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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND
RBLS hold a monthly meeting. All MOD personnel welcome to come along. Always looking for new members. For any more information phone 01786 609770.
STIRLING LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Stirling Local History Society’s AGM and illustrated talk on Thursday, April 27, at 7.30pm in Stirling Smith Museum. Following short AGM, an illustrated talk by member Andy Mcewan on Stirling Railways, from the early development of the various railway companies and lines travelling to and from Stirling and subsequent underdevelopment of some of these lines. Talk set within broader context of railways development in Scotland. Andy hopes to illustrate talk with interesting and humorous information.
This is last meeting until Autumn season starts in September 2023. Entry free to members and visitors - donations welcome.
FRIENDS OF THE SMITH
The Stirling constituency has produced only one prime minister: Sir Henry Campbell-bannerman, known as ‘CB’, whose statue stands in the city, at Corn Exchange Road. While some historians regard CB as a great political hero, many of us are unaware of his political legacy. That’s why the next Stirling Smith lecture is dedicated to this illustrious figure. Ian Cawood, associate professor of modern British religious and political history at the University of Stirling, will explain how CB has had a lasting impact on British politics, despite his untimely death in 1908. The lecture will also draw parallels between CB’S rise to power and the present-day challenge facing Sir Keir Starmer. It takes place on Wednesday, April 26, at the Smith, Dumbarton Road, starting at 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm. Admission by cash at the door cost £5 for adults, £4 for members of the Friends and £2 for students, on production of a valid student ID card. Admission includes tea or coffee and biscuits afterwards. A brochure with full details of the lecture series is available from the Smith.
LODGE ABERCROMBY NO531
Regular meeting in the Masonic Temple, Bridge of Allan, on Tuesday, April 25, at 7.30pm.
Business of the evening the FC Degree to which the Right Worshipful
Master and office bearers extend a warm welcome to all bretheren and visitors to attend.
FORTH VALLEY FRIENDS OF SCOTTISH OPERA
In February we enjoyed a talk from
Derek Clark, Head of
Music at Scottish
Opera. This month’s speaker is - Head of Music at Scottish Opera. Derek has retired and the position now held by Fiona Macsherry. Fiona has worked with a variety of opera companies in the UK and abroad in her career as repetiteur and vocal coach. She has been with Scottish Opera since 2018 and will talk about her roles there and about working collaboratively within the Music Department to help get the opera from page to stage. Of particular interest is the new production of Carmen, which opens in Glasgow next month and travels to Edinburgh in June. Fiona’s talk is in the Honeyman Hall, Bridge of Allan Parish Church, Keir Street, on Sunday, April 23, at 2.30pm. All welcome – no need to be a member. Entry £5 at door (free for students) by cash, cheque or online banking (no card payments). For information or to be added to mailing list contact Elise Macrae at macraefernbank@ btinternet.com.
STIRLING FOLK CLUB
This Monday’s guest is Robb Johnson, one of the UK’S most prolific songwriters of our generation. His work is both political and personal, with many of his songs having been recorded by a wide variety of musicians. Hear him at Stirling Rugby Club on Causewayhead Road at 7.30pm on Monday, April 24. Tickets on door £13, students £5, under 14s free.
CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY
Last week saw a get together at the Golden Lion Hotel for a social evening and meal. Open speaker’s night, where everyone had a minute to talk on a subject of their choice. Preparations continue for 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. Additionally, our boating night out for members in May is coming together. Anyone who’d like to join in socialising whilst helping people, both locally and abroad, pay a visit on a Wednesday night, or get in touch through social media channels by searching for ‘@carserotary.’
CALLANDER ROTARY
Spring coffee, lunch and crafts event on Saturday May 13 in Callander Kirk Hall with home-baking, refreshments, some entertainment by local musicians and a range of interesting craft stalls.
STIRLING ROTARY
President Philip Allison updated members on upcoming activities. We will be entertaining 22 Dutch Rotarians at a Scottish night in the Golden Lion on May 18, when we will be joined by Rotary members from local clubs and from Stirling Inner Wheel. We have donated £500 to End Polio Now, successor to Polio Plus, and £200 to Logie Girl Guides. Speaker was Elaine Allison wife of president Philip, telling us about her new interest, beekeeping. As a complete newcomer she has had a lot to learn and has attended several courses and talked to other local beekeepers, an enthusiastic group always ready to help. Problems due to Covid meant meetings went on Zoom, but now this has passed she has become much more hands on, meeting the beekeepers at Stirling University, and buying her first hive, not made of wood but of polystyrene, lighter and easier to handle. She has a lot to learn about the complex lives of honeybees, and by the end of the meeting we were all better informed about about the activities of the queens, the workers and of course the drones, whose only activity is impregnating the queen, very important as she has to lay eggs continually to keep the community functioning. To be successful the hive must be kept at 38C, be mouse proof and requires supplementary feeding in the winter simply to keep the bees alive. A lot to take care of. As with all her activities Elaine’s enthusiasm was evident. We understand that Philip is kept fully informed, but expect that fishing will continue to be his main hobby.
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INNER WHEEL OF STIRLING
President Marjorie welcomed two guests at our monthly meeting held at the Stirling Court Hotel. Don Watson, who has practised the Art of Tai Chi for many years, demonstrated some moves inviting our ladies to participate which they did and enjoyed. Tai Chi works to improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. President Marjorie presented a cheque for amount of £1000 to Steve Carr, charity chair for Dniprokids. This amount was gifted specifically to the orphanage which has moved from Ukraine to Glasgow owing to the recent war, by the mother of one of our members. Anne Rankin announced our club’s total collection of Easter eggs was 241. These have been distributed to less fortunate local children and nursing homes by our local Salvation Army.
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association - Stirling Branch - all regiments welcome to join branch. For information email: secretary. aashstirlingbranch@btinternet.com, contact chairman on 07940 828 434 or email: james21healy@outlook.com.
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.
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. 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. The Smith Cafe is open for refreshments. Further details 07464 602207. Forthcoming dates: May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7.
BOOK NOOK
The Book Nook book club in Upper Craigs, Stirling, meets on Sunday April 30 and Monday May 1 at 7pm to discuss ‘Alias Grace’ by Margaret Atwood. The story is told through the eyes of Grace Marks, a convicted murderess as she recounts her life leading up to the 1843 deaths of her employer Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery. All welcome to come along to either group whether you’ve joined us in the past or not. The Book Nook runs two book groups - one on the last Sunday and one on the last Monday of the month, as well as a True Crime book club on the first Thursday of the month led by renowned forensic investigator Jim Fraser. A children’s story time also takes place every Sunday at 10am (primarily for 3 to 8 year olds). For more details visit thebooknookstirling.co.uk.
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
Spring Concert a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah featuring an orchestra of professionals and invited soloists alongside the choir, takes place on Sunday, April 23, at 7.30pm in Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling. Tickets at door: adults £12, children £6. More details http://www.stirlingcitychoir.org. uk, twitter: @stirling_choir, Facebook: Stirling City Choir.
GOING FORWARD
The Bridge of Allan stroke group meets on Thursdays in 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 two concerts a year for charity.
STIRLING, FALKIRK & DISTRICT RAMBLERS
Sunday, April 23, Queensferry Crossing start time 10.30am (est finish time 2pm), leisurely 6.5 miles/10.5 km. For this circular walk, park at lower car park down from the hotel then walk up and over the old Forth Road Bridge. Anyone with height issues will be fine as they can walk away from the side of the bridge. Depending on weather, the views should be stunning. We continue on to South Queensferry for lunch. Starting point: lower car park below (not at) Double Tree Hilton Queensferry Hotel, Grid reference NT124810, nearest postcode KY11 1HP. To register for this walk contact walk leader Billy Kane on 07940 286792. More information, visit https://sfdramblers. wordpress.com.
OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
Club members last weekend have been busy with rock climbing at Bennybeg and hillwalking in the Ochils and Trossachs. In the evenings the rock climbers in the club are arranging 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. With the longer evenings climbers are also visiting the local crags. The club will be hosting a talk by the author John D Burns about his mountain adventures on Wednesday May 3 at 8pm. The venue is the Stirling County Cricket Club. On the social front, this Thursday’s pub meet will take place at the Crossed Peels, Stirling from 8pm, non-members welcome to attend. Details of forthcoming meets in Glen Brittle in April, Glen Feshie in May, and Torridon in June are at www.ochils.com, or check out Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook for current activities.
STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB
Today (Friday) Kincardine through Devilla Forest...gallivanting, Grade C, six miles, meet to leave at 10am at Kirk Street car park, Kincardine (turn left immediately after first traffic lights). Good paths alongthe forest trails, increase our enjoyment where we pass two lochs, returning through Tulliallan Estate. Refreshments at Marco’s Kitchen available after walk. Contact Denis to book - denis45taylor@gmail.com. Leader Michele Bell. Sunday, April 23, Dunblane, Ashfield and Kinbuck Loop, Grade C, seven miles, meet 10am at Dunblane Cathedral car park. A scenic riverside walk linking Dunblane with the pretty villages of Ashfield and Kinbuck. Walking on some minor quiet roads, country paths and field tracks. Lovely river and countryside views. Ascent minimal. Contact Denis to book - denis45taylor@gmail.com, leader Mike Andrew.
who performed more than 100,000 exorcisms in his lifetime.
THE TANNANHILL WEAVERS 7.30PM
£15/£13
SATURDAY MONDAY
AIR 15
MEET ME IN THE BATHROOM 15
THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE PG DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOUR AMONGST THIEVES 12A
RENFIELD 15
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 15
AIR 15
SCREAM VI 18
THE POPE’S EXORCIST 15