July/August 2011

£1 The Bridge The Community Newsletter for Doune & Deanston MEDCO PULLS BACK DEANSTON HOUSING: NEW Moray Estates Listens to SHOCK Community Voice Barely weeks after MEDCO announced a tactical withdrawal from their Doune development plans, the community has been stunned “We are going to withdraw our objection.” With these words by news of a fresh proposal. Aberdeen based developers, Stewart Andrew Howard, Managing Director of Moray Estates Milne, are seeking to overturn Stirling Council’s Local Plan, with Development Company (MEDCO) put an end to the anxiety of our a view to building up to 200 houses on two sites at Deanston. One entire community. On 23 June at a busy public meeting in the Muir site is in the grounds of Deanston House and the other is on ground Hall the major landowner in this wee bit of Scotland faced villagers between Murdo Murchison’s Car Sales and the Lochill Industrial who had made clear their views of what that landowner proposed. Park. And they learned that the landowner had backed down. Members of Kilmadock Community Council held an emergency It might be helpful to consider the timetable of events as they meeting on Monday 11 July to discuss how to respond to the unfolded. situation, with members of Community Action for Deanston in attendance. As the news had broken over the weekend, 2010/11:- Stirling Council review their Local Development Plan Community Council members barely had time to digest the 49 and conclude that, once the current Doune Riggs development is page document submitted by Stewart Milne’s Agents to Stirling complete, no more major housing development should be allowed. Council. In their draft Local Plan for the next ten years, Stirling Kilmadock Community Council respond indicating their approval Council have proposed that Doune and Deanston are given rural of this conclusion. MEDCO lodge objections arguing for future village status with a moratorium on further housing development, development in Wood of Doune and in the fields lying east of the to allow the communities to absorb the current additions of 57 Doune Riggs site. This is all published in the Main Issues Report houses in Deanston and 153 houses in Miller Homes’ Doune Riggs issued by Stirling Council on 22 April 2011. development. In essence, Stewart Milne are urging Stirling Council to tear up this proposal and revert to treating Doune and Deanston 11 April-16 May: MEDCO representatives attend Community as a Rural Centre in order to allow further major expansion. Council to announce their proposals for community consultation over their plans. They begin to distribute information packages to Continued on page 2 every household. The Community Council organises a door-to-door survey of every household.

17 May: Introductory Presentation by MEDCO to an irate audience in the packed Muir Hall.

18/19 May: Consultative workshops examine the practicalities of many options.

Late May/Early June: The Bridge reveals the Community Council Survey is overwhelmingly opposed to any further development. Steps are taken to organise an action group to oppose MEDCO’s plans.

And then: Before a full audience in the Muir Hall on 23 June Lord Doune The Doune Gala Queen Eirinn Gillespie and her court Continued on page 2 (See pages 12, 13 and 14)

1 MEDCO withdraws continued Deanston housing shock continued stood up and admitted that he had completely misread the feelings The recent survey organised by KCC showed an overwhelming of the community. He had been away too long and had lost his majority of respondents opposed to the scale of the MEDCO understanding of the community in which he had been reared. He development so, with the support of the members of CAFD who wanted to repair that and to restore the trust that had been lost. He were present, it was felt unnecessary to undertake a second survey apologised for failing the community and said that he hoped that the before reacting to the new developments. KCC will contact Stirling future would bring a greater bond between the estate and the people Council by letter to set out the same objections which were used living in the area. against the MEDCO proposal. The KCC will also urgently seek a It was then the turn of MEDCO’s Managing Director, Andrew meeting with all three of our local council representatives to ensure Howard who immediately took the wind from the protesters’ that they represent us when the Local Plan goes to full council for sails by endorsing the words quoted above. The current crisis consideration at the end of the summer. was over. He then went on to explain that at the next opportunity MEDCO would be seeking a review of the planning status The danger inherent in the situation is that if the Council were around Doune. While the company accepted that there was no to reconsider the Local Plan, not only would this encourage the prospect of developing housing in the Wood of Doune, it still saw Stewart Milne development, but it would also open the door to a potential in the field east of Doune Riggs. He produced some renewed MEDCO approach, so the stakes are becoming worryingly very attractive illustrations of the kind of quasi-townscapes which, high. This is no time for complacency. they claim, would blend with the historic buildings at the heart of Doune. These would inevitably creep up the hill towards the Ken Russell Commonty. With that as a target, MEDCO would adopt a strategy aimed at carrying the community with it. As John Doune had said MEDCO did not want to be seen as an ordinary developer, but as an organisation which went hand in hand with the community and which would be on the other end of the phone for anyone with anxieties.

The company’s strategy would be to consult with the community and try to assist with issues like the local infrastructure. As a first Do you need a new home in any of these areas ? step there would be close communication with the Community Council and the development of a joint approach to address Aberfoyle Deanston Gartmore Lochearnhead concerns about the infrastructure and the environment. Thereafter, Balfron Doune Killin Strathyre the company would develop its plans in such a way as would Buchlyvie Drymen Kippen Stronachlachar take full cognisance of the views of the community. That said, Callander Gargunnock Kinlochard Tyndrum

MEDCO was quite clearly a commercial organisation and would If so, Rural Stirling Housing Association may be able to help. press for development on its land. However, Mr Howard gave the clear undertaking that, while they would be seeking a review of the The Association’s aim is to support rural communities by planning position at the first opportunity, no development would be providing affordable good quality homes for people in housing need. We currently have over 500 rented homes and around 30 taking place before 2020 at the very earliest. of these become available for re-let each year. We also build some new homes each year. It was very clear that MEDCO had been shocked by the hostility which met their original plans and the representatives who had For more details and a housing application form please contact faced that first meeting were patently chastened by the experience. us at:

There is no doubt that the survey organised by the Community Rural Stirling Housing Association Council under the leadership of Jimmy Innes was effective in Stirling Road, Doune, FK16 6AA establishing the extent of opposition to MEDCO’s proposals. At the Telephone : 01786 841101 same time the involvement of local politicians must have played a E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.rsha.org.uk role. Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849

Our MSP, Bruce Crawford, Secretary for Parliamentary Business, and Councillor Tony Ffinch, Vice Chair of Planning, both attended Please note that we encourage all applicants to also apply to Stirling Council’s housing list (Tel : 0845 277 7000). Being on the Community Council meeting to discuss the issue, and, while both lists is the best way to maximise your chances of being both quite properly reserved their positions pending any decisions rehoused. which they might have to make, they made it clear that they heard the voice of the community. Provost Fergus Wood was able to assure The Bridge that he was fully aware of the situation and understood the community’s position. ANDREW ANDERSON & SONS In the opinion of this writer, it says much for Moray Estates that FUNERAL DIRECTORS they were able to come before the community to apologise and ask for an opportunity to rebuild the trust lost in recent years. 24 Hour Service It has to be hoped that efforts on both sides can build a close relationship and understanding between the residents of Doune and Prepaid Funeral its hinterland and the major local, and historic, landowner. The fact Plans remains that it took the participation of individuals, the leadership of the Community Council, and the involvement of our elected Monumental Service representatives to achieve this result. As Medco made clear, the pressure on our Kilmadock will increase. It is up to us all to protect Family Run Business the precious community which is our home.

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

Rest Room Address: Glenartney Street, Callander

2 New Residents Welcomed to Doune Riggs the pretty Main Street, we liked it immediately” says Simon. He and Sue have already explored the shops and used The Buttercup The first house on Doune Riggs was handed over to its new owners Café and are looking forward to getting more involved in village on 17 June and a further eight were occupied by the end of the life. “Everyone says hello when you walk along the Main Street month. All of these are in Station Wynd, a road which was given and it feels very friendly” says Sue. its name when Pistolmakers Row and Cadell Loan were built but which, until now, had no houses in it. The one house which a visitor might think was in Station Wynd, Station House, which used to be the Doune Stationmaster’s house, is actually in Balkerach Street. The KDT aim to get a Welcome Pack to all new residents of Doune and Deanston as soon as possible after they move in so packs were left at the Marketing Suite located in one of the two show houses now on the site. The pack contains items which aim to be of use to new residents and includes a copy of The Bridge, the Doune and Deanston Community Paths Guide, the local Directory, information about the KDT and the Kilmadock society and a list of contacts for the range of local clubs and societies.

Letters have been sent out by a firm called DTZ which say they are marketing business plot 2 on the site on behalf of Miller Homes. It says there is currently planning consent for up to 4,000 sq ft of office space.

The Bridge called on The Riggs’ first new residents to get their reactions on moving in. Shown holding a copy of The Bridge, which each new resident to Doune and Deanston receives as a part of the Welcome Pack, Simon and Sue Barlow said they were really looking forward to getting to grips with village life. Coming from York to Doune is a big change, but Sue is originally a Glasgow lassie and won’t find it too difficult. The couple have a young dog and Simon is a keen runner, so the walks and trails around Doune are already a big hit. They found Doune more or less by accident, on driving from Dunblane to Callander. “As soon as we saw the Sue and Simon Barlow in their new house in Bluebell Wood hills from that lovely curving road and then driving into Doune with

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3 Spotlight on the KCC

The June meeting of the Kilmadock Community Council took place on Monday 13 June at the Deanston Primary School. This meeting turned out to be much more interesting than the usual KCC meetings mainly due to the quality of the guest speakers who were able to introduce a fair degree of humour into some serious business.

As well as three local guests we were graced with the presence of Councillor Tony Ffinch and local MSP Bruce Crawford. Chairman Jimmy Innes opened the meeting with his report and reminded the local councillor that no councillors had attended the previous KCC meeting, despite the fact that we now have three Stirling councillors representing us.

Of course the proceedings of the evening were dominated by the recent MEDCO proposals concerning further future development of Doune. The KCC had been most anxious to gauge the feelings of the local community before they made any comment to Stirling Council. A survey had been sent out to all households in the district and 426 out of 500 households had returned their forms to the KCC. The overall result was in the order of 97% against any more development. Bruce Crawford and Tony Ffinch were asked by the KCC for their opinion on both the wording and the result of the survey. Bruce indicated that the return of the survey was quite high by normal standards and the wording had been fair. The fact that the majority of residents were against was discussed by all and it was agreed that that the timing by MEDCO had been very unfortunate considering the position of the current site at Doune Riggs. It was explained to Bruce Crawford that, when Doune Riggs was first mooted, lots of promises about improvements for the local community were made. It now appears that mainly due to the economic downturn, very few of those promises will come to fruition. It was therefore not surprising that the vast majority of the local residents were against any further development at this stage.

Moving on, the KCC paid tribute to those in Stirling Council who had recently put in a great effort to clean the streets of Doune before the advent of the Gala and the Doune the Rabbit Hole festival. Proposed wind turbines on the Thornhill Road were discussed and whilst those present KCC were advised that Thornhill and Blair Drummond had voted in favour of them, the KCC voted to object on a number of grounds, visual aspect being the main one. Councillor Ffinch was pressed on why Stirling Council would not allow the Christmas decorations in Doune to be hung from street lights whilst in Callander they were. The usual answer came back that the Callander street lights were controlled by Transport Scotland whilst those in Doune were Stirling Council’s and the decision had been made on health and safety grounds. Bruce Crawford was reminded about the lack of a pedestrian crossing over the A84, along with the outstanding results of the promised survey on speeding traffic along the stretch in question.. Jim McKenzie explained to Councillor Ffinch the situation concerning the footbridge over the Lade at Deanston and how matters were stalled thanks to Stirling Council.

Finally the meeting drew to a close with a discussion concerning KCC representation to the KDT Board and Alistair Buchanan offered himself to be the representative on behalf of the KCC. We were reminded that there was now a summer recess for the KCC and the next meeting would be on September 12 at the Muir Hall. Birdman

Postcard to Severie

At first sight a Valentine’s postcard depicting the Houses of Parliament wouldn’t seem to have much relevance to Doune but the one Kenny Lauder spotted recently on ebay had been sent in 1935 to a Mrs Picken, c/o Mrs John Forbes, Severie, Doune, Scotland.

The location of Severie is no mystery and the likelihood that someone will know who Mrs Picken was may depend on whether she was living at Severie at the time, or only visiting. The latter seems more likely. The interview with David Cameron of Severie in The Bridge of March 2004 tells us that David’s mother was a Forbes of Cauldhame who died the day he was born and that he was brought up by his aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs John Forbes; so, it is a fair assumption that they were farming Severie.

The card was posted in Watford in June 1935 and the writer, at present, is unknown but that might change. Here is the message:

Many thanks for pc, so sorry I am so late in replying. I am on holiday here with Cissie and Tom, but the others at Park of Keir will be delighted to have you for two or three nights. We are having a great time, in a caravan. Love Chrissie.

If you know anything about Mrs Picken, Cissie, Tom or Chrissie, please call in or ring the Information Centre.

Nigel Bishop

4 ROYALIST ASSAULT ON DOUNE CASTLE

Members of the Marquis of Montrose’s army, fresh from recent success in their quest to control Scotland, took over Doune Castle on Sunday 29 May. Visitors were transported back the year of 1646, when victorious Royalist soldiers from Ireland, the Highlands and the northeast converged on Doune to the sound of gunfire and cannons. The event attracted 427 people.

The Historic Scotland event, part of the Doune & Dunblane Fling celebrations, began with the boom of cannons and an opening parade, followed by a display of musketry skills in the castle courtyard. The afternoon passed to the sound of gunfire from the castle battlements, more cannon shot and a chance to hear the story of Montrose. The soldiers demonstrated their swordsmanship and the day ended with an opportunity for visitors to salute the troops as they marched away.

Palace Fit for a Queen

The fanfares could almost be heard in Doune as Stirling Castle’s dazzlingly refurbished Royal Palace opened to visitors after seven years of closure and £12m worth of restoration. Around 5,000 people flocked to the weekend celebrations held on 4-5 June to see for themselves what is surely set to become one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions.

The Renaissance palace within the castle was built by James Vth for his French wife Mary of Guise in the early 1540s and was the childhood home of their daughter, Mary Queen of Scots. Historic Scotland’s restoration of six of the Palace’s royal apartments to something of their original 16th century glory has been the culmination of a £ multi-million project that has included the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal.

Splendidly decorated on the outside, the Palace interiors have, for the last two centuries, offered visitors little but draughts and the sight of bare stone walls. Not any longer! Today the royal apartments sing with colour from gorgeously painted ceilings, bed hangings and rugs. Star exhibits are four strikingly beautiful tapestries, the first of a specially woven set of seven depicting the 16th century theme of ‘the Hunt of the Unicorn’. Throughout the summer visitors will have the chance to chat to contemporary figures ranging from Mary of Guise to her chambermaid, thanks to a permanent team of costumed performers, on hand to help bring the royal apartments to life.

There really is something here for everyone; children will love the many interactive displays in the vaults below the Palace which allow them, among much else besides, to make 16th century music, try on 16th century clothes and smell 16th century smells. My own favourite innovation was a wonderful new exhibition of 34 of the famous Stirling Heads, the exuberantly carved oak roundels which once decorated a ceiling in the royal apartments.

When history palls, three shops and the castle café have had excellent makeovers. The Bridge attended a special media preview before the grand opening weekend and can only say get yourselves and your guests and children along to Stirling Castle as soon as possible for a brilliant day out!

Juliet McCracken

Images of the Royal Palace at Stirling Castle by Diana Bishop

5 Windfarm Trust Awards

The Board of the Kilmadock Windfarm Trust is delighted to announce the awards made in the second and third quarters of the fourth year. The Trust would be particularly pleased to hear from any groups that have not applied before and applications for projects with eco-friendly or sustainable aims would be especially welcome. To give an idea of the types of projects that could be funded, in the past three years the Trust has made awards for outings, equipment, tutors and coaches for classes, construction and gardening materials and running costs. Second quarter (Dec 2010) Bakery Garden Group For ongoing development of the site, including purchase of compost, bulbs £100 and lighting Kilmadock Brownies Part-funding of trips to Glasgow Science Centre, Edinburgh Observatory, £400 and Butterfly World; purchase of high-vis vests for outdoor activities Doune and Deanston Sports Club Quarterly hire of Rural Hall £200

Total £700

Third quarter (March 2011)

Doune Entertainments Committee Donation to Doune Gala 2011 £1200

The Bridge Community Newsletter Purchase of laptop and DTP software for layout of magazine £814

Doune Young Artists Two sets of children’s art classes £1200

Kilmadock Heritage Society Display boards for communal use £634

Ken Campbell Doune hanging baskets £480

Community Action for Deanston Deanston hanging baskets £450

Grosset Fair Part funding of summer outing for pensioners £650

Total £5428

Contact the Administrator, Anna Clark, for advice on applying or to receive an application form by email (01786 842349; annaclark@ stoneybank.demon.co.uk). To collect a paper application form, call at the Information Centre, Doune Library or Deanston Post Office.

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

Public Notice If you require further information regarding these necessary works, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc please write to Allan Coburn, Scottish & Southern Energy Power Electricity Act 1989 (as amended) Distribution plc Wayleaves (Programmes Group) , Tayside & Central Depot, Ruthvenfield Way, Perth, PH1 3AF or by e-mail to Under the above Act notice is hereby given that Scottish Hydro [email protected]. All requests for information will be given Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD), Inveralmond House, due consideration and attention. 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ requires to close the Doune Trail between NN 7287 0175 and NN 7527 0172 (Ordnance Survey In anticipation, we would like to thank you for your patience while Landranger Map 57) between 5th September and 14th October. This these necessary works are taking place. is to enable the reinforcement of the high voltage (11,000 volt) overhead line to be undertaken in a manner that is safe at all times Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD), to the general public, landowners, occupiers and employees or Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3AQ contractors appointed by SHEPD.

These works are necessary to maintain the integrity and reliability GEORGE MCALLISTER SERVICES of the high voltage distribution network in the area and involve the replacement of certain poles, conductors, transformers and other components. AGRICULTURAL & LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR SMALL BUILDING PROJECTS, DIY, FENCING, GARDEN A copy of the plans showing the overhead line to be reinforced MAINTENANCE, LANDSCAPING, VAN FOR TRANSPORT has been deposited at Doune Village Post Office and Dunblane OR SUPPLY LABOUR Post Office and will be available for inspection from 1 August and ANYTHING AT ALL GIVE ME A CALL throughout the duration of the works. MOB: 07592006883 TEL: 01786 842 467 11 CASTLEHILL, DOUNE

6 Space Funk Explosion provided an energetic set of African Funk DOUNE THE RABBIT HOLE which demanded three encores. That I could go from this to the legendary Nirvana-inspiring Vaselines and to the two-hour anthems A couple I met on the Sunday night of Doune the Rabbit Hole told of Them Beatles, which closed the weekend on the Sunday night me that they had fallen in love with Doune over the course of the encapsulated the eclectic nature of the weekend. There was folk, weekend and that they planned to move to the village. This may there was jazz, there were DJ sets, there was classical guitar, have been the talk of one too many jums (gin and rum) as provided comedy, story telling, nature walks, tea tents, dancing, juggling, by the Red Lion’s real ale tent, but it summed up the atmosphere of dressing up and face paint. the occasion: the good will of strangers coming together to create something uniquely special that I have rarely seen. I had to keep This has become a festival with an established following; let us pinching myself to remind me that this festival was happening in hope to see the return of all the mad hatters at DTRH next year. a field by the river Teith and drawing so many well-doing festival Niall Campbell goers and hugely exciting bands to little Doune. Even before the weekend was over people were talking about coming again next year, a sure sign of an event that has now strongly established itself. BRISK BUSINESS FOR

It is difficult to properly describe the atmosphere and vibes of DOUNE the festival without using hippy clichés, but there was a genuine air of friendship and peace. Most reviews in other periodicals Local businesses in Doune saw a marked upturn in business over have given strong endorsements of the festival but have not really the festival weekend. “We were really busy” Eileen in the Spar covered the non-musical side of the weekend. But of course there store told The Bridge “and it wasn’t just the Gala, we were busy were some outstanding performances: the Edinburgh-based Asazi the whole weekend. They were nice folk too, no problems or trouble from anyone”. The Castle Bakery and the Buttercup Café also commented on the extra business thanks to the festival folk. Staff at the Castle Bakery were extremely busy and delighted with the polite behaviour of festival goers - even being treated to a short performance by a couple of the artists. Lorna Bishop at the Buttercup Café was similarly impressed, “It was non-stop all day and especially busy on the Saturday and Sunday mornings for breakfasts. We certainly hope that it happens again next year.” The Red Lion was best placed to judge the extra business since Jamie and his assistants took a very successful mobile bar into the walled garden over the weekend. “It was excellent and we would love to do it again” said Jamie. Ken Russell

The BMX Bandits in action.

Police Report

Between 28 and 29 May a quad bike was stolen from a farm in was vandalised while parked in the main drive to the event. Argaty. Enquiries are ongoing regarding this. The car was parked near to the main road and it is possible someone may have seen the perpetrator. Since my last report, four anti-social behaviour fixed penalty tickets Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. have been issued . One for Breach of the Peace. Two for urinating in public. One for drinking in public.

One driver has been dealt with for driving while drunk.

The Doune Gala day was very busy. There were seven complaints of disorder between 2030hrs and midnight on the 11th, even though there was a police presence in the village for most of the day and evening. A large quantity of alcohol was confiscated and poured out at various locations in the village. Two people were detained for an incident reported to the police, but later released. There was one complaint of assault which will result in a female being charged when traced.

Doune The Rabbit Hole was well attended, but caused little problem. One person was arrested for a Breach of the Peace in the early hours of Sunday morning. PC Campbell Dunn, Doune’s Community Policeman A car, a classic Morris Minor belonging to one of the organisers,

7 Induction of New Local Minister On Thursday 16 June, members of Stirling Presbytery of the for his guidance to the three congregations over that time and Church of Scotland and the linked congregations of Gargunnock, for acquiring the services of an excellent team of clergy, which Kincardine-in-Menteith and Kilmadock, met in Kincardine-in- allowed all three congregations to have Sunday worship in their Menteith Church, Blairdrummond for the induction of Rev. Andrew own churches. B. Campbell BD., DPS., MTh., into the ministry of Word and Sacrament within the linked charge. Robert Liddell, Convener of the Nominating Committee, thanked all who had been directly or indirectly involved with the The Service was conducted by Rev. Alex Millar, Minister of St. organisation of such a happy occasion. Columba’s Church, Stirling and former colleague of Rev. Campbell within the Church of Scotland Mission and Discipleship Council and by Rev. Kenneth Russell, the new Moderator of Stirling Presbytery for 2011 / 2012. Rev. Campbell gave 26 years service to parish ministry in the Oban area before joining the Mission and Discipleship Council in 2006.

A welcome social followed in Blairdrummond Community Hall, during which Andy Campbell and his wife Fiona were welcomed by Mark Sherriff, Session Clerk of Kincardine-in-Menteith Church and a presentation made to both by Matthew Penman, Session Clerk of Kilmadock Church and Mrs Catherine Richardson of Gargunnock. Rev Gordon MacRae of Kippen Parish Church welcomed Andy on behalf of the neighbouring ministers. Rev. Peter Neilson introduced Andy to his new congregations and Presbytery: being a friend for 40 years he had much to tell.

Rev. Calum Jack, the Interim Moderator for the last 15 months, was thanked by Audrey Birrell, Session Clerk of Gargunnock Church, Rev. Andy Canpbell, the new Minster of Gargunnock, Kincardine- in-Menteith and Kilmadock

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

On behalf of Doune Entertainments Committee, Janette and Chris Clark would like to thank everyone who helped raise £409.35 by donating and buying plants at this year’s Gala and on the following Saturday at the Bakery Garden in the village. Special thanks to Irene Tulloch for suggesting and organising the second sale in the Bakery Garden. Donations of plants for next year’s Gala are always welcome. Contact us and we’ll happily collect. Chris and Janette Clark

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8 DIARY OF COMMUNITY EVENTS: JULY-SEPTEMBER 2011 DATE EVENT TIME PLACE July 21 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 27 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 30 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark August 9 Bookbug Session 0930 Doune Library 15 Closing date for September Bridge items 16 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 18 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 27 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 31 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 31 Closing date for Windfarm Trust Applications September 6 Storytime Session 0930 Doune Library 7 CAFD 1930 Deanston Primary School 12 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing date for October Bridge items 15 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 24 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 28 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre

REGULAR EVENTS Mondays-Fridays Red Kite Community Nursery 0900-1200 Muir Hall Mondays Rising 3s 1300-1430 Muir Hall Keep Fit 1830-1930 Rural Hall Tuesdays Ballroom Dancing 1000-1100 Deanston Primary School Football Club 1900-2000 Dunblane High School Life Drawing Class 1900-2100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Class (post-beginners) 1900-2100 Information Centre Wednesdays China Painting 1400-1600 Deanston Primary School Yoga (from 17/8/11) 1930-2100 Deanston Primary School Zumba 1800-1900 Rural Hall Craft Club 1930-2200 Clan House, Balkerach St Thursdays Baby and Toddler Group 1000-1200 Muir Hall Fridays Carpet Bowls 1900 Bowling Club Saturdays Bowling Coaching 1030 Bowling Club

DOUNE BRIDGE CLUB BRIDGE LESSONS

This was closed for the summer and will start up again in Post Beginners/Intermediates - from Tuesday 6 September, September. Suggestions will be very welcome as to whether 7 - 9 p.m. we should have an afternoon or evening session and what day Intermediate/Advanced - from Thursday, 8 September 2 - 4 p.m. would be popular. Please contact Derek (01786 842224) Beginners – either Tuesday 6 September or Wednesday or Susan (07778506406) so that we can organise a venue 7 September 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Details still to be finalised. and day as soon as possible. All the above classes will be held in the Information Centre, Doune. For further information contact Susan on 07778506406

9 Editorial and Letters EDITORIAL

There is an old saying that it never rains but it pours. Apart from our summer, this could just as aptly be applied to housing developments. No sooner have MEDCO pulled back from their proposed plans for expanding Wood of Doune and the Miller Homes Doune Riggs sites, than we learn of moves by Stewart Milne to put up to 200 houses on the edge of Deanston. Our front page stories cover both issues in detail but it is clear that developers now have Doune and Deanston firmly in their sights and if we want to avoid the disastrous expansion which blighted Dunblane, then we have a fight on our hands. Our street traders might welcome more growth but we have yet to experience and absorb the effects of the present development of over 200 new households split between Doune and Deanston. Allow uncontrolled growth and the next step is a TESCO Extra on the outskirts and the death of Main Street businesses. If Stewart Milne are successful, it immediately reopens the door to MEDCO and other developers.

The Bridge has a break in August, as indeed does the Community Council, but we will both be watching developments closely. The Community Council has already responded with an emergency meeting. This may be a good time to bookmark and visit the new community website (www.doune.co), where any urgent news can quickly be posted up for people to read.

These issues apart, the reasons why people want to come to Doune and Deanston are obvious from our remaining pages. A successful Gala, the Doune the Rabbit Hole festival weekend and the Annual Fun Run were all blessed with fine summer weather. Lots of things are happening in the Diary and we still have the best of the summer to come. So be careful out there but have fun.

Letters WEDDING Dear Bridge

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in my Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge. At the last count my fund total for Alzheimer Scotland was a phenomenal £7,083.87. I could not have raised this amount of money or made it to the top of the mountain without the overwhelming support of people in Doune - everyone has been amazing. I would especially like to thank the Doune Walking Group for helping me get fit for the trek, the training definitely paid off.

Ali Hutchison www.justgiving.com/alihutchison Dear Bridge,

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the committee of the Grosset Fair for organising the very much appreciated trip for the Senior Citizens to St. Andrews on Monday 13 June.

Thank you,

Sincerely, Dorothy Kennett

Thanks!

A great deal of work goes into producing each issue of The Bridge, but when we receive appreciation from readers such as

The editor and staff are to be congratulated for all their good work in producing such a valuable source of information for the community (John Lyall) and

Lindsay Campbell, formerly of the Bank House, Doune, married I am grateful to all concerned in the production of the Bridge each Jamie Thompson from Orkney on 2 July, in Doune Castle. The month for enabling me to keep in touch with what is happening ceremony was conducted by Mary Wallace of the Humanist Society locally (Ronald Forrest) of Scotland. It was followed by a reception in the Woodside Hotel and a ceilidh in the Muir Hall, with music by Skelpit Lug it makes it all worthwhile. Thank you; we really appreciate the odd and refreshments by the Red Lion. The beautiful bouquets were pat on the back. provided by Jennifer’s Flowers. The sun shone and everyone had a wonderful time. The Bridge Production Team.

10 Obituaries

Betty McTurk Vicky Weir

Born 25 August 1932 in Aberfoyle to Annie and James Campbell, Born Elizabeth Victoria McLeod in Glasgow on 26 February 1931, Betty was the youngest of three children, after her sister Ann and Vicky was the only child of Dr and Mrs McLeod. brother John. She attended Aberfoyle Primary School, followed by Aberfoyle Junior Secondary. Wartime evacuees arriving in During her early years the family moved to Sutherland but Vicky Aberfoyle from Glasgow had a great impact on Betty’s childhood returned to Glasagow to be educated at Hutchesons’ Grammar years. A particular bond was established with the Watson family, School, moving on to Glasgow University to achieve a Doctorate in who came to live at her home. Until the end of her life she was in Philosophy and Divinity. regular communication with Margaret. Vicky was a very talented musician, a superb pianist (one of the few who could play Widor’s Toccata properly) and a lover of jazz and Despite having lost her husband, Annie saved her money to help classical music. She was fluent in five languages – and quite often Betty go to Hairdressing College in Glasgow. She commenced admitted to a sixth! employment in Clydebank where she worked for eight years until relocating to Callander after her marriage. She continued her In Glasgow University Chapel in 1956, Vicky married Professor profession at the Station Hairdressers in Stirling. Alistair Weir. Their successful marriage produced two children, Connie and Ken. Vicky was a devoted grandmother to Rebecca and Euan. Sadly, Alistair died in 1987. Betty met Johnny McTurk from Doune and on 31 August 1957 they were married in Aberfoyle parish church. Their marriage lasted until Having spent most of her life in the leafier suburbs of Glasgow, Johnny’s passing in August 1997, days from their ruby wedding Vicky left Hyndland in 1993 for a new home in Braco where she anniversary. Married life began in Callander where they lived for quickly became a popular and active member of the community as three years, during which time their eldest daughter Angela was well as a member of Dunblane Cathedral. born. A return to Doune saw a move to Park Lane. This became her family home for eight years where second daughter, Jennifer, Kilmadock Church was to enter a fine period of stability in 1994 completed her family. A newly built house in Castle Crescent when Vicky became locum Minister. She instantly made many friends and became close to Margaret and Thea Taylor. convinced Betty and Johnny to relocate the family; it was home for the following 25 years. When the girls began primary school, Betty Vicky was responsible for keeping the congregation together. She returned to hairdressing for a couple of years and later worked as a encouraged fund raising to help Kilmadock Church spread its word: home help in the village until she retired. auctions, barbecues, flower festivals and concerts were organized, one of the most successful being a pot luck lunch held after a Betty was a keen gardener and spent many years on the organising service following the sale of an old ink stand. Vicky also oversaw the sale of the Kilmadock Table in London for £34,000. committee of the Doune flower show. She was also a committee member of the Doune WRI and last year became an honorary A great friend of Father Jim, Vicky often played the Chapel organ member, in recognition of her lifetime commitment. The before jumping into her robes to conduct morning service at Entertainments Committee also benefited from her expertise. She Kilmadock, thereafter transforming into a ‘lady who lunched’ at The enjoyed playing bingo locally with her friends until her health Highland with friends from the congregation. deteriorated latterly. However, this never hindered her weekly trips into Stirling with close friend Jeanette Rutherford, which she After her retirement Vicky continued to be a frequent guest in enjoyed until her passing. Betty was always extremely proud of her Doune homes. She spent her latter days in Milnathort, living near grandchildren, Leigh, Craig, Hazel, Debbie and Gary. She was also her daughter Connie. She died on 30 March; one of her last wishes fortunate enough to spent time with three great grandchildren, Ava, was to have her body donated for medical research. Louis and Grace. Vicky Weir was one of Kilmadock’s most liked and respected Ministers and she is much missed. Among those who later gathered Her family would like to thank everyone who has helped us through to pay tribute to her memory and to celebrate her life were her this difficult period. She will be sadly missed. mentor, the Reverent John McLaughlan, and many close friends including Thea and Sarah.

Vicky Weir (r) with her good friend Thea Taylor Milne

11 FLASHMOB HITS DOUNE GALA!

“Through the Looking Glass”, the theme for Doune Gala 2011, generated a fantastic array of fancy dress costumes and decorated shop windows.The hopeful gathering at the Red Lion Hotel anticipated the judging by Robin and Vicki Chapman Campbell before being led to the Moray Park by Callander Brass. This year’s fancy dress competition was sponsored by Miller Homes. Anne Marie Britton, sales director for Scotland East, said: “Playing an active role in the community is incredibly important to us at Miller Homes, so we’re honoured to be part of the Doune Gala this weekend. It promises to be a fantastic day for everyone involved and I know that we are all excited to see what is in store. In particular, we can’t wait to see the fancy dress parade which we’re sponsoring – I’m sure there will be plenty of interesting outfits on display!”

The sun was nearly shining for the official opening, when Eirinn Gillespie was crowned as Queen of Doune Gala 2011. Around the park many local groups took the opportunity to host a stall and raise funds for their own needs, presenting Gala goers with fun, traditional fete entertainment. Putting, target bowling, welly throwing and splat the stylist were just some of the competitive games offered. There were prizes galore at the tombolas, raffles and guess-the-birthday, giving everyone the chance to win. On sale were gifts, crafts and snacks as well as ducks for Sunday’s big race down the Teith.

The highlight of the day was Carla Duggan’s Dance Connection who ‘Flashmobbed’ Doune Gala! The loud music caught everyone’s attention when Lyndsay Mackenzie appeared and began dancing. She was joined by more and more fellow dancers

12 all jumping in from here and there. Soon around 40 dancers, surrounded by surprised onlookers, entertained with their fabulous performance. As the song ended the dancers just disappeared into the crowd, leaving their audience stunned by what had just happened. Well done Dance Connection.

Doune.co a new website venture in the village, had an interesting presence too. With bicycles wired up to smoothie makers, visitors had the chance to “pedal power the processors” and create their own delicious smoothies. In the marquee, Kilmadock Brownies provided the Mad Hatter’s Teaparty which was attended by many Alices, Cheshire Cats and even a Jabberwocky. Local building firm RTA sponsored the children’s goody bags which were handed out in the park and at the Duck Race. The Woodside Hotel kindly sponsored the races.

Doune Entertainments Committee expresses great thanks to Kilmadock Windfarm Trust and Moray Estates who were main sponsors for the day. Also thanks go to the local shops, businesses and people who contributed time, money and effort. Sponsorship details are displayed in Doune Library. John and Fiona Cant and family, Rory McAlpine, Rhona Richards, Mary McAlpine, Sheila McAlpine and Moira Walker who manned our stalls, we thank you all; also Ken Russell, John Blackwood, Jimmy Innes, Robbie Clark and Trevor Davis for helping with the gazebos. Our photographer for the day was Neil Smith and we enjoy seeing his work on Facebook. On Sunday Colin Fridge, John Wells, Joanna Nowak, Josh McInnes and David McEchearn all stepped into the Teith to catch the ducks – thank you guys.

The Jimmuck’s Shield for best dressed shop window was awarded to the Village Store and the Iain Pennycook/David McNeil Shield for the Tug-o-war competition was won by The Red Lion B Team.

Alison McAlpine

13 Doune Gala Results

Race winners 1st 2nd 3rd Flat Races Pre-school Ella Gibbons Kayleigh Hughes Innes Brown P1 & 2 Girls Rosalind Turnbull Emily Campbell Rachel Dunwoodie P1 & 2 Boys Thomas Cessford Curtis Dennison Finlay Brown P3 & 4 Girls Jennifer Wesley Carly McFarlane Danielle Donald P3 & 4 Boys Ben Menzies Cameron Dunwoodie Duncan Brown P5 & 6 Girls Erin Clarke Jennifer Gordon Emily Watts P5 & 6 Boys Karl Dennison Lewis Dennison Max Parsons P7 Boys Corrie Gilchrist Logan Nicholson Alan Chodyniecki 1st/2nd Year Girls Leanne Wishart/ Hannah Ritchie/ Laura MacKenzie Shannon Robinson Egg & Spoon Pre-school Kayleigh Hughes Ella Gibbons Jamie Ruskeg P1 & 2 Girls Rosalind Turnbull Alex Miles Jessica EwinP1& 2 Boys Thomas Cessford Lewis Trotter Curtis Dennison P3 & 4 Girls Sophie Courcey Ellen Banks Danielle Donald P3 & 4 Boys Max Hunter Sandy Lauder Ben Menzies P5–7 Girls Jenna Innes Holly Crawford Cath Abess P5-7 Boys Lewis Dennison Alan Chodyniecki

Fancy Dress Competition Pre-school Anya Crombie March Hare Jo Lani Armstrong Jaberwocky Marshall Marcoons Wizard P1-3 Rosalind Turnbull Bunny Rabbit Ellen Banks Queen of Hearts Cameron Grant Policeman P4-7 Sophie Wishart Box of cards Jennifer Wesley Tweedle Dee Mairi Mathieson Mad Hatter Groups/Pairs Eve Abernethy/Iona Whitehead/ John Innes/Callum Gilbert Rowan McLeod/Mirren McLeod/ Holly & Susie Crawford Tweedle Dum & Tweedle Dee Ross Monteith /Alice & Friends Deanston Malt

Most Original Costume (Betty McTurk Quaich) Connor Mathieson Mad Hatter

Duck Race (sponsored by Struthers & Scott, Vets) 1st Prize (£50) David McDonald; 2nd Prize (£30) Gabriella McAlpine; 3rd Prize (£20) C Sanderson 4th Connor Mathieson; 5th Gaia Allison; 6th Mark Scott; 7th Rory McAlpine; 8th John Hamilton; 9th Amy Campbell; 10th Yvonne McNichol

NEW CUB SCOUTS GROUP A new Cub Scouts group is starting in Doune. The group will be open to boys and girls from Doune, Deanston and Kincardine- in-Menteith schools, aged between 8 and 10. Children aged 7 may register their interest in joining. For more details and to apply to join, please email [email protected]

UNSIGHTLY TREE STUMPS IN YOUR WAY

We grind them down To 8-10” below ground level

Professional NPTC Certified operators

Minimum ground disturbance

ELSTON LANDSCAPES 01738850742

14 Ranger News Wednesday 10 August 10am-3pm Doune Action Day Storm Damage Join us to help tackle some essential seasonal tasks.

I’d like to say a big thank you to all the regular visitors to Doune Ponds for Friday 12 August 10am-12noon being so patient while the fallen trees were dealt with after the storms back Minibeast Safari at Plean in June. I know some of the paths were blocked for a couple of weeks but, Come and join in the hunt through woodlands and grasslands in the Country as I’m sure you realise, there was a lot of storm damage to be dealt with all Park, over the Council area. Friday 12 August 1.30pm-3.30pm For those of you who don’t know it, Doune Ponds were developed on an Wet and Wild Safari at Plean abandoned sand and gravel quarry. This means that some of the soils are Lets try and find as many water creatures as possible, in the two sets of very shallow and that they also have a lot of sand still in them. The trees ponds at the Country Park. and plants that are there have grown since the early 1970s, most of the woodland is made up of willow and birch, two tree species which are able to Saturday 27 August 8.15pm-10pm survive in very wet conditions and in the shallow soils but it does mean that The Fly-by-Nights they can become unstable in the high winds and in the heavy snows which Come and experience the bats and moths of the Back Walk in the company have also taken their toll over the last couple of years. As the woodland of local experts. matures other tree species will start to emerge and the woodland will change. The gaps and glades created by the wind-blown trees will allow more light Tuesday 30August 2pm-4pm to the woodland floor and allow other trees and plants to grow. Fungi Foray 1 Doune Join the Rangers and marvellous mycologist Liz Holden on this hunt for Hopefully the paths are all clear now and you can go back to enjoying this these amazing autumnal fruits. lovely place you have on your doorstep. Come along and join us at one of our events – at Doune Ponds or further afield. You can find details of them Tuesday 30 August 6pm-8pm here or on the Council website at www.stirling.gov.uk: look for What’s On. Fungi Foray 2 Bridge of Allan Learn all about how fungi live, what they need to survive and how our Stirling Council Ranger Service can now also be found on Facebook; by world just wouldn’t be the same without them. choosing to ‘like’ our page you can be kept up to date with the work of the Ranger Service, upcoming events and other news and links we think you Sunday 21 August might be interested in. However the page isn’t monitored 24/7 so if you Bark in the Park - Plean Country Park want to report an issue or log a call, please e-mail [email protected] or An afternoon of fun and frolics with your four-legged friends. Fun phone 08452 777 000 competitions, doggy stalls, catering vans. Bring your humans on a leash!

Sunday 31July 1pm – 3pm Claire Bird International Bog Day – Wester Moss, Fallin Have a seat on a 7000 year old bog! Find out all about this fascinating place, with its specialist plants and insects.

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15 A Pinch of Doune Snuff

Nine generations on, a story of emigration and homecoming Hugh Black’s fourth daughter, Christian (her real name was Christina) married James McQueen, a native of Doune, in In October last year two Canadian visitors, Rob Black and his wife Kilmadock in February 1834. James became the first teacher in Julie from Guelph in Ontario, came into the Information Centre. Fergus, a post he held for 21 years. He was described in a Fergus Rob’s great great great grandfather, Hugh, had lived in Doune history book as follows: “He possessed the full confidence of before emigrating to Canada in 1834. the public, and the helpful influence of his esteemed wife in the discharge of his varied duties as teacher, postmaster, division court Rob brought a copy of an extensive family tree which began with clerk, treasurer and clerk of Nichol for 56 years, librarian, Sunday Hugh’s father John Black, who was born in Ayrshire in 1750. He School Superintendent and precentor in Melville church”. and his wife Janet had eight children, the fourth of whom, Hugh, was born in Auchinleck in 1777 and married Elizabeth Gilmore Since 1834 Fergus has been home to nine generations of the Black from Fife in 1802. The first five of their 13 children, one of whom family so, in 2011, a great many residents can trace their ancestry died very young, were born in Ayrshire and, in 1810 or 11, the back to Hugh and Elizabeth Black who left Doune 177 years ago. family moved to Kilmadock where their other children were born. In 1834 the entire family emigrated to Canada and Rob told us that For the volunteers in the Information Centre, never knowing who when Hugh left he was presented with a silver snuff box. Rob has may come in, nor what new information about Kilmadock they may sent us photographs of the box, which is today in the possession bring, let alone what questions they may ask, keeps them all on their of another family member in Canada. The inscription reads as toes. follows:- Nigel Bishop

Presented To Mr Hugh Black Farmer Long Resident in the Parish of Kilmadock Perthshire Scotland By a number of his friends in testimony of their respect for him And of their regret on his leaving this country With his numerous family To emigrate to Canada May God speed him Doune March 1834

He also said that on an undated piece of paper in the box was written ‘92.8 percent silver, 7.2 percent copper, 1832-33 London, 1835-6 Reily and Storer,1838-9 Rawlins and Sumner’. According to internet sites, Charles Reily and George Storer were partners in London from 1819, as were Charles Rawlings and William Summers; both partnerships made high quality snuff boxes.

Information new to Rob was the report of the presentation, made to Hugh in the Union Hall Doune on 31 March, which appeared Greg Deans in the Stirling Journal of 4 April 1834. According to the report no silver snuff box of sufficient value to exhaust the subscription money Joiner & Glazier could be got either in Edinburgh or Glasgow and the Committee UPVC Windows, Doors & Facias of Management ordered the centre of the lid of a selected box to be Design & Fit Kitchens, Roofs made of solid gold. There was still money left over and, after the Double Glazing, Velux meeting, Mrs Black was presented with a splendid gold ring set Conservatories, Renovations with pearls (could they have been Teith pearls?), inscribed To Mrs Extensions & New Build Hugh Black from her friends in Scotland. Hugh was presented with 07810865373 ~ 01877 331239 a first-rate Percussion Piece. The Black family, a total of twenty- [email protected] four souls, were due to sail on the General Graham from Alloa to Quebec on Saturday 5 April 1834.

According to Rob, the Black family arrived in Ontario with more furniture than did most settlers and, finding that there was more need for a tavern keeper than for another farmer, Hugh built a tavern on the corner of Tower CALOR Gas and St Andrew Streets in the little town of Fergus, where the Canadian Imperial Bank Available from Stockbridge Nursery of Commerce now stands. Extracts from the Guelph Evening Mercury of 1 November 1866 Gas Cylinders All sizes Patio Heaters headed The History of Guelph and Townships Local Delivery or Collect Barbecues (the latter being Nichol, Elora and Fergus), described Hugh Black as a tall, handsome man, New Cabinet Heaters All Associated Fittings in Stock very kind to everybody, very fond of a joke and did his best to make St Andrew’s Inn, Fergus a pleasant place of abode. It went on to say that Kilbryde Road, Dunblane, FK15 9ND They (Hugh and his wife) were both a deal too Just off Bypass on Road to Doune (A820) good for such a place as a backwoods inn. Tel: 01786 821414

16 TOWN BREAK STIRLING RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Town Break Stirling Group is a small local charity which specialises in providing quality support, provided by trained volunteers, for people with early/moderate stage dementia and their carers. During the next few months we are visiting a number of different towns and villages throughout Stirling District promoting our services and recruiting new volunteers for the ever increasing number of people who are being referred to our services. We are looking for volunteers in a variety of roles throughout the organisation and to help us over the summer with our awareness-raising events. If you would like to know more about our services and how to refer to them, please call Julie on 01786 447787 or visit our website www.townbreakstirling.com. Julie Christie Town Break Stirling Development Co-ordinator

Cut Heating Bills This Winter

Environmental group Going Carbon Neutral Stirling is targeting the government for the energy you generate, meaning that the panel homes with big heating bills. Work in local communities has shown would pay for itself within five years. And did you know that: that over a quarter of the average person’s carbon footprint relates to domestic heating and lighting. Carbon savings - and big cuts in * Solar panels can save around a tonne of CO2 each year, significantly reducing your carbon footprint; energy bills - are achievable, says the group, but the whole topic of * Solar panels are not dependent on the sun’s heat but its light: renewables and energy-saving measures can be a minefield. they work even when it’s cloudy!

That, says a spokesman, has prompted Going Carbon Neutral GCNS will be visiting homes to survey their potential for the Stirling (GCNS) to set up Energise Stirling with help from different technologies. People in houses with stone walls often get the Climate Challenge Fund. GCNS has been working with annoyingly vague or even incorrect advice so, this year, GCNS has manufacturers of solar panels, wind turbines and ground source been working with specialists from Historic Scotland to provide heat pumps to arrange a bulk buy purchase that will make these householders with the expert advice they need. This is achieved by technologies cheaper to install. For example, solar panels to heat identifying the best measures and materials for saving energy in water normally cost around £5000 but GCNS can source them older properties. from £3000 to £3500. Solar PV that generates electricity is usually well over £10,000 for a 3kW system (the recommended size for a To make it more affordable, GCNS has again arranged discounts with manufacturers and installers of products such as insulation medium to large home). GCNS can offer this at around £5000. and glazing. A GCNS worker would be happy to visit your home to see what measures are suitable for you. As a non-profit-making Even better news is that you would get around £1000 a year from organisation, GCNS will give impartial advice. If renewables or other energy saving measures are not suitable for certain homes, especially if they don’t really save much energy or carbon, GCNS will make that clear to householders.

For more information, contact GCNS on 01786 468762 or email [email protected] Alan Rennie Carbon Reduction Community Facilitator Doune Motors Ltd. Stirling Road, Doune, Perthshire, FK16 6AA

MOT Testing Servicing Petrol/Diesel and repairs Class I.V. Tyres (Free retests) Exhausts Welding

We can collect and return your vehicle (only in the Callander and Doune areas)

1786 841061

17 Bookworms Recommend To Kill a Mockingbird ARE YOU SOMEBODY?

When I was asked to write a review of To Kill A Mockingbird The Life & Times of Nuala O’Faolain initially I said “no” as I dislike the book, but a pause for thought reminded me that like or dislike is no real basis for an appreciation Picking up one of the many second hand books from the of a text. Information Centre’s collection can take you on an unexpected literary journey if your curiosity gets the better of you. Harper Lee wrote her only novel in the 1950s but set it in America’s Deep South in the 1930s. Narrated by Scout (Jean Louise) the My Dream of You by Irish writer Nuala O’Faolain left a deep daughter of the lawyer assigned to defend a coloured man accused impression, so I researched the author and, wanting to know of raping a white woman, she tells of the summer when she was more, sourced and read her autobiography, Are You Somebody?. eight and her brother 12. There is also the mystery of the reclusive O’Faolain was a journalist, a literary academic, a TV producer and neighbour “Boo” Radley. (in Ireland) a well-known pundit and columnist She was one of nine children, of clever but alcoholic parents. Her father wrote a social Jem and Scout are children so, even though the story is narrated column for The Irish Times, he was seldom home; her mother drank later in Scout’s life, we see the events through their eyes without to escape her awful life. The author had a chaotic and emotionally adult interpretations but Scout asks questions and Atticus (her starved childhood which deeply affected her entire life. father) gives her honest, direct answers which act as guidelines to the reader. This intensely moving book chronicles her search for everlasting love and meaningful work. It’s a painfully honest book, beautifully It is hot, tensions mount, Miss Mattie’s house burns down and written. Some found it hard to follow as Nuala tends to jump about Scout confronts an angry group of townsfolk, the court is packed in her time scales, but I believe this emphasises the chaos of her life. for the trial, the verdict is given and the results continue to reverberate in the town This is a book about women, in particular, a feminist Irish woman and her history; it also looks at Ireland, and its recent history with The coda to the story partially solves the mystery of Boo Radley an unflinching eye. and neatly takes us back to the opening paragraph.The novel leaves the reader reflecting on the tensions in the world today and why we Deborah Hackett fear those who are “not like us”. (I still do not like the book). Pat Herbert

Summer Exhibition- Sticks and Stones July 2nd- Aug 26th 2011

Contemporary handmade jewellery by Angela Learoyd. Exhibiting jewellers include Louise Carstairs, Jemma Daniels, Genna Delaney, Ana Herranz- Molina, Francesca Kippax and Angie Young.

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

18 SCHOOL REPORT Deanston Primary News Bicycle Health & Safety Checks On 13 June Recyke-a-Bike and P.C. Dunn came to stamp and Awards Ceremony check our bikes. It was great seeing all the bikes. After P.C. Dunn stamped our bikes we got a picture taken of our bike for the Homework Certificates passports. So if somebody steals the bike, the police can check for Max Beth Kelvin Chloe Rachael the code on the bike and find where it is. Thomas Harris Lewis Jamie Natasha Kaitlin P6 Excellent Attendance P7 Ceilidh Jamie Nicola Curtis Lewis Natasha Rachael Jayne Max Chloe On Wednesday 15 June, Primary 7 went to McLaren High School at 7pm, for a Ceilidh. We did a variety of Scottish dances. All of Good Attendance the p7s that are going to McLaren High School were invited to the Greg Fern Kaitlin Harris Ceilidh to meet each other, meet some teachers, do Scottish dancing Beth Thomas Kelvin and to have fun. All of the primary 7s from Deanston had a great time, it was a great experience. Curling & Orienteering Certificates Nicola, Jamie, Curtis P7 P4-7 Netsafe Buddy Training Certificates P6 On Tuesday 14 June P7 and Mrs Marshall went to McLaren High School for “Netsafe”. Joe Shaw was there, telling us all about Skiing Certificates being safe on the internet. We found out lots of interesting facts Whole school Mrs Marshall Mrs Clark about being careful on online. Both P7 and Mrs Marshall learned something new about internet safety. Merit Certificates By Nicola and Jamie P7 Chloe Martin Jayne Roxburgh Eco Update Caring Cup Jamie Mc Alpine We are going for our second Green Flag. On Friday 17 June we had to bring in gardening clothes because we were planting plants in Achievement Cup the school garden. We are all still continuing our original eco jobs. Rachael Hill We look forward to maybe getting our second Green Flag after the holidays. Pupil’s Choice for School Values Natasha P6 Jamie – caring Nicola – responsibility Lewis – fairness Kelvin – fun & enjoyment

Values awards Kelvin -justice Beth - compassion Doune Primary News Harris - Wisdom Kaitlin – integrity Dunblane and Doune 5-a-side Football Tournament Jean Stevenson Cup Nicola and Jamie As part of the Dunblane PS Fete, the Dunblane BB organised a football tournament and this year there were five teams from Doune House Shield PS taking part. There were the Doune Hamers (P7, which included Leny Joey from Deanston Primary), Doune Douners (P6), Doune Wanderers (P5), Doune Devils (P5) and Doune United (P4). The P6 and P7 played on Monday 30 May, with the remaining teams Health Week: 6 – 10 June playing on Tuesday 31 May.

Monday In the morning we had our house quiz in our houses, There were 33 teams taking part overall and all games were played Leny, Keltie, Teith and Cotton. In the afternoon Mrs. Donald set up at Dunblane Primary School playing field. All Doune teams played a fashion show for us to model. well, with the Doune Devils winning 3 games and drawing their Tuesday In the morning Robin (our dance teacher) came and fourth to ensure that they qualified for the semi finals on Saturday we invited parents to come see our dances. We also invited the 4 June. The team of Jacob Stewart, Harris Fisher, Ross Derrick, newspaper camera person to put pictures in the newspaper. Yoni Fridman, Robbie Malkin, Cameron McLay and Karl Denison Wednesday In the morning we did Aerobics with Mrs Donald and played the overall winning team of Newton Galacticos in the first after that we did volleyball with Mrs Marshall. In the afternoon all semi and were beaten 3-0, but fought back to claim third place in the school played house sports. the P4/5 tournament after a 5-2 victory over All Star Q. Thursday The whole school went to the university to do sports all day, like Trampolining, Tennis, Dance and Swimming. Everyone taking part had a great time and met up with many of our Friday In the morning Neil, Colin and Craig (from Active Stirling) friends in the Dunblane area. We are looking forward to next year came to do gymnastics with us and we had a challenge to climb up when we hope to do even better. to the top of the climbing frame and back down. At the end we did a race in our team and Keltie was the fastest. In the afternoon Mrs. Robbie P5 Donald organized a Teddy Bears Picnic and every body brought their teddies. Fern P6

19 SCHOOL REPORT RED KITE NURSERY our nine pre-school leavers. Phew! On top of that we have already begun to put plans in motion for Well another academic year will have drawn to a close by the next year! One of our ventures is the launch of a ‘Bumps and Babes’ time this article is published. Already we have our Management group which will run on a Wednesday morning in the Muir Hall. It Committee in place for next year, and it’s made up of seven parents will be a place for new mums and mums-to-be, to drop in, have a which is fantastic. The level of parental support and involvement at chat and enjoy refreshments. We also plan to organise visits from our nursery is second to none and all of our children benefit. We experts in topics such as baby massage, baby first aid and breast recently had a student from Dundee University working towards her feeding. I was a member of a similar club when I had my first baby dissertation with us, as well as intwo other nurseries. At the end of and not only was it a fantastic support network, I made friends for her project she told me that our children were the only ones who life as well. The group plans to launch in August and will run during had asked her what she was doing, and why she doing it! I think term time. It will be free to access and is from pre-birth to parents that our children are confident talking to adults because there are with babies up to the age of one year. Please write to me at alison@ so many different adults in our setting: all of our parents are on a redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk if you would like to know more. rota and come into the playrooms. We have at least two parents on Alison Stewart the rota at every session, and this is over and above our required adult:child ratio. Our children are not the only ones who benefit from this system; the parents do as well from making new friendships to developing new skills and maybe even launching a new career!

The final month of the year is always the busiest and this year has been no exception. In the adventurous last few months of term we have learned hip-hop, courtesy of the Monument Dance School; enjoyed Jumpin’ Beans; had a Coffee Morning; taken part in the Gala; been visited by Community Police Constable Campbell Dunn, who came in to talk about road safety; visited Doune Fire Station and learnt all about the fire service from Station Officer Robert Kinnaird. We’ve visited the local Primary Schools and chatted online to Deanston PS, while some of our Primary School Buddies have visited us in their turn. We’ve also been to the library, planted vegetables in our new garden and held our Sports Day on the Moray Park. We have formed a rock band, enjoyed a graduation lunch AND, of course, thrown a The ‘Fair Trade Race’ at Sports day on the Moray Park (photo by fantastic end of term party, complete with graduation ceremony for Jose San Jose)

Come visit us for Lunch or Dinner at the Red Lion. Red Kite Community Nursery Reg. Charity SC016050 After great success with introducing a new menu last year we are pleased to For Children aged 2 years 5 months to school age offer a new exciting menu for the New Year. Pub grub with a little finesse Free funded places available now for children aged 3+ years Lunch: 12pm to 2.30pm Dinner: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Here is a sample of our menu

Sessions 9am - 12pm Mon-Fri (Term Time)

Rising 3’s 1pm - 2:30pm Mon Smoked Haddock and Leek Ramekin served with warm crusty bread £3.95 Free! Qualified Brie, Sun blushed tomato and Basil tartelette served with a tomato concasse £3.50 Jumping Registered Gateaux of Stornoway Black Pudding, Haggis and Clapshot served with a whisky sauce £3.45 Beans Staff ******** Monday Morning Venison Casserole served with roast seasonal veg and mashed potatoes £7.85 Sessions Only Chicken or Vegetable Fajitas served on a sizzling platter with tortillas and a selection of dips £9.10/£7.60

Supreme of Chicken stuffed with black pudding and bacon served with wholegrain mustard sauce £7.95

We also have a Function room available for bookings of up to 40. So if there is a special occasion or just meeting up with friends please don’t hesitate to contact us. www.RedKiteCommunityNursery.org.uk Free parking available to the side and rear of the building

Menu subject to change and availability

Red Lion Inn, Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF www.redlion-doune.com [email protected] 01786 842066

20 SCHOOL REPORT

soldiers had been buried in the same grave. It annoyed me that McLaren’s Battlefield Trip 2011 German soldiers weren’t being treated with the same respect as With a grumble and a moan we made our way onto the bus. It was British soldiers. 10.00pm on a Sunday evening and no-one was fully awake. It was only when we got our seatbelts secured we remembered, we’re On returning to Ypres we took part in the Last Post Ceremony at off to Belgium! The next morning, after a brief ferry crossing, we the Menin Gate. Three McLaren pupils laid a wreath in memory of arrived in Calais. From Calais we set off for Belgium where we all those who lost their lives in the fighting. Kirsty Crawford then paid a visit to a small chocolate factory, before heading on to our played Flowers of the Forest on her pipes, a very emotional moment hotel in Nieuwpoort. which will long be remembered by all those present. We were all amazed to learn that this ceremony takes place every night, 365 Tuesday started with a visit to Essex Farm, a ‘small’ British Military days in the year, and is usually attended by a huge crowd. Cemetery in the Ypres area. As we took our time to look around and pay our respects to the many brave soldiers who had lost their lives, Wednesday saw us pay a visit to the beautiful city of Bruges, my heart skipped a beat when I saw one grave. One of the soldiers where we were given an opportunity to explore the city and do was just a boy, 15 years old, the same age as one of the boys on our some shopping. My friends and I decided to stop off at a small trip. As we looked around we saw one of the rooms where John coffee shop, which we immediately fell in love with. The food was McCrae carried out surgery on wounded soldiers. It sent a shiver delicious and the hot chocolate according to my friends was ‘a taste down your spine as you walked in the narrow, dark concrete bunker. of heaven’. After lunch we set of for France, where we paid a brief You got an idea of how he must have felt, after the nightmare of visits to the Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge, before arriving at operating on badly wounded soldiers, walking out to look over the our French base at Albert. fields and see poppies everywhere and how he was inspired to write the famous poem In Flanders Field. The next day we spent the day visiting various sites in the area of the Somme Battlefield . We started at the Newfoundland We then carried on to the ‘In Flanders Field Museum’ in Ypres. As memorial at Beaumont Hamel. The battlefields has been preserved we entered the museum we were given a name card, my name was in immaculate condition, considering how long ago this deadly Daniel Pyck but he wasn’t only war was fought. The Canadian guides at Beaumont Hamel were a name, he had a story to tell. incredibly enthusiastic and provided an extra spark to the visit. After When he was young his house a superb tour we carried on to the British memorial at Thiepval was bombed, killing his six which was built to remember the 73,000 British troops who lost year old brother, wounding his their lives in the Somme area, but whose bodies were never found. mother and severely damaging At Arras we paid a visit to Wellington Quarry. We were given a his leg. In 1915 Daniel was guided tour of the tunnels used by the British to launch a surprise sent to England to receive attack on the Germans in 1917 at the Battle of Arras. an artificial leg and was then educated in England until 1919 Our last full day started with a visit to the enormous crater at La when he was reunited with his Boiselle. On the first of July 1916, just before the Battle of the parents. Although Daniel did Somme started, mines containing 60,000 tons of explosives were not have an easy life it was detonated to try and help the British attack. Unfortunately it did certainly better than many others little to help the 20,000 British troops who were killed and the during the First World War. We 40,000 wounded within the first few hours of the attack being then walked down to the Menin Gate Memorial which contains the launched. It was strange this week seeing La Boiselle on the news, names of over 50,000 British soldiers killed in the Ypres area, but as another body has been discovered there. whose bodies were never found. You get a strange feeling in your stomach when you see your surname engraved on this monument We finished the excursion with a visit to the Bellewaerde Theme and you can’t help but wonder if you could be related. Park in Belgium. It was a brilliant way to end memorable trip. By the time we arrive back in Callander early on Saturday morning, Our next visit was to Hill 62, also known as Sanctuary Wood, which exhausted but happy, we had lots of stories to tell our family and is the last privately owned World War One museum in Belgium. friends of a excursion most of us will never forget. One of the rooms seemed to be full of ‘junk’ from the war. Each individual item, however small, told a story. We made our way into Iona Campbell the trenches, which had been left largely unaltered from the end of the war. It sent a shiver down your spine to walk through the thick mud, where years before soldiers had gone.

Tyne Cot Cemetery is the biggest British cemetery and has the gravestones of 11,900 British soldiers. I was amazed by how perfectly kept the cemetery was. The flowers brought light and colour to the cemetery. It was a place of peace where you could walk around on your own, reflect on the madness of war and remember the bravery of the men buried here. We came across the grave of a former resident of Doune, William Cochrane, who previously lived in Teith Bank. He had left the village I live in, to go and fight for his country. I felt proud to live in the same village.

Next we made our way to German Cemetery at Langemark. As we walked through the arch to enter we immediately noticed the difference from British cemeteries. Compared to Tyne Cot, Langemark was dark and gloomy. In British cemeteries soldiers were given an individual grave, but here up to eight German

21 SPORT

and other University oarsmen, the youngest being in their mid- Rowing for Alzheimer Research forties, the oldest in their 70s. The Eight (boat) itself was loaned for the event by Eton College Boathouses, to whom we are very much We enjoyed a wonderful 24 hours on the Thames last week, indebted for all their help, including delivering it to Henley for us. assembling on Tuesday evening at the Leander Club in Henley. There the squad finished ‘prepping’ the boat and launched her from Website of Alzheimer Research is: www.forgetmenotrow.com. Leander’s own raft for a fairly gentle practice row of about 1000m out and back on a lovely evening. Colin Graham We then repaired to the Club, where about 12 out of the squad of 16 were booked with spouses for the night - very select! About 30, including supporters, sat down to an excellent dinner,, and enjoyed a very convivial evening before an early bed. Reveille was at 06.00, as we had to launch next morning at 07.15 for a 07.30 start. Having got (my brother) Jamie settled in his seat at No 5, we shoved off on time, myself at No 3, on a glorious morning and with no river traffic at that hour. The first stage was a pleasant row of 3.5km at an easy 20 strokes/minute, which got us to the first crew change in good time. Jamie and I both had the easy stages at the beginning and the end, so we got out to be replaced by (my nephew) Fergus at Stroke, and others changing places.

The next three stages were the longest, about 10-11km each, with shift changes at Marlow and Maidenhead to which my wife Fiona and I drove with the crew bags, refreshments etc. The final change was at Eton “Rafts” boathouse, where the VIII arrived sharp at 1.30. There the final Old Etonian (and Scots) crew were issued with flower-bedecked hats to join in the traditional “Fourth of June” Procession of Boats, watched by a 2,000+ crowd of boys, parents and families on the banks of Fellows’ Eyot. The cheers and applause for us “veterans” was amazing, as we stopped rowing to doff our hats to the crowd before continuing to Master’s Boathouse downstream of Romney Lock.

After disembarking and carrying the boat into the boatshed, we joined supporters and fund-raisers under (my sister-in-law) Vicky’s leadership on the playing fields for a well-earned Pimms and picnic, enlivened by our elation at having completed the course without mishap and on time. Jamie loved it all, and played his part extremely well, and it was most heartening to see him so thoroughly engaged in an activity that he couldn’t possibly have achieved on his own. From Eton to Henley; Jamie Graham and supporters row for Personally, I would have happily done it all again! The squad of 15 Alzheimer Research oarsmen and two coxes was drawn half from Eton College old boys, the remainder from former Oxford and Cambridge rowing ‘Blues’ Iyengar

Summer Programme

YOGAWednesdays during term-time Play /Sport in the Park Deanston Primary School 7.30pm - 9.00pm Mondays 3.30 in Moray Park Class resumes Wednesday 17th August 2011

DOUNE & DEANSTON COMMUNITY SPORTS GROUP Promoting Sporting activities in Doune & Deanston. The club membership costs £2 for adults and £1 for children and £5 for a family membership. Adults can access the club’s equipment INCLUDING NET FOR TENNIS FRAME IN PARK using their membership card (via the Information Centre). Contact Joanna (842880) or e-mail [email protected] for more details.

Teacher: Diane Edward Designed fitted kitchens, Laminate & hardwood flooring, Upvc Cost: £4 (£3 concessions) doors & Windows, Velux windows, Extensions & Renovation This class is suitable for beginners projects, All Internal & external woodwork, Fencing & decking Loft Please bring a mat, blocks, bricks, belt and a blanket. & garage conversions, New builds There is limited equipment available to borrow. All trades supplied, Free estimates. Sorry, class not suitable for pregnant women. Tel 01786 813853 Mob 07870 398356 E-mail [email protected] COMMUNITY ACTION FOR DEANSTON

22 The 10th Ziolkowski Cup

The Ziolkowski Cup competion, fished on 2 June at Frandy Fishery, Aan Goldie flash, wid stairt the dash, Glendevon, was won by Willie Plank (again). All went well Tae fill the bag afore the waighin, reports new Secretary/Treasurer Mike Brown, who has celebrated Yon Thursday nicht at Frandy. the occasion with (his own words) ‘another diabolical Doric rhyme’. Sae wha did best, wha passed the test Wha landit teemit handit, The nicht wis fair, oor eicht wis there Three blanks, ae Brownie Tae honour weel thocht Simon, Tim’t richt back intil the water, Ae first time Blue near loupit in the boat, Fae five till dusk, its caist we must The laive aa Rainbows, biggest fower pun Aan plaise the Frandy Boatman, Amun twa bags o five, made up oor twaal, Tae kape abeen his quota’s. The Doune Club’s pundage twinty five Made guid wark aa tae plaise, We’d Jamie O, aan Billie R Yon Thursday nicht on Frandy. Weel learnt bi Bob nae doot, Oor Heed Man Alex, Canny Bill The winner wis – wha else Baith hopefu o some troot, Bit Maister Angler Willie, Malcolm, pair’t wi crippl’t Broon He’ll ‘Plank’ the cup again at hame Yon yalla flee wis looket oot Fur yet anither simmer, Tae better his laist record, Till fish we will, some ither day on Frandy! Thaan - Davie M wi Willie P A winnin pair fur aa tae see, © mhb Broon fae Doune On Thursday nicht at Frandy.

Ower looket bi the Whirlie Mills The wund a warmin Wastie, A glintin sun on ripple wave Lookt weel fir big bag thrills, Yon Thursday nicht on Frandy.

Nae nosin tak wis seen Nae Rainbows, Blues ’porpoisin’, Aan antrin pu aan follo tae the boat Wis aa we go-at, Till dusk it wis approachin, Yon Thursday nicht on Frandy.

A sinkin trace wid seem the thing A cheenge tae Muddlers, Com’rant wing, Or stick wi weel tried Kate McLaren

“The local providers of your personal and business KEEP FIT! accounting needs”

(with Instructor, Jan)

at the RURAL HALL, DOUNE

every Monday 6.30-7.30pm, cost £3

The class suits adults of all ages and abilities, so come along, enjoy the music, have a laugh and get in trim at the same time! We provide all standard services including: aFinancial Planning, Projections aTax & Self Assessment a a flexible VAT calculations & Returns afriendly aBook keeping & Full Accounts

a100%confidential service a PAYE Calculations,P45,P60,P35

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(for more information contact Mary on 842239) DROP IN FOR A FREE CHAT with ELIZABETH WALLACE 10 Main Street, Doune, phone:01786 842582

e-mail: [email protected]

23 Visitor Information Doctor/Nurse Doune Health Centre, Castlehill Humanist Doctor 01786-841213 Nurse 01786-841256 Society NHS 24 08454-242424 Woodside Pharmacy of Scotland 3 The Cross, Doune 01786-841216 for advice and information about Police (Callander) 01786-456000 all aspects of humanist ceremonies, please contact: Vet Struthers and Scott, Main Street, Doune 01786-841304 Mary Wallace T: 01786 842239 Kilmadock Information & Heritage Centre M: 07968 666432 52 Main Street 01786-841250 E: mary.wallace@humanism- 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat scotland.org.uk 2pm - 4pm Sunday e-mail: [email protected]. www.humanism-scotland.org.uk co.uk (Advice on local facilities inc heritage, accommodation, tourism, transport, banks) Church Services Contacting The Bridge Deanston Post Office 841490 The Bridge is published 10 times a year Mon - Fri 9-12 Church of Scotland and is always in the market for articles, 43 Balkerach Street pictures, letters and ads. All suggestions Doune Post Office 841219 Every Sunday 10.30am are welcome. Items for publication should (in The Village Store) Rev. Andrew Campbell normally be submitted before the 15th of M, T, Th, F 9-1 & 2-5.30 01786 860678 each month, and be no longer than 750 Weds 9-1 words. Letters to The Bridge must be Sat 9-12.30 Episcopal Church signed and accompanied by contact details; (Last collection 5pm weekdays, Saint Modoc’s: in special cases, these will not be published 12 noon Sat.) Sung Eucharist if so requested. Cashpoints at Information Centre Every Sunday 9.30am Please email all contributions to Rector - Rev. Stuart Coates and The Village Store [email protected]. Alternatively, 01786 860531 post or deliver them to The Bridge, c/o Doune Library Kilmadock Information Centre, 52 Main 5 Main Street 01786 841732 R. C. Church Street, Doune FK16 6BW (tel 01786 Monday 2.30pm-7pm St. Fillan’s: Holy Mass 841250), where there is a box for all Tuesday 10am-12noon Every Sunday 9.45am, also Bridge deposits. Wednesday 2.30pm-5.30pm Tuesday and Friday at 10am Thursday 2.30pm-7pm The Bridge is edited by Juliet McCracken Priest - Father Jim McCruden and produced by a team of volunteers Friday Closed 01877-330702 Saturday 10am-1pm including its founder Ken Russell.

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