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 usual time of 11.15am. Warm welcome extended to all. Face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety.
LENTEN WALKS
There are a few Lenten walks this year, the next being tomorrow (Saturday) in Aberfoyle, meeting in the car park immediately behind the Tourist Board office at 10am. All welcome.
CONCERT
Music in Aberfoyle brings a musical biography of Britain’s first celebrity songster to the village on Sunday, March 19. The concert is a performance of ‘A star is born - The Making of Kitty Clive’, in St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Aberfoyle, starting at 3pm and lasting an hour, followed by tea. Tickets are £15, £5 for students, and free for under 12s, and may be ordered by emailing aberfoyleconcerts@gmail.com.
LUNCHES AT THE FORTH INN
We have rebranded our lunches to ‘bus pass lunches’. Next one is planned for Thursday March 30. Invitations will be delivered and if you do not receive one and feel you meet the criteria and would like to attend please contact either Janet (382677) or Morna (382330).
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, kids welcome to pop in with parents after school, cuppa and snacks available.
LODGE
Lodge Bailie Nicol Jarvie No1036, regular meeting on Tuesday, March 21, at 7.30pm. The MM Mason degree will be conferred on candidates by Lodge Blairhoyle No792.
BALFRON DANCERCISE
Low-impact exercises and dance routines, perfect for active seniors/ beginners 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 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 tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm, dancing to David Oswald’s band - tickets £10 including supper. Prize draw.
BALFRON CHURCH
Service on Sunday taken by the Rev Dr Lesley Stanley. Join us for tea or coffee after service. Any member of the congregation needing urgent pastoral care during the vacancy should contact Rev Alison Britchfield on 07415 683871.
BLAIRDRUMMOND BLAIR DRUMMOND BLETHERS
The next get together is on Monday March 27 from noon-2pm at Blair Drummond Community Hall for soup and sandwiches lunch, along with a fun game of Beetles. Looking forward to seeing everyone and to welcoming new local members.
BUCHLYVIE
CHURCH
Service on Sunday, March 19, at 11.15am led by the Reverend Scott Brown. On March 22the Wednesday Group meet in the Session Room of the Church at 10.30am. Saturday March 25, Daffodil tea run by the Church and the Village Hall, from 11am-1pm. Donations for the bakery stall would be appreciated.
DAFFODIL TEA
Daffodil Tea on Saturday March 25 from 11am-1pm in Buchlyvie Village Hall. Entry £3 adults, £1 children. Choice of coffee or tea and a scone. There will be a baking stall and a raffle. All proceeds to Buchlyvie Church and Buchlyvie Village Hall. Donations for the bakery stall would be appreciated.
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 CALLANDER KIRK
Service at 11.15am in Callander Kirk every Sunday, also livestreamed onto
Callander Kirk Facebook page and video uploaded of service onto the You Tube Channel. Email or paper copy of services available, contact Rev Jeff Mccormick BD. email: jmccormick@churchofscotland. org.uk or the Church Office / Hall Bookings: callanderkirk@btconnect.com.
MESSY CHURCH
Callander Messy Church is on Saturday March 25 in Callander Kirk Hall from 10.30am-12.30pm. All welcome.
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.
CALLANDER HERITAGE
Bruce Keith will take about ‘Bridgescapes: A Personal Journey Through History Celebrating Scotland’s Bridge Building Heritage’ on Wednesday March 29 in the Masonic Hall, Craigard Road FK17 8DN. Doors open at 7pm, talk at 7.30pm. Membership £10 per year, visitors welcome £5. Refreshments included - wine/tea/coffee/cakes.
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 and District Senior Citizens Association next meeting on Tuesday, March 21, in Drymen Village Hall at 2pm when, in a change to the syllabus, Seonaidh Rostant and Kathleen Brough will be singing. Warm welcome awaits visitors (aged 60 or over) from Drymen or neighbouring villages who can pay £4 to join for the afternoon.
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 hall open 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. Many thanks to everyone who supported the recent collections for the Start Up Stirling Food Bank. Donations were again very generous and are much appreciated. 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 meets on Thursday, March 23, in Drymen Village Hall at 7.30pm. Dr Irene O’brien of Glasgow City Archives will give an illustrated talk on the Scottish poor law. This was the support given to people who had fallen on hard times in the days before the welfare state. Visitors welcome, £3. Last meeting of 2022-23 session will be members night on Thursday April 27 in Drymen Village Hall at 7.30pm, preceded by cheese and wine at 7pm. 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 Januaryapril). 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.
LADIES NIGHT
West Stirlingshire Friends of Strathcarron Hospice annual ladies dinner in aid of the hospice takes place on Friday May 5 in the Winnock Hotel, Drymen. Evening consists of a welcome glass of bubbly, a three course meal and entertainment by Barbara Bryceland. Also a raffle and some amazing prizes up for grabs. Tickets, priced £35, sell quickly - contact with Rina Cranstoun on 01360 440697 or Rowan Cranstoun on 07766 241674. Evening kicks off at 7.30pm so all must be seated by 7.30pm with the event lasting until midnight.
GARTMORE CHURCH
Service on Sunday, March 19, at 10am in Gartmore Church led by the Rev Scott Brown. All welcome.
MOBILE LIBRARY
The Mobile Library is in Gartmore between 1.30-2.45pm on Friday March 24. Browse books on the van, up to two households at a time. The length of the van’s visit has been extended to allow everyone to have a chance to make their choice. You can still reserve books either by phoning 01786 237553 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10am and 2pm, or by email to mobilelibrary@ stirling.gov.uk.or on the website.
VILLAGE LUNCH
Village Lunch on Friday March 24 at 1pm in the Village Hall. Everyone welcome. Donations. Children free. Bring your children and friends and let us know if you would like a lift. If you would like to help on the day or make soup for the lunch please let us know. Vegetarian and other diets catered for. Call Netta 382704 Alison 382910 Romma 382956 or Liz 382560.
COMMUNITY CINEMA
Showing on Friday March 24 at 8pm in Gartmore Village Hall is ‘Elvis’ (12A)
159 Mins. directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler. The life of American music icon Elvis Presley, from his childhood to becoming a rock and movie star in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker”. Doors open at 7.30pm. Admission adults £5, children (under 16) £3 - cash only please. Top Gun Maverick (12A) is the film on April 21. Licensed cash bar, snacks and soft drinks.
MUSICAL
Calendar Girls the Musical is on at Gartmore Village Hall today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm. Tickets available online from Ticketsource. This amateur production by Forest Theatre Company is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
INVERSNAID PARISH CHURCH
Service on Sunday at usual time of 11.15am. Warm welcome extended to all. Face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety.
LENTEN WALKS
There are a few Lenten walks this year, the next being tomorrow (Saturday) in Aberfoyle, meeting in the car park immediately behind the Tourist Board office at 10am. All welcome.
LUNCHES AT THE FORTH INN
We have rebranded our lunches to ‘bus pass lunches’. Next one is planned for Thursday March 30. Invitations will be delivered and if you do not receive one and feel you meet the criteria and would like to attend please contact either Janet (382677) or Morna (382330).
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, March 19, will commence at 10.30am, preceded by a short Prayer service at 9.45am in the Kirk Hall. Continuing his theme of journeying to Easter with Mark, Stuart will discuss the Parable of the tenants. Tea and coffee available in the Kirk Hall after service. All welcome. Service recordings can be accessed via www.killearnkirk.org. uk. The Stated Annual Meeting of the Congregation will take place on March 26 after morning worship, subject to the availability of audited accounts. Guild Coffee Morning tomorrow (Saturday) in the Kirk Hall from 10am-noon. Home baking and produce stalls. Guild AGM on Tuesday March 28 at 1.15pm in the Kirk Hall with entertainment from Clydebank Male Voice Choir. Book Group meets fortnightly on Mondays in the hall foyer at 10am - details from Katie or Teresa. Prayer Gathering meet on Wednesdays at 10am in the Session House for a time of prayer, open to any to join.
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 of interest to “retired professional and business persons”. Full programme 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 usual time of 11.15am. Warm welcome extended to all. Face coverings and hand sanitiser available should people choose to continue with moderate safety.
LENTEN WALKS
There are a few Lenten walks this year, the next being tomorrow (Saturday) in Aberfoyle, meeting in the car park immediately behind the Tourist Board office at 10am. All welcome.
LUNCHES AT THE FORTH INN
We have rebranded our lunches to ‘bus pass lunches’. Next one is planned for Thursday March 30. Invitations will be delivered and if you do not receive one and feel you meet the criteria and would like to attend please contact either Janet (382677) or Morna (382330).
LOCAL HISTORY
Annual membership £15 or £4 per presentation. Contact Joyce Kelly (secretary) 01877 387292 or James Kennedy (chairman) 01877 387 201.
KIPPEN JUMBLE SALE
Jumble sale in Kippen Reading Room on Saturday March 25 from 10am-noon. Donations of jumble can be dropped off at the Reading Room from 4-8pm on Friday March 24.
PARISH CHURCH
Rev Ellen Larson Davidson will lead service in Kippen Church this Sunday, March 19, at 11.15am. All welcome. 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.
LENTEN WALKS
There will be a few Lenten Walks. Those interested in the Lenten Walk, tomorrow (Saturday) should meet in the Main Car Park (behind Tourist Office) in Aberfoyle at 10am. On March 25 walkers should meet at Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Afterwards coffee can be enjoyed at the coffee morning in the Village Hall from 11am.
LENT STUDIES
Ellen will lead a Lent Study on Wednesday, March 22, at 10.45am on Zoom and also in the Vestry in Norrieston Church, Thornhill. If anyone still needs a copy of Pilgrim Journeys ‘40 Days of Reflections on The Beatitudes’, please contact Ellen soon.
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
All welcome at All Age Choir Practice this Sunday, March 19, from 9.45-10.45am in the Church.
STRENGTH AND BALANCE
Weekly Strength and Balance Class organised by Active Stirling at 10am on Wednesday, March 22, in the Village Hall, Fore Road.
PORT OF MENTEITH PARISH CHURCH
Worship on Sunday at 10 am. All welcome.
RUSKIE SWI
Anne rang the school bell and extended a warm welcome to all. She then went over the business, giving us dates of forthcoming events - lots for the diary. She then handed the meeting over to Ian Baird of The Woodland Trust. Ian first explained how he became a volunteer with the Woodland Trust after retiring. His volunteering is very varied and takes him down many different paths including collecting seeds, planting trees with children/adults, giving talks and so much more. Benefits of trees: health and wellbeing, clean air, cool cities, create natural habitats for wildlife, provide places for play and transform landscapes. Mission Statement: Create, protect and restor a land rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife. Ian’s talk was accompanied by a very informative power point which brought to life the wonderful countryside we live in. The presentation was filled with humour and the questions afterwards came quickly from the floor. Competitions: Jar of spring flowers, winners of the Mrs Beaton Memorial Rose Bowl - Isobel Mcguire, 2 Sheena Gibson, 3 Liz Black; Wooden Ornament, 1 Elizabeth Dykes, 2 Anne Artis, 3 Alison Smellie. A fantastic supper was provided by Seona, Carole and Christine.
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 Thornhill Community Hall: come enjoy the ground floor warm room 1-4pm every weekday until end of March. Full kitchen assess with complimentary tea, coffee and snacks, and board games/cards. Level access from entrance, to the room, kitchen and restrooms. Thornhill Community Hall is on the back loan, Thornhill FK8 3QB.
NORRIESTON CHURCH
This Sunday, fourth Sunday in Lent, Morning Worship as usual at 10am and led by the Minister, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. Tea, coffee and good fellowship can be enjoyed after the service, but it is helpful, because we have no kitchen, if those who can, bring their own mugs. We do, however, have plenty of recyclable cups for those who don’t or can’t. All welcome. Another Lent Walk sets off tomorrow (Saturday) from the Main Car Park, behind the Tourist Office in Aberfoyle, at 10am. On Saturday March 25 Lent Walk from Buchlyvie Church again at 10am. Afterwards an opportunity to find refreshment at a coffee morning in Buchlyvie Village Hall. These walks are a fine way of travelling with, and getting to know, members and friends of the congregations within Carse area. Lent Study Group at 10.45am in the Vestry at Norrieston Church when we will continue with a closer study of Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes. The minister can be contacted by email: elarsondavidson@ churchofscotland.org. uk or telephone: 01786 871249/07412 578997.
GARDENING SOCIETY
Evening with Willie Campbell on Thursday February 23 was well attended and he delighted us with his informative chat about Gargunnock House Gardens, in addition to his many insights into gardening and personal tips to anyone who asked. Willie is a good friend to the society and we thank him for agreeing to come and speak to us. Guest at event in the Church Hall on Thursday March 30 at 7.30pm is Nancy Stevens, former chairperson of Baldernock Gardening Club and a regular speaker at gardening events. Her topic is entitled ‘Delightful, Deranged, De-lovely’ and is about exotic plants from around the world and their stories. Everyone welcome. The 2023 Plants Sale is on Saturday May 13 and the Flower Show on Saturday September 2.