Thewireweb june13

theWire

life on the banks of the allan water

JUNE 2013 issue 39

circulation 4200 households

PICK ME UP - I’M FREE

Delivered to all the households in Dunblane, Kinbuck & Ashfield Available in Bridge of Allan & Doune

Step into style

with this season’s Lucy Choi collection Ladies Shoes & Accessories Boutique Ruby Tuesday

13 Fountain Road Bridge of Allan 01786 833 788

www.rubytuesdayshoes.co.uk

Pamela & Fiona’s 3 LAND CHALLENGE for

Come and help us celebrate!

On Sunday 23rd June, we are having a final fundraising event and would love you to come along and help us celebrate the end of our challenge.

Come and find out how we have got on with our Moonwalks, see the pictures, and help us unveil our fundraising total!

Sunday 23rd June 2.30pm @ the Dunblane Centre Tickets are £6 per head to include afternoon tea treats!

To book your place

call Fiona on 07720 429 613 or email the.wire@btinternet.com If you aren’t able to join us, but would still like to donate, go to http://walkthewalkfundraising.org/pamelaandfiona thank you!

ICELAND

EDINBURGH

LONDON

With thanks to our corporate sponsors: ... where the individual matters

ess!

g 50 years in busin

2013: Celebratin

Stirling

KipCelebrating McGrath , Stirling 10 years of teaching in 2013

TM

Hello & welcome to the June issue of theWire June? Really? How did that happen?

Well, we’ve had the odd day of summer so far just to remind us what blue skies are all about, so let’s hope that continues to improve. (When I wrote this though, it was hail-stoning outside, so I’m not going to hold my breath!)

If you are looking for something to fill a rainy day, remember our writing competition is still running. Harness your creativity and get an entry in before the 8th!

This week, as you get your magazine, the Dunblane Centre are putting on their show which shows us there is much more to fairy stories than meets the eye and is held together

by Sondheim’s music and ingenious lyrics. There are moments of laugh-out-loud comedy, with a large cast of characters you thought you knew, plus a cow, a giant and a narrator! Set in the grounds of the Hydro, it promises to be a magical evening so to take a mature, inquisitive look at the stories which formed our collective childhoods. To have a highly entertaining and amusing evening, I suggest you book the last seats and once you’re sitting comfortably, then they may begin....

Into the Woods

This month also sees the return of the Forth Valley Open Studios.

Many of our local artists take part, so go along and support them and see all the talent we have here on our doorstep. See pages 8 & 9 for more information.

Pamela and I have also completed the first part of our 3 Land Challenge by doing the London Moonwalk. It was eventful to say the least but more can be read about that on page 31. We have 2 more marathons to do this month before we celebrate the end of our challenge so if you can join us for afternoon tea on the 23rd, we’d love to see you.

Do get in touch with news and events so we can share what’s going on but remember that next month July’s edition is combined with August so send details for BOTH months.

The latest magazine is also available to read online. Extra copies can be found at the Dunblane Centre and at local libraries and shops.

enjoy the magazine!

Fiona (e: the.wire@btinternet.com) www.thewireweb.co.uk

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Features & Editorials Mia’s Going Bald!

Forth Valley Open Studios How Cool is Curling Gone a Fishing Puzzles Sudoku Gardener’s Tips & Advice Domestic Fencing A Good Read Parental Control Your ISA Allowance Pamela & Fiona’s 3 Land Challenge Recipes Did You Know?

Join the Club Dunblane Centre Summer Guide Playtime The Perfect Baby Shower School Jotters Dare to Bare?

Bottle it - or not Scotland in Stitches Cinema Releases Step Forward DDT What’s On Guide Useful Numbers Community Notices A-Z of Advertisers

p. 6 p. 8 p. 11 p. 12 p. 16 & 37 p. 6 p. 17 p. 19 p. 21 p. 26 p. 28 p. 31 p. 32 & 34 p. 43 p. 37 p. 39 p. 44 p. 46 p. 47-49 p. 52 p. 59 p. 60 p. 66 p. 70 p. 71 p. 72-75 p. 76 p. 77 p. 78

A Good Read

p.21

p.66

p.70

5 4

p.46

p.28

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

p.52

p.8

p.59 p.32 p.37

p.12

Pamela & Fiona’s r GE fo 3 LAND CHALLEN p.31

p.34 p.17 Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

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Mia’s going bald for Cancer Research!

BURGESS & GIBSON Digital Home Entertainment Your local stockist of white goods: washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges or fridge/freezers.

Free standing or integrated.

Installation & delivery available.

TVs and Audio Equipment Panasonic Dealer

45 High Street, Dunblane 01786 823 176

Sudoku

Place the numbers so each row, column and box contain the numbers 1-9.

Good Luck!

6

Last October, Mia announced to a packed school assembly that she was going to be undertaking some further fundraising for Cancer Research UK - she would be shaving her head! “The time has finally come to clear away the shampoo bottles and get out the scissors. So, please sponsor me as I try to raise funds for research into a disease which affects all of our lives.”

I have a special sponsorship web page at: www.justgiving.com click on ‘Sponsor a friend’ and type in Mia Shanks to make a donation.

I will also be hosting a coffee morning on Saturday, 22nd June at St. Mary’s Church Hall - so come along and see me have a close shave... a very close shave! Serving coffee from 10 until 12, (shaving from 11 onwards).

Mia Shanks is just 11 years old and attends St. Mary’s Primary School here in Dunblane.

This is her second fundraiser for Cancer Research, as two years ago she walked the West Highland Way with her father Ewan and a few friends. She raised over £2,000!

Her support of the charity was triggered by her mum’s illness. She writes that “noone ever thinks it can happen to them especially when they are young - but three years ago my mum had breast cancer. She is young, really fit and it came as a big surprise.

She was lucky and although had lots of treatment, it has been a success.”

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Something exciting is happening in Dunblane’s Cathedral Square…

There is a row of cottages opposite the Cathedral that aren’t quite what they seem. In fact they haven’t been “just a row of cottages” since the 1960s.

A brief history: • The cottages were due to be demolished in the 1950s and replaced by a war memorial.

• In 1960 they were saved, restored and knocked through to create an ecumenical centre.

• During restoration work, an ancient chapel was uncovered.

• In 1960 Scottish Churches House was opened by the Queen.

• For 50 years the house was used by religious, social and local groups until it closed in 2011.

And today: • The spirit of Scottish Churches House is alive in Old Churches House.

• The layout is the same, but the rooms, restaurant and tea lounge have been given a lot of TLC. • The little Chapel needs a new roof and a good clean, but it’s still as magical as ever.

• We can’t promise to get the Queen back to reopen it, we can only ask…

For a more detailed history see www.oldchurcheshouse.com/information/history

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Creative Writing

Always wanted to write?

Kick start your creativity...

More information?

call Laura on 07709 495 043 or email: laura@figmentcreativity.co.uk

www.figmentcreativity.co.uk

The Forth Valley Open Studios was first launched in the summer of 2010 and is an annual nine day event which takes place in the Forth Valley. During the event local artists, galleries and art organisations open their doors to invite the general public to view their art works.

“The aim of FVOS is to make art more accessible to the public and in particular within their local area, although it is hoped that through time our events will have a draw which will extend beyond the immediate community. We will do this by promoting participating artists/ makers and encourage members of the public to visit the open studios. This interaction will be mutually beneficial: participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work and likewise members of the public will gain access to work spaces and experiences that would not normally be available”.

Here in our area we have many local artists taking part, offering you access to their studios at home and at the following local venues: The Westlands Hotel (where you will find Gio Martin), St Blane’s Hall, Dunblane Museum, St Saviour’s Church and The Westerton Arms Hotel. Sarah of McSpoff-art is displaying her work at her home studio at Mains of Balhaldie, just 3 miles north of Dunblane.

Try and take a few minutes out of your day to visit, the quality of work on show will amaze you and you never know, may inspire you to join them!

To find and support your local artists, download the Open Studios brochure at www.forthvalleyopenstudios.com The brochure details who’s involved, how to find them & the times they are open. It will also give you information on those artists across the Forth Valley also taking part. If you aren’t able to access it online for any reason, you will find printed copies around the area.

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To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

8-16 June 2013

07767 871 270 spoffart@btinternet.com

Unique textural and pen & ink paintings pet paintings start from ÂŁ60 commissions welcomed

www.mcspoffart.com Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

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The Old Curiosity Shop Antiques bought & sold

Bring in your antiques & collectables for a free evaluation • • • • • •

Gold & scrap gold or any old silver items in any condition Pre-1960 old toys All sorts of collectables: paintings, barometers, clocks, barographs Ornaments & Military Items Old musical instruments Fishing gear, fishing rods and reels.

For further information, please contact David on:

01786 822 247 or 07979 355 646 38 HIGH STREET, DUNBLANE

You looking at me?

Then so are your customers... get yourself noticed in theWire Phone Fiona on 07720 429 613 or email: the.wire@btinternet.com 10

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

How cool is Curling?

(No, it’s not about hair)

Many of you will have heard of the successes of Scotland’s curlers in the world championships.

Eve Muirhead’s rink won Gold in Riga in March and David Murdoch’s team Bronze in Victoria, Canada in April.

You might have thought ‘I’d love to try that but I’d probably make a fool of myself and I could never aspire to that standard’. Well, don’t just think about it! Do something!

Dunblane Curling Club plays regularly at The Peak in Stirling, one of the best curling rinks in Scotland, from early September to the end of March. The club dates back to 1816, but, sadly, none of the founder members are still playing!

If you already curl or would like to return to the sport, or if you’ve never been on the ice but fancy a try, get in touch with Ian Howe, Dunblane’s Club Secretary.

Ian can be contacted on: 01786 823 859, or mobile 07767 605 136 or e-mail ian.howe@hotmail.com Ian will be able to explain how to get started with ‘Come and Try’ sessions. All equipment is provided. If you get the taste for it, there are beginners’ classes available throughout the season.

See you on the ice!

Curtains By Elaine

Curtains, Roman Blinds, Pelmets, Cushions & Throws

Free advice at your convenience for design, manufacture and fit.

Supply a wide range of fabrics & accessories.

We refurbish homes, room by room at your pace.

Contact Elaine for advice

01786 823340 or 07867 754702 curtainsbyelaine@hotmail.co.uk Wedderburn Road, Dunblane

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11

Gone a’Fishing...

In rivers and canals, streams, lakes, reservoirs and sea, angling is one of the UK’s most popular sports. It is estimated that 3.3 million people participate on a regular basis.

People enjoy fishing for a variety of reasons.

Some love the peace and tranquillity they find outdoors. Others relish the opportunity to socialise with like-minded individuals and take part in competitions, usually organised by angling clubs. Many pick up their rods each weekend because they enjoy the challenge of trying to outsmart the fish, deciding which stretch of the water to fish in, persuading the fish that the lure is food, and of course the thrill of the catch.

Fishing enthusiasts need a rod, something to attract the fish, nets, and suitable clothing.

Rods can vary hugely in price depending on their size, quality and specifications.

Skills involve casting a rod, tying knots, and catching and releasing the fish. Fishermen (and women) believe it is the combination of good equipment and fishing skills that leads to greatest success.

There are a variety of different lures and baits. Natural baits include live worms and maggots. Artificial baits are often made from types of human food. Man made lures seek to replicate the food that fish eat. Different ones are suitable in different circumstances and most anglers have their favourites.

Three types of fishing are most prevalent in the UK: 12

Fly fishing - Used to catch fish like trout and salmon, as well as pike, bass and carp. Fish are caught using very light artificial flies - made by tying hair, fur, feathers and other materials together. They are cast with a fly rod and a fly line.

Fresh water fishing - Uses water that contains minute quantities of dissolved salts. Some of the most important freshwater fish are bass, catfish, pickerel, pike sunfish, trout, salmon, muskellunge, sturgeon and walleye. ‘Coarse fishing’ is the term used to describe fishing in fresh water for any species other than salmon or trout.

Sea fishing - This obviously takes place in or by the sea. Most sea angling takes place from a boat, but it can also be done in estuaries, on piers and from rocks. Piers and jetties are ideal places for catching mackerel and codling.

Mullet, flounder and dab are often found in estuaries and harbours. Conger eel live in the foam covered seas next to rocky headlands, and bass can be caught from beaches.

There is a requirement for most anglers to have a rod licence and fishing permit. The Environment Agency oversees this and fines may be imposed for none compliance.

Anglers must also abide by local byelaws.

Izaak Walton was a seventeenth century fisherman who wrote The Compleat Angler.

He famously said, ‘I have laid aside business and gone a’fishing.’ Why not join the 3.3 million people who regularly do the same?

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Summer is coming – we hope!

The Fling is the first of a series of events over the summer (we hope) months which usually raises about £20,000 for various very worthy charities supported by the club.

By now the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotarians will have launched (and hopefully retrieved!) the 4500 racing ducks from the Allan Water, made and sold many of their famous crepes for the crowds and participated in the Fling’s 20th birthday events. But while the various Fling activities may be over for another year, the crepes will once again be on sale at the Doune and Dunblane Show on Saturday 6 July at Keir Mains. These delicious treats are offered with a range of sweet or savoury fillings to suit all tastes. A team of highly trained volunteer chefs labour for long hours over very hot griddles to prepare these delicacies to order on the day.

However, should you have missed the opportunity to sample one or more of these outstanding culinary treats at either the Fling or the Show, there will be a final chance to enjoy the experience at the Bridge of Allan Highland Games on Sunday 4 August. Indeed should you, the reader, become “addicted” to these delicacies, why not have one or more at all these events!!

In between the Show and the Highland Games, the Rotary Club has organised its annual Am-Am golf day at Dunblane Golf Club. This event raises a great deal of much needed funds for Strathcarron Hospice. If you and other golfers wish to participate there may still be a space available for you to enter a team in this very enjoyable competition. To find out more details contact Jim Gardner at 01786 822641.

Have a good summer.

SRC Landscapes Ltd Dunblane based company, est. 1997

All aspects of landscaping domestic & commercial *Garden & Shrub Maintenance * Complete Lawn Care * Fencing & Decking * Hedge & Tree Cutting *Turf Supplied & Laid * Garden Waste, Chipping & Shredding *Design & Construction of Driveways & Patios

Contact Steven for a free, no obligation quote t: 01786 823 738 m: 07767 605 135 dolorettaclarkson@yahoo.com Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

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DUNBLANE DRIVEWAYS Bryce S Graham

Paving & Landscaping Specialist All types of Paving, Slabbing & Monoblocking Driveways, Patios, Paths & Surfacing Work Garden Walls, Fencing, Power Washing and Property Maintenance.

Contact Bryce for more information

01786 823862 or 07753 434007 4 Lawder Place, Dunblane, FK15 0NF

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General DIY Internal /External painting Tiling Pointing Hedges /Trees and logs for sale

No job is too trivial, small, or big. Whatever you feel may improve your internal or external living space try me, I’m happy to help!

For an affordable quote contact Blyth on Dunblane 07926 963 081 brgardening@btinternet.com

Call Elaine on 01786 359 836 or 0791 469 5564 email info@diygal.co.uk www.diygal.co.uk

Argyle Grove, Dunblane

Dunblane Based

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To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

plant paradise

Beautiful Bedding & Basket Plants from £1.75 Bespoke Planted Containers & Baskets to order Open 7 days 9-5.30pm Tel: 01764 656 345 Muthill Road, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 4HN

Crawford & Mathieson ltd Joiners and Glaziers

STONE FEATURES & FOLLIES FOR GARDENS

A joinery partnership with over 50 years expertise, catering for all your timber needs. Open to Trade and DIY Bespoke Skirting, Facing, Doors, Windows, Stairs, Cabinets made to order. Nuggets for your woodburning stoves for sale.

t: 01877 331715 e: crawfordmathieson@btinternet.com www.crawfordandmathieson.co.uk Unit 2, Ballachallan, Callander, FK17 8LJ

the ‘cuillin’

Attractive individual designs in stone for garden seating & many other ideas.

Usual stand at Gardening Scotland & the Highland Show at Ingliston, June

Nigel Bialy 01764 670505 www.drystonedesigns.co.uk

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In Stock: Shrubs & Bedding Hanging Baskets Garden Furniture BBQ Gas Garden Machinery Landscaping Materials Bark, Topsoil, Sand & Gravels Timber Fencing

Agents for Calor Gas Gas cylinders in all sizes & all associated fittings in stock. Delivery & collection available in all areas.

01786 821 414 www.molawn.com Open to trade and public - 7 days

Stockbridge Nurseries, Kilbryde Rd, Dunblane (just off the bypass, on the road to Doune)

FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES & SERVICES

Mindbenders

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make your message more EYE-CATCHING... theWire design service Call Fiona on 07720 429 613 or email the.wire@btinternet.com 16

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To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Gardener’s Tips and Advice Kindly supplied by George at MoLawn/Stockbridge Nurseries With the way the Scottish climate has been • laterally, I am recommending some tips for wet garden conditions!

• WATERLOGGED SOIL

water regularly in dry spells because plants are more prone to drought stress after prolonged periods of waterlogging. in clay soil, use plenty of organic matter and horticultural grit before planting to improve soil structure and drainage. with free-draining soil, add organic matter to bulk up the soil and add nutrients, which would be washed away in heavy rains. build raised beds and fill with welldrained topsoil or install a drainage system or soakaway.

Dig ditches filled with gravel to drain water away from the garden or talk to a builder about a pipe drainage system if the problem is more extreme. put crocks in the bottom of pots and place them on feet to aid drainage & do not overwater pot plants.

When soil is waterlogged, plants literally drown. Water fills all the air spaces between the soil particles and this prevents oxygen • from reaching the roots. In turn, this causes the soil to stagnate and prevents root growth.

Symptoms: Plants may look like they need water because • symptoms include yellowing leaves that wither and drop off. Wilting of the plant may also occur.

When lifted, the plant roots are black, soft and • soggy, and the soil smells of rotten eggs.

Plant growth is stunted or plants fail to sprout and shoots die back.

• SOIL COMPACTION After prolonged rainfall, soil becomes waterlogged. And if walked on or driven over, the soil becomes compacted and drainage Make the most of it!

If poor drainage, flooding and waterlogging gets worse. are persistent problems, it could be worth Symptoms: Water fails to drain away and puddles appear rethinking your planting scheme. Choose on the soil’s surface. Soil turns to mud easily. shrubs, trees and perennials that thrive in wet soil.

Boggy lawns.

Trees and shrubs that do well in moist DISEASE conditions include salix, cornus, betula, Waterlogging and compaction can create sambucus, liquidambar, ash and amelanchier. ideal conditions for diseases such as Create a bog garden, which is good also for phytopthora and other fungal attacks. For attracting wildlife. Plant irises, carex, gunnera, example, box is prone to box blight in poorlyprimulas, hostas, rheum and rodgersia. drained sites.

If you are planning to lay a lawn, ensure the Problem solving: • do not walk on wet soil because this ground is not compacted and dig in plenty of organic matter, grit and sand before laying aggravates compaction.

• spike lawns with a motorised spiker and turf or sowing seeds. add lime-free sand to improve drainage. I hope to be advising what to do with dry garden conditions within the forthcoming Problem prevention: • apply mulch over the root area & feed issues !!

For more advice call George during the growing season to encourage on 01786 821 414 new root growth.

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17

We carry a range of softwoods, hardwoods, finishings, mouldings and sheet materials. For a small charge all timber and sheet materials can be cut to customers required measurements.

We also stock a range of fencing, decking, components, treated whitewood, pegs & garden furniture.

Our hardware shop carries a wide range of products from basic decorating items to building products. We supply Spax, Everbuild, Silverline and Sovereign products.

Fencing and Decking NOW IN STOCK

You are welcome to visit us and have a look round. Our friendly staff are on hand to help with your DIY projects to ensure you are supplied with the correct materials and equipment.

Our prices are competitive, quotes available and backed by our prompt delivery service

Doune Woodyard Ltd, Lochill Industrial Estate, Doune, FK16 6AD 01786 841 204 sales@dounewoodyard.co.uk

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To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Domestic Fencing - Fact & Fiction There is a lot of confusion about who is responsible for maintaining fencing etc between adjoining properties. The following information will help.

Fiction: It is the owner to the left of a boundary who is responsible for maintaining fences, walls etc.

Fact: The title deeds show who is responsible for maintaining the boundary to a property.

Fiction: A property owner has an obligation to erect a fence or other barrier around their property.

Fact: Generally, there is no obligation to erect a barrier unless you need to keep pets from straying, or there is a clause in the deeds stipulating it.

Fiction: If the posts of a fence face your way you are the owner of the fence.

Fact: Though it is usual to erect a fence with the smooth side facing your neighbours, this is not compulsory. But if you erect a fence, you are generally considered its owner.

Fiction: If the fence you own becomes damaged, you are obliged to repair or replace it.

Fact: You are only obliged to repair or maintain a fence if the deeds specify it, but if it becomes dangerous or causes damage, you could face claims for compensation if you don’t.

Regardless of the law, it is good practice to work with your neighbours not against them, so if your fence needs fixing, just do it, or get someone in who can.

Iain Wilson

Property Maintenance & Improvements For all your DIY & Maintenance Jobs from fitting a shelf, or replacing a tap washer to installing a kitchen or painting a house.

Work Recommended by Local Clients & Estate Agents Call for a free no obligation quote

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19

Landscaping, Design & Construction

Kare Gardens

Complete, professional garden care service from a local company * planning * designing * creating * maintaining * landscape supplies

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead

01786 825 442 or 07801 445 028 info@karegardens.com www.karegardens.com

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To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

A Good Read Glass Geishas Susanna Quinn

Susanna Quinn’s debut novel, Glass Geishas, is a thriller set in modern day Tokyo – specifically in the notorious Roppongi district, where everything has a price. As the novel opens, Steph, the principal character, is just arriving in Japan with the specific aim of making as much money as possible as quickly as possible. However, her friend Annabel seems to have vanished – and her other friend Julia does not seem to recognise her, let alone welcome her. Something is clearly wrong.

Having found Annabel’s abandoned diary, Steph sets out to find out what has happened to her friend and quickly becomes involved in the hostess trade. As the novel moves on, Steph’s own quest is intercut with two other storylines. The first, a set of emails from Chastity, an established hostess, shows the harsh reality of the life that Steph is moving into. The second, the memoirs of Mamasan, owner of one of Roppongi’s oldest clubs, explores how the trade has developed and changed over time. By the end of the novel, these strands are drawn together into a twisting conclusion which will keep you gripped.

Quinn has clearly drawn on some of the recent writing about Japan and the significance of the geisha. However, her portrait is far from romanticised, and whilst her hostesses are certainly as elegant and glamorous as the traditional geisha and maiko, Steph’s world revolves around alcohol, sex and money – a fragile combination which puts her in significant danger.

If the novel has a fault, it is in the slow reveal of Annabel’s diary – it is hard to believe that Steph, curious as she is, would not read the whole book at once. However, this is a minor point, and by stringing this out, Quinn is able

to keep us guessing at what has happened to Steph’s friend – and what will happen to Steph herself – making us turn the pages rapidly as the end approaches.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Mo Willems

What do small children like best in a picture book? If anyone knows, it is Mo Willems, who spent several years as a scriptwriter for ‘Sesame Street’. And here, what he has hit on is that little word beloved of toddlers – ‘NO!’ The premise of the book is simple – and summed up neatly in the title. The reader needs to stop the pigeon driving the bus while the bus driver is away for a few minutes.

However, this is a very determined pigeon. On every page he comes up with a good reason why he could, should and must drive that bus.

Reading this book aloud is a delight. As you read the pigeon’s increasingly desperate attempts to get behind the wheel, your audience can say – or shout – ‘No!’ at each page, usually accompanied by a great deal of giggling. And parents will recognise the toddler’s range of tactics – from pleading, to sulking, to promises to ‘be your best friend’ – all of which are summarily rejected.

With simple drawings and a thoroughly endearing main character, this is ideal to read to pre-school children of any age. The pigeon makes several reappearances in Willems’ other books – ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late’ is probably the next one you will want to seek out, and it is just as much fun. Really.

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21

Get all those annoying jobs done • • • • • •

Internal/ external painting and decorating Plastering and tiling Pointing and render repair Gutter cleaning and repair Removal of moss from roofs General DIY

Call for a FREE Quote on 01786 826 992 or 07882 040 613 or e: homeworx@hotmail.com

Homeworx thrive on providing a professional service at a competitive price. All work is to a high standard, guaranteed and fully insured.

Please see our website for more details on how with all your garden projects

Tracks can help

www.tracksme.co.uk 01786 822 900/07773 367 617 tom@tracksme.co.uk 22

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Much more than just doors & windows • • • • • • • • •

Traditional Doors Secondary Windows Timber Sash Hardwood Doors French Doors Conservatories Patio Doors uPVC Doors Roofline

See our trade offers for your old windows & doors. Replace, Recycle & Reward

Call Charles Smith 01383 728 626 or 07718 222 706

Dave Anderson Window Cleaning

Est 1999

Commercial & residential window cleaning in Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Stirling and surrounding areas

High reach water fed pole system

07801 584 301 dawinclean@gmail.com

Fully Licenced and Insured

GRAHAM HALLY Painter & Decorator 01786 823 942 07980 861 127 • • • • • • • • • •

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23

Marshall MacCallum Chartered Surveyor

Property Sales & Lettings Surveys & Valuations View our properties on www.s1homes.com www.zoopla.co.uk 1/3 High Street, Dunblane

01786 822 235

Spring clean your career…

For a clear career direction, a great CV, renewed confidence, & clarity about how to network,

talk to Mark...

Dunblane 07981 716 110 mark.eyre@brilliantfutures.net www.brilliantfutures.net “It’s never too late to be what you might have been” George Eliot

one to one, jargon-free computer training for beginners In your home, on your own computer with tailored training to suit you.

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Call Gail on 07930 527 051 to find out more. email: gail@geminisolutionz.co.uk www.geminisolutionz.co.uk

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‘Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning’ Winston Churchill

We can assist both individual or business needs in :

Protection, Pension Planning, Investments & Estate Planning, Home and Commercial Insurance If you wish to discuss any of these areas, please contact Darren and I would be delighted to assist.

t: 01786 845 599 e: darren@claritywealthservices.co.uk www.claritywealthservices.co.uk 9 Stirling Road, Dunblane

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25

Parental Control With the school summer holidays fast approaching and winter still in the air what are your children going to be doing these holidays?

Whilst they’re hidden away in their rooms do you really know what they are up to online or should you know? The great debate over parental control and computers has been going on for some time now with parents stressing over what their children get up to online but wanting to give them the freedom they need.

That’s why Gironk has a few handy hints how to keep your children safe without the feeling of an overbearing parent! You can take a few simple steps which are usually free but do require setting up!

Parental Tools With so many people now using the internet, being online can be a dangerous place, especially to younger children who can find something’s online upsetting. But by being able to filter what your children have access to can reduce this happening. You can even have different profiles for different children, keeping your tiny tots protected whilst still giving your older ones a bit more freedom when roaming the web!

You can also set time limits to allow restricted internet time so no Facebook stalking during homework time!

Other options can also monitor what your children are looking at while they are online.

It is not only PC’s and Laptops which give children access to the internet but also their smartphones, game consoles and tablets!

Luckily most phone providers have parental control packages which ensures you can protect what your child has access to whilst using their smart phone. Many of them are set up by default but if you are unsure check with your provider.

You can also set parental controls on many games consoles such as Xboxes, WII’s and PlayStation’s. A good tip is to be around when setting up your child’s new games console so you can check the settings and enter any passwords you may want … instead of the cheeky monkeys doing it themselves!

The best way to keep your little ones safe online is BE INVOLVED and SET THE LIMITS! Be around while your children are surfing the net or playing their newest games console and talk to them about being safe and knowing the limits online! If you need any more help or advice on the matter Gironk is on hand to help! He can set up filters for you or just give you that little extra advice Kindly provided by Gironk IT 01786 231 131

You’re Internet Provider Most of the big name internet providers will supply a parental control package which will prompt the internet users as to whether they want to set parental controls. These companies often also have short videos to watch which can give you the basics of learning parental controls online. Don’t forget …. The internet is everywhere!

26

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Affordable Monthly Computer Support

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27

Your ISA allowance a wasted opportunity?

In the current environment of low interest rates, low economic growth and modest but persistent inflation, savers and investors need to make the most of every opportunity to maximise the returns on their money.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) represent just such an opportunity; yet many people are wasting the valuable tax-saving advantages and investment potential provided by their annual ISA allowance.

ISAs were introduced by the government in 1999, in the midst of the stock market dotcom bubble, replacing PEPs and cash-based TESSAs as the latest scheme to encourage people to save and invest for their future in a tax-efficient way. For many years the amount that could be invested in an ISA each tax year was limited to £7,000. But this has since increased; up to £11,520 can be invested in this tax year, and the allowance rises each year in line with inflation. The catch with the annual ISA allowance is that if you don’t use it, you lose it.

There are two types of ISA: Cash ISAs are savings accounts where the interest is paid tax-free and Stocks & Shares ISAs, as the name suggests, that allow investment into a wider range of stock market and other financial instruments. The attraction of a Stocks & Shares ISA is that both income and capital gains attract no further tax liability.

However, there are restrictions on how much can be invested in each type. The full annual allowance can be invested in a Stocks & Shares ISA, but only half the allowance - £5,760 this year – can be saved in a Cash ISA, although the balance of the allowance can still be invested in a Stocks & Shares ISA. Of course, the favourable tax treatment given to ISAs is subject to changes in legislation and may not necessarily be maintained in the future.

Undoubtedly, ISAs have been a success story.

Over £390 billion has been invested across all ISA types since their launch. Cash ISAs 28

5 represented 49% of all ISA accounts opened in the first year. Yet, despite interest rates remaining at record lows, Cash ISAs accounted for a huge 80% of total applications in the tax year 2011/12, reflecting almost certainly the increased risk aversion prompted by the financial crisis in recent years. As a result, over 16.5 million people hold a total of £200 billion in Cash ISAs (source: HMRC, September 2012).

But there is a sting in the tail. The squeeze on savers from record-low interest rates is also being felt by those with Cash ISAs. Figures from the Bank of England in December showed that the average Cash ISA deposit rate is just 0.89%. The interest rate on the best-buy Cash ISA has fallen below 3% for the first time since 1999. Furthermore, only five Cash ISA accounts out of 253 available, currently pay a rate that beats inflation (source: Moneyfacts, March 2013). That a huge chunk of £200 billion in savings is failing to beat inflation is a stark illustration of how this rare tax-saving opportunity is being wasted.

The reality is that the tax benefits provided

by ISAs are best maximised by investing for the long term in assets capable of achieving capital growth and rising income. The likelihood is that interest rates will remain very low for a number of years to come and, regrettably, savers cannot even be sure that

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their Cash ISA account is achieving a better rate than a standard deposit account. Against that backdrop, whilst cash is certainly the right home for money that might be needed in the short term, ISA allowances might be better utilised by investing in a diversified portfolio of assets that have the scope to deliver higher levels of income and long-term capital gains and, in doing so, make the most of the tax freedom on returns. Of course, investors need to bear in mind that the value of a Stocks & Shares ISA may fall as well as rise and it does not provide the security of capital associated with a Cash ISA. It is also possible to get back less than the amount invested.

As well as considering the best use of this and future years’ ISA allowances, those who have already built up significant ISA funds might be able to improve the income and capital returns on offer. All too often, people do not review their ISA portfolio strategy frequently enough. How are the investment managers performing? Is the asset mix, geographic spread or fund choice still right for them?

Can they improve the income-generating potential of their ISA portfolio? Are they happy with the service they’re receiving?

A thorough review of an ISA portfolio by an experienced wealth manager can ensure that it is appropriately structured and diversified to help achieve immediate or future financial goals.

As a final thought, parents, grandparents, and indeed anyone who might want to help a child build capital for his or her future, should not overlook Junior ISAs, which were introduced in November 2011 to give under-18s a similar tax-efficient savings opportunity. The limit for investment in this tax year is £3,720; but given the future financial challenges faced by the children of today, any help will provide them with a valued head start.

Kindly supplied by Guy @ Robertson Jones Wealth Management Wire readers can get a free 2013/14 tax card from Guy. Simply email him (guy.jones@sjpp.co.uk) your name, address & tel number.

Robertson Jones Wealth Management Ltd We care and have the patience to explain and explain again without jargon.

Guy Jones BSc Eng. Dip. PFS We help you with: • Local, bespoke, confidential service.

• Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning.

• Retirement Planning.

• Tax relief and tax efficiency.

• Long-term Care Planning • Investment growth and diversification.

• Protection.

To find out more, contact Guy on

01786 822 291

guy.jones@sjpp.co.uk www.rjwm.co.uk

23 High Street, Dunblane

McIntyre FUNERAL DIRECTOR Established over 35 years

A Family Business providing a complete and caring service.

Floral Tributes & Monumental Masonry can be arranged

Contact Joan directly on

07971 167 130 or 01786 825 050 7 Beech Road, Dunblane

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29

Buttercup Cafe Freshly made delicious food, great coffee, an extensive cake selection & a welcoming atmosphere are our trademark.

Now that Summer’s here, relax outside in our lovely courtyard and as we have a new summer drinks licence, maybe with a glass of something cold?

Bright, airy, relaxed & family friendly….

Buttercup Café

Open 7 days: 9am-4pm Sunday - Friday 9am-5pm Saturdays 7 Main Street, Doune. FK16 6BJ 01786-842511

Recycle Clothes for Cash Clothes Shoes Books Bric a brac

50p per kilo 30p per kilo 10p per kilo 5p per kilo

Eleganza Designer Cakes Go bananas for cake!

The Old Curiosity Shop

38 High Street, Dunblane 07979 355 646 or 01786 822 247 30

Angela Curran Dunblane 07815 664 376 eleganzacakes@btinternet.com www.facebook.com/EleganzaDesignerCakes

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Pamela and Fiona’s 3 Land Challenge for 2 of us, 3 marathons in 3 countries...

3 Moonwalks in London, Edinburgh & Iceland, over a period of 5 weeks covering 78.6 miles! (sanity an optional extra) Well, we’ve done the first one!

£8,000

I have been giving much thought to which version of our Moonwalk adventure to write.... the ‘glossy’ one of ‘we’ve completed our first marathon in London, all 26(.2) miles, bigs smiles and hurray!’ OR the slightly less glamorous version involving ambulances and Imodium..... and having decided that I know you all well enough now, will share the more colourful version of events.

To set the scene, in the week leading up to our first big challenge, you must know that a tummy bug had been working its way diligently through the Jarvis £7,288 household. One by one, the children have succumbed until after a week of sleepless nights, passed it on to Pamela too, well sharing is caring after all! So the Saturday of London is the first day of the last three, that Pamela has been upright all day, so it is safe to say that she was not feeling at the top of her athletic prowess! However, we set off on the train to London full of anticipation and with a script to learn (buy your tickets for Into the Woods now!)

It starts well, we were slower than our normal pace but not just because Pamela wasn’t firing on all cylinders but also due to the sheer volume of people. 17,000, mostly women, do London’s Moonwalk which is a sight to see and makes for a very busy and jostling route!

At about mile 10, we can safely say that our previously mentioned tummy bug had struck me too as I was escorted to the resident ambulance to be checked over. Fail one, I seem to remember writing that we would endeavour NOT to use any of the emergency services on our route! However they were great and I suppose allowed me to retain a little dignity by only being sick in front of them and not the whole crowd. After a while, feeling a little better and with a ‘sick bag-to go’, we resumed our walk. Both of us are now somewhat below par but not to be defeated, still trudged on!

All I can say is tummy bugs can affect both ends of our bodies and this one was no exception. So if I can just recount the fact that there were 17 THOUSAND women, you may just be able to create a picture in your mind of the queue to each lot of port-a-loos en route. Anxiety doesn’t really cover it but I feel I have shared enough! We did make it to the end and actually we were a long way off being last so I think we can be proud.

My tip to anyone else attempting this, is to leave any bugs (tummy or otherwise behind) unless of course you have already packed Imodium or In Support of you are prepared to share your embarrassment in a bid for sympathetic sponsorship! (http://walkthewalkfundraising.org/pamelaandfiona) Pamela & Fiona’s

Thank You!

With thanks to our corporate sponsors:

Have some fun & help us reach our fundraising target! (www.facebook.com/ Please mention thewire when responding to adverts , 31 p.31 Celebrating 10 years of teaching in 2013 PamelaAndFionaswalkthewalk) ... where the individual matters

50 years in 2013: Celebrating

business!

Stirling

3 Land Challenge Uniting against breast cancer

KipMcGrath Stirling

TM

Watercress and Pea Soup Serves 4 Preparation time: 25 mins, Cooking time: 10 mins

Ingredients: • • • • •

100g/3½oz flat leaf parsley 400g/14oz fresh watercress 50g/2oz butter 1 shallot, peeled, chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped

• • • •

400g/14oz frozen peas 1 litre/1¾ pints hot vegetable stock 100ml/3½fl oz double cream salt and freshly ground black pepper

To Garnish • Handful baby watercress • Drizzle of olive oil

Preparation method: •

Heat half of the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic and fry gently until softened - about 3-4 minutes. Add the watercress, peas, parsley and hot stock or water, bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering and continue to simmer for three minutes, or until the peas are bright green and just tender.

Pour in the cream then blend thoroughly using a hand-held blender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the remaining butter until melted.

Divide the soup equally among four serving bowls and garnish with baby watercress.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

• •

32

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Sheriffmuir Inn

It’s the inn place out of town A varied, seasonal menu and A wonderful specials BOARD For reservations call 01786 823 285 open 7 days Visit our website for more information www.sheriffmuirinn.co.uk

Scottish Oven Cleaning Ovens, Cookers, Agas, Hobs, Extractors, Appliances

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33

Rhubarb and Custard Trifle by Wendy Gudgeon Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

500 gr rhubarb (forced or outdoor now in season) 100 ml freshly squeezed orange juice 4 tblsps. caster sugar • Sponge: Custard: • 50 gr caster sugar 250 ml double cream 250 ml whole milk • 50 gr margarine vanilla essence • 1 free range egg 100 gr caster sugar • 50 gr self raising flour 4 lg free range egg yolks To finish: 10 fl. oz whipped cream & flaked toasted almonds

Method: •

Make the sponge – cream the sugar and margarine together, gradually add the beaten egg and fold in the flour. Spoon into a prepared cake tin and bake in the oven at Gas 5/190C until risen and cooked through. Turn out and cool on a wire rack.

Cut the rhubarb stalks into 5 cm lengths. Place in an oven dish with the orange juice and caster sugar. Cook uncovered in the oven at Gas 4/180C until soft. Check for sweetness and add a little more sugar if necessary.

Make the custard – Heat the cream, milk and a few drops of vanilla essence in a pan until not quite boiling. Beat the egg yolks and caster sugar together and whisk in the hot cream. Return to the saucepan and stir constantly over a very gentle heat until it thickens and will coat the back of a spoon. Strain through a sieve and cool.

Crumble the sponge into 6 large wine glasses.

Spoon half the rhubarb on top, adding enough rhubarb juice to soak into the sponge.

Pile the custard on top and add the remaining rhubarb.

Finally top with whipped cream and flaked toasted almonds.

Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

• •

• • • • •

Wendy Gudgeon Tel: 01786 824487 Email: wendygudgeon@yahoo.co.uk www.wendygudgeon.co.uk 34

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• • Callander & West Perthshire U3A Come and join our celebration SUMMER FEST. After a successful first year as the 41st U3A group in Scotland we are holding an Open Day in order to showcase the 24 courses which have been attended and which cover such a variety of interests for our 162 members.

Entry is free so come along and bring your friends to enjoy the live entertainment by the ‘Singing for Pleasure’ and ‘Scottish Country Dancing’ groups. The science groups will have video presentations. ‘Painting for Pleasure’ and ‘Creative Stitchery’ groups will stage an Art Show.

Bruce Crawford MSP will formally open the event and all the Group Leaders will be present to answer your questions about U3A.

SUMMER FEST on Saturday 15th June in Callander Kirk Hall from 10.30am - 4.00pm Refreshments served all day

• • • • • •

Wide ranging menu Regularly updated seasonal options Supplied frozen & simple to heat up.

No artificial products Large & small meals available FREE DELIVERY on a fixed day every week We are happy to cater for special diets Outdoor event catering also available

order online at www.blueberryhillmeals.co.uk or by telephone 07933 881 271 or pick up from The Kitchen, Queens Lane, Bridge of Allan 10% off your first 2 online oders! (use code 222 when ordering) www.blueberryhillmeals.co.uk

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35

Newton Primary PSA

Funday

Admission £1 adults, children free

Dunblane Fencing Club took on Edinburgh clubs in the latest Plastic

and Foam Fencing (PAFF) Competition held at Napier University on Sunday 12th May. The team of 7 children together with coach Charity McArdle were on top form on the day resulting in the club placing overall 3rd in the event. The group also won Best School on behalf of Newton Primary, with 6 of the 7 Dunblane children taking part attending school there.

Individual successes were: Josh McArdle – Silver Medal in Division A Fraser O’Brien – Bronze Medal in Division A Emily O’Brien – Silver Medal in Division C and Best P5 girl.

Jake Gourley – Bronze Medal in Division C Xander Taggart – Gold Medal in Division D Kiera Papadopoulous - 4th in Division D Emily McArdle – 4th in Division F Coach McArdle said “I am very proud of the children for their sportsmanship, energy and effort throughout the day. The children thoroughly deserved to win best school. We can only go from strength to strength.”

Don’t forget you can try out fencing at the Dunblane Centre in the holidays! For more information about the club you can contact Charity McArdle at charitymcardle@hotmail.com 36

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Join the club

Let a holiday club help with your childcare this summer.

The six-week school holiday looms. Up and down the country you can hear collective groans from working parents beginning to stress about securing holiday care for their children.

has used the club, ask the manager to provide you with some recent testimonials.

Some clubs are run by local authorities and are based at schools, nurseries or community centres. You’ll find that places offering ‘before and after school’ clubs often have holiday clubs too. Others are linked to clubs offering specific activities, such as a sport or performance art.

they are going out for a day trip.

Try to see a timetable and photos of a typical day at the club. Activities can range from sports, crafts and cooking to quad biking, Whether you need childcare while you’re archery or trampolining. Many clubs will plan at work, or a way to keep your energetic a theme for the day or week, and some may offspring entertained, holiday clubs can be a let the children choose what to do. lifesaver. There is such a wide variety available Find out what children need to bring with that you are sure to be able to find something them – aprons, trainers or drinks, for example. that suits both you and your child.

They probably won’t need any money unless Make sure you know the arrangements for dropping off and collecting children, and what happens in an emergency.

You will need to book your child’s place in advance. Check the session times carefully – some clubs may be half days, some will run We are lucky here benefitting from Dunblane within school hours, while others may be Kids Club and the Dunblane Centre who both open from 8am until 5 or 6pm. runs things locally. Active Stirling offers a Ask what is included in the price. Is lunch provided, or will children need to bring their really wide range of activities too.

A lot of clubs will be registered with Ofsted own? Paying for a week is usually cheaper than and you can find details of their latest paying per day. You may also get a discount for more than one child. Some clubs will inspection at www.ofsted.gov.uk accept childcare vouchers, and you can claim It’s a good idea to visit the venue and speak to back some of the cost of Ofsted-registered the manager. Make sure you are happy with clubs if you qualify for Family Tax Credits. the child/adult ratios and the qualifications of the staff – they should all have been CRB Happy holidays! checked. If you don’t know anyone else who

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37

Our qualified teachers create individual tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods.

Keep brains active during the summer holiday with summer tutoring at Kip. Contact us to find out more.

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from birth up to 5 years.

We have pre-school grant funded places available & have been graded Excellent & Very Good by the Care Inspectorate in our recent report; the nursery is set in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate on the outskirts of Dunblane with ample car parking.

Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm All meals included home cooked by our in-house chef Fully qualified and trained staff For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane, FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

38

Dunblane School of Motoring Grade 6 Instructor Over 30 yrs Experience Block Booking Discount Free Motorway Lesson 01786 82 52 82 07767 355 411

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Youth Update Woooo hoooooooo Summer is here!

If holiday boredom has set in already head to the Centre for some amazing summer fun. With everything from fencing to face paint, dancing to drawing, puppets to pizza and everything in between there is bound to be something you fancy.

Softplay and the bouncy castle are on twice a week for pre-schoolers.

Youth clubs will finish up w/c 24th June but don’t worry there will still be lots to do at the centre. Have a wee look at our jam packed summer programme & look forward to seeing you all. Jeannie :)

For more information on any of our activities, or to book a place just give us a call on 01786 824 224 or pop in to the Centre.

We have tea, coffee and tuckshop available if you would like to stay while the kids are busy or if you want to leave them with us, ‘drop in’ is also available at the Centre on a daily basis for over 8s. We have computers with web access, pool tables, various games consoles and much more. (max 2 hours at a time).

Please note that Youth Clubs will not run during the Summer Holidays. visit our website: www.dunblanecentre.co.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dunblanecentre

Shall we dance?

D PU Su unb LL mm lan - O e U fo er A Ce T r k ct nt G id ivi re’ UI s tie s D E s

Show is a week will soon be upon us. This summer we are heading East to the royal court of the King of Siam in the fabulous musical ‘The King and I’ With our usual adult cast and crew ready to take the 120(ish) children through their theatrical paces this should be an amazing spectacle.

After a week of intensive rehearsal our full blown performances will take place on Fri 9th (7.30pm) and Sat 10th (2pm and 7.30pm) August.

Tickets are available from the centre priced at £7 adult and £5 concession.

YO

UR

Dunblane Youth and Sports Centre Trust is a Please mention thewire when responding to adverts Registered Scottish Charity SC027397

39

Arts and Crafts

A whole range of activities are available, from Puppet making to jewellery design, creating your own mini island and summer scenes. Not forgetting our special graffiti workshop! Come along and make something fabulous. (see programme for various dates and age groups, no experience required.

Drop-in Sport

Get active this summer and join in our pre-planed sports activities with lots to choose from like football, basketball, badmington and rounders. Or sign up your team for our mini football tournament. ÂŁ5 per team on the 19th July. (various dates and age groups, no experience required)

Skool of rock

Come and join our guitar workshop and learn some new techniques from our resident guitar teacher Simon. With a mini performance at the end of the week. Lessons daily from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August, see programmes for times and ages.

Gymstars Summer School

Our Gymstars summer school runs daily from Monday 12th to Friday 16th August. Learn some gymnastics and earn yourself a badge and certificate at the end of the week for all your hard work!

Spanish Fiesta

Come, join the fiesta! enjoy the party, learn some Spanish and have lots of fun with our Spanish themed karaoke on Thursday 25th July.

Be a star for a day

Pretend to be rich and famous at our special pamper day! Included in the price is hair, face painting, nails and a photo of you looking all glamorous at the end of the day!

40

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the king and i

‘Show in a Week’ is here again – travel to Siam with Miss Anna and enjoy some of its most well loved songs like ‘shall we dance’, ‘getting to know you’ and ‘whistle a happy tune’. Come along and support your friends in the show. (Performances Fri 10th at 7.30pm and Sat 11th at 2pm and 7.30pm

Sounds of Nature

This interactive session will allow you to record some well known sounds of nature and then add music to it to make your very own melody.

Fencing

Come and try out the unusual sport of fencing. Coached by Charity McArdle, former Commonwealth gold medallist, we are running two workshops. For the week beginning 29th July, Beginners (P5-7) daily at 10am no experience is necessary and Intermediate (P7 - S3), daily at 1pm for those who already have their grade 1 in Fencing.

CREATE in dunblane

The biggest and best completely free youth event this side of anywhere. A huge range of free workshops, activities and mayhem for everyone from P6 up. If you’ve never been to a Create event make this year the one! (Weds 17th July 1pm – 6pm.

Consent forms needed and available from the Centre)

Summer surprises

Book your place in advance to come and cook some delicious treats. Be surprised on the day with what we are making!

Softplay & Bouncy Castle

Our shiny new soft play equipment is great for all our preschoolers to run off all that excess holiday energy. Softplay runs every Tuesday 10am – 3pm and every Thursday 10am – 12pm, with the bouncy castle being up for some extra fun from 10am – 11.30am.

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41

What’s On at a Glance July Monday 15th

Summer Surprises (cooking)

P1-3

10-11am

£3.50

Monday 15th

Sunshine beats dancing

P4-7

12.30 - 1.30pm

£3.50

Monday 15th

Drop-in Badmington

S1+

2 - 3pm

1.00

Tuesday 16th

Puppet Making

P1-3

10 - 11am

£3.00

Tuesday 16th

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

Tuesday 16th

Jewellery Design School

P4-7

11am - 1.00pm

£3.00

Wednesday 17th

CREATE

10+ yrs

1- 6pm

FREE

Thursday 18th

3D Holiday Island (arts & crafts)

P1-3

10.30 - 11.30am

£3.00

Thursday 18th

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

Thursday 18th

Graffiti Workshop

P4-7

12.30 - 1.30pm

£3.50

Thursday 18th

Graffiti Workshop

S1+

1.45 - 2.45pm

£3.50

Friday 19th

Mini Football Tournament

P4-7

12pm onwards

£5.00

Monday 22nd

Drop-in Football

S1+

2 - 3pm

£1.00

Monday 22nd

Be a star for the day!

9+ yrs

10am - 1pm

£5.00

Tuesday 23rd

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

Wednesday 24th

Precious Plaques Workshop

P1-3

11.15am - 12noon

£4.00

Wednesday 24th

Precious Plaques Workshop

P4-7

12.15pm - 1.15pm

£4.50

Wednesday 24th

CREATE (Bannockburn)

S1+

12noon - 6pm

£5.00

Thursday 25th

Sounds of Nature

P1-3

11am - 1pm

£6.00

Thursday 25th

Spanish Fiesta

P1-3

12 - 1pm

£3.00

Thursday 25th

Spanish Fiesta

P4-7

1.15 - 2.15pm

£3.00

Thursday 25th

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

Friday 26th

Drop-in Sports

P1-3

11am - 12noon

£1.00

Friday 26th

Drop-in Sports

P4-7

1-2pm

£1.00

Friday 26th

Drop-in Sports

S1+

3-4pm

£1.00

Monday 29th

Summer Scenes (arts & crafts)

Pre-school

11-11.45am

£2.00

Monday 29th - 2nd August

Skool of Rock (guitar workshop), daily

8-11 yrs

12-1pm

£22.50

Monday 29th - 2nd August

Skool of Rock (guitar workshop), daily

12-16 yrs

1.30-2.30

£22.50

Monday 29th - 1st August

Fencing Course, daily

P5-7

10am - 12noon

£40

Monday 29th - 1st August

Fencing Course, daily

P7-S3

1-4pm

£50

Tuesday 30th

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

Thursday 1st

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

Monday 12th-16th

Gymstars Summer School, daily

P1-3

11am - 12noon

£15

Monday 12th-16th

Gymstars Summer School, daily

P4-7

12.15 - 1.15pm

£15

Thursday 15th

Soft Play (& bouncy castle 10 - 11.30am)

Pre-school

10am - 1pm

£2.50

August

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A few fun facts to help you be top of the trivia tree!

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The Statue of Liberty’s index finger is eight feet long.

A 75 year old person will have slept about 23 years.

There are as many chickens on earth as there are humans.

One type of hummingbird weighs less than a penny.

Sharks can live up to 100 years.

Kangaroos can’t walk backwards.

About 75 acres of pizza are eaten in the U.S. everyday.

The tip of a bullwhip moves so fast that the sound it makes is actually a tiny sonic boom.

Koalas and humans are the only animals that have finger prints.

There are 200,000,000 insects for every one human.

Octopus have three hearts.

If you ate too many carrots, you would turn orange.

250 people have fallen off the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

A blue whale’s tongue weighs more than an elephant.

You use 14 muscles to smile and 43 to frown. Keep Smiling!

An eyeball weighs about 1 ounce.

The 3 most common languages in the world are Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and English.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

Honey is the only natural food which never goes off.

A giraffe can clean its own ears with its 21 inch tongue.

Elephants are the only mammals that can’t jump.

In a deck of cards the king of hearts is the only king without a moustache.

If you filled a matchbox with gold it could be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.

Unless food is mixed with saliva you can’t taste it.

Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries.

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43

Play Time When talking with your child, continuously build on her basic language. If she says “There’s a dog,” you could reply, “Yes, it’s a brown dog with floppy ears. Granny’s dog has got pointed ears.” You could then ask her what else is different about the two dogs, or whatever you are comparing.

Children learn faster when they can attach new facts to what they have already learned. The more they can link new words to “old” words, the more they learn.

You might stretch the imagination by asking questions such as “What do you think the dog is thinking?”

Ask what she can remember about other types of dogs, to build association.

Make a game using prepositions – “Can you crawl under the table and through the box?” “Do you sleep in your bed or under your bed?” This will help develop logical sense as well as good sentence construction.

Kindly supplied by Wee Acorns Nursery

Please contact us or pop in to find out more Perth Road, Dunblane 01786 826982 wee.acorns@hotmail.co.uk www.weeacorns.co.uk

44

Performing Arts training in Central Scotland will take a major step forward later this year at Stirling’s Monument Dance Centre with the launch of a new one year, full time Higher National Certificate (HNC) course in Musical Theatre.

Commencing in September, students accepted onto the course will qualify for funding through SAAS. For the first time talented students can study the ‘triple threat’ disciplines of singing, acting and dance, gaining an internationally recognised qualification, without having to travel to Glasgow, Edinburgh or further afield.

The launch of the HNC marks a significant step forward for the Centre and builds upon an already established strong SQA Performing Arts programme and impressive results. So far 24 students have passed Higher Dance (80% with Grade A & 20% with B). In addition 6 students completed Advanced Higher units and 12 completed the National Progression Award (NPA) in Dance last year. A further 13 passed the National Certificate (NC) in Acting and Theatre Performance.

This year another 12 students have just completed Higher Dance, 8 will complete the NPA in Musical Theatre and 17 will complete the NC in Acting and Theatre performance.

Most of these students are now in rehearsal for the Monument Performing Arts School production of the wonderful Musical ‘Godspell’ which takes to the Macrobert stage on 9th, 10th and 11th June.

Prospective students who book their audition now can claim a free Godspell ticket and see for themselves the high standard of performance achieved by MPAS students.

Principal Louise Murray said “Many of our SQA students have, in the past, applied for Performing Arts courses in other parts of the country. We are now able to offer a funded course in Stirling for the first time. It’s very exciting and we look forward to welcoming our first full time students in September “.

Book your HNC audition now - 14th June.

Tickets for ‘Godspell’ are available through Monument Dance Centre 01786 451 244 or the Macrobert box office - Tel 01786 46666 or online at www.macrobert.org

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r times

tact us fo n o c E N U J h AY 14t DITIONS FRID

AU

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45

The Perfect Baby Shower Their world may seem light years away from ours, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are no doubt experiencing similar wonder and excitement as they anticipate the arrival of their first baby. With around a month to go until Junior makes his or her appearance, now is when close friends or family members should throw Kate a baby shower, as a chance to impart a few pearls of wisdom whilst showering her and baby with gifts.

Traditionally, a baby shower is thrown for first time mumsto-be by close family members or best friends a month or two before baby is due – just in case Junior decides to put in an early appearance - and before the expectant mum is too tired or uncomfortable to enjoy the event.

Like any other celebration, a baby shower can be as grand or as simple an affair as you choose, but perhaps the best are kept small enough to hold in someone’s home where it can be kept cosy and intimate. Invitations should be sent out about a month before, and there is no easier way to do this than via email, text or Facebook.

You don’t have to spend a fortune in time or money decorating the room to look fun and welcoming. A few balloons spruced up with say dummies, rattles or teething rings are all it might take!

The receiving and opening of gifts is possibly the highlight of any baby shower. You could leave it entirely to the guests to decide what to give, but it is becoming increasingly acceptable for the expectant mum to compile a wish list should guests prefer some guidance.

No self respecting baby shower should pass without a few games. Some ideas include Guess the Baby (from photos guests bring of themselves); Match the Celebrity to Baby (from pictures which have been cut from magazines), Feed the Baby (spoon feed porridge or baby food to your partner while blindfolded), or alternatively see who can guzzle down a bottle of milk the quickest!) or why not set a baby quiz?

Finally, to ensure that the happy events of the baby shower remain emblazoned in the future mummy’s memory forever, have a memory book on hand for guests to write personal messages or words of advice, and consider capturing the occasion on camera.

With all these elements in place you are sure to have a baby shower to remember!

46

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St Marys Espiscopal School Have you ever been to the National Museum of Scotland?

Well St Mary’s went and had a great time! The whole school got to go as a treat for the great achievement of making our own museum! Each class did different things.

The National Museum of Scotland was great because...

• Our museum didn’t have such good interactive activities as The National Museum.

• Both museums had touching stuff and kids’ zones • The National Museum had stuff to smell and things hanging from the roof!

• They had YEARS to put the museum together!

• They had a huge gift shop.

• They had proper ancient artefacts and perfect replicas.

• The giant Millennium clock was amazing.

• There were so many electronic interactive displays.

• There was a roof terrace.

St Mary’s Museum of Dunblane was great because...

• Our museum was very child friendly because it was run by children.

• Both museums had touching stuff and kids’ zones.

• Our museum had people acting/moving statues.

• We had a timeline which made things easier to understand.

• We had tour guides who helped point out important bits to visitors.

• We had a themed cafe - the National Museum of Scotland could have had 4 different themed cafes/restaurants.

• We had photostories and Crazy Talk.

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School Jotters

P4/5 saw the Viking exhibition and it was amazing, they got to hold and feel some replica Viking artefacts everyone was amazed by the detail on the replicas. P6/7 got to go look at the Animal section and then to the Connect area and then to the Viking exhibition last.

P2/3 got clues and had to try and figure out what dinosaur matches the clues. P1 went to see the animal section they loved it. Marco said “when I looked up it looked like the animals were about to fall on me” When P4/5 were in the space section there was a film that told us all about how your bodies are made of stardust, it also told us about how global warming could effect our planet. So remember to recycle!

By Victoria and Rebecca.

Newton Primary School and Nursery : Science & Engineering Week

School Jotters

The P.7 Science and Engineering Team worked with parents and staff to plan an exciting week of activities for the children to further develop everyone’s knowledge about science and engineering. It was a week of discovery, invention and celebration. The children enjoyed many fascinating and challenging activities supported by parent and visitor experts in science and engineering. Special mention must go to the sixth year pupils from Dunblane HS who helped children with their investigations - they were superb!

P.7 learned all about forensics and investigating a crime scene. They also learned about electronics in particular microchips, learning how ipods and ipads work and studying the components of a laptop. Mrs Bryson visited from Dunblane High School to teach the children about forces and friction, which they really enjoyed, related to their current work on Space and Forces.

Primary Six have been learning about Medieval Dunblane so they were delighted to have a visit from Miss Porter at the High School who taught the children all about how pulleys work – the same pulley system which was used to build Dunblane Cathedral. Their knowledge of medieval cures for diseases was brought up to date with a visit from a parent who works at Dundee Drug Discovery who taught the children about how modern drugs are discovered, developed and funded. P.6 were amazed to find out that it costs millions of pounds to make one medicine and the process can take approximately 10-15 years.

Meanwhile in P.5 children built on their recent project work on inventions and discoveries to learn fascinating facts about how to build an eco – friendly green house, a chemical engineer taught the children all about the chemical process (making hot chocolate) and related that process to the production of valuable Ethene gas and the products made from that gas.

A whole team of experts descended from the department of Aquaculture at Stirling University and amazed the children with their knowledge and hands-on experiences studying an array of shore life under the powerful microscopes, dissecting fish to discover, among other features, the swim bladder. The intriguing world of fish tagging was opened up to the children.

Primary 4 enjoyed fascinating visits from several parents. Mr Ross from Dunblane High School, accompanied by sixth year pupils, helped the children with their project work on renewable energy in Scotland by doing exciting experiments with wind turbines.

Primary Three shared their Egyptian home learning building shadufs, waterclocks and sun dials, had a fantastic trip to the Royal Museum Edinburgh and built pyramids and temples using various materials.

P.2 built on their Senses project work by inviting an optometrist to speak to the class, another parent who is a microbiologist helped the children to learn all about germs using petri dishes and microscopes.

Meanwhile in P.1 the children were busy doing experiments with flower stems, cleaning copper coins, and learning more about famous scientist and inventors like Mr Dyson.

Nursery children were learning so much they decided to keep going for two weeks. Children, supported by staff and parents, enjoyed experiments with food colouring, liquid soap and gloop! Children also learned more about how electricity makes things work.

What an amazing week. Many thanks to everyone for their contributions.

Primary Seven Science and Engineering Team 2013 48 To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Beaconhurst Nursery Pupils Learn About Life In Spain

School Jotters

Youngsters from Beaconhurst School’s nursery have been learning all about life in Spain, thanks to an innovative e-twinning project.

The School’s Junior Start (nursery) is twinned with a nursery school in Pontevedra, northern Spain and children regularly exchange photographs and information with the Spanish pupils as well as chatting to them via Skype.

The initiative was established by Christine “We have a world map in the classroom and Campbell, one of the nursery’s Early Years they like to look at where they are and where the Practitioners, after she learned about nursery school in Spain is.” e-twinning and decided it would be a great Mrs Campbell was also keen for the children idea for the children to try. to think about their own country and culture She says: “I read an article about a school in and decided to make up a `Culture in a Box’ Glasgow which had twinned with a nursery in parcel to send to the Spanish youngsters.

Italy and thought it was a brilliant project.”

She says: “Each child drew a picture and we “Our children have Spanish lessons once a week talked about what would be good to send over so I thought it would be ideal if we could find a there before deciding on shortbread.” nursery in Spain to link up with.”

“We sent everything off through the post to Mrs Campbell logged onto an e-twinning Spain and the children were really pleased to website to register details of her class and receive it.” before long, Beaconhurst’s award-winning “They are now in the process of sending us a nursery was linked with EEI Vagalume parcel so the children will be very excited when Vilagarcia School in Spain. that arrives!”

She says: “I wrote a blog about who we are, the Junior Start Team Leader Laura John is age of our children and the fact I was looking delighted with the project and says: “We to twin with a similar age group in Spain. encourage our staff to think creatively and “I got an email back from a teacher named take the initiative and this great idea which Mel de Carmen who also teaches four and Christine put forward has been a real hit with five-year-olds at a nursery school in Spain and the children. since then we’ve been in touch with her.”

“It’s been fantastic for expanding their The children contact each other every few awareness of the outside world and different weeks either by sending photos and videos cultures as well as tying in with our weekly via email or singing songs and chatting Spanish lessons.” during Skype sessions.

Meanwhile, Beaconhurst has recently made They’ve also sent a parcel containing some changes to the nursery programme and shortbread and pictures to the Spanish school increased its hours to offer full `wrap-around’ and are eagerly awaiting a parcel from their care. new friends in return.

Children can now attend for a full day between Mrs Campbell says: “The e-twinning project has 8am and 6pm while plans are also in place to given our children an awareness of the wider introduce a 46-week year from August. This world and the different cultures which are out means the nursery will be open outwith the school term for the rst time.

Please mention thewire when responding tofiadverts there”.

49

RHONA GEDDES Optometrist

Did you know that UV light • • • •

Ages our eyes.

Harms our eyes.

Is invisible.

Is present whenever the sun shines, even when it’s cold outside.

But …

Sun spectacles protect our eyes!

We have an excellent range of sun spectacles from ready to wear to the ultimate in bespoke.

Come in to see for yourself...

Rhona Geddes, Optometrist 70 High Street, Dunblane, FK15 0AY

01786 825 826

50

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Mairi’s Hair Salon 9 Springfield Terrace, Dunblane

NAILS & WAXING Full Leg Wax Half Leg Wax Bikini Under Arm

£13.50 £9.50 £6.50 £6.00

Eye Brow £5.00 Upper Lip £5.00 Chin £5.00

File and Polish ONLY £7.50

Shellac

Fingers & Toes only £25 with free soak off

For an appointment, phone

Special Package...

01786 824 077

Full Leg, Bikini, Under Arm & Eye Brow for £20 add Shellac for only £10 add a Blow Dry for £10

Love your smile...

01786 832 331

1 Union Street, Bridge of Allan

www.bridgeofallandental.com Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

51

Dare to bare?

We all know crash diets are a bad idea, but impending holidays cry out for a quick fix. If you need to lose a few pounds before jetting off to foreign climes, we offer a few helpful hints and tips that will have you feeling fabulous by the pool!

• Eat five or six small meals rather than three big ones.

This will keep your blood sugar level steady and reduce cravings.

• Write down what you eat – this will stop sneaky snacking.

• Eat slowly and concentrate on enjoying your food.

• Watch your portion size – use smaller plates so you feel like you’re eating more.

• Limit the amount of potatoes, pasta and bread you eat and bulk up meals with vegetables. Raw vegetables are ideal because your body burns extra calories as it digests them.

• Avoid processed foods which can be high in fat, sugar and salt, all of which encourage fluid retention.

• Chewing sugar-free gum takes your mind off wanting something to eat.

• Remember drinks have calories too – stick to water and use skimmed milk in tea and coffee. Green tea is rumoured to help your body burn fat.

• Be more active – aim to exercise for 30 minutes a day.

• And finally, get enough sleep – if you’re tired, you’re more likely to reach for a sugary snack.

Alaska Beauty Outstanding Beauty and Pampering Treatments

Here comes Summer ... at your local Award Winning Salon!

St Tropez Tanning Evening - Thursday 20th June 4-8pm Spend over £25 on St Tropez products & receive a full body spray tan absolutely free!

Come along and enjoy this tantastic evening! We have Carol Ann a Tanning Expert from St Tropez joining us who has tanned many stars and would love to answer any tanning questions or just simply give advice.

On the night there will be refreshments, raffles, amazing offers on Collin Resultime, OPI, St Tropez plus much much more....

Dont miss out on this tantastic night.... Please book early to avoid disappointment...

Stay Beautiful ........ with Alaska Beauty xx 25 High Street, Dunblane 01786 823 832

52

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Hypnotherapy & Life Coaching

Claire Jack, Ph.D specialising in: Anxiety, Hypno Birthing, Fertility, Menopause, Life Changes, Hypno-Band weight loss.

Spacious & relaxing clinic. Free consultation. tel: 07876 809 776 e: info@cherryttreepathways.co.uk www.cherrytreepathways.co.uk Unit 1, RFL House, Anderson Street, Dunblane, FK15 9AJ

Your blue light service... complete, quality hearing specialists on-call for you For a complete hearing assessment offering a bespoke service contact HASS Hearing & Audiology Services Scotland Home Visits or Surgery times to suit Practising at: BMI Kings Park Hospital, Stirling & Emma Drewery Optometrist, Bridge of Allan

hass

David Willis M.B.S.H.A.A. Consultant Audiologist & Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser tel: 07940 811 264 or email: dwillishass@gmail.com Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

53

Open your eyes

to an Erskine’s eye examination

54

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Following a successful investment in the latest scanning technology (OCT) in the Dunblane and Auchterarder practices, Erskines have now acquired the most advanced imaging technology in their Bridge of Allan practice... Optomap.

An Optomap is a high resolution digital image of the back of the eye (retina). It is the only technology currently available that provides a wide field view of up to 82% of the retina in one quick image. Many early eye conditions can be seen in the periphery of the retina, as well as in the central area, which is why wide field imaging is so important.

Optos was founded in 1992 by Douglas Anderson OBE after his then five-year old son went blind in one eye when a retinal detachment was detected too late. Although his son was having regular eye exams, it was difficult for the optometrist to conduct an exam and view the entire area. Subsequently, Anderson set out to develop a patient-friendly, retinal imaging product that encompassed a digital wide field image of the retina in a singular capture - and so, the Optomap was born.

Comparison of Fields of View Optomap: the facts An optomap retinal image compared to conventional devices in a single capture.

• •

•

Optomap is the only exam that captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image.

The unique Optomap ultra wide view helps detect early signs of retinal disease more effectively and efficiently than with traditional eye exams.

In addition to eye conditions, other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and stroke can also exhibit in the retina.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact Erskines on 01786 832 061 It’s amazing to think that this very clever bit of technology is right here on our doorstep. Both this and the OCT machines provide us with as detailed an eye examination as is available. Whilst there is a small charge, understandable given the massive investment by Erskines, the new information can detect eye problems from their earliest stages and in most cases, provides the peace of mind of knowing everything is alright.

I was invited to try it out and although the machine looks like something off a Star Trek set, the scan is straightforward and painless. It takes a couple of seconds to take the photograph as you simply look at the green light in the machine.

Erskine’s staff are well trained and at ease with the new information; happy to answer any questions whilst interpreting what the photographs show. In fact there is a definite buzz of excitement about the technology within the practice, which you can’t help responding to. I feel very privileged to be able to do this and would encourage you to book your own Optomap alongside your routine appointment and take a look at your eyes as you’ll never have seen them before! Fiona@theWire Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

55

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine CLIFF WICKS

ALL

MSc (Acupuncture), MBAcC MRCHM

SKIN CONDITIONS CLINIC

For free advice on how complementary therapies use a holistic approach to skin relief, contact me at the Therapy Centre

Acne, Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis & Rosacea Herbal tablets, teas & creams are available

For A Free Initial Assessment

CONTACT 01786 825 900 The Therapy Centre 5-7 Springfield Terrace, Dunblane

it’s

about

YOUR

TIME! Call Brenda on 07708 922 452

info@iam2busy.co.uk

Brenda’s Timesaving Tips...

Browse your guide books, but photocopy only the pages you need – saves weight in your luggage, and your arms, while you’re away!

If you only need to take a few pills with you, eg for an overnight stay, an old contact lens case is ideal Not all countries accept all the drugs commonly available (even if prescribed by your doctor) eg Dubai, so check before you go Work on ‘battery power’ – think how you would work if everything was powered by batteries, not never-ending electricity Prioritise – do only the important stuff, so you can relax, hopefully in the sun….

Visit Brenda’s Blog for more tips & other stuff ...

www.iam2busy.co.uk A local service for busy people 56

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`

Neroli Beauty Salon Book your Sweet Feet pedicure today!

Special package only £30 & includes your pedicure, bottle of polish & products to take care of your feet.

01786 821 818

9 Stirling Rd, Dunblane

A full list of our treatments can be found online at: www.nerolibeautysalon.co.uk More details are also on Facebook

FITNESS TAKEAWAY Motorised Treadmill ...4 weeks hire £50 Club Style Air Rower ...8 weeks hire £35 Exercise Cycle ...............8 weeks hire £35

Elliptical X-Trainer ......6 weeks hire £40 Gravity Walker ............8 weeks hire £25 Vibration Plate ...........4 weeks hire £50

Home delivery available to the Dunblane area on Thursday evenings

CALL 01236 767 211 or visit our website

www.fitnesstakeaway.com Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

57

Carpet Master of Stirling Domestic & Contract Floorcovering Specialists Established 1993

Family Run Business, Specialising In Quality & Service Great Value For Money & Satisfaction Guaranteed For your FREE no obligation, measure & estimate call Isobel or James

01786 451 376 • • • • •

Fantastic range of Carpets & Vinyls - all leading manufacturers.

Specialists in Karndean, Amtico & Marmoleum Large selection of Roll Stock Remnant Warehouse Carpet Binding Facility (for Rugs & Runners to your specifications)

36 Weaver Row, St Ninians, Stirling, FK7 9AS www.carpet-master.co.uk

58

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Dog Grooming Service

For all your dogs’ grooming needs

Bottle it…or not The average Brit knocks back around 33 litres of bottled water per year! The UK bottled water industry is worth over £1.5bn per annum. Most consumers say they drink it because it tastes better and they believe it to be purer than tap water. However, this is not necessarily the case. Though both mineral and spring water are bottled fresh at their underground source, bottled table water may well be nothing more than filtered tap water - and some spring water is treated before bottling.

Open 6 Days. Evening & weekend appointments available.

To discuss your requirements and to book an appointment Phone 07456 559 329 Lylestane House.

(Between Dunblane & Braco)

www.kipdoggrooming.co.uk

Water from UK taps is the most stringently tested in the world and is quite possibly safer to drink than bottled water which can easily become contaminated, but the presence of chemicals can make the taste unpalatable.

Fitting a filter to the water supply solves this problem. Water filters vary according to the amount and type of contaminants they remove, but a popular choice is an under sink unit which will remove a wide selection of chemicals. Costing anything from £100£250, cartridges need replacing every six months and cost around £15-25. A cheaper, but less effective alternative is a jug filter priced at around £40.

You might want to consider that tonnes of plastic are used each year in the manufacture of water bottles. So consider fitting a filter, and if you really prefer bottled, remember to recycle.

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59

SCOTLAND IN STITCHES

Have you heard of the Great Tapestry of Scotland? Some of it is being created in Dunblane!

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is a unique project to stitch the entire story of Scotland from pre-history to modern times.

It is the brainchild of Alexander McCall Smith who, together with historian Alistair Moffat, and artist Andrew Crummy, (not to mention over 1000 volunteer stitchers from all over Scotland!) have formed a team to produce one of the world’s longest tapestries through one of the biggest community arts projects ever to take place in Scotland.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland will be created – like the Bayeux Tapestry – an embroidered cloth, rather than a woven tapestry. It will be annotated variously in English, Gaelic, Latin and Scots, with surface stitching in a variety of yarns, using a range of embroidery skills to create a wonderfully rich and tactile artwork.

Each of the 165 embroidered panels will focus on a specific historical chapter, and interwoven through each will be other tales of the time. Stitchers from all over Scotland have had 7 months to stitch their panels, which must be completed by June. The finished tapestry will go on display from September 2013, initially in the Scottish Parliament.

• 50,000 sewing hours (equivalent to sewing 24 hours a day for 6 years!)

• 49,000 meters of yarns (enough to lay up and down Ben Nevis 37 times!)

• 12,012 years of Scottish history 3 panels are being stitched in the Dunblane area, and are soon to be completed.

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Maud Crawford, Judith Abbott, Heather Bovill, Mavis Oldham, Mary Storrar and Lysbeth Wilson from Dunblane, together with Caroline Buchanan and Jenny Haldane, who are all experienced stitchers, have embroidered a panel depicting the Battle of Sherriffmuir.

Maud said, ‘as a group we were involved in stitching several panels of the Prestonpans tapestry in 2010. We were delighted to be involved in this new project from the start and to stitch an episode of Scottish history which took place near Dunblane’.

Maud and Judith, together with Caroline and Jenny, and also Sarah Gammell, Fiona Gibson, Dorothy Morton, Libby Taylor and Anne Thomson, have also stitched a panel depicting ‘Scots in Africa’.

Ann Gambles, Frances Rankin, Catriona Whitton and Libby Hughes have stitched a panel depicting the mood of Scotland in 1978/9. Ann said, ‘we are thrilled to have participated in this exciting project. None of us has stitched anything like this before. Our panel centres around Archie Gemmill kicking a famous goal in Scotland’s World Cup bid in Argentina, but also includes many fun features –such as Dennis the Menace and a punk rocker’ More information can be found at www.scotlandstapestry.com

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Dog Grooming Service Linda Aitchison

All breeds catered for in a quiet, friendly environment.

Clipping, Bathing & Shampooing, Nails clipped Contact Linda on 01786 822 421 or 0759 290 8043

linda_aitchison@hotmail.co.uk Glencairn, Doune Rd, Dunblane

HEATHER CARPET CLEANING • • • • •

High Quality Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Commercial & Domestic Established 30 years Built on Reputation Dunblane Based •

www.heathercarpetcleaning.co.uk

01786 820 224 Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

61

Planning a new bathroom? Let Altal help......

Full installation of bathrooms and showers Can organise all other trades so the whole job can be finished smoothly from start to finish

ALTAL PLUMBERS DUNBLANE 07970 228 248 or 01786 822 525 www.altal.co.uk

Over 36 years experience

Mackie Electrical Services Electrical Contractor & Minor Plumbing Work (not gas) Select Member No: 13023 • • • • • • •

All electrical work Domestic & Commercial New build & extensions Rewires & alterations Bathroom updates Shower installation Electrical & plumbing work on new kitchen installations

Tam Mackie Phone: 01786 841 852 or 07770 516 463 email: tam@mackieelect.fsnet.co.uk 8 Leny Road, Deanston, Doune 62

HEARTLAND MAINTENANCE Domestic & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning All cleaning jobs considered Contract work welcome

For more information Tel: 01786 826912 Mobile: 07720 846513 13 Edward Street, Dunblane

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www.rooflineadvicecentre.co.uk info@rooflineadvicecentre.co.uk 1.

2.

3.

4.

Dunblane-based Roofing Specialist Free, no obligation Quotes Up to 20 Years Warranty Insurance Protected Guarantee with the Home Improvement Protection Group.

(www.homeimprovementprotection.com)

UPVC Fascias, Soffits, Guttering & Cladding

FREEPHONE 0800 1577 555 or Dunblane 823 611

Why colour coat your roof when you

have a better option?

We also offer a full re-roofing project installing new roof boards, breathable membrane, tile and counter batons and roof tiles of your choice from as little as £60 a square metre. A detached property with a roof area of 80 square metres would cost in the region of £4800.

Head Office: 17 Braemar Park, Dunblane FK15 9EE Offices at Unit 8, Phoenix Estate, Springkerse Industrial Estate, Stirling, FK7 7SG Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

63

Stephen Crosbie

Plumbing & Central Heating Engineer Prompt & efficient service, FREE estimates Competitive prices & all work GUARANTEED

01786 825 344 or 07860 246 736 • • • • • • •

Plumbing & Heating Installations & Boiler Servicing Central Heating Power Flushing Bathrooms, Showers, Ceramic Tiling Landlord Safety Certificates Electronic Flue Gas Analysis & Efficiency Testing Drainage CCTV Inspection / Jetting / Repairs 24hr emergency plumbing & heating service

www.scrosbie.co.uk 8 Grant Drive, Dunblane

56825

J&R JOINERY AND PLUMBERS • • • •

All types of joinery work undertaken, internal and external. Fitted kitchens etc.

All types of plumbing work undertaken.

Installation of bathrooms, showers and ceramic tiling.

Cleaning of gutters and downpipes, drains unblocked.

Special reduction for OAPs

Contact us on 01786 824 478 07749 023 484 or 07786 610 057

no job too small ... we do it all!

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John McLaren Approved Electrical Installer Established 1965 Now is the time to sort out your out of date fuse box and replace it with a modern circuit breaker unit.

Not only are they EASY, they comply with the most rigorous safety standards. As a member of our governing body SELECT, an installation isn’t finished until we have thoroughly tested all your electrics, leaving you safe in the knowledge that it has been fully checked and to the highest standards.

You also get a full set of certificates for your insurance purposes.

We also carry out annual PAT testing, landlord safety checks and can help you meet the requirements in commercial premises too.

Professional stripping and resealing of Amtico/Kardean & Marmoleum flooring Victorian Minton Floor Tiles refurbished

Restoration & cleaning of Internal Stone Specialist carpet and upholstery cleaners Cleaning and Finishing treatment for tired looking wooden floors

For a free estimate please call

Dunblane 824 483 11 Ochiltree, Dunblane

ospreyhomecare@tiscali.co.uk

Stirling’s Garage Door Specialists Up & Over and Sectional Manual & Automated Garage Doors

WILLIAM KAY LTD

Remember, all our work is guaranteed, tested and certified

For more information t: 01786 823 533 Willie: 07899 877 822 Craig: 07436 815 247 e: w.turner011@btinternet.com

Est. 1940 • • • • •

Up & Over or Sectional Garage Doors Matching Side Doors Roller Garage Doors Operators Sales, Servicing & Repairs

t: 01786 474 709

www.kaygaragedoors.co.uk Kay Garage Doors, Unit 1 Pheonix Ind. Est Springbank Road, Stirling FK7 7SG

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65

CINEMA : Film releases for June After Earth

A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash.

Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

Despicable Me 2

sees the return of Gru the super-villain, his girls and the unforgettable minions return.

This time, the evil genius is intent on carrying out a plan even more nefarious than his last. But can the super-bad super-dad face up to a new nemesis who just might be more powerful than him?

World War Z

Epic sci-fi thriller ‘World War Z’ stars Brad Pitt as United Nations employee Gerry Lane, a man on a desperate mission to halt a worldwide zombie pandemic sweeping the planet.

Based on Max Brooks’ novel, the much-anticipated film follows him through cities laid waste as he searches the globe for a way to stop the army of the undead and save humanity. Directed by Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace)

66

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

allan water curry house Indian Restaurant & Takeaway

23 Henderson Street Bridge of Allan FK9 4HN

01786 833 710 open 7 days

AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE

* Under NEW Management * 3 course teatime sit-in special Mon-Thurs 4-7pm from £9.95 * Fast home delivery available * Delivery set menus start at £9.95 * Full menu online at: www.allanwatercurryhouse.com

Lateral Thinking In a lateral thinking puzzle some clues to the scenario are given but they don’t tell the full story. In order to solve the puzzle you need to work out which details are missing..

You can solve them alone but it is more fun with friends!

A black man dressed all in black, wearing a black mask, stands at a crossroads in a totally black-painted town.

All of the streetlights in town are broken.

There is no moon.

A black-painted car without headlights drives straight toward him, but turns in time and doesnʻt hit him.

How did the driver know to swerve?

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68

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Constabulary Corner

by PC Simon Fraser

With summer fast approaching and the school holidays on the horizon, we welcome the return of lighter nights, longer days. We, the police, however are also aware that this time of year can attract attention for all the wrong reasons, when we find many of our young people and some adults congregating in areas such as Laighills, George Street and the front door of Tesco to name but a few. Unfortunately a small number of these people engage in acts of antisocial behaviour, such as increases in noise levels, litter, assaults, vandalisms, urinating etc, all of which is usually caused or certainly exacerbated by alcohol.

This type of behaviour has a detrimental effect on our community not only residents but visitors to the City.

Unfortunately the police do not hold all the answers and cannot tackle these problems alone. Therefore I would welcome any input you may have on this subject and/or information about people or areas we should be focusing our attention on over the coming weeks and months. Your contribution really does matter.

Can I also ask you a number of questions that you may consider?

1. Do you know where your child is when they are out for the evening ?

2. Do you speak to them when they come home to see if they have been drinking ?

3. Do you know what they spend their money on ?

4. Do you keep a track of alcohol that you have at home ?

I can be contacted by telephone on the new non emergency contact number of 101 or you are more than welcome to come and speak to me at Dunblane Police Office.

Have a safe and happy Summer.

S imply wash ‘n’ clean

For cost effective cleaning when all you need is Simply a clean car.. ....... and we come to you!

VEHICLE RATES Interior & Exterior hand wash and clean Small £15 Medium £20 Large £25

Call Wyn Jones

07584 599 247 7 days a week

Old Doune Road, Dunblane

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69

Step Forward

volunteers, but most volunteers are happy to remain unsung heroes.

UK Volunteers week takes place 1-7 June. It’s likely that however old you are (as long It celebrates the fantastic contribution that as you are over 18), and whatever skills and millions of volunteers make across the UK. availability you have, you could voluntarily The week plays a huge part in raising the contribute in some form to the myriad of profile of volunteers who regularly contribute charitable and not for profit organisations to society, while inspiring others to volunteer that exist in the UK. These cover all manner too. Organisations hold events and activities of causes and all areas of life. Volunteering to highlight their volunteers and the could be a regular weekly commitment for a set period of time, a one off ‘few hours’, or an volunteering that they do. annual commitment at an event.

Every year, over 20 million people in the UK volunteer, donating more than 100 million Many people volunteer because they want hours to their communities every week. It has to give something back to the community been estimated that the economic value of or make a difference to the people around this activity is worth in excess of £40 billion to them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing our economy. experience and knowledge. Volunteering can Volunteering can take on many forms. Most also be a great way to gain new friendships. of us will be familiar with people shaking Most find volunteering challenging, but tins on the High Street and those working rewarding. in charity shops, but there are many more employees and educational types of voluntary roles including:- room Many guides at National Trust properties, some establishments look favourably on voluntary lock keepers, conservation workers, Guide work too, so you can be helping yourself as and Scout leaders, advice workers, voluntary well as assisting others when you volunteer. bread makers at a heritage mill, counsellors Some enlightened employers also give staff answering telephone calls, those carrying ‘time off ’ to take part in approved voluntary out administrative work for charities, animal activities. fosterers, and those who help organise and marshal l at sports events. The volunteer Gamesmakers at last year’s Olympics certainly received a higher profile than most sporting 70

To find out how to get involved, contact your preferred charity or not for profit organisation, or go to the Volunteering Scotland website www.volunteerscotland.org.uk

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DDT Environment Group In 2010 a small group of like-minded volunteers came together and found that they enjoyed working together to improve parks and paths in and around Dunblane. The DDT’s Environment Group was born.

Ideas such as creating the Memorial Garden around the war memorial and the Longest Hosta Border in the Haugh became a reality and they moved on to initiate and raise funds for educational projects such as the community orchard at the Primary School and the replanting of the Millrow playpark garden with the Beavers. Previously the Group was responsible for the resurfacing of the 150m Bridgend path and one of the earliest projects undertaken was the rescue of Glen Road.

Glen Road Rescue Project

Glen Road volunteers worked 700 hours in a very wet and slidy 2012 to keep Glen Road open to Bridge of Allan within strict conservation guidelines.

The iconic Glen Road was extended through Kippenrait Glen in the 1840’s by John Stirling who bought land from his neighbour, the mining and Bridge of Allan Spa entrepreneur Lord Abercrombie.

The dramatic bridge over the Wharryburn gorge was built by local stonemason Steven McVicar near to Pictish houses and below the stepping stones above the gorge used by government troops fleeing from the Battle of Sheriffmuir.

Adopted as a public road until its closure in 1987 due to landslips, a public enquiry kept it open as a popular walking and cycling route. However lack of maintenance to drainage and encroaching vegetation threatened loss of the route until the latest community rescue; a partnership with DDT, IKM engineer, Bridge of Allan CC, SNH, Sustrans and Sustrans Rangers, 3 landowners, coordinated by Stirling Council.

A board at the bridge will soon explain the intriguing history and conservation designations and promote the route as part of NCN 765 from Stirling to Doune.

DDT

Dunblane Development Trust

The Environment Group is not an exclusive club. If you can spare a couple of hours on a Wednesday morning, please join us. Telephone Monica on 01786 822752 for more information.

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Whats On: during the week MONDAY: • • • • •

2284 Dunblane Air Cadets for boys & girls ages 13 to 18. Meet Mon & Wed 7pm to 9.30pm. For more information contact Ft.Lt. Peter Mulkerrins on email oc.2284@aircadets. org or 01786 825355 Bridge lessons will be restarting in September in Doune, days and venue still to be decided.

Anyone interested in learning the game or updating their skills should contact Susan on 01786 842684/07778 506 406 or e-mail susan.wilson37@tesco.net.

ST MARY’S BABY AND TODDLER GROUP every Monday (including holidays) 10-11.30am at St Mary’s Church Hall. All parents and children aged 0-5 years are welcome, £2 a session.

Dunblane Library, free beginners computer classes from a Forth Valley College lecturer every Monday from 9am until 12, offering a variety of flexible learning courses.

Jazz Night from 8pm at the Westlands Hotel. Everyone welcome, admission free

TUESDAY: • • • • • •

• •

Doune & Dunblane Bridge Club meets at the Catholic Church Hall, 2-4.30pm. No partners required. Call 01786 824080 for further information.

Open Doors@Dunblane Christian Fellowship. The doors open 2.30-4.30pm for anyone who is looking for a bit of company. There will be various activities on offer, tea and cake.

More information from Helen on 01786 825974.

The Chatty Crafters Club meet in Christian Fellowship Church (Next to the Victoria Hall) from 10am-2pm. All welcome to drop in to suit. More details from Morag on 0777 055 2815 Beginner/Mixed Ability Run 6pm@Run4It, Bridge of Allan. Supervised by qualified Jog Scotland leaders and catering to those that want to start jogging for the first time through to intermediate runners. Free of charge Hills and Drills 7pm@Run4It, Bridge of Allan . Not for the faint hearted, it improves strength and endurance & lasts around an hour. Free of charge.

St Blane’s Drama Group meets every Tuesday evening Sept to May in St Blane’s Church Hall at 7:30pm. We are a friendly mixed age group, members of the Scottish Community Drama Association and our membership is open to all residents of the Dunblane and Stirling District.

Stirling Speaking Society meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month in the Leighton Room of the Cathedral Halls, 7.30/8-10pm. Find out more at www.stirlingspeakingsociety. wordpress.com or email stirlingspeakingsociety@yahoo.co.uk.

Fencing club for High School pupils; Tues, 7.30 - 9pm & for P6 and 7 pupils from 6-7pm.

Contact Charity McArdle at charitymcardle@hotmail.co.uk or on 07535 702 430

WEDNESDAY: • • •

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Tea n Toast - drop-in for parents with or without tots at St Mary’s Church Hall, from 9 to 11am DPPA BUMPS TO BABIES GROUP meets 10-11.30am at the Braeport Centre. All parents of babies aged 0-12 months and mums-to-be are welcome, £2 a session. For further information telephone: 07751 976 903.

25th Stirling (Dunblane) Boys’Brigade Anchor Boys (boys aged 5 up to P3), 6.05-7.10pm in the Cathedral Hall. Contact Rosemary McLellan on 825039 or anchors@dunblanebb.org.uk

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Whats On: during the week (Continued) • • • • •

2284 Dunblane Air Cadets for boys & girls ages 13-18. Meet Mon & Wed 7-9.30pm.

Contact Ft.Lt. Peter Mulkerrins on 01786 825355 or e: oc.2284@aircadets.org Doune Bridge Club meets at 7.15pm in the Red Lion Hotel, Doune (back room). Small friendly club and welcome all standards, with or without a partner. Contact Derek on 01786 842224 Local walking group meet at Dunblane Cathedral at 10.30am for a 30-45min walk on good surfaced paths. Walks are free, no need to register in advance. Contact Hilda on 07939 621 507 or enquire at the health centre for more details.

Dunblane Cathedral Society of Change Ringers. The tower bell ringers practice from 7:30-9:00pm in the Cathedral. For further information contact Judith Frye on 824779 or e-mail dunblane@sacr.org.

Dunblane Free Church. ‘Open Door’ session between 10 and 12 noon where we invite members of the local community to pop in and meet us.

THURSDAY: • Dunblane Whist Club will reconvene in September • Bridge of Allan & Dunblane Rotary Club, at the Westlands Hotel at 6.00 for 6.30, visiting Rotarians or interested visitors should contact our Secretary Iain Fraser on 01786 822751. or email: secretary@dunblanerotary.org.uk • Going Forward Stroke Group provides activites and entertainment for stroke survivors.

2-4pm in the Chalmers Hall, Bridge of Allan. New members are always welcome. Tel 01786 - 831608 or 832228 for information.

• Open Doors@Dunblane Christian Fellowship. The doors open 2.30-4.30pm for anyone who is looking for a bit of company. There will be various activities on offer, tea and cake.

More information from Helen on 01786 825974.

• Mixed Ability Run 6pm@Run4It, Bridge of Allan. Offering alternatives from 3.5 miles to 7 miles. This run accommodates all levels with certified Jog Scotland leaders accompanying each group. Meet at The Running Company. Free of charge • Oor Woollie, 7-9pm, Dunblane Cathedral Halls. Nutty on knitting or hooked on crochet or want to learn? Bring along your needles and yarn. Tea, coffee & biscuits are available.

Contact Kate: 07904 440491 or Lesley 01786 821 427.

• Robertsons of Kinbuck, Auctions every Thursday at 6pm, alternating between a general household sale and an antiques and collectables sale. Viewing is on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Website address for pictures & catalogue is www.robauctions-dunblane.co.uk.

FRIDAY: • 25th Stirling (Dunblane) Boys’ Brigade Junior Section (P4-P6) 6.15 - 7.45pm in the Cathedral Hall. Contact Fraser Boyd on 821387 or info@dunblanebb.org.uk • 25th Stirling (Dunblane) Boys’ Brigade Company Section (P7-S3) and Seniors (S4-S6) Fridays 7.45-10pm in the Cathedral Hall. Contact Paul Christmas on 823192 or e-mail captain@dunblanebb.org.uk • 1st Dunblane Girls Brigade Company: Explorer Section (P1-P3) 6-7pm. Junior Section (P4-P7) 7-8.30pm & Brigader Section (S1-S6) 7-8.30pm. All meeting in St.Blane’s Church Hall. Contact Mrs Millie Christie (Captain) on 825 209.

• Tea Dance at the Victoria Halls, 2-4pm. Admission £3, all welcome. Held on the 14th, 21st & 28th June.

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73

Whats On: during the week (Continued) SATURDAY •

Training Run 9am @ Run4It, Bridge of Allan - a longer training run. typically be at least 9 miles in length and are ideal for the aspiring half marathoner (and beyond!) - Meet at The Running Company. Free of charge

SUNDAY: • • •

•

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dunblane, 8.30am Said Communion; 10.30am Sung Eucharist with provision for children. See www.stmarysdunblane.org for more detail.

Religious Society of Friends [Quakers] Dunblane Meeting. Meeting for Worship, Sunday 10.30 am at The Braeport Centre. Children welcome. See www.quakerscotland. org/dunblane for more detail.

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers, Cathedral Halls. Beginner adults from 6.307.30pm. Those of High School age, 5.30-6.30pm. Children in Primary 5-7 from 6.307.30pm. The adult group for experienced musicians rehearses from 7.30-9.15pm. For more info, contact Malcolm Wilson (t.825387) or e-mail handbells@dunblanecathedral. org.uk Dunblane Folk Club meet at the Braeport Centre, 8pm. BYO bottle, everyone welcome.

Whats On: during the month • • • • •

• • • • • • •

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Sunday 2nd June, Dunblane Chamber Orchestra Summer Concert. 7pm Dunblane High School. See page 61 for inforamtion.

Saturday 8th June, closing date for our writing competition. Find out how to send your entry at www.figmentcreativity.co.uk Saturday 8th June, German Bookbug Session, 10am in the Dunblane Library Saturday 8th - Sunday 16th June, Forth Valley Open Studios. Various locations. See www.forthvalleyopenstudios.com for more information on how to support your local artists.

Saturday 8 June, Greener Callander is holding a Plant Sale and Bottle Stall in Ancaster Square, Callander from 10am to 4pm. Wide range of hardy, locally grown plants -bag a bargain! Plenty of good prizes on the bottle stall. Try our gardening quiz. Find out more about our new Community Garden. Come along and support us! In aid of the Callander Friendship Garden Monday 10th June, Dunblane Arthritis Care, 1.30 - 3.30pm Victoria Hall, Dunblane when we will hold a Bring & Buy. Everyone welcome with branch details from Dolly Gemmell 01786 822387 or dolly.g@talktalk.net Thursday 13th June, Bookbug Session,10.30am in the Dunblane Library Friday 14th June, MPAS HNC Auditions. See page 45 for more information.

Saturday 15th June, Newton Primary PSA Funday. 12-2pm. See page 43 for more information.

Saturday 15th June, Callander Summer Fest. See page 35 for more information.

Thursday 20th June, Special Storytime - Summer stories, 2.15pm Dunblane Library.

Saturday 22nd June, Coffee Morning at St. Mary’s Church 10am - 12noon for Mia’s going bald for Cancer Research! see page 6.

To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

Whats On: during the month (continued) •

•

• • •

Saturday 22nd June, celebrate World Textile day at Bridge of Allan Parish Church.

Last year’s event was a huge success with keen textile lovers coming from all over Scotland to attend. Entrance is free to the exhibition and stands. There will be a talk at 11am and one at 2pm from well known experts Jim Gaffney and Magie Relph speaking about the “People Behind The Cloth - the makers”. Entrance to each talk is only £2. Refreshments from local quilt group The Divas will also be available.

Sunday 23rd June, Celebration Afternoon Tea supporting Pamela and Fiona’s 3 Land Challenge. 2.30pm @ the Dunblane Centre, £6 per ticket & all welcome. Get your ticket from Fiona on 07720 429 613 or email her: the.wire@btinternet.com. See page 2 for information.

Thursday 27th June, Bookbug Session,10.30am in the Dunblane Library Saturday 29th June, Dunblane Cathedral Celebrity Organ Recital by Wayne Marshall.

Starts 8pm, see page 68 for more information.

Radio Rainbow, Dunblane Holiday Club for Primary School Children supported by churches in Dunblane - 12th to 16th August, 10 - 12 at the Cathedral Halls. Registration forms will be available in the schools, churches, library and at www.radiorainbow.org from early June.

Wanted Sharer wanted to help with riding, costs and care of 16.1 TBx chestnut mare, kept at DIY livery yard just outside Dunblane. Lovely fun horse for hacking, schooling, x-country or dressage but needs quiet, experienced rider. Arrangement to be agreed - owner works shifts. Please contact Ailsa on 07513 212 414.

To promote your club or society in the What’s On section, or to share some Community News,

get in touch! email: the.wire@btinternet.com, send on a postcard to 75 Old Doune Road, Dunblane or phone Fiona on 07720 429 613.

July and August’s edition will be combined so remember to send me your news for BOTH months Deadline 10th June Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

75

Suduko Solution

Useful Numbers Dunblane Police Station 822222 Dunblane Health Centre 821777 Stirling Royal Infirmary 434000 Bannermans, High Street 823266 Bannermans, Anderson St. 822030 Dunblane Library 823125 Dunblane Post Office 825317 823300 Stirling Council Local Offices Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages 823300 Scottish Gas Emergency 0800 111999 Hydro Electric Emergency 0800 300999 Scottish Water Emergency 0845 6008855 Floodline 0845 9881188 National Pollution Hotline 0800 807060 Scottish SPCA 03000 999999 Dunblane Primary School 822351 Newton Primary School 824484 St Mary’s Primary School 822740 Dunblane High School 823823 Dunblane Centre 824224 Kinbuck Village Hall 823183/825125 Ashfield Village Hall 825419 Victoria Hall 822176

RN

theWire cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertisements nor for any consequences arising from this. TheWire cannot be held responsible for damage or loss of copy or error in printing. All artwork used in theWire must not be published in any other media without permission. Opinion expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

ROBERTSON Funeral Director

The Robertson Family Caring for your family in your time of need Funeral parlour with viewing facilities Golden Charter pre-payment plans

01786 822 844

100 High Street, Dunblane 76

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Community Notices DUNBLANE GROUP CREATES 92 HANDMADE QUILTS FOR ALZHEIMER’S Ladies have prickly challenge all sewn up The Allanwater Patchers and friends have contributed an amazing 92 patchwork quilts to a national appeal and they are set to provide at least 100 by the end of the project in May. The campaign aims to raise awareness of dementia by covering Hampden Park, Scotland’s international football pitch in Glasgow, with patchwork quilts.

Ann Hill, Quilter in Residence at Alzheimer Scotland, came up with the project idea two years ago. She explained, “Our goal is to gather 5,000 square metres of quilts, which should hopefully cover the pitch at Hampden. It’s a huge area and standing on the edge of the pitch you get a real sense of the scale of the challenge.”

When local patchworker Marion Carson asked fellow group members if they would make a quilt for Hampden, little did she expect such an overwhelming response. “This novel approach to fund-raising appealed to me, particularly as my own family has been affected by Alzheimer’s.

Since all the Allanwater Patchers are very supportive of their own particular charities, I was a bit diffident about suggesting this project to them but hoped they might contribute 10 quilts.

So, I’m delighted by the group’s support.”

Aerial photographs of the quilts laid out on the pitch will be taken in June and will be sold.

The quilts will be auctioned off to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. Any remaining quilts will then be adopted by care homes throughout Scotland.

Further action/info about the project, see Ann Hill’s website at www.annhillquilter.co.uk

The Library is hosting an exhibition by Artist Libby Yule in The View As an artist and textile designer, my inspiration is from west coast seascapes and from living in the countryside near to Stirling and the Trossachs. My paintings include views of Stirling Castle and local landscapes. As well as using watercolours and acrylics, I also create batik work. This is a technique using wax resist and dyes. I tutor painting and batik workshops, and enjoy helping others to be involved in creating art and develop new skills.

I am presently working on a series of prints to make my work more accessible to buyers of artwork. I am happy to accept commissions and welcome any enquiries.

01786 850269, Libbyyule@aol.com, www.libby.com All the staff at Dunblane Library would like to thank all our customers for making the year 2012/2013 a very successful year. We had an amazing 71,440 people through the Buildingissued 78,794 items- over 38,000 of these being Children’s Books, had 4886 items requested and have an average monthly active borrower total of 2350!!

Visitor Information- Available now for visitors and locals an extensive range of leaflets, maps and entertainment guides.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS: MINDBENDERS:

Goatee, Dr Doolittle, Don’t talk back LATERAL THINKING: It’s daylight!

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77

A-Z of Advertisers A9 Partnership AC Gold Acupuncture by Cliff Wicks Alaska Beauty Salon Allanwater Curry House Altal Plumbers Arnhall Nursery Beaconhurst School Bennetts Butchers Bennybeg Plant Centre Blueberry Hill Meals BR Gardening Services Bridge of Allan Dental Care Brilliant Futures Broadleys Vets Burgess & Gibson Buttercup Cafe Carpet Master Cherry Tree Pathways Cleaning Doctor Countryside Landscaping Crawford & Mathieson Curiosity Shop Curtains by Elaine Clarity Wealth Services Dave Anderson DDT DIY Gal Doune Woodyard Dunblane Centre Dunblane Driveways Dunblane School of Motoring Eleganza Designer Cakes Everest Figment Creativity Fitness Takeaway Gemini Solutions Gio Martin, ceramic artist Gironk IT Glenn Murray Associates Graham Hally decorating HASS Heartland Maintenance Heather Carpet Cleaning Homeworx Iain Wilson DIY John McLaren 78

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A-Z of Advertisers J&R Plumbing Kare Gardens Kip McGrath Kip & Kaboodle Grooming Linda Aitchison Grooming Lorna Brown Cards Mackie Electrical Mairi Hair Salon Marshall MacCallum McIntyre Funeral Directors McSpoff-ART Module Architects Molawn Monument Dance Centre Neroli Beauty Salon Nigel Bialy Sculptures Old Churches House Osprey Out for a Walk Recycle Clothes for Cash Rhona Geddes RN Robertson Robertson Jones Roofline Advice Ross Lyall PC Services RS Erskine Ruby Tuesday Scottish Oven Cleaning Sheriffmuir Inn Simply Wash n Clean SRC Landscapes Stephen Crosbie Timesavers Tracks Wee Acorns William Kay, garage doors

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How to contact theWire email: the.wire@btinternet.com or write to Fiona Jones theWire, 75 Old Doune Road, Dunblane, FK15 9FH or telephone: 07720 429 613 www.thewireweb.co.uk

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keep it simple.

Let theWire take care your design needs. flyers • adverts • brochures • posters

Just ask...

Call Fiona on 07720 429 613 or email: the.wire@btinternet.com theWire design services Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

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