcgarveyg@stirling. gov.uk or call 01786 233122. He also holds surgeries prior to any community council meetings he is attending. Details on Stirling Council website.
THORNHILL NORRIESTON CHURCH
This Sunday is Easter Day, the day of the greatest rejoicing for the Church all over the world. Service at usual time of 10am and led by the Minister, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson and should be accessible on Zoom. Tea and coffee available in church after service. All as ever welcome, and especially at Easter. The Minister can be contacted about these and any other matters to do with the Church or congregation by email: elarsondavidson@churchofscotland. org.uk or by telephone 01786 871249 / 07412 578997.