Price £1.30 Issue 36... September 2009

Strathblane, , , , Auchineden (circulation 1000) [email protected]

Inside • Community survey • What’s in a name? • Glengoyne entertains BBC golf team • Century of guiding • Not too old to learn • Why build a car? • Class of ’48 • Cockfighting in the school • Free energy audit • New headteacher at SPS 1 Among Thae Wha’ Gaun Awa’ Moreton Black April 1921 – July 2009 EWS German. He was immediately offered a post Marion and he were married in Rosehall on the university staff but turned this down Church, Edinburgh nearly 64 years ago. oreton was a truly great soul in order to accept a teaching post in When they originally set up home in with many facets to his character Academy. Glasgow they were members in Drumchapel that endeared him to those who In 1947 he joined the staff of Glasgow Parish Church and when they moved house knewM him. I guess we’ve all admired his Academy as a language master and coach they joined New Kilpatrick Parish Church cheerfulness and courage as he has battled of rugby and cricket. Apart in . Moreton for 17 years with a stroke that made him from two years farming on his had actually been brought increasingly weak and dependent. Yet he brother-in-law’s pig farm in up as an Episcopalian, was never heard to complain. He had been Tasmania and several months worshipping in St Mary’s such an active man who had played many teaching maths in the Quaker Cathedral, but he became sports and took a keen interest in them School in Hobart, he returned an enthusiastic elder, all, but he became progressively more to the Academy where he was giving himself to his debilitated by his illness. the cornerstone of the modern district and his church. Moreton was a pupil of Glasgow languages department, be- When the family moved Academy, where he distinguished himself, coming department head in to Blanefield they joined becoming captain of the school, rugby 1959. He organised and led 42 Church here. captain and a Mowat Scholar. He met Marion trips abroad to various coun- Moreton and Marion at a hockey match when Glasgow Academy tries in Europe with parties have a family of four (Rosie, was playing Park School. That was 71 years from the Academy, long be- Graham, Tiki and Dougie), ago. He won the Russell Scholarship and fore such trips became com- eleven grandchildren and the Harkness Scholarship to St Andrews monplace. His pupils gained two great-grandchildren. University to take a degree in History in experience and language I visited him the night and Economics with a view to joining the skills. before he died and was Colonial Service. He was a keen philatelist and had a large given a great welcome as always with his The war intervened whilst he was at stamp collection. usual warm cheery smile. He was a true university and he enlisted as a lieutenant All his life he kept a diary and even after gentleman and will be greatly missed. in the Seaforth Highlanders. He was taken a heavy day’s farming he would record the day’s events. prisoner in Sicily while with the 51st Highland We welcome comments on Division and spent the next two years as Moreton was a supporter of charity work, a POW in various parts of Germany. His particularly the Red Cross and Brunswick anything that appears in the contact with the Germans in the POW Camp clubs for underprivileged young people in newsletter. Please write to gave him an interest in modern languages, Glasgow, Liverpool and London. These clubs the editor, Mike Fischbacher and when demobbed he returned to St were founded by ex-prisoners from Oflag 79 at: Andrews where he succeeded in obtaining POW camp at Brunswick in Holland where 4, Southview Road a first class honours degree in French and he had been a prisoner. Strathblane G63 9JQ or email: [email protected] Editorial ( 01360 770716 v v v v v e are, as ever, grateful for the from advertising. We don’t want to be tremendous support we get from going to local businesses too much as there To contact Council, are many pressures on them and we would the community for the newsletter. phone 0845 277 7000 WAs editor, I am constantly amazed at the like to find advertisers from further afield. generosity of some of you, and the Blane If anyone feels able to do this, please get Email: [email protected] could not have continued so long without in touch. that support. It is disappointing, however, Some of these are being done at present that many of our readers do not contribute Distribution but the Blane is getting very heavy and we to the cost of production. The would like to divide the loads. Blane team, all volunteers, We also need some volunteers We look forward to hearing from you. give a huge amount of time and to deliver in certain areas. You We would also like to thank those of you energy to the production of the may have offered in the past to who regularly and cheerfully deliver your newsletter, and we hope that do your road and have never Blanes. you all enjoy reading it and also heard from us since. This is benefitting from it. not because we did not wish However, it costs a lot of to call on you: it is that some What’s in a name? money, as well as time and distributors are funny people. energy, to produce each issue. They guard their area jealously he BBC website recently reported This is approximately £1400, and don’t want others to deliver some research done by a parenting including distribution and other their Blanes. Of course, we love group, thebabywebsite.com, who costs. We only have sufficient it when they feel that way but, if Ttrawled through online telephone records funds for one more issue after they are on holiday or are sick, to find unusual names. How would you this, so we need your support. If you enjoy we have problems. So, if you like to have been named Annette Curtain receiving the Blane, please pay for your are willing to help out on a regular basis, or Carry Oakey? Perhaps you would prefer copy, not just once, but each time. There or as a back up, please give us a call. If Tim Burr or Barry Cade? you are happy to do any area, so much the How about retired airman Stan Still, are boxes in the Library, the Chemist and 76, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire? Browns. If you can add a bit extra then we better. We do have particular needs in the following areas: “When I was in the RAF my commanding shall be most grateful. Why not send us officer used to shout, ‘Stan Still, get a a cheque for the annual cover fee (£5.20) Old Mugdock Road move on’ and roll about laughing,” he said. and, if you get your Blane by post, add the Campsie Dene “It got hugely boring after a while.” cost of the stamps which is about £2.70. Cuilt Place & Station Road Dotted about throughout this issue of That would help us. Kirkhouse Road the Blane we have put some of the names We also need help to raise revenue Glasgow Road that were found by the group. 2 made fools of themselves at the village Diary dates Energy auditors panto.The younger of the two, Alan Soon on the Prowl Sharpe, is presently studying at Glasgow Heritage Society University and the part-time job fits in well 14 Oct, 18 Nov, 7.30 pm, Village Club Philip Graves with his studies, as it does similarly for Carbon Neutral Group Philip Graves who is about to embark on a 15 Oct, 19 Nov, 8 pm, phone 771613 s has been reported elsewhere full-time course in Environmental Studies for venues in The Blane, the residents of at Strathclyde University. Both completed Gardening Club Strathblanefield, as it is known by a week’s Energy Efficiency course and 30 Oct, 27 Nov ASolas, are due to be given a free energy passed the corresponding exam, and have 7.30 pm Kirkrooms audit. Two locals were recruited by Solas had some hands-on experience shadowing Senior Citizen Club to complete this task and they will shortly other Solas surveyors for a week or more. 29 Sep, 7.30 pm, Edmonstone Hall be knocking on doors, crawling into attics With the official launch planned for late Community Council and nosing around boilers in the houses September, these two should be on the 5 Oct, 2 Nov, 7 Dec, 7.30 pm, School of the area. Both should be known to you prowl in the evenings or weekends by the end of September. See report on page 22. Guild as they have regularly entertained (?) and 5 Oct, 7.30 pm, Kirkrooms Pipe Band AGM 12 Oct, 8 pm, Edmonstone Hall What do you like about your community? Village Centre? Party for Amnesty Cycle path? Home care? 17 Oct, Edmonstone Hall Fairtrade Fashion Show New play park? 23 Oct, Primary School Duntreath Castle Xmas Fair Sports facilities?What do you not like about 4 Nov your community? Blane Valley Players Allotments? Sheltered housing? Performance 11 & 12 Dec Youth facilities? Heritage Centre? Gala Day? If you’d like to include the date of your Village picnic? own event or club meeting, please Office space? get in touch with the editor, Mike Public benches? Fischbacher, on 01360 770716 or at What changes would you like to see? [email protected]. he Development Trust has teamed up with the Community Council and Stirling The deadline for the December issue Council to conduct a community survey to find out your views. is 20 November. TYou will receive an envelope, either with this Blane or shortly afterwards, containing two copies of a questionnaire which has been designed to help these groups to understand what are the things that you feel most strongly about. Questionnaires and surveys are often a bit daunting but, although it may look that way when you open Hard lines it, it is really very simple to complete. As it affects your community, please take the tirling Council’s contractors have put time to fill it in as far as you feel able. double lines on parts of Southview The survey is being conducted by Lowland Market Research (LMR) and the forms Road, with the result that they have should be returned to LMR who will treat them with the strictest confidentiality, only Scaused a parking problem for residents and providing the groups with the overall results. customers of the shops. The double lines If you have questions or would like help filling it in, please phone Jeremy Quinn mean no parking at any time. on 0141 775 2111 or email [email protected]. What the Council should have done is The Development Trust will enter all completed forms with contact details to put down single lines which only apply into a prize draw and the winner will receive £100 from the CDT. for a short time at school setting down and picking up times. There are notices to that effect. Countryside Action Day The only place where parking is never permitted (lines or no lines) is at the improving Milndavie Glen junction with Kirkburn Road where to do so - and it is often done - causes a hazard Douglas Flynn, Countryside Ranger Local resident for pedestrians and other drivers. Elizabeth was there Alastair Dawson of Stirling Council e were looking for willing from the start and Roads Department has promised to volunteers to help improve the endured the worst investigate what has gone wrong and to of the weather, get the contractors to burn off the problem environment of Strathblane. The recentlyW refurbished path above Milndavie but had to leave at lines. The police have said that they are Glen was in need of a few finishing lunchtime. unlikely to penalise a resident but cannot Craig McKee guarantee that it will not happen. Any touches, which we tackled on a wet, refund would have to be negotiated with miserable summer’s day. A culvert needed (another resident) the council. completion, the side drain needed to be s o m e h o w deepened and the waterbars needed to be convinced his cleared of debris. friend Ian that this Additionally, we worked to cut and was a good way Anna Prentice, prune the encroaching vegetation on to spend a Sunday, and the two of them Priti Manek and the path that runs parallel to the newly worked as a team to build a cover – using Bill Board refurbished path. Our intention here was breeze blocks and mortar – over an exposed to open up this route, thus making it more pipe. Willie Oswald made up the team for conducive to horseriders. the day and merrily pruned away until it Cover photo: the council’s bedding display We provided all the tools, old gloves was time to pack up, admire our work and in front of the Village Club has given much and some refreshments. Four willing appreciate what little the struggling sun pleasure over the summer, and has stood volunteers (and myself, of course) did a had to offer. up well to the August rain. sterling job by completing all of the tasks So, big thanks from me to the foursome Photo: Alastair Smith. put to them. of Elizabeth, Craig, Ian and Willie. 3 Getting the most out of your community council he main role of the community You can make a difference: become a council is to community councillor Tascertain the views of the community There are many other things that can be and reflect them ommunity council elections are due to take place soon. There are done to improve our village, whether it to Stirling Council be as simple as the village tubs or as life- and other outside currently four vacancies; three in CStrathblane ward and one in Mugdock saving as the traffic-calming measures bodies. The CC usually meets on the first ward. on the A81. Monday of the month in either the school Community councils have an But in order to do these the community during term-time or the Village Club in opportunity to influence decisions of council needs willing volunteers. If you the holidays. Members of the public are Stirling Council, Scottish Government would like to influence what happens welcome and there is an opportunity to and other statutory organisations. They on your doorstep or how services are contribute to discussion wherever possible. have a statutory right to be consulted on delivered to you, then why not become There is a tea break halfway through the all planning matters and if it were not a community councillor? Applications meeting with time for informal chat. forms will be made available in the library If you would like an item included on for the CC’s hard work in responding to planning applications over recent nearer the time, or you will be able to get the agenda please contact the chairman, them directly from Stirling Council by Philip Graves, 10 days in advance of the years, and encouraging local residents to respond, our village would not be such phoning Helen Geddes on 01786 432759 meeting. You can also contact individual or email [email protected]. councillors directly, see page 15 for details, an attractive place to live in as it is now. or email [email protected]. A copy of the Community Council constitution is available in the library Minutes of meetings can be read in the library, on the community council noticeboard and on the village website. Agendas are drawn up a week in advance of meetings and are displayed similarly to the minutes and also in some of the local shops. Dates of the next three meetings are 5 October, 2 November, 7 December, all in the school at 7.30 pm. Roads update Robert Flashman

he A81/B821 Station Road junction has occupied my mind recently and rightly so given yet another accident Ton or close to the intersection. I have had frequent discussions with the engineer from Stirling Council, especially since they issued part one of a three-part plan to improve the safety of vehicle traffic, pedestrians and those residents who at one time or another have endured the frightening experience of finding a vehicle at the junction itself can be considered. entering from the north and how firm ending up in their garden! The community council (CC) response is the suggestion for traffic lights? Initially the plan is to slow down the has been to consult with those directly • What is the timetable for these traffic coming down the hill from the south involved, to invite the project engineer proposals? by installing a chicane-type construction to the September meeting and to ask for The outcome of the discussions at the just before the Netherblane turning. Later several points to be considered: September CC meeting will be reported in it is suggested that something similar is • Is the proposed ‘chicane’ close enough the next edition of The Blane and via the installed to slow traffic coming into the to the junction to have a slowing-down minutes of the meeting itself of course. village from the opposite direction. With effect? traffic slowed to a safe speed traffic lights • What is the outline proposal for traffic New notice board John Gray he photographs show the new notice board being erected to replace the one at the library. We chose a design at the cheaper Tend of the range so that matching ones could be bought by the CC in future, or by other bodies wanting display space. We would like to thank Gordon Posnett for tireless digging and for possessing that special long curved spade thingy. We also thank Stirling Council for their contribution toward the cost of the board, and the shops (RBS, Strathblane Pharmacy and Derek Edward) for generously allowing us to position the new Gordon Posnett, Philip Graves and John Gray display hidden skills as they erect the board on their land. new CC notice board. Philip seems to be in a bit of a hole (so what’s new?). 4 www.strathblanefield.org.uk Arrangements for hire of halls Alan Campbell achievement and testament to the amount of quality unique content on the site. Edmonstone Hall ebsite usage continues to grow We are always looking for new things Normal rates: and we are now averaging around for the website so if you have anything of local relevance that you think others would Function: £130 giving access to all 1,500 unique visitors per month. areas and allowing time for setting up PicturesW are the most popular item and then be interested in then please contact me via the website. and clearing up. A deposit of £100 is the what’s on page. So if you are planning required. a local event then email and pass on the details – over Casual use of main hall: £15 per hour. 10% of the ticket sales Casual use of lesser hall: £10 per hour. for the Carbon Neutral Get your art on the internet Concession rates are available in Group Ceilidh came via the particular circumstances and depending website so it really works – Alan Campbell on rate of usage. and it is free! To make a booking or to obtain further Next most popular is The graphic at the top of every page on the details contact Anne McKellar on businesses – ‘Chillies’ Strathblanefield website is starting to look a bit tired, 770555. being most popular, so much and as the average computer screen size is bigger than so that we have even put the it was when the website was first created, I feel it is Village Club menu on the site. Again, time for a new, larger image. I haven’t got an artistic Whole club hire: £15.50 per hour. you can advertise your local bone in my body, so I am turning to the community Large hall only: £8.00 per hour. business for free on the for help. If you can create something identifiable with Committee room (small hall): £6.00 per the community/area, then I would love to use it for the website. A large number of hour. visitors come via a search website. I need something in the ratio 15:2 (for example 30cm Deposit of £30 required for functions. engine – ‘Strathblane’ There is usually no charge for setting and ‘Blanefield’ being the by 4cm). It doesn’t have to be created electronically – feel free to draw in crayon then email me at the website up and clearing up, but availability may most popular searches. depend on other lets. We are top when and I can arrange to collect it and convert it. If I get lots of good creations then I will give each one a shot on the To make a booking or to obtain further searching for ‘Blanefield’ details contact Elspeth Posnett on and ‘Strathblane’ with website, so get drawing now! Google. This is no mean 770113.

Village Club Distillery impresses BBC team news Sarah Bottomley, Sales and Tedder, had a distinguished military career Marketing Manager which saw him appointed Allied Forces Willie Oswald Deputy Supreme Commander under n Thursday 9 July, during the Eisenhower. He became a peer of the realm, ollowing the AGM in June, the Barclays Scottish Open at and adopted the title Baron of Glenguin, committee of management has been Loch Lomond, the BBC golf chosen because of his happy memories reinforced by additional volunteers. commentaryO team were invited to a growing up at Glenguin Distillery, where FThey whole committee is now, Cara special evening at Glengoyne Crawford, Christine McGillvray, David Distillery. On the night we were Anderson, Jenny Oswald, Lorraine Elliott, delighted to welcome BBC Margaret Smith, Sheena MacDonald, golf commentators Peter Allis Willie Oswald (Chair), and Elspeth Posnett and Wayne Grady, along with (Treasurer and bookings). The club is a key facility available to producers and cameramen from the BBC. the whole community. It can only operate As this was the 10th with the support of its volunteer committee anniversary golf dinner to and the residents. The floor in the main hall was be held at Glengoyne, it was revarnished during the summer. A sound a celebratory evening of fine limiter has also been installed. This should food and drink, and the exciting eliminate the noise nuisance that plagued launch of Glengoyne 40-year- some functions in the past. We must pay old Highland Single Malt. tribute to Stirling Council Streetscape Dinner got off to a fine start Services for the wonderful medallion of with a welcome from one of Glengoyne Distillery reception room in the evening colour on the bank in front of the club. The ’s finest chefs, Tom summer growth on the laurels has taken Lewis of the award-winning the bare look from the grounds while Monachyle Mhor Hotel in the Trossachs. his father had been the Customs and Excise maintaining an open atmosphere. Tom, who has represented Scotland on Officer. Serving from 1889 to 1893, Arthur The committee still needs guidance on the BBC’s Great British Menu, created William Tedder famously created the law a scheme of decoration for the interior to a unique multi-course tasting feast that Scotch whisky must be matured in take us forward to our second century in to showcase the exquisite flavours of oak casks in Scotland for at least three 2011. Glengoyne whisky. years and one day. Around 100 years ago, Stirling Council has undertaken to The meal was complemented with Glenguin Distillery changed its name to modernise the lighting, excluding the fine wines selected by Lord Robin Tedder Glengoyne Distillery. main hall, to be more energy-efficient. from his Glenguin Estate in Australia’s The evening was a great success This will include automatic lights in the Hunter Valley, which shares a name with and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. toilets and store rooms. It is anticipated Glengoyne, and has very direct links: So much so that Glengoyne received a the work will be carried out during indeed, Lord Robin Tedder officially special mention during the BBC’s golf October. We hope to minimise any bears the title of 3rd Baron of Glenguin, coverage the following day, with Peter disruption to users of the club and regret and is fiercely proud of his Scottish roots. Alliss describing Glengoyne Distillery as any inconvenience that may occur. His Scottish grandfather, Arthur William ‘a wondrous place’. 5 Letter from America Make sure of Eleanor Friel owner enthusiastically described how she your vote was growing organically and had brought everal weekends ago we found in guinea fowl to feed between the vines nswer your registration forms ourselves on the road to Lockport as they were the most efficient birds at promptly! That’s the plea from which straddles the Erie Canal – catching the bugs which can ruin a crop Brian Byrne, the electoral Sfamous in song and story. Proposed in 1808 of grapes. Some of the wineries are still Aregistration officer for Clackmannanshire, and completed in 1825, the canal links importing grapes from either California Stirling and Falkirk Council areas. or the Finger Lakes as their vines are not The annual electoral registration the waters of Lake Erie in the west to the Form will be posted to every address in Hudson River in the east. An engineering mature enough yet to fully produce their own wine. his area (over 130,000 properties) from 7 marvel when it was built, some called it the September. It will list the current electors eighth wonder of the world. The wineries have the most romantic Recently it has been opened up to names that encapsulate the history of the registered to vote at the address. Read the leisure craft and when we came upon it area as well as the geography, such as notes first, and then if there are no changes there was a tourist cruiser and some small Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, Honeymoon needed you can opt to register ‘no change’ sampans awaiting Trail Winery, Spring by email, telephone, text or posting the the lock opening. I Lake Winery (this form in the reply paid envelope. am always fascinated lovely setting is set Each elector is given the opportunity by such engineering up for weddings as on the form to withhold their name from s t r u c t u r e s well), and Niagara the Edited Register of Electors (which can (something must Landing. My be sold to anyone) and to request a form to have filtered down favourite – Freedom vote by post at future elections. from my civil Run Winery – is a When changes in the resident electors engineering father). local reference to or their details at an address are needed Suddenly the water the underground then the form should be clearly amended started to pump in railroad trail over to show the changes needed then signed and soon the level of the border to Canada and returned by post, fax or scanned email the water enabled the for the escaping attachment as soon as possible. mighty lock gates slaves. With the certainty of a Parliamentary to be opened and It is a business Election before June 2010 it’s important the traffic to pass in its infancy on this that all eligible electors are registered through to the next side of the border but in time to vote. Should the election be called at the minimum notice required (17 level. We took lots Eleanor at Warm Lake Estate appears to have the of photos but they potential to really working days) electors would have less could not capture the make its presence than a week to register or to apply for a rushing water sounds and grinding of the felt in the winemaking areas of the world. postal vote. cogs in the giant wheels. NB Grateful thanks to Derek Edward Find out more: More information on We reluctantly moved on from this for salvaging my ‘bad hair’ day. It was registering to vote is available from the unexpected delight but were soon consoled worth the trip home for that alone. Electoral Registration Officer, Hillside by arriving at the first of the vineyards on House, Laurelhill, Stirling FK7 9JQ, tel. the Niagara Wine Trail. There are now 01786 892289, www.saa.gov.uk/central 13 wineries which have recently sprung or www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. up along the Niagara escarpment and we Local community groups can ask a visited six of them that afternoon. (I know member of the registration staff to come ... but someone has to do it.) Want to learn more to a meeting to provide more information. The escarpment has a microclimate about your camera? Contact [email protected]. which extends the growing time to ripen Ballagan Studio Workshops the grapes. The weather had been mixed at Mugdock Country Park and the sky was changing all the time from Allotments sunny to suddenly gunmetal thunderheads. Contact Martin Shields at It was fantastic for the photography and lent [email protected] Mary Brailey an air of romance to the sleepy backwood farm vistas. We learned a lot about wine here are now about a dozen local making and on one of the wineries the people who would like an allotment in the village, and several others Twho’d like to help. The Carbon Neutral Group has arranged a meeting at 8 pm on 24 September in the Village Club so all these PILATES CLASSES Simon people can meet each other over a cup of Swindells, tea, share ideas about what they’re looking Pilates delivers the secrets Albert Hall for and think about the next steps. Anyone of good posture and a healthy and Esther else who hasn’t yet said they’re interested spine by building strength Munday is welcome to come along. Just turn up on from the inside out. More than just another the night, or for more information contact exercise routine, Pilates rebalances the body, me at 771613 or email the Carbon Neutral bringing it into correct alignment with a slow, Group on [email protected]. controlled approach designed to ensure lasting results. All ages & abilities welcome. Live gig benefits heart charity For details of classes in live music session at the Blane Valley Inn on 28 August and around Blanefield, featured local musicians The Elderly Brothers, The Wizny call Jane Meek on Meez, The Buffs, and Alistair Ogilvie and friends. Thanks to Athe donation of raffle prizes, and the packed audience digging deep 01360 771742 or into their pockets and purses – including a generous contribution 07759 182236 or e-mail from the Inn – £422 was raised for the Chest Heart and Stroke [email protected] Assocation of Scotland. 6

2 News from Glendrick Roost Mione Morrison pet foods etc. that they buy also use free- range eggs and chickens? Probably not! has to be fed t has been a busy summer so far, with Please think about it. We can make a twice a day. animals needing rescued and funds difference. Thank you ... from the hens. For the first being raised. Spring and early summer We have taken in a solitary gerbil, time since areI very hectic times for wildlife hospitals Librig. He is two years old and will probably she came and the volunteers who take the casualties not take kindly to a friend and may well she took a to them. have to remain on his own. Also two degus little plain I have taken many rescued baby birds, [a type of friendly rodent kept as a pet – water at the hedgehog babies and families as well Ed.] have come to stay, both healthy with weekend – as road traffic casualties to Hessilhead no sign of diabetes or cataracts – common not enough but Wildlife Hospital. Here these animals will ailments of these fascinating creatures, it is a start. be given the chance to get well and then be caused by incorrect feeding. Though she does returned to the wild. Biscuit the brain-damaged greyhound now respond to her name on most occasions One of the main casualties on the that was rescued in May is slowly by lifting her head she won’t come towards road at this time are frogs and me. She’s more likely to go the other way if toads. After a shower of rain the she moves at all! She is a beautiful dog and roads become covered in small in her own way is bringing a lot of interest triangular shapes which if one in what we are doing. At fundraising events bothers to look are often toads and many, many people come and ask about frogs enjoying the tarmac and/or her when they see me out with her walking calling for mates. I, and others, I to try to toilet train her (and prevent my car am sure, try not to squash them as getting damp). they too have a part to play in the We have a couple more Highland ecology of our land. But they are Games before the end of the season and no match for our speeding traffic. several Dobbies visits. We are already We have taken in 12 ex- organising the winter season of events battery hens. These very scruffy to bring in the money needed to keep us ladies will soon have lovely going. Costs continue to rise with feed new plumage and already they bills, vet bills, farrier costs and other are enjoying scratching around expenses having to be met. Please consider in their enclosure before being sponsoring one or other of the many allowed total free range with a animals we have available – it makes an self locking and opening house This baby hedgehog was rescued last October, being excellent (dare I say) Christmas present. for night-time. Hopefully we will too small to survive in the wild The recipient of your thoughtful gift will be enjoying lovely fresh eggs for receive a certificate of their chosen animal a long time to come. with a photograph and an update of them Though this is a nice thing to do for the responding to familiar people and along with regular newsletters throughout hens we are hoping to use them to educate surroundings. She has put on a lot of their sponsorship period. Thank you. children (and adults) on the plight of the weight though a little more would be good. battery hen in this and other countries. Playing (she leaps and spins on her lead and Until the consumer realises how these bounces at one or other of the dogs) now Fairtrade fashion hens are kept the situation will not change. takes place at long last for short periods Although many families already buy free- most days and she enjoys walking with my Anne Scott range eggs as most feel that caged hens are other four dogs. Strange dogs are a definite not ideal, do these same families check that no-no. Drinking is still an issue and to he Fairtrade and Ethical Fashion the quiches, ready meals, cakes, puddings, get her to take sufficient fluid, stock still Show will take place on the evening of Friday 23 October in Strathblane Strathblane Parish TPrimary School. Please watch out for Sponsor a Glendrick Roost posters nearer the time that will have all Church Guild rescue animal the details. For more information please M a r g a r e t Contact Mione on 07748 351287 or at contact Anne Scott on 771065. Livingston [email protected]. he Guild Heritage Society begins the new session Thanks from Leanne The Heritage Society meets on Ton Monday 5 Wednesdays at 7.30 in the Village Club October at 7.30 Leanne Peters pm. Our theme for 16 September: David Pugh on tour the year is ‘Acting would like to take this opportunity to 14 October: Tony Jaconelli, The Justly’, and the thank everyone who sponsored me Shettleston History Project Bible has a lot to so that I could take part in the Special 18 November: Mike Jodeluk, Railways: say about justice/ OlympicsI National Summer Games which Our Parish and Beyond injustice. We have interesting speakers were held in Leicester in July. 20 January: Jenny Oswald on the from several caring agencies to address Special thanks go to the Blane Valley Parish the subject, as well as a good sprinkling of Players who sent me a cheque for £550. 17 February: Pam McNicol, Stirling entertainment and lighter moments. This year I took part in the cycling Archives Make 5 October a date for your events for the first time and I was 10 March: An Evening with the diary and come along to ‘An Evening of delighted to win 3 bronze medals for the Heritage Society Fragrance’. It should be an aromatic start 10K time trials, 15K road race and the to the session! 25K road race. I am now looking forward For more information, contact The Guild meetings are held in the to taking part in Pedal for Scotland, Murray O’Donnell on 770748 Kirkrooms and we look forward to which is a 55-mile cycle from Glasgow to welcoming new and not-so-new members. Edinburgh on 13 September. 7 Tennis Club news The Fitness Graeme Ross of children using the courts for League having a word with them about their e love our tennis club and behaviour when they are there. I Lesley Kirk are very happy that so hope that people living in the village many people like using it. appreciate this excellent facility nce again it is time to bring you up WHowever, we are saddened by the that we work hard to maintain and to date with the happenings in the fact that over the summer a number that everyone will help by trying to Strathblane centre of the Fitness of young folk have abused the freedom of make sure that it is treated with the respect OLeague. access that we allow. I know that as with it deserves by all who use it. Last season, as the ‘girls’ of the class many other things in life, it only takes a On a more upbeat note, our men’s will tell you, they got to be the guinea few bad ones to spoil things for the vast team enjoyed a good season and will be pigs for our new addition to the Scottish majority, but we are going to have to playing in a higher division next year. teaching clan. Since last October, the rethink our open-to-all policy. The ladies had a more difficult time after class welcomed Lorna along as she had We spent a lot of time, effort and many changes in the team line-up, but they to practice her teaching techniques. She money having the courts resurfaced this still put up a good show and are looking started off by teaching one or two items year and to find bike tyre marks, chewing forward to better times ahead. and by Easter, she was teaching all the gum, broken bottles, burnt plastic and The summer coaching was a great class. It was great for me to be able to join general litter on the courts over the course success again, with five hourly sessions in as a member. (I now realise that they all of the summer does not encourage us to be running from 9 am until 2 pm. So popular is the coaching that we are now running need to be pushed much harder!) Lorna’s so welcoming to young folk, even if most final exam was immediately after the class of them are genuinely only wanting to play six sessions through the autumn. The tennis. I am aware of the small village cry unpredictable weather has meant few really finished in May for the season, and all the of ‘there’s nothing to do’, and that is why sunny Saturdays this year but we have tried girls were delighted to celebrate with her at we have been happy to allow the courts to carry on regardless and have enjoyed our end-of-season meal. to be used, as there are few other local some gourmet BBQs and late evening play. Classes are on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm facilities for young folk. However, the The nights may be drawing in, but it’s in the Strathblane Primary School hall, abuse of this freedom has to be addressed. always summer at Strathblane Tennis Club. and resumed on 8 September. However, I would be grateful to all parents Contact me on 771571. if you haven’t joined us yet don’t let that put you off. The girls will give you a great welcome. If you are now at the age where hard aerobic exercise is no longer for you, After-school programme needs but you wish to keep your joints mobile, your muscles stretched and have good enthusiastic helpers posture, then come along. Joggies, tee- Lyndsay Morrison, Active Schools Co-ordinator () shirts, bare feet or sand shoes and a mat or large towel are all that you need. There are he Top after-school still plenty of spaces on the floor. programme for primary- One word of warning, you must be age chidren has been a very prepared to laugh and have fun! Tpopular initiative for many years. You can contact me at 0141 776 1536 or Tops clubs are led mainly by [email protected]. volunteers and supported by me, in conjunction with the local primary schools in , , , Hockey Club Kippen, Strathblane, Buchanan, and Balfron. Graeme Ross By taking part in play, sport and activity games, children learn basic he Balfron Wild Wolves Hockey skills such as throwing, catching Club has just started again for the and jumping. At the same time, the 09/10 season. We have been very clubs also boost their confidence Why not volunteer to be a Top helper? Tfortunate to receive a grant from Clubsport and social interaction. Stirling that will allow us to purchase a Top Play, for children in primary 1–3, organised as a way of thanking all our substantial amount of new kit for the club. teaches kids the basic skills of throwing, volunteers for their commitment. If you This, along with some new coaches and c a t c h i n g , have one hour a week to spare during fresh ideas for each session, should help j u m p i n g , ‘Tops is really fun, I term time and are interested in getting to take the club and the players to the next kicking and like all the games we children fit, active and healthy, then please level. We meet on Tuesday evenings at rolling. Top play and my favourite is get in touch with me at 01786 432323 or Balfron Campus and have players from P4 Sport, for jungles on fire.’ [email protected]. to S6. Contact me on 771571. the primary 4 – 7 s , introduces a range of sports such as Want to athletics, basketball, cricket, football, brush up hockey, netball, rugby, squash, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. Bags of your maths ? equipment are provided and resource cards provide activities for all these sports. New evening class starting in Strathblane Children who have attended the September 2009 clubs tell us how much fun they have had. Developed in association with Sportscotland, the programmes are a real For more information or to book a place hit with headteachers and staff too. ring Stirling Council Adult Learning Team In order to sustain after-school Tops clubs in all schools we need more volunteers. You do not need to be sporty, just enthusiastic. Full training and support is given and annual social events are 8 Rotary roundup The Blane Mike Menzies presented new tricycles to the school and Women’s Rural the club received a beautiful book which he 2009/2010 session of the Rural n 12 March Strathendrick Rotary, the young pupils had compiled thanking started on Thursday 17 September together with joint sponsors Rotary for their donation. in the Edmonstone Hall at 7.30 Glengoyne Distillery, held a The Great Strathendrick 2009 Duck Tpm and once again promises to be a very Ofundraising dinner in aid of Water Aid. Race in conjunction with the Fintry Fling enjoyable and interesting year. Topics this Stuart Hendry and his team hosted the took place on 6 June and raised funds for side of Christmas include Costume Dolls, evening, which was enjoyed by all the local youth organisations. Glendrick Roost Animal Welfare Centre guests. Over £1,200 was raised on the The ever-popular Strathendrick Rotary (Mione will bring along some of her night, which was sufficient to animal assistants!), Hand Crafted Glass provide a new well for needy Images and our very successful Charities people in a deprived location. Coffee Morning. After Christmas we have John Anderson, the President an Evening of Games, Gaelic Songs, Our of Strathendrick Rotary, Village Magazine, CHAS and a Bring and thanked Stuart Hendry and his Buy Sale. colleagues for so generously Our new President is Miss M. Marshall, sponsoring the evening. the Vice President is Mrs E. Findlay and On 26 April eighty cars and the Secretary is Mrs M. Tyson. their crews toured the beautiful countryside of Come and join us in their classic cars. The New members are needed to keep this event started and finished at worthwhile institution from disappearing Culcreuch Castle in Fintry and from our village. If you feel you are not competitors came from all ends a ‘Rural’ type person, come and join us of the country to take part. for an evening and I am sure you will find There was a priceless that you enjoy yourself. Membership for collection of cars competing, Joe Norman (centre), the event organiser, with Robin the year (which includes a super supper!) the oldest being a 1925 Chrysler and Helen Morris of Fintry and their two sons Edward is £12 and visitors for an evening are only owned by Robin and Helen and George. Behind are the 1925 Chrysler Four and charged £1. Morris of Fintry. The car Lotus Exige they were competing in. completed the 100-mile course without missing a beat. Duntreath Castle The event raised over £6,000 and the am-am golf tournament, in conjunction monies will be going to two charities, with the Balfron Golf Society, took place Xmas Fair namely CLIC Sargent (Caring for Young on 8 August at the Shian Course, Balfron. People with Cancer) and the Leonard This is one of Rotary’s most successful Wednesday 4 November Cheshire Disability School 4 All. events, which has raised over £65,000 for 10am - 5pm On 28 April President John Anderson charity over the years. All welcome Pre-school play at the Fun Hut Strathendrick Pipe Band Kate Baxter school children/babies and their carers are welcome to join us for all or any of these John Muir ith a sigh sessions. We already play host to parents, of relief grandparents, nannies and childminders he band has now completed the first from the (and the children), so please don’t delay, year of its revival under the leadership parentsW and carers drop in today! Contact Katie (771125) or of Pipe Major Colin Johnstone and of the local babies me (771149) for more information. TLead Drummer David Ogilvie, and has and toddlers, the performed at various functions including Fun Hut re-opened at the start of the new the Armistice Parade, Guild plant sale and school term. After a seven-week break, we coffee morning, school fete, Women’s 10K had all run out of ideas for entertaining our Greenheart in Glasgow, Balfron Heritage Aeronautical little ones and made a welcome return to the Centenary, Duntreath Garden Open Day ‘Hut of Fun’. As the little ones settle in to Playpark Group and ceilidhs at the Winnock Hotel. The an array of toys in the baby-zone, the older band competed for the first time in many tots revel in the variety of play facilities on any readers will be aware years at Helensburgh, and hand, from the climbing frame to the train that our village desperately Cumnock and was delighted to be on the set, jigsaws to dressing up. Meanwhile, needs new play facilities in prize list at all three competitions. the mums, dads, grannies, grandpas, theM park. The park has suffered from We have recruited new players, childminders etc. have been catching up years of neglect and under-investment some with experience and others at the over a coffee, while our playful playleaders and is a sad reflection on our attitude beginning of their musical careers, and we Vicki and Jennie prepare a craft or other towards the health and wellbeing hope to participate in more local events activity for the older children to enjoy. of our children. After a few months’ and piping competitions. All play and no work makes Jack a break in activity, the Greenheart The band would like to thank all those dull boy, so the new Fun Hut committee Playpark Group, which aims to who have supported our efforts throughout have already been busy planning the year provide these new play facilities, is the year, our tutors in drumming and ahead, promising a fun-filled schedule regrouping and beginning the long piping and in particular former Pipe of socialising and fundraising for the and difficult task of fundraising for Major and founder member T.W. Maclean, children and parents alike. Watch out for what we hope will become one of the assisted by Murray Kirsop. forthcoming details, and please support focal points of our village. If you are The AGM will be held in the this vital community group. interested in helping in any way in Edmonstone Hall on Monday 12 October The Fun Hut is on every Monday, this project then please contact Simon at 8 pm. Wednesday and Friday during term time, Jones at [email protected]. Future fundraising events will be 9.15 to 11.15 am in the Kirkrooms. All pre- advised at a later date. 9 Celebrating a century of Guiding The Blane will have a feature in the next issue to celebrate the Jane McCallum training their minds and bodies even when centenary. If you were a Brownie, off duty. Guide or leader, have stories to his year is a very special time for Girl Today there are 60,000 members in tell, or have old photographs that Guides as we celebrate 100 years of Scotland, and over 10 million world-wide. we could borrow, we would love Guiding. In 2008 there were 24,400 Brownies in to hear from you. Please contact TIn 1909, a group of girls attended the Scotland: roughly one in three 8-year-old me or Claire (numbers below). rally at Crystal Palace and asked girls belonged. Former Scottish members Robert Baden-Powell to let them be of Brownies and Guides include J.K. Scouts, as their brothers had had so much Rowling, Sharleen Spiteri and Lulu. fun since Scouts was formed in 1907. He is a voluntary organisation formed Girl Guides the following year with adult members and helpers and asked his sister Agnes to head the volunteering 1 million hours per year – the organisation. His wife Olave became Chief equivalent of 550 full-time jobs. his session we would like to see all Guide in 1918. Guiding remains a female-only Tgirls in full uniform. This comprises He changed the name from Girl organisation to give girls and young a hoodie or gilet and Brownie trousers. Scouts to Girl Guides so that it wouldn’t women the best opportunity for personal Brown trousers are also acceptable. School antagonise the boys for whom and social development. Although girls trousers can be worn if a Brownie has had been developed. He also didn’t mature more quickly than boys they outgrown her uniform trousers. Brownie want to alienate parents, who would not often have lower self-esteem and under- tee-shirts and a sash for badges may also welcome such a tomboyish image for value themselves. A single-sex group be worn. All items can be bought from the their daughters. However he wanted to allows them to assert themselves, work Guide shop at Charing Cross, or, you can create a separate identity for the girls so in teams and make decisions, and develop order from Claire and me – we will then that they could work for self-development leadership skills and a sense of identity get 10% of the total value for our funds. independently, not in imitation of their and self-worth. We also have a limited supply of second- brothers. Remember this was at a time There are many exciting events hand uniforms available. If anyone has old when girls wore ankle-length dresses and planned to celebrate the centenary – uniforms they no longer require please let didn’t run, and were supposed to be ‘lady- you can find more information on the us know. like’! He chose the name Girl Guides in website www.girlguidingscotland.org. As always, if your daughter is interested recognition of the male Indian guides who uk. In our county, the first of these was in coming to Brownies or you would like had impressed him not only by going on the Forth Valley Centenary Launch in to help in any way, please contact Claire dangerous expeditions but by continually Grangemouth stadium on 6 September. (771816) or me (771281). Beavers at Barrwood Ring with two tings Avril Sandilands ave you nearly jumped out of your skin when walking in the countryside as a cyclist whizzes n Saturday 6 June, pastH you unannounced? You have heard the Beavers were all the old Knock Knock! Who’s there? joke: set for their afternoon Who’s there?.. Isabel. Isabel who?... Is a Ooutdoor party with the Scouts bell necessa ry on a bicycle? at Barrwood. We arrived together in the minibus early as the Scouts had kindly agreed to have our lunch ready for us at their campsite before our party games began. When we made our way from the Scouts’ camp to the Beaver party area after lunch, we found out that more Beavers Beavers and Scouts at Barrwood had turned up than anticipated – approximately 200 more! Not cool apparently, but necessary, for More adult help was needed – two of our of the Beavers as they wanted to stay. On there is a nationwide call from pedestrians, parent helpers kindly ‘volunteered’ (and the way home the boys laughed about their and now from many cycling organisations, I use that word very loosely) to run an day and the fun they had had and how they for bells to be sold with bikes. A campaign activity base. couldn’t wait to become Scouts so they called ‘two tings’ is urging cyclists to give The Beavers’ party consisted of various could camp. two tings of their bell so that pedestrians are aware of their approach and can make bases (games) and a final sing-a-long. We A BIG thank you to the Scouts, whose room for them to pass. Some pedestrians played pass-the-parcel, pin the tail on the great behaviour, patience, outdoor camping have hearing impairments and, of course, moving donkey, hide and seek pictures, skills and cooking abilities were good for the children and animals can run into the path decorate the cake etc., all with an outdoor Beavers to see. You did yourselves proud. of a speeding mountain bike. twist. Great fun was had by everyone. The campaign advises cyclists to ‘be After the sing-a-long we went back patient and courteous to pedestrians. to the Scouts’ camp (mainly to allow Correction Saying “Thank you” to those who move to the other Beavers to head home). While In the last edition of The Blane we let you pass will make them more likely to there, an invitation was extended to join incorrectly described the Bible found by move next time. Ride at a sensible speed. the Scouts for mince and tatties, which the late Malcolm Ritchie as a ‘Lecture Pedestrians should allow cyclists to pass the Beavers jumped at. So I then had the Bible’. It should have been described as a them when it is safe. If a cyclist stops or task of contacting all their parents to say ‘Lectern Bible’. Thanks Geoff. waits for you to pass, thank them and they we would be late: I’m not sure they were will be more likely to stop next time. reassured to know that the Scouts were cooking dinner for the Beavers ... Visit the community website @ After a delicious meal it was time to say goodbye – much to the disappointment www.strathblanefield.org.uk 10 Scouts AGM Third-agers can keep on learning Avril Sandilands oing to university or college means premises have to be hired. Groups meet in passing exams to get there and Stirling, , Callander and he 36th Forth Valley Scout Group passing more exams to stay there. . Members are not restricted AGM took place in the Scout Hall GBut there’s no such pressure on anyone who to groups where they live and many travel on 1 June. In attendance were wants to join Forth Valley University of the elsewhere to join the activities of their choice. theT leaders, the committee, the District When can you join? Enrolment for the Third Age (U3A). This is an organisation Commissioner and Area Training Leader, offering older people opportunities for new season was on Friday 11 September. but sadly no parents/guardians. If you missed the enrolment A decision was made that no leaflets learning just for the sheer enjoyment of it, without any date, don’t worry – you can join would be handed out prior to the AGM, at any time. Phone 01786 841564 although several posters were put up formal academic qualifications required or given. for an information pack, which around the hall one month beforehand. But includes the programme of sadly, as in previous years, parents decided Who may join? Any not to attend. adult who is not in full-time interest groups. Nearly all groups At the AGM two of the committee employment and wants to meet during the day: some are members chose not to stand for re-election; learn something new (for weekly, some fortnightly and Colin Cresswell (Chairman) and Helen example playing bridge) or revive a long- so on. Each month there is a special open Conlon (Secretary). David Orr remains as forgotten skill (perhaps a language) or meeting for the whole membership, with a Treasurer – although this is not ideal, as fulfil a lifetime ambition (such as taking guest speaker. he is also a warranted leader. Although I up painting) There are over 30 learning Why should you join? Because if erroneously forgot to formally thank Colin groups to choose from and more can be you speak to any of the 200 (and more) and Helen at the AGM, I do so now. Thank added as demand grows. members of Forth Valley U3A they’ll tell you both for your time and effort, it was What does it cost? Annual membership you how much they enjoy it, and once you very much appreciated and will be very is £15, entitling members to join as many see the range of activities on offer, you will much missed. Thank you from the leaders groups as they can fit into their lifestyle. want to join in. and the boys. Some groups may have additional costs if So we are now looking for a new equipment is needed or if they meet in a Extra copies of the committee – volunteers welcome! We need hall which incurs a hire fee. newsletter are available at a new committee! Where does Forth Valley U3A meet? In summary, numbers are up, our Many groups meet in members’ homes, the cover price finances are healthier than last year, our but if a group needs lots of space then local in the library. financial year end date has now changed, we have been granted charitable status and we are still managing to recruit adult helpers. Senior Citizen Club If anyone would wish to see a copy of the AGM minutes they are available at the Emma Findlay this for £5? Scout Hall: just ask one of the leaders. As with other organisations in the n Saturday 22 August, members village, new members are needed so please of the Senior Citizen Club left the come along and join us. You will be most Guides village for their mystery bus tour. welcome. You do not have to be ‘senior’ to join us – anyone over 18 may join. Lyn Wishart OFortunately, the weather was kind to them and they had sunshine all day. Their first am pleased to say that I have some new stop was Sandyholm Gardens, where they helpers and look forward to the new had morning coffee, and then it was on Blane Valley Guiding year with their fresh ideas to their final destination of Moffat. After Iand new energy: I would like to take this having some free time in Moffat they all Players met up again at the Annandale Hotel for opportunity to welcome them to the 1st Joyce Ward Strathblane Guides. As always, we will an excellent meal. In total, 42 people took be having a mixture of fun, crafts, badges, part, including visitors from Killearn. camps, sleepovers and the odd party for The club starts again on Tuesday 29 he Blane Valley Players are putting good measure. September in the Edmonstone Hall at 7.30 on a one-act play directed by Jill We say goodbye to a few of our girls pm. After the enrolment of members there Allardice, followed by a Christmas and say hello to a few new ones. I also will be a Beetle Drive. TSpectacular on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 welcome our four young Baden-Powell For their £5 fee members enjoy a wide December. Ticket prices and times will be girls back as young leaders and look and varied programme every second advertised nearer the time. The Edmonstone forward to helping them with the Queens Tuesday, with tea and sandwiches; a trip Hall will be set out ‘nightclub fashion’ and Badge, which involves a lot of hard work. to the pantomime or theatre in December; you can bring your own drink! We would If you are interested in coming along to a summer bus trip; and a mystery tour in like to invite our friends to come along any the Guides, please contact me on 770569. the autumn. Where else would you get all Friday evening to watch the rehearsals and to join us in a cup of tea. We will not be doing a pantomime in January but plan to do many more plays, 50–65? Please help in an online survey and we would welcome anyone who is interested in acting, singing, or learning Lorraine Don, Stirling Council Research Team lights, sound etc. to come along and join our new Drama Club. he Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling is looking for people aged 50 to 65 to take part online in a research study which is exploring how people in that age range try to keep their brain active. TYou will be asked some simple questions about yourself and the way you live Why not advertise your now, followed by further questions on the type and duration of activities you get involved in to maintain an active brain. You are not required to give your name and business in The Blane? your confidentiality is assured. Your involvement is completely voluntary and you Contact the editor for can withdraw at any time. details at theblane@ There is an online link to click to fill in the survey form: http://tinyurl.com/ m92uq2. The closing date is 30 September. strathblanefield.org.uk 11 Why build a car? Morag Roy talks to Bob Sharp about his I suppose it was fortunate my father was Well, it helps to understand that there are passion for building kit cars in the motor trade. He was a fitter and basically two types of home-built car – kit then a production engineer for the Rootes cars and replicas. Apart from my very first Whatever motivates you to build a motor Group for almost 50 years. He was always car, I’ve only built replicas of classic cars. car? It seems like an impossible task but tinkering with cars and I would invariably Kit cars have a rather ‘shoddy’ image and you say you’ve now built five cars in the spend time with him in the garage. So, most are badly designed. Replicas have a past 20 years. perhaps his enthusiasm passed to me. proven record in that they were designed I do have a few ‘soft’ skills that come in the first place by a highly professional I suppose it’s because I really like building in useful though. I suspect that I’m quite group of individuals. For example, my things – anything. At the moment I’m a patent individual and prepared to wait a Stratos was the product of the Italian building a summer house for the garden long time before a job is completed. Another design house Bertone. So, when you build and I find the construction u s e f u l a replica you begin with a small number process extremely satisfying. quality is of basic components – chassis, body, Even as a kid I was into the ability suspension – that are properly designed and building – all kinds of things to examine supplied by a professional motor company. from tree houses, bicycles, p r o b l e m s Invariably, the company also supplies meccano models, engines and and come a build manual indicating the stages of so on. In a way I find building up with construction and detailing the required a bit like writing – they’re s e n s i b l e components. For first-time builders this both very creative. I can flit a n d is invaluable, but I now find that apart from building something p r a c t i c a l from the more complicated aspects, there mechanical to writing a solutions. is no need to use the manual. Also, for scholarly paper with great I’m a great most things, there isn’t a specific build ease. b e l i e v e r sequence. The main thing is to tackle one No. 1 Merlin Roadster that there’s component at a time and try to complete it What about the end product? a l w a y s as fully as possible before moving on. This Does it give you pleasure to see the results a solution to any problem. I never give gives you ongoing satisfaction and also of your work? up on a challenge. When you build a ensures nothing is overlooked. car, whilst much is common sense and Yes it does, but the pleasure is not as logical, you do come across seemingly There must come a point when you start strong as the building process. I enjoy the ‘impossible’ problems. Having worked at the engine and drive the car for the first challenge of solving problems and creating this for 20 years I know there will always time? something new, but then I feel a need to be a solution, whether the challenge be quicklyGM move Chimneyon to fresh projects. In fact,Sweeps m e c h a n i c a l , This probably gives having now built five cars I realise that other e l e c t r i c a l , more satisfaction people gain as much, if not more, pleasure f a b r i c a t i o n , than any other aspect. from seeing the fruit of my efforts.& One car sourcing parts It’s impossible that I built – a replica of a 1970s rally car or any of a to plan the exact calledRoofing a Lancia Stratos Specialists – took six years to hundred Ltd potential moment and so complete and when it was finished I took difficulties. It just many things have it to a variety of car shows across the UK. takes time to work to be completed and It Chimney received Lining a lot Service of attention and always things out. Often, checked before you attracted crowds of onlookers. Because the it helps to sleep do it. For example, it car• CCTV had Surveys a fascinating & Investigations competition history, on a problem and wouldn’t do to drive many• Installation people of knewMultifuel of Stoves/Firesthe car but had never you wake up with the car out of the seen• Supplier one of inWood the Burning flesh. Stoves/All It was Flexible extremely Liners &a Mi-Flue solution Twin orWall set Systems garage having failed satisfying answering questions about the of new ideas – the No. 2 Westfield SE to add brake fluid or car and knowing that it gave so many unconscious brain engine oil or tighten peopleChimney a lot Sweeping of pleasure Services to see the car, sit in can do wonders! I’ve also learned that the the wheels! But there does come a day it• Brushor take & Vac photographs. Sweep (no mess guaranteed) first solution to a problem is usually not the when it’s ‘all systems go’. These moments best one. On occasions I’ve leapt in with are fraught with anticipation and worry You• Chimney must Pots/Cowls/Bird have lots of Guards skills supplied in order & fitted to the first idea only to find – often when the and I’ve learned that it’s good to have complete• All types ofsuch chimney a complicated repairs project. car is finished and on the road – that there’s someone on hand to help (hold the fire a much better or more obvious solution. extinguisher!) and provide moral support. RoofI’m Maintenance frequently &asked Re-roofing this question Work but I I’ve now experienced this moment several don’t think I have any special skills. I’m not Many people will ask where do you begin? times but nothing untoward has ever a• General trained maintenance/Roof motor engineer Repairs and have never Do you get any help or is there an obvious happened. undertaken• Re-Roofing any courses in car building. starting point? • Lead Work What happens next? Well, you undergo a ‘shake down’ period GM ChimneyFully Insured/All workSweeps Guaranteed to iron out minor niggles and sort any Approved Installer/Supplier of Mi-Flue Systems problems. It might take a long time to & get some things right (such as the car’s Distance no Object geometry) but other problems such as leaks or knocks are quickly sorted. Once the Roofing Specialists Ltd main problems are out of the way I suppose you begin to drive the car in earnest and G.M. Chimney Sweeps & Roofing Specialists Ltd enjoy all the labour. But actually, you Chimney Lining Service Tel: 01560 480046 never really finish a car because there are • CCTV Surveys & InvestigationsMob: 07970109063 always changes and upgrades to carry out. So, for example, my latest car, the Cobra, • Installation of Multifuel Stoves/Fires is now road legal and almost shaken down, • Supplier of Wood BurningE.Mail: Stoves/All [email protected] Flexible Liners & Mi-Flue Twin Wall Systems but already I’m thinking about fabricating Web: www.gmrbc.co.uk front and rear diffusers and side screens. Chimney Sweeping Services continued on next page

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E.Mail: [email protected] Web: www.gmrbc.co.uk Yes, we did have summer! Remember this? The time when the sun was shining - yes, it did this year - in June. Primary 7 had a great day out at Inchcailloch on Loch Lomond to celebrate the end of primary school. The class did the sensible thing and took to the water to cool off. The group was supervised by class teacher, Morven Bulloch, Bob Sharp outdoor instructor, and several parents, all of whom were too modest to appear in the photograph.

No. 3 Lancia Stratos No. 5 AC Cobra No. 4 Caterham 7 I’ll reflect on these over the next few offers that ‘I couldn’t refuse’. This has months – design, materials, suppliers etc. – made it possible to move upmarket with and leave them for projects over the winter. three different types of number. A car each successive build. My current car – built from a wide variety of parts from the Cobra – will sell for around £30K (any You mention ‘road legal’. What does this different sources for which there may takers?) and if I can do this then I’ll move involve? be no receipts is given a ‘Q’ registration on to build the car I’ve always wanted – a number. Most people try to avoid this as replica of a Ford GT40. Well, any amateur-built car has to it effectively devalues the car. A car built undergo a type approval test similar to entirely from brand new parts may be Bob adds that if any reader would like a mainstream manufacturer to check given a current registration number. But to come and have a look at his car, ask the car’s safety, road-worthiness and most hand-made cars are given what is questions or go for a ride then he’d be construction integrity. The test is called called an ‘age-related’ plate. So, if a car is more than happy to oblige. ‘Single Vehicle Approval’ and is carried built comprising two major components out by the Government department VOSA. such as an engine, or steering column or COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS It’s a highly comprehensive test which suspension, from a single car for which checks every aspect of the car including the builder has the registration document Blanefield Ward and proof of purchase, then the DVLA will lighting, seat belts, construction, braking, David Anderson 770669 emissions, and so on. In contrast to a give a number of the same vintage as the mainstream manufacturer the only thing ‘donor’ car. In the case of my latest car, Willie Oswald 770497 not carried out is a crash test (obviously!). I used the suspension, axles and brakes Margaret Vass 770131 The SVA test was introduced about 10 (fully reconditioned of course) from a 1969 Fiona Murray 771497 years ago and has effectively transformed Jaguar XJ6, so my car has an ‘H’ suffix plate. the kit car industry by weeding out the Strathblane Ward ‘cowboys’ and leaving only the quality manufacturers. The test is also a clear test Finally Bob, what about cost? It must Elspeth Posnett 770113 of the builder’s competence and helps to cost an awful lot of money? inspire confidence when the car is finally Mugdock Ward driven. Well, I have to say that I’ve never dipped Philip Graves (Chair) 0141 956 1954 into the family budget to pay for my hobby. Once this test is out of the way the Bob Flashman 770979 car has to be registered by the DVLA. I’ve always been able to sell my cars for a Amateur-built cars can be given one of profit and in some cases have been made John Gray 771031 13 Jai-Ho l-r: Emma Let’s dance Allan, Catriona Gray, Lynda Eastcroft Eilidh Peddie, Ruth Ferguson. Eilidh chool holidays are over, which means Campbell is kneeling. that it’s time for a new dance session to start! Our display in June is now aS memory and it’s time to get started on new grade work to improve our standards Baroness Thatcher paid a visit to for next year. Even the pre-school children Duntreath Castle earlier this year. will start working towards their ‘Tiny Tots She is seen below with Sir Archie Test’! and Lady Julie Edmonstone. We take The Mitchell this opportunity to congratulate Sir Theatre continues Archie on his recent 75th birthday. to be an excellent venue for our annual dancing display with lighting and sound of the highest quality. The children have the opportunity to perform on a real stage and they throw themselves wholeheartedly into their performance. The excitement and smiles on their faces makes all Butterflies l-r: - Amy Roberts, Catherine the preparation worth White, Lynda Turner (not a butterfly!!), while! Catherine Ferguson, Eilidh Beaton Scout Summer Camp 2009 Paul Brogan On the last day of camp was a visit to the Witch’s Trails at the Needs tyres! bottom of Ben Nevis and a circuit Bob Sharp of the legendary ‘10 under the Ben’ including ‘Nessie’, described as a black monster of a descent. The June Scout Camp was to Barrwood, which was a District -organised event. The Scouts were joined by the Beavers for the Saturday afternoon (see page 10). Ben, Aidian, Thomas, Mathew and me crossing the river, with me paddling his year’s summer camp was up in the Highlands and, as usual, was mostly wet. During the five-night Tcamp the Scouts built an impressive 32-meter rope bridge across the River Spean. This will contribute towards their Pioneering badge. They also cooked two Found – racing bike meals on open fires, climbed a Munro and spent two days mountain biking. This was f you wander along the paths and tracks not a camp for the fainthearted! David and Martin serving dinner that run past and through Blanefield – and keep your eyes skinned – you’ll be amazedI at what you might see. Earthworks On behalf of the Scout Group I from distance eras, lines of ancient walls, would like to thank all those who disused buildings, artefacts and relics all helped by lending trailers and tell stories of life before many of us were vans, the Forestry Commission for probably born. the Pioneering poles, the leaders On a recent jaunt along the West and parents, as well as all those Highland Way, where it runs past the ruin who organise and participate of Arlehaven, I came across this ancient with the various fundraising bicycle. Somebody had removed it from activities throughout the year, its place of rest and stood it across the path such as the Spring Fair. Without for all to see. your assistance events such as the I had a good investigation and tried to camps above could not take place. compare its spec with bikes I owned some Scouts is on Friday night 50 years ago. I reckon it was much older from 7 pm – 8.30 pm and starts than this. back on 4 September. I’ll pop along in a few days time and if The top of Stob Ban with Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Contact me (771636), Gerry it hasn’t been moved will carry it back to Dearg in the background (771113) or Allan (771591). whence I think it came. 14 A visit to Malawi Bethan Williams more used to tourists. On the way there we stopped off at Lake Malawi Bethan, a student at , for an afternoon, as everyone we reports on her recent school exchange trip spoke to said that you haven’t visited to Malawi Malawi until you’ve seen the lake. It was very clear and blue, and very arrived in Embangweni, a small town beautiful. It was also warm enough in northern Malawi, after a very long to swim in, although there were some day travelling. It included taking three Malawian children nearby looking at planes,I and then loading thirteen people us like we were mad when we ran in from Scotland, all of our bags, and several and started swimming people who volunteered to collect us, onto We had some unforgettable a small minibus and then driving up the experiences at Chinguni Lodge, length of Malawi. including seeing a herd of elephants It was a tiring day but when we got to cross the path in front of us. We also the guest house where we were going to be Village chief and family outside their house in saw plenty of other animals including staying we were immediately made to feel Chiponje village. baboons, hippos, eagles and different welcome by both the ‘matron’ who would types of antelope. be looking after us for two weeks and by the I had an amazing time in Malawi other guests, mostly doctors or medical students who were working and it could not have happened without the support I received in Embangweni hospital. Everyone was too tired to take in much of from so many people, so thank you for all your help! the surroundings, although it was a novelty to tuck in a mosquito net before we went to bed. The reason for our trip was an exchange visit between Balfron Recipe book for bursaries High School and Robert Laws Secondary School, so the very next The Malawi group have put together a recipe book to raise morning we were taken to the school and given our classes for the funds for student bursaries for Robert Laws School in week. I was in form 3 South – in Malawi you only go to secondary Malawi. school for four years. Walking alone into a class of over 50 students in which I stood out The recipe book will be full of tried and tested favourite so obviously was a nerve-wracking experience but there is a reason recipes and would make a great Christmas present. It will Malawi is known as the ‘warm heart of Africa’ and everyone was be on sale in the village and via Balfron High school later incredibly friendly, crowding in the autumn. round me to say hello. Lessons were a mix of the familiar – maths, biology, English  – and the very unfamiliar – agriculture and the Malawian language, Chichewa in particular. However, when I didn’t understand something someone was always on hand to explain to me, and my new classmates loved seeing me answer questions, even if I didn’t understand what I was talking about. One thing which struck me about the pupils at Robert Laws, which I think applies to a lot of schools in Malawi, was their enthusiasm for school and how much they wanted to learn. If there wasn’t a A family of Chiponje village teacher available for a period, which happened quite a lot, the pupils asked me to teach them my best subjects. I couldn’t imagine that happening in a school over here somehow. Although Robert Laws was a good school by Malawian standards, there was a lot of sharing – of books, desks and even chairs. It was quite a culture shock seeing 50 people crammed in a classroom sitting on broken chairs. Our time in the next two weeks was split between going to school and visiting other local places. One memorable visit was to a deaf school nearby. It was a mix of being a sad place, seeing children as young as five so far away from their homes, and a happy place because it gave the children a start in life they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Another place we visited was a local village, Chiponje village. It was very basic with no electricity, roads or running water. Here for the first time people didn’t speak English, although the children made it clear they wanted their photos taken, and followed us out of  the village until one of the locals who had been showing us around sent them home. The two weeks passed very quickly and we were all  sad to leave behind new friends who we had got to know very well. In the third week we were able to relax a bit more as we travelled to Chinguni Lodge, a game park in Southern Malawi, which was much  15 Knit 1 or knit one Moira Drennan

nitting is a creative, relaxing and satisfying hobby. It can be meditative, peaceful and productive. In July 09, Jean Brabender exhibited a baby’s jacket atK the Filato Yarn Exhibition and trade fair in Turin. The baby’s jacket was knitted in Strathblane and was designed using coloured yarn in a mixture of cashmere and silk. Sewn into the frilled seams were tiny silver bells. The pattern was simple to knit. It sewed up easily and worked. It fitted. This is not always the case with commercially produced patterns, where it is easy to be beguiled by beautiful baby photos on the cover and by good graphic design, often masking errors which have gone unnoticed by pattern checkers. The yarn used to knit the baby’s jacket was a mixture of natural fibres. Animal fibres such as cashmere and wool insulate without overheating. They give warmth and are super absorbent. They feel light and soft next to the baby’s skin. Although man- Archie Forrest ‘modelling’ the made fibres such as acrylic are equally hardwearing, as a plastic Turin jacket and a cap. they don’t rival the warmth or the cool comfort of cashmere or silk. The jacket takes about 30 hours to knit. Some say shop- bought clothes are cheaper, but a beautifully hand knitted jacket, cared for, can be passed on to younger siblings or cousins and will remain looking as good as new for a long time. Although Wee Dan Dunnock yarn is expensive, it is only needed in small quantities and it is best to buy a quality yarn, to complement the considerable effort and hours of work the project involves. Natural fibres require to be washed by hand and people will often say that there is no time to handwash, although it takes only a few minutes, a fraction of the time of a washing machine cycle. To see the baby’s jacket, say hello to Archie (above). For information and copies of the pattern, speak to Jane Forrest, Blanefield.

Martin Shields

took this picture of Wee Dan being fed by his dad. It appeared in the Herald letters page. Jo and I put out soaking wet bread for the next seven days. Wee Dan stayed in the confines of theI patio, just coming out for routine bobbing around as his form of exercise. I am hoping he managed to get wings. There was no sign of feathers in the garden or surrounding area so, fingers crossed. We were checking him a few times a day and he became one of the family.



Gordon Ash, dodgy kebab vendor (you can tell by the grin),  about to fleece an American visitor at the Summer Fair in May - well, Anne Scott actually. The fair was a great success and we  look forward to another great one next year. 16 Starlings and sparrows: why are they declining? DHL reached their maximum levels once again pairs and about 1.5 – 2 million over- ot so long ago both Starlings and by the early 19th century: an equilibrium wintering birds. Sparrows are customarily House Sparrows were widespread which was maintained until about 1970 seen around humans, whose buildings they and common in the valley. Whilst when another population crash fall took use for nesting and roosting sites. They are Nstill seen on a regular basis, both are now place; the numbers of breeding pairs a stationary species, rarely moving far present in much lower densities and it is falling by around 70% between 1970 and from their birthplace. They feed around clear that there has been a significant loss 1999. Some may recall the large flock buildings and in parks and gardens, being of numbers in recent years. Why should which used to roost under the rail bridge particularly keen on having thick cover to this be? over the Clyde just south of the Central which they can escape when threatened – Like many other changes in the Station. Their evening aerial display was for example by Sparrowhawks. Sparrows countryside at present there are no clear- truly one of the major wildlife scenes in particularly like beech, holly, hawthorn cut simple answers to this question. In the Scotland, sadly now no longer seen. and privet hedges and are not enamoured case of starlings it may be that climate The Common Starling now features by the leylandii hedges favoured by many change is indeed a significant contributing in the Red List of Birds of Conservation in the last three decades. They live on factor. Although starlings are a native bird Concern. Some might consider this to be seeds and grain, with the young needing breeding here in Scotland, their numbers of little overall concern but I believe that live invertebrates in their diet to aid their are annually increased in winter by visitors to be an unwise reaction. It is far better to rapid development. from Scandinavia and the near continent. view the current situation with starlings The numbers of sparrows has always With fewer snow storms and generally as a sensitive indicator of environmental paralleled the human populations, being milder winters in the countries bordering degradation than to simply ignore it and common in Sutherland in the 18th century the eastern shores of the North Sea, fewer carry on regardless until we humans begin until the Highland Clearances decimated birds have made the long journey to to come under pressures from the self-same both the human and House Sparrow Scotland to winter here. Thus the welcome (or related) environmental issues. We too populations. A gradual overall decline in addition of new blood to our population of are part of the biosphere and if we become numbers began in the mid 20th century resident birds is greatly reduced. aware of fellow creatures under threat it with loss of populations around hill The starlings in Scotland belong to behoves us to consider why and if possible farms first and then from entire areas of two distinct subspecies – the Shetland and repair the problem before it is too late. This the country previously attracting vibrant Outer Hebridean one and the principal one is no more than enlightened self-interest. populations. Examples of this loss are well covering the rest of the country. There seen in Speyside and the North West. Changes in land management are around 20,000 breeding pairs in the Create a nesting site North Island group, whereas the latter has The causes of the recent decline at the end some 300,000 breeding pairs in Scotland of the 20th century may indeed be partially In the UK as a whole, there has been and to these are usually added about 2 due to the warming climate and consequent a decline of some 62% in the House reductions in visits from Scandinavia. Sparrow numbers, most notably in South Another factor is thought to be the major and East England and somewhat less so increase in intensive management of here in Scotland. In the valley however the lowland grasslands resulting in large declines in the invertebrate populations House sparrow upon which starlings feed both themselves and their young. Leatherjackets comprise around 85% of the diet of young starlings. The increasing use of intensive pesticides to increase crop yields is having a major effect on available food supplies, as is the loss of the old haystack with its easy supply of insects and grubs maintained throughout the winter months. In other words, increasing ‘efficiency’ in land management may be a major cause of this recent major decline in the population of starlings. situation is far from good. Starling One factor which seems to work is Reasons for this decline are currently for local authorities to subsidise farmers under extensive debate. As well as to set aside parts of their land to develop issues of climate change (which seems million arriving here annually from the naturally. This has been spectacularly relatively unlikely here) and loss of food near continent in mid September onwards. successful with the survival and increase of supply due to changes in agricultural Scotland holds around 22% of the UK the corncrake in the Western Isles and also practices, other factors such as reduction population of starlings, which are seen in the numbers of barnacle geese arriving in available nesting sites as old buildings most frequently in the east of the country there to overwinter. Perhaps it would also are renovated and upgraded, increasing and along the Solway Firth whilst being benefit the starlings were we to adopt numbers of cats roaming around gardens absent from much of the Cairngorm and this policy more widely. Wouldn’t it be and even the change from leaded to the North West mountain ranges. wonderful if the large supermarket chains unleaded fuel have all been considered as possible contributing factors. One thing Climate changes could also be persuaded to contribute to the preservation of our countryside and we in the valley might consider to assist Early in the 18th century numbers of wildlife in this way by offering more them is erecting communal nest boxes in breeding starlings fell dramatically, support to the sources of much of their our gardens in the hope that they may be coinciding with a period of particularly profits – the farmers? encouraged to return and form a familiar severe winters. Interestingly, the Hebridean sight once again in our area. Being colonial and Shetland subspecies was only mildly Human population patterns affect nesters, sparrows prefer a series of nesting affected, presumably due to the effect of sparrows boxes (e.g. at least six in close proximity) the Gulf Stream on the local climate. By The common House Sparrow is also to be effective at attracting them to stay the 1760s the mainland subspecies was experiencing a major population crash and breed. That they too now feature in showing signs of recovery, probably from at present. Current figures suggest their the Red List of Birds of concern is nothing birds recolonising from England. They population to be around 750 000 breeding short of a tragedy. 17 Flying high in Balfron

brother Archibald attended boarding school in Edinburgh. Frank and Harold later graduated from Glasgow University as marine engineers, while Archibald joined the Royal Field Artillery. In 1905, while living in the family home, Elcho House in Balfron, they built their first glider and later at least one powered aircraft. They attempted to Bristol Blenheim fly them in the nearby fields – but were unsuccessful. and was responsible for the development They opened the Grampian of the Bristol Scout, the Bristol Bulldog, Engineering and Motor Company in and later the Bristol Blenheim. Harold, alfron village has been awarded 1906, at Causewayhead in Stirling, and who was a much better pilot, became a the Royal Aeronautical Heritage it was there that they built their biplane, test and training pilot and designer for Award for 2009 in recognition of powered by a Humber engine, which was Vickers. Bthe fact that Frank and Harold Barnwell, successfully flown on 28 July 1909. It Harold died in 1917 while Scotland’s aviation pioneers, spent their only flew 80 yards before it crashed, but experimenting with a newly designed teenage years in the village, where they it is still recognised as Scotland’s first aircraft, while Frank was killed in his own experimented with early aircraft designs. powered flight. plane when it crashed in 1938. Frank’s They were the sons of a managing director They both later moved to England, three sons were also killed during World of Fairfields shipyards, and with their where Frank specialised in aircraft design War II, in planes designed by their father. Fundraising with a swing for Amnesty International Helen Smith, Big Groove Promotions Saturday 17 October. During the afternoon The evening kicks off at 7.00 pm, with there will be a series of samba-style the first act on at 7:30 pm. Entry will be by rotect the Human Week 2009 kicks drumming workshops. All ages from 4 to donation: I suggest £5 for adults, £2 or £3 off on 17 October with hundreds of 104 will be catered for! These will start for concessions. A selection of wine and parties taking place across the UK. at 2pm for the youngest group. Entry by soft drinks will be available, or feel free to PThis is Amnesty International’s big week donation, and I suggest £2 for children and bring your own bottle. of fundraising and campaigning and a great £3 for adults. So bring your purse, grab a bottle opportunity to get involved with the work and come along. Together we can have a of this charity. Samba in the evening great night while raising money for a good For those that don’t know of Amnesty cause. Hope to see you there. International its purpose is ‘to protect From 7.00 pm there will be a night of For more information and to book a people wherever justice, fairness, freedom entertainment interspersed with Amnesty workshop place contact me on 771879. and truth are denied’. Information on information soundbites to give food for You can see my website at www. Amnesty can be found at www.amnesty. thought. My own samba band Barulho Beat biggroovepromotions.co.uk. org.uk. will play and there will be performances I am organising and hosting a Party by Helen Reeves, Fran Schoppler and for Amnesty at the Edmonstone Hall on Fiona Litman. Penny Bunn, Lotte Flack and Building application for the Hazel Nutt moor withdrawn

any people will be aware that, in they could from members of the public in to be viable on this scale and that several June, Edward Pickard submitted the short time available before the original major cost items had been omitted from a planning application to Stirling deadline for responses. Mr Pickard was the budgets provided. They thought the CouncilM to build a house and agricultural given an opportunity to present his case question of welfare for the cattle had been shed on the moor. He argued that, in in full to the Community Council at the overstated by Edward Pickard’s agents order to preserve and manage the moor August meeting. and were not convinced that there was any effectively, he needed to increase the The main thrust of the CC’s response additional need for 24 hour care beyond number of highland cattle. To do this he was to question the justification for the what is already available. In looking at planned to breed his own, for which he said development within the countryside and the projected costs of the venture, LGP he needed to have a stockman living close greenbelt policies; to express concern said that the list of machinery was not in to the animals. about the specific proposed location being keeping with a business of this type; one There was a great deal of opposition to in a prominent position and visible from a might have expected a small stockman this plan. Over eighty letters of objection wide area; to ask for better evidence of the type tractor, not a 120hp tractor, medium were sent to the Council and a petition of environmental benefits of the overall plan; sized excavator or dump truck. The 300 names, opposing the proposal, was and to suggest that, as Mr Pickard owned equipment listed is associated with another handed to the community council to be several other sites within the village enterprise or was purchased for a building/ passed on to Stirling planners; 200 names envelope, one of these could be considered development project, in LGP’s view. were added later. as an alternative location for a manager’s In mid September we learned that Mr The timing of the application was such house. Pickard had withdrawn his application. that the community council was unable Stirling Council asked Lawrence Gould to arrange for any public debate as the Partnership (LGP) for their assessment of committee was in recession for the summer the agricultural justification for Craigend The next issue will be in break. However the planning group held a Farm. LGP was critical of the financial December 2009. The deadline meeting, attended by Mr Pickard. They projections prepared by Bell Ingram. They for articles is 20 November. also attempted to get as much feed back as said that Mr Pickard’s venture was unlikely 18 Autumn glory Susan MacDonald Plant spring-flowering are a native of North America bulbs in pots and sow sweet and come in a dazzling display n Scotland I always feel that by August peas and perennials ready of colours ranging through our summer is on the wane and autumn for next year. When planting yellows to deep rusty oranges, is fast approaching. Although some of bulbs that will come up year red and deep pink. Heleniums youI will disagree, I feel we have had quite after year, it is best to plant like dampish soil (will do a good summer this year. It has certainly them below shrubs or at the well here!) but also like a been warmer and until recently drier. Roses back of the borders so there bright, sunny spot. They have have generally performed better this year is less chance of them being a prominent cone, surrounded due to the earlier drier conditions and the disturbed. Only plant the real by a thick overlapping layer cold winter which killed a lot of the fungal show-stoppers at the front of of wide velvety petals. As the spores etc. Do remember to deadhead roses the border. flower ages, the petals start to keep them flowering, often well into When planting in pots to reflex, attracting masses of the winter. This also applies to all other it is a good idea to layer the Rudbeckia Tiger Eye pollinating insects. flowering plants as this can produce a bulbs to give a succession of I have always found autumn second flush of flowers. flowering. Try purple crocus and daffodils a good time to sort out my borders while Remember, if you have tender plants topped off with winter-flowering pansies, the soil is still warm and I can remember in the garden such as geraniums, dahlias or just plant a pot of tulips for a real splash why I wanted to move something and and begonias, lift them of spring colour. Don’t where it might look better. This led to my and take them indoors. forget if you want hyacinths recent gardening nightmare. A few years Geraniums should be cut in flower for Christmas, ago I planted some alstroemeria in my back and potted, kept on buy and plant them now in herbaceous border – and very attractive the dry side somewhere moist bulb compost. Keep they were. However, this summer I realised cool and frost free. Cut off in the dark until the green they were becoming too invasive and the stems of dahlias and tips start to show and then would have to be tamed. Firstly, I pulled begonias, clean the tubers bring them gradually into them up, but this just brought up the stem, and allow them to dry then the light. then I started to dig up the tubers – and dig pack away until spring. Think ahead to what you and dig, going at least a foot down. Every If you have more exotic might add to your garden to time I thought I had cleared the ground I plants such as banana, give colour and extend the would put the fork in and bring up more tree ferns and palms, Dahlias will keep coming till season of flowers into the pieces. I have had to remove every plant which are susceptible to the frosts if you deadhead autumn. I have recently in that part of the border and either replant winter damage, protect them regularly bought some rudbeckia or pot up and I still have not got the bed them by wrapping them which caught my eye in the cleared. I am afraid to replant too much in horticultural fleece or garden centre. The taller in case it re-appears and I have to start all hessian until frost is past. variety, about 2ft, is called Marmalade over again. Take my advice and forget the Greenhouses should be given a and the lower-growing one Tiger Eye. The alstroemeria unless you buy them as cut thorough clean with Jeyes Fluid (or names give a clue to their colouring of deep flowers for the house. similar) to kill any bugs and made ready golden yellow with dark-brown centres. To ensure good growth and flowers for for indoor plants that need to be wintered. Another good daisy-type flower for this next year, give shrubs and plants a potash Herbs can be potted up to give a fresh time of year is the helenium, named after feed now and you will enjoy the reward it supply throughout the winter season. the beautiful Helen of Troy. These plants brings to your garden.

Council compost Gardening Club ow are you finding the council’s Allotments compost? Gardening Club meetings are held The council advertises its monthly on Fridays in the Kirkrooms compostH as being good for improving and Open Meeting at 7.30. Forthcoming speakers lined up mulching the soil, and says that it results are: in stronger, healthier plants. This does not Thursday 24 September necessarily mean that it works well as a 18 September: John Kinloch, The First planting medium on its own. 8.00 pm Ten Years at Lanercost Have you tried using it as a growing 30 October: Graeme Butler, Rumbling medium for your plants? Let our Master Village Club (Small Room) Bridge Nursery and its own Special Composters Elizabeth and Mary know at Places [email protected]. Meeting to discuss the idea 27 November: Dr David Lawson, of having an allotments site in Garden Birds Progress on local the village New members, and visiting non- development plan For anyone who’d like a members, are very welcome: contact local allotment or wants to help Tom on 771433 or Freda on 770767. s part of producing the local set up allotments in the village development plan which will shape the future of the area, Stirling Gazebo for hire ACouncil has now issued a brief summary of all the expressions of interest it has received. You can see it online at www. next April for more consultation. he Community Development Trust stirling.gov.uk/services/planning/ It’s not too late to send in your views. has a heavy-duty pop-up gazebo settlements_index. There is a community questionnaire that available for individuals or groups to The expressions of interest range from community groups or members of the Tuse in return for a £25 donation per day. general principles to proposals for specific public can send in to make their views The money will be used as a sinking fund sites and buildings. The planners will take known. Download it from www.stirling. for any repairs and eventual replacement. them into account when they draw up their gov.uk/localdevplan. The deadline is 30 The gazebo is 3m by 4.5m. Phone George ‘Main Issues Report’, which is due out October. Thom on 771613. 19 Non-smoker? Jazz up the Mark Twain said that he had more will- practically shifted all of it to find them but power than most people because he had never did. Trossachs stopped smoking hundreds of times. And the day our home was reduced he fourth annual Callander Jazz Jean Souter is trying to follow his to rubble by a landmine. My father’s first and Blues Festival will take place example. thoughts were not for the family silver, in Callander and surrounding areas his books or paintings, or even us for that Tfrom 6 pm on Friday 2 October to 11 pm have stopped smoking. Well, almost. matter, but for his pipe; and on finding on Sunday 4 October. The first cigarette I had I remember it, he took the garden shears and started The festival is rated as the largest was during a heavy raid over London. cutting furiously at the hedge as if each rural festival of its type in Scotland and IIn the early days of the war we would snip was a hair of Hitler’s moustache. one of the major rural events in the UK. troop down to the nearest air raid shelter, For all the years I have smoked, fully With over 50 live gigs staged in some 26 ours being the boiler room of the local aware of the filthy, anti-social habit it is, venues, some of which are located in the grammar school. It was amazing how and now I am going through the agonies most scenic settings in Scotland, there is a comfortable one could become, snuggling of trying to stop. I have eaten carrots great deal on offer: jazz cruising on Loch down into one’s own shape on top of a until my teeth are reduced to prongs. My hundred tons of anthracite. As the sound flavour buds are non-existent from sucking Katrine, lakeside music and fine dining at of falling bombs became nearer the deeper cloves and in desperation I have puffed at the Lake of Menteith, top entertainment one would get until the blast of hot air and my father’s ancient cigar long forgotten in with an incredible view in the David the deafening crash told you that your the back of a drawer, rummaged through a Marshall Lodge at Aberfoyle, and lunch last minutes on earth had come and in the household of pockets in the hope of finding with great jazz on the banks of Loch silence that followed someone was shaking at least half of one. I am weak. I have bought Venachar. you saying, ‘You all right gel? ’ave a fag, a packet. 0h the joy! Strange however; little Big bands, trad bands, sextets, quintets, it’ll do you good.' Well, I had one and it pleasure after so much suffering and now quartets, trios, duos and soloists will all be did. The rot had set in. there is more to get rid of. there to entertain. Was it also the first time for the poor I can be rich, I can be healthier. I can For festival tickets, phone 01877 old refugee who in sheer fright lost his be smart and more beautiful. Tomorrow I 330342 or go to www.ticketweb.co.uk. false teeth in that mountain of fuel? We will stop. John Guthrie Smith Down tools – it’s the brass bell reprints Peter Shaw Newmilns. Ian died a couple or those who n the early sixties the of years ago at the ripe old have tried builders Goodfellow age of eighty. Rene still lives for years in Newmilns but occasionally Fto obtain a copy constructed the houses in CampsieI View and Southview Alister brings her back to of John Guthrie Drives. The site manager, Blanefield to meet old friends. Smith’s book, Ian Morrison, was also When Ian left he gave me ‘The Parish of responsible for marketing. He a large brass bell, which he Strathblane’ lived in Southview Drive for told me was rung at the end without success, nearly forty years. of the working day to let the there is some good Ian was a popular and builders know it was time news. It is available gregarious man. His main to down tools. In exchange I in paper back from leisure interests were in the gave him the cigarette lighter places such as bowling and football clubs, from my car. Ian loved his Abe Books and where he was well liked. Ian Morrison cigarettes, rightly or wrongly, Amazon. Due to ill health, Ian and his and his lighter was broken. A l t h o u g h wife left Blanefield a few years ago to live But I appeared to get the best the copy the editor borrowed was clear near his second son Alister and family in of the bargain. enough to read, the maps and photographs included, it is in effect a photocopy. At around £15 it is slightly cheaper than the A grand day out for the family £150 - £250 or more that you might pay for an original if you can find one. packed programme of fun, family day out for all the family at any time of the events is currently underway at one year, and special events at this exciting and of the country’s most outstanding original attraction provide even greater Singh-ing Brown’s Aand stimulating new visitor experiences: value for an enjoyable and fascinating praises! the historic Stanley Mills complex on the outing. banks of the River Tay. Recent events have included a n 7 November it will be a year Created just a year ago following a ‘Through The Eyes of A Child’ tour: this since Bob and Hardy Singh took £4 million regeneration of Britain’s finest highlighted the key role that girls and boys over Brown’s Shop and they would Olike to thank everyone for the support they surviving early cotton mills, this ‘must- from the local community played in the see’ heritage attraction offers an engaging workings of the mills. Visitors of all ages have given. insight into Scotland’s industrial and social were shown just how important the nimble They are planning to hold a wine- heritage and the history of the local area. fingers of children were to keep the huge tasting event nearer Christmas time, Specially designed to bring the past of machinery working, and what life was probably in November, so look out for the 18th century complex to life and provide like for very young mill workers. And an information. both children and adults with a ‘hands on’ artefact store open day provided visitors There is a new butcher called Gilbert opportunity to have fun learning about with an opportunity to see some historic who has taken over from Jim; and Gordon the mills’ history, the interactive visitor items and memorabilia not normally on Blackadder is still helping out (in between experience incorporates a captivating display to the public. games of golf). blend of working machinery, artefacts, During the October school holidays If you haven’t already found your way exhibits, audio visual displays, and sound Mums and Dads looking for ways of to Brown’s, it’s time you did. recordings to take visitors back to the days keeping their kids amused can bring them when Stanley Mills was the thriving heart along to a series of Family workshops. Jo King, Daisy of the community and a vital part of the Details of dates and times of these events Picking and local and national economy. will be publicised www.historic-scotland. Barb Dwyer Stanley Mills therefore offers a great gov.uk/places. 20 Class of ’48: where are they now? elen Peters provided this Hphotograph of a class at Blanefield School from around 1948 and asks if anyone can fill in the gaps. Back row (l-r): M Campbell, K McDonald, M Campbell, B Gallagher, ...... ; Middle row: ?, ?, Danny Muir, B Gair, ?, G Johnson, J Burgess, Murphy, Grant, ?, Milligan; Front row: ?, R Duncan, D Wright, M McIntyre, V Armstrong, McGregor, S Murray, G Campbell, D Wright, C Stirling, I Wright. If you know any of the missing names, please let the Blane know or contact Helen on 770798. She also has some copies of the photo available.

Cockfighting dominies lead Strathblane kids astray in shock discovery Murray O’Donnell procure a situation in another parish. This was thought an excellent solution of the difficulty, and the Session The end of the 18th century in Strathblane saw some carried out faithfully their part of the bargain by interesting behaviour from schoolteachers that might giving him” an ample certificate in his favour,” dated not be tolerated today. Here is an interesting account 13th July, 1796; and the Presbytery of Dumbarton, from John Guthrie Smith’s book, ‘The Parish of no doubt moved thereto by the Session, also attested Strathblane’. his qualifications. Everything being thus arranged, it was supposed that Mr. Hepburn, in implement of his part t is little wonder, considering how shabbily schoolmasters of the bargain, would at once remove himself from Strathblane were treated in Strathblane up to this time, that they took to some other sphere of usefulness; but this formed no part every means in their power to add to their miserable salaries. of his plan, his character and gifts were certified by Session AccordinglyI we find that here, as in many other parishes and Presbytery, and why should Strathblane lose his valuable in Scotland up to the end of last century, the cruel practice of services? So he declined to leave the parish, and when on the throwing at cocks and cockfights took place annually on Fasterns 28th March, 1797, certain heritors of Strathblane, rendered E’en for the benefit of the schoolmaster. The sports were desperate by the continued loud complaints of the parish, arranged in this way: Every boy who could, brought a fighting brought his conduct before the Presbytery of Dumbarton with a cock to school, and on payment of twopence to the master all view to his dismissal from office, and produced in proof thereof were pitted together, however unequally matched. The cocks that various minutes of heritors and Session meetings, Mr. Hepburn would not fight were the master’s portion, and also those who triumphantly produced the “ample certificate” of the Session died in battle, but the cruelty did not end here. The cocks that and the attestation by the Presbytery of the year before as a would not fight – “Fuggies,” classically so-called – were fastened sufficient answer to all the charges against him.The Presbytery to a stake in the playground and were killed one after another in on inquiry into the whole affair very properly disapproved of the the brutal game of “Cockthrowing,” the charge being a halfpenny Session’s proceedings, and the end of the matter was that Mr. a throw. The master got the halfpennies and the dead birds, and Hepburn was induced to leave the parish, but only in consideration as an encouragement and reward to the scholars when all was of receiving a pension for life from the heritors and Session. over, regaled them with cold punch or other spirituous liquor. “Forced contributions” were also levied in the Do you wish to make your community a form of “gifts” of two or three pence each on Hansel safer place? Monday, or as “an offering” on Candlemas Day, and the scholars were also required to bring with them Can you spare a few hours each daily during the cold season a peat each to keep the weekday? school fire a-burning. Mr. Miller left the parish in Are you of good health and between the 1787, and was succeeded by Benjamin Hepburn. ages of 18 & 75 years? atters scholastic did not improve in Strathblane If the answer is YES to these questions, Mduring: Mr. Hepburn’s tenure of office, you too could become part of Stirling and accusations of neglect of the children and of Councils School Crossing Patrol team. intemperance became at length so heavy and frequent For more information, please contact that the Session and heritors in 1796 seriously thought Stirling Council on 0845 277 7000 of proceeding against him with a view to his removal; but at this juncture Mr. Hepburn suggested that, to Your Local Primary Needs You! avoid scandal, he would voluntarily retire, provided he received such a certificate as would enable him to Reserves also required 21 Food waste collection Council scheme soon to reach Strathblane Elizabeth Normand ‘We do not yet have a firm date for of the page. Who knows, if you want it delivery of a food waste collection caddy sooner, and enough of you ring the council f you’ve read the most recent edition to your area. We expect you’ll be able to to say so (0845 277 2700), maybe they’ll of the Stirling Focus magazine, you’ll start getting your food wastes (including bring our start date forward?! know that the Council’s food waste meat, fish and plate scrapings) uplifted There is still a role for composting and collectionI scheme is being rolled out every week over the next few months, processing food waste at home, both for gradually across the region. This is great but please don’t start until you get a grey having the end product to use in gardens, news, as food waste accounts for about a bucket (caddy). Initially, we’ll be giving and to reduce ‘waste miles’ (the reverse of third of the average grey bin waste (i.e. 10-litre caddies and biodegradable liners food miles). At present, Stirling Council’s waste going to landfill) in Stirling region to houses presenting a recycling box, so food waste is transported to a holding at present, so landfill will be reduced please remember to put yours out every facility at Lower Polmaise initially, before substantially, and relatively easily, by this week. Please check back regularly to stay going on to West Calder for processing, new collection. Reducing landfill helps the informed. Thank you.’ but there are plans to develop additional/ environment and saves your money, since Apparently the Council hopes to alternative systems to allow processing tax on landfill affects us all. have food waste collection in our area by within the region eventually. The article provided a website for around Christmas, which would be ideal If you can’t wait, and want to start further information – www.stirling. considering that festive entertaining may processing food waste at home but don’t gov.uk/foodcollection – but you won’t generate additional waste. You can check know where to start, contact the Compost be able to check the rollout timetable for updates over time at www.stirling.gov. Clinic to speak to a Master Composter from here. According to the Council’s uk/my/addresses/add/search. You need to ([email protected]. website, the current status for our local enter your address (follow the instructions) uk, or phone Eve Keepax on 01786 collection is as follows: and click on ‘bins’ in the menu top left 449215).

Compost Energy efficiency project begins corner ‘Cutting Carbon, Cutting Costs’ Elizabeth Normand and Keith Hutton, Blane Valley Carbon Neutral Group Mary Brailey ny time • Offer of assistance to get the f r o m benefit of lower-cost social tariffs Q: What’s worse than having to cut grass the end on energy bills, depending on all summer? Aof September, circumstances. A: Not being able to cut it because of you can expect • Offer of assistance to get appropriate incessant rain ... a call from the grants e.g. for installation of Yes, the joke’s about as bad as Strathblanefield energy-saving insulation. August’s weather but, on a cheerier note, E n e r g y • Offer of additional in-depth review the council is rolling out its food waste E f f i c i e n c y of possible energy-saving measures collection service across Stirling region, Project. By the (detailed thermographic survey, so those of you who have a lot of material time you’ve had renewable energy etc.). unsuitable for composting will be able to Energy advisors Phil a visit from one Process take advantage of this, hopefully in time Graves & Alan Sharpe of the energy for Christmas (see ‘Food waste collection’ advisors, you You will receive a letter explaining about article above). could be well the project, and proposing a date and time The compost clinic has been quiet on the way to making great savings on for the survey at your home. If you wish to but then everybody has such busy lives the energy you spend heating your home take part – great! If not, then just call the over the summer. We’re available for – savings in cash to benefit your bank freephone number provided in advance or consultations throughout the year, as balance and savings in carbon emissions to tell the advisor when he comes – there is no you can (re)start composting at any time: benefit the planet. compulsion. [email protected]. The Energy Efficiency Project is The thermographic photos have to be Subsidised compost bins are still available entirely a community initiative, instigated taken at night, when the conditions are from the Government’s scheme, if you’ve by the Blane Valley Carbon Neutral right, i.e. dry and cold. To keep costs down, not already taken up this offer: www. Group, who have applied for, and won, we will try to take all the photos in as few wasteawarescotland.org.uk. project funding of £106,885 from the nights as possible. On the nights that they Did anyone spot the discrepancy Climate Challenge Fund. We are working are to be taken, the police will be notified, between the last Compost Corner and in partnership with Solas Insulation, a not- and posters will be put up in the village. for-profit community business, who will the article ‘Free compost from Balfron’? People Apparently you do have to take your own carry out the project between now and the bags, as well as shovels, but the compost end of 2010. The advisors, who have been employed is still free to uplift whenever the Balfron What will happen from the community to carry out the work, recycling centre is open (from Monday to are Phil Graves and Alan Sharpe. They Friday 5.00 – 7.45 pm, and on Saturday A free energy survey and appropriate advice have undertaken detailed training, and will 10.00 am – 1.45 pm). to every household in the community. This be managed and mentored by Solas, who One of has had success growing will consist of: are very experienced in carrying out this blackcurrant cuttings in council compost, • A home visit to discuss the energy type of work. Jim Percival of Solas will but we’ve heard someone else say that they usage and to complete a standard also be working in the area, and Graham had no success growing plants in it, in national energy questionnaire. McLennan of Solas is managing the project. which case it’s best to use it as a mulch or • Review of appropriate energy Solas can be contacted on 0800 616203, and a soil improver. We’ll be interested to see efficiency options. you can find out more about them at www. how other people have got on. • Review of a coloured thermal solas.biz. Here’s hoping for a drier autumn, but image of the front of the property There will be a project launch at the don’t let your compost heap/bin dry out – to assess if there are any major Primary School, so watch out for local sorry, another bad joke! cost-saving opportunities. press coverage! 22 the ambulance and taken to hospital. new National Park was created, but I’ll Mountain Rescue It is interesting to consider for a have to defer to our local mountain rescue moment how the team is called out to statistics expert Bob Sharp on whether a rescue. When an incident is initiated this is real or just perceived. by a call from an injured or lost person, One area that we don’t discuss often in they should phone 999 and ask for The Blane is our involvement in providing police/mountain rescue. The police safety cover for mountain and hill races. have a statutory responsibility for all Every year we cover around half a dozen incidents in the ‘wilds’ and will call races, including the longstanding Ben out the relevant mountain rescue team Lomond race, which this year became a and request helicopter backup from the bit of an epic, with snow falling on the hill military if required. If an ambulance is during the race even although it was held Martin McCallum needed to evacuate the injured person in mid-May. (The record for this event is they will also organise this. one hour two minutes, that’s for up and he summer brought a return to our down!). familiar stomping ground of Ben nfortunately people who are injured For the first time this year we assisted Venue. We have once again had Uin the mountains will often call 999 on the West Highland Way race. This Tseveral call-outs due to people becoming and ask for an ambulance. While this is sets off at 1 am on a June morning from lost on the north () side of an understandable response in an urban Milngavie and allows a maximum of Ben Venue. They assume there may be an setting, it can create delay in a more 35 hours to cover the 95 miles to Fort easy way off the hill via the loch side but remote/rural location. This year we have William. The record for the event is an there is no such path. In fact the ground been involved in a number of incidents unbelievable 15 hours 44 minutes. On close to the loch side has some steep where this has happened and it is only when these races the majority of the time we are ground and crags and is best avoided. The ambulance service personnel have located dealing with cuts, grazes and blisters, but location of the path is at a height of around the casualty it is realised that assistance is the Ben Lomond race in particular often 300 metres at the Bealach nam Bo. Most required from mountain rescue to evacuate gives a head injury or two as runners hurl team members are very familiar with this the injured person. In an emergency it’s themselves downhill at incredible speeds. path, especially in darkness and in the rain. sometimes difficult to think clearly, but if Many of you will consider those who take Perhaps one day we should try going there you have an incident in the hills, or even in part in these races as completely mad (and in daylight .... a remote lowland area, it is best to ask for I couldn’t possibly comment), but as we We also had a rescue close to the village. the police when you dial 999. The police have a number of team members who take A lady had lost her footing on steep grass will then use their wide knowledge and part in these events then ... on Dumgoyne and had suffered a suspected experience of the area to organise the most ankle fracture. Although there was a delay appropriate emergency service response. Top tip: in the team being called (more of that The welfare of the casualty must be given All the runners who take part in hill races the highest priority. must have a windproof jacket and trousers later), team members were quickly on the as well as a whistle. Many races also insist scene armed with emergency kit which We’ve also had a couple of recent incidents in what we consider fairly on torches and bivi equipment being carried is kept in a location in Blanefield. The by all competitors. The runners generally ambulance service and the police were in innocuous locations. The team has been want to run as light as possible and so use attendance, but the ambulance helicopter called out for people lost in the Queen bumbags to carry their emergency gear. It which landed close to Dumgoyne was Elizabeth Forest Park (the second time shows that with a little care and research it unable to evacuate the injured lady due this year for this kind of incident) and is possible to find lightweight equipment to the steepness of the terrain. The team for walkers lost on the West Highland for going on the hill, which really gives no lowered her on a stretcher to our waiting Way. There certainly seems to be a bit excuse for going totally ill-equipped, even Land Rover, where she was transferred to of a rise in this kind of incident since the for a ‘wee walk up the Campsies’. Walking Loch Lomond and the Trossachs A Cicerone Guide by Ronald Turnbull A review by Dr Bob Sharp, Scottish the book is divided logically into nine I have lived for 40 years. The author’s Mountain Rescue sections – Trossachs, Callander and Loch writing style is uncomplicated. It all Lubnaig, Balquidder and , makes sense and there is nothing dated his book, published in 2009, price to Inverarnon, , Ben about any of the descriptions. The sturdy £12.95, is one of the latest in a long Lomond, Loch Lomond West, Arrochar plastic cover means it will wear well and line of Cicerone Guides. The author Alps and finally Glen Coe to Loch Goil. the short, informative route accounts Tis well regarded for his writing and has won A brief look at some of the long distance make it very practical to take with you a number of prestigious awards. Although routes such as the West Highland Way is and refer to as the walk unfolds. The OS he doesn’t live in the area, it is clear he has also included. map sections (1:50,000) are reproduced an intimate knowledge of all the major and The description of each route follows a in full size. minor routes that track across the hills, as standard pattern. Readers are taken along Overall, well as the many issues involving access, the route and are directed to particular a quality route finding, travel, accommodation, sections of interest or features such as publication, geology, flora and social history. Some path junctions, newly felled forest and s u p e r b l y of these topics, including a look at safety knolls to help route finding and navigation. illustrated, matters, are given a concise treatment in Superb colour photographs and OS map e x t r e m e l y the first thirty or so pages. Specific details sections with routes superimposed all informative, about routes, maps, access and car parking help to provide a concise and informative and I suspect are dealt with throughout the book as each account. The author has added his own that many route is described. ‘spin’ to many routes with comment people living The book looks at hill and mountain about exposure, quality of path and route in the area routes across the length and breadth of the ‘difficulty’. Every route is accompanied would find a new National Park, from Tyndrum in the with a quick summary stating start/finish few gems of north to Drymen in the south; Callander grid references, distance, travel time, k nowle d ge in the east to the Cowal peninsula in the ascent, distance, description of terrain and and new west. The area includes 21 of Scotland’s required OS maps. routes to Munros as well as numerous Corbetts I found this book a very interesting explore in the and lesser peaks. Within this large area, read. I learned a lot about the area in which local hills. 23 Wine troubleshooting John Boyle blend with a bottle of grape juice or apple When all is fermenting well, again add an juice to make a drinkable plonk. I prefer to equal quantity of the wine, and continue ometimes things can go wrong throw the lot away and sterilise everything the process until the whole is fermenting when making or blending your own in sight! once more. Adding nutrient to the bulk and keeping at 21°C will help. wine. It may be you have no wines Flowers of wine Ssuitable for blending but still have wines Metallic flavour that you wish to improve, or wines which Powdery, whitish flecks appear on the have minor faults. Whilst something surface of the wine and if left unchallenged Sometimes encountered when wines have must be said about faults and diseases will rapidly increase and will turn your been made with tinned fruit, juice, or of wine, it should be emphasised at once wine first into carbon dioxide and then to concentrate, or when ferrous metals have that several of these disasters which can water. It is caused been allowed prolonged befall your wines are rarely encountered. by an organism contact with the wine. Commonsense precautions and cleanliness like yeast, Remedy: avoid ‘unsafe’ will ensure that your wines are sound, and mycoderma, an metals. you may never need to refer to these tips. I aerobic bacterium, hope you do not! and is usually the Failure to clear result of admitting Formation of vinegar Usually the result of over- too much air to the boiling the ingredients or … or acetification. This will normally fermenting vessel. of hastening unduly the only occur in conditions of extremely Remedy: remove as initial straining, which bad storage, and in the presence of air. much of the surface should be both slow and So keep your bottles full. If noticed in its flecks as possible, thorough. Remedy: move early stages – there is a very slight smell of filter through wine into cold place for vinegar and an acid taste – it can probably u n m e d i c a t e d two or three weeks and see if it clears. be halted by adding one Campden tablet cotton-wool or filter papers, introduce If not, try filtering or Bentonite using a per gallon, waiting 24 hours, and then some vigorous fresh yeast, and fill the good wine finings, such as Winecleer. If introducing a vigorously fermenting fresh fermenting bottle as full as possible to these fail, try pouring into the top quarter yeast. In the later stages the smell of vinegar exclude all air. If fermentation is complete of the bottle some clear wine of the same will be pronounced, and indeed what you before it occurs, filter and add Campden variety. This will often carry down the have now is wine vinegar. Remedy: use it tablet. If a substantial film has formed suspended solids. for cooking or pour it down the drain! there is no remedy. Sometimes a wine will smell vinegary but not taste acid, and this is the effect Ropiness of ethylacetate, produced by wild yeast The wine takes on a repellent, oily present on the fruit. Prevent this by adding appearance, and pours very slowly, like Been through a one Campden tablet per gallon 24 hours treacle, but the taste is unaffected. The break-up? before your chosen yeast. wine will look rather like the raw white of an egg and in it will appear rope-like Help others affected by divorce Over-sweetness coils – hence the name. This is the work or separation The bugbear of the beginner. It can be of the lactic acid bacterium. Remedy: whip avoided by not using too much sugar the wine into a froth in a polythene bucket, Heart to Heart, the Callander-based initially and always using a nutrient. add two crushed Campden tablets per support organisation for people who Remedy: blend the wine with one from gallon and filter. have been affected by divorce or similar ingredients which is over-dry, or separation, is looking for volunteers. with dry rhubarb wine, which will take Too dry Heart to Heart recruits volunteers up its flavour. See also ‘Low Alcohol If for immediate drinking sweeten wine in from within its client group, so that Content’. Alternatively, try to get it to decanter or jug; usually a dessertspoon of they understand what people are ferment further, as you would a ‘stuck’ sugar will suffice. If for storage or show going through. wine. Three methods: add sugar syrup and 50 p.p.m sulphite or Volunteers can help by assisting 1. Add nutrient, particularly Vitamin sweeten with lactose, glycerine, Sorbitol, with administration, being a support B1. Stir; put in warm place. Add fresh Hermesetas or Sweetex but be careful not worker on support courses, vigorous yeast. to overdo it. (These are non-fermentable.) fundraising, carrying out research, 2. Put on to lees of a must which has Saccharin is apt to impart a bitter taste. providing a listening ear: the fermented vigorously and just been racked. Medicinal flavour opportunities are endless. They are supported through regular volunteer 3. Add a cupful of vigorously fermenting The result of insufficient acid in the must. must. meetings and one-to-one volunteer If the fault is but slight, the addition of a support. ‘Mousey’ wine little citric acid to the finished wine may help, but if the flavour is pronounced little If you are interested, please A horrible odour of ‘mice’ instantly can be done. contact Lynne on 01877 339966 or detected if a drop is rubbed on the palm of [email protected]. the hand and smelt. It is that of acetamide, Mustiness produced by spoilage bacteria. You can Usually caused by standing overlong on try charcoal – 1 tablespoon to the gallon. baker’s yeast or by musty casks. 2 Shake occasionally. When the smell has CO threat from spam disappeared – together, probably, with Low alcohol content pam emails are responsible for as much the colour and flavour! – rack and filter. Usually allied to over-sweetness. If it is Sgreenhouse gas emission each year as At least you have saved the alcohol. Then the result of a fermentation having ceased 3.1 million cars, research for the computer prematurely, adding fresh yeast direct will protection company McAfee has shown. rarely succeed, since it will be inhibited by Globally, spam uses 33 billion kilowatt the alcohol present. Remedy: make up half- hours a year – enough to power 2.4 Terry Bull, a-pint of fresh juice with 1 oz sugar and million homes. The study found that the Paige Turner and some fresh yeast and nutrient as a ‘starter’. UK was the joint fourth biggest emitter of Justin Case When it is fermenting vigorously add an CO2 from spam in the world, with 50,000 equal quantity of the low-alcohol wine. tonnes a year. 24 New headteacher Raising a Sandra Logan, Headteacher, laugh Strathblane Primary School trathblane Primary Fundrais- s the newly appointed headteacher ers would like to thank ev- of Strathblane Primary School eryone who bought a copy of I look forward to meeting and Sthe school children’s joke book. We Aworking with the community of Strathblane hope you had a good laugh. There are still a and Blanefield. The school is already in the few copies left, so if you would like to find privileged position of having very positive out how children’s humour has changed, partnerships with many community groups or not changed, over the years, then pop and organisations including the Burns down to the library and pick up a copy. All Association and the library; I look forward money raised will go towards school funds. to extending and strengthening those And here are some samples: partnerships. The pupils have been friendly and extremely welcoming. I have already had What’s an ig? An Eskimo’s house without a the pleasure of meeting many parents. loo. - Layla Marshall The committed staff team at the school Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? have made me feel very welcome; it is In case he got a hole in one. - Eddie Wallace my intention to build on the good practice headteacher in a small rural school in already in place at Strathblane Primary Dumfries and Galloway and continued as What happens when you drop a piano School and work with staff, parents and headteacher of Garlieston Primary School down a mine shaft? You get A flat minor. - pupils to further improve the school. for nine years. In 2003 I was appointed as Anna McCallum One of my first tasks will be to lead headteacher of Primary School and the school community in embedding the in 2007 this post was extended to include Two people deliver a piano to the 5th floor agreed school values of respect, honesty, Crianlarich Primary School. in a big house. One says to the other, “I’ve responsibility, fairness and co-operation. I now look forward to building got good news and bad news. First the I have a wide experience of working relationships with the community of good news: we’ve made it to the 4th floor. in primary schools. I’ve worked as class Strathblane and Blanefield to help the The bad news: we are in the wrong house.” teacher and a senior teacher in large staff team at the school nurture pupils to - Caspar Schwahn schools in Glasgow, as well as taking on become creative individuals, responsible the role as teacher of additional support. citizens, effective contributors and Plenty more where that came from. In 1994 I took up the post as a teaching successful learners. Macmillan Coffee Morning Friday 25th September 10.00 - 11.30 Strathblane MUGA update in the school hall. Tickets £1.00 Linda Barclay application to Sportscotland is not proceeding. n the last issue of The Blane, we consistent with the prior advice received We believe that the application that was announced that we had raised about 30% from the Sports Facility Fund panel. We are submitted to Sportscotland was outstanding of the funding for the Strathblane MUGA requesting a meeting with them to discuss and that the outcome reflects the economic project,I including a provisional grant of in detail our concerns and to determine reality rather than the quality of the £15,000 from the Stirling Council Local if we can reapply in the future. We will proposal. Notwithstanding the outcomes of Community Development Fund (LCDF) await the outcome of and £5,000 from the Clackmannanshire this meeting, though and Stirling Environmental Trust (CSET). it is unlikely that Subsequently, in June we applied to good arguments will Sportscotland for a further 50% of the funds prevail in times of required for the project. The proposal was economic difficulties. assessed and the judgement returned was In the face of this, we that the project cannot move forward to are considering an stage 2 because it is not regarded as a high alternative option to enough priority; the shortfall in identified spend the money that funding was too large, and they were has been secured on concerned about the limited contribution to draining the school the project by the local authority. field. This is a major setback. The issues that The school playing face us now are: field has been in a poor • The grant of £15,000 from state for many years the LCDF was conditional on us and is of little use to demonstrating substantial progress in the primary school accessing additional funding by the end of and the extended August and on us delivering the MUGA in community. It appears This mower had to be dug out of the the boggy playing field in June this financial year. that, after preliminary last year. Drainage is desperately needed. • Even if we try to appeal or discussions with both resubmit, Sportscotland is unlikely to the LCDF and CSET, we may be able to our meeting, we need to make the best of fund a project which does not have strong use the grant monies, which totals £20,000, the present situation. If it is the only option, financial support from the local authority. to fund the drainage work. In addition, we can drain the field to create a significant Stirling Council has informed us that, Stirling Council has indicated that they useable green space in the village for the due to major government cutbacks, in the might be prepared to help manage such a benefit of the school and the community. foreseeable future, the largest grant we can project. This could be further developed in the apply for is £1,000. We also have full support from the future, either with a MUGA-type facility new headteacher of Strathblane Primary or less expensive options such as a compact What are we going to do? and would seek the approval of the five-aside football pitch and/or seating and We feel that the judgement of our newly appointed Parent Council before games areas. 25 LIBRARY years to get him along to Stirling but he has the library any time! been worth waiting for! As ever, I was delighted by the breadth Our Book Group has resumed for this of reading tastes represented in the group. year’s session and has already provided If you have ever wanted to chat about books us with a list of ‘must read’ titles. One in a lively, friendly and very informal highly recommended title was Stephen way, let me urge you to join us. We meet Galloway’s ‘The Cellist of Sarajevo’. The on the third Tuesday of every month at 8 afterword of the book tells of this true pm and, even if you haven’t read the book incident: under discussion for the month, there are ‘At four o’clock on the afternoon on 27 always other titles that get put forward and May 1992, during the siege of Sarajevo, discussed. several mortar shells struck a group of We now have ready for sale a calendar

CORNER people waiting to buy bread ... twenty-two for 2010 with photographs of the Stirling people were killed ... For the next twenty- area looking at its most beautiful throughout two days Vedran Samilovic, a renowned the year. Many of you have relations and local cellist, played Albinoni’s Adagio in friends abroad and this is a lovely present G Minor at the local site in honour of the to consider sending out to them. It either Lynne James dead.’ reminds them of home or makes them wish Around this, Stephen Galloway weaves they could come and visit! his story of the lives of three people as they y the time you are reading this article, struggle to live we will be resting on our laurels in a city under after our third ‘Big Issue’ day as part siege. Bof Stirling’s 2009 Book Festival. As ever, For this, or the festival strives to let people meet some any other title of the names behind their favourite books you want to and we were very lucky to get Ian Rankin find out about, to be our opening author. It has taken three come down to Showstoppers at the Kirkrooms Strathblane Parish Church Holiday Club Lynne James

or three mornings in the final week of the school holidays, the Kirkrooms were inundated with over 50 The holiday club team are smiling. Was this taken at the beginning or children as part of this year’s Holiday Club. the end of the week? FShowstoppers, as the club was known, gave the children the chance to play games, make a puppet theatre, watch plays, heard over the three days for their mums and dads. The supper bring home loads of crafts, sing lively praises and hear great Bible afterwards was delicious and much enjoyed by everyone, but stories. A large team of helpers of all ages from the church gave some of the evening’s highlights were definitely Goliath’s slow- up their time to help decorate the halls, make snacks, prepare motion deathly collapse, Daniel’s very enthusiastically hungry crafts and join in the fun with the children each morning. lions and a huge orange shark appearing as part of God’s creation! It was a really happy time for everyone and on the final night We hope to hold another afternoon event in the winter months the children put on performances of the Bible stories they had which will run along the same lines, so watch out for news of that.

Oxfam book bank – gone! Bob Sharp books, plastic bags and broken cassette now been removed. tapes were strewn across the car park and I think it’s a brilliant idea to recycle ’m unsure how long but there’s been an adjoining path. A couple of weeks passed books and the like, and I know there Oxfam book bank outside the library before a couple of kind souls cleared up are many good people who support for some time – perhaps a year or more. the mess. Despite an Oxfam representative such causes as Oxfam. However, it is Well,I you may be interested to know that it promising on two occasions that the book incumbent on these organisations to has now gone and only a bare patch of soil bank would be empted within a couple of make sure that the banks are emptied in marks its former home. weeks, nothing happened. a timely and proper way. I don’t think it’s Back in February I contacted Oxfam Eventually, I contacted Lee Hart, the appropriate for any organisation to rely to let them know their bank was full to Oxfam Donation Banks Co-ordinator, who on local people to advise when banks overflowing and could it be emptied. In said the problem would be sorted and that need to be emptied. If anyone wishes to fact, not only was it full but the ‘letter box’ Stirling Council would be asked to relocate follow up this matter with Lee Hart then was wedged open with the books inside, the bank. I have to say that this was not he can be contacted at 02380 514030 or leaving the contents vulnerable to the my request. I think the bank serves a very [email protected]. elements. useful purpose and many well-meaning While I was engaging in a great deal people clearly donate many books in good of to-ing and fro-ing with Oxfam, things condition to Oxfam. However, Lee says: continued to get worse. Several weeks ‘This is one of the few occasions where Mary Christmas, went by and nothing happened, and in Oxfam has sited a bank, and unfortunately, Anna Sasin and the meantime several plastic bags full due to location and available local Oxfam Doug Hole of books began to queue up outside the resources, were not able to reach our own bank. They were soon vandalised, and minimum service levels.’ The bank has 26 Beading Mad Jewellery Parties Design & make earrings, necklaces, bracelets Ideal for all ages ****** Ruth Reynolds  0141 956 6909 mob: 07770596297

We wish to reflect the views and opinions BLANE TEAM T R Electrical Services of the whole community without including Tommy Reynolds anything that would offend anyone. We Morag Roy 770863 Electrical & Air would emphasise that the views expressed [email protected] Conditioning Installations in the Blane are not necessarily those of  the editor and he retains the right to have Murray O’Donnell 770748 mob: 07988639981 the final say on any articles included. [email protected]  0141 956 6909 [email protected] Disclaimer Alastair Smith 770120 While we do our best not to accept [email protected] advertisements from irresponsible If you have any news items, please companies or individuals, we do not take Mary Brailey 771613 contact one of the team or the editor (see responsibility for those that appear in [email protected] page 2 for details). If you are not confident the newsletter and expect our readers to at writing but would like to have an article exercise due care when choosing to use Patsy Fischbacher 770716 in the newsletter, we can help by editing it one of the services found on these pages. [email protected] or writing it if you give us the information. 27 Recent graduates Where am I?

Vittorio Cornacchia of Craigfern Drive, Amy Dorothy MacLean, former Balfron Answer below left graduated at Glasgow University with an High pupil, graduated at the University honours degree in Computing Science. of Huddersfield with a BA with honours in

Music with Creative Writing. Husband and wife

just after Milndavie Crescent. Milndavie after just Rob (a banker) and

I? is: Up Mugdock Road on the right, right, the on Road Mugdock Up is: I? Sue (lawyer) Mee The answer to the question ‘Where am am ‘Where question the to answer The No! not them below! Drager–Thomas

Michael & Lindsay Drager n Friday 29 May, Lindsay Thomas and Michael Drager were married on a beautiful summer’s day in the garden of Lindsay’s family home at Townhead Oof Auchengillan. Lindsay and Michael were surrounded by Hom e v isit s c a n b e family and friends who had made the trip from far and wide, arranged to suit making this perfect day more special. 13

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