April 2012

£1 The Bridge The Community Newsletter for Doune & Deanston Health Centre on the Critical List With the deadline fast approaching for Doune to secure any reasonable hope of acquiring a new Health Centre, action is desperately needed if the only suitable site in the village is not to be lost.

Cramped, ill-ventilated, lacking privacy for patients and space for staff and stores, the existing, 40-year old Doune Health Centre is no longer fit for purpose. The need of our rapidly expanding community for the long-promised new facility is brought sharply into focus by the letter from Dr Phil Rose, published on page 14.

As Dr Rose points out, under the terms of the Planning Consent which, in 2008, allowed Miller Homes to build the housing development now known as Doune Riggs, a site was reserved for a new Health Centre for a period of five years, to allow the Health Board to purchase the land. Doune was assured by Forth Valley Health Board that the proposed new facility was categorised as a priority.

The Planning Consent which protects the site expires in March 2013, less than a year’s time. During the past five years, despite repeated representations from the Kilmadock Community Council, Doune seems to have slipped well down the NHSFV priority list; at first we were told that all available funds had been spent on the Callander Medical Centre and on the new hospital at Larbert. In June last year a spokesman for NHSFV reported in The Stirling Observer that ‘finite resources were pretty much allocated. For a three-year period it is understood there’s no money for capital developments…’ Continued on page 2 Triumph for The Bridge Let’s hear it for The Bridge, recently named winner of the coveted Community Newspaper of the Year Award!

The Stirling Community Newspaper Forum, made up of all the community newspapers in the area, held its annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, 23 March at the Raploch Community Campus.

Pauline Roberts, Community Publicity and Development Officer, who is a great help and support to The Bridge, welcomed everyone to the event before announcing award winners in the first three categories including Most Original Front Page.

This was followed by guest speaker, Jack Webster, journalist and author, giving us an insight into his Scoop! The Bridge makes its own front page. Representing us at the Awards fascinating career which has included interviewing Ceremony were (front row, l-r) Diana Bishop, Gwen Trelfa and Inger-Johanne Charlie Chaplin, Ginger Rogers and Sophia Loren. Pollock; behind them are Pauline Roberts, and guest speaker Jack Webster. Continued on page 7

1 These are straitened times but, even if there is no immediate NHS Forth Valley (NHS Board): money to build a Health Centre, funds should surely be Tel: 01786 463 031; email: FV-UHB.YourHealthService@ found to purchase and secure the site before it reverts to the nhs.net developers. This is a line of argument taken up by the KCC whose chair, Jimmie Innes, together with other members of Stirling Council the Community Council, attended a meeting in Stirling on Claire Milne, Principal Planning Officer:milnec@stirling. 13 March with Tom Steele of NHS Forth Valley and Lesley gov.uk Malkin of Stirling Council, when they requested an update Stirling Councillors: Trossachs and Teith Ward on plans for the site. Fergus Wood: [email protected] Paul Owens: [email protected] Jimmie told The Bridge: “We were encouraged to learn Tony Ffinch: [email protected] that Tom Steele will be in touch with Miller Homes and the District Valuer within the month to try and resolve this Candidates standing for Council elections, issue. We are hopeful the site can be purchased before the on 3 May: present Section 75 expires in March 2013. The KCC will Martin Earl (Conservative) [email protected] be keeping in touch with MEDCO (Moray Estates) and Alycia Hayes (SNP) [email protected] NHSFV to advance those issues and will keep The Bridge Gerry McGarvey (Labour) [email protected]; informed”. Jimmie further assured The Bridge: “The KCC blogspot: http://gerrymcgarveyfortrossachsandteith.blogspot. will not let this go”. com/ Fergus Wood (SNP) [email protected] Asked by The Bridge about their plans for the long-promised new Health Centre, NHSFV sent the following statement: “We are aware of the accommodation issues at Doune Health Scottish Government Centre and improving this facility remains a priority. We are Nicola Sturgeon Scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk currently working with partner agencies across Forth Valley (make clear you want to contact her as Minister of Health) to maximise the use of existing publicly owned buildings and Bruce Crawford: [email protected]. land. This includes work with Stirling Council to review any uk opportunities that may exist to provide additional capacity for the Health Centre. We are also in discussion with Stirling Juliet McCracken Council regarding the current planning consent at Doune Riggs which is due to expire in 2013”.

The future of the Health Centre was one of the local issues on which, last September, the Moray Estates Development Company MD offered the Community Council MEDCO’s help and expertise. Andrew Howard said that the estate would be happy to explore options either for the Health Do you need a new home in any of these areas ? Board to acquire the site, or for Stirling Council to extend its Aberfoyle Deanston Gartmore Lochearnhead planning restrictions. Balfron Doune Killin Strathyre Buchlyvie Drymen Kippen Stronachlachar Not only does there seem to have been no real action from Callander Gargunnock Kinlochard Tyndrum NHSFV or Stirling Council over the past five years on this If so, Rural Stirling Housing Association may be able to help. important issue, but there seems to have been little contact between the two. The Bridge recently wrote to the Council’s The Association’s aim is to support rural communities by providing affordable good quality homes for people in housing Principal Planning Officer, Claire Milne and received the need. We currently have over 500 rented homes and around 30 following, discouraging reply: “ I do not have any firm of these become available for re-let each year. We also build view of the Council at this time and there has not to my some new homes each year. knowledge been any progress on bringing forward the new For more details and a housing application form please contact Health Centre. One option is to extend the S75 Agreement us at: timeframe but this would require agreement between both parties - the Council and the original developer, ie. Miller Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune, FK16 6AA Homes”. Telephone : 01786 841101 E-mail: [email protected] As Dr Rose points out, once the March 2013 deadline is Website : www.rsha.org.uk Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849 passed any hope of a new Health Centre will be set back indefinitely due to the lack of any other suitable sites in the village. It is now up to the community to make its voice Please note that we encourage all applicants to also apply to Stirling Council’s housing list (Tel : 0845 277 7000). Being on heard on this crucial local issue, to maintain pressure on the both lists is the best way to maximise your chances of being Planning Department and the Health Board, and to lobby rehoused. prospective candidates in the May elections. You could also write to the local MSP Bruce Crawford and to Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon. For contact details, see next column.

2 submissions from both Doune and Deanston. Development Plan Flags Up In Deanston, the main immediate issue remains the More Housing affordable housing allocated in Leny Road and here the Community Council is in accord with the individual comments to the effect that nothing should be done until an At its meeting on Thursday 1 March, Stirling Council alternative site is found for a playing field and arrangements approved its new Proposed Development Plan, which means are in place for a village hall. that the Plan will now go out for statutory consultation. This is the third time communities, individuals, landowners, Close examination of the papers can find little from the developers and anyone else with a point to make will have Community Council on the subject of Stewart Milne’s bid the opportunity to make their views known. As readers will to have the areas around Deanston House freed for Housing remember, at the Draft Proposed Development Plan stage, Development. It has not gone away and the submissions this community took the opportunity to make its views well which Stirling Council has received suggest some support known to the planners who endured an informative reception for Stewart Milne’s proposals; and, while there are strong and chilly temperatures in the Muir Hall back in early individual objections, there is no observation from the December. Community Council which is disappointing. While the planning view is clear that there should be no such Now we get another chance to have our say, but it is development, it is apparent that pressure will increase in the interesting to reflect on what has already been communicated future. to the Council’s Planning Officers. The documents themselves provide a worthy source of erudite material to The fact arising from all these expensive consultations is that be argued about at length by expensive learned counsel the future development planning for our part of the world is during interminable Planning Inquiries but they do not lend still a matter of debate, and communities will have another themselves to a five minute glance to see what is going on. chance to have their say. One major concern has to be that One has to assume that our three Councillors, Messrs ffinch, participants become bored and do not bother to participate in Owens and Wood, took the trouble to inform themselves of this next round. The statutory consultation is about to begin the issues before this report was approved. Of these only so we will be going through this process yet again. Provost Wood is standing for re-election. The Bridge will endeavour to keep you informed, and the There are, of course, three major issues: Moray Estates Community Council will have its vital role to play, but it is Development Company’s (MEDCO’s) view that the fields for the folk of Kilmadock to let their voice be heard again. north of Moray Street can be developed in the future when the current crop of objectors have hung up their clogs; the Ken Campbell urgent issue of the Health Centre; and Stewart Milne’s bid to release land for housing to the east of Deanston House.

Readers will be well aware that there are future proposals to develop the fields north of the Argaty road and the fields JOHN McLEOD running up to the Commonty. It is clear that in the face of JOINERS & GLAZIERS LTD public protest no such development will take place in the immediate future, but the prospect of future development on these areas of Moray Estates’ land remains clear and by the Joiners and main contractors time this century is in its twenties that proposal will be up and running. The community only kicked the ball out the park: it did not finish the game.

It is interesting to examine the various responses to MEDCO’s revised proposals. The Community Council and several of its members supported the broad theme of the Joinery Manufacturers proposals that there should be no major development in the near future. However the terms of their support included Bespoke Windows Doors Staircases acceptance that future development would be possible. This is at odds with the overwhelming majority of the individual submissions made, which said quite simply that this The Old Putty Yard community is big enough, and that development to the north Queen Street of Moray Park would irretrievably damage the environment Doune FK16 6DP that makes Doune so special. Tel/Fax 01786 842619

The Proposed Local Plan makes little reference to the serious issue of the Health Centre (see page 1), but it does [email protected] identify the land as reserved for that purpose. In that sense www.mcleodjoiners.co.uk it merely reflects the existing planning status and indicates the probability of continuation. The issue is referred to in

3 USE YOUR VOTE ON 3 MAY! Introducing the candidates seeking election in Stirling Council’s Trossachs and Teith Ward

ALYCIA HAYES MARTIN EARL I grew up in Balquhidder Station. My name is Martin My parents both worked in Earl and I am the tourism. I experienced the same Scottish Conservative joys and difficulties many young candidate for the people do. Trossachs and Teith ward. I have lived As an adult I made my first home in Brig O’Turk, near in Doune - a miniscule flat in Callander for many Balkerach Street - because I liked years with my wife the friendliness of the village, and children (two at the beauty and history of the Strathyre PS and one at McLaren surroundings and the accessibility High School). I am currently Chair of the Parents’ Council at to the main transport links. the Primary School and Trossachs Community Council. When the time came to settle down it was obvious to me that I should persuade my Cambridgeshire husband that Doune I have already visited Doune and Deanston on a number of was the best place to do it. occasions and will continue to spend time there throughout We have a daughter now and are very happy here. the campaign, meeting as many people as possible in person. But I have become aware that there are a few things that are Those of you I have managed to talk to so far have left me in of concern: no doubt of the major local issues:- • The need for affordable housing with suitable infrastructure provision. • The need for a new, larger Health Centre. • The desperate need for a new 21st century health centre • Concern that future development proposals will adversely affect the character of the area and add to the • The on-going struggle to make Transport Scotland pressure on the existing infrastructure. realise that journey times to Oban should not threaten • Volume of traffic, speeding, road safety and parking. the safety of our children.

As a Councillor my priorities will be to work with the • Our frustrating second rate broadband provision. Community Council and Development Trust and represent • Our outdated fire station. the interests of the ward effectively. A Doune voice in Stirling Council could demand attention for these things and more, so I invite readers to contact I can also assure you that I will be accountable, contactable me with their concerns on: 07546833144 or email mail@ and respond promptly alyciahayes.com and we can work together to make Doune to any of your individual concerns. (even) better.

Yours sincerely Martin Earl (Scottish Conservative Party) Alycia Hayes (Scottish Nationalist Party)

The Village Gardener PAPER SORTERS Grass Cutting and Maintenance All types and sizes of paper collections Autumn / Winter Clear-ups inspected and put in order

Pruning Advice on maintenance, preservation,, disposal, data protection and Plant Care health and safety. Path Cleaning & Clearing Confidentiality guaranteed. General Tidy up Contacts: 01786 475163 Contact Iain on 07981 920156 [email protected] or 01786 841007 www.papersorters.co.uk

4 USE YOUR VOTE ON 3 MAY! Introducing the candidates seeking election in Stirling Council’s Trossachs and Teith Ward

GERRY McGARVEY FERGUS WOOD

I choose to live in Gartmore, Over the past five years, I believe not Edinburgh, Glasgow, that my colleagues in the other Perth or indeed Stirling, but a western rural ward and I have small village in Trossachs & brought a new relevance to rural Teith Ward, our ward made politics in Stirling. up of a multitude of small communities I have made it my business to ensure that our communities are I made a positive informed consulted and not forgotten and I choice for the smaller hope that plans to empower them community and not the will bear fruit. anonymity of city life which will be similar to many of you living in and around Doune and Deanston. Doune and Deanston are going through a transitional period in which their populations are going to increase. This I write this because although I’ve lived and worked in cities will only be progress if it is matched by better facilities in throughout the UK, and indeed abroad, I chose to move to the education and health and a serious look, followed by action, country - for community not anonymity. at the traffic flow through Doune and the safety issues it raises. I believe in preserving the good that we have and developing the good things – not over development and changing the A new Health Centre is vital and a new village hall for nature of what makes us special and the place to be. Think Deanston would also be an asset to the life of the village! of what you have: the Castle and wonderful Heritage and Information Centre in Doune as well as the Mill and Distillery history that oozes out of Deanston. If these social needs are addressed then the threat of the two villages becoming simply commuter “dormitories” will be It’s these unique qualities that make our small rural less likely to happen. communities so attractive. I am committed to ensuring that we preserve the all-too-rare qualities of real community and For this election, we are fielding two candidates, myself co-operation should you elect me. and Alycia Hayes, who lives in Doune. With your support, we hope to be able to work with you to take the two communities forward in the coming years. Gerry McGarvey Scottish Labour & Co-operative Candidate for Trossachs & Teith Ward Fergus Wood (Scottish Nationalist Party) http://gerrymcgarveyfortrossachsandteith.blogspot.com

Doune.co Attention All Jigsaw Do not forget to look at Doune’s own website from Enthusiasts time to time. It is updated regularly and is very informative. Recently an archive of The Bridge has A number of varied and high quality second- been added where one can access the most recent numbers of The Bridge. It is hoped that it will hand jigsaws has been handed in to the eventually contain all issues of The Bridge. The web the Information Centre. They may be address is as follows: purchased for a donation.

http://www.doune.co/index.php/ the-bridge--archive

5 Safari Springtime The new season at Blair Drummond Safari Park, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, opened to large crowds on 24 March and, with some exciting new projects up their sleeves and lots of adorable newcomers to show off, staff are looking forward to an even more successful 2012.

There’s no time for winter hibernation at the Safari Park! This to increase the flying demonstration team in the spring, once time, the weather brought a different set of problems. Last the 2012 chicks have fledged. We have improved the barbeque year we were snowed under for months; this year we were section and are erecting two yurts, complete with wood undone by high winds. Four large oak trees came down in the burning stoves, for children’s parties and special occasions. park, one of which took out the lion section fence; the others damaged fences in the bison and Pets’ Farm sections. No As well as supporting ex-situ conservation efforts in animals were injured or escaped as we were braced for high conjunction with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria winds, but we were left with a destructive aftermath to clear (full membership was granted to Blair Drummond Safari Park up. In the days after the storms, we made safe the damaged last year) we are continuing with our own in-situ projects. We sections; we are still slowly clearing up the trees. are pleased to be working with Save Scotland’s Red Squirrels, protecting and This year we are increasing extremely excited the range of at the prospect our current of completing population. our new elephant indoor habitat, This summer and integrating we will be the elephants into looking closely their new home. at biodiversity on The building is the estate, starting a state-of-the- with insects. This art construction, will coincide specifically with National designed for the Insect Week (30 needs of our three June) when we’ll African elephants. be hosting a fun Ugly Bug Ball It will give the and doing a bio- elephants new- blitz on the area, found freedoms Keeping close to their mothers, Dylan the donkey and a baby meercat join the ranks hopefully finding and the ability to of new attractions on the Pets’ Farm. some rare species. express natural Please keep an behaviours that were previously not possible due to the eye on our website for further information. restrictions of out-dated infrastructure. The fact that we will be able to house more than three elephants will have many Spring is always a joyful time at the park, the winter blues are benefits associated with group dynamics; the new habitat will behind us and the new influx of animals being born always also offer a fantastic retirement facility for elderly elephants. puts a smile on most faces. The Pets’ Farm section, having the largest variety of animals, has acquired many interesting We are close to completing a new outdoor enclosure which newcomers including wallabies, marmosets, meerkats and an adjoins our chimp house; again making it one of the best adorable donkey. More exciting births are expected in the next chimp facilities in Europe. Soon we will be able to facilitate few weeks. a complete rotation for two troops of chimps, and also have a complete onshore/offshore facility. Please visit our website www.blairdrummond.com for up to date information and forthcoming event news. We also have a Not forgetting our visitors, further improvements have been Facebook Page; on it you can see some interesting behind the made to the pathways. We are building a new lion walkway, scenes photographs and keep up with park gossip! The events providing an excellent vantage point from which to see our planned this year will be fun and enjoyable for all ages. pride. It will be wide enough to comfortably take push chairs and wheelchairs. Dave Warren E d u c a t i o n O f fi c e r : B l a i r D r u m m o n d S a f a r i P a r k . We have also widened existing paths and built a new path to connect our zebra house to our rhino house.The birds of prey section has increased in size and the new weatherings and aviaries are complete. Now they are built we will be looking

6 Police Report Triumph for the Bridge The following incidents have been reported to the police continued from page 1 since my last report.

On the evening of Saturday 25 February, three males were He spoke about meeting Muhammad Ali during his fighting issued with anti-social behaviour fixed penalty tickets for career and again, very poignantly, 30 years later. He was drinking in public. They were traced within the Bakery very positive about our local community newspapers and Garden behind the Kilmadock Information Centre, Castlehill. encouraging to the young people who were present. A fourth male was dealt with at the time for possession of drugs. The presentation of more awards followed; these included The Bridge receiving the runners-up award in the Most Amusing Contribution section (voted for by the newspapers themselves) for Venda Pollock’s photograph of the sign Trespassers will be Composted.

All the entrants in the Young Writer of the Year category were highly praised and given certificates (we had entered Iona Campbell’s excellent contribution about the McLaren High School trip to the WW1 battlefields); well done, Iona.

After the award for Best Article came Special Acknowledgements for unsung heroes! Included among them was Gwen Trelfa, nominally our Advertising Manager, but who does so much more.

Next came the major awards: Community Newspaper of the PC Campbell Dunn Community Police Officer Year 2011 (category 1, circulation 500 or under; category On 2 March, two males were traced and charged with salmon 2, circulation over 500). Imagine our delight when it was poaching on the river Teith, near Deanston. announced that The Bridge was the winner of the circulation 500 or under category. Jack Webster presented us with a On 6 March a scrap oven was stolen from a driveway in very attractive glass trophy. The comments from the judges Queen Street, Doune. A white coloured, 53 registration, about The Bridge were as follows:- Ford Transit pickup was seen parked at the location at about 1100hrs on the same date. It is suspected that the driver of “The Bridge: absolutely jam-packed with news, this vehicle was responsible for the theft. This crime links in features and crucial snippets of information, with a continuing trend of scrap metal thefts within the force cleverly balancing local news, interesting pictures, area. Any suspicious commercial vehicles should be reported diaries of events all the way through to schools to the police as these are certainly being used to carry off stolen property. news and sport. An appetite to chase up news which is of real interest to local people, including Sheep worrying has become an issue in the surrounding quotes from key players, gives The Bridge a real area. There have been two reported incidents in the Drymen edge this year.” area, one in Blanefield, one in Kippen, one in Bannockburn and one in Falkirk. I have issued a press release regarding Well done everyone especially, of course, our editor, keeping dogs under control, and have given an interview Juliet McCracken, who could not be present at the event, about the issue on Central FM, reminding dog owners of and founder Ken Russell. Thank you so much to all our their responsibilities. contributors and our hard working volunteers.

Finally, a recently reported incident, which suggested that On the evening of 23 March there was more good news for a drug-infused business card had been used to render a the community: Doune Castle AFC beat Bluebell to reach the female unconscious, is a hoax. The story has been circulating final of the East of Scotland Amateur Cup (see page 27 for throughout the UK by e-mail, giving details of a police the report). Congratulations to the team. officer from Thames Valley Police as the originator. I have confirmed that there is no truth in the story. Diana Bishop

If you have any information on any of the subjects mentioned above please contact me at Callander police office.

PC Campbell Dunn C o m m u n i t y P o l i c e O f fi c e r

7 Spotlight on the KCC

The meeting opened with a report from PC Campbell Dunn in the village, speed reduction measures below the Catholic (see page 7). Church and the pedestrian crossing over the A85 at Wood of Doune. A second meeting with NHS Forth Valley and Giving the Councillor’s report, Provost Fergus Wood shed Stirling Council was to be held in an effort to move matters some light on decisions within Stirling Council’s corridors of forward regarding the proposed new Health Centre power, in particular plans to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond (see pages 1 and 2) Jubilee. It would appear that the Council have it in their sights to “bring the river back to Stirling” and the assemblage Among the representatives, Jim McKenzie advised that on 2 June of a flotilla of boats on the Forth down by the Community Action for Deanston (CAfD) had written to ask Rowing Club was to be one of the first actions in that project. Stirling Council what action they were going to take about Plans are afoot to encourage more boats to moor at Stirling, a the old Lade bridge at Deanston. This followed the Council’s reflection of the days when the Forth, at its highest navigable refusal to build a replacement bridge, despite the fact that the point, was very busy with traffic plying between Stirling community had raised the necessary funds. and Leith. This seems a good idea to me; the Riverside is Bob Oliver reported as Treasurer that funds were still in the underutilised. black. John Blackwood stated that a big clean-up around the Fergus also touched on the Council’s plans for celebrations streets was imminent. Alastair Buchanan reported that four to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn new Christmas lights had been purchased and Richard Bird in 2014. He mentioned the new Visitors’ Centre, a statue updated the meeting on various ongoing sagas with Stirling to be erected at the old Stirling Bridge commemorating the Council Roads Dept. battle of 1297, the Gathering of the Clans and the Ryder Further discussion centred around the state of Doune Ponds Cup; not forgetting, of course, the Commonwealth Games and their walkways and a lively debate ensued on the subject when Stirling will be a base for some of the teams. It all of the KCC’s grant towards the proposed Community Action sounds good for the B&B trade. Other plans included a week Plan. CAfD had donated £100 and it was agreed that KCC in Galway in June to tie up some twinning arrangements. donate £300. I will spare readers details of the Council’s grass cutting programme. Finally, we should not forget that elections to Stirling Council are to take place soon so we may see some new From the Chair, Jimmie Innes advised that a meeting with faces attending KCC meetings; one new potential came Moray Estates Development Company (MEDCO) was along to introduce himself: Mr Martin Earl, who is standing imminent following the latter’s report concerning a number as a Conservative candidate. of local issues on which the company had earlier offered Birdman help. Key points raised included increased parking spaces

8 with help from CBD staff and families, will be photographed, A Hand Where it’s Needed mapped and posted on the internet for the benefit of others.

The Sons of the Rock Society finds a new focus Commenting on this grant award, Gerry McKeown, the Until very recently, the ‘Sons of the Rock Society’ was Day Services Manager with CBD, says: “We are delighted something of a mystery to most people. The organisation - that the Sons of the Rock have agreed funding to help us whose full title, The Incorporated Glasgow, Stirlingshire and purchase equipment for our Phototrails project. Having Sons of the Rock Society, gives a clue to its origins over 200 worked with the Fieldfare Trust to develop this initiative years ago in the boom and bust era of the ‘Second City of over the last year, we have already seen the benefits it can Empire’ - has, for much of its history, been associated with have in developing the confidence of adults with learning the great and the good of Stirlingshire. The former tradition disabilities. They will be able to learn new skills in digital of an annual black tie dinner on Auld Hansel Monday in mid photography and mapping and to share their new learning January, the anniversary of the Society’s foundation in 1809, with members of the wider public. Ultimately the project will was a rite of passage for many who wished to make their result in many more people being able to access and enjoy our mark in local circles. beautiful countryside, without being limited by their level of ability.” Why is any of this relevant today to the communities of Doune and Deanston? Over the past ten years, and Camphill Blair Drummond is also changing. Its current capital especially in the current economic climate, the Sons of the development programme will provide badly needed new Rock Society has emerged as a very relevant force for good, facilities and reinforces a strong wish to build closer links operating as a grant-making charity across the Stirling and with the surrounding communities. The Phototrails project Falkirk areas. In keeping with our original aims, we actively gives this aim practical expression, and the Sons of the Rock seek to help individuals and smaller community groups that Society is very pleased to give its support to that end. other funders do not necessarily support or know about. In doing so, we make full use of external care and education The Society is now almost the only survivor of the sector professionals as referees to help us identify those who numerous county benevolent associations whose work, are in real need, where a relatively small grant can make a originally focused on the poor and destitute living in the big difference to people’s lives. Full details, including grant slums of Glasgow, was largely superseded by the coming application forms, can be found on www.sonsoftherock.org. of the Welfare State. Our work today shows there is still uk and we would welcome contact from any readers of The a real need for our existence. Financially, we rely on new Bridge who can offer information or advice to assist our members wishing to join the Society in return for an annual grant-making work. donation to our funds and we organise regular members’ events, including an Annual Gathering every January, which As an example of our strong local connection, earlier this celebrate the rich heritage of the Forth Valley area and bring month, the Society’s Trustees agreed to make a grant of £432 together members and grant recipients alike. Despite our to the Camphill Blair Drummond Trust (CBD) to support an title, we are no longer an all male institution! If you would exciting new Phototrails project, which has been successfully like further details, please contact: developed with the Fieldfare Trust. This will enable students at CBD - young adults with physical and learning disabilities - to Nick Cooke work alongside others in the surrounding area, including schools Secretary, Sons of the Rock Society and walking groups, to identify and record local walks suitable Tel: 01786 841809 for users of all abilities. The walks, recorded by the students

Standing firm: the Sons (and Daughters) of the Rock gathered on the steps of the Smith Art Gallery and Museum during the society’s bicentenary celebrations in 2009.

9 KDT NEWS World Day of Prayer

Information and Heritage Centre The World Day of Prayer, which took place on Friday 9 KDT are working to ensure the ongoing sustainability of March, was this year hosted by St Modoc’s Episcopal Church the Information and Heritage Centre, which must be self with Kilmadock Parish Church and St Fillan’s Catholic supporting to continue in existence. We believe that if the Church taking part. Centre closed due to a lack of funding, it would be a major loss to the community. The Trust is reviewing all aspects The theme of the service, written by Christian women of of the Centre, and methods of increasing funding levels to Malaysia, was Let Justice Prevail. The money raised from ensure that this valuable asset for the community remains the collection is going to the Scottish Bible Society and Feed open. the Minds, both of which have projects in Malaysia and to a Date of AGM Christian organisation assisting people affected by HIV and The AGM will be held in April – the date will be announced Aids, also in Malaysia. shortly. About 60 people attended the service after which they were Doune and Deanston Directory treated to lovely home baking and coffee provided by the The directory is being updated and will be published shortly. ladies of St Modoc’s. The updated business information is also available on the website. www.doune.co Gillian MacGregor Community Consultation The Trust has obtained partial funding to carry out a new Gala to Follow the Community Consultation, and is working towards obtaining additional funding. Community Consultation is high on Yellow Brick Road the priority list of Stirling Council and almost all local Doune Gala, this year themed as Doune The Yellow Brick communities have carried one out in the last 2-3 years. Road, will take place on Saturday 16 June. Doune and Deanston’s last consultation was in 2003, and As ever, we are appealing for volunteers to help make the there is a need to update this, particularly in view of the day go smoothly. We ask for only an hour or so of your large influx of new residents to the community. These time to help out with the parade, on the raffle stall or with consultations give local residents a chance to express their collecting tokens for one of the children’s games or rides. views on the direction the community should take and are a very valuable support for funding applications for projects The Gala brings a day of fun to Doune; it caters for everyone, to benefit the community. Indeed, the first requisite of most which is why our small team is asking for some help. funding applications is to provide substantiation of the need We also ask for assistance, please, in setting up the gazebos for the project which has been identified by a consultation and tables etc in the morning, before the event. We have all exercise.The intention is to go out to tender and award the the necessary equipment; we just need people power! contract at the end of the summer. Please contact Alison on 07810 628 512 or dounegala@ Community Paths leaflet hotmail.com or see us on Facebook if you are able to help A new leaflet is being printed. out on the day. Alison McAlpine Replacement of Community Notice Boards KDT is applying for funding for three new notice boards to replace the existing ageing ones. CALOR Gas Rural Hall The first phase of repairs and refurbishment of the Available from Stockbridge Nursery hall will be complete by May. KDT wishes to put Gas Cylinders All sizes Patio Heaters in place a team to run Local Delivery or Collect Barbecues the hall on a sustainable basis. A meeting to New Cabinet Heaters All Associated Fittings in Stock prepare a committee for that date took place on Tuesday 27 March. Kilbryde Road, Dunblane, FK15 9ND

Jim McGroarty Just off Bypass on Road to Doune (A820) Tel: 01786 821414

10 Shape and Form 4th April - 2nd July 2012

An exhibition of three dimensional, sculptural jewellery. Contemporary handmade jewellery by Angela Learoyd. Exhibiting jewellers include Louise Carstairs, Marsha Drew, Sophie Marsden, Dot Sim and Emily Thatcher.

This exhibition coincides with Craft and Design month May 2012. This is a new initiative de- signed to raise awareness of the enormous amount of creative talent we have in the UK. The Gallery is supporting Craft and Design Month as we recognise the importance of being able to choose handmade, individually designed and created jewellery.

For further information on Craft and Design Month May 2012, including details of other events please visit: www.craftanddesignmonth.net

5 The Cross, Doune, FK16 6BH www.angelalearoydjewellery.com

11 Windfarm Trust Awards

The Board of the Kilmadock Windfarm Trust is delighted to announce the awards made in the second quarter of the fifth year. In 2012 the Trust would be particularly pleased to hear from any groups that have not applied before and applications for projects with eco-friendly or sustainable aims would be especially welcome. To give an idea of the types of projects that could be funded, the Trust has made awards for the following: set-up costs, outings, equipment, tutors and coaches for classes, construction and gardening materials, and running costs.

Organisation Project Sum Awarded

Doune Young Artists Majority funding for a series of ten art classes for children £680 McLaren Parent Small contribution to a large multi-court project at £5000 Council McLaren High School and McLaren Sports Centre Doune Bookworms Part funding for a series of author presentations/book £1000 events Doune Primary Parent Part funding for an interactive whiteboard for the new £1934 Council classroom Deanston Parent Part funding of a folding stage for performances £1985 Council Total £10599

Contact the Administrator, Anna Clark (01786 842349) for advice on applying or to receive an application form by email [email protected]. To collect a paper application form, call at the Information Centre, Doune Library or Deanston Post Office.

Deadlines for applications are: First quarter – end August (results mid October) Second quarter – end November (results mid January) Third quarter – end February (results mid April) Fourth quarter – end May (results mid July). Anna Clark Windfarm Trust Elections

The Windfarm Trust (WFT), set up in 2007, distributes approximately £40,000 from the Airtricity Windfarm on the Braes of Doune each year to projects of benefit to the local communities of Doune and Deanston. Any local group can apply; the Board of the WFT meets four times a year, in September, December, March and June, to scrutinise applications.

The Windfarm Trust is once again calling for volunteers to sit on the Board that allocates grants to local projects. Anyone living in Kilmadock (Doune and Deanston) is eligible to be elected as a Board member. Members are elected for one year (running from August to July) and can be re-elected. There is a training day in late August prior to the first round.

The Board has seven members; two representing the Community Council (KCC), two representing the Community Trust (KDT) and three elected from the community in general by the KCC and KDT acting jointly.

The Windfarm Trust Steering Group would like to thank the 2011/12 Board members for serving the community in this way: Caroline Orr-Ewing (Chair, community) Susan Wilson (community) Nancy Rice-McDonald (community) Bob Oliver (KCC) Dougie Morrison (KCC) Alan McDonnell (KDT) Paul McClintock (KDT)

If you would like to be a community member of the WFT Board, please submit a self-nomination form by 31 May (available from the Information Centre or the WFT Administrator). If you would like more information on becoming a Board member or apply for a grant, please contact Anna Clark, Windfarm Trust Administrator (01786 842349, [email protected])

Anna Clark, WFT Administrator Sue Harvey, WFT Steering Group

12 of each term and comment on our handwriting”. Aged eight, People We Meet: Niall Bowser Niall was finally sent to boarding school, where he thrived, Niall Bowser was born in 1955, the second of five children acquiring friends of his own age for the first time in his life. whose parents were both major landowners. His great- By the time the children were 12 or 13, everyone seems to grandparents had bought the Argaty estate, complete with have begun to get the hang of family life and there were huge Scots baronial mansion, in 1916, on the proceeds of cheerful gatherings: card games, ping-pong or impromptu Indian tea. After extensive renovations to the house, their soirees round the electric organ, the latter played with daughter Maisie and her husband Charlie Bowser took aplomb by Judy while David drummed on the mantelpiece possession in 1929 and started developing the farming and and everyone else sounded forth on guitar, penny whistle, forestry with which the estate is still associated. and comb-and-Bronco. On Saturday afternoons, everything Niall’s father David stopped for televised wrestling. Wrestling matches at the inherited Argaty Albert Hall were never-to-be-missed family occasions. after the wartime ‘Groomed to fit a standard model’, Niall duly found himself death of his elder at Harrow (‘an educational disaster’) and later at Oriel brother in 1944 College, Oxford where a university cadetship, which came while his wife, with a 2nd Lieutenant’s salary, kept the wolf from the door Judy Crabbe, was while he read Modern Languages. The high point of his five heiress to Auchlyne, years with the Scots Guards was the speaking part which a shooting estate came with his command of the Guards company which near Killin to which Trooped the Colour in 1979. “Mum cried”. the family repaired for several months Niall and Lynn, the latter the North Oxford girl-next-door at every summer. St Hugh’s, met in 1978. They married in the Guards Chapel Father, says Niall, two years later and have two children, Tom and Treenie, the ‘far too nice to latter a vet in Northern Ireland. be any sort of businessman’, was Despite the alluring career prospects on offer, Niall left much involved in the Army in 1982 to come home: “There might not have local and church been a home to return to if I’d left it much longer.” David affairs; his mother Niall Bowser: remembering an Bowser had been unable to contemplate decreasing the huge was to become a unconventional childhood. estate staff - up to 32 people in its heyday - and, with wages well known breeder escalating, the writing was on the wall. Argaty House and and international judge of Highland cattle. 26 acres were sold; Niall did a year’s course at agricultural college and, after a year working under farm manager Colin Niall’s account of the anachronisms and absurdities of Henderson, took on the job himself. a Victorian-style upbringing, an existence bolstered by platoons of domestic and estate staff which was carried In 1986 the 1300 acre estate, minus a couple of farms sold to on much longer than was economically viable, sounds clear the family’s remaining debts, was handed over to Niall like something from a 19th century novel. Life was run by and Lynn who found themselves free to establish their own Nanny, a nurserymaid, a cook and two housemaids. The life at The Lerrocks. The resultant reduction of the estate well-scrubbed children were presented to their parents in staff numbers to one farm worker was a necessary process, the drawing room for 20 minutes between tea and bedtime, remembered with sadness. Today Niall and Lynn, with their Nanny hovering nearby. “We were well brought up,” says son Tom, and John Booth farm 520 ewes and 70 beef cattle, Niall: “just not by our parents.” with a sideline in selling sheep-handling equipment. Argaty Red Kites, originally set up to manage wayward bird-spotters Every summer chauffeur John Macdonald took the children has, under Mike McDonnell’s management, become a major and the nanny of the day in Grandpa’s Bentley (which had feature on Scotland’s conservation map. Lynn, a much- exciting, electrically-operated windows) to spend a week in valued former vice-chair of the Kilmadock Community North Berwick; their parents would come down for a day Council, runs the business side of the whole enterprise. during the week to ‘look for cowrie shells and buy us Luca’s ice creams before beating a hasty retreat’. After being gutted by fire a year ago Argaty House is undergoing a massive rebuilding programme, with a Out on the estate there were important figures who always completion date set for 2015. The owner’s children are seemed to have time for the children: Midge McLaws with likely to have an upbringing rather different from the one his pockets full of Spangles, George Buchan the polite farm experienced there by the young Bowsers. Niall himself, manager. “From these kind people - gardeners, gamekeepers, the gregarious life and soul of community events such as foresters - we gained a great love of the outdoors and an village quizzes, looks back, he says, on his unconventional interest in all things natural”. childhood with a good deal of affection but no regrets for the changes his generation has made. In due course came a governess who conducted lessons in the morning, walks in the afternoon and chauffeur-driven Juliet McCracken educational trips to the Trossachs. “Our parents would come into the schoolroom for about 20 minutes at the end Moira Lawson

13 EDITORIAL AND LETTERS

Editorial

Bored with barracking? Sorry! If there’s one message that comes across in this edition, it’s “Have your say!” Thanks to inertia and lack of communication on the part of the Council and the local Health Board the chances of Doune ever acquiring its long- promised new Health Centre are dwindling to something frighteningly near vanishing point. In less than a year, unless Doune and Deanston make their views heard loud and clear, any hope of this rapidly growing community gaining the health facility that we and our children deserve will have been lost for the foreseeable future.

With Stirling Council elections on the horizon, now if ever is the time to get ourselves some positive action. Read Dr Rose’s plea, below; contact the authorities listed on p2; buttonhole those candidates and vote on 3 May accordingly. And it’s not just the Health Centre. Despite the clearly expressed opposition of the community to any future expansion of the village to the north of Moray Park the field in question remains earmarked on the new Proposed Development Plan (p3).That plan is now going out for consultation so, once again, it’s up to all of us, as well as the KCC to make our voices heard. Together we really could make a difference.

Spring has arrived and this edition flags up plenty of reasons to celebrate: there are congratulations to Doune CastleAFC who have sailed through to reach the final of the East of Scotland Amateur Cup; ‘aaahs’ for the crop of babies at the Safari Park and a modest pat on the back for The Bridge, recently named Community Newspaper of the Year. Enjoy it all.

Letters Lobby the prospective candidates with your views. Write to the local MSP Bruce Crawford and to Nicola Sturgeon the Dear Bridge health minister.

Doune Health Centre is approximately 40 years old, opening The Community Council continue to lobby for a new health around 1972.It was originally designed for two doctors only centre and we are grateful for their support. and a house for one district nurse to live in. When the new houses are fully occupied the health centre As I am sure most patients are now only too aware modern will be even more cramped. We need your support. health care has changed so much over those 40 years; the health centre is now too small and cramped for doctors, Thank you nurses, reception staff and, most importantly, you, the Dr Phil Rose patients. The waiting room is too small, the reception Health Centre, Castlehill, Doune area has no privacy and the working conditions for the receptionists are very cramped and they have no personal Dear Bridge work space. There is a lack of storage space. Ventilation is poor and often there is a damp smell in the corridors. The Recently I was surprised to see that the board erected by walls are thin and there is a lack of privacy for patients in all Persimmon Homes near Doune Ponds refers to their building areas of the health centre. The radio plays music to try and site - adjacent to the Miller Homes development at Doune limit this. Riggs - as ‘Deanston Bank’. I rang the Persimmon Sales Department and learned that I was not the first person to A new health centre has been talked about for many years point out how confusing this could be; they told me they and, under the terms of the agreement allowing Miller are reconsidering changing the name to something more Homes to build the new houses, an area of land was reserved appropriate and would welcome suggestions. for a new health centre for a period of five years to allow the Health Board to purchase the land. The period of five years Gwen Trelfa will expire in March 2013! Once the deadline is passed any hope of a new health centre will be set back indefinitely due Thanks to the lack of any other suitable sites in the village. It is always very gratifying when someone takes the trouble to return to the Information Centre and say thank you for any Under Scottish Government Health Policy the only way to help they have been given. On a Monday morning in March finance a new health centre is central funding by Forth Valley a note was tucked in the edge of the door of the Centre Health Board through the Scottish Government. It is vital which read:- Forth Valley Health Board acquire this land. Dear Information Lady What can you do to help? Success! The Arts and Antiques Centre has just what I The local council elections are taking place in May 2012. I wanted. think the new health centre is the most important local issue. Many thanksRPA Nigel Bishop

14 The Bridge would like to thank the 84-year old reader who perception that the issue of the Health Centre has not been pointed out that we had omitted one owner in our history of given the due care and attention it urgently requires by relevant the Putty Yard, now home to John McLeod’s business (page bodies such as NHSFV, and that their concerns are not being 1, March edition). He tells us that, when he was at school met. Such statements as the one quoted on p2 from NHSFV around 74 years ago, the yard belonged to plumber Tommy are NOT satisfactory. Connelly (or Connolly) before it became the Glebe Garage. The awareness, the work with partner agencies, the discussions with Stirling Council that NHSFV mention in their statement Dear Bridge need to be progressed as a priority.

Last week I was approached by residents in Doune regarding Addressing this IS a matter of urgency as unless some their concern at the condition of the Local Health Centre, and provision is made by March 2013 the current situation will the current provision available for those who need to use this continue indefinitely due to the current planning agreements. “building”. It would appear that the real difficulty or problem at this Rightly so, those residents are asking their politicians and time is not the willingness of concerned parties to sit round those seeking election to Stirling Council at the forthcoming the table and discuss a way forward, but the simple matter of local government elections on May 3rd for some action or prioritising and working towards a satisfactory solution to the indication of how they might address their concerns. current perceived inactivity.

I have visited what currently purports to be an adequate For my part, I am more than happy to go on record and facility, and quite frankly it is not fit for purpose - by anyone’s state explicitly that: “I have no reservations whatsoever and definition. commit to working alongside all the relevant and appropriate bodies towards extending the S75 Agreement timeframe as a matter of priority and urgency should I be elected to represent I have also taken time to listen to what members of the rd.” community have to say about the matter whilst visiting. Trossachs and Teith Ward on May 3

Apart from the general feeling that the building is too small, Gerry McGarvey hence the current use of a series of bolted-together port-a- Labour & Co-operative Candidate for Trossachs & Teith cabins, and that its paper-thin walls preclude any semblance Ward of privacy and/or confidentiality, what is also of grave concern to the people of Doune and indeed Deanston, is the general http://gerrymcgarveyfortrossachsandteith.blogspot.co.uk

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15 THE BOOKWORMS An Opportunity to Meet The Authors Tidying up the Draigen Burn Not content with simply reading and discussing books Following the letter on page 13 of the March issue of amongst themselves, Doune Bookworms have invited The Bridge about the sorry state of the Draigen Burn, authors to come along to read some of their work. Two the Community Council is confident that there are events have been planned featuring outstanding talents from enough local people who would be prepared to give up the Scottish and Canadian literary scene. some time to help “restore this once pretty burn to its Shetland author Robert Alan Jamieson will feature at the former glory”. inaugural evening on 27 April. Born in Shetland in the 1950s, Alan published two novels and a collection of poems while If you would like to volunteer to help, please leave your in his twenties, before attending Edinburgh University as a name and contact details at the Information Centre or mature student. His most recent work, Da Happie Laand was telephone on 841250. the challenging Bookworm choice for March.

To quote one reviewer “This is the story of Shetland told in such a way that the reader is never quite sure what to believe, but as the fable of Da Happie Laand evolves one is drawn, Doune very skilfully, into a tale of a personal quest, the chronicle of a thinly disguised west Shetland parish and the establishing of a semi-mythical Shetlandic colony in the South Pacific in the 19th century.” Motors Ltd. The Canadian connection is supplied by poet Miranda Stirling Road, Doune, Pearson from Vancouver. Although born in England, she Perthshire, FK16 6AA has lived in Canada for over 20 years. Her poems have been published in many literary journals and anthologies, and she has published three well received works, Prime, The Aviary MOT Testing Servicing and Harbour. Petrol/Diesel and repairs On 8 June Bookworms are delighted to welcome back Class I.V. Tyres Ronald Frame who charmed our Book Festival audience (Free retests) Exhausts in 2005. He is the author of 13 internationally published works of fiction, is an award-winning television and radio Welding scriptwriter, and has received international recognition for his short stories set in the fictitious Scottish spa town of We can collect and Carnbeg. Ronald’s latest novel Unwritten Secrets is the Bookworm choice for April. return your vehicle (only in the Callander and Doune areas) Also, local author Sarah Fredricks will tell us how self- publishing on Amazon and clever digital marketing has propelled her first book The Millionaire Falls Hard high up the download charts. 1786 841061 Both events will take place at The Woodside Hotel at 7.30. Tickets are £5 ANDREW ANDERSON and will be available in advance from the & SONS Information Centre, or on the door. FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Bookworms are very grateful to The 24 Hour Service Windfarm Trust for its support. Prepaid Funeral Keep up to date with us on the village Plans website – www.doune.co; on @DouneWords Monumental Service Family Run Business and find us on Facebook

Deborah Hackett Address: 14 Camp Place, Callander Telephone: (01877) 330398 / 330567 Fax: (01877) 331079

Rest Room Address: Glenartney Street, Callander

16 Read Allotments (and A Lot more)!

Doune Library is currently displaying a lovely collection of Bookbug story and rhyme time sessions, held in partnership books connected to the subject of Allotments. For example, with the Scottish Book Trust, have been taking place once a we have Cook Your Own Veg by Carol Klein, The Thrifty month on Saturday afternoons, 1–1.30pm. The next session Gardener by Alys Fowler, Container Gardening for Kids is on Saturday 14 April and all pre-school children, babies by Ellen Talmage and many more. For fiction fans there is and toddlers are welcome to come along with their families a selection of relevant titles, The Rose Garden by Susanna for rhymes, nursery songs and stories aimed at entertaining Kearsley, Scent of Lavender by Elizabeth Elgin, Mud, Muck and educating very young children. and Dead Things by Ann Granger, to name a few. Every month the themed collection of books changes and the The library’s public access PCs are popular with young and displays are proving popular with all ages. old alike. These are free to use and, depending on bookings,

Doune Library Reading Group is now well established; at the time of writing, we are reading The Blue Suitcase by Marianne Wheelaghan. This very interesting historical novel tells, in diary form, the story of Antonia Nasiski, 12 years old and living in Prussia 1932-35. The book was written after the author found a blue suitcase on top of her recently deceased mother’s wardrobe. The case was packed with jotters which were full of hand-written notes. We will be reviewing this book on 2 April, 7pm – 8pm. New members are welcome and we always have plenty of spare copies of our reads for everyone to borrow. Please call in at Doune Library for a copy of the current read and then come along! We usually meet on the first Monday in the month.

Marianne Wheelaghan will visit Doune Children from Doune Nursery having fun with Alison at the Library Library during the Off the Page Book Festival in September. Further information will be available available to each person for up to two hours per day. Our nearer the time. This event will be open to all. colour printing and photocopying facility is also very popular. Nursery story-times are also re-established. I have been visiting Arnhall Nursery, while Red Kite Nursery and Doune The Library opening times are shown on the back cover Nursery have been visiting the Library. It is always lovely to of The Bridge which, incidentally, you can buy in Doune see the children enthralled by a story! Library! Alison McAlpine

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17 DIARY OF COMMUNITY EVENTS: APRIL-JUNE DATE EVENT TIME PLACE April 2 Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 4 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 5 Maundy Thursday Service & Communion 1900 Church of Scotland 6 Devotional Hour 1400 St Madoc’s Church 9 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 11 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 14 Bookbug Session 1300 Doune Library 15 Closing date for May Bridge items 19 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 20 SWRI meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 25 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 25 Concert - Doune Bassoon Quartet 1930 Rural Hall 27 Author Event with Robert Alan Jamieson 1930 Woodside Hotel 27 Race Night Fund-raising - Allotment Group 1930 Bowling Club 28 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark May 2 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 2 Kilmadock Society talk on Deanston Mill 1930 Woodside Hotel 3 Media Matters discussion 1930 Church of Scotland 5 Bookbug Session 1300 Doune Library 7 Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 12 Doune Baby and Toddler Group Spring Fayre Rural Hall 14 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing date for June Bridge items 16 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 16 Concert -Arctic Winds Bassoon Quintet 1930 Rural Hall 17 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 18 SWRI meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 20 Plant Sale 1100 Rural Hall 26 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 30 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 31 Closing date for Windfarm Trust Applications June 4 Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 6 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 7 Media Matters discussion 1930 Church of Scotland 8 Author Event with Ronald Frame 1930 Woodside Hotel 14 Community Council 1945 Deanston School 15 SWRI meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 15 Closing Date for July/August Bridge items 16 Parade & Gala 1345 Moray Park 17 Fun Run 0930 Moray Park 17 Duck Race 1400 Brig o’Teith – Pier 21 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 27 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 30 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark REGULAR EVENTS Mondays-Fridays Red Kite Community Nursery 0900-1200 Muir Hall Mondays Keep Fit 1830-1930 Rural Hall Cubs 1830-2000 Muir Hall Tuesdays Ballroom Dancing 1000-1100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Class (beginners) 1000-1200 Information Centre Football Club 1900-2000 Dunblane High School Life Drawing Class 1900-2100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Class (post-beginners) 1900-2100 Information Centre Wednesdays Bosum Buddies 1030-1200 Muir Hall China Painting 1400-1600 Deanston Primary School Zumba 1830-1930 Rural Hall Yoga 1930-2100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Club 1915 Red Lion Craft Club 1930-2200 Clan House, Balkerach St Thursdays Baby and Toddler Group 1000-1200 Muir Hall Bridge Class (intermediate) 1400-1600 Information Centre Fridays Carpet Bowls 1900 Bowling Club Saturdays Bowling Coaching 1030 Bowling Club

18 What’s On - Local Events in April and May

Bowling for Beginners WIND MUSIC IN DOUNE Coaching for Juniors and Beginners Two exciting concerts by ensembles of professional players at the Rural Hall Wednesday 25 April at 7.30pm DOUNE CASTLE BOWLING CLUB New Season starts Sunday 15 April 2012 the return of the SATURDAY MORNINGS 10.30 and by arrangement DOUNE BASSOON QUARTET COACHES: Wednesday 16th May at 7.30 pm MAUREEN DONALD: Juniors 01786 841378 the irrepressible quintet mo: 07710424911 ARCTIC WINDS LES WALLACE: 01786 841996 Tickets £6 adults (£3 consessions, £1 under 16) Combined ticket for both concerts DOUNE AND DISTRICT WRI £10 (£5 concessions) Monthly meeting Friday 20 April 7.30pm at the Woodside Hotel

“Life of a Police Surgeon” Talk by Dr John Rankin

Members free Visitors £ 2.00 Competition: Favourite Teatowel SALE OF PLANTS, CRAFTS Proceeds from the raffle will go to AND PRODUCE RNLI Sunday 20 May 11.00am - 3.00pm THE KILMADOCK SOCIETY at the Rural Hall, Doune Wednesday 2 May Admission 50p inc. Tea and Biscuits 7.30pm at the Woodside Hotel Donations of spare gardening tools, gardening Talk by Jennifer Reade books and/or baking will be gratefully received. (Archivist at Deanston Mill) If you are interested in taking a table The History of Deanston Mill to sell your crafts etc contact All welcome The Information Centre, tel 841250 Yearly membership £5.00 (£12 large table, £5 card table) Concessions £2.00 Event in aid of Kilmadock Community Allotments and Halls Groups

19 Kilmadock Society AGM The National Trust The meeting room of the Woodside Hotel was filled to Stirling Members’ Centre capacity on Wednesday 7 March for the AGM of the Kilmadock Society, Doune and Deanston’s history and The National Trust for Scotland has a Stirling Members’ heritage society. Centre which provides talks for Members and their Members old and new and visitors were welcomed by friends in the region during the winter and outings to Karen Ross, Convener, who proceeded to carry out the places of interest in the summer. business of the evening efficiently and expeditiously. Karen summarised the year’s activities, highlighting two events This summer we have outings planned to the Glasgow in particular: the talk given, and well received throughout Riverside Museum of Transport in April, to Largs and the Central Belt, by Mark Nixon on the Franchise Marches Kelburn Castle and Country Centre in May, to Oliver and Riots of 1884; and the dousing day conducted at Old in June, to Culzean Castle in July, to Floors Castle in Kilmadock by Ian Orkney. Since Ian was present at the August and to the House of Dun in September. meeting Karen was able to thank him personally for that most interesting day and for his report, hot off the press. If you are interested in becoming a member or in any of the above trips, please contact either Jack McGregor Karen also looked forward to the new season’s events on 01786 841874 or Neil Pollock on 01786 841778 or beginning with a walk to the McGregor Monument on see website www.spanglefish.com/ntsstirling for further Lanrick Estate, led by Alistair Dickson on Sunday 1 April, information. followed, it was hoped, by a talk on Deanston Mill and Distillery (see What’s On page 19). There are also tentative plans for a canals-related event and, finally, “something Forth Valley Friends of to do with bees” which, it is hoped, will interest younger people. Members were encouraged to suggest speakers and Scottish Opera topics and to join the committee. Volunteers are awaited. Sunday 22 April, 2.30pm, The Treasurer reported a healthy balance sheet and noted the Windfarm Trust’s award for the purchase of more display boards; these would be available for members to borrow. Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling

As there was no other business, Karen drew the AGM to a Following a very short AGM, close by asking Moira Lawson to introduce and welcome Scottish Opera staff producer the speaker for the evening. Niall Bowser of Argaty charmed his audience and unashamedly indulged himself with a series Daffyd Burne-Jones will talk about the of hilarious and often irreverent reminiscences of his family’s forthcoming production of Puccini’s Tosca. four-generations-long tenure of Argaty. See page 13 for our Visitors welcome. People We Meet feature. Members £5, Visitors £6,

Moira Lawson Students £1.

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20 Jubilee Carnival Invitation Come visit us for Lunch or Dinner at the Red Lion. Nominate a ‘local hero’ to attend a Diamond Jubilee musical celebration.

The Commonwealth Carnival of Music is part of the Enjoy a relaxing meal with family and friends. We Diamond Jubilee celebrations for HM The Queen. Countries from the Commonwealth which will be use the finest fresh and local produce and offer gastro participating in the Llangollen International Musical pub food at a fair price. Eisteddfod this July have been invited to join in this celebration, with singers, bands and other performers taking part in what will be an outstanding event.

This celebration in music and song will be held in Westminster Hall of the UK Parliament on Monday, 2 July Complete new menu introduced 2012. Every part of the United Kingdom is invited to be rd represented in the audience. from the 3 April

The Lord Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk, Mrs Marjory McLachlan, would like to invite nominations of people from across the Stirling and Falkirk areas to attend the Commonwealth Carnival of Music - specifically, nominations of young performers, aged between 16 and Open Tuesday to Saturday 12pm - 21, and of any “unsung local hero” who has made a real contribution to the community, which has not otherwise been 2.30pm and 5.30pm -8.00pm recognised. Nominees can be accompanied by a parent or friend, with a total of four people attending.

As there are only four places allocated to this area, a ballot will be held for tickets. Free parking available to the side and rear of the building If you wish to nominate someone, please send their names Menu subject to change and availability and addresses to Mrs Jean Houston, Clerk to the Lieutenancy, Red Lion Inn, Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF www.redlion-doune.com [email protected] c/o Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET by Friday 01786 842066 20 April. The ballot will be held on 25 April.

Any queries should be directed to Mrs Houston, on tel 01786 443216.

Iyengar KEEP FIT! (with Instructor, Diane) at the RURAL HALL, DOUNE YOGA Wednesdays during term-time every Monday 6.30-7.30pm, cost £4 Deanston Primary School 7.30pm - 9.00pm

The class suits adults of all ages and abilities and combines aerobics to improve cardio fitness with toning and floor exercises to work those muscles! So come along, enjoy the music, have a laugh and get in trim at the same time!

Teacher: Diane Edward Cost: £4 (£3 concessions) This class is suitable for beginners

Please bring a mat, blocks, bricks, belt and a blanket. for more information contact There is limited equipment available to borrow. Sorry, class not suitable for pregnant women. Mary on 842239 COMMUNITY ACTION FOR DEANSTON

21 SCHOOL REPORT Doune Primary School Deanston Primary School The renovations at Doune Primary School are going very Dog Fouling well. The bigger dining hall and new toilets are nearly The pupils are not happy with the dog fouling in Deanston finished and the kitchen has become a production kitchen, and we have now had enough of it. We have reported it twice which means that meals are cooked in Doune Primary and a lot of people are stepping in it and complaining so this instead of being brought in from Dunblane, as happened is just to say: “ Bag it and bin it, please, to make Deanston previously. a better community”. There are dog bins located round the village. We are so mad because we are stepping in it and dragging it into school so please pick it up in a plastic bag. Fern P.7

P4 to P7 are enjoying their rugby sessions ‘Enjoying those smiley faces’: Mrs Thomson, Mrs Mallon and Mrs Gibson create and serve lunches in the new Doune school kitchen. Rugby Alexander joins the queue . P4 to P7 have had rugby tasters with Colin, Stewart and Martin from Active Stirling. The first week we learned the We thought this would be a good opportunity to interview basics, like how to hold the ball, and we played other fun pupils and staff about the new kitchen and school meals. rugby games. The next session we played some harder games like passing and a rugby game of capture the flag.We have We interviewed Issy in P7 and she told us that her favourite had three weeks of rugby and all the class really enjoyed it. meal is pizza and she likes the way that you can now see the Harris P5 food in the dining hall as it is displayed in heated cabinets. She also enjoys sitting at the bright, new tables and stools. Orienteering For three weeks P4-7 are going to the after-school We also spoke to Dannielle in P5 who really liked the new orienteering club with Active Stirling. The instructors are choices of different salads and fruit and likes the social side called Hazel and Neil. For the first session there were cones to lunch time because she can chat to her friends. set around the playground and we were given maps and had to make our way around the cones. Once the sessions are Ella and Mackenzie in P1 enjoy the fish and chips and cheese finished P7 will go to Dunblane to do orienteering around the toasties. Mackenzie likes sliding her tray along the rails play park. while she is getting her food! Mrs Thomson (our new Cook) and Mrs Mallon (who has Natasha P7 looked after us so well for many years) kindly agreed to talk Badminton to us about working in the new kitchen. They both enjoy Every Thursday after school Mr Easton coaches P4-7 in seeing all the food laid out and seeing all our smiley faces as badminton. We have been doing badminton for three weeks we come up to have our lunch. They confirmed that pizza is now and have learned some fun things about it. We do always the most popular school lunch. They are extremely strengthening exercises like skipping, pull ups, sit ups and happy with the new equipment and are looking forward to push ups. One week Mr Easton taught us how to play a long the dining hall being finished. Once finished the dining hall shot; we also play rally games, competitive games and much will be able to seat more children and will have an open view more. Our aim over the weeks is to play a competitive game. towards our front playgrounds and new school entrance. Kaitlin P7 We would like to thank all the staff in the dining room for Back to School, 1930s style keeping up the very high standard of meals all through the On 8 March Mr Smith from the Smith Art Gallery came to renovations! perform as a 1930s teacher as part of our WW2 topic. We sat at individual desks instead of in groups and we used inkpots. By Zoe, Jamie and Drew (P7) Some of our activities were:

22 SCHOOL REPORT

Saying the alphabet forwards and backwards. Naming the four planets closest to the sun and we also listed the continents and learnt a rhyme to help us memorise them. Punctuation Writing and learning the rhyme:’Thirty days hath September, April, June and November’. Mr Smith was a great actor; some people in the class thought he was actually from the 1930s. We gave him a chalkboard stick to put in the gallery as a gift. Fern P7

‘Phenomenal choreography’ from (l-r) Troom’s Anna, India, Kirsty, The Book Sale Kirsty and Camilla This year’s sale was another huge success with over 200 have to slow down and think about the options we have. We books being donated to the sale and at least 90 being sold. can no longer mess around in class and say ‘It will be all The total raised at the fair was just over the £60 mark right tomorrow’, and wait and see. We have to act now. which is fantastic. The remaining books will be collected alongside our clothes appeal by the RAG BAG team as they have offered 5p per kilo for the unwanted books. All With the Olympics round the corner and McLaren High keen remaining children’s books will hopefully be donated to to be involved, S1 was visited by two of Great Britain’s judo worthwhile causes in the area. THANK YOU to everyone team, Louise and Kimberley Renicks. The S1 pupils were for their support. shown how to become involved in judo and what it takes to Beverley Donald become as good as a member of the British team. Kimberley and Louise talked to S1 about what qualities a judo member needs, especially determination, and dedication in wanting to do well and improve their fitness.

McLaren High School Iona Campbell

Dancing and the dreaded exams; it’s performance time!

On 1 March, four McLaren High dance group teams took McLaren High School part in the Forth Valley Schools Dance Competition, held at Parent Teachers’ Association the MacRobert Arts Centre at Stirling University. The girls had practised hard and made sure their routine was flawless. is running a fundraising stall The limits of dance were once again raised as everyone put on a great show. This clearly shone through with the @ Ancaster Square, Callander McLaren S3 girls’ group - Lindsay MacKenzie, Amy On Sunday 6th May MacDougal, Emily Ross and Clare O’Shaughnessy – who were placed second. Their performance was impeccable; well done girls! Second Hand Books, Baking and raffle tickets on sale McLaren had also entered one team in the ‘small group’ section and one in the ‘large’, senior section. Members of the small group, ‘Troom’, were Anna Tatnell, India MacLean, Kirsty Hunter, Kirsty Fingland and Camilla Tigwell. The girls’ choreography, danced with passion, was phenomenal.

As the senior years begin the run-up to their exams, we are counting down the weeks; the stress is beginning to show. As if cramming our years of studying into our brains before the dreaded day wasn’t enough, we’re expected to pick what subjects we would like to do next year without knowing the Please come and support us outcome of the final exams. Panic tends to creep up; most of and raise funds for school activities. us haven’t a clue what to do when we leave. I often imagine leaving school; most days I can’t wait, but now we seriously

23 SCHOOL REPORT Doune Nursery Eco Schools Update The nursery is working towards its third Green Flag, which Schools Vouchers will hopefully be achieved in October 2012. The children The nursery will be collecting vouchers from Sainsbury’s, have formed an Eco Committee and are currently carrying Tesco and Morrisons so please save yours for us! We out an environmental review to help them to create an have also recently registered for the Haven Fun & Fitness action plan. To achieve our third green flag we must focus Sports Equipment Giveaway through which we can obtain on three areas; these will be litter, waste minimisation free sports equipment for the nursery. Please visit www. and biodiversity. We are going to be looking at recycling havenfunfitness.com and pledge your support (which is free) different materials, including old mobile phones and printer to help us reach our target. ink cartridges through our TRF (The Recycling Factory) Scheme – envelopes available in the nursery. In addition, we are looking at a textile recycling scheme; more details Community Links on all the above will follow. We will also be rabbit-proofing Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped us with the garden which will enable us to grow a wider variety of the recent trips to the library; the children loved exploring fruit and vegetables. This will provide a good opportunity to the books and listening to the stories read by Alison, the teach the children about caring for the outdoor environment. librarian (see page 17). Thank you also to the team at Doune Fire Station who kindly organised visits on 14 March. The children loved using the thermal camera, sitting in the fire Active Stirling Sessions engine, using the hose and learning about how firemen can The children have enjoyed sessions with John from Active help us. Thanks to all the parents who have helped on the Stirling who has visited the nursery to deliver fun athletics trips and made them possible. sessions.

A visit to Doune Fire Station Active children

Arnhall Day Nursery

We are located within the rural setting of the Keir Estate discussing the changes in the weather and planting seeds and and have been established for 22 years. Our children (from bulbs. Activities have included making spring chickens and the age of 0 – 5 years) enjoy access to our large garden, Mothers’ Day cards. walks and activities within the surrounding countryside. We follow Curriculum for Excellence and Pre Birth to Three Baby Room documents and are also in partnership with Stirling Council ‘Spring’ has been the topic here too. The children have all which enables children over the age of 3 years to receive been enjoying their nutritional lunches and snacks which commissioned funding. Stephen, our chef, has prepared. Pancakes; love heart biscuits for Valentines Day; soda bread and Irish Stew for St 3-5 Room Patrick’s Day; spring onions and spring rolls have all linked This month our topic is ‘People Who Help Us’. We have had in with our topics and we have had empty plates all round! a visit from a local doctor who explained to us what doctors We have also made pictures from leaves which we collected do and the instruments which they use. The children love from the garden and enjoyed making our Mothers’ Day and exploring the garden at this time of year, helping prepare the Easter cards. vegetable patch and planting new bulbs. Wilma Wray Baby Room Lead Toddler Room www.arnhallnursery.co.uk. Tel 01786 822391 ‘Spring’ has been the topic for our children and we have been

24 SCHOOL REPORT Learning and Growing at Red Kite Nursery This term our learning topic is castles and the playrooms went shopping in The Village Store where Emma and Lilly have been a hive of activity. We have created armour out purchased a lovely cake for Scott’s birthday snack. They also of delivery sacks, crowns out of card borders and castles posted a very important parcel. Just a short trip up the road, out of building blocks. On 16 March, a crisp spring day, we our children were able to use money, explore our community visited Doune Castle. Reflections were admired in the well and see some of the jobs people do! and the dark was explored in the store rooms. We danced as princesses and galloped around the courtyard as brave At Red Kite we have had a few staff and committee changes knights on horseback! of late. The biggest of these has been my own change of post from Chair to Acting Manager; Lorna, whom we waved We’ve backed our castles topic with a wide range of off in December has returned as Acting Support until we traditional and modern fairy tales. Jack and the Beanstalk, a finalise our staffing structure. This has meant that we have particular favourite, has sprouted its own topic: ‘growing’. had to elect a new Chair; that privilege has now fallen to Our children, who have been deeply interested in learning Karen McClintock who, like me, has been on the Parent how seeds germinate, started by planting their own beans in Management Committee since June 2009. So we may be a jam-jars filled with damp paper towels. Dylan brought in oats new team but we are ‘old’ faces (or maybe not so old!) and barley seeds; Lorna brought herbs and an assortment of If you are thinking about sending your child to preschool in other seeds including strawberries, cress and peas. It isn’t August why not come and visit us? We are in partnership just our children who have an interest in growing. At the with Stirling Council, which means that we can offer free time of writing we are looking forward to parents joining us Government funded places to all children the term after their for our first gardening day of the year on 25 March. third birthday (otherwise a session is £7).

Exploring Doune Castle Shopping in the Village Store, helped by Samantha Watt If you would like to learn more, please check out our website Recently we have been using the community more as part www.redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk, pop in or contact us of our everyday learning environment. For example, Iona on (01786) 841752 or enquiries@redkitecommunitynursery. and Kirsty went to the Information Centre to see if they org.uk We look forward to welcoming you to our community could find any material that might be useful when we visited nursery soon! Doune Castle. They brought back postcards and a map to Alison Stewart (Acting Manager) share with the rest of the children. Earlier this week we Charity SC016050 Bumps & Bosom Buddies Red Kite Community Nursery Muir Hall, George St, Doune Muir Hall, Doune Funded places available to all from 3+ yrs Wednesdays (During Term Time) Preschool 9am - 12pm Mon-Fri 10:30 - 12:00 Rising 3’s 1pm - 2:30pm Mon For mums-to-be and mums who are breastfeeding Awarded Qualified 6/6 Registered or have breast fed QUALITY Staff CRITERIA Friendly, chatty & supportive www.RedKiteCommunityNursery.org.uk Just drop in!! [email protected] [email protected]

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Doune Walking Group Schedule April

Wed 11/4 TBA Sat 28/4 Blairgowrie – Bridge of Cally 7 miles Meet at the Castlehill Car park at 9.30. Everyone is responsible for their own health and safety, and provision of equipment, suitable clothing and refreshments. For more information contact Kilmadock Information Centre.

Callander Ramblers’ Diary

April Sat 21st, 8:30am: Ramble ’twixt the Fintries and Gargunnocks (7 miles) contact 07970 509911 Wed 25th, 9:30am: Stroll: Hermitage Woods and University (5 miles) contact 01877 330446 Sat 28th, 8:30am: Hill Walk: Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill (657 m) contact 01877 339080

May Sat 5th, 8:30am: LDP: CtoC (5) Glenbranter to Lettermay (10miles) contact 01877 330032 Wed 9th, 9:30am: Stroll: Leannach Forest (5 miles) contact 01877 376236

We meet in Ancaster Square, unless otherwise indicated. Please bring wet weather clothing, appropriate footwear and a packed lunch. Please let the walk leader know if you plan to join the walk via the contact number given.

Out and About. Ranger Service Events

The Ranger Service provides a whole range of events for help celebrate Scottish Biodiversity Week by joining the people of all ages and abilities. They are a great way to Rangers and taking part in this easy-to-do wildflower survey. discover nature, explore new areas and enjoy the health benefits of being out and about. Children are welcome at Mighty Minibeasts Tuesday 17 July, 10am-12pm: Doune all our events but an adult MUST supervise under 16s at all Ponds. Join the Rangers on a search for the mighty times. minibeasts that keep the world turning. Bring a parent and be prepared to go a-hunting. Wear wellies for hunting in the long Action Days are your opportunity to get some gentle exercise grass. We will supply all other equipment. outside and give something back to the environment. For these days, refreshments, tools, gloves and equipment Watery Wonders Tuesday 17 July, 1.30pm-3.30pm: Doune are provided but please bring your own lunch. Dress Ponds. Come searching through the water for the important appropriately for the weather and wear stout footwear. and intriguing minibeasts that filter and feed in our puddles and ponds. Wear wellies, bring a parent and be prepared All of our events must be booked in advance. Below are to zoom in on the watery world. We’ll supply all other just a few of those which will take place in our immediate equipment. area but there are many more happening in Stirling, Kippen and throughout the wider region For further information and Ragwort and the Rest Wednesday 8 August, 10am-3pm: to book please call 08452 777 000. You can ‘Like’ us on Doune Ponds. Come along and help us remove the ragwort Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/stirlingcouncilrangers after it has flowered and before it gets a chance to seed. Once we’ve done that there will be plenty of other work to do. On the Verge Wednesday 11 April, 10am-3pm: Various Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing for working locations in Stirling. Come along and join the Rangers and outdoors. members of On the Verge to sow wildflowers to brighten up some of the grassy areas around Stirling. Fungi Foray Monday 3 September, 6pm-8pm: Doune Ponds. Join amazing mycologist Liz Holden and the Rangers for a Back Walk Spring Clean Wednesday 13 April, 10am-3pm: fantastic foray to hunt for these autumnal fruits. If you have Back Walk, Stirling. It’s always a challenge keeping the ID books and carrying containers it could be useful to bring Back Walk and Gowanhill free of litter and welcoming for them along. visitors. Come along and lend a helping hand to manage the vegetation and remove litter from the paths and woodlands Drystone Dyking Saturday 20 October, 9am-4pm: Mine below the castle. Woods, Bridge of Allan. Come and join an expert Dyker to learn some of the skills of this ancient craft. There is a small Wildflowers Count Saturday 19 May, 11am-4pm: charge of £15 to cover the cost of this event. Broomridge and Balquhidderock Wood, Stirling. Come and

26 SPORT DOUNE CASTLE AFC Saturday 17 March Symington Tinto 0 Doune Castle 8 Saturday 25 February Doune cruised to a comfortable league win with four goals in Hamilton FP 1 Doune Castle 3 each half. After nine minutes Alan More scored, five minutes later Alan Doune left it late to clinch the victory on an awful surface in Inglis made it two, a chip from Robbie Hurst made it three and blustery conditions. Alan Inglis made it four just before the break.

After seven minutes interplay between Lukasz Duszynski and Six minutes after the restart Robbie Hurst made it five, when Alan Inglis a low ball across the face of the goal was bundled he stroked a free kick around the edge of the defensive wall, home by Colin Burke. Hamilton, who were lively up front, a minute later Patrice Napoli made it six, on 73 minutes Alan equalised after 29 minutes after Doune failed to clear a corner. Inglis added a seventh and with three minutes left Patrice Napoli added the eighth. On 62 minutes Doune were awarded a free kick which Robbie Hurst curled up and over the wall to make it 2-1 and the win Friday 23 March was sealed after 84 minutes when an Alan Inglis free kick over the defensive wall made it 3-1. Doune Castle 3 Bluebell 0 Under the lights at Ochilview Stadium in Stenhousemuir a Saturday 3 March brilliant second half performance, after a goalless first half, Camelon Thistle 1 Doune Castle 2 saw Doune move comfortably into the East of Scotland Cup Final. Doune moved into the Scottish Cup quarterfinals with a disciplined performance in an absorbing cup-tie. Camelon It was all action in the first 15 minutes with both goals under went close to scoring within the first three minutes and, despite attack after which the pace of play eased slightly but Doune both teams pushing forward, at half time it was 0-0. had slightly more possession.

Seven minutes after the restart came the break through. From Doune controlled more of the play in the second half and a Stuart Foster throw Alan Inglis turned a defender and angled after eleven minutes a Lukasz Duszynski shot through a ruck a shot which slipped under the keeper. Fourteen minutes later of players broke to Alan Inglis who brought the ball under Alan McGirr launched a long ball down the middle which, control and scored from eight yards. with one bounce, cleared the last defender and was collected The second goal came after 69 minutes when Graeme by Colin Burke who swivelled and hooked a first-time shot MacMillan scored from six yards and then, with ten minutes high into the top corner. left, Doune sealed the game when Robbie Hurst split the Bluebell defence wide open with a lovely reverse pass to send Camelon threw caution to the wind and on 80 minutes they Lukasz Duszynski clear. He drew the keeper and curled the broke down the left and a ball into the box was forced home ball into the net at the back post to make it 3-0. from eight yards to make it 2–1 but Doune recovered control of the game and saw out the remaining minutes. Everyone associated with Doune Castle would like to express their sincere thanks for the fantastic vocal backing given to the Saturday 10 March side by the Doune contingent in the crowd of several hundred. Doune Castle 2 Gartcosh United 2 Doune Castle: McGirr, Innes, Duncanson, MacMillan, Foster, Napoli, McClymont, Tervit (Hurst 73), Inglis (Burke Doune squandered a 2-0 interval lead as Gartcosh snatched a 84), More (Stewart 83), Duszynski Substitutes: Dormer, point with two goals in the closing minutes. Cameron. Ian Sommerville Doune went ahead after 37 minutes when Patrice Napoli Nigel Bishop scored with a volley with the outside of his foot and were 2-0 up after 42 minutes when Alan More scored. McLaren Community Leisure Centre, Callander In the second half there was a break of 25 minutes during which the *Pool, Sauna, Steam, Spa emergency services attended to a *Climbing Wall Something for everyone... for all your leisure needs! seriously injured Gartcosh player. *Fitness Suite After 83 minutes Gartcosh scored. *Games Hall Robbie Hurst was sent off for a late *Kids Parties challenge and in the sixth minute *Multi-purpose Exhibition Arena Pool Ratios apply of added time, Gartcosh snatched a dramatic equaliser. www.mclarenleisure.co.uk 01877 330 000

Join us on Facebook McLaren Community Leisure Centre, Mollands Rd, Callander, FK178JP

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Deanston Post Office 841490 Contacting The Bridge Mon - Fri 9-12 The Bridge is published 10 times a year Church Services and is always in the market for articles, pictures, letters and ads. All suggestions Cashpoints at Information Centre and Church of Scotland are welcome. Items for publication should The Village Store 43 Balkerach Street normally be submitted before the 15th of RBS mobile bank 2pm every Friday Every Sunday 10.30am each month, and be no longer than 750 Minister - Rev. Andrew Campbell words. Letters to must be The Bridge 01786 860678 signed and accompanied by contact details; Doune Library in special cases, these will not be published 5 Main Street 01786 841732 Episcopal Church if so requested. Monday 2.30pm-7pm Tuesday Closed St Modoc’s: Sung Eucharist Please email all contributions to Wednesday 10.30am-12noon and Every Sunday 9.30am [email protected]. Alternatively, 2,30pm-5.30pm Rector - Rev. Stuart Coates post or deliver them to The Bridge, c/o Kilmadock Information Centre, 52 Main Thursday 2.30pm-7pm 01786 860531 Street, Doune FK16 6BW (tel 01786 Friday Closed

841250), where there is a box for all Saturday 10am-1p R. C. Church St. Fillan’s: Holy Mass Bridge deposits. Every Sunday 9.45am, also The Bridge is edited by Juliet McCracken INFORMATION & HERITAGE Tuesday and Friday at 10am and produced by a team of volunteers CENTRE DOUNE including its founder Ken Russell. Priest - Father Jim McCruden 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat 01877 330702 Visitor Information 2pm - 4pm Sunday The Centre offers a wide range of resources Doctor/Nurse and facilities including: Doune Health Centre, Castlehill Doctor 01786 841213 Tourist and local history information Nurse 01786 841256 Free local guides, walks leaflets Humanist NHS 24 08454 242424 Maps: Walking, Cycling. Touring Minor Injury Unit 01786 434000 Society Extensive range of books on Scotland Woodside Pharmacy and on local information and history of Scotland 3 The Cross, Doune 01786 841216 Secondhand books for advice and information about Police (Callander) Handmade cards 01786-456000 all aspects of humanist Colour and Black and White Photocopying ceremonies, please contact: Vet Service Struthers and Scott, up to A3 size Main Street, Doune 01786 841304 Mary Wallace Lamination Service T: 01786 842239 Doune Post Office 841219 Internet Access (in The Village Store) M: 07968 666432 M, T, Th, F 9-1 & 2-5.30 Contact the Centre at: E: mary.wallace@humanism- 52 Main Street, Doune FK16 6BW Weds 9-1 scotland.org.uk Sat 9-12.30 Telephone: 01786 841250 (Last collection 5pm weekdays, e-mail: [email protected]. www.humanism-scotland.org.uk 12 noon Sat.) co.uk

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