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Research UK takes place in the Village Hall tonight (Friday) at 7pm sharp.

USED STAMPS

Diana Mccall, Firbank, Cauldhame, Kippen FK8 3HL is still collecting used postage stamps for the national charity Canine Partners which trains puppies to aid wheelchair users. Please leave a margin of paper around the stamp and hand them to Diana or leave them for her in Mcnicoll’s Stores.

PORT OF MENTEITH PARISH CHURCH

Worship on Sunday at 10am. All welcome. On February 19 the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated

STIRLING ROTARY

President Philip Allison welcomed a good turnout to hear one of our own members Ian Mcallister speak. Ian of Scottish/australian heritage has the army in his blood and unsurprisingly spent his working life in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Founded in 1794 by the Duke of Argyll. initially based in the North East, Sutherland and Caithness, later as more recruits came from the larger population of central Scotland it became based in Stirling Castle where it remained until it was disbanded with the formation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. Although the Argylls are no longer based at Stirling Castle, their splendid museum remains, recently reopened after a £4 million pound refit. The Argylls remain very much part of Stirling’s eventful history.

CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY

Last week the club got together at the Golden Lion Hotel for a Burns appreciation evening and meal. Rotarian David Sibbald led an entertaining presentation on the Bard, ably assisted by Rotarian James Barker, who was on hand with several readings. Anyone who’d like to join us in socialising whilst helping people, both locally and abroad, pay us a visit on a Wednesday night, or get in touch through social media channels by searching for @carserotary.

ROYAL SCOTTISH GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

Athlete Alex Moran is the speaker at the latest RSGS event in Stirling on Wednesday February 15, part of the society’s Inspiring People talks programme. In August 2021, Alex and Mike Coppock completed the first ever Island Munros Triathlon, in 32 hours and 22 minutes, scaling 13 Munros with 6,461m of ascent, and covering 309km of distance between them, with the goal of raising £10,000 for the Martin Moran Foundation. Never before had all 13 of the Scottish island Munros been attempted in a single non-stop push, by running, cycling and swimming through the dramatic landscape of the Northwest Highlands. RSGS Inspiring People talks are open to all: tickets for face-to-face talks free for RSGS members, students and under 18s and £10 for general admission. Book online in advance at rsgs.org/events, and some may also be available at the door for cash only. Alex’s talk begins at 7.30pm on February 15 at University of Stirling, Logie Lecture Theatre, Stirling, FK9 4LA.

COUNTRY DANCING

Strathendrick Scottish Country Dancing Club meets on Tuesday evenings during the service.

STRATHBLANE COUNCILLOR’S SURGERY

Councillor Rosemary fraser is in Strathblane Village Club on Monday, February 6, from 7-7.30pm.

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

in the Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street, Balfron from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome, some experience preferred. Details from Alan 01360 550256. There will be a charity dance in aid of Robin House (CHAS) in Killearn Village Hall on Friday March 17 at 7.30 pm, dancing to David Oswald’s band - tickets £10 including supper. Prize draw.

INNER WHEEL OF STIRLING

Our next club meeting is today (Friday). For more information see us on Facebook or IW website district 1.

FORTH VALLEY DISABILITY SPORT

AGM on Monday February 20 is being held online from 6.30pm. All welcome. If you wish to attend or require further information contact Forth Valley Disability Sport on info@fvds.org.uk.

STIRLING & DISTRICT FLORAL ART CLUB

Meets monthly in the Main Hall of Park Church, Stirling FK8 2NA on Tuesday afternoons. The 2023 meetings are on Tuesdays: February 21, March 14, April 11 and May 6, all at 2.30pm. Further information from Honorary Secretary Mrs Sarah Murdoch. E-mail: murdochsarah@ btinternet.com.

FAMILY HISTORY DROP-IN

The drop-ins are open to anyone looking for some advice on family history research with volunteers from Central Scotland Family History Society available to offer help and are run in conjunction with Stirling Council Libraries and Archives. Booking preferable - phone 01786 472069 for a time-slot.

LODGE ANCIENT STIRLING NO30

Regular Meeting in the Masonic Temple, 6 Forth Street, Stirling on Tuesday, February 7, at 7.30pm. Business a FC degree with a progressive candidate. Visitors welcome.

STIRLING FOLK CLUB

The Duncan Mccrone Trio comprises Duncan and long-time collaborators Cy Jack and Fraser Speirs. Duncan spent 18 years in the Clydesiders and is the writer of classics such as Always Argyll and Just a Glasgow Boy. They make a welcome return to Stirling Folk Club on Monday, February 6, at 7.30pm. This is Stirling Folk Club’s 60th year and the club is delighted to have the Duncan Mccrone Trio as the first guest artists of the year. The club meets in Stirling Rugby Club in Causewayhead Road. Tickets for this Monday’s gig £13 at the door.

RSVP WALKING GROUP

Walk leaders with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme organise and lead three walks every week, starting at various places across Stirling and Clackmannanshire on Wednesdays and

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 this Sunday at usual time of 10am led by the Minister, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. Ellen will continue to look at the formative teachings of Jesus at the start of his

Thursdays. If you would like extra exercise and a chat, contact Anne Marie on 07935 911156 for more information.

HANDYPERSON SERVICE

Handyperson volunteers carry out small/minor maintenance jobs in older people’s homes in the Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Callander and Clackmannanshire areas. The service is co-ordinated by registered charity Volunteering Matters. There is no charge and donations are gratefully accepted. Volunteers welcome. For more details call 01259 928088.

COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STIRLING

The office in Cameronian Street is open and available for all disability related work or enquiries. COD continues to operate successfully by phone for all types of benefit form completion and follow up work to tribunal if required. Whilst COD is not yet offering face to face appointments, the situation is monitored continually and staff look forward to re-introducing this as soon as practicable. Information at www.councilondisability.org. Phone 01786 462178 or 07521 186159 or email advisor@councilondisability.org.

ROCKTALK

Stirling’s talking newspaper for the blind is free to visually impaired members of the community. Contact Mike Milne at enquiries@rocktalk.org.uk or 01786 816673.

NEURO CENTRAL

Neuro Central aims to ensure people in Scotland who live with neurological conditions, as well as their carers and families, have access to high quality services, therapies, information and support in a friendly, relaxed environment. Next meeting at Stirling County Cricket Club 11am-1pm on Monday, February 6. For information call 07526 281747 or at neurocentral.org.uk.

ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

Contact dementia advisor Donna Paterson at dpaterson@alzscot.org, 01786 8311 or 07733 302772.

TOWN BREAK

The charity group supports people with early to moderate stage dementia to live well. For more information in the current climate, contact 01786 641841 or email admin@townbreakstirling.org.

FORTH VALLEY TOP TOES

Part of the Braveheart Association non-profit charity providing personal footcare service to adults who are unable to cut their own toenails. Cost is £15 per session which covers overheads and the customers’ nail care kit. It offers basic nail clipping and filing every six-10 weeks by a team of trained NHS approved volunteers but do not provide ministry and as presented in Matthew’s Gospel. Tea, coffee and biscuits served after the service - please if possible bring a mug - and the Traidcraft stall will be available. There is a box in the vestibule for donations to the Stirling Food Bank. The management and customers were very appreciative of our contribution delivered in the Autumn, but stocks are now low after Christmas and the pressures of winter weather and economic hard times don’t make life any easier for too many people. The minister can be contacted by email: elarsondavidson@ churchofscotland.org.uk or telephone: 01786 871249 /07412 578997.

GUILD

other podiatric treatments. The clinic meets at the Bellfield Centre, Stirling Community Hospital, Livilands Gate, Stirling on Thursdays from 9am-12.30pm. To book call 07596 375674/01324 633505 or email louise.bleazard@nhs.scot.

STIRLING POETRY SHARING GROUP

Group meets first Thursday of the month from 11.30am-12.30pm in the Smith Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road. All welcome to share and enjoy poetry read aloud. Bring a couple of poems of any era or style to read. If you do not wish to read yourself, the group will provide a willing reader. Further details from 07464 602207. Forthcoming date March 2.

FORTH VALLEY U3A

Retired or semi-retired? Wondering what to do? Would you like to meet new people and become involved in a new hobby, interest, or activity? Brighten your autumn and winter by joining Forth Valley u3a, run by members for members. More than 60 interest groups in Forth Valley all meeting in local venues. They include book groups, craft workshops, badminton, coffee clubs, current affairs, guitar, Mandarin, mah-jong, poetry appreciation, Spanish, scrabble, tai chi, and a walking group. The membership also gets together socially once a month for an afternoon event. More at www. forthvalleyu3a.org.uk.

STIRLING MALE VOICE CHOIR

If you are a male who has always fancied being part of a choir or has been in choirs before, there is no audition or test to join. Choir meets on Tuesdays from September to May at Logie Kirk Hall in Causewayhead from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome. Contact secretary John Barbour on 01786 474166.

STIRLING CITY CHOIR

Rehearsals have resumed at Park Church with practice for the Spring Concert - a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah.new members welcome - come along or contact us through http://www.stirlingcitychoir. org.uk, twitter: @stirling_choir, Facebook: Stirling City Choir.

TORBREX COMMUNITY CHOIR

This choir rehearses from 9.45-11.45am every Tuesday morning in Park Church, Stirling and performs two concerts a year generously supporting a local charity. If you enjoy singing upbeat music, in a mixed voice choir, with a great bunch of gregarious people please come along.

GOING FORWARD

The Bridge of Allan stroke group meets on Thursdays in the Chalmers Hall, Bridge of Allan Parish Church at 1.45pm for 2pm. If you are a stroke survivor or know anyone who is, and would like to join with the friendly group for an afternoon of social

The Guild will meet, jointly with Kippen, on Wednesday, February 8, at 2pm in the Church Hall when our neighbour Scott Methven, sometime Piper to the Sovereign, will be our guest. All welcome, member or not - including men.

GARDENING SOCIETY

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 being arranged and further information on all events to be published later. interaction, stimulation, entertainment and tea or coffee and biscuits, contact Sandra on 07434 972818.

SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire group of the Scottish Wildlife Trust will meet on Tuesday, February 7, at 7.30pm in St Ninians Old Parish Church Hall, Kirk Wynd, Stirling FK7 9AY. The meeting will hear about the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. The meeting is also being live-streamed. Visit swtstirling.org.uk for details.

OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

With the short evenings the rock climbers in the club are arranging some indoor climbing at the local climbing wall, the Peak in Stirling. Sessions usually at 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Further indoor climbing being done in the international climbing centre at Ratho near Edinburgh and Perth climbing wall. The club hosts a talk by Robbie Phillips, a well known professional climber today (Friday) at 8pm at Stirling County Cricket Club. Details of forthcoming meets, including Onich in February, are at www. ochils.com, or Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook.

STIRLING, FALKIRK AND DISTRICT RAMBLERS

Boness Riviera and sunny Costa Carriden on Sunday, February 5, start 10.15am, leisurely six miles/9.7km. Outward route on this circular walk gives wide views over the Forth Estuary. Make our way along the high route of The Antonine Wall to the unique Bridgestone Slab. Pause for morning break before descent towards the shore and its trail which is now part of The John Muir Way. This takes us along the waterside and through the site of two collieries and remnants of Scotland’s most important harbour. Meeting point: car park at bottom of Snab Lane just off A904 on the approach road to Boness Town Centre, near junction with A993. Grid reference NS985812, nearest postcode EH51 0PS. To book contact walk leader Wraight Shepher on 01786 475137 or 07753941564. More information at https://sfdramblers. wordpress.com.

STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB

Sunday, February 5, North Third Circular, Grade C, six miles. Leaving 10am from car park at Bannnockburn Heritage Centre and car share to parking at burn near the Craggs. Lovely walk round Sauchie Craigs and Lewis Hill, skirting North Third Reservoir. Contact Elaine to book at stevensone02s@yahoo. co.uk. Leaders Karen Slater and Annie Nixon. More details stirlingramblingclub. wordpress.com.