Stirling Observer

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ABERFOYLE WALK IN THE PARK

Meet behind the Scottish Wool Centre on Mondays 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@lochlomond­trossachs.org.

SENIOR CITIZENS FESTIVE SOCIAL EVENT

This year there is an afternoon tea event, rather than the annual dinner. All senior citizens of Strathard are asked to note that the event will be held on Monday, December 6 in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall from 2pm to 4.30pm.

ST MARY’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Service at 11.15am each Sunday. Visitors should book through secretary@ stmarychur­chaberfoyl­e.org.uk whilst restrictio­ns remain.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

The annual Gartmore News Christmas Fayre will be a pared-down version this year, but we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Gartmore Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. Entry will be by a small donation and all sales will be using cash not card.

BALFRON DANCERCISE

Low-impact exercises and dance routines, perfect for active seniors/ beginners are held in the McLintock Hall on Mondays at 10am. For more details and to book please contact Yasmin on 0797985683­7 or email yasmin@ throthegra­pevine.co.uk.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

The library outreach programme is weekly on Thursdays in the library from 10am-1pm. Contact Chris Kinnaird on 07498 925157 or by e-mail: chris. kinnaird@stirlingca­b.casonline.org.uk or via www.stirlingca­b.org.uk.

LODGE STRATHENDR­ICK 780

Installati­on of RWM elect Bro Alan M O’Donnell. Meeting commences at 5.30pm on Saturday, December 11, in the Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street.

BALFRON CHURCH

On Sunday we welcome Rev Dr Lesley Stanley to lead our service. Level 0 - masks have still to be worn unless exempt for medical reasons and the congregati­on will be allowed to sing. Our Christmas Gift Service will be held on December 12 when you are invited to give a Christmas gift for disadvanta­ged boys and girls. Donations of dried and canned foods would be greatly appreciate­d for the Stirling Food Bank run by the charity Start Up Stirling. Should you require the services of a minister please contact Ian McVean on 01360 440016.

BUCHLYVIE 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 please contact Yasmin on 0797985683­7 or email yasmin@ throthegra­pevine.co.uk.

WI NEWS

Next meeting will be the Christmas Party on December 14.

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

Following the success of last year’s Christmas Windows, residents are encouraged to decorate windows which can be seen from the pavement, from December 13 until January 3. To register your window and add it to the map contact Lynsey Thomson on 01360 850078 or W33LGT@googlemail.com

CHURCH

Church morning service on December 5 at 11.15am will welcome all family members, old, young and children. Reverend Scott Brown will lead the service. At 6pm there will be an evening service. The Monday Group will meet on December 6 at 2pm in the Session Room for an afternoon of sharing Christmas favourites – music, stories, reminiscen­ces, family traditions, poems or whatever people bring. There will be refreshmen­ts and carols to join in singing but masks must be worn. On Monday, December 6, the Kirk Session will meet in the Session Room at 7pm. On December 8 at 10.30am the Wednesday Group will meet at 10.30am in the Church Session room.

CALLANDER CALLANDER KIRK

Worship every Sunday at 11.15am led by Rev Jeff McCormick. Everyone is welcome to join (subject to Covid restrictio­ns). Third Sunday in each month - 6.30pm Short Communion Service online. The kirk is also livestream­ing the Sunday service on to the Callander Kirk Facebook page and uploading a video of the service on to the Callander Kirk YouTube channel. If you would prefer to have the service emailed to you or would like to receive a paper copy of the service, then please email JMcCormick@ churchofsc­otland.org.uk or phone Rev Jeff McCormick on 01877 330474.

ST ANDREW’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Holy Communion (with music) at 9.30am on Sundays. Midweek worship on Wednesdays at 10.30am. If you would like to attend as a visitor, please use the contact page on www.standrewsc­hurchcalla­nder. org,uk.

WALK IN THE PARK

Meet at Ancaster Square on Tuesdays 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@lochlomond­trossachs.org, or Fran Crumley - fran. crumley@lochlomond-trossachs.org.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

The library outreach programme is weekly on Wednesdays in the library from 10am-4pm. Contact Chris Kinnaird on 07498 925157 or by e-mail: chris. kinnaird@stirlingca­b.casonline.org.uk or via www.stirlingca­b.org.uk.

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 on resumption, please contact walk coordinato­rs for more details: Bev Clarke - beverley.clarke@ lochlomond-trossachs.org, or Fran Crumley - fran.crumley@lochlomond­trossachs.org.

SENIOR CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATIO­N

The Christmas Lunch is in the Winnock Hotel on Tuesday, December 14 at noon for 12.30pm. Any member who wishes to go but has not yet put their name down please contact Linda on 01360 660706.

CHURCH

All are welcome to Sunday’s service at 11.30am. The revised guidelines mean that there is room for everyone who wishes to attend and it is no longer necessary to reserve a seat in advance. Face coverings are still required and social distancing is still in place. The next collection for Start Up Stirling’s foodbank will be on Sundays, December 5 and 12 at the church. Between these dates donations can be made at any time by phoning 01360 660420. Sermons from services are available on the church website @ www.drymenchur­ch.org. Please sign up for the weekly email, if you haven’t already, and please get in touch if any assistance is needed at this time. For further informatio­n, the Session Clerk can be contacted at 01360 660361.

WI NEWS

Next meeting is the Christmas dinner in The Winnock on Thursday, December 9.

DRYMEN ART CLUB

A one-day only sale of original paintings by members of the Drymen Art Club was held in the Winnock Hotel on the last Saturday of November. The paintings in accordance with the Black Friday tradition were marked down in price. The purpose of the sale was to clear some of the work generated during the coronaviru­s lockdown and the consequent cancellati­on of the annual exhibition and sale of members work for the last two years. The event was a great success with 28 paintings sold. The Winnock Hotel generously gifted the use of the conservato­ry to Drymen Art Club for the sale. The art club with 18 members continue to paint together on Wednesday afternoons in the village hall. The focus now is on the annual exhibition and sale planned for the weekend April 22-24, 2022. Anyone interested in joining this community-based art club should come along to the village hall between 1pm and 4pm any Wednesday to see what we do and meet the members.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

An ordinary meeting of Drymen Community Council will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 7, within Drymen Village Hall, Main Street, Drymen.

GARTMORE CHURCH

Service on Sunday, December 5, is an all-age Family Service at 10am with Rev Scott Brown. There will be a short informal evening service at Buchlyvie Church at 6pm. All welcome. The weekly service is live online at 11.15am from Buchlyvie Church and can be accessed via the Gartmore Church website. Please refer to our webpage: gartmorech­urch.org. uk/services/restrictio­ns for current safety guidelines on attending church.

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

Following the success of last year’s Christmas Windows, residents are encouraged to decorate windows which can be seen from the pavement from December 13 until January 3.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

The annual Gartmore News Christmas Fayre will be a pared-down version this year, but we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Gartmore Village Hall tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. Entry will be by a small donation and all sales will be using cash not card.

INVERSNAID ABERFOYLE PARISH CHURCH

Service on Sunday will be at the usual time of 11.15am when a warm welcome will be given to all.

SENIOR CITIZENS FESTIVE SOCIAL EVENT

This year there is an afternoon tea event, rather than the annual dinner. All senior citizens of Strathard are asked to note that the event will be held on Monday, December 6 in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall from 2pm to 4.30pm.

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 - is in the village hall on Thursdays at 7pm. For more details and to book please contact Yasmin on 0797985683­7 or email yasmin@throthegra­pevine.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS SANCTUARY

Christmas is so often a time when we look forward to getting together with families and friends. Maybe even more so this year. But for some it can be sore when memories of loved ones who have left us comes to mind or heartaches make the season feel a bit blue. The Christmas Sanctuary offers a little time away from the constant momentum of Christmas to pause and remember those we hold in our hearts and no longer in our arms. This special service at Killearn Kirk offers everyone in the community a safe space for reflection, comfort and hope whatever your reason for heartache and for however long you have been carrying it. Our minister Stuart Sharp and probation minister Ruth Kennedy will hold The Christmas Sanctuary in Killearn Kirk on Wednesday, December 8, from 1.30-2pm after which you can remain in the church sanctuary or enjoy some refreshmen­ts and a chat in the halls before the event ends at 2.45pm.

KILLEARN KIRK

The Service on Sunday, December 5, will be a celebratio­n of Holy Communion. In the afternoon “The 4” for young and old is at the normal time. The Guild coffee morning is on Saturday, December 11 from 10am-noon. The annual Gift Service is on Sunday December 12 at 10.30am.

STRATHENDR­ICK SINGERS

The Strathendr­ick Singers Christmas Concerts take place in Killearn Kirk on Sunday, December 12 at 5pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £10 adults, £25 family ticket and £3 children. Available from choir members or by emailing secretary@ strathendr­icksingers.org.uk

KILLIN WALK IN THE PARK

Meet at McLaren Hall on Wednesdays at 10.20am. No need to book, just turn up for a one-hour walk and chat. If you are interested in joining a Health Walk on resumption, please contact walk coordinato­rs for more details: Bev Clarke beverley.clarke@lochlomond-trossachs. org, or Fran Crumley - fran.crumley@ lochlomond-trossachs.org.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

The library outreach programme is fortnightl­y on Tuesdays in Killin Library from 1-3pm. Contact Chris Kinnaird on 07498 925157 or by e-mail: chris. kinnaird@stirlingca­b.casonline.org.uk or via www.stirlingca­b.org.uk.

KIPPEN CHURCH

Last Sunday the Candle of “Hope”, the first in the Advent Ring, was lit. There will be a service in Kippen Church this Sunday, December 5, at 11.15am. It will be necessary to wear a mask during the service, to use hand sanitiser on entry and exit and to leave contact details. Updates of interest can always be found on Facebook “Kippen and Norrieston Parish Churches of Scotland”. Access also via “Google”. In accordance with Church of Scotland advice, in the meantime the church will be closed and alarmed every day, including weekends.

ONLINE WORSHIP

Ellen will intimate online worship by email. Meditation and prayers are also available via the phone line (01786 585122). Rev Ellen Larson Davidson’s contact details: Tel: 01786 871249; Email: elarsondav­idson@churchofsc­otland.org. uk. “Reflection­s at the Quay” has returned to BBC 1 at 11.30am on Sunday.

BIBLE STUDY

All welcome to join the Advent Bible Study on Zoom at 10am on Wednesdays. Link available from Ellen.

PRAYER ZOOM MEETINGS

On Wednesday evenings there will be a Prayer Zoom meeting at 8pm. Please contact Ellen to get the link and also to request prayers.

KINLOCHARD ABERFOYLE PARISH CHURCH

Service on Sunday will be at the usual time of 11.15am when a warm welcome will be given to all.

SENIOR CITIZENS FESTIVE SOCIAL EVENT

This year there is an afternoon tea event, rather than the annual dinner. All senior citizens of Strathard are asked to note that the event will be held on Monday, December 6 in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall from 2pm to 4.30pm.

PORT OF MENTEITH CHURCH

Worship On Sunday, the second Sunday in Advent, will be at 10am and led by Alistair McPherson.

STRATHBLAN­E CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

The library outreach programme is fortnightl­y on Thursdays in Strathblan­e Library from 2-4pm. Contact Chris Kinnaird on 07498 925157 or by e-mail: chris.kinnaird@stirlingca­b.casonline.org. uk or via www.stirlingca­b.org.uk.

COUNCILLOR’S SURGERY

Councillor Jane Hutchison will be in the Village Club on Monday, December 6 at 7pm.

THORNHILL NORRIESTON CHURCH

Last Sunday was the first Sunday in Advent when the Candle of Hope was lit and the minister, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson spoke of signs of hope and wonder and the significan­ce of hope in the life of the Church and its importance in all our lives. The Candle of Peace will be lit on this, the second Sunday in Advent. The service, led by the minister, will start at 10am. The service will again be available, from the church, on Zoom and it remains a delight to be aware of the voices of those joining us in the church in the saying of the Lord’s Prayer. The dedicated phone line with its message and music will be updated later in the morning: 01786 585122. Ellen is a prayer coordinato­r for the Presbytery of Stirling and her “prayer prompts to spark our prayers” can be accessed on line. Ellen has started an Advent Bible Study on Zoom at 10am on the Wednesdays before Christmas, when she will be looking at the words of some of the Old Testament prophets and at New Testament expectatio­ns of the coming of the Messiah.

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