December 2011/January 2012
£1 The Bridge The Community Newsletter for Doune & Deanston A Night Before Christmas All Lit Up! Signs of festivities are everywhere: the shop windows full Kilmadock Street Fair of tempting food and gifts, the Doune eateries busy catering
for Christmas parties held by some of the 37 clubs and A fabulous evening was shared by all who joined in the fun of societies that make our villages such happening places. the Doune Street Fair on Friday 9 December. The Advent Sale held by Camphill Blair Drummond on It was Doune at its festive best! Between the wild winds of 3 December was another packed event as visitors seized Thursday 8th and the snow of Saturday 10th came the gift the opportunity to stock up on the beautiful craft items of a clear, moonlit evening when hundreds of local people handmade in the Camphill workshops: woodwork and defied the cold to enjoy the most basketry; candles and successful Kilmadock Street Fair exotic papier mâché ever. parrots; dolls and bags from the textile The pupils of Doune Primary workshop; pottery and a School got the evening off to a mouthwatering array of perfect start as crowds followed home baking, jams and their lantern procession from the chutneys. school to St Modoc’s Church to hear the children sing beautifully No account of the rehearsed carols. festivities in Kilmadock would be complete without The Cross and Main Street were a salute to the Christmas thronged with people sampling lights which twinkle so the varying mix of home baking, cheerfully through the craft items, cards and other season and on which the goodies on stalls run by the KCC has spent months of Brownies, Cubs, Halls Group, planning and negotiation. Youth Project, St Modoc’s Saturday 26 November Church, Nursery, Community saw the Doune lights Action for Deanston, Curling switched on. There was Club, WRI, Revive the Rural and no ceremony: like the more. Local businesses stayed summer’s floral baskets open for the occasion, welcoming they just appeared. It was their customers with mulled a couple of days later that wine, coffee, sweeties, raffles and the Christmas tree, kindly competitions or, simply, a warm provided by RTA, made its place to pause. appearance outside the Old Bakery. Our thanks go Meanwhile, on the street, the Life and soul of the party, Trevor Davis, relaxing after Continued on page 14 masterminding a brilliant evening (Photo: Diana Bishop) Continued on page 15
1 Planning Consultation Draws Big Response On Wednesday 7 December, as part of an area-wide fees and will be reluctant to forego their opportunity so consultation on the Draft Local Development Plan, Stirling their reaction to the draft plan will have to be watched very Council planners held a Drop-in Consultation in the Muir carefully. Hall. The event was well publicised. Apart from this journal and Stirling Council posters, the Community Council The Open Space consultation was a quite different exercise. distributed leaflets encouraging attendance. In addition, This is an initiative by the Council to identify and make every household received notice from Stirling Council’s accessible areas of open space around the Council’s area. landscape consultants, Halcrow, intimating that the exercise Halcrow’s team members were keen to learn from the would include consultation on the Council’s proposals for experience of locals and carefully noted on large scale maps open space in its area. the preferences, obstacles and opportunities in recreational use of our local landscape. As regards housing development, it was apparent that the planners and residents were in accord that, in the short term, It was a cold day and the Muir Hall was never warm. By no serious residential development should be considered. evening, Chief Planning Officer Claire Milne and her However, in a disturbing change from the Main Issues colleagues were all in fleeces and facing a journey home Report, the planners have now flagged up the triangular field on icy roads after a six-hour stint of duty spent listening to below the slope rising to Black Park and the Commonty and recording the complexity of views expressed by 138 Walk as an area for possible residential development in the callers, most of whom each spent something like half an hour next quarter-century. This is the field over which Moray examining and discussing the plethora of documents and Estates Development Company received such condemnation plans. from the community and to which they responded with commendable understanding. Regrettably, despite clearly In the meantime we must hope that our Community Council expressed community opposition, the Council’s planners will continue its pro-active role in guarding us against consider it appropriate to include the site as one where unwanted planning applications and forewarning us of threats future housing might be possible in the long term. While to our community. there would be major infra-structural issues facing any Ken Campbell development, this site has clearly been made vulnerable to the challenge of future housing development.
The controversial sites earmarked by Stewart Milne remain in the Draft Plan as open space; and Deanston House is a listed building, so any application for residential development there would face formidable obstacles. As things stand, it is difficult to find out what options Stewart Milne have on these sites and there has been no attempt by them to consult with the community. Nonetheless Stewart Milne have invested substantial monies in consultancy Do you need a new home in any of these areas ?
Aberfoyle Deanston Gartmore Lochearnhead Balfron Doune Killin Strathyre Buchlyvie Drymen Kippen Stronachlachar Callander Gargunnock Kinlochard Tyndrum
If so, Rural Stirling Housing Association may be able to help.
The Association’s aim is to support rural communities by providing affordable good quality homes for people in housing need. We currently have over 500 rented homes and around 30 of these become available for re-let each year. We also build some new homes each year.
For more details and a housing application form please contact us at:
Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune, FK16 6AA Telephone : 01786 841101 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.rsha.org.uk Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849
Please note that we encourage all applicants to also apply to Stirling Council’s housing list (Tel : 0845 277 7000). Being on both lists is the best way to maximise your chances of being rehoused.
2 Work Starts on Affordable Homes
As reported in the October issue of The Bridge, Rural Stirling Housing Association (RSHA) has been awarded grant funding to enable it to build a first phase of 14 homes for rent at the Doune Riggs site. W ork recently started and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2012.
The development will consist of 12 houses (two and three beds) and two bungalows (two beds). Miller Homes will build the homes to the Association’s own design. All of the homes will be energy efficient with good insulation levels, a highly efficient gas condensing boiler system and also thermal solar roof panels. RSHA rents for these house types currently range from £68 to £75 per week.
If you are interested in being considered for one of these homes and haven’t already done so, then please contact the RSHA office (or visit our website: www.rsha.org.uk) for an application pack, including our “Guide for Housing Applicants”. It’s worth noting that we are currently reviewing how we let our houses. All housing applicants and Community Councils will be offered the opportunity to comment on any proposed changes as part of a consultation process that will run early in the New Year.
These will be the first new affordable rented homes to be built in the village for around 40 years. It is intended that further phases on the Doune Riggs site Plan of the site will follow. RSHA owns land on the site sufficient for a total of 53 homes. However, as previously reported, grant funding has been severely cut this year. To get phase 1 on-site the Association is having to cover a much bigger share of the build cost from other sources, through additional borrowing plus a very welcome contribution from Stirling Council’s Strategic Housing Fund.
The Association is currently reviewing its forward development strategy. As a result of the reduced grant funding there may well be a gap between completing phase 1 at Doune Riggs and starting on phase 2. It is also likely that future phases will include, in addition to social rented homes, some “alternative tenures” including: low-cost home-ownership properties and/or housing at “mid-market” rents (i.e. higher than our normal rents but still lower than market rents).
In advance of making a final decision on the mix of future phases we will continue to review the level of local interest and demand for such properties. We would welcome any views on this in the meantime – please just contact me at the address below. Tony Teasdale Director, Rural Stirling Housing Association Tel: 01786 841101; e-mail [email protected]
3 Spotlight on the KCC Are You a Member of Society?
th With the November meeting, held on Monday 14 , coming Or rather, were you one of those interested enough to come so soon after Remembrance Day, anger at the decision along to the excellent Societies’ Fair on 23 October to see to allow a free flow of traffic during the few minutes of what our vibrant community can offer you in the way of commemoration at the memorial itself was still fresh in “amusement”? everyone’s mind. There were many comments at the time (and since) regarding the difficulties and intrusion caused by BookWorms and Bridge; Sports (the Cricket, Curling and this and every effort will be made by the Community Council Bowling Clubs); Exercise (the Walking Group and the to ensure it does not happen again. Allotment Society): these are just a few examples of the clubs and associations which set out their very professional- Aside from this, as you can read on p5, it was a well- looking stalls to attract newcomers. The visitors who made supported and moving event. It was good to see the new the effort to attend were warmly welcomed; they certainly village Cub pack in attendance, along with the Brownies, and seemed to enjoy themselves as they made their way round we would like thank all those who helped make it happen, the Rural Hall, discovering from eager representatives just including the organisation of the event; the service itself how good it can be to get involved. and those who spoke during it; the display of memorabilia; the piper; and the provision of tea, coffee and biscuits, The guys from the brilliant community website www.doune. particularly appreciated given the chill! co were there to demonstrate to us what a lot of information is on the site, including details of all Doune and Deanston’s The KCC meeting itself once again devoted a good deal of clubs and associations in the community groups section. time to development issues. The proposals from Cala Homes There are 37 listed, enough choice to keep us busy every day for the area in Deanston currently occupied by the football of the week, if only we had the time! pitch have been presented and show a disappointingly uniform and densely packed tract of relatively large houses. As well as visitors discovering what the community offers, The promised planning gain is reduced to a minimal there was a lot of networking amongst the groups, and it relocation of the existing football pitch and provision of gave the representatives the opportunity to determine if there could be more events run as a joint enterprise. rudimentary changing facilities. This type of development seems highly unlikely to be of benefit to the community, as No local event would be complete without the refreshments, it does not offer the mix of housing, improved community and the home bakers rose to the occasion yet again with facilities and opportunity to integrate with the existing delicious savouries, cakes and tray bakes, while the tea team village that should be a part of any growth in the area. provided much-needed cuppas to keep the vocal chords well lubricated. Stirling Council have also extended the deadline on feedback Deborah Hackett to the local plan, to allow more time for responses. By the time you read this the local drop-in session will have been held in Doune on 7 December (see p 2). The current draft of the plan appears quite sensible for the Kilmadock area, INFORMATION & with no major expansion of housing anticipated in the short HERITAGE CENTRE term, which hopefully will allow the new residents time to DOUNE integrate with the community. The Centre offers a wide range of resources Other issues aired at the meeting included our community and facilities including: policeman, Campbell Dunn, highlighting the continuing Tourist and local history information threat of scrap metal theft, including electric cables, manhole Free local guides, walks leaflets covers and so on. Please pass on to the police anything suspicious that you see. There are ongoing operations, Maps: Walking, Cycling. Touring particularly around identification of vehicles, which can use Extensive range of books on Scotland this information. and on local information and history The ongoing issue of parking in the village was brought Secondhand books forward again. There are well-known difficulties with Handmade cards identifying suitable locations and funding their provision; however, the possibility of improving signage, making Colour and Black and White Photocopying Service up to A3 size visitors aware of alternatives, was raised and is to be investigated. Lamination Service Internet Access Finally, with winter looming, Stirling Council are keen to assure us that they are better prepared than previously in the Contact the Centre at: event of a re-occurrence of last year’s appalling weather (see 52 Main Street, Doune FK16 6BW p.6). A supply of grit is to be made available locally, with the Telephone: 01786 841250 location to be confirmed. e-mail: [email protected] William Warburton
4 Remembering the Fallen
Members of the community of Doune respectfully gathered Thanks go to Thea Taylor-Milne for assisting with the in the Muir Hall on Sunday 13 November for an Armistice wreaths, Harry for his display, piper David Fisher and Rev Day ceremony led by Rev Andy Campbell. All were moved Campbell for leading the events on this special day. by Rev Campbell’s service and by the readings, which Alison McAlpine included WW1’s most famous poem by Wilfred Owen Dulce et Decorum Est and the contemporary A Difference by Robert Keily, written in Afghanistan during 2007. Local Brownies and Cubs also attended, bringing all generations together to remember.
The short wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial which followed offered another opportunity to mark this occasion of remembrance for those unable to join the church service. Wreaths were laid by ex-serviceman Rory McAlpine, Kilmadock Community Councillor Jimmie Innes, Brownie Leader Sarah Lauder, Cub Leader Andy Banks, Doune Masonic Lodge representative David McNeil and John Blackwood on behalf of Stirling Council. David Fisher piped the lament marking the end of the service.
Welcome teas and coffees were served by Kilmadock Community Council, as guests were invited to view Harry Doy’s collection of War Members of all generations gathered at the Doune War Memorial on Memorabilia. Remembrance Sunday
A Gift from The Past retired with the rank of Squadron Leader; however he It was after last year’s Armistice Day when Harry Doy, that continued as a civilian instructor in Harriers and Buccaneers great collector of World War militaria, received a gift which until 1988. Many of our fliers, defending our airspace today, should be understood by all of us who owe a debt to those owe much to what he taught. who have gone to war on our behalf. The gift was of the uniforms and insignia of Sqdn Ldr L Gapper RAF; Harry Laurie’s story brings to mind those other veterans of the displayed these with other significant relics of the wars of the wartime RAF who quietly lived among us and from whom last century in the Muir Hall on Armistice Sunday. He is an it was possible, just occasionally, to hear a word about their old friend of Information Centre volunteer Bob Duncan. own personal war: Willie McClaggan who flew more than 60 missions as a tail gunner in Wellingtons and Lancasters Laurie Gapper joined the and who never spoke about the actuarial impossibility of his RAF in 1941 when (having survival but who fought in the great air battles over the Ruhr, lied about his age) he was Hamburg and Berlin; Archie Ross, regular RAF Warrant just 17. After operational Officer, ‘too precious to risk on operations’, and with a warm training in Africa he became chuckle hiding the fact that he was an expert analyst in air a pilot in Air Transport reconnaissance; Jimmy Todd, ground crew in Burma, going Command. His job was forward to service airfields when ‘every other lucky *lokeb the delivery of aircraft to was going the other way’; and Pilot Officer Aitken, who operational units and that fought in the Battle of Britain. meant flying just about every type of plane into By the time you read this it will be 70 years since Pearl areas where the battle for Harbour brought the United States into the War. By then this air superiority was at its country had been engaged for more than two years on land height. It was a dangerous and at sea and in the air. It continued for another four bitter role, involving the ability to years. This article has concentrated on a few airmen who fly unfamiliar aircraft without protection; these pilots paid a survived and who have a connection with our community. terrible price, often forgotten in the statistics of the great air campaigns. Many from this community served in a host of different capacities, in both the World Wars. Their gift to us is greater With peace came the Cold War and the Berlin Blockade. than their memorabilia: it is the fundamental freedom which Laurie was one of the gallant pilots who flew Dakotas to we continue to enjoy, and in the name of which our young secure West Berlin as a bastion of the West. Without such service men and women continue to be at hazard in the field, aircrew the bleak history of postwar Europe would linger at sea and in the air. with us today. Laurie served in the RAF until 1982 when he Ken Campbell
5 Council Invests In Snow Ploughs
Following widespread criticism of their response to the appalling road conditions brought about by last winter’s exceptionally severe weather, Stirling Council has invested £100,000 towards combating any repeat. Just in time, it seems.....
Nearly half of that sum, says the Council, is being spent on 20 new snowploughs, of the kind which can be fitted to farm tractors. “The tractors and ploughs will assist Stirling Council to clear roads during severe winter weather conditions”, said a spokesman. “The new snowploughs were issued to local farmers in mid November. The farmers are all members of the Tayforth Machinery Ring, an organisation that the Council has used for many years during periods of heavy snowfall. ”
In June, the decision was made to order the additional ploughs for the coming winter. During any adverse weather, the farmers will be contacted by the Council’s Roads Maintenance Service and used to assist less busy trafficked routes. Due to the vagaries of the winter weather, this may mean some farmers are called into action and others are not. As well as these ploughs, investment has been made in 14 new snowblowers, footway snow clearing machines and 500 new shovels that will be available for community use, through local community councils.
Councillor Jim Thomson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, commented: ‘With 20 additional snowploughs the Council is better prepared than in previous years to deal with the worst of the winter weather. Involving local farmers means that we have assistance available where we need it’.”
Councillor Jim Thomson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Tony Ffinch and Bruce Hamilton from Tayforth machinery ring are pictured with some of the farmers and the new machinery. Kenny Lauder from Doune, a driver and general operative with the Council’s Environment Department, is first left. Among the local farmers involved with the scheme are Davy Brown of Sauchans Farm and John Campbell from Kilbryde.
Police Report
Since my last report, the following crimes have been reported in the Vehicles are being used for carrying out these crimes and we area. would be keen to hear of any strange vehicles seen in suspicious circumstances. Between 15 and 17 September a decorative metal wall plaque and a bell were stolen from an isolated cottage at Deanston. With dark nights being upon us I would also urge everyone to think about house security. Housebreaking tends to increase at this time Overnight, between 25 and 26 September, a car parked in the car of the year in the late afternoon and early evening, when lack of park at the rear of Main Street, Doune was damaged by having its lighting makes it obvious that houses are vacant. paintwork scratched. Please consider putting timer switches on lamps within your house In the early hours of 4 November two men were arrested and which will give the impression that there may be someone at home. appeared at court from custody having been traced stealing copper Radios tuned to a talk station are also a good idea. Similarly, if you BT cable on the A84 between Doune and Blairdrummond. see any suspicious activity, please let the police know at the time. As can be seen, metal thefts are still prevalent in this and surrounding areas. There have been similar crimes reported Campbell Dunn elsewhere, including thefts of road signs and drain covers. Community Policeman Obviously, these can have serious safety implications for motorists and pedestrians.
6 Walking Into Winter
It was a sight to gladden the heart of anyone with a feel for the old days of farming. Early one crisp autumn morning at the end of October, motorists on the Hill of Row found themselves slowing down to overtake a dignified procession. Nancy, Lowry and Ballerina (seen l-r in the picture), the three Clydesdale mares belonging to Sylvia and Jim Stewart of Doune, were being led from their summer pastures to winter quarters near Kilbryde by horsemen (l-r) Donald Buick, Garry Moffat and Davy Armstrong.
The Clydesdales have been familiar figures around Doune for a good few years, delighting walkers along the old railway line where they used to graze in what is now the Allotments field. As Lorna Wallace wrote last year (see The Bridge of July/August 2010) these gentle giants are around 16.5 hands high, which Nancy, Lowry and Ballerina (l-r) head for their winter quarters (Photo: John McCracken) is 5’6” to the shoulder; each weighs the equivalent of a small car! Lowry, who is 17 years old, is the only one of the trio who has been broken; mother and daughter Ballerina and Nancy have only ever been shod for the show ring. Although they are today described by Jim and Sylvia as household pets, Sylvia, in the past, frequently showed her Clydesdales, Lowry in particular, with some success. Juliet McCracken
Buttercup Café Blossoms!
The popularity of Buttercup Café on Doune’s Main Street has meant that, at busy periods, owner Lorna Bishop has, regrettably, had to turn customers away.
Not any more! What the previous owners had as two letting bedrooms has now been sympathetically converted to create a beautiful dining space with vaulted ceiling, leather chairs, wooden beams and designer lighting.
Accessed directly from the café and looking onto the walled courtyard, it offers seating for 16 and is the ideal venue for breakfast meetings, private lunches or dinners, family celebrations or ‘girlie evenings’. Lorna and her team can even create a menu to suit individual tastes and budgets. Tasteful extension to the Buttercup Cafe So, be sure to visit Buttercup Café, sample the freshly-made food and great coffee or the extensive cake selection and see the new look for yourself!
Lorna Bishop
7 I had worked with Ian before, like some of the others, I still Crossed Wires had to overcome a serious streak of scepticism. But sure Overcoming ‘a serious streak of scepticism’, Vicki Clifford enough, when we focused our minds on clear questions, gets out her divining rods. the dowsing rods certainly crossed in unequivocal ways. However, the site of the round houses was confused and Sixteen people turned out on 30 October, a fair Sunday lots of us had ‘readings’ beyond those of Dr Orkney’s own morning, to try their hands at the arcane skill of dowsing survey; it was decided that the whole site would need further with consultant engineer Dr Ian Orkney. The plan was to mapping. try to trace the outline of the hidden buildings of St Aedh’s, a monastic community whose monastery is believed to Once at the Teith, fortified by a picnic lunch, we began to have been adjacent to the Old Kilmadock cemetery site. look for the walls of the monastic buildings. At one point in Armed with little more than redesigned coat hangers and a the afternoon Ian was asked if he could dowse for human determination to succeed, we set off from Doune Park farm remains and a grave-site was duly located within the outline down the edge of the Annet burn towards the Teith. of one of the buildings.
Dr Orkney, a renowned expert, has dowsed and mapped The land we were dowsing belongs to Moray Estates and the many historic sites and proved that, if we are willing to possible discovery of human remains raised the unanswered cultivate our latent ‘far infra-red’, an instinct that other question of where The Bonnie Earl of the famous ballad animals continue to rely on, then there’s no reason why any was buried. Lady Moray, one of the party, was invited to tell of us should not dowse successfully. us the story of the Bonnie Earl’s final days and, horrified by the story of his murder, we were all left speculating as On the way to our destination we stopped at a mound, which to his final resting place. Could it have been Kilmadock? Dr Orkney had previously map-dowsed, and were invited, We may never know but we certainly had an excellent and using our rods, to go forth and locate hut circles. Although entertaining day out.
Vicki Clifford
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8 island was centred around the tides and animals, machinery, W.R.I. Update etc. were transported by a barge. When the island flooded the family had to move to the mainland. Alloa Inch is now a At our September meeting Susan Duke and Veronica Bellers Nature Reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. gave us a most fascinating and exciting talk about their Great Joan Dentt Aunt, Margaret Collyer, who must have been a remarkable lady. She was an artist and a farming pioneer in Kenya in the early 1900’s. Margaret Collyer’s paintings, mainly of animals, Doune and District WRI were scattered all over the world. Susan and Veronica, after much research, rewrote Margaret’s biography, traced a lot of Monthly meeting her pictures, copies of which they include in their book called A Vivid Canvas. Their talk told how Margaret Collyer bought Friday 20 January 7.30pm in the land and set about building a house before establishing a stock Woodside Hotel breeding farm in isolated and untamed country with the help “Journey to the Holy Land” of local labour, and how she fought off a giant python to save her pet dog from its coils. The book, I may add, is a riveting Talk by Heather Boville read. Members free Visitors £2.00 All Welcome
Doune Craft Club
Doune Craft Club meets in the Smiddy at Clan House, Balkerach Street every Wednesday from 7.30 to 10.00pm. We are a self-help group who do a variety of crafts and are willing to introduce you to a new craft, or you may bring your own work. Everyone is welcome. Come along, have a chat and a cup of tea and see what we do. There Margaret Collyer’s ‘Exile from Erin’ is owned by the University of is a charge of £1.00 per night. Delaware where the professors are said to compete with each other as to who is allowed to have it in their rooms! The dog who stood for the painting was her Irish Terrier, Rory, who she had for 16 For more information contact Lesley Marshall tel. years. Margaret wrote that, when he died: “half of me was buried 841414 or Mary Campbell tel. 842143 with him.”
Our October meeting was entitled “The Plight of the Bumblebee”; Bob Dawson from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust told us of the decline of the bumblebee population and its causes. By providing suitable habitats in our gardens we can help conserve these very necessary creatures who pollinate flowers and fruit trees. Without bees there would be little or no fruit!
At the end of October two of our members attended a baking course organised by the SWRI Federation in Bridge of Allan. What a great day! Along with another eight members of various WRIs we were taught how to make light, fatless sponges, scones, dropped scones and empire biscuits. We picked up some good tips and (speaking as someone who, previously, couldn’t get scones to rise) were delighted with the end results.
Margaret MacGregor came along to our November meeting and gave us an insight into life living on Alloa Inch, an island in the tidal reaches of the River Forth near Alloa. Margaret’s story began when her parents married and set up home on the island. Her slides and paintings were brought to life by an excellent narrative. Life was very busy on the island with 400 hens, ducks, cattle and crops. Getting on and off the
9 EDITORIAL AND LETTERS
EDITORIAL Christmas is coming! And if anyone is in any doubt about the matter they have only to turn to our coverage of Doune’s wonderful Street Fair, a reassuring tribute to the community spirit of an area which has needed to draw on deep reserves of solidarity this year. It will need those reserves again. Stirling Council’s drop-in consultation session (page 2), held to sound out community opinion on the Local Development Plan and to canvas ways in which our amenities might be improved, drew large numbers. However, in at least one instance, it showed that the planners have bypassed local opinion. In earmarking part of the field below the Commonty Walk for possible Phase 2 development it has flagged up at least one battle line to come if the integrity of the village is to be preserved. This community almost unanimously rejected Moray Estates development plans, including for that area, and we must keep reminding our Stirling Councillors of that. Our proactive Community Councillors need to remain on guard and we individuals must make sure that we let the planners know what we think. Anyone concerned about securing the long-term future of one of Kilmadock’s most beautiful and, now, newly vulnerable amenities has got until Christmas to contact [email protected]. Thanks go to our loyal readers, for buttressing The Bridge over the past, action-packed year and to our contributors for all their hard work and generosity with their time. Please keep those letters and articles coming. The editorial team, now signing off until February, wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.
LETTERS Observations (Online) on Growing Older
Dear Bridge Your kids are becoming you…and you don’t like them…but It was reported in the November issue of The Bridge your grandchildren are Perfect! that Kilmadock Community Council has welcomed the When people say: “You look great”, they add: “for your age!” assistance of Medco in resolving a number of problems in the village identified at the Medco planning workshop. What used to be freckles are now liver spots. Although Medco’s Andrew Howard states that this offer You’re 100 pages into a book before you realise you’ve of assistance is not a quid pro quo for the community’s already read it. support for their housing proposals, there are signs of an unhealthy relationship developing between Medco and Everybody whispers. KCC. Such a relationship has not been explained to the community and may compromise the independence of our You tend to use more four-letter words: “What?” “When?” elected representatives in balancing the conflicting needs of But Old is good in lots of ways: Old songs, Old movies and, the community. It is the role of the Community Council to best of all, Old Friends. engage with residents, to hear our concerns and to pursue Iain Mathieson these with the relevant authorities. They are democratically elected to do this. Some may find disturbing reading in Andrew Howard’s statement in The Bridge that there is a presumption of bilateral treatment of a variety of issues between Medco and the KCC. There should be avoidance ANDREW ANDERSON of a situation whereby Medco has a privileged position in & SONS response to community concerns. Yours sincerely FUNERAL DIRECTORS Lynn Abrams Dear Bridge 24 Hour Service Thank you to the Boys and Girls of Primary 7 for the Prepaid Funeral lovely pots of pansies they gave to the Senior Citizens at their Coffee Afternoon at the Woodside on Wednesday 14 Plans November. Monumental Service Dorothy Kennett Family Run Business Neighbourhood Watch Funds The former Neighbourhood Watch Committee is seeking to dispose of modest funds left over from the now defunct Address: 14 Camp Place, Callander scheme. They propose donating the money to the Doune Telephone: (01877) 330398 / 330567 Fax: (01877) 331079 Entertainments Committee for use towards such good causes as the Senior Citizens Outing and the Gala. If anyone has any Rest Room Address: Glenartney Street, Callander objections to this proposal, please contact Ian Muirhead, tel 841585, before the end of January.
10 Digging In
During November walkers along the old railway line and Argaty Road may have noticed the allotments field beginning JENNIFER’S to take shape. Larry Irwin of Moray Estates kindly arranged for the long grass and weeds to be topped so that the field Flowers emerged tidy and green, ready for the great day of marking out the plots. 1 The Cross Doune FK16 6BQ Chris Clarke, John Wells, Jayne Field, Alfie McQueen, Tel 01786 841770 Cameron Smith, Duncan Kinloch and Bob Mitchell were all involved on the day and a grand total of 23 plots were www. Jennifer’s Flowers Doune.co.uk pegged out on the ground. Many of these are to be split into This Christmas we have a fabulous half plots, so that we will be able to accommodate at least 27 selection of Gifts. plot holders. From Candles, Jewellery, Cards, At the time of writing we have a couple of spaces left, but Lighting and Handbags. they have been going fast. Come and view our new Ness clothing We are arranging to have individual plots ploughed at a small collection for the Winter cost to each plot holder. By the time you read this I hope You can now order that a ‘runrig’ pattern of ploughed strips will be in evidence, Holly wreaths, hand-tie Bouquets, running up and down the south-facing slope of the allotment field. Manure is becoming a big topic of conversation. Table centre pieces, Anyone offering a good supply please get in touch! Posy baskets and Arrangement Telephone Orders Taken Forthcoming Events We are now an Member During January we intend to organise an informal ‘How Interflora to Get Started’ evening for those new to growing fruit and Delivery Locally, Nationally and Internationally vegetables All major cards accepted . We also need to raise money to make the allotment field into a good community facility – to help with this we are organizing a RAG BAG COLLECTION for late January.
Please save any textiles, clothes and shoes, no matter in what condition, and bring along to the Rural Hall on the dates to be advertised. A great chance for a New Year clear out!
Jayne Whitehead Kilmadock Community Allotments Group
GEORGE MCALLISTER The Village Gardener UNSIGHTLY TREE SERVICES Grass Cutting and Maintenance STUMPS IN YOUR WAY AGRICULTURAL & Autumn / Winter Clear-ups LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR Pruning SMALL BUILDING PROJECTS, We grind them down Plant Care DIY, FENCING, GARDEN To 8-10” below ground level MAINTENANCE, Path Cleaning & Clearing LANDSCAPING, VAN FOR General Tidy up Professional NPTC TRANSPORT Holly Wreaths and Garlands available Certified operators OR SUPPLY LABOUR ANYTHING AT ALL GIVE ME A now, or to order for Christmas Minimum ground disturbance CALL Gift wrapping service available Contact Iain on 07981 920156 MOB: 07592006883 ELSTON LANDSCAPES TEL: 01786 842 467 or 01786 841007 01738850742 11 CASTLEHILL, DOUNE
11 sledge once it was up to full speed. Steering with one foot Childhood Christmases was a fine art; Chrissie clearly remembers hurtling right down to the bottom of the gasworks road; no-one was ever Remembered hurt. I like nothing more than having a good old blether with my She also loves to reminisce about later Christmases, shared next-door neighbour, says Ali Hutchison, who recently asked with her husband Simon. There were Christmas dinner Chrissie Ziolkowska, born in 1923, to tell her something dances at what was then Deanston House Hotel. New Year’s about village Christmases in years gone by. Eve was a time for family; Simon and Chrissie would bring in the New Year at home and then go and first-foot at her Gifting at parents’. To start the New Year off, the house was thoroughly Christmas has cleaned from top to bottom. Chrissie recalls that the last job become a multi- to be done every year was to empty the ash pan. Just before million pound midnight her Dad would leave the door open so that, when industry with the Kilmadock Parish Church bells rang, they could let the seasonal items Auld Year out and the New Year in. being stocked in shops as early Chrissie describes all her memories in such detail that, as October. sometimes, I can imagine myself there. Maybe that’s because Growing up in I want to be there, to be a part of a society that put family a family of 13, first and shared good, honest values of hard work and respect Chrissie (née for elders. As Chrissie says: “Back then we lived in a great McAlpine) knew era; we had proper values and the most important thing was it was hard for that all your family were beside you”. her parents. Chrissie in her Doune garden A Christmas Maybe, this year, as the recession starts to hit many homes present was only ever bought for the youngest child in hard, we may see a return to spending time with family as the house: “They would get something really nice like a being more important than showering them with gifts. wee rocking horse”. Chrissie always longed for a doll and once, when attending the annual St Modoc’s Church Christmas Party in the Masonic Hall, she thought that all her Ali Hutchison and Chrissie Ziolkowska Christmases had come at once. “Every child loved going to that party. There was always a roaring log fire, and the best flaky pastry mince pies”. Chrissie can still remember the huge candle-lit Christmas tree that always decorated the hall; on it were gifts that the children would receive from Santa.
The minute they heard the bell ring outside, all the children would race to the window to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, the Sunday School teacher’s brother, Mr McConnell, dressed in a Santa outfit. With handbell and sledge in tow, Santa would distribute the presents to each of the children in the hall. One year, Chrissie couldn’t help falling in love with a beautiful doll that was attached to the tree. She prayed for it with all her might but, to her dismay, her present proved to be a small rectangular parcel, a book: The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. Too young to understand the story, Chrissie laid it aside; however, she said, in years to come that very book would become her favourite.
As in many Doune homes, Christmas Day at the McAlpines was a family affair. There were nice decorations and a small tree. Aunties and Uncles and Granny would visit from Deanston. Turkey dinners weren’t common; instead, Chrissie’s Mum would get a hen or make a steak pie, followed by the biggest, best, homemade clootie dumpling. Chrissie can remember her Mum wrapping silver threepenny pieces in parchment paper and hiding them inside the dumpling. The excitement was unbearable as each person searched their helping for silver treasure.
Chrissie remembers cold winters but says that the snow did not always come. Sharing a bed with three of her sisters meant that there was plenty of body heat to go around. When it did snow, Chrissie and her family would head up to the Glebe to join all the other Doune children in sledging down Chrissie (the ‘wee black sheep’ seen front left) with three of her the hill. She giggles as she describes how those without sisters Jenny, Lizzie and baby Nancy, outside their Granny’s house sledges would wait until someone set off from the top of in Deanston in about 1926 the brae, then run behind them and jump on the back of the
12 New Website Standing on its Own Two Feet Doune The new website for Doune, Deanston and the surrounding area, www.doune.co
With further advertising revenue expected in year two as Class I.V. Tyres more local businesses see the value in highlighting their (Free retests) Exhausts services online, additional money will go back into the community as profit generated from the website will be spent Welding on local community IT-related projects.
Community groups are also getting to grips with being put We can collect and in the driver’s seat as the new site enables them to have their own log-in details and to alter and update the content of their return your vehicle own sections without referring to the Doune Website Team (only in the Callander and Doune areas) that manages the site. So far The Bridge and the Doune Cricket Club have taken control of their own areas and others will no doubt catch them up in the New Year.
Doune.co has now also been visited by more people than 1786 841061 there are residents in Doune! To date, 2,183 people have visited the site, landing on a total of 11,167 pages. As well as being of interest to local residents and businesses, the site is attracting the attention of potential tourists from countries around the world including Colombia, America, Australia and Canada.
If you want to know what’s going on in Doune and the surrounding area, as well as reading your copy of The Bridge, why not visit www.doune.co
Designed fitted kitchens, Laminate & hardwood flooring, Upvc doors & Windows, Velux windows, Extensions & Renovation projects, All Internal & external woodwork, Fencing & decking Loft & garage conversions, New builds All trades supplied, Free estimates. Tel 01786 813853 Mob 07870 398356 E‐mail [email protected]
13 Magic Moments from the Christmas Fair
A Night Before Christmas continued from page 1
crowds were entertained by a juggler and a magician while the magical sounds of a traditional Christmas came courtesy of the Dunblane Cathedral Choir and Handbell Ringers. Scores of children, transformed by face paint, queued up to visit Santa in his Grotto, who gave out presents with the help of his Elves (the latter children from Doune Primary who had won a competition to be an Elf).
Among the crowds, The Bridge spotted recent returnees to Doune, Nick and Anne Cooke, who said that they were ‘bowled over’ by the friendliness of the evening: “The atmosphere was fantastic! Doune feels much more like a real community than it did 30 years ago”.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the Kilmadock Christmas Street Fair Committee for the tremendous amount of hard work and effort that went into organizing this highly successful event. The Committee, in its turn, would like to thank everyone who helped to bring the evening about, said Secretary Sarah Lauder: including RTA, The Village Store, Mrs Thea Taylor-Milne, The Red Lion Hotel, Stirling Council, Kilmadock Development Trust, Kilmadock Community Council, The Windfarm Trust, local businesses, raffle prize donors, stallholders and ‘the very kind band of helpers who set up and helped to clear away’: “We are very grateful to Santa for coming along, especially when he is so busy getting ready for Christmas”, “We apologise if we have missed anyone out: your help is certainly always appreciated. The Doune Street Fair brings us together as a community and, without you all, this night would not have been the same.!” Juliet Mc Cracken
14 Magic Moments from the Christmas Fair
All Lit Up! continued from page 1
to those who have given the centre of Doune this touch of seasonal magic as winter wraps itself around us.
Community Action for Deanston staged the village’s annual Christmas Tree Switch-on on 5 December. Lewis Lothian and Iona Murdoch, representing the upper and lower school, had the honour of switching on the lights and, following a last minute programme change, Stuart Galloway gamely played Christmas tunes on the pipes as snow fell. Sadly, the children were not able to give their usual ballroom dancing display as teacher Robyn wasn’t able to join us. However, mulled wine, mince pies, juice and bickies were some consolation, and there’s always next year.
CAfD is most grateful to John Nicol of Doune Woodyard and RTA for donating our tree, says Anna Clark, also to Lorrayne Shaw for making the school available for the event. “Lorrayne deserves special mention for the support that she gives our group throughout the year, making possible all our evening classes and meetings”.
A merry Christmas and happy New Year to us all!
Juliet McCracken Sarah Lauder Ken Campbell Anna Clark
And with thanks to our roving photographers, Diana Bishop and Ali Hutchison
15 Book Now for Christmas Cheer!
Christmas Party Menu
As Christmas comes round again, we at the Red Lion are presenting you with our pre-Christmas lunch and dinner for friends, families and organisations who wish to celebrate with us. To m a k e a b o o k i n g p l e a s e p h o n e 0 1 7 8 6 8 4 2 0 6 6 o r p o p i n a n d s e e u s . Served from the 7th - 23rd December Tuesday – Saturday 12.00-2.30 & 5.30-8.00 A Warm welcome awaits you Sunday 12.30-6.00 Over the Christmas period, 2 Courses: £15.95 / 3 Courses: £17.95 a full Christmas fare is available Starters From Saturday 3rd December Cream of Roast Parsnip and Honey soup – fresh, homemade and served with a crusty warm roll Chicken and Duck Liver Pate with fresh herbs and malt whisky Book early to avoid disappointment served with Scottish oatcakes and a red onion chutney For more details contact Trio of seasonal Melon served with winter berries marinated in mulled wine Susanne on 01786 841 237 Main Courses Traditional Roast Perthshire Turkey with kilted sausages, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce served with the Chefs selection of Please note we are closed for two days potatoes and vegetables 25th and 26th December Roast Angus Rib of Beef served with a Bordelaise sauce and Open again on Tuesday 27th December the Chefs selection of potatoes and vegetables Also Seared fillet of Shetland Salmon with a prawn, dill and cream sauce st and served with the Chefs selection of potatoes and vegetables Closing at 11pm on 31 December st Mediterranean Vegetable Stroganoff Closed January 1 and 2nd served with a timbale of rice Open again on Tuesday 3rd January Desserts Traditional Christmas pudding drizzled in a Brandy Cream sauce Woodside Hotel White Chocolate Cup filled with a cherry and Kirsch mousse Stirling Road Mandarin and Orange cheesecake served with fresh cream Doune Perthsire
POPPIESPOPPIES SPECIAL MENUSSPECIAL & EVENTS MENUS & EVENTS “THE JOKE RESTAURANT” PoppiesSaturday 13th Restaurant November 7:00 is for open 7:30pm for Lunch 12 to 2pm and Dinner 6 to 9pm Poppies introduces a new concept of entertainment! We have recruited two new members of sta from the (6 to 7pm) DorchesterSPECIAL in London who mayEARLY not be quite EVENING what you MENU imagine!!!…..A Unique evening2 Course of fun and £13.50 of course | 3a Course £17.50 quality threeNovember course dinner Offer with co ee...complimentary £30 If you are bottle of house wine for POPPIES HOTEL AND RESTAURANT, up for a laugh youtables will love of this!! 4 or more, tables must be pre booked. LENY ROAD, CALLANDER “MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT” “SHOT TO FAME” ******************* TEL: 01877-330329 Friday 10th DecemberTRADITIONAL 7:00 for 7:30pm SUNDAY LUNCH E-MAIL: [email protected] Another night of intrigue as a jaded comedian WEB: WWW.POPPIESHOTEL.COM from2 a HolidayCourses Camp £13.50 is murdered. | 3 Whodunnit??Courses £17.50 (Childrens Menu available) Including dinner £35.00 ******************* CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR AT POPPIES MURDER MYSTERY NIGHTS Don’t Delay to book your(Friday family, 25thfriends, Nov and Friday 9th Dec) Works Night/Lunch or£35pp Private orParty stay overnight also only £75pp Our Festive Menus are available from Saturday 4th December. ******************* Festive Lunch 2 course £10.95 - 3 course £14.95 Festive Dinner 3 course £21.00CHRISTMAS AT POPPIES ChristmasPre Christmas Day Lunch £45.00Lunches and Dinners from Friday 2nd - 24th December Hogmanay Gala Dinner and Entertainment £55.00 NewLunch Years - Day 2 courses Lunch £21.00 £12.50 | 3 courses £15.50 / Dinner - £20 for 3 courses NewChristmas Years Day Dinner Day £25.00 Lunch - Served 12 to 3.30pm - 4 courses £45pp
RESERVATIONSDON’T DELAY BEING FOR TAKEN CHRISTMAS NOW...... DON’T DAY!! DELAY!! BOOK YOUR LUNCH TABLE NOW…
16 New Driver at the Filling Station Wheel
Jim Raeburn, the new owner of the Deanston Filling Station His entry into retail is a completely new venture but his and Shop, is a man who has, he says, a clear ambition to enthusiasm and his determination to succeed, as he has in the develop the business even beyond the achievements of past, leaves your correspondent with little doubt that the new Murdo Murchison, the previous owner. regime in both the shop and the filling station will establish both as valuable and welcome resources for this community. Jim has now established that the hours of business for both Ken Campbell the filling station and the shop will be Monday to Friday from 7am to 8pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 8pm.
Jim clearly has a pro-active view of the business potential of the enterprise. The present staff of five are all being retained and the additional hours will, in the meantime, be covered by Jim himself and his business partner, Anne. He is particularly optimistic about his policy of Sunday opening but knows that making such opening hours viable during the winter months depends on word getting around to locals.
He is looking forward to the start of the tourist season when passing visitors will stop before embarking on the long hauls between one filling station and another as they enter the Highlands. While already seeing healthy interest from passing trade he recognises that the critical factor is winning and holding the loyalty of local consumers and his approach is aimed at that target.
Jim comes from a mining background and has a successful Jim Raeburn: an ambition to succeed career as an entrepreneurial land drilling expert behind him.
DEANSTON SERVICE STATION Jim Raeburn and all the Staff would like to wish their Customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
NOW OPEN 7 DAYS ALSO OPEN BOXING DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY
17 worn by the men and the lace curtain they carried attracted Echoes of Protest a host of followers in the park, while a lorry, containing an asbestos rope-making machine in operation, afforded much Kilmadock and the speculation to the onlookers. 1884 Franchise agitiation The contingent of around 200 men and women also carried Speaking to the Kilmadock Society on 9 November, historian banners, and each wore a ‘Franchise medal’, many thousands Mark Nixon recalled a time when outraged local response to of which had been produced for the demonstrations taking the great political crisis of 1884 helped move Britain towards place all over Britain. the democracy we enjoy today. Feeling against the Peers was strong, with calls for the In the spring of 1884, Gladstone’s Liberal government abolition of the House and the introduction of universal had introduced a new Franchise Bill to Parliament, a bill manhood suffrage. The Deanston workers did not disappoint, which sought to add roughly two million men to the voters’ with banners proclaiming ‘Right shall overcome all might / roll. Having passed the Commons, it was voted down by And sweep the Lords clean out of sight’. the Conservative-dominated House of Lords. During the summer, growing dissatisfaction with events resulted in a By November opinion in the Conservative party and the major, grassroots-led protest movement, perhaps the largest House of Lords had shifted, and the Bill was passed without series of political demonstrations in modern British history. significant amendment or further delay. The workers of The counties of Stirling and Perth added their voices in many Deanston, then, can be said to have played their part in the small local demonstrations and at major gatherings in the two gradual move to the mass democracy we have today. great Royal Burghs. Mark Nixon Feeling was running high in the area from early in the campaign. On 23 July, the Perthshire Advertiser, in its District News column for Doune, reported that:
The throwing out of this bill by the House of Lords has caused great indignation amongst the supporters of the Liberal Government in this parish.
In August, the Stirling Observer, then a radical Liberal newspaper, reported that the Forthbank Carpet Factory workers had called for a demonstration in their burgh, a call quickly supported by the workers of both “the ancient burgh of Dunblane and the thriving village of Deanston”. Mass produced 1884 Franchise medal, showing Liberal Prime September 20 was chosen as the date, with over 5000 Minister William Gladstone. The hole enabled the wearer to expected on the procession through the town, and perhaps hang it from a pin or ribbon. twice as many more for the demonstration at Kings Park. Liberal mill owners in the district gave their workers a holiday so that they could be involved, and Mr Cree, manager of the Deanston works, went further by giving permission for his workers to stay on after hours to make banners and trades models in the workshops.
The Observer’s account of the Stirling demonstration reported that, on mustering at Kings Park:
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18 FANS FROM FERRARA
Daniele and Maria Ferri are regular visitors to Doune from their While here they decided they would like to sing at Mass in the home in Ferrara in Emilia Romagna in north-east Italy. Catholic Church. Arrangements were made, and they had a memorable time, singing throughout the service, much to the whole Daniele and Maria congregation’s delight. chose Doune almost by chance. Following the Mass, the Doune Walkers arranged a BBQ and game When they were of Petanque for the visitors, in the Bakery Garden. A delightful arranging their first time was had by all; it included Scottish Country dancing, followed visit to Scotland, by some traditional Italian dancing! six years ago, their travel agent suggested they stay somewhere central and travel around. Doune is situated pretty much in the centre of Scotland, so they had a look on the internet, and decided this was the place to start.
They arrived in August 2006, Daniele and Maria: a six-year love affair and stayed for with Doune two weeks at the BBQ at the Bakery Garden Gingham House on Main Street. They toured all over Scotland and fell in love with the country. Daniele is a Software Systems Developer. He developed the Woodside Hotel’s website! Maria is a teacher in a secondary school They have been coming every year in August since then, staying in Ferrara. Daniele is also a very keen chess player who has visited regularly at the Woodside Hotel. Scotland to take part in tournaments, and has also been a guest at chess clubs around the country. In 2008, they decided to have an additional trip, and brought along two friends to celebrate New Year in Scotland, again staying at the Whenever they return to Scotland, Daniele and Maria meet up with Woodside Hotel. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel was full for dinner: the Walkers; on their latest visit in August this year, they were even the Doune Walkers had decided to have their Hogmanay dinner invited to try their hands at playing the bagpipes at a Walkers’ BBQ! there. Jim and Sheila McGroarty visited Ferrara in September this year, In true Italian fashion, Daniele passed round Italian meats and bread and were treated to some very fine Italian hospitality by Daniele and which he had brought all the way from home. They were followed Maria; they also met up with many of the latter’s friends who had by a bottle of Deanston Malt, which went down very well with the travelled to Scotland. They are soon to get together with the Ferris’ daughter Silvia and her fiancé Fabio who are currently in London on a mission to improve their English.
We look forward to welcoming Daniele and Maria back to Doune.
Jim McGroarty
Daniele tries out Dave Fisher’s bagpipes, with interesting results! Walkers! The latter returned their visitors’ hospitality by inviting them to the post-dinner party at Jim and Sheila McGroarty’s. There followed some dubious lessons in Scottish Country dancing!! However we have been friends ever since.
In 2010, Daniele and Maria decided to arrange a trip for 14 of their friends from Ferrara to come and see beautiful Scotland. They arrived in August 2010, and all stayed at the Woodside Hotel.
19 DIARY OF COMMUNITY EVENTS: Dec 2011-Feb 2012
DATE EVENT TIME PLACE December 21 Advent Carol Service (Children 18.30 -19.00) 1930 Rural Hall 24 Christmas Mass 2130 St Fillan’s Curch 24 Midnight Mass 2330 St Modoc’s Church 25 Family Service and Eucharist 0930 St Modoc’s Church 25 Christmas Mass 0945 St Fillan’s Church 25 Family Service 1130 Church of Scotland January 1 Joint Service 1030 Kincardine in Menteith Church 5 Media Matters discussion 1930 Church of Scotland 9 Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 9 Community Council 1945 Deanston School 11 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 15 Closing date for February Bridge items 19 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 20 SWRI meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 25 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 28 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark February 1 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 2 Media Matters discussion 1930 Church of Scotland 6 Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 13 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing date for March Bridge items 16 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 17 SWRI meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 24 Village Quiz 1930 Bowling Club 25 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 29 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre
REGULAR EVENTS Mondays-Fridays Red Kite Community Nursery 0900-1200 Muir Hall Mondays Keep Fit 1830-1930 Rural Hall Tuesdays Ballroom Dancing 1000-1100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Class (beginners) 1000-1200 Information Centre Football Club 1900-2000 Dunblane High School Life Drawing Class 1900-2100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Class (post-beginners) 1900-2100 Information Centre Wednesdays Bosum Buddies 1030-1200 Muir Hall China Painting 1400-1600 Deanston Primary School Yoga 1930-2100 Deanston Primary School Zumba 1800-1900 Rural Hall Bridge Club 1915 Red Lion Craft Club 1930-2200 Clan House, Balkerach St Thursdays Baby and Toddler Group 1000-1200 Muir Hall Bridge Classes (Intermediate) 1400-1600 Information Centre Fridays Carpet Bowls 1900 Bowling Club
20 School Report Deanston Primary Doune Primary School Refurbishment P4 and P5 children and staff moved to their bright, new classrooms on 31 October and permanent cloakrooms and shoeboxes have been built for all the children. The extended hall is now in use by all classes for gym and we look forward to having more space for our Christmas parties, dancing and PE lessons.
We are still on target to take over the new extension to the school on 21 December. P6 and P7 classes, teachers and support staff will take up residence in the new building on Monday, 9 January 2012.
The Final Phase will begin when we return in January 2012, extending the dining hall through the existing staff room and transforming the current office, gym cupboard etc. into male/female toilets and a disabled toilet. A new door will be put in place to divide the school from the community wing of the school. Harvest Service and India We were able to send the magnificent sum of £109.17 to thelocal Remembrance Scottish ‘Love in Action’ charity to help children in India. Thank On Friday 11 November the whole school went to the you to Rev Andy Campbell and Father Jim and members of St memorial at the Distillery (above). Natasha and I laid the Fillan’s and St Alphonsus for making us so welcome. wreath. We had our two-minute silence and everyone was wearing a poppy. Kaitlin read a short commemorative Children in Need passage. The Distillery staff and Mrs McKenzie from CAFD Well done to P7 organisers and many thanks to all children and joined us. parents for raising an amazing £198.79 for Children in Need. We Fern P7 had a very colourful, rainbow day. Friends and Neighbours Eco update P7 children took their beautifully wrapped pansies from last term’s This month we have used less water. The energy group are Plants and Eco-Systems science project along to the Woodside Hotel to offer to the senior citizens who attend the Friends and still counting the batteries ready for recycling. The litter Neighbours Club. The older people enjoyed both the pansies and they are picking up is just the same in weight as it was four seeing the children visit from the school. (See Letters page 10). months ago. The transport group have found out that people are starting to go to school in the car and but still most people Junior Tour Guides are walking to school. The water group have been watering Congratulations to our P7 children who have already conducted two the plants inside and outside. The primary sevens are doing very successful thirty-pupil tours at Doune Castle. Two P2 classes well at their jobs. We have just got our second green flag. from Wallacestone P.S. visited in separate weeks and, on both Fern P7 and James P1 occasions, brought the sunshine and much enthusiasm to their visit to Doune. Our P7 children were superb as confident and informative guides. Gymnastics tasters P 1-3 have been lucky enough to take part in three Educational Excursions and Visitors gymnastics tasters. Each week they learned some of the P1 had a great afternoon out at the RSPB Argaty reserve and came techniques involved in rolling, using their upper bodies and back to school with many stories to tell. how to present themselves on the mats. It was a brilliant experience and enjoyed by all. Here are some comments: P5 also enjoyed their trip to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh “I liked monkey walks” James P1; “We did seal walks” and were inspired with the detail of what they learned about plants Scott P1; “We did forward rolls on the big mats and we were and how to develop that learning through creative artwork and helped to tuck our heads in” Beth P3. further research. Girls’ Football December events An opportunity has been offered for P5 girls to try some football Still to come after our Christmas Fair, the Deanston Lights with a coach from Active Stirling on Friday afternoons in Switch On and our Christmas Lunch are: December.
14th School Show Christmas Pantomime 16th House Quiz As an end of term treat, Take-Away Theatre will perform Cinderella 19th MacRobert Panto to P1-P7 on Thursday, 22 December, at 9.30am. 22nd Christmas Parties
21 School Report
A successful Travel Plan and consultation process on Safe Safer Routes to Doune School Routes to School may result in the following changes in a Doune Primary local community: and the Parent Council have Improved pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities decided to develop a traffic New speed limits and traffic management plan for the schoolchildren, Schemes for accompanying children who walk to school parents and service users of Classroom activities on road and personal safety Doune Primary. The Scottish Better facilities for cyclists at school Government describes a We’re doing the right things in Doune. A hands-up survey School Traffic undertaken by the school this September on travel modes to Plan as follows: school found that, at present, 37% of pupils walk, 25% drive and walk, 22% cycle, 6% scoot, 7% come by bus and 3% by “Safer Routes taxi. This result strengthens the need to keep our pedestrians to School or a and cyclists safe on their journey to school and highlights the school travel developments we need to make. plan, is a multidisciplinary school based approach which aims to improve safety and remove barriers to walking and It’s not easy living and growing up between the A84 and cycling to and from school.” the A820; hopefully the Travel Plan will successfully assess what changes are essential and achievable to ensure that our The journey to and from school is an important part of children are safe on their journey to and from school. children’s learning and social experience. Whether by walking, cycling, bus, taxi or car, there are particular safety The projected timetable for the consultation process of the and accessibility issues which need to be considered for each Travel Plan for Doune Primary would be expected to last school. There are many advantages if more children are able about one academic year. We would hope to have developed to walk or cycle to school. our plan and be able to feed back our results by summer 2012. The physical exercise can improve children’s health; active Mairi Mcintosh children are more likely to become healthier and more active adults.
The environment and safety around schools can be improved because of less traffic.
For many children this is their first opportunity to travel independently and an important part of their personal and social development.
Children learn efficient travel habits.
There are opportunities for parents and councils to save money.
Safe Routes to Schools initiatives aim to encourage people to think about their travel decisions. Consultations with local agencies such as councils, community groups, police, parents and local residents can take the form of:
A survey of travel modes to and from school
A report on the local road accident history
A map-based exercise, plotting walking and cycling routes to and from the school
A review of perceived problem locations and other specific local concerns.
22 School Report
Doune Nursery
The autumn term at Doune Nursery has been a very busy one, with the children celebrating Divali and Halloween. We have also been working hard in the garden, preparing for winter. The team are delighted to welcome Claire Wilson and Mairi Bending to the team, following their recent appointment as job-share Early Childhood Educators. Both Mairi and Claire have worked at the Nursery on a temporary basis over the past year so are familiar with the children and nursery environment.
Wellgreen Nursery
Since the appointment of Karen as Head of Nursery, we have enjoyed joint working with her other nursery, Wellgreen. The children at Doune were very excited when a webcam was installed in the playroom so that they could chat with the children at Wellgreen. We have also enjoyed visits from staff and children and we have been sharing resources and experiences, including jam making.
We also organised a bulb planting day in conjunction Recreating the Gruffalo! with Doune Primary School after Dobbies kindly donated 100 tulip bulbs to the nursery. We met with the school Eco Committee in the school grounds and they helped the Nursery children to plant the bulbs – they are very excited about seeing them in the spring! In aid of Warm the Walls of the Rural Hall The Gruffalo Christmas Carol Evening After several of the nursery children went to see Tangled at the cinema with their families, an interest developed Wednesday 21st December in the story of Rapunzel. The children began to make felt characters from the story and talked about their Rural Hall favourite books. Many of the children love The Gruffalo and they wanted to make characters from the story, only much bigger! We now have a fantastic Gruffalo corner with a life-sized owl, fox and snake. The children loved making the models from a variety of different materials.
Christmas Raffle Children’s Christmas songs 6.30-7.00 Christmas Carols 7.30 We are organising a Christmas Raffle, to be held at the Christmas Party on 21 December to raise funds for the Ticket £5 inc. mince pie & Nursery. We would be grateful for donations for our first glass of mulled wine prizes which will include a Pamper Hamper, Christmas Food Hamper and a Drink Hamper. A box is in the Nursery foyer to collect donations. Thank you for your Accompanied children FREE continued support.
23 School Report
So, from all at Red Kite Community Nursery, have a Merry Red Kites Get Festive Christmas and a Happy New Year. In the words of Andy At 11am on 11 November our children watched as Lead Rooney: “One of the most glorious messes in the world is Practitioner Jacqueline laid a wreath in tribute to the more the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t than a million men and women who have given their lives clean it up too quickly”. in war over the past century. Earlier in the week Ava had Alison Stewart come into nursery with a poppy, which she presented to her classmates at show and tell. Almost all of our children recognised the symbol. At least one has a relative serving in the armed forces and who is going to be posted to Helmand Province in the New Year, highlighting to all of us, from the oldest in our community to the youngest, how conflict continues to be a part of our lives.
Our children are encouraged to think about other events in history. A week earlier we had gathered in the garden to toast marshmallows over a bonfire, as we learned about Guy Fawkes Night as a day that commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605. Active learning in this way is much better recalled, enjoyed and understood and is something that our children will continue to experience as they move through their educational life.
At the time of writing, preparations are under way for our Christmas celebrations. We hope that you all bought tickets Toasting marshmallows for Bonfire Night for our famous luxury hamper raffle at the Doune Christmas Fayre! Then we have a trip to the theatre to see Polar Molar, our Christmas Party and Show and, fingers crossed, we will Charity SC016050 have a fabulous animation to screen, made by the children! Red Kite Community Nursery Plus, we have all of our beautiful Christmas crafts to create. Muir Hall, Doune As you can see, we are going to be incredibly busy and will Funded places available to all from 3+ yrs deserve our Christmas holiday! Preschool 9am - 12pm Mon-Fri At the end of December, Lorna Duff will be moving on to Rising 3’s 1pm - 2:30pm Mon pastures new. She has been a vital member of our team for many, many years: a parent, a committee member and the longest-serving Chair that our group has ever had; she only Awarded Qualified 6/6 Registered stepped down to become Joint Lead Practitioner in 2008 QUALITY Staff and then, in 2010, became our Support and Administrative CRITERIA Officer. She will be sadly missed and we do hope that she stays in touch. We are currently in the process of appointing a new Early Years Educator and will be introducing him/her www.RedKiteCommunityNursery.org.uk in the New Year. [email protected]
Red Kite Community Nursery are currently seeking to recruit an afternoon cleaner to work 2 hpw during Bumps & Bosom Buddies term time. Exceeds national minimum wage. Muir Hall, George St, Doune RKCN is committed to ensuring the safety of vulnerable people and our recruitment Wednesdays (During Term Time) process is designed to support this. 10:30 - 12:00 The preferred candidate will be required to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme, For mums-to-be and the cost of which will be paid for by the employer. mums who are breastfeeding For further information and to apply for or have breast fed this position please visit
www.redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk Friendly, chatty & supportive or contact Alison Stewart on 01786 841752 Just drop in!! [email protected]
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The intrepid Walkers at Old Kilmadock (Photo: Clive Wood)
Walking Group Going Strong
It is a while since readers have seen a report on the various activities KEEP FIT! of the Doune Walking Group but we continue as strong as ever, (with local instructor, Diane) having been out in just about every weather condition over the last year. While most of our expeditions were at a low level, a hard core at the RURAL HALL, DOUNE of our more doughty members did take on the high hills, including every Monday 6.30-7.30pm, cost £4 the leadership of some grandchildren to the top of Schiehallion.
Recent successful outings have included a walk on a dreich day The class suits adults of all ages and from Dunblane to Kinbuck, when the worst of weather struck us as abilities and combines aerobics to improve we stopped for our sandwiches, and a fine circular from the Field cardio fitness with toning and floor of Bannockburn up past the Swanswater Fishery and through the exercises to work those muscles! lovely and oft forgotten rolling farm and parkland by Stirling. So come along, enjoy the music, have a laugh and In the late autumn a group of members spent a week in Sutherland get in trim at the same time! when we witnessed one of the loveliest sunsets that any of us could remember. It was a week of tough country and envy of the days PLEASE NOTE: LAST CLASS BEFORE when we were younger, but we still were out and covering ground which, like that of other walks during the year, put our skills and XMAS IS 12 DECEMBER AND WE START endurance to the test. BACK ON 9 JANUARY
Less testing was the gentle walk which took us to the Old Kilmadock Kirk (the subject of a recent dowsing exercise, (see page 8) and the popularity of that meet can be gauged by Clive Wood’s fine photograph of the occasion (above).
We go out twice a month. If you want to know more about us, do contact the Information Centre or look us up on the village website. (www.doune.co)
Ken Campbell (for more information contact Mary on 842239)
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The Gala Girls Our thanks go to Min Croy for producing this fabulous team photograph: the Doune Ladies’ 5-a-side football team, prepared for battle on a long-ago Gala Day. If anyone can give us an approximate date for this event, please contact the Information Centre. L-r, back row: Anne McAlpine, Eileen Feaks, Betty McTurk, Lizzie Cameron, Nonie Palmer and piper Douglas Taylor. Front row: Jean Dick, Doreen Rose, Elspeth Marshall, Min Croy, Madge Phillips. Fan Fare Local journalist turned author, football supporter and In 2009 the team ran into difficulties and Tom and Paul, both former Bridge correspondent, Tom Bowser from Argaty, longstanding fans, feared for its demise or, worse, that it chose Stirling Albion as the subject of his first book. could be swallowed up by another club. Paul leapt Saving the into action and founded a Albion was co- campaign, which led to a authored with supporters’ trust being set up. Paul Goodwin and tells the story Each fan donated £40 and of the team’s this, together with support buy-out by their from Andy Murray, Gordon fans. For those Ramsay and Nick Nairn, not in the know, among many other local Stirling Albion is names, raised enough money a second division for the trust to bid for the club. football team which, only two Writing the book proved to be years ago, was on the road to extinction. an interesting journey; Tom was fascinated by the strength of his own reaction to the The story of Stirling Albion began in 1945 after WW2. possibility of not having a team to support. During the war, the stadium of King’s Park FC, Albion’s predecessors, was destroyed by the only single German He was equally amazed by the depth of passion and fear bomb to be dropped in the area. displayed by others at the prospect of their impending loss
26 SPORT and by the politics, factions, and infighting that became a Robbie Hurst, 54 minutes, Ryan Duncanson, 58 minutes and major part of the buy-out process. Andy Carswell, 62 minutes. A minute later it was 9-0 when a Belleaire defender allowed Andy Carswell to put the ball The book is written in a conversational style with content into the empty net. Belleaire had stuck admirably to their that will appeal to an audience beyond football fans. task and they pulled a goal back after 67 minutes.
Saving the Albion is published by Tangent. It costs £12.99 This stung Doune into action. Alan More headed in from 6 with all profits going to Stirling Albion and is available from yards, grabbed his second after 77 minutes, Craig Stewart the Information Centre, HMV, Waterstones, W.H. Smith and made it 12 and on 87 minutes Andy Carswell scored number at www.acasports.co.uk. 13.
Vicki Clifford Saturday 19 November: Doune Castle 5 Tullibody Community 1
Doune progressed to the East Cup fourth round with a Football: Doune Castle AFC’s comfortable win. Graham McClymont scored after 15 36-Goal Bonanza! minutes, Robbie Hurst after 42 minutes and Alan Inglis added a third three minutes after the start of the second half. Five minutes later Robbie Hurst made it 4-0 and with 15 Saturday 29 October: Doune Castle 13 minutes left Alan Inglis scored from a yard to make it 5-0. Tillycoultry 1 Tullibody had continued to battle hard and from one darting Doune crushed a young Tillycoultry side to cruise into the run broke to grab a deserved consolation goal with a brilliant East Cup third round. Lukasz Duszynski scored in under a strike after 83 minutes. minute and after 7 minutes Doune were three up with goals from Duszynski and Patrice Napoli. The Tilly keeper pulled For full details of the 36 goal bonanza in the four matches off several fine saves before Alan Inglis made it 4-0 after 14 above have a look at the web site. minutes. http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/dounecastleafc The goals continued to roll in. Ryan Duncanson, Napoli, Hurst, Duszynski, Inglis and, on the hour, Craig Stewart scored number 10. Three minutes later plucky Tillycoultry Iyengar took advantage of slack defending to score a consolation goal.
Craig Stewart made it 11-1 after 76 minutes and Patrice YOGA Napoli took advantage of a desperately tiring defence to Wednesdays during term-time th rd Deanston Primary School score in the 77 and 83 minutes. 7.30pm - 9.00pm
Saturday 5 November: Doune Castle 5 Bearsden 3
Alan Inglis bagged four goals to help Doune to an important league win against a rugged and resolute Bearsden side.
He scored after 21 minutes, had a penalty saved seven minutes later and made it 2-0 with a header after 42 minutes. Deep into added time at the end of the half Bearsden made it 2-1 and they levelled the scores after 62 minutes but within a minute Alan Inglis headed in to make it 3-2. Bearsden equalised but Doune edged ahead 4-3 with a wonderful goal after 81 minutes from Robbie Hurst and Alan Inglis sealed the victory after 87 minutes. Teacher: Diane Edward Saturday 12 November: Doune Castle 13 Cost: £4 (£3 concessions) Belleaire 1 This class is suitable for beginners
Please bring a mat, blocks, bricks, belt and a blanket. There is limited equipment available to borrow. It took Doune 33 minutes to be three up in this game. Sorry, class not suitable for pregnant women. Robbie Hurst, 7 minutes, Andy Carswell, 9 minutes and Colin Burke, 33 minutes. Once again the goals continued to COMMUNITY ACTION FOR DEANSTON roll in. Colin Burke, 43 minutes, David Innes, 39 minutes,
27 Visitor Information Doctor/Nurse Doune Health Centre, Castlehill Humanist Doctor 01786-841213 Nurse 01786-841256 Society NHS 24 08454-242424 Minor Injury Unit 01786 434000 of Scotland Woodside Pharmacy 3 The Cross, Doune 01786-841216 for advice and information about Police (Callander) all aspects of humanist 01786-456000 ceremonies, please contact: Vet Struthers and Scott, Mary Wallace Main Street, Doune 01786-841304 T: 01786 842239 Kilmadock Information & M: 07968 666432 Heritage Centre E: mary.wallace@humanism- 52 Main Street 01786-841250 scotland.org.uk 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat 2pm - 4pm Sunday www.humanism-scotland.org.uk e: [email protected] (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 each month, and be no longer than 750 Weds 9-1 01786 860678 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 and The Village Store Rector - Rev. Stuart Coates [email protected]. Alternatively, post or deliver them to The Bridge, c/o Doune Library 01786 860531 Kilmadock Information Centre, 52 Main 5 Main Street 01786 841732 Street, Doune FK16 6BW (tel 01786 Monday 2.30pm-7pm R. C. Church 841250), where there is a box for all Tuesday 10am-12noon St. Fillan’s: Holy Mass Bridge deposits. Wednesday 2.30pm-5.30pm Every Sunday 9.45am, also Thursday 2.30pm-7pm Tuesday and Friday at 10am The Bridge is edited by Juliet McCracken and produced by a team of volunteers Friday Closed Priest - Father Jim McCruden including its founder Ken Russell. Saturday 10am-1pm 01877-330702 “THE BRIDGE” POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION FORM You can have The Bridge delivered by post to your door as soon as it comes out each month, or subscribe to send it to friends, relatives or a neighbour.
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