Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Community Advertiser April 2016

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FREE • APRIL 2016

dumbarton, vale of Leven, Balloch & drymen

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Contents

Essential Info

Aaron Hunter...........................3 School Sports Tournament......4 Kenneling..................................5 Balloch Consultation................6 Trossachs Search & Rescue.......7 Oak Tree Inn.............................8 Loch Lomond News..................9 Maid of The Loch.................. 10 Do the right thing................. 11 Lochside Properties............... 12 Mobile Library....................... 14 What's Up Doc?..................... 14 Golf Feature....................16&17 Provost's Civic Awards.......... 27 Brewery Award...................... 28 Legal Matters......................... 28 European Swimming Championship........................ 29 Modern Apprenticehips....... 32 Hinterland.............................. 33 Blitz Memorial....................... 34

DUMBARTON REMOVALS LTD House Removals Single Items Part Removals Man & Van Service House Clearances White goods removal

Get in touch...

07899 324 644

www.dumbartonremovals.co.uk

• National Express: 0870 580 8080 • McGill’s: 08000 51 56 51

Water Help Line

• Glenbrae Veterinary Clinic: 18 Station Rd, Dumbarton 01389 765 555 • McKenzie Vets: 26 Gilmour St, Alexandria. 01389 751 182

Electric Faults & Emergencies

ADVERTISE

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Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999

The Samaritans • 24-hour: 08457 90 90 90

NHS 24: 111 Police Station - 101 Medical Centre – Dumbarton • Dr Dunn: 01389 811 833 • Dr Logan: 01389 811 811 • Dr McMaster: 01389 811 862 • Dr McDevitt: 01389 811 855 • Dr Neilston: 01389 811 851 • Dr Tooke: 01389 811 811 • Levenside: 01389 811844

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PRICES FROM DUMBARTON AREA

• Gartnavel Royal Hospital: 1055 Great Western Road.

0141 211 3600 • RAH Hospital: 0141 887 9111 • Vale of Leven General Hospital, North Main Street, Alexandria. 01389 754121 • Golden Jubilee Hospital: Clydebank.

0141 951 5000

Chemists/Pharmacies

Rail Enquiries

West Dunbartonshire Council

• National Rail: 08457 48 49 50 • Trainchecker: 08712 00 49 50

• Main: 01389 737 000.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Customer Contact Centre: 01389 738 282.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Out of Hours Emergencies: 0800 197 1004 • Social Work Emergencies: 0300 343 1505

• AA 24 Hour Breakdown Service: 0800 88 77 66 • RAC 24 Hour Breakdown Service: 0800 82 82 82

Domestic Solutions

Hospitals

• Visit Scotland, Milton: 01389 724 308 / 742 306 • Visit Scotland, Loch Lomond: 01389 751 035 • Visit Scotland, Balloch: 01389 753 533

Road Breakdown Service

Light Gardening SAME Cooking Dinner CLEANER EVERY Washings (home) TIME Ironing (home or away) Daily, weekly or monthly shop (incl. putting it away De-cluttering Housekeeping/ home help & local key holding service

Vet

• Alliance: 01389 752 038 • Alexandria: 01389 752 012 • Balloch: 01389 752 476 • Bellsmyre: 01389 768 818 • Bonhill: 01389 722 822 • Boots: 01389 763907 • Brucehill: 01389 742 384 • Cardross: 01389 841 999 • Greenhead: 01389 742225 • Kemps: 01389 762 598 • Lloyds: Station Rd. 01389 765 077 High St. 01389 762 359 • Marchbanks: 01389 752 914

Tourist Information Centre

Advertiser’s Index.................. 34 Advertisements...................... 35

www.domesticsolutionsbiz.co.uk domesticsolutionsirene@gmail.com

Bus and Coach

• Fire Brigade • Police • Ambulance • Coastguard • Mountain rescue • Cave rescue 0845 601 8855

What’s On.......................... 21–25 Nightlife.............................. 32-33

07787 838 951

999 or 112 for‌

Taxis • Wrights Taxis: 01389 721 020 • Co-op Taxis: 01389 753 376 • TOA Taxis: 01389 742 121

Airports • Glasgow: 0844 481 5555 • Edinburgh: 0844 448 8833 • Prestwick: 01292 479822

Libraries • Alexandria: 01389 608974 • Balloch: 01389 608989 • Dumbarton: 01389 608992

Locksmith • Keys Galore: 01436 675649 • 24-hour: 07718 197957

Get in touch Sales: 0141 433 1526 leigh@communityadvertiser.co.uk General: editor@communityadvertiser.co.uk Design: 07848 035 417 steve@communityadvertiser.co.uk

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Local News | APRIL 2016

Be a PuddLeJuMP hero LIKe arran

FUNDRAISER: Aaron Hunter with a photograph sent personally to him by Iron Man star Robert Downey Jnr, who strongly supports his campaign.

Alexandria youngster Aaron Hunter is putting the fun into fundraising with a novel way of raising cash for a worthy cause.

Aaron suffers from the rare and incurable condition ROHHAD, and waited more than two very anxious and difficult years waiting to find what was wrong with him, but is now happy to be the “front man” for his favourite charity.

Aaron’s personal message on the facebook page #�GOMADJumpForROHHAD, where he explains how to raise cash through the easy-to-do act of jumping over a puddle (these are never hard to find, most days) and asking someone to film you.

You’ll find a short video with

On that clip you’ll be audibly

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If enough people send their sponsored puddle-jump pictures to the facebook page the campaign could “go viral”, and give a major boost to the cause, helping to raise awareness of both the condition and the issues surrounding it.

It maybe goes without saying that a lot of training is required as well as a good level of fitness for the Big Stride.

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Every pound raised is pledged to the ROHHAD Association, through Kiltwalk after the event.

ROHHAD syndrome is a rare syndrome which causes previously normal healthy children to gain weight and have breathing difficulties, as well as other problems.

Aaron’s parents argue strongly that ROHHAD receives little attention internationally, and that people in the community can make a real difference.

Almost every child with ROHHAD syndrome is different as they vary in the timing of the onset of symptoms as well as the degree and range of features.

Meanwhile because it is rare it receives little of the attention given to better-known diseases and conditions.

Support for the cause locally began in style this month with a black tie dinner, and that set the pace for a special Kiltwalk endeavour on April 24th.

You’ll find the link for Team ROHHAD Association Avengers through the facebook page, and also details of what the ambitious fundraising walk in Glasgow aims to achieve – and how to take part yourself, if you feel up to it.

For more information about the charity and its objectives visit www.rohhadassociation.com Glasgow Kiltwalk Event – Team ROHHAD Association Avengers.

24 April, 2016 at 9am until team finish walking.

It can involve a full 26-mile slog, but when you log on you can choose anything from the Big Stride to the Wee Walk, with

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APRIL 2016 | Local News

three Cheers For gaMes of active opportunities for young people and leave a lasting legacy of school sport competition.”

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A massive local school sports tournament is said to be scoring points with literally hundreds of local youngsters in the area. badminton, girls’ football, netball and tennis, along with inter-school swimming galas for primary pupils.

The first year of the initiative is seen as crucial in the bid to stimulate interest in A total of 176 secondary and 1,464 primary pupils from schools healthy sports. across West Dunbartonshire were West Dunbartonshire Leisure last month said to have competed board member Councillor David in the year-long contest, launched McBride said: “It is fantastic that in October, with no less than 72 so many pupils have embraced school sport competitions and WD School Games in its events on the programme. inaugural year.

“We want to grow the number Sports include basketball, More than 1,600 pupils have already taken part in the first year of a groundbreaking interschool sport competition so far, with more events planned in the coming months.

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“It has been great to see pupils so keen to get involved over the past few months and kick-start the healthy habits of a lifetime.”

To find out more about WD School Games, and to stay up to date with how schools are placed on the leader board, visit the Active Schools website at www.west-dunbarton.gov. uk/leisure-parks-events/westdunbartonshire-leisure/activeschools/wd-school-games.

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Tony Waclawski, chairman of WD Leisure, said: “As well as encouraging friendly competition the Games will also help improve in-school sport, with vouchers for new equipment on offer to schools with the most points at the end of the year.

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Education services convener Councillor Michelle McGinty said: “WD School Games is a great chance for children to represent their school at all levels, whether they’re already a top athlete or are discovering a fun new sport for the first time.”

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14:32

Local News | APRIL 2016

It’s a Pets’ hoteL MILton The SSPCA have come up with what could be the perfect solution for local pet owners who are looking to go on their holiday.

The local SSPCA Milton centre is taking bookings for its kennelling service this year, but with summer not too distant the popularity of the scheme means places are going fast.

It’s reckoned the ideal option for anyone who needs to put their four-legged friend in reliable, safe care while they take a break – for whatever reason – away from home.

Assistant manager Adam Downs said, "Kennelling costs £15 per night per dog and includes food and bedding.

"Dogs are also exercised daily in our grass paddock during their stay.

“We still have some spaces left during the holidays and anyone wishing to make a booking should do so quickly.

“Booking can be made by calling

rehome animals – cats, dogs, rabbits and even exotic birds – never ceases.

The Milton staff stress that rescue pets are often the best pets – who wouldn’t be happy to move from an uncertain existence to a proper home? – and that people who take them to their hearts make the best owners.

Kennelling costs £15 per night per dog and includes food and bedding.

KENNEL: Animal care assistant Tracy May with Axel the staffie

us on 03000 999 999 or emailing boarding@scottishspca.org.”

Meanwhile the new service is seen as a good opportunity to highlight the fact that for many animals at the centre there’s currently no loving home to return to, and the effort to

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You can visit the centre seven days a week, although it’s best to phone first to get a broad idea of just what animals are currently in need of a home, and how the system operates.

Staff will explain the rehoming process in detail, giving you all the information you need to decide if this is the right route for you.

Call 03000 999 999 for details, and for more on the SSPCA visit www.scottishspca.org

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APRIL 2016 | Local News

MaPPIng out the Future Dumbarton East Group

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BALLOCH: Balloch Castle is one of the topics of debate about the plans for the future of Balloch

Could Balloch Castle and the surrounding local country park in which it is set become real 21st century attractions at the heart of local life?

The theme of a recent series of special workshops on the future of the town was “What’s your vision for Balloch?” and reports suggest that for some local residents Balloch Castle is a clear front runner for improvements leading to better use.

Dozens of residents gave their views on a wide variety of issues, as seen from the local perspective, in an exercise that also tried to find how Balloch can be better

connected to the wider Vale of Leven to act as an economic hub, - one that obviously has the capacity to make the most of ever-expanding tourism and event opportunities.

Meanwhile partners Scottish Enterprise, the council and the National Park have been meeting local school pupils to find what the younger generation think of their area, and how they would like to see it develop.

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And a meeting with local businesses, including a wide range of representatives from independent retailers to leisure operators, inevitably centred on practicalities and priorities.

Making better use of Balloch Castle, Balloch Country Park and improved signage directing people to visitor attractions are reckoned among the strongest topics for discussion After the meeting at the National Park headquarters an informal drop-in session and further evening workshop were staged, with the focus shifting to how to deliver the vision.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, the council’s regeneration chief, said: “It is great that the workshops are now underway and I’m sure there will be some excellent discussion over the coming weeks which will help to shape the future of Balloch.

“I look forward to seeing the action plan that will be established once the charrette is complete.”

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Local News | APRIL 2016

the MoWer the MerrIer A Drymen family business is donating £5 to a key local rescue service every time it sells a lawnmower.

among a number of local charities to seek this partnership, and Stuart Ballantyne from the charity was delighted at the news.

We have set ourselves the challenge of creating real value for a charity this year...

Drymen based family business Fraser C Robb has just announced a charity partnership for 2016, with Trossachs Search and Rescue, and the Mountfield mower bonus is part of the deal.

Fraser C Robb sell, hire and service garden and agricultural equipment for customers all over Scotland and has supported many local charities over its 40-year history.

However company founder Fraser Robb said he wanted to go a step further this year, and do something guaranteed to make a positive impact on behalf of a worthy local cause.

The search and rescue operation seemed the ideal choice for someone living and working in the local area.

He said: “We have set ourselves the challenge of creating real value for a charity this year. As

MOUNTAIN RESCUE: Fraser, centre, with three of the Trossachs team and their lovable search and rescue dogs.

well as donating funds we want to help a good cause in whatever way we can.

“We’re happy to offer practical support in addition to some exciting fundraising initiatives - we’ve got a number of ideas that will involve our staff and customers”.

Trossachs Search and Rescue were

He said: “Right from the first meeting we have seen the enthusiasm from Fraser C Robb and are looking forward to working with them throughout the year.”

Fraser said: “Speaking to Trossachs Search & Rescue and hearing about their CPR classes we immediately signed up to one for all of our team, and will be arranging another to offer to our customers.

“We are pleased also to have already helped them with maintenance of their mobile medical unit vehicle and are planning a number of fundraising activities throughout the year”.

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kettleful of simmering toads, with weird effect. Roderigo rent his chains asunder manfully, and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic, with a wild, "Ha! Ha!" "It's the best we've had yet," said Meg, as the dead villain sat up and rubbed his elbows.

"I don't see how you can write and act such splendid things, Jo. You're a regular Shakespeare!" exclaimed Beth, who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius in all things.

"Not quite," replied Jo modestly. "I do think The Witches Curse, an Operatic Tragedy is rather a nice thing, but I'd like to try Macbeth, if we only had a trapdoor for Banquo. I always wanted to do the killing part. 'Is that a dagger that I see before me?" muttered Jo, rolling her eyes and clutching at the air, as she had seen a famous tragedian do.

"No, it's the toasting fork, with Mother's shoe on it instead of the bread. Beth's stage-struck!" cried Meg, and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter.

"Glad to find you so merry, my girls," said a cheery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall, motherly lady with a 'can I help you' look about her which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world.

"Well, dearies, how have you got on today? There was so much to do, getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow, that I didn't come home to dinner. Has anyone called, Beth? How is your cold, Meg? Jo, you look tired to death. Come and kiss me, baby."

While making these maternal inquiries Mrs. March got her wet things off, her warm slippers on, and sitting down in the easy chair, drew Amy to her lap, preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day. The girls flew about, trying to make things comfortable, each in her own way. Meg arranged the tea table, Jo brought wood and set chairs, dropping, over-turning, and clattering everything she touched. Beth trotted to and fro between parlor kitchen, quiet and busy, while Amy gave directions to everyone, as she sat with her hands folded.

As they gathered about the table, Mrs. March said, with a particularly happy face, "I've got a treat for you after supper."

A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine. Beth clapped her hands, regardless of the biscuit she held, and Jo tossed up her napkin, crying, "A letter! A letter! Three cheers for Father!"

"Yes, a nice long letter. He is well, and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared. He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and an especial message to you girls," said Mrs. March, patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there.

"Hurry and get done! Don't stop to quirk your little finger and simper over your plate, Amy," cried Jo, choking on her tea and dropping her bread, butter side down, on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat.

Beth ate no more, but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come, till the others were ready.

"I think it was so splendid in Father to go as chaplain when he was too old to be drafted, and not strong enough for a soldier," said Meg warmly.

"Don't I wish I could go as a drummer, a vivan—what's its name? Or a nurse, so I could be near him and help him," exclaimed Jo, with a groan.

"It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad-tasting things, and drink out of a tin mug," sighed Amy. "When will he come home, Marmee?" asked Beth, with a little quiver in her voice.

"Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick. He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can, and we won't ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared. Now come and hear the letter."

They all drew to the fire, Mother in the big chair with Beth at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair, and Jo leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching. Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home. In this one little was said of the hardships endured, the dangers faced, or the homesickness conquered. It was a cheerful, hopeful letter, full of lively descriptions of camp life, marches, and military news, and only at the end did the writer's heart over-flow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home.

"Give them all of my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women."

Everybody sniffed when they came to that part. Jo wasn't ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mother's shoulder and sobbed out, "I am a selfish girl! But I'll truly try to be better, so he mayn't be disappointed in me by-and-by."

SA

Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn't like it. Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her 'Little Miss Tranquility', and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze.

"They are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair."

"I thought I'd get her some with my dollar," said Beth.

"No, I shall!" cried Amy. "I'm the oldest," began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided, "I'm the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone."

"I'll tell you what we'll do," said Beth, "let's each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves."

"That's like you, dear! What will we get?" exclaimed Jo. Everyone thought soberly for a minute, then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, "I shall give her a nice pair of gloves.

"Army shoes, best to be had," cried Jo. "Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed," said Beth.

"I'll get a little bottle of cologne. She likes it, and it won't cost much, so I'll have some left to buy my pencils," added Amy. "How will we give the things?" asked Meg. "Put them on the table, and bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don't you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?" answered Jo. "I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles," said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time.

"Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg. There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night," said Jo, marching up and down, with her hands behind her back, and her nose in the air.

"I don't mean to act any more after this time. I'm getting too old for such things," observed Meg, who was as much a child as ever about 'dressing-up' frolics.

"You won't stop, I know, as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down, and wear gold-paper jewelry. You are the best actress we've got, and there'll be an end of everything if you quit the boards," said Jo. "We ought to rehearse tonight.

Come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene, for you are as stiff as a poker in that."

"I can't help it. I never saw anyone faint, and I don't choose to make myself all black and blue, tumbling flat as you do. If I can go down easily, I'll drop. If I can't, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful. I don't care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol," returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece.

"Do it this way. Clasp your hands so, and stagger across the room, crying frantically, 'Roderigo! Save me! Save me!'" and away went Jo, with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling.

Amy followed, but she poked her hands out stiffly before her, and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery, and her "Ow!" was more suggestive of pins being run into her than of fear and anguish. Jo gave a despairing groan, and Meg laughed outright, while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest. "It's no use! Do the best you can when the time comes, and if the audience laughs, don't blame me. Come on, Meg." Then things went smoothly, for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break. Hagar, the witch, chanted an awful incantation over her

O

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L I T T L E W O M E N

EST

by Louisa May Alcott adapted by Peter Clapham

Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton • Wed 27-Sat 30 April

Curtain up 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm), Tickets £5 available from Club Members, McDermid's Keystore, by emailing dumbartonpeoplestheatre@outlook.com or at the Box Office.

1988 FREEPHONE: 0800 980 7474 VALE OF LEVEN IND. EST - DUMBARTON G82 3PD TEL: 01389 757474 • FAX: 01389 759917

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk |

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APRIL 2016 | Local business

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Loch Lomond and surrounding towns are on the rise as one of Scotland’s foodie hot-spots, offering cheffy stars, a brilliant natural larder and a growing collection of inspiring food stories.

Now the Love Loch Lomond organisation which promotes the Loch Lomond, Strathendrick, West Dunbartonshire and Clyde Sea lochs area as a must-see, yearround quality destination has joined forces with the National Park to launch a new magazine called ‘Taste’ Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “We are blessed with world class natural produce in the Park from venison and salmon to cheeses and whisky, as well as many talented producers and entrepreneurial chefs. For those passionate about food and drink there has never been a better time to visit, and we hope that Taste Magazine will inspire visitors and residents to seek out local specialities and encourage businesses to use local products within their own offers.”

Building on the success of 2015 as the Year of Food & Drink, and

to celebrate our local culinary heritage Taste magazine gives an introduction to some of the excellent food and drink offers that are available in and around the National Park.

To request a copy of the magazine email taste@ lochlomond-trossachs.org

Gordon adds: “ Within the pages of this handy magazine, readers will discover fantastic local producers, and how passionate and committed they are about what they do, find out where to try and buy great local produce such as venison and lamb, learn about some of the food festivals that take place in and around the Park throughout the year, get suggestions for a wonderful picnic spot, and many more foodie stories.”

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8 | To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

stICKIng WIth suCCess A top-performing Balloch newsagent has won a coveted national trade title for its amazing array of collectable stickers.

we’re proud of – our selection of 25 different flavours of ice cream.�

Whether it’s the most soughtafter images from Star Wars, football, Moshi Monsters or any of a dozen other popular subjects, the business has established a niche as the country’s best place to find that elusive special item.

And its success won the shop the title of Collectable Retailer of the Year 2016 from the Scottish Grocer Magazine – which covers everything from newsagents to supermarkets and convenience stores across the whole of Scotland.

Following on from “highly commended� results over the last couple of years the achievement amounts to final recognition that if collectables are your thing you don’t need to go farther than the Vale, and Loch Lomond News.

Owner Andrew Howell was delighted to collect the award

TOP AWARD: Local shop owner, Andrew Howell, has collected two top awards for his great shop in Balloch.

at a glittering awards ceremony attended by hundreds of guests at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel.

He said: “It’s something we saw as a gap in the market that could be filled, and great we’ve been recognised in this way by a trade magazine that deals with so many different businesses, large and small. “It encourages people to visit the shop, where they find we also have an excellent selection of magazines and – another thing

...we also have an excellent selection of magazines and – another thing we’re proud of – our selection of 25 different flavours of ice cream.

Of course sales of ice cream are, as Andrew admits, “weather dependent�, but on good days in peak season this aspect is hugely popular with both local residents and the many visitors to the area.

The collectables award highlights the fact that a top-performing newsagent will do significantly more than sell the usual wellknown newspapers, confectionery and so on, and can – as in this case – even aspire to be the best in its field in a particular sector.

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APRIL 2016 | Local News

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BOAT: Maid of the Loch will again host some great events over the spring and summer.

Volunteers who want to see a famous steamboat paddle Loch Lomond once again are set for a busy spring and summer. the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, the charity that owns the Maid, said: “This is a landmark event for us. It is almost exactly 20 years since the charity took ownership of the Maid, and we are now able to start work on The first contract was signed in an returning this unique ship back ever-growing list that will see the into steam operating condition.

“This is a major investment for iconic vessel fully restored to her Loch Lomond.” former aquatic glory.

The tourism potential of the Maid of the Loch is obvious, as confirmed by the fact VisitScotland chief Mike Cantlay was on hand to congratulate the team on a very special day recently..

John Beveridge, founder of

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of OSD-IMT Ltd. The marine design firm to win the first contract, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the Loch Lomond Steamship Company with this exciting and challenging project, and look forward to assisting them in returning Maid of the Loch to operation.”

Rescued from dereliction at Balloch in 1996 the restored Maid became a two star visitor attraction in 2001, and draws around 15,000 visitors every summer – and is on course for the final objective.

Mike Cantlay said: “During this Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, we are highlighting and celebrating examples of Scotland’s rich engineering legacy as well as icons of innovation across many fields.

The ‘Maid of the Loch’ is certainly one of those so I am very much looking forward to seeing the completion of this exciting restoration project.”

Now the battle is on to raise £1.7million in order to lever a further £3.8 million in lottery funds.

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Local News | APRIL 2016

FouLIng Just got PrICeY

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wardens has proved insufficient to make much of an impact, and local parks along with many others across Scotland are still often blighted with filth that ruins public spaces and puts health at risk.

RIGHT THING: Councillor David McBride (centre) and Litter Control Assistants Kevin Ward (left) and Jim Kyle (right) remind residents to Do The Right Thing and pick up after their dog.

This month marks the start of a new effort to crack down on the persistent antisocial menace posed by dog mess in West Dunbartonshire.

A new higher fixed penalty of £80 has been introduced for dog fouling, a move which follows a consultation in which most people said they support a stiffer fine for offences. The move has been made possible due to a change in legislation to bring the fixed penalty for dog fouling up to £80, in line with litter.

It follows a Scottish Government exercise in which the majority of

responders made it clear they’re behind the idea of a penalty that could make a difference.

Councillors say they know most people find dog dirt revolting, and want something done to get it under control.

The steeper fine follows on from a local awareness exercise, meaning there’s no real excuse for getting it wrong.

It seems the £40 fine levied by

Now it’s hoped a much larger fine will make persistent offenders think twice before refusing to clean up after their pets.

The council says it’s determined to improve the local environment, and that its Do The Right Thing campaign helped to reduce litter by up to a third in some locations.

Meanwhile nearly three quarters of residents said they’d seen an improvement since the campaign began.

But dog mess is one of the oldest and most persistent urban problems, and it remains to be seen if an £80 penalty will really make a difference.

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APRIL 2016 | Local News

heLensBurgh gets LoCaL CIneMa March 25th, 2016: The Tower Digital Arts Centre today announced that it is opening a cinema in Helensburgh on the 15th April which will show the latest cinema releases.

The Tower, a local charity which was formed in 2014, will be opening two digital cinema screens inside the converted church complex building which is located on the corners of Sinclair and West King Streets in the heart of the town.

The Centre, which recently opened the only Apple Authorised Training Centre in the West of Scotland as well as becoming the home for University of the Highlands and Islands (creative industries courses commence April 18th) in Helensburgh, was recently reclassified as a class 11 site (Entertainment centre) enabling it to offer the latest films.

Helensburgh which has a long and strong association with film makers and actors (Deborah Kerr, The Clyde Family, Mary Ure & Tom Vaughan to name a few), had its last cinema ‘La Scala’ close in 1980. Over the years there have been unsuccessful

attempts to raise grants and secure government funds for a new cinema. The Tower has raised all of the funds required from corporate sponsorships and social loans. Over the past 12 months the new arts centre has hosted live theatre, national orchestras, ballets, traditional musicians and bands, and created new events as well introducing streamed live events from the National Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, Met and Royal Opera and in doing so built up a local following of over 8,000 who've come through its doors.

The Tower is the main supplier of cinema services to the Royal Navy and will offer special screenings for mothers and babies, retirees, seniors and silver screeners and will operate weekend matinees for children.

The Centre plans to be open seven days 10 until 10 and is recruiting ushers and front of house staff to coincide with the official cinema opening.

Late News

For details about employment opportunities see www.facebook. com/TheTowerHelensburgh.

The Tower recent signed its first exhibition agreement with Walt Disney films and will be screening their latest blockbuster ‘The Jungle Book’ from its international release date the 15th of April. The Gala opening of these new community assets will also be the start date for ten new employees at The Tower who will be joining the volunteers and Friends of the Tower at the opening. A full schedule of the films on offer can be seen at the www.TowerCinema.org.

‘We will be scheduling the latest films and are working with the groups in the town to deliver appropriate content to all groups in the area’ said Nicola Jamieson The Tower’s General Manager. ‘The Tower is evolving into a hub for the town’s digital, cultural & learning organisations and the new Cinemas are a very important part of that’ she added.

Tuesday 5th Army Reserves Open Evening Latta Street, Dumbarton 6pm, We would like to invite you to attend an open evening, promoting the Army Reserves at D company 7SCOTS. The evening will highlight how personal training offered by the Army Reserves can benefit employers, with qualifications and transferable skills. During the evening demonstrations of our equipment will be ongoing with soldier displays. If you are an employer or an individual interested in what the Army Reserves could do for you please come along and find out more. @7SCOTS on Twitter Follow 7 SCOTS on Facebook

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12 | To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

APRIL 2016 | Local News

What's Up Doc? with Dr Nick Dunn This month:

Figures now available show more than 4,500 visits were made since October, and that many people are using the library more often.

The latest addition to West Dunbartonshire’s mobile library service has received more than 4,500 visits in just four months.

The book-bus can carry over 2,000 items for loan and is stocked with a wide range of adult and children's fiction, non-fiction books, large print books and talking books.

The mobile library service has around 12,000 users per year, when you take into account

all the local schoolchildren borrowing books from a second, schools library bus.

In 2014 the service issued more than 52,000 books and audio visual materials, and lending has shot up by 130 per cent in five years.

Customers can request any item held in West Dunbartonshire Libraries free of charge.

If you are not already a library member but would like to join the library you can do so, just bring along proof of name and address to the mobile library or any branch library.

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If you would like to come and speak to one of our dedicated wedding team please contact us on 01389 850263 or email info@thecruin.com

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In Scotland we eat or drink three times the recommended amount of sugar, increasing risks of obesity and tooth decay. Scotland has the second highest rate of obesity in Europe, and can lead

to diabetes, heart disease, premature death and even some cancers, costing the NHS around £500 million every year. Sugary drinks are a common source of sugar intake, and research shows that taxing these drinks could reduce the numbers of obese people in Scotland by 27,000. Sugar taxes have already been introduced in many other countries such as France, Australia and America.

When the carrier bag charge was first introduced it was criticised, but it has been very effective in reducing wasteful use of bags. The sugar tax may seem a small step, but may help us create a healthier image of Scotland!

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Last month the Chancellor’s announcement of a sugar tax was met with negative headlines in Scotland, including “The Irn Chancellor”, “Shares in Irn Bru plummet” and “Irn Brute”.

The suggestion was that this would penalise Scots unfairly, focussing on Scotland’s “other national drink”.

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Local News | APRIL 2016

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APRIL 2016 | Advertising Feature

GOLF’S THE TONIC TO KEEP YOU With nearly everything being a young person’s game these days, this bus pass equipped hack would like to sing the praises of senior golf (writes Nick Cowie) It may not keep you looking younger - but you’ll certainly feel it.

Older members may not always be the best players but they are very keen and nobody says anything when you completely miss the ball.

And with golf club membership down 15% in Scotland, we are the lifeblood of the clubs these days.

I read an excellent golf feature by my former colleague Colin Dunne recently. A late recruit to the game himself, he memorably described his playing pals as: “ A shambling tribe limping up the hill. It’s hard not to laugh.

Helmets with ear-flaps like Russian generals, padded jackets like Michelin men, trousers that end just before the knee, the odd tantalising glimpse of long-john

and waterproofs that would see you round the Horn in a force 10.

‘They look like the Light Brigade,’ I heard one man say. ‘On the way back.’ “ Seniors, they are called in the world of golf or, as the less generous put it, old gits. Old gits we may be but I think our time has come.”

Colin as ever is spot on because the fairways during the week as far as I can see are populated by

saviour. I took it up half a century too late to make the Walker Cup team. Indeed my ambition now is to lose no more than a couple of balls per round. But The youngsters with their fancy twice a week, or more, it gets me gear and single figure handicaps out for a five mile walk which, I may set the fairways alight at assure you who haven’t tried it, is the weekend, but on weekdays, even on cold and frosty mornings, definitely enhanced by chasing a small white ball across heath and breath swirling round them in heather. white clouds , the oldies are Your playing there stamping their feet eager, companions may despite frustrations, failings, and once have been the occasional heart attack to have another go at beating their powerful men of handicap. Many have excelled business, in their time at football, rugby teachers, or hockey but are now confined to the touchlines and the telly.

Golf however is the oldies great sporting gentlemen and ladies of a certain age undaunted by new hips, knees, wind, rain and occasionally snow.

Family Packages Starting From

£

More than Golf

272

.50

for a family of 4

Start playing golf today...

W t’s On ...

• Open Competitions for every category • Entertainments throughout the month • 4 hole practice area with access to PGA professional coaching. + Much more

...at Dumbarton Golf Club

16 | To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

FUNCTION ROOM HIRE AVAILABLE

Get in contact now for more information 01389 765995 dumbartongolfclub.co.uk secretary@dumbartongolfclub.co.uk Dumbarton Golf Club Overburn Avenue, Broadmeadow G82 2BQ

Advertising Feature | APRIL 2016

FOREVER YOUNG... electricians, policemen, even the odd politician or judge. In this area many have served queen and country on, or under, the high seas. No one cares, you stand united in the ever frustrating obsession of guiding a wee ball into a hole safe in the knowledge that there’s a defibrillator in the club house. Some do play, they claim, for health reasons, which is odd as golf is a sport fuelled almost entirely by rolls and sausages.

But it is certainly well proven that golf

is good for your mental health.

We seniors can forget where we put our spectacles, car keys and occasionally our children’s names, but that round five years ago when we came in ten under par, we can, and believe me given half a chance,,we will, recount every shot in loving detail.

You’ll also have something in common with the President of the United States of America. . Mr Obama told an interviewer: “It’s a game that I keep on thinking I should be good at but somehow the ball goes this way and that way and never goes straight.”

Well Mr Prez, this extraordinary ability of a golf ball to start off in the right direction and then start to turn like an airborne banana may be one of the lesser known

facts of the laws of aerodynamics, but it is intimately known by every hack golfer.. The club can cut across the ball causing it to spin. For a pro this is wonderful, they can shape the most beautiful shots. For the club high handicapper however it always turns the wrong way - especially if water is involved.

But really, it is a great game whether you are eight or eighty.

Come and join us, you’ll be the better for it.

FANTASTIC

DEALS Fantastic deals in all categories available! Call the club for more information on these great offers.

MEMBERSHIPS FROM

£30.00 per month!

Call us to find out more

Call: O1389 752351 Email: secretary@volgc.org Northfield Road, Alexandria

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 17

Rock

and

Strollers

A safe but very effective post natal exercise class for mums of all fitness levels incorporating baby in buggy

Our instructor is fully qualified in ante/post natal exercise

“It got me out the house with my baby*... no sitter needed”

“It’s great to be in the company of like minded mums”

The Meadow Sports Centre, Dumbarton Tuesdays 11.30am-12.30pm Tel 01389 734094

* Babies must be 12 weeks old +

www.wdleisure.net Company No. SC413707 VAT Registration No. GB 129 7502 04 Charity No: SC042999

u o Y w e N , m u M w Ne ts n a w t a th m u m w e n a u o y re A r? e m im tr r, ie h lt a e h r, e tt fi to be

New Mum New You is a FREE fun and interactive post natal programme.

Programme Information

Starts Thursday 21st April

CLYDEBANK

The Hub Community Centre 10.00am-11.30am

• meet new mums • fun exercise sessions • nutrition, health and wellbeing information • no need for childcare - bring baby in buggy • fully qualified post natal instructors

DUMBARTON

The Concord Community Centre 10.00am-11.30am & 1.00pm-2.30pm

If you would like to find out more about this programme please call: 01389 757806 or email: leisureservicesadmin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Company No. SC413707 VAT Registration No. GB 129 7502 04 Charity No: SC042999

THE TOWER

Cinema With Soul

“A FANTASTIC CONVERSION OF A FANTASTIC BUILDING INTO A FANTASTIC ASSET FOR THE COMMUNITY” Our two screen cinemas have been built into an architectural gem from 1861 to provide the discerning movie-goer an unrivalled experience, host the very best world, independent, British and event cinema.

BECO ME A MEMB ER AN D ENJOY GREAT SAVIN GS!

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG)

EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG)

ANOMALISA (15)

HIGH- RISE (15)

COURT (PG)

@TheTowerHQ TheTowerHelensburgh The

Box Office: 01436 820 369

www.TowerCinema.org www.helensburghboxoffice.com 79-81 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, Argyll, G84 8TR

What's On...

YOUR DEFINITIVE EVENTS DIARY FOR the Dumbarton & Vale Of Leven AREA.

LITTLE WOMEN @ DPT More info on page 26

FRI

1

APR

FREE MICROCHIPPING FOR DOGS West Dumbarton Activity Centre The Jungle Book Premiere The Tower, Sinclair Street, Helensburgh

FRI

29 APR

Photography COmpetition Longcrags Community Centre

Email next month's events by Friday 8th April to editor@communityadvertiser.co.uk

FRI

15 APR

APRIL 2016 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Community Sports Programme

Friday 1st Suffragette Concord Community Cinema 7:30pm, Starring Carey Mulligan and Anne-Marie Duff as foot soldiers of the early feminist movement. concordcommunitycinema@hotmail.com Free Microchipping for Dogs West Dumbarton Activity Centre, Brucehill, Dumbarton 10am-2pm, The Charity DOGS TRUST have extended their campaign and will now be offering microchipping free of charge which will be compulsory from April 2016. www.heyevent.uk A Blast from the Past St Augustine’s Church, Dumbarton 7:30pm, Ghislaine and Ricky Kennedy will present an evening of music and songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s. On the bill will be the Allsorts Choir, Stewart McWilliams, the Rockabillies and a few surprises. Refreshments at the interval or B.Y.O.B. Dress up in the period and enjoy some jive.

Church Office on 01389 734514.

Ready, Steady, Kick (1.5-3yrs)

Games Only (5-8yrs)

Mini Kickers (3-4yrs)

Player Development (9-14yrs)

FRI (10-11am): Alexandria Community Centre

MON (4-5pm): Brucehill Activity Centre / WED (3:30-4:30pm) & FRI (11am-12pm): Alexandria CC / FRI (3:30-4:30pm): Dalmuir CC / SAT (1011am): Our Lady & St Patrick's SAT (10-11am): Dumbarton Academy / SAT (9-10am): Playdrome / SUN (10:30-11:30am): Antonine Sports Centre

Ready, Steady, Go! (3-4yrs)

Black Tie Ball Dumbuck House 7:30pm-1am, To raise funds for Rohhad Association this fun filled night including games, raffles, tumble and surprise celebrity guests. www.rohhadassociation.com West Dunbartonshire Community Music Group Ben View Resource Centre, Strathleven Place, Dumbarton 7:30pm, Workshop for beginners.

Tutoring course for a period of 6 weeks for acoustic guitar, classical guitar, clarinet, flute and tin whistle. bmilcairns@hotmail.co.uk (Weekly, except last Friday in the month)

MON (4-5pm) & TUE (1:30-2:30pm): Alexandria Community Centre

Ready, Steady, Roll!

TUE (1.5-3yrs: 10:30-11:10am & 3-5yrs: 11:15am-12pm): Meadow Centre / WED (3-5yrs:1:30-2:15pm): Playdrome / THU: (1.5-3yrs: 1-1:40pm & 3-5yrs:1:45-2:30pm): Alexandria CC / THU: Meadow Centre: (3.5yrs: 5-5:45pm) / FRI: Meadow Centre: (1.5-3yrs: 12:30-1:10pm & 3-5yrs: 1:15-2pm)

Athletics – Run, Jump & Throw (5-11yrs) MON (6-7pm): Vale of Leven / WED (6-7pm): Playdrome / THU (6-7pm): Meadow Sports Centre,

Badminton

TUE: (5-11yrs: 6-7pm & 12-16yrs: 7-8pm): Dumbarton Academy / FRI (5-11yrs: 6-7pm): Alexandria CC

Basketball (8-11yrs)

ade I have m friends w many ne te walk minu & this 45 e highlight is now th ek.” e of my w

Walkto Fitter

We feel NO NEED TO BOOK

TERM 1 ENDS SUN 3 APR TERM 2 BEGINS MON 18 APR

MON (6-7pm): Vale of Leven Academy

Netball (8-11yrs)

THU (8-11yrs: 4.30-5.30pm): Alexandria Community Centre

Football

TUE: (7-8yrs: 4-5pm / 9-10yrs: 5-6pm). WED (5-6yrs: 4.30-5:30pm) & 6-7yrs: 5:30-6:30pm / THU: 5-6yrs: 3:30-4:30pm: Alexandria CC / FRI (5-9yrs: 5:30-6:30pm): Our Lady & St Patrick's / FRI (5-6yrs: 4:30-5:30pm & 7-9yrs: 5:30-6:30pm): Dalmuir CC / SAT (5-6yrs: 11am-12pm): Dumbarton Aca. / SAT: (5-7yrs: 10-11am & 8-10yrs: 11am-12pm): Playdrome / SUN (5-6yrs: 11:30am12:30pm): Antonine Sports Centre

TUE (5-6pm): Playdrome

MON (4:30-6pm): VoL Academy

Futsal (8-12yrs)

TUE (6-7pm): Alexandria Community Centre / WED (7-8pm): Meadow Centre / FRI (6.307.30pm): Dalmuir CC

Girls' Football

THU (5-7yrs: 3:30-4:30pm & 8-12yrs: 5:30-6:30pm): Concord CC

Goal Keeping

MON (8-11yrs: 7-7:50pm & 1218yrs: 8-8:50pm): Our Lady & St Patrick's High School

Disability Football

WED (5-12yrs: 6-7pm) & THU: (13-19yrs: 8-9pm): Dumbarton Academy

Gymnastics

MON (5-7yrs: 5-6pm, 5-7yrs: 6-7pm & 8-10yrs: 7-8pm): Vale of Leven Academy / TUE (5-7yrs: 5-6pm) & (8-10yrs: 6-7pm): Our Lady & St Patrick’s High School / WED (5-7yrs: 3:15-4:15pm, 5-7yrs: 4:15-5:15pm, 8-10yrs: 5:15-6:15pm): Antonine Sports Centre / THU (5-7yrs: 5-6pm, 8-10yrs: 6-7pm & 8-10yrs: 7-8pm): Vale of Leven Academy / THU (5-10yrs: 6-7pm, 11-14yrs: 7-8pm) / FRI (5-7yrs: 4-5pm): Meadow Sports Centre

Adult Classes Ladies' Football (16+)

WED (8-9pm): Alexandria CC

Jog Scotland (16+)

TUE (6:30pm): Concord CC / THU (6.30pm): Alexandria CC

Swimming

MON (9:30-10:15am): Meadow Centre TUE (12:15-1pm & 7:15-8pm): The Playdrome WED (7:30-8:15pm): Vale of Leven Swimming Pool All weekly classes. www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk or www. wdleisure.net

01389 757806

Special Offer

Meet 10.20am, every Wednesday @ Balloch Tourist Information Centre

Photo Shoot only £100* Top Quality Materials Print Wraps Gallery Quality Canvases High Quality Aluminum Images

Contact eian.barrie63@gmail.com or 07748 135 599 cathy.scott@lochlomond-trossachs.org or 01877 330 055

tel: 01389 606 519 • mob: 07917 323 534 email: wushu@blueyonder.co.uk Brian Mcgougan Photography

22 | To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

All post produced shots will be provided at high resolution on a disc and are copyright free

What's On Calendar | APRIL 2016 Springfest Loch Lomond Shores 10am, Delicious jam-packed weekend of fun & food. lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk (Also runs Sunday 3rd) Balloch Run n Park Balloch Park Gates, Balloch Road 9:30am, Stay in shape and meet new people. www.lomond-trossachs.org Family Fun Sessions West Dunbartonshire Museum 10-11:15am, Arts, crafts and games. Weekly. 0141 526 2400

Friday 1st The Tower Cinema April Screenings The Tower, Helensburgh FRI 1: Capture the Flag (TBC) / SAT 2: Madama Butterfly Live on Screen / SUN 3: Ian McLeod 30th Anniversary Show / MON 4: Jonas Kaufman - An Evening with Puccini / WED 6: Giselle Live Royal Ballet / FRI 8: Grimsby (TBC) / SAT 9: Calamity Jane / SUN 10: Don Quixote / TUE 12: Painting The Modern Garden: Monet To Matisse / THU 14: A Night in Bohemia Queen - 1975 Hammersmith Concert / FRI 15: The Jungle Book (2016) / SAT 16: Roberto Devereux : Live on Screen. www.thetoweronline.com

Saturday 2nd Kelpie Driftwood Lomond Shores Entrance Foyer 10am, Hand-crafted woodwork sale. www.lochlomondshores.com (Also Saturday 16th) Weekend Wildlife Walk with RSPB Loch Lomond 11am-12:30pm, Take in all the signs of spring. 01389 830670 loch.lomond@rspb.org.uk

Lomond Flea Market Lomond Galleries, Alexandria 10am-3pm, 2nd hand, antiques, vintage and crafts. www.lochlomondfleamarket.co.uk (Every Saturday)

Sunday 3rd H&WD Ramblers Meet at Helensburgh Pool, departing 9:30am SUN 3: A walk around Kippen / SAT 9: Rosneath Peninsula Ridge Walk / SUN 10: Loch Venachar Circuit / SAT 16: Beinn Eich, Cruach an t-Sithein and Dounce Hill / SUN 17: Dalmoak Circular Walk / SAT 23: Gleniffer Braes, Paisley. No dogs. Call 01389 731953 or visit www.hwdramblers.me.uk Farmers Market Loch Lomond Shores 10am, An array of quality, locally sourced produce. melissa@lochlomondshores.com (1st and 3rd Sunday)

Monday 4th Drakes of Hazard Dog & Duck Show Loch Lomond Shores 12pm, 1:30pm & 3pm, Mark Wylie with his sheepdog and duck display team will be here with their crowd-pleasing performances. lochlomondshores.com (Also on Friday 15th)

entre st Visitor C-4 re o F e g d o L 10am pms, Th e ay rch & April, lid Ma Open dailynd, 25th-28th March & Easter ho ke -5pm Easter wee ril open 10am 2nd-17th Ap

Come to The Lodge this Spring and follow our bee themed trail down to the waterfall, come and have an adventure in our very own “Hundred Acre Wood”, play pooh sticks and enjoy some honey treats in the Lodge cafe. Watch wonderful wildlife from our hide, visit The Lodge Shop and enjoy the views from The Lodge Cafe.

Call The Lodge on 0300 067 6615 or email: the lodge@forestry.gsi.gov.uk for more info.

www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp Follow us on

Sport Development Holiday Camp Various locations throughout West Dunbartonshire Football Camps MON 4-FRI 8: Vale of Leven Academy (9am-3pm, 9am-12pm & 12pm-3pm) / MON 11-FRI 15: Dumbarton Academy, (9am-3pm, 9am-12pm & 12-3pm) Minikickers (3 & 4yrs) MON 4-FRI 8: Vale of Leven Academy (9.30-10.30am) MON 11-FRI 15: Dumbarton Academy (1.30-2.30pm) Multi Sport Camp (5-12yrs) MON 4-FRI 8: St Peter the Apostle HS (9am-3pm) / MON 11-FRI 15: Vale of Leven Academy (9am3pm). www.wdlesuire.net 01389 765384 Clydebank Male Voice Choir Concert Our Lady & St Mark’s Ferry Loan, Bank Street, Alexandria 7:30pm, Live performance by a great male choir. www.clydebankmalevoicechoir.co.uk

Bellsmyre Development Trust – Regular Events The Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Rd, Dumbarton MON: Little Rascals (1.30-2.30pm), Monthly Book Club (6.30-7.30pm, Last Monday of the Month), Metafit (6:30-7pm), Pilates (7.308.30pm) / TUE: Myre Munchkins (3.30-4.30pm), The Cutty Kids (6-8pm) / WED: Little Rascals (9:30-11:30am), Zumba (7-8pm) / THU: Myre Munchkins (3.30-4pm), Myre Girls Group (6-8.30pm) / FRI: Senior Citizens Bingo Mornings (10:30am-12pm). www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Mousemates Computer Club Longcrags Community Centre 1:30-3:30pm, Computer club for the 50s +, weekly. 01389 767115 or mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Youth Club Drop in The Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Rd, Dumbarton 1:30-3:30pm, Only 50p for all kids aged 5yrs plus, tuck shop available. 01389 730111 (Running until Friday 8th) SCQF Level 5 IT Class Longcrags Community Centre 6:30-8:30pm, Gain an IT qualification recognised by employers, colleges and universities. 01389 767115 (Weekly)

AllAnder Flooring Allander Flooring is based in Mugdock Road Milngavie and has served the local community for many years.

Proprietor Ian Lavrie has more than forty years experience in the floor covering business and would be more than happy to assist you with all your flooring requirements.

The company specialises in all types of flooring from carpet through to solid wood floors.

We use all the main British manufacturers like Adam’s, Westex, Cormar and many more. Vusta is a new range of vinyl tile flooring that we have on display and is very

competitively priced as well as has a twenty five year guarantee.

So come along and visit us if you are considering any type of new floor covering and we will be more than happy to come and give you a free quote and any advice you may need.

Visit us at: 15 Mugdock Rd. Milngavie, Glasgow. G62 8PD, phone us on: 0141 956 6588 / 07983224228, email: info@ allander-flooring.co.uk or visit www.allander-flooring.co.uk

@LodgeAberfoyle

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 23

APRIL 2016 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events Tuesday 5th Langcraigs Hillwalking Club Meet Gilmour Street Car Park (Tuesdays: 7pm / Saturdays: 8am) TUE 5: Auchenheglish (Loch Lomond) / SAT 9: Leadhills / TUE 12: Carman Hill / TUE 19: Erskin / SUN 24: Beinn Odhar (Tyndrun) / TUE 26: Firkin Point.

Contact 01389 763662 or email langcraigshillwalkingclub@yahoo.co.uk Regal Storytellers Loch Lomond Shores 12pm, Meet Robert the Bruce and his Queen, Elizabeth de Burgh. www.lochlomondshores.com

Monday 4th National Pool Lifeguard Course Playdrome, Clydebank 9am-5:30pm, The NPLQ is an excellent starting point for anyone looking for a career in the leisure industry. 36 hours minimum requirement. A swim test is required before booking kirsty.mcelroy@west-dunbarton.gov. uk or 07870 870 579

Walking Football Alexandria Community Centre 10-11am, A slower version of the beautiful game. For more information please email

CHAINSAWS

DEALER & REPAIR CENTRE

STRIMMERS

19 East Princes Street, Helensburgh (just along from the train station) • TEL: 01436 676883

tel: 01389 734413 • mob: 07810 172 008

ENCE RI

PLASTERER

RS EA

Tuesday Lunches Riverside Church 12pm, Meet friends and enjoy home-made soup and filled rolls. www.dumbartonriverside.org.uk (Runs every Tuesday)

Thursday 7th Job Club Longcrags Community Centre 6:30-8pm, Professional advice and support. 01389 767115 (Weekly)

Ladies Badminton Riverside Church 9:30-11:30am, Call 07757944749.

(Runs every Tuesday & Thursday) Swimming Lessons Cameron House Hotel Tue: 4-5.30pm & Wed: 4-5:30pm, Non-members of the leisure club are welcome! scotland@swimtime.org Android Tablet Class Longcrags Community Centre 1:30-3:30pm, Popular informal class. For more information please call 01389 767115 (Weekly)

Wedneday 6th EXPE

DENIS CAIRNEY

30 Y

WALLS • CEILINGS & ARCHWAYS • CORNICE WORK • ARTEX REMOVAL

ROUGHCAST REMOVAL & REPAIR • INSURANCE WORK • FREE ESTIMATES

McGREGOR ROOFING

iPad Class Longcrags Community Centre 6:30-8pm, Make the most of your i-pad. mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk (Weekly)

Slating & Tiling > All Building Repairs

> >

Flat Roofs Built & Repaired > Leadwork

>

Exterior Painting carried out at very competitive prices!

Writer's Group Alexandria Library 6pm, Meet and share your work, weekly. 07922 833 472 (Laura) Iron Man & Captain America Loch Lomond Shores 1pm, Meet Iron Man and Captain America look-alikes, choose your side! www.lochlomondshores.com The Goddess Circle Tir Na Nog Holistic Centre, Near Drymen 6:45-8:15pm, An Enchanting evening to meet your own Inner Goddess. Guided Visualisation & Goddess Ceremony. 07884 050340 www.thenaturegoddess.co.uk

Used Car & Van Sales | Used Car Parts | Used Wheels & Tyres

DON’T JUST SCRAP YOUR CAR

RECYCLE IT!

All Joinery Work carried out on Eaves, etc. or replaced with new U.P.V.C. We replace damaged Guttering with Cast Iron or P.V.C.

Messy Racals The Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Rd, Dumbarton 10:15-11:45am, Messy play sessions. 0-4yrs. book in advance. allisondonnelly@bellsmyretrust.org.uk

HUBBARDS RECYCLING FACILITY G A R T O C H A R N

Freephone: 0800 959 6515 Mobile: 07979 273135 > >

A Wee Look Back 23 Concord Community Cinema 1:30pm, Archive film of the local area and further afield. £2.

All welcome. 07948611108

(Also runs Thu at the Concord Centre at 5.30-6.30pm)

Crochet Club Longcrags Community Centre 7-8:30pm, All skill levels and ages welcome. mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk (Runs every Tuesday) Rainbow Twisters Loch Lomond Shores 12pm, Face-painting, hair braids, glitter tattoos & balloons. www.lochlomondshores.com (Daily until Sunday 17th)

Drop-in Internet Cafe Longcrags Community Centre 10am-12pm, & 1.30-3.30pm, Modern computers & fast wi-fi.

Free. mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk

audrey.MacDonald@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Gateway Drop-in Activity Dumbarton Riverside Church 10:30am-12:30pm, Free for anyone to come in, games, fun & chat. www.dumbartonriverside.org.uk

TRADE, D.I.Y HIRE & SALES Everything you need to make your home/garden beautiful HEDGE TRIMMERS

Beginners Computer Class Longcrags Community Centre 10am-12pm, Learn how to use your PC or laptop. 01389 767115 or mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk (Runs Weekly)

Phone Jack or Julie on 01389 830319

INSTANT PAYMENT

For: Cars, Vans, Trucks, & Trailers D.V.L.A. Certificate of Destruction Supplied

ALL WORK GUARANTEED • FREE ADVICE & ESTIMATES

24 | To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

Too good to recycle? WE WILL BUY IT Cars, Vans, Trucks, Caravans & Trailers Anything considered, Any year make or condition

• WE BUY & SELL PROJECTS •

What's On Calendar | APRIL 2016

Saturday 9th Arttoon Loch Lomond Shores 12-4pm, Cartoon & caricaturist. www.lochlomondshores.com

Monday 11th Arts & Crafts Loch Lomond Shores 12pm, Free activities with the talented Rainbow Twisters. www.lochlomondshores.com Knit ’n’ Coffee Club Longcrags Community Centre 1-3pm, All levels welcome mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk (Weekly)

Friday 8th Our Kids Spring Fling Disco The Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Rd, Dumbarton 7-9pm, For all kids aged 5yrs plus. £3. allisondonnelly@bellsmyretrust.org.uk Dumbarton Acoustic Music Night St Augustines Music Night 7pm, Stray Potato, Katee Kross, Fiona Anderson, George Martin, along with many other performers on the night. For info call 07787 310 391 (Alistair).

West Dunbartonshire Community Music Project Ben View Resources Centre, Bonhill Road, Dumbarton 7:30-10pm, Get shown how to read music and be tutored in wind instruments. Weekly.

01389 606552 (Jim) Junior Badminton Club Riverside Church, Dumbarton 6.30-7.45pm, P5-7, come and try something new. 01389 742551 Astronomy Club Longcrags Community Centre 7-8:30pm, Friendly, dynamic club, meet people with your interests. open to all ages. 01389 767115 or mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk (Also Friday 22nd)

Dedication of Shelf to Margaret Harrison of Dumbarton Glasgow Women’s Library, Bridgeton, Glasgow 2-3pm, The Leven Litts Writers' Group of Alexandria, of which Margaret was a member for many years, will be reading a selection of Margaret’s poetry and prose in her memory on this first anniversary of her death.

Easter Camp The Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Rd, Dumbarton 8:30am-3pm, Days out, arts and crafts, movies and spring fling ticket. 5-12yrs £45 for the 4 days. allisondonnelly@bellsmyretrust.org.uk or 01389 730111 (Running until Thursday 14th)

Tuesday 12th

Thursday 14th Silverton & Overtoun Community Council Monthly Meeting Crosslet Centre, Dumbarton 7:30pm, Bring your local concerns, especially planning matters, for discussion and advice. Today is Community Council election day, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! rose@kosmoid.fsnet.co.uk

Dumbarton Church Together Family Ceilidh St Patrick's Church Hall, Strathleven Place 7:30-11:30pm, Family Ceilidh with Voice Box Band with supper, bar & quiz. 01389 732098 (Margaret)

Wednesday 20th RSPB Local Group Indoor Meeting The Guide Hall, John Street, Helensburgh 7:30pm, Group AGM followed by a talk on birding in Extremadura in Spain. johnclark@jcmc.demon.co.uk

Saturday 23rd The Jungle Book Premiere The Tower, Sinclair Street Helensburgh Screening the brand new release of the new Jungle Book film. www.thetoweronline.com

Ron Ray Magic Show Loch Lomond Shores 12pm, Free magic show. www.lochlomondshores.com

Saturday 16th

Vale of Leven Townswomen’s Guild Alexandria Parish Church Hall 7:30pm, The speaker will be David O'Reilly from Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue, all welcome. valeofleventg@gmail.com

RSPB Local Group Outing Outside Helensburgh Swimming Pool 8am, Outing to the Trossachs & Inversnaid to look for spring migrants and crossbill. Dress for the outdoors & bring a packed lunch & drink.

For more info call 01436 821178

POWDER & GRAPHICS

WeeCookies Loch Lomond Shores 11am-1pm & 2-4pm, Free kids cooking club with two sessions available. www.lochlomondshores.com

Friday 15th The Color Purple Concord Community Cinema 7:30pm, Whoopi Goldberg is a black Southern woman struggling to find her identity after suffering years of abuse. concordcommunitycinema@hotmail.com

Fully seasoned firewood logs & kindling Delivered in bags or bulk loads Best prices guaranteed. LOMOND LOGS

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APRIL 2016 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs which were very much in her way. limbs, way She had a decided mouth, mouth a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had d Jo Jo, big bi big ig hands hand han hand ands an nds n d and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable lee ap app ppearanc pp earan eara earan aranc ranc aan nce of of a girl giirll gi gir who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn't like kee it itt.. Eliza it.

Eliza Eliz liz izz beth, beth, beth bet eetth, th, or Be Bet B h h,, as a everyone called her, was a rosy, y,, smooth-ha ot ired, bright-ey -eye -eyed -e -ey eyed eeye yeed girl y yed girll of of thirteen th thir thi h teen, teen en, wit with ith th a shy manner, a timid voice, e,, an and and d a pea p peacefu eacce ceful cefu efu eful ful fu ul expres exp expr expre p sion on n wh hic hi hich i h wass seldom ic sel se dom dom disturbed sturbe turbe u d.

Her father called herr 'L Lit ittl iitt ittle tttle ttttle le Mis le Miiss Tran Miss M Tranq ranqu ran anqui nqu nqui n qu qui uiility u lity', lity' ity' tty', ty y',', and y nd n d tth hee nam h naaame sui n suit su uited ed her ed h excelllently ently,, for she seemed d to to live live liv li ive iin n a haappy ppy y wo w rrld ld d off he her eer own, wn n, on only ly ven v ve turing venturing turi u out to meet the o th few whom she hee trus trust tru tru tr r st sted e and a loved d. Amy, Am A thoug thou houg hough ough the th h yo younge you y oungest o st, was a mo most st important o person, in heerr o own wn n opini op on at least. A regular op opinion regular arr sn now maide now m iden, ma i id with i blue eyes, and yellow hairr cu ccur urlin url u rling on nh her er sho sh uld ulders, pale and ulder nd d slende slender lender, and always le lender, alw carrying herself like a youn ng la ng llady ady a mi mindfu indful of her her manners. What the cha ch h racters of the four sisters were we wil will wi w iil ill llll lea l leave le to be found out o The clock ssttruck ruc ruc uck six x and an , havi h ng swept up the h hearth,, B Beth put a pair of slippers down to waaarm rrm m. Somehow So h the sight of the old shoes h Some had a good effect upon the girls, for Mo othe oth ther the ther th er w wa coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg was stopped lecttu uring urin uri ur rring, ring ring, g, and an lighted light the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and an an nd d Jo fo for forg o ot h how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaaz aze. e.

"They are quitee w wo orn rn ou out. M Marmee must have a new pair."

"I thought I'd geet et h her he err som ome o me with my dollar," said Beth.

"No, I shall!" cri riieed d Amy Am my.

"I'm the oldest," b bega beg be egan eega gan ga aan M Meg, Meg Me eeg g,, bu ut Jo cut in with a decided, "I'm the man of the family now Papa iss awa away, away aw way, w ay aay, y,, and y and d I sh s shall p provi de the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Motherr whil hile hile lee he w was gone."

"I'll tell you what we'll do,"" ssa said sai aaid id d Beth, Be "let's each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ou urs urse ur u rrse seelves lves. lves." lve "That's like you, dear! Wha hat h ha aatt wil illl w ill we get?" exclaimed Jo. Everyone thought soberly y fo forr a min m minu minut e, then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of h heeerr ow her own o wn w pr p etty hands, "I shall give herr a nice n pair of gloves.

"Army shoes, best to be had, d,,"" cried d," d, ccri crie riie i Jo. ied Jo "Some handkerchiefs, all hem em mm m meed,"" said m said B Beth.

"I'll get a little bottle of colog gn gn nee. e. Sh S She he likes h lik k iit, and it won't on't cost cost stt mu m ch, so I'll I ll have hav some left to buy my pencils," ad add aadde dd dded dde d ded de eed Am Amy Amy. m "How will we give the things?"" asked aassk aske ked k ed d Meg. Meg. "Put them on the table, and brin ng h ng heer iin an nd d sse see herr open open the the bundles bundle les. es. Don't yo ou remember how we used to do on no our ou urr bi u birth rthday rthd rthda th tthd hday h s?" an nswered swer Jo. o o.

"I used to be so frightened when itt w was wa ass my m tu turn tur urn u rn tto sit in tthe cha chai haiir with h the crown crown wn on, and see you all come marching ng g ro rou und nd d tto giv givee the presents presents,, with w a kiss. k kis I liked liked the things and the kisses, but it wass dre d dr drea rre rea ead dful dfu ful ffu ull to h hav you sit have ha siit looki kin at me while king while ile l I opened the bundles," said Beth, who wa was w as as to toaas asti asting ast astin stting ng her he face face and and thee brea br bread forr te teaa at the same time.

"Let Marmee think we are getting things fo for or o ou urs ur u rs rselve elves, v and d then then ssurprise prise her. er. r. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg eg g. T g.

The here her h he eere re is so much h to to do about about ut the h p play for Christmas night," said Jo, marching up aan nd d nd down own own, n with her her hands hands behind behind dh he her e back, and her nose in the air.

"I don't mean to act any more after this timee. e. I''m m get ge ting too too old for such such h things," observed Meg, who was as much a child ass ev ver ve er er ab bout 'd 'dressin r ressin g-up' frolics. frolic olic "You won't stop, I know, as long as you caan tr ttrai tra ra raaiil rro roun ound in a white gown g with your y ur u hair down, and wear gold-paper jewelry. Y Yo ou ar aare the best best actress act es ess we've got, got, and and there'll be an end of everything if you qu uit it tthe th he board he rds," said said Jo. o ""We We ought to to rehearse tonight. Come here, Amy, and d do o the he fainting ing scene, for you you aare as st stiff iff as a poker in that."

"I can't help it. I never saw anyone faint ntt, aan and nd nd I don't don't choo hoose to make myself m self all black and blue, tumbling flat as you do o.. If I ccaan go down easily, o easily, I'll drop. dr If I can't, can't, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful ulll.. I d ul. don on on't car caree if if Hugo does does come com aat me with a pistol," returned Amy, who was not giiffte ffttte ted eed d with dr dra ramat c power, ramati ram power, but was chosen h because she was small enough to bee bo orn or orne rne rnee out ssh hrieking iek by th he villain villain o of the piece.

"Do it this way. Clasp your hands so o, aand nd d st stag stagg sta agge agg gg geer across the room, cryin cry g frantically, 'Roderigo! Save me! Saave ave m av me!' me! me e! e! " an aand nd away went Jo, n Jo, with a melodramatic scream which was tr tru tru rul ruly ly th ly thr thr hrill hri hrrill iill illlin ing ing ing.

Amy followed, but she poked heer h han ha and aan nd nds ds o ou out ut ut stiffly befo before her,, and jerked jerk herseellff along as if she went by machin nery, ery ery er ry, y, and nd h her eerr "Ow!" Ow! was more m suggesti sugges ve of pins ns being run into her than of fea eaar an aand nd d aang an n ngu ng gu uissh. Jo gavee a de d airing despa iring groan, gro and d Meg Meg g laughed outright, while Beth eth et th h leett her heerr br bread bre r ad burn urn as she s watch watched ed the fun with h interest. "It's no use! Do o th tthe hee b bes best be est estt yo you y ou ccaan when tthee tim ou ime comes, and if the hee au udie dien dien nce nce nc ce laughs, don't blame me. e. Come Com Co C ome mee on, n, M Meg Me eeg g..""

Then things went smo moothl moot mo oothl othly, y, for D Don Do o on n Pedr eedro ed dro o defied the he wo world r in rl n a spe p ech pe ch of two tw w wo pages without a singl ngle gle lee b break. reak. Hagar, Hagaar,, th Hag Haga the hee witch h ittch, chan hante nte ted d aan n awful inc ncanta nca canta ntation tion tio on ove verr her kettleful of simmeri immeri mmeri merin meri ng toads, ng toads, wi with th hw wei we ei eirrd d ef eeff ffect ect. ec ct. Rode oderig oderi derig er o rentt hi hiss chain hains hai ns

asund der manfully,, and Hugo dieed in agonies of remorse and arsenic, with a wild, "Ha! Ha!" "It's the best we'v ve had yet," said d Meg, as the dead villain sat up and rubbed his elbow ws.

"II do don on'tt see how you can writee aand nd act such splendid things things, Jo Jo. You're You re a regular Shak kespeare!" excclaimed Beth h, who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wit w wi iit wonderful geenius in all thin ngs.

"N "Not Nott quite," Not qu uiite, uite," uite, uite iitte, ite," ite tee, e," repli r rep re ed Jo modesstly y. "I do think The Witches Curse, an Operatic Trag Traged Trage Tra raged aged dy iis rather athe her h err a ni n nice thing,, but I'd like to try Macbeth, if we only had a trapdoor nic forr B for Baan nquo. quo. uo. I always alwa alw lw lwa way wa yss w wan wa an a te tted e to do the killing part. 'Is that a dagger that I see before eforee m me? me?" e?"" mutter mutte mut mutt mu utter ered d Jo Jo, Jo rrol ro roll rolli olli olli llllliin ng g her eyes and clutching at the air, as she had seen a famou famous ffam mous u tr t g dian tra trage an nd do o.. o "No, No it's it'ss th thee toasting toa toas to oasting ing ng g ffork, ork,, with o ork, th hM Mo Mothe other ther's th the her her' h her's errr's er's er' r' shoe on it instead of the bread. Beth's stagetag struck uck ck k!"" cried criied dM Meg Me Meg, eg, an and nd d th the he rrehe hearsa hears earsa sal een ended in a general burst of laughter.

"Glad to find you ou u so o merry, mer me mer erry ry, y, m my yg gir girls irrls ls,,"" ssai sa d a ch cheeery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcom elco elc elcome ome mee a tal tall, motherly mo mot m therl herrrly herly her ly lla ly lady ad a with a 'can I help you' look about u her which wass truly truly de deligh ghtful htfu tful ful fu ul. She Sh Sh w was wa aass no not eele eleg el llee antly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and n the girls ls tth hough hought h ought oug ough ught the ugh hee grra ray ay cl ay cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most st splend spleendiiid mot mo other ot her h err iin n tthe th he world wo orld. orl orld or rld. " "Well, dearies, how have ave you u go go ot on tod today day? y? There There Th erree wa ere was was as sso o much to do, getting the bo boxes ready to go tomorr morrow, ow, w, tha tthatt I didn i idn't com come co ome mee h hom ome ome om me to to dinne di r. Has anyone called, Beth How is your cold, Meg? Beth? g? Jo, you y lo look ook k tire tirred ed to od dea de eath tth. h. C h.

Come and kiss me, baby."

While making m these maternal al in inquir quirie uiriess Mrs Mr Mrs. M rs. s M Mar Ma arch rch got rch ott heerr w wet we e things off, her warm slipper li s on, and sitting g do own in tthe o hee easy y chair, hai dr hair drew dre ew w Am my y to her lap, prep ing to enjoy the happies prepar estt hour h r of he her busy bu y d day. da ay. The he gi girl rllss fflleew about, trying rls to make make things comfortable, eac eacch h in her ow own way. way. M wa Meg eg arra rran ng ng nge nged geed tth the h tea table, Jo brought w brough wood and set chairs, irs, dro dro oppin pping, g, ove g oveer-tu er-t r-turn rning, in ng, and and d clat cclatt tte tte ter ter eeri rrin ri iin ng everything she touched. Beth trotted to and touche nd fro ro bet between ween paarl arlo rlorr kit kitcchen, kitche n, q qui uiet e and and an nd bu bu while Amy busy, gave dir directions to everyone, ne,, as as sshe sat with w hh her er han hands nds folde folded. d As they the gathered about the he table tablee, Mrs. Mrs. Mar arrch h sai saaid d, with a p partiicula cul cu ular arl rly happy face, "I've go got a treat for you u afte affterr sup pper." pp p er." r A quick, quick, bright smilee weent rou un nd like lik a sstreak rea eeak of su ssuns unsshine. hi Bet etth cla lap lap apped her hands, regardless of the biscui regar cui uitt she sh h held eld d, aand Jo tosse toss osseed up u her er napkin, na ki , cry yiiin ng, "A letter! A letter!! Three cheerss fo letter for Fathe Fat er!" r r!"

"Yes, a n nice long let letter. He iiss weell letter ell,, an and thinks hinks inks nks ks h he sh shalll ge gett thro hro r ugh ugh ug gh tth he cold season better than th we feaared red. ed. H He sends sends all sorts s off lov oving ving g wi wishes shess for sh o C Chr Ch hrriissttm h mas, and an especiall message especi ge to you you girls, girls,"" ssaid Mrs. Mr March, arch, r h, pa patti patti tti ting ng g her h pock ock ket as if she had ke ket got a treasu tr re theere re.

"Hurry and get don "Hur do one! e Don't Don't stop stop to quirk k you our llittle lee ffinger inge inger gerr an g an and nd d si simper over your plate Amy," cried plate, ried ed JJo, cchoking hoking o on n heer tea and nd d dr dropping d ropp oppin opping oppi op pp pp ping pin iin n her her b he brre reea ead, a butter side down, on the carpet in n her heer has ha te to get et at the h treat. he treat. re reat Beth ate no o more more, re, but crept awaaay y to sit in herr shadowy dow ow ccor corn orn ner and brood over the ne d deligh t to come, ome, ome e, till till the th ot othe herrs w wer ere re read ready. y.

"I think it was ass so splen splendid did in Faathe heer to t go as cchaplai hapl n when haplai hap hapl wh he was too old to be dra d, and not strong drafte strong tro eno enough ugh fforr a ssol soldi ldi dieer er," r," saai aid d Meg warmly. warmly y. y.

"D "Don't I wish I could go aas a dru umme u meer,, a viv m iva van—w van n—w — hat's t's its nam nam me? me e? e? Or a nurse, so I cou bee nea could nearr him h and help help him," exc xclaim xc llaim aimed med ed d Jo, Jo,, w with it a groan. ith roan.

"It It m mu must st be b very disagre isagreeable ea e to o ssleep p in in a ten tent ntt, and and eatt aall sort o so off baad ad-tas d ting thing things ngs,, and drink out of a tin mu ug," sig sighe iighe gheed Amy A Am m my.

"When "Wh Wh will he h come ome home, home Ma Marrmee?" ?"" as ask ked ke ed Be Beth, h,, w wiith th a little little ittle tle quive quiv quiver q uiver uive iver veer in her voice. ver "Not Not for many mont o hs, dear, de d ar, un u less hee is i sic ick. ick ck. k. He w wiil ill st sta stay tay ay y aand an nd dd do his work faith ully as long ass he can, and faithf fai an we won won't n't ask k fo orr him hii bac bacck ba ck a minute sooner than he caan be can b spare p d. Now ow com come and h hear the he le lett lette tter." r.""

They all drew to tthe T he fire, fi Mottheer in the he biig cch cha h haair air w wit ith hB Beeth th at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on n either eit arm m of tth he chair h chair, r, an and a d Jo leanin eaning ing on on tth h he back, where no one would see any sign of emotion ion iiff the llett leette teer should should hap sh ap ppe pen p een n tto o be touching. Very few letters were writt written en in those osee har h d time hard imes mess that we were not no n ott tou o ttouch o ing, especially those ou which fatherss sent home. e. IIn thiiss one on llitt littl ttl tlee was as said id do off th tthe hee hardships endured, the h dangers face faced, d, or the homesic homesic mesickn mesick ness conquer nes n nqu ed. It was wass a cheerful, hopeful letter, full of liv lively descripti des ptions ons nss of cam c mp life, e, marche arches, s, and nd d mil milit mi m iil ary news, and only at the end d did d did the th writer w t 's heaart over-fl o r-f ove r-fllo low with fa father fathe ther erlly ly lo lo ov ve and longing for the little girls irls ls at hom om me. e.

"Giv "G Give ve the them em m alll of of my dear love lov ve aand a kis ki s. Tel kiss.

Teell th them em I think of them by day, pray for th for them em m by by night, night ghtt,, and ght, g and find my an m b best comf omfo mfor ortt in the heei eir i affection at all times. A year seems see seem mss very very ver ve ery y lo ong ng g tto ow wait wa aaiit befor before b be ore I se see them them, t m, b but ut reem mind them that while we wait we may al may all w work wo o , so that th these these essee h es hard d day daays need not no ott be wasted. I know they will rem re rem meem mem mber all I said to them, mb m tha haatt th hey y wi wil will ill b be loving children to you, will do their dut du d uty ut uty ty fa faai aithfu i lly, fig ght their bosom m enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beaut bea be eau ea aut aut uttiifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little womeen." Everybo of ody y sniffed when they came to that part. Jo wasn't ash as sham med of the grreat tear thatt drropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never mind min ded the rumplling of her cu urlls as she hid her face on her mother's shoulder and sob sso ob bbeed out, "I am m a selfish girrl! But I'll truly try to be better, so he mayn't be dissap ppointed in me by-and-by y."

"W We all will,"" cri crieed ed Meg. Meg "I th hin nk too much of my looks and hate to work, but won wo on o n'tt any ny y mo more, re iff I can help hel itt.""

L I T T L E W O M E N

Wednesday 27th DPT presents ‘Little Women’ Denny Civic Theatre 7:30pm, A glimpse into the life of the March family in Massachusetts, U.S.A. The famous book by Louisa May Alcott has been adapted for the stage by Peter Clapham. Tickets at dumbartonpeoplestheatre@outlook. com or at the Box Office.

(From Wed 27th till Sat 30th)

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Saturday 23rd Artisan Craft Market Loch Lomond Shores 10am, www.lochlomondshores.com (Also on Sunday 24th)

Scripture Union Lendrick Muir, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross For young people in P5 – S6 from Dumbarton, Clydebank, Helensburgh and the Vale of Leven. To book visit suscotland.org.uk (Until Sunday May 1st)

The New Scottish Hymns Band in Concert St Augustine’s Church, High St 7:30pm, Scottish musicians who reignite Scotland’s great hymns. david.sheena@sky.com

Sunday 24th Kiltwalk Starts Hampden Park and Finishes at Moss o Balloch 9am & 9:30am, Register at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/glasgow

Monday 25th Pitstop Loch Lomond Shores 7:30-10:30am, See classic cars before they hit the road again. www.lochlomondshores.com

Wednesday 27th Singing in the Rain Concord Community Cinema 1:30pm, Hollywood classic. concordcommunitycinema@hotmail.com

Traditional Chip Shop Suppers

Friday 29th Photography Competition Longcrags Community Centre 7pm, Do you have a photo depicting Winter? All ages.

Multiple entries permitted.

All entries will be displayed in Dumbarton and Clydebank libraries. We have extended the closing date to Friday 29th April. Send your photos to beldigphoto@gmail.com.

Judging will take place on Fri 29th April @ 7pm at Longcrags Community Centre. All welcome.

Family Nature Day RSPB Scotland, Loch Lomond 11:30am-2:30pm, Drop in to explore some spring wildlife.

01389 830670 Fundraising Quiz Night The Cutty Sark Centre, 58 Howatshaws Rd, Dumbarton 7:30pm, Team entry £15 (for up to 6 people) BYOB. Strictly over 18s.

Team must be booked in advance. allisondonnelly@bellsmyretrust.org.uk Robin Hood Outdoor Walking Theatre Loch Lomond Shores Time TBC, More info from www.itison.com

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Local News | APRIL 2016

Local heroes honoured since it was established.

Also in the frame for the title is Dalreoch daycare benchwalking group, from Dumbarton, whose six members raised more than £1,000 for military charity Walking With The Wounded with a very unusual but also successful sponsored walk despite being aged 469 altogether and all having mobility problems.

This month sees the annual celebration of the bright sparks who go the extra distance to do something positive for the community.

The Provost’s Civic Awards shortlist has been drawn up, and the winners will be announced at a special civic function on April 22.

The event will also see the title of Citizen of the Year bestowed on one individual who is reckoned to have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

In the Sports Champion category the finalists include national rugby hopeful Iain Allen, from Dumbarton, who recovered from several concussions last year

to be selected for the Scotland Rugby League Club XIII, and international Tae Kwon Do medallist Rebecca McGowan, also from Dumbarton, one of just three youngsters in the 2015 GB junior squad.

The finalists for Community/ Voluntary Champion (group) include West Dunbartonshire Foodshare, whose volunteers have helped feed more than 5,000 people with more than 12,500 food parcels

The ultimate retreat...

Then there’s Women Making History in West Dunbartonshire, whose volunteers have worked with local people to produce a ‘memory box’ and other educational resources about life in the 1950s and 60s that are free for community groups to use.

ALAN ROBINSON

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The judges have already selected this year’s winner in the Youth Champion category, sponsored by West College.

Dumbarton schoolgirl Islelagh Shaw suffers from chronic kidney disease, which causes severe pain and has required a series of operations, yet despite her illness the Aitkenbar Primary School pupil has raised more than £1,400 for the charity Kidney Kids Scotland.

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APRIL 2016 | Local News

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theY’re Legal Matters with Gill Bowman toP In the uK This month: BA LLB

PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

An Alexandria brewery has won the ultimate accolade of best beer in Britain in a prestigious national competition.

For Loch Lomond Brewery owners Euan and Fiona MacEachern the stunning success follows four years of hard work developing their brands, and positions them at the very summit of Scotland’s craft beer sector.

They won the Supreme Champion award for their four per cent alcohol by volume beer Southern Summit at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Beer Awards in Sheffield.

Now they are receiving new orders for their top notch products from beer specialists at home and abroad.

The idea of entering a prenuptial agreement is not necessarily the most romantic notion. However, as more people are entering second marriages or marrying later in life there are often assets in their own name they would wish to protect.

In Scotland, ‘pre-nups’, also known as ante-nuptial or marriage contacts, are generally accepted as legally binding contracts and are useful in allowing individuals to ‘ring-fence’ certain assets from forming part of the matrimonial pot.

A marriage contract may be of interest to someone who runs their own business or has property or savings

in their own name. It can also be useful to regulate financial provision for one of the parties in the event of separation or divorce. Like any contract, it can be challenged at a later date. However, so long as it can be shown to have been fair and reasonable at the time parties entered the agreement then the terms should be upheld. It is therefore important that both parties seek individual legal advice well in advance of the ceremony date. An open and honest conversation with your partner prior to marriage can allow parties to enter into an agreement and subsequently reduce protracted and emotionally difficult litigation in the event of divorce.

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Local News | APRIL 2016

sWIM LoCh LoMond

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Championships in 2018. We have seen an incredible growth in open water swimming, with people from around the globe travelling here to compete in events like the Great Scottish Swim, which had a record 2,600 participants in 2015.

OPEN WATER: Loch Lomond will host swimming events in the 2018 European Championships

The open water swimming events at the European Championships 2018 will be staged on Loch Lomond and seen by millions of TV viewers across Europe.

The Championships which will be staged for the first time in Glasgow and Berlin in 2018 will bring together the existing European Championships of athletics, aquatics, cycling, golf, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon with around 3025 athletes coming to Scotland. A further 1500 athletes will compete in Berlin in the European Athletics Championships.

Loch Lomond was chosen to host the open water swimming following the success of the Great Scottish Swim, which brings thousands of swimmers to the Loch each year.

Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “We are honoured to be hosting the open water swimming element of the inaugural European

“Hosting the European Championships will give us a fantastic opportunity to showcase the National Park as a wonderful place to swim and visit, to the millions of people who will watch the games coverage across Europe.

Balloch’s Great Britain swimmer Ross Murdoch said: “Multi-sport events bring out the best in athletes and also in the fans who love getting behind their nation. The moment I won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will live with me forever. I competed in the Great Scottish Swim on Loch Lomond in 2015, my first time competing in open water competition. There is nothing more free feeling than when you are swimming outside, you’ve got the trees and the hills and you can see the Ben in the background. That was pretty special.�

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 29

APRIL 2016 | Nightlife

ENTERTAINMENT

Parties : Engagements : Weddings Birthdays : Dances : Quizzes : Golden Oldies : Race Nights

aLeXandrIa Dempsey’s Bar

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MAKE IT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER CONTRACT AND CORPORATE WORK UNDERTAKEN OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Tel: 01389 761 615 Mob: 07977 132 974

1 Hillview Place, 01389 757988 ď Ź THU: Poker Night (8pm) ď Ź FRI: Bingo Night (8pm)

The Fox 119 Bridge St, 01389 750746 ď Ź Live Sports ď Ź Beer Garden ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

The Fountain Tavern 9 Bank St, 01389 604929 ď Ź Friendly local, “the local’s localâ€?

The Old Vale Bar 304 Main St, 01389 753769 ď Ź Quaint family run business

Station Bar

Mobile Tanning Service

By K y

Call / Text: 07917 809 001

30

140 Bank St, 01389 752504 ď Ź Pool table, jukebox, sports TV screen ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

B a L Lo C h Balloch House Vintage Inn Balloch Rd, 01389 752579 ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

The Doghouse Bar

The Clachan

54 Balloch Rd, 01389 607300 ď Ź THU: Quiz ď Ź Live Music throughout the month ď Ź Karaoke ď Ź Live Sport

Main Street, 01360 660824 ď Ź 11am-Midnight ď Ź SAT: Live Music

Lomond Park Hotel Balloch Rd, 01389 752494 ď Ź FRI: Karaoke ď Ź Live Football and Rugby, BBC, Sky Sports,

BT & ESPN

Tullie Inn Fisherwood Rd, 01389 752052 ď Ź WED: Quiz Night ď Ź SAT: DJ ď Ź Live sports

BonhILL The Riverside Inn 480 Main St, 01389 754543 ď Ź Live Sport ď Ź Live Music

C r o F ta M I e The Wayfarers Main St, 01360 660358

Club Desire

ď Ź Monthly Karaoke

Balloch Rd, 01389 729002 ď Ź Contact for entertainment details

drYMen

Corries Restaurant

The Buchanan Arms

Balloch Road, 01389 753 552 ď Ź MON: Folk Club ď Ź THU: Music with Angus

Main Street, 01360 660 588 ď Ź Chic atmosphere for wining and dining ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

The Drymen Inn 5 Stirling Road, Drymen, 01360 660123 ď Ź SAT 2: Gallus Blue ď Ź SAT 9: Jet and the Art Engine ď Ź SAT 26: Paul Murdoch ď Ź SAT 30: Aftershock Rock Band ď Ź WED 4 & 18: Open Mic / Jam Night ď Ź WED: Quiz Night ď Ź THU 28: Folk Night

Drymen Pottery Main Street, 01360 660458 ď Ź SAT: Live Bands

The Winnock The Square, 01360 660245 ď Ź Variety themed nights

d u M B a r to n The Abbotsford Hotel Stirling Road, 01389 733304 ď Ź Available for functions

The Burgh Bar 117 High St, 01389 739144 ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

Cheers 1 Brewery Lane, 01389 742333 ď Ź FRI & SAT: DJ Clubnights

The Clipper 3 High St, 01389 731981 ď Ź All major sport shown ď Ź Jukebox

Nightlife | APRIL 2016 The Counting House

The Waterside

17 High St, 01389 765457 ď Ź FRI & SAT: DJ ď Ź Beer Garden ď Ź Football and Rugby shown, BT, SKY & ESPN

1a Riverside Lane, 01389 731221 ď Ź TUE: Bingo ď Ź FRI & SAT: Live acts ď Ź SUN: Karaoke

The Dumbuck House Hotel Glasgow Road, 01389 734 336 ď Ź Available for weddings & Functions ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

The Glencairn Lounge 15-19 Bridge St, 01389 732816 ď Ź SAT: Karaoke

The Malt and Myre Lomondgate Drive, 0871 527 9274 ď Ź Accommodation and restaurant

The Milton Inn 401 Milton, Dumbarton, 01389 761 401 ď Ź FRI & SAT: Disco/Karaoke ď Ź Sky Sports ď Ź Pool Table

The Stag’s Head 116 Glasgow Rd, 01389 732642 ď Ź SAT: Live Music ď Ź Live sports

The Lennox Bar 137-139 High St, 01389 730120 ď Ź FRI & SAT: Entertainment

The Waverley Bar 30 West Bridgend, Dumbarton ď Ź Wide range of music played ď Ź Live football & rugby ď Ź Beer Garden, Karaoke & Jukebox ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

The StoneďŹ eld Dumbarton Rd, 01389 767940 ď Ź Monthly pool competitions and quiz nights

J a M e s to W n Fenton’s Bar 174 Main Street, 01389 602564 ď Ź Contact bar for entertainment details

Lo C h Lo M o n d Drovers Inn Inverarnan, 01301 704234 ď Ź FRI 1: Liam ď Ź FRI 8: Kevin Fraser ď Ź SAT 9: Stuart McFarlane ď Ź FRI 15: 50 Shades of Blue ď Ź SAT 16: Jeff ď Ź FRI 22: S Ross ď Ź SAT 23: 56 Degrades North ď Ź FRI 29: Liam

The Inn on Loch Lomond Luss, 01436 860430 ď Ź FRI 1: Robert Carmichael ď Ź SAT 2: On the Wagon ď Ź SUN 3: Brightside Acoustic Due ď Ź FRI 8: Damien Swail ď Ź SAT 9: On the Wagon ď Ź SUN 10: Brightside Acoustic Due ď Ź SAT 16: Joe Quinn ď Ź SUN 17: On the Wagon ď Ź FRI 22: On the Wagon ď Ź SAT 23: Martyn Rapley ď Ź SUN 24: Brightside Acoustic Due ď Ź FRI 29: Hell for Leather

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APRIL 2016 | Local News

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The 24-year-old was “devastated” when he couldn’t follow in his grandfather’s footsteps in the RAF because he suffers from asthma, but ploughed all his skill and effort into gaining a Modern Apprenticeship post with the local wing of Chivas, the multi-national whisky firm.

Kevin said: “I’d always known about Modern Apprenticeships and the value they’d bring to any

career. I was over the moon when I got my apprenticeship.

He’s arguably a classic case of someone who has innate skills that can be developed in more than one direction, and thanks to a locally-based employer now has the chance to put some of them into action – honed by expert training from experienced colleagues along the way.

Since then Kevin, working as

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Alexandria man Kevin McKean was foiled in his bid to become an RAF fighter pilot – but has launched a spirited fight-back.

maintenance technician, has gained experience across a wide range of Chivas’ operations including bottling and production, spirit supply and cask handling.

He’s also learned a lot from some of his older colleagues at the company’s Stirling Road location.

Kevin added: “I love this apprenticeship. I love working with electrics, when you wire something up and see it all the way through to when it works you get a real sense of achievement.”

His training has also brought about some other changes in a young man who was once quiet and reserved.

He said: “Doing this apprenticeship has been a major confidence builder. At the beginning I was thinking ‘can I do this sort of thing?’ but now I feel really capable.”

Dee Law, from Kevin’s training provider P & J Training, said: “Kevin has done exceptionally well all the way through his apprenticeship. He puts the best into everything he does and always goes the extra mile.”

Bringing you the care lifestyle you deserve...

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Our team are dedicated to person centred outcomes for each individual resident, so all of our residents receive the care they need, tailored to their own personal requirements.

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RECRUITMENT We are now nearly full and are about to open the last unit within the home, as a result we now have vacancies for:

• Night Shift Nurses • Day Shift Nurse • Care Assistants • Kitchen Assistant All positions work a two week rota with every second week off, excellent rates of pay and an opportunity to work for an award winning company. If you, have old fashioned values and a real desire, to deliver only the best quality care you, are what we are looking for, Full and Part Time.

To apply please call Annie on 01389 488777

Local News | APRIL 2016

noCturnaL arts LaunCh One of the area’s leading architectural stars is playing a prestigious lead role in Scotland’s Festival of Architecture.

St Peter’s Seminary in Cardross was given the honour of officially launching the prestigious national programme with a novel nighttime public art event.

The event followed an extensive programme of work to make the building safe for future use led by Reigart Contracts.

This transition has revealed stunning architectural details that have been concealed beneath debris for the last 25 years.

Almost 50 years to the day since the seminary opened, Glasgow based public art charity NVA presented Hinterland, a world premiere and the inaugural event in the ambitious permanent scheme to reclaim the future of the world-renowned St Peter’s seminary, in Cardross, Argyll and Bute.

Audiences were able to walk

work by composer Rory Boyle performed by St Salvator’s Chapel Choir from the University of St Andrews.

A spokesman for the project said: “In a historic moment, the wider public will discover the ruins of St Peter’s seminary for the first time, fifty years since the modernist masterpiece was built.”

HINTERLAND: St Peter's Seminary was lit up to mark the beginning of Scotland's Festival of Architecture

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through the atmospheric semiancient woodland to discover the ruined seminary buildings, subtly re-animated with monochromatic light installations.

They were also treated to a specially commissioned choral

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After 30 years of decline the buildings are now registered as one of the World Monuments Fund’s most endangered cultural landmarks – but clearly that’s set to change.

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Hinterland is the name for both the inaugural event and the planned permanent cultural resource, presenting a public statement about the site’s future use as a national platform for progressive public art, looking towards 2018 when the partially restored buildings are fully opened.

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 33

APRIL 2016 | Local News

The Community magazine is...

PuBLIshed BY: Community Advertiser Ltd 24-28 James Street, Helensburgh, G84 8UH T: 01389 717 035 E: editor@communityadvertiser.co.uk

the teaM at CoMMunItY advertIser are: Stuart Mainland (Editor/Publisher), Iain McEwan (Publisher), Stephen Flanagan (Head of Design & Production), Debbie Mainland (Head of Sales), Stuart Scott (Graphic Designer), Stuart 'Rupert' Brodie (Design & Production), Leigh Gaynor (Sales), Susan Salmon (Sales), Roy Smith (Journalist) Mandy Hughes (Accounts), Aileen Dorrian (proofreader), Vicki Robinson (Accounts) and the best delivery team in the area.

DEFINITIONS: ‘Standards’ means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, the consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements.

It is hereby agreed that: the placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. All advertisements in this publication must not contravene the Standards. Insertion of Advertisements and/or Editorial is strictly at the discretion of the Publisher. The Publisher shall not liable for any loss or damage incurred by the Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by any party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear.

In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement has been already been approved by the Advertising Client prior to the publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement.

The Advertising Client agreed to indemnify the Publisher in respect to all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as a result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one of more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher.

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the Official views of the Publisher.

Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services included in the Advertisement.

reMeMBerIng the BLItZ It suffered Scotland’s greatest civilian loss of life in the Second World War and made at least 50,000 people homeless.

Ambassador and, in an act of reconciliation and a demonstration of European friendship, the German deputy ambassador

It is an honour to be given permission to host this event.

Seventy-five years since tattered, traumatized refugees flocked to Helensburgh and elsewhere from the inferno of the Clydebank Blitz the area’s MP hosted the first ever commemoration by the House of Commons.

West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes, who is from Clydebank, was given special permission by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Speaker’s Chaplain to host a service and reception to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz.

The service was in the House of Commons Chapel on the 75th anniversary of the day the ‘all clear’ sounded, March 15 2016 and was followed by a reception in the State Rooms of the Speaker’s House at the Palace of

HONOUR: Martin Docherty MP is honoured to be hosting an event that commemorates the Clydebank Blitz.

Westminster.

Sponsored by Clydesdale Bank PLC and the Clydebank Blitz Group, it was attended by Blitz survivors, local councillors, MPs, the local MSP and members of the UK Government as well as the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the Church of Scotland.

Also present was the Polish

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP secured an adjournment debate in the House of Commons to allow MPs to publicly debate and commemorate the Clydebank Blitz and more generally, the loss of life experienced in towns and cities across the United Kingdom due to enemy action.

He said: “It is an honour to be given permission to host this event. The Clydebank Blitz saw destruction on a massive scale, with the largest loss of civilian life in Scotland’s modern history, and 75 years on it’s important to remember the difficulties our community endured to protect our freedom in the face of fascist tyranny.”

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A & M Timber ............................................................... 10 A.D.S Motors ................................................................ 10 Affordable Locksmith Service ....................................... 5 Alan Robinson Domestic Appliance ........................... 27 Allander flooring Ltd................................................... 23 Argyll and Bute Conservative ..................................... 13 Aries Entertainment .................................................... 30 Balquhidder Care Ltd .................................................. 32 BM Handyman Services ............................................... 14 Bollywood Lounge....................................................... 31 Bonhill Chippy .............................................................. 26 Brian McGougan Photography................................... 22 Caledonia Property Bureau......................................... 28 Casteel Contractors...................................................... 29 Chambers the Glaziers................................................... 6 Chatterton Roofing ....................................................... 2 Cheaper Car Insurance .................................................. 1 Cleanfast Carpets ......................................................... 26 Clyde Shopping Centre.................................................. 5 Cmc Home Improvements ............................................. 3 Custom Powder & Graphics ........................................ 25 D Halligan Landscapes................................................. 31 David Wilson Handyman............................................... 8 DC Cairney .................................................................... 24 Denny Theatre ............................................................... 7 Doggy Carers ................................................................ 32 Domestic Solutions ........................................................ 2 Don't skip it, we load it, we tip it................................. 7 Donnie Dallas ................................................................. 6 Drymen Show ................................................................. 6 Dumbarton Golf Club .................................................. 16 Dumbarton Removals.................................................... 2 E S Fencing ..................................................................... 7 Ferguson Flooring Scotland Ltd.................................. 15 Fmk Flooring ................................................................ 34 Forge Metal Recycling Ltd........................................... 26 Fruin Farm .................................................................... 29 Gas-Aid.Co.Uk ................................................................ 4 Gillians Driving School................................................. 27 Glencairn Lounge ........................................................ 31 Greenthumb ................................................................... 4 Hinterland .................................................................... 33 Human Givens Practitioner ........................................... 6 J Brown & Son ................................................................ 4 J.G.S Plumbing Services ................................................. 3 James Burns Joiners & Builders ..................................... 4 Jardine Carpets ............................................................ 33 JB Joiners & Builders .................................................... 10 Jimmy The Joiner ........................................................... 9 Joans Carers.................................................................. 11 John Dobbin ................................................................... 2 John Macaulay Landscapes ........................................... 9 K Glass & Glazing ......................................................... 10

34 | To advertise, call Leigh or Debbie now on 01389 717 035

Keys Galore .................................................................... 3 Librance ....................................................................... 33 Loch Lomond & Trossachs Countryside Trust ............. 22 Loch Lomond News ....................................................... 9 Loch Lomond Pressure Cleaning................................... 8 Loch Lomond Travel ...................................................... 2 Lomond & Trossachs Fuels ........................................... 25 Lomond News ................................................................ 9 Lomond Paws Dog Walking Services ......................... 11 Lomond School ............................................................ 35 Lomond Sheds .............................................................. 14 Macchiatos Restaurant ................................................ 28 Mackinnon Fencing ..................................................... 11 Mcgregor Roofing ....................................................... 24 Night & Day Windows ................................................. 29 Oakburn Gardens .......................................................... 5 Pc Medic.......................................................................... 3 Preston Fleming ............................................................. 1 Rachel Bailey Garden Design ...................................... 33 Realseal Roofing .......................................................... 34 Rustic Solutions ............................................................ 10 Scratch 2 Shine ............................................................... 2 SD Garage Doors............................................................ 1 Sheila Dawson ( Slimming World ) ............................... 6 Shire Landscapes .......................................................... 10 Sovereign Blinds............................................................. 5 Sparkle ............................................................................ 4 Speedy Services ............................................................ 24 Stitt Removals .............................................................. 11 T.O.A Taxis ...................................................................... 1 Tan Express ................................................................... 30 The Appin Shutter Company ........................................ 5 The Cameron Club ....................................................... 12 The Cameron Club ....................................................... 17 The Cruin ...................................................................... 14 The Drymen Inn ............................................................. 1 The Drymen Inn ............................................................. 8 The Lodge Forest Visitors Centre................................ 23 The Paint Pot .................................................................. 4 The Tower Digital Arts Centre .................................... 20 Thermaseal ..................................................................... 7 Thistle All Weather Grass ............................................ 30 Thistle Blinds .................................................................. 7 Tyresavers ..................................................................... 31 Vale Of Leven Golf Club .............................................. 17 WD School Games.......................................................... 4 Wemyss Bay Holiday Park ........................................... 27 West Dumbartonshire Lesuire .................................... 18 Windows & Conservatory Repair Company................. 1 Windows & Conservatory Repair Company................. 3 Woodburning Stoves Ltd ............................................ 29 Woodyard/Hubbards ................................................... 24

Local News | APRIL 2016

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 35

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