Hveoaicdeeor fhtehre People

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 tomorrow (Thursday) 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 today (Wednesday) 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.

STIRLING FOLK CLUB

Stirling Folk Club continues on Monday, May 1, at 7.30pm in Stirling Rugby Club at Bridgehaugh with an open session evening. All welcome to bring their voices and instruments to sing or play. Come along to play, or simply to listen to the local talent.

Admission £2.

CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY

Last week saw the club gather at the Golden Lion for the AGM, or Annual General Meeting. This is where the club gets together to appoint their conveners and council members for the next Rotary year and listen to annual reports. We’re still working hard on the plans for our annual Kids Out Day. This will be held at Bridgehaugh Park on Wednesday June 14. Things are going well and special thanks are due to all members involved with the preparations. 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

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. Speaker at the meeting on April 21 was Dr John Rankin and his topic a medical subject. Why, he asked, was an English Quaker Dr Thomas Dimsdale presenting himself at Wolf house, the winter retreat of Catherine the great in 1768? The connection - smallpox. In 1762 he had written a paper entitled “the present method of inoculation for the smallpox”. Smallpox was of great interest to Catherine as it was a common often fatal disease in Russia affecting all classes from peasants to princes. Catherine was intelligent and scientifically well informed, so having read Dr Dimsdale’s report it was clear to her that Dr Dimsdale was the man to consult, and being an Empress she summoned him with promise of great reward if he succeeded. Inoculation involved inserting pieces of contaminated material from the sick into the skin of the healthy thus causing a mild case and some degree of protection. It was not without risk, and although it had been practised in Asia for many years, there was no scientific proof that it worked until 1722 when Thomas Nettleton, a doctor working at the university of Utrecht carried out a study which proved that inoculation workedthere was now a simple cheap procedure of proven benefit so it was not surprising that it began to be carried out in many countries. It became a major source of income for doctors, and in the case of Thomas Dimsdale very profitable. From the patient’s point of view it was part of a new way of dealing with infection, the sick were isolated in the Pest House, generally looked after and fed well, much improving their chance of survival and preventing spread of disease in the community.

FALKIRK SOLO CLUB

Club meets in North Broomage Social Club, Graham Avenue. Larbert FK5 4PF on a Friday night. Dance the night away to live music whilst making new friends. Dancing begins at 8pm. We have members from all areas. All singles 50 and over are most welcome. Phone Liz on 07392932424 for more information or just come along and enjoy.

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.

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REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 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

Next drop-in session at St Ninians Library, Mayfield Centre, on Thursday May 4 from 10am-noon. 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 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.

PARKINSON’S SOCIETY

Stirling and Clackmannanshire Parkinson’s branch meet on Wednesday May 3 from 1-3pm in the Cochrane Hall Alva FK12 5LJ. Anyone living with Parkinson’s and their partner/carers very welcome. Last meeting before summer break. Meetings will resume in September.

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? Join 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. They also get together socially once a month for an afternoon event. More at www.forthvalleyu3a.org.uk.

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 30, ‘How’s Your Waterworks? Glasgow Waterworks from Mugdock Country Park’, start 10am (estimated finish time 3pm), moderate 7 miles/ 11.3km. For this circular walk, we cross the heather bound Drumclog Moor. We soon pick up the starting section of the West Highland Way, with its enthusiastic (fresh) walkers.

We march with them for a while, and eventually get to the busy crossroads with the John Muir Way. Thankfully the ‘Carbeth Hutters’ have provided welcoming seats. A short climb to the woodlands of Craigallian take us back towards Mugdock, where food and drink are available. Starting point: Main Car Park, Mugdock Country Park, Grid reference NS547780, nearest postcode G62 8EL. To register for this walk, contact walk leader, Wraight Shepherd on 01786 475137 or 07753941564. For information, visit https://sfdramblers.wordpress.com.

OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB

Club members last weekend were busy with hillwalking in Glencoe, Lawers range, Bridge of Orchy and in the far north west near Ullapool. Several of the climbers had a great session in the indoor wall at Ratho. 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 hosts a talk by the author John D Burns about his mountain adventures on Wednesday May 3 at 8pm in Stirling County Cricket Club. This Thursday’s pub meet takes place at the Crossed Peels, Stirling from 8pm, nonmembers 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 Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook.

STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB

Friday, April 28, Linlithgow Bridgeunion Canal-linlithgow Loch-museum, C walk, 5/6 miles. Meet at XCITE Leisure Centre, Mcginlay Way, Linlithgow EH49 6SQ, to leave 10am. Description: stroll along the canal towpath to join the picturesque loch path and follow back to palace; opposite the fountain, we’ll cross to the Tam Dalyell building, housing the library and museum to enjoy the many town artefacts on display showing its historic past; we’ll return along towpath to car park. https://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/tam_ Dalyell. Contact Denis to book - email: denis45taylor@gmail.com. Leader Denis Taylor. Sunday, April 30, Doune Paths, Grade C, 8 miles (or 5 mile option), leaving Doune Ponds car park at 10am. Description: A walk following the River Teith from Doune including Old Kilmadock churchyard. This is a figure-of-eight walk - option of leaving before visit to graveyard. Mainly flat. All on good paths with a few slightly uneven sections. Contact Elaine to book: stevensone02s@yahoo.co.uk. Leader Sue Fothergill.

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