September 2012
£1 The Bridge The Community Newsletter for Doune & Deanston Deanston House to Become Trauma Centre After a varied career as a private family residence, a hotel and, latterly, a care home, Deanston House is to reopen next year as a centre for the treatment of psychological trauma. The Bridge visited the new owners to find out what is in store. After a stormy passage in 2011, when Southern Cross closed the doors on Deanston’s Manor Hall Care Home and Stewart Milne Builders unsuccessfully sought to overturn the Local Plan and build up to 200 houses, peace has now descended on the former family mansion and its grounds overlooking the Teith. The buildings and grounds were purchased in April of this year, by new owners who have ambitious plans for a project which will put Doune and Deanston on the medical map. Over the course of the next year, the site will be developed as Manor Hall Centre for Trauma. The Centre will be the first of its type in the UK, as a residential centre of excellence for the assessment and treatment of psychological trauma. Directors Colin Howard and Dawn Harris are both consultant psychologists with distinguished careers in the field of trauma treatment. For some time they had been frustrated by the lack of a facility providing sustained residential treatment required to address the needs of patients suffering from deep-seated trauma.
Continued on page 3 Doune Cubs are Ace with Spades! The KCC received a suggestion from a long-term Doune resident that, as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, a beech tree could be planted at the Primary School. Unfortunately this was not possible so it was suggested that it would be appropriate to plant some new trees behind the War Memorial. As the idea developed it was decided to involve the younger generation of the village and the Doune Scout Cubs were invited to get digging!
On Thursday, 26 July, six cherry trees (one for every ten years of Her Majesty’s reign) were planted by an enthusiastic pack of Doune Cubs.
Hopefully the trees will flourish and one day the youngsters will come back and admire them and say “I planted those”.
Richard Bird
1 KILMADOCK COMMUNITY This is the community’s chance to shape its own future - ACTION PLAN rather than be shaped purely by what others, such as the Council or private housing developers, want. “Our Community, Our Future” It will be easy for you to get involved and have a say; you Kilmadock Community Council and Kilmadock Development don’t need to be a great orator or writer, you just need to say Trust have obtained funding to conduct a community what you think. It doesn’t require a lot of your time: just fill consultation to evaluate the issues facing local residents and in the questionnaire in your own time and drop into an event to engage people in how they can shape their future. Jim to join a discussion or just chip in with your thoughts. McGroarty explains.
From the consultation, we will produce a Community Action Plan which will provide the community with the means to develop a structured consensus about the ways the community can meet both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.
KCC and KDT hope that the development of the Community Action Plan will further bind the community together, engaging more people, including new residents coming to live in the housing developments currently under construction.
The Action Plan will also help community groups access funding opportunities for their projects. The Community Action Plan is designed as an attractive, The project is being managed for the community by a small easy-to-read document which will be distributed to all project group from both the Community Council and the households and to strategic partners. It will also accompany Development Trust. any funding applications for the priority projects that are identified within the Plan. We went to tender for consultants to carry out the Jim McGroarty consultation, with help from local volunteers. Tenders were returned in July and, following a rigorous evaluation process Return of the Development by the project group, the contract has been awarded to STAR (Small Town and Rural Development Group). Plan Consultation The Bridge tries very hard not to be repetitive but sometimes The main consultation will take place between September circumstances are beyond reasonable control. This is why, and December, with the final report due in February 2013. yet again, we have to draw readers’ attention to the critically important issue of the Local Development Plan. As many We will be carrying out a door-to-door survey of every will be aware, the Proposed Development Plan is now about household in the community. This will be done by local to enter the Statutory Consultative Period which, assuming community volunteers during September, so we would the Proposed Plan is approved by Stirling Council at its ask everyone to please take a few minutes to complete Special Meeting for that purpose on 26 September, will run the survey questionnaire, and give your input to your for eight weeks from 15 October until 10 December. community’s future. Of course, many of you will have had a letter from Claire We will be publishing news updates on the Community Milne, the Council’s Principal Planning Officer, telling you Website www.doune.co and in The Bridge. precisely that, and many of you may feel that you have been through this consultation process a number of times already We will also be carrying out interviews and meetings with and that there is no point in going through the whole exercise different community, private and public sector stakeholders again. during September/October. The Bridge has already expressed its opinion on this The key dates for the consultation and action plan are: unnecessary repetition of the process but the legal position is End September that this, the Statutory Consultation, is the one that matters. Door to door survey distributed and collected It will be submissions to this that the Scottish Government Mid October Reporter will be required by law to consider. Survey analysed and report produced Mid October So get ready to say everything you’ve already said yet again. Stakeholder meetings and interviews completed And spare a thought for the planning officials who have to End October work through it yet again as a result of some very silly and Stakeholder report produced expensive party politics. But the important thing is to make December sure that the Council and the Reporter are left in no doubt Community Open Day Event about the strong voice of the Kilmadock Community. Our Mid February Councillors’ contact details are on page 16. Action Plan finalised Ken Campbell
2 Continued from page 1 the running of the Centre. As Dawn pointed out, working The past two years have been spent looking for a suitable with local staff can be vital, particularly in winter when location where a dedicated centre could be developed. When sudden, severe weather can prevent people based outside they found the site at Deanston it proved ideal. With the help the area from getting to work. They will also be looking to of two philanthropic backers, funding was secured and a build relationships with local suppliers of foodstuffs for the Social Enterprise Community Interest Company was formed kitchen, and with taxi firms for getting people to and from to run the venture. stations and airports, and so on. Manor Hall will provide residential, day treatment and I was shown ambitious plans to convert the old building outpatient care services. into a fit-for-purpose The Centre is planned location laid out on to provide up to 26 three levels. “We residential places and intend to hold an open expects to deal with day for the community referrals ranging from once the conversion is local practices to completed”, Colin told overseas clients. It will me: “It is important that be staffed with experts local people are aware in the most advanced of and can feel part of treatments currently what we are doing”. available. Dawn Harris While conversion is emphatic that this proceeds on the is not a profit-oriented main building, a business aimed at the modern suite of troubled glitterati; Colin Howard offices next door, Dawn Harris the business model of formerly occupied by the Community Interest Company is designed to plough Allanwater Developments, have now become a suite of back surplus profits into reinvestment in the venture. The consulting rooms. I was given a quick tour and the layout conditions being treated will include Post Traumatic Stress is reassuringly understated and informal, with comfy sofas Disorder as well as anxiety and depression and the Centre and a welcoming atmosphere. While dealing with this will be working with both individuals and organisations exciting new venture, Colin and Dawn are still committed including the military and emergency services. to their professional work and until the full Manor Hall So why Deanston? Colin and Dawn rate the location Centre opens, these offices are now the base for their normal very highly. Important considerations include its good consulting work. communications which allow easy road, rail and air The Bridge will be keeping in touch with developments as connections for patients and supporting family members; the project proceeds, but in the meantime this reporter was also its private setting and tranquil environment, which, at impressed by the plans and the openness of the new owners. the same time, is part of a stable and thriving community. We wish them success as not only will the community benefit Although quite a lot of work remains to be done before the from the prestige and potential for local employment, but Centre opens next year, the directors are keen to make the their new venture has closed the door on the development of point that they want to be accessible and part of the local the site as part of an over-the-top housing scheme. community. In addition to the specialist treatment staff, they hope to recruit locally for care and support staff to help in Ken Russell
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3 KILMADOCK DEVELOPMENT We propose to create and present an options analysis by the October board meeting on what we do with the Old Bakery TRUST NEWS site. Board Meeting of 6 August 2012 Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill Election of Director Consultation on this Bill is under way. A meeting was held Neil Wilson was elected as a co-opted Board member to in Callander on 8 August, and KDT will be responding to the replace Paul McLintock, who has moved away from the area. consultation. Windfarm Trust A new KDT representative is needed to replace Paul Allotments McClintock. The Board approved Jim McGroarty as new Planning application for sheds on the sites has been KDT WFT representative. submitted.
Publicity and Marketing Community Action for Deanston There was a proposal that we hang the Information Centre The Deanston Distillery information board has been removed Notice Board on the wall, rather than as a board on the by the distillery. CAfD to discuss its future with distillery. pavement. There was also proposal that a notice board be put at the Muir Hall, and leaflets left at the Castle. Doune & Deanston Youth Project The Park Project is moving ahead with application for Doune and Deanston Directory funding being processed. We are still chasing local businesses for updates; we are 75% Jim McGroarty complete, and will be finished in time for the September print run.
Community Consultation Five tenders were received for the contract to carry out the Community Consultation.After a rigorous assessment based on price/quality of tender, the KDT/KCC steering group unanimously selected the tender from Small Towns and Rural Development Group (STAR).The tender is within the budget, and the KDT Board approved the proposal to award the contract to STAR.The Consultation will now proceed, starting in September. See page 2 for further details.
Do you need a new home in any of these areas ? Rural Hall Aberfoyle Deanston Gartmore Lochearnhead The first phase refurbishments are almost complete. The Balfron Doune Killin Strathyre new kitchen is installed and finishing touches are being Buchlyvie Drymen Kippen Stronachlachar completed. A lighting specialist has inspected the existing Callander Gargunnock Kinlochard Tyndrum lighting and will put a proposal forward for improvements to allow games such as badminton to be played in the hall, and If so, Rural Stirling Housing Association may be able to help. also to enhance the lighting of the roof. In the longer term, we need to replace the roof of the building. This will require The Association’s aim is to support rural communities by providing affordable good quality homes for people in housing substantial funding. need. We currently have over 500 rented homes and around 30 of these become available for re-let each year. We also build Replacement of Community Notice Board some new homes each year. New boards were erected in mid August. Approximately £900/year in advertising on the boards has currently been For more details and a housing application form please contact us at: committed by local businesses.
Rural Stirling Housing Association Finance Stirling Road, Doune, FK16 6AA The Bridge has donated the sum of £1000 to the KDT. The Telephone : 01786 841101 [email protected] Board wishes to express its thanks to The Bridge for this E-mail: Website : www.rsha.org.uk very much appreciated assistance. Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849
Update on Pinpoint process Please note that we encourage all applicants to also apply to A planner and a conservation officer visited the Old Bakery Stirling Council’s housing list (Tel : 0845 277 7000). Being on site in July at KDT’s request. We have received feedback both lists is the best way to maximise your chances of being on our previous proposals for the site and are reviewing this. rehoused.
4 Seeking a Future for the Information Centre 1. Premises: Move somewhere else; sell the bakery site and invest elsewhere; relocate to another location (either purchase or rent), i.e. the Muir Hall or another available site 2. Funding: Identify new sources of funding and have a dedicated funding team 3. Develop Offerings: Use retail expert; promote and sell online; charge for services provided 4. Reduce costs: Review current expenditure The first of the resulting Action Plans looked at Retail Offerings: we agreed to investigate other communities’ successful ventures - including those in Gartocharn, Thornhill and Dunblane - to see if we could learn from their examples. We also agreed to look at extending retail opportunities and explore ways of exploiting the uniqueness of Kilmadock. The second Action Plan focused on Premises; here we agreed to In March a small group of directors of the Kilmadock Development explore all other options within Doune and clarify the options for Trust met to develop a vision for the future of the Information the site we own at the back of the Information Centre. The KDT’s Centre over the next 5-10 years. The meeting was prompted by a original ambitions for this site have run into planning difficulties. need to generate more income and make the Centre self sustaining. The KDT has been very successful in obtaining funding for projects (currently nine) but not for its core functions and this has to be addressed strategically. The Heritage & Information Centre has been running successfully for the past 12 years, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and, in particular, its manager Nigel Bishop. It has generated income from sales of books and maps, from room hire, photocopying, rent from the cash machine etc. However core costs are increasing, while funding sources are becoming scarcer - especially in this current climate; we need to generate more income in order to make the Centre self-sustaining. We rent the premises which house the Centre and own the Bakery premises behind them, so we thought that we should revisit our options. Our first meeting came up with ideas under the following headings: Following the board meeting, we used the AGM as an opportunity 1. People: Who are our customers? Bringing in more volunteers to collect ideas from all of those present. These ideas, for which 2. Location: Move to another site; combine with another facility we are very grateful, included: combine with library on another 3. Money: Secure an income stream; generate funding; research site; sell more heritage/local items; develop a high quality meeting business development facility in the Information Centre and hire it out for commercial 4. Offerings: Choose a vision; consult the community; broaden purposes; stock a greater variety of goods for sale in the children’s perspective of offerings. section; publicise artwork/gallery etc.; charge for family history searches; develop local giftware and sell online; look for unique We then agreed on an Action Plan. This involved applying to the sales items (local artists/authors etc); develop the old Bakery; Windfarm Trust for short term interim funding, which was granted. encourage local farmers, craftspeople etc. to hold fortnightly/ We also resolved to organise a long term plan to implement the monthly stalls. most viable options for development and self sustainability. Thank you for all those ideas; if I haven’t itemised yours I In April the whole KDT board looked at our options in more detail apologise; rest assured, all your feedback has been noted and and this time came up with the following ideas: recorded and all suggestions will be considered. If you have something to add please send to me at c/o nigel.bishop@ aboutdoune.demon.co.uk The timeline for decisions is relatively short; within the next two to three months we should have more information on our options; having researched them we will report back to you once again in The Bridge. A community consultation will take place in the early autumn and you can have your say on everything concerning your community then. Meantime we want to move towards our major goal of running a sustainable community trust with a facility such as we have now but perhaps enhanced, within the confines of the village of Doune. If you have any ideas that we may not have thought of yet, please let us know. Jim Rice-McDonald
5 • Hedgerows will be cut through and re-stuffed. The exits Police Report will be planned days in advance – the fewer tools to From our Community Police Officer, PC Campbell Dunn carry on the night the better. Since my last report, at the start of the summer, the following • The exits will be freed over one or two fields to avoid crimes have been reported to the police. neighbours and noisy dogs. Overnight between 2 and 3 July a car was vandalised while • Your daily routine, for example your time of arrival and parked at a house in Castlehill. departure, will be watched and logged over a period of two to four weeks. Overnight between 7 and 8 July the lodge house at Doune Castle was broken into. The thief will go into your yard or field to see how far he will get before being challenged or before triggering alarms, and Overnight between 8 and 10 August a house under your response time will be monitored. renovation on the A84 was broken into. When you join Horsewatch Scotland - it is free - you will I would be keen to hear any information relating to any of receive a membership folder packed with safety and security these crimes. advice. You will then start receiving e-mail alerts from them (which they receive directly from the Police) so that you Other crimes reported, which have been detected, are a theft can be aware of what is happening in your area. Any news from a local hotel and a stolen bicycle from Deanston. Three you receive from Horsewatch Scotland will be bona fide people have also been charged with possessing drugs and one (rather than rumour) and will have a Police Incident Number person charged with poaching on the river Teith. Ten drivers attached. All alerts will also be posted on the Horsewatch have been reported following traffic offences. Facebook page. An email scam has also been brought to my attention. An Each of Scotland’s police forces have an Equine Liaison email is sent, purporting to be from a named friend of the Officer. PC Malcolm O’May is the contact for Central recipient. It states that the friend is stranded abroad on Scotland Police and is also the Wildlife and Rural Crime holiday having had money and passport stolen. The email Officer and is based at Callander Police Office. Recent and asks for money to be sent to assist the friend. It is possible fairly local examples of equine crime have included chains that details of friends are obtained from sources such as securing gates to fields containing valuable horses being cut ‘Linked In’. Please don’t be fooled by this scam. (presumably the thieves were disturbed). If you would like any other information or assistance please There have been some incidences in the Hillfoots area of contact me at Callander Police Office on 01786 456000. horses’ manes being plaited. This may not sound serious but it could indicate that someone has been spending time with Campbell Dunn horses to see how quiet they are, before organising their theft, or marking horses destined to be stolen; equally, it might be the action of some weird cult member! There are Horsewatch members throughout Scotland, and the Scottish Group works closely with all the English Horsewatch Groups, so that information is shared with the whole of the equestrian community. This is especially helpful in the cases of stolen/missing horses; the aim is to Horse Sense! make them ‘too hot to handle’. Rural crime is on the increase, and criminals are becoming Horsewatch Scotland was founded by Fiona Stuart more sophisticated, with organised gangs believed to be who is based near Perth. She is the co-ordinator of the operating in several areas. In the equestrian world, horses, scheme and her contact details are on the website www. trailers and tack are targeted with ever increasing cunning horsewatchscotland.info. I suggest that everyone takes a by the perpetrators. Fresh from the summer show rings, look: the list of thieves’ tactics will not apply only to equine where she is an experienced commentator, Deborah Hackett property. warns of the need to be vigilant and describes how horse Deborah Hackett owners are fighting back. Horsewatch Scotland was established by horse owners who saw the need for information sharing when it came to equine Doune Video /Elect. crime. Many people have no idea that this crime is occurring all around them, so are not taking the necessary precautions. Now in stock Just reading the list of thieves’ known tactics listed on the organisation’s website (address at the end of the article) Carpet Shampooer should be a wake-up call to anyone. For Hire Here are just a few of the tactics used by horse thieves, or those intent on stealing tack, trailers and anything else Pop in or contact associated with horses which will yield a financial reward to the criminals. 841258
• Fencing will be cut and re-joined to give the appearance 4 Main St. Doune that all is well.
6 Cupful of Cake If friends and family of Rhona Hamilton have a special projects include a wedding cake for her partner’s father, birthday or other celebration, they are very fortunate in another Ladies’ Night in November and Christmas cakes. that they can ask her to make a cake! Rhona, who lives in Deanston and has two small children, wanted a “hobby” she Rhona would like to turn her hobby into a business in the could do from home while looking after the boys. future, possibly when her younger son starts school. This, of course, means more rules and regulations coming into play, She had completed a course in cake decorating, which premises and all sorts of other considerations, so it is a big included hygiene, after she left school, and her friends, step, but judging by the very professional look of her cakes, I seeing she had a talent, encouraged her to “do something am sure she would be very successful. She will be starting at with her cakes”. an evening class in September in order to get her Advanced Certificate. Earlier this year Rhona helped organise a Ladies’ Night at the Bowling Club at which she had a stall of her cupcakes. Many Take a look at Rhona’s cakes on Facebook – Cupful of Cake people will have seen and admired her cupcakes of differing – and you will see an amazing selection of her handiwork. flavours and designs at this year’s Gala and she also made the If you want to get in touch with her about making a cake fabulous “guess her email the weight” cake. address is rhonah87@ When I went btinternet. to see her she com She is had two cakes also planning waiting to be to have a collected by website soon. friends for their special Diana Bishop celebrations: they looked gorgeous. Her future Mouthwatering confections from Rhona Hamilton The Rural at Ninety Doune and District WRI is celebrating its ninetieth year Club also features on the programme. The regular meetings, in October with an afternoon tea at Gleneagles for its which are held in the Woodside Hotel on the third Friday members and invited guests. The President in the Jubilee of each month, are open to everyone. There is a charge of year is Gillian McGregor with Joan Dent as Vice President. £2 for visitors. New members are most welcome. Annual Committee members are Fay Forrest, Lesley Marshall, subscription is £16.00. Elizabeth Matthews, Inger Johanne Pollock and Please look out for Christina Watson. posters in the Library, the Information Centre, The 2012/13 session starts the Village Store and on Friday 21 September advertisements in The with a talk by Carol Bridge. Sergeant, Secretary of Central Scotland Family At the end of June the History Society, on “How Institute had a very to Trace Your Ancestors”. successful outing to In October the Institute The King’s Theatre in has a visit from Dr John Glasgow to see 42nd Rankin who will speak Street. about his work as a police surgeon. Thanks to the retiring The syllabus includes President Annette talks on the charity McIntosh and to Elizabeth “Crossroads”, on crook Matthews for arranging making, on the history this splendid day. of milestones and on Inger-Johanne Pollock the theatre. An evening The WRI committee in the Jubilee year: Front (l-r): Elizabeth of music by Dunblane Matthews, Joan Dent, Gillian McGregor and Lesley Marshall. Back Accordion and Fiddle (l-r): Christina Watson, Inger-Johanne Pollock and Fay Forrest.
7 a chance to seed and spread the plant to nearby farmland. Alien Invader Foiled at the However, recent correspondence with Buglife has indicated Ponds! that, while this may be good for horses, it might not be the best thing for biodiversity. I will be discussing this with them The work done with volunteers in pulling up Himalayan further to see if there is a better way of doing things. Balsam seems to have paid off, says Area Ranger Claire Bird. After we managed to pull all the Ragwort and the one remaining stalk of Balsam we moved on to cut some more of the willow trees that grow in the scrape area in the middle of the site. With help from volunteers from places including Prudential and Hero TSC, and on Countryside Action Days, we’re slowly managing to re-open this area, which has sadly turned to scrub as willow and birch trees have encroached over the last few years. Nature really does abhor a vacuum.
Pretty in pink: the invasive Himalayan Balsam: picture courtesy of SNH Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is related to garden Busy Lizzies but can grow to a height of 1 to 2 metres. Other names for it include Policeman’s Helmet, Kiss-me-on-the Mountain and Gnome’s Hatstand; it also has the impressive ability to fling its seed up to seven metres! I originally thought that we’d managed to eradicate it completely but while we were out at Doune Ponds with some more volunteers on 8 August we found a lone plant growing near the back of the green shed. An Antler Moth enjoys the last of the Ragwort destroyed on Action Day Luckily its seed has a very short viability, lasting for only two to three years. If a site can be cleared and no new seeds Although we had six volunteers to help this time, it would be set over this time then the plant is fairly easy to control – as great to see some more locals helping to manage this well- long as you catch it while there are still relatively few plants. loved local site.
The main reason we’re trying to control the spread of this To keep up to date with what the Rangers are up to you can invasive alien species is because it’s a very good source like stirlingcouncilrangers on Facebook, or follow us on of nectar for bees. Then why on earth, you ask, are we twitter @SCRangers trying to get rid of it? The answer is that its very goodness means that the bees choose the Balsam over our other Claire Bird, Area Ranger native wild flowers, thereby decreasing the chances of the latter pollinating and producing seeds. Thus, more Himlayan Balsam equals fewer of our local native CALOR Gas wild flowers. So, thank you very much to all the volunteers who’ve Available from Stockbridge Nursery worked so well pulling it up over the last three Gas Cylinders All sizes Patio Heaters years. Local Delivery or Collect Barbecues
Our main purpose on 8 New Cabinet Heaters All Associated Fittings in Stock August was to control the Ragwort. We’ve been doing this for a Kilbryde Road, Dunblane, FK15 9ND number of years now, Just off Bypass on Road to Doune (A820) pulling up the plants while they’re flowering Tel: 01786 821414 but before they get
8 Blooming Brilliant: Doune Gardens Open
More than 300 visitors did the rounds of the village The opening of the new allotments, a first for the gardens which opened to the public on Sunday 1 July under Stirlingshire area, aroused considerable interest. The Bakery Scotland’s Garden Scheme, writes Iain Morrison. Garden was the setting of a highly popular plant sale; SGS Committee Member Douglas Ramsay and former SGS Area Organiser Jean Gore, assisted by Chris and Janette Clark and Maggie Blyth raised a significant amount of money, part of which will go towards the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Dinner. The Bowling Club generously allowed the use of their
George and Irene Tulloch’s lovely garden
The Information Centre volunteers were run off their feet selling tickets as six Doune gardens opened their gates. George and Irene Tulloch, who have welcomed visitors to Jean Gore overseeing a successful sale of plants in the Bakery their garden on previous occasions, once again saw large Garden numbers of people who had come to see the latest additions and changes to their beautiful garden. For the second time, premises for the cake stall manned by Sarah Burrows and Bob and Annette Oliver opened Kirktonlea, a picture of for the afternoon teas prepared and served by the SGS summer perfection. Committee: Lesley Stein, Pippa Maclean, Mandy Readman, and Carola Campbell. Lots of delicious home baking was Opening for the first time, Colin Scott at 49 Castlehill kindly donated, while our new Councillor, Martin Earl, rolled showed his amazing collection of conifers and shrubs as up his sleeves to wash the dishes. well as his hand-crafted entrance gates. Several clients The afternoon raised an impressive £2668.00 with part of the were among the visitors to award-winning designer Jayne proceeds going to the Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund who Whitehead’s imaginative garden. Also taking part was Ian were represented by John Cant on the day; thanks are also Spencer at 23 Balkerach Street whose delightful long garden due to him for his help. This cheque was presented recently is filled with old shrubs and a huge variety of colourful at Doune Fire Station by SGS Committee Member Iain perennials. Morrison to his brother Dougie Morrison, Watch Manager at Doune Station. Iain Morrison
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9 Turning Over an Old Leaf
The Horticultural Association, Doune, as it was called The collection also includes six copies of an earlier 100 years ago, was instituted in 1837, the year that exhibition programme, the 76th, held in the Parish Hall in Queen Victoria came to the throne, as the Kilmadock 1912. Who knows, a century later, why these six copies and Kincardine-in-Menteith Cottage and Farm Garden have survived.? Produced in February 1912 and printed by Society. Nigel Bishop turns the pages of some early show the Observer Office, Stirling, each has a small hole punched programmes. in the top left hand corner The renamed through which Doune and a small piece of District string is neatly Horticultural tied, presumably Society held enabling them an Annual to be hung on a Exhibition and hook. Competition until 2007, James Forbes, although in 51 Main Street, 2006 it became Doune was the a Gardening and Secretary and Craft Show. Treasurer. The programme However, includes the despite the Constitution of valiant efforts of the Association, the committee, the Rules to be changing observed by patterns of life Competitors and meant that, Exhibitors, a list by 2008, the number of entries had fallen to a level where of the 64 classes, 20 of which were restricted to Practical the committee felt that it made no sense to continue and Gardeners, membership fee 2/6d (12½ p), and the other 44 the Society, one of the longest-established in Scotland, was to Amateurs, membership fee 1/6 (7½ p). There are also lists wound up in early 2008. of the 15 Patronesses, 15 Patrons, and the 61 Subscribers and Donors as well as the Officers of the Association. The nine The trophies and a carton containing some archival members of the Committee of Management consisted of four information were passed to the Information & Heritage practical gardeners and five amateurs. Centre for safe keeping. The carton contains a copy of most, but not quite all, of the show programmes from 1966 up until Unsurprisingly, the Hon President was the Right Hon, the 2007. Earl of Moray. A number of the surnames listed are still well- known in Doune: McAnish, Morrison, McAlpine, Cuthbert, The 1966 programme for the show held in the Muir Hall, Campbell and Innes among them. produced by Doy, Printer, Doune, listed the Patrons, Office- Bearers and Committee and also included adverts which no In those more formal days not many first names were listed doubt helped to meet the cost of the programme. Only one but one, a Mr Walter Thomson, was probably the same of the businesses mentioned is still in existence James Innes Walter Thomson pictured on page two of Stenlake’s Old & Son, Building Contractors and Stone Masons. Others, Doune and Deanston. The picture was taken in 1904 when however, are certain to be remembered by some long-term, he was a druggist with a shop on the corner of Main Street and even some not so long-term, local residents. and The Cross. Although by 1909 his name had disappeared from a local business directory to be replaced by that of John Many readers will recall Peter Morrison, Butcher, The T Thomson, a druggist and newsagent, Walter Thomson Cross; D A Calder, Fresh Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables could well have still been living in the area. Daily, Main Street; J. M. Mackenzie, Draper and Confectioner, The Cross; A Sinton, The Shoe Shop; As always we would be pleased to hear from you about Dunblane Co-op Society Ltd, The Cross; Doy-Bookseller- your memories and about any memorabilia connected to the Doune, Printing Service; James G Taylor, Fresh Fruit Horticultural Association exhibitions or to the businesses and Vegetables, Balkerach Street; W. R. Thomas, General mentioned above which operated in Doune nearly 50 years Stores, 12 Main Street; and David Phillips, Confectionery, ago. Cigarettes and Tobacco, Groceries, Fancy Goods and Ice Cream, Main Street. Nigel Bishop
10 Plans are on track for L’Angolino to open during the first half Corner of Italy Comes to Doune of October, for five or six evenings a week and for lunches A new eatery, due to open next month, will bring a taste of on Saturdays and Sundays. Italy to Doune. Planning permission has been cleared for Gerry Campbell to convert the premises of the late Balhaldie Juliet McCracken Inn and Point Nouveau bridal shop into a Class 3 restaurant. Gerry, who is currently assisting his sister-in-law Janette McLeod, proprietor of the Castle Bakery and Sandwich Bar in Main Street, plans to open an informal trattoria, with space for 26 diners. The menus, changing twice a week, will be Come visit us for Lunch or Dinner at the Red Lion. largely Italian and Mediterranean in character, says Gerry, who has studied and taught in Italy, although there will be Scottish fare on offer too. “The emphasis will be on good quality, affordable, seasonal food”, he told The Bridge, the Enjoy a relaxing meal with family and friends. We ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. use the finest fresh and local produce and offer gastro The new restaurant, its working name L’Angolino or ‘Little pub food at a fair price. Corner’, will have a proper pizza oven; a licence to sell wine and bottled beer is currently being sought. Interior decoration and website design are in the hands of Gerry’s partner Kitty Falzon. Objections raised at the planning stage by some of the Complete new menu introduced residents whose homes surround the premises have been based largely on concerns about cooking smells. “We have rd done our best to address these”, Gerry told The Bridge “by from the 3 April installing a state-of-the-art ventilation system which, unlike the more commonly found flue chimney, gives out pure ozone”. Other issues raised have included noise and parking problems: “I would suggest that there will be no reason Open Tuesday to Saturday 12pm - for customers who have finished their meal to hang around outside the property”, Gerry told The Bridge. “I think it is a 2.30pm and 5.30pm -8.00pm safe bet that the restaurant will generate less noise than any of the pubs in the village”. As for parking difficulties: “Even a full complement of 26 diners would entail probably two or three cars requiring parking at any given time. There is a limit to the influence we can bring to bear on any customer Free parking available to the side and rear of the building who parks irresponsibly but, if this should happen, we Menu subject to change and availability will gently point out that there is off-street parking further Red Lion Inn, Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF along King St and at Castlehill. We will also provide this www.redlion-doune.com [email protected] information on 01786 842066 our website and POPPIES SPECIAL MENUS & EVENTS ask people using POPPIES SPECIAL MENUS & EVENTS “THE JOKE RESTAURANT” the restaurant SaturdayPoppies 13th Restaurant November 7:00 is for open 7:30pm for Lunch 12 to 2pm and Dinner 6 to 9pm to park Poppies introduces a new concept of entertainment! We have recruited twoTRADITIONAL new members of sta from SUNDAY the LUNCH responsibly”. DorchesterEnjoy a relaxedin London pre who lunch may not drink be quite in Camerons what you Bar prior to a wonderful traditional imagine!!!…..A Unique evening of fun and of course a quality three lunchcourse dinnerin either with our co ee lovely £30 restaurantIf you are or outside in the garden, Gerry added: POPPIES HOTEL AND RESTAURANT, up for a laugh2 Courses you will love£13.95 this!! | 3 Courses £17.95 (Childrens Menu available) LENY ROAD, CALLANDER “We want “MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT” ******************* L’Angolino “SHOT TO FAME”SPECIAL EARLY EVENING MENU TEL: 01877-330329 Friday 10th December 7:00 for 7:30pm to be an asset E-MAIL: [email protected] Another night of intrigue asC aonsists jaded comedian of 5/6 choices in each course WEB: WWW.POPPIESHOTEL.COM from a Holiday Camp (6is murdered. to 7pm) Whodunnit?? 2 Course £13.95 | 3 Course £17.95 to the village, Including dinner £35.00 but we don’t ******************* CHRISTMAS AND NEW“JAZZ” YEAR LUNCH AND DINNER think it will be ATAs partPOPPIES of the Annual CALLANDER JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, Poppies will feature Don’t Delay to book your family, friends,the following gigs... possible to offer Works Night/Lunch or Private Party a take-away Our Festive Menus are available from ******************* Saturday 4th SaturdayDecember. 29th September - £25.00 per person service, since Festive Lunch 2 course3 course £10.95 Dinner - 3 course and £14.95 Jazz from “The Stephen Du y Trio” (StephenFestive Dinner Du y 3 course of “ The £21.00 Jazz House” BBC Scotland). Dinner from 6pm...Jazz from 8pm this would create Christmas Day Lunch £45.00 difficulties Hogmanay Gala Dinner and Entertainment******************* £55.00 New Years DaySunday Lunch £21.00 30th September - £25.00 per person in relation to New Years Day Dinner3 course £25.00 Lunch and Jazz from “ The Iain Ewing Quartet” parking and Lunch from 12 noon...Jazz from 1pm noise levels.” RESERVATIONS BEING TAKEN NOW...... DON’TVisit www.callanderjazz.com DELAY!! for full Festival programme
11 Off the Page Full-colour Bridge archive goes Stirling’s annual Book Festival runs this year from 8-15 online September. Librarian Alison McAlpine marks some of the highlights. Back issues of The Bridge in glorious technicolour are now available online to the public for the very first time. The Off the Page Book Festival programme is packed full The community website for Doune, Deanston and the with a variety of authors, some of whom are coming to surrounding area, www.doune.co, has become the home of Stirling for the first time. the new archive. The programme kicks off a day early this year with William Letford launching his book of poetry at the Smith Art Gallery The Doune Website team has worked with The Bridge and Museum on Friday 7 September. Then on Saturday team to create the online archive and to date all 2012 issues 8th, there’s “How to Get Published” with novelist Sara are available. Over the coming months further back issues Sheridan who provides key hints to writers and budding covering 2011 and beyond will be transferred to the archive writers. During the week, events including “Cupcakes & for public viewing. Chicklit”, “Pretty in Pink” and a “Literary Ghost Walk” are The easily accessible online resource can be viewed by all presented by Stirling Council Libraries. visiting www.doune.co, clicking on The Bridge button on Here are some of the events scheduled to take place in The the menu on the left hand side and then choosing The Bridge Tolbooth, Stirling. archive in the sub-menu. You will then be able to browse the back editions according to the month and year. Mark Beaumont, on Sunday 9 September, will talk about his cycling and other challenging adventures. Alan Bissett will So, if you’re looking for information on an old community be performing his brand new Edinburgh Fringe Festival play event or story, big or small, which you saw in The Bridge, The Red Hourglass on Monday 10th and Sally Magnusson or you simply fancy a wander down ‘Memory Lane’ visit the will discuss her book, Life of Pee, on Tuesday 11 September. website today. A ceilidh with a difference is planned too and details and Val Morgan, of the Doune Website team told The Bridge: for this, and other events being held throughout the district, “We’re delighted to have worked with the team at The are available from Doune Library, on www.stirling.gov.uk/ Bridge to make the full colour archive of our excellent offthepage or find us on Facebook. community newspaper available to everyone. It has been set Doune Library welcomes Marianne Wheelaghan on Monday up so that The Bridge team themselves have control over the 10 September at 7pm. Marianne will review her debut archive and will manage it. The website team is very keen novel The Blue Suitcase which was inspired by letters and to work with other community groups who can benefit from diaries found in a blue suitcase on top of her late mother’s using the new website for their groups and activities. wardrobe. This remarkable story of a Christian girl growing up in Nazi Germany brings home the astonishing capacity of For community members who don’t yet have a computer some humans to do unspeakably cruel things and of others at home you can visit the Library or Information Centre to survive them. Doune Library Reading Group read and and access the online archive on there. We really hope that discussed this novel several months ago (see review on page this new archive and the website more generally will be of 14). The Blue Suitcase is still available to borrow from interest and benefit to all our community.” Doune Library and tickets for Marianne’s event are on sale Val Morgan there too. In preparation for the 2012 centenary of Tarzan’s first appearance, popular author Andy Briggs has rebooted the Tarzan books for a whole new generation. Andy will be visiting Doune’s Primaries 6 and 7 to talk about the Tarzan legend and unveil the second book in the series, Tarzan the Jungle Warrior. During the Festival week other unprogrammed events will be taking place in all of our libraries including Doune. “Love your Library Day” will welcome all to enjoy coffee or tea from our hardworking Kenco machine. The children who have completed the summer reading challenge, “Story Lab”, will be invited for a medal presentation ceremony; watch out too for Bookbugs’ rhymes times and storytime sessions. These events will be advertised in the Library. For further details of all Festival events and to purchase tickets, please call 01786 432383. For the official programme of events, please pop into Doune Library. Alison McAlpine
12 commanding position, imposing galleried building (‘hell to People We Meet operate’) and huge stock ensured an enduring snob appeal. Jenners was where you stored your fur coat, bought furniture from a department bearing a royal warrant for supplying the Palace of Holyroodhouse or enjoyed a genteel afternoon tea overlooking the Scott Monument.
Among Stan’s wonderful backroom stories of his days as Company Secretary, ‘most of them unprintable’, was one which neatly sums up the ethos of an earlier Jenners. “Finding myself ascending in the lift with three Edinburgh ladies, I broke the complete silence which had reigned for two floors with a passing comment on the weather. More silence. As the ladies emerged at the third floor, one observed to the others: ‘You know, dears, they never used to allow staff in the lifts’.” The Queen, on the other hand, shown round the store on its 150th anniversary in 1987, was, he said, ‘extremely nice’.
Jenners’ secret, reckons Stan, was that it moved with the The genial face to be found behind the Kilmadock times. While trading on its high-end image (one buyer’s Information Centre counter on Thursday mornings belongs office sported a framed cheque signed by two royal princes, to Stan Reid. After a long career as Company Secretary with complete with Buckingham Palace address on the back), Jenners, the famous Edinburgh department store, Stan is its huge range and depth of stock catered for most pockets something of a connoisseur of the foibles, fun and frailties of and tastes. And the customer was always right: “even the human nature. customers who, on Monday, returned as unsuitable outfits bought on Friday, only for the staff to find confetti in the Born in Liverpool in 1936, Stan was educated at a grammar pockets”. school on the Wirral. National Service with the RAF in distant Gloucestershire had its moments. As station trumpeter Stan and Claire moved to Deanston in 1996, two years he was the one who played the flag up in the morning and before he retired. Its rural setting, in a position much down at night – or, rather, he was when the notes came out, more convenient than that of Peebles for commuting, hill ‘which they often didn’t on a cold morning’. The station walking, and for access to their cottage on the West Coast, band travelled to shows and charity events throughout the had obvious appeal. “We like it very much here” says Stan: neighbourhood; as one of its cornet players, Stan was often “There’s a lot more to Doune and Deanston than you might in demand at village Remembrance Day parades. think, and the countryside is so pleasant”. On one occasion, when lining the crowded route to Claire, after several high profile jobs in personnel, Gloucester, in pelting rain, for a visit by the Queen, his now works from home as a self-employed training and friend, the fellow airman standing beside him, failed to management development consultant. Stan helps with her dissuade the kindly old lady in the crowd behind from accounts, does a little gardening, a little fishing, and is sheltering him with her umbrella. When the time came to becoming increasingly interested in cookery. present arms, the umbrella suffered a serious bayonet wound. For some years after retiring, Stan lent his professional After a job with the Midland Bank and a short spell as a clerk skills and experience to the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business with Unilever at Port Sunlight, Stan landed his first junior Trust and to Capability Scotland. Today this inveterate management post as customer accounts supervisor at Owen people-watcher relishes the varied challenges presented Owen, a big Liverpool department store group, now defunct. by volunteering in the Kilmadock Information & Heritage Late back from lunch one day, some of the girls working in Centre: the hopeful ancestor-hunters (usually passed into the his department said they’d been in a cellar, listening to a fab capable hands of Manager Nigel Bishop); the Monty Python new band called The Beatles. Stan’s reaction? “What a stupid fans; the travellers, unencumbered by maps, who insist that name – they will never get anywhere with that! Story of my the way to Fort William is via Dumbarton, or that it must be life, getting things wrong…” possible to cycle off-road to Oban. In 1985, Stan, by now Assistant Company Secretary with “If someone says, ‘We’re lost’, we reply: ‘You won’t be for Owen Owen and married to the Group Personnel Manager, long’. That’s our mission statement”. left Liverpool to join the staff of Jenners. He and Claire set up home in Peebles. Keen hill walkers the couple had, he Juliet McCracken told The Bridge, always wanted to move to Scotland.
Jenners, sole survivor of a generation of large Scottish department stores, was, in its heyday the grandest of retail grandes dames. A family owned business since 1837, its
13 However, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that this Bookworms Recommend was a story written as if through the eyes of a teenager. With thanks to contributors from three different Doune Book Perhaps these weightier issues were always more likely groups to be resolved through factual histories and biographies.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt Half of the members enjoyed The Blue Suitcase as historical fiction, particularly the graphic descriptions Westerns may not be your of the devastation to German society. The other favourite genre of book, but half, myself included, found it hard to put down but this one is a bit different and prefer factual/biographical accounts of this period. you might surprise yourself by enjoying it as much as Marianne Wheelaghan will be taking part in the Off the Page I did. Set in 1850s gold Book Festival on Monday 10 September in Doune Library. rush America, hired killers Erik MacEachern Charlie and Eli Sisters travel across country in pursuit The Boy with No Shoes by William Horwood of a gold prospector with a valuable secret. On the This was a beautifully written, well-crafted book based on way they encounter many William Horwood’s own youth. He says the account is oddball characters and there ‘psychologically true, historically less so’ as he describes are adventures and disasters growing up in Stoning (for which read Deal, Kent). It is a-plenty. The book is written a moving description of a sensitive child battling against from the point of view of loss; he never really knew his father, referring to him as ‘the Eli, the younger and less ruthless of the two brothers; his man that was’. Landscapes are described so vividly that, inner ponderings make for interesting, and at times very as a reader, you too feel present, whether beachcombing or amusing, reading. Neither character is particularly likeable exploring the dunes. to begin with, but as the novel progresses, you find yourself identifying and sympathising with Eli in particular. The themes of loss and betrayal run through the book, lightened by key characters who provide support and hope. Quirky and different, this is an unusual read and whilst The anguish of bullying and abuse is set against the love it’s gritty, dark and violent in places, it’s also light, funny and encouragement of the grandmother as well as the local and even touching at times too. The chapters are short and characters - particularly Mr Bubbles - who befriend the despite the old fashioned language, the writing style is sharp, lonely boy. Despite the harsh school environment, the new witty and accessible. The setting and some of the dialogue English teacher, Mr Wharton, allows the boys to ‘feel special reminded me of the brilliant (but not to everyone’s taste) and full of new possibilities’. Later school years are dealt American TV series Deadwood. And if you’re a fan of the with more hastily as, while scars from his upbringing are still Coen brothers’ darkly comic and quirky film-making style, evident, the healing process has begun and the focus turns you’ll probably love this. In fact, I’d be surprised if they or outward as the narrator helps Mrs Bubbles find her brother in someone else didn’t make this into a film very soon; I’ll be France. first in the queue when it’s released! Jo Dormer Mary Wallace The Blue Suitcase by Marianne Wheelaghan
Marianne Wheelaghan has undertaken considerable research in providing the historical support for her mother’s account of the events her family lived through as the true aspirations of the Nazi regime unfurled into actions which were to have a devastating impact upon life for ordinary Germans. To cover the period from 1932 through to the post-war aftermath in under 300 pages is no mean feat; I could not help asking myself whether the balance between historical narrative and fictional teenage account had been successfully achieved.
Two questions bothered me. When life in 1930s Germany was supposedly relatively good, why did members of this family, like so many others, appear to believe that the country deserved so much more? And why were they, and the majority of their compatriots, so ready to accept that National Socialism and the early indicators of harsh brutality exhibited by Hitler and his administration were a justifiable way forward?
14 Pool in a China Shop!
It was all hands to the pump on 25 July when floodwaters poured into the premises of the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre. Torrential rainfall, which also cut off the road between Doune and Dunblane, caused the Buchany Burn to burst its banks, flooding the field beside Park House.
With all drains waterlogged, the smaller burn at the back of the Antiques Centre joined forces with the floodwaters from the fields above to form a moat some 3’ deep around the building. At around 4pm, with the water levels inside the East Hall creeping above 3”, staff summoned the Doune Fire Brigade. “They were wonderful” Manager Anne Meikle told The Bridge. “They pumped the water out in no time and helped us tidy up.”
All the Centre’s staff, plus husbands, families and friends rallied round, working until 9pm to clear up. “Every stick of furniture in the East Hall had to be moved”, said Anne: “no mean feat with every surface covered in ornaments!” The Centre was closed on the following day while dehumidifiers dried out the carpets and cabinets but opened for business, none the worse, on 27 July. Café Circa waiter Mike McLaren was one of the staff team who Juliet McCracken turned out in force to help with the big clear-up.
Intricate An exhibition of intricate jewellery made using a variety of techniques, both traditional and cutting edge
Exhibiting jewellers include Christine Davies, Cara Dobson, Hannah Louise Lamb, Elaine McKay and Caroline Temple
5 The Cross, Doune, FK16 6BH. 01786 842779 www.angelalearoydjewellery.com
15 EDITORIAL AND LETTERS Editorial
School’s in and it’s time for The Bridge, too, to turn its back on the holidays and get stuck in. This edition is packed with news of upcoming events, important issues which involve the future of this community and which therefore need the active participation of its members. The Community Consultation, planned to take place this autumn by the KCC and KDT (page 2) is going to give every household in Kilmadock the chance to have a say in shaping that future together, rather than sitting back and allowing it to be thrust upon us by the Council and housing developers.
On the same theme, the long-drawn-out saga of the Local Development Plan has reached a crucial stage. Read about it on page 2 and make your views known to Stirling Council. Below is a list of contact details. This issue is also full of accounts of the charities and good causes which readers support. It seems that now is the time to turn some of the big-heartedness which characterizes this community to the aid of the community itself.
How about taking a leaf from the Olympic legacy and signing up for something sporty this winter? Doune Castle FC is making a big pitch for more community involvement but don’t forget the other activities out there. On page 28 we list plenty of local possibilities; there’s no excuse!
All letters to The Bridge must be signed and accompanied by contact details. In special cases contact details will not be published if so requested. Letters and articles published in The Bridge do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs or opinions of The Editorial Team, who reserve the right to edit or not to publish any particular letter or article.
Councillor Contact Details Need to raise a point with one of our new councillors? Here are their contact details.
Councillor Martin Earl, address - Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET, tel - 01786 443497, mob - 07881 310 922, e-mail [email protected] Councillor Alycia Hayes, address - Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET, tel - 01786 443497, mob - 07881 310 924, e-mail [email protected]
Councillor Fergus Wood, address - Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET, tel - 01786 443497, mob - 07824 496 019, email [email protected] Obituaries
Mette was born in Oslo during the German occupation. As a young girl working for the Esso oil company in England in an effort to improve her language skills, she met a young Scotsman called Tom Webb working for the same company. Tom and Mette married in December 1962 and moved to Dunblane to set up home and raise a family. Their first son Keith was born in 1963, followed by Grant in 1966 and Craig in 1967. In 1972 the family moved to Shady Grove beside the Woodside Hotel in Doune. In those early days of bringing up three growing boys money was tight and Mette augmented the family income by knitting Norwegian sweaters for the Scottish skiing market, while Tom sold mechanical engineering products during the week and Saab cars from Kippen at the weekend. Mette was intent on bettering herself and when the boys had grown up she went back to university and gained a Masters Degree in Accountancy from Stirling University. The family then moved house to Lower Coilentowie and Mette put her new skills to good use by opening up an accountancy business with her friend and colleague, Elizabeth Wallace. Mette Marie Webb The business flourished and today the Webb & Wallace office 17/07/1940 - 09/07/2012 at the old Bank in Doune is a well known local institution.
16 As her friends will confirm, one of Mette’s many talents was Christine bought a cottage in Cambusbarron near Stirling, her cooking, particularly when it came to introducing mouth- although she still regarded Eddleston as her home. Each watering Norwegian dishes at parties and lunches, either at year she took two weeks of her holidays in April to return her own home or bringing treats to friends’ houses. She was to her beloved Peeblesshire hills and supervise the lambing a very special lady. at Wormiston. Throughout the summer months, on-call weekends at work were carefully planned and swapped Mette died peacefully on 9 July in the Forth Valley Royal where necessary to allow Christine to attend many local Hospital in Larbert after a very short illness. She will be shows with her cherished Shetland Sheep. sadly missed by Tom and the three boys as well as by her many friends in the locality. Following a serious injury in 2009, Christine left Struthers & Scott to pursue her small animal veterinary interests with Richard Bird Ryan and Calder in Dunfermline. In June 2012 she returned to Struthers & Scott as a senior small animal vet, and it was while carrying out these duties that tragedy struck.
On Friday 29 June 2012, in her usual dedicated manner, Christine left her home and drove to the surgery in Doune to take care of the in-patients. While driving home in the dark, she struck a stray cow on the road and was very seriously injured. She was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital where she died on Monday 2 July 2012. Her funeral service was held in Eddleston Church on Tuesday 10 July and was attended by so many friends that the church was crowded, with many more mourners outside. Christine is survived by her fiancé Jason, her mother Margaret and brothers Robbie and William. She will be very sadly missed by all who knew her, clients, patients and colleagues alike. There is a book of condolence open in Struthers & Scott reception that will be passed on to her family in due course. Isobel Ripley, accounts manager at Struthers & Scott, will be taking part in a sponsored trek next year, raising funds for the RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) in Christine’s memory.
Morven Imray BVM&S MRCVS Christine Isabella Brockie (of behalf of everyone at Struthers & Scott) BVM&S, MRCVS
Christine was the daughter of Margaret and the late Robert ANDREW ANDERSON Brockie of Wormiston Farm, Eddleston, Peeblesshire. She & SONS was born on 7 August 1976, the eldest of the family, and had two brothers, Robbie and William. She attended Eddleston FUNERAL DIRECTORS Village Primary School where she was an excellent pupil, and went on to finish her education at Peebles High School 24 Hour Service and later at the University of Edinburgh. Her love of animals gave Christine the ambition to one day Prepaid Funeral become a vet. Her father encouraged her to become involved Plans in keeping and eventually showing Shetland Sheep which she did with excellent results. Christine’s other passion in life Monumental Service was Millie, her border terrier, her constant companion and a familiar presence around Doune. Family Run Business Christine attended The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh and qualified as a vet in 1999. She worked in a mixed practice in Dumfries initially, before Address: 14 Camp Place, Callander moving north to Blairgowrie. Eight years ago Christine Telephone: (01877) 330398 / 330567 Fax: (01877) 331079 joined Struthers & Scott Vets in Doune where she quickly became a popular member of the team. She was dedicated to Rest Room Address: Glenartney Street, Callander her work, a talented and compassionate vet and a wonderful friend to all.
17 Causes Close to the Heart
Several readers have written to tell us about the fun and fulfilment they’ve experienced through supporting favourite charities or other good causes. If there is one of these particularly close to your heart, The Bridge would like to hear about your involvement with it. Here are just a few examples. See also Iona Campbell’s account of her work with disadvantaged children in Romania (page 24) and the advert for Callum’s Ceilidh on page 21. ‘Cooking in the Real World’ YES Kilimanjaro!
Moira Lawson wrote to The Bridge to ask for support, by Ever since returning from my unforgettable adventure, way of a quick online vote, for a project run by her daughter- climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a year ago, I’ve wanted to give in-law Juliet together with co-director Adele Jordan. something back to a country that gave me so much. I have been lucky enough to get involved with an Edinburgh based Cracking Good Food, which works with disadvantaged or sport and development charity called YES Tanzania. YES vulnerable community groups, has been nominated for an (Youth Empowerment through Sport) aims to help award in this year’s Manchester Food & Drink Festival, in disadvantaged children in Tanzania deal with the challenges the ‘Food and Drink Pioneers’ category. The Bridge asked of poverty. Juliet Lawson to tell us about her project. YES gives children the opportunity to take part in sport, a “Most of the people/places nominated in these awards are chance to forget their worries and have fun. Sport posh restaurants and top chefs so we’re feeling quite proud to is fundamental to the development of young people and the be included in the list”, says Juliet. “We’ve been nominated skills learned during participation contribute to their holistic because we do lots of community work with disadvantaged, development. vulnerable and hard to reach community groups. They learn about the importance of key values such as Cracking Good Food has been going now for two and a honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and half years. We run a flourishing public programme where others, and adherence to rules. Sport also provides a forum anyone can pay to book onto a hands-on cooking session for young people to learn how to deal with competition and covering such things as breadmaking, Punjabi cuisine (with how to cope with both winning and losing. Harjinder Kaur who was on Hairy Bikers’ Mum Knows Best), sustainable fish, ‘top to tail’ cooking etc. These learning aspects highlight the impact of sport on a young person’s social and moral development in addition to Our main focus though is our community work; we work their physical skills and abilities. Alongside this the sporting with the young, the old, ex offenders, people with drug and events allow youth development workers the opportunity alcohol issues, people with mental health issues, people with to run health workshops including information on HIV disabilities and other disadvantaged or vulnerable groups”. prevention. At the time of writing, said Moira, Juliet and Adele were working in a bail hostel. YES offers you the chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to allow their amazing work to continue. Contact For more information, visit
18 Causes Close to the Heart
stretching from Milngavie to Fort William, passes through varied terrain up the west coast of Scotland.
In preparation for the walk, Fiona and Jackie walked several miles together around the outskirts of Doune and Deanston, in rain, hail or ….well, not really, snow.
After completing the walk in just five days both admitted that it had been more challenging that they had thought it would be, both physically and emotionally. However they agree that the whole experience was very rewarding.
Stunning scenery, lots of fresh air, wild camping and meetings lots of lovely people along the way made for an exiting and memorable five days!
The end result was a massive £1,263 raised for Diabetes UK. Fiona and Jackie are so very proud of this achievement and would like to say a huge thank you to all their lovely friends and family who sponsored them and offered lots of words of Village to village: the shoes set to circle the globe surround encouragement. Fraser McLean of Barrydale and Murray Mitchell from Doune Fiona and Jackie are no longer receiving sponsorship personally, but if people would like to donate they can log Michelle Mitchell told The Bridge: “We were looking for onto www.diabetes.org.uk and do it that way. shoes that would carry children to and from school, keeping Jackie Mckenna them comfortable and dignified. The importance of shoes goes beyond staving off the cold and keeping out thorns. Shoes elevate a person and help them walk their path with pride”.
Local families responded generously to the appeal. Mark, Lyn and Fraser McLean of Barrydale, South Africa organised the delivery of the shoes to Margie Middleton of Barrydale Cares who said: ‘Many, many thanks, from the bottom of our hearts. You can only imagine the longed-for extra comfort, much needed warmth and excitement these shoes will give to those who will receive them.’ Thanks for their generous donations go to the families Kealey, Cluett, Johnson, Conroy and Donaldson from the Scottish villages of Blairdrummond, Deanston, Callander and Doune”. In conclusion, says Michelle: “Perhaps, next time you holiday in a Third World country, think what you can take along to help the locals. In this case all it took was a text message to friends, space in a suitcase and a link into a suitable charity”.
For more information, contact Michelle Mitchell, 07876743383 or [email protected]
Michelle Mitchell
Challenging Diabetes
Inspired by family circumstances, sisters Fiona and Jackie Mckenna decided, in April, to walk the West Highland Jax and Fee walk the West Highland Way. Way in aid of Diabetes UK. The walk, a total of 96 miles
19 DIARY OF COMMUNITY EVENTS: September-November September 3 Library Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 5 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 10 Stirling Book Festival Author Event 1900 Doune Library 10 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing Date for October Bridge items 19 Kilmadock Society talk on John Grierson 1930 Rural Hall 20 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 21 SWRI Meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 22 Clutterbusting Sale 1100 Rural Hall 25 Horologists Lecture 1830 Camphill Blair Drummond 26 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 29 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 29 Red Kite Nursery 40th Birthday Celebration 1400 Muir Hall 29 Callum’s Ceilidh 1930 Muir Hall October 1 Library Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 3 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 8 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Closing Date for November Bridge items 17 Kilmadock Society talk on Bumblebees 1930 Rural Hall 18 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 19 SWRI Meeting 1930 Woodside 27 Walk 0930 Castlehill Carpark 30 Autumn Fair 1730 Camphill Blair Drummond 31 Autumn Fair 1000 Camphill Blair Drummond 31 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre November 2 Ladies Night 1900 Bowling Club 4 Craft Fair 1100 Rural Hall 5 Library Reading Group 1900 Doune Library 7 CAfD 1930 Deanston School 11 Remembrance Ceremony 1200 War Memorial 12 Community Council 1945 Muir Hall 15 Bookworms 1930 Information Centre 16 SWRI Meeting 1930 Woodside Hotel 15 Closing Date for December/January Bridge items 24 Walk 0800 Castlehill Carpark 28 Bookworms 1030 Information Centre 30 Closing Date for Windfarm Trust Applications REGULAR EVENTS Mondays-Fridays Red Kite Community Nursery 0900-1200 Muir Hall Mondays Keep Fit 1830-1930 Rural Hall Cubs 1830-2000 Muir Hall Tuesdays Ballroom Dancing 1000-1100 Deanston Primary School Rainbows 1715-1815 Muir Hall Brownies 1830-2000 Rural Hall Football Club 1900-2000 Dunblane High School Life Drawing Class 1900-2100 Deanston Primary School Wednesday Bookbugs 1445-1515 Doune Library Yoga 1930-2100 Deanston Primary School Bridge Club 1915 Red Lion Craft Club 1930-2200 Clan House, Balkerach St Thursdays Baby and Toddler Group 1000-1200 Muir Hall Scouts 1900-2100 Rural Hall Fridays Carpet Bowls 1900 Bowling Club Saturdays Bowling Coaching 1030 Bowling Club
Bridge lessons for beginners – intermediate players will start in September. The times and venue are yet to be arranged. Anyone interested should please contact Susan on 842684 or 0778506406.
20 What’s On. Local events in September
The Kilmadock Society Goodbye to all that Clutter! John Grierson 22nd September 2012 A talk by Karl Magee, Archivist from the Stirling University 11am to 3pm Grierson Archive, on the life and times of Deanston born documentary film maker North Lea, Doune john grierson Sale of Jumble, Toys, Books and Bric-a-brac Refreshments and homebaking
Rural Hall, Northlea, Entry £1 including refreshments. Doune. Wednesday 19th September 7.30pm We need your jumble, bric-a-brac etc Members £2 Non-Members £3
Red Kite Community Nursery th DOUNE AND DISTRICT WRI 40 Birthday Celebration!! Open day, baking, entertainment, stalls, refreshments, Monthly meeting games plus much more!
Friday 21 September 7.30pm at the Woodside Hotel
“Who do you think you are? How to trace your ancestors.” All Wel come! Talk by Carol Sergeant, Muir Hall, Doune th Secretary of Saturday 29 September; 2pm – 4pm Central Scotland Family Society Members free Visitors £ 2.00
Refreshments. Raffle
CALLUM’S CEILIDH Raising Awareness and Funds for The Gargoyles sing for Camphill Cardiomyopathy Association at Gargunnock Church on Saturday 29th September 7.30pm - Midnight 21st September at 7.30pm Muir Hall, Doune Tickets £ 10.00. Ceilidh Dancing Interval refreshments. Raffle Tickets available from the and Stovies KDT Information Centre For tickets Join us and support our vital appeal to upgrade our accommodation and facilities. Camphill Blair Drummond is Call Morag on a unique community that provides a wonderful safe home for adults with complex learning disabilities 01786 841958
21 Callander Film Society Scottish Wildlife Trust, Callander Film Society’s new season starts on 6 October. At Callander Members’ Centre only £22 for the contemporary programme (11 films), £10 for the classic (5 films) or £27 for both that’s less than £1.60 per Tuesday 11th September screening including our AGM. ‘Wildlife Crime in Central Scotland’ by Contemporary films are shown on the large screen in the Paul Barr, Central Scotland Police VisitScotland Information Centre, Ancaster Square, on Saturdays at 7.30pm. Our digital projector, Blu-Ray DVD Tuesday 9th October player and digital surround sound with five speakers give a ‘The Wildcat and Lynx - Scotland’s Forgotten Cats’ high quality cinematic experience. by David Hetherington, Cairngorms National Park Authority Classics are on Fridays at 7.30pm in the Waverley Hotel using a 16mm film projector. Guests are welcome to all ALL WELCOME screenings (£4 at the door).
This season’s films include: last year’s silent sensationThe Meetings are held in Artist; Disney Pixar’s Brave set in 10th century Scotland The Waverley Hotel, Main Street, Callander (sponsored by Lady Kentmores Antiques); Salmon Fishing in at 7:30pm. the Yemen (sponsored by Mhor Bread & Mhor Fish); Cost £2 for members, £2.50 non-members and free for full-time students - includes refreshments. Ken Loach’s latest offering, The Angels’ Share, also set in Scotland; last year’s best foreign filmThe Separation from Our full programme and more details on SWT Iran and Midnight in Paris directed by Woody Allen. Our can be found at HYPERLINK http:// classics include On the Waterfront (1954) with Marlon www.swt.org.uk www.swt.org.uk. Brando and early Hitchcock The Lady Vanishes (1938).
A full list of films and membership forms are available online at www.incallander.co.uk/cfs or from Eammon O’Boyle tel 01877 330519.
DEANSTON SERVICE STATION Open 7 days 7.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm Saturday and Sunday for the sale of
FUEL ALCOHOL HOUSE COAL GROCERIES LOGS NEWSPAPERS KINDLING HOT FOOD GAS SANDWICHES
FRESH ROLLS NOW AVAILABLE DAILY 01786 842055
22 CRAWFORD & MATHIESON Joiners and Glaziers Now VEGEtables: It’s a Launch, Trading at Unit 2 Ballachallan, not Lunch! Callander,FK1 8LJ Daniele Ferri from Ferrara in Italy launched his newly created game ‘VEGEtables’ in Scotland and the UK in the Woodside Hotel, Doune, on Sunday 5 August. For all your Timber needs. Open to Interested people, and those just curious to learn more, Trade and D.I.Y. turned out to learn how to play the game, and test their skills. Daniele gave instruction, and refereed the matches, ruling on a number of minor disputes between some of the more Bespoke Skirting, Facing, Doors, competitive players! Windows, Stairs, Daniele is now looking to launch the game in France and the Cabinets made to order USA in the near future! Watch this space. . Nuggets for your wood burning stoves for sale
Tel/Fax 01877 331715 E-Mail crawfordmathieson@ btinternet.com
Web: crawfordandmathieson.co.uk
NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW Doune Castle Garage Motors Ltd. Stirling Road, Doune, Perthshire, FK16 6AA UNIT 3A MURCHISON PARK DOUNE MOT Testing Servicing Tel; 01786 842 738 or 07810 700 755 Petrol/Diesel and repairs Please support your local start-up businesses Class I.V. Tyres All mechanical repairs (Free retests) Exhausts Pre - MOT checks Welding Tyres, Exhausts, Diagnostics Small paint and body repairs. We can collect and NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL return your vehicle Great professional work at an affordable price (only in the Callander and Doune areas) PROPRIETOR ERIC UTTERSON 1786 841061
23 SCHOOL REPORT After the week with the children of Dunavatu, visiting a city Responding to Romania orphanage was a huge shock. I was scared as we pulled up After months of fund-raising, fifth-year McLaren High outside a shabby-looking building, almost hidden from the School student Iona Campbell joined forces with Christian outside world up a back street. It was silent and empty; I organisation Urban Saints to spend part of her summer had expected children to be running around, making a noise holidays helping out at a summer camp in Romania which but there was nothing. Just silence. Then, as if by magic, benefits disadvantaged children and young people. we heard footsteps running down the stairs: the door was flung open and in ran 40 screaming, smiling children. We After leaving Scotland with the temperature at 17o, it was a were to perform a humorous drama, helping to get across shock to arrive after two plane journeys to 36o in Bucharest. the message ‘Jesus is our healer’. When the children began We then had a six-hour bus journey, passing fields and fields squealing with laughter we knew we were getting through to of sunflowers, watching cows being taken for walks while them. others were tied up with 5ft of rope and not allowed to roam free. We then tried to teach them Halleluiah, one of our easiest songs. Then Nick said ‘Go socialise’. I had no idea how It was an early start at the Sunlight Camp with breakfast to do this; all week we had had at least four translators and at 8 o’clock. We then met our translators who switched so now we had only one. I saw Sarah struggling to open packets easily from one language to another. After our “meet and of sweets, so we went through to the kitchen to share them greet” session we headed off to the village shop for much- out equally. Looking around I discovered a mouldy, rusting needed water. The village was more like a very long street, toilet and shower, the only facilities for 40 children. Sarah and the shop like a hut, but full of many things. The heat pulled me back and we returned to the dining room. was unbearable and I was glad to get back to the shade of the camp. Suddenly I felt a tight squeeze around my tummy; I looked down to see a little girl wrapped around me. Her eyes gazed The first day of Kids’ Club was nerve-wracking: would up at me. I didn’t know what to do; her tiny hand grabbed anyone turn up; would they listen to us? To my surprise, 15 the back of my dress. She released me from her strong minutes before the start time, children were queuing outside grasp when the sweets came. I started saying ‘Hi’ to other the gate. We started with songs, but trying to mime the children, then struggled to think how to say ‘What’s your Romanian translation wasn’t easy for the children as they name?’ When Sarah came to my rescue, I tried to use hand tried to copy our appalling miming. We had an Olympic actions to keep the conversation going. theme and the children made a medal each day, symbolising a different way Jesus helps us. As we were leaving many of the children gave me hugs, which was upsetting; I was leaving them in such a cold, The biggest challenge was finding a way to put across unhappy place. A boy came and took my hand and kissed it. English lessons to the older children as well as keeping them My eyes filled with tears, I was so touched. Afterwards we amused. We felt we had achieved something when the older discussed what had happened at the orphanage which was for boys stopped playing football for more than ten minutes! children with special needs whose parents abandon them as Teenagers in the UK can be difficult to handle but it was ‘too much hassle’, a sickening thought. harder with Romanian teens as they had the advantage of the language barrier: if they didn’t want to listen, they wouldn’t! Our translators took us on a tour of Bucharest, a perfect way to spend our last day. I gained so much from this experience. As the week went on I became more confident, using actions I learned how to break a language barrier, how to adapt to to communicate with the children, and they felt able to talk new environments and how to get along with people I hardly to us on their own without a translator standing nearby. The know. ability to laugh at ourselves and not be embarrassed helped Iona Campbell and the children felt we were more approachable which made it easier to teach them.
Charity SC016050 Iyengar Red Kite Community Nursery
YOGAWednesdays during term-time Muir Hall, Doune Deanston Primary School 7.30pm - 9.00pm Class resumes Wednesday 22nd August 2012 Preschool 9am - 12pm Mon-Fri For children 2y 9m to school age (funding available)
Doune Baby & Toddler Group 10am - 12pm Thur
Rated Qualified Registered Excellent by Staff HMIe
Teacher: Diane Edward Cost: £5 (£4 concessions) This class is suitable for beginners Please bring a mat, blocks, bricks, belt and a blanket. www.RedKiteCommunityNursery.org.uk There is limited equipment available to borrow. Sorry, class not suitable for pregnant women.
COMMUNITY ACTION FOR DEANSTON [email protected]
24 SCHOOL REPORT Parent, Baby and Toddler group runs from 10am -12pm on Red Kite’s Holiday Diary Thursdays during term time. New faces are always welcome. The summer holidays are a break from ordinary business but What is planned for Red Kite this year? Well, for next term: that doesn’t mean not setting foot in the nursery for eight potions, scientists, music, singing, soft play, gardening, weeks! There is so much preparation: rooms to be refreshed photography, walks, picnics and a bbq party; this is just the and new resources to be purchased, from googly eyes to a beginning! The children have been beavering away creating new wooden playhouse (chosen by the children at the end of holiday diaries, which should make very interesting reading. term). However, this year at Red Kite Community Nursery I have been on holiday myself and one of the places I visited we also had a new venture – soft play sessions for the under was Kensington Palace in London – fabulous! I have been 3s! Having won a grant through the Big Fund Lottery and inspired by their incredible displays and can’t wait to bring purchased a fantastic Soft Play set we decided to make it some of their ideas into our little nursery. Postcard to the freely available to the under 3s during the holidays. It has Queen anybody? been a great success and we hope to organise similar sessions in the future. This year is very important to Red Kite as we will have
been running for an incredible 40 years! We are planning a The sessions for the under 3s have turned out to be quite party to celebrate and appropriate as, from the start you are all invited. The of the new academic year, Red date pencilled in is 29 Kite Community Nursery will September. We are be responsible for the Doune keen to invite previous Baby and Toddler group. There practitioners, committee will still be a sub-committee members and pupils representing the group but it will so would appreciate it be under the umbrella of Red if you would pass on Kite Community Nursery. We our message. We are have no plans to change the name planning a fantastic of the group or the day it runs. garden party so keep the However, we are hoping to access date free! Anyway, we some grants to breath fresh life still have much to do and into the group and by the time there is a pot of green this article is published we will gloss paint calling my have done a massive clear-out. We name. will keep you posted as to how things are progressing. The Doune Colourful soft play equipment for under-3s, a new venture at Red Kite Nursery Alison Stewart, Manager
Anna Clark Registered Childminder Registered Childminder (Deanston) with 10 years experience
Caring for your child in a happy and relaxed home environment To discuss your childcare needs Specialising in wrap-around care (8-9 am and 3-6 pm) Call Linda 01786 842996/07534839497 Short-term and one-off places or e-mail Pick up/drop off at Deanston School served [email protected] by Doune School Bus Places available Monday - Thursday Graded Very Good by Care Inspectorate 8am - 5.30pm To discuss your requirements, Graded 5 and 6 by please phone 01786 842349 Care InspectorateSCSWIS in all Quality Themes
25 SPORT Early on Monday morning, 6 August, the post box by the It’s Gold! Bank of Scotland in Dunblane received a coat of gold paint in celebration of Andy Murray’s defeat of Roger Federer to win an Olympic Gold Medal. All through the day queues of people waited their turn to photograph the post box. The next day when the Post Office opened, after a day’s holiday, there were more people queuing, this time to purchase special Andy Murray commemorative stamps: by Wednesday they had sold out. Doune Post Office had a smaller allocation of the stamps and they too were snapped up. A week after being painted gold, the pillar box was still proving a major attraction and cameras, phones and iPads were all clicking away. As members of Dunblane Sports Club for 28 years – and counting! – we remember Andy and his brother Jamie (Wimbledon mixed doubles champion in 2007) as wee boys wielding racquets nearly as big as themselves and not many Locals and visitors admire the golden postbox in Dunblane years later, still as very young boys, playing in the men’s High Street repainted in honour of Andy Murray, Olympic Gold teams. Medallist (men’s singles). He also won a silver medal in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson. What a journey – well done, Andy! Diana and Nigel Bishop
Callander Ramblers September Sat 1st 8:30am Hill: Beinn an Lochan (901m) contact 01877 339080 Wed 5th 9:30am Stroll: Kennett Estate & Tolbooth (4 1/2miles) contact 01786 842021 Sat 15th 8:30am Ramble: Queen Elizabeth Forest (10miles) contact 01877 382803 Sat 22nd 8:30am LDP: CtoC (10) Aberfoyle to Callander (91/2miles) contact 01877 330032 Wed 26th 9:30am Ramble: Edinample to Kilmahog (10miles) contact 01877 376200 October Wed 3rd 9:30am Ramble: Blackford to Crieff (10 miles) contact 07737 682426 We meet in Ancaster Square, unless otherwise indicated. Please bring wet weather clothing, appropriate footwear and a packed lunch. Please let the walk leader know if you plan to join the walk via the contact number given.
26 SPORT and Wales, handling and distributing walkie-talkies. Our Organising Olympians! dining room was the size of a hockey pitch and I met many Selected to join the much-appreciated band of Olympic other volunteers who came from much further afield. One volunteers, locals Judy Shaw Stewart and Penny Dickson lady I chatted to on the Mall during a very wet women’s shared an unforgettable experience. marathon said that she hadn’t been so wet since she left East London for Perth Australia in 1968! The initial thrill of being chosen as two of the 70,000 Olympic volunteers was slightly dampened by the reality I also met another from Canada who, like me, was asked of finding accommodation and juggling family and work to save seats on the first day of the games for VIPs in the with several trips to London, for training and accreditation, ‘Olympic Family’ stand on the Mall. What a thrill it was over the past year. However any inconveniences were soon because, as the cyclists returned from the road race, I found dispelled once we arrived at our venues. myself surrounded by European royalty and ministers of state. I’d chatted to Boris Johnson and Matthew Pinsent and Penny was assigned to Greenwich Park and the Media eventually gave the seat I had saved to Seb Coe. That was Centre, at the hub of all the equestrian events, whilst I was only my second day and it was my highlight. in the Radio Distribution Room at Horse Guards Parade (HGP) and in the Mall for beach volleyball, the marathons, Penny’s people skills were soon recognised and her job road cycling and race walking. We realised very early on of helping journalists was extended to include escorting that we were fortunate in being assigned great jobs in lovely medallists to the press conference room. Her highlight was locations. accompanying Carl Hester and the rest of the GB and NI Gold winning dressage team as well as all other winners to meet the press.
London was buzzing and we made the most of it, meeting up a few times to go the theatre (Chariots of Fire of course!) and to take a trip on the Thames Clipper through the Olympic rings under Tower Bridge to Bankside and Tate Modern. Everywhere we went we wore our uniforms, and it was amazing because people would chat and even wanted a photograph taken with us! London felt safe; it was fun, friendly and attractive, with flags, flowers, sculptures and music everywhere. It was easy to enjoy our experience. Judy Shaw Stewart
Volunteers Penny (l) and Judy report for Olympic action!
Penny’s task was to run up and down 120 steps with results for the journalists perched at the top of steep stands with stunning views over the Thames and a perfect vantage point onto the riding arena. It seems the London Organising Committee were courageous in choosing Greenwich, because the land is not only undulating but a World Heritage Site. For this reason they had to preserve the area by erecting 3000 columns of different lengths to create an even arena about 2m above the ground. Penny was in her element, and enjoyed being part of the Tribune team of nine volunteers; from racing bookie to dressage judge, they spanned all walks of life.
I too was in a leafy park, St James’, between HGP and the Mall. Our radio room was a large central cabin with lots of space for the four people working there at any one time. We had a TV so we could keep an eye on the games and were much envied by the transport volunteers next door who always had 40 people on duty with a base the size of a garden shed!
I spent a lot of time out and about, swapping dud batteries and watching beach volleyball. We had six volunteers, whose day jobs ranged from a coastguard to a PhD student, representing Finland, Ireland, England, Holland, Scotland
27 SPORT of the services on offer, but also reduces the pay-as-you-go Fit for a Post-Olympics Autumn cost of each of the sports/classes. Not all users are required to Ali Hutchison explores the local options for keeping the become members. Legacy torch burning Don’t forget Dunblane Sports Club where Andy Murray Olympic Gold medallist (singles) and Olympic Silver I was extremely lucky to experience the London 2012 medallist (mixed doubles) first wielded a tennis racquet. The Olympics in person and, after two weeks caught up in all club has four artificial grass courts for all year round tennis, of the action-packed drama, I was inspired to push myself tennis coaching for children, two squash courts and table for harder physically, especially with only three weeks to go table tennis available. before competing in my first ever triathlon. Every cycle got faster, every swim smoother and every run swifter because, With Olympic standard facilities the Gannochy Sport and in my head, I could visualise Lizzy Armistead giving it her Fitness Centre at Stirling University in Bridge of Allan all, Rebecca Addlington fighting until the end and Alistair offers athletics facilities, artificial pitches, tennis and squash Brownlee pushing his body to the limit. courts, a sports hall, a par three nine-hole golf course, a fantastic fitness centre containing more than 75 pieces of As a nation many of us will have been inspired by the cardiovascular and resistance equipment and a strength and Games. Whilst the energy is high and the inspirational conditioning centre providing ten Olympic weightlifting performances fresh in our heads now is the time to convert platforms. these feelings in to what Lord Coe described as “Living the Legacy”. As we have a fantastic range of facilities and Keeping the Olympic theme running, their 50m pool expertise on offer, I went out to review the venues that are provides the perfect training facility for many of our out there waiting for us to enjoy. competitive swimmers: set at race temperature the water can feel slightly fresher than other pools, but swim fast enough Callander’s McLaren Community Leisure Centre offers an and you’ll soon appreciate it! An extremely reasonable impressive range of facilities, including a 20m pool with community membership package allows free access to many sauna and steam room, a fitness suite with qualified staff of the facilities and fitness classes which include kettlebells, to give you a fitness assessment and personally designed aqua jog, super circuits, pump it up, and body sculpt. programme, and a three-badminton-court-sized sports hall, not only for badminton, but other sports including basketball Let’s not forget the heart of our community. Doune and and netball. Fitness classes include step aerobics, Tabata Deanston offer a variety of venues for physical activity (interval training), spinning, kick boxing, Zumba and aqua within walking distance. Deanston Primary School offers therapy. Children are catered for with classes including yoga and ballroom dancing, the Rural Hall in Doune football, mini gym, climbing, hockey, junior dance and provides a regular keep fit class, and the local park has Taekwondo. Options are available to pay-as-you-go, take up tennis, football and basketball facilities. With sports clubs a one-month holiday membership or commit to a direct debit going from strength to strength you can choose to bowl, curl, payment. play football or cricket. Or, why not embrace the beauty of the outdoors with the Doune Walking Group? The Dunblane Centre can offer its own living legacy package. It has a sports hall catering for the three sports Why not take the bull by the horns this autumn and use the already mentioned as well as new age curling, volleyball, legacy of the Olympics to take up a new physical activity, five-a-side football and indoor bowling. In its bright and or revive an old routine that fell by the wayside. Remember, airy fitness suite yoga, Pilates, bums, tums and thighs and you don’t have to do it alone; part of the legacy is to inspire body tone are on offer. As a self-sufficient organisation, the next generation. Who could you inspire? membership to the centre allows it to continue to provide all Ali Hutchison
28 SPORT
29 SPORT
Doune Castle AFC Development Club SPONSORED BY McMICHAEL BROS: SOUND AND VISION – ALLOA, TILLYCOULTRY AND STIRLING Telephone: 01259 724230 www.mcmichaels.co.uk
Doune Castle Amateur Football Club is one of the oldest amateur clubs in Scotland. The club currently runs two teams: the first team plays in the prestigious Caledonian League, and are the current First Division champions and the East of Scotland Cup holders; last season’s newly formed second team plays in the Stirling and District Amateur Football Association.
The club is launching an exciting new Private Members’ Club to allow Doune Castle AFC to develop even further. Funds raised through members’ subscriptions will allow the club to develop even further by improving the playing and changing facilities at Moray Park.
However, the longer term aim is that, working in partnership with other community groups, we can secure a multi-purpose sports and recreational facility within Moray Park for the whole community.
You can help us, and the local community, by joining our Development Club All money raised through subscriptions will go towards the fulfilment of those ambitions we have already outlined.
How much will it cost? What’s in it for me? It will cost you £1 per week – payable monthly, in advance, by banker’s standing order, cheque or cash: £52 per annum or £50 if your subscription is paid in full.
Each member will be part of a weekly and a monthly draw:
The prize money will be 1 X £100 and 1 X £50 weekly prize, plus a monthly 1 X £200 draw. ** Prize money may be adjusted and will be determined by participating numbers.
For our launch draw on Saturday 6 October 2012, we have a Special Prize of £600 of Audio and Electrical White Goods donated by our Development Club Sponsors, McMichael Bros of Alloa and Stirling
How do I join? Simply complete an Application Form and follow the instructions for returning it. Application forms are available from local outlets, pubs, the Highland hotel and club players and officials. Or download a copy from our club website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/dounecastleafc/
Can I have more than one membership? You can choose to have more than one membership. Simply tell us in the box on the back page of the Application Form how many membership numbers you want and complete the standing order form for the monthly amount, by multiplying £4.33 by the number of memberships.
What happens next? We will then allocate you a Membership Number. We will send you a membership card to confirm your Membership Number and a copy of the Development Club rules. Each Saturday evening we will make the weekly draw plus the monthly draw on the last Saturday of the month. The time and place of the draw will be publicised on the Development Club page on the club website. Members are welcome to attend the draw.
How will I know if I’ve won? Every winner will be notified by text or email and the winning numbers will also appear on the club website and will be included in the match report in the local press during the playing season.
PLEASE HELP US IN PROMOTING SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN DOUNE BY COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM!
Ian Sommerville
30 SPORT After 66 minutes the hard-working Colin Burke was replaced Doune Castle FC by Dylan McGowan and he scored with his first touch. He Saturday 11 August sprinted between two defenders onto a powerfully headed clearance by Ryan Duncanson and rifled a perfectly timed Doune Castle 0 Giffnock North 4 drive under the diving Jackson into the far corner of the net.
Doune were effectively out of the Douglas Smith League Both sides applied pressure in the closing stages but to no Cup within 12 minutes of the start of this match. They effect which left Doune with a thoroughly deserved 3-0 win were 1-0 down within seconds of the kick off after Giffnock in conditions which no one can have enjoyed. carved open the Doune defence with a series of crisp passes and the ball was in the net before a single Doune player had Saturday 18 August touched it. Doune responded to this shock but just as they Doune Castle 3 Glasgow University 2 looked likely to draw level two errors within a minute gifted the visitors two goals and they found themselves 3-0 down For the first eight minutes of this game it looked as though after only 13 minutes. Doune would have an easy afternoon but then the University scored and it soon became obvious that they were a capable Before half time Doune had three chances to score but and well organised side. A deserved equaliser came after 14 weren’t able to convert any of them and immediately minutes when a ball from the right from Robbie Hurst found after the restart Scott McLean’s fierce drive from 16 yards Lukasz Duszynski inside the area. His shot was blocked but cannoned off Lukasz Duszynski and went wide. Doune’s Stuart Foster reacted fastest to squeeze the ball home from misery was complete when after 56 minutes Odunewu darted eight yards. With everyone expecting the half time whistle forward and clipped a delicate lob over Alan McGirr into the Doune kept pressing and Scott McLean scored from close far corner to make it 4-0. range to give Doune the lead.
To their credit Doune continued to press and played some Twenty-one minutes after the restart Doune made it 3-1. An good football but to no avail and the game ended with a Alan McGirr clearance was taken to the bye-line by Alan shell-shocked Doune beaten by a Giffnock side whose Inglis who squared the ball to Stuart Foster and he hit home clinical finishing gave them a clear edge. from eight yards. Within a minute the comfort of a two goal lead disappeared when Alan Inglis was dispossessed in Wednesday 15 August midfield and a ball lofted over the defence to two students, Doune Castle 3 Cambusbarron Rovers 0 who to Doune appeared to be offside but not to the referee, was slotted home from close range to make it 3-2. With 15 Despite the appalling conditions, torrential rain and a minutes left Alan Inglis could have restored the two goal lead swirling wind, Doune bounced back from their opening but, in front of an empty net, completely miscued. Deep into day defeat to record a convincing win in this local derby added time the students launched a massive free kick into a that marked the Castle’s return to the Caledonian League crowded Doune penalty area but Alan McGirr confidently Premier Division. They went ahead after 21 minutes when rose to clutch the ball and clinch the narrow, and just about Scott McLean, with his back to goal, controlled the ball deserved, 3-2 win. before swivelling and curling a shot into the far corner of Doune Castle: McGirr, Innes, More, MacMillan, Duncanson the net and 11 minutes later he darted ahead of his marker (MacMillan), Foster, Napoli, Hurst, Burke (Inglis), McLean and headed a Robbie Hurst corner into the net. Just before (McGowan), Duszynski (McClymont) Substitute: Gallagher half time Cambusbarron had a strong penalty appeal ignored by the referee who decided a clear hand-ball had been unintentional. Ian Sommerville and Nigel Bishop
The Doune Castle playing squad for 2012-2013, with the East of Scotland Cup (left) and the Caledonian League First Division Trophy. Back row (left to right): Colin Burke, Ryan Duncanson, Graeme MacMillan, Alan McGirr, Alan Inglis, Scott McLean, Robbie Hurst Front row: David Innes, Dylan McGowan, Patrice Napoli, Graham McClymont, Stuart Foster (captain), Alan More, Lukasz Duszynski
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