the Price - £1.30 Issue 29 ... December 2007

Strathblane, Blanefield, Mugdock, Carbeth & Auchineden (circulation 1000) [email protected]

Inside • Railway puzzle answer • Special constables needed • Fisherman’s tale • Football 125 years ago • Into the heart of Africa • Special Olympics success • Bowling President’s review • The crow family • Tale of the Bubble car Visit the Community Website @ 1 The next issue will be in March 2008 Deadline for articles 20th February www.strathblanefield.org.uk of Milngavie. He didn't escape his DAN MACDONALD studies though as he had to attend night school at Stow College for Murray O’Donnell two nights a week. He enjoyed both the plumbing and working with his he village has lost one of its own six fellow apprentices. with the passing of Dan When he was a little older, TMacDonald. He was born on 12 Dan was remarkably unconcerned April 1928. about “not having a motor”. That Although Dan lived all his life in may have been, of course, because Strathblane, it may surprise many to he had met his future wife, Martha, know that he was actually born in Kelty who was a bus conductress on the in Fife. He said that this was because in Balfron to Glasgow run! Dan and "The olden days you went back home Martha lived all 51 years of their to have your baby." married life at Mid-Ballewan, and Because his father originally there they had a daughter, Diane. worked at the distillery, Dan's first local He enjoyed Scottish dance music and home was up by the distillery itself, at was an enthusiastic member of the Easterton. His father took barrels of Forth and Endrick football whisky by horse and cart to the train at committee. Dumgoyne and brought back malt and Football was an abiding coal. When Dan's father moved his job passion in his life. Firstly he played to be an estate worker at Duntreath, the for the Youth Club Team. Some family moved to Burnside Row (now years ago, in an interview with Blane Place.) Lynne James and me, he said, “We When his father became a forester had a good team then.” From 1947 Martha and Dan MacDonald on the estate, the family moved to onwards, Dan had an association Lunchikin Lodge and the young boy with Blanefield Thistle as a founder allow him to continue playing. He said learned to find his way about Duntreath member, as a player, and then, to his of this club, “I enjoyed every minute of Castle where his mother worked as a great delight, as chairman. He nearly being with it”. cook for Sir Charles Edmonstone. ended his football career very early when A large number of family, friends Dan left school at 14 and went to he had an accident on his BSA motorbike and representatives of various football work a seven year apprenticeship as a in which he broke his leg, but, thanks to clubs, attended his funeral at Clydebank. plumber, working with McAdam in the skill of the surgeons at Killearn The sympathy of the community is Station Road Blanefield, then Gardner's Hospital, his leg healed well enough to extended to Martha and Diane. RAILWAY PUZZLE EDITORIAL Archie McCallum, Canada reasonable guess would be that the lastair Smith is going potty, but you our correspondent in the Blane, overpass would be some 10ft. clear. This Aprobably knew that already and did Mr. Bob Sharp, asked about the would give an embankment of about the not need me to point it out. He has Yrailway and its grades prior to the same height. provided the Blane with photographs of removal of the track. As I presume all traces of the chimney pots around the village and they are scattered throughout the newsletter. Give him his due, he has alerted us to the fact that there is not a standard kind of pot in the village. Maybe you feel that you have managed to live this long without that particular piece of information. However, we feel that, culturally, you will be enriched by observing the variety of chimneys and noting their whereabouts. We have given you a general guide to these on page 14. We thought that the owners might not be amused if we directed you to the exact locations. More in the next issue. In the interests of political correctness (which is generally contrary to Blane policy but, in this case, we do This extract from O.S.map embankment have been removed the not want to be sued by your relatives) Stirlingshire XXV11-1860 might answer difficulty in assessing the original layout we ask you to take care not to cross any his question. This portion of the map and design is understandable. As the plan busy roads while gazing at the skyline. shows the plan of the line from the I have does not show elevations, it is Glasgow Corporation’s aquaduct west possible the embankment was higher We welcome comments on to Blanefield station. There is a side hill than I note due to low ground near the anything that appears in the cut west of the aqueduct grade crossing farm underpass and the need to maintain newsletter. Please write to the leading to a short length of track at grade a grade compatible with the power of Editor, Mike Fischbacher, at: followed by an embankment giving an the engine and the design haul load. The overpass for, I presume, farm use. After railway authority would choose to 4 Southview Road, Strathblane this overpass, there is a downgrade to balance the cut and fill, amongst other G63 9JQ Blanefield station. This requires considerations such as grade, to keep or e-mail: an embankment of decreasing construction and operating costs to a [email protected] 2 height as shown on the plan. A minimum. 01360 770716 A81 TRAFFIC DESIGNED IN STRATHBLANE... BUILT IN ETHIOPIA MANAGEMENT Bob Flashman trathblane man, Blair Blair, whose current Armstrong, is working involvement is with the European he traffic S collaboratively with Prof Alan Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) at management Ervine of the Dept of Civil Orkney where they are testing the steering group Engineering at Glasgow University to latest wave and tidal marine energy T (SG) met on the 29th design and construct a small water devices says “the Ethiopian scheme October and were joined reservoir at a location about a hundred is somewhat smaller than the Orkney later by Alistair Dawson from Stirling miles south of the Ethiopian capital project, however it will be nice not to Council. The SG was aware that budgets of Addis Ababa. have to do battle with the wind and were limited and however much it might The project, which is the waves off Stromness just to produce identify Station Road/A81 junction as brainchild of an organisation called electricity” priority number 1, difficult geometry Service in Mission (SIM) will provide The Ethiopian project is and resulting high costs made alteration much needed drinking and irrigation predicted to cost $ 193,000 US highly unlikely. Therefore a pragmatic water for an Ethiopian community Dollars of which $51,000 has already approach was taken in that if a scheme who live in that area. The project will been raised. A project manager has could be designed that would slow down allow the community to develop and been allocated by SIM and the first the traffic before it reached Station be self supporting especially during phase of work has just started. Road, a dangerous element of the times of drought. The Kirk Session at Strathblane process could be significantly reduced. The scheme will include the Parish has generously agreed to The SG has therefore proposed installation of a small power generator donate the money given at this year’s that a traffic slowing scheme involving whose turbine will be driven by the Christmas Watchnight service to the road marking that artificially narrows flow of water stored in the reservoir Ethiopian Tufa Appeal (Tufa is the the carriageway together with 2 or 3 which will provide much needed name of the village benefiting from traffic islands be adopted. This would electrical power to the village. the project) cover the Blanefield entrance to the village until the Kirkhouse Road junction. (For those familiar with Buchclyvie, the scheme would be similar CONGRATULATIONS to their road marking and islands). JOHN BOYLE has As funds have been allocated it is received a reasonable to expect the project to be prestigious award completed within the next 12 months. from the Institute of Road Transport Engineers. He is the engineer of the year CAN YOU HELP THE BLANE? in Scotland and we e have a problem and we permanently to do this work, there will offer him our would like to ask if you can be no newsletter. Two people have congratulations. Whelp to solve it. The offered to learn how to use the equipment that we use to produce the software and to train to put it together. n a different subject, John wrote Blane is grinding to a halt. The In order to do that, we need to buy Oseveral articles for the Blane on the computer itself needs to be replaced extra licences for the software, subject of home made wine. Quite a very soon – the monitor packed up a something that is very expensive. number of people have started making few weeks ago and a new one had to We could apply for grants but their own wine as a result and John is be found in order to put this issue there is a problem in that, as a often asked questions when he is going together. The scanner, now over community, we are applying to about the village. He has offered to have ten years old, is causing funders for money for other his phone number available if any wish problems as is the laser projects, such as the play park. An to ask his advice. He is always happy to printer which is even older. application by the Blane could talk about wine. His number is 771027. The software that we use jeopardise these as funders often also needs to be upgraded limit the number of applications for any new system. that can be made by a community CONGRATULATIONS It is not only the Blane in any time period, usually a too to Simon Allan that is produced, but we year. who has won the have a project that we are We do not believe that it Fastway Courier undertaking in the new year is right to use the funds that are Franchisee of the to scan and store village donated for the production of Year award. Simon archives and photographs the quarterly newsletter as they gave up a job in that they may be preserved for and have not been given for capital banking to run has made available to the community. We equipment, nor do we wish to stem own business. He is have already stored quite a bit of the flow of support for that objective. described by material including the photographs What we need, and fairly urgently, is Fastway as “always helpful, friendly, that are now available for viewing on to find someone or a few people in reliable and committed to providing (his the community website. the community who would be willing customers) with the very best service”. Added to that, we are concerned to contribute to the purchase of the The business is a pick and delivery parcel about the long term future of the equipment and software. If you would service mainly for small and medium newsletter. The editor is the only one like to do that, we would be most sized companies. who can produce the Blane at this grateful if you would contact us at the With the award goes a two week point and, should he, for any reason, Blane. Our accounts are audited trip for Simon and his wife Stephanie to be unable at any time temporarily or and available for anyone to view. Australia. 3 extra hazards present on roads around VIEW FROM THE POLICE OFFICE the primary school and to comply with the parking restrictions. PC Paul Barr with 5 lever locks and deadbolts. Please stick to the 20mph speed • DO close windows and consider use limit and ensure that you and your he long dark nights of winter are of window locks. children are wearing appropriate seat now with us and it is a good time • DO use timers to activate lights and belts. Tof the year to check that the lights radios when you are out to create an Also remember that using a hand- around the outside of your house are in illusion that the house is occupied. held mobile phone when driving now working order. Lights have been shown • DON’T leave garden tools lying results in a £60 fine and 3 penalty points to be an effective tool in deterring around the garden that if you are caught. I have criminals from targeting your house and might be of use to a thief. received reports that I recommend the types that either have • DON’T leave keys on I have received reports parents have been seen a dusk to dawn sensor or an infra- the inside of a lock that parents have been using mobile telephones red sensor that detects movement. and don’t leave car seen using mobile whilst dropping children off The police will be placing leaflets keys on hall tables telephones whilst at school. This type of act through the doors of houses that are etc. near to dropping children is unacceptable and persons found to be in darkness in the letterboxes. off at school caught doing so will be evenings. These leaflets contain • DO report any dealt with. information about the steps that can be suspicious persons or vehicles to the taken to reduce the likelihood of police immediately. Write down A number of vehicles have becoming a victim of crime. Residents descriptions and registration numbers recently been broken into at Station Lofts should not be alarmed by these and for future reference. Don’t commit this and also at car parks around Mugdock Blanefield is still a low crime area. to memory alone. Country Park. I would urge readers not This time of the year historically to leave bags or other valuable items sees an increase in If any reader would like further within vehicles and to set car alarms housebreakings in the area. A information regarding this subject I can where fitted. number of police operations are being supply leaflets. planned to target travelling criminals, but Please contact me at Blanefield there are a number of measures that you The school is now well into the Police Office on 01360 770224 or via can take to make your home less new term after the long summer break. the Central Scotland Police website at: tempting to a burglar. These include: The weather in the winter can pose www.centralscotland.police.uk/ dangers in relation to road safety. I localpolicing/ • DO use good quality external doors would urge drivers to be aware of the stirling_dunblane_blanefield.php SPECIAL CONSTABLES NEEDED FOR THIS AREA Kevin Findlater, Chief Inspector will learn about the police service, its that you have no conflicts of interest. organisation, the duties of a police For example, members of the fire service entral Scotland Police is always officer, powers of arrest, criminal and are regularly called to work on the lookout for Special licensing laws, court procedures and the unexpectedly. Employees of security CConstables to boost our numbers. giving of evidence. organisations, private investigators, We are especially keen to recruit officers A special constable has to be managers or employees of licensed to work in the area covered by Balfron committed, flexible and have a realistic premises or betting offices, or serving Police Office - Balfron, Killearn, Fintry, members of HM forces are also Kippen, Buchlyvie, Drymen and considered unsuitable for the role of Blanefield. Special Constables are a vital special constable. part of the effort to increase our partnership with the community. Since WHAT YOU GET OUT OF IT the 19th century they’ve been voluntarily Becoming a special constable brings the assisting regular officers, initially greatest reward of all, the opportunity providing support in times of to make a personal and positive emergency. We have special constables contribution towards a safer community. regularly working a minimum of four A free uniform and reasonable out-of- hours per week and hours can be pocket expenses come as standard. But arranged to suit the individual's lifestyle. the work is voluntary, so your own personal gain is dependent on your WHERE YOU FIT IN Special Police Officers outlook. You would gain a chance to do Join and become part of the team your bit for a safer community. Variety and you will gain on-the-job experience. and positive attitude to life. You will is another benefit but at all times the role You will patrol with a regular officer, need to be interested in police work and is demanding. You could be doing have the same powers, and be called be at least 18 years of age, of British anything from policing a football match upon to assist in all aspects of police nationality and physically fit. Educated to assisting at a road accident. Follow work. The recruitment process is similar to a reasonable standard, you will have this link for more information and an to that of the regular Force and is a mature outlook, the ability to think application form: designed to be thorough but fair - only clearly in difficult situations and have http://www.centralscotland.police.uk/ the best applicants will be successful. good interpersonal skills. It’s important careers/special_constables.php The communities we serve demand, and are entitled to, the highest possible standard of service from Central CONTACTING STIRLING COUNCIL Scotland Police. Stirling Council, Viewforth, 0845 277 7000 In most areas you will be trained Stirling FK8 2ET Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Saturday at your local police station. This is an 10am-4pm Emergencies 24 hour ongoing process, with theoretical Visit Viewforth and local offices [email protected] 4 training sessions held regularly 4 during the winter months. You Mon-Fri 9am-5pm www.stirling.org.uk LETTER TO THE EDITOR ANNUAL BURNS SUPPER egarding Neil Davies’ interesting article about Strathblane in the last issue. Manx was (like Gaelic) The Blane Valley Burns Club are RQ-Celtic, not P-Celtic, though first the document was delighted to announce that their put into English phonetics by a Welsh Bishop. See Encyclopedia Britannica. Cf. general interest in Watson, The annual Burns Supper will be held on Celtic Placenames of Scotland, Birlinn 1993 et ante. Strathblane (not Ystrad Blane as it would be in Welsh) SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY, 2008 was very much borderland between Brythonic (‘Welsh’) and Dalriadic (Gaelic-speaking) and Pictish territories. Cf. the stream at Campsie Glen, Allt Easan (stream of waterfalls), It is hoped, as usual, that the evening will be yielding present slightly different spelling for the café there. held in the salubrious surroundings of Very clearly Gaelic. Normal Welsh for stream is Nant. See any good map. But Welsh ‘allt’ means ‘cliff or hillside - not too far apart in environmental sense! The Gaelic may have a STRATHBLANE PRIMARY SCHOOL Pictish origin here according to MacBain. Postscript: ‘Mill’ in Gaelic is muileann. Welsh melin. and this will be confirmed nearer the time. Both related to Latin molina (cf. Molindinar Burn in Glasgow) As ever the evening will be a feast, (both - JCGG literally and literary) and we have an exciting POSTAL SCAM list of speakers to entertain and educate. he Trading Standards Office are making people aware Please contact any of the under noted or any of the following scam: other member of the committee known to you, TA card is posted through your door from a company for ticket bookings for what is the highlight of called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were the BVBC Calendar and what proves year on unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number). DO NOT call year to be a very popular event. this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded PRESIDENT: TREASURER: SECRETARY: message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone John Donohoe Alastair Smith Michael O’Neill call. If you do receive a card with these details, then please 01360 770120 01360 770108 contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the 01360 770741 premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

STRATHENDRICK ROTARY CLUB popular Am-Am Golf competition held at the Shian Golf Course, home to the FOCUS ON STRATHENDRICK ROTARY Balfron Golf Society, in August and the Classic Car Run held for the first time Mike Menzies The members are from all different in April 2007 and which was sponsored professional backgrounds and because by Arnold Clark. The Am-Am has raised ROTARY is an the club can draw on this fund of varied over £50,000 for Rotary supported organisation of experience, it is charities over the business and able to organise last twelve years and professional men events or the Classic Car Run and women who respond to made a very healthy provide humanitarian specific needs contribution in its service, encourage high ethical within the local first year. Both these standards, and help to build good will community or popular events will and peace in the world. Members carry on an take place again in out this work in their community and international 2008. internationally by giving of their time level. Community and expertise. A Rotary Club is open to The projects include car men and women who are in business, format for the runs and sheltered professional or community leaders who evening is an shopping for senior want to use their experience for the evening meal citizens, police benefit of others. Paul Harris formed the followed by a concerts, inter- first Rotary Club in Chicago in February brief business Line up for the classic car rally primary school 1905. The name Rotary is derived from meeting and an quizzes, and mock the early practice of rotating meetings entertaining speaker talking about some interviews at Balfron High School. among members’ offices. Today there topical subject with questions afterwards. As you can see the activities of The are 1.2 million Rotary club members of Subjects can range from Antique Golf Rotary Club of Strathendrick are many more than 30,000 clubs in more than Clubs, Tilting Trains, Classic Car Trips, and varied and their priorities are within 200 countries or geographical areas. Scottish Railway Preservation Society, the local community. The motto of the The local club of Strathendrick and The Waverley Paddle Steamer to organisation is “ Service above Self”. was chartered in 1977 and has just over mention a few. Great emphasis is placed forty members including four ladies. It on fellowship, and by meeting in the draws its membership from the evening, the Club is not restricted to the The Club meets every Monday Strathendrick area and has members very tight schedules of a lunch time evening - 6.30 for 7.00 in the from Killearn, Gartmore, Fintry and meeting. Black Bull in Killearn. If you are Strathblane. The highest proportion Money making activities by the interested in finding out more comes from Killearn and Balfron so that Club have included Bridge Nights, about the Rotary Club of new members especially from Drymen Spring Fairs, The Great Strathendrick Duck Race and the 150 Club. The two Strathendrick, please contact and Strathblane would give a much wider Robin Taylor on 770207. geographical spread. main money raising events are the ever 5 him Hamish McBear. However, his welcome wasn’t so warm LETTER FROM AMERICA after we returned from a brief visit to Glasgow in October. On opening our front door, after 48 hours Eleanor Friel of travelling, we were met with a flood disaster to our house. During our absence of 15 days e have just celebrated our first year here water had leaked from an en suite bathroom all on the 30th October. The time has the way down to the basement ruining everything Wpassed so quickly. The winter was very on the way down. Carpets, kitchen cabinets, cold and snowy while the summer was delightful. walls, books etc. A professional flood restoration They had the driest summer since records began company came in and took over. The Manager with lots of sunshine and not too much humidity. was a former marine and he ran the process We did not cultivate our garden in the spring but like a military operation. Firstly, he explained relied on patio planters for colour and interest. that we were in a “black water” situation which Begonias seem to be the hardiest of all the was dangerous as bacteria could develop so we bedding plants and can survive for long periods had better move out. He described the process of drought. Our garden backs on to woods and, as ‘Tear out, dry out and put back!’, a very as we have a strange variety of animals visiting, accurate and efficient use of language. His gang we decided that growing vegetables would be ‘tore out’ all the sodden carpets, kitchen cabinets somewhat of a challenge. One day a very and kitchen ceiling and walls. We stayed in a unpleasant creature waddled across the back hotel for a week when the drying process began. grass and disappeared under the deck. We The big driers and de -humidifiers then did their quickly consulted the internet and discovered it Hamish McBear work. As a result, the temperature in the house was an opossum – the only North American at one time registered 101o F! Since we moved marsupial. It is a large rat-like animal with a long snout. back in we have been camping in one corner of the dining Neighbours advised us that they were not pleasant to have area and cooking on an electric frying pan and a microwave. near the house and we should try and discourage it from making The excellent eating establishments of Lewiston have come a nest under the deck. As luck would have it, our neighbour’s into their own once more. Labrador chased it and we have not seen it since. After tortuous bureaucracy we are now at the ‘put back’ Speaking of wild life, have I told you about our ‘greeter’ stage. We are confident that we will be restored in time for on the front porch of our house? We purchased him last Christmas. In the meantime our good neighbours have invited Christmas in a large local store. He is a four foot high black us to join them for Thanksgiving later this week. We will bear leaning on a sledge with a plaid scarf and hat. On the look forward to that and we wish you all the compliments of sledge is inscribed the word ‘Welcome!’ Naturally we called the season. SUPERMARKET SHELVES EMPTY Sylvia Armstrong a lunch in the Kirk Rooms, as part of is enough to provide vitamin enriched the annual ‘Guild Week’ special events. cereal for 5 children for 6 months, here is no food in the shops and Strathblane Parish Church congregation protecting them from malnourishment, basic services have broken down. stayed on after the morning service to while £50 could provide a family with 3 TIt is hard for us to imagine how enjoy home made soup and sandwiches, goats to help them earn their own we would cope with life under these followed by coffee and cake and Isabel’s livelihood and provide nutritious milk circumstances, but in Zimbabwe no famous fruit dumpling. The next day for the children. The world has become imagination is necessary – it’s a reality. there was a coffee evening organised by a global village and Strathblane takes About 4 million Zimbabweans will need Lynne James, ably assisted by her team seriously its responsibility to care for its emergency food aid to escape the threat from Strathblane Primary School, who neighbours. of starvation. That is why two separate efficiently manned the Tearcraft, home events held in the Kirk Rooms during baking and Fair Trade stalls and served one week in November both decided, coffee and biscuits. On this occasion ADVANCE NOTICE independently, to give all of the money £100 for the Zimbabwe appeal was they raised to the Tearfund emergency raised from donations and the baking AN EVENING WITH appeal for Zimbabwe. On Sunday 18th stall and, in addition, £300 of Tearcraft BRIAN SOUTER November £171 was given in donations and Fair Trade goods were sold. Thanks when Strathblane Church Guild hosted to the hard work and generosity of all who organised and supported these rian Souter of Stagecoach Group events, £271 will go to the Zimbabwe Bhas kindly agreed to a request appeal - enough money to make a from the Church to give an after- THE GUILD dinner talk to an open audience from Tricia Rae significant difference to the lives of a number of families in Zimbabwe. £20 the village. Mr Souter is a well-known We meet on alternate Monday evenings Christian businessman, much in at 7.30pm. All are welcome. GUILD DATES demand as a public speaker, considered controversial by some, but We started off the session on 1st Dec 10 Christmas Celebration generally known for his plain October with a very lively evening with Jan 14 Rev A Green and speaking, strong convictions and the Anderson Singers. This was followed Mrs L. James speaking about ability to defend them in open debate. on the 15th by Alison Twaddle, the Guild their visits to Japan. An evening meal has been general secretary, who gave a very Jan 28 Mrs Pauline Dabydeen arranged for Thursday, 6 March 2008 interesting resume of her travels with Adventures in Nursing. in Strathblane Country House. The the Moderator in India earlier this year. Feb 11 Dr Anne Pollock - What is cost is £17.50. For information or On 29th we had Mrs Anne Kinghorn ‘old’ anymore? tickets please contact: from YMCA, who explained about the Feb 25 Mrs Judy Stewart - The Nancy Sharp 770149 work that they now do. She is involved King’s Theatre Shirley Findlay 770154 with asylum seekers and refugees. It was Mar 10 Mr John Coutts - A box of Richard Graham 770432 a very interesting evening. surprises Rhona McColl Hope to see you all at our [email protected] 6 future meetings. Mar 31 AGM shortage of housing for older folk, DEVELOPMENT TRUST seeking ways and means of replacing the old bus shelter which used to sit on the George Thom, Chairperson raised were: other side of the road from the Kirkhouse ·Develop a handy-person service Inn. ou will no doubt have been for those less able We would like to register our wondering what we have been ·The village centre idea thanks to Stirling Council for our start- Yup to over the last couple of ·A gala day up grant, which will be put to good use months since the public meeting which ·Property and land ownership with the inevitable administration costs. appointed the Board for the Community ·Income generation and donations Also our thanks to the Community Development Trust. We promised to ·Networking Council for nominating Bob Flashman keep the villages informed about ·Allocation of roles for directors as its representative on the Trust. We progress, so here goes. ·The need for an additional will keep you informed of progress in We have had a number of meetings director on the Board who can the next issue of the Blane. Any as a Board, getting organised and help us with our communications. contributions, ideas or comments thinking about the priorities. We are It is safe to say that the process is welcomed. Send them by email to aware that we need to do our best to still in progress: we hope to produce a [email protected] reflect the feelings in the village business plan in the New Year. about the issues that are Working groups important and combine that Most of the Trust’s work POWER WATCH with a business-like approach will be undertaken by the Mary Brailey to income and viability. The various working groups which Trust is a business with are all busy at present: ’ve just discovered that our power charitable status. Greenheart, planning a new play Isupplier, Scottish Power, now has Good news! We recently received facility and seeking funding; data (and graphs) about our electricity approval from the Charities Regulatory Blane Valley Carbon Neutral and gas consumption in our online ‘my Board, which is another bureaucratic Group, public meeting held in October account’ area (under ‘bills and step completed. with a good turnout, 25 people attended. consumption history’). At our Board meeting in October An outline application to the Lottery It’s interesting to look at, and in we had a brain-storming session to Fund for a free home energy audit for particular will be interesting to generate ideas for income, projects and everyone in the area was unsuccessful. compare in the future as and when a business plan for the coming year. We Solar water heating project bulk purchase ‘steps are taken’ to save energy in the also incorporated those suggestions scheme underway. Thom/Brailey household. If anyone already made by those who attended the Property Development Group, else is with Scottish Power and hasn’t two public meetings. Some of the ideas engaging with the planners about the seen this already, it’s worth a look.

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2 x 5 door Hatchbacks 6 Seater Galaxy - with Trailer mob: 07801 372735 or 01360 770040 7 moorland. problems took quite some sorting out. MOORHOUSE EMERGES Ever one to Throughout the entire project, relish a challenge, Bill neighbours and adjoining landowners FROM THE SHADE set to with enthusiasm. The have been co-operative. Then the dam Mary Brailey offending pines – 45 of them – were was partially emptied to allow some felled. Some of the trunks were sliced restructuring of the banks, removal of he house on Old Mugdock Road, into rough planks to form the walls of vegetation, and clearing of the culvert standing prominent above the the handsome new log store, some were under the road. The result: a tranquil – Tmain road into Milngavie, has chopped into logs, and the rest were and unsmelly – pond which was once been a hive of activity. What on earth shipped to China, where there is a timber again home to a family of swans this has been going on? shortage. With the pines away, the newly summer, and also boasts moorhens and Ever since he used to cycle extended house (a major project in itself) a heron. The cleared stream tumbling through Strathblane as a offered fine views across over rocks is a pleasure to see from the boy, Bill Cullens the dam and the road, and its banks have been planted hankered after a house surrounding moorland, with primroses and bulbs which we can here. Two years ago, and a sun-filled garden all look forward to in the spring. Even finally, he moved into began to feel like a now in November, unseasonally, there Moor House on Old realistic prospect. is a blue poppy in flower. Mugdock Road, along But there were a The woman behind the planning with Janice and the few surprises along the of the garden is Fiona Robertson, a family. Since then, way. Below the surface landscape architect based in Blanefield, neighbours and passers- of the ground lay solid who drew up the design and planting by have looked on – not rock. Undaunted, Bill plan. A local dry-stane dyker rebuilt the without some initial and his landscapers front wall further off the road, and the suspicion; Bill is in the brought in rock-breaking road itself has been widened to allow property business after equipment to excavate cars to pass each other without risk to all – as the house and and scrape off to a depth wing mirrors and paintwork. And Bill grounds have undergone of eight feet. The rock has been able to use his wide circle of a transformation. that was removed was acquaintances to source exactly the right Bill thought he Bill and his faithful gardening used to provide a materials. But he has carried out a lot of knew what he was taking companion Lady take a break drainage layer in other the work himself, mucking in with on. The house was from weeding areas of the garden. Some builders and landscape contractors. This damp, a victim of poor 600 tons of topsoil went is not a man who likes to sit still. Is Janice moorland drainage and a on top of it. Where last anxious about what will happen now that tall encircling ring of gloomy pines. The year we would have sunk up to our the project is almost complete? She old mill dam, which used to serve Davies knees, now we were able to walk across needn’t worry just yet: those trees have Mill in Milndavie Road, was rank and fresh shoots of newly seeded grass. still to go in, and some more smelly. The stream leading the water The next major problem was the rhododendrons. The pond could be from the dam under the road to the dam. The water was polluted with stocked with fish. And then there is talk Punchbowl dam was choked and sewage, the effluent from unsuspected of a summer house down by the stream. overgrown. Much of the land between problems with septic tanks in Moorhouse Perhaps a vegetable patch. And maybe the house and the stream was boggy and several neighbouring houses. These a greenhouse ...

COMMUNITY ACTION DAY Douglas Flynn, Ranger path. This did the trick and the effect was swift and impressive. Embroidery Classes little bit of rain did not stop From there, we proceeded to the Rachel Drake BA(Hons) Stirling Council’s Countryside site of our previous Action Day, at the ARangers from wading along the bottom of the steps. Here we worked old railway path on Strathblane’s third on the maintenance of the drains in Village Club ‘Community Action Day’. It was a very conjunction with a bit of scraping and wet Sunday, 16 September and rangers resurfacing. Soon we had to say goodbye Thursdays Paula Bell and I - assisted by volunteer to our local lass, but almost immediately ranger Scott Ferguson - were joined at we were joined by Sergei, a Russian hand embroidery 10 in the morning by a local lass (Laura, volunteer who fortunately lived locally. I think!), keen to lend a hand. The original intention of our local volunteer Sergei seemed not to mind the rain one Mondays was to work for a couple of hours, but little bit and got stuck into the drainage machine embroidery predictably she had so much fun that she work, followed by a bit of tree pruning stayed for longer than intended and to finish off the day. Alas, our Action produced some fine work. Day had come to an 12 week course The constant rain did, end and as the sun starting January 2008 understandably, keep other potential finally began to volunteers away from our Action Day, break through but the rain also turned out to be a bit of we packed up All levels welcome from blessing. We could see as we walked to our tools, said beginners to those with the worksite that we would need a rethink our good-byes previous embroidery regarding the day’s planned work as, and hoped we 1 running along the length of the path was would meet experience. a small stream, which would have to be again on the diverted. The team (of 4) busied next Contact Rachel on themselves with two water bars, ‘Community 01360 770601 or email coupled with drainage letts to Action Day’. 8 allow the water to flow off the See you there. [email protected] of fishing, Bill remembers REEL-LY WELL going out fly fishing in Argyll with his uncle and DONE, BILL cousin from the age of eight. In those days the casts Mary Brailey (leaders) were made of cat gut, which had to be soaked or the fifth year running, the name in water for half an hour of Strathblane resident Bill before they could be tied. So Farquhar will be inscribed on the woe betide the youngster F who tangled the line ... Phoenix Angling Club trophy as the championship winner, a title he has won During the war, Bill six times in all. The 4lb 6oz rainbow recalls that there seemed to trout he caught in the Lake of Menteith be endless salmon, because also won him the president’s reel for the the German U-boats heaviest fish. Next year it will be his prevented the trawlers own turn to put up the prizes, because fishing the Arctic. No-one he will be president of the club, where had fridges, so it was a case he has been a member for twenty-two of giving away most of the catch so it figured large in his life. Even his national years and is proving to be a tough act to could be eaten fresh. service took the form of sports officer beat. ‘Not bad,’ he says, surprising For many years, Bill and his wife at RAF Boscombe Down. Bill trained himself with the thought, ‘for a man of Norma, an artist, had a holiday home as a teacher and taught PE for many 79!’ looking onto the Broch of Birsay on years before becoming Adviser for His proudest achievement was Orkney. Bill spent many happy days Outdoor Education for Glasgow. when he was part of the Scottish fishing the lochs there for wild brown Describing this as a ‘marvellous job’, International Angling Team that won the trout while Norma painted Orkney Bill tells how he was responsible for the gold medal at Loch Leven in 2003 and landscapes in the studio they had safety codes for all schools in Glasgow he got a ‘carry forward’ to the next installed. and Strathclyde and the training of international in Ireland in 2004 for Continuing success with the rod teachers for all the outdoor activities having the second heaviest catch for depends on keeping fit, nowadays by undertaken by Glasgow schools – Scotland and fifth heaviest overall. doing a substantial walk several times a walking, sailing , skiing, orienteering, Looking back over seventy years week. But physical fitness has always canoeing and so on: activities sadly less available to school kids now. After council funding cuts severely HELLO FROM THE FUN AND FRIENDS limited that job, Bill accepted an offer to act as a consultant to a travel company GUIDES Avril Sandilands that ran activity holidays. He had the onerous task of visiting forty ski centres Lynn Wishart eavers, Cubs and Scouts are going throughout Europe, with Norma, and from strength to strength at the producing reports on them which would t the first weekend in September, moment. Numbers currently stand help customers to choose the right grade 12 of our guides took part in a B at Beavers (18), Cubs (28) and Scouts of activity. He still goes skiing, and Acamp at Catterburn to experience (10). skidooing, mainly when they visit their another side of camping. Not for us the On a Monday night between son, daughter and grandchildren in modern pop-up tents we usually use at 6.30pm and 7.30pm our current 18 Canada. camps – Oh no, at this camp we had the ‘beavers’ can be heard playing games, But it is fishing that remains his old style ridge tents in a lovely pale attempting craftwork, having lots of fun passion, ‘an inspiration’. I can’t see the greeny blue with no built in ground and making friends in the Scout Hall. rod being hung up for some time yet. sheets or double lining to add extra After all our motto is ‘Fun and Friends’! warmth or protection. Did our guides If you are aged between 6 and 8 why mind? Not in the slightest; they had a great time and really enjoyed themselves. not come along and join us - new RAINBOWS Now, if we can just train the girls to “beavers” are always welcome. take one bag of gear instead of a suitcase It’s a Wednesday night between Wendy Hamilton we will have really mastered this 7.00pm and 8.30pm when the camping lark! undeniable sound of 28 cubs playing he Rainbow Guides returned with games and doing badgework can be enthusiasm, and in full voice, last A warm welcome to the girls who September. We began work on have joined us from the Brownies. We heard, or if it’s silent, they’re out and T Rainbow Roundabouts straightaway, hope you have a great time and meet about the village or up at Mugdock (exploring!). This is also the night that with the girls choosing a skipping new friends and tackle new challenges. challenge and a streamer-making task. As before we are continuing with our the scouts will be busy having fun whilst learning “scouting stuff”. We have learned new games and songs Badge Work and Craft Activities. We so far this term - the Bumble Bee song have had “parties” organised by the girls remains the all-time favourite! Our themselves which have been great fun NEWS Christmas party will be a Cool, and at present our senior guides are busy After several years Jim Kennedy has decided to hand in his woggle and Christmas Camp-in, so Rainbows bring organising our very own Olympic Games your torches! to be held in January. resign as Scout Leader. He has now We recently enrolled four new Many thanks to the Friends of the handed the reigns over to Paul Brogan. recruits - Cosima, Roz, Eilidh and Nuala Guides for all their hard work organising The leaders and boys wish to say thanks - and will say goodbye to Katy, Jenny the Autumn Sale and raising the much to Jim for his time over the years and to and Iona in December, as they make needed funds for our hall costs etc. To wish him well in the future. We would their way ‘over the rainbow’ to the people that turn up year after year also like to say good luck to Paul. Brownies. Our annual trip to the village and offer their help, a huge thank you The Remembrance Parade was Panto will be in January, to the for your support. again attended by the Beavers, Brownies, THURSDAY night performance. It will Well, that’s it for now, but if you Cubs, Scouts and Guides. A big thank cost £4 per girl and all money must be are a young lady aged between 10 and you goes to them all for their attendance, paid to me before Christmas. 14 and would like to try something new, marching and brilliant behaviour during Merry Christmas and give us a try and you might just surprise the service. Your leaders were proud of Happy New Year from all at 1st yourself and find you enjoy the guides. you. Strathblane Rainbow Guides. 9 28 members. drawn tram service 125 years ago). The STIRLINGSHIRE FOOTBALL Grounds, privacy question is moot and should be King’s Park, taken to mean they rented the pitches 125 YEARS AGO Stirling, half exclusively. Reference to “knickers” mile from might raise a snigger today but “athletic Forrest Robertson station. Dressing room, Sun Inn, King knickers” was the common phrase for Street. Colours, dark blue jersey & “shorts” which is still a misnomer o catch just a glimpse of 19th C knickers with red stripe on knickers because they generally reached down to football in Stirlingshire, I’ve had & red hose. Last year played 16 mid shin. Everyone – players and Ta peek at an old Scottish Football matches – won 9, lost 4 & drawn 3: officials - was amateur and most were Association Annual, picking out the obtained goals 34, lost goals 17. in their teens or early 20s. Up to the membership pages for the area in 1880- Mathew Paton, 12, Main Street, late 1890s, it was common for the 81 and reproducing them below St.Ninians by Stirling, hon secy. President of the SFA to referee the Cup verbatim. Back then, there was no James Christie, 55, Cowan Street, Final. Imagine that today! The season distinction between seniors and juniors Stirling, match secy. ran from September to April and games or juveniles; you paid your SFA were almost exclusively played on a subscription and you could play in the LENZIE: Formed 1875. 30 members. Saturday afternoon, hence the relatively Cup as an equal with the mighty – Grounds private, Lenzie Football low number of matches recorded. Local Queen’s Park, Dumbarton, Vale of Field, five minutes walk from railway rivalry was intense and a Stirlingshire Leven & the 3rd Lanark. station. Dressing room on ground. FA was started in 1883 with a county Colours, white jersey with badge, Cup competition which, believe it or not, BRIDGE of ALLAN: Formed 1878 was dominated for – 40 members. Grounds private, quite a few years by Westerton Park, 10 minutes from East Stirlingshire! station & 5 minutes from car terminus, Dressing room, Westerton Arms ALL THESE CLUBS Hotel. Colours navy blue jerseys, entered that season’s white knickers & navy blue stockings. Scottish Cup. In those Last year played matches 10 – won 3, early days, the first lost 6, drawn 1. Wm.Henderson jnr., few rounds were Keirfield Cottage, Bridge of Allan, played on a regional Hon.Secy. basis; in the 1st Round, Central beat Bridge of CAMPSIE ATHLETIC: Formed in Allan 2-0, King’s Park 1880. 30 members. Grounds private, beat Strathblane 1-0, Lennox Park, south side, 10 minutes Milton of Campsie walk from Lennoxtown station. beat Grasshoppers 2-1, Dressing room, Main Street, while Lenzie had a Lennoxtown. Colours red & white walk over, as did jerseys, white knickers, red hose. Falkirk, when Thomas Rodger, Crosshill Street, Not quite 125 years ago, this was the Campsie Athletic Lennoxtown, hon.secy. David team in 1907 scratched. In the 2nd Watson, Crosshill Street, Round, Falkirk Lennoxtown, match secy. white knickers & navy blue hose. Last overcame King’s Park 2-1 and Central year played 19 matches – won 7, lost & Milton of Campsie drew 5-5 before CENTRAL: Formed in November 8, drawn 4; obtained 38 goals, lost 42 Central progressed 3-1 in the replay. 1879. 30 members. Grounds private, goals. Patrick Cree, Inglefield House, Lenzie had a bye into the 3rd Round Slatefield Park, centre of Campsie Lenzie, hon. secy. where they held Central to a goalless about 250 yards from station. Dressing draw; Central crushed them 6-0 in the room Commercial Hotel near park. MILTON of CAMPSIE: Formed replay to join the big guns in the national Colours blue & white. Stephen 1874. 30 members. Ground, private, draw 4th Round. Here they avoided the O‘Hagan, Main Street, Lennoxtown, Glazert Bank Park, Milton, 5 minutes major clubs and squeezed a 1-0 win over hon secy. Patrick Boyle, East End, walk from station. Dressing room, the students of Edinburgh University. Lennoxtwon, match secy. Mrs.Whitehead’s Inn. Colours, blue. With 11 clubs qualifying for the 5th Last year played 17 matches – won 9, Round, Central were the lucky recipients FALKIRK: Founded In 1877. 50 lost 5, drawn 3; goals obtained 29, of the bye, but the Quarter Final draw members. Grounds private, goals lost 12. A.G.Baird, Kincaid, couldn‘t have been more unkind. It Blinkbonny Grounds, 15 minutes drive Milton of Campsie, hon. & match decreed a trip to Hampden Park to face from station. Dressing room, Crown secy. the greatest club in the country – Queen’s Hotel. Colours blue & white. Last year Park! The Spiders had already won the played 26 matches – won 13, lost 7, STRATHBLANE: Formed 1876. 35 Cup 4 times in its seven year history drawn 6: obtained 38 goals, lost 25 members. Grounds, private, Cuilt and the country lads from the goals. George Richardson, Marine Park, west end of village, 100 yards Stirlingshire vale weren’t going to get Cottage, Falkirk, hon & match secy. from Blanefield Station. Dressing in their way of another trophy; Central room, pavilion on grounds. Colours, subsided to a GRASSHOPPERS: Formed 1875. 30 black & white striped jerseys, white 10-0 beating members. Grounds, private, knickers. Last season played 13 and Queen‘s Bonnyside, Bonnybridge, 15 minutes matches – won 9, lost 4; obtaining 26 marched on walk from Greenhill Station, NBR. goals, losing 20 goals. Thomas to defeat Dressing room at grounds. Colours, Thorpe, Blanefield, Strathblane, hon Dumbarton in red jerseys & stockings, white & match secy. the Final – the 2 knickers. Last year played 11 matches “Old Firm” – won 4, lost 4 & drawn 3: obtained Glancing through each club‘s domination of goals 22, lost goals 25. William Reid, details, they all seem to have private our national care of Singer Manufacturing Coy., grounds and some, including Strathblane game was Bonnybridge, by Denny, hon & match FC, have changing facilities next to the nearly 20 secy. pitch (the reference to Bridge of Allan’s years in the ground being “5 minutes from the car future. 10 KING’S PARK: Formed 1877. terminus” suggests the town had a horse any positive replies. Our resurfacing TENNIS NEWS project depends on getting some help KNIGHTS AND either from these bodies or from any Graeme Ross local wealthy individual who has taken KAVILEERS their money out of Northern Rock and t all goes a bit is wondering what to do with it now. Jane McCallum quieter at the club Investing in sport is probably not too in the winter. We FOR this issue of the Blane, I asked the I good for the bank balance, but would Brownies to tell us about their favourite are involved in the be great for the soul. A top notch tennis indoor league Brownie activities. Each of the 4 sixes – facility here in the village could also the Hedgehogs, Squirrels, Foxes and through until March, form an important part of the Strathblane Rabbits – have come up with their best but we only provide bid for the 2018 Commonwealth bits. The spelling is mainly their own! one mixed team Games!! every two weeks or Our coaching sessions will start RABBITS so for this one. It is again just after the school Easter At Brownies we play games like really nice however, to be playing holidays. They have been getting Oli Oli Octopus, Knights and Kavileers. indoors at the time of year when the increasingly popular, so make sure you Other games are Time bomb. We go weather is likely to be at it's most tennis think about it early so that either you or places like Mugdock and ten pin un-friendly outside. We play at the your children can secure a place. Phone bowling. We also do arts and crafts. We facility at Stirling University, so it is a 771571. have a lot of fun at Brownies. We also bit of a trek, but we are used to it because sing songs. Izzi, Claire, Morven and of our location at the most westerly point Allulah-Beth of the district. JAZZ NIGHT The club activities continue as e are lucky that Ivan Henderson SQUIRRELS normal at this time with adult play and his band are playing At Brownies we play lots of fun sessions on Monday and Thursday Wanother gig in the village at the games like Olly Olly Octopus, Pirates, evenings, and also Saturday afternoons. start of the new year. They are playing Corners, Taxi tig and Dark and stormy We play in all conditions and even a in the Edmonstone Hall on Saturday 5th night. dusting of snow can be swept away in January with the doors We like all the games, these are order that some sort of game is played. opening at 7.30pm. running about games but now we will Maybe this is testimony to the hardy The tickets are tell you some quite games: Chinese Scottish sporting spirit, or maybe the priced at £10 and are whispers and time bomb. Connie, telly is just rubbish! Anyway, it should available from Laura Lauren, Heather and Alice. ensure we emerge in the Spring in fine in the Chemists as shape and with bulging forearms from before. It is always a HEDGEHOGS hitting soaking balls that are akin to great night, combining At Brownies we have been to hitting a small boulder at times. the toe-tapping music Mugdock park. We saw sines of spring We have submitted our grant aid of the band with like tadpoles. We have also been to the forms to various funding bodies now and dancing and chatter with friends. Tickets pantomime we saw James and the giant we are waiting with baited breath for go fast, so get in early. peach. One of our other favourite things was the litter pick up. We like this because we could chat to are friends and like picking up with litter pickes. STRATHENDRICK Our other favourite thing is ten pin bowling but first we went to McDonalds. RUGBY Niamh, Jamie, Grace, Jennnifer UPDATE and Rebecca. FOXES John Boyle Our favourite nights were: 1. Pancake night when we make lots of here is currently a great spirit at pancakes and eat them (it is really fun); TStrathendrick Rugby Club: 2. Pantomime - we watch one at enthusiasm has been fired by the recent Christmas (last year we saw James and World Cup, playing conditions are the giant peach); 3. Hearing dogs - a good, skills and performances are lady called Evie came to speak to us and improving at all levels as a result of we learned lots about hearing dogs for regular training and practice. the deaf and did plays about being deaf; After a slow start, complicated 4. Healthy eating – we got to try lots of by injuries, the 1st and 2nd XV senior fruit and veg, cooked and raw. Some of teams are now stringing together good the things we tried were mangos, results in their respective leagues and butternut squash and peppers. We tried in the Scottish Hydro Electric National dragon fruit which looked nicer than it Cup tasted and mini bananas called bananitos. The Midis are operating teams at have teams at all ages from P4 to P7 Most of us hated the butternut squash Under 16/17 and S1/2 with training on with a full programme of taster sessions, and the celariake (celeriac) but we liked Wednesdays, and matches, practice or practices, festivals and tournaments - all the apples, mango and cumber festivals on Sundays. Like the national on Sundays. (cucumber) the best. Anna, Abigayle, team, they are young and enthusiastic Players, social members and Holly, Erin and Christina. and are learning fast. The under 16 team supporters are welcome at all levels. For have had an exciting first half season further information on Mini rugby, If you can help at Brownies in any which started with some difficulty but is contact Iain Somerville on 550842; for way, or have a daughter aged 7 – 10 now well under control, and the boys Midi Rugby contact John Boyle on who would like to come along, please are playing some fantastic rugby and are 771027 and for further information on contact Claire (771816) or me now top of the 2nd division league with Seniors’ and Youth activities, contact (771281). We meet in the Scout only a few games to play. The Minis Nick Hawkins on 550576. Hall on Tuesdays from 7–8:15. 11 TRIP TO THE HEART

OF AFRICA Top: Jenny Wilson from Morag Roy Blanefield (top left) with fellow pupils and n June of this year, 8 pupils (5 girls and 3 boys) and 2 teachers from teacher. Bottom: school IBalfron High School left Glasgow dorm and flew to Malawi to take part in a project called “Working and Learning Robert Laws High Together”. Malawi is known as “The School and is a Senior Heart of Africa” although it is one of School for children the poorest. Three weeks later, when from 11 years old. It is this party was returning to Glasgow, an a boarding school and additional 8 teachers from Balfron High each pupil must not School, left for Malawi to take part in only pass entrance the project. exams, but families These trips, organised by teacher must be able to pay for Miss Jones (who had previously lived their education. The and taught in Malawi), took a number dormitories were in of years to organise. All costs associated very poor condition and in some with the trip involving the pupils had to cases pupils had to sleep on the be raised by themselves and this was floor due to insufficient numbers achieved through a number of fund of beds. The local Primary School raising activities. Some of the events – Embangweni-Louden Full included sales of home baking at the Primary School - takes all children school, car washing days, discos and a from 5 years old. This is not a fee sponsored climb of Ben Nevis. It also paying school but progress to the included persuading local gentlemen to Senior School requires have their beards shaved in exchange considerable financial support. for donations to help fund this Inevitably this means that many worthwhile trip. An ambitious target of children, although clever enough £15,000 had been set and at the end of to pass the exams, cannot afford the fund raising campaign the incredible to attend the High School. The classes extremely moving. total of £23,000 had been reached. A at the Primary School were packed with On the last day of the trip, the remarkable achievement children of different ages all willing to Balfron pupils wore traditional Malawi The first group left Glasgow at 4 learn. outfits which were tailored especially for p.m. on Sunday 10th and flew directly them at the village. The staff of Robert to Nairobi where they boarded another he theme of the project was Laws also arranged a leaving party and plane for Lilongwe via Lusaka. At T “Working and Learning Together” a special meal for the group. Lilongwe they were met by a teacher and the Balfron pupils were keen to The people of Embangweni were from the Malawi school and 2 mini bus become involved with the Malawi sad to see their new found friends from drivers. It soon became clear why there children. There are 4 Grade Levels in Scotland leave, but a bond exists which were 2 drivers as the school was in the Robert Laws School and each day the it is hoped will continue for years to village of Embangweni and still some 7 pupils from Balfron joined in the classes come. All pupils have kept in touch with hours away. The remainder of the and activities. Despite having to sit on pen friends and plans are already under journey was not quite as comfortable as wooden benches, work at broken desks way to raise sufficient funds to pay the the flights to Malawi, the last 2 hours – or no desk at all, Robert Laws’ pupils costs of a visit of 6 Malawi children to being along a dirt track. Added to this, are extremely proud of their school and Scotland for 3 weeks in the near future. the mini bus was rather old but they keen to learn. This was obvious from The Balfron teachers found the trip finally arrived safely at their destination their attitude to learning and they could a very rewarding experience, one which late on Monday evening. The people of be seen studying at break-times, lunch they are unlikely to forget. Despite the Embangweni were delighted to receive times and after school. The method of different teaching methods, passing on them and they were made very welcome. teaching is quite different from Scottish knowledge to children is a very satisfying The villagers belong to the Tumbuka schools as the teacher stands at the front achievement and the teachers were Tribe and their natural language is of the class and writes everything on the delighted to have been part of this Chitumbuka. However as all children board for the pupils to copy into their project. are taught English from the age of five, jotter. There are few text books to refer communication was not a problem. One to – their only school Balfron pupil, David, soon managed to equipment being a pencil and speak some Chitumbuka and the other a jotter. pupils picked up every-day phrases The pupils from Balfron which was much appreciated by the joined in every activity villagers. outwith the school whenever The group were staying at a possible. This included sports, purpose built guest house where they visiting local people in their met two Medical Students from homes, helping to cook the Birmingham University who were staple diet which is N-sima working at the local hospital. The guest (described as a “type of house was only 3 minutes walk from porridge”), visiting the the school and every morning they could hospital and the Centre for the ONE STOP hear the children singing on their treatment of Aids. They also CAR CARE way to classes. spent time at a school for the 12 The school is called the deaf which they found THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE Sylvia Armstrong s people stood in the autumn sunshine at the war memorial Aon November 11th in silence and with heads bowed, the act of remembrance was an occasion of solemnity and reverence, made particularly poignant now by thoughts of the young man from our community, Gary Wright, who gave his life for his country just over a year ago in Afghanistan. Right: the new plaque in memory of A representative from the Gary Wright, provided by the Royal Marines was present to honour Heritage Society, at the War Memorial his memory, along with the Above: the plaque on the seat placed memories of those other young men by Gary’s family near the Gowk Stane who gave their lives so long ago in the two world wars. Members of our uniformed organisations conducted themselves with respect and dignity, both at the war memorial and in the church service which followed. We have good reason to be proud of the younger generation in our village.

POPPYSCOTLAND COLLECTION SUCCESS Lorna Morris

nder the new title, Poppyscotland, formerly the Earl Haig Fund, Strathblane and District has yet Uagain collected an amazing amount for Poppyscotland. Through contributions ranging from exceptionally large amounts to a huge volume of coppers, all of them much appreciated, a total of £2,550 was raised and sent to New Haig House in Edinburgh. This is once again a big rise on the previous year reflecting a really generous effort for a very worthy cause. The demands on the funds of Poppyscotland remain very high and I am delighted that we have been able to send such a marvellous contribution this autumn. Fortunately most of the house to house collectors are able and willing to collect again each year, but inevitably a few new volunteers are needed, and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who could join the list for next year. The more on the list the smaller each district Helping to count the collection are Adam Rixon, can be, so if you think you can spare an hour next November, please phone me on 770448. Andrew Christie and Peter Morris. 13 4

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BEAR-ING GIFTS he Post House Gallery in Blanefield is raising Tmoney for Breakthrough Breast Cancer this Christmas. For a £1 donation our customers have the chance to win a Limited Edition "Million Hugs" Steiff Teddy Bear by guessing the date of his birthday. The winner of the teddy bear will be Do you know where Obelix is announced in time for Christmas. With 10% of sales reading the Blane? Answer on of freshwater pearl jewellery, designed and made in Scotland by Lauren Barclay, this page also being donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, we hope that we will be able to raise a great sum for this worthy cause.

WHERE IS THE VIEW ON PAGE 1? Not exactly a quiz question but we wonder how many know where the view is on the front page. It never ceases to amaze us how many residents do not know their own area. Jim and Pat Guy (left) and with their This photograph is taken from the right of way family (above) behind Carbeth House and is of Carbeth Loch. This is only one of many fabulous views in that area and a walk along the West Highland Way to Arlehaven (where is

ANSWERS TO QUIZ Arlehaven? you say - look up the map)

Southview Road; No.9, Village Club. Village No.9, Road; Southview to see breathtaking views of Ben

60 YEARS WED No.7, Road; Glasgow 8, & Nos.6 Lomond and the Arrochar Alps is a

Yarrow House on Glasgow Road; Glasgow on House Yarrow must. If you have never been there you

n the 20th of September Pat and No.5, Road; Kirkhouse 3 No. Road; have really missed something

Jim Guy had their diamond Mugdock Old 4, & Nos.2 Road; wonderful: a wilderness on our - No. 1 is in Dumbrock in is 1 No. -

Owedding celebration at Chimneys doorstep providing an ideal therapy

Strathblane Country House. for over indulgence during the festive

Pat and Jim managed to organise Road. Campsie season.

it that all twenty of their family were the on Ballagan at stone standing

are beside the beside are together for the first time to attend the Asterix and Obelix event. They came frae a’ the airts including New Zealand, America, Sweden, and Pat’s brother and wife and her nephews came the slightly shorter journey from Cheshire. FIREWOOD SDAMH rural Access Service provides Along with these were a further one to one support for people twenty guests made up of old friends EXCHANGE experiencing mental ill health in their from around the country, and newer Alan Campbell community. local friends. Included was one of Pat’s If you have feelings of isolation bridesmaids, who served with her during If you are doing any home alterations or stress this Service may benefit you. the war, and Jim’s best man who was or cutting any trees and have leftover To access the Service you must live along with him during their five years wood suitable for burning then don't within the rural areas of Stirling District as POWs in Germany from 1940. forget to contact the firewood and be aged 18 to 65 years. For more Accommodation was arranged at the exchange. For details look in the information contact 01786 451203. Country House and two chalets “Carbon Neutral” section of the [email protected] at the Aberfoyle Country Club. 14 community website. www.stirlingmentalhealth.org.uk 20% off food bill from 7th January to 7th February on production of this advert. There are still spaces available for party nights

15 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES IN SHANGHAI Leanne Peters On the 2nd October we went to the Shanghai stadium for n the 25th of September, 54 the opening ceremony which was athletes and coaches from spectacular. The stadium holds OScotland West flew down to 80,000 people and it was full! London to meet up with the rest of the Colin Farrell the actor was one Great Britain team flying out to Shanghai of the speakers. Arnold to take part in the Special Olympics Schwartzeneger, Jackie Chan and World Games. Eva Mendes also came on stage. We all had to be up really early to The next day the equestrian catch the 12 hour flight. When we team travelled down to Jinshan arrived in Pudong Airport we were taken which is about 2 hours from to collect our accreditation and then on Shanghai. All the equestrian to our host town where we stayed for teams (27 countries) stayed in 2 the first 4 nights. The 211 members of hotels in Jinshan, and we travelled the GB team stayed in the Huang Pu 45 minutes each day to the Leanne Peters in Shanghai with her friend Vicki district of Shanghai. Equestrian Centre. On the Friday Keenan from Aberdeen The host town was a fantastic we met our horses for the first experience. They took us to visit a local time. As my mum is the GB head coach school. We went to the park to play she got to see the horses first and then until Wednesday. I had to ride my Chinese games and fly kites. We went we got to try them out. My horse was a dressage test at 7.55am and then my to the Museum and Urban Planning national showjumper and we got on quite Equitation test was not until 4pm so it exhibition which was very interesting. well as we both like going fast! The other was a very long day. I was really proud We got to visit Hu Gardens and also the seven members of the team also got on to find out I had won another two silver market stalls nearby. One day we were well with their horses. We had ex medals but a bit disappointed when I taken in groups to have our lunch with racehorses and Mongolian ponies – a real found out I missed gold by 1 point. local families in their houses. We also mixture. My first competition was the Being part of the Great Britain went to the Chinese Circus which was Prix Caprilli – Dressage with jumps and team made me very proud and I met a amazing. We had a Chinese banquet with I was delighted when I heard I had won lot of new people from different the host town delegation – 10 courses of a silver medal. My dressage competition countries. I am so glad I was chosen. very interesting food – which we had to was meant to be on the Tuesday but Fingers crossed I get picked for Athens eat with chopsticks. because of the typhoon it was cancelled in four years time. PRE-SCHOOL DANCING Lynda Eastcroft t the moment, there is no pre-school Adancing class in Blanefield. So far this session, there has been very little demand for this class. Hopefully this will improve in the New Year. A new class will be starting on Tuesdays in the Edmonstone Hall at 3.45pm. This class is open to girls (and boys!) from 2 1/2 years upwards. Please contact Lynda on 01360 770390 if you are Last year’s pre-school class at the annual dancing interested. If there is display in the Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow. The music enough demand, the class they danced to was called "Chilly Cha Cha". Front will start in mid - January. row, left to right: Lucy Tabberer, Katie Fabel, Nuala Hoyle, Abby Fabel, Alice Hewson Back row: Gemma Barr was in sparkling form at Kate Nicholson, Iris Gray, Maja Grantham, Eilidh the School Halloween disco Jones, Lisa Wardle, Jessica Buchanan, Katie Burr, 5 6 Millie Shaw 7

16 the relationship between challenge and DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD reward. The expedition environment SCHEME provides a place where these young walkers must face the consequences of Ronnie Hamilton others and improve performance in a physical recreation. For all these sections their own actions- sometimes for the first time in their lives. Where ‘eating’ a meal or about 15 years I have had the minimum standards of achievement are laid down. means ‘cooking’ a meal; where privilege of being a professional, understanding the needs of others can outdoor instructor. Much of my The expedition section of the F scheme consists of a self propelled be the difference between success and work has been for the Duke of failure; where facing up to their own Edinburgh Award Scheme. This has journey which could be walking, cycling, sailing, or equestrian. There are limitations is an essential part of the day been a wonderful opportunity to be in - all good stuff for the average teenager, the position of making 3 levels of award, Bronze Silver and Gold. As the participants even the privileged ones. Of course some memories for young people, individuals will deal better with the which will last for a lifetime progress through the scheme the distance to travel each physical challenge and will have learned - theirs and mine. their new skills better during the training I started by working day increases, as does the number of days. A Gold phase. There is then the perfect at the Achnamara Outdoor opportunity for them to use and develop Centre, Argyll, at weekends walking expedition comprises four days journey their qualities of leadership giving them after becoming a Joint the opportunity to experience the impact Service Mountain Leader with a total of fifty miles of travel. To make things more challenging of their leadership on the group. through being a commissioned officer Decision making skills, communication in the Royal Naval Reserve. It was an the Gold routes must be in an area of designated Wild Country which has skills and ability to motivate others are outdoor training centre run by Glasgow all important attributes. Having this City Council. Weekends generally robust terrain with little in the way of habitation, roads or other development. opportunity for practical leadership consisted of arriving on a Friday night, experience at this age is invaluable meeting a group, doing some training These areas include the Cairngorms, Argyll and the Borders. particularly when the individual is and then heading off the next morning ambitious and likely to aspire to a for a 2 day venture in the Argyll hills. The groups I mostly deal with now are in their late teens and come from management role in later life. The centre gave groups from inner The Award Scheme offers a means city areas an opportunity to try out what many would call a privileged background. On passing the start line of to influence the development of canoeing, walking, sailing or mountain individuals using the natural wild country biking in the great outdoors or just an their 50 mile venture they take the first step of a significant physical challenge, environment to provide the perfect arena opportunity for an essential break from where all individuals are equal and there their domestic environment. Some of the but fundamentally for the Award Scheme ethos, they step into an environment is an absolute need for self sufficiency folk who visited the centre were from and teamwork. desperate circumstances. Some were just which needs teamwork to succeed. In return the young adult has the For more information on the trying to make it through life without award scheme visit www.theaward.org/ falling completely by the wayside. opportunity to flourish and to experience Regardless of their social background there was a resilience and determination to ‘make it’ to the end of the weekend. PRESIDENT’S REVIEW It’s easy to be cynical about these council lead initiatives but having been at the Sadie Barclay Govan, Janette Linning and later Eileen delivery end and experienced first hand McCaig. the positive effect of the outdoor ur centenary year began in Unfortunately, illness caused environment on visitors to Achnamara, earnest on the 24th March this Murray to miss all of the playing season children and adults, it’s clear that the Oyear, when all club members and therefore miss out on a lot of the centre provided such a valuable life were invited to a Civic Reception, hosted events he had been involved in improving experience for so many. by Provost O’Brien at Stirling Municipal organising. Jannette’s untimely passing Sadly, the Council decided to close Buildings. meant that the season went by without Achnamara. I guess there was too much I wonder what family members the company of someone who had pressure for financial savings from and certain school teachers would have become a very good friend both on and quarters where there was no appreciation to say about Sadie Barclay rubbing off the green. The void left will take of the benefits of the outdoors. I was shoulders with such dignitaries and some filling. then faced with finding an alternative speaking in public. As is the norm with centenary way to continue this involvement in On the 6th April a social evening seasons, all our friendlies were played delivering outdoor education. The was organised in the Village Club where at home, which meant lots of work answer was to set up my own small past presidents and members old and new preparing food and keeping the green in business in Outdoor Education. The got together to talk over the good old good order. Friendlies are the real Duke of Edinburgh award scheme days. essence of bowling clubs, where provides a framework for much of this The Gents’ section opened on friendships are formed that last for years, outdoor experience provision. It gives Saturday 14th March followed on the and there is no heed paid to who wins activities an orientation around challenge Sunday with the Ladies’ opening day. or looses. and reward. The greater the challenge, On both days all the bowling We were honoured by the K & D the greater the reward. Ultimately, a associations were represented and Bowling Associations by being selected candidate can achieve a DOE Gold Provost O’Brien and his good lady wife to host their finals day. Unfortunately, also attended, all in all a hectic schedule the weather conspired against us and the award. This says a lot about a person - but worth every minute. in some ways more than any academic event had to be cancelled, a great pity Although this represented the start after the effort put in by a lot of qualification can. To achieve a Gold of the playing season, the preparations award there is a great deal of planning members, particularly the bar staff and began two years ago with the formation match committee. and commitment required. Participants of the Centenary Committee. The playing season finished with must, as well as the expedition, Myself and Malcolm MacLean, the usual finale of the Ladies v undertake a residential experience, gents’ president, were greatly assisted develop a skill, provide a service to by Murray O’Donnell, Frank Sosin, Stan Continued on page 19 17 PROPOSED WIND FARM COULD AFFECT OUR CHILDREN Rosemary Morris for the scenery, wildlife and eading the Stirling Observer in heritage. The August, I learned that there was a construction of Rproposal to build a Wind Turbine huge turbines, Plant on Ballindalloch Muir, above visible for miles Balfron in the West Stirlingshire around, would countryside. I accept that wind power seriously has a useful contribution to make compromise towards renewable energy and decided these attractions to go to n-power renewables exhibition and much money could be lost both in caused by “whooshing”, shadow flicker in the McLintock Hall. Everything the district and nationally. and strobing effect of the blades. The looked very rosy. The turbines were There is also the problem of noise. noise produced is both low frequency displayed as barely visible, prettily There are reports from England, North and high frequency. It overlaps with the peeping over undulating hills, the America, Europe and Australia of people human auditory range and is capable of wildlife could be ‘resettled’ and the noise experiencing health problems when large travelling over long distances. Human was negligible and ‘would only affect wind turbines have been erected near cells can be damaged by exposure to very few houses’. Unfortunately, none their homes. It is recommended that excessive amounts of sound. of this is true. large turbines should not be built nearer Unfortunately, at the moment, it cannot Downstairs, there was another than 2-3 miles from human habitation. be predicted which areas or directions exhibition run by Endrick Valley Action Ah, yes, people in Strathblane/ might be affected. Group (EVAG) and the major problems Blanefield say, we will not see the Accordingly, I would urge that associated with large windfarms were turbines or hear the noise, but, the when it comes to planning, “location, discussed. children might. Balfron High School location, location” should be the The turbines will be massive campus will be 1.15 miles from the watchword, and large windfarms should structures (406 feet high) visible for turbines and most children from this area be sensitively sited. Taking all issues into miles around. They would require huge attend the secondary school. As it is a account, this is the wrong location. I concrete foundations, miles of access “magnet” school this could also affect would advise everyone to find out as road, substation and pits scarring the house prices in the catchment area. much as they can about this proposal. landscape. It is industrialisation of the The phenomenon is known as countryside and this will affect local Amplitude Modulation of Aerodynamic Further information can be amenities, Balfron Golf Society, sound. It is not fully understood and is obtained from the following websites: conservation, wildlife and tourism. being researched by Defra. The Tourism is very important both locally symptoms reported include sleep www.ninapierpont.com and nationally to the Scottish economy. deprivation, anxiety, depression, stress, www.windturbinesnoisehealthhumanrights.com It has been identified by Visit Scotland vertigo and tinnitus, leading to www.evag.co.uk that people come to Scotland principally difficulties in concentration and learning www.npower-renewables.com VANISHING PONDS Maggie Ferguson survey of Dumbrock Loch I came across lots of palmate really like ponds because they are newts and some lovely native so full of life. They are a unique pond plants. Ibiodiversity resource, rich in species Often it’s the smaller of plants, invertebrates and amphibians. ponds that are home to the They are however consistently most amazing creatures, this is undervalued. This may be because of sometimes simply because there are no their small size, familiarity and perceived fish in them. Fish are major predators home to loads of damsel and mayfly abundance. Unfortunately over the last in the pond and enjoy eating just about nymphs which will shed their drab hundred years three quarters of Britain’s everything else. The pond on the top of brown underwater coats and emerge as ponds have been lost. Gallowhill close to Mugdock Country delicate, colourful flying adults next I haven’t searched around Park Visitor Centre used to be bursting spring and summer. Strathblane and Blanefield for small with life with a huge variety of creatures; There’s a lovely little pond at the ponds but off the top of my head I can’t it was ideal for educational groups base of the dam on Dumbrock Loch. I think of many. Unusually there are quite studying pond life, until…..sticklebacks also believe there are a few ponds in a few bigger water bodies in the arrived! They probably arrived there as Duntreath Estate. I know of two in surrounding area such as Punchbowl, eggs stuck to the leg of an unsuspecting gardens in the village and I’m sure there Deil’s Craig and Mill dams and the lochs mallard duck but they soon took over. will be more, but there still aren’t nearly of Dumbrock, Ardinning, Carbeth, Nowadays pond study groups catch the enough of them. Craigallian and Netherblane. These are occasional water mite and waterlouse and Frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies, a great resource; last June I was lucky about 300 sticklebacks every time they alderflies, mayflies, (midgies – keep that enough to net water scorpions, amazing dip their net in. one quiet) and damselflies can’t breed dragonfly nymphs and water beetles as Luckily Mugdock has several without ponds. Ponds provide food for big as 50 pence pieces at Loch other fish free ponds, the two lying bats (they eat the midgies) and birds, Ardinning Reserve Open Day. between Mugdock Loch and Mugdock not just ducks, but even the black grouse 18 During an amphibian torchlight Wood are particularly vibrant being Continued on page 19 PEOPLE POWER IN EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE? EDC’s planners recently made a decision that could have had a profound But where would the rugby club go? To effect on our lives here, in Killearn and Balfron, but we were not consulted. my mind this was one of the major flaws What’s new? On 23 October, at a public hearing, common sense prevailed of the scheme. Apparently the preferred due to people power. Philip Graves explains. option mentioned in the press was a greenfield site just beyond the Rangers t was standing room only as the East unlikely to have the necessary extra rail training ground, which would represent Dunbartonshire Council Planning line in place for another 10 years. Hardly another major incursion into the IHearing on October 23rd got under much use when the 550 new houses were greenbelt. If the Cala development was way to decide the fate of the so-called likely to be built within 4-5 years! Given passed, then the pressure would be on “Kilmardinny Wedge”. Cala Homes’ how quickly the Milngavie Station car EDC to grant the ground-less rugby club application for a mixed use development park fills up in the morning, the proposal their planning permission as soon as of 550 houses, offices, sports facilities for a car park of about 150 cars, a similar possible. In my view this application and a new rail halt had been passed by size to Milngavie, was considered totally should have been considered as part and the Planning Department. Now it was inadequate by some commentators. parcel of the Cala application. time to see if the elected Many residents were very Two or more hours on, and with representatives agreed with their concerned over the rumour that all the arguments out in the open, it was officers. Most in the audience the Allander sports centre was time for the Councillors on the Planning seemed unwilling to back the due to be knocked down 18 Board formally to consider and then vote Planners’ stance, and thanks to months or so before its on the application. As politicians, they the high profile campaign waged replacement would be completed. all wanted their say, even if their in the local paper, and the choice of Whilst the developers and the EDC contributions added nothing new to the Bearsden rather than Kirkintilloch for officers made much of the £10m argument. When the chairman the hearing, a partisan crowd of a few contribution the developers had eventually asked for a show of hands, hundred were there to voice their promised towards its rebuild, there was the result appeared in the balance. There disapproval. a distinct haziness as to whether the was a hushed silence amongst the patient Both sides were given 30 minutes replacement centre could be built in onlookers and a loud roar as a to present their case. The Cala advance, and if not, why not? The surprisingly large majority of representative gave a professional but suspicion remains that the developers Councillors voted against the dull defence of the proposal and tried to simply wish to save money. application. reassure local people that some of the We are for ever questioning how doomsday projections for traffic gridlock ven an unbiased observer had to such a major development never seems during the rush hour were unfounded. Eadmit that the local community to get a hearing outside of EDC despite Predictions of delays as long as an hour groups’ representatives mounted a much consequences for commuters in outlying had been reported in the Bearsden & more spirited and emotional attack on areas such as Strathblane. Why wasn’t Milngavie, but Cala’s traffic experts the plans. There was acceptance that Stirling Council consulted and why were anticipated only a 4-5% increase in some sort of development was necessary, we not asked for our views here in traffic volumes. Their £3m contribution but the scale of the latest application was Strathblane? This was also our to various traffic control measures would the key problem. EDC’s Local Plan had experience with the proposals for a new ease the potential congestion. Quoted originally set aside the site for about 300 water treatment plant in Milngavie a few examples were a new traffic lights houses, but this number had now risen years ago. In that instance Strathblane system at Cannisburn Toll and a car park to 550 with the difference being Community Council muscled itself into at the proposed Allander Halt. explained by the removal of the West of the consultation process and the Planning Unfortunately when questioned about the Scotland Rugby Club completely from Hearing, and we can take some credit timing of the opening of this new railway the site. The 40 acres thus released would for the treatment works being materially station, Cala suggested ScotRail were provide the land for these extra houses. smaller than the original proposal.

Continued from page 18 PRESIDENT’S REVIEW we are trying to encourage on Dumbrock Continued from page 17 Moor feed their young on invertebrates Gents; if the truth be told this is supposed from small ponds. to be a friendly but the battle of the sexes Garden ponds are great. Two years brings out the competitor in all bowlers. ago I visited 5 ponds in gardens in A dinner dance was held in the Milngavie - they were all very different Glazert Bank Hotel where all members from a tiny, shallow, pale, stoney zen could relax and enjoy a fitting end to type one to a raised concrete rectangular the season. one and I found palmate newts in all of I would like to take this them. In fact this year East opportunity to thank all the companies Dunbartonshire’s first recent record of who supported our club in the way of a smooth newt was recorded in a garden sponsorship (believe it or not, our pond. bowling club appears on the website of So, if you can, it would be worth a large motor manufacturer normally considering a pond in a sunny spot in associated with two rather well known your garden. If you’re worried about Glasgow football teams), and all the children falling in, there are purpose committee members who worked made grids available. The children will tirelessly supporting Malcolm and me really appreciate the pond when they find in what was a huge year for our bowling out how many amazing creatures live in club. it and maybe they will grow up to really There are too many people to like ponds too. thank in this article but, at the end of There are lots of interesting pond the day, every member contributed in Centenary presidents, Sadie related websites, check out froglife and one way or another, which hopefully will the pond conservation trust for lots of stand our club in good stead. Barclay and Malcolm McLean good information. Here’s to another 100 years. cutting the 100th birthday cake 19 of the local corvids the Jackdaws. here in our valley. It is a strongly THE CROW FAMILY These are the Bovver Boys of the arboreal species which feeds on insects family, always going about in and leaf litter as well as seeds, nuts and DHL groups and generally causing mayhem berries. Jays prefer areas with mature wherever they go. Jackdaws behave like oak trees and therefore are seen in rows (corvids) have fascinated cheeky, delightful teenagers and are well Mugdock Park around the Country Club man for centuries. They are worth watching just to follow their and along the pipeline as it Cfrequently highly visible around antics as they go about their daily life. goes from Killearn to human settlements, widely distributed Some people have difficulty in Rook Blanefield. These birds are across the world, long-lived (up to 30+ distinguishing between Rooks and normally quiet outside the years), cosmopolitan in their diet and Carrion Crows. These birds are breeding season in our area show remarkable intelligence. Current about the same size (46cm long, and, unusually for crows, are evidence suggests that the ancestral 100cm wingspan) and overall relatively wary so do not corvid originated in south-east Asia and appearance although the Rook has expect to see them easily spread around the world with the sole a much tidier and somewhat unless you are both lucky and exception of Australasia and isolated glossy appearance with a light very aware of your Pacific Islands. In our own region (the mark at the base of its bill. Both surroundings. The usual view Palearctic which extends are monogamous, the is of a light brownish Jackdaw from the Urals in the east Carrion crow Rook being more sized bird with grey - blue markings on to the shores of Greenland gregarious especially in the its wings and a light rump flying off into in the west and from the Arctic breeding season. In competition a tall tree. to the northern borders of the for garden scraps Carrion The crows are a greatly under Sahara in the south) we have 18 Crows will often dash in and appreciated tribe and well worth separate species. Here in Scotland get the prize whilst Rooks observing as they go about their there are seven members of the are still sitting on a branch business. As the winter approaches they genus of which five can be seen contemplating the pros and cons of the should be well to the fore in our local regularly in the valley. The other situation. Give these birds some skies. two are the Red-billed Chough a scrutiny when you are out for a walk – beautiful maritime corvid which can be their complex behaviour might give you seen only on Islay and Colonsay, and a pleasant surprise! The more the Hooded Crow which replaces our observant reader might have noticed that LIGHT RELIEF Carrion Crow in the North and West of recently we have seen several crows Bob Flashman Scotland. In the valley you can see the locally with regular lighter patches on Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw and NOT so long ago I endeavoured to their otherwise dark wings or body. This have the current poor quality street Magpie daily. could just be random plumage variation You will also be able to observe lighting improved along Glasgow but is more likely to be due to some Road especially in the area just south the Raven if you keep your wits about extra-curricular liaisons with wandering you and especially if you keep your ears of The Blane Valley public house. At members of the closely related Hooded the time I was informed that it would open to its characteristic deep Crow tribe. Carrion and Hooded Crows croaking call as it be several years before we qualified hybridise frequently in the boundary for replacement. Stirling Council Jackdaw traverses the hill or visits areas where they meet. This is around Loch Ardinning to prospect advised that a major programme of the line which traverses Dunoon, Tarbert replacement is required throughout for unwary food sources. (Loch Lomond), Fort William, Lairg to Stirlingshire for safety reasons due to Ravens are the largest Thurso. I suspect that we have had a a high percentage of the existing members of the Corvid few Hooded visitors to the valley lighting columns, particularly family world wide and are recently; indeed I saw one near the concrete columns, having deteriorated some 30-40% larger than the Wishing Well last week. Perhaps they to such an extent that they could be a local Carrion Crows and have left a few of their genes in the local hazard to pedestrian and vehicular Rooks. They tend to live in remote hills Carrion Crow pool before returning traffic. In other words the criterion and moorland including the Campsie westwards home! for new or improved lighting is not plateau. They will eat almost anything. Magpies are also members of the based, primarily, on poor illumination Here in Scotland their diet is of animal corvid family. Much maligned for their levels but on safety levels relating to and plant origin, the former either killed undoubted habit of feeding on other columns themselves. There are some by a blow from their powerful bill or garden birds and their offspring, they 35 concrete columns located in our scavenged. Sick animals up to small deer are actually quite beautiful birds. The area and no time scale can be obtained can be taken, and rabbits and hares are greenish sheen to the tail and bluish for action due to funding and other a favourite. Ravens are the Einstein’s sheen on the wings vary according to priorities. Currently 1600 concrete of the bird world. They evolved their the light but make them in my eyes one columns have been identified mental abilities to aid survival in of the prettiest of our local throughout the region as needing the High Arctic wildernesses Magpie birds. They are unmistakable replacing which at present rate will where their life depends upon their and are widely distributed require a 13 to 14 year programme. ability to scavenge prey from polar throughout the world How then did the Glasgow Road bears and wolves – a hazardous ranging from replacement occur after only a few business unless you have both plenty Siberia and months from the first request? It of wits and the ability to use them to Japan in the east across all would seem that Scottish Power your advantage. Although usually Eurasia and into North advised they were going to remove relatively solitary they mate for life and America. They occur as far the overhead cable lines and wooden travel around together throughout the south as Saudi Arabia and the poles and SC were left with no year. However they are not averse to northern Malay Peninsula. There is only alternative but to install new poles and flocking when the opportunity and food one other similar species - the Yellow lights. I have also been asked why not supply allows. Keep an eye out for these Billed Magpie of California - and even replace the lights on the most poorly magnificent birds as they traverse the that may just be a normal magpie that lit section of Glasgow Road. This had hillside looking for prey or just to have overdid the makeup on a trip to been part of the original replacement a bit of fun noising up the local buzzards Hollywood and then encouraged its plan but concern was expressed that or falcons as they go about their daily relatives to follow suit! the footpath was not wide enough to activities. The final member of the corvids accommodate poles without forcing I have commented before in to be found locally is the beautiful Jay pedestrians into the road. SC is to keep 20 these columns about the smallest which is at the northern limit of its range this matter under review. CARBON THRIVING AUTUMN SEASON FOR NEUTRAL GROUP THE GARDENING CLUB George Thom Mary Brailey just as damp – Ayrshire. Talking about ‘A Year in the Vegetable Garden at he Blane Valley Carbon Neutral he gardening Geilston’, Johanna Gough shared tips Group opened up its October club’s 2007/ and the names of vegetable varieties that Tmeeting to the public, to hear T08 season set had done well there. Last year beetroot Rachel Nunn of Stop Climate Chaos talk off to a fine start at had been particularly popular with the about what we could do about climate our well-attended visitors who buy their produce. There change. Several new people joined the September meeting. was a lively debate at the end on the group as a result, and now we are David Menzies, keeper relative merits of digging or just planning how to put our enthusiasm into of the orchid house at Glasgow’s Botanic manuring and letting the worms do the action. Gardens, treated us to a photographic work. Digging won! Rachel’s talk, attended by about tour of his native New Zealand. He Club meetings are always lively 25 people from the village, looked at encountered some wet and windy gatherings as well as being informative. the facts about climate change, how we weather during his trip there in July last So if you’re not already a member and are contributing to it, and what effects it year, which helped us to understand why are interested in gardening (even the will have. But it wasn’t all doom and so many plants originating in New armchair variety) do come along if you’d gloom. She spoke about what we could Zealand – and probably David himself like to join, or if you’re interested in a do to stop the problem escalating into – feel at home in the West of Scotland. specific talk. The full programme for disaster. The situation isn’t hopeless, but The subject for the October the New Year can be found on the village we have to reduce our ‘carbon footprint’. meeting was a bit closer to home but website: www.strathblanefield.org.uk. A helpful way of looking at it was to FUTURE MEETINGS about reducing unneeded Gardening Club meetings are in the packaging and other waste; and Kirkrooms at 7.30 p.m. developing easy ways for people 25 January, Sandra Halliday: in the village to get their homes ‘Perennials through the Seasons’ insulated. 29 February, Matthew Heashan: We also thought we should ‘Himalayan Plants in West Coast encourage everyone to make one Gardens’ New Year’s resolution to help 28 March, John West: ‘Making a reduce their carbon footprint. So Garden from Scratch’ come on, how about it? The next Blane Valley STOP PRESS Carbon Neutral Group meeting will be at 7.30 on Thursday 24 The gardening club has organised January. For details contact a bus trip on Saturday 23 February George Thom at to see the snowdrops at Cambo in Rachel Nunn at the Carbon Neutral meeting in [email protected], 07711 Fife. This is open to non-members. the school 537397. New members, and Cost £8 for the bus and £4 entry. ideas, welcome, even if you can’t Contact Marjorie Shephard (770855) if you’d like to go. think about three kinds of changes, all come to meetings. of which make a difference. ‘Easy’ changes are quick and cheap – things like changing to energy-saving lightbulbs. Then there are ‘sacrificial’ CASTLE RECIPE changes, which will vary from person Julie Edmonstone to person: things like making more journeys without the car, or buying more WINTER SALAD locally grown food. And lastly there are ‘infrastuructural’ changes, which need Every time I'm asked to contribute a dish to a celebration, I usually opt for a lot of effort, working together with this Winter Salad. It's extremely good (even men like it), it's a little bit other people, support from the different, it looks very appetising and it's easy to do! government, and maybe campaigning for policy changes. Mix any or all of the following in a bowl in any quantity you like and dress At the previous meeting we were with a mixture of half mayonaisse (or Caesar salad dressing) and half joined by Neil Phillips from SCHRI (the vinaigrette dressing. Scottish Community and Household Renewables Initiative), which is part of Finely sliced sweetheart cabbage the Energy Savings Trust. He gave us a Grated carrot lot of information about different ways Thin slices of celery (use a potato peeler to strip off any tough fibres) to make our homes more energy Finely diced red /white onion efficient. Watercress/rocket salad leaves So we had plenty to think about Little sprigs of raw cauliflower when it came to our November meeting, Finely diced red-skinned apple and we had a spirited discussion. By the Finely diced red pepper end of it we had decided to follow up Courgette - sliced thinly and then halved several ideas: setting up a scheme to Sprinkling of sultanas or nuts instal solar panels for heating water in several houses in the village; exploring P.S. If you can find a gadget called an ‘Alligator’ in any catalogue, it how we could work with the school on makes a perfect and instant job of dicing. eco issues; seeing what we could do 21 set into the wall in Harbour Road about WALK ALONG THE ANTONINE 40m south of Tower Gardens, is a stone slab which states unequivocally, “IMP WALL FINAL PART CAES TITO AELIO/ HADRI ANTONINO/ AVG PIO P P LEG ll/ AVG Forrest Robertson marked by concrete slabs and modern PER M P llllDCLll/ FEC” - “For the wooden posts have been installed in the Emperor Caesar Titus Aelius Hadrianus he wall builders had to make a original post holes to outline the north Antoninus Augustus Pius, Father of his sharp Z turn in their work to & south entrance gates and also some of Country, the Second Augustan Legion Taccommodate Mumrills Fort here the small internal buildings, while some completed (the Wall) over a distance of and I followed its track down what had of the finds can be seen in the Kenneil 4,652 paces.” been the road to Beancross but is now a House Museum nearby. Kenneil House But, of all the aspects of tree edged country lane cul de sac. itself is a majestic result of two distinct Antonine’s Wall, its origin, its purpose, Progress is progress but it is a pity building periods happily married a its construction, its route, its length of that our modern road systems have hundred years apart. The central portion service, the exact start point is still smashed great swathes through our was begun by James Hamilton, 2nd Earl uncertain. Bede in the 8th C categorically ancient and historic places. The M9 and of Arran in 1542. He its roundabout junction with the then started on the realigned A803 North West of Polmont northern “palace” 11 has certainly caused the labours of the years later but it lay Romans more than a little grief but in a ruinous state for “worse things happen at sea” they say many years and it was and the lost section is relatively minor not until 1677 that compared with, say, agricultural and Anne, Duchess of industrial vandalism over the centuries, Hamilton, began and I soon picked up my route again rebuilding, along the escarpment North of the connecting the motorway heading for Polmont Church. various disparate The frontier line passes through the parts, but the whole churchyard between the old 18th C. building was virtually parish church and its successor designed gutted in the 20th C in a simplified Lombardic Romanesque and we can only style by John Tait in the mid 1840s. admire it from the Down Smiddy Brae and a sharp green. To the right is right turn took me over the Millhall Burn a cluster of small and across a car park into Millhall Wood stone 18th C buildings where the well defined ditch is now in one of which James crowned by a circular water tank, and Watt devised and improved his steam states that it started 2 miles West of just beyond it, on coming out of the engine in 1765. Abercorn at a place called Peanfahel. wood after a few hundred yards, there’s Two hundred years later, “Cenail” is my first view of the Firth of Forth - turned my back and headed once more credited with the start line. Cenail, Bodetria Aest to the sandled ones. I Ieastward. On my right, behind a low Penguaul and Peneltun are sited as surreptitiously passed round the fairways stone wall, the line of the ditch can just alternatives over time and, tellingly, in of the Polmonthill golf course and, at be made out as a very slight dip in the English, Gaelic and Celtic all mean “end the back of the adjacent ski club house, grassed play area with an even hazier of the wall” but Timothy Pont, the first the ditch runs parallel with an artificial ridge running parallel about 50m beyond man to make a systematic survey of the ski slope sitting right on top of what it, but I was past the gates of the House wall towards the end of the 16th C would have been the rampart. Across within a few seconds and over the ignores Bede and places the starting line the Avon and I’m into Lothian and roundabout and onto Deans Road, the “betwixt Abircorn and Queensferry”. closing fast on the Firth. From now on present A993. It can only be an Sibbald chose Abercorn itself in 1710 I’m travelling on stout walking boots and assumption that Deans Road and its while Maitland in 1757 sets it much a map, aka a wing and a prayer. There successor, Grahamsdyke Road, are, in further west, only half a mile from are now only the vaguest fragments of fact, the military way but the name Kenneil House, and General Roy ditch to be seen over the last few “Grahamsdyke” echoes the same one I brought the military engineer’s precision kilometres. There could well have been walked along back at Lauriston towards to the subject in 1755 and noted “… a a fort here at Inveravon virtually on the Mumrills fort east of Falkirk, and its root slight vestige of ditch…” on the south river’s banks but even excavations and meaning cannot be a coincidence. side of The Grange, an old, now long its likelihood on the grounds of spacing In front of the road on the North demolished, mansion a quarter of a mile between known forts has thrown up no side of the frontier line, the ground drops west of Bridgeness Tower which still definite proof and I strode on across the steeply to the Forth and the panorama stands and has indeed recently been stubbled field up onto the C class road here takes in the Cleish Hills with the converted to flats. Sir George to the remnants of the 15th C tower and Lomonds of Fife and the Ochils to the McDonald, the prominent Wall climbing, climbing past the farm and west with Ben Ledi, one of Scotland’s archaeologist in the early part of the last over the railway cutting to Nether highest Munros, and eastwards to the century was quite convinced that it set Kinneil and its curious roofs and a two bridges slung over the Forth, the out from a rocky knoll at Bridgeness, spectacular industry free view of the nearer, the cantilevers of the rail passage “…a little headland, projecting into the Firth with Bo’ness straight ahead. which according to legend and maxim Firth, with bays sweeping back behind A few hundred metres further on, is never done with painters, and the it on the east and on the west.” But! in at the T junction, the line carries straight further, the elegant curve of the road 1945, aerial photographs pinpointed a on through a field and into the grounds carrying suspension. Now it’s important fort in the grounds of Carriden House of Kinneil Park straight past the roofless not to lose the line and I, map in hand, and almost one and a half km East of 12th C church which hasn’t seen a diverged from the main road into Bridgeness and that, coupled with the congregation for over three hundred Grahamsdyke Lane past the red stone of the original “distance slab” in years and into the precincts of Kinneil sandstone edifice of the Grange School, Tower Road (the one I saw is a replica, House and, just to the west of the house still proudly inscribed on its Edwardian the original is in The Museum of is the excavated remains of a mile frontage “Bo’ness and Carriden Board” Scotland in Edinburgh) not being the fortlet rediscovered as recently as which sits more or less right on the track, 22 1978. The rampart’s outlines are and I am virtually home because there, Continued on page 23 on the West Highland Way near A week later, on 24 October, the MOUNTAIN RESCUE Rowardennan. They were team was requested to carry out a search located soon after the team was for an elderly couple who appeared to TEAM UPDATE mobilised. be in difficulty on Ben Lomond. The On October 13th came Team was placed on standby and then what must be the team’s quickest attended at Rowardennan to commence rescue of recent times. A lady a search. The missing walkers turned up walker had fallen injuring her leg safely. while returning from the Finally on Armistice Day the team Whangie and the Team was was called to search for three missing called to assist The Scottish walkers on Ben Lomond. The one male Ambulance Service. Team and two females had contacted Central members were on scene within Scotland Police to say they had become Martin McCallum 20 mins. of the call out and the lost when darkness set in. Given the lady was safely evacuated to the information available to the team a ince the last issue of The Blane it Queen’s View car park. The entire search was carried out on the Eastern has proved to be a busy autumn rescue was completed within 45 mins. slopes of the Ben and the missing party Sfor Lomond Mountain Rescue Four days later, on 17 October, a was located. Although cold, they were Team. The team has been involved in call came to assist with a walker who safe and well. six callouts involving a total of thirty- had fallen on Dumgoyne. Again the team All in all a very busy period. one hill walkers during a ten week period responded and the walker was recovered For more information visit our from September to mid November. to the waiting ambulance. web site at www.lomondmrt.org.uk It all began with a party of twenty- two walkers who got into difficulties on Ben Venue on 5 September. One of the party had suffered a stroke and another TIME TO STOP DEVELOPMENT had sustained head injuries whilst Bob Flashman contribution but would not meet the descending the mountain. In darkness majority of local users needs. This in and in difficult conditions, the Team he Planning Department consulted the main was that while upgrade was provided emergency first aid to the Roads and Transport Development required to road surface, sharp and injured walkers and assisted the Royal on 4 applications (3 new houses undefined edges, passing places and lack Navy Rescue Helicopter from HMS T in Moor Road and 1 at Old Mugdock of proper footpath, the attractive Gannet to evacuate the most seriously Road). The Service initially rural aspect of the road should injured walker who was flown directly recommended against granting be left unaltered. It was accepted to The Southern General in Glasgow. consent to the 3 developments in that this could mean Stirling Lomond MRT, with the assistance of Moor Road and at a subsequent Council maintaining its policy of Killin MRT, then escorted the remaining Planning Panel reported that the no further developments that walkers from the hill. main issue arising from the 4 adversely affected Old Mugdock Later that month, on 15 applications was the potential effect upon Road. September, the team was asked to assist road safety. It was identified that these Included in the community council in the search for two Canadian walkers applications will result in traffic who had not returned from their walk generation onto Old Mugdock Road. At a further Planning Panel meeting it was agreed to continue the applications to ANTONINE WALL allow the Council’s Roads and Transport Continued from page 22 section to conclude its assessment of Old Mugdock Road. same as other stones from the wall’s base A well attended public held at the in the vicinity, tends archaeologists now Primary School on 25th September to believe that the kick off point is now meeting was arranged by Strathblane on the banks of the Forth at Carriden; Community Council in order to obtain so there towards it I set off. local opinion. Stirling Council was From McDonald’s “little represented by Mick Stewart Head of headland”, I kept to the main road Planning and Chris Bell Team Leader, through the village which turns directly Transport Planning. The issue was South and carried on up hill to the mock further discussed at the October meeting Saxon church of P.M.Chalmers and of the SCC following which a letter was turned left into the driveway of Carriden sent to Stirling Council summarising House past the long brickwalled kitchen public opinion. A copy of the letter can garden. The mansion itself is a be seen in the library. marvellously rambling conglomeration Broadly speaking Roads have of styles dating from 1602 to 1863 and identified improvements required to Old is still in use as a family home. The Mugdock Road but in terms of priority current owners very kindly granted within council budget it is unlikely that A car has to drive on to the verge to permission for me to poke about round work would be carried out within the pass horses on the Old Mugdock Road their garden to the east side of the house next 15 years. In order to overcome this where recent excavations have proved the fort to sit partially in their lawn and objection the developers have offered to response was a request that time be given partially in the adjacent field. It seems make a financial contribution towards to Traffic Planning to allow a production to have been about 1.6ha and have had the cost of improvements estimated at a of a detailed scheme not inhibited by a civilian settlement beside it. Nothing total of £85,000. financial constraint and which reflect the now shows on the ground but I was just However, widespread concern was view of the majority. happy to be there sitting in the shade of expressed that the plan proposed by Survey cameras have been seen at the trees several days trekking 37½ Transport Planning was hastily prepared, a number of locations on OMR imperial miles, 40¾ Roman miles or was designed to a price that would be and it has been confirmed that this 60km from Old Kilpatrick. acceptable to the developers’ is in relation to the above. 23 legislation and taxation by being classed TALES FROM THE TRANSPORT as three-wheeled motorcycles and could be driven with a motorcycle license and MUSEUM – THE BUBBLE CAR road tax of £5.00. The lack of a reverse gear was not a problem in parking as Robert S. Davy the rear end could be lifted off the ground which was also useful for changing he 1960 BMW Isetta bubble car wheels! in the Glasgow Museum of In 1962, the same year that trams TTransport was in many ways left the streets of Glasgow, Isetta of Great ahead of its time. With petrol now over Britain stopped production of the little £1.00 a litre, we may all wish we had cars but continued to produce Isetta one in the near future. engines until 1964. Altogether they The Isetta was one of the most produced about 30,000 cars although successful microcars produced in the only 1750 three-wheelers were built. It post WWII years – a time when cheap served its purpose and was the most short distance transportation was most successful bubble car of them all, but needed. Because of its egg shape and with the arrival of the revolutionary mini bubble-like windows, it became known in 1959, its days were numbered. as a bubble car – a name later given to depending on how it was driven. As Nevertheless, with 136,000 sold other similar vehicles. Other countries petrol had recently reached the worldwide, it had done enough to set had other nicknames:- in Germany it was outrageous figure of 7/- (35p) per gallon, BMW on the road to its present success. ‘das rollende Ei’ (the rolling egg) or the not many long distance journeys were These days one in good condition could ‘Sargwagen’ (literally- “coffin on made. It was perfect for the UK’s urban cost around £4,000. wheels”; the name apparently came from and rural roads as the first motorway, On the lighter side, a visitor to the the small or non-existent distance the M1, did not open until 1959 and Museum from Yorkshire told me he had between the passengers and oncoming more conventional cars such as the owned a red bubble car and on visiting traffic!). In France it was the ‘yogurt Morris Minor could barely top 60mph. a circus, had parked outside the ‘big top’. pot’, in Brazil the ‘bola de futebol de Right-hand drive meant that the driver In these days, elephants performed in feneme’ (soccer ball of a truck) and in and the engine were on the same side, the circus ring using a heavy duty, Chile it is still called the ‘huevito’ (little so a 60lb (27kg) counterweight was brightly coloured circular stand. As the egg). added to the left side to compensate. elephants left the tent, one of them The car’s origins were with the The car was not popular in the UK noticed the bubble car which bore a Italian firm of Iso SpA who, in the early until a three-wheeled version was remarkable resemblance to its stand and 1950s, were building refrigerators, introduced, costing £339 19s 6d, and decided to perform an encore. It made a motor scooters and small three-wheeled although these were more prone to bee-line for the car and sat on it, thereby trucks. It is said that the stylists had rolling over, there was a further financial reducing it to no more than a ‘saucer arrived at the design of the Isetta by advantage. If the reverse gear was not car’. No record remains of what the taking two scooters, placing them close installed, they could evade automobile visitor entered on his insurance claim! together, adding a refrigerator and shaping the result ‘like a teardrop in the wind’! HERITAGE The entire front end of the car THINGS AIN’T WOT hinged outwards to allow entry and in MISSING PERSON THEY USED TO BE the event of a crash, the driver and passenger were expected to exit through Murray O’Donnell Alison Dryden the canvas sunroof. The steering wheel and instrument panel swung out with the oes any one remember someone he first school single door, as this made access to the called Maureen who lived in Tboard in single bench seat simpler. The seat D Strathblane was Lunchikin Cottage? She sent a elected in March 1873. provided reasonable comfort for two postcard to a Mr J Molloy in occupants and perhaps a small child. It would appear that, prior to Portsmouth who has since died and the that time, schoolmasters were not held Behind the seat was a large parcel shelf executor of his estate has a few in high regard and received a very with a spare wheel located below. A personal possessions that he would like poor salary. To supplement their heater was optional and ventilation was to pass on. If you have any information meagre wages, Guthrie Smith records provided by opening the fabric sunroof. that, in common with other parishes It is questionable whether today’s obese about either Maureen or Mr Molloy, please contact me on 770748. in Scotland, the schoolmaster would population could actually fit in a bubble arrange cockfights. Every boy who car! could, brought a cock to school, and BMW began talking with Iso in HERITAGE MEETINGS are monthly on payment of 2 pennies to the mid-1954 and bought not just a license on a Wednesday and we welcome any master, the cocks were pitted but the complete Isetta body tooling as one to come along to the Village Club together. The cocks that would not well. In 1957, Isetta of Great Britain for 7.30. Local press and posters show fight - “fuggies” - were tied to a post began producing Isetta 300 models at the topic and the date of the meetings. and killed one after another in a brutal their factory in the former Brighton game of cock throwing at a halfpenny On 23 of January we will welcome a go. railway works under license from BMW. neighbours, Killearn History Group, The factory had no access road, with The master got the halfpennies components being delivered by rail and who will speak about their village. and the dead birds, and, as an finished cars being shipped out the same DVDs of village life in 1957 and encouragement and reward to the way. Heritage Tea towels are on sale in the scholars, would give them cold punch The Isetta took over 30 seconds to library at £5 and £3.50 respectively. or other spirituous liquor. reach 30mph from rest and top speed They would make a very nice Scholars were also encouraged Christmas present. The DVDs give a to bring gifts on certain fast days and was only about 45mph. The fuel tank during the cold season they had to only held 13 litres (3.5 gallons) fascinating glimpse of everyday life and you might even recognise a few faces, bring a peat each day to keep the but would get somewhere school fire burning. 24 between 50 to 80 miles per gallon looking a bit younger of course. MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING PARENT COUNCIL Anne Spencer by producing some mouth watering Cathie Moir baking. Many parents helped by baking On Friday 28th for us, in fact people were so generous ome of you will already know that September we held we were able to have a baking stall which Sthe Primary School has a new Parent our first Macmillan of course went down a treat and helped Council. This was created as part of Coffee morning at raise more money. Our parents also the Scottish Schools (Parental Strathblane Primary. came in and helped us during the Involvement) Act, 2006, and is designed The day was enjoyed by visitors and the morning. to replace both the School Board and children alike. As a reward for all their hard work the Parent Teacher Association with a The whole school was involved in the children enjoyed juice and a cake in single body for each school. preparations beforehand. Our Primary the afternoon. We managed to raise the The parent members of the 7s designed tickets and posters to grand total of £484.80. Thank you so Council are Andy Thompson (Chair), Gun Orgun (Treasurer), Fergus Mitchell advertise the event and helped serve and much to everybody who came along to (Communications Officer), Cathie Moir, wash up on the day. Primary 6 turned support this event. It was wonderful to Charlie Haggerty, Debbie Bolton and their hand, very successfully, to making see so many people chatting and enjoying Berndt Schwann. The teacher members flower arrangements for the tables and coffee and cake in the hall. are Jennifer Cunningham, Anne Spencer still had enough energy left to blow up We are looking forward to next and Morven Bulloch . balloons! Primaries 3, 4 and 5 all helped year’s coffee morning! The Parent Council will carry on the work of the Board, such as progressing the multi-use games area and HALLOWEEN IN SPS who were there had great fun. Personally other issues, but will also encompass the I really enjoyed being part of that happy vital fundraising work of the former - AAAAAGH!!! occasion and was glad I hadn’t simply PTA. “endured” it. Any member of the Council can Val McCorquodale Yet again, I was reminded of just be contacted via our dedicated email how much joy young children bring into address at: fter many years of Halloween our lives and of how infectious their [email protected], Ahilarity in our household this was excitement and enthusiasm for and the next ordinary meeting will be the first I really struggled to get into the everything really is. Sometimes a very on 21 January, 2008 in the school. spirit of the occasion. Truth be told, I busy life and adolescent children can found myself wanting to lock doors, make us lose sight of that. close curtains and wish the whole thing over! This of OUT OF SCHOOL course meant a major guilt trip for Mother! CARE The house was not CHRISTMAS is coming, and with the decorated for the occasion. increased use of SOSC this term we No bright orange pumpkins, are considering scary masks or creepy opening at cobwebs hung from walls, Christmas time. corners or windows. An Potential users of uninspiring lonely pumpkin this facility carved out 10 minutes before should let SOSC going out guising sat know as soon as flickering in the fireplace. No they can. time to conjure up a clever We welcome “home-made” costume for new Playworkers: Laura, Joss, either of my young sons, my Left to right: Hazel Kelly, Eilidh Peddie, shy Declan and Rhona who have been youngest reduced to wearing pumpkin, Ruth Ferguson, Rhianna Howell, Lauren adding a great mix of enthusiasm and whatever was in the dressing- Dempsey, Abigail Pugh and Lucy Clarke at the experience to our staffing this term. up box and to my shame, Congratulations go to two of completely buying into the Hallowe’en disco our staff, Gillian and Frances who are whole commercial thing, I completing their SVQ level 3 in ordered a white satin cat suit with standy- Playwork about now. up collar and frighteningly low cleavage MAD HAIR & Finally, if you’re shopping for for my Elvis-obsessed eight year old. Christmas presents online, why not However, after picking up my two PYJAMAS see if you can buy through the very excited boys from the childminder Val MacCorquodale easyfundraising scheme; it costs you and putting tea on the table, I showered no more but a donation is made to and resigned myself to a late shift at the n Friday 16th November, pupils at SOSC with every purchase. Details school Halloween disco. As I looked out OStrathblane Primary enjoyed a “Mad are under ‘fundraising’ on our web- of the window across the dimly lit Hair & Pyjamas” day full of fun and site, SOSC.org.uk playground, I could see the figures of a games to raise funds for Children in few young children excitedly making Need. Teachers and pupils arrived at But the fun didn’t stop there. their way towards the main doors. I school sporting gelled and dyed hairdos, Throughout the day younger pupils were could hear happy voices and sense their their favourite pyjamas, and some even invited to take part in a variety of excitement and it was then that I felt had dressing gowns and slippers. Each competitions, word searches, crosswords myself give into the whole Halloween pupil, from the morning nursery class etc. designed by the talented P7s who thing all over again. to P7, donated £1 in order to take part also visited each class making sure that Kids do that to you – they take in a fun fitness session with Kirsty, from everyone knew why we were holding you into their “happy zone” and despite Active Stirling, and myself. Favourite this very special day. yourself you have a good time! games included “newspaper swop” The day’s activities raised a The school disco was a success. (lovely and noisy!), “tiger’s tail”, fantastic £190! Well done to everyone Lots of our pupils and parent helpers “chinese dragons”, and of course the at Strathblane Primary for taking turned out on the night. School funds irresistible “space hoppers” and “earth part and thank you for your kind were boosted but most importantly all ball”. Much fun was had by all! donations. 25 were! The day was a joy from start to Tuesday of the month, is also an evening LIBRARY finish and showed just how vibrant a I look forward to immensely. So far this community library can be. We had year the discussions have been really classes of school kids in, we had villagers lively and tremendously well informed. chatting over coffee, and we even had In December we will torture all members OUR BOSS from Stirling in (so thanks with the Christmas quiz, but we will help for making us look good for him as the evening go well with mulled wine well!!!). and Christmas treats so no-one should Our joint events with Balfron and complain too much! Drymen during our Book Festival were We continue to weed out our old a great success. Those of you who didn't stock of books and DVDs quite CORNER make it to Simon Brett's one man show ruthlessly and it is always worth popping missed an absolute tour de force! For in to see if you can pick up any bargains. the pre school children we had a “Molly We sell off fiction from 20 pence, non Lynne James Muddle” show which took us all back fiction from 40 pence and children's to our childhood days as we sang along paperbacks are all 10 pence. DVDs are IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU to various nursery rhymes. individually priced, but are real bargains at less than £4. n this article we just want to thank ust a couple of weeks ago we had the you all for your great support of the Jgreat pleasure of co-hosting, with the ack, though, to the original purpose Ithings we do in Strathblane Library. primary school, a visit by Mhairi Bof this article. Let me just say on In the last issue of the Blane we Hedderwick, author and illustrator of the behalf of Jean, Isobel and myself that gave advance notice of our Big Issue Day "Katie Morag" books. She was an our enjoyment of our jobs, which I and asked you to come along and absolute delight to be with and the sincerely hope we manage to convey to celebrate your local library. Well, you children were enthralled by her stories. all of you, is a direct result of your came up trumps! On the day, 340 people As I said at the time, sometimes my job continued and valued support of us and crossed our threshhold and many of you is so much fun it CANT be like REAL our service. Our job really is "ALL were kind enough to bring us fantastic work! about you" so, thank you for making it home baking as well. What stars you all Our Book Club, held on the third what it is.

Officers will also be patrolling the area DOG OWNERS and issue £40 fines to owners who do WARNED TO CLEAN not clean up after their dogs.” Heart †o Heart Previous studies in Scotland Going through or suffering from the UP THEIR MESS concerning waste and litter have effects of a broken relationship? consistently placed dog fouling near the ritain is a nation of dog lovers with top of the publics most despised culprits. Feeling overwhelmed, lonely, over seven million people owning Dog mess can contain a number one and they provide a great depressed, hurt, lacking confidence B of things, which can make people ill - and self-esteem, bitter and angry? remedy for getting out and enjoying the fresh air. But some owners in Callander best known of which is infection with are failing to take their toxacara canis, which is a roundworm. Wanting to help a friend or relation responsibility of dog ownership going through a difficult time? seriously. Callander Primary We provide a range of services School’s Eco group and the including: telephone support, support pupils’ council contacted the group, signposting to websites, social Stirling Council’s Streetscape events, useful reading and office with grave concerns support to helpers about the dog mess, on and near the paths around the For more information contact: 01877 339966 or 07790 437713 school. Streetscape officers Email: [email protected] visited the path close to the school to investigate further and encountered a landscape covered with dog faeces. COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS To highlight the problem SEE THE WARD MAP IN THE LIBRARY Streetscape organised a survey placing a flag at each instance Flags mark the poos in Callander BLANEFIELD WARD of dog fouling documenting If the eggs of this worm are swallowed David Anderson 770669 this irresponsible behaviour with Willie Oswald 770497 photographs. Streetscape officer Jim this can result in a range of symptoms from aches and pains to bronchial Margaret Vass 770131 Fisher said: “I was disgusted at the state Fiona Murray 771497 of the area caused by dog owners who conditions. In rare cases, eyesight can are either too lazy or irresponsible to be damaged. Dog owners can reduce risk to STRATHBLANE WARD clean up after their own pets and placing Elspeth Posnett 770113 others at risk. Dog faeces can contain others by worming their dog regularly, Alastair Smith 770120 toxacara canis which is a major health and adopting a good hygiene practice Marjorie Peddie 770074 hazard especially on a path so close to a of always clearing up after their dog. Finlay Fountain 770488 route used by primary and secondary They are also reminded to use dog waste schoolchildren. bins and if there are no bins around, MUGDOCK WARD “Stirling Council is in the process take the dog mess home and dispose of Philip Graves 0141 956 1954 of erecting two dog bins which it it. If that is not possible, then as a last Bob Flashman 770979 will regularly service, Streetscape resort wrap the dog mess in a plastic John Gray 771031 26 Officers and the Animal Control bag and dispose of it in a litter bin. ROBERTSONS The Quinloch d Architectural Consultants el 4 Craigfern Drive J & K Muir Blane Valley Accommodation for fi Blanefield • Extension? e s Plumbing & relatives, friends, an r • Dormer? Inn Bl a Heating Services • Internal Alterations? Open all day Wedding guests? C Cars & 8 seater mini bus 44 Glasgow Rd Every day Farm-House B & B available for all your travel Blanefield requirements 01360 771280 Meals always available Helen Loudon D & M Frood [email protected] 770261 www.robertsons-architects.co.uk 770303 770225 770646 R Dickson Strathblane Brown’s Pharmacy Private Hire Butcher, General Store G S (ROOFING) & Post Office Prescriptions, Strathblane Fresh meat & home made pies ANYWHERE Groceries, frozen foods, Toiletries All roof repairs, slating, AT ANY TIME fresh fruit & veg tiling, guttering, leadwork, Envelopes, greetings cards Opening Hours roughcasting, storm damage, Competitive Rates newspapers, magazines Mon-Fri 9.00 to 6.00 Sat 9.00 to 1.00 Professional Tradesman 770040 770255 (Shop) Closed lunchtime 12.45 to 2.15 Tel: 770708 Mobile 078 01 372 735 770291 (PO) 771544 770731 Mob: 0796 883 1313 DAWSON STRATHBLANE Mister Handyman ELECTRICAL COUNTRY HOUSE All Domestic and Small jobs & Commercial Installations carried out home repairs •• FUNCTIONS PARTIES •• WEDDINGS CELEBRATIONS Call Charlie Ward for • NIGHTS OUT Phone Graham • AIRPORT, BUS & RAILWAY TRANSFERS information •• TOURS APPOINTMENTS... www.mister-handyman.co.uk /Fax 770983 FOR RESERVATIONS 01360 770491 771313 11, Milngavie Rd., Strathblane 770999 771321 Fax 01360 770345 William Wallace www.visit-lochlomond.com Derek Edward Premier Store & Sons Accommodation Southview Road Groceries, chilled & frozen food General Building around the loch Crisps and confectionary, Off-licence Sports and Leisure, Shopping Hairdresser & Magazines & newspapers Contractors Wedding / Celebrations etc. National Lottery, “What’s On” listing, Major Mobile phone top-up cards monthly Newsletter Stylist LINK Network ATM cash machine Suggestions and ideas welcome Open 7 days 770266 Willie Bell 770634 7.30am -10pm Stockiemuir Rd 770002 [email protected] 770123

LYNDA TURNER ASDTA C T M DESIGN Ltd SCHOOL of DANCING Arthouse Chartered Architects 71A GLASGOW ROAD Adult Line Dancing Limited Edition Prints Planning Supervisors Strathblane/Blanefield Office support Director C T McNair RIBA ARIAS MaPS For Men & Women Thursdays and the surrounding area services both off-site 14 Craigenlay Ave 8pm till 9.30pm by or on-site for large or Cutting, colouring Andrew McNeish Blanefield small businesses Perming Edmonstone Hall Glasgow G63 9DR & fax: 770666 22a Kirkhouse Road Mobile: 07798 875 345 770149 771070 770390 771134 [email protected] Lorne Howell Milndavie Farm EAB Services Finest Joiner & Builder Riding Centre D M Joinery Local tree and Attic conversions foods Fun for all! hedgerow Home extensions Home extensions Lessons. Special courses from Timber decking & fencing Fitted kitchens for children - take care of maintenance Attic conversions Bathrooms a pony for a week around the world All property maintenance Adults - ride across open All property maintenance moorland, discover local Hardwood logs 770166 bridleways Delicatessen 771543 Mob: 07745046483 770658 Mob: 07717872838 771110 Home Fitness SOME USEFUL BLANE TEAM & Rehab NUMBERS Morag Roy 770863 Expert help from Post Office 770291 [email protected] Pharmacy 770731 David McLean M.Phil, BA Wide Range of Building Primary School 770608 Services Free Estimates Chartered Murray O’Donnell 70748 * [email protected] 01360 770836 Physiotherapist Royal Bank 770610 Mobile: 07915346447 Alastair Smith 770120 [email protected] 770919 Library 770737 [email protected] We wish to reflect the views and opinions Doctors Surgeries Bill Woodger 770940 of the whole community without [email protected] including anything that would offend Strathblane 770340 anyone. We would emphasise that the Killearn 550339 Mary Brailey 771613 views expressed in the Blane are not (prescription line) 550095 [email protected] necessarily those of the editor and he retains the right to have the final say on Police 770224 Patsy Fischbacher 770716 any articles included. Crimestoppers 0800 555111 [email protected] 27 8 Old Mill Gift & Accessory Shop 4b Balfron Road Killearn 550666 endy has W been busy this year finding all sorts of great gift ideas for all ages. Having young teenage kids herself, this is an area that she is especially aware can be difficult, so expect to find plenty of fun items for this age group you will find something that you along with the fab baby and like. We are also running a 'Wish children’s presents, and imaginative List' this Xmas to make it easier for and thoughtful presents for all the wifes (& husbands) to make sure other loved ones in your life. that they get the things that they Alternatively, if you just want to really want. spoil yourself, the ranges of bags, Call in at the shop and we'll jewellery, fashion accessories and tell you how it works. Remember Annette Brown at her spinning body products have all gone down a that parking is right at the door and wheel at Mugdock Country Park storm this year, so we are confident we are open 7 days. MUGDOCK MAKKERS Gary Nimmo, Stirling Council s part of the current service development plan, the Mugdock Country Park’s Joint Management ACommittee is now proud to announce the opening of the park’s new art and craft centre on December 1, 2007. It is being franchised to the Mugdock Makkers who are a highly talented group of people with various and wide-ranging skills in arts and crafts. There will be over thirty of them under one roof, and a delightful diversity on offer, coupled with Mugdock Park’s awesome splendour and setting which makes the park a great attraction to visitors and businesses alike. The gallery will be open every day starting at 12 noon and closing at 5pm. Winter sky at sunrise above Blanefield, taken by There will be work from some Bowl by Julie Chapman of Scotland’s finest artists and crafts Richard Callender people on display at the gallery. In addition to being open every day of the week for general sales, there is an added CORRECTIONS TO attraction for country park visitors on Saturdays and Sundays ITEMS IN LAST ISSUE when different members of the Makkers will be showing 9 how they create their art. The activities will be from 2pm Several people have pointed out to until 4.30pm on these days. Visitors will also have the us that the green woodpecker on the opportunity to meet the artists, ask them about their work back page of the last issue was, in and even have a go themselves. fact, a greater spotted woodpecker. On show will be a selection of superb paintings from Our resident bird man, DHL, also the likes of Gillian Kingslake, Peter Pollock and Ian Shanlin. pointed out that the sparrow hawk Also there will be fabulous jewellery made by Mhairi Sim is unlikely to attack a crow. The and Jean Murphy; beautiful hand painted porcelain by Alison editor apologises for that error as the Borthwick, fused glasswork by Julie Chapman and Eilidh photographer had originally stated Mackenzie, ceramics by Eleanor Caie and Stuart Grant, that it was a blackbird that was the plus mosaics, basketry and much more. unfortunate victim.

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