Strathblane, , , & Auchineden (circulation 1000) Issue 11... September 2001

BATTLE OF MUGDOCK [email protected] Philip Graves of us who were brought up on ning authorities to ensure ex- heavily recycled and chemi- tensive environmental screen- L. KATRINE he waters of Mugdock cal-laden southern English ing takes place. and water, it seems strange that For convenience the WATER Treservoirs may look Scottish water, from a source Milngavie site has much to calm but beyond their banks as pure as Loch Katrine, offer. It is close to the raw a relentless storm of protest should require more treat- water supply, road access is PROJECT has erupted in the quiet streets Willie Oswald below. With precious little warning the residents of 1 Main Treatment P h i l i p Milngavie have awoken to the Plant Graves’ arti- fact that one of the largest cle on this 1 2 Proposed page gives a engineering works ever 2 planned by a water authority two lane access very full de- controlled by scription of could end up right on their traffic lights this project. doorstep. For many the first on A81 Prior to inkling of what West of Scot- a planning land Water (WSW) had in 3 3 Treated water application mind was an article in early service b e i n g August in the Bearsden & reservoirs submitted to Milngavie Herald. This pub- E a s t licised the formation of a cam- Dunbartonshire paign group calling itself the Council, West “Friends of Milngavie Reser- of voir” which intended to fight Water will the development and to en- 3 submit a courage greater local involve- “neighbourhood ment in the whole process. notice” to So what is all the fuss about and is it simply another Community case of pure “nimbyism” (not- C o u n c i l in-my-backyard)? For those together with ment, especially one costing straightforward, WSW own the plans of the project. £100m. But EU regulations most of the site and few SCC will lodge these and Inside are to be obeyed, whatever the houses would be affected. any other related purity of the rainwater that Against this they would be information in the library • What’s in a name? falls on the hills surrounding building in the green belt in for anyone to view. Loch Katrine and is then piped an area very popular with lo- Any comments on • Coubrough plaque to Milngavie. cals for its high amenity value. these proposals should be It is a huge development The various other options have placed in the suggestions box • Viral infections which will also cause 3 years hardly been well documented in the library. of traffic congestion when and their disadvantages have • Mystery picture building starts in Spring 2002. not been clearly stated. The NEIGHBOUR- It has been described as tak- Loch Katrine Project website HOOD GIFT • Joined up drinking ing the space of 5 football has a rather complex review pitches to a height of a 4-sto- of the methodology used to We would like to thank Graham Dunigan and all those • Golden girl Leanne rey building. The WSW pre- reduce the number of options ferred site, at the north end of down to the preferred option. who were in Neighbourhood the causeway dividing the res- The website seems high on Watch in the Kirkhouse area • Towering success ervoir, is likely to be straight management consultancy jar- for their generous donation to onto bedrock which could gon and low on detail. The the Blane. • make it expensive to sink the suspicion has to be that Cost, When NW was wound buildings down into the hill. rather than Performance, Risk up, the decision was made to • Cycle Club news So if the “Friends” are un- or Environmental Impact was transfer the balance of funds successful in forcing WSW to the main criterion. to support the village Next issue November. reconsider one of the other 16 Others are suspicious newsletter. It is a great Deadline date for articles sites instead, at the very least help and is much 25th of October. they should persuade the plan- Cont’d on page 2, col.1 appreciated. 1 WHAT’S IN A NAME? Catherine Organ THE NAMING of new development is always a matter of opinion but is normally based on the historical ele- ments of or in a community. The new housing off Campsie Road has been no exception. Ironic suggestions were put forward including ‘Pokey Hat Place’ or ‘mansions’ and ‘Planning Points’ but reference to the History of Strathblane has produced more acceptable nomencla- ture with Station Lofts and Cockalane View. The derivation of the naming on the southern de- velopment comes firstly from the fact that Strathblane Station was on the site and to this has been added the word Lofts, which was a part of the lands of Broadgate Farm, prior to the building of the railway. Many resi- dents today are not aware that the railway line ran from the rear of the present primary school along where the telephone exchange is built then across a bridge to the station and was operational during the 1950s for goods transport before closure. It seemed appropriate to record VILLAGE CLUB OPENING its existence. Andrew Orr look to the building. The second name Cockalane View selected is be- The ceremony was at- cause it will look across to the Gowk Stane Road on which n Saturday 11th August tended by Helen Munro, Di- is recorded Cockmylane where the first licensed distill- 2001, a tape cutting rector of Community Services ery in the early nineteenth century was built by Alexan- ceremony formally with Council who der Parlane, in contradiction with the many illicit ones O that caused the two resident Revenue Officers much trou- marked the successful com- along with the Community ble but a handsome return in bribes to ignore what they pletion of the first section of Fund (Scottish Lottery Chari- saw. History records that it was not unusual to see the Phase 1 of the Village Hall and ties Board) are co-funding the early morning smoke of some thirteen stills from behind Club improvements project. Phase 1 works. Netherton village while the churches decried the evils of The ceremony took The tape cutting was alcohol. The exact location of the licit still is where the place at the Village Club and carried out by Mrs Avril Glasgow water pipes enter the hill. The older spelling of marked the reopening of the Meighan, a descendant of Al- Cockalane was chosen as being more historically fac- Club after roof tile and win- fred Yarrow who donated the tual. It is to be hoped that the new residents appreciate dow replacement and subse- Club to the inhabitants of that their addresses are a part of the history of the Par- quent re-decoration have Blanefield and Strathblane 90 ish. In the process of the research it has thrown up just brought a much needed fresh years ago this year. how much change does take place within a period of fifty years. WE have heard only praise for the work done on the Village Club and we offer our congratulations and WHAT CAN I thanks on behalf of the community to Andy Orr and THANK YOU his team for all their hard work. Also to Colin McNair DO? for his architectural expertise. It is a fine asset. he Keddie and Muir Willie Oswald family say thank you MUGDOCK BATTLE pact on six houses in Tto the many relatives ...About dark street lights? Mugdock, not to mention the cont’d from page 1 and friends who attended We have all been an- effect of extra traffic on the the funeral at Clydebank noyed by dark street lights that about the speed with which Strathblane road. Crematorium on 16th June seem to take days to repair; the preferred option is being By the time you read of Alex - husband, uncle, and potholes and broken rushed through. With plan- this much more water will great uncle and great great signs; and … and… ning permission being for- have flowed under the bridge, uncle. Why does it take so mally submitted possibly as including public meetings in Thanks for all the long? In part, it’s because we early as September, there has Milngavie and letters of sup- help from doctors, nurses all, at times, believe the per- been little time for local resi- port or opposition sent to East son to phone the Council on dents to come to terms with Dunbartonshire planning de- and staff, and the minister, Alex Green, once again. the Lo-cost local line should the immense size of the partment. But it is not too be ‘Someone Else’. project and its impact on the late to get involved. Further Now, ‘Someone Else’ Milngavie area. In the litera- information is available from Jean Keddie may well report the fault they ture published by WSW they WSW at the website observed. However, to make argue that one of the key fea- www.katrinewaterproject.com sure it’s dealt with, you could tures of the preferred option or telephone 0808 100 5333. FLAT OUT FOR ensure that it is reported. Bet- is that it recognises the “con- To hear more about the ter the fault is reported 3, 7 cerns raised by consultees in- “Friends of Milngavie reser- THE SPRING or 15 times than not at all. cluding the local community”. voir” who have already made he new flats below the The Stirling Council As a member of the such a big splash telephone Kirkrooms should be Lo-cost one stop number is Strathblane Community Iain or Lynn Cree on 0141 956 0845 274 3322 Council (which includes 5493. Tready for occupation by Mugdock) I can vouch that the Even if WSW win the the end of the autumn. By the If you have difficulty first we knew about the plans technical argument, every- time you read this, the show flat should be open for view- contacting Stirling was when the article referred one’s involvement is still re- Council for a solution to to earlier appeared in the Her- quired to ensure that environ- ing. Those interested can see it by appointment only. The your problem, phone or ald. No consultation has yet mental concerns are not swept e-mail your local coun- taken place at the time of writ- aside in the interests of cut- number to phone is 0141 762 ing (in late August), yet the ting costs. The plant, wher- 0553. cillor, WSW openly admit ever it is sited, must not be- The larger development Catherine Organ that the works will come as much an eyesore as will be ready by the spring if 550266 2 have an immediate im- the Balmore treatment works. all goes to plan. [email protected] HERON RESCUE OLD SCHOOL TIES ewcomer to Strathblane, Bryan Jennifer Cunningham, Hutchison, found himself involved in third from the right, rescuing an injured bird just after N with Alison Dryden, moving into his new house. A heron got into difficulty and broke its leg leaving it unable Cllr Organ, Rev. Alex to take off into the air. It stood near the school Green, Murray O looking rather forlorn for several hours be- Donnell and speaker fore some youngsters chased it into the school grounds. Lord Gordon of A phone call was made to the SSPCA Strathblane and an inspector promised to come as quickly as possible. However, he had to cover a wide area and could not get to Strathblane for sev- eral hours. Would we please contain the bird, he said. A group of rescuers was soon rus- tled up and the bird was caught by Bryan and put first into a neighbour’s garage and then the Coubrough family into a rabbit run where the inspector would had made to the local see it when he finally arrived. He was not economy of the parish, optimistic that the heron would survive as these birds are evi- the Calico Printworks dently notorious for refusing to feed when in captivity. they had developed and all the good works they had done. After that, BLANE WRI plaque originally Alison Dryden and Mrs Mrs J Shaw erected in the old Cunningham read out e-mails Aschool in Blanefield in that had been received from s the days of summer Charities Coffee Evening 1883, has been re-erected in members of the Coubrough are disappearing fast, when representatives of sev- the present primary school. family around the world. the members of the eral charities will attend with The plaque was in memory of Others who attended the A cards, calendars and Christ- Anthony Park Coubrough who ceremony were Murray Blane Institute are looking forward to the opening meet- mas gifts for sale. The bak- gifted an extension to the old O’Donnell, chairman of the ing of the new session on 20th ing stall will be provided by building. At a school assem- Heritage Society, Councillor September when we welcome the W.R.I., and we hope to bly attended by most of the Catherine Organ, Father a popular visitor to our group, have on sale our booklet of primary school children, Mrs Gardiner, Rev Green, Lynne Mrs. Marjorie Weir of afternoon tea recipes, a Jennifer Cunningham, head James local Librarian, Mike to lead a practical “ do-it- project to raise money for the teacher, introduced Lord & Patsy Fischbacher from the yourself “ class on Silk Paint- Children’s Hospice at Gordon of Strathblane who Blane and the Community ing. The meeting is in the Balloch. spoke about the contribution Council. Edmonstone Hall at 7.30p.m. and members and visitors will be most welcome. In October, we cel- BEAVERS BROWNIES ebrate the 35th birthday of the Avril Sandilands Institute by holding a Dinner Lyn Kelly at the Winnock Hotel, Beavers restart on Mon- on Thursday, 18th. day 3 September 2001 at Strathblane Brownies Tickets priced £15 include 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the joined the Endrick Division transport. It is hoped that Scout Hall. at Ballinkinrain school in former members will join the All new Beavers June. It was a fun filled day celebration and a letter will are welcome! If you like of circus activities which be sent to notify as many as fun and games, crafts, rounded off the Brownie sea- we can trace of the arrange- singing, outdoor games son. The activities included ments. Friday, 2nd November and adventures, come stilt walking, uni-cycling, a is the date of our annual along and join us. coconut shy and blowing gi- Beavers ages are 6 ant bubbles, all to put smiles C T M DESIGN LTD to 8 years. Please call on their clown painted faces. CHARTERED ARCHITECTS me on 771082or Valerie The Brownies also com- pleted a collage with a cir- PLANNING SUPERVISORS Govan on 770982 cus theme, on display at the library since 27th August. Architects for the Fabric GUIDES Many thanks to Anne Scott Ballikinrain school for al- Repairs to the Village Club lowing us the use of their 1st Strathblane Guides premises and also to Valerie With over 30 years experience have started back after McCorquodale for allowing Colin McNair is pleased to the summer break but us to use her activity para- they will soon be minus Carron Rand with Brownies Ellen chutes. offer free advice two warranted Guiders. Brownies are now des- on all building projects This will leave Carrick, Laura Baird, Heather Graham perately needing a new including them with adequate su- and Lesley Ogilvy Brown Owl to take over this domestic extensions and pervision but requiring session. I will be standing more assistance. down as my own daughter is no longer a member, although no alterations You do not need to be a doubt I will be roped into it again when my younger daughter Brownie or Guide parent, just is of age. 14 Craigenlay Avenue, have a willingness to give up Plenty of mums are offering to help but someone is re- Blanefield Glasgow G63 9DR some time for girls aged 10- quired to work towards a Guides warrant and to take 14. For further information, overall responsibility. If you are interested or know some- Tel No 01360 770666 please phone me on 771065. one who might be, then please contact me on 770912. 3 Place. The cat survived but VIEW FROM THE POLICE STATION the owner has been left with a vets bill of over £800. Who- ome bad news start off placed on the national data- has permission to enter the ever shot the cat clearly had with this time round, we base matched with some al- grounds of any of the proper- some motive for doing so, Shave been suffering a ready on the system and sev- ties in the area around the however there is no excuse for spate of break ins to outbuild- eral others are now held on Punchbowl. We have already such an act of cruelty. We ings in the area. This is a sea- the database awaiting a match. warned several locals about would appeal for anyone who sonal trend and property sto- If in the future those are this and no further warnings has seen an air rifle being used len includes gardening equip- matched a further report will will be given. Apart from the to let us know when and ment, golf equipment and be submitted. damage being done we don’t where. If you see anyone in a tools. We would appeal to any- There are several vacant want a repeat of the drowning public place with an uncov- one who has valuables stored houses around the Punchbowl ered air weapon let us know in a garage or shed to make dam at present, and they at the time. It is forensically sure they are secured and pref- are being vandal- possible to identify the erably marked with the own- ised by local weapon from the pellet used ers postcode and some iden- young- so there is the possibility of tifier. If you wish advice on identifying the culprit, and an this or the security of your animal cruelty charge, fire- property please phone us at arms charge and vets bill will the office on 770224, or call follow. in, the advice is free and may Finally a word of thanks avert a crime. We are follow- to the person who phoned ing a positive line of enquiry about the group of children and are confident of detect- spray painting the signs on Old ing these crimes, however, ex- Mugdock road. Thanks to the perience shows that this does call we traced them and their not deter those responsible for paint, and they will be re- long. ported to the Reporter to the The wonders of modern Childrens Panel. There is lit- technology have caught out a sters. In the past the occupants at Mugdock last year. I would tle doubt that they would have group of local youths who of the houses particularly remind parents that you have done more damage in the vil- have been breaking into vacant Punchbowl and Revoan per- a legal responsibility for chil- lage. houses around the Punchbowl mitted local kids to fish and dren under the age of 16 dam. Our scene of crime of- play round the waters edge. should they come to some Any queries please feel ficers recovered DNA from This is no longer the case and harm. free to call us on 770224, fax discarded cigarettes and bot- it is sad to see the generosity During June some 771172 or to give information tles of alcohol left behind by of these people being abused mindless idiot shot a cat with in confidence there is always them. The specimens once in this way. At present nobody an air rifle in the area of Blane Crimestoppers 0800555 111.

BUYER BEWARE STIRLING COUNCIL Trad- Trading Standards are ing Standards are warning also warning householders householders to be aware of against itinerant traders who doorstep salesmen offering are offering to tarmac drive- home improvements or drive- ways claiming to be working way maintenance. for Stirling Council. The ma- One elderly woman was terials they are using are infe- telephoned by a property rior and the preparation work maintenance company offer- is not taking place, which re- ing damp proof treatment. sults in problems when the Employees of the com- surface soon breaks up. pany appeared on her door- Stirling Council Techni- step the next day with an or- cal Services do not carry out der form for a “high pressure work on private driveways. If chemical injection and silicon you are approached by an un- seal to gable end and rear solicited caller offering to door” for a total cost of carry out work; £2115.00. • Ask for details of the com- Luckily she told her pany, name, address and home help who immediately telephone number. contacted Trading Standards. • Note the registration They informed her that it was number of their vehicle. an offence to make an unso- • Get them to provide testi- licited call to a private indi- monials from at least two vidual at their home and not satisfied customers whom offer them a seven-day cool- you can contact. ing off period in writing be- • Do not sign anything un- fore carrying out the work. til you have considered the The home help con- options and read any small fronted the workmen next day print. and was told that the woman • Ensure you have been pro- had not received the docu- vided cancellation docu- ments because they had given mentation. her a discount on the price. If you are concerned When told that the mat- about an approach, contact ter had been reported to Trad- Trading Standards on 01786 ing Standards and the 432170 or e-mail: police, the workmen [email protected] 4 left. or contact the local police. fices, by the beginning of Sep- OUT OF tember, priced £6. There will VIRAL INFECTIONS be a bar and raffle. SCHOOL Anyone wishing tickets, here have been a few was coming from a friend. CARE SOSC application forms or viral infections around The first I knew of it was a Joanna Lynch any information related to Tthis past summer (or great big warning sign filling SOSC, may contact the com- what passed for summer) and my screen saying, “You have he Management Com mittee as follows: some folk have suffered badly. a virus!”. If you think that is mittee of SOSC have Joanna Lynch 770263 I speak of computer viruses unusual, I got another one the Shona Currie 770156 and there is an increasing following day, and that was the Tsubmitted funding appli- Sheila McFarlane 770824 cations to the Lottery Fund number of them about. one that destroyed the system and 2 other bodies, though it Anne Scott 771065 Norton, one of the anti-virus of the man mentioned above. will be October before we Kate Poole 770981 software producers, lists over I have received about know whether these applica- Lorraine Elliott 770333 51,000 viruses for which it tions have been successful. Sally Gray 771031 provides protection and sev- As a voluntary group we eral new ones appear each have no other means of rais- A BIG day. Two people that I know ing enough money to enable in the community have had the proposed out of school THANKYOU their computers completely care to start. As a result, it incapacitated by the nasty will be January 2002 at the Cara Mck Crawford bugs and one of these had to earliest before the programme reformat his hard drive. For- can begin. This is not ideal aving suffered with tunately he had backed up for parents in the area who are lung problems for most of his data and was able wishing to organise after much of my life, the school child care now, but if H to restore his system, but not there are any philanthropic plight of the Cystic Fibrosis without a great deal of diffi- six viruses in the last 18 benefactors out there with sufferer is a recurring image culty and hard work. months and I cannot believe £24,000 at hand, please point to me. It seemed natural when The other person found that I am an isolated case. It them in our direction! Saving thinking about taking part in that none of her programs is vital to have your system that unlikely miracle, we are the Glasgow 10k 2001, to would work as the virus had protected by a good anti-vi- working hard to be able to raise money for this worth- attacked and disabled them. rus program and they do not open the doors in January. while cause. Fortunately she could access cost very much. Norton Anti- We have organised an- To that end the gener- the internet and found that Virus costs about £25 and it other fund raising ceilidh for ous donations received from there was a tool on the Norton can be set up to automatically SATURDAY 24TH NOVEM- Strathblane residents and busi- website that could repair her update itself every time you BER, in the Edmonstone nesses raised £250. I received system. What a relief it was go on to the Net. Macaffee Hall, Blanefield, with Alan a letter of thanks from the when, after running this tool also is first class and can be Smith’s Clyde Valley Ceilidh Cystic Fibrosis Trust in Lon- and watching it run through downloaded from their Band. Tickets will be available don and wish to pass on their her whole hard drive, the website although it is a pretty from all committee members, gratitude to those who assisted message came up that her sys- big download. There are oth- the library and both post of- me in my fund raising efforts. tem had been restored. All the ers, some free, and also programs worked. downloadable from the net The virus that she had such as InoculateIt, available received was called a worm from their website. and was gradually eating away The important point is at her computer, disabling that there are a lot of nasties everything. It arrived in a file out there and they can do a attached to an e-mail from a great deal of damage, even friend and it looked into her terminal damage, and you will address book and e-mailed it- not know that you have been self out to everyone on her list. infected until things go wrong. So, those who received it, and Don’t wait until that happens. the writer was one, thought it It is not nice! POPPY SELLING NOVEMBER 2001 covering the whole village. Lorna Morris Inevitably some new ith sum collectors are needed every m e r year, and this year being no exception, we need at least Wwell ad- four additional volunteers. If vanced, Remem- brance Day is not so you could spare two hours, many weeks away. In preferably around teatime, in Strathblane we have a early November to do this marvellous record of simple but much appreciated collecting for the Earl and rewarding service, please Haig Fund by local let me know on 770448. poppy selling. The figure has risen steadily for EXTRA COPIES some time and last year we raised the wonderful total of WE ARE frequently asked £1,255. Some is collected in for extra copies of the Blane cans placed in local shops and to send to friends and fam- businesses, and the rest by vol- ily. If you would like more, unteers who spend a few hours some are on sale in doing house-to-house collec- the library and in tions in one or two roads thus Blanefield PO for 60p 5 tic.” tracted, but it eventually be- much happiness now, she says, Clearly she thoroughly came hers in 1990. “Dear old is to see the local children Local enjoyed and immersed herself Arthur Muir was such a great growing up and making good, in the life, the work, and the help with that. I do miss him, and their children doing the many friendships she made in and some of the other old vil- same. “In fact, from some of call... the mixed community in Bot- lage folk who are no longer the very old folk who were swana. But like all good with us,” she says, wistfully. here when I arrived, to the “There’s nothing quite like things it came to an end and, I try do draw her on latest babies, I can look back the Kalahari night sky ... after half-a-dozen years, cir- unusual and amusing experi- over five generations of vil- the heaven’s so big and the cumstances saw her back ences during her 23 years as lage life,” she says with al- air’s so clear that the stars home in Stirling. our District Nurse/Health most maternal pride. So it’s shine like nowhere else on Now it was a return to Visitor. She sits back in the no surprise that she has lots earth.” Rotten Row in Glasgow as a soft leather recliner that was of fine friends in the village Fay Nimmo reminisces Labour Ward Sister, and we her retirement present from who help her with odd jobs as we chat in her lounge on a can only guess how she felt the villagers and chuckles, “… and enjoy outings with her. dull, wet summer’s evening. about the contrast in life-style. there was the time when Doc- There are also plenty of The picture she paints seems After two years in the city she tor Harrison and I struggled friends from all over the world worlds away, yet the enthusi- decided to retrain as a Health with a home delivery one who keep in touch and ‘drop asm in her voice makes it in’ from time to time. sound as if she has time-trav- Travel has played a big elled back the forty years to part in her life, and retirement when she was a young nurs- hasn’t put a stop to that. As ing sister in Botswana. She we chat it’s difficult to men- bubbles with excitement as tion a part of the world she she recalls making scones and hasn’t been to. Her eyes glis- bread in the primitive kitchen ten and she mentally unfastens of her living quarters, with her seatbelt and leans forward cobras slithering in the wood- in that chair to tell me about pile outside, and tells of trips the amazing exhibition of to remote villages in the bush Blaschka glass natural history to set up temporary clinics models she was lucky enough from the back of a truck. But, to see in Harvard, New Eng- I wonder, what led our retired land; of the beautiful archi- District Nurse to the arid cen- tecture of the old buildings tre of Africa? fronting the Swan River in “Well, when I was at Fremantle, Western Australia; school we lived at St. Ninian’s of the sparkling freshness of in Stirling, my Dad was a Norway. And so on, place coal-merchant there,” she ex- after place, sight after sight. plains, “But when I was fif- “But,” she says, landing back teen I had to leave and earn a Fay Nimmo - “can look back over five generations in Blanefield, “There’s no- living, so I just went into sec- of village life” where like Scotland. The retarial-type work for Stirling friendliness, the beautiful Town Council.” scenery, the people …” Fay then recalls how at Visitor so she could get out pitch dark night when there As if all that is not 17 she became a Christian, and about and, she hoped, was a power cut. We had to enough in her spare time she which gave her life meaning find a position somewhere use a camping-gas lamp to see does needlework, examples of and direction. It was after lis- closer to her home in Stirling. what we were doing and a which adorn the walls of her tening to an inspirational talk Now this is where fate camping stove to heat up the lounge, and watercolour paint- by Dr Alfred Merryweather, brought her to our community water,” but she goes no fur- ing, which she keeps very Superintendent of the Scottish as Triple Duty Nursing Sister ther. She is also well known much to herself. Our chat Livingston Hospital, that she (general nursing, health visit- for having bathed many of the ends with her telling me that felt called to put her talents ing and midwifery). With a men in the village, but is dis- she drives, three or four times to use in caring for others. chuckle and not the slightest creet enough not to mention a week, to visit her 86-year- And that’s what led her to trace of self-consciousness she it. old mother in a nursing home start nursing training at Stir- confesses that she had no idea Fay retired in 1994 af- in Airth. ling Royal Infirmary. Three where Blanefield was when ter a bout of ill health, but still So much for putting years later she progressed to her parents brought her here leads a full and interesting life. your feet up in retirement, Glasgow Royal Maternity to be interviewed by Miss The thing that gives her so Fay! Hospital in Rotten Row to spe- Bell, her predecessor. She cialise in maternity work. thought – because of the vil- By now Fay was capti- lage name – that she was go- vated by nursing but wanted ing to a part of . But Gibson & Goold Ltd to move away from the city to she was offered the post and help less fortunate people in was delighted to accept. That an underdeveloped country. was in 1971, and she’s never www.scottishfireplaces.co.uk And that’s how, in 1961, looked back. backed by the United Free Fay settled in quickly Church of Scotland, she trav- and soon became a respected Offices & Showroom elled to the parched fringe of member of the community. 1-3 Scotland Street the Kalahari Desert. Fay was The house that went with the Glasgow G5 8LS to be Sister in the small hos- job not only had its own little pital in Molepolole, a provin- clinic tucked away at the end Tel. 0141 429 7997 cial town in Botswana. but also enjoyed an extra-wide Fax. 0141 429 6606 In her own words, “The pavement at the front so moth- work” – and the gleam is back ers could park their prams in her eye – “… involved gen- without blocking the path. Email. [email protected] eral nursing, midwifery, sur- Fay grew to like the house so gical operations, teaching, and much that she sought to buy running remote clinics it from the Secretary of State Fireplaces Central Heating - in fact a bit of every- for Scotland! The procedure 6 thing. It was fantas- was complicated and pro- Stoves Gas Fires area and, amongst other things, tell us how the HISTORY IN BRIEF Campsie Hills were formed. Join Dr Durrant for this en- ver the next few ‘In February 1652 there was lightening evening on Wednes- months a series of seen in daylight an army of day 23 January 2002. O leaflets will appear in 10/12 thousand men march- John McLeish has writ- the library. These are the ing on the north side ten of the Drove Roads, and work of Alison of Calder about Murray O Donnell his talk on Wednesday 13 Feb- Dryden, Secretary Balmore and ruary 02, is entitled On the of the Strathblane a b o u t t is hard to believe it’s that Trail of The Highland Drov- Heritage Society, and Mugdock. All time of the year once ers. We look forward to hear- provide a snapshot of marching in Iagain, when local organi- ing John on that evening. village life in years arms, both sations make up the pro- Wednesday 6 March 02 gone by. The topics horse and foot grammes for the season. The is an evening with the Herit- covered in the leaflets furnished with Heritage Society begins on age Society, enjoying a glass range from information swords, picks, Wednesday 12 September 01 of wine or three, a selection on the three villages in muskets, drums with a talk about the River of cheese and biscuits, a quiz, the parish - Edenkill, and trumpets, Clyde from Dr George Far- some slides, a heritage dis- Netherton and Mugdock in which made all the row. play, a chance to reminisce, case you have forgotten! - people flee with On Wednesday 24 Oc- and all for £1.50. Surely this to a brief history of the Calico their horses cattle tober 01, Jenny Oswald will must be the bargain of the Printworks, the two railway and goods. At length the peo- present aspects of family his- year!! stations, events during the ple sent out to the fields where tory, always a good evening The Heritage Society First and Second World War the army marched to under- with some light-hearted fun. welcomes all villagers old and and the like. stand their errand but they had David Shenton will be join- new and the membership fee Here is an extract from vanished.’ ing us on Wednesday 14 No- is only £3.00 for the year. ‘The Barony of Mugdock’. Intrigued? The leaflets vember to talk about wildlife, Membership forms can be “The Phantom Army of will be available in the library trees and plants peculiar to our obtained from Blanefield Post Mugdock - Guthrie Smith from mid September onwards area. Office and the local Library. recorded the following story price 60p each. Following the Christ- All meetings are held in the mas and New Year holidays, Village Club on Wednesday Dr Graham Durrant will evenings at 7:30 p.m. We look OLD MYSTERY present the genealogy of the forward to seeing you there. THIS old picture on canvas has been discovered in someone’s loft and we cannot trace the owner. Does anyone know who these two are and to whom the canvas might belong? If you do know, please contact the Blane. Details are on page 15.

• Proposal for 14 stables and a hay shed on the field at the corner of the A81 and Milndavie Road. This application, origi- nally submitted in March 2000, was opposed by the Commu- nity Council and many of the householders in the immediate area. The planning process culminated in a hearing at the plan- ning committee at the end of June 2001. A joint presentation was made by a representative of the Community Council and of the householders. The planning committee refused the ap- plication on the grounds that it was contrary to both the Local and Structure Plans, would provide no environmental gain, and was not in the interests of road safety. • Proposal for 2 terraced houses and an office/store to the side and rear of the Indian Takeaway, Blanefield. Following a site visit, this was refused on the grounds of over development. • ‘Punchbowl’, Old Mugdock Road - Permission has been granted for a large scale extension and alterations to the house and for change of use of a double garage to a caretakers lodge. This will generate a lot of construction traffic so extra caution will be needed when using Old Mugdock Road. The time scale is unknown. CRASH BARRIER • Damaged library wall - This has twice been repaired and AN ACCIDENT in July dam- over the years reduces the on each occasion the rough casting was scraped off by vandals aged the crash barrier at the options and the proximity of before it had time to set. The Council plan to try once again. entrance to the village yet BT’s fibre optic cable does not again and the pathway became make things easy or cheap. • Stirling Tenants Project - Theresa Robertson gave a pres- blocked. However, by the time you read entation at the Community Council meeting in July. All infor- Unfortunately the police this, work should have been mation received will be placed in the library. have not been able to trace the done on the site. vehicle responsible and so the The footpath is danger- • Woodland beside the park - Stirling Council has spent 2 days chipping the wood left over from the clearance work and Council have been unable to ous because of the speed of another day’s work is still required. The Japanese knotweed recover the cost of repair. It some vehicles on the road. has been treated and requires further treatment. Both jobs will will have to come from their The barrier is regularly hit by be done sometime in the autumn. existing meagre budget. speeding cars. Bob Flashman There is also a problem would bear this out. He • Cycle racks - These have now been installed in the school with trying to place posts in cuts his hedge very grounds and are being well used by school children. this location. The damage quickly!! 7 Very few people living in Blanefield and Strathblane are aware that we stand at the crossroads of Scottish water. The geography of the area has resulted in the two largest JOINED-UP DRINKING? raw water supply systems in Scotland crossing on their way from source to tap. In the 1860’s the gravity supply from Loch Katrine to Glasgow was looking for a narrow point to cross under the Blane Valley. In the 1960’s the pipeline from Loch Lomond to Balmore Treatment Works and on to the east followed as far as possible the straight and level line of the abandoned Blane Valley railway. The two systems cross at Strathblane –

Douglas Weir During construction of the Lomond pipeline in the late 1960’s draws sample provision was made for a cross-connection to the Katrine aqueduct close to the North Tunnel Portal at Strathblane (see aerial from filter photograph). The permanent connection was, however, never built. column in But in 1974, during a prolonged dry spell, a temporary link was Strathblane made to pump water from the Loch Lomond - Balmore pipeline up Pilot Plant into the Katrine Aqueducts. It was used again for a longer period during another very dry spell in 1984. Some of the pipe work, (left) and the though not the pumps, for this link is still in place and runs from original the top of the rising main from Loch Lomond to the ‘Old’ and emergency ‘New’ Katrine Aqueducts where they exit the Blane Valley Syphon pumps that at the South Basin. Before a permanent link between the two systems can finally lifted water be made it is necessary to prove that the treatment process at Balmore from Loch can effectively handle a blend of the two raw waters. A small pilot Lomond plant has been installed at Strathblane to carry out these investigations system to at a point where both waters are easily accessible. It has been in operation since the end of March 2001 and the findings, to date, Loch Katrine have been positive. As a result a new pipeline between the two system(below) systems will be constructed. Details of the trials and possible cross-connection have been discussed at meetings with representatives of our Community Council and Stirling Council Planning Department prior to submission of all necessary approvals and planning applications to the appropriate bodies. Since then a comprehensive sequence of

K Blane Valley: Water Pipe Routes (approx.) a t r perature, etc) in in e large raw water P samples if they ip e were transported li n to a remote labo- e ratory by road tanker. The work is carried out in two portacabins L o discreetly hidden m STRATHBLANE PILOT PLANT o among the trees at n d TESTING PROGRAMME the North Tunnel P ip John Perry laboratory to investigate the Portal, beneath e l chemical dosing requirements the northern flank in tal of Cuilt Brae. e th Por he water supplied to for various blends. This has or ESW’s Balmore water confirmed that the waters co- The investi- N Tunnel treatment works is cur- agulate satisfactorily, but it is gation of the treat- P T T ro rently pumped from Loch not possible to judge whether ability of various p u P os Lomond at Ross Priory. An the filters at Balmore will mixtures of Lo- n erm ed n an mond and Katrine e en opportunity exists to supply fully remove impurities. Pi- l t L t in surplus gravity-fed Loch lot testing is required to con- raw waters is tak- o k Katrine water to Balmore, by firm the overall treatability of ing place over a B a long period of l cross-connecting the Lomond the water and to establish op- m and Katrine aqueducts at erating parameters. time so that both o r Strathblane. This would save Mott MacDonald, Con- long- and short- e term variations in T pumping costs. However, it sulting Engineers, are cur- / is not known what effect the rently undertaking these inves- their composition W To Milngavie Reservoirs supply of Katrine water, or tigations on site at Strathblane. can be covered. blends of Katrine and Lomond The test location has been The process involves a com- Works, except that the work water, to Balmore will have chosen to be close to both raw bination of chemical treatment in the portacabins is on a on treatment. water supplies. The aim is to and filtration processes ex- much smaller scale. A coagulation eliminate uncertainties that actly as is currently carried In the chemical treat- jar test programme has might arise from changes in out on Lomond water at the ment phase the pH of the wa- 8 been carried out in the quality parameters (pH, tem- Balmore Water Treatment ter is adjusted by the addition albeit virtually beneath the Punchbowl Dam and vertically separated by some 35metres of solid rock. For some time RINKING? West of Scotland Water (WoSW), operator of the Loch Katrine JOINED-UP D supplies, and East of Scotland Water (ESW), operator of the Loch Lomond system, have been collaborating to develop a permanent link between the two systems. This will allow any spare gravity-fed water from Loch Katrine to be diverted to Balmore Water Treatment Works, leading to a reduction in pumping costs of water from Loch Lomond. Once treated at Balmore this water will be piped into the Glasgow supply system. preparations has led to a detailed schedule of works for both the trials and the subsequent building of the permanent cross- connection. This includes road traffic management and access arrangements from the A81 to the pilot plant site and construction base at the North Tunnel Portal; improvements to the access track and bridge over the Blane Water from Dumbrock Drive past the football field to the old railway cutting; the statutory Safety and Environmental issues involved in all facets of the work, and the proper restoration of the site at the end of construction. Residents of the small part of the villages that may see an increase in traffic during construction activities will be advised prior to the start of the work and given information on the nature and duration of the programme. All construction works will be carried out in accordance with industry ‘best practice’, which includes measures to avoid dust generation, pollution of watercourses, noise and damage to areas of habitation, nature conservation, landscape or cultural heritage importance. A 14- week construction period, beginning late September 2001, is envisaged, with a further 4-week commissioning programme, due for completion in early 2002. The outcome of the exercise will not only benefit Scottish water users through improved supply flexibility and resultant cost Douglas Weir starting pH test in Strathblane Pilot Plant savings, but also give our community much needed improvements to the access track from Dumbrock Drive to the football field and beyond. These improvements will include a complete rebuild and strengthening of the bridge over the Blane Water.

ane Valley: Water Pipe Routes (approx.) Bl

and organic matter. Af- ter the sec- ond lime dosing the floc is s t r e n g t h - ened by the addition of a polyelectro- lyte. Filtra- The Strathblane pilot plant is well hidden Blane Valley Syphon tion re- moves the in the field next to the and allowed to settle, when the ‘contami- potacabins. When the plant impurities form a small vol- nated’ floc is operational the volume of ume of sludge. The sludge is by passing the output is small - the stored inside the pilot plant the water, equivalent of a running bath compound for collection on a by gravity, tap. Its quality is constantly weekly basis and disposal at through a monitored and the plant would an approved facility off-site. layered col- be automatically shut down if, The overall water treatment umn of an- for any reason, the discharge trial process is virtually t h r a c i t e , fell below the required stand- odourless and there is no sig- South Basin sand and ard. nificant noise generated. gravel. The Once a filter has be- On satisfactory comple- test plant come clogged it is switched tion of the treatment trials the has four off and backwashed. To do pilot plant and all associated o Milngavie Reservoirs such col- this the column is first scoured equipment will be removed T umns oper- of lime, in two stages. Be- by pumping air up through the from the site, which will be ating in parallel. layers to loosen the entrapped restored to its original state. tween these additions Alu- After filtration the minium Sulphate is introduced floc. Treated water is then Plans for the Water Treatment treated water is drained, with pumped up through the result- Works in Milngavie to create an Aluminium Hy- the approval of SEPA (Scot- droxide floc, which entraps ing mix to wash out the floc will shortly be tish Environment Protection particles. The wash water is available to view in the suspended debris, bacteria Agency), into the small burn diverted into a holding tank library. 9 I LOVE A GOOD MOAN GOLDEN GIRL Forrest Robertson club. Indeed, he’s less than enamoured of some of the ou may not know it but youngsters’ attitude to win or I’m one of these tedi lose too. This is a sign of the Yous characters who go times, said 109 year old around picking up sweetie Forrest Robertson. In my wrappers, crisp packets and young days...... Are parents assorted drinks cartons lolling now really interested in their quietly around the village. children? I know they seem Now, it’s obvious the major- to be forever racing here there ity are chucked out of passing and everywhere taking people cars by the slobs too incon- carrier loads of weans to the siderate to take them home baths, to mu- and throw them in their gar- sic lessons, dens but a large minority is j u d o local detritus. c l a s s e s , Come on you lot! Per- scout halls haps it isn’t “in” to stick your etc. etc. but rubbish in your pocket; maybe do they actu- Gold medal winner Leanne on top of the rostrum it’s “tough” to fling your Irn- ally DO Bru can as far as is manly anything with Local girl, Leanne Peters, Horse Care and Knowledge possible. “Cool” to be slov- them? Do they was a double gold medal test. I was really pleased to enly? Really? Get a grip. sit and listen to their winner at the recent Special win the gold medal as it was How many of the kiddies pro- music with them? Do Olympics. We asked her to quite difficult. grammes on the box show you they play with them, a game tell us about her experience. I did not have any com- how to build up your own, of tennis, chess, clean out the petitions on Thursday, but I great collection of rubbish? goldfish tank? Have you ever n Friday 27 July the went to watch the rest of the Here’s a smashing new hobby noticed all these turgid holi- Scotland West Special team. They all did very well for the mentally challenged. day programmes on TV where OOlympic Team met at as it was a very wet day. Start your own fag packet col- the “grown ups” don’t think Central Station, Glasgow to I did my main event on lection. Buy an album and they’ve been on a decent holi- catch the `Tunnocks Express' Friday. The Prix Caprilli is start today. Even the cello- day unless the hotel has a to Cardiff. When we arrived dressage with jumping and phane wrappers and silver KIDS CLUB to take the little in Cardiff, we were taken to this was the first time I had paper inserts could be in- ones off their hands so they our accommodation at the done this test at a major event. cluded. You could collect the- can lounge around the pool University. A lot of people came to see matically, by areas - “Here’s without disturbance; abdica- On Saturday we went to me jump. I knew that I had a Benson & Hedges nearly tion or what! When our 6‘- the stables to make sure that ridden a good test but I was tossed away in Glasgow Road 5" kid was little (sorry, I mean the ponies had arrived safely still surprised when I heard and, ah, look at this one, a young) we all stuck together from Glasgow, and then we that I had won the gold medal. Marlboro Light tens pack I because we wanted a family stuffed in my pocket in Sta- holiday; we all grew up to- went to the opening ceremony I was very proud at the tion Road.” It’d soon build up. gether and wanted to go and saw the Olympic torch medal ceremony when I was On another hobby places, see things, experience arrive at the stadium. presented with my medals, but horse, the lack of commitment things together. Why do par- Sunday was a very hot I burst into tears when they to helping out local organisa- ents want to get rid of their day and I had a last practise called me out and presented tions. Jim McNeill’s been children? What are they all of my dressage test. Monday me with a beautiful sash for underwhelmed by the re- getting from their holiday? was my Dressage day. I have being the Champion rider at sponse to my asking for help Judging by their family life moved up to level Al which is Al level. with the Under 18s football when not on holiday, they the highest level in Special My mum let two other aren’t interested in being a Olympics. I found out that I riders borrow Vik to compete BADMINTON family so why should they was the only girl riding at this on and they both won gold suddenly start in Spain or Por- level and I was up against all medals on him. I'm really CLUB tugal or the Caribbean? “EN- the men! I rode my own pony happy Vik did so well, as Roseana Ruddiman TERTAIN ME” is the slogan. Vik and was very pleased to Cardiff was the last competi- Perhaps some of these caring, win the silver medal. tion I did on him. He was sold BOTH senior and junior bad- sharing parents should take Tuesday was the day of when he arrived back in Scot- minton clubs will begin in heed of the paraphrasing of a early October. Exact recent American president rest so I went sightseeing with land as I was getting too big details will be given my Dad and brother Graham. for him. and ASK NOT WHAT MY later. VILLAGECANDOFOR My mum had to stay behind I had a great time in All juniors as she was Head Coach and Cardiff, and look forward to (1st to 3rd year inclu- ME BUT WHAT CAN I DO had a lot of paper work to do. my next big event - wherever sive) interested in join- FOR MY VILLAGE. On Wednesday I had my it may be. ing the badminton club must phone either Bill Howie on 770648 or Roseana Why not advertise in HOME BUSINESS Ruddiman on 770611. this newsletter? It Further details will be reaches 1000 homes - ARE YOU running a are doing. It will not cost you displayed on posters in the that would cost nearly business from your home anything – although of Chemist Shop, Blanefield Post £200 if you used the and would you benefit from course, if you make your Office and Browns. Notice mail. having it appear in this fortune as a result of this will also be given in the Our rates are very worldwide publication? coverage, we hope you will Milngavie and Bearsden Her- reasonable. sponsor the Blane! ald. Phone us and ask for We would like to have Sadly, last year we had a section in the newsletter Give us a call on to cancel the junior class be- our rates. We can also that gives you the 770716 or e-mail us and let cause of lack of response but provide artwork for an opportunity to us know what you are doing we are willing to carry on if extra fee. 10 advertise what you at [email protected] enough people are interested.  01360 770716 WINES OF BORDEAUX THE WINE AND STRATHCARRON David Morgan times the vintage is so poor DINE CLUB OF HOSPICE that the first wine will not be “Knee Deep in Claret”, is a made and all the wine will go GLASGOW book written by Billy Kay and into the second name. heWine and Dine Club ssault Course, Pony Cailean Maclean all about the Chateau Lafite second of Glasgow is being set Rides, The Play Bus, important part that Scotland wine is Moulin des Tup for those who are in- Mr Bear, Dancing Dis- and Leith played in the devel- Carruades; Chateau Latour terested in eating out and plays,A Pipe Band, Fire En- opment of this wonderful wine second wine is Forts de wishing to find out more about gines - these are just some of from Bordeaux. Come along Latour. Le Petit Mouton de wine. Many wines are best the attractions which will be to the local library on Tues- Chateau Mouton Rothschild is drunk with food so these din- on offer at this years Chari- day the 2nd of October and second wine of Chateau ners will give you the chance ties Day which will take place meet Billy Kay. Mouton Rothschild. to taste a different wine with on Saturday 15th September Bordeaux wines have Bordeaux can, in a good each courses. We will select from 1pm-4pm at Viewforth, long been associated with the vintage (like 1995), produce 6 different restaurants in the Stirling. Scottish market due to the 6.5 million hectolitres, but in Glasgow area and we will hold Local charities from the important trading relation- a poor vintage like 199112 the dinners once a month. Cats Protection to Guide Dogs For the Blind will be there. ships we had with the town of only produce 2.5 million To introduce the club to The Anthony Nolan Bone Bordeaux. The barter system hectolitres. potential members we are Marrow Trust is even offer- seemed to work well in days This is why it is impor- holding our first dinner at ing the chance to win a car! gone by and the Edinburgh Scholars Restaurant at the The Green Team will be folk were very keen on their Glasgow College of Food on hand with a falcon as their Claret. Technology on Wednesday 3rd "special guest" and a compost The red wines of Bor- October 2001 at 7-30 pm. display! deaux are considered by many One of the chefs from A Car Boot Sale will to be among the finest wines the college will give a dem- offer bargains galore. There available on the market place. onstration on Food prepara- will be fun and games for all The wines are produced from tion and David Morgan or so come along and support a blend of Cabernet David Smith -Wine Tutors- YOUR LOCAL CHARITIES. Sauvignon, Merlot and will give a talk on the wines The event will run from 1pm-4pm, admission is £1. Cabernet Franc, with other that will accompany the din- For all enquires please grape varieties occasionally ner. contact the Appeals Depart- being used. The cost of £30 will in- ment at Strathcarron Hospice With the development of clude a Champagne reception on 01324 826222. temperature controlled tanks tant when buying Bordeaux and a range of wines with each or vats, this has greatly im- wines one looks at the follow- course. CARTRIDGES proved the quality level of eve- ing points. Is the wine for ryday drinking wine. More red drinking now or for laying For further information FOR CHARITY wine is produced now in Bor- down in your cellar for 5-10 about joining the Wine and Remember you can help deaux (90% red in the late 90s years? Dine club contact David generate funds for the Royal against 50% in the 60’s) Look at the Vintage, Morgan on 01360 770253 or Institute for the Blind if you examine the age of the wine, email: hand in your used printer What to look for on the look at the classification or [email protected] cartridges to the library. label. quality status, is it a individual Chateau or a Region or dis- Bordeaux or Bordeaux trict wine? What price level Superieur will retail about £5 do you wish to spend. - £8. Mouton Cadet is one to The wines of Bordeaux CASTLE RECIPE look for. A wine labelled with are having to compete against Julie Edmonstone the district of Medoc, Graves, the wines of Australia and St Emilion, Cotes de Bourg, Chile but the French are fight- CRUSTY FISH TOPPING or Cotes de Castillon, is also ing back to improve the qual- I HAVE TO ADMIT at once that this is almost entirely a Delia worth buying. Also look for ity levels and if the price is Smith recipe, but I find it so useful I thought you might like to the commune wines within the right, today’s consumer will know about it too, because it is a wonderfully easy way to district - say Margaux or still buy Bordeaux Wines smarten up any fish as a starter or main, depending on the size Pauillac from the district of With food - the red of the fillet you select. Everyone - even men - remarks how Medoc. wines will go very well with delicious it is and I just smile graciously! The Chateau wines most red meat dishes. The from individual wine estates sweet wines of Sauternes or Place one fillet (per person) of sole, haddock, cod, trout or for real will vary in price from £10 Barsac will go well at the be- bliss, sea bass, on a buttered dish and cover each fillet carefully up to £100 for the top Cha- ginning of the meal with pate with a finish layer of the following mixture. teau’s of Lafite, Latour, or Foie Gras or at the end of Margaux, Mouton Rothschild the meal with your sweet ½ stale white breadcrumbs or Haut Brion. The many course. ¼ fresh grated parmesan smaller properties that carry Good wines for Good ¼ (ish) chopped parsley, crushed garlic and a pinch of herbs – all the Chateau name are worth occasions - Great wines for forked together with some lemon juice, salt and pepper. If you feel buying. Great occasions - The choice the mixture is rather loose, pour in a little melted butter. Nowadays we see a is yours. Chateau producing a “sec- For information on Just to digress a minute, by far the best way to chop parsley, is to ond” wine. This is normally Matching Wine and Food din- put it into a mug and then “chop chop” with scissors. (Not a lot of from younger vines, or from ners at the Lake Hotel or The people know that!!) parts of the individual vine- Wine and Dine Club - con- yard not of a quality status to tact David Morgan 01360 Dot with butter and bake for 5-10 minutes. If serving as a posh starter, garnish with herb leaf salad and a blob of go into the first name. Some- 770253. hollandaise sauce from you-know-where. 11 arranged the furniture and members turned out to be an turned up the volume of the interesting bunch. CRUISIN’ ON stereo! Despite the open and It was here in Cali that Ken McLean rived. But, while sitting at a relaxed lifestyle the cold was I got close to the darker po- set of traffic lights, I heard driving me away and I’d heard litical situation in the country. More yarns from motorcy- someone shouting, that Cali, a couple of hundred Apparently there had been an cling through the Americas. ‘Whataboutye ma man’. It miles away, across the moun- increase in counter-guerrilla Ken carries on salsa-ing! was a fella from Belfast - in tains towards the Pacific activity in the area and the the middle of the Colombian Ocean, was hot! hot! hot! army had killed a number of y trip through Co highlands! He told me he was And it was. My planned people over the previous lombia, on my well- there as an English teacher. three days there turned into weeks. I imagined my Mum travelled Triumph So we had ‘the crack’ and three weeks, and I finally had hearing this news and worry- M to accept that Colombia is a ing even more than she nor- ‘Thunderbird’ motorbike, was later I was once again on my well advanced as I headed way with a new itinerary. difficult place to travel in, but mally does. I had been quite south towards Bogotá. The I arrived in Bogotá, a for the nicest of reasons – the oblivious to it all, as most of taxes their government levies huge city close to the equa- friendliness of everyone. the violence had taken place on large-engined motorcycles tor, but because of its altitude, Again I was really lucky with in the jungle far from the puts them out of reach to all surprisingly cold. Once again the people I met there. Of routes any sensible traveller but the very wealthy, so I was I enjoyed the place very much. course a sociable bagpipe- would follow. greatly envied. I was getting The people were still friendly, playing Scotsman who had Undeterred, I eventu- accustomed to being ‘raced’ moved to Cali after falling in ally headed south in the by off-road Yamaha DT125’s. warmth for Tierradentro Park, Some lads, desperate to see with its archaeological site. my 900 c.c. ‘monster’, pur- This area isn’t considered the sued me into a petrol station. safest but I felt nothing there We found we were all headed but the energy from the hills. for Villa de Leiva where they I’m not a tree-hugger but you were going to watch football can’t mistake it, one of the - Columbia v Argentina in the most tranquil places I’ve ever Copa De America - on TV in experienced. Two days on a local bar. They invited me through the rain and dirt roads along. Between us we spoke cut in the jungle, I arrived in enough of each others’ lan- San Augustin. Luckily this guage to have a good laugh area still has a respectable and, helped along by the lo- level of tourism due to its cal firewater, aguardiente,I Archaeological Park, its natu- vaguely remember Columbia ral beauty and its proximity going 3 up and me having to to Ecuador. I knew I would sing ‘Flower of Scotland’ at soon leave Colombia. It the top of my voice, much to would be a hard act to follow the delight of everyone in the Colombia Ken on a Mission (steps) and I promised myself I would bar - at least that’s how I re- return. member it. Not only was Co- and the area of town I was in love with a local girl had But I couldn’t wait to lombia a brilliant country, but was very bohemian and re- smoothed my path. It took discover what was round next they can play football too ... laxed. Times are hard there only hours after my arrival for the corner. My goal of the it reminded me much of at the moment, and at the us to be introduced and I made southern tip of the continent, home. weekend people just open up immediate friends with sev- Tierra del Fuego, was a long Further south the scen- their houses as bars or restau- eral locals who invited me into way ahead. I didn’t know what ery quickly changed as I rants. I hadn’t realised this till their homes and made me feel to expect in between, but I was climbed through arid moun- I went to the bathroom of one like one of the family. This soon to find out! tains towards Tunja. The ‘café’ to find toothbrush, break was an opportunity to We hope to get Ken to weather was cold and bleak shampoo, and razor - the lot - give the bike a good service write more about his further and I was feeling miserable for around the sink! On closer in- and polish and to ride out with adventures in South America. the first time since I had ar- spection they had merely re- the local Harley club, whose Keep in touch through ‘Blane’.

and children over two and a FUN HUT half can be left in the care of SELF CATERING our two qualified play lead- ers. We cater for all ages, BLANEFIELD from newborns to five year olds, all carers are welcome, be they mums, dads, grand- parents or child-minders. So Paula Visocchi come along and join the fun, or call Michelle on 312650 or ARE YOU at home with a Paula on 771156 for more in- Available all year HORSE GRAZING baby, toddler or under five? formation. Short breaks available for The FUN HUT is the place Reasonable rates for you! Come along to the LAPLAND GOES LOCO! one horse Kirkrooms, Campsie Road, Sleeps 5/6 Blanefield area on Wednesdays and Fridays Get ready for Christmas  with the Fun Hut’s children’s ••• from 9.30-11.30am and you’ll • Washing machine find a friendly welcome and Christmas Fun Day at the Shelter/storeroom a safe environment for your Edmonstone Hall on Sunday • Open fire in lounge children to play. 25th November. All you elves • Garden • Parking Excellent facilities The Fun Hut is a mem- are welcome, so watch this Adults only ber of the Scottish Pre- space and look out for more  school Play Associa- detailed publicity coming Sheila tion, we are registered soon. More information from  01360 770266  07802 440 395 12 with Stirling Council Vivienne on 770101. JOIN THE CLUB TOWERING SUCCESS FITNESS CALENDAR SEP 2001 – JUN 2002 wenty year old Strath is experimenting with jazz and clyde University B.A. fusion-funk sounds together, If you’ve ever felt TOO TIRED, TOO FAT or TOO UNFIT TApplied Music student which he does in yet another to join an exercise class… If, instead of a ‘six-pack’ you David Towers is hoping to group he is involved with. own a rubber ring (otherwise known as ‘apron’)… If no blow his way into a career in amount of black lycra will hold back the ravages of pregnancy, music. David, of Kirkland childbirth or long-term inactivity and… If you’re sick of Avenue, Blanefield, started feeling bad about your body, then….... JOIN THE CLUB!! his music career at High where he focused on the For a work-out with a LIFT and a LAUGH, join FAT Fitness subject at Higher and S.Y.S coach, Val MacCorquodale and forget FAT and FRUMPY! levels. He played bass and NB – Baggy t-shirts welcome. percussion in various school groups, but “… would try my FITNESS CALENDAR hand at any instrument I Mondays 7-8pm Edmonstone Hall could.” Body Conditioning/toning upper & lower body. Challenging th He has recently tasted but very ‘doable’ (starts Mon 17 Sep 2001) success playing baritone sax Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am Kirkrooms with the snappily named, Body Conditioning courtesy of C.O.F.F.E.E. (Creating ‘Strathclyde University BA Opportunities for Females in Exercise & Education) Applied Music Big Band’. Creche, coffee and cake on site. Great for setting you up for Apart from winning Gold the day! Friendly bunch of women. awards in Boosey and Tuesdays 8-9pm. McLintock Halls, Balfron (Starts Tues Hawkes competitions in th 18 Sep 2001) Aerobics (Hi/Lo impact Falkirk and Manchester, the David Towers with his very options) band has enjoyed fame in the For stronger heart and lungs. Energy jazz world by winning the special German alto sax injection. Last longer! junior section of the prestig- Wednesdays 7-8pm Edmonstone Hall ious BBC Big Band Competi- “You have to be flexible these Aerobics (Hi/Lo impact options) tion 2001. The prize included days. Music is a hard busi- a trip to the BBC’s Pebble ness to get ahead in,” he ex- For Aerobics you can do! Mill studios at Birmingham to plains. Session £3 • 10 vouchers - £25 (save £5) record a concert in front of a David is very proud of Inquiries: Contact Val MacCorquodale live audience, which was later the German-made Keilworth 01360 770742 broadcast as a one-hour show alto sax he is nursing in the on Radio 2. They also en- picture. The instrument spent joyed a trip to the South of a lot of its life being played in France at the end of May to the Caribbean Islands and, LYNDA TURNER ASDTA COME CIRCLE play at the Le Mans Jazz Fes- David points out, it is a ‘spe- SCHOOL of DANCING DANCING tival. cial’, featuring design subtle- Competition for mem- ties in the key linkages that Modern Stage, Ballet Jenny Oswald bership of the 25-strong band give it a smoother playing ac- and Tap dancing is keen; all positions are re- tion. David was so keen to taught to children from ancy a dance on Friday auditioned at the start of each own it that he travelled to a 2 1/2 years. evenings? Forget the tri academic year. David is hop- specialist in Hertfordshire Fals of the week and un- ing to move across to the alto specifically to buy it. wind to the music of many Classes held: countries around the world. sax seat when he enters his If you are interested in Come to Circle Dancing in the third year this September. He hearing the prize-winning Edmonstone Hall, has also formed his own 7- Strathclyde University big Blanefield Village Club, Friday evenings from 12 October, at 8.00 p.m. piece student group, ‘The band sound, they have com- Village Hall, All dances will be called. All Dave T Blues Orchestra’, and piled a CD, details of which ages and abilities welcome a fusion/funk jazz quartet. can be obtained through David Adult Line Dancing - Fancy a weekend of What he enjoys most, though, on 07866 772 845. Blanefield dancing to Russian music? Come to our Russian Circle Mondays 11am - 12pm Dance event in the beautiful AIMING HIGH Thursdays 8 - 9.30pm brand new Millennium Hall in MY NAME is Angela Bonds and I’m Gartocharn on the shores of 26 years old. In July 2001 I graduated  01360 770390 Loch Lomond. This event is from Caledonian University with a for everyone who loves to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. I dance and loves the drama and didn’t know at the beginning it would passion of Russian music. be possible but when you put your The event will be led by mind to something it just goes to show Hennie Konings, a renowned and much loved leader of Rus- what one can achieve. After five years sian Dance. He has led dance as a full time student I thought I would workshops throughout Eu- find that £1 million pound job so I rope, but this is the first time could retire at the tender age of thirty. he has come to Scotland. The But unfortunately I haven’t so rather Russian circle dances are than work in Ballikinrain School be- strong but subtle, passionate side my mother, Mrs Elizabeth but contained. Devereux I have decided to go back for a Masters in Informa- For further information about tion technology at Paisley University. After achieving my goal the Russian Circle dance I believe that if I can do it then anyone can, all it takes is a lot weekend or about Friday of hard work, support and a will to succeed. Wish me evening circle dancing, please luck for my Masters and surely after that I will get that contact me on 01360 770497 £1 million pound job. 13 first-floor walls, to be seen today, could be salvaged. The Mugdock Trust was formed to restore the Castle, and has raised funds from many generous donors includ- After retrieving the ing Historic Scotland and the CASTLE RESTORATION Barony in 1655, and with the Clan Graham Society of Peter Spinney of Allander in 1945 - after loss of space due to the America. some 700 years. In 1984 his sackings, the first house was The Castle is believed ome current residents of son, Sir Hugh, gifted it to the built in the Courtyard: an 'un- to have originally been a Strathblane, Killearn, then Central Region, and it is distinguished' two-story square enclosure with towers SCarbeth, Auchengillan, now run as a Country Park by house. After moving to at the four corners. Only one, Milngavie, Dougalston, Stirling and East Dumbarton Buchanan Castle the family the South West Tower, now Kessington, Boclair and Councils. rented Mugdock out, the last remains with a curtain wall to Summerston may be tenant being one the ruins of the NW Tower. interested to know John Guthrie The work the Mugdock Trust that their precursers Smith who was an have made possible is the res- up to 1745 could have antiquarian and toration of the SW Tower and been sentenced to author and wrote stabilisation of the other ru- death by the then "The Parish of ins. Restoration of the gardens Duke of Montrose or Strathblane", the is underway at present. his forebears the definitive histori- Installation of Solar- Grahams of cal work on the powered lighting in the SW Mugdock. Up to that Strath. (A copy of Tower has made it practical date the Grahams, this scarce book and safe to hold 'open days' who owned the whole can be consulted when visitors can see through estate, had the right to at the Park Cen- the Tower, including the view hold a Barony Court. tre - by arrange- from the roof. Dates of these The site where the ment and with 'open days' are published by men were hanged and care!). the Park: the remaining days the women drowned, G u t h r i e this year are the 8th and 9th Gallows Hill, is close Smith demolished of September. There is no to today's Park Cen- the 'undistin- charge (although donations are tre. Not a lot of develop- guished' house and built a gratefully accepted) - come There has been a ment happened to the castle Victorian Mansion in it's and see for yourself! Graham castle at Mugdock until the 17th century when place: the mansion had a since 1372. Apart from a brief the 'Domestic Range' was beautiful flying bridge to the CRAFT FAIR interlude between 1647, when built west of the South West SW Tower, the base of which Mugdock was forfeited be- Tower, probably space for the can still be seen. Sunday October 7th cause the Grahams supported servants to work in. Thereaf- Ultimately, the Victo- Sunday November 4th Charles I, and 1655 when they ter, things got a bit busier. The rian Mansion was vandalised, bought it back. Having bought Castle was sacked twice, in burnt, and finally filled with 12 - 4.30pm Buchanan Castle at Drymen 1641 and 1644, and at least rubble during the filming of ••• and made it their base, they one tower was damaged and the "Borderers" broadcast by Wide selection of sold Mugdock to Lord Fraser allowed to fall into ruin. the BBC. Only part of the hand-made crafts MUIRHOUSE MUIR CAIRN David Shenton but it came as a surprise in with the local birds, with constructive activities when the mid-1990s when it was Stonechats, Carrion our wildlife and countryside hen the Scottish found that the Muirhouse Crows,Mistle Thrushes and are under many threats and Wildlife Trust re Muir cairn, situated over there is always work to W ceived Loch 1.5km (approx. 1 mile) be done. The cairn has Ardinning and Muirhouse from the A81, had been now been built up again, Muir as a gift from Dr. Robert demolished and the wholly by walkers, indi- Ker in 1988 there was a sim- stones strewn around in cating quite clearly ple stone cairn at the highest the heather and where the will of the lo- point on Muirhouse Muir grass. Over the next year cal people and of other marking 172 metres (564 ft.) or so the cairn was re- visitors lies. above sea level. built by volunteers, the This had clearly long bulk of the work by FOOT AND MOUTH been the end-point of a popu- Andy, a retired gentle- UPDATE lar walk for locals and others man who has put a tre- visiting what is now Loch mendous amount of work All Scottish Wildlife Ardinning Wildlife Reserve, into the reserve over the The cairn after being demolished on 17th Trust reserves in central providing a panoramic view of last 12 years. Andy sup- June this year and northern Scotland the Campsies, the Blane val- plemented the cairn with are now fully open via ley and also over parts of further rocks carried by hand Meadow Pipits being among their normal access Glasgow and the Clyde valley. over the muir and, to make it the species observed regularly routes. Thanks are due to Being on a busy main safe, by cementing some of the perching on top of the cairn. road and on the route from outer face. The result was a In June 2001 the cairn members of the public who hostelries in the Milngavie fine looking cairn acting as a was vandalised yet again, an have kept clear of areas con- area back to the Blane valley, landmark to make it easier for act requiring significant effort. taining livestock over the past there has always been some walkers to navigate to it, be- It is clear this was not merely few, worrying months. If you degree of vandalism such as ing more easily visible from the act of a mindless drunk- have any queries about access occasional defacing of notices the eastern stretch of the main ard but a more sinister, delib- to any SWT reserves in the or cutting tree path over the muir from which erate act. It is a great pity that West of Scotland, please con- branches or tree sup- a blind diversion has to be the perpetrator(s) cannot de- tact the West Regional Office 14 port-stakes for fires, made. It also proved popular vote their energies to more on 0141-248-4647 did seem to be the most popu- lar choice. New faces will be LIBRARY HOUSING warmly welcomed, so contact the library for details of the SALE ALLOCATIONS syllabus. This year the empha- sis will be on women writers STIRLING COUNCIL Li- POLICY but we hope everyone will braries are holding their An- have new titles to recommend nual Book, Video and Audio in addition to the books up for sale in the Albert Halls in Stir- STIRLING Council has pro- discussion. ling on Saturday 29th Septem- duced a new Housing Alloca- tions Policy. Lynne James In October, we will give ber from 9am till 1pm. you a chance to raise a glass There will be an auction The Council has changed the policy to meet the s the summer draws to to toast the “Auld Alliance” of special items and this be- when Billy Kay comes to the gins at 11am. changing needs of applicants a close, so does the and the reducing housing highly successful library to talk about “Knee Adult fiction will be 20p A Deep in Claret”, a history of each (6 for £1) and non-fic- stock. It also reflects the Reading Carnival Club for the Council’s position on improv- children in Balfron, Drymen Scotland’s love affair with tion 50p. Children’s books French wine. Of course a will sell from 20p; Videos ing social inclusion. and Strathblane Libraries. The policy covers all This year has seen a tremen- glass of wine will be supplied! from £1; music cassettes from Contact the library for 50p and CDs from £1. Can’t aspects of allocating homes dous amount of interest in the including the points system, scheme, Balfron alone had tickets.(Only £1 a head, and get better than that! the wine should be really Admission for adults is mutual exchanges, rent ar- over 70 children taking part. rears, dealing with hard to let Medals and certificates are good!) The event will take 50p and children get in free nd properties, appeal procedures going to be handed out at the place on Tuesday 2 October of charge. at 8.00p.m. and what happens when offers beginning of September and are refused. all children who completed Anyone who has al- the scheme can give them- Finally, we are really PHOTOCOPIER upping the culture quotient ready applied for a council selves a pat on the back! house within the Stirling This year for the first with a return of our classical AN INTERMITTENT fault time a special collection of music nights. A few years in the library photocopier has Council area will receive a books was created for 11 to back we held a couple of been repaired so there should letter explaining how this will 14 year olds and that too has lovely evenings where a selec- be no more faded lines at the effect their application and proved very well supported. tion of classical music was bottom of the page. The prof- what points they will receive All who collected six scratch played, a glass of wine was its from this service go to the under the new system. cards were awarded a smart drunk and Steve Dolman, the Community Council to be Any questions regarding reading Diary and Pen to get presenter told some fascinat- used for the benefit of the existing applications, points or them off to an organised start ing facts about each piece. community. It is the only positions will be dealt with by in the new school session! Well, Steve is back with us source of income other than a specialist Allocations Re- and is coming out to an administration grant from view Team on Free Phone Strathblane Library will Strathblane Library in No- Stirling. There is also a guil- 0800 027 90 50. be restarting its popular read- vember, the 22nd to be exact, lotine in the library which is ing club on 18th September so do come and book a ticket available for use by the public Media Contact: Fiona at 7.45 p.m.; Tuesday nights for this event too. (for paper, not people!-Ed). Fulton 01786 443361 PILGRIMAGE TO FLOWER TUBS JORDAN AND SINAI Sheila Wallace Elizabeth Sutherland ave you noticed per weed from 8 tubs. Obviously chance the tubs of with that amount of weeds the THIS two country pilgrimage Hflowers which plants are not growing combines a comprehensive are dotted around as they should and journey through the Royal our village? There they dry out very Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are 32 in all and quickly. with a visit to the Sinai Pe- they require quite a If you can ninsula of Egypt. bit of maintenance spare a couple of Petra is the high point in order to look at hours to help with of any visit to Jordan, and we their best. We urgently any of the aforemen- include a two night stay there, require helpers for the fol- tioned jobs please but the country offers much, lowing tasks (not too onerous, contact me on 770266 much more. We will also I promise). or Joan MacDougall 770472. visit Jerash, the best preserved In the spring (around Even minimal help would be city of the Decapolis, and in- the beginning of May) the tubs much appreciated!! deed of ancient Roman cities; City of Petra are cleared of weeds and We welcome comments Mount Nebo from where planted with pansies. Around Moses viewed the Promised century Monastery of St. on anything that appears the end of June they are again in the newsletter. Land. A one hour sail in a Catherine, a fascinating build- cleared and re-planted with catamaran across the Red Sea ing, and we still have time to Please write to the Editor, summer bedding. At the be- Mike Fischbacher, at: from Aqaba takes us to relax by the Red Sea and swim ginning of October they are Nuweiba, gateway to the Si- or snorkel. cleared again and left until the 4 Southview Road, nai desert. We have the op- Dates are 7th-17th following spring. During these portunity to climb Mount Si- March 2002. Further informa- Strathblane periods they require to be wa- or e-mail: nai (part way by camel if we tion and brochures from me tered, weeded and dead so desire), but at a leisurely at 20 Kirkland Avenue or [email protected] headed. Recently one of our  770716 pace. We also visit the 4th phone 770154. group gathered 6lbs. of chick 1515 views over Loch Long. A sion, and many glimpses of WASPS & CYCLE CLUB daunting climb took us to the wild life, including seals, deer new road and on to and a badger ambling across Whistlefield, and a welcome the road in broad daylight. On OTHER descent back to Garelochead, the following day the Island completing a round trip of showed its other face, with PESTS eighteen miles. low cloud, driving rain and During two days at the thoroughly soaked cyclists! omeone has stuck post end of June a group of eight In the coming months ers all over the village Clair Calder members, based at Brodick, we have plans for a run start- Sadvertising a number to cycled most of the circuit of ing at Scone in Perthshire on contact if you have a problem f you have never explored Arran including the rather for- 9th September, and on 21st with wasps and offering to the little road that wanders midable climb on the way to October we are right in The remove them for £20. Inorthwards from Carron It is fine for local or- Bridge across this beautiful ganisations to briefly adver- corner of the Campsies to- tise a local event but it is ille- wards Stirling, you surely have gal to put up posters in this a treat in store. It was here way and it’s not very nice. It that we cycled in early August, has started a rash of similar with long views towards the advertising and now more and Forth bridges over Loch Coul- more posters are appearing. ter giving way to the distant We need to stop it before it splendour of the Stirling becomes a habit and an eye- Carse, and below us the so sore. picturesque North Third res- A Stirling Council ervoir, decked with wooded spokesman said that, if we see islands and framed by the such a notice, we should just impressive rugged escarpment remove it. behind. The Council also have Threatening rain held a very effective service to de- off as we completed our eight- stroy wasps for £14. een mile circuit labouring over the Cringate Muir and swoop- Greenheart Project ing thankfully down to and along the shore of the Carron Fortified and ready to defy the rain again. Dr John Barker in Valley reservoir. Inaugural meeting Our July run was the middle with other members at the Lagg Inn, Arran Primary School through scenery of even 7pm Thurs 13th Sep- greater grandeur, from Lochranza and the equally Blane’s own territory, doing tember Garelochead skirting the shore demanding String Road. It a circuit from Carbeth via of the Gare Loch all the way must be said that a good deal Milngavie. We have had en- ••• to Kilcreggan. Fortified by a of walking was resorted to ! couraging attendances at our Come and see the good lunch we then tackled The sun shone on the first day recent excursions, but we are plans the hill road to Cove, and were and Arran was at its superb always happy to welcome new richly rewarded by the superb best, with flowers in profu- faces.

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