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
Next Lenten walk tomorrow (Saturday) meeting at Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Following the walk, tea and coffee available at the coffee morning being held in the Village Hall.
LUNCHES AT THE FORTH INN
We have rebranded our lunches to ‘bus pass lunches’. Next one is planned for Thursday March 30. You should have received an invitation, however if you haven’t received 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.
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.
FILM SOCIETY
Strathendrick Film Society is showing ‘1917’ in Balfron High School on Friday March 31 at 7.30pm. This wonderful Sam Mendes film earned five star reviews from critics and takes the audience on a relentless, unmissable and immersive experience, a pure adrenaline hit based on a true story inspired by his grandfather’s experience. A tale of heroism, friendship and sacrifice. Join us to enjoy the film on the big screen, bring friends along too to enjoy Easter egg treats and choose some free DVDS. Suggestions for next season’s films welcome.
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 at 11.15am led by the Reverend Scott Brown. Tomorrow (Saturday) daffodil tea run by the Church and the Village Hall, from 11am-1pm to which all villagers are invited Items for the bakery stall gratefully welcomed. Items should be clearly labelled with list of ingredients. Wednesday Group meet in the Session Room at 10.30am on March 29. On Friday March 31, Buchlyvie Blether at 12.30pm.
DAFFODIL TEA
Daffodil Tea tomorrow (Saturday) 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. Items should be clearly labelled with list of ingredients.
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.
WI
At our most recent meeting in the village hall on Tuesday March 14, rural member Anne Robb treated us to a superb demonstration in which she produced three different canapes – watercress roulade; coronation chicken; and smoked salmon pate. Throughout the demonstration Anne’s running commentary included lots of little tips and recommendations gleaned through many years of experience. There were enough canapes produced to allow us all some samples. Winners of the competitions were: Three Empire biscuits 1 Margaret Bennie (Mary Mcgregor salver) 2= Eileen and Gladys 3= Jan Macd and Phyllis; Favourite egg cup 1 Ellen 2 Melanie 3 Gladys. Next meeting Tuesday April 11.
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 tomorrow (Saturday) 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 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.
BRIDGE
Drymen Bridge results: March 9, N/S 1 Anita Anderson, Nora Kennedy, 2= Joy Kirkland, Betty Laing = Anne Mclachlan, Helen Lamont, E/W 1 Diana Jackson, Sheila Sturrock, 2 Sheila Jackson, Trish Duncan; March 16, E/W 1 Marion Richardson, Irene Hardie, 2 Helen Lamont, Anne Mclachlan, N/S 1 Anita Anderson, Nora Kennedy, 2 Betty Laing, Joy Kirkland.
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. The congregation’s Annual Business Meeting is on Sunday immediately following the service. It’s promised to be brief. 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.
EMBROIDERY EXHIBITION
Annual exhibition of embroidery and textile art by members of Strathendrick Stitchers in Drymen Library from until April 11 during normal library opening hours. All types of stitching are represented, from cross stitch to gold work and black work. Strathendrick Stitchers are a friendly group who meet in Killearn Kirk Hall on the third Tuesday of the month from 10am - 2pm. New members and visitors welcome. You don’t have to be an expert stitcher - bring your own work or take part in the regular workshops, and enjoy coffee and chat. Details from Susan at strathendrickstitchers@gmail.com.
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Drymen Local History Society 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.
SENIOR CITIZENS
The rain on Tuesday did not deter Drymen & District Senior Citizens Association members from coming along for a musical afternoon with singers Seonaidh Rostant and Kathleen Brough who were accompanied on keyboard by our secretary Linda More. The ladies gave a wide variety of well-known and well loved tunes and the audience sang along in fine voice. Jim Miller, in his vote of thanks, said it was obvious from the smiles of the audience that everyone had very much enjoyed their afternoon. Next meeting is AGM on Tuesday April 18 in Drymen Village Hall at 2pm with music afterwards. As always folks from other villages can come along and pay £4 as a visitor - a warm welcome awaits.
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 26, at 10am in Gartmore Church led by the Rev Scott Brown. All welcome. Daffodil Tea tomorrow (Saturday) in Buchlyvie Village Hall from 11am until 1pm. The event is run by Buchlyvie Church and the Village Hall. Entry £3 adults and £1 children. Stalls including raffle and home baking. Lenten Walk tomorrow (Saturday) meets at Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Lenten Walk on Saturday April 1 meets at Gartmore Church at 10am.
MOBILE LIBRARY
The Mobile Library is in Gartmore between 1.30-2.45pm today (Friday). 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 today (Friday) 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 today (Friday) 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.
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
Next Lenten walk tomorrow (Saturday) meeting at Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Following the walk, tea and coffee available at the coffee morning being held in the Village Hall.
LUNCHES AT THE FORTH INN
We have rebranded our lunches to ‘bus pass lunches’. Next one is planned for Thursday March 30. You should have received an invitation, however if you haven’t received one and feel you meet the criteria and would like to attend please contact either Janet (382677) or Morna (382330).
KILLEARN STRATHENDRICK SINGERS
Strathendrick Singers Easter Concert this year in Killearn Church on Sunday, March 26, at 7.30pm features the singing of two beautiful requiems by Rutter and Faure.
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 26. at 10.30am, preceded by short prayer meeting at 9.45am in the Kirk Hall. Continuing his series of Journeying towards Easter with Mark, Rev Stuart Sharp will discuss Commandments and clothes. Stated Annual Meeting of the Congregation after morning worship. Tea and coffee available after service in Kirk Hall. All welcome. Service recordings can be accessed via www.killearnkirk. org.uk. Easter services shared with Drymen and Strathblane Churches Wednesday April 5 at Drymen Church 7.30pm, Maundy Thursday April 6 at Strathblane Church 7.30pm, and Good Friday service at Killearn Kirk 7.30pm. Easter Sunday services in every church. Guild AGM on Tuesday, March 28, at 1.15pm in Kirk Hall. Members will be entertained by Clydebank Male Voice Choir. Coffee morning on March 18 raised over £500, which will help support the Guild’s charitable projects. Book Group meets fortnightly on Mondays in hall foyer - details from Katie or Teresa. Prayer gathering meets on Wednesdays at 10am in Session House for time of prayer, open to any to join.
COUNTRY DANCE
Strathendrick Scottish Country Dance Club held a successful dance in Killearn Village Hall on March 17 and raised £500 for Robin House (CHAS). The 2022-23 season has now ended. Dancing resume on Tuesday October 3 at 7.30pm in Masonic Hall, Dunmore Street, Balfron. New members welcome, some experience preferred. Details from Alan 01360 550256.
EMBROIDERY EXHIBITION
Annual exhibition of embroidery and textile art by members of Strathendrick Stitchers in Drymen Library from until April 11 during normal library opening hours. All types of stitching are represented, from cross stitch to gold work and black work. Strathendrick Stitchers are a friendly group who meet in Killearn Kirk Hall on the third Tuesday of the month from 10am - 2pm. New members and visitors welcome. You don’t have to be an expert stitcher - bring your own work or take part in the regular workshops, and enjoy coffee and chat. Details from Susan at strathendrickstitchers@gmail.com.
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
Next Lenten walk tomorrow (Saturday) meeting at Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Following the walk, tea and coffee available at the coffee morning being held in the Village Hall.
LUNCHES AT THE FORTH INN
We have rebranded our lunches to ‘bus pass lunches’. Next one is planned for Thursday March 30. You should have received an invitation, however if you haven’t 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 FUNDRAISER
Many thanks to all who donated and provided baking for the recent Syrian and Turkey Earthquake fundraiser in the
Village Hall on Saturday March 4. We are delighted to report that a magnificent £3050 was raised for Medecins Sans Frontieres who are doing valuable work in both Turkey and Syria.
JUMBLE SALE
Jumble sale in Kippen Reading Room tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-noon. Donations of jumble can be dropped off at the Reading Room from 4-8pm today (Friday).
PARISH CHURCH
Please remember the clocks go forward on Saturday night. Rev Ellen Larson Davidson will lead service in Kippen Church this Sunday, March 26, 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 at Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Afterwards coffee can be enjoyed in the Village Hall from 11am. Daffodil Tea in Buchlyvie Village Hall 11am-1pm. Admission adults £3, children £1 for tea/coffee and a scone. Stalls, raffle etc. All welcome, not just the walkers. On Saturday April 1 walkers should meet at Gartmore Church at 10am.
LENT STUDIES
Ellen will lead a Lent Study on Wednesday, March 29, 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 26, 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 29, in the Village Hall, Fore Road.
SWI
Last week members thoroughly enjoyed a ‘Craft Night with Kirsten’ making Easter cards and Easter decorations.
PORT OF MENTEITH PARISH CHURCH
Worship on Sunday at 10am led by Rev Graham Bell. All welcome.
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
The Minister, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson, leads Morning Worship this Sunday, Fifth Sunday in Lent, at 10am. Everyone welcome to join in and to join members of the congregation after service for tea and coffee and good fellowship. Service also accessible online. This week’s Lent walk will leave tomorrow (Saturday) from Buchlyvie Church at 10am. Afterwards walkers, and nonwalkers, are bidden to a coffee morning in Buchlyvie Village Hall. Next walk on Saturday April 1 will be around Gartmore and will leave from the Church at 10am. Lent Studies on the Beatitudes, led by the Minister, continue in Norrieston Vestry at 10.45am and are also accessible on Zoom. The discussion is always interesting and far ranging. The Food Bank Box in the church vestibule is filling up again and it would be good to have a push to fill it to the top before it is taken to the Startup Stirling base before Easter and school holidays. Clock warning - this Sunday is the official start of Spring and it should be noted that those who have failed to turn their clocks forward may be too late for all but the last hymn. The minister can be contacted by email: elarsondavidson@ churchofscotland.org.uk or telephone: 01786 871249 /07412 578997.
GARDENING SOCIETY
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.