Burns tributes

The group next meets at 6.45pm on Wednesday, February 7, at Blend Coffee Lounge, 274 High Street, Perth, for “coffee, cake and conversation” on various aspects of current affairs and politics. All are welcome to come along and take part. Find out more about Common Weal at www.allofusfirst. org, Follow the local group on either Facebook or on Twitter by searching for ‘@commonwealpk’.

Chronic Pain Group

The monthly group meeting for people living with chronic pain next meets on Tuesday, February 6, from 2-4pm in Perth’s Riverside Church, on Bute Drive in North Muirton.

Gaelic Society of Perth

After a wonderful ceilidh in January with the fantastic singing of James Graham, Ceitlin Smith and the new local Gaelic group Glé – together with the super young Perth piper Jack Liddle – the society will hold its February ceilidh at St Matthew’s Church Hall, Perth, on Friday, February 9, at 7.30pm. Mod gold medal winners Steven McIver and Margaret Callan will be joined by Mairi and Michael Callan on the clarsach and accordion. Admission is £5 for members and £6 for non-members, which includes refreshments. For more information, call 01577 864589, visit www. gaelicsocietyofperth.com or search for ‘Gaelic Society of Perth’ on Facebook.

Inner Link Comrie

The speaker at the recent meeting was Rev Paddy Allen, the local Episcopal clergywoman. She entertained members on the ‘Jubilation and Tribulations of Aging’. There was much laughter, audience participation and everyone enjoyed the morning. The vote of thanks was given by Muriel Gregory.

Inner Link Perth

Inner Link Perth will meet in the city’s Queens Hotel on Wednesday, February 7, from 10am. The speaker will be Dr Helen Kirk. Members are asked to note the change of venue.

Kinross and District Probus Club

Presentation on Tayside Mountain Rescue was given by Eric Drummond on January 24. Eric is a retired police officer who over many years worked with and helped build Tayside Mountain Rescue (TMR) into the first-class emergency response unit it is today. Formed in 1976 TMR is one of 31 mountain rescue units in Scotland which are mainly made up of civilian volunteers, serving police officers and supported by the RAF, Coastguard and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. It is a charity and is therefore very dependent on funders to give them the financial resources to purchase new equipment and maintain their high standards. TMR is made up of 30 civilians and 15 police officers with a base in Blairgowrie. The huge area of Tayside, 2896sq miles, brings specific challenges for the team. An area which has 52 munros, scattered in numerous climbing areas, it is a logistical nightmare when your manpower resources are spread across the region. On average TMR will receive 50-55 callouts per annum. Incidents which are caused by many factors. The weather, poor navigational skills, reliance on mobile phones where there is poor signal, slips and falls, running out of time and getting caught on the hill after dark. The one thing Eric stressed was that the team never made judgement about the climber/ walkers ability to be on the hills. They all loved the outdoors and the ability for all to enjoy it. Over the years TMR has become much more professional and their skills and equipment have improved immensely. They now have the support on SARDA rescue dogs which greatly speeds up the search process allowing the team to cover wider areas much quicker. The team members themselves have to meet very high standards and training is a key part of TMR. The ability to use highlysophisticated equipment, the ability to administer first aid to a high standard, all skills the team has to master. Eric highlighted the commitment given by the volunteers and the work that is done to build close links with all the rescue services so that when called upon they can respond in the quickest most efficient manner and continue to save in the hills and mountains of Tayside. Funding is crucial in maintaining this vital service. To help, see www. taysidemrt.org.uk. a vote of thanks was given by Ruary MacLeod. The date of the next meeting is February 7.

Moncreiffe Community Centre

A TV drama will be shown on Tuesday, February 6. Released in 1998, ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ stars John Thaw and Nick Robinson and is set dueing the Second World War. A shy and quiet boy evacuee is housed by a disgruntled elderly man – played by Thaw – and they soon develop a close bond. All welcome. Tea and biscuits included. Free of charge. For more information , call 01738 561846 or 07757 483959.

Perth Burns Club

An outstanding dinner was enjoyed on January 27, with a big international contingent in the audience and excellent performances from all speakers and artists. The club marked 40 years at the Salutation Hotel with a welcome drink and an anniversary cake, and club members Jimmy and Mary McNeill – who had attended all 40 dinners – were presented with wine and chocolates. Principal speaker Professor Kirsteen McCue delivered an original and beautiful Immortal Memory spoken and sung, with accompaniment from her husband David Hamilton, while local couple Bob and Ali Abercrombie had those gathered chuckling as they Toasted and Replied to the Lassies. Young performers Eilidh Donnachie addressed the haggis, while Shona Rae and Karen Low duetted on fiddle. All three demonstrated impressive skills. Singers Alison Duthie, Paul Vaughan and Craig Dennis, accompanied by Howard Duthie, were mellow and stirring in equal measure. Reciters Iain Harkins and the unique Jim Aitken commanded stage and floor respectively, while piper Robert Hamilton even provided incidental music for Jim’s memorable Tam o’ Shanter. A grand night, well-chaired by president Jim Calderwood, drew a fulsome vote of thanks from vicepresident Stewart MacDougall, whose family had baked and decorated the anniversary cake. The club’s annual schools’ festival is on Sunday, February 4, in AK Bell’s Soutar Theatre from 1pm. Admission is free.

Perth and District Ramblers

The walk on Saturday, February 3, is a nine-mile grade C+ walk to Murthly. Meet at 9am at Asda car park, Perth, or 9.30am at Murthly Village Hall. Registered assistance dogs only. Further information is available from Kenny Valentine on 01738 446496. The group also holds walks every Wednesday. For details contact Jim Pirie on 01738 451314 or 07923 457219.

Perth and Kinross Prostate Cancer Support Group

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 6. The meeting will be held in the Salutation Hotel, South Street, Perth at 1.30pm.

The speaker will be Lynne Gray from the Ninewells Hospital and the topic will ‘Understanding Pelvic Radiation Disease’. The support group is designed to offer support and advice to men and their families affected by prostate cancer. All welcome.

Perth Methodists

In conjunction with the Congregational Church and YMCA, Perth Methodists are planning an activity day for P4s to P7s on Friday, February 16, from 8.45am until