VOLUNTEERS at the Clackmannan Development Trust are helping residents stay connected by hand delivering newsletters.

The Clackmannan Community News is published twice a year and delivered throughout Clackmannan, Kennet and Forestmill.

Nearly 2000 copies of each edition are published and hand-delivered by trustees and volunteers, who brave the weather in April and October to ensure every resident and business receives a copy.

Jo McTaggart started volunteering for the CDT and now works to deliver bundles of newsletters twice a year.

She said: “I got involved with delivering the newsletters because I wanted to help do something for the community, and support the work of the CDT.

“Not everyone uses email or social media, so the newsletter helps them keep in touch with what’s happening.”

The newsletter is full of updates about Clackmannan organisations including the community council, primary school, Girl Guides and the medical practice.

It also contains wider updates from Clackmannanshire Council. Feedback from previous editions has now seen the inclusion of a gardening column and wordsearch.

Jennifer Kidd, media and communications officer for the CDT, said: “The community newsletter is a valued source of information for the people in our community who don’t use social media or spend much time online.

“It’s a great way to keep residents up to date with what’s going on with the Place Plan and other developments, and it performs a valuable social role because it has a handy calendar of upcoming social events, groups and activities.

“The back cover includes a list of useful contact details for Dial-A-Journey, Citizens Advice, Women’s Aid and Samaritans among others.”

Physical copies of the newsletter are delivered to homes and businesses, while an online edition is available to download from the CDT website at clackmannancommunity.org.

The newsletter is funded by the CDT, mostly through advertising and sponsorship. The CDT is looking for anyone who would like to pay for advertising in the newsletter to get in touch.

They are also keen to hear from any local businesses who would like to support the newsletter through sponsorship.

Spaces are now open for the Spring Summer 2024 edition. Phone 01259 210765 or email jen.kidd@clackmannancommunity.org for more.