The Wee County News - Issue 852

Friday 2.12.11 Issue 852

In this issue... Floods hit Wee CountyDangerous driving conditionsPage 3

Price 45p

weecountynews

Alloa & Hillfoots

Church Fayre Season startsLocal churches raise fundsPages 16 & 17

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO SEE PAGE 24• FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Union member picketing during national day of action

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Thanks to everyone in the wee county for their continued support

Industrial action hits wee countyPublic Sector workers across

Clackmannanshire took part in the biggest strike for a decade on Wednesday, when Schools across the county were closed and NHS appointments were postponed as workers fought against changes to pensions.

Members of the teaching unions picketed Alva Academy, Alloa Academy and Lornshill Academy early in the morning, meanwhile other council services were affected including waste collection, libraries and social care services.

Forth Valley College and services run by NHS Forth Valley were also affected by the strike action that caused havoc across the Wee County.

MSP Dr Richard Simpson and Provost Derek Stewart joined strikers picketing Greenfield House and other council buildings to show their support for the union action.

Commenting on the Day of Action, EIS Clackmannanshire Local President, Gordon Joyce said: “Teachers and lecturers in Clackmannanshire joined with our public sector colleagues in other workplaces and right across the country in a day of industrial action today. We do not want to strike – this will be the first national strike action by teachers and lecturers for a quarter of a century – but we have been driven to this by continuing cuts to public services and sustained attacks on the living

By Alison Mann

Continued on page 4

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ContactsNEW ADDRESS:38 Primrose Street,AlloaFK10 1JG

Advertising & Bookings01259 [email protected]

Editorial & Production01259 [email protected]

In your weecounty

this week

weecounty LETTERS

Family Announcements P2

District News P18What’s on in your Wee County

Entertainment P24Including Q’s Views, puzzles with crossword competition, pet of the fortnight and those dodgy parking pics!

Lifestyle P25Health matters and recipes.

Recruitment P26 & 27

Services P28 & 29Looking for a plumber, builder, roofer in your area, check out what the weecounty

services has to offer

Property P29Tips for property buys.

Motoring P30 - 34Fixing your beloved car, or flogging your old run around, have a read at the weecounty

motoring for some tips and hints

weecounty Sport P35 - 40

Family Announcements

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Birthday Greetings

Surprise a friend or relative with a special birthday or anniversary greeting in the WeeCounty News.Simply send in a suitable photograph together with your remittance for £9.00 (inc. VAT) (cheques made payable to HUB Media Ltd., by 4pm of the Wednesday that the greeting is to appear or call 01259 404 006.Name ...........................................................................Address ..............................................................................................................................................................Tel: ...............................................................................Email Address: .............................................................Message Only 1 word per box

WEE COUNTY NEWS, HUB Media Ltd, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park, Uddingston G71 5PW

Lots of love, Alison and Iain

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BIRTHDAYS

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Happy Birthday Neil CrammondThanks so much for all your help at the start of our venture ... we really do appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful birthday and Elaine spoils you.

Scott & Vicki

Dear weecounty,I was a union member for many years and I’d just like to say I support the strike. If people feel they are being treated unfairly then it is their right to go on strike. I think it’s excellent that people these days are still fighting for what they believe in. I hope it makes a difference.Bob McLean, Alloa

Dear weecounty,I don’t usually write into newspapers but I was just so shocked by your story on page 3 of issue Friday, 25 November entitled “Kitten left abandoned in Alloa park”.It broke my heart to see little George the cat had been left to fend for himself in the park. How anyone do that to a gentle, helpless creature is beyond me. I only hope they manage to catch the cruel person who left George to die and they get delt with severely.Maria Murdoch, Alva

Dear weecounty,People are so often quick to criticise the council but when they feel something has been done well, they keep rather quiet.It is for this reason that I would like to praise the council on the lovely Christmas event on Thursday. I took my grandchildren along and they had a most marvellous time, despite the rain.Mrs Bishop

HONEYMANSuddenly but peacefully at home on Sunday 27th November 2011, William

(Skippy) aged 71 years.

Beloved husband of the late Margaret. Loving dad of Billy, much loved grandpa of Billy

and Jodie, a loving brother and uncle of the family.

Funeral service at Falkirk Crematorium on Thursday

8th December at 11.30am to which all family and friends

are respectfully invited.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired may be

given in a retiral collection for C.H.A.S

HILLVIEW FUNERAL SERVICES ON 01259 725999.

weecounty Friday 2.12.11 3

By Alison Mann

WEE COUNTY HIT BY FLOODS

Clackmannanshire was hit by terrible floods after

torrential rain battered the county.

Central Scotland Police and Fire and Rescue services issued warnings that people adhere to road closures due to flooding.

The fire service had been working hard to divert flood waters in various areas across the county and cut a person free from a vehicle in Menstrie which had flipped off the road due to flood waters.

Many roads in the area were also closed off due to heavy flooding as well as a high amount of surface water covering motorways.

A road between Coalsnaughton and Ramshorn was hit by flooding as was

Shavelhaigh Loan Alva and a road between Collylands Roundabout and Alva. Many roads linking the hillfoots villages, Menstrie, Alva, Tillicoultry with Alloa were badly affected by flood water.

Joe Andrews, Group Manager Operations of Central Scotland Fire and Rescue, said following the flooding: “We are prepared and equipped to deal with situations such as flooding and our crews have been very busy overnight dealing with a number of flood related incidents.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) issued flood warnings across the Central Scotland region which was still in place as the paper went to print.

Photographs by Jim Hensby

Wee County residents are being warned about a

telephone scam which informs people their computer has a virus.

The scam involves a bogus telephone caller ringing a victims phone to tell them they have detected a fault or virus on their computer.

Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council Trading Standards have now issued a warning for all residents and businesses to be aware that they could be targeted.

The warnings follow a number of complaints made to the Trading Standards Consumer Advice Team about the scam, which is believed to originate from call centres in India.

Councillor Eddie Carrick, holder of the Sustainability portfolio, said: “It is always very concerning

to hear about these types of scams. The victims are very often elderly or vulnerable people in our communities who may not be as confident or familiar with IT, computer programmes and email.”

One Alloa resident who received the calls said: “I’ve been called by scammers around five times now.

“Every time they tell me there’s a problem with my computer and the only way I could make them stop calling was to say I didn’t own a computer.

“I knew it was a scam as soon as I received the calls but I worry for elderly people who may be too trusting and end up paying money they don’t owe.”

The scam starts with a call from someone who says they are from Microsoft and that they have detected a serious fault or

computer virus which, if not fixed could cause the owner’s computer to completely crash. The owner is then asked to open various programmes on their computer that appear to show critical errors.

The caller advises that the only way to fix the problem is to download a special programme from a website, at a cost of approximately £130. If the owner complies, not only will they have been scammed for this bogus ‘fix’ but the programme they have downloaded will enable all personal and financial data stored on their computer to be accessed by complete strangers.

Microsoft have made it clear that they do not make unsolicited phone calls to help fix or repair personal computers.

Councillor Carrick continued; “The advice offered by Trading

Beware of the computer virus scamStandards is that if anyone receives an unsolicited telephone call that purports to be from Microsoft, or any other company, that they are not sure about, then under no circumstances should personal information be given out. The best thing to do is simply hang up the phone.”

Anyone who has received such unsolicited telephone calls and wishes to talk to a member of the Trading Standards Team, should phone 0845 277 7000.

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Do you have a complaint against this newspaper?If you have a complaint about any item in this newspaper which concerns inaccuracy, harassment, intrusion or discrimination, write to our editor about it.

If you remain dissatisfied please contact the Press Complaints Commission - an independent organisation established to uphold an editorial Code of Practise for the Press. This nespaper will abide by their decision.

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Industrial action hits wee countystandards of public sector workers.”He continued: “We hope that parents, students and the wider community in Clackmannanshire will understand that we have taken this action as a last resort. Teachers and lecturers are continuing to do their best to provide a quality education for learners under very difficult conditions, but now their goodwill is being eroded by continuing attacks on their employment terms and conditions.

“The latest government attack – on pension provision – would force all teachers and lecturers to pay more, work longer, and get less in the end for their pension.”Clackmannanshire union members joined an estimated two million workers across the UK who chose to strike, in the wake of Government plans to increase the amount of money public sector workers pay into their pension, raise the age of retirement and introduce career-average pensions.

Dr Richard Simpson said: “I was pleased to join the public sector workers today at the picket lines. “Public sector workers demonstrated their anger at the UK Coalition Governments action in seeking to impose pension changes which are designed not simply to ensure future sustainability but to contribute to the deficit created by the Bankers.”

On the eve of the strike Unison published research which showed payments into public sector pension funds are £299.944million more than is

being paid out to pensioners.A statement from Unison said: “Pamela Robertson (UNISON) and George McEwan (Unite) would like to thank their members for their support during the day of industrial action on behalf of the Joint Trade Union Committee of Clackmannanshire. It is unfortunate that we have been forced to withdraw important services from the people of Clackmannanshire today, however we hope that members of the public will understand that we were left with little option in order to protect our pensions.

We would like to express our admiration for Provost Derek Stewart and MSP Richard Simpson who joined us

on the picket line so early in the morning to offer us their support. Finally we like to say a special thank you to all of our members who took part in the march on Holyrood on this historic day of action.”

Commenting after the day of action Wee County MP, Gordon Banks said; “The Coalition Government’s proposals are an additional tax on public sector employees because the increased

pension contributions will not solely be used for future pension provision.

It is totally unacceptable for the government to impose these changes on public sector workers to bail out a failing deficit reduction plan.”

Continued from page 1


MP hands over Macmillan cheque News Brief

Former X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu and

her family have won their immigration battle to stay in the UK.

The Tillicoultry singer’s victory came after the Home Office failed in its appeal to overturn a decision to grant Gamu, 19 and her family to remain in Scotland.

Gamu, originally from Zimbabwe had their application for visa removal rejected by the Home Office in February this year.After a string of legal proceedings and a campaign by local residents, they won the right to stay in April.However, the Home Office had been trying to appeal this decision but it was announced the appeal had failed at a final hearing this week.

Gamu, 19, her two brothers Milton, 12 and ten-year-

old Marty and her mother Nokuthula Ngazana will now be able to remain in their home.Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire has shown his support for the talented singer.He said: “I am delighted that finally this matter has been drawn to a conclusion. That the Home Office pursued this case with such vigour has been of concern to me and I am pleased to have been able to assist the family during this time.

“The whole family have had their lives turned upside down by this ordeal despite being an integral part of the community in which they have lived for years.“I do hope that there will be the opportunity for lessons to be learned from this case and look forward to the family being able to try and start to rebuild their lives.

“There was great local support for the family during the campaign to fight the Home Office action and whilst such experiences are not easily forgotten I have no doubt that people in Clackmannanshire will do all they can to support the family in every way possible.“Obviously it is important for all the family including the children to return to a normal life and many people will now hopefully be able to look forward to what I hope will be a glittering career in the music business for Gamu.”Gamu was a favourite to win the X Factor last year before being controversially dropped by mentor Cheryl Cole.

This sparked a major Facebook campaign which saw over 200,000 fans call for her return to the show, however she did not return. She has since been writing and recording in London.At her first Scottish performance since being booted off the reality

show, in Stirling this summer, she took the opportunity to thank ‘a lot of people who have supported me’.

She has also revealed she plans to release her first album next year, with the working title Melody is King.

By Alison Mann

The Wee County’s MP has handed over the proceeds of

his Macmillan coffee morning to a representative from the charity.

Gordon Banks MP for Ochil and South Perthshire handed over a cheque for £290 to Jean Wheeler of Macmillan Cancer Support on Saturday (November 26).

Mr Banks and his staff had organised the coffee morning at his constituency office in Alloa as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning which raised millions across the UK.

It turned out to be very popular

and attracted many constituents who wanted to meet their MP and look around his offices, and a steady flow of people enjoyed coffee and cakes throughout the morning.

Gordon Banks MP said: “This was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of Macmillan and the amazing work that they do to provide support to people with cancer, and also their families.

“I thoroughly enjoyed hosting the event and meeting everyone who came along. It was good to meet new and also familiar faces. Thank you to everyone who attended.

“I am glad that we were able to raise much-needed funds for

Macmillan; they deserve all our support. Hopefully we can raise even more funds next year – I am looking forward to it already.”

Jean Wheeler, Secretary of the Stirling Committee, Macmillan Cancer Support said: “I am delighted to accept this cheque for £290.00 on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support from Gordon and his staff. Well done to everyone involved with the event and thanks for your generous support.”

Gordon Banks MP and Jean Wheeler, Secretary

of the Stirling Committee, Macmillan Cancer Support

Gamu stays!

The main road in and out of Alloa was closed after a car crash last Friday.Police closed off Clackmannan road after two cars crashed outside the Alloa Athletic

stadium last Friday morning.A Ford Focus and a Toyota car were involved in the smash which needed fire fighters to cut two people from the vehicle. The road was closed while the drivers were rescued and diversions were put in place.

Make sure your Christmas cards and gifts are received in time by posting them before the last post dates.When posting to the UK standard parcels should be posted by December 14 and Special Delivery by December 22.International Airmail to South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (Including Japan), Australia and New Zealand is December 5. To Eastern Europe, USA and Canada is December 9 and to Western Europe, December 12.For more information on last posting dates visit www.royalmail.com/greetings.

Last posting date for Christmas

SMASH CLOSES ROAD

An Alloa man was launching his new book at the local library last

weekend.George Stewart, 65, launched his

book ‘Latter-day Pioneers: A view from Scotland’ at Alloa Library on Saturday, November 26.

The book, which is his first published, looks at the impact Scottish people have had on the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, and the customs and individuality of the Scottish nation from the 1800’s to the present day.

George said of the launch: “It went

great, it was a brilliant day. A lot of people turned up so I’m very pleased.”

The book was inspired for his fascination for Scottish people and their impact across the world.

He added: “This is my first published book, however I’ve also written a lot of short stories.

“I used a company called North Highland Publishing, Roy and Elizabeth Kirk were at the launch.

“They have been so helpful in working through the tough process of getting published.

“They helped get my book on Amazon and are giving me great feedback.


By Alison Mann

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Nature lovers in the Wee County can celebrate

National Tree Week as 400 trees are planted in Alva.

The trees are set to be planted at Westhaugh, Alva on Saturday, December 3. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire Ranger Services are joining forces to plant the trees and local residents are being urged to join in the event and ensure their green credentials are not hidden under a

bushel.Each year, as part of National

Tree Week, more than a quarter of a million people get their hands dirty and together plant around a million trees. This is a great opportunity for people to do something positive for the local environment.

The site at Westhaugh, Alva is approximately 15 minutes walk from Alva Primary School. Tools will be available, but budding

volunteers should bring their own gloves and wear wellingtons and waterproof trousers as the ground can be wet and the grass is long.Anyone interested in booking a place on this event should email [email protected] or call a member of the Ranger Team on 08452 777 000. Volunteers are asked to register for the event so that the number of tools, trees and staff necessary can be determined.

400 trees planted in Alva

Wee County man launches his first book

“It’s been fun, the first run of print has almost ran out after five weeks so I’ve had to order more. It’s very positive.”

George joined the church at 15-years-old and continued his faith throughout the rest of his life.

He served a full-time mission with his wife Jean at the Perth, Australia mission from January 2008 to January 2009.

His work with the church includes serving on the High Council in the Glasgow Stake and served as the Bishop of East Kilbride twice.

He also acted as the branch president of the Ayr branch for a

period of time and has held many priesthood responsibilities. George also spent many years as a Scout leader.

Recently he worked as a second counsellor in the Edinburgh Stake presidency.

Of his inspiration for the book, George said: “It’s quite a fascinating thing, I’ve always been fascinated by Scottish people.

“In the 1800s there was a mass movement of Scottish people to America and other parts of the world.

“I’m not so attracted to the ones that left but more so the ones that stayed and that formed the basis of

my research.“I found out some amazing

information. For such a small country we’ve had a huge impact on the rest of the world.”

In his professional life, George embarked on a degree in Business Administration from Southampton University at the age of 50.

The dad of four has also worked as a store manager, accounts manager and financial consultant for various companies.

He has now completed a second novel ‘The Man From Ardbeg’ which he is now finalising and hopes to release late next year.

Clackmannanshire residents have been invited to attend a

festive craft making event in the counties libraries.

Badge-making, storytelling, crafts, cards and decorations are among the Christmas activities on offer in local libraries and CAPs (Community Access Points) this festive season.

On Saturday December 10, Alloa Library is staging a drop-in Christmas craft and storytelling session for children between 9:30am and 12 noon and throughout December kids can colour-in and make 3D pop-up

decorations and cards when they visit the other libraries and CAPs.

All libraries will be running competitions for children to guess the number of sweets in a jar, with the jar being the prize on offer. Entry forms are available now and should be submitted by Wednesday December 21.

For adults, a Scottish towns quiz has been launched for St Andrew’s Day and can be entered at all libraries, with one winning prize of a £20 voucher of the winner’s choice. The closing date for entries is Saturday December 17.Deputy Leader, Councillor Bobby McGill commented, “December is when the fun and excitement of Christmas gets underway. The Christmas lights have been switched on, kids have started their advent calendars, and we want to keep their enthusiasm going by giving them hands-on fun when they visit their local libraries.”

Festive craft skills event


News BriefRefurb works keep library closed

Library services at the Dumyat Centre in Menstrie

will be closed for three days, from Monday December 5 to Wednesday December 7, to allow refurbishment work to take place.

Normal library services will resume at 5pm on Wednesday December 7.

Payment services and leisure services will not be affected and will operate as normal.

The Council apologises for any inconvenience the temporary library closure may cause.

HRH, The Earl of Wessex on his guided tour of the new Cambus Cooperage this week. BELOW, HRH taking time out to talk to the workers. (Photos by Mike Wilkinson, courtesy of Diageo.)

Send in your completed crosswords alongside your name, address and telephone number to be in with a chance of winning this week’s meal for two.

SEE PAGE 24

LAST WEEKS CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Congratulations to Margaret Gibson from Alloa, who won a meal for two at the Bridge Inn in our crossword

competition last week.

CROSSWORD COMPETITION WINNER

At the invitation of the Rotary Club of Alloa, Santa arrived at Sterling

Homestore on the 26th November and he had a very busy day.

He will be there every weekend until the 18th December 1:00pm – 4:00pm Saturdays and Sundays.

One of his first visitors was four month old Leah Risk from Menstrie, who dressed

appropriately for her first meeting with Santa.

Santa will welcome many visitors over the next three weekends and he hopes they all will be satisfied with a value for money experience.

All funds raised will be distributed to children’s charities and other deserving causes.

SANTA VISITS STERLING

The new cooperage to be built in Cambus was given a royal seal

of approval this week as it was officially opened.

His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex opened the new Diageo Cambus Cooperage on Monday, November 28.

The building is the first new cooperage to be built in Scotland for decades, which uniquely blends craft and innovation to transform the centuries-old trade.

The new Diageo Cambus Cooperage near Alloa has been custom designed in close co-operation with the company’s coopers, drawing on generations of skill, craft and experience and combining it with the state-of-the-art British engineering - never before used in a cooperage - to dramatically improve the working lives of the coopers.

HRH toured the new cooperage and met the men whose jobs it is to craft around 250,000 casks each year - all of which will be used to mature Scotch whisky for Diageo’s world leading brands, such as Johnnie Walker, Bell’s and J&B Rare.

As well as meeting a range of time-served coopers, including some with decades of experience in the trade, HRH met with a Diageo’s apprentice coopers who are now able to hone their skills in a custom-built coopering school within the new cooperage.

Tom Duncan, a manager at Cambus was one of the team tasked with leading the new cooperage project and he guided HRH and the Lord Lieutenant on the tour.

He said: “It is a great honour for everyone at Cambus to have The Earl of Wessex officially open the cooperage, particularly as he has been such a strong supporter of our industry over the years.”

He also explained the ethos behind the cooperage: “It’s not often you get to start with a blank sheet of paper and design something like this from scratch. We worked closely with our coopers to maximise the craft skills which are the core of the job, while using smart technology to minimise the bending and heavy-lifting involved. It’s that blend of craft and innovation which makes this different from any cooperage I’ve ever seen.”

HRH, The Earl of Wessex, has a long-standing interest in coopering and is an Honorary Member of the Incorporation of Coopers. He has shown particularly strong support for coopering apprentices and has even lent his name to the Incorporation’s annual Earl of Wessex Awards for Cooperage. HRH was joined on the tour of Cambus by the Lord Lieutenant

Earl of Wessex visits Cambus cooperage

to be learning my trade as a cooper. At Cambus, Diageo has an investment in the future of coopering and that’s also an investment in the futures of all the guys who work here.”

of Clackmannanshire, the Rt Hon George Reid, who also has strong links to the industry, with his great-grandfather serving a coopering apprenticeship at Glenochil Distillery in Menstrie where he remained all his working life.

Richard Bedford, Diageo’s grain distilling director, who was responsible for the Cambus Cooperage project, said the increase in demand for Diageo’s world-leading Scotch whisky brands meant the new cooperage was a key part of the company’s overall investment programme for growing its production capacity in Scotland.

He said: “The demand for Scotch whisky is growing around the world, particularly in the emerging markets of Asia and Latin America. To meet that increasing demand Diageo is investing in growing Scotch whisky production capacity across Scotland. That means we need more casks than ever before, so the new Cambus Cooperage is a key part of the future success of our Scotch whisky brands.”

Calum Bruce, 51, one of Diageo’s longest serving coopers with 35-years service, having started in the trade at age 16, explained the difference the new ways of working had made to the coopers.

He said: “A lot has changed over the last 35 years, but the basic skills have stayed the same. But Cambus is something different altogether. We still use the same skills to do the same job, but the difference is the machines now do a lot of the heavy lifting so we don’t have to spend time and effort on hard labour and we can focus on the skilled part of the job. That is what has really transformed the way we work.”

Brian Law, one of eight apprentices currently learning their trade on Diageo’s four-year apprentice scheme, also welcomed the investment the company has made in the future of the trade. He said: “It is a really exciting time

weecountyFriday 2.12.118

Alison MannBody art - addicted to ink, are you?

We are now in Alloa. Come and visit us at 38 Primrose Street

HAVE YOUR SAYDo you have something you want to say, or something for Alison to talk about: [email protected]

I was very intrigued this week to read about Professor Sue Black

from Dundee University trying to compile a data base of tattoos and piercings.

She’s planning to put all the pictures onto a huge body mod database which will then be used by forensic experts.

The database will hopefully help with identification of bodies of victims of a disaster such as the Asian Tsunami in 2004.

I find it pretty fascinating that something which was taboo not so long ago will now be used in such an important way.

Professor Black is also hoping to categorise the modifications to find out if there are distinct differences between, say tattoos in Clackmannanshire and those in another area.

I am a fan of tattoos and body modification. I remember getting my first tattoo at the tender age of

18. It was the Tibetan symbols for ‘peace’ on my foot which recognised my passion for the campaign for a free Tibet.

The tattoo was done by a good friend of mine, Graham Dickson who owns Screamin’ Skull Tattoo based in Lanark.

Lucky for me he’s exceptionally good at what he does and I became hooked on tattoos, getting the majority done by Graham.

Since my tiny first tattoo I’ve progressed into larger tattoos, attending conventions and even travelled to London to get my latest, which covers most of my upper leg.

Aside from tattoos I’ve had many piercings and have ventured into the world of microdermals (a piercing which is anchored beneath the skin) and love it.

I enjoy being tattooed and will definitely be sending off pictures of my various tattoos and piercings off to Professor Black’s study.

I am eager to find out what her study reveals, to find out if I have similar tattoos to other Scottish people or if I am (hopefully) the owner of some unique work.

What do you think about the study? Will you be sending off snaps of your modifications or do you think it’s a waste of time?

Let me know on facebook.com/WeeCountyNews , twitter.com/WeeCountyNews1 or by e-mailing me at [email protected]

My tattoo by Jamie Ruth in London

Another tattoo by Graham on Lesley-Anne Young

A local business woman has developed a new product

which will ensure horses can feed naturally.

The business woman keeps horses and has developed the new product to allow horses to graze the way nature intended.

The Blair Stable Grazer allows horses to graze, and feeding from this position al-lows the horse to relax their limbs and alleviate back and neck problems while aiding clear sinuses.

The Blair Stable Grazer securely fits into the corner of any stable and uses a flexible, durable rubber to store the hay.

If a horse leans against the Blair Stable Grazer it simply bends inwards, meaning no damage to the horse or the Blair Stable Grazer.

Adele, who is manufacturing

the Blair Stable Grazer said: “I thought of the idea when my friend wanted to buy a tradi-tional feeder but I decided I wanted to try something differ-ent.

“A horse weighs a lot so if it pushes into something rigid and breaks the feeder, the horse could easily become injured.

“The Blair Stable Grazer is flexible so even if the horse leans on it, it will just bend inwards, it’s a lot safer.

“The Stable Grazer also means the horse won’t drag its food to bed. It enables natural grazing too, so they won’t damage their neck muscles.

“It’s also easy fill, you just drop the hay in so it saves a lot of time.”

The new feeder comes ready to fit with either wooden or

steel posts and bolts to secure it. All customers’ need is a 6mm drill and it can be fitted in ten minutes.

The wooden version costs £49.99 and the alloy version £59.99, each costs £12.00 to post.

Adele added: “It could be a great Christmas present for a horse lover. We’ll deliver for Christmas but orders should be in soon to ensure delivery.”

BLAIR STABLE GRAZERS

To order a Blair Stable Grazer, call Adele at the Blair Livery Yard on 07786151062.Payment can be made by a credit debit card, cash or Paypal.


Party as the lights are switched on

Photographs by Thomas Keir

Clackmannanshire locals enjoyed the big lights switch

on – despite the miserable weather.

The festive season was officially kicked off on Thursday, November 24 when Alloa’s Christmas lights were turned on.

Hundreds of people turned out to watch six-year-old Scarlet Bernard and Corey McInroy, aged 11, both pupils at Coalsnaughton Primary School, switch the lights on with Provost Derek Stewart.

The fun evening saw kids’ entertainer and Real Radio presenter Big Al host an entertainment roadshow with music, games and giveaways.

Big Al was joined by clowns Jingles and Gaby as well as stiltwalker Ron Ray, who entertained the crowds.

The 2011 festive season also sees M&M Theatrical Productions return to Alloa Town Hall on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December with the children’s pantomime

Sleeping Beauty. This children’s show will be

performed at 7pm on December 2 and at 3pm on December 3. Tickets are £5.50 (Buy 10 tickets get the 11th free).

There will be an additional performance at 10am on 2nd December for school and nursery groups only. All tickets £3.

The performance is 90 minutes long, plus an interval. Show souvenirs and confectionary will be on sale.


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Clackmannanshire are showing their support

for a global campaign help put an end to violence against women.The 16 Days of Action Campaign will run until December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault, stalking, forced marriage and human trafficking are all issues that affect people living in the local area and the Council has once again joined with an array of partner organisations across Forth Valley to support the international campaign. The need for that support is evidenced by the 836 incidents of domestic abuse from within the Clackmannanshire area reported to Central Scotland Police in the last year.

Alloa Athletic Football Club has thrown its support behind the 2011 campaign and an announcement will be broadcast during the match against Queens Park on December 10.

Awareness raising will also take place in Lornshill Academy by a group of dedicated young people who want their schoolmates and teachers to know more about the issue. Their ‘Hands are not for Hurting’ initiative will take place over a number of days.

And Alloa Library will be displaying part of an exhibition that was created locally by people who have experienced some form of abuse or who work to support others.

Councillor Janet Cadenhead, Regeneration portfolio holder said: “16 Days of Action is now a global campaign which raises awareness of issues which unfortunately are very close to home. We have to do everything we can to try and put an end to domestic abuse and I am delighted to see the efforts being made and the support being offered from our local communities.

“Violence against women is often hidden and, if we are

to put an end to domestic abuse, we need victims to come forward.”

Francine Orr, chair of the Clackmannanshire Violence against Women partnership said: “We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our violence against women exhibition of photographs, short stories and poems which was created by people across Forth Valley. Sections of the exhibition will be shown at various locations in the area during the campaign and hopefully this will help others understand what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone affected by gender based abuse.”

Partner organisations in the 16 Days of Action 2011 include Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling and Falkirk Council, Forth Valley NHS, Central Scotland Police, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service and a number of local voluntary services.

Action to stop violence against women

A Christmas memorial service for families

who have experienced the trauma of losing a baby is being held in Stirling.

The service will take place in St Mary’s Church, Upper Bridge Street, FK8 1ES on Friday, December 9 at 7.30pm.

The Lights of Love event is being organised by Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) and provides parents the opportunity to come together and acknowledge the lives of their babies at this difficult time of year.

This year the Scottish Cot Death Trust will also be taking part in the service.

The service consists of traditional carols, inspiring readings and beautiful music and there will also be an opportunity for people to light a candle in memory of their loved one.

Everyone is welcome to attend and no booking is necessary. For more information or directions to the venue, please visit www.forthvalleysands.org.uk or contact Caroline on 07948 562321.

Lights of love for SANDS

MasterChef finalist Fi Bird joined forces with

the African Kitchen and the Clackmannanshire Fairtrade group to bring an alternative St Andrew’s Day event to Alloa.

A local Fairtrade steering group was set up in June 2011 with the support of the Council and the Co-operative. Fairtrade Clacks is trying to make Clackmannanshire a Fairtrade Zone and this event is part of their campaign. Baxter’s restaurant in Mill Street, Alloa, hosted an African cooking demonstration using Fairtrade ingredients on Wednesday November 30.

The demonstration was provided by Glasgow-based African restaurant, Calabash, and MasterChef finalist and author of Kids’ Kitchen, Fi Bird. The two hour event provided lots of useful tips and recipes, with cooking demonstrations, tastings, quiz, information and inspiration on what you can do to further Scotland’s bid to become a Fair Trade Nation.

Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: “Fairtrade provides a better deal for producers in developing countries, creating opportunities for farmers and workers to improve their lives, their communities and to protect their environment. “The Council declared its

support for Fairtrade in its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and is committed to supporting this grassroots campaign to work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status.

“This St Andrew’s Day event was a great way to raise awareness about Fairtrade and the range of fairly traded products that are available, and to encourage more people to buy more fair trade products more often.” Event organiser John Lamond, said: “Fairtrade products give you, the consumer, the chance to make a difference. Your selection of Fairtrade products in your weekly shopping means that a portion of the cost which you pay goes directly towards helping disadvantaged workers in developing countries instead of into the profits of multinational companies.

“In the past 23 years, because ordinary people have made that choice, the Fairtrade

campaign is now in the mainstream, with over 3,000 products bearing the Fairtrade mark and multinational companies are having to offer a Fairtrade alternative.

“Because of this small change which you the

consumers have made, the worldwide spend on Fairtrade certified products is now in excess of £3bn. This directly benefits over 9 million people - farmers, workers and their families in 58 developing countries.”

Master Chef finalist cooks in the wee county

Councilors Janice Paterson, John Baxter(owner), with Alice Wamaitha & Francis Thiaka from the Calabash restuarant, Glasgow. Councilor Tina Murphyr

Fi Bird , Masterchef finalist and cookery book writer

Photographs by Jim Hensby


Over 300 pictures on display at art exhibitionBy Alison Mann

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The launch of a fantastic art exhibition in Alloa at

the weekend was a great success.

Central Arts Association opened their exhibition at The Gallery at G R McFarlane, Mill Street, Alloa on Saturday, November 26.

The groups opening preview was attended by invited guests, supporters of the group and members of the public.

Attendees ate mince pies and mulled wine while browsing the 300 framed and mounted paintings, prints and photographs.

Margaret MacGregor, Chair of the group said: “We had an excellent turnout at the preview and it was a really lovely afternoon.

“It was lovely to see our loyal visitors who visit all of our exhibitions and we are grateful for their continued support.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday, February 2 and includes many local scenes of Clackmannanshire and the surrounding areas.

There is also a variety of beautiful handmade jewellery, handmade cards and handmade Christmas cards available to buy.

The gallery is open from 9am until 5pm and closed on Sundays.

Central Arts Association also have a permanent display

in Blossom’s Coffee Shop and Bistro at Torwood Garden Centre, Larbert.

The display has already raised £500 each for Macmillan Cancer Support and Strathcarron Hospice and they are well on their way to raising another £1,000.

The charity exhibition comprises of over 90 framed and mounted paintings, prints and photographs in mainly traditional style. It includes a mixture of local scenes, wildlife, floral, beach scenes and Scottish landscapes in a variety of mediums. The exhibition gives people the opportunity to buy a piece of local art.Central Arts is an entirely voluntary and non-profit making association. They stage exhibitions in various venues in Central Scotland to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work and by doing so provide events for the public to visit and enjoy free of charge. Membership covers a wide area and 16 artists from Clackmannanshire currently have paintings displayed in this exhibition. The Blossoms Coffee Shop/Bistro is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays. The garden centre is open until 5.30pm everyday so the exhibition can still be viewed after the Blossoms Coffee Shop/Bistro closes at 5pm.

One lucky Wee County News reader was given

a gorgeous make-over after winning our Eden Beauty competition.

Barbara Kenny, from Clackmannan, won the make-

over and was delighted with the results. The lucky reader received a fish pedicure, manicure, pedicure, hair cut and even had her make-up done using make-up she had brought to her appointment.

Her hair was done my Lyn Hunter, the new stylist in the Alloa beauticians with over 25 years experience.

She got the treatments before dazzling everyone at her nieces 21st birthday party.

Barbara said: “I don’t win many prizes, but it’s one of the

New look Barbara - thanks Edenbest I’ve ever won.

“I loved it. They gave me the best treatment ever, I had my hair, nails and feet done and they even done my make-up for me.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and they made me feel so welcome.

“I felt terrific when I walked out. I think a woman needs a bit of pampering once in a while. I was walking on air when I came out as I felt so good.

“Everyone thought I looked great at the party and my husband thought I looked beautiful.”

Linda Connor, owner of Eden Beauty Emporium, Alloa said: “She looked refreshed and radiant after her treatments. It was a pleasure having her in the shop, she even baked us cakes.”

Eden Beauty is a one-stop-shop for all beauty needs, the store offers general beauty treatments such as nails,

waxing and Fake Bake but also offers a selection of other treatments.

These include hair styling, botox, teeth whitening, fish pedicures and there is an All About W8 clinic in the salon.

The store is the ideal place to go for Christmas beauty treats as it is open six days a week and opens late on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Barbara (above) enjoying a well earned cuppa while receiving a fish pedicure


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Another quality development from Ceteris

Ceteris are delighted with the final finish on their

development at Ward Street and have high praise for the contractor, BMR, and their in-house maintenance team. Angela Ogilvie, Operations Director is delighted to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the maintenance team, consisting of Steven Dalgleish, Maintenance Manager, Charlie Oliver, Attila Szabo, and Michael Dalgleish, all of whom have been trusty employees of Ceteris for many years now. Angela tells us “The development has gone from one large and to be honest, not very attractive space, to eleven fantastic, clean and bright, self-contained business units. Gone are the old-fashioned internal fixtures and fittings and in with new motorised insulated loading doors,

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translucent roof panels, insulated metal cladding, and dedicated toilets and kitchens. The units will be let in shell condition allowing tenants to fit out to their own specification with an eaves height of 4.6M rising to 6.3M at the ridge allowing for the installation of mezzanines, and a floor loading of up to 10KN/m2. Three of the 11 units have already been let and we have a lot of interest in the remaining 8 units which have come primarily through word of mouth from our current tenants, which is testament to the quality and service of Ceteris property.”

Steven Dalgleish, Maintenance Manager comments “We have always

undertaken internal bespoke fit-outs for tenants and this in turn, has led to us being competitive in the market. The Ward Street development has been a great experience for the team and working alongside the main contractors has developed our own knowledge base”.

Margaret Mary Rafferty, Ceteris Managing Director, said. ‘I don’t think we’re being immodest in saying that these newly refurbished units offer the best value in the area. Our maintenance team’s attention to detail is superb and BMR’s work is to a very high standard’.

For more information please contact Angela or Steven on 01259 721454 or [email protected]

Clackmannanshire employers have been recognised at the Forth

Valley Healthy Working Lives (HWL) Award Ceremony.

The award is granted to employers for their efforts to boost safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The HWL award programme covers a wide range of topics including safety, health, employability, mental health community involvement and the environment.

There are three levels of the award

Gold, Silver and Bronze. To qualify, organisations are required

to meet core criteria – however the programme is flexible and it allows employers to select topics that are relevant to their own workforce.

The successful organisations this year were Job-centre Plus who received a gold award, Landcatch Natural Selection Ltd, SPS Glenochil and Scottish Autism Headquarters who each received silver awards.

Clackmannanshire Council and Forth

Valley College were awarded with a bronze award at the ceremony.

For more information on the free services that HWL provide in Forth Valley and how to sign up, contact the free HWL advice line on 0800 019 2211 or visit the website www.healthyworkinglives.com.

Employers who sign up for the award will receive support and advice which can help to reduce accidents and sickness absence. This can help reduce overheads and save money too.

Wee County employers awarded

• Induial/BuineUniinExcellenenalcan

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Contact Angela or Eva 01259 721454 [email protected]

www.ceei.c.uk

Alva Academy win Scottish Power CompetitionPatriotic pupils at Alva

Academy showed off their Scottish mural to a top piper this week.

Primary six pupils at the school designed a colourful mural which included all the things that make Scotland special for them. They included a Wallace Monument made from shortbread, a highland dancer, a piper, whisky, a Viking foot standing on thistles and of course

Nessie drinking from a Loch of Irn Bru.

Their mural won a Scottish Power competition which gave the pupils a piping masterclass from one of the world’s leading pipers.

Pipe Major Chris Armstrong from the Scottish Power Pipe Band visited the school to play pipes and give lucky pipers some top tips on their instrument.

Alloa will once again play host to

a continental market and it is set to provide a selection of delicacies.

The market kicked off on Thursday and will run until Sunday, December 4 with approximately 15 stalls to tempt the taste buds.

It will be set up in the town centre from 9am until 5pm. Some stalls expected

to appear are French pancakes, African meat and crafts, Turkish Delight, a Turkish pastry called baklava, Greek olives and Spanish Paella.

Continental market comes to town


A Coalsnaughton primary school pupil has won

the annual Christmas card design competition run by Gordon Banks MP.

Danielle McCabe, primary six at the school, came top for her festive entry in the competition judged by Labour Deputy Leadership candidate Anas Sarwar, MP for Glasgow Central.

Every year, primary schools from every corner of the Ochil and South Perthshire Constituency submit entries to this

popular competition.Gordon Banks MP said:

“There was a very high standard of entry, as always, and I was glad that it was Anas and not me who had to make the final decision as to who had produced the winning design. A big thanks to him for coming along to perform this duty.

“The winning design by Danielle McCabe will be used on my Christmas Card, which goes out to nearly 1000 individuals and local

businesses across Ochil and South Perthshire.

“Congratulations to Danielle and the other finalists, and thank you to everyone who took part in the competition – it is becoming a real Christmas tradition and one that I enjoy very much.

“Last year when the final was held in South Perthshire we had to dig the car out of heavy snow to get to the competition – I’m glad it didn’t make an appearance this year.”

Danielle wins MPs Christmas card competition

Cops to tackle Christmas anti-social behaviour

Police are set to crack down on

anti-social behavior in Clackmannanshire in the run up to Christmas.

Operation Christmas, starts in Clackmannanshire on Thursday December 1 and will last 24 days.

Leading the initiative community policing Sergeant Craig Rankine said: “This is our advent calendar against crime and anti-social behavior. Every day we will be targeting a different area or issue within Clackmannanshire and we will make it a hostile environment for criminals.

“Clackmannanshire is a safe place to live, work and visit and this operation will

be making it more difficult for criminals to operate.”

Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols both during the day and at night. They will also be visiting licensed premises to ensure that licensing laws are adhered to and that they are operating safely.

Sergeant Rankine added: “We want to help make sure your Christmas night out is a night to remember not one to forget and we strongly urge people to take responsibility

for themselves. Don’t drink to excess and

make sure you know how you are going to get home after a night out .

“During the run-up to Christmas shoppers should take extra care with their personal possessions. If carrying a handbag, make sure it is kept closed at all times and close to your body. Don’t leave them unattended and don’t let anybody distract you in a busy shop. If putting shopping in your car make sure it is put in the boot out of sight. Don’t give thieves a chance.

“We would like everyone to have an enjoyable Christmas and we will make it uncomfortable for those who try and spoil it for others.”

Healthy tuck shop at ClaremontClaremont primary pupils

will be given a helping hand towards healthy eating with their healthy tuck shop.

A new fortnightly ‘Fruit Frenzy’ is being introduced at the school and is part of an ongoing commitment to improving the school’s Healthy Tuck Shop and promoting Health & Wellbeing within the Curriculum for Excellence.

The new initiative will see a selection of fruity treats, including smoothies, fruit bags and fruit kebabs, prepared by parent helpers, available to the pupils every second Wednesday. All pupils will be able to visit the new ‘Fruity Frenzy’ stall at playtime, with the fruity treats costing 20p.

Claremont is a health promoting school and is always striving to develop innovative ways to promote all aspects of health & wellbeing

across the whole school community. Pupils already benefit from a popular healthy tuck shop, open every day and run by parent helpers, together with P6 and P7 pupils.

Claremont Primary School now has two P7 Health Promoting Schools representatives, who have played a vital role in developing the fruity frenzy menu, making fruity decorations and costumes and promoting the event amongst the pupils.

Councillor George Matchett, who holds the Inclusion portfolio, said: “This is a novel and fun way to present the benefits of a healthy diet. The fruity frenzy events will give children an opportunity to try new fruits and experience eating fruit in a variety of different and exciting ways. In developing such interests at

an early age, pupils will make healthy choices in the type of snacks they will choose to eat both in and out of school, now and in the future.”

Claremont Primary is committed to involving parents and the wider community in the work of the school. ‘Fruity Frenzy’ is an ideal opportunity for parents to volunteer and support the work of our Health Promoting Schools Group.

The success of these events relies on the help of parents who kindly contributed their time and effort to help purchase and prepare ingredients and sell the fruity goodies.

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Your prescription is your property so YOU decide where to buy and choose the best deal for you

Save £’s compared to internet / traditional opticians - get friendly and professional advice and support

All our spectacles inlcude as standard Multi Anti reflective lenses with hard / anti scratch coatings.

DESIGNER FRAMES FROM £45Bifocal lenses supplied from £35 Varifocal from £45

NHS vouchers accepted for ages 16+ who are not registered blind or partially sighted

Have fun but take responsibility for your own behaviour


Church fayre SeasonMenstrie Parish ChurchVisitors to Menstrie

Parish church were getting into the festive spirit at their annual Christmas Fayre.

The church invited locals to browse their many stalls which included crafts, baking and a raffle.

Generous attendees raised £2404 for church funds during the fun afternoon event.


St Mungo’s Church

Church fayre Season

Christmas cheer was in the air at St

Mungo’s church during their festive fayre - held in Alloa town hall.

The church managed to raise an impressive £5,000 for church funds

after locals turned out to support the church and purchase some Christmas presents.

Shoppers were delighted by the crafts and other items on sale during the event.

Park Primary Nursery Class Christmas Fayre will take place on Thursday 8th December from 9.30 am to 12 noon then from 1 pm to 3 pm. Everyone welcome to come along and help us raise funds for our nursery Christmas events.

Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2011 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On December 18 J Kawalskie will be providing the music. Bring your own refreshments.

Kinship carers: The next Open Meeting for all kinship carers is on Tuesday the December 6 at Greenfield House Alloa in the Council Chambers at 10am until 12 noon. All welcome.A Christmas Party is being held on Sunday the December 18 at Hawkhill Community Centre between 2pm and 4pm. If you are already known to us you will have been contacted by letter, please return the slip by the December 12, for catering and gift numbers. Pantomime tickets for children of kinship carers. The group have been awarded a grant to buy tickets for the pantomime, to be performed in Alloa Town Hall in the New Year, if you are interested please reply as above by the December 18 or contact the CVS if you haven’t received an invitation letter.Festive greetings. Contact: CVS Office in Primrose Street Alloa. Phone: 01259 217852.

Alva Parish Church Guild: The Guild meets on Tuesday December 6 at 7.30pm in the Eadie Hall. The Callander Chorale will be the entertainment at the Christmas Party.

The Senior Citizens’: Christmas party will be held on Wednesday 7th December 2011 at 2.00 pm. Tickets will be handed out on Friday 25th November at 9.30 am in Clackmannan CAP on a first come first served basis – maximum 2 per person. All OAPs are welcome.

Fruit Barra: The Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra is open in Coalsnaughton Village Hall from Monday to Friday, 10am until 5pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa at Coalsnaughton’s community cafe Society. If you have an hour or two to spare to help, please call into the hall. Telephone 01259 759099.

Coalsnaughton Burns Club: Cash bingo every Monday in the lounge. Contact 01259 750517. Eyes down at 8.15pm, finished by 9.45pm.

Dollar Museum: The Museum shop has a great range of exclusive items which would make ideal Christmas gifts. Besides Christmas cards there are fridge magnets, coasters, key rings, mugs, tea towels and notepads. All are designed especially for Dollar Museum. The 2012 calendar has 12 colour photographs of local views and comes in a DVD-size box which, when open, sits on a desk or table. All these items can be sent easily by post. The Museum is open at weekends until Christmas - Saturdays 11 - 1 and 2 - 4.30 and Sundays 2 - 4.30. Entry is free and there is still time to see this year’s exhibition on Farming.

‘Senior Citizens’ Coffee Morning will take place in Dollar Academy Dining-Hall on Friday 16th December, 10-11.15. The Chamber Choir of the school will sing, coffee/tea and cakes will be available. Free entry. All welcome.’

Wee County Walkers: Why not join in the free walks led by Wee County Walkers? Become fitter as you enjoy and easy interesting walk. No need to book. Meet us in the car park beside Cats’ Protection just before 2pm on Tuesday. Back in time to meet the children coming out of school. Walks are suitable for all ages and abilities. Find out about local history as we walk. Put on comfortable footwear, dress for the weather and enjoy. Short, safe walks open to everyone. For more information contact Jane on 01259 290316 or 07825 052677. Come on your own or bring a friend.

Scottish Country Dance Class: The classes take place in the hall each Wednesday from 8pm to 9.30pm for a 10 week session before Christmas. Go along and give it a try.

Bingo tea: There will be a bingo tea this Friday, 2nd December, in the Dumyat Centre, Menstrie.

The SNP branch in the village are organising the Bingo tea as a fundraiser, eyes down at 7.30pm with tea and biscuits at half time, all welcome.

Carers: Do you help to look after someone? Free Carer Information sessions start on Thursday 3

November in Menstrie Parish Church Hall at 1.30pm – 3.30pm. First session “Caring and Stress”. Either phone Ian on 07824 381280 for more information, or just come along. All carers welcome.

Muckhart SWRI: At the November meeting , members welcomed chocolatier Fiona Acheson who gave a most informative talk and demonstration on how to make truffles and other chocolates. Competition winners were as follows. Jar of Homemade Chutney: 1st Mrs Margaret Johnston, 2nd Mrs Dorothy Dalton and 3rd Mrs Margo McFarlane. Favourite Piece of Jewellery: 1st Mrs Nancy Wilson, 2nd Mrs Margo McFarlane and 3rd Mrs Margaret Johnston. Winner of the Millennium Trophy was Mrs Margaret Johnston for a pin cushion. Change of date for next meeting - would members please note that the December meal will now be held on 13th December at 7.00 for 7.30pm and not on 20th December as given in the programme.

Muckhart Quilters: The group meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Coronation Hall from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Mavis 781473 or Sue 743226.

Sauchie and Fishcross U F Church: Last Sunday, Rev Graham Brown spoke on “Being Unprepared for Christ’s Coming Again”. Tom Tdeswell read from Matthew chapter 24. The theme at the Evening Service was “Revival”. Tom Dawson read from Isaiah 64 and 64. The Women’s Association meets on Thursday at 2.15 p.m. when Mary Barclay will give an Assembly Report. The Bible Study

and Prayer Meeting follows at 7 p.m. and the Choir Practice at 8.10 p.m. The Friday Club for Kids (Leo Club) meets from 6 until 7.30 p.m. Communion Services take place on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The Kirk Session will meet at 10.50 a.m. Kites Group (for children) and crèche meet at 11 a.m.

Memorial Thanksgiving Service: The service will take place at the Congragational Church on Sunday, December 11 at 7pm. The service will be taken by Peter McCool.

The Murray Trust: Applications for a small Christmas grant are requested to be made to the Trustees by Tillicoultry Pensioners whose income consists of State Pension and Benefits only and Organisations having a connection with Tillicoultry. Applications to the Secretary, The Murray Trust, 18/22 Bank Street, Alloa by Friday December 2 2011.

Pensioners’ Lunch: A reminder that the Pensioners’ Lunch on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 December is from noon to 2pm at St Serfs Church Hall.


What’s on in your weecounty

Alloa Clackmannan

Dollar

Kincardine

Menstrie

Muckhart

Sauchie

Tullibody

Alva

Fishcross

Coalsnaughton

Tillicoultry


Alloa Academy Notes

Christmas 2011

Libby's

Final clearance £50 Rail

[email protected]

for fashion head to toe(01324) 552282

Libby's Fashion, 34 Main Street, Larbert, Stirlingshire, FK5 3AW, Scotland, UK

Start your Christmas Shopping at Libby’sWINTER SALE NOW ON hats scarf’s gloves by Dents

Boots shoes and bags all ladies fashion NOW REDUCED

Stuck for ideas for Christmas?Why not buy a gift voucher!

21 Mill Street, Alloa01259 725892

All staff would like to wish everyone aHappy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

We also stock GHD and Loreal Products

Carpet Master of Stirling

Best Quality & Prices to meet all budgetsORDER NOW TO GUARANTEE FITTING IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

1000s of samples and latest designs to choose fromFree Estimating and PlanningOAP ServicesFree DeliveryShop at Home Service

Interiors, Furniture and Giftware DepartmentWood Furniture at competitive prices

Interiors to create that finishing look!

Tel 01786 45137636 Weaver Row, St Ninians, Stirling FK7 9ASEmail [email protected] Weekdays 8.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm

Treat your feet with

(Family Run Business Est 1993)Floor Covering Specialists

Enhance your home with our selection of interiors and giftware new to Carpet Master

Party season is fast approaching - which

means stress, beauty, fashion and a little more stress. We need to look our best don’t we?

Women spend more time getting ready for their work Christmas party than for other social events. So here’s how you can impress at yours.

Top tips so you can look fabulous this festive season.

· Skin is always drier in winter time so make sure you are ready for those Chrismas party dresses by moisturising your pins. After you have shaved rub in some body lotion so that your legs will feel smooth and look great.

· A top tip to keep your legs looking glowing, flawless and healthy in the cold weather is to mix some foundation with your moisturiser and smooth all over your legs before your Christmas party.

· If your legs are looking a little bit tired, a sneaky way brighten them up is to dust

the front of your legs with a shimmer dust and shade the inside of your thighs with some darker bronzer. The result is legs that look more tanned, toned and party ready.

· To jazz up your Christmas make up, try a different coloured mascara to really bring out the colour of your eyes. If you have brown eyes, use purple mascara, of you have green eyes use a green mascara and if you have blue eyes, use a blue mascara. Brush over your regular mascara for just a hint of colour.

· Another hot look this Christmas is glitter eyeliner. To make your eyes look glamorous for the party season, use liquid eyeliner first and then go over this with a glittery eye liner to add some festive sparkle to your make up.

· Hair for the Christmas party season is all about glamour. This season’s must have hair is a modern take on the beehive. It even has

the nifty trick of making a girl look taller. Set hair first in heated rollers, then take out after 10 minutes, turn head upside down and back comb, stand in front of the mirror and grip into place using kirby grips and spray with hairspray.

· If you opt for sleek hair exaggerate the style with a low diagonal parting, spray hair spray close to the hair for a super glossy catwalk look.

· Have a colour to brighten up your hair for the party season it will add shine, banish any greys and totally transform your locks.

· When you spritz perfume over your body, spritz a little of your hair too.

· Triple Barrel Wavers are the coolest HOT tool to create gorgeous waves. Used similar to an iron the hair is waved to perfection.

· Invest in miracle underwear - it can shave inches off your waist and bum, and the feeling of being sucked in will enhance your posture.

· Show off one asset at a time. Balance a micro mini and bare legs with long sleeves, or a midi length pencil skirt with a flash of cleavage.

· Invest in the right cover-up - a glam party look can be instantly ruined with the wrong coat. Chose a long length tux jacket, smart sixties style coat or a faux fur jacket.

· It’s all in the details. You can breathe new life into an old dress by layering under a sleeveless collared shirt, adding a new belt or adding in statement accessories.

· Don’t just stick to

dresses. Separates can be just as glam, and you can experiment more with mixing texture and colour. They’re also more cost effective, as you can dress them up and down throughout the following year.

Looking good for your night out

PREMIER CarpetsFREE• FITTING (Flat areas only)

• ESTIMATES• DELIVERY

• SMOOTHEDGESTILL THE PREMIER STORE FOR A PREMIER FLOOR

EST 1990

SHOP AT HOMEDiscover a new look with our proven shop-at-home service.

Can be fitted FREE within 72 hours if required.

RUGS AVAILABLE TO ORDERwww.premiercarpets.uk.comMonday - Friday, 9am - 4pm • Sat: 10am - 3pm

Unit 1 & 2, 32 Kerse Road, Stirling

Tel 01786 449144

Andrew whitelAwDINGWALL DECORATORS

WINTER DEALS NOW AVAILABLETelephone; 01259 216114Mobile; 07968 276374

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to all old and existing customers

BRIAN DEVLIN~~~ HIGH CLASS BUTCHERS ~~~

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS19 Station Road, DollarTel: 01259 742139

JOINERS & BUILDINGCONTRACTORS


DAVID TAIT & Co LtdWEST BURNSIDE DOLLAR

Wishing all customers past & presentMerry Christmas & Happy New Year

Tel: (01259) 742383 Fax: (01259) 742458

2A Johnstone St, Menstrie

Servicing, Tyres, Exhausts, BatteriesT: 01259 760 559

Class 4 + 7 MOT TestingServicing & Repairs

Unipart Car Care Centre

MENSTRIE MOTORS

• Carpets & rugs clean, dry, stain protected and ready-to-walk-on in 30 minutes with the DRY FUSIONTM system.• Spot, stain, odour and chewing gum removal expert.• Curtains cleaned on site; there’s no need to take down.• Upholstery, including leather, cleaned and stain protected.

GLASS & STEELE LtdWE’LL GET YOU MOVING

Major brands stocked. Sales, Accessories, Spares and Cycle Repairs

High Quality Bike Ranges Viking and CoyoteMotorcycle and wheelchair

and pram repairs.CHRISTMAS CLUB NOW OPEN01259 215236 • 36 Mar Street Alloa

Wee County News Guide to Christmas 2011~ Wee County News Guide to Christmas 2011

The custom of sending Christmas cards started

in Britain in 1840 when the first ‘Penny Post’ public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century’s communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.

Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.THE OLD MAN WITH THE SACK

‘Father Christmas’ (or ‘Santa Claus’) has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas’ Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that

he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.

In shops or at children’s parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.WHO WAS HE?

Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name ‘Santa Claus’ which comes from the Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children’s stockings.BOXING DAY

In English-speaking countries, the day following Christmas Day is called ‘Boxing Day’. This word comes from the custom which started in

Follow our five fail-proof steps for serving up tasty roast turkey. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, it

never hurts to have a quick turkey tutorial. So it’s the holidays, and you’re responsible for the main dish.

Don’t worry; you’re only five steps away from serving the perfect bird at your big feast. Read on to learn how to cook a turkey.

Christmas cards

the Middle Ages around 800 years ago: churches would open their ‘alms boxe’ (boxes in which people had placed gifts of money) and distribute the contents to poor people in the neighbourhood on the day after Christmas. The tradition continues today - small gifts are often given to delivery workers such as postal staff and children who deliver newspapers.

Christmas crackers are a traditional Christmas

favourite in the U.K.. They were first made in 1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith. One night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the flames. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half.

The Crackers that are used today are short cardboard tubes wrapped in colourful paper. There is normally a Cracker next to each plate on the Christmas dinner table. When the crackers are pulled - with a bang! - a colourful party hat, a toy or gift and a festive joke falls out! The party hats look like crowns and it is thought that they symbolise the crowns that might have been worn by the Wise Men.

Crackers are famous for their very bad jokes! Here are

Christmas crackers some bad Christmas themed Cracker jokes!

The world’s longest Christmas cracker measured 63.1m (207ft) long and 4m (13ft) in diameter and was made by the parents of children at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK on 20 December 2001. Now that would be one big bang!

The biggest Christmas cracker pull was done by 1,478 people at an event organised by Honda Japan at Tochigi Proving Ground, Tochigi, Japan, on 18 October 2009. Now that would be a lot of bangs!

How to cook a Turkey

Step 1: Thaw it. If using a frozen turkey, thaw in its original plastic wrapper in the fridge. Allow for five hours per pound, or per 500 g.

Step 2: Season it. Prepare the turkey by removing giblets and neck. Rinse and wipe the cavity; sprinkle with salt and pepper or stuff lightly using skewers to fasten skin over the cavity.

Step 3: Roast it. Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in roasting pan. Brush with melted butter or oil. Tent loosely with foil. Roast in 325ºF (160ºC) oven for about 20 minutes per pound (500 g) or until juices run clear when turkey is pierced and when thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180ºF (82ºC) for a stuffed turkey or 170ºF (77ºC) for an unstuffed turkey. Remove tent for last hour of roasting.

Step 4: Cover and leave it. When turkey is done, transfer to warm platter. Tent with foil and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows time for juices at the surface of the bird to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

Step 5: Carve turkey. Eat and enjoy!

1 - Thurs 1st Dec 12 Day Hire (any tartan) for

£70 (collect 23rd Dec - return 3rd Jan)

2 - Fri 2nd Dec FREE Pair of Kilt Hose* with

any Ghillie Brogue purchased (*to the value of £20)

3 - Sat 3rd Dec 1/2 Price Navy Prince Charlie

and Navy Crail Jackets

4 - Thurs 8th Dec FREE Hip Flask with every

Dress Sporran purchased

5 - Fri 9th Dec 20% Off all Giftware

6 - Sat 10th Dec 10% Off Everything* *Including Packages

7 - Thurs 15th Dec FREE Shirt & Hose with every

HIRE booked

8 - Fri 16th Dec 25% Off All Ghillie Brogues

9 - Sat 17th Dec 20% Off All Jackets

10 - Thurs 22nd Dec 25% Off All Ghillie Shirts

11 - Fri 23rd Dec 1/2 Price Navy Prince Charlie

and Navy Crail jackets

12 - Sat 24th Dec 15% Off All Kilts

McCalls Tillicoultry27 Stirling Street01259 750 440

Plus many more Offers!

Starts Dec 1st 2011

Friday 2.12.11 20 Friday 2.12.11 21

PREMIER CarpetsFREE• FITTING (Flat areas only)

• ESTIMATES• DELIVERY

• SMOOTHEDGESTILL THE PREMIER STORE FOR A PREMIER FLOOR

EST 1990

SHOP AT HOMEDiscover a new look with our proven shop-at-home service.

Can be fitted FREE within 72 hours if required.

RUGS AVAILABLE TO ORDERwww.premiercarpets.uk.comMonday - Friday, 9am - 4pm • Sat: 10am - 3pm

Unit 1 & 2, 32 Kerse Road, Stirling

Tel 01786 449144

Andrew whitelAwDINGWALL DECORATORS

WINTER DEALS NOW AVAILABLETelephone; 01259 216114Mobile; 07968 276374

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to all old and existing customers

BRIAN DEVLIN~~~ HIGH CLASS BUTCHERS ~~~

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS19 Station Road, DollarTel: 01259 742139



DAVID TAIT & Co LtdWEST BURNSIDE DOLLAR

Wishing all customers past & presentMerry Christmas & Happy New Year

Tel: (01259) 742383 Fax: (01259) 742458

2A Johnstone St, Menstrie

Servicing, Tyres, Exhausts, BatteriesT: 01259 760 559

Class 4 + 7 MOT TestingServicing & Repairs

Unipart Car Care Centre

MENSTRIE MOTORS

• Carpets & rugs clean, dry, stain protected and ready-to-walk-on in 30 minutes with the DRY FUSIONTM system.• Spot, stain, odour and chewing gum removal expert.• Curtains cleaned on site; there’s no need to take down.• Upholstery, including leather, cleaned and stain protected.

GLASS & STEELE LtdWE’LL GET YOU MOVING

Major brands stocked. Sales, Accessories, Spares and Cycle Repairs

High Quality Bike Ranges Viking and CoyoteMotorcycle and wheelchair

and pram repairs.CHRISTMAS CLUB NOW OPEN01259 215236 • 36 Mar Street Alloa

Wee County News Guide to Christmas 2011~ Wee County News Guide to Christmas 2011

The custom of sending Christmas cards started

in Britain in 1840 when the first ‘Penny Post’ public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century’s communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.

Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today, pictures are often jokes, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.THE OLD MAN WITH THE SACK

‘Father Christmas’ (or ‘Santa Claus’) has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas’ Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that

he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.

In shops or at children’s parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.WHO WAS HE?

Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name ‘Santa Claus’ which comes from the Dutch ‘Sinterklaas’. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children’s stockings.BOXING DAY

In English-speaking countries, the day following Christmas Day is called ‘Boxing Day’. This word comes from the custom which started in

Follow our five fail-proof steps for serving up tasty roast turkey. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, it

never hurts to have a quick turkey tutorial. So it’s the holidays, and you’re responsible for the main dish.

Don’t worry; you’re only five steps away from serving the perfect bird at your big feast. Read on to learn how to cook a turkey.

Christmas cards

the Middle Ages around 800 years ago: churches would open their ‘alms boxe’ (boxes in which people had placed gifts of money) and distribute the contents to poor people in the neighbourhood on the day after Christmas. The tradition continues today - small gifts are often given to delivery workers such as postal staff and children who deliver newspapers.

Christmas crackers are a traditional Christmas

favourite in the U.K.. They were first made in 1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith. One night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the flames. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half.

The Crackers that are used today are short cardboard tubes wrapped in colourful paper. There is normally a Cracker next to each plate on the Christmas dinner table. When the crackers are pulled - with a bang! - a colourful party hat, a toy or gift and a festive joke falls out! The party hats look like crowns and it is thought that they symbolise the crowns that might have been worn by the Wise Men.

Crackers are famous for their very bad jokes! Here are

Christmas crackers some bad Christmas themed Cracker jokes!

The world’s longest Christmas cracker measured 63.1m (207ft) long and 4m (13ft) in diameter and was made by the parents of children at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK on 20 December 2001. Now that would be one big bang!

The biggest Christmas cracker pull was done by 1,478 people at an event organised by Honda Japan at Tochigi Proving Ground, Tochigi, Japan, on 18 October 2009. Now that would be a lot of bangs!

How to cook a Turkey

Step 1: Thaw it. If using a frozen turkey, thaw in its original plastic wrapper in the fridge. Allow for five hours per pound, or per 500 g.

Step 2: Season it. Prepare the turkey by removing giblets and neck. Rinse and wipe the cavity; sprinkle with salt and pepper or stuff lightly using skewers to fasten skin over the cavity.

Step 3: Roast it. Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in roasting pan. Brush with melted butter or oil. Tent loosely with foil. Roast in 325ºF (160ºC) oven for about 20 minutes per pound (500 g) or until juices run clear when turkey is pierced and when thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180ºF (82ºC) for a stuffed turkey or 170ºF (77ºC) for an unstuffed turkey. Remove tent for last hour of roasting.

Step 4: Cover and leave it. When turkey is done, transfer to warm platter. Tent with foil and let stand for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows time for juices at the surface of the bird to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

Step 5: Carve turkey. Eat and enjoy!

1 - Thurs 1st Dec 12 Day Hire (any tartan) for

£70 (collect 23rd Dec - return 3rd Jan)

2 - Fri 2nd Dec FREE Pair of Kilt Hose* with

any Ghillie Brogue purchased (*to the value of £20)

3 - Sat 3rd Dec 1/2 Price Navy Prince Charlie

and Navy Crail Jackets

4 - Thurs 8th Dec FREE Hip Flask with every

Dress Sporran purchased

5 - Fri 9th Dec 20% Off all Giftware

6 - Sat 10th Dec 10% Off Everything* *Including Packages

7 - Thurs 15th Dec FREE Shirt & Hose with every

HIRE booked

8 - Fri 16th Dec 25% Off All Ghillie Brogues

9 - Sat 17th Dec 20% Off All Jackets

10 - Thurs 22nd Dec 25% Off All Ghillie Shirts

11 - Fri 23rd Dec 1/2 Price Navy Prince Charlie

and Navy Crail jackets

12 - Sat 24th Dec 15% Off All Kilts

McCalls Tillicoultry27 Stirling Street01259 750 440

Plus many more Offers!

Starts Dec 1st 2011

Friday 2.12.11 20 Friday 2.12.11 21


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Friday 30.09.11 Issue 843In this issue... Alva Illuminations

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D Day for Alva PoolThe fate of the Alva pool now rests

in the hands of Clackmannanshire council as members of Ochil Leisure Enterprises handed in their business plan today (Friday).

The group rallied round support and handed their plan to the council, which if accepted could create much needed jobs in the area as well as providing obvious health benefits.

Their proposal outlines their plans for

keeping the Alva pool open for members of the community.

Simon Kindlen, spokesman for the group said: “At our most recent meeting we discussed the project and came to the conclusion that it’s about more than the pool.

“It’s also to do with the health of a community and the wealth of a community and creating jobs.

“It is a fallacy that you can’t make

money from a pool.“It will be a cultural community hub

as well.”OLE had previously written a letter

to Clackmannanshire council informing them that the report submitted today would be an ‘interim business plan’.

Time constraints meant they could not produce a full report.

Within the letter, signed by Jenny Paterson, the group state the interim

business plan will: “Summarise research to date and include financial modelling to show what scenario will be sustainable and provide health and community benefit.

“The second stage will be to engage a team of consultants to undertake in depth research and business planning on behalf of the group.

“Ochil Leisure Enterprises are currently exploring a number of options

By Alison Mann

Continued on page 13

Friday 16.09.11 Issue 841In this issue...Support local talent

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01259 210 666T ulliallan Castle could be home

to a single Scottish police force after Kenny MacAskill

dismissed Glasgow and Edinburgh it was revealed this week.Currently being used as the

national police training academy, Tulliallan is ideally situated to service the whole of Scotland, and is very ac-cessible in all directions of travel.

Plans for a single police and fire service have already been an-nounced in the Scottish Parliament but the Justice Secretary has hinted that the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan could be home to the headquarters.MacAskill believes the new

headquarters should not be based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Indica-tion of this is evident as Strathclyde Police Headquarters at Pitt Street in Glasgow is currently for sale at £2.5m (although they are believed to be moving to a new £38m office in Glasgow’s east end.)If not the home for the headquar-

ters, Tulliallan will play a major role in the new single force. When asked about the new

headquarters he said: “It will not be Edinburgh or Glasgow. Tulliallan seems fine as a place as any for a chief constable to be based.”

The single police force could be up and running as early as April 2013

but the Scottish Government should have Royal Assent by next summer.

MacAskill added: “As President of ACPOS Chief Constable Smith will lead the reform on behalf of the police service.“I know people in the services will,

like Chief Constable Smith, rise to the challenge and shape and deliver new services we can be proud of,

services which build on the strengths of what we already have.“In the police service, the ACPOS,

ASPS, SPF, SPSA and SCDEA are looking forward, not back, and are determined to work constructively with Government to deliver an effec-tive and efficient new Scottish Police Service.

“In fire & rescue, all eight Chief

Fire Officers and the FBU are looking forward, not back.“I know this journey is at times a

challenging one - change is always a tough call - but this is a journey which the whole of Scotland is on.”

Plans for the single police force outline the force would be split into 32 divisions to stave off centralisa-tion.

Scottish Police HQ coming to Wee County?By Alison Mann

Tullibody’s Leona is hitting all the right notes

at Open Mic UK Competition American Retro GlassCentre Pages

Renowned artist Petra Kaiser visits Retro Glass in Alloa

09.09.11

In this issue...

Wee County sports

Alloa man drowns in Caribbean

Page 3

Lornshill athletic track

officially opened Page 9

Win tickets to

Premier League snooker

Page 24Page 29-32

Price 45p weecountynews

Alloa & Hillfoots

Oh, look who’s back...

Burglar Alarms Home

& Commercial

front and rear

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24hr Phoneline:


PASSERS-BY have been alarmed

by evidence of vandalism on

Parliament Walk, the tree-lined path

leading to 14th-century Alloa Tower.

Two decorative objects have been

damaged – the reflective Sentinal statue

figure at the start of the walk and one of

the slender “tribute” trees halfway down.

The figure, designed by artist Rob

Mullholland as part of last year’s

Imagine Alloa project, is one of several

such artworks dotted around the town

– made from marine grade polished

stainless steel which has a highly

mirrored surface.

Each figure, standing at over 2.7

metres and weighing nearly a ton,

creates its own shape and form.

In this case, the upper body and one

of the upraised arms have been dented

several times - clearly in an act of

vandalism.

The tree has been broken over on the

lower part of the trunk and now lies at

a 45-degree angle, again signs show

deliberate interference

Several of its branches have also

been sheered. Each of the trees along

the path, which also leads to the Tesco

superstore, carries a tribute plaque ‘in

loving memory of Mark Lovell’.

The Wee County contacted Central

Scotland Police regarding this, but they

were unavailable for comment about our

enquiry at the time of going to print.

Have vandals been busy?

WELL, here we are again… better

late than never, and certainly

not trying to pretend that you have not

noticed our absence.

We won’t bore you with the technical

and economic details, but we will simply

say “thanks” for reminding us of just how

missed in the community The Wee County

News has been.

No one is pretending, either, that these

are not challenging times for the print

journalism industry generally and we are

deeply aware of the depth of readers’

affection as we return to print.

Over the next few weeks there will be

further developments across our portfolio

which will see the launch of new titles

and some old ones reappear.

We believe that this community

appreciation will provide the foundation

of a new and trail-blazing stage in the

long and honourable history of the Wee

County News.

Our paper is nothing without the help

and support of the local community. It

is that relationship which keeps us going,

enabling us to deliver the news each and

every week. In the past, there may have

been some issues but that was the past.

Going forward, we would like to think that

we will become the best newspaper in

the County once again, not only in terms

of readership but in sales too.

Our advertisers are important to us

also, and we would like to work with

them during this difficult economic time,

as we appreciate the challenges that

businesses face on a day to day basis.

Remember, if you have something to

share with us, please do get in contact –

we are happy to talk and share with you

your news stories!

Do join us in the journey. It’s going to

be – like the paper itself – informative,

exciting and fun.

Your weecountynow out on a Friday!

Inter-House competition

Congratulations to pupils in Erskine House who have won this week’s Inter-House competition and gain 15 points for the House. Schaw were in second place gaining 10 points with Bruce in third place gaining 5 House points. 4E2 and 1E1 topped the table for outstanding effort this week. Well done to all.

Clubs Our two eco-clubs continue to meet

on alternate Mondays in ~Mrs Cuthel’s classroom. The groups are currently working on setting up a campaign to combat litter around the school and have been recruiting S6 pupils to help with this.

The photography club are selling their own Christmas cards using photographs which they have taken over the past few weeks. Packs of cards are being made up and will soon be available from the School Office.

The Tuesday lunchtime homework club, run by Mrs Jefferson, continues to go from strength to strength with 20 pupils bringing lunch and homework to Room 24 last week.

6 Nations RugbyThere are still a few places left on the

excursion to see Scotland take on France at Murrayfield on Sunday 26th February. Interested pupils should make payment to Miss Ramsay as soon as possible.

Industrial Action The school is closed to pupils on

Wednesday 30th November due to industrial action. Prelims scheduled to take place on this date will be held on Monday 12 December when all S4 pupils will return to their normal timetables. RME and SVS exam pupils will be called out of classes to sit those exams or will sit them in their normal classes.

In-Service trainingAll members of staff took part in In-Service

training on Thursday and Friday of last week. We attended a variety of sessions led by colleagues from our Partner services and learned about attachment theory, the 7 “Rs” of managing learning and took forward our plans for the new National Qualifications within faculty areas. Staff also completed the Biscuits for Excellence treasure hunt and the winning entry, drawn on Monday, was submitted by Miss Trivett.

Parents’ EveningsOur S1 Parents’ Evening took place on

Monday 28th November from 4.00 – 6.30 pm with a large number of S1 parents attending. It was a great experience to be able to share insights about our S1 pupils with their parents and carers.

Alloa Academy Notes

Below: S4 pupils and some of the employers at the S4 Employability assembly

Craigbank Primary school pupils have been working hard to make sure the

school is bully free.The pupils ended a week of activity on

Friday, November 25 with an assembly which was led by those in Primary seven, who shared their learning.

The senior pupils explained the introduction of Peer Mediators, who are now available in the playground every lunchtime for anyone needing help and advice.

As well as creating a business called ‘Safe Kids’ and selling anti-bullying bands, primary one pupils learnt songs and poems about how to be friends and play together, while the primary two and primary three learning came through drama ‘What is a Bully?’ and how to include everyone in their games.

Assuming the guise of intrepid reporters, the primary three and four class investigated incidents of bullying and tried to determine how it made the victims feel.

Posters made by primary four now proclaim the school to be a bully free zone and primary five wrote poems about bullies and how children can help each other.

Cyber bullying, and what to do if anyone was affected by it, was addressed by primary six primary six/seven and primary seven classes.

Councillor George Matchett, Inclusion portfolio holder said: “The school has been working hard to address bullying and the week of activity was an informative and fun way to raise a very serious issue. I’m sure it made all the children think more carefully about the school values statement - Respect.”

Craigbank work hard to stop bullying


SUDOKU

We are on the prowl to find the Wee County’s dodgy parkers but we need your help! Unfortunately, we cannot do this campaign on our own – so please send in your dodgy parking pictures to [email protected]. Does one of your colleagues suffer from dodgyparkingitis? If so, take a picture of the evidence and send it to us! Don’t worry, all identities will be protected and vehicle registrations blanked out.This is all in the name of good fun, and in no way are we personally attacking any individual or group.

Q’s Views!The Wee County is pleased to have the infamous ‘Q, from Airdrie’ writing for the Entertainment Pages, to give you all some comic relief. As a regular contributor to the Glasgow Metro newspaper, and a regular in the comedy scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Q has given the Wee County an exclusive column, which we are sure will have you wanting for more in the next edition of the Wee County!

DODGY PARKING

entertainment

Answers on page 31

4 Friday 2nd December 2011 Re-GENTHE

Sizzling Suzie’s Autumn DelightsHo, ho, ho! Yes Christmas is just around the corner and if you havenít done your Christmas shopping then hurry up. I am asking for Johnny Depp again this year. What? A girl can dream canít she? Santa has had his letter early from the wee fella this year so my shopping is all done. This time last year we were snowed in and the country was in a state of emergency almost. At least the weather isnít too bad, at the moment and fingers (and toes ) crossed it stays that way. If you are like me you will let the supermarkets take the strain of the chopping and peeling. I love all the Xmas ready prepared stuff. Although I will be making the main course dish as I have yet to find a shop bought Wellington that beats mine, but I can do it the night before ready to pop in the oven. Saves so much time and energy and I get to enjoy the day. I do love re hashing leftovers though, as letís face it. We all buy as though we are feeding an army. This year I will be making dessert too as I hate trifle.

Beef Wellington1 Large beef fillet or tenderloin1 large packet of pre-rolled all butter puff pastry1 small mild onion1 medium tub of course pate6 large mushrooms finely chopped2 beaten eggs

Fry off the beef until well browned and sealed all over Allow to cool completely. Chop the mushrooms and onion very finely and fry off in a little butter. Allow the cool completely. Spread some pate over the pastry. Spread the mushroom and onion mix over the pate. Place the beef at the edge on top of the mix and roll. Place on a baking trap with the join underneath. Cut one or two air vents in the pastry. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for 30-35 min 170c. Until puffed and golden

Madeira sauce/ gravy1 beef stock cube1 glass of Madeira or sherryButter

Make up the stock add the wine or sherry and cook down until smooth and slightly thickened. Just before serving whisk in one or two knobs of cold butter.

Serve with vegetables of your choice.

Fresh fruit flan1 ready made sweet flan caseStrawberriesKiwisMandarin segments1 sachet of gelatine

Cut, slice and arrange the fruit on the flan case. Make up the gelatine as on the instructions and pour over. Allow to set completely and serve with soft whipped cream.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas , and look forward to seeing you in the New year

Love Susie xx

Ps.. good luck to all the weans in their nativity plays and remember Santaís elves are always watching!! xx

Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church services

contact, ANNE on 07506723569 Email [email protected] or visit www.angelanne.co.uk

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Anne Smith

Taurus (21 April - 21 May)

Gemini (22 May - 21 June)

Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

Leo (24 July - 23 Aug)

Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept)

Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

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Angel Anne Spiritualist Medium/Psychic &Tarot

Taurus (21 April - 21 May)

Gemini (22 May - 21 June)

Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

Leo (24 July - 23 Aug)

Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept)

Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

The Lunar eclipse will bring in change for you and this will leave you feeling unsettled but allows you to let go of who and what no longer serves you. Fun is the key word for you this month as sociable Aries loves to party and this is the perfect month foe it, enjoy!

Your inner strength is to your credit but this sometimes attracts the wrong people around you, don’t let people take advantage of your good nature this month and learn to say NO! The lunar eclipse on the 10th gives you the energy for love as Pluto gets cosy with Venus passion will reignite.

This month you decide to jump of the fence and stand firmly with your beliefs, you are a force to be reckoned with and it is a good time to make those moves and start planning for 2012! Pluto helps you get love back into the fore front of your mind as the past hurt dissolve away from the 10th.

The moon in Gemini and with the lunar eclipse on the 10th it is important that you listen to and trust your instincts as you are ruled by the moon and you intuition will be at an all-time high, so believe what you feel this month and nothing can go wrong.

A natural creative you are at your happiest when you can let your imagination run away with its self and with the sun in your sister sign of Sagittarius this is the ideal month for this to come to the fore. A great planner you can wait to organize the Christmas night out and with you in charge it should go with a bang!

The force is strong with you this month as you have a charismatic pull as you exuberate energy and drive along with practicality, people will sit up and take notice, and some of you will feel that you can achieve anything, well you can, so stand up and get the recognition you deserve.

Forewarned is forearmed as they say so be prepared to be more confused than usual with Neptune and Saturn in opposing corners you will feel like running away but loyalty pulls you the other way, from the 10th it is important to keep your mind open to new possibilities and allow others to contribute as this will help balance your mind.

You know what you want this month as you see the target insight you plough your way through all the tape to achieve your goals, if those around you don’t agree you will have no qualms in leaving them behind, a great month for completing projects.

It is important to celebrate life and to enjoy it, but it is also important to deal with important issues, yes you hunches are good this month but leaving practicalities to chance could cause you stress at a later date, try to be prepared and keep communications clear until the 14th with Mercury retrograde.

Reminiscing and dragging up the past can sometimes be good but if there are grudges there then that’s where they are best left, you cannot change the past and it is a waste of time and energy, try to focus on the future and remember it can be as great as you want to make it, and you can!

With Mars in Virgo you feel the pull and a drive that will Make you a force to be reckoned with, allow the energy of this to push you forward onto new project which delight you as you are a creative sign and a creative idea for the festivities is worth all that planning.

It is important to start of the month as you mean to go on, so try to keep your thoughts and communications clear and uplifting, if you can remember to do this then everything in your garden will be rosy The eclipse on the 10th may make you reminisce about those who are no longer in your life, try to remember the good times and keep your thoughts high!

Aries (21 March - 20 April) Libra (24 Sept - 23 Oct)

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If you don’t have any artwork we can create it for you.

Oh No 50!!!Happy 50th DadHope you have a

fab day!!Lots of love yer Wife Linda, John, Paula, Gemma, Kara, Isla-rose, Cian and Jack

FACEBOOK UPDATES

Facebook may shortly ask you, or may already have asked you, to add a phone number so as it can update it you regularly. Whilst many of us like to be kept up to date with events / friends on Facebook, I feel this is a step too far.

Of course, it doesn’t say you have to provide your phone number now does it? You could have some fun with this? Like I’m currently having with certain taxi driver who overcharged me.

And if that taxi driver is reading this now- overcharge anyone again and call them a speccy so and so, and next time I’ll put your number up on a toilet wall.

TAMARA ECCLESTONE

Much has already been said of her comments about not wanting to live off her

father’s name even though she’s launched a perfume called “Grand Prix”. Well, what else could she have called a perfume that would make people think of her father? “Bribery”? “Silly Haircut”? I have a other few suggestions, but they are unrepeatable.

I know it’s not very nice to insult people, but in a time when most of us are truly hurting in the worst recession in decades, is it appropriate for her to be on TV shwoing off a £45m pad her dad bought her...then spending £20m to do it up? Kind of rubbing our noses in it, isn’t it?

PAUL SHANEHave a look at the photo

below. Anyone born from about 1985 onwards will recognise the man in it as Paul Shane, star of sitcoms such as “Hi-De-Hi”, “You Rang M’Lord” and “Oh Doctor Beeching!”. Some of you may

even recognise him as the man who murdered “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” on live TV (type it into Youtube; it’s better than a drink!).

However, I’d invite you to look at it again and ask yourselves- does it look a bit like Alex Salmond? Don’t you think it would look great on an SNP leaflet?

SMARTPHONESLaw enforcement agencies

in America are apparently trying to get the right to tap into the mobile phones of suspected baddies so as they can keep tabs on them. This has been met with uproar by ordinary folk, who claim their privacy could be invaded.

Using mobile phones to track bad people isn’t a new phenonmenon. In 1999, legend has it that Slobodan Milosevic stopped using his for fear of NATO sending a cruise missile after him by locking on to it. I’d love to have been the person who

rang him up to keep him talking long enough for the missile to lock on to him!

The moral to the story folks is that for years they’ve been able to tap into your phone to trace you (if they had to to), so don’t think avoiding a smartphone will protect you. Best bet really to avoid being traced is not to be a criminal.

AND FINALLYAfter weeks of slagging

people off and ranting, it’s time to say something nice here at Q’s Views, so a big congratulations to Gary and Geri and Pete and Gen who are expecting their first children, and to Eamonn and Avalon on their engagement.

I always seem to hog this column for myself and my friends, so if you’d like to congratulate someone close to you email The Hub and we’ll give them a nice message here at Q’s Views.

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THETO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN all you have to do is complete the crossword below and send it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply

Name: ................................................................. T:. ............................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................

CRO

SSW

OR

D

Across1. Afternoon nap in Spain (6)4. Wide street (6)9. Coherent (7)10. Speak (5)11. Playing card (3)12. Exactly the same (9)13. Not as strict (6)15. Armed thief (6)19. Set up or found (9)21. Australian flightless bird (3)22. Stories (5)23. Chosen by vote (7)24. Fervid (6)25. Basement (6)

Down1. Save from destruction (7)2. Bird of prey (5)3. Haptic (7)5. Strongroom (5)6. Observed (7)7. Join up (5)8. Hints (5)14. Resolved (7)16. Sports contestant (7)17. Booming noise (7)18. More judicious (5)19. Additional (5)20. Large shaggy bovid (5)21. Exalt (5)

weecounty Friday 2.12.11 25lifestyle

To submit your pet please send a photo of your pet to [email protected] or post your photo to The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG with your name, your pets name, breed, age and his or her likes and dislikes. * although we will try, we cannot guarantee the return of any photos posted to us.

Age: 6 yearsLives: In Sauchie with May Muir and Felix the catBreed: Border collie/Labrador crossLikes: Going for walks with doggie friendsDislikes: The dark and going on the bus

Skye

PETof the week weecounty recipes

Does your colon need cleansing?

Inside the body, wrapped around itself and filling a large

part of your abdomen is 5m of colon, an important part of your digestive system.

It certainly isn’t the most pleasant of organs, involved as it is in removing waste from the body following digestion so it’s no surprise that colon specialists - yes, there are such people out there - believe that we must keep our colons clean!

Within an uncleansed colon

there are found layers of impacted faeces and mucoid plaques which are created as a result of eating mucus rich food with which the pancreas cannot cope. Incredibly these plaques build up constantly, never wearing away and, according to research scientists even mothers milk, consumed as a baby, can often be found in the adult colon.

Meanwhile a healthy colon weighs around 5lb whereas an impacted colon can weigh as

much as 40lb, the weight of a 4-5 year old child. Left uncleansed, the unpleasant matter in a colon can leech in to the body’s blood supply, compromising the immune system and causing all manner of illnesses.

While the most well known colon cleansing therapy is the famously embarrassing colonic irrigation, in which water enemas are used to force unwanted debris out of the colon through a long rubber tube, there are other methods, known as oral cleansing, which is preferred by the more squeamish individual, although whether or not this indirect method is as effective isn’t known.â€¨â€¨During oral colon cleansing a herbal supplement, laxative or herbs are orally taken to stimulate the colon thus cleaning out the colon more effectively.

Colon cleansing experts advocate bowel movements matched to your eating habits - that is, one bowel movement for each meal. Many of us don’t reach this target for a number of different reasons but by using cleansing supplements the bowel will begin to fit in to

this pattern, stopping it from acting as a reservoir for waste.â€¨â€¨While constipation is certainly alleviated by these specialist colon treatments it is also believed that regular therapies or courses of oral supplements should be taken in order to keep the bowel from becoming sluggish even when one’s movements appear to be fine.

However even without taking evasive action the colon can be encouraged to become self cleansing through a good diet and appropriate exercise. Fruit and vegetables are absolutely essential to good colon health while exercise which works the abdomen - yoga perhaps, or swimming - is also extremely beneficial.

While health is the number one priority of colon cleansing treatments in whichever form they may take it cannot be ignored that these treatments are also touted as a good weight loss tool. Certainly colon cleansing can kick start weight loss by removing debris which is distending your bowel and adding weight, however ongoing

weight loss can only be achieved through diet and exercise.

Apple and custard latticeA lovely festive dessert with mincemeat, apple and custard inside a pretty puff pastry lattice.

Serves 4.

INGREDIENT1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry6 tbsp ready made custard2 dessert apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced4 tbsp mincemeat1 tbsp caster sugar1 egg yolk, beaten

METHOD1. Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6.2. Roll out the pastry into a rectangle, place on a baking tray and lightly prick all over with a fork.3. Spread a layer of custard down the centre of the pastry, leaving room on each side.4. Top with the apple slices and spoon the mincemeat evenly over the top.5. Cut diagonal slits in the remaining pastry on each side. Discard the corner pieces, fold over the top pieces, then plait the strips along the side across the top of the apple to seal in the contents.6. Brush the latice with the beaten egg yolk, then sprinkle with the sugar.7. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve immediately.

CORPORATE SECURITY OFFICERJob No: ALL/22936Employer Reference: SPL/CS12SOC Code: 9241Wage £6.50 per hourHours 48 Hours (Days/Nights/Weekends)Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 25 November 2011Closing date 09 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Must be age 18+. Frontline SIA licence is essential. Previous experience in security would be an advantage. You must hold a full driving licence (own transport preferred). Duties to include creating a safe environment for customers and colleagues, meet and greeting, some administration, controlling access and egress to site, dealing with visitors, providing written and verbal reports and any other associated tasks as required. Reference number must be given when applying. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Lara Elwick at Securitas Security Personnel, [email protected] Securitas Security Personnel

PLUMBERJob No: ALL/22929SOC Code: 5314Wage £10.00 PER HOUR

Hours 16-30 PER WEEK OVER A 7 DAY ROTA BETWEEN 7AM-5PMLocation Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 23 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Must have relevant extensive experience. Gas safety certification would be an advantage but not essential. Duties include general plumbing and heating, boiler and bathroom installs.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to John O’ Malley at Alpha Plumbing Services, [email protected] Alpha Plumbing Services

MECHANICAL FITTERJob No: ALL/22918Employer Reference: Mechanical FitterSOC Code: 5222Wage EXCEEDS NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGEHours 70 HOURS OVER 7 DAYSLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration TemporaryDate posted 17 November 2011Closing date 15 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription We are looking for people who have served a recognised mechanical engineering apprenticeship and or substantial on the job experience with regular appraisals assessments or a technical reference

from previous employer to demonstrate competence.C CNSG Safety Passport is also required. We are ideally looking for fitters who have experience of overhauling valves. Terms and conditions are as per the NAECI terms and conditions. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin Devine at Weir Services Limited, The Harlands, New Alloa, Alloa, Clackmananshire, FK10 1TB or to [email protected] Weir Services Limited

TEAM LEADERJob No: ALL/22912SOC Code: 3211Wage £12.85 PER HOURHours ROTA BASISLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 15 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription RNA or RGN Level 1, RNMH or RMN Level 1 required. You will be required to support the management and lead a team of staff. You will oversee the delivery of care. Previous supervisory experience is required, and experience of working with people with dementia preferred.The company offers an attractive remuneration package including overtime rate and company sick pay scheme. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced

weecountyFriday 2.12.11 26 recruitment

Find your way to successTelesales ExecutiveAre you looking to make the next move that will put your career on the right path?This is an outstanding opportunity to join an expanding newspaper group.You will be part of a dynamic and friendly sales environment, where rewards reflect effort.We will expect you to have drive, determination and flair.A lack of sales experience is not an issue as we pride ourselves on our excellent in-house training.But we will expect you to have excellent communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.In return, we will give you a first class salary and excellent bonus potential.If you think you have what it takes, contact us today.

Send your CV with a covering letter by post or email to:HUB Media LtdScott MocharEllismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Uddingston G71 5PW Tel: 01698 803909 Email: [email protected]

Final part of the short story competitionPage 2Bellshill Park & Ride works begin

Page 3Annual Dog Fun Day

Page 9SportsA round up of all your local sport

Pages 17, 18, 19 & 20

Local propertiesFOR SALE & LET on pages 13

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Issue Number 51

26th August - 8th September 2011

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*T&C ApplyJinky returns to Viewpark

I t was a day that brought Viewpark to a standstill. It was a day that many will

remember for a long time to come, and for some, it was

the climax of a long hard project, as the statue and

memorial garden in memory of footballing legend, Jimmy

Johnstone was unveiled.

They turned out in their numbers (estimated to be

in excess of 3,000 in total) to witness the official unveiling

of the statue for one of their own, a Celtic legend, a

Scotland legend, but more importantly, a Viewpark

legend.The statue and memorial

garden take pride of place on Old Edinburgh Road, just a few

hundred yards from Jimmy’s home as a child.Jinky, who was idolised

across the country for the footballing great that he was,

died in 2006 after suffering and battling with Motor

Neurone Disease since 2001.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive

neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and

lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor

neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles,

causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and

difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

The muscles affected first tend to be those in the hands,

feet and mouth. In Scotland, it’s expected that over 150 people will

suffer from the condition each

year and there are currently continued on page 10

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

207mmx69mm-2for1_v1 copy.pdf 2 06/04/2011 17:21

Agnes Johnstone with Bertie Auld officially open the Jinky Memorial Garden

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The birth of Hubmanpage 2Male carer group CHAPS

secure funding

page 3 Charity Zumbathon raises

money for The Samaritanspage 8Premier League Snooker

competition

page 9HUB SportsRound up of the latest sportpage 14, 15 & 16

Community in Unity

Issue Number 27

16th - 29th September 2011

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S taff from Windmills Cafe in Motherwell joined

forces with the two other Scottish charity

finalists from the National Lottery Awards in a visit

to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

With just 1 week to go until voting closes in the

National Lottery Awards finals, Windmills cafe, a

training cafe supporting young people aged between

18 and 25 with learning difficulties, are seeking the

communities support and votes to win the ‘Best

Education Project’ category which would see them

scoop a prize fund of £2,000.On Thursday, 8th September, Windmills staff

Margery McBain and Karen Matusavage were joined

by trainees Cara, Anthony and Lynsey on the trip to

Holyrood to publicise the ‘Scottish Vote’ for the 3

Scottish projects in the finals of this years awards.

They joined forces with Sense Scotland and The

Dean Cauvin Trust, the only other Scottish projects to

make it through to the finals.Trainee Lynsey was beaming with pride having been

continued on page 3

BAR / RESTAURANTManse Road, Newmains, Lanarkshire01698 383412 383451 - 383429Open 7 Days12p.m. - till lateDeliveries from4.30pm till late

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Indulge in the Eastern MagicEvening Buffet £9.99 (Mon-Thurs) 5pm-12am

We cater for outside Parties, Family Gatherings & Events

Kids eat for FREE throughout Autumn 2011

Lunch Buffet £4.99Throughout Autumn(Mon-Sat) 12pm-3pm

F our Perth Strathtay Harriers athletes travelled to Grangemouth

stadium on the 7th September

to compete in the Scottish Disability Sport Senior Athletics

Championships.Typical Scottish weather of rain,

sun and strong winds did not stop the

Perth stars competing against the

best disability athletes in the country.

Our team comprised of Louse Brett,

Michael Rice, Kevin Rice and Finlay

Skeet, all members of the clubs

performance squad.Louise Brett competed in 4 events

in her class, 60m, 100m, 200m and

Soft Ball and had a clean sweep of

Gold medals. As we near the end

of the season Louise continues to

dominate her T37 class (Cerebral

Palsy) sprints events and is only 1.5

seconds off the qualifying time for the

200m event at the 2012 Paralympics

Michael and Kevin Rice had good

runs in their 800m race despite the

challenging weather conditions.

Highlight for the Perth athletes was

the Soft Ball event, Kevin winning

Gold in his class event with a throw of

HUB Launchcentre pages Craigie Playgroup

page 5HUB Grubpage 11HUB SportsRound up of the latest sportpage 15 & 16

Serving Perth and Surrounding Areas

Issue Number 10

15th - 28th September 2011

THE PERTHSHIRE FREE!

continued page 2

Athletic success for Perth disability stars

Perth athletes warming up at Grangemouth

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Louise Brett with one of her 4 Gold medals

Friday 16.09.11 Issue 841In this issue...Support local talent

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01259 210 666T ulliallan Castle could be home

to a single Scottish police force after Kenny MacAskill

dismissed Glasgow and Edinburgh

it was revealed this week.Currently being used as the

national police training academy,

Tulliallan is ideally situated to service

the whole of Scotland, and is very ac-

cessible in all directions of travel.Plans for a single police and fire

service have already been an-nounced in the Scottish Parliament

but the Justice Secretary has hinted

that the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan could be home to the

headquarters.MacAskill believes the new headquarters should not be based

in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Indica-tion of this is evident as Strathclyde

Police Headquarters at Pitt Street

in Glasgow is currently for sale at

£2.5m (although they are believed to

be moving to a new £38m office in

Glasgow’s east end.)If not the home for the headquar-

ters, Tulliallan will play a major role in

the new single force. When asked about the new headquarters he said: “It will not

be Edinburgh or Glasgow. Tulliallan

seems fine as a place as any for a

chief constable to be based.”The single police force could be up

and running as early as April 2013

but the Scottish Government should

have Royal Assent by next summer.MacAskill added: “As President

of ACPOS Chief Constable Smith will lead the reform on behalf of the

police service.“I know people in the services will,

like Chief Constable Smith, rise to

the challenge and shape and deliver

new services we can be proud of,

services which build on the strengths

of what we already have.“In the police service, the ACPOS,

ASPS, SPF, SPSA and SCDEA are looking forward, not back, and are

determined to work constructively

with Government to deliver an effec-

tive and efficient new Scottish Police

Service.“In fire & rescue, all eight Chief

Fire Officers and the FBU are looking

forward, not back.“I know this journey is at times a

challenging one - change is always

a tough call - but this is a journey

which the whole of Scotland is on.”Plans for the single police force

outline the force would be split into

32 divisions to stave off centralisa-

tion.

Scottish Police HQ coming to Wee County?

By Alison Mann

Tullibody’s Leona is hitting all the right notes

at Open Mic UK CompetitionAmerican Retro Glass

Centre Pages

Renowned artist Petra Kaiser visits Retro Glass in Alloa

disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer.How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22912, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

REGISTERED NURSEJob No: ALL/22915SOC Code:3211Wage £10.75 TO £11.76 PER

HOURHours ROTA BASISLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 16 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription RNA or RGN Level 1, RNMH or RMN Level 1 required. You will be required to plan, implement and evaluate care in accordance with nursing care policy and procedure.The company offers an attractive remuneration package including overtime rate and company sick pay scheme. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22915, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

WARDEN/DOMESTICJob No: ALL/22925SOC Code: 9233Wage £6.08 PER hourHours DAY/EVENING/NIGHT OVER 7 DAYSLocation TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration PermanentDate posted 21 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Glencrest Care provides a safe, secure and caring environment to vulnerable individuals who are homeless. We require a warden/domestic who has the ability to provide in-house practical and empathic support to individuals of all ages. It is also essential that applicants have the capability to manage some challenging behaviours. The job entails the security of the building including fire regulation and health and safety checks as well as housekeeping and domestic responsibilities. We operate a three shift system to cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Successful applicants will be subject to a full enhanced disclosure check PVG scheme. Hourly Rate is 6.08.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Margaret Beaton at Glen Crest Care Ltd, Kuranda, Drummie Road, Devonside, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6HT.Employer Glen Crest Care Ltd

ReceptionistJob No: ALL/22938SOC Code: 4216Wage £6.08 - £7 per hourHours 11 hours of work. Mixed days.Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 28 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Duties include Welcoming Visitors to the Care Centre and to handle telephone calls in a friendly and efficient manner. To direct Visitors & telephone calls to the correct location. To assist the Administrator as and when required. Previous receptionist/secretarial support experience

required, along with previous telephone experience, the ability to work on own initiative, good communication and organisational skills and a welcoming and approachable nature. Candidate must be a team player. It is also desirable for the applicant to have previous experience of working with the elderly, payroll knowledge and good time management skills. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Online or email applications only at HC-1, [email protected] HC-1

SUPERVISOR SLATER / ROOFERJob No: ALL/22920SOC Code: 5313Wage £11 PER HOURHours 42 A WEEK, MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 7.30AM AND 4.30PMLocation TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration PermanentDate posted 17 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Must be time served and have written qualifications. Good communications and listening skills are essential. Previous supervisory experience would be an advantage. Must be able to motivate, take charge, arrange and supervise and accurately estimate works including HSC requirements. Must be capable of recording and collating information and accurately estimate materials and order same from suppliers. A full clean driving licence is essential. A basic disclosure Scotland is an advantage. Duties include supervising and working as part of a team carrying out various slating and roofing / engineering contracts.How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22920, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

HOTEL SERVICES SUPERVISORJob No: ALL/22865SOC Code: 9233Wage £7.54 PER HOURHours 37.5 HOURS OVER 5 DAYSLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 04 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription You will oversee the effective day to day management of hotel services within the home.You will have knowledge and experience of staff supervision and appraisal. You will have knowledge and experience of ordering and budgetary control.You will be responsible for carrying out monthly audits.The company offers an attractive remuneration package including:. Overtime Rate, Company Sick Pay Scheme.How to apply For further details about

weecounty Friday 2.12.11 27recruitment

Reporter/Trainee ReporterAre you looking to make the next move that

will put your career on the right path? Or perhaps hoping to take that first step into the world of journalism?

Hub Media is looking for a talented reporter /trainee reporter to join its team working on the Wee County News, based in Alloa.

The successful applicant will be adaptable and able to cover news and sport while bringing exciting ideas to the table.

We are looking for an ambitious reporter or graduate with a qualification in journalism, shorthand and knowledge of Scots Law. The ideal candidate will have an excellent news sense and the ability to remain calm while working to a strict deadline.

This is an opportunity to join an expanding company who have a strong portfolio of newspapers across South Lanarkshire, Perthshire and Clackmannanshire. Three papers will be launched from the Alloa office in the very near future and you will play a key part in shaping their content.

A car owner would be preferred. Send written applications, including CV and clippings to:Hub Media LtdScott MocharEllismuir House, Ellismuir Way, UddingstonG71 5PWTel: 01698 803909Email: [email protected]

job reference ALL/22865, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255. Customer Service Adviser - CLA0595 Job No: ALL/22932Employer Reference: CLA0595SOC Code: 7212Wage £16,819 - £18,959 (pro rata)Hours Supply as RequiredLocation Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 23 November 2011Closing date 05 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Customer Services Advisers work in a number of locations across the Council, including Community Access Points, receptions, libraries and within the contact centre, providing the local community with advice and information on Council Services. They deal efficiently and courteously with customer enquiries over the phone, online and face to face at any customer services point of contact. The range of work is wide and interesting, so applicants need to be flexible and willing to learn new skills. Staff who work on the supply bank are used to provide cover for holidays, sickness absence or training, sometimes at short notice. Cover can be required through the normal working week but also in the evening and on Saturdays. Please note that supply staff are only used as and when required so no regular work is guaranteed. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=jj&id=117033&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage.Employer Clackmannanshire Council

SENIOR CARE WORKERJob No: ALL/22873SOC Code: 6115Wage £7.40 PER HOURHours FULL OR PART TIME WORK

AVAILABLE ON A ROTA BASIS.Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 08 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription You are required to have SVQ level 3 in care, or equivalent. You will support the deputy and team leader in the day to day care of the residents. You will be involved in care planning and reviews for residents.The company offers an attractive remuneration package including: overtime rate, company sick pay scheme. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure.How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22873, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

RETAIL SUPERVISERJob No: ALL/22835SOC Code: 1163Wage ABOVE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGEHours 40 HOURS PER WEEK OVER SEVEN DAYSLocation TULLIBODY FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 25 October 2011Pension details Pension availableDescription Previous retail experience is essential. As this post is a key holder position you will be responsible for the opening and closing of the store. You will be responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of a busy convenience store and carrying out all supervisor duties including staff supervision. Hours will be based around start time of 5.30 in the morning and latest finish time of 10 pm.How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22835, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local

Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

BOOKKEEPERJob No: ALL/22896SOC Code: 4122Wage Negotiable depending on experienceHours 16+ PER WEEK, shifts BETWEEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9am - 5pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 14 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription You must have general bookkeeping skills. Duties to include VAT and PAYE, invoicing along with other related tasks.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Boyce at J K Tyres and Autocentre Ltd, [email protected] J K Tyres and Autocentre Ltd

CHEFJob No: ALL/22893SOC Code: 5434Wage Exceeds Nat Min WageHours 40 - 45 PER WEEK, 5 DAYS FROM 7, BETWEEN 10:30AM - 9PMLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 11 November 2011Pension details No details held

telephoning beforehand. Ask for Nick French at The Ochil View, Ochilvale Terrace, Fishcross, ALLOA, Clackmannanshire, FK10 3HT.Employer The Ochil View

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVEJob No: ALL/22887SOC Code: 7111Wage £8277 Per AnnumHours 24 HOURS, 3 out of 6 DaysLocation Alloa FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 09 November 2011Closing date 07 December 2011Pension details Pension availableDescription Looking for a job where no two days are the same Cheque Centre, a leading alternative financial services provider is looking for a CSR who will support the Branch Manager in delivering the store KPIs. You will be able to deliver excellent customer services and have a good eye for detail. Our stores are in town centre locations on easily accessible public transport routes and hours of work support a worklife balance. Please visit www.chequecentre.co.ukOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) for full details to apply. Cheque Centre is currently recruiting for a number of positions due to growth and expansion plans across the estate. This position is subject to a CRB check Credit Check How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22887, please

telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

Retail SupervisorJob No: ALL/22886SOC Code: 7111Wage£6.38 per hourHours 35 per week, 5/7 days between 8am-9pm, rotaLocation Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration TemporaryDate posted 09 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Must have previous retail supervisory experience. Duties are to do all aspects of supervising in a retail environment and covering all areas from staff to tills, customers as required. Full discussion at interview. Immediate start. Temporary for an initial 3 month period and may become permanent.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Michael Morgan at B and M Homestores, [email protected] B and M Homestores

Description Must have previous experience. Relevant qualifications would be an advantage. Must have food and hygiene certificate. Duties will include the day to day running of the kitchen and also keeping the working areas clean and tidy. Or telephone 01259 729090.How to apply You can go and see the employer about this job without

Are you 16 to 18 and not in work or learning?

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What about trying LIFESKILLS?WHAT WE ASK FROM YOU

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weecountyFriday 2.12.11 28 services

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Cape VerdeA well kept secretMost people would be hard-pressed

to tell you much information if you quizzed them about the Republic of Cape Verde. And while there’s a wealth of relatively generic information available about the archipelago, little detail is provided about the world of difference that exists among the 10 islands of this North Atlantic nation.

Situated just a one-hour flight south of the Canary Islands and just a five-hour direct hop from many UK airports, it’s still a relatively undiscovered land to us British. But it’s certainly worth closer inspection. The islands of Cape Verde manage to embrace many different geographic, cultural and environmental differences and that makes the country unique and fascinating.

Many tourism and property companies are now keen to market the delights of Cape Verde, such as its fabulous year-round climate and amazing beaches. But all too often they focus on the likes of Sal, Santiago and Sao Vicente. These are the most developed and easily accessible islands, but the beauty of Santo Antao, the dramatic landscape of Fogo and the fascinating marine life and wonderfully exotic beaches of Boa Vista are often overlooked.

However, for a potential visitor or would-be property purchaser, detailed information about the entire appeal of the islands of Cape Verde is essential. Real Estate TV recently covered the area in its property series The Next Big Thing and pointed out a few essential facts that investors would undoubtedly be keen to know.

It may be interesting to hear that golfer Ernie Els is designing golf courses in Cape Verde and that it is hoped PGA or Ryder Cup competition action will be enticed there. Or how about the fact that Cape Verde won US millennium funding worth $110 million and that this money is going directly into infrastructure projects such as the

development of ports, airports and roads? But if you want to know what the place

is really like, then Real Estate TV offers the following information about the 10 islands. All you have to do is pick your favourite.

Sal is the most accessible island, with a well-developed tourism market. Its landscape is typically arid but it makes up for having a barren interior by the beautiful beaches that encircle its coastline. Visitors to Sal can expect great nightlife, fantastic water sports and good shopping.

Santiago is the largest island in Cape Verde. Its landscape is dominated by mountains and, unlike Sal, Santiago is very green. The island has a truly African vibe. There’s an African market that regularly takes place in capital of Cape Verde, Praia, and the cuisine, history, music and culture of Santiago also embrace a truly African feel.

Sao Vicente may be even more arid than Sal, but it’s arguably the water sports capital of Cape Verde, with surfing and body boarding hugely popular on this lively island. Visitors and residents are attracted to Sao Vicente because it is the cultural capital of the islands and it has a really Portuguese flavour, evident in the architecture, the cuisine and the culture. Sao Vicente is also where the first Ernie Els golf course will be developed.

Santa Antao is a delight. Many who visit the island comment on how surprised they are by the contrast in the splendid scenery that makes a transition from stunningly lush green valleys to dramatically rugged mountains to beautiful beaches.

Fogo is dominated by a substantial volcano, which has had a marked effect on the lunar-like landscape of the island over the centuries. Contrasting with a scenic backdrop of black sands and atramentous rock is the island’s capital town of Sao Filipe, with its colonial buildings painted in pretty pastel colours.

Boa Vista competes directly with Sao

Vicente for the title of water sports capital of Cape Verde as it’s the dive centre of the archipelago. It’s certainly the place to head if you want to explore the exotic marine life of the islands, the shipwrecks and the beautiful coastline. Apart from fantastic diving, Boa Vista quite possibly has the best of the exotic and tropical beaches that Cape Verde is rapidly becoming famous for.

Maio is morphologically similar to Sal and is another island for fantastic beaches. It is also a centre for reforestation in the archipelago and, being almost untouched by tourism, it’s an amazing location for those who want to truly get away from it all.

Brava is blessed with stunning mountainous scenery and is home to an incredible array of rare flora and fauna making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Sao Nicolau is one of the most fertile islands in

Cape Verde and generates a lot of its income from agriculture rather than tourism. It is most popular with those who prefer walking or birdwatching holidays rather than beach-bound relaxation.

Santa Luzia is the smallest island in Cape Verde and is actually uninhabited. It is a relatively barren nature reserve that you can visit if you can manage to sweet talk a fisherman from Sao Vicente into taking you across to the island. Expect to find a couple of impressive beaches. The reason most people visit is to bird watch or go in search of endemic reptiles.

For more information on Cape Verde visitwww.realestatetv.tv .

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The first thing to do is don’t become one of the estimated 70% of motorists who do not prepare their cars for winter weather.

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can be simple from food to shovels and old carpets (for grip in the snow). It is always handy to have a mobile phone charger!

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Easy to Follow Winter Car Care and Safe Driving Tips!

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Check wipers, battery and fluid levels

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RUNNINGsport

Four of Central’s Senior Men travelled to

Liverpool for the second race in this Winter’s McCain Cross Country Challenge, at the city’s Sefton Park on Saturday 26 November. The race also served as GB selection races for European Cross Country in Slovenia, as well as selection for the UK representatives for the European Clubs Cross Country in February.

From a star-studded field, including most of the UK’s top runners seeking European selection, it was

Ross Houston, continuing his recent fine form, who led home the Central quartet in a highly respectable 42nd place, covering the near 10 kilometre challenge in an excellent 31min 5secs. Alexander Hendry also showed some strong running in 47th (31.12) as the competitors surged through in large numbers. John Newsom and David McNamee proved their worth in 65th (31.40) and 76th (32.09) respectively but this strong challenge was insufficient to hold off

England’s representatives, Stockport H and AC in the Club challenge for European places.

Kathryn Gillespie contested the Under 15 Girls 3 kilometre race coming home as top Scot in tenth overall recording 11min 14secs for the 3 kilometre course.

Karen Glover also dipped her toe into this high level competition, contesting the Under 20 Womens Race, finishing in a commendable 46th with a 17min 48secs timing for the 4.4 kilometre course.

Liverpool trip for senior runnersJane Waterhouse and Hazel

Dean represented Scotland in the Home Countries and Ireland Masters Cross Country Championships on home territory at a storm battered Bellahouston Park in Glasgow. Jane led her W55 age group team home in fifth place in a time of 26.54 over the 6 kilometre course, combining with her team for bronze team medal placings for the Scots. Hazel competed down an age group in the W40 category where she finished 13th in 25.15.

weecounty photos

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EQUESTRIAN

Members of the Wee County Vaulters were once again

delighted to receive an award of £250 last weekend from the ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme. David Mercer, a volunteer at Wee County Vaulters and employee of ExxonMobil had applied for a Volunteer Involvement Programme award on behalf of the Group.

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme was set up to celebrate and recognise the contribution that ExxonMobil employees, Mobil retirees and their family members make to their local communities. It also highlights

the importance ExxonMobil places on encouraging citizenship and community activity, and to raise the profile of volunteering as a valued activity.

The Wee County Vaulters has amongst its members the Current European and World Individual female gold medallist and the European Championship Pas de Deux silver medallists. Members from the group have also represented GBR at the European Junior Team Championship for the past four years. The club is run on a purely voluntary basis and relies heavily on members of the community like David Mercer

to continue to provide the sport of Equestrian Vaulting to young people. The success which the club has achieved is thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time throughout the year.

The cheque was presented by David Mercer on behalf of ExxonMobil at the Scottish National Equestrian Centre, Ecclesmachan, last weekend. Members of the club were participating in a vaulting demonstration which was held in between clinics run by Oliver Townend, one of the UK’s best all rounders, currently topping the British eventing rankings and a hopeful for the 2012 Olympics.

£250 award for Vaulters

weecountyFriday 2.12.11 36 sport

WEE COUNTY FANZONE

BOWLING

‘Ladies at Clackmannan Bowling Club - Familiar Faces’ Circa 1977Throwing the Bowl Is June

Holliday amongst others are..... Jean Rennie, Daisy Blake, Nell Gordon, Betty Russell, Janet

Morton, Nan McBeath, Hetty Kirk, Betty Johnstone, Marion Reid & Others that need picked out.

Festive activities at Clackmannan Bowling ClubOn December the 2nd, 3rd

and 4th, there will be an art exhibition in the clubhouse by local artist Gordon Stanners.

Gordon is famous for his water colours of birds and is open to

anyone to visit and admire the paintings (they will be priced for purchase).

On the 10th there is a ladies dinner night with live entertainment, gents will be

allowed in after 9pm.The O.A.P.s xmas dinner is

on Saturday the 17th and the children’s party on the 18th. Those looking to attend should update the list in the club.

weecounty Friday 2.12.11 37sport

RUGBY

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS

Team Played W D L F : A Bonus Points

GRANGEMOUTH STAGS RFC 10 10 0 0 323:43 5 45 ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY 10 9 0 1 373:116 8 44 HARRIS ACADEMY FPRFC 10 8 0 2 214:200 4 36 MADRAS RUGBY 10 7 0 3 248:184 6 34 STIRLING UNIVERSITY RFC 10 5 0 5 232:223 5 25 ALLOA 9 3 0 6 111:127 3 15 KINROSS 10 3 0 7 124:261 2 14 BLAIRGOWRIE RFC 9 3 0 6 110:194 1 13 FIFE SOUTHERN 10 1 0 9 77:219 2 6 CARNOUSTIE HSFP 10 0 0 10 88:333 2 2

Results Sat 26th NovAlloa P:P Blairgowrie RFC

St. Andrews Uni v KinrossStirling Uni v Harris Acad FPGrangemouth v Carnoustie HSFP Madras v Blairgowrie RFCFife South v Alloa

Weekend FixturesSat 3rd December

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Team Played W D L F : A Bonus Points

ABERDEENSHIRE 11 9 0 2 254:134 6 42 HILLFOOTS RFC 11 8 1 2 264:176 5 39 ORKNEY 11 6 0 5 272:251 7 31 MACKIE ACADEMY FP 11 6 0 5 264:254 6 30 STRATHMORE RFC 10 4 1 5 170:185 3 21 HIGHLAND RFC 9 5 0 4 170:185 2 18 GLENROTHES 11 3 1 7 184:281 4 18 GORDONIANS RFC 10 2 1 7 224:250 7 17 CAITHNESS RFC 10 4 1 5 167:207 1 15 ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RFC 10 2 1 7 225:271 6 11

Aberdeen Uni 8 : 24 Aberdeenshire Caithness P : P Gordonians Highland 20 : 18 Hillfoots Glenrothes 5 : 5 Strathmore Orkney P (10 : 8) P Mackie Acad FP

Orkney v Glenrothes Gordonians v Aberdeen Uni Hillfoots v Aberdeenshire Strathmore v Caithness Mackie Acad FP v Highland

Weekend Fixtures: Sat 3rd December

CALEDONIA DIV 1RESULTS 26TH November

Foots, were fortunate to be able to travel with a full squad due to Neil

Brownley, ( Grangemouth) and Michael Doig, (Alloa) pitching in, to whom go many thanks.

Colts Alex Cameron and Craig ( Stick) Carmichael joined us for the day and played in the backs with maturity, well done guys.

With the strong wind slightly favouring Perth it was a little surprising that Foots., managed to put pressure on Perth in the early part of the game with Alex Cameron going outside his opposite number well .

Shortly after, an inter-passing movement between Paul Slade , Mitch McEwan, Bryan Conlan, Craig Carmichael, Mike Kilbank and Mark Johnston led to a penalty which was well slotted over by Craig Carmichael.

Graham Cree put in a good tackle and Michael Doig and Stuart Burnett both covered back well Foots, to thwart Perth.

With the Foots, line out jumpers Graham Cree and Allan Steele competing fiercely and with the forwards doing well in the ruck and maul ably assisted by ’scrum half’ Simon Paxford Foots., were able to get clean ball and Craig Carmichael cleared well. Graham Cree made a good .catch at the front of the line ‘against the head’ and the forwards drove over with Mitch

McEwan touching down for a fine forwards try.

Perth got a break away try just before half time against the run of play. Just before half time with Perth pressing Mike Kilbank did well to relieve the pressure with an excellent line kick.

Half time Perth 5 - Foots., 8 As Perth had lost their only hooker it

became a case of uncontested scrums in the second half.

Almost straight from the kick off Alex Cameron showed great pace when he hunted down the Perth winger and tackled him into touch only meters from the try line stopping a certain score.

With no subs available Foots, began to struggle against the big Perth pack but they tackled bravely and Ian Kelley made a good break from a tap penalty. Perth struggled to make headway with Foots, surviving a series of mauls on their own

line .However, well into the half Perth

breached the Foots, defence and ran in a try which they converted.

Foots, weathered a period when they went down to 14 men for a short spell with Craig Carmichael being patched up.

When back to 15 the next ‘blood’ went to Foots, with a try from Paul Slade after good approach work from Craig Carmichael, Mike Kilbank, Mark Johnston, Neil Brownleys and Bryan Conlan . This was converted with some ‘elan’ , with a nonchalant drop goal by Allan ( Zin Zan) Steele.

Unfortunately Perth ran in a try which they converted just minutes before the end.

Final score Perth 19 - Foots., 15

Perth 2nd XV 19 Foots 2nd XV 15

COUNTY AT HOME

Clackmannan County will be at home on Sunday Dec 4th

against East Stirlingshire.

All players please be in the venue for 9.30am.

Spectators are very welcome with a £2 programme charge.

PETER HILL PAIRS

The gent’s prelims will be held on Monday Dec 19th with the

ladies and gents finals on Friday Jan 6th.

SCOTTISH MIXED PAIRS

The Scottish Mixed pairs will be held in the Oakwood on

Saturday Jan 7th with a 1230 registration. All names to Davie Hanson asap entry fee £7.

ALLOA MASTERS 2012

The Masters Finals will be held in Alloa Town Hall on Friday

August 17th, Scotland’s Gary Anderson will be joined by The Dazzler Darryl Fitton and the Bad Boys of darts.

Two Time World Champion Ted Hankey & Paul Nicloson from Oz, Tables & Tickets can be booked now, Contact Davie Hanson Tel 07872078715, The First Qualifier with the winner getting a chance to take on the pros will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 2 pm reg (please note there are no more spaces left to play in this qualifier).

LEAGUE RESULTS WEEK 11 A DIVISIONOakwood B 4 - 8 Oakwood A,Star A 10 - 2 Upstairs A, Peppes 5 - 7 Alva Gc, Abercromby A 8-4 Gartmorn, The Oakwood Lounge are tied on 25pts each with the Star A

B DIVISIONRed Lion B 2 - 10 Johnstone,Upstairs B 6 - 6 Star B,The Inn 3 - 9 Red Lion A,Abercromby B 7 - 5 Abercromby ArmsHorseshoe 5 - 7 Weirs, Weirs are Top on 26Pts

GOLFSat 26th November 2011 - Polish Cup (Round 5)

Gale force SandyDespite near gale-force

winds on Saturday 26th November Sandy Bonnar, playing in the Polish Cup, put together a stunning round to amass 45 points to win Division 1 of Round 5 of this popular winter competition by five shots.

Div 1:1st Sandy Bonnar (11) 45 pts;2nd David Borrowman (10) 40 pts; 3rd Tommy Burt (11) 37 pts.

Div 2: 1st Robert Stewart (13) 40 pts; 2nd Adam Harrower (20) 37 pts;3rd Donald Malcolm (15) 36 pts.

Dollar Offers 18 holes of golf, soup and a filled roll for just £15, call 07703 572344 or visit www.dollargolfclub.com for further details.

DARTS

FACEBOOK Catch up with all the latest news on the new Facebook page, Clackmannan County Darts.

Hillfoots 18-20 HighlandHillfoots unbeaten run game to an end

in Inverness. Despite playing well ‘Foots decision making at the end of the game was poor and ultimately cost them the game.

Hillfoots kicked off with the elements behind them and got off to a flyer with David Cree driving over after only 2 minutes to open the scoring. Hillfoots failed to deal with the restart and this allowed the home sides juggernaut pack to get a foothold in the game. The Highland game plan was obvious from the start pick and go’s around the fringes.

Hillfoots defence was good, however, Highland were retaining the ball well and it was only a matter of time before the home pack managed to drive over the ‘Foots line and take the lead with a converted score. Hillfoots were moving the ball about well but were finding it difficult to breach a stubborn home defence. Andrew Hamilton was finding gaps but lack of support at times was costing Hillfoots dear. Gregor Manson restored ‘Foots lead with a penalty before the home side pulled the lead back with a penalty of their own. Shortly before half time Gregor Manson put Hillfoots back in front with another penalty.Half time 11-10

With the wind dropping in Hillfoots favour things were looking up for the visitors. The forwards were retaining the ball well and the backs were making good ground, but as mentioned at the start of the report poor decisions were going to be the visitors downfall.

Highlands huge forwards began to take control of the breakdown area. Their pick and go strategy was starting to work again

and eventually worked their way down to the ‘Foots 5 metre line. After several phases of play Highlands’ sheer bulk prevailed and the home side moved back in font with another converted score.’Foots were looking a little ragged at this time and Highland moved further ahead with a penalty. With 15 minutes left Hillfoots took the game by the scruff off the neck and set about looking for the win. The home side were tiring and Hillfoots forwards were beginning to dominate and the backs were again exploiting gaps. The forwards drove to within 5 metres of the home try line. Quick ball was moved from Euan Jamieson to Logan Bonar and the young stand off burst through to score. Andrew Hamilton converted. Hillfoots were then handed the advantage when one of the home wingers was shown a red card. More pressure from the visitors found the forwards once again edging slowly to the Highland line. With the backs lined up and a two man overlap, the forwards decided on one more phase and the chance was gone. Highland managed to clear their lines. With time running out ‘Foots looked to have been given one more chance but the penalty was reversed,Highland launched the ball out of the park and with that secured the win. Andrew Hamilton won a deserved Man of the Match.

Hillfoots remain in second place and have the chance to redeem themselves with league leaders Aberdeenshire visitors to Tillicoultry this week. The game will be kicking off at 2 pm at Tillicoultry Public Park. There will be a camera crew from the SRU and RBS down to film the game and

the surrounding events, due to winning the Club of The Month. They will be looking to speak to some spectators, members and sponsors to get views on the club. The club hope for a great turn out and as big a support as possible.

weecountyFriday 2.12.11 38 sport

JUNIOR

Junior Football League Home Away TEAM P W D L F A W D L F A GD PtsTayport 10 1 2 2 3 4 4 1 0 8 1 6 18 Oakley United 7 3 1 0 13 4 2 1 0 8 6 11 17 Glenrothes 8 2 2 0 10 7 1 1 2 9 10 2 12 Broughty Athletic 10 0 2 3 7 15 3 1 1 8 7 -7 12 Broxburn Athletic 7 2 1 0 7 3 1 1 2 5 7 2 11 SAUCHIE JUNIORS 6 2 0 0 4 2 1 2 1 7 7 2 11 Ballingry Rovers 9 1 2 1 10 9 1 2 2 5 7 -1 10 Penicuik Athletic 7 2 0 2 9 7 1 0 2 4 4 2 9 Newtongrange Star 8 1 1 2 4 5 1 2 1 9 8 0 9 Arniston Rangers 10 1 1 3 4 11 1 2 2 6 11 -12 9 Downfield 8 1 1 2 7 6 1 1 2 8 8 1 8 Armadale Thistle 10 1 3 2 6 8 0 2 2 4 8 -6 8

RUGBY

The team will be training hard this week and looking forward to the

Neilston game being played either at Beechwood Park or at The Recs.

It really takes its toll on the team having games called off all the time and we need to try our hardest to keep levels of fitness up and keep trying to work on things we need to get sharper and better.

The squad is focusing on what will be a huge Scottish cup tie and to progress into the fourth round would be a good achievement and give us something to look forward to in the new year.

Neilston will be a tricky opponent as they are a cup team and always seem to do well in this particular cup competition.

The squad will benefit from the return of Jazza Donaldson and Jon Tully, who has recovered from an ankle knock and now needs to get game time in to allow him to

get back fully fit. Ally Burns is also back from holiday and

will be involved at some point. Adam Bonar will be feeling a little more confident with getting the all clear from the surgeon on his reoccurring groin problems.

He was told by a surgeon this week it should heal itself and he can continue playing without the need for surgery so a big bonus for him and the club.

Stevie Dolan is going to extend his loan spell at Cumnock for another month, the big man has done incredible well and we have had several glowing reports back from them so well done Stevie.

So once again huge game this week for the club so please come along and support our players as we try to progress into the next round of the Emirates Scottish Cup either at Beechwood or if the weather keeps up at Alloa’s Recreation Park.

Team looking forward to cup tiePlease see the Club’s Website, Facebook Page or Twitter feed on Saturday for conformation of where we will be playing.

The chance to play rugby at the national stadium was

a dream come true for the players in this U16 cup final.

Typically, inside Murrayfield it was a blustery afternoon making challenging conditions for both teams as the weather dictated the style of rugby on show.

Watson’s winger Robbins put the first points on the board after just eight minutes with a well-worked try. Hastings calmly converted the kick putting their side 7-0 ahead.

Six minutes later, George Wastson’s had another five points on the scoreboard as Berezford went over for the try. The kick was short keeping the score 12-0.

Watson’s scored twice more before the break, McMillan

and Robbins. Hastings also converted making it 26-0 at half time.

Dollar started the second half well and managed to put together some good play both on the offensive and defensive.

Their attacking play was to prove costly as Robbins found a gap through to dive over for the try. Hastings again converted giving Watson’s a commanding 31-0 lead.

Watson’s showed their pace as the game entered the final stages with another converted try, Young’s try followed by a conversion making it 38-0.

Dollar nearly scored with minutes left but the ball was knocked on. It finished 38-0, whilst disappointing for Dollar, a great experience all the same.

Dollar Academy Coach Martin Hose commented: “We were delighted to be part of such a big day. The boys played very well but were beaten by a better team. Their experience of playing at Murrayfield was outstanding, this was a very positive day and a superb opportunity for the team. We are very proud of how they performed.”

U-16 Captain Alex Crawford said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for all the boys. The support we received was incredible; an unforgettable experience.”

Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup under-16 finalDollar Academy 0George Watson’s College 38 Pictures by Graham Stuart,

PA WirePress Association Images

weecounty Friday 2.12.11 39sport

Irn Bru Division 3: League Table

FOOTBALL

IRN BRU DIV 3 RESULTSSat 26th November

Pld W D L W D L GD PtsANNAN ATHLETIC 12 5 1 0 3 2 1 12 27ALLOA 13 3 3 0 4 1 2 2 25ELGIN 12 5 0 1 1 3 2 9 21BERWICK 13 3 1 2 3 2 2 6 21STRANRAER 12 3 2 2 3 0 2 9 20QUEEN’S PARK 12 2 2 1 3 1 3 0 18CLYDE 12 3 1 3 1 3 1 5 16MONTROSE 13 3 0 3 1 1 5 -11 13PETERHEAD 12 0 3 3 1 0 5 -10 6EAST STIRLING 13 1 1 5 0 1 5 -22 5

Alloa 1 East Stirling 1Campbell (83) Hunter (65) Montrose 3 Berwick 5Boyle (9) Gribben (20, 25)Lunan (50) Noble (60, 79)Cameron (86) Ross Gray (90+3)

More action shots from Alloa v Shire

Bottom left: Wasps finally score!

Weekend Fixtures: Saturday 3rd December

Berwick v Clyde

East Stirling v Annan Athletic

Elgin v Stranraer

Montrose v Alloa

Queen’s Park v Peterhead

ALLOA LOOK FORWARD TO AWAY TRIP TO MONTROSE

Paul Hartley and his Alloa side head up the coast

this weekend to Montrose. The sides met back in September at the recs with the wasps running out 4 – 2 winners, but the Alloa boss is expecting a tough game, with Montrose looking to bounce back after their 5 – 3 defeat of Berwick last weekend.

Ryan McCord now ban free is added to the squad and the Alloa boss awaits news on Masterton, Innes and Gordon who picked up a knock in Saturdays home game against East Stirling. Kick off at Links Park 3pm

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weecounty sportHILLFOOTS NARROWLY LOSE AT THE WEEKEND Page 37

With league leaders Annan on a weekend off due to Elgin’s

Scottish cup replay with Queen’s Park, Alloa had a golden chance to go joint top of the Irn Bru Third Division.

The wasps where without Ryan McCord due to a one game ban, and both Masterton and Innes were out injured, leaving manager Paul Hartley the task of juggling his side around.

The changes saw, big striker Armand One coming in to partner Kevin Cawley up front, with the experienced Robbie Winters dropping into a midfield role and Fraser Forrest dropping to the bench

The Shire had front man Ally Love missing due a two match ban.

The home side started the better and when Winters played in Cawley and the former Shire striker shot straight at Anwell in the away goal.

Bradley Coyne had a chance for the visitors but found Bain in the Alloa goal on form and his shot from 15 yards was turned away for a corner.

Alloa should have taken the lead in the 28th min when a perfect pass from Cawley found Winters at the back post and from 8 yards somehow Antell palmed away for a corner when it seemed easier to score.

Wasps drop vital points

From the corner Ben Gordon managed to out-jump everyone before heading over the bar – the wasps clearly enjoying their best spell.

Antell in the visitor’s goal was doing his best to keep the home strikers out and when the wasps attack line were delivering weak shots, the on loan Hibs keeper was untested.

With the first half coming to an end it was the visitors who finished the strongest with Coyne and Stirling coming close to giving the away side a vital lead, but Bain saved well for both.

The home side had to make a half time change with Ben Gordon picking up a knock and Fraser Forrest coming on as replacement.

And it was the big centre half that had a chance to put his side in front on the 57th min, from a deep corner

his powerful header was tipped over by the out coming Antell.

The home side must have wondered if it was going to be one of those days in front of goal and in the 65th min payed the price of missed chances. Michael Stirling shot home from 18 yards after some good play on the wing, leaving the home side and their supporters stunned.

And 4 mins later, Bradley Coyne was clear and should have sealed the points for the Shire but from 15 yds saw his shot was well saved by Bain.

Alloa made necessary changes with Campbell on for One and Ross McCord on for Young, looking to keep their recent unbeaten run in tack.

The wasps started throwing everything at the visitors, encouraged by the unsettled home

crowd.Alloa had good play and some

decent chances but could not take advantage and you started to suspect a coupon buster was on the cards.

Ross McCord was driving his team on and it was his free kick on the right, as time was running out, played in with pace that met the head of other sub, Craig Campbell and from 10 yards his glancing header flew into the net, his first goal for his new club.

And Alloa could have taken full points in the final minute when McCord played in Cawley but from 15 yards Antell saved well.

The wasps should have won the match convincingly but it was a tale of missed opportunities and a lack of composure in front of goal. To win matches you need to have shots on goal, and unfortunately for the

wasps this was something they were lacking in against the Shire.

Final score 1 – 1 Alloa manager Paul Hartley said

after the match;“I was happy to take a point after

being one nil down. East Stirling made things difficult for us but we had so many chances to win the game, its 2 points dropped and we should be winning our home games.

“But it’s all about scoring goals, at one nil Scott Bain had a great save to keep us in the game, to many players had an off day and we suffered, we must do better.”

John Coughlin, the Shire manager said; “My players are gutted we didn’t take full points but am delighted to take a point against the best team in this division, any team who finishes above Alloa will win this division . My young side battled well a draw was a great result for us.”

Alloa 1 East Stirling 1

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The Wee County News - Issue 852