Voice of the People

ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING & FORTH VALLEY

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

For information email: enquire@ stirling-lhs.org or visit website at Stirlinglhs.org.

LODGE ANCIENT STIRLING NO30

Regular Meeting in Masonic Temple, 6 Forth Street, Stirling on Tuesday, April 2, at 7.30pm. Business MM degree with a progressive candidate. Visitors welcome.

STIRLING FOLK CLUB

Guest artist on Monday, April 1, is one of Scotland’s best known folk-singers. Alastair Mcdonald’s career has spanned skiffle, jazz and folk music, television and radio presenting, while recording dozens of albums of mainly Scottish songs over many decades in the music industry. His live performances are guaranteed to have audiences singing along as well as learning a bit about the origins of the songs. He is at Stirling Rugby Club on Causewayhead Road at 7.30pm on Monday. Tickets at door £12, students £5 and under 14s free.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

Stirling RSCDS classes programme has now finished for the current session and will resume later this year.

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) every few weeks 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 details. Does not include castle access. Non-concession holders charged full castle admission fee.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND

RBLS Stirling Branch meeting on April 9 at 7pm in Slanj-a-va public house, Upper Craigs, Stirling. All serving and ex serving MOD personnel welcome. For any more information phone 01786 609770.

CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY

Last week saw get together at Golden Lion Hotel for social meeting and meal. Club is hard at work preparing for annual Kids Out Day in June, arranging the many things which need 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 info or just come along and enjoy.

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. Next support group meeting is on Wednesday, April 3, from 1.30-3.30pm in Cochrane Hall, Alva FK12 5LJ. Anyone living with Parkinson’s and their partner/carers welcome.

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 meditative worship in the Taize tradition including songs, scripture, prayer and time of silence. Next meeting 7.30pm on Friday April 26 in St Ninians Old Parish Church, Kirk Wynd, St Ninians.

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. The choir is presenting its Annual Concert, on Friday April 12 in Chalmers Hall, Bridge of Allan Parish Church, at 7.30pm, with varied light programme, including well known Scottish songs and songs from musical shows. Tickets £8 at door.

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

Ben Shee Circular, Sunday, March 31, start 10.15am, estimated finish 2.30pm. Distance 6.5miles/10.5km. Local Grade B/strenuous. From car park, we go across Glen Sherup reservoir before going around hill above Glen Devon. Then up steep path to Ben Shee. Good views if weather permits. Good forestry paths most of way. Some steep, rough sections. A few shallow burns to cross. Mainly easy walking but last 0.5km to summit is steep. Circular walk. Starting point Woodlands Trust car park - signposted from A823 through Glen Devon. Grid ref NN971051, postcode location is 748 metres to west northwest of FK14 7JY. For more information and to confirm attendance on walk contact walk leader Allan D - allan.drew@yahoo.co.uk. Further details at https://sfdramblers. wordpress.com/walks-programme/ and https://www.fvft-ramblers.org.uk/ stirling.html.

OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

Some decent weather over the weekend resulted in various club activities. Club members were out winter climbing in Glencoe, hillwalking in the Arrochar Alps and the Ochils, rock climbing at Dunkeld, kayaking in Loch Lomond and mountain biking in the Cairngorms. In the evenings rock climbers in club are arranging indoor climbing at local climbing wall, the Peak in Stirling. Sessions usually at 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Further indoor climbing being done in international climbing centre at Ratho near Edinburgh and Perth climbing wall. Club hosts talk by author Ian Mcneish on Wednesday, April 3, at Stirling County Cricket Club at 8pm. On social front, this Thursday’s pub meet is Crossed Peels, Stirling from 8/9pm, non-members welcome to attend. Details of forthcoming meets at Badrallach bothy in March/april and Glen Brittle campsite in May on Ochils Mountaineering Club Facebook page.

STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB

Today (Friday) Tillicoultry-schawparkcoalsnaughton meander. C walk, six miles. Meet to leave Sterling Mill car park (park nearest main road) at 10am. We walk the Devon Way passing Animal Rescue Centre and Auchinbaird Windmill to where grand house once stood at Schawpark Estate. Entering woods, we’ll follow local paths giving us Ochil views on return. Contact Denis to book denis45taylor@ gmail.com. Leader Denis Taylor. Sunday, March 31, Gargunnock Spectacular. Grade C+, six miles. Meet/ time: leaving 10am from Gargunnock Main Street opposite Gargunnock Inn FK8 3BW. Magnificent walk on good tracks via old Quarry to top of Gargunnock Craigs, with breathtaking views over Carse of Stirling as walk along top of the Craigs. Returning by Scout Head and Hillhead Farm. Contact Elaine to book - stevensone02s@yahoo. co.uk. Leader Martin Scott Smith. Details at https://stirlingramblingclub. wordpress.com.