Thewireweb may13

the Wire life on the banks of the allan water

MAY 2013 issue 38

circulation 4200 households

PICK ME UP - I’M FREE

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

Into the Woods

The Dunblane Centre in conjunction with Doubletree at Dunblane is proud to present the outstanding Stephen Sondheim musical ‘Into the Woods’. Performed outdoors in the beautifully atmospheric grounds of the Hydro in Dunblane, this promises to be a truly magical production of a unique show.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW either at the Dunblane Centre or online at www.intothewoodsdunblane.com PERFORMANCES: Thur 30th May @7.30pm, Fri 31st May@7.30pm & Sat 1st June @2pm & 7.30pm

RAISING MONEY FOR FIONA & PAMELA’S 3 LAND CHALLENGE

Can you and your team win?

FRIDAY 17th MAY, 7.30pm DUNBLANE CENTRE TICKETS: £8per head, including a curry supper (Our thanks to the Allanwater Curry House for their support)

FULL BAR * OVER 18’s ONLY * PRIZES TO BE WON * RAFFLE TO ENTER: Register your team NOW (up to a max of 6 people) on our facebook page www.facebook.com/PamelaAndFionaswalkthewalk or call Fiona@theWire on 07720 429 613

Come and have a great night out and help us to support a fantastic cause!

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

2013: Celebrating

s!

50 years in busines

Stirling

KipCelebrating McGrath , Stirling 10 years of teaching in 2013

TM

All proceeds in aid of

Hello and welcome to the May issue of theWire Oh my Goodness, it’s nearly here!!!

My panic of course relates to the 3 Land Challenge. How can it possibly be only a couple of weeks until the first Moonwalk? I’ve been s a’ n Pamela & Fio r GE fo firmly stuck in the world of ‘it‘s ages away’ and it turns out, it’s just round 3 LAND CHALLEN the corner - yikes!

Read more about our challenge and especially our fundraising activities on page 69. We’re aiming to raise £8000 and at this point in time have almost reached £6K, so fantastic, but we have a little way to go. Most people however agree that it’s a worthy cause - raising money to beat breast cancer - so please come to an event and support us if you possibly can!

This month also sees the return of the Fling. Full details are in the centre pull-out section of the magazine and lots more information is on their website (www.dunblanefling.com) or on their Facebook page. Go on and like them and you’ll get all the latest news as it happens!

Figment Creativity are back to help with a brand new writing competition. Previous entries have always been amazing, so why not stretch your creative muscles and see if Writing competition yours will be the winning entry this time.

See details on page 6 and lots more advice on Figment’s site: www.figmentcreativity.co.uk

NEW

Aside from all this, you will find articles, recipes, school jotters and puzzles. Please remember to get in touch with events you are organising so they can be added to the What’s On section.

Deadline for June’s issue is Friday 10th MAY, so send information in as soon as you can!

Enjoy the magazine!

Fiona

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

Features & Editorials New Writing COMPETITION p. 6 A Good Read p. 10 Loft Insulation p. 15 Cinema Releases p. 16 A Jar of Nostalgia p. 20 Puzzles p. 22 & 58 Sudoku p. 70 100 yrs of the Chelsea Flower Show p. 24 To Infinity and Beyond p. 26 Life of a Personal Concierge p. 28 Inflation and your Savings p. 30 BRCs now up & running p. 32 Godspell p. 34 Mother of the Bride p. 36 Fling Insider p. 38 Fling Programme p. 39-42 How to Study for Success p. 50 Playtime p. 51 School Jotters p. 44-47 Party Plans p. 53 Pedal Power p. 60 May Day p. 64 Recipes p. 66 & 68 3 Land Challenge p. 69 DDT p. 71 What’s On Guide p. 72-75 Useful Numbers p. 76 Community Notices p. 77 A-Z of Advertisers p. 78

p.68 p.24

A Good Read p.10

p.64

p.16

p.32 p.15

4

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

p.53

p.39-42

NEW

Writing competition

p.60

p.6

p.20

p.50

p.69

p.66

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

5

NEW

Writing competition

This summer, theWire & Figment Creative Expression Ltd will be giving local writers another chance to be published and to win prizes!

As the summer kicks off, you might be spending more time in the countryside – where fairy tales flourish! Fairy tales spark our inner child like no other story. We’ve all got one or two in particular that are special to us, whether they’re Grimm tales, or Scots myths and legends.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO:

Write a poem or short story with a Fairy Tale theme. While a lot of fairy tales are dark in origin, because of the time of year, we’re looking for writing which includes bright and summery, fun themes.

Poems should be no longer than 20 lines and short stories no longer than 750 words.

ADVICE & HOW TO ENTER: • You could put a new spin on an old fairy tale: tell it from the point of view of a minor character, write what happened after the traditional story, or set the fairy tale in a modern setting.

• Or you could write a completely new tale with fairy tale elements!

• Each writer may submit multiple entries.

• Competition fee: £3 per entry.

• Closing Date: 8th June • Get further advice and details on how to submit your entry from www.figmentcreativity.co.uk where you can also read previous competition winners and runners up.

The writers of the winning poem and short story will each win £50 in cash and a voucher for a half-term of Figment classes, which could alternatively be used towards the payment of a full block of Figment Creative Expression classes. The writers of the winning poem and short story will each be published in theWire and on theWire and Figment Creative Expression Websites.

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

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

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

Restoration & cleaning of Internal Stone Specialist carpet and upholstery cleaners

Blank page seeks well held pen... for nights and mornings www.figmentcreativity.co.uk

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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

7

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

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

8

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

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 12th–18th May 2013 DUNBLANE CHRISTIAN AID COMMITTEE • • •

Christian Aid Week Service will be held on the 12th May at 6.30pm in St Blane’s Church. All Welcome Door-to-Door Collections: please support as generously as you can Restaurant and Shop: Cathedral Halls, Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th May 10am–2pm. Take away food will also be available Help is needed in provision of scones, cakes, soups and deserts. Donations are also needed for the following stalls: Cake and Candy, Books, Bric-a-brac & Plants.

If you can help, please contact Millie Christie (Tel: 825209) Christian Aid is a Christian organisation that insists the world can and must be swiftly changed to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. It works globally for profound change that eradicates poverty, striving to achieve equality, dignity and freedom for all, regardless of faith or nationality. It provides urgent, practical and effective assistance where need is great, tackling the effects of poverty as well as its roots.

www.dunblane.info

Dunblane’s NEW Community Website The picture shows Alex Phillips of Burgess & Gibson with some of the volunteer Web Team Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

9

A Good Read The Glass Room Ann Cleeves You may have come across Ann Cleeves’ creation, Vera Stanhope, in the television adaptations of this popular series of novels. Either way, the real attraction is in the genuine twists and turns that Cleeves provides, and in her ability to provide realistic, believable and sympathetic protagonists and villains.

The Glass House is set, as are all of the series, in Northumberland. As it begins Vera Stanhope’s neighbour has disappeared.

There is no real mystery to that , she is easily tracked down to a local writers’ retreat.

However as Vera arrives to find out what has motivated her sudden departure, she finds herself at the scene of a murder. The victim, a writer and critic, does not seem to be mourned by many. Then more deaths follow, and it becomes clear that the killer is playing with the police, leaving false trails and seemingly enjoying the thrill of the chase.

One of the strengths of Cleeves’ writing is that whilst she often takes us into Vera Stanhope’s consciousness, she also uses the perspective of the long suffering Sergeant Joe Ashworth, and in this case also develops the characters potential victims and suspects, so that we see events from differing points of view. Just enough is revealed to keep us moving forward, but never enough to make the conclusion obvious. Here, with the twin themes of writing and detection, Cleeves is in her element, and the plot moves swiftly onwards with a clever turn at the end of each chapter.

There is no need to read the previous novels in the series in order to read The Glass Room.

10

However, once you’ve read it I would be surprised if you did not feel the need to seek out the earlier volumes.

Dracula - A Counting Primer Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver From the moment you pick up this board book, you know it is different. The Gothic colour scheme is a clue, there are no pastels here, only purple, black and grey. The vampire on the cover is admittedly rather cute, but he is still recognisably Count Dracula. And as you work though the text...well, you can CALL them boxes if you like, but they are coffins.

Honestly. Coffins.

So why am I recommending this book?

Because quite simply, the concept and execution are superb. The BabyLit series, which features Dracula alongside Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and Romeo and Juliet, introduces classic literature in the form of a counting book. All are beautifully designed, with appropriately thematic illustrations, and based carefully on the text. So, Dracula (my favourite, although Little Miss Austen comes a close second) features one castle, four ships, five heroes and the aforementioned nine ‘boxes’. The attention to detail is meticulous.

My own children are past the board book stage but that doesn’t matter, because I wouldn’t give them this book anyway, and not because it is too scary, oh no, it is too good. It is mine!

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

Mackie ‘John the Stone Man’ in all types of stonework with Electrical Services specialist over 40 years experience in his trade 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

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

Dunblane 01786 821335 07890 948 359 61 Buchan Drive, Dunblane

“He turned up on time to look at the job, give us lots of advice & a free estimate. We ended up with a beautiful stone wall in keeping with its surroundings.”

CALL JOHN ON Braco 07745 088 782 “ A braw stane dyke”

Crawford & Mathieson ltd Joiners and Glaziers 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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

11

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 12

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

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.

ROBERT

PAUL

c h a r te re d a rc h i te c t s

b u i l d i n g y our d r e a m s

small, experienced and professional FREE Initial Consultation

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

102 High Street, Dunblane T. 01786 825575 E. info@ paul-architects.co.uk www.paul-architects.co.uk

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

13

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!

14

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

Stirling’s Garage Door Specialists

WILLIAM KAY LTD Est. 1940

Loft Insulation We all know that heat rises, so if your loft isn’t adequately insulated your home could lose as much as a quarter of its heat through the roof. This is why loft insulation is so important.

There are four types to choose from.

Mineral wool matting is sold in rolls and is laid between the joists, with a second layer placed at right angles to cover the joists.

Rigid insulation boards can be laid in lofts used for storage. Laid on top of mineral wool, wooden boarding is then fitted on top of the insulation boards. Alternatively, floor boarding pre-bonded with insulation board is available.

If your loft space is irregular use loosefill insulation. Sold in bags, this is poured between the joists to the right depth.

Finally loose, fire-retardant insulation material should be blown into loft areas that are hard to access. A professional should be hired for this job which takes no more than a few hours.

In all other cases if you are experienced at DIY you should be able to fit the loft insulation yourself, but wear a protective mask and gloves if handling mineral wool.

• • • •

Residential Iron Gates Wrought Iron Gates Driveway Gates Agents for: SCAFELL, WINDERMERE & BUTTERMERE

t: 01786 474 709 www.kaygaragedoors.co.uk Kay Garage Doors, Unit 1Phoenix Ind. Est., Springbank Rd, Stirling FK7 7SG

• • • • • • • •

Grounds Maintenance Tree & Hedge Cutting Weeding Lawn Treatment Fencing & Decking Slabs Laid Pressure Washing Gutter Cleaning

Looking after ALL your

outdoor space

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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

15

CINEMA releases for May

Star Trek Into Darkness When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a warzone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

The Great Gatsby Baz Lurhmann directs a superb cast in this visually stunning adaptation To advertise in thew of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel. The year is 1922. New York city resounds to the incessant jazz rhythms of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ - an era of cheap booze and loose morals. Into the city comes Midwesterner and World War I veteran Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire). Looking to begin his career, Nick rents a home on West Egg, Long Island. His next-door neighbour is mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), a man who throws extravagant parties in the grounds of his mansion.

Gradually, Nick is drawn into Gatsby’s world - a world of opulence and decadence that conceals undercurrents of heartbreak, anguish and disillusionment.

Epic EPIC is a 3D CG action-adventure comedy that reveals a hidden world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good who keep the natural world alive and the forces of evil who wish to destroy it. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world... and ours.

There’s sequels too: Fast & Furious 6: Agent Hobbs enlists the aid of Dom and team to help bring a rival gang, led

by Owen Shaw, to justice. In exchange for clear records, they must put an end to their schemes, no matter how personal the cost.

The Hangover Part III: This time, there’s no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hit the road, all bets are off.

Iron Man 3: Our hero is pitted against a worthy enemy when he sets out to find and punish those responsible for trying to destroy his life.

16

ALTAL PLUMBERS DUNBLANE All plumbing work undertaken Installation of bathrooms & showers Replacement of water storage tanks Drains and pipes unblocked, high pressure jetting if required Installation, repairs & cleaning of gutters and downpipes

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

Over 36 years experience All trades supplied

A Dunblane based business offering a wide range of services Specialists in:

• 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 email homeworx@hotmail.co.uk Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

17

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

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

18

Domestic & Commercial Contracts Interior & Exterior Works Wallpaper & Vinyl Specialist Restoration & Repairs Coving & Cornice Work Paint, Varnish & Lacquering Ames Taping, Plaster Skimming Insurance Work Free Quotation Testimonials Available

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

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

www.dounewoodyard.co.uk Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

19

A jar of Nostalgia?

If you’re reading this you probably have an interest in gardening, but even armchair gardeners must be happy that spring is now well under way. May brings with it a wonderful selection of flowers, mainly in cool blues, purples, pinks and whites, and some great fragrances too, including the heady scent of Lilac. It’s an old fashioned shrub which has fallen out of favour, and for the majority of the year it looks relatively uninteresting – but the Lilac bush smells fantastic in a gentle May evening breeze. Mix this aroma with the scent of freshly mown grass and you have the most perfect spring fragrance, better than any air-freshener.

After a long winter and yet more depressing news about our economy, I think what we all need is to enjoy a little nostalgia; I’m not talking bunting here, but bedding plants!

Towards the end of the month is the time when bedding plants and other tender perennials can be planted outside. Thousands of people will flock to garden centres up and down the country over the coming weeks, and for some it’s their only pilgrimage of the year to the outdoor retail world. It’s an opportunity for the nurseryman (or woman) to display row after row of highly colourful plants, stacked, tray by tray like jars of sweets in an old fashioned shop. Each standing to attention, faces held high, their label pointing 20

forwards and each doing their utmost to shout “buy me, buy me”. The flowers shine in the sunshine like the sparkling boiled fruit sweets in the jars, oh what is it to be, the bi coloured rhubarb custards, or the combination of blackberry and raspberry jellies?

Choosing your colour scheme for this year’s bedding display (be that just the one hanging basket or a front garden that looks like a Victorian public park) is exciting, and a totally personal task. I’ve know it can cause arguments between couples, but have also known marriages which have survived successfully on the basis that “you plant your side and I’ll plant mine”. There are those who like a multi coloured cocktail of plants (a mixed tray of Petunias for example), those who prefer to stick to a muted pallet of 2-3 ‘sophisticated colours’ (usually purple, blue and white) and then those trying to achieve a Swiss cottage look who might plummet for just the one (perhaps a red trailing Ivy Leafed Pelargonium).

But whatever your preference I don’t think it really matters, because buying annual bedding plants brings nostalgic happiness all round; it’s good for the nurseryman’s business, brilliant for passersby to enjoy, and most importantly great at making you feel happy at home.

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

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

plant paradise

Summer Bedding, Stunning Rhododendrons & Azaleas Old-fashioned, Modern & David Austin速 Roses Over 200 Ornamental and Fruit Trees Unusual Shrubs, Herbaceous Perennials & Alpines Open 7 days 9-5.30pm Tel: 01764 656 345 Muthill Road, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 4HN Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

21

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 However small your business, theWire can help you grow...

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!

With adverts starting at just £35, you can’t afford not to!

How can you throw a ball as hard as you can, make it stop and return to you, without hitting anything and with nothing attached to it?

Call Fiona on 07720 429 613 or email: the.wire@btinternet.com 22

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

SRC Landscapes Ltd Dunblane based company, est. 1997

STONE FEATURES & FOLLIES FOR GARDENS

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

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

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 Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

23

This year’s Chelsea promises to be an extra-special event celebrating 100 years in style From Gardens of Tomorrow to smuggled In 1912 the Great Spring Show was cancelled gnomes, here’s a peek into the show’s unique in order to hold the Royal International history.

Horticultural Exhibition, which was held at The Chelsea Flower Show has been held in the Chelsea Hospital. It was the success of this grounds of the Chelsea Hospital every year event that made the RHS move the Great since 1913, apart from gaps during the two Spring Show to Chelsea next year.

The Great Marquee, which was first put up World Wars.

It used to be Britain’s largest flower show in 1951, was named in the Guinness Book (it has now been overtaken by Hampton of Records as the world’s largest tent (3½ Court), but is still the most prestigious. From acres). It was replaced by the current modular the beginning it has contained both nursery structure in 2000. The remains of the old tent exhibits and model gardens. Every year there were cut up and used to make 7000 bags, have been exhibits from foreign countries as aprons, and jackets.

1979 was the first year in which the turnstiles well as from Britain.

It is the flower show most associated with had to be closed to prevent overcrowding. the Royal family, who attend the opening day Since then a ceiling has been put on the number of tickets sold. every year.

Exhibits of flower arranging have appeared Did you know? every year since 1948, and by 1956 there were The RHS Great Spring Show was first held in so many as to require a separate tent. the now vanished RHS garden in Kensington in 1862. Between 1888 and 1911 it was held in the Temple Gardens. It moved to its current Key facts: site at Chelsea Hospital in 1913.

It takes 25 days to put the entire show up The Chelsea rules forbid the use of coloured sculptures. So garden gnomes have been Number of exhibitors at first Chelsea - 244 forbidden throughout its history. One Current exhibitors’ total - 550 frequent exhibitor, Jekka McVicar, used to Hillier Nurseries holds the record for the smuggle a gnome into her exhibits… greatest number of Chelsea Golds - 66 and Of the firms that exhibited at the first Show counting... in 1913, only two are still showing: McBean’s Orchids, and Blackmore and Langdon.

24

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

What you find at this years Chelsea.

15 spectacular Show Gardens, 11 Fresh Gardens demonstrating the best of contemporary garden design – and eight Artisan Gardens. In addition, 150 exhibits from nurseries and florists in the Great Pavilion and up to 250 trade stands means the centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be one not to miss.

Spectacular Floral Pavilion Magnificent displays showcasing today’s most exciting plants, alongside some of the favourites of 1913. Three of this year’s exhibitors have been at every show!

The Evolving Garden The new theme for the RHS Environment area of the Great Pavilion shows how the big environmental issues have affected our gardens past, present and future.

Show Gardens Always the big crowd pullers, this year’s 15 gardens blend a century of achievement with today’s most innovative design thinking.

Inspiring, challenging and totally enthralling, you’ll find themes from urban living to health, regeneration and the threats to British trees.

Fresh Gardens See what happens when top designers set their imaginations free.

Artisan Gardens Packing craft, skill and beauty into such small spaces, marvel at this year’s eight imaginative and delightful plots.

Generation Gardens This year’s gardens highlight the changes to gardens and gardening over the last 100 years.

Revisit ‘London 2012’ Other exhibits to look out for this year include Delancey’s East Village, a garden modelled on London’s Olympic Park. Prince Harry’s charity, Sentebale, is exhibiting for the first time in collaboration with B&Q. Artisan Retreats The Artisan Retreats will also return for a second year to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Here visitors can relax among beautiful summerhouses decorated by top UK designers and artists, including Wayne Hemmingway, Cath Kidston and Rob Ryan Talk to the experts You’ll find lots of opportunities to get advice that really counts from RHS and other specialists throughout the show.

100 years in pictures A spell-binding exhibition of historical photographs, capturing the sights, styles and personalities which have given Chelsea its unique place in the world of gardening.

A very special concert is set to be held at this year’s Show as part of the celebrations of the show’s centenary year.

For one evening only, Friday 24th May, the show’s grounds will play host to Opera Holland Park, which will present a concert featuring some of the most famous and best-loved opera classics, including flowerthemed performances including The Flower Duet from Delibes’ Lakmé and The Flower Song from Carmen.

Chelsea 21-25th May 2013

Please mention wire429 when responding to adverts To advertise in the wirethe t. 07720 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

25

To Infinity and Beyond?

The news that BT has finally rolled out its super-fast broadband for the people of Dunblane got me to thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of using this high powered technology for ordinary people.

BT has said that more than 3,600 premises in Dunblane will be connected to its network once upgrades are completed over the coming weeks, with nearly 25,000 properties across Stirlingshire gaining access by the end of this year. It is heralded

by Brendan Dick, director of BT Scotland, as “a huge boost for local businesses and households”, but then, he works for BT so you’d expect him to be enthusiastic!

So, what is super-fast broadband and how is it better for us?

Super-fast broadband refers to broadband connections of 20Mbps or above (the usual UK broadband connection speed is about 8-9 Mbps). Super-fast broadband connections enable users to surf the internet, download music & video and stream television at speeds higher than most internet users. For example, you will be able to download a movie to watch in a matter of minutes. Users of on-demand TV can watch BBC iPlayer and other rival channels without that annoying buffering business. On-line gamers have a distinct advantage over their standard broadband opposition as the super-fast response times are far superior (this can be the difference between life and death in some games!). On top of that you can use the super-fast broadband as a way to provide cheap phone and video calls (using products such as Skype which is free to download and use).

26

However, on the flip side, speeds are rarely 100% as advertised (although are often very close) and depend on things that are out of your control, like the quality of wiring and the distance you live from their exchange. Even though super-fast broadband is on offer in this area, these limiting factors may yield little difference in speed for a much higher cost. Also, if you are only using the internet for checking emails and for the occasional search it may be more prudent to opt for standard broadband at a lesser cost.

In terms of set-up and security, you may need some help. Local companies such as Gironk offer excellent services for people wanting to get the most from this new super-fast broadband. They can help with the set up and also ensure your pc’s and tablets have all the relevant security and firewalls to ensure you can take all the advantages of this new opportunity without the risk of hacking, allowing you to surf to infinity and beyond!

Kindly provided by Gironk IT 01786 231 131

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

Affordable Monthly Computer Support

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

27

The life of a Personal Concierge…

When anyone asks what I’m doing these days, I say that ‘I take the strain out of my clients’ lives and let them enjoy their free time more’.

Because if I say I’m a Personal Concierge, I normally get a blank look!

I do a lot of feeding of cats and looking after houses while people are on holiday. But I’ve also done internet research for clients – once it was sourcing a Bucking Bronco for an adult birthday party (at the time, I didn’t even know that you could hire Bucking Broncos!). For another, it was doing some groundwork on a legal question, to make sure they had basic facts available for a situation that had arisen.

One of my first tasks was standing in for a local businesswoman when she went on holiday.

Using my own professional background and experience, I was able carry out different tasks so that her staff were able to get on with their normal tasks.

I help people in happy times - delivering birthday presents to family locally, for clients who live in USA, emailing them a photo of the delighted birthday girl. For another party, I was tasked with buying the wine - what a pleasure, browsing the wine aisles, and they call it work????

But I’ve also helped out at other times, whether it was making sure a client’s dress was cleaned and repaired for an unexpected family funeral, or for another American client arranging the removal of a tree that had invaded the space around her parents’ grave in Stirling.

People also ask me to ‘pop in’ on their elderly relatives. With families being so busy, or living so far away, just having someone to spend a couple of hours a week with an elderly parent, or being able to call on someone locally to help with shopping, changing light bulbs, organising tradesmen etc can give a family a lot of reassurance.

The feedback I repeatedly get is along the lines of ‘I don’t know how I would have managed without you’. So, when you need an extra pair of hands, call Timesavers.

28

ALL it’s

about

YOUR

TIME! Call Brenda on 07708 922 452

info@iam2busy.co.uk

Brenda’s Timesaving Tips...

Use a cotton bud to paint over scratches – it’s cheap, effective and disposable When freezing food, spray plastic containers with oil to prevent food stains Use a paintbrush to dust delicate ornaments – it will get into all the nooks and crannies easier, and better, than a duster Stop weeds growing by sprinkling them with salt early in the season (although you may have to repeat it later) Use empty fruit punnets for seedlings – they have holes in the bottom for drainage, and the lid acts as a mini-greenhouse Visit Brenda’s Blog for more tips & other stuff ...

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

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

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

2 hour, 1:1 session just £40 For example, we could cover Windows 8, Facebook, internet searches, Skype, online shopping, or ipad training.

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

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 effi ciency.

• Long-term Care Planning • Investment growth and diversifi cation.

• 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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

29

What does inflation mean for your savings?

Kindly provided by Darren at Clarity Wealth Services High inflation can be a nightmare for savers and The rates are different because they measure investors, particularly when coupled with low a slightly different “basket” of goods and services (RPI includes housing costs such as savings interest rates. mortgage interest, rent and council tax). They What is inflation? are also different because they are calculated Inflation is a sneaky pickpocket that slinks in a slightly different way. into your wallet in the form of higher prices on food, petrol and other necessities, quietly What is the effect of inflation on savings? robbing you of wealth. It’s the invisible tax or In order for your money to be “worth” the the hole in your water bucket. Because of this, same amount, you need the income you investors are becoming increasingly attentive receive (in wages, pension, etc.) to increase by to the evolving inflation story. Inflation is at least the rate of inflation each year. simply to do with how much your money can Similarly any “stored” wealth you have – such buy. as your home (if you own it), or money you Think about the cost of the following items on have put aside in savings and investments – will need to grow by at least the rate of years gone by…. inflation too. If it doesn’t, your money will be 2000 Jan’13 Change % Change losing value in real terms.

Bread 52p £1.35 73p 140% Savings accounts are also subject to interest 77p £1.33 56p 73% Petrol rates. If you have a high inflation rate, and (per ltr) low savings interest rates (as was the case in Sources for table – Quarterly Energy Prices, 2011 in particular), you could find it difficult, National Statistics Publication, Dec 2012 and or even impossible, to beat inflation.

Sainsbury’s website, January 2013.

The rule is simple: “After tax, the rate of In all likelihood it cost less in pounds and interest you earn on your savings must be pence than it does now: that’s the effect of greater than the rate of inflation, in order for your money to actually be growing.” inflation.

Rate of inflation If a pint of milk was 48p this time last year and 50p now, you could say that the annual rate of inflation on a pint of milk was just over 4%.

If you then expanded that, to measure the changes in price of lots of goods and services, you could see how the cost of living in general is going up, or coming down.

That’s basically what the rate of inflation does.

In the UK we have two main inflation rates, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and the Retail Prices Index (RPI).

Inflation Rates in March 2013 CPI RPI 2.8% 3.3% Source: The Office for National Statistics 30

The other thing to consider is how much of your interest you’re taxed before you ever receive it. In order to just equal inflation, you’d need to earn the following rate of interest on your savings account: Inflation Rate

Basic Rate Taxpayer

Higher Rate Taxpayer

Additional Rate Taxpayer

1.00%

1.25%

1.67%

1.82%

1.50%

1.88%

2.50%

2.73%

2.00%

2.50%

3.34%

3.64%

2.50%

3.13%

4.17%

4.54%

3.00%

3.75%

5.00%

5.45%

3.50%

4.38%

5.84%

6.36%

4.00%

5.00%

6.67%

7.28%

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

What can you do to inflation-proof your savings?

The trouble with inflation rates, as with interest rates, is that you can never definitely predict what they will do over a set term. So the only sure-fire way of inflation-proofing your savings is to take an account that is linked to the rate of inflation. With this type of account in very short supply it may be that you consider investing.

two, four better than three and so on. This is because all investments do not react in the same way to the same economic conditions.

For example, when shares may be suffering as a result of poor economic conditions bonds may be doing well. When Asian markets are falling, American markets may be rising, and when the service sector is providing strong returns manufacturing may be weakening.

This is not to say that these comparisons reflect the nature of the market but to point Many of the benefits of investment hinge on out that all investments are not the same. the importance of diversifying investments to reduce risk. Diversification can be achieved The risk to the investor is reduced because a in a number of ways. Investors can spread diversified portfolio means that if some assets risk across asset classes (such as bonds, do poorly the performance of others may cash, property and shares), countries and balance them out. stockmarket sectors (such as financials, If you wish to explore these options industrials or retailers). professional advice should be sought from As a general rule, holding one investment is an Independent Financial Adviser. riskier than holding two, three is safer than

“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning�

Thomas Edison

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 Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

31

BRC are now up and running On 1 November 2012, HMRC started a ‘new approach to Business Records Checks’ (BRCs).

The target audience of these checks are small and medium sized businesses.

In the context of income tax, a BRC is a check

by HMRC that the records of a business are adequate to allow a taxpayer to submit an accurate income tax return. What is new is a check on records which will be used to prepare a tax return rather than HMRC checking a tax return that has already been submitted.

What are adequate records?

This is one of the difficulties. Unfortunately there is no precise answer to this question.

For a trading business, the following would be regarded as adequate records: •

•

a record of all sales and takings, including cash receipts. For example till rolls, sales invoices, bank statements, and paying-in slips. a record of all purchases and expenses, including cash purchases. For example purchase invoices, receipts, bank and credit card statements, and cheque book stubs.

Why might a business be selected?

HMRC select a number of businesses based on their view which are more likely to be at risk of having inadequate records. The criteria for HMRC’s computer driven risk analysis is not known but, for example, a business with 32

a lot of cash transactions is likely to be seen as higher risk.

What is involved in a BRC? After the selection process the following may happen.

•

•

•

HMRC will contact the business, initially by letter, advising that the business has been selected for a BRC and HMRC will get in touch, normally by phone, within a few days.

In the phone call, HMRC will ask approximately 15 questions about the business records to help them determine the adequacy of the records.

If HMRC decide you are at risk of keeping inadequate records they will state that you need a face to face visit.

What action should you take?

If you do receive a letter and you are at all worried, seek some help from an accountant.

You can then be advised as to the best course of action.

Please do not take the prospect of these checks lightly. If HMRC consider that the records are inadequate and no changes are made, HMRC may apply a record keeping penalty (usually £500).

Kindly provided by The A9 Partnership Limited For any help and advice, contact them on Dunblane 822 066

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

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

Is your career in a rut?

Are you in need of more resilience to face your current challenges?

For greater clarity and more energy to move your work and life forward, 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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

33

GODSPELL SET TO CAST ITS SPECIAL SPELL AT THE MACROBERT GODSPELL, the fabulous hit musical that started life in the hippy days of the 1970s, is coming to Stirling’s Macrobert in June.

The award-winning show, which over the years has featured stars like John Barrowman, David Essex, Sue Pollard, Marti Webb and Jeremy Irons, will be staged by Stirling’s Monument Performing Arts School on June 9-11.

The talented MPAS cast will treat audiences to an emotional rollercoaster of a show which brings the parables of Jesus spectacularly to life.

Across 1 4 7 8 9 11 12 14 16 18 20 21 23 24

Diminish or cease (3, 2) Inexpensive (5) Supporting structure (8) Sweet red wine (4) Brief summary (8) Eyelid abscess (4) Attends to (6) Suppose (6) Musical composition (4) Refurbish (8) Warmth (4) Creatively stimulated (8) Wild activity (5) Hikes (5)

Down 1 Appealing (7) 2 For hire (2, 3) 3 Vessel (3) 4 Restrict (9) 5 Reveals (7) 6 Celebration (5) 10 Self-assured (9) 13 Guest (7) 15 Affairs (7) 17 Iron (5) 19 Human sound (5) 22 Take the load off (slang) (3)

Director Craig Murray said: “Godspell is a wonderful entertainment for all ages – from kids to grandparents who might remember it from the seventies. It’s lively and engaging and the message is incredibly positive and uplifting.

The musical boasts a string of much-loved songs such as “Day By Day” and “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”.

Godspell features a forty-strong cast of young talented performers aged between 13 and 22 from Stirling, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Balfron, Kippen, the Hillfoots and Falkirk who are discovering the show’s magic for the first time.

Tickets are on sale now at the Macrobert box office – tel. 01786 466 666 or online at www.macrobert.org

t: 01786 451 244 34

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

MONUMENT PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL Presents an amateur production by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd

MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE, STIRLING 9-11 June @ 7.30pm £12, £10 con, Family £36 BOX OFFICE 01786 466 666 or online at www.macrobert.org Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tabelak Music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Originally produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury/Stuart Duncan/Joseph Beruh

“Sheer Joy” “A Miracle of a Production”

35

Mother of the Bride...

For a mother, a child’s wedding is a momentous occasion, a day that you will certainly want to look your best. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing your outfit: Colour: Find out what colour the bridesmaids dresses are and try to choose an outfit in a complimentary colour. Most believe that the mother of the bride or groom should not wear white or ivory, these being the bride’s prerogative. Many also frown on black seeing it as a mourning colour and red, believing it to be too bold. The colour should of course flatter your skin tone.

Style: Choose a style that flatters and is also comfortable. Most wedding celebrations are now lengthy affairs, so you will not want to wear something that feels too constricting, or that you are constantly fiddling with. If an off the peg outfit does not fit perfectly, consider getting it altered. Think about the weather, so that you can choose an outfit in a fabric of the correct weight. Avoid materials that crease easily as this will look unsightly on photographs. Outfits that include jackets can give the impression of two outfits once the jacket is removed. Whilst it is certainly true that outfits for mothers have become more fashionable recently, most still feel that an elegant and sophisticated look is appropriate.

but ensures that choices meet with approval!

It may also be wise to discuss outfits with the mother of your future daughter or son in law to avoid the embarrassment of wearing something similar.

Hats: One of the traditional ways for mothers to mark the importance of their child’s wedding is to wear a hat. Suggestions to aid your selection include: a) Always take your outfit when going to the hat shop or milliner, to ensure that the overall image looks stunning. b) Tall ladies can wear almost any style, including statement pieces. c) An upturned brim is a flattering shape for shorter ladies as this will elongate the figure, d) If wearing a fascinator, wash your hair the day before and do not use conditioner. This will make the hair less silky and improve the grip of the fascinator.

Other accessories such as shoes, handbags and jewellery should also be chosen carefully.

You may want to choose your shoes and bag in co-ordinating colours rather than the exact shade of your outfit, to break up the effect.

You should also decide how you will place a corsage on your outfit, or whether it may be preferable to opt for flowers on your handbag or wrist.

Many mothers go shopping for their outfit with the bride; this is not only enjoyable 36

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

Fancy something different?

Host a cooking show!

It’s so simple... invite friends & family to have FUN making, & tasting, a spectacular recipe & you’ll receive FREE & DISCOUNTED products of your choice.

Contact me today to organise your party

Independent Consultant, Jane Stewart in Dunblane 07736 288 497 r! t Spectacula or email: janepc@hotmail.co.uk Simple bu ery budget. ns for ev

Cooking solutio

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 37

The Fling Insider ...

Oh dear, these dreadfully cheery Fling people keep having more ‘bright ideas’ totally dull, pathetic dreams more like. I mean, I’ve been telling anyone who’ll listen that a talent show in Dunblane has no chance. Him next door with his annoying kids might as well take part, for all the good it will do. Sing, dance, entertain? I don’t think so! I keep telling you, there’s no talent in Dunblane. The piddling dog’s going to win.

Don’t forget to buy your duck...

Co-op, Bridge of Allan (4 & 5 May) Tesco, Dunblane (11 & 12 May) M&S, Dunblane (18 & 19 May)

Then there’s this Fling by the River thing.

Waste of time, I say. It’s going to rain you’ll see. That’ll soon put an end to their pipe band and plastic ducks and their ‘community having fun’ nonsense. Let’s see if this community caper will work when it rains. I don’t think so!

And it gets worse. Now I’m hearing that there’s going to be a Jazz Night. What???

Who likes jazz? You won’t catch me listening to that cheery stuff. Total waste of time I say. Anyone daft enough to buy a ticket might as well stay in the bar and keep well away from all that jazz. Skillful musicians and foot-tapping music? I don’t think so! More like a wailing nightmare, I say.

But what’s this I’m also hearing? A concert?

I was about to throw up my hands in despair when I saw the poster.... The Sour Mash Blues Band?? Now THAT’S what I call a great name for a band! This whole Fling this is just a sour joke anyway. Enough to give anyone the blues. Sounds like a band with none of that pathetic Flingy cheeriness. This’ll be a real grumpy lot - just my cup of tea.

Might even go along myself ...

www.dunblanefling.com 38 To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

YOUR FLING PULL-OUT GUIDE MUSIC, CULTURE & FAMILY FUN 23-26 MAY 2013

Including:

JAZZ NIGHT TALENT NIGHT FLING BY THE RIVER SOUR MASH BLUES CONCERT FLING FESTIVAL CLUB more details inside... www.dunblaneямВing.com

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

39

JAZZ NIGHT THU 23 MAY VICTORIA HALL The Fling Jazz night returns to its traditional Thursday night slot. The evening has become one of the most popular dates in the Fling calendar, with musicians from throughout Scotland taking part. This year’s line up includes The Allan Jazz Band, High Society and Impact.

Join us for the opening event - it promises to be a great night.

Full bar available.

7:30PM TICKETS £5 (£3 CONCESSIONS)

NEW FOR 2013!

FRI 24 MAY VICTORIA HALL Come and join us for an amazing line-up of talent!

We are hosting a night of the best Dunblane has to offer.

Admission £2 at the door Full bar available.

7:30PM 40

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

FLING BY THE RIVER SAT 25 MAY DRYING GREEN DUNBLANE Come along to the Community Picnic at this year’s Fling by the River. We have an action packed day of fun, music and dancing to keep all the family entertained and extends along the High Street this year too!

We have performances and demonstrations, birds of prey, live music and children’s games. Not forgetting the pipe band, a high street parade, classic cars and stalls full of activities to keep you amused ... so come along, bring a picnic and enjoy a great day out!

The day also plays host to the Rotary’s famous Duck Race... come and watch the spectacle of over 4000 yellow ducks bobbing down the river. Yours could even win!

12 NOON-4PM (FREE)

CONCERT SAT 25 MAY VICTORIA HALL

SOUR MASH BLUES LIVE AT THE FLING SUPPORTED BY THE SCOTT WOOD TRIO FULL BAR 7:30PM TICKETS £10 (£8 CONCESSIONS)

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

41

FLING FESTIVAL CLUB SUN 26 MAY BRAEPORT CENTRE Happy Birthday dear Fling Celebrate with Mr Singh There’ll be curry, there’ll be music And the laughter will ring!

Hosted by the Dunblane Folk Club.

All very welcome to ‘sing along with Mr Singh’ or just sit back and enjoy the good food, fun and music.

7:30PM TICKETS £5. IN ADVANCE. BYOB.

FLING AT A GLANCE MAY 23 FLING JAZZ NIGHT, VICTORIA HALL 7:30PM TICKETS £5 (£3 CONCESSIONS) MAY 24 FLING TALENT NIGHT, VICTORIA HALL 7:30PM ADMISSION £2 AT THE DOOR MAY 25 FLING BY THE RIVER ON THE DRYING GREEN 12 NOON FREE Full programme available online.

MAY 25 FLING MUSIC SESSION, TAPPIT HEN PUB 1PM (FREE)

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: www.dunblanefling.com or from SMALLPRINT BEECH ROAD, DUNBLANE Sponsored by:

MAY 25 FLING CONCERT SOUR MASH BLUES, VICTORIA HALL 7:30PM TICKETS £10 (£5 CONCESSIONS) MAY 26 FLING FESTIVAL CLUB, BRAEPORT CENTRE 7:30PM TICKETS £5 (BYOB) Includes food and music.

42

Dunblane Windfarm Committee

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

Rotary Flings itself into action.

Well, they’re ready for the off – 4000 ducks have been spring cleaned and tuned up and are now eagerly awaiting the duck race at the Fling by the River on 25 May. All they need now is a sponsor, to encourage them to brave the long journey down the Allan Water. So when a Rotary member asks you to support our annual fundraising event for CHAS and Childline, please give generously – your money will all go to help deserving causes. And don’t forget, ducks are still only £1 so we are doing our bit to keep inflation down.

The Club is very actively involved with all the events at the Fling again this year. Five members are on the Fling organising committee, and are busy helping to ensure an even better event than last year. As well as the traditional events – the Jazz night on Thursday and the Concert on Saturday, there is a new event. On the Friday night, Dunblane’s got Talent offers all budding stars the chance to show what they can do.

This year’s Fling by the River promises something for everyone. We have linked up with the High Street traders to create a bigger and better experience. Of course, the Duck Race will still be one of the highlights but we have loads of entertainment lined up so why not grab a picnic from one of the High Street outlets, get yourself and the family down to the Drying Green and relax and enjoy the fun.

And finally, some good news to finish on - the Club’s first Art Auction on 5th April raised over £10,000 for Strathcarron Hospice. This event was organised to replace the funds which are normally raised at the Club’s golf Am-Am which was cancelled due to the awful weather last year.

Please mention wire429 when responding to adverts To advertise in the wirethe t. 07720 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

43

Beaconhurst Nursery Children Raise Vital Funds For Charity Kind-hearted youngsters from Beaconhurst School’s nursery have raised nearly £1,000 to help buy a special monitor for sick children and newborn babies.

Pupils from the School’s Junior Start (nursery) took part in a sponsored Big Walk around Airthrey Loch at Stirling University in a bid to collect funds for local charity So Precious.

The charity, which is dedicated to supporting neonatal, maternity and paediatric care in Forth Valley, was set up by Bridge of Allan mum Alison Kilgour whose three-year-old son Lliam attends Beaconhurst.

She was inspired to launch So Precious in recognition of the lifesaving care Lliam received from maternity and paediatric staff after suffering several seizures shortly after he was born.

And she is delighted with the amount, a fantastic £980, raised by Lliam and his Junior Start friends and teachers following their recent walk. Mrs Kilgour says: “It’s absolutely brilliant the children were able to raise so much money and it will be put to very good use.”

“We are planning to buy a special monitor which will help hospital doctors regulate children’s blood glucose levels. It’s a very important piece of diagnostic equipment and it’s great to be able to buy that.”

Beaconhurst’s Junior Start Team Leader Laura John is thrilled the nursery was able to make such a substantial contribution to the charity.

She says: “Lliam is such a little champion and 44

the pupils loved the fact they were able to do the Big Walk and raise money for the charity which his mum set up. “They were given a sponsor form and it was wonderful how much everyone got involved and talked about it.”

Around 25 children plus staff, parents and grandparents took part in the sponsored loch walk before returning to the nursery for refreshments.

The money raised will go towards the purchase of a £2,000 diagnostic monitor which records a child’s blood and glucose levels and allows doctors to regulate them. The monitor is one of many vital pieces of lifesaving equipment the charity has funded since Mrs Kilgour and her husband David decided to set up So Precious following Lliam’s treatment in the Neonatal Unit at Stirling Royal Infirmary.

So Precious was established as a registered charity in February 2011 and since then £100,000 has been raised for Neonatal, Maternity and Paediatric Services within Forth Valley NHS. Mrs Kilgour says: “Lliam was a very sick baby but thanks to the quick reactions of the Maternity Ward staff and the incredible lifesaving care he received in the Neonatal Unit, we are blessed with a happy and boisterous son who is the inspiration behind So Precious.”

For more details on So Precious log on to the charity’s website www.so-precious.co.uk

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

Dunblane Primary School

Jubilee Street Party Come along and join in the fun and celebrate the school’s jubilee!

Friday 3rd May 6-9pm in the P1/2 playground £2 per person - includes 1 free raffle ticket

School Jotters

• • • • • • • • • •

Enjoy-a-Ball for P1-4 6.15-7pm Raffle Disco Try your hand on a bucking bronco Bouncy castle Bungee run BBQ and hotdogs Enter our Best Decorated Jubilee Cake competition Tuck shop Bring your own bottle and picnic blanket

Sat 1st June

er Fete D.P.S Summ

Dunblane Primary School Parent Council will be running their annual Summer Fete on: Saturday 1st June, from 1:30pm until 4:00pm in the school grounds. At just £1 entrance for adults and children free, the event always draws a fantastic turnout with all the usual favourite attractions: Fairground rides, Cake & Candy, Beat the Goalie, Lucky Dip, and Refreshment stalls to name a few. The event will also see a Prize Raffle draw, and a fantastic silent auction take place.

All funds raised go towards enhancing the school environment and providing additional opportunities and experiences for the pupils. So why not come along, support Dunblane Primary School and join in the fun?

Please mention wire429 when responding to adverts To advertise in the wirethe t. 07720 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

45

ntre e C e n a l b n Du

Newsletter

A message from Gemma…

Well folks you can’t tell but summer is fast approaching. Don’t worry though, I’ve prebooked 3 glorious days of sunshine at the end of May/beginning of June for our fantastic production of ! If you didn’t know already, this is a really different venture for us, with an adult cast drawn from some of Scotland’s best amateur clubs performing outside at the Hydro. We really hope you’ll come along, have a memorable night and support your Centre.

Into the Woods

For anyone who hasn’t booked their tickets, get them online at: www.intothewoodsdunblane.com, by phone on 01786 824 224 or pop into the Centre.

Performances: Thursday 30th May 7.30pm; Friday 31st May 7.30pm; Saturday 1st June 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are only £12 and remember, this is an outdoor production in Scotland and although I have pre-booked good weather, please dress for every eventuality!

Dates for your diary:

Fri 10th May: Our Community Choir Concert Sat 18th May: Plant, book and cream teas Thurs 30th May – Sat 1st June: Into the Woods

Fri 7th June: Race Night Fri 14th June: Robbie Tribute Night

Hey everyone, Our Easter programme went really well and I thought you might want to see some pictures from it. If your family hasn’t tried any of our activities yet, come along to either a youth club or another of the things we do for young people at the Centre.

For more info just get in touch, I’m always happy to have a wee chat and get to know you all.

Jeannie Gray, Youth Worker

46

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

St Marys Episcopal School

Celebrates 2000 years of Dunblane History by Opening its Doors as a Working Museum!

Headteacher, Mrs Heather White said “The museum surpassed our expectations. It was just so exciting seeing the children’s vision for their museum come alive. Their enthusiasm and motivation for the project was a delight to see. For our parents, it was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience Curriculum for Excellence in action, helping them to appreciate how a project such as Dunblane’s history can help develop a depth to their children’s learning – truly teaching for understanding.”

Mr David Smith from the Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery said “I am absolutely blown away! How could you do so much in such a limited time? This school is the TOPS!! I’m speechless – at last!”

47

School Jotters

St Mary’s Episcopal Primary School in Dunblane has opened its doors for a day as a working museum. The whole school was converted into the museum which included an art gallery, a library as well as exhibition rooms. There was also a souvenir shop and an ‘Andy Murray cafe – serving up an Ace Cup of Tea!’ The children in the school have worked on the exhibits, written books, made their own artefacts and filmed and edited their own films about important events that affected the lives of the people of Dunblane. They recorded information in different languages for foreign visitors, produced a museum guide and several information leaflets and staffed the museum.

For the very youngest visitors there was a kids zone which included a challenge to investigate different areas of the museum to see how many golden post boxes they could find!

In order to provide an accurate record of the 2000 years of Dunblane the children had to undertake plenty of research. This included looking at the lives of all the famous people that have either lived in Dunblane or have visited the town. This stretched right back to the Roman general Agricola in 40AD up to Andy Murray in the present day. They have visited various battle sites to fully understand Dunblane’s history and have been lucky enough to hear first hand experiences from Archie Stirling (a relation of David Stirling), the author Bill Inglis, the archaeologist Murray Cook, the archivist Alison Diamond and Scottish historian Fiona Watson.

They had to investigate how museums made the most of their exhibits and what techniques they used to make a museum appealing to visitors so they visited the Dunblane Museum, Leighton Library and the Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery.

The museum was officially opened by Mr David Smith from the Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery and it was overflowing with visitors. They were welcomed by tour guides and, as guests wandered through the historical timeline, they met several children in period costume bringing the stories surrounding Dunblane’s history to life, in character. They even had live piano music played by ‘Chopin’, who once stayed with a friend, Jane Stirling, in Dunblane! Any questions the visitors asked were answered knowledgeably and confidently.

School’s out for the day (yeah!) come and enjoy an afternoon of family fun

MONDAY 6th MAY Car Treasure Hunt and Bar-B-Q

£8,000

£5,889

Starting at the Dunblane Centre at 1.30pm, solve the riddles to find clues to bring you to your secret final destination....

Once you arrive you will be rewarded for all your hard work with a juicy Bennetts burger from the bar-b-q & the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

TICKETS: £4 per head, including a burger (Under 3’s free) (Our thanks to the Bennetts Butchers for their support)

WINNER’S PRIZE & RAFFLE PRIZES INCLUDING: Family photo shoot & a family pass to Auchingarrich!

Apply for tickets on our facebook page www.facebook.com/PamelaAndFionaswalkthewalk

In Support of or call Fiona@theWire on 07720 429 613 Pamela & Fiona’s 3 Land Challenge.

ALL proceeds go to walkthewalk: uniting against breast cancer Have some fun & help us With thanks to our corporate sponsors: reach our fundraising £8K target! ... where the individual matters

KipMcGrath Stirling

TM

, business!

48 50 years inTo advertise Stirling in thewire t. 07720 429in613 2013: Celebrating Celebrating 10 years of teaching 2013 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

SINGING LESSONS Beginning? Improving? a Bit Rusty?

Preparing for SQA/A-Level Examinations?

All voices welcome!

RSAMD trained singing teacher for teenage & adult voices of all levels ÂŁ20 for 45 minute lesson Discount available for block bookings

For more information, call Claire on 07736 049 464 clairebearevans@hotmail.com

Based in Dunblane

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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

49

Get the results you want with our top tips!

Preparation is the key to revising effectively.

Make sure you know what type of exams you will have – short questions, multiple-choice or essays – and what topics they will cover.

Organise your course notes and textbooks so that everything is easy to find. Work out how much time you have for each subject and don’t avoid the ones that you find particularly difficult – or easy.

that includes details you need to remember – a battlefield or mountain habitat, for example.

Make the most of revision classes offered by your school or college. You could also revise with a friend – practice explaining difficult concepts and ask each other challenging questions.

Get hold of as many old exam papers and example questions as you can. Familiarise yourself with the way questions are worded and make sure you understand exactly what they are asking you to do. Prepare draft answers to questions that come up frequently.

When the exam gets close, complete a paper within the time limit to get an idea of how quickly you need to work.

Make a timetable, but don’t spend so long making it look beautiful that you’re behind before you start! Remember to include your other commitments and try to maintain your normal routine of mealtimes, exercise and so on. Think about the time of day that you work best – some people are night owls while others get more done in the early morning.

To keep motivated, reward yourself with a Plan a ten-minute break in every hour and weekly treat such as a trip to the cinema or don’t work for more than three hours at a a favourite meal. But if it’s not going so well, time. don’t give up! Adjust your timetable and Now divide the topics you need to learn focus on the areas you find most difficult, into manageable chunks. To help memorise or common questions. Keep thinking about information, make notes and put as much as what a good grade will bring – a university you can into your own words. Summarise key place or that dream job. points and write them on index cards or sticky notes that you can put around the house. You The night before the exam, have a quick look may find that making a spider diagram or through your notes, but don’t cram. Get an early night so you wake up refreshed and mind map is helpful. ready to go.

Try inventing your own mnemonics, such as Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the points of Good luck! the compass. You can also visualise a scene 50

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

Jamie Blanche PHYSICS TUITION & MENTORING Call Jamie to find out more

07717 798 235

or email: jamie.blanche@hotmail.co.uk Standard Grade £15ph Higher Grade £20ph

Ramoyle, Dunblane

Play Time Blowing bubbles will amuse young children for a while but how about making something more impressive with older children – giant bubbles! The bubble mix you can buy is usually too thin, so use a recipe of about 600ml of water to 4 tablespoons of washing up liquid to 1 tablespoon of glycerine (from a chemist). Mix gently and pour into a large, shallow tray, such as a baking tray.

Bend wire coat hangers into circles to dip into the liquid and draw through the air to form a bubble.

Also make a circle with your thumb and index finger, dip into the liquid and blow gently. Make a larger circle using both hands.

You could even fill a paddling pool with the bubble mix, get your children to stand in it, then use a hula-hoop to draw out an enormous bubble, completely encasing your children.

Dunblane School of Motoring

Kindly supplied by Wee Acorns Nursery

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

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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

51

A Unique and Sustainable Treatment for Dyslexia and Reading Disorders The Cellfield Intervention helps children and adults overcome reading and language difficulties

Contact the Stirling Cellfield Centre and begin the journey to success

01786 447 527 info@cellfieldscotland.com

www.cellfield.com

52

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

Party Plans When I was a child a birthday party consisted of a few sandwiches, a bowl of jelly and a game of musical chairs. Not so nowadays.

Children’s parties are becoming something of an art form, with an ever-increasing choice of activities to make the occasion one to remember!

You might ask your guests to come dressed as pirates for example. With a little imagination you can create jewels from favourite sweets, get guests to make themselves a hat or eye patch, and turn the house into a desert island with an accompanying map to help guests hunt for hidden ‘treasure’.

The first decision is whether to organise your child’s party yourself, or hand it over to an expert. Fast food burger and pizza outlets were perhaps the first to offer organised parties: including food, games and a party host. Now there is a wide variety of party experiences available, from swimming and bowling, to football and gymnastics; from cake baking and pottery, to paintballing and go-karting. There are princess parties offering make up and pampering sessions and quad biking experiences for the more adventurous.

You can enjoy a trip out to a local attraction, or book a session at a play centre. The possibilities seem limitless!

Traditional games can be easily adapted to fit a chosen theme. For example, at a dressingup party instead of passing a parcel children could pass a pillow case filled with oversized clothing. When the music stops they dip their hand in and put on whatever garment they end up with!

If you find the idea of being totally in charge a little daunting, why not compromise by providing the food yourself but hire a professional for the entertainment (or vice versa)? Magicians, face painters, clowns, puppet shows, discos and bouncy castles are all popular choices, and it is not usually difficult to find a local caterer. Remember Generally, if you book a party experience though, when planning food to keep it bite you can expect the host to provide the size. Small children in particular are notorious food, the entertainment and in many cases for taking a bite and leaving the rest! the cake. This takes all the stress out of the If you need further help planning your party organisation and enables you to sit back, there many outlets which offer party packs watch and enjoy. However if you don’t mind that include invitations, games, decorations a bit of hard work, hosting your own party and party bag fillers on selected themes. can be a satisfying experience which allows you complete freedom over themes, food and However you decide to organise your party, have fun and let the kids do the same! entertainment.

53

As a flourishing all-through independent school, Beaconhurst is well placed to deliver an exceptional education for boys and girls aged 3–18. Located in Bridge of Allan, Stirling, Beaconhurst offers a supportive environment, in a superb location, where our expert staff can help your child build on his or her individual skills and achieve excellence.

From our award-winning nursery to our senior school, the Beaconhurst ethos is based on personal and academic development. All our pupils receive the highest quality tuition and guidance – and by celebrating their achievements we actively encourage them to do even better.

At Beaconhurst, our children are encouraged to discover their talents and set themselves goals for achievement. We raise the bar when it comes to standards, and work closely with our pupils to instill the values of hard work and personal responsibility.

Pupils are also urged to ‘think outside the box’ and come up with solutions in their own unique way.

At Beaconhurst we provide: • •

•

• • • •

Wrap around care across all ages from 8am -6pm.

A sporting pathway from age 3 through to 18 with exceptional opportunities for talent development particularly in tennis, triathlon, golf and hockey.

An outdoor education pathway starting in nursery and incorporating Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in senior school.

8 subject choices at National 5’s (including 3 sciences) Outstanding pastoral care Affordable,inclusive fee structure Stirling University sports membership for all school pupils

Our Open Day on Saturday 4th May 2013 provides a fantastic opportunity to come along, meet pupils, staff and parents; celebrate the new mountain biking trail with Rock n Road Bike Specialists in Bridge of Allan; see the new all weather play area and watch the Debating Club or the Science department in action!

Discover for yourself what Beaconhurst can do for your child!

Call 01786 832 146 www.beaconhurst.com 54

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

Discover Yourself at Beaconhurst Open Day Saturday 4th May 9:30am -12:30pm At Beaconhurst School we focus on developing the talents and abilities of every individual from 3-18 years. Join us to sample the unique Beaconhurst experience. Call us or simply drop in for a chat.

Full programme of events including opening of new mountain bike trail with Rock n Road available online at www.beaconhurst.com

Call 01786 832 146 www.beaconhurst.com Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

55

56

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

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)

Luxury Saxony (4 colours) was £24m2 NOW only £16.99m2.

36 Weaver Row, St Ninians, Stirling, FK7 9AS www.carpet-master.co.uk Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

57

Fifty shades of white Tooth whitening at Bridge of Allan Dental Care

01786 832 331

1 Union Street, Bridge of Allan

www.bridgeofallandental.com

HEARTLAND MAINTENANCE

Mindbenders

Find the 3 hidden phrases

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

For more information Tel: 01786 826912 Mobile: 07720 846513

mill1ion You Look EMOCLEW

13 Edward Street, Dunblane 58

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

NAILS & WAXING

now available

Mairi’s Hair Salon 9 Springfield Terrace, Dunblane

01786 824 077 Full Leg Wax Half Leg Wax Bikini Under Arm Eye Brow Upper Lip Chin

£13.50 £9.50 £6.50 £6.00 £5.00 £5.00 £5.00

File and Polish ONLY £7.50

For an appointment, phone

01786 824 077

Shellac

Fingers & Toes only £25 with free soak off

Special Package...

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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

59

Pedal Power Road cycling is an exhilarating way to challenge yourself and get fit.

You know what they say about riding a bike – once you’ve learned you never forget. So if you enjoyed zooming down hills when you were younger (and struggling up them!) road cycling may be the ideal sport for you.

There are two types of pedals on road bikes.

Platform pedals are like those on a traditional bicycle and you will need to add toe clips.

Modern clipless pedals will need special shoes with cleats on them that fix your foot to the pedals.

As the name suggests, road cycling involves riding exclusively on roads, and the aim is to The saddle of a road bicycle is normally very build up your speed and the distance you can narrow and can be uncomfortable, so you may want to get a gel cover or wear padded shorts. cover.

When you’re out on the roads, safety has It’s a very efficient way to get fit and lose to be your top priority. A helmet is a must, weight as it’s one of the few sports that you as is brightly coloured clothing. Ride your can sustain for two to four hours. Like running, bike as if you were driving a car and obey it gets you out in the fresh air, but it is low traffic laws. Take a tool kit with you – a spare impact and places less strain on your joints. inner tube, tyre levers, puncture repair Road bikes are designed for racing. They kit, pump and Allen keys are essential. It’s have a lightweight frame, narrow tyres and also sensible to carry your address and rounded handlebars so that you sit forward phone number in case of an accident. in an aerodynamic position. You can pay Think of road cycling as a long-term sport. It anything from £150 to £5000 plus. Cheaper will take you a few weeks to get used to your bikes are made from steel or aluminium, bike and build up your speed and stamina. while the more expensive are carbon fibre or titanium, which is amazingly strong and light. Joining a club is a great way to keep If you decide to take up the sport seriously, motivated. You’ll find a directory of over look for a well-known brand and expect to 1500 clubs at: www.britishcycling.org.uk pay around £600. Getting the right size is ranging from informal groups who ride important, so ask your local bike shop for for pleasure to competitive racing teams. advice. Your legs should be almost straight So what are you waiting for – get on your bike! when they are on the pedal at bottom of the turn.

60

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

Do you want to...?

`

Stop smoking Build confidence Lose weight

Neroli Beauty Salon

Get a good night’s sleep

Get your body bikini-ready with our Shrinking Violet fat loss wrap!

Get rid of a phobia or unwanted habit or simply be more successful in your business or personal life

If this is you, then Hypnotherapy or Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) can help you.

Make an appointment for your free 20 minute initial consultation by contacting Francine at Orrganise. Tel: 07772 401 634 or email: francine@orrganise.co.uk It works by lipolysis, a revolutionary method to remove unwanted fat. Lipolysis offers pain free slimming and breaks down inside the actual fat cells where triglycerides are changed to free fatty acids.

Contact Neroli for more information or to book your treatment.

One treatment £55 Course of 6 £275

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

20%OFFG VIOLET

`

HRINKIN your 1st S dvert with this a

01786 821 818 9 Stirling Rd, Dunblane

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

61

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

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 62

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

Open your eyes

to an Erskine’s eye examination

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us on 01786 832 061 Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

63

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine CLIFF WICKS

MSc (Acupuncture), MBAcC MRCHM

PAIN CONDITIONS CLINIC

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

Arthritis, Back Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Headache, Migraine, Period pain, Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow, & Sports Injuries

Free Specific Initial Assessment

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

Recycle Clothes for Cash Clothes Shoes Books Bric a brac

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

The Old Curiosity Shop

38 High Street, Dunblane 07979 355 646 or 01786 822 247 64

May Day May Day is celebrated on the first Monday of the month. It originates from village celebrations marking the coming of summer.

The following traditions often take place amongst a day of festivities: Maypoles are hung with greenery and ribbons and painted brightly. Local children dress in their finest clothes, with bells and flower garlands, and perform traditional ribbon dances such as Gypsy Tent and The Spiders Web. Originally maypoles were made by villagers using a young tall tree. They stripped off the lower branches, but left leaves at the top to symbolise new life, and then decorated it with flowers and ribbons.

The Crowning of the May Queen is linked to the honouring of Flora the Roman goddess of fruit and flowers. Traditionally she took no part in games or dancing, but sat like a queen in a flower-decked chair to watch her ‘subjects.’

Morris dancing is a traditional form of English folk dancing carried out by groups known as sides. Dances are passed down through generations, and involve movements to accentuate the tinkling of bells attached to costumes and coming together to strike wooden sticks. Loud accordion music accompanies the dancing. Sometimes dancers paint their faces black, and this association with the North African Moors may explain the origins of the name ‘Morris’ dancing.

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

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

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

65

Cheese Souffle Roulade by Wendy Gudgeon Ingredients: (6 portions)

50 g/2 oz butter 25g/1 oz flour 5 fl. oz milk 110g/4 oz mature grated cheddar 4 free range eggs, separated ¼ tspn English mustard salt and pepper

Filling 200 gr/7 oz. mushrooms 2 lean smoked bacon rashers (optional) 25g/1 oz butter ground black pepper

Method: • • • •

Line a Swiss roll tin 35 x 24 cm. with greased baking paper.

Melt the butter and stir in the flour to make a roux.

Gradually add the milk beating in until thickened and smooth.

Separate the eggs, and add the yolks to the sauce with the grated cheddar, mustard and a little salt and pepper.

Beat the egg whites and gently fold into the cheese mixture using a metal spoon.

Spread evenly in the Swiss roll tin and bake at 190c/Gas 5 for 10 to 15 mins. until risen and golden brown.

Meanwhile finely dice the mushrooms and bacon and heat with the butter in a pan until cooked.

• • •

To Assemble: •

Turn the soufflé out onto a clean sheet of baking paper and peel off the paper it was cooked in.

Spread the mushroom mixture on the surface and roll up like a Swiss roll.

Serve immediately with baby potatoes and green vegetables or a tossed green salad.

• •

Wendy Gudgeon Tel: 01786 824487 Email: wendygudgeon@yahoo.co.uk www.wendygudgeon.co.uk 66

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

David Bennett And Son An Award Winning Traditional Family Butcher We source only the best quality products as local as possible. This means that our high standards can be achieved with the benefit of having full traceability. We have a large selection of freshly made pies, using all our own meats to our own recipes, from our famous Steak Pie to some rather more adventurous varieties.

We also have a comprehensive range of our own, traditionally made, preserves, chutneys and marinades to complement our meats.

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

Eleganza Designer Cakes Angela Curran Cakes for all Occasions Dunblane 07815 664 376 eleganzacakes@btinternet.com www.facebook.com/EleganzaDesignerCakes

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

67

Buttermilk Scones with Fruit Compote

Makes 10-12, Preparation time 15 minutes, Cooking time 15 minutes Ingredients: Scones • 450g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting • ¼ tsp salt • 100g cold butter, diced • 85g golden caster sugar • Handful of raisins or sultanas (optional) • 284ml pot buttermilk • 2 tsp vanilla extract • Splash of milk

Ingredients: Compote • Frozen fruit of choice – summer fruit mix is good, sour cherries are fantastic.

• Sugar to taste

Method: 1. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Sift the flour and salt together. Rub in the butter until the mixture is like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar and raisins or sultanas if using.

2. Gently warm the buttermilk (don’t throw away the pot) and vanilla in a microwave or pan. Using your largest bowl, quickly tip in some of the flour mix, followed by some of the buttermilk mix, repeating until everything is in the bowl. Use a knife to quickly mix together to form a dough - don’t over-mix it.

3. Tip onto a floured surface and lightly bring together with your hands a couple of times.

Press out gently to about 4cm thick and stamp out rounds with a 6cm or 7cm cutter. Reshape trimmings, until all the dough is used. Place scones evenly on to a lightly floured baking sheet or two.

4. Add a splash of milk into the buttermilk pot, and then use to glaze the top of each scone.

Bake for 10-12 mins until golden and well risen.

To Make The Fruit Compote: 1. Place as much of the frozen fruit as you need in the saucepan, on a gentle heat on the hob on top of your cooker. Simmer the fruit in the saucepan on the hob until the fruit starts to soften; stir gently now and again just enough so that the fruit does not stick to the pan; do not allow it to burn.

2. Now add sugar to taste - not too much at first. Taste the fruit as you add the sugar so that you do not make it too sweet or leave it too tart. Take care not to burn yourself when testing it! Fruit and sugar get very hot.

3. Once the fruit has softened, but before it turns to a pulp or goes too mushy, it is ready and you should remove it from the heat to cool.

68

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

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) Oh my Goodness, it’s nearly here!!!

The London Moonwalk is Sat 11th May. When we signed up to this madness in the dim memory of last year, May was AGES away and therefore nothing to worry about. Well I’m worrying now....

We have of course been out training. We have 16 miles booked in the diary this weekend and 20 miles next weekend, so in theory it should be fine....

Mentally it’s more of a challenge, I’m still not convinced I’ll make it round without the help of the emergency services or a taxi (which I’m not sure is covered in the rules). However we don’t really have a choice, we have to make it round. So many people have supported us and sponsored us that we couldn’t possibly let them down. So when you read this next month, I’ll have one marathon under my belt and hopefully be recovered enough to attempt to walk another two within a week of each other! (OK, let’s revert back to the comforting sound of ‘it’s ages away’) It doesn’t all end there though, although our fundraising is going well - at the time of writing this we have a whopping £5,889 raised, we have faltered a little, cancelling our ceilidh because ticket sales were too low. It was really disappointing and a hard decision to make but we had to be practical so I ask you to check the last events that we have going on (listed below) and if you possibly can, PLEASE come along and support us. All the money we raise goes to walkthewalk, it doesn’t pay for us to enter or travel to any destination, it all goes on a secure fundraising page (http:// walkthewalkfundraising.org/pamelaandfiona) to this fantastic charity.

£8,000

£5,889

Monday 6th May: Family car treasure hunt & bar-b-q (£4 per head). See page 48 for details.

Friday 17th May: Quiz & Curry Night (£8 per head incl. curry supper). Full bar, over 18’s only.

Teams of a max of 6 people. See page 2 for details.

Sunday 23rd June: Afternoon Tea & Final Celebration (£6 per head). Full details in next months magazine.

Don’t leave it to the last minute, let us know you can come as soon as you can, either via our facebook page or by contacting me at theWire in all the usual ways. Your support will be hugely appreciated.

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 , 69 p.69 Celebrating 10 years of teaching in 2013 PamelaAndFionaswalkthewalk) ... where the individual matters

50 years in 2013: Celebrating

business!

Stirling

In Support of

Pamela & Fiona’s 3 Land Challenge Uniting against breast cancer

KipMcGrath Stirling

TM

Simply wash ‘n’ clean

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

Dunblane Community Trust, set up to manage and to administer the funds received in the wake of the tragedy in 1996, can provide financial assistance to community projects, initiatives, and programmes which advance education, and provide, in the interest of social welfare, facilities for training, recreation, and other leisure time occupations for young people living in the Community of Dunblane, and which improve the conditions of the life of young people living in that locality.

The amount of grant awarded is at the discretion of the Trustees, but will normally be in the range of £100.00 to £1000.00. In exceptional circumstances, awards in excess of £1000.00 may be made. Initially, there will be a cap of £10,000.00 of Awards per annum.

For further information, including advice about eligibility of Applicants and Projects, please contact Elizabeth M. Duncan, Honorary Secretary, Dunblane Community Trust, c/o Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET, from whom Application Forms can also be obtained. (Mrs. Duncan can also be contacted at “duncanl@stirling.gov.uk”).

Interior & Exterior hand wash and clean

Small £15, Medium £20 Large £25

Call Wyn Jones on

07584 599 247 Old Doune Road, Dunblane

Sudoku

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

Good Luck!

The Trustees wish to begin to assist appropriate projects where possible and look forward to receiving applications for their consideration.

Elizabeth M. Duncan, Secretary, Dunblane Community Trust.

70

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

Community In Action!

The only defence this guy has against a 15 foot salt-water croc is a tool found in many a garden shed. The business end is hidden from view. What is it and how does it work? The answer can be found in the next edition of theWire...

DDT

Dunblane Development Trust

For those who don’t want to volunteer as a crocodile tamer or a guinea pig, there are other opportunities for contributing to the development of your community.

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills & experience to support our various activities as Trustees or consultants: • •

Accountancy & book keeping Project/property management

• •

Technical/engineering Public relations & fundraising

Further information is available from: Ian Gill, DDT Secretary email: dunblanedevelopmenttrust@gmail.com mobile: 07748 219 937 Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

71

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: • • •

72

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 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

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

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

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 meets every Thursday afternoon 1.30-3.30pm in the Victoria Halls.

Details from Jean McKenzie 825319 • 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 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st May.

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 • • •

•

74

Thursday 2nd May, Bookbug Session at 10.30am in Dunblane Library Saturday 4th May, tea shop & table top sale, Victoria Halls 10-4pm. Help the McMahon School of Dance raise funds for Disney Saturday 4th May“1953 and all that”. The Rosenethe Singers’ spring concert, in the Cathedral at 7.30 pm, will mark the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of the Queen with a concert including anthems sung at (and in one case composed for) the Coronation, songs composed by British composers to mark the Coronation and songs from shows which were drawing the crowds to the theatres in London’s West End about the time of the Coronation (lots of well-known tunes!) Tickets £15 (£12 concessions) available at Smallprint or www.rosenethesingers.co.uk or at the door on the night.

Sunday 5th May, Dunblane Holmehill Dawn Chorus event. The birds are up early – and so will we be! Please join us. Now that spring is finally on its way, it’s not only ourselves who are getting busy out of doors. Birds are also starting their nesting season, and this is mostly evident in the glorious bird song which is beginning to fill the early morning air in woods and gardens around Dunblane. To help us identify the birdsong, two experienced ornithologists will lead groups over Holmehill, the Laighhills and by the Allanwater. As well as our resident birds, such as robins and blackbirds, the summer migrants such as chiff chaffs and willow warblers will be back in our woods for the nesting season, so there should be a good range of species present. Last year we identified 36 different bird species. Obviously, as it is a ‘dawn’ event, it will start pretty early in the morning - around dawn at 5am! The event itself will last about one and a half hours, but following this, from 7am, a cooked breakfast will be available for all attendees at the Braeport Centre nearby.

Everyone is welcome to come along, both members and non-members, and the event is free, but booking is essential and donations will be welcomed. To book a place on the event and get details of where to meet etc, please leave a message on 01786 821353 and we will get back to you. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

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

Whats On: during the month (continued) • • • • •

•

• • • • • • •

• •

Monday 6th May, Family Car Treasure Hunt & Bar-B-Q Fundraiser. See p.48 for details.

Wedneday 8th May, Dunblane SWRI meeting at 7.30pm in the Victoria Hall. This will be our A.G.M. The guest speaker will be Fiona Jones of Dobbies talking about Spring Baskets.

Wednesday 8th May. Debut of the Doune Wind Sextet, plus another performance by the popular Doune Bassoon Quartet, at The Rural Hall, Doune at 8pm. Tickets £5 on the door or in advance from Doune Information Centre. Tel: 01786 841250.

Saturday 11th May, German Bookbug Session. 10am in Dunblane Library Monday 13 May, Dunblane Civic Society meets at 7:30pm in the Braeport Centre.

Professor Donald Davidson and George Matthews will give the last talk of the 2012/13 programme on “Old and New Images of Dunblane” followed by the AGM with wine/soft drinks.

Monday 13th May Dunblane Arthritis Care have a speaker from Glasgow Office discussing Campaigning and Fundraising regarding projects locally and Scotland Wide.

New members welcome with Branch details from Dolly Gemmell 01786 822387 or dolly.g@talktalk.net Thursday 16th May, Bookbug Session at 10.30am in Dunblane Library Friday 17th May, Quiz & Curry Fundraiser. See page 2 for details.

Saturday 18th May, Friends of Strathcarron Hospice Dunblane - Spring Ball - 7 for 7.30pm to 1am at Stirling Management Centre. Join us for a night of music and dance with the fabulous ‘Soul Doctors’. Tickets £37.50 available from Carolyn on 07817 185 964 Sunday 19th May. Doune Plant Sale at The Rural Hall, Northlea. 11am-3pm. Light lunches, teas & coffees available. 50p entry. In aid of Doune Allotment Group and Rural Hall Renovation funds.

Wednesday 22nd May. A Kilmadock Society Talk – “The Stirling Castle Palace Project” an illustrated presentation by John Harrison, at The Rural Hall, Doune at 7.30pm. £2 members/£3 non-members. Tel. 01786 841250 for further information Thursday 23rd May, Special Storytime- Dinosaur Theme 10.30am and 2.15pm in Dunblane Library.

Thursday 23 May, Dunblane Civic Society’s Summer Outing. Coach will leave Post Office at 9:15am then to the following locations in Lanarkshire - Summerlea Industrial Museum, Low Parks Museum, Hamilton Mausoleum and Chatelherault. Coach will return to Dunblane at approx. 5:45/6:00pm. Early booking is advised.

Thursday 30th May, Bookbug Session at 10.30am in Dunblane Library Thursday 30th - June 1st: Into the Woods. See front cover for details

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.

Deadline 10th May Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

75

Last month’s 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 Stirling Council Local Offices 823300 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

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

Community Notices As we now are part of Police Scotland, all updates will be on twitter and not the community webpage as previously. Simply follow @stirlingpol and the Dunblane community team will be using the hashtag #dunblanepol

Members from Dunblane make a contribution to a major project for the Smith Museum and Art Gallery.

2014 is an important year for Stirling as it commemorates 700 years since the Battle of Bannockburn. As their contribution to this event, Stirling and District Embroiderers’ Guild are making an interesting banner to hang in “The Smith”. This will depict various aspects of Stirling’s heritage, showing such features as the Smith, the Stirling heads, the castle and the Wallace Monument.

A small sub-committee has designed the banner in such a way that every member who wishes to contribute to it may do so. Members who are interested in embroidery but do not actually sew are welcome and may find that there is something they can do. The Guild in Stirling is very friendly and inclusive with some talented embroiderers’ who are very willing indeed to teach those with little or no experience. There are regular meetings in “the Smith” to ensure that everyone’s contributions will merge into the total design.

Joyce Watson from Dunblane is a member of the design sub-committee.

As there are a number of keen embroiderers who live in Dunblane, it has been possible to have some sewing meetings there.

Joyce Holds up the proposed position for approval from other members. Left to right Francis Rankin, Joyce Watson, Heather Bovill and Christine Davies.

Wanted WANTED - your unloved classic, hot hatch or supercar that’s been languishing in your garage un-used. I’m an enthusiast looking for my next project, so if you’ve got an old interesting car, classic hot hatch, sportscar or supercar languishing in your garage or on your driveway, please get in touch. I’ll consider pretty much anything, any value as long as its interesting. Unfinished projects or barn finds, I’ll take a look at it.

Email me at steve-work@live.co.uk or call 07768 013 608. I’m located in Dunblane and I can come and view your car anytime.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS: MINDBENDERS:

1 in a million, Look behind you, Welcome back LATERAL THINKING: Go outside and throw it upwards.

Please mention thewire when responding to adverts

77

A-Z of Advertisers A9 Partnership page 33 AC Gold page 14 Acupuncture by Cliff Wicks page 64 Altal Plumbers page 17 Arnhall Nursery page 49 Beaconhurst School page 55 Bennetts Butchers page 67 Bennybeg Plant Centre page 21 Bridge of Allan Dental Care page 58 Brilliant Futures page 33 BR Gardening Services page 15 Carpet Master page 57 Cellfield Reading Matters page 52 Christian Aid page 9 Clare Evans, Singing teacher page 49 Clarity Wealth Services page 31 Cleaning Doctor page 56 Crawford & Mathieson page 11 Curiosity Shop page 8 Curtains by Elaine page 37 Dave Anderson, window cleaning page 8 DDT page 71 Doune Woodyard page 19 Dunblane Centre page 1 Dunblane Driveways page 23 Dunblane Fling pages 39-42 & 80 Dunblane Folk Club page 42 Dunblane School of Motoring page 51 Eleganza Cakes page 67 Figment Creativity page 7 Fitness Takeaway page 62 Francine Orr, Hynotherapy page 61 Gemini Solutions page 29 Gironk IT page 27 Glenn Murray Associates page 29 Graham Hally, decorator page 18 HAAS, hearing aids page 62 Heartland Maintenance page 58 Heather Carpet Cleaning page 67 Homeworx page 17 Hummingbird Nursery page 43 & 43 Iain Wilson DIY page 11 J&R Plumbers page 14 James Comrie page 37 Jamie Blanche, tutor page 51 78

A-Z of Advertisers Jane, Pampered Chef page 37 John McLaren page 13 John the Stoneman page 11 Kare Gardens page 22 Kumon page 49 Mairi’s Hair Salon page 59 Mackie Electrical page 11 Marshall MacCallum page 33 McIntyre Funeral Directors page 29 Module Architects page 8 Monument Dance Centre page 35 Neroli Beauty Salon page 61 Nigel Bialy Sculptures page 23 Osprey page 7 Out for a Walk page 38 Recycle Clothes for Cash page 64 Rhona Geddes page 65 RN Robertson page 76 Robert Paul Architects page 13 Robertson Jones page 29 Roofline Advice page 12 RS Erskine page 63 Scottish Oven Cleaning page 67 Sheriffmuir Inn page 7 Simply Wash n Clean page 70 SRC Landscapes page 23 Stephen Crosbie page 18 Timesavers page 28 Tracks of Dunblane page 21 Wee Acorns page 51 William Kay, garage doors page 15

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 Remember the deadline for June’s issue is Friday 10th May

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

Can you help get the message delivered??

Ever wondered who puts theWire through your door every month?

Well, myself and some wonderful volunteers is the answer!

We would all be hugely grateful for your help though. It’s a perfect way to get out and support your community and soak up all the benefits of a brisk walk!

Even half an hour of your time, delivering to your immediate neighbours would REALLY HELP. If you live in the following areas and think you could spare a little time, please get in touch. (Fiona on 07720 429 613) Kilbryde Crescent, Dykedale/ bottom of Ochiltree, Perth Rd, Smithy Loan, Lawder Place, Whitecross Avenue or Rylands Avenue

THANK YOU!

Your help would be gratefully received!

Please mention wire429 when responding to adverts To advertise in the wirethe t. 07720 613 e. the.wire@btinternet.com

79

THE FLING PRESENTS...

THE SOURMASH BLUES BAND Get out your dancing shoes for a great night with The Sourmash Blues Band “a lively selection of blues and boogie woogie classics in whatever key fits the lock” supported by The Scott Wood Trio

Saturday 25th May, Victoria Halls @ 7.30pm Thanks to the sponsorship of FES, tickets can be offered at just £10! (£8 concession) so get your friends together & book early to secure your places! www.facebook.com/dunblanefling

rF

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

Yo u

80

is LING in sid gu e id

e

www.dunblanefling.com