Bridge of Allan Times

Issue 27 - Winter 2012
Your community magazine
Autumn Colours, Mine Woods
photo by Iain Mitchell
Distributed free to all households in Bridge of Allan and available worldwide at www.bofatimes.co.uk
3 COURSE CHRISTMAS LUNCH - £16.95
3 COURSE CHRISTMAS DINNER - £19.95
HOGMANAY - OPEN THROUGH THE BELLS
4 COURSE DINNER - £34.95
Open 7 days, also open Xmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Mine Road, Bridge of Allan 01786 833617
www.vecchiabologna.co.uk
Clinical Hypnotherapy at
Hypnotherapy can help with EATING
ISSUES; STOPPING SMOKING;
STRESS; PHOBIAS and other areas.
Connie is a qualified Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist and
has been working full-time in private practice since 2002.
Connie consults at LUMIA in Bridge of Allan on Tuesdays. Please call
her directly on 0777 618 3695 with any questions or booking requests,
or visit her website: www.connieweir.com for further information.
DOREEN LUMSDEN
M.Ch.S. BSc. Pod.M. S.R.Ch.
Member of the Health Professional Council
Chiropodist & Podiatrist
Surgery & Domiciliary Visits
Biomechanical Assessment Orthotics
Prescribed
Tel: 01786 833230
Zetland House, Chalton Road,
Bridge of Allan
Web site: www.chiropody-online.com
Good Parking & flexible surgery times
2
DON’T MAKE
A MOVE
WITHOUT MAILER
Conveyancing and Estate Agency
Plus Full Legal Service Including
Divorce, Separation,
Custody Contact
2A King Street
Stirling
Tel. 01786 450555
88 Henderson Street
Bridge of Allan
Tel. 01786 832314
70 Drysdale Street
Alloa
Tel. 01259 217009
Le Cercle Français
Since 1980 the French lunch club has met
on Fridays at 12.30 in the Allan Centre. All
who attend bring their own lunch and those
who wish to do so have a small glass of
wine.
English is spoken from 12.30 till 12.45 and
thereafter until 2pm we try to speak only
French. New members are most welcome as
is anyone who would like to come for a
sample session.
Some said it wouldn’t last ...
... but we proved the doubters wrong, and we’re now ready for the
next step, says Allan Brown
December 2004 seems a long time ago now,
but the memory remains fresh. It was then
that the first edition of Bridge of Allan
Times was published. All sorts of technical
problems arose before we finally produced
our first, rather shaky, tabloid newsprint
edition.
And yes, some doubters at that time
misquoted Private Frazer from Dad’s Army,
saying “You’re doomed!”.
Some initial funding had been supplied by
Stirling Council and we have subsequently
received donations and grants from the
Community Council. Since then we have
been fortunate to have a strong advertising
income which has resulted in us now being
self-funded. Just as well, given the state of
public finances these days.
Stories and articles appeared from a wide
range of sources, with nature and history
being among the most popular. We very
Bridge of Allan 100 Years Ago
Extensive Flooding
The heavy rain and snow storms of the
past week have resulted in serious
flooding taking place. Yesterday morning a
large area extending from Blackdub Farm
[now Allanwater Lodge] to the railway
embankment was under water,
considerable alarm having been caused
overnight to those whose habitations are
situated near to the river. A good deal of
damage was done to the pavement at the
junction of Allanvale and Cornton Road.
quickly learned not to tackle “hot” news
issues as we published so infrequently that
the point was often lost from one edition to
the next.
Things materially improved when, in 2007,
we produced our first all-colour edition.
With a much higher paper quality and
excellent colour rendition, it was very well
received.
Thanks to all our regular contributors
(especially Roy Baker, who has prepared all
27 Nature Pages) and an intrepid group of
delivery people, we are still going strong.
Everyone is, of course, a volunteer, and
we’re especially proud of the several
awards gained in the competition amongst
Community Newspapers held annually
through the Stirling area.
Now the point of all these ramblings is this:
it’s time we had an infusion of fresh blood
(that’s metaphorical blood, of course).
Of the present eight committee members,
four have been serving since our inception,
and new and, dare I say it, younger
members are now required to take the
magazine forward for a further eight, and
hopefully even more, years.
And it’s not a big commitment - we only
meet once before the publication of each
edition and communicate by email
thereafter. And if you harbour any
journalistic or literary ambitions, then
here’s an opportunity to appear in print.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
December 21, 1912
If you’re interested, please contact any of
the committee members below.
We hope you enjoy this edition of your
community magazine. The publication is
produced entirely by volunteers and is
funded by our advertisers, to whom we are
grateful. Distribution is by local residents,
who willingly deliver in all weathers.
Allan Brown, Editor
Peter Meech, Deputy Editor
Douglas Stuart, Treasurer
Sandi Grieve
Doris Littlejohn
Alison Logie
Ian McLaren
Maureen Mitchell
Bridge of Allan 1953
Coronation Celebrations
As reported in the last edition of the
Bridge of Allan Times a fascinating film of
the village made in the year of the
Queen’s coronation is now available as a
DVD. It makes an ideal present for anyone
interested in local history.
Copies can be purchased from the Bridge
of Allan Library, priced £6.
Keir Street,
Bridge of Allan
A substantial Victorian semi-detached villa
will be for sale in this highly desirable
part of Bridge of Allan.
With sitting room, dining room, kitchen,
study, cloakroom and garden room on the
ground floor and three bedrooms and
bathroom on the upper floor, this property
has been meticulously maintained. Many
original features have been retained, with
modern improvements such as secondary
double-glazing and gas central heating
sensitively incorporated.
The south-facing back garden, laid out in
specimen plants and shrubs, accommodates
a lawn, spacious summerhouse and shed.
A garage and driveway provide generous
car parking space.
A long entry date is preferred. First
contact should be in writing to:
Box 334, Bridge of Allan Times,
16 John Murray Drive,
Bridge of Allan FK9 4QH.
Bridge of Allan Times - Your Community Magazine
..
We want you to have your say: please get
in touch if you wish to comment on
anything you read here or wish to raise any
other issues. Contact any committee
member from the list by phone or by email
to [email protected]
Bridge of Allan Times Winter 2012
832981
833639
833935
833255
832032
833631
833465
833170
If you would prefer to write, our address is
Bridge of Allan Times
16 John Murray Drive
FK9 4QH
The views expressed by the contributors are
their own and do not necessarily represent the
views of any members of the committee.
Distribution, transmission or re-publication of
any material from this magazine or from the
website www.bofatimes.co.uk is strictly
prohibited without the prior written permission
of Bridge of Allan Times. For directions on
material re-use, website comments, questions
or information contact the editor.
www.bofatimes.co.uk
3
ALLAN CENTRE
Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4AT
01786 833687
[email protected]
www.allancentre.org.uk
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9.30am ʹ 10.00pm
ŝĚLJŽƵŬŶŽǁ͙
that Badminton, Football, Judo, Tai-Chi, Carpet Bowls,
Machine Knitting, Toddlers and Whist are just a few of
the regular activity groups meeting in the Centre.
How to find us
The Allan Centre is tucked in behind
the Bridge of Allan Health Centre
and Library and can be accessed
from either Union Street or Fountain
Road. Ample parking can be found
to the rear of the Centre off Union
Street.
Facilities
The Centre has a fully equipped games hall, 2 meeting
rooms and a large social area with access to a fully
equipped kitchen. There is also a small fitness room. If
you are interested in joining an existing group, or
starting a group, visit our website for more information
or pop into the Centre.
Programme and Membership
The programme can be found on our website or in the
͞tŚĂƚ͛ƐKŶ͟ŐƵŝĚĞǁŚŝĐŚĐĂŶďĞƉŝĐŬĞĚƵƉĨƌŽŵƚŚĞůůĂŶ
Centre reception. There is also availability for new
groups. If you are interested in doing so, please contact
the Allan Centre.
Membership is £30 per year for adults, £15 for
concessions and £6 for children. This gives access to all
groups and the fitness room. Some groups may charge a
small weekly fee to cover group supplies.
The Allan Centre Council is a Registered Charity SCO027707
Reflexology - Therapeutic Massage
Foot Specialist
Dr James McGee
Allanwater
Chiropractic Clinic
74 Henderson Street
Bridge of Allan
FK9 4HS
Telephone 01786 831994
www.AllanwaterChiropractic.co.uk
British Chiropractic Association, General Chiropractic Council
British Chiropractic Sports Council
▪Sports Injuries ▪ Back Pain ▪ Headaches ▪ Neck Pain ▪
▪ Soft Tissue Injuries ▪ Repetitive Strain ▪ Prevention ▪
The Allanwater Chiroprac.c Clinic is pleased to welcome Mr Jamie Quin to the Team.
Jamie is a Podiatrist specialising in all aspects of foot health and maintenance from
Chiropody to advanced bio-mechanical supports and foot surgery. He has had over
25 years’ experience in foot care and studied for a diploma in Chiropody from
Glasgow School of Chiropody before studying at New College Durham for his BSc
(Hons) in Podia.c Medicine. At this .me he majored in Podopaediatrics and Human
Locomo.on. This started a career-long fascina.on in the study of the human gait
and the pathologies it brings. He is registered with the Health and Care Professions
Council, which enables him to use the protected .tles Chiropodist and Podiatrist.
Mr Quin joins Jim McGee and Allison Macdonald (Chiropractors); Kate Griffin
(Massage Therapist) who is also a specialist in Manual Lympha.c Drainage; John
MacLachlan (Hypnotherapy, Coaching and Counselling) at the clinic.
4
Fair Do's!
Ian McLaren hears how our local community can increase its support
for farmers in developing countries
A great benefit of
being a member of the
Friends of Bridge of
Allan group is meeting
an interesting variety
of people, especially
as we tidy up around
the Memorial Park.
One such meeting
lately was with Blaise,
a lively puppy ready
for lots of fun. Having
greeted him, we
enjoyed a chat with
his equally friendly
owners, Rachael and Keith Cooper-Bohannon
(above), whose accents were clearly not of
this parish. Rachael was born in Zambia and
grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in
South Africa. A self-confessed "bit of a
nomad", she is now a PhD researcher at the
University.
Her fieldwork (on rare and endangered
cave-dwelling bats) takes her to the
Northern Cape, Namibia and Botswana.
Outside of her field season, Rachael and
Keith, live in – and love – Bridge of Allan,
and enjoy making friends here with the
invaluable help of the sociable Blaise.
So much so they have become involved in a
project to help Bridge of Allan become a
Fairtrade Town. Growing up in Africa,
Rachael has seen the harsh realities of life
for people living below the breadline and
lucky enough to see the benefits that
Fairtrade can have in a developing country.
Keith also shares this interest, having
volunteered to work for an organisation
called Masicorp, with a philosophy similar to
Fairtrade, with whom he worked for six
months in a township outside Cape Town.
Rachael says that the local Co-op in Bridge
of Allan already has a fantastic selection of
Fairtrade wines, chocolates, and teas etc.
Many of us already do try to buy Fairtrade
bananas and coffee in our weekly shop, but
with what effect?
Well, Rachael and Keith say that Fairtrade
addresses the injustices of conventional
trade, which traditionally discriminates
against the poorest, weakest producers.
Fairtrade is about paying better prices,
promoting decent working conditions, local
sustainability and setting fairer trading
terms. It enables workers in the developing
Bridge of Allan Times Winter 2012
Are you at Work all Day?
Are you
at Work
all Day?
Going
away?
Going
away?
Or
just too
busy?
Or
just
too
busy?
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and to have more control over their lives.
The Complete Pet
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And the Fairtrade premium we pay is used
Pet Taxi/Ambulance
Taxi/Ambulance
to build new pre-schools and medical
centres in local communities, so it is not
just the producers and workers who benefit.
Scotland apparently is leading the way in
supporting the movement, aiming to
[email protected]
become the second-ever Fairtrade [email protected]
(after Wales).
www.falkirkandstirling.animalsathome.co.uk
Tel:
Tel: 07873
07873 568121
568121
www.falkirkandstirling.animalsathome.co.uk
One way to promote this locally would be
for places like Bridge of Allan to become
Fairtrade Towns. Which is why Rachael has
organised eight friends to sign up as a
recognised group to achieve this aim. They
will be in contact with local schools and
churches, some of which are already
involved with Fairtrade, as well as local
shops.
If Bridge of Allan shops can be encouraged
to stock more Fairtrade items, there can
be a mutual benefit. The producers do
better, but by furthering the idea of
sustainability, so can the local shops,
because they can sell local produce
alongside Fairtrade items. Bridge of Allan
people can then support both deserving
producers in developing countries as well
as helping to protect and promote their
own local shops as they fight for their
existence against the big retail chains.
In late November an information meeting is
being organised to let residents know about
the concept. Please watch out for details
in the Library and the local press and go
along to support the campaign to make
Bridge of Allan a Fairtrade Town.
If you can’t manage to the meeting, then
watch out for Blaise in the Memorial Park.
He will certainly cheer up your day.
Where the
individual matters
At Beaconhurst School we focus on developing the
talents and abilities of every individual. Call us to sample
the unique Beaconhurst experience. Financial planning
expertise available.
Tel. 01786 832146 www.beaconhurst.com
5
Kerr Stirling are the only law firm in Stirling
with a dedicated team of corporate and
employment lawyers. We advise a wide range
of business owners in the central belt and
beyond.
To find out more, contact Colin Mackenzie for
a no-obligation chat on 01786 463414, or email
[email protected].
KERR STIRLING - supporting local
businesses and their commercial needs
The Six Rs of Education
Rachel Blackburn meets a newly
appointed man with a mission
Beaconhurst’s energetic new headteacher,
John Owen, has spent his first term “raising
the bar” across all areas of the school. A
man with big ambitions, he has already
implemented a raft of new initiatives since
starting work in August.
One of these is the plan to appoint an
Outdoor Education professional who will
work with both staff and pupils on a new
pathway to complement the unique Sporting
Pathway already in place. This would see
pupils benefiting from more outdoor trips,
the development of bushcraft and forest
skills and extra land- and water-based
sports such as canoeing and mountain
biking. The new Director of Outdoor
Education will also lead the school’s popular
Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
“There’s nothing like Outdoor Education for
developing what I describe as my six key
principles of education – rigour, resilience,
respect, reliability, responsibility and
resourcefulness," Owen says. “Outdoor
activities also provide a great opportunity
6
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Solicitors
10 Albert Place
Stirling
FK8 2QL
Tel: 01786 463414
Fax: 01786 451395
www.kerrstirling.co.uk
for pupils to get to know their
teachers outwith the
classroom and to see them in
a different light. The
relationship is enhanced and
spills over into the classroom,
improving the work going on
there too.”
There are also plans to
introduce a new scholarship
scheme to attract a range of
students and enhance
academic performance. A
monitoring system is
envisaged to ensure pupils
put in the effort required for
academic success as well as
developing their interests by
“thinking outside the box”.
For example, Owen is
encouraging pupils to get involved in the
school’s musical and expressive arts groups.
He himself has joined the school choir and
will be taking part in its charity Carol
Concert at Dunblane Cathedral next month
(December 13).
Other plans include improving Beaconhurst's
first-class sporting facilities with an allweather astro pitch. The new headteacher
is a sporting enthusiast, who cycles to work
daily and enjoys canoeing, mountaineering
and skiing. He's also a member of Tayside
Mountain Rescue Team.
A chemistry graduate from the University of
Bath, Owen succeeded former head Iain
Kilpatrick earlier this year. He had worked
at Glenalmond College in Perthshire for the
previous 13 years as a housemaster and
head of department prior to his final role
there as principal deputy head. He now
lives in Dunblane with his family, wife
Elizabeth and sons Peter (4) and threemonth-old Matthew.
Bridge of Allan
Primary School News
By Rachel Blackburn
Raising Funds for Zambia
The school recently donated £3,000 to Stirling
University's School of Sport to help with their
ongoing work teaching sport to youngsters in
Zambia. At a special assembly two pupils from
P7, Oliver Yarrow and Lauren Metcalfe, handed
a cheque to the University's Sports
Participation Officer Jenny Tattersall, PE
student Emma Clarkson and Sports Union
President Christopher Purdie. All three had
spent several weeks in Zambia over the
summer.
Depute headteacher Julie Russell told the
pupils: "Some children don't have the
wonderful facilities we have in our school and
at the University. We are raising money to buy
equipment and to help people go out to
Zambia and give these children positive
sporting experiences and to share good health
and wellbeing with them."
Ms Tattersall, who runs The Zambia Project,
thanked the children for their fundraising
efforts and showed them photographs of the
work she and her colleagues have been
carrying out. The pupils were delighted to see
the Zambian youngsters playing with
parachutes and footballs they had helped raise
money to pay for.
Ms Tattersall said: "I want
to give you all a huge
thank-you on behalf of
myself and the students,
who wouldn't have been
able to go out to Zambia
and spend time teaching
children less fortunate
than yourselves without
the money you have
raised. It makes a huge
difference."
Youngsters from P2K sing their hearts out
(picture by Jessica Sword and Sara Roberts)
Since starting fundraising for the University's
Zambia Project four years ago, the school has
already donated more than £4,000.
This year's contribution was raised from
parents and teachers during the run-up to the
school's Olympic-themed Sports Day and from
the sale of photographs of pupils holding an
Olympic Torch belonging to Mrs Russell, who
was one of the Olympic torchbearers.
Pupils meet Gruffalo author
Lucky pupils from P3N/F met Gruffalo author
Julia Donaldson when she paid a special visit
to the MacRobert Arts Centre.
The class, who are currently working on the
topic of 'Authors', were invited to attend a talk
by the writer as part of the Scottish Friendly
Children's Book Tour organised by the Scottish
Book Trust. Along with their teachers, Mrs
Ferry and Mrs Neil, they walked up to the
MacRobert from school and spent the morning
there being entertained by Julia and her
husband Malcolm.
The couple performed a version
of the Gruffalo on stage, with
Julia taking on the role of the
Mouse while Malcolm was the
Fox, the Snake, the Owl and the
Gruffalo.
Julia, who is the Children's
Laureate, then chatted to
the pupils and signed copies of
her books which they
had brought along with them.
P3 pupils meet the Gruffalo author
Julia Donaldson at the MacRobert
The youngsters really enjoyed
their visit and their teachers
compiled a list of their
IS YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE BEING AFFECTED BY MUSCLE OR JOINT PAIN?
comments about the day. These included: "I
really liked meeting Julia Donaldson and I
learned that she does not think about her
stories with pen and paper or at the computer.
"She comes up with her best ideas in the bath
or when she is doing the dishes!" Another pupil
said: "It was phenomenal and I loved it when
she performed the Gruffalo in Scots."
Santa To Visit the Christmas Fair
Youngsters will have a chance to meet Santa in
his grotto at the school's annual Christmas Fair
on Saturday 8 December.
The festive fun includes a tombola, chocolate
fountain, toy and bookstalls, home baking plus
competitions like 'Guess the Teddy's Birthday'.
A tin can alley, hoopla, face painting,
refreshments and a great raffle should ensure
there's entertainment for everyone.
The Fair takes place from 12 noon till 2pm and
all funds raised will be used to benefit
the school and nursery.
A Music Extravaganza
The school's talented youngsters recently
entertained their teachers and fellow pupils
when each class performed a song or dance in
a special Music Extravaganza:
P3N/F: Waka Waka; P1S: Everybody's Body;
P5M: Frère Jacques (in French) and Mi Barba
Tiene 3 Pelos (in Spanish); P7F: Give It All
You've Got; P2/1B: Don't Stop Thinking About
Tomorrow; P4C: The Purple People Eater; P1P:
Tiny Tim; P6H: On a Rainbow, the official
London 2012 Mascot Song; P2K: Touch The Sky;
P7/6S: 500 Miles; P3D: Octopus' Garden;
P5/4T: Food Glorious Food; P6/5C: We Will
Rock You.
Headteacher Lina Horsburgh praised all those
who took part in the musical assembly and
handed each class a special certificate.
Advance Notice
In our Spring 2013 edition we hope to
include a piece on people's recollections
of Airthrey Castle.
If you have something you would like to
contribute – a memory, an anecdote, a
photograph etc – please contact the editor
(832981) by January 31, 2013.
Bridge of Allan Times Winter 2012
7
Putting people
at the heart
of everything
we do
Why choose
Independent Living Services?
ILS has provided care at home,
housing support and nursing services
across Scotland since 1996.
We are one of the biggest providers
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they care for and support.
We provide care services through
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NHS partners as well as directly to
individuals.
Most of us want to live independently in our
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we get older, or if we’re poorly from a major
condition, or been injured in an accident,
we may need some support and assistance.
This is where Independent Living Services
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We also believe in supporting people
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Why opt for a private care service?
Care at home, which you pay for
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At a time when
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Whether for a few hours a day, a few times
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• Simple medication support, e.g.
administering eye or ear drops
• Assisted movement support
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• Domestic support such as
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• Bathing and showering services
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8
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Forms in a Landscape
Karen McIntosh introduces some recent additions to the University's open-air sculpture collection
“There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster
in its sky, which through the summer is not
heard or seen.” Shelley’s reflection on the
beauty of autumn has a certain resonance
on the University of Stirling campus at this
time of year, when Airthrey Loch and the
surrounding landscape appear at their most
spectacular. The Ochils gaze down proudly
on the campus, while the ochre, gold,
crimson and russet-brown foliage forms a
breathtaking kaleidoscope of colour. But this
year it is the striking new sculptures
recently acquired by the University and
dotted around the campus which demand a
second glance.
Cloud 9 by Kate Thomson
The autumn sun illuminates a bright white
object nestling on the grass outside the
Cottrell Building. Looking like a cross
between a giant Polo mint and an oversized
inflatable rubber ring, the marble sculpture
begs further investigation. Its name, Cloud
9, suggests the light-hearted fun of this
piece. Having designed it to be used as a
bench, the sculptor Kate Thomson hopes
visitors will find it a relaxing place to sit on.
“One of my main aims has been to give
people time to sit back and look at the
world,” she says, “and this campus is an
absolutely wonderful place to do that. I
hope people will interact with it rather than
just looking at the piece from a distance as
if it were in a museum, where there are
often ‘don’t touch’ policies.”
With its loop formation reminiscent of an
anchor link, Cloud 9 has a hint of the
nautical about it. Its twisting edges also
seem to acknowledge the Penrose Triangle a famous optical illusion of an ‘impossible
object’. The sculpture is one of 15
magnificent new showpieces by Thomson
and her husband, Hironori Katagiri, which
are on long-term loan to the University and
scattered across campus.
Bridge of Allan Times Winter 2012
One of Katagiri’s most
arresting pieces sits
majestically outside the
University’s Pathfoot building
- its first time on public
display. Moronobu Bijin,
which means beautiful lady in
Japanese, is sculpted from
black diabase rock, giving it a
sleek, almost metallic-like
appearance. From one angle,
the profile of a woman is
suggested, like the monolithic
statues of Easter Island with
their enlarged heads and
tucked-in arms. From this
position the sculpture seems
to act as an authoritative
sentinel of the building. From
another perspective
Moronobu Bijin acquires a more threatening
air like a long, ornate dagger, while from
yet another it bears an amusing
resemblance to the stem of an asparagus
plant. From whichever angle it is viewed, it
is a striking piece and provides an
interesting talking point for students
lingering outside before lectures.
Another of Katagiri’s sculptures, Nostalgia,
sits nearby and commands a superb
viewpoint across campus. Its rough, pink
outer ‘walls’ are covered in crevasses,
giving the impression it has suffered
earthquake damage. Inside its ‘walls’, a
smooth, newer-looking piece of stone
appears to be bursting out from the older
part. However, the rough old-looking and
smooth new-looking types of stone actually
merge together. This fusion of old and new
reflects the sculpture’s title, Nostalgia,
evoking the notion that new life is indebted
to old, the present to the past, and that
these connections are unbreakable.
Commenting on his own connection to the
University’s past and revealing what is
perhaps his own nostalgia, Katagiri says:
“One of the first sculptures I created when I
came to Scotland sits next to the loch on
the University campus. June 21st 1985 is
one of my favourite pieces, so it is nice to
return to Stirling again. We are delighted
the University has agreed to house the
sculptures. They span three decades of work
and reflect ideas I was developing during
that time”.
Katagiri came to Scotland from Japan in the
mid-1980s, to work at the Scottish Sculpture
Workshop in Aberdeenshire, where he met
and married Edinburgh artist Kate Thomson.
Nostalgia by Hironori Katagiri
The couple actively promote sculpture in
Scotland and Japan and have a workshop in
Edinburgh.
Stirling’s tradition of collecting art goes
back to the founding of the University in
1967, when Professor Tom Cottrell was the
first Principal. He felt art should be integral
to everyday University life rather than being
a mere tag-on feature. Stirling’s Art
Collection has grown steadily since then and
now contains over 300 pieces, including
works by distinguished artists like J.D.
Fergusson, Barbara Hepworth, John Bellany
and Elizabeth Blackadder.
Hironori Katagiri, Jane Cameron
and Kate Thomson
Jane Cameron, University Art Curator, says:
“We’re delighted to welcome these
beautiful new sculptures to the campus. The
pieces build on our links with Japan and the
internationalisation of the University. I
particularly love Cloud 9. The setting is
perfect, and it's incredible how it has lit up
the space. It is simply stunning - almost like
a doorway to the Art Collection.”
Karen McIntosh is a member of the
University's PR team.
9
Church News
ST SAVIOUR’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Friday 2 Nov: All Souls' Day
19:30 Sung Eucharist
Saturday 3 Nov:
Art Exhibition in the church & light lunches in
the hall.
Sunday 4 Nov: All Saints' Sunday
10:00 Family Eucharist
Sunday 11 Nov: Remembrance Sunday
10:00 Sung Eucharist with Act of Remembrance
Preacher : Mrs Alison Logie
Sunday 25 Nov: Christ the King
10:00 Sung Eucharist
Preacher: Canon Raymond Best
18:30 Choral Evensong
Sunday 16 Dec: Advent 3
18:30 9 Lessons & Carols followed by mulled
wine & mince pies in the hall.
Sunday 23 Dec: Advent 4
10:00 Family Eucharist with Nativity Play
Monday 24 Dec: Christmas Eve
16:00 Crib Service
23:00 Midnight Mass
Tuesday 25 Dec: Christmas Day
10:00 Family Eucharist
Sunday 6 Jan 2013: The Epiphany
10:00 Sung Eucharist
St Saviour's AGM will be in the hall after the
service.
LECROPT KIRK
Morning Worship is held every Sunday at 11.15
with activities for children and young people.
We extend a warm welcome to anyone who
wishes to attend occasionally or to become an
active member of the congregation.
There is also an evening service on the first
Sunday of the month from October to June at
6pm.
Remembrance
Sunday 11 Nov
10:45 Morning Worship with Act of
Remembrance
14:00 Bridge of Allan Remembrance Service in
Pullar Park
Advent & Christmas
There will be the usual Sunday services during
Advent. In addition there will be Advent Bible
Study meetings from Sunday 2 December
onwards. Anyone interested in attending
should contact the minister
([email protected] or tel:
832382).Our annual Christmas celebration, led
10
by the Renton Thomson Ensemble, will be held
in the Kirk at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19
December. Tickets will be available from early
November and can be ordered by contacting
the minister ([email protected]
or tel: 832382).
On Sunday 23 December we will welcome the
children of the Sunday School as they remind
us of the story of Christmas in words and
music. Over the Christmas period there will be
the following services:
Mon 24 Dec:
18:00 Christmas Eve Family Service – a short
informal services for children and
adults of all ages
23:15 Watchnight Service – All welcome
Tues 25 Dec:
11.15 Christmas Day Service
BRIDGE OF ALLAN PARISH CHURCH.
As another year draws to a close and as winter
begins to creep up on us, we turn our thoughts
toward the brightness and the joy of
Christmas. The message of hope which
Christmas brings is ever old and ever new,
much needed in our weary world. It reminds us
through the darkest days of winter and of our
lives that God is with us and that His love is
never ending. In the lead up to Christmas here
are the services which we offer and to which
you are invited. We hope that you will join us
in the Parish Church not just through the
Christmas season but any and every Sunday
when all are most welcome as we gather to
worship God.
Sunday 11 Nov:
10:50 Morning Worship with the Act Of
Remembrance
14:00 Act of Remembrance in Memorial Park
Sunday 18 Nov:
11:00 Morning Worship
Sunday 25 Nov:
11:00 Morning Worship
Sunday 2 Dec:
11:00 Morning Service and Gift Service - all
invited to bring along gifts for children to be
distributed to Women’s Aid and the Salvation
Army
Sunday 9 Dec:
11:00 Morning Worship with Communion
18:00 Evening Communion
Sunday 16 Dec:
11:00 Morning Worship
Sunday 23 Dec:
11:00 Morning Worship with Children’s Nativity
Play
Monday 24 Dec:
19:00 Christmas Eve Family Service
23:30 Watchnight Service - carol singing from
23:00
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Bridge of Allan
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Tuesday 25 Dec:
10.00 Christmas Morning Worship
All are most welcome at any or all of these
services. In addition we have some extra
activities in the Church for Christmas :
Friday 15 Dec
14:00 - 16:00
Sunday School/ Family Christmas Party - all are
welcome. Come along and bring a friend for an
afternoon of fun and games. Food will be
served.
Tuesday 18 Dec
09:30
School Christmas Assembly
Carol Singing around the homes in the parish
will also take place near Christmas - for details
please see our website.
If you would like to know more about all that
is happening at Bridge of Allan Parish Church,
with all the different activities and
organisations which meet there, please check
our website or contact the Church Office
between 9:00 and 12:00 on 834155.
ALL WELCOME AT
BEACONHURST'S CHRISTMAS
FAYRE
A variety of stalls, games and refreshments
will be on offer at Beaconhurst School's
Christmas Fayre next month.
All are welcome to come along to the event
which takes place in the School's Dining Hall
and Sports Hall from 11am to 2pm on
Saturday 1 December.
Visitors will have the chance to enjoy some
Christmas shopping at the fayre, where a
variety of stalls will be selling gifts such as
jewellery, bags, scarves and candles. Entry is
free and the fayre is open to the local
community as well as school pupils and their
parents.
The Future of our Village
Sandi Grieve provides an update on the Bridge of Allan Community Futures Action Plan 2011-2016
Last summer the Bridge of Allan Times published a
four-page summary of the Community Action Plan.
The Plan was based on surveys of over a third of
local households, stakeholders, local businesses and
young people. Recently the original steering group
met to review progress so far, grouped by theme
(see Action Plan, pp. 11-15).
Theme 1: Community Facilities and Activities
•The Allan Centre is a wonderful but largely underused resource. It comprises a large games hall, with
provision for a variety of sports, an array of table
tennis tables, a small gym and toddlers' room, a
bright meeting room and another large hall upstairs.
Increased publicity has been launched to promote
its use by local residents. The group identified a
need for leaders and coaches who can work with our
young (and not so young) people, with perhaps
greater access at weekends. •Some improvements
have been made in the Fountain Road playpark but
little elsewhere. •A new part-time Youth Worker,
paid for by the Parish Church, has run a successful
Holiday Club for primary aged children and started a
Youth Club. •While minor improvements have been
made to the tennis courts, biking provision hasn’t
really moved forward yet. •A Youth Committee is
needed to help get some of these actions off the
ground and to attract greater input from our young
people (contact Mike Watson, 01786 832666).
Theme 2: Development and Local Identity
•The preservation of the Greenbelt and our village
identity has been very much in the news lately, as
have flooding and drainage. Stirling Council is
finalising a Local Development Plan for the Stirling
Council area; people can keep up to date through
the Council’s website, local councillors and the
Community Council. •There are new entrance signs
to the town, new signage at Mine Woods, and
discussion is ongoing about improving signage and
information. Grants could be available to help with
some of these tasks. •The Heritage Group has been
re-established and its members have been busy
examining and cataloguing the Dr Welsh Trust
materials. This has been time-consuming but
rewarding. Storage has been identified in the
Library and there will be regular displays (contact
Claire Gibbons, 01786 832745). •The feasibility of
the micro-hydroelectric power scheme on the Allan
Water is still being explored by the Civic Trust.
Theme 3: Local Economy and Services
•There have been two major successes. An
information sheet has been started through the
Community Council, published on line
(www.ccbridgeofallan.org.uk), and by email, on
Thursdays, highlighting events and issues in Bridge
of Allan. The more people who subscribe to this and
provide information, the more successful this will
Hypnotherapy & Counselling
be. •The other success is the formation of a
Community Events Group. They organised successful
Arts and Crafts Fayres in November 2011 and 2012
plus the Jubilee Events and plan much more
(contact Amy Drewery, [email protected]).
Theme 4: Village Enhancement
•Friends of Bridge of Allan continue to make many
improvements to the community and recently won
another medal, a Silver-Gilt, from Beautiful
Scotland (contact Liz Rankin, 01786 832292). Many
have enjoyed the hanging baskets and planters or
the new benches, particularly in Mine Woods. •A
new Paths leaflet has been produced and there are
plans to improve the Memorial Park and redevelop
Provost’s Park. However progress is very slow, and
there continue to be frustrations about the
Centenary Walk, the allotments and how to manage
Mine Woods.
There were many wonderful and feasible ideas in
the Five Year Action Plan (copies are still available
in the Library). However, every one of these ideas
needs the input of local people. Please take time to
study the Plan - and then volunteer! We still need a
Woodlands and Paths Group (contact Sandi Grieve,
01786 833255) and better ways of communicating,
making it easier to become involved to keep Bridge
of Allan the delightful place it is.
Louise Fairlie Physiotherapy
With a qualified local practitioner
Sandra McDerment BSc. MBSCH
Free Hypnosis Download on my website at:
www.wellminds.co.uk
20 Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan. Tel: 07773593994
Email: [email protected]
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Bridge of Allan Times Winter 2012
Stirling & Bridge of Allan Physiotherapy
Centre & Sports Injury Clinic
Louise Fairlie MCSP
Chartered Physiotherapist
01786 471 252
Appointments:
Further details ~ information ~ directions
www.stirlingphysiotherapy.co.uk
Registered with the Health Professionals Council
Registered with all major insurance companies
Woodend, Craigmill, By Stirling, FK9 5PP
www.stirlingphysiotherapy.co.uk
11
Open Morning
Wednesday 23 January
From 9.30 – 12.30, last tour 11.00
We focus on maximising the potential of each
pupil through providing a high value, enterprising
education. We’re an independent day school
for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Up to 100% fee
assistance available.
Visit us and find out more about how we
develop the whole child.
Creche facilities available.
Register by phone, online or on the day.
Scottish Charity Number: SC000458
01764 653 885
www.morrisonsacademy.org
Morrison’s Academy, Crieff PH7 3AN
Francis Masterson Plumbing & Hea ng Ltd are
friendly and efficient local company who have very
compe..ve prices and over 30 years of experience.
We can provide free es.mates with no obliga.on,
and will have a plumber on hand in an emergency.
With the cold weather approaching, we have a few
.ps for you to follow:
TOP TIPS FOR WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS
· HAVE YOUR BOILER SERVICED PRIOR TO THE FROSTY WEATHER
· MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STOP COCK IS AND IS WORKING
· LAG YOUR PIPES
· LEAVE YOUR ATTIC HATCH SLIGHTLY AJAR SO WARM AIR
CAN CIRCULATE
· USE A PORTABLE HEATER IN COLDER ROOMS EG UTILITY/ENSUITE
· IF GOING AWAY ON HOLIDAY HAVE YOUR SYSTEM DRAINED
FULLY BY A PROFESSIONAL
· IF INSULATING THE ATTIC DO NOT INSULATE BELOW YOUR WATER TANK
· LEAVE HEATING ON A LOW SETTING CONSTANTLY IF EXTREMELY
COLD WEATHER
12
New hopes for tackling a growing problem
As Principal Dentist of Bridge of Allan Dental Care, Jamie Arnot is well placed to report some worrying
research findings and some more positive news
In 1996 the incidence of oral cancer (now
known as mouth cancer) was around 3000
new cases diagnosed in the UK each year,
generally later-middle-aged men with heavy
smoking and drinking habits. The latest
figures, however, exceed 6000, with a malefemale ratio of 19:10. More worrying still is
the fact that a quarter of these cases are in
people under the age of 45 in which alcohol
and tobacco are not implicated.
Cancer Research UK has just released its
projected figures for cancer rates in 2030.
Mouth cancers are predicted to continue to
increase by 25% for men and 21% for
women. By contrast, the rates for stomach
cancer, larynx cancer and leukaemia are
expected to fall by more than 1% per year
over the same period. Tobacco use and
alcohol consumption are the main risk
factors, accounting for around three out of
four cases of mouth cancer. People who
both drink and smoke to excess are up to 30
times more likely to develop the condition.
Another factor that has been linked to
mouth cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus
(HPV). This has been associated with
cervical cancer for years and indeed
teenage girls are now vaccinated for this.
HPV has been associated with cancers on
the back of the tongue, the tonsils and the
throat.
Poor diet has also been linked to mouth
cancer. But an estimated 50% reduction in
risk is noted among people who consume
adequate daily amounts of fresh fruit and
afraid
to
smile?
vegetables.
According to
recent research,
cruciferous
vegetables such as
Brussels sprouts,
broccoli,
cauliflower,
cabbage,
watercress and
radish are
especially
beneficial if eaten
at least once a
week.
Mouth cancer can
appear in different
forms and can
affect the lips,
tongue, floor of
Jamie Arnot and his specialist support team
the mouth, cheeks
detection system, called a Velscope
and throat. It can occur whether you have
(below), emits a safe blue light into the oral
your own natural teeth or wear dentures.
cavity and excites the tissues. Healthy
Sometimes a white or red patch can develop
tissues give a bright apple-green glow while
into cancer, but it mostly appears as a
abnormal tissues appear dark.
painless ulcer that fails to heal.
As with all cancers the aim is to make a
rapid diagnosis and get treatment as soon as
possible. Mouth cancer screening has
traditionally been a visual examination at a
dental check-up appointment, where you
would be asked to stick your tongue out and
then push it into your left and right cheeks.
However, a new screening method is now
available. This state-of-the-art early
All patients at Bridge of Allan Dental Care
have a traditional mouth cancer check and a
Velscope examination carried out at every
check-up appointment. Anything suspicious
would then be referred to a specialist for
further testing.
Remember, early detection increases the
chances of recovery to more than 90%. So as
the saying goes, “if in doubt, get checked
out.”
+ tooth whitening
+ cosmetic dentistry
+ family dental care
+ hygiene treatment
+ evening appointments
T:
01786 832 331
E:
[email protected]
W: www.bridgeofallandental.com
1 UNION STREET, BRIDGE OF ALLAN FK9 4NS
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
13
Child Benefit Changes in New Year?
Advertising Features
By Roy Hogg
The government is cutting child benefit to
people earning more than £50,000 per year. In
the New Year there will be changes to the
administration of child benefit. Under the old
rules all parents and carers, regardless of their
income or savings, were entitled to the benefit
provided the child was eligible. In order to
qualify, the child had to be either under 16,
between 16 and 20 and in certain education or
training or under 18 and recently left
education or training but had registered for
work, education or training with specific
bodies.
From 7 January 2013, a new income tax
charge will be introduced to effectively reduce
or remove the financial benefit to higher
earners of receiving child benefit. The
Government believe that, in order to address
the fiscal deficit, it is appropriate to ask those
on higher incomes to make a larger
contribution.
The new rules apply to taxpayers whose
individual income exceeds £50,000 in a tax
year and who receive child benefit and
taxpayers whose individual income exceeds
£50,000 and whose partner receives child
benefit. Should both partners have individual
income exceeding £50,000, the charge will
Bridge of Allan 100 Years Ago
Employees’ Dance
On New Year’s evening the employees of
Messrs W. & A. W. Henderson, Ltd.,
papermakers, Bridge of Allan, were
handsomely entertained through the
thoughtful generosity of the partners,
Messrs. R. K. & F. Richardson, in a room of
the mill specially cleared and decorated for
the occasion. An excellent dinner, purveyed
The 'New Classics'
With the increasing demand for wines from
the classic regions of Europe, especially
from the Far East and Russia, prices for the
best wines from areas such as Bordeaux,
Burgundy and Champagne (to name just
three) are being thrust ever upwards. This is
not necessarily bad news for the canny wine
shopper as there is a wealth of fabulous
wines from countries and areas that produce
wines made with 'classic' grape varieties,
many in a European style.
One great example is the Franschhoek
region of South Africa, where the wine
producers have been making French-styled
wines since the late 17th century. The real
strength of this area are the Bordeauxstyled wines made from the same grape
varieties that are found in Bordeaux itself;
cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet
franc especially combine to produce
Bordeaux-esque wines with a bit more dark
fruit character than their European
counterpart due to the extra sun of the
Cape. Pinot noir, the red grape that
produces the best wines of Burgundy, has
been planted all over the world by growers
14
apply to the higher income. Partners are
defined as a married couple living together,
civil partners living together and other couples
living together as if they were married or in a
civil partnership.
While there will be no change to the amount of
child benefit being paid, £20.30 per week for
the first child and £13.40 for each other child,
taxpayers with an income of between £50,000
and £60,000 will be charged a proportion of
the child benefit received. Those earning
greater than £60,000 will be subject to a
charge equal to the child benefit received.
The charge incurred will be one per cent of the
child benefit amount for every £100 of income
which exceeds the £50,000 threshold.
Therefore, a taxpayer with an income of
£56,000 will be subject to a charge equal to
sixty per cent of the child benefit received. The
child benefit payment itself will continue to be
non-taxable and the amount being claimed is
unaffected by the changes. Claimants can
elect not to receive any child benefit they or
their partners are entitled to if their income is
likely to be greater than £60,000. This election
can be subsequently withdrawn if
circumstances change and they are not liable
to pay the charge.
by Mr T. Allison, baker, was heartily
partaken of by the employees, also their
wives and children, numbering in all over
100. Mr F. Richardson, manager and
director, presided, Mrs Richardson also
being present, and Mr & Mrs A. Henderson.
The Chairman, in a bright speech, wished
them all a happy New Year, and hoped that
they would enjoy themselves that evening.
After dinner a period was allotted to the
trying the replicate the famous wines of the
Côte D'Or in Burgundy. Due to pinot noir being
tricky to grow in anything but the ideal soils
and micro-climates, the
majority of the resulting
wines have fallen a long
way short. The south island
of New Zealand and
especially Central Otago,
the most southerly wineproducing region in the
world, is a notable
exception, where they
produce pinot noirs of great
structure, flavour and
ageing potential.
The amount of charge will be collected through
self assessment and PAYE and HM Revenue &
Customs will be contacting taxpayers with
income over £50,000 to notify them of their
position. If you would like any further
information regarding the implication of the
changes please contact Campbell Dallas.
Roy G Hogg is a partner at Campbell Dallas
LLP
CAMPBELL • DALLAS
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
AND BUSINESS ADVISERS
15 Gladstone Place
Stirling FK8 2NX
Tel: 01786 460030
Offices in Bearsden,
Paisley, Perth and Stirling
www.campbelldallas.co.uk
children, and parlour games, etc., were
participated in, these being ably supervised
by the adults, who also rendered songs at
intervals. Mr R. Campbell added variety to
the programme with selections from his
splendid gramophone. At 8 o’clock a dance
for the grown-ups commenced, and was
sustained until 2.30 a.m. …
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
January 4, 1913
combined with some good bottle age, a
delicious toasted brioche depth to the dry,
mouth-watering orchard fruit flavours.
If champagne is your tipple
but you prefer not to spend
over £20, hunt out a good
cremant from other
sparkling wine producing
areas of France such as
Alsace or the Loire Valley.
Crémants from the Loire are
a personal favourite of
mine. The local chenin blanc
grape can provide a tasty
honeyed richness when
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Girlguiding Airthrey District
Margaret Price and Karen McGregor write about Bridge of Allan Brownies and Senior Section
were
amazed to
learnt how a
dog could
help a deaf
person. They
are trained
to alert their
owner to
important
household
sounds and
danger
signals by
nudging
them with
their paw
and then
leading them
to the source
of the sound.
2nd Bridge of Allan Brownies
It seems no time at all since the Brownies
(above) were making their own Olympic
torches and holding their own mini-Olympic
Games. They continued the Olympic theme
by looking forward to Brazil in 2016 and
learning about the art and culture of the
country. The girls also had a go at designing
mascots for the Rio games. They visited the
Art of the Owl exhibition at the Smith Gallery
in Stirling and were lucky enough to be
shown round by Malcolm Allan, the owner of
the collection. He introduced the Brownies to
some of his 4,000 owls and told them all
about how his collection started and about
the distinguishing features of the various
owls. It all began with his school cap that
included an owl in the badge.
Brownies have also been working on the
Disability Awareness badge, which linked in
with the Paralympic Games in London. They
were visited by two very clever dogs - one of
which (below) was trained as a Hearing Dog
and the other as a Guide Dog for a blind
person. Most of the girls knew a little about
how the dogs work with blind people but
Senior Section
Our newly reformed Senior Section members
have been busy recently – they had a crazy
photo night around Bridge of Allan. The
weather was miserable but they still had a
great night finding odd things to capture and
deciding whose photo was best.
The numbers of girls wishing to join all age
groups of Guiding in Airthrey District is
increasing all the time.
We have nine thriving groups of Rainbows,
Brownies or Guides, who meet every week
for one to two hours. We can only deliver the
high standard of guiding we have built up
over many years if we have sufficient
Leaders to run meetings and take girls on
sleepovers, camps and other adventures.
We are constantly looking for new volunteers
to train as Leaders and deliver our exciting
programme. If you would like any more
information about Girlguiding in Airthrey
District, please email
[email protected] or phone 01786
832981
Their next challenge (above and right) was
an evening cooking a two-course meal on a
budget of £5. They really enjoyed the
challenge of keeping within the amount
allowed and produced some very interesting
and healthy meals.
Plans are afoot for Guy Fawkes night to
construct their own Guy and at the end of
November the girls are looking forward to a
visit to the cinema to see the new Twilight
film. Their last meeting of the year will be an
evening trip to the Christmas Market in
Edinburgh.
Most of the Senior Section are also Young
Leaders working with Rainbows, Brownies or
Guides in Bridge of Allan. They also enjoy
camping, outings, weekends away, crafts and
helping in the community. Their Leader,
Bridge of Allan Times Winter 2012
Karen, would be happy to welcome any new
members who are 15 and over. As the girls
are of an age when school work is important,
the group meets only every two weeks, and
less often at exam times.
STIRLING UNIVERSITY
CHOIR
Concert
Four Coronation Anthems Handel
Et In Terra Pax
Finzi
Alistair Warwick
Conductor
Sunday 2 December 7.30pm
Church of the Holy Rude
Tickets: £10, £7, £6, at the door or from
Strathallan Pharmacy, Smallprint, or
Andy Simpson in Stirling Arcade.
15
The Nature Page
By Roy Baker
These two charming otters are not our local Allan
Water otters, but they live not far away in the
Safari Park. They were surprisingly vocal. The
Safari Park has been in Blair Drummond now for
42 years and there’s something new each year.
Look out! Emerging from the pond at Drummond
Gardens this large realistic replica crocodile is
ready to pounce.
The swans have coped
with it and two
families of four and
five cygnets have
grown to full size.
Worldwide the Azolla
is a beneficial plant,
especially in rice
paddies, where it is
grown as a companion
plant. Rich in
nitrogen, it keeps
down weeds and
greatly improves rice
yields. Here it could
be harvested, dried
and used as a biofertiliser with
advantages over
chemical nitrogenous
fertilisers, being
cheap, sustainable
and improving the soil structure.
The Loup of Fintry waterfall (below) visited
recently during a bike ride is quite near the
western end of the Carron Valley reservoir. But it
is fed from the Endrick Water, which rises in the
Fintry and Gargunnock hills, and flows westwards
into Loch Lomond. Whereas the River Carron,
which rises in the Campsie hills, feeds the
reservoir and then flows east and joins the Forth
near Grangemouth. The reservoir has a dam at
each end and was opened in 1939. The Endrick
flows below the dam at the west end. But much
of its water is taken off at a weir higher up to
It has been such a colourful autumn. The rowan
tree (above right) overlooks Airthrey Loch.
Further away are Airthrey Castle, the Hermitage
and Yellowcraig Woods. There’s a red tinge on the
raft of the Azolla water fern. Two years ago the
water was clear again after a long expensive
operation raking up and hauling out the thick
llayer of water fern. In the summer of 2008 it had
covered most of the loch beyond the Link Bridge
and around the island. The very cold winter which
followed was expected to kill any remaining
plants. But this variety of Azolla, Filiculoides, is a
tough plant and any surviving plants can multiply
quickly as the water begins to warm up. It has
come back but nothing like it was.
augment the reservoir. So it is only after a period
of heavy rain that the waterfall becomes
spectacular. In 1989, two years after the level
was raised by 0.5m, endangered Powan fish from
Loch Lomond were brought here and are doing
well. They are unaffected by boat and bank flyfishing for brown and rainbow trout.
Until recently the far end of the path around the
Scotbeef Meat Processing Plant was often deep in
water. Scotbeef have now improved the drainage
and there’s no
problem
getting
through. Last
year I wrote
about the 50
aspen trees
planted
alongside this
path, but
there are also
ten other
types of tree
including
alder, birch,
hazel and oak.
Many of the
aspens and alders have put on much growth and
the tallest, further round the path on what was
once agricultural land, have grown to about ten
metres in only eight years. By contrast, at the
start of the path on poorer soil some birches,
hazels and oaks are still quite small. The aspens
have an extensive root system and put up suckers
that are clones of the parent tree.
Some of these clones are already two or three
metres high. So we can expect quite a forest here
in the coming years.
STRATHALLAN PHARMACY
65 HENDERSON STREET
BRIDGE OF ALLAN
FK9 4HG
TEL: (01786) 832313
OPENING HOURS
Monday – Friday : 9.00 - 13.00 14.15 - 17.45
Saturday : 9.00 - 13.00
SERVING THE BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1851
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