District News
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.
PARISH CHURCH
Service on Sunday at 11.15am when a warm welcome will be extended to all. Face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety.
ST MARY’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Service at 11.15am each Sunday. More details, secretary@stmarychurchaberfoyle.org.uk.
FIX AND CHAT
Tuesdays 2-4pm in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall - if you have small household items which are broken hopefully the collective skill of the group can help repair or give advice to avoid throwing it into landfill.
KNIT AND NATTER
Fridays 2-4pm in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall - get out and about for a bit, kids welcome to pop in with parents after school, cuppa and snacks available.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Solidarity herbal medicine making tomorrow (Saturday) from 1.30-3.30pm in Aberfoyle Memorial Hall - learn and make herbal remedies for your family whilst helping us to make remedies for marginalised communities. Events free but donations welcome.
BALFRON DANCERCISE
Low-impact exercises and dance routines, perfect for active seniors/ beginners held in the Mclintock Hall on Mondays at 10am. For more details and to book contact Yasmin on 07979 856837 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.
COUNTRY DANCING
Strathendrick Scottish Country Dancing Club meets on Tuesday evenings in the Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street, Balfron from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome, some experience preferred. Details from Alan 01360 550256.
BALFRON CHURCH
Service on Sunday at 11.15am will be taken by the Rev Dr Lesley Stanley. Join us for tea/coffee after the service. Any member of the congregation requiring urgent pastoral care during the vacancy should contact Rev Alison Britchfield on 07415683871.
BLAIRDRUMMOND BLAIR DRUMMOND BLETHERS
Next meeting Monday January 30, noon-2pm, at Blair Drummond Community Hall, for a Burns lunch and Chat Afternoon. We look forward to seeing everyone and to welcoming new local members.
BUCHLYVIE WI
Next meeting on Tuesday February 14.
CHURCH
Sunday. January 22, no morning service at Buchlyvie, instead a combined service at Gartmore Church at 10.30am led by the Worship Group. On January 25 the Wednesday Group meets at 10.30am in the Session Room of Buchlyvie Church.
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 contact Yasmin on 07979 856837 or email yasmin@throthegrapevine.co.uk.
CALLANDER ST ANDREW’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Holy Communion with music at 9.30am on Sundays. Midweek worship on Wednesdays at 10.30am. More details see 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 by telephone 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 SENIOR CITIZENS
Drymen & District Senior Citizens Association. President Mary Ronald was delighted to welcome a superb turnout of members and visitors for the first meeting of 2023. She introduced and welcomed back accordionist Gregor Lowrey and singer Kirsten Easedale who gave us a fantastic hour of music from several genres which was, as always, much enjoyed by all. Jim Miller gave the vote of thanks and said his only disappointment was how fast the hour had passed. We were also pleased to be joined by local councillor Gerry Mcgarvey for the afternoon; it was good to be able to put a face to the name and we’ll know who to contact with any concerns we would like addressed. After a lovely tea and and large raffle we left the hall with an extra spring in our steps. The February meeting is the High Tea in the Winnock Hotel on Tuesday February 21 at 5pm for 5.30pm, and (in a change to the printed syllabus) Cairi and Ashley Edwards are very kindly providing the musical entertainment after the meal. Any member wishing to come but who has not yet put their name down call Linda on 01360 660706.
WI
At the meeting on Thursday January 12 members welcomed Carol Ormand who gave a fascinating talk and demonstration of her pieces of craft work inspired by nature. She uses a mixture of stitching, felting, appliqué and the use of natural materials in order to produce pictures, wall hangings , scarves, and other items. Each one is unique and shows the beauty of everything from tree stumps to flowers and insects when applied to decorative items. Very inspiring. Mext meeting on February 9 at 2pm in The Winnock Hotel. This will be a craft/quiz/anything of interest meeting hosted by several members, with the usual tea/coffee and a raffle.
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, please contact walk coordinators for more details: Bev Clarke - beverley.clarke@lochlomondtrossachs.org, or Fran Crumley - fran.crumley@lochlomond-trossachs.org.
OPEN DOORS
Drymen Village Hall’s Open Doors Project sees the hall open on Mondays from noon-3pm, Tuesdays 2-5pm and Fridays 10am-5pm for anyone to use. Free refreshments and lots of free activities throughout the month. Citizens Advice hold an outreach service every second Monday and there is a community laptop available for use. Drymen Church also hold an open doors session on a Wednesday from 10am-12.30pm.
DRYMEN CHURCH
All welcome to Sunday morning’s service at 11.30am, led by Rev Alex Smeed. Groups meet during the service for children and young people. Services from Drymen Church continue to be available on the Church website at www. drymenchurch.org and on Youtube. Please sign up for the weekly email, if you haven’t already, and make contact if we can be of any assistance. For further information, the Session Clerk can be reached at 01360 660361.
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Drymen Local History Society meet in Drymen Village Hall on Thursday, January 26, at 7.30pm. In a change from the advertised programme, Nick Hawkins will give a presentation on the Killearn Heritage Trail, which highlights the historic buildings and locations in the village. The society meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from September-november and January-april. Membership £10 per annum, giving free entry to all talks (special reduced rate £5 for January-april). Visitors welcome, £3 per talk.
ART CLUB
Drymen Art Club holds classes in the village hall on Wednesday afternoons from 1-4pm and anybody with an interest in drawing and painting is welcome to join. The club appointed multi-media artist Iain Mcaulay as tutor during the year and he is on hand to offer guidance and encouragement.
GARTMORE CHURCH
Sunday. January 22, a combined service with Buchlyvie Parish Church at Gartmore Church at 10.30am led by the Worship Group.
HERITAGE SOCIETY
Next talk is ‘Charlie, Meg and Me’ on Wednesday February 15 with Gregor Ewing. For the first time, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s arduous escape of 1746 has been recreated in a single journey. Gregor, along with his faithful border collie Meg, retraced the Prince’s epic 530 mile walk through remote wilderness, hidden glens, modern day roads and uninhabited islands and tells the Prince’s story alongside the trials of his own present day journey, whilst reflecting on the plight of the highlanders who, despite everything, loyally protected their rightful prince. Gregor’s love of history and the landscape in which he travels shines through in this modern day adventure.
INVERSNAID PARISH CHURCH
Service on Sunday at 11.15am when a warm welcome will be extended to all. Face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety.
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 - in the village hall on Thursdays at 7pm. More details and to book contact Yasmin on 07979 856837 or email yasmin@throthegrapevine.co.uk.
KILLEARN KIRK
Morning service at Killearn Kirk on Sunday, January 22, at 10.30am, preceded by a short prayer meeting at 9.45am in the Kirk Hall. Continuing his series on Incredible Women of the Bible, Rev Stuart Sharp will this week discuss Deborah. Tea and coffee available in the Kirk Hall after the service - all welcome. Midweek Prayer meeting on Wednesday, January 25, at 10am in the Session House. At the next Guild meeting on Tuesday January 31, Duncan Shelton will talk about Home for Good, a Scottish charity that aims to find homes for every child who needs one. Support from the Guild nationally will help the charity extend its work and build up its network of volunteers. The Guild meets 1.15-3.15pm in Killearn Kirk Hall. All welcome.
PROBUS CLUB
Probus Club of Strathendrick meets at 10.15am for 10.30am in Killearn Church Hall on the first and third Thursday of each month. We aim simply to provide fellowship and a variety of speakers that will be of interest to “retired professional and business persons”. A full programme is planned for the coming weeks. New members welcome.
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, contact walk coordinators for details: Bev Clarke - beverley.clarke@lochlomondtrossachs.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.
KINLOCHARD PARISH CHURCH
Service on Sunday at 11.15am when a warm welcome will be extended to all. Face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety.
KIPPEN BURNS SUPPER
Burns Supper on Saturday January 28 in Kippen Village Hall. Tickets, £25 in aid of Friends of Kippen Kirk Trust, can be reserved by contacting Micky Hirst 01786 870283 or Mary Lawson 07884423797. Tickets are limited, so don’t delay to be sure of your chance of a delicious meal and a splendid line up of speakers and entertainment.
PARISH CHURCH
Rev Ellen Larson Davidson will lead the service in Kippen Church this Sunday, January 22, at 11.15am. All welcome. However, if you feel unwell please look after yourself and stay at home. Updates of interest can always be found on Facebook ‘Kippen and Norrieston Parish
Churches of Scotland’. Access also via ‘Google’.
ONLINE WORSHIP
Please contact Ellen to get the Zoom link for the service from Norrieston Church at 10am. Rev Ellen Larson Davidson’s contact details: tel 01786 871249; email: elarsondavidson@churchofscotland.org.uk.
START UP STIRLING
Start-up Stirling food bank box in Kippen Church for non-perishable items (open Sunday till 12.30pm). There are more and more people needing help. If you are able, a little something would be greatly appreciated to help others in the area.
CHOIR PRACTICE
The All Age Choir Practice will begin again in February.
STRENGTH AND BALANCE
Weekly Strength and Balance Class organised by Active Stirling at 10am on Wednesday, January 25, in the Village Hall, Fore Road.
GUILD
Last week Members enjoyed a quiz.
WHIST LESSONS
Opportunity to learn to play whist or brush up your skills in the Reading Room on Thursday, January 26, at 7.30pm. This year the fundraising whist for Cancer Research UK takes place in the Village Hall on Friday February 3 at 7pm. Anyone wishing to host a table should contact Stuart Thomson on 07736 362011 or stuartsthomson@aol.com.
PORT OF MENTEITH PARISH CHURCH
Worship on Sunday at 10am. All welcome.
RUSKIE SWI
Anne Artis welcomed a packed hall to the first meeting of the new year. Anne quickly went over the business then handed over to members and friends who shared their many talents. Anne introduced a trio of Isobel Mcguire, Alison Lambie and Mary Dale – who until recently only practised outside in garages during COVID so asked the audience to participate and cover up any “funny” notes. A mix of old favourites and new toe tappers were enjoyed and all joined in. Marjorie Baxter recited two funny poems. Jean Macdonald played familiar melodies on the piano, and Alison Smellie entertained with her ukulele talents. A supper of haggis (made by D Campbell & Son, Callander, cooked by Anne Artis), neeps (cut up by Stan and cooked by Liz Black) and tatties (provided by Christine Bauer and Heather Millar) along with Liz Dykes’ onion sauce was enjoyed. A very tasty supper, thank you to all who made it possible. Competitions: three shortbread rounds (Mrs Parlane Trophy) 1 Liz Black, 2 Alison Mcleod , 3 Janice Oman; Scottish themed biscuit 1 Anne Artis, 2 Alison Smellie, 3 Jean Fergusson. As the meeting closed Jean accompanied in a hilarious round of “Ye cannay shove yer granny aff a bus” a finish of “Auld Lang Syne”. Anne closed the meeting thanking everyone who had worked so hard to make the night a success.
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.
THORNHILL WARM ROOM
Warm room at the Thornhill Community Hall: come and enjoy the ground floor warm room between 1pm and 4pm every weekday until the end of March. Full kitchen assess with complimentary tea, coffee and snacks, and board games/cards. Level access from the entrance, to the room, kitchen and restrooms. Thornhill Community Hall can be found on the back loan, Thornhill FK8 3QB.
NORRIESTON CHURCH
Morning Service at 10am led by the Minister, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. Traidcraft goods on sale as usual and coffee and tea available after the service. It is helpful if those who can, bring their own mugs as we have no washing up facility. We do have disposable cups too. Last Sunday Ellen reminded us the Stirling Food Bank is still needing support. After Christmas the need will be greater. An updated list of immediate necessities will be in the vestibule. The minister can be contacted by email: elarsondavidson@churchofscotland.org.uk or telephone: 01786 871249 /07412 578997.
GARDENING SOCIETY
AGM held on 24 November 2022. Norman Mcbean, retiring chair, acknowledged the society had a successful year with both the principal events, the Plants Sale and Flower Show well attended, enjoyable and contributing to funds. Norman has retired from the chair and the meeting offered him the position on honorary president, to reflect his many years of support. Belinda Macmillan was elected chairperson. Stewart Gibson secretary, Lorna Greening treasurer, Ray Greening tea convenor and Marion Fraser raffle convener, were confirmed in their roles and Graeme Speirs has agreed to join the committee. The 2023 Plants Sale is on Saturday May 13 and the Flower Show on Saturday September 2. In addition the society is planning two winter events, on Thursday February 23 and Thursday March 30. Speakers are being arranged and further information on all events to be published later.