Voice of the People
CALLANDER ROTARY
Latest monthly bingo session (generously supported by Stirling Council’s ‘Let’s Get Together’ initiative) on Thursday, March 9, at 2pm in Callander Kirk Hall. Used spectacles are being collected which will be refurbished for use in Ghana, Kenya and other Third World countries. Rotarian Heather Swaine, working in conjunction with local ophthalmologist, Andrew Baird, is leading this project. Collection box for used spectacles in Callander Library. All donations are welcome – but no spectacle cases please. Annual Easter Bottle Stall and Bric-a-brac Sale in Ancaster Square on April 9. Coffee, Lunch and Crafts Event, on Saturday May 13 in Callander Kirk Hall. Rotary in Callander has reacted quickly in response to the tragic aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Sudan by sending a funding contribution for the relief effort, via the Disasters Emergency Committee, which will attract matched funding from the UK government.
CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY
Last week saw club members get together at the Golden Lion Hotel for a speaker’s evening and meal. The hotel excelled themselves with a delicious meal. No less impressive was the afterdinner speaker; Rotarian Allan Cull, with an interesting talk on eels. 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’.
F0RTH VALLEY BONSAI GROUP
The Forth Valley Group meet in the Mayfield Centre, St Ninians, Stirling FK7 0BS on Tuesday, March 7, at 7.30pm.
Subject this month is ‘Re-potting’ so come along and get some advice, Usual refreshments available.
LODGE ANCIENT STIRLING NO30
Regular Meeting in the Masonic Temple, 6 Forth Street, Stirling on Tuesday, March 7, at 7.30pm. Business EA degree with a progressive candidate. Visitors welcome.
COUNTRY DANCING
Strathendrick Scottish Country Dancing Club meets Tuesday evenings in Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street, Balfron 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome, some experience preferred. Details from Alan 01360 550256. Charity dance in aid of Robin House (CHAS) in Killearn Village Hall on Friday March 17 at 7.30pm, dancing to David Oswald’s band - tickets £10 including supper. Prize draw.
STIRLING FOLK CLUB
Eleanor Mcevoy is one of the top Irish singer-songwriters of the last 30 years. She composed the song “Only a Woman’s Heart”, the title track of the best selling Irish album of all time. Since then, she has released a dozen or more albums, of which the latest is ‘Gimme Some Wine’. She is in the midst of an extensive UK tour with many of the venues sold out, including her only other Scottish date in Glasgow. The good news is you can see her at Stirling Folk Club on Monday, March 6. The club meets in Stirling Rugby Club on Causewayhead Road at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 at door (students £5). Come early to avoid disappointment or call 07761 944160 to book place.
FAMILY HISTORY DROP-IN
Drop-ins are open to anyone looking for advice on family history research with volunteers from Central Scotland Family History Society available to offer help and run in conjunction with Stirling
Council Libraries and Archives. Booking preferable - phone library on 01786 472069 to book time-slot.
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 Thursdays. For extra exercise and some 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. Service co-ordinated by registered charity Volunteering Matters. There is no charge and donations gratefully accepted. Volunteers welcome. For more details call 01259 928088.
COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STIRLING
Office in Cameronian Street 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 not yet offering face to face appointments, 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, 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. For information call 07526 281747 or at neurocentral.org.uk.
ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND
Contact dementia advisor Donna Paterson at dpaterson@alzscot.org, 01786 831171 or 07733 302772.
TOWN BREAK
The charity group supports people with early to moderate stage dementia to live well. Contact 01786 641841 or email admin@townbreakstirling.org.
FORTH VALLEY TOP TOES
Part of the Braveheart Association nonprofit charity providing personal footcare service to adults unable to cut their own toenails. Cost £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 other podiatric treatments. Clinic meets at the Bellfield Centre, Stirling Community Hospital, Livilands Gate, Stirling on Thursdays 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 month 11.30am-12.30pm in Smith Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road. All welcome to share and enjoy poetry read aloud. Bring couple of poems of any era or style to read. If you do not wish to read yourself, group will provide a willing reader. Further details 07464 602207.
FORTH VALLEY U3A
Retired or semi-retired? Wondering what to do? 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 CITY CHOIR
Rehearsals have resumed at Park Church with practice for 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.
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, join this friendly group for an afternoon of social interaction, stimulation, entertainment and tea or coffee and biscuits, contact Sandra on 07434 972818.
STIRLING MALE VOICE CHOIR
No audition or test to join. Choir meets Tuesdays, September to May, Logie Kirk Hall, Causewayhead 7.30-9.30pm. Contact John Barbour on 01786 474166.
TORBREX COMMUNITY CHOIR
Rehearsals at 9.45-11.45am every Tuesday in Park Church, Stirling and performs in two concerts a year for charity.
OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
With the short evenings the rock climbers in the club are arranging some indoor climbing at local climbing wall the Peak in Stirling. Sessions usually at 7pm Tuesday and Thursday. Further indoor climbing in the international climbing centre at Ratho near Edinburgh and Perth climbing wall. On the social front, this Thursday’s pub meet is at the Crossed Peels, Stirling from 8pm, non-members welcome. Details of forthcoming meets at www.ochils.com, or check out Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook.
STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB
Today (Friday), A Walk Around Gargunnock, Grade C and short inclines of C+, 5.5 miles. Meet 10am main street of Gargunnock - parking on the hill or in surrounding streets. A pleasant walk around Gargunnock taking in woodlands, Watson House, the Leckie Burn and small reservoir previously water supply for Leckie House which we pass on return to Gargunnock Main Street. Contact Denis to book, denis45taylor@gmail. com. Leader Pat Butterworth. https:// stirlingramblingclub.wordpress.com/ walk-programme. Sunday, March 6, Polmaise Woods Circular, Grade C, seven miles, meet 10am at Bannockburn Heritage Centre. A lovely woodland walk on good paths in the estate visiting site of ruins of Polmaise Castle and its gardens. Contact Denis to book, denis45taylor@ gmail.com. Leader Glenys Harrison. https://stirlingramblingclub.wordpress. com/walk-programme.
STIRLING, FALKIRK & DISTRICT RAMBLERS
Buchanty to near Dun Mor, Sunday, March 5, start 10.30am. A quite energetic tour of an attractive part of Glenalmond mixes variety of watery locations with long hilltop views. Fairly steep climb on good path at one point but this will be at (slow) pace. Starting point: Buchanty is about five miles NE of Crieff. Start is at car park beside junction of B8063 with minor road. Grid reference: NN933282, nearest postcode PH1 3SQ. To book place contact walker leader Katie on 07985455814. More information at https://sfdramblers. wordpress.com.