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.
ARTS SOCIETY STIRLING AND FORTH VALLEY
Lecture tomorrow (Thursday) 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.
STIRLING FOLK CLUB
Raging Twilight sing blues and country, rock and soul, folk and roots, blending the sounds of guitars, keyboards, washboards, mandolin, cat litter, harmonica and resonator. They tell stories, woven into song. Tales of the dark side, of hope, of poverty of despair; tales of ordinary lives, of hopes and aspirations. Tales of trying to make a difference and not giving in, of the magnet of the future and the draw of the past. Raging Twilight’s sound is drawn from a love of roots music in all its forms. Hear it at Stirling Rugby Club on Causewayhead Road on Monday, May 22, at 7.30pm. Tickets at door £13, students £5, under 14s free.
BAHA’IS OF STIRLING
The Baha’is of Stirling have just finished the celebration of the most important Festival in the Baha’i calendar, marking the declaration of the mission of Baha’u’llah in 1863. This is the time for local elections throughout the world of local Spiritual Assemblies. This year was followed by the gathering of members of our UK National Spiritual Assembly along with others from all round the world gathered at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel for the election of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body. Stirling Baha’is have had a variety of activities recently: On May 12 the monthly ‘Fireside Discussion’ meeting held in Riverside, on Zoom, was based on a video entitled ‘An Expansive Prospect’ on the subject of community building. There is also a series of meditational programmes each on a specific theme, one fortnightly on Thursday evenings, face-to-face, entitled ‘Sacred Space’ and others monthly on Friday evenings on zoom. These consist of prayers and a variety of quotations mostly from Sacred Scriptures of the world interspersed with music and followed by discussion. Participants are invited to bring their own contributions to the theme if they wish. Another group continues its programme of ‘Heart Conversations’ a sequel to the Virtues Project. Anyone interested in any of these activities or other events should contact the secretary for details at parvin@ pmorrissey.co.uk.
CARSE OF STIRLING ROTARY
Last week saw the club get together at the Golden Lion Hotel for a social meeting, quiz night and meal. Joining in the fun was a special guest from Zambia, in the form of Rotarian Isililo Mzyece. After a feed and some chat, the club had the pleasure of Rotarian Eddie Cramb compering the entertaining afterdinner quiz. This comprised a variety of questions and a challenge to get as many right as possible. A clear winner emerged, in the form of Rotarian Doug Mulholland. For a supreme display of knowledge, he was rewarded with a bottle of wine. 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.’
STIRLING ROTARY
President Philip Allison started the meeting by reminding us of our Scottish night on May 18 at 6.30 for 7pm in the Golden Lion, occasioned by a visit from a party of Dutch Rotarians. There will be music, singing and dancing. Arising from this there will be no club meeting on Friday, May 19. Our speaker was Andy Mcewan, his subject, walking the marches. Stirling was one of a number of ancient towns holding this annual event, processing round and inspecting the borders of the town to confirm they were secure. The oldest reference to this practice was in a document dated 1611. The practice ceased in the 1960s with changes in local political structures, but in Stirling it was revived in 2014. Some of the original marker stones around the town were replaced, and picks and shovels were carried as in historic times when the boundary was physically marked. The route is now much shorter as a walk round the whole town took some time, but the annual event has gathered increasing interest with the passage of the years, representing as it does an interesting part of local history. Several other ancient towns have resumed the event, with variations such as horses, reflecting past practice in their area.
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
Ballathie to Campsie Linn on Sunday, May 21, start 10.30am, moderate eight miles / 12.9km. Circular walk, mostly through woodland and by lovely River Tay. We hope for good show of bluebells. Short sections of route are a bit overgrown but passable. A short section entails a narrow steep(ish) path with steep drop to side, which can be a bit slippery when wet. This will be fine for most members but may be a challenge for anyone not surefooted or with fear of heights. Starting point: Ballathie House Hotel PH1 4QN. Please park on tree lined avenue away from main hotel parking. Grid reference NO146367, nearest postcode PH2 6DT. To register for this walk, contact walk leader Colin Thomson on 07702 636505. For more information visit https:// sfdramblers.wordpress.com.
OCHILS MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
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.
STIRLING RAMBLING CLUB
Friday, May 19, Inchailloch Island on Loch Lomond. Meet at Balmaha car park to leave at 10am for brief walk to boatyard, £7.50 fare. Five minutes sail from Balmaha to this beautiful historic island where we should find carpets of bluebells to pass by. Stunning views northwards to Ben Lomond and across the loch; will bring alive the ‘Bonnie, Bonnie Banks’ and more. Contact Denis to book at denis45taylor@gmail.com; leader Denis Taylor. Sunday, May 21, Gargunnock, a Historical Scenic Delight. Grade C, six miles, leaving 10am from Gargunnock Main St, opposite Gargunnock Inn FK8 3BW. A lovely low level walk to Gargunnock House and on along the bottom of the crags. Beautiful views and tales of witches on the way. Flat walk on good paths. Contact Elaine to book at stevensone02s@yahoo.co.uk; leader Martin Scott Smith. More information at https://stirlingramblingclub.wordpress.com/walk-programme.