Voice of the People
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND
Next RBLS monthly meeting at 7pm on Tuesday May 23 in the Kilted Kangaroo, Upper Craigs, Stirling. All members invited to attend as well as any MOD personnel who wish to come along as we are always looking for new members. Any more information contact 01786 609770.
ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION
RNA Forth Valley Branch monthly meeting at 7.30pm on Monday, May 15, in the Royal British Legion Club, 3 Dundas Street, Grangemouth. All serving and ex-serving MOD personnel more than welcome. All members requested to attend and new members always sought to swing the lamp. More information phone 01786 6099770.
STIRLING FOLK CLUB
Guest artist at Stirling Folk Club on Monday, May 15, is local singer, songwriter and performer of monologues Rob Griffith. A retired schoolteacher, Rob performs with the Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band but on Monday he’ll be joined on stage by Pam Wallace. Hear them at 7.30pm in Stirling Rugby Club, Bridgehaugh. Tickets at the door £10, students £5, under 14s free.
ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING AND FORTH VALLEY
Lecture on Thursday, May 18, in the Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, at 10.50am for 11am is ‘The Heritage of Gilbert and Sullivan.’ Lecture begins with an historical background to Gilbert and Sullivan and then a general assessment and overview of their works with a consideration of the genre of Gilbert and Sullivan and their influence on world theatre. There follows a discussion of the reasons for and the vast amount of social and political satire within the shows. Lecturer is Bernard Lockett, author, lecturer and broadcaster. Anyone is invited to attend the lecture which is also available on Zoom. For further information contact: artssocsfvmembership@gmail.com or visit website www.theartssocietystirling. org.uk.
CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY
Last week saw the club get together at the Golden Lion Hotel for a business meeting and meal. This type of meeting is one where we get together and discuss the business of the club. 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. Additionally, we’re finalising arrangements for a canal cruise in a few weeks. Anyone who’d like to join in socialising whilst helping people, both locally and abroad, pay us 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 tomorrow (Saturday) in Callander Kirk Hall with home-baking, refreshments, some entertainment by local musicians and 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.
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.
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
Library 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 is open to anyone living with Parkinson’s and their partner/ carers. Meetings 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: June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7.
BOOK NOOK
The Book Nook in Upper Craigs, Stirling 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 CITY CHOIR
After the successful performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah at this year’s Spring concert, the choir are on their summer break. Rehearsals resume on Tuesday September 5 at 7.30pm at Park Church with preparations for an exciting Christmas concert and next year’s Spring Concert - a performance of Verdi’s Requiem. Warm welcome extended to any new members who would like to be involved (no audition required) - come to the first rehearsal in September or contact via http://www.stirlingcitychoir.org.uk, twitter: @stirling_choir or Facebook: Stirling City Choir.
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
Countryside around Muiravonside, the Haining and Union Canal on Sunday, May 14, start 10am, moderate 6.5 miles/10.5km. On this circular walk from Muiravonside Park we follow tracks, minor roads and farmland to reach the Union Canal and Haining Wood to see the bluebells. On reaching Avon Aqueduct we descend steps to the lovely River Avon and return to park. Stiles and kissing gates, and a flight of 112 steps to descend. Starting point: Muiravonside Country Park Woodland Car Park EH49 6LW. First car park (Woodland) free, second one requires £1. Grid reference NS961757, nearest postcode EH49 6LW. Children welcome with responsible adult. To register for this walk contact walk leader Betty Brodie on 01324 556762 or 07936 380395. More information at https:// sfdramblers.wordpress.com.
OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
Some club members during the past week had some good climbing conditions in the Cuillin of Skye. A few of the munros were climbed in the Cuillin, including the In Pinn. There were other hillwalking excursions in the Trossachs and Argyle. Several of the climbers had a great sessions in the indoor walls at Ratho and Dundee. 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 photography competition for club members with a selection of prizes up for grabs. This is taking place on June 7 at 8pm at Stirling County Cricket Club. This Thursday’s pub meet at the Crossed Peels, Stirling from 8pm, nonmembers welcome to attend. Details of forthcoming meets including Glen Feshie in May, Torridon in June and a new members meet at the club cottage in July at www.ochils.com, or check Ochils Mountaineering Club on Facebook.
STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB
Today (Friday), Gubber Hill, Alloa, Grade C, six miles, meet at 10am at old Lidl car park, Greenside Street, Alloa. Walking through West End Park and the Pleasure Grounds towards Lornshill and then up short incline to Gubber Hill with views over Alloa. Returning via Devon Way with option of coffee/tea and scone/ cake at St Mungo’s Community Cafe. Contact Elaine to book stevensone02s@ yahoo.co.uk. Leader Michele Bell. Sunday, May 14 (coach) Innerleithen & Cardrona to Peebles (two walks, eight and four miles), Grade C, leaving 9am Alloa Town Hall and 9.30am Grangemouth. Both walks follow Tweed Valley cycle-way with glorious river never far away, views of picturesque mountain ranges along way complete setting as head for popular town of Peebles. Join us for a Peebles visit only, where you could enjoy a short river walk. Why not bring a friend? Coach £10. Contact Denis to book. denis45taylor@ gmail.com. Leaders Denis Taylor and Ann Harley.