ABERFOYLE
WALK IN THE PARK
Led by trained volunteers. Lasts 15-60 minutes. Walk in the Park takes a winter break and will be back on Monday, January 13.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE
Classes resumes after the festive break in the new location of Port of Menteith Village Hall on Wednesday, January 15. The group meets every Wednesday until April 1 from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. For more details telephone Allan at 01877 385236 . Fun and gentle exercise. All welcome to come along and take part.
ST MARY’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Festive services: Sunday, December 22 - No morning service; 4pm Carol Service. Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) - 11.30pm at St Mary’s. Christmas Day services - 8am at St Anthony’s RC Church, Balfron and 11.15am St Mary’s. Sunday, December 29, 11.15am Holy Communion at St Mary’s. All welcome. Rector Richard Grosse 01877 382887.
PARISH CHURCH
Sunday, December 22 is the all-age Christmas Family Service and all are welcome. A great opportunity for all ages to come and join in. Service will be at 11.15am with Dr Allen leading worship. Following the service mulled wine, mince pies and shortbread will be served in Church House. Christmas Services: Christmas Eve - 6pm joint Carol Service at Port of Menteith; 11.30pm Watchnight Service at St Mary’s Episcopal Church at 11.30pm. Christmas Day - 10.30am joint service with Port of Menteith at Aberfoyle. Sunday, December 29 - joint service at Port of Menteith Kirk, 10.30am. Sunday, January 5 - joint service at Aberfoyle.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Strathard Community Council and senior citizens of the community would like to thank the Rob Roy Motel for their excellent hospitality and entertainment. Thanks also to Buchanan Cabs for taxis; Aberfoyle Traders, businesses and villagers for all the raffle donations. A special thank you to Billy for providing transport for people who required to leave early. A great night was had by all. 07540 620365; Rowan 07876 683288 and Rina 01360 440697. All proceeds from this event will be going to Strathcarron Hospice.
PARISH CHURCH
The service on Sunday will be led by Rev Sigrid Marten at the usual time of 11.15am Tea/coffee will be available afterwards. Christmas Eve Watchnight Service is at 11.30pm with Christmas Day service at 10.30am. Balfron Community Singers Christmas Concert is in the church at 7pm tomorrow (Saturday), tickets are available from McFarlane’s. Lunch Club resumes on Thursday, January 9 from noon in the church rooms
SWI NEWS
On December 9, members enjoyed a Christmas themed evening with party food, a musical quiz and storytelling. Everyone went home with a surprise parcel. Competition results:. A decorated parcel - 1 Jan MacDonald; 2 Ellen McClymont ; 3 Helen Taylor. Peppermint creams - 1 Alice Somerville. Handmade Christmas Tree decoration 1 Phyllis Gilroy 2 Alice Somerville
Each member provided a plate of food to share in the buffet and Anne Stewart mixed a lovely mulled wine to go along with the mince pies. Competitions for the ACWW were judged by the members and the results were as follows: Best Wrapped Christmas Present – 1 Jacqui Cumming; 2 Eileen Mayhew; 3 Margaret Sparkes. Favourite Christmas Card – 1 Elspeth Murdoch; 2 Jacqui Cumming; 3 Cecily Bentley. Next meeting will be on January 14 at 7.30pm.
CHURCH
Service on Sunday is at 11.15am led by Rev Scott Brown. All welcome. On Christmas Eve there is a joint Messy Church at Gartmore from 3pm and at 7pm a joint Carol Service also at Gartmore Church. There will be a Watchnight Service at Buchlyvie Church from 11.15pm on Christmas Eve led by Mr Brown. On Christmas Day at 10am at Buchlyvie Church, there will be a short gathering of children, relatives, friends and church members to celebrate the day led by Mr Brown.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
Option 1 for a Puffin crossing received most votes (55 per cent) and will be the one provided in the New Year.
Vigil Mass of the Nativity of the Lord and 11.30pm Carol Service and Midnight Mass; St Margaret’s, Drip Road, Stirling - 11.30pm Carol Service and Midnight Mass. Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord - 9.30am – Dawn Mass in Holy Spirit Church, McGrigor Road, St Ninians; 10.30am – Day Mass in St Margaret’s and 11.30am – Day Mass in St Mary’s. There is no evening Mass. Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day): Feast of St Stephen - 10am – Mass in St Mary’s.