September 2011

£1 The Bridge The Community Newsletter for Doune & Deanston Double Trouble! Deanston Says No to 200 More Houses ‘Flabbergasted’ Deanston residents have expressed approximately 10 hectares of the grounds of Deanston widespread condemnation of Stewart Milne Homes’ House, a listed building, while DEAN02 is the 5.5 hectare proposals to build a further 200 houses to the southeast field between Murdo Murchison’s garage and the Lochills of their already-expanding village. Community Action Industrial Estate. Stirling Council planning officials have for Deanston has added its voice to a submission made already recommended that these sites are not suitable for last month by the Kilmadock Community Council to the development. Stirling Council Planning Department, strongly rejecting the Aberdeen-based developer’s proposals. With 40 of the 54 new houses currently being built in Deanston still to materialise, the village is already In a hard-hitting, 49-page document submitted to Stirling undergoing major expansion says CAfD member and Council in July 2010, Stewart Milne Homes seek to overturn Community Councillor Jim McKenzie: “Forty houses the Council’s Local Development Plan which gives the already represent a 25% increase in the size of the village; Doune area, including Deanston, the status of Rural Village, 200 more would double Deanston in size. We need to not subject to further development for the next 10 years. absorb the 40 new houses over at least 10 years before Using such terms as ‘ridiculous’, ‘strange’ and ‘unfortunate’, contemplating any more.” the document castigates the Council for its plan which would delete the present designation of Doune, Callander and Further objections listed by the KCC in response to the SMH Balfron as Rural Service Centres and leave them wide open submission cite the school’s lack of scope for expansion, to further major expansion. the overstretched medical centre in Doune and the fact that Deanston’s drainage systems The KCC is soon to hold an are at capacity, and have urgent meeting with MSP already accepted sewage from Bruce Crawford and with Doune. The junction of the the three Stirling Councillors B8032 road from Deanston responsible for representing onto the A84 has extremely the interests of Kilmadock to poor visibility. underline the vital importance of their support in ensuring that The SMH document makes this feature of the Main Issues much of Deanston’s ease Report is incorporated in the of access (its ‘continuous, Report on the Proposed Plan well-lit footway’) to Doune’s when it goes before the Council facilities, glossing over the for decision on 6 October. serious hazards to pedestrians crossing the bridge. Its citing Stewart Milne Homes (SMH) of further ease of access to have acquired a controlling The so-called ‘ragged and unattractive gateway’ to our the ‘employment areas’ of interest in the two areas in their villages, which Stewart Milne Homes claim would be Continued on page 2 sights: DEAN01 occupies improved by a massive housing estate.

1 Continued from page 1 ‘Arrogance and Contempt’ Deanston and Lochills is an irrelevance given the lack of A reader’s view of Stewart Milne’s ambitions for local jobs. Most new householders will use Deanston as a Deanston commuter dormitory, say the KCC. A vigilant observer of local planning might have spotted it earlier but our Community Councillors are all volunteers As KCC chair Jimmie Innes points out, unlike Moray Estates giving their own time from their own busy lives. It was easy Development Company, SMH did not consult the community to overlook. Where Moray Estates Development Company in drawing up their ambitions for Deanston. The Bridge approached the community with its plans, to face the latter’s has learnt that the developer’s submission, which has been full wrath and respond with dignity, an Aberdeen-based on Stirling Council’s desk since July last year, came to local builder has acquired options on land around Deanston and attention only by chance. MEDCo took considerable pains has, quite within its rights, made a submission to the Council which takes no regard of local interest nor makes any to sound out local opinion before proposing major expansion pretence at community consultation. for Doune, subsequently withdrawing their own current objection to Stirling Council’s Local Development Plan in It was on 29 July 2010 that Stewart Milne Homes lodged the face of local opposition. their submission on the Main Issues Report on the Local Development Plan. While ostensibly supporting the Deanston residents have taken strong exception to the tone of Planning Authority’s broad approach, the submission the SMH document which takes several swipes, not only at attacked particular conclusions in relation to the area of Stirling Council’s planners. It describes its own development Doune and Deanston. plans for DEAN02 as the solution to ‘the ragged, fragmented and unattractive gateway to the conservation areas of Doune But what of Stewart Milne’s submission? I have rarely and Deanston’. In what way would a pleasant field where seen a professional planning document use such arrogant language in attacking Local Government Planners who trees grow and horses graze be improved by a housing estate, have the statutory responsibility for their local area. In wondered Deborah Hackett, whose home overlooks the site Stewart Milne’s challenge to the Council’s planners, the and its distant view of Ben Ledi? selective reliance on National Policy Guidelines and apparent contempt for the concerns of local planning issues are “Who do these people think they are”, she asked The expressive of the attitude: ‘I am a Big Player and you’re just Bridge? “SMH claim that the sustainability of this area a wee council’. depends on the massive expansion they propose. Have they not heard of the many businesses and the 40-odd clubs and The contempt for the community is expressed in various societies that already flourish here?” passages or belittling phrases which indicate ignorance of the locality. For example, the continuous footway from “Given this kind of development, Doune and Deanston Deanston to Doune is described as being of an appropriate width: ‘with the exception of a small portion of the footway would not be the kind of places where people want to live”, crossing Teith Bridge’. It is a clever line by the office Deborah told The Bridge. dweller who composed it, but to us it is a bit like saying anyone can cross the Atlantic if they can manage the wee Write to Stirling Council urges Jim Mckenzie. The planners, bit in the middle. Their document is riddled with such to their credit, have said No to the suitability of the Deanston sophistry. For further example, it argues that the construction sites for building and on 6 October, the Local Development of more houses would create an incentive to enhance the Plan goes to the vote. Now it’s up to our Councillors to back infrastructure. Or, in other words, build the houses and then the LDP’s proposal that Doune and Deanston gain Rural someone would have to sort the drainage, schooling, and Village status, and thus protection from “further substantial traffic problems in a very big hurry. allocations [which] would adversely affect the character, identity and setting” of our villages. Let us not be in any doubt about what is going on here. In a way the situation was flagged up by Moray Estates when they warned: ‘You’re up for grabs. Trust us’. Maybe we Juliet McCracken are up for grabs. Well, it is up to us to burn the fingers and claws off the grabbers. If Stewart Milne have spent a deal of Send your views to: Claire Milne, Stirling Council, money buying options on land to build their kind of houses, Planning Department, Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET too bad. They should have asked us first. We know the kind of housing that is needed here. We know the infrastructure we need. We know how to absorb new homes. And we know what happens if there is overreach as in Dunblane and Greg Deans Callander. Joiner & Glazier Neither Stirling Council nor Kilmadock Community Council UPVC Windows, Doors & Facias nor their communities require lectures on sustainability from Design & Fit Kitchens, Roofs consultants for an Aberdeen based landbank builder. Double Glazing, Velux Conservatories, Renovations Ken Campbell Extensions & New Build 07810865373 ~ 01877 331239 [email protected]

2 “Given the circumstances things have been calm and School’s In! organised for the children,” Karen McClintock, chair of the Parents’ Council, told The Bridge. “We knew there was and so are the builders….. going to be disruption and the parents are very supportive; and the staff well on top of things. It may look horrendous The discovery of extensive rot in the roof, and the but that’s deceptive because, inside, the school is managing relentless rain of the first two weeks of August have held up very well as to use of space. The new areas are ready to be construction work on several aspects of the refurbishment used and the kids, who have been well prepared, are very programme at Doune Primary School. However, against excited about their new classrooms and cloakroom”. all the odds, the first phase, refurbishment of the youngest children’s classrooms, was completed the day before the David Cooper, Contract Manager, told The Bridge: “We pupils returned on 16 August and the school opened on time. are contracted to deliver on time and we will: it is a phased development and people should not be put off by the fact The enlarged gym hall is currently out of action, as are that it looks like a building site. It is a building site and will the dining area and kitchen; their refurbishment is in full be one until the refurbishment is finished in December.” swing. Foundations have been laid for a new wing to house He added, “Our guys know how important this is and are two extra classrooms, plus the offices and administrative working flat out to deliver.” areas. Primary 6 is housed in a temporary classroom on Juliet McCracken the site, with secure access to and from the school, while Ken Campbell the remaining classes are based either in the new ‘flexible learning area’ attached to Ps 1, 2 and 3, or in classrooms which are next on the list for refurbishment. Despite these challenges, three days into the new term, as The Bridge went to press, the mood at Stirling Council and among staff and parents was upbeat.

It’s all going to plan said headteacher Jane McManus, who told The Bridge: “The children and staff are thrilled with the bright, spacious, modern, refurbished classrooms and the temporary classroom on the site of the former schoolhouse is fitted to an extremely high standard. The teamwork of all concerned has been outstanding and everyone has worked very hard to ensure that everything was in place for the children returning to school on 16 August. Teaching and learning continue as normal. Development work is currently focused on finishing the gym/kitchen areas and these are away from classrooms.We are all really excited about the developments that are under way”. The contractors, like the pupils, are hard at work. Photograph: A Stirling Council spokesperson told The Bridge, “The Ken Campbell finished areas are looking great; they show how much better the whole school will eventually be. The feedback has been very positive”. She paid tribute to the forbearance of the people of Doune who, she said, had made not a Doune single complaint despite the noise, the increased traffic and lack of parking that having so many builders on site had inevitably involved. She also expressed appreciation for the Motors Ltd. contractors who, she said, are ‘very conscious that they are working in a learning environment’ and doing all they can Stirling Road, Doune, to keep noise to a minimum as well as working after school hours and at weekends. Perthshire, FK16 6AA

MOT Testing Servicing UNSIGHTLY TREE Petrol/Diesel and repairs STUMPS IN YOUR WAY Class I.V. Tyres (Free retests) Exhausts We grind them down Welding To 8-10” below ground level Professional NPTC We can collect and Certified operators return your vehicle Minimum ground disturbance (only in the Callander and Doune areas) ELSTON LANDSCAPES 01738850742 1786 841061

3 KDT NEWS Points of interest from the August meeting of the Kilmadock In the early hours of 4 August two males were traced at Development Trust (KDT) Board include: Murchison Park, Doune. They were both arrested and charged with being there to commit theft. Doune Community Website The new website is up and running. KDT has forwarded Recently there have been several attempts in the surrounding content for its entry on the website to the development team, areas to obtain bank details from people over the telephone. and look forward to seeing the new pages shortly. Callers have purported to be from Central Scotland Police investigating a fraud, while others have stated that they are Membership selling advertising space in the Police Diary. Two new members have joined the Trust Thankfully no details were obtained from anyone. I would Co-options like to remind you to never give personal details over the Jim Rice McDonald was co-opted to the Board telephone. Personal details and bank details can be used by others to obtain money and other services in your name. Community Consultation An application is being made to Leader Plus for 50% funding Campbell Dunn for a new consultation within the community. KDT Fundraiser Discussion on whether KDT should appoint/employ a REMINDER dedicated fundraiser to assist with fundraising. This will be As highlighted in last month’s edition of The Bridge, the reviewed at a future KDT meeting. Doune Trail between NN 7527 0175 and NN 7527 0172 Community Walks Leaflet (Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 57) will be closed The Community Walks Leaflet is out of print. No money has between 5 September and 14 October for reinforcement been made available from Stirling Council to reprint, so an of the high voltage overhead line by Scottish Hydro application is being made to Community Grants Scheme for Electric Power Distribution plc. funding up to £1500. The possibly of combining with Bridge of Allan to reduce printing costs is being examined. Copies of the plans can be seen at Doune and Dunblane Post Offices Climate Challenge Fund Projects KDT are progressing with replacement windows and insulation for the Rural Hall. There has been discussion on the possibility of recruiting volunteer help to tidy up the hall (perhaps to hold a Volunteer Saturday). Watch for news on this one.

Awareness Workshops will be held in the autumn and spring. The first will be ‘Cosy Homes for Doune and Deanston’ by Going Carbon Neutral Stirling: 23 September. (See page 5) New Residents KDT welcome packs were delivered by SRHA to new residents in Leny Road Deanston.

Police Report

Since my last report, the following crimes have been reported in the village. About 0100hrs on Saturday 25 June a window was smashed in a house at George Street. A male and female were seen in the area at the time walking towards the Woodside Hotel. The couple were arguing. If you saw these people I would be keen to hear from you. Between 0830 and 0900hrs on Wednesday 27 July a window was smashed at Longbank Farm. It is not known how this occurred. If you saw anyone in this area at the time, again, I would be keen to hear from you. Overnight between 2 and 3 August an external door at Doune Primary school was damaged. This is being treated as an attempt to break into the school. There is now 24hr security at the site.

4 The Red Lion Celebrates its Cub Year Doune is a great place to stop off on the way to the West not only were we treated to live music but to supper as Highlands, and The Red Lion can boast of an impressive list well. The bar is the next project to be tackled, and there are of international travellers who have stayed with them in their moves afoot to restore the roof. first year under the ownership of Jamie Oliver. The Bridge, wishes The Red Lion team all the best for When I asked what the highs and lows of their first year had their next year. been, Jamie couldn’t think of any lows to speak of, but said Vicki Clifford the biggest high was the tremendous support that they’d had from the village.

It has been a busy year, with the renovation of the ‘bothy’, which has been transformed into two family rooms; and the upgrading of the toilets, which are part of the “Comfort Partnership”, a scheme that helps to fund the cleaning of loos within local businesses willing to open them to the general public.

The kitchen has been completely upgraded, and many will testify that the food has vastly improved under the care of experienced chef, Donald Nicolson. The bedrooms are an ongoing project, with five available at the moment, soon to be six, all with en suite facilities.

The car park has been laid with tarmac, and a new flagstone eating area on the south side has been a huge asset. The night of the first birthday celebration saw about 100 locals beneath the awning, listening to Nick Garrie. Nick first came to the village to play at Doune The Rabbit Hole, and liked it so much he suggested coming back to play at the party where, Doune fan Nick Garrie plays for the regulars

Callum’s Ceilidh Come visit us for Lunch or Dinner at the Red Lion. After the success of the ceilidh held last May in memory of Callum Ferrier, the organisers have decided to follow it up with another, on Saturday 17 September, from 7.30 Enjoy a relaxing meal with family and friends. We use the pm to midnight. The ceilidh will be held, as before, in finest fresh and local produce and offer gastro pub food at the Muir Hall with the music again provided by Skelpit a fair price. Lug Celidh Band; there will be a raffle and some food.

Tickets, £10, are now on sale. Please ring 841958 or call at 1 George Street.The Ferrier family would like to thank Lunch: 12pm to 2.30pm Dinner: 5.30pm to 8.30pm everyone who is helping with this event. Here is a sample of our menu See you there! Smoked Haddock and Leek Ramekin served with warm crusty bread £3.95

Brie, Sun blushed tomato and Basil tartelette served with a tomato concasse £3.50

Gateaux of Stornoway Black Pudding, Haggis and Clapshot served with a whisky sauce £3.45

******** Cosy Homes for Doune and Deanston

Venison Casserole served with roast seasonal veg and mashed potatoes £7.85

Chicken or Vegetable Fajitas served on a sizzling platter with tortillas and a selection of dips Cut energy wastage in hard to heat homes – £9.10/£7.60 all you need to know. Supreme of Chicken stuffed with black pudding and bacon served with wholegrain mustard sauce £7.95 Talks on priority measures from  Energy Saving Trust Bookings for pre christmas and our Ney Year swaree are already being  Historic Scotland taking. Our menus will be advertised in the next issue of the Bridge. Or Also information about solar panels and other please come in and get a copy before then. renewables

rd Free parking available to the side and rear of the building Friday 23 September

Menu subject to change and availability Rural Hall Red Lion Inn, Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF www.redlion-doune.com [email protected] 7.30 – 9.30 01786 842066

5 Off the Page Harvest Hog Roast

Stirling Library Service will present their sixth annual Off Scotland’s Garden Scheme Stirlingshire Committee is to the Page book festival from 10 - 17 September. Events will hold a Harvest Lunch at Blair Drummond Hall on Sunday 9 be held in the city centre and throughout the Stirling Council October. The Lunch is intended to emphasise the importance area. Doune Library will also be taking part and plans for of Harvest Festival and to highlight some of the good uses to reading groups and author visits are currently in hand; please which the decorative produce can later be put. ask at the branch for further details. The proceeds of the event will go to SGS Charities and to Highlights include an afternoon for budding writers to meet the Preshal Trust, a charity chaired by H.G the Duchess of authors Doug Jackson, Nicola Morgan and publicist Bob Montrose, which helps children from deprived areas. McDevitt, and to learn from their experiences in the world of publishing. Stirling favourites Chris Brookmyre and Robert Short speeches will be made by the Duchess of Montrose, Douglas return to Off the Page, with Chris in conversation Chair of the Preshal Trust, and by John Hancox of the with writer Mark Billingham. Commonwealth Orchard in Glasgow. The Reverend Meanwhile we welcome writers Caro Ramsay, Sue Lawrence Stuart Coates will speak on the history of Harvest Festival and Gavin Francis who are making their first visits to the celebrations and there will be a musical performance and Book Festival. We look forward to welcoming another produce stalls. first, Cargo’s Special Delivery, which showcases a mix of acclaimed authors. Martin and Jenny Robb will put on a delicious hog roast, to be served with seasonal vegetables, Orchard puddings will An Evening of Gaelic, sponsored by Bord na Gaidhlig, is round off a memorable meal. being held in the Tolbooth Attic, featuring local and national talent in bringing us music, poetry and storytelling. Tickets, £20.00 per head, including one glass of wine, are available from the Duchess of Montrose, Lesley Stein Magi Gibson, the Stirling Makar, will chair the prize-giving and Iain Morrison (see below). Three tables of eight are evening for Off the Stanza, the Library’s annual poetry available, and three long tables will be the Montrose table, competition. the Southwood Table and the Kilbryde table. The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum has, once more, organised a varied series of their very popular lunchtime We look forward to seeing many of you there talks. The Library will also have a presence at the Stirling Wedding Show to be held in the Albert Halls on Sunday 11 Iain Morrison September. Books to guide and advise through all aspects of Tel: 01786 841007 wedding preparation will be on display. Mobile: 07981 920156

For our younger readers there is a full and varied programme, starting with a Gruffalo Drama Workshop presented by Angel Cake Productions. The ever popular Cathy Cassidy, Catherine Forde, Lynne Rickards and Matthew Fitt will be appearing, with events taking place in schools as well as libraries. Barry Hutchison will close the children’s programme with Writing Workshops.

Off the Page is once more being sponsored by Creative 

Scotland. Brochures are available from all libraries and   various outlets. For full details, check the website at www.     stirling.gov.uk/offthepage and become a Facebook friend at www.facebook.com/offthepagefestival. Off the Page can     also be followed on Twitter at @StirlingLibs. Or tel 01786     432383 or Doune Library on 841732.    

Alison McAlpine    

   

ST MODOC’s HARVEST  FESTIVAL  

St Modoc’s Harvest Festival service will be   held at 9.30 am on Sunday 2 October. All welcome.

6 I would also like to thank the Windfarm Trust and Stirling SENIOR CITIZENS’ OUTING Council for their generous grants, also Callander Rotary Club and a number of other people who donated, making this We had a good turnout for our annual Senior Citizens’ excursion trip possible on 13 June. We left Doune at 10.30 with the weather being kind Ron Low to us and made our way to The Hub restaurant in Sterling’s, Grosset Fair Committee Tillicoultry for our coffee break. There was something for everyone here, what with the Sterling Warehouse and all the outlet shops.

From there we proceeded to our main venue, the historic town of Saint Andrews. Here people did their own thing, either exploring the places of interest or visiting the local shops, looking for bargains. I believe one gentleman got a 10% discount on an already heavily discounted pair of shoes; that certainly made his day!

Our last port of call was The Scores Hotel down on The Links, a wonderful setting where we had a superb meal, with the staff looking after us very well. Afterwards we held our usual raffle, which is always very popular.

A big thank you goes to Morag Campbell, our new secretary, for organising the trip, with lots of help from the rest of the team. I think this year’s run was one of the best we have had. A memorable trip to Saint Andrews

W.R.I. UPDATE WEDDING

Prior to our summer break, the AGM was held on 20 May in the Woodside Hotel. A full committee was appointed. Annette McIntosh agreed to continue as President, Gill McGregor as Secretary and Elizabeth Matthews as Treasurer. The AGM was followed by an interesting talk from one of our members, Elizabeth Matthews, on “Crafts of Cyprus”.

A framed tapestry donated by our Honorary President, Mary Campbell, along with a lap quilt made by Annette McIntosh and a carved walking stick from Arthur Dent were raffled to raise funds for Erskine. The raffle was drawn at Doune Gala Day and raised a grand total of £400.

Members enjoyed a visit to Carberry Tower, near Musselburgh for their Summer Outing on 21 July, calling en route at Dobbies, Edinburgh for lunch with some time for retail therapy! The sun came out to enable us to enjoy the rose garden at Carberry Tower before being given a detailed tour by the ‘Butler’ and ‘Housemaid’, dressed in period costume and acting the parts. To end the day high tea was served and enjoyed by all.

During the recess our Committee has been busy putting together a very varied and interesting programme for 2011/12. If anyone is interested in joining us then come along to the first meeting of the new session. This will be held on Friday 16 September at 7.30 p.m. in The Woodside Hotel when Susan Duke and Veronica Bellers will be telling us about “Margaret Collyer: a Remarkable Lady”. Everyone welcome. Kirsty Duff of Lochfield, Doune and Adam Hughes from Stirling were married on 11 June in Kincardine-in-Menteith Church, Blair Jo Dent Drummond. The service was conducted by the Rev Brian Taylor, formerly of Deanston.

7 A Co-Worker’s Story David asked, “What festivals do you like?” “I enjoy the festivals and community teas because this Bori is a second year Co-Worker from Hungary and is a is when everyone spends more time together. Last year volunteer at Camphill Blair Drummond (CBD). She was I enjoyed seeing residents happy and excited as they got asked by residents to tell them what she liked about working dressed up for Hallowe’en. I also enjoyed Christmas. My and living at CBD. favourite celebration was the Garden Party and barbeque for John asked, “What do you like about working and living at the Royal Wedding. I am looking forward to my second year CBD?” and would like to be here for a long time.” “I like helping residents to enjoy their lives and support them in their houses and workshops. In my first year I enjoyed getting to know a new country and learning English. Residents also helped me learn makaton (a sign language that supports communication). I like it that everyone helps each other here”. Angela asked, “What do you like doing with residents? “I like spending time talking to residents, working and having fun together. Activities include “going for walks nearby (there are some lovely walks and gardens to explore around CBD), cycling to Doune, going for coffee and cakes, shopping and daily jobs around the house”.

Lisa asked, “What workshops do you enjoy?” “I enjoy the different things we do in the Textiles workshop: sewing, beading, knitting and fabric work. In the Basketry workshop I have learned to weave, whilst supporting ‘Everyone helps each other here’: David, John, Bori and residents”. Angela

Bosom Once established we aim for it to be part of the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM). I am currently in the first stages of training to become a Supporter Mother through theABM and Buddies one of the mums at our community nursery already holds this qualification. If you would like to learn more please contact me [email protected] or click on the button Bosom Buddies is a brand ‘Pre-birth to three’ on www.redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk new, free service for our Alison Stewart community. It meets in the Scottish Charity No: SC016050 Muir Hall on Wednesday mornings during term time, from 10:30am – 12pm and is for mums and mums-to- Bosom Buddies be, who have an interest in breastfeeding (including those who have moved on to formula). We appreciate Muir Hall, Doune that babies often have siblings and they are also Wednesdays during term time welcome (up to 5 years of age). By making this Starts 24th August service available to new mums and mums-to-be we 10:30am – 12pm hope to provide a place where they can receive support, understanding, encouragement and friendship from other A new breastfeeding support group mums who know exactly what they are experiencing. for all new mums and mums to be

The group also has the who plan to breastfeed their babies full support of our local Health Visitor Penny Scott (Doune Health Centre). www.RedKiteCommunityNursery.org.uk

8 stunning views from the castle: Stirlingshire countryside at Weather Girl its very best. We held our breath every time the camera on the boom which was filming the panoramas, swung past the As a recent convert to “tweeting” for business marketing, Deborah Hackett admits that head of Robert the Bruce: “Off with his head” we thought! Other thoughts? I now have a lot of respect for the presenters of live television programmes. A lot is going on around them; they are fed information all the time by several people at once and they have to be able to rely on their co-presenters can be rewarding, and not only for commercial purposes. and interviewees to get things right too; it’s all about teamwork, and being able to think and react very quickly. I “follow” Historic Scotland; to the uninitiated it means I I so enjoyed the evening that I “tweeted” Historic Scotland receive their “Tweets” (140 characters maximum), telling next day to thank them and received a speedy reply: “You’re me what is taking place at their various properties on a welcome!” daily basis. On 1 August HS mentioned that the BBC If you have a Twitter account and want to follow Historic would be broadcasting The Great British Weather Show live Scotland they are @welovehistory. from Stirling Castle on Wednesday evening 3 August and My twitter moniker is @soundslikedeb as I use it to promote an audience was required. So off I set on one of those rare my commentating business. “perfect” summer evenings: sunny and warm. Deborah Hackett

What an entertaining event! Love Productions, producers of the show, had a huge team of people scurrying around on the grassy bit of the Esplanade, setting up the props, cameras, lights and other paraphernalia. Meanwhile, the three presenters, Alexander Armstrong, Carol Kirkwood and Chris Hollins, discussed their roles, rehearsed and chatted with the audience. As the start time got closer we were “warmed up” by Dave who rehearsed us in cheers and other vocal effects to be used during the broadcast. He also asked for volunteers over the age of 16, and wearing sensible shoes (!) to dash across the cobbles into the castle twice during the programme in order be the audience for one of presenters who also had to run to rapidly get in place.

For my first scurry inside the castle I was rewarded by watching an interview with legendary weathermen Bill Giles, Michael Fish and John Kettley; a shot of the audience picked out my bright pink shirt! For my second I spectated as Carol Kirkwood stood by one of the cannons to introduce a piece of film used in the programme. We had to cheer loudly when she mentioned Eastenders although, when she asked who Meteorological legends, from left: John Kettley, Bill Giles actually watched it, only a couple of people owned up! and Michael Fish. Actor Larry Lamb can be seen in the Tourism chiefs will have been delighted with the shots of the background between John and Bill.

CALOR Gas The Village Gardener Grass Cutting and Maintenance

Available from Stockbridge Nursery Autumn / Winter Clear-ups

Gas Cylinders All sizes Patio Heaters Pruning Local Delivery or Collect Barbecues Plant Care New Cabinet Heaters All Associated Fittings in Stock Path Cleaning & Clearing

Kilbryde Road, Dunblane, FK15 9ND General Tidy up

Just off Bypass on Road to Doune (A820) Contact Iain on 07981 920156 Tel: 01786 821414 or 01786 841007

9 DIARY OF COMMUNITY EVENTS: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011 DATE EVENT TIME PLACE September 6 Bookbug Session 0930 Doune Library 7 CAfD 1930 Deanston Primary School 12 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing date for October Bridge items 15 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 16 WRI Monthly meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 17 Callum’s Ceilidh 1930 Muir Hall 23 “Cosy Homes for Doune and Deanston” 1930 Rural Hall 24 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 28 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre October 2 Harvest Festival 0930 St Modoc 4 Bookbug Session 0930 Doune Library 5 CAfD 1930 Deanston Primary School 10 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing date for November Bridge items 20 Bookworms 21 WRI Monthly meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 26 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 29 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays-Fridays Red Kite Community Nursery 0900-1200 Muir Hall Mondays Keep Fit 1830-1930 Rural Hall Tuesdays Ballroom Dancing 1000-1100 Deanston Primary School Football Club 1900-2000 Dunblane High School Life Drawing Class 1900-2100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Class (post-beginners) 1900-2100 Information Centre Wednesdays Bosom Buddies 1030-1200 Muir Hall China Painting 1400-1600 Deanston Primary School Yoga (from 17/8/11) 1930-2100 Deanston Primary School Zumba 1800-1900 Rural Hall Craft Club 1930-2200 Clan House, Balkerach St Thursdays Baby and Toddler Group 1000-1200 Muir Hall Bridge Classes (Intermediate) 1400-1600 Information Centre Fridays Carpet Bowls 1900 Bowling Club Saturdays Bowling Coaching 1030 Bowling Club

Doune Bridge Club The Bridge Club will be starting up again this month. Suggestions will be very welcome as to whether we should have an afternoon or evening session and what day would be popular. Please contact Derek (01786 842224) or Susan (07778506406) so that we can organise a venue and day as soon as possible. Beginners’ Lessons: Anyone interested please contact Susan on the above number. We hope to run classes either on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings 1000-1200, in the Information Centre, starting in early September.

10 telling me I was going to make it to the top. It was their Kilimanjaro or Bust belief in me that gave me the last push I needed. That and red-headed stubbornness: there was no way I could go How the trek of a lifetime became a nightmare. Ali through this again if I didn’t make it to the top! Hutchison braves altitude sickness, exhaustion and panic attacks to raise more than £7000 for charity. It took me three hours to climb the last 200m; the slipping scree underfoot was demoralising and draining, but I am After 18 months of planning I found myself at the foot of thankful to say that I made it. If I had one wish it would Mount Kilimanjaro, ready to start the trek of a lifetime be to return to the top in a helicopter, feeling well enough in an aim to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland. As the to take in the views. Even a photographer as keen as I am youngest, and only female, in a group of 12, I was extremely couldn’t find the energy to take out her camera. Thankfully, anxious: worried about holding the men back and about how my guide William took photos of me, so I can look back on I would cope with the toilet situation. However, my anxieties the most horrific yet most amazing experience of my life. soon disappeared; I couldn’t have been with a nicer, more protective bunch. I consider myself extremely lucky to have, as they say in Tanzania, ‘touched the roof of Africa’. My challenge to raise Kilimanjaro offers a range of trek options, I’d chosen the £3985 in 18 months has been a life-changing experience and longest route, Lemosho, which takes eight days (seven I am overwhelmed and delighted to record that my fund total up, one down), and was grateful for the longer period still continues to rise above £7000. of acclimatisation. As the world’s highest free-standing mountain (5895m or 19,341ft), Kilimanjaro is nearly four www.justgiving.com/alihutchison and a half times higher than Ben Nevis (4409ft). The view Ali Hutchison from the plane alone was enough to send shivers down my spine.

The route was challenging with steep inclines in the first two days followed by a long trek across the alpine desert before we tested out our rock climbing skills on the Barranco Wall on day six. Our group of 12 was accompanied by our doctor, Alex, who travelled with us from London. In addition, our chief guide, seven assistant guides and 56 porters made up the local staff. We were in awe watching the porters, each carrying up to 50kg of our camping equipment and supplies, whilst we struggled with our 5kg day rucksacks.

As the camaraderie developed so did our nerves. On day seven we arrived at camp at 12pm and, after two intervals for food and sleep (I don’t think anyone slept a wink), we were woken at 10:30pm for porridge, before setting off at 11:30pm in pitch darkness, heading for the summit. On the Roof of Africa: Ali celebrates “the most horrific, yet most One of my worst memories (there are plenty) was lifting amazing” experience of her life. my head to see a never-ending trail of head torches winding steeper and steeper above my head! I had no idea then just how much tougher it was going to get. Out of our group of Invest a moment 12, five fell ill during the final assault on the summit, myself and find out included. Three of us had severe altitude sickness, one had a pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) which, sadly, resulted what we offer ... in him not making it and one had a cerebral oedema (excess fluid around the brain).  Individually Structured Fees I did okay until 5400m. From that point on I suffered severe  Complete Accounting and Tax Solutions stomach cramps, loss of circulation in my hands (common at  Local Presence and National Strength -22 deg) and panic attacks brought on by shortness of breath  Cost Effective Fees and Cash-Flow Benefits and nausea. The shortness of breath was frightening. At this FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION altitude you can barely take a third of a normal breath; it felt Contact your local AIMS Accountant: as though I was in a small, dark cupboard with a boulder on my chest. I needed two guides to assist me in the final JUDY WARBURTON ACMA LLB MA(HONS) T: 01786 841343 M: 07789 501409 stages; they force-fed me glucose solution in an attempt to E: [email protected] www.aims.co.uk provide me with energy but in vain because I was then sick.

At that point I thought it was all over and that I would be sent down, but no. My guides were amazing; they kept

11 EDITORIAL Editorial

We’ve reached one of those twice-yearly hinges, the season when the schools return, the football season starts, and when our numerous clubs and societies draw up their autumn programmes; when the year, in short, reluctantly begins to turn its back on summer. Like Kilmadock’s higher-than-average self-employment figures, exemplified by our Hidden Entrepreneurs series (see page 15), those many clubs can be seen, says at least one correspondent, as indicators of a thriving community, a long way removed from the bleak vision of rural unsustainability cited by the developers whose ambitions still threaten us.

Who would have predicted that, only three months since Kilmadock united in furious rejection of the Moray Estates Development Company’s proposals for Doune, we would be recalling with something akin to nostalgia the courtesy of a company which took the trouble to consult the community and changed its immediate plans accordingly? How unlike Stewart Milne Homes whose hectoring demands for Deanston land not only rubbish the Stirling planners’ sensible statement of the obvious, that this area is unsuitable for further large-scale development, but which have, unknown to the community they target, been on Stirling Council desks for more than a year. The Local Development Plan goes to the vote in early October, with hungry and persuasive developers waiting in the wings and the futures of Doune and Deanston as Rural Villages still far from assured. We beg our Councillors to back their planners in recognising that green fields are key to village integrity, rather than merely convenient spaces waiting for bricks and mortar.

Elsewhere, this edition is unusually full of doughty deeds. Intrepid Kilmadock types have been climbing Mount Kilimanjaro cycling across America, and skiing up mountains in New Zealand. Yes they have. Read about it in The Bridge!

Dochart, but she was never truly happy away from her own OBITUARY turf. Eventually a permanent move was made to Auchlyne in 1982 when Argaty House was sold. This decision was a joy JUDY BOWSER to Judy as she could then devote her full attention to her own business. Judy was born in Harrogate in 1925, where her father was stationed in the army. Both her parents were Judy was an enormously energetic lady who sought to cram hugely enthusiastic country people who owned land in as much into a day as possible. She had hobbies for dry days Dumfriesshire and, in due course, in Glen Dochart. From and others for wet ones, whether whittling hazel walking them Judy would gain great wisdom and knowledge on all sticks, playing her beloved organ which roared like thunder, things rural. or sorting out plants on her window sill or greenhouse. When the working day was done she would knit furiously in the She was evacuated from school in Sussex to Gargunnock evening, producing stockings with her own hallmark spiral where she was probably immune to main stream education pattern. and instead spent much of her time snaring rabbits and puffing Woodbines up in the woods. She was also blessed with a mischievous sense of humour which entertained both herself and those around her Judy gained her great love of agriculture from her time spent endlessly. The Beechams powder to tip a keeper after a good in the Land Army, based in Wiltshire. Here she developed day’s shooting or the huge bottle of whisky donated to a basic skills and knowledge which were to become vital in bottle stall, the contents long gone and replaced by cold tea. later years. This was a period on which she looked back with Judy was a unique lady, full of adventure, laughter and true real fondness and pride. toughness.

At the age of 21 she inherited the Auchlyne Estate from her father and set about establishing her fold of Highland cattle on Ben More. This was to become one of the many great passions in her life. She also had 1600 Blackface ewes. Here she was able to indulge in all the things that she loved from farming to fishing, stalking to shooting, heather burning, sheep shearing and beekeeping, all these things and many more were there in abundance.

She married David Bowser in 1951 and they set up home at Auchlyne, where they lived full time until 1960 when David’s parents vacated Argaty House. For the next eleven years Judy spent much of the time pregnant, having four daughters and a son, but this minor inconvenience never stopped her doing the things she loved. When Fiona was a week overdue a tenant farmer phoned to complain about stags in his hay field, so at 4 am Judy was out there to sort the problem, shooting five of them.

From 1960 Judy and David’s time was split between Argaty Judy with some of her Highland cattle, one of the ‘many great and Auchlyne, with the summer months spent in Glen passions’ of her life.

12 LETTERS

site identified by MEDCo – that abutting the Argaty Road. To the Editor Although Stirling Council’s position with respect to this site is that there are a number of serious problems (including Stewart Milne Homes (SMH) have acquired a controlling traffic management and sewage treatment capacity) the site is interest in two plots of land to the south east of Deanston not ruled out completely. Moreover, its location is regarded which together, according to them, “have the potential to as being contiguous with Doune Riggs. reinforce the physical, social and economic framework of the I think most Doune residents would be saddened if not Deanston and Doune area”. outraged if this greenfield site were to be allocated to How so, may I ask? housing, even in the more distant future. The site sits outside Apparently the Local Development Plan (LDP) notes the what most would regard as the natural envelope of the village advantages of mixed use development where residential and and housing here would spill into the countryside, ruining the business environments in close proximity can be sustainable. views across to Commonty and generally despoiling the rural SMH took full account of such factors when they identified aspect of our village. And this would be the thin end of the these sites as they both adjoin existing and proposed wedge, allowing development across the hillside. One only employment areas at Deanston and Lochills Industrial Estate. needs to look at Dunblane for an example. Really ? What employment? Doune IS a rural village. It has a symbiotic relationship A section of the LDP mentions “concerns with overcoming with the countryside around it which is not only used for constraints to the delivery of necessary infrastructure”. recreation and wellbeing but provides employment for local According to SMH it is vital that the LDP “adopts a realistic residents in farming, forestry and other rural businesses. approach to infrastructure provision, particularly given Land is not just an economic commodity; it is a finite natural the current and future financial environment within which resource which we should treasure for its environmental development takes place.” What are they saying here? That it and social value. I am sure that most Doune residents value is quite ok to overburden the existing infrastructure? the rural character of the village and wish to see sustainable On page 17 when commenting on the site Dean02 (the field development in proportion to and in partnership with village between Creity Hall and Deerwood and the back Callander needs and resources. road) their comment is: “The Townscape Character is typical Yours of the edge of a settlement in close proximity to a major Lynn Abrams urban area. Land use is fragmented which results in a ragged Argaty unattractive approach to the settlements of Deanston and Doune in views from the A84.” I have italicised the part which has incensed all those who have ploughed their way through this document. When discussing walking routes to Doune, SMH make no mention of how unsafe the footpath over the Teith bridge can be. No mention is made of the dangerous junction of the B8032 and the A84. Their attitude to how the existing and struggling sewage system will cope with extra loading is cavalier to say the least. All in all, their 44 page submission to Stirling Council, Do you need a new home in any of these areas ? arguing for Doune’s status to be that of a Rural Centre not a Rural Village, is high-handed, arrogant and, in places, Aberfoyle Deanston Gartmore Lochearnhead threatening: along the lines of ‘give us what we want or Balfron Doune Killin Strathyre else……..’ Buchlyvie Drymen Kippen Stronachlachar Callander Gargunnock Kinlochard Tyndrum I implore all of you who don’t want to see any more development until we know the full impact of Doune Riggs If so, Rural Stirling Housing Association may be able to help. on our fragile infrastructure, to write and make your views The Association’s aim is to support rural communities by known to Stirling Council (see p2). I will e-mail the SMH providing affordable good quality homes for people in housing submission to anyone who wants to read it: just send a need. We currently have over 500 rented homes and around 30 request to me at the address below. of these become available for re-let each year. We also build some new homes each year.

Deborah Hackett For more details and a housing application form please contact Chain Lodge. [email protected] us at:

Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune, FK16 6AA Dear Bridge Telephone : 01786 841101 E-mail: [email protected] Moray Estates’ change of heart with regard to the planning Website : www.rsha.org.uk Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849 application for housing at one of the proposed sites – at Wood of Doune – is, of course, very welcome and the appropriate response to overwhelming community opposition Please note that we encourage all applicants to also apply to to the proposals and Stirling Council’s view that this Stirling Council’s housing list (Tel : 0845 277 7000). Being on both lists is the best way to maximise your chances of being particular site is not appropriate for future development. But rehoused. we should maintain our vigilance in respect of the second

13 Aberlour and Whinwell Homes, was often traumatic, she People We Meet tells The Bridge; she became interested in the theory and intuitive practice of conducting and using interviews. An Lynn Abrams undergraduate course on Oral History and, yes, another book (her best-seller) resulted. “Women’s history is what drives me”. The Bridge turns the tables on interviewing guru, Lynn Abrams. Currently she is bringing her interviewing skills to bear on the generation of women caught between the second world The ‘butterfly mind’ that Lynn Abrams offers as explanation war and the birth of women’s lib: those ‘who feel they were of her many achievements makes light of the formidable more in charge of their destinies than their own mothers or array of talents that this key figure in Kilmadock community perhaps, even, their own daughters’. Another project looks life brings to her work, both academic and leisure. at the lives of men and women who moved out of Glasgow after the war to new towns such as East Kilbride and how Or it might just hark back to her roots in the gardens of Essex they were affected by their design. where Lynn was born and brought up, the product of two generations of nurserymen. Lynn’s enduring love affair with Shetland has resulted in a book on the unique economic role of the island women (who Lynn, now aged 50, is Professor of Gender History at the far outnumbered the men) and an enthusiasm for knitting: University of Glasgow. She was the first of her family to “It’s a lovely place to be a historian because everyone sees attend university and, having studied European History at it as their right to participate in your project”. This spring, East Anglia, she planned to become a teacher. Instead, she Lynn and Callum were appointed visiting Professors for a found herself in Germany, researching the first of her many semester in the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies at th books, this one on 19 century popular culture. the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

After a brief interlude as a civil servant on the Ministry of What battles remain to be won by women, I wonder? Agriculture’s seed desk, Lynn returned to academic life: Lynn does not hesitate: “The body battle: issues including “I still remember the names of the lively, intelligent kids sexuality, representations of women’s bodies, rape and abuse; I taught at Bristol”, she says: “You never forget your first also the economic battle: in a recession it’s women’s jobs that students”. go on the line; childcare is another crucial issue”.

At the University of Lancaster, Lynn found her steady focus At home, Lynn is the kind of mover and doer for which right- in a shift towards Women’s history; her next project was a thinking communities thank their lucky stars. She has been th study of marriage and divorce in 19 century Germany. Fed secretary of the Kilmadock Society since its inception 10 up with the loneliness of ‘awful German b&bs’, she moved years ago. Together with Di Campbell and Frances Sessford, to Glasgow in 1995, “following a man I’d met at some she founded Bookworms, a group so successful that it has conferences…We got together and it was really lucky that had to split into two. She has been a board member of a job appeared, otherwise we’d still be commuting up and the Kilmadock Development Trust and is, not least, a key down the M6”. contributor and occasional guest editor of The Bridge.

That man was Callum Brown, today Professor of Religious Butterfly mind? Then it has to be a Red Admiral. and Cultural History at the University of Dundee. Callum is author of the controversial book, The Death of Christian Juliet McCracken Britain and equally well known hereabouts for his doughty, 12-year chairmanship of the KCC. The pair have lived since 1995 in Argaty, where Lynn’s gardening skills are much in evidence. They married in 2004, the humanist ceremony conducted by Mary Wallace.

The following year saw Lynn promoted to Professor of Gender History at Glasgow University, the first chair of that name in Scotland. Gender history? Lynn describes her now- mainstream subject as differing from women’s history in that, while the latter took off in the 1970s when those involved in feminism really wanted to know about their forebears, gender history is about understanding the relationships between men and women. Having written a book on European women’s history that is still used as a teaching text, Lynn’s research has recently focused on Scottish men: ideas about male violence, ‘hard men’ and their role in family life. Working on The Orphan Country, her book on the children of Scotland’s broken homes, catapulted her into a parallel discipline, Oral History. Hearing from men and women taken into foster Lynn Abrams: bringing ‘intuitiveness, patience and care between the wars, including those brought up in the empathy’ to the practice of oral history.

14 buyer who has heard his work recommended. Kilmadock’s Hidden What are his major challenges? Time management; throughout our interview Colin emphasised how disciplined Entrepreneurs you have to be to work from home. He admits to taking his eye off the ball when his business was relatively new and that the resulting down-turn in orders taught him an invaluable Strings to his Bow lesson. He now plans what he has to achieve each day and will work until the wee small hours if necessary to keep on Irritated by property developers stating that our community schedule. In fact, Colin says, once he is focused on a project is “not sustainable” The Bridge has decided to re-visit its he shuts himself away, oblivious to the world outside his series on Kilmadock’s ‘Hidden Entrepreneurs’. These are the workshop. many enterprising people who work from home and about whom we may know little, yet it is they who raise national, Another challenge is to develop a thick skin. Colin used and in some cases, international awareness of this area. to take it personally when someone criticised one of his instruments; he now knows that he is good at what he does, Colin Adamson moved his thriving business to Doune from and that his instruments make a wonderful sound; such is Edinburgh just over a year ago because he wanted to change his reputation that, if one customer doesn’t buy, the next one his lifestyle and because what he does requires focus and will. time to think in peaceful surroundings. Colin is a luthier, a maker and repairer of violins and other stringed instruments. Does he have a lot of competition in Scotland? There are It is a craft that Colin has practised for almost 20 years, 10 violin makers based in Shetland, Orkney, Elgin, Doune, yet he still talks about becoming more skilled and more Edinburgh and Glasgow and each one has a dedicated band consistent. of followers. Additional competition seems to be coming from some early retirees who, with good pensions to depend Admitting that he lacked any sort of direction when he on, are taking up instrument making and restoration as a left school he tried various occupations, including a two- hobby business; also from younger trained people who are year joinery apprenticeship, before a friend said: “Colin, finding it harder to get work experience in the business and you’re musical; you’re very good with your hands; you love so start up on their own, straight from college. beautiful wood; have you ever thought about making musical instruments?” Would Colin ever consider earning his living by other means? “I can’t do anything else”, he told The Bridge. “This Winning one of only 14 highly competitive places on a is what I do, this is the love of my life; it’s this or nothing. three-year course at the internationally renowned Newark It’s what keeps me sane.” Violin School, Colin graduted with merit. Two years’ work Deborah Hackett experience in Helsinki, followed by 18 months in Germany followed. Colin returned home in 2000, assuming that it would be “pretty easy” to establish his own business; on the contrary, he had to work really, really hard: it may be fascinating to practise a craft but you can still starve.

Like all successful entrepreneurs, Colin learned that he had to speak to people, raise his profile and discover his market. He persisted, and his efforts bore fruit quite quickly: he sold a couple of “really nice” instruments and the word got round; there was someone in Scotland making fantastic violins.

Clients include members of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the RSNO as well as violinists further afield. Colin’s marketing efforts are concentrated on the exhibitions in Glasgow, Manchester and London, which he attends annually. There are shops in Edinburgh, Cardiff, and London who sell his work, and a shop owner in Belgium wants to take his instruments, if only he had the time to make them “on spec”.

Looking further afield, there is a big festival in the USA at which Colin intends to exhibit, possibly in 2012; China is an emerging market and plans are being made, with a fellow luthier from Orkney, to visit in the next couple of years. The Chinese love European instruments.

Colin’s website www.adamson-violins.com acts as a brochure; it’s usually the first port of call for a potential Luthier Colin Adamson in his workshop

15 NEWZ Kenny Lang in New Zealand head off the sheep, unlike the Huntaways, which work from behind and bark a lot! Halfway into a year spent working in New Zealand’s South Island, Doune vet Kenny Lang feels that he’s never left Outside work there is plenty to do in Ranfurly, despite Scotland. it being a small rural town. In keeping with the Scottish heritage, curling is very popular; I played my first match Kia ora! Greetings from Ranfurly, a sleepy little town in outdoors in July for the Balmoral Curling Club against the deepest Central Otago whose name commemorates a turn- MacKenzie Club from Tekapo. There is an indoor rink at of-the-century Governor of NZ. Though Lord Ranfurly Naseby too and the Winter Games are being held there in a apparently never visited the place, all the streets are named few weeks’ time. They even have a luge track for the brave/ after his family. As for the local creeks, the Scottish foolish; I have not yet plucked up sufficient courage but you surveyor, apparently defeated by their Maori names, never know! rechristened them all after more familiar animals: Eweburn, Gimmerburn, Kyeburn, Sowburn, Wedderburn, etc: you get There is also a busy squash club and a summer swimming the general idea. pool. I have been doing some mountain biking on the popular Otago Rail Trail, a scenic cycle track which runs These names now relate to the areas around the rivers. We along the route of the now disused railway. even have our own local radio station: BURN 729AM! They play great music, do loads of announcements and there is Now the snow is here I have managed a couple of off-piste even a Celtic music show once a week, hosted by another ski tours, both on lovely sunny days with stunning vistas and expat Scot. no crowds! I have also tried ice-climbing on the Fox Glacier which comes down from Mount Cook, or Aoraki, to give its It is REALLY Scottish out here: the nearest city, Dunedin Maori name. (Gaelic for ‘Edinburgh’ apparently), is very proud of a heritage which, bizarrely, I think is preserved better here I plan to stay until the end of this year. I have got my ticket than it is at home. There is a statue of Robbie Burns right to watch Scotland beat England in the Rugby World Cup and in the centre of the city; the super-rugby team is called the am looking forward to that. Highlanders and their signature tune is Scotland the Brave; oh, and the butcher in Dunedin makes meaty haggis with lots The thing I miss most about being out here is my lovely of offal in a real sheep’s paunch! daughter Corin; please also say hi to Rosie my stepdaughter, and my partner Helen and her two kids, Jana and Gregor and Ranfurly is the principal township of the Maniototo area to all my family, friends and work colleagues. In fact, the or ‘the plain of blood’. Whether the name harks back to people here are so friendly that it is difficult to feel lonely some mass Moa slaughter before those giant flightless birds and I can keep in touch via the magic of Skype. became extinct; or to battles between rival Iwi (indigenous) tribes; or, less gorily, to the red colour of the once natural I also miss oatcakes; you can’t buy them anywhere. I shall vegetation, no-one seems too sure. It is a large flat expanse have to try to make my own. of land which has an almost continental climate, although this past summer was exceptionally wet. Hei Kona ra (Bye for now!) Kenny Lang My work here as a vet is actually quite similar to back home in Doune. It is a rurally based practice, like Struthers & Scott, with the ‘bread and butter’ work mainly with beef cattle and sheep. This is not a traditional dairy area but, with the modern irrigation, there are now a few really big dairy farms, several times larger than the Meldrum.

Everything is on a larger scale than in Scotland: sheep flocks are numbered in thousands of animals; cattle in their hundreds and there are also quite a few deer farms. It seems strange to drive along a road and see a whole herd of red deer hinds behind the fence, calming grazing. I have done a bit of work with deer, including tranquillizing with a pole syringe: exciting and not for the faint hearted! My experience at Blairdrummond Safari Park has stood me in good stead here.

There are also large numbers of working dogs too, mostly NZ Huntaways, fantastic dogs which make incredibly stoical patients; also Border collies which the Kiwi cockies A solo ski tour lands Kenny on the slopes of 2080 m Mount (farmers) call ‘heading dogs’, because they run around and St. Bathans, highest mountain in Central Otago.

16 Bookworms Recommend S i s s i n g h u r s t : A n U n fi n i s h e d H i s t o r y Freedom by Adam Nicolson by Jonathan Franzen

‘Hardly a great American novel’ was the verdict from one Adam Nicolson is the author of a number of books, Sea Bookworm, voicing a general lack of enthusiasm for the Room and Arcadia among them, which are as diverse as long-awaited successor to Jonathan Franzen’s smash hit, The they are scholarly. The study of Sissinghurst, his family Corrections. I disagree, having found his second, merciless home, is no exception. The depth of his research produced dissection of dysfunctional family life across the Pond at a feast for Bookworms. It seems he left no Kentish stone once funny, poignant and mesmerizingly un-put-downable. unturned. From the earliest recorded times, the area around We watch the Berglund family slowly implode: privileged Sissinghurst has been settled. So, whilst Nicolson builds Patty, at sea in her own life, trapped by the complications a rich historical picture of the famous house and gardens, of her past (rape, ghastly uncaring parents, obsessively he also places it within the context of an ancient county’s possessive friend); nice calm Walter, squaring up to middle landscape and natural history. Though he is the grandson age but soon to be hideously betrayed; son Joey escaping of two famous authors, Vita Sackville West and Harold into the arms of the unsuitable girl next door, egged on by Nicolson, he doesn’t dwell on their lives, something which the latter’s mother and later into politics and the toils of may disappoint Bloomsbury fans. In the latter stages of the international double dealing. Some of the group found these book there are detailed descriptions of his own vision for characters unattractively shallow but this is a story that Sissinghurst and his attempts to find ways to fund projects teaches that labels are never enough (it’s the well-meaning as well as converting others who might help with the task. conservationists here who end up guilty of incalculable For the most part Bookworms thought that this was a environmental damage). Their stories, told by different fascinating read, one or two of us became slightly irritated narrators, overlap, interweave and leave you dangling just as by the author’s petulance but his tenacity in recreating a pre they get most intriguing. As a reader, you emerge knowing industrial landscape had most of us championing his cause. rather more about them all than you’d ideally like, but

somehow, also, greedy for more.

Poppies Restaurant is open for Lunch 12 to 2pm and Dinner 6 to 9 pm

Each Night we feature a Special Early Evening Menu (6 to 7pm) 2 courses £13.50 3courses £17.50

Traditional Sunday Lunch Every Sunday!

Join us for a traditional Sunday Lunch including Prime Roast Rib of Angus Beef 2 courses £13.50 3 courses £7.50 Children’s Menu available.

In conjunction with the Callander Jazz and Blues featival Weekend (30th September – 2nd October)

Saturday 1st October Jazz with the “Honky Tonics” and Dine £22.50 Sunday 2nd October Jess Abrams Jazz Trio whilst enjoying a 3 course lunch £22.50

Don’t Delay for Christmas Day!! Book your lunch table now

17 SCHOOL REPORT

We would also like to wish Jamie McAlpine, Curtis Doune Primary School McGuire and Nicola Roxburgh the very best of luck at high school; we will miss them here at Deanston Primary. Watch this space in The Bridge to keep up-to-date with all the exciting news from Deanston Primary. Beverley Donald

SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL

Betty Keay, who has worked as a school crossing patroller for a number of years, has now retired. On behalf of all local children and parents, we would like to thank Betty for the highly valued and important service she has provided.

We are now of course urgently in need of a new patroller for children going to Doune Primary School. Would New pupils, new school: Teacher Mairi Campbell with her Doune you be able to help? This is a Council vacancy, which PS Primary One class. apparently they have difficulty filling. If you are interested, please contact Facilities Management Services on Deanston Primary School 01786 442463. There are more details on the website. http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/services/roads/ A New Beginning landservices/streetscape-school-crossing-patrols.htm

Or contact the Parent Council, c/o Joanna 01786 842880

McLaren High School Exam Result Blues Just last month the dreaded day came once again: on 4 August fear came knocking at teenagers’ front doors in a big white envelope. We all had butterflies. We were all scared. We were all nervous of what was printed on those frightful pages. Millions of questions shooting through our heads: Will I be pleased? Have I failed? What’s next? For some people these exam results were the most important in their lives: the make-or-break point for a job or further education.

Many were left with pleased faces; others were not so lucky but then, again, does it really come down to luck? The work An amazing intake of 11 new pupils this term has boosted Deanston you are being tested on has been taught to you for at least a Primary School numbers to 24, the highest it has been for nine year; you have been slowly developing skills but then, has it years. Beverley Donald’s P1 class is in the foreground. been hard to put these skills into words and onto paper? I would say that, no matter how hard someone has studied, The start of term is always an exciting and busy time and this year is definitely no exception. Session 2011/2012 sees they will still have a doubt at the back of their mind, the biggest intake of primary ones to Deanston primary in thinking they have failed. Nearly everyone I had spoken to nine years. Not only this we have the added excitement of before receiving our results were almost certain they had new pupils in other classes within the school. failed their exams. We have a very exciting year ahead and the staff are looking forward to a fun filled and busy year with topics such as This got me wondering about the pressure that is put on Minibeasts, Animals, WW2 and the Olympics. young people today to pass their exams. If you don’t pass your standard grades do you have any hope for higher? And Staffing has changed this year with the departure of Miss when advanced higher comes along, have you had enough Deacon after a successful year and half with us. We would altogether? In today’s economy, acceptance for university like to wish her all the best in her future career and thank her for her time here; it was most enjoyable. As a result of and college places is becoming very rare; half the battle this Mrs Marshall, the HT, is now fully class committed in these days is getting into further education. As years go on the upper school. Ms Wallace joins our team as a Support we can only sit and wonder: are things going to get worse or for Learning Assistant and we look forward to working with slowly get better? her. Mrs Donald remains as the lower school teacher and Lorrayne, Miss Bell and Miss Strang remain in their posts. Yours sincerely Iona Campbell

18 SCHOOL REPORT

will be well and truly in full swing. We have a fantastic group Red Kite Nursery Awarded Sky- of children staying with us from last year and I am sure that they will make the new children feel especially welcome. We High Status have a great deal to do this year: in addition to working towards green flag status as part of Eco-Schools, we are also aiming to The new academic year has started with some wonderful news become a ‘Fair Trade Nursery’. We have already been working for Red Kite Community Nursery: we have been awarded six towards this for several months and have a policy in place out of a possible six Quality Criteria by Stirling Council; which we follow to help us achieve this aim. For example, the much coveted sixth criteria is entitled ‘Excellence in we aim to incorporate Fair Trade into the children’s learning, Practice’. I can’t quite believe it! Last year, the only two encouraging them to discuss their own ideas about what being Partnership Nurseries in the Stirling region to achieve this Fair Trade is and what it means to them. Please go to were Beaconhurst Nursery and Mulberry Bush. It is a massive www.fairtrade.org.uk if you are interested in learning more. accolade and means that we now receive the highest level of funding for each child accessing a Government funded To learn more about our nursery, please go to our website place (available to any child from the term after their third www.redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk or email me Alison@ birthday). We may only be a relatively small group, but our redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk children access a fantastic and innovative education and this is what has been recognised by Stirling Council. It is a tribute Alison Stewart (Chair) to the hard work of our dedicated staff, committee and parents that we have achieved this tremendous result. Thank you! Due to financial cuts at Stirling Council, the number of funded hours available to children in the Stirling area has been reduced from 15 to 12.5 hours. We at Red Kite Community Nursery asked our parents how they felt about this and the overwhelming response was that they would like us, if at all possible, to keep the 15 hours. So, we are bucking the trend and will continue to offer five, 3-hour sessions a week, rather than the 2.5 hour sessions available at all of the other council and partnership nurseries, at no extra cost to our families. We will review this in October, but will continue to offer it until Christmas and, hopefully. a lot longer after that. The new term has commenced and we have some lovely new resources. Our biggest is a picnic table so our children can now enjoy snacks outside when the weather is fine (keep your fingers crossed for that) and enjoy activities such as art and craft, reading etc, all outdoors. We have also been donated a wormery, and this will coincide with us taking part in the Flying high: the new Red Kite Community Nursery group of ante national earthworm survey, through the Open University’s iSpot, of which we have been members for just over a year. and preschool children plus Lead Practitioner Jacqueline Rae, Practitioner Tracey Stewart and mum (also treasurer) Lisa San By the time this article goes to press the new academic session Jose.

Charity SC016050 Red Kite Community Nursery Muir Hall, Doune Funded places available to all from 3+ yrs Preschool 9am - 12pm Mon-Fri Rising 3’s 1pm - 2:30pm Mon

Awarded Qualified 6/6 Registered QUALITY Staff CRITERIA

www.RedKiteCommunityNursery.org.uk [email protected]

19 SPORT

finished 16th and is one of only 250 solo riders to have ever RACE ACROSS AMERICA completed the Race since it started 30 years ago. This year he was the only solo British rider to do so. Spectacular Success for Doune Cyclist in Top World Event Nicholas’s many months of training and participation in several long-distance, non-stop cycling events such as the In June, former Doune resident Nicholas Rice-McDonald, Race Across Oregon and the 508 mile race, around Death aged 30, was the only British rider to complete the gruelling Valley California had ensured his qualification to take part in Race Across America (RAAM), one of the world’s most RAAM and his eventual successful crossing of the finishing respected and longest-running sports events. Outside line. Some of the riders are professional cyclists; Nicholas Magazine calls it “the toughest test of endurance in the trained for this event around his full time work in Silicon world.” The bicycle race is 30% longer than the Tour de Valley. Racers fundraise for a wide range of charitable causes France, and is completed in roughly half the time. Nicholas and Nicholas had chosen the Michael J. Fox Foundation, was supported by his parents Nancy and Jim from Doune, as which raises money for Parkinson’s Disease Research. members of his crew. Our epic journey across America was not quite complete at The transcontinental race started on the shores of the Pacific the finishing line, With Nicholas we drove the RV support Ocean in Oceanside, California on 15 June and ended on vehicle back across the states to California, passing through Chesapeake Bay, in Annapolis, Maryland on 26 June. The a few states we had missed on the outward journey, including route was 3000 miles, with over 170,000 feet of climbing, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Nevada. while passing through 14 states. Nancy and Jim Rice-McDonald After leaving the Pacific shores, Nicholas crossed the Coastal Mountain range, the deserts of the American Southwest and For donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, see http:// climbed up onto the Coconino Plateau in Arizona where www.teamfox.org/2011/nrmcd/ although a US site, it does elevations are 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The temperatures during take credit card donations. the day were between 28 and 41C and at night between 10 and 16C. These conditions persisted all the way to the “Four Corners Area” (the only place where four states touch: Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico). In Arizona we crossed high desert with spectacular rock formations and then passed through Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations and Monument Valley. In Colorado Nicholas crossed 11,000 feet Wolf Creek Pass in the San Juan Range of the Rockies, the highest point on the RAAM route. This is also the Continental Divide, to the west of which rivers flow to the Pacific Ocean and to the east into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. After Colorado, the bicycle race traversed the Great Plains, formerly the home of millions of American buffalo and native American tribes. The spectacular, unrestricted views to the horizon in every direction make the sky here appear enormous. The Great Plains, 700 miles across, are exceptionally flat and characterized by weather fronts that produce unpredictable winds, dramatic storms and occasional tornadoes, conditions less than ideal for cyclists. Our luck was in on this year’s race because Nicholas enjoyed tailwinds for most of the crossing. We did however see a classic anvil cloud ahead of us at one stage; this is often a precursor to a tornado but luckily the electrical storm and high winds passed in another direction to the race route.

Having passed the halfway point, Nicholas entered the hills and lakes of Missouri where the route crossed two widely Day two: Nicholas takes on Arizona. separated arms of the Lake of the Ozarks. After Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, we dropped down into the Missouri River Valley and then the Mississippi River Valley, finally crossing the Mississippi River in Illinois. The route then took us through Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. After 2500 miles of cycling came the Appalachian Mountains which are considered to be the most difficult section of RAAM in terms of feet of climbing per mile. However, perhaps because Nicholas was used to practising most mornings on a steep mountain near his home in California, he coped with this arduous climb. We passed through Gettysburg, site of the most famous battle of the American Civil War. The final stretch took us into Maryland and the finish at the dockside in Annapolis. Nicholas had completed the race in 11 days and 4 hours, which meant that he averaged 267 miles per day, having cycled for about 20-21 hours per day. He

20 SPORT

Curling a Few Fast Bowls

Cricket Club friendly match line up

Many fantastic opportunities arose from the last Doune Societies Fair, one of which was the suggestion to bring two summer and winter sporting clubs together. Standing table-to-table, the Doune Curling Club and the Doune Cricket Club hit on the idea of holding a social gathering, bringing the opposing seasonal sports together. Thanks to Val Salville and Mike Brown from the Curling Club, and to Ken Russell from the Cricket Club, their idea duly took shape on 27 July.

It was agreed that the Cricket Club would host a friendly match during their summer season with the Curling Club returning the favour in the winter. The hope was that some of the winter sports enthusiasts might consider taking up cricket as their summer sport, and vice versa.

A glorious summer’s evening saw over 40 curlers/cricketers, old and young, attend the gathering to participate and spectate. The cricketers graciously let the curlers bat first to get familiar with the game. Assuming little cricket experience amongst the curling squad, the cricketers took it easy…that is, until the curlers’ naturally competitive sporting instincts resulted in the latter notching up the runs, eventually finishing all out on 102 runs after 20 overs. Keen to take on the challenge, the cricketers stepped up to show their guests how it was done, but not without a battle; it turned out that the curlers had a few secret bowlers in their squad. However, experience triumphed, with the cricketers finishing to a round of applause on 103 for 5 after 17 overs.

They say sport can bring people together and I think this event confirmed it. It was fantastic to see so many members of the community enjoying an eventful and entertaining match. Everyone is looking forward to the return match at The Peak when the cricketers step onto the ice. Here’s hoping that this tournament may become an annual event in the two clubs’ sporting calendars. Ali Hutchison PETANQUE GETS ROLLING

The Bakery Garden petanque (boules) players get the ball rolling. Joining in with a will on 14 August were Maria and Daniele Ferri (2nd and 3rd from right, above) from Ferrara in Italy on their sixth summer holiday in Doune; more on them next month. In a very competitive match, ladies versus gentlemen, the gents won by 11 – 4, but only because of their secret weapon, guest player Diana Bishop, the star player of the match!

21 SPORT SUMMER IN THE PARK Time to Get Fitter? The sun has shone on the Doune and Deanston Sports Club’s summer activities this year. Helen and I were able to run The Doune Keep Fit class has a new Instructor, Diane Dixon from Wood of Doune, who has taken over from Jan Hally. Jan a Play in the Park session every Monday afternoon over had been running the class since 2008, but recently moved on the summer in the Moray Park, although we did have wet to concentrate on her Pilates teaching at the Dunblane Centre weather provision in the Rural Hall. and other venues. We had a good uptake with a combination of people coming For the last two years, Diane has been our relief Instructor, along particularly for the club; children who were in the park covering illness and holidays, and she will be running the also joined in on our activities. While we took advantage of class along similar lines to Jan. It’s a mixture of aerobics, the opportunity to get the full-size tennis net out for the older toning and stretching, using mats, weights and bands, all with children, we also used the junior tennis nets, football goals, a great variety of music (and quite a few laughs!). kwik-cricket and other equipment that the Sports Club has The class is for all fitness levels (from not very to very) and for its members to use. is suitable for adults, male or female, of any age. If you’d like to come along, you’d be very welcome! You need to wear We are continuing our sporting activities with an after-school comfortable clothes and trainers and bring some water to sports club at the same time 3:30pm to 4:30pm from the start drink. The class is £4 per week and we meet every Monday of term. We meet at the Rural Hall but will go outside if the 6.30-7.30pm at the Rural Hall in Doune. If you have any weather allows. Otherwise we have indoor equipment (e.g. queries, please phone Mary on 842239. table tennis and badminton). Mary Wallace

Junior Membership £1, Family Membership £5.If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please send an e-mail to [email protected] Joanna Chodyniecki AFTER-SCHOOL SPORT Monday Afternoons: Meet at the Rural Hall 3.30pm Run by volunteers, but supported by Club Sport Stirling, the club gives children supervised access to a variety of sports equipment (e.g tennis, table tennis, football, cricket and badminton), The club also has visiting specialist coaches in various sports, some complementing the school’s activities. We also run “play in the park” programme, The club operates in Moray Park in fine weather and in the Rural Hall (Northlea) when wet. Diane Dixon If you would like to be added to our mailing list please send an email to [email protected] KEEP FIT! (with new Instructor, Diane) ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP JUST £1 at the RURAL HALL, DOUNE DOUNE & DEANSTON every Monday 6.30-7.30pm, cost £4

COMMUNITY SPORTS GROUP The class suits adults of all ages and Promoting sporting activities in Doune & Deanston. abilities and combines aerobics to improve The club membership costs £2 for adults, £1 for children cardio fitness and £5 for a family membership. Adults can access the with toning and floor exercises to work club’s equipment for use in the Rural Hall using their those muscles! membership card (via the Information Centre: tel 841250) So come along, enjoy the music, have a laugh and get in trim at the same time!

Designed fitted kitchens, Laminate & hardwood flooring, Upvc doors & Windows, Velux windows, Extensions & Renovation projects, All Internal & external woodwork, Fencing & decking Loft & garage conversions, New builds All trades supplied, Free estimates. Tel 01786 813853 Mob 07870 398356 (for more information contact Mary on 842239) E‐mail [email protected]

22 SPORT Doune Castle AFC Caledonian Campaign Kicks Off in A Tale of Two Castles Style Supporters of Doune Castle can look forward to a Moray Doune started their First Division League campaign on 17 Park feast this season. Already members of the prestigious August with an away win over Stirling University determined Caledonian League, the club has decided to enter a second to regain their Premier League status lost when a late goal n string in the local Stirling and District Amateur Football their final match of last season brought relegation. The score Association league which the club dominated during one of its was Stirling University 1 - Doune Castle 3. The goal scorers most successful eras in the 1970s. Assistant Club Secretary, were Colin Burke, Andy Carswell and Lukasz Duszynski. Ian Sommerville explains: Former English League player Mick Guest has joined the coaching staff of the ‘first’ team.

‘The club has decided to try to recruit players from a more local base as we believe there many talented young On Saturday 20 August Doune produced an impressive footballers in the locality and developing that source will be display to record a comfortable League Cup win over Dalziel to the club’s long-term advantage. HSFP by 3 goals to 1. Alan Inglis, Colin Burke and Lukasz Duszynski scored the goals. The jump from youth football to the level of the Caledonian League is considerable. We believe our new side, which will http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/dounecastleafc play in the S & D third division, will provide a platform to develop these lads.’

Duncan ‘Duncy’ Morrison, will manage the side assisted Footballers Wanted! by coach Nick Mapplebeck and Bryan Gallagher. The early Get fit and have a few laughs. Adults from Doune and signs have been encouraging as the youthful Doune side Deanston Community Sports Group have been playing opened their campaign on 13 August with a 2-0 victory over football for over 30s (roughly!) for nearly three years in Cumbernauld side, Glenvale, in a Divisional League Cup tie. Moray Park and then, more recently, indoor 5-a-side at In their second game, on 15 August, the young side lost 3-1 Dunblane High School. However, numbers have declined at home to the experienced Coatbridge side, Independent, but and they are appealing to former players to come back for a were unlucky not to take something from a game in which game and for new players to join them. It’s not too serious they more than matched their street-wise opponents. and great way of keeping fit without going to the boring gym. Tuesday nights, 7–8pm at Dunblane High School. We enjoy generous sponsorship from Catherine and Gerry at the Highland Hotel and from Norman Salmoni, the Perth Interested? Contact Jason on 01786 842349 opticians fronted by former Castle player Eddie Russell but email: [email protected] or just come realise we need to attract further sponsorship to sustain two along! sides. I’d like to make a plea for anyone interested in offering sponsorship to give me a ring (07719618211) or to phone our secretary, Willie Docherty (841832).’ GEORGE MCALLISTER SERVICES

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Family Run Business Teacher: Diane Edward Cost: £4 (£3 concessions) This class is suitable for beginners Address: 14 Camp Place, Callander Please bring a mat, blocks, bricks, belt and a blanket. Telephone: (01877) 330398 / 330567 Fax: (01877) 331079 There is limited equipment available to borrow. Sorry, class not suitable for pregnant women. Rest Room Address: Glenartney Street, Callander COMMUNITY ACTION FOR DEANSTON

23 Visitor Information Doctor/Nurse Humanist Doune Health Centre, Castlehill Doctor 01786-841213 Nurse 01786-841256 Society NHS 24 08454-242424 Woodside Pharmacy of Scotland 3 The Cross, Doune 01786-841216 for advice and information about Police (Callander) 01786-456000 all aspects of humanist ceremonies, please contact: Vet Struthers and Scott, Main Street, Doune 01786-841304 Mary Wallace T: 01786 842239 Kilmadock Information & Heritage Centre M: 07968 666432 52 Main Street 01786-841250 E: mary.wallace@humanism- 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat scotland.org.uk 2pm - 4pm Sunday e: [email protected] www.humanism-scotland.org.uk (Advice on local facilities inc heritage, accommodation, tourism, transport, banks) Deanston Post Office 841490 Church Services Contacting The Bridge Mon - Fri 9-12 The Bridge is published 10 times a year Church of Scotland and is always in the market for articles, Doune Post Office 841219 43 Balkerach Street pictures, letters and ads. All suggestions (in The Village Store) Every Sunday 10.30am are welcome. Items for publication should M, T, Th, F 9-1 & 2-5.30 Rev. Andrew Campbell normally be submitted before the 15th of Weds 9-1 01786860678 each month, and be no longer than 750 Sat 9-12.30 words. Letters to The Bridge must be (Last collection 5pm weekdays, Episcopal Church signed and accompanied by contact details; 12 noon Sat.) Saint Modoc’s: in special cases, these will not be published Cashpoints at Information Centre Sung Eucharist if so requested. and The Village Store Every Sunday 9.30am Please email all contributions to Rector - Rev. Stuart Coates . Alternatively, Doune Library [email protected] 01786 860531 post or deliver them to The Bridge, c/o 5 Main Street 01786 841732 Kilmadock Information Centre, 52 Main Monday 2.30pm-7pm R. C. Church Street, Doune FK16 6BW (tel 01786 Tuesday 10am-12noon St. Fillan’s: Holy Mass 841250), where there is a box for all Wednesday 2.30pm-5.30pm Every Sunday 9.45am, also Bridge deposits. Thursday 2.30pm-7pm Tuesday and Friday at 10am Friday Closed The Bridge is edited by Juliet McCracken Priest - Father Jim McCruden Saturday 10am-1pm and produced by a team of volunteers 01877-330702 including its founder Ken Russell.

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