\Strathblane
Wednesday from 9.45-10.15am in the church hall. All welcome. The instructor will provide further details. Contact Christina Feaks: Community Physical Activity Inclusion Officer on 01786 273555. Church The service on Sunday will take place at 11.15am. Cappuccino Chatter On Wednesdays from 10.30-11.30am in the Church House. Over 60s Christmas Dinner A great village tradition reaches its 60th anniversary this year and it is hoped to put on an extra special afternoon of food and entertainment to celebrate. The dinner is a much-appreciated event made possible by local businesses, generous donations from village organisations and a small army volunteers on the day. Once again, each Kippen organisation is requested send a representative to attend a short meeting. In addition, any individuals interested in joining the committee to plan the happy occasion will be warmly welcomed. Please attend on Wednesday, September 19 at 8pm at Woodstone House. Further information from Mary on 01786 870202 or Tracy 01786 870385. Doors Open Day This weekend (September 15-16), Kippen Heritage will take part with the opening of the Old Smiddy at The Cross and the nearby Old Kirkyard when Irene Chapman will give small group tours (weather permitting). Kippen Parish Church on Fore Road will also be open on each day from 2-5pm. Whist drive Owing to repairs in the Reading Room the monthly winter wee whists will not start until October 10. Reading Rooms Over the last three weeks, the Reading Rooms has been undergoing the first phase of a major improvement and refurbishment programme. This has been made possible by welcome grant aid from the Windmill Funds controlled by the Kippen Community Trust. As the initial stage of the programme is close to completion, the management committee is keen to ensure that the planned improvement to the kitchen and development of the meeting rooms upstairs provide new, additional facilities that will be of use to as many village organisations as possible. The committee will be holding an open meeting tonight (Friday) between 5.30pm and 8pm at which the current plans will be presented, with drawings developed by the architect. It would be most useful to get both input and ideas from all those in the village who have an interest in the use of the Reading Rooms – bequeathed in trust to the village by the Mitchell family in 1934. The meeting will be in the main hall, and there will be wine and cheese. SWI news All are welcome at the opening meeting in the Reading Room on Wednesday, September 19 at 7.15pm. The Joy of Gin will be explained by local business Gin Thing and the competition will be a recipe for a gin cocktail. At the annual national rural meeting in Perth, Kippen was represented by Dianne Louttit. Community council The upcoming community council election will be used to try and enlist more members to represent the village, At present Kippen has five community councillors, but nine are required. The elections are next month when it’s hoped many new names appear on the voting list. Information can be found on the Stirling Council website, from current chairman Helen Wilson and on the community noticeboard outside of the Post Office.
\Ruskie
SWI news Laughter and chat filled Ruskie Hall and president Anne Artis gave a warm welcome to members and friends. There was an excellent turnout to hear Claire Bird of Stirling Council give a super presentation entitled ‘Foraging is Fun’. Claire told of the delights that are in our countryside and seashore. She gave the ladies lots of different ideas and her passion was obvious as she took members on her foraging journey which started on walks with her family as a child. Claire brought with her a wide range of examples of her own foraging, which she offered to members to taste, these were enthusiastically received. Competitions: Wooden object - 1 Eleanor Muir; 2 Sheenagh Beaton; 3 Christine Bauer. Food/drink containing brambles -1 Eleanor Muir; 2 Sheena Gibson; 3 Allison McLeod. A delicious supper was provided by Catriona Burnett, Janice Milne and Heather Millar
\Port of Menteith
Parish Church Sunday worship will be at 10am and led by Rev Graham Bell. All welcome. Advance notice of the Harvest Thanksgiving service on September 30. There will be a collection of tinned goods for Start Up Stirling. A list of food needed will be in the vestibule. The collection will continue throughout October. Mini Makers Tuesdays in the kirkrooms, 9.30-10.30am. Art/creative fun for 18 months-five years. Heritage society Next meeting is in the village club on Wednesday, September 19 at 7.30pm. Donald Peddie will be speaking about the Blane Valley railway. All are welcome. Drop-in A drop–in session for people affected by hearing loss will be held in the library. The event, Action on Hearing Loss, includes an information event and a free hearing screening. The scheme will be in the area on Tuesday, September 18 at Strathblane from 4.30-7pm
\Strathyre
Councillor’s surgery Councillor Evelyn Tweed will be in the village hall on Wednesday, September 19 at 7pm.
\Thornhill
Playgroup Over-twos on Tuesdays 9.45-11.45am, Fridays 9.30am - noon, term time in the community hall. Tea ‘n’ chat The last Wednesday of the month coffee morning 10am– 12.30pm in the community hall. Anyone interested in having a stall can call Belinda 01786 850692 or boghallfarm@btinternet.com. Young at Heart Low-impact dance fitness classes for over-50s in the community hall on Mondays from 12.15-1pm, More details from Janice on 07565 182259. Thornhill Players The new season has started and the ever-growing membership still needs painters for scenery, sound and light support, wardrobe helpers as well as more actors. For more information phone Charlotte (01786 850288) or email thornhillplayersdrama@gmail.com. Norrieston Church Sunday worship will be led by Rev Ellen Larson Davidson at the usual time of 10am. Following the service tea and coffee will be in the church hall where there will be an opportunity to purchase goods from the Traidcraft stall. All are welcome. Macmillan coffee morning The Macmillan Cancer Care coffee morning will be held in the church hall on Friday, September 28 from 10amnoon. All are welcome to come along and support this worthy cause. Big Onion Competition The fantastic sum of £2182.50 was raised at last weekend’s competition where the winning onion, entered by Pat Milligan, weighed 4lb 2oz. There were 46 entries in total. The majority of the money goes to the fund for the Senior Citizens’ outing with some other donations to local causes. Thanks go to Fiona and her staff and all who helped to make this a successful day. Councillor’s surgery Councillor Evelyn Tweed will be in the primary school on Tuesday, September 25 at 7pm.