Voice of the People
ROYAL SCOTTISH GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
Adventurer Sue Stockdale recounts the highlights and challenges from a lifetime of undertaking expeditions in a talk for the RSGS Inspiring People talks programme at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 15, at The University of Stirling, Logie Lecture Theatre, Stirling FK9 4LA. Sue became the first British woman to ski to the Magnetic North Pole, in 1996. Having travelled to over 70 countries, including expeditions to Greenland, Antarctica and Chile, she reflects on why being adventurous is as much about mindset as it is action. SGS 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. Tickets available online in advance at rsgs.org/ events. Some may also be available at the door for cash only.
ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING AND FORTH VALLEY
Lecture by wine retailer, importer and distributor of 30 years Ian Wright at Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling on Thursday, March 16, at 10.50am for 11am. Over that time Ian has publicly presented talks and tastings on wine to trade and private audiences. These have taken the form of wine ‘tastings’ or charity events where a particular subject is presented and wines tasted. His talk, a brief history of wine, is full of rich evidence going back 7000 years in the form of paintings, decorated drinking vessels, buildings and literature that contribute to the story. For further information email: artssocsfvmembership@gmail.com or visit www.theartssocietystirling.org.uk.
CALLANDER ROTARY
Used spectacles being collected to be refurbished for use in Ghana, Kenya and other Third World countries. Rotarian Heather Swaine, in conjunction with local ophthalmologist Andrew Baird, is leading this project. Collection box for used spectacles in Callander Library. All donations welcome – 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.
CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY
Last week the club got together at the Golden Lion Hotel for a business meeting and meal. It’s full steam ahead on preparations for our 2023 Kids Out Day and we’re busy working on the many tasks which need to be done long before the big day in June. Anyone who’d like to join in socialising whilst helping people, both locally and abroad, can either pay us a visit on a Wednesday night, or get in touch through our social media channels, by searching for ‘@carserotary’.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND
RBLS (Stirling Branch) monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 14, at 7.30pm in the Kilted Kangaroo, Upper Craigs, Stirling. All serving and ex-serving personnel welcome to come along. For any more information call 01786 609770.
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association - Stirling Branch - next meeting on Wednesday, April 5, at 7pm at the King Robert Hotel, 128 Glasgow Road, Whins Of Milton, Stirling FK7 0LJ. All regiments welcome to join our branch. For further information email: secretary.aashstirlingbranch@btinternet.com , or contact the chairman by phone 07940 828 434 or email: james21healy@outlook.com.
RSPB
Forth Valley Group of the Royal Society for the Protection of birds meets on Thursday, March 16, at 7.30pm in Hillpark Community Centre, Morrison Drive FK7 0HZ with speaker Graham Hamilton on ‘The Birds of Albufera Park, Majorca’. Refreshments served. All 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
Session evening on Monday, March 13, at 7.30pm in Stirling Rugby Club at Bridgehaugh. All welcome to bring their voices and instruments to sing or play. Come to play or simply to listen to local talent. Admission £2.
STIRLING STAMP CLUB
Next meeting of Stirling Philatelic Society at 7.30pm on Monday, March 13, at Allan Centre, 25 Fountain Road. Bridge of Allan FK94AT, with display by Sandy Kerr on Scottish Wildlife. Visitors and/or new members welcome.
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 reintroducing 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
Club had successful meet at CIC Alpine Hut on North Face of Ben Nevis with club members climbing variety of winter routes on the North Face. Good craic was had in the evenings. Other club members enjoyed hillwalking on the Ochils and Trossachs. With short evenings rock climbers in the club are arranging some indoor climbing at the local climbing wall, the Peak in Stirling. Sessions usually 7pm Tuesday and Thursday. Further indoor climbing being done in the international climbing centre at Ratho near Edinburgh and Perth climbing wall.
Talk by Sunny Huang (completer of all 1,124 mountain tops in the UK) on Wednesday April 12 at 8pm in Stirling County Cricket Club. On social front, this Thursday’s pub meet at Crossed Peels, Stirling, from 8pm, non-members welcome. Details of forthcoming meets in the Milehouse Cottage in March and Inverey in April at www.ochils.com or check out Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook.
STIRLING, FALKIRK & DISTRICT RAMBLERS
Callander and Samson’s Stone, Sunday, March 12, start 10.30am, moderate 6.5 miles/10.5 km. Circular walk on established paths around Callander and up to Samson’s Stone. Great views, some short steep climbs, along parts of Great Trossachs way and Rob Roy Way. Evidence of Roman remains along the way. Starting Point: North Church Street, Callander, Grid reference: NN630080, nearest postcode FK17 8EL. To book contact walk leader Allan Drew on 07921687285. More information https:// sfdramblers.wordpress.com.
STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB
Sunday, March 12, A Great Trossachs Walk (part 1) Grade C+, six miles. Leaving 10am from Bochastle car park, Kilmahog by Callander FK17 8HD (turn left at Kilmahog onto A821 - car park just past Lade Inn on right and left. A spectacular linear walk on good tracks overlooking Loch Venachar, passing Bochastle Hill, Samson’s Stone and site of Dunmore Stone Age Fort. Contact Elaine to book stevensone02s@yahoo. co.uk. Leader Martin Scott Smith. https:// stirlingramblingclub.wordpress.com/ walk-programme.