Advertiser Clubs & Societies

Advanced Motorists: The monthly meeting will take place on Thursday 13 March in the Smith Museum Dumbarton Road, Stirling at 7.30pm. The speaker is IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger.

Stirling Decorative and Fine Arts Society (SDFAS): This month’s lecture from Stirling Decorative and Fine Arts Society (SDFAS) is at 11am on Thursday 20 March. Mike Higginbottom BA MEd, formerly lecturer for the Universities of Nottingham, Birmingham, Keele, Sheffield and the WEA will lecture on the celebration of Victorian architecture and engineering that is St Pancras Station. The society hosts a series of monthly lectures at the Albert Hall in Stirling from September to June as well as visits, study days and tours. Enquiries: Beth Annan 01259 761281. For more information about the society visit their website at http://stirlingdfas.org.uk/.

Stirling Astronomical Society: The society is delighted to welcome Pippa Goldschmidt PhD Astronomy and author of ‘The Falling Sky’. Pippa’s novel was runner up in the Dundee International Book Prize 2012 and was described by Stephen Fry as ‘A delicate and fascinating study of a life in which intellect and external microscopic and cosmic fields interact”. Go along to the next open meeting of the Stirling Astronomical Society on Friday 14 March at 7.30pm in the Smith Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road, Stirling where she will give her lecture titled “Stories in space: The Falling Sky” and other novels’ portrayal of astronomy. All open meetings are free and interested parties are most welcome to attend. Enquiries to stirlingastronomicalsociety@gmail.com.

Stirling Hillwalking Club: The walk on March 16 is Craig Leith and Bengengie, 11km distance, 670 metres ascent. OS map 57. Telephone 01506 418568 for further details. Information about Stirling Hillwalking Club is available at http://www.stirlinghillwalkingclub.org.uk/.

Stirling & Falkirk Ramblers: The next ramble will take place on Thursday 13 March - Doune - Lanrick Estate (walk change). Grade C: 8mls. 4.5 hrs. Meet/Time: Start of walk at Woodside Hotel, Doune at 10.30am. Map Ref: 57/ NN:725016. Description: Pleasant walk around lovely countryside on both sides of the River Teith. Ascent 300ft. Note: RADO. Leader: Hilary Thomson. Telephone: 01786 472 726, mobile: 07834 529694, hilarydthomson@gmail.com. Sunday 16 March: Bein an t-Sidhein /Buachaillee Breige. Grade B+: 6 mls. 4 hrs. Meet/Time: Linden Avenue car park at 9.30am or car park off A84 in Strathyre at 10.30am. Map Ref: 57/NN:560169. Description: A steep climb through forest areas will hopefully be rewarded by fine views at the summit. Ascent 1800ft. Note: RADO. Leader: Colin Thomson. Telephone: 01786 472726, mobile: 07702 636505, colinbthomson@gmail.com.

Clacks Camera Club: The club held a meeting on 4 March when members visited Clackmannan Tower in the evening to try and capture some images using Light Painting Techniques. They were very grateful to John and Richard from Stirling Camera Club who came along and shared their knowledge with them. Next meeting will be on Tuesday 18 at the Arns at 7.30pm when they will be attempting to capture images of Water Droplets. New Members will be made most welcome. For information contact Brian Mitchell 01259 214175 .

The Clackmannan Society: The society will hold it’s 62nd AGM on Saturday 15 March within the Church Hall, High Street, Clackmannan at 7pm. All will be made most welcome who have an interest in the history of the Town and Shire thereof. This is their annual night of opportunity for members after the formal proceedings to contribute from their own collections of interest and share in a convivial atmosphere with conversation over tea/coffee/sandwiches most expertly provided by lady members.

Clackmannanshire Diabetes Support Group: The next meeting of the group is Wednesday 26 March in The Murray Square Annexe, Tillicoultry FK13 6DU (next to Baptist Church) at 6.30pm. The theme will be “Our Diabetes - A Family Experience”. Go and hear from a local family. A very warm welcome is extended to everyone who has diabetes and to family members and friends who live with, or have an interest in diabetes to hear from a local Family. Questions and participation are encouraged. More information can be obtained from Bob McQueen, Area Liaison Coordinator, Diabetes UK: e-mail him on Bob.McQueen@Diabetes.Org.UK or call 07778 – 039323.  Healing Rooms: Open every Tuesday at 11am to 12.30pm at Alloa Elim Pentecostal Church, Greenside Street, Alloa (opposite Lidl’s car park). Offering free Christian prayer for healing by a team of trained volunteers from various local churches. The aim of this ministry is to heal the sick and set free the oppressed as a demonstration of the good news of the Kingdom of God. Their vision is to see the healing, liberating and life transforming power of Jesus Christ made accessible to the people of Scotland. For further information contact Elaine McDonagh Local Director 07742175453 or email: alloa@healingrooms-scotland.com.

The Royal British Legion Clackmannanshire and District: They are currently upgrading contacts for all information for the Remembrance Day Parade to be held at Alloa War Memorial on Sunday 09/11/2014. If you wish to be informed of all times and details of this event can you send your e-mail address to secretary@rblsclacks.org or telephone the office and leave a contact address. Telephone 01259 404024 and they will send out any updates.

Market Lunch and Stalls in aid of Prostate Cancer UK: A market lunch will be held on 15 March in the Burnside Hall, Dollar at noon to 2.30pm. Admission £1 with unlimited tea and coffee. A wide variety of choices to purchase for lunch. Contact Mrs M Bonthrone 01259 743659, email bonthrone@tiscali.co.uk.

Family History: The next meeting of Central Scotland Family History Society will be held today (Wednesday) 12 March at 7.30pm in the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling. There will be a talk on “What did Grandad do in the War?” by Ron Gerry McArdle, Executive Officer, Historical Disclosures, Army Personnel Centre. Tea and biscuits will be available after the talk providing an opportunity for people to meet others who share an enthusiasm for family history. Non-members are very welcome at the meetings although there is a small charge of £2.

Group for Adopted People: They are a friendly group for adopted adults, who meet monthly for coffee and a chat, offering support and advice. The next meeting is on Tuesday 18 March in the Rock Community Centre, Stirling, FK8 1AP. Please go and join them but if you would like to know more, please email Amanda at coordinator@gapscotland.org.uk.

Forth Valley Friends of Scottish Opera: Scottish Opera is putting on two of Puccini’s operas in the coming months: a concert performance of Turandot at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 30 March, followed by a revival of David McVicar’s acclaimed production of Madama Butterfly in May. Appropriately, this month’s talk is about Puccini and these two operas in particular. They look forward to a very informative afternoon with Dr Myra Soutar, academic and musician. All very welcome. Sunday 16 March at 2.30pm in the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling. Members £5, visitors £6, students £1. The Spring Lunch is on Sunday 6 April at the Management Centre, Stirling University. There will be more information and the chance to book at the March meeting or contact Peter Sutherland on 01786 822912.

Stirling Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society: The society’s annual Fiddlers Rally, conducted by Bill Cook, is being held on Saturday 29 March in the Albert Halls, Stirling. Guest artistes are Fiona and Alison McLean (fiddle duetists) and Satunum McElroy (soprano) and compere is Jim McColl MBE. Tickets are now on sale from the Albert Halls (01786 473544 - not Saturday), Henderson’s Bistro (Albert Halls) and The Tolbooth, Stirling (01786 274000 - options 1 or 2 - open Saturdays), The Card Shop, Maple Court, Alloa, Members of the orchestra or telephone 01259 213952. See their website stirlingcaledonianstrathspeyandreelsociety.

Ochils Mountaineering Club: All hillwalkers and climbers welcome. Group meets on Thursdays (from 9pm) at Stirling Rugby Football Club, Causewayhead Road. For more information go to www.ochils.com or email info@ochils.com.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre: Do you have a passion for Art and/or craft work? Could you help our service users by leading art and craft projects? Forth Valley Sensory Centre is looking for a sessional worker or volunteer with a background in art and craft work to come along and lead our in-house group. We meet every second Monday afternoon and would love to have someone along to show us new skills, expand our existing skills and help us complete new projects. Sensory Awareness training available. Interested? Please call 01324 590888 for a chat or e-mail sensory@falkirk.gov.uk Wednesday Art Club: The club meet every Wednesday morning at 10am to noon. New members, both beginners and more experienced artists very welcome to a friendly class where you can work on your own project or take advantage of the advice and tuition of teacher, Heather Walsh. Drop in to Resonate, North Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EU; £5 per session. For more information call 01259 928014 or call in for a cuppa and a chat.

Forth Valley Stoma Self-Support Group: The group provide an opportunity for people with colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies and their carers/partners to meet informally for a chat and to support each other by sharing experiences. The group meet on the last Tuesday of each month at the CTSi, The Hub, Whins Road, Alloa from 7pm to 9pm. Light refreshments are available. For further details please contact Ronnie on 07594110635 or email ronaldbassy@btinternet.com or just go along.

Going Forward Stroke Group: At this week’s meeting the group will be having YOGA with Ann, followed by tea and a quiz. Going Forward invites stroke survivors to meet with others and join a range of sociable and beneficial activities in friendly and supportive surroundings on Thursday afternoons in the Chalmers Hall in Bridge of Allan. If you have suffered a stroke or know someone who is recovering from one and would like more information, please telephone 01786 831608 or 832228. New members are always welcome. Going Forward is affiliated to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Teenager Cancer and Leukaemia Group: At the present time the Teenager Cancer and Leukaemia Support Group has been cancelled. Stirling Slimming World: Every Tuesday in the Crawford Hall, Braehead (next to Linden Inn) at 9.30am, 5pm and 7pm. Further details from Margo, telephone 07879 477 921.

Bikers Cafe: First Saturday of each month at 11am to 1pm in Powmill Milk Bar. Find out about other events when there.

Forth Valley Reptile and Exotic Club: The club meet from 2pm to 4pm every second Sunday at the Bowmar Centre in Alloa. They often have lots of reptile and exotic mammals (snakes, lizards, Pygmy hedgehogs), and guest speakers each month, as well as trips to Wildlife Centres, zoos etc. They are a friendly bunch of all ages, and are always looking for new members. So, if you have an interest in unusual pets, go along and see for yourself, and visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/forthvalleyreptileclub.

Alloa Allotments Association: The association has opened its waiting list. Anyone looking to grow their own fresh produce can contact Andy Mitchell on 079741 53539. The allotment is located near to the Arnold Clark Vauxhall Garage in Alloa.

Breathe Easy: The support group is for people with lung conditions and their family, friends and carers, supported by the British Lung Foundation. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other people with lung conditions, support each other and access and influence services in your local area. The group meet in the Pensioners Hall, Erskine Street, Alloa, on the second Thursday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. For more information contact Linda on 01259 724447/07738161837.

Sewing Club: Looking for space to work on sewing projects, tuition or inspiration. The sewing club meets on Thursdays (during school term time) at 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Resonate Arts House, North Castle Street, Alloa. £5 per session which includes tea/coffee and use of sewing machines. For information contact nic@nicsecoknits.co.uk or telephone 01259 928014.

Wooly Wednesday - Daytime Knitting Group: A friendly group of knitters and crocheters meet every week at 10am to 11.30am at Resonate Arts House, North Castle Street, Alloa. £1 per person and that includes a cuppa. For information contact nic@nicsecoknits.co.uk or telephone 01259 928014.

Clackmannanshire Listeners: Do you sometimes wish that someone would just listen to you? Well, the Clackmannanshire Listeners offer that service. They will give you their time in a comfortable, relaxed and confidential environment and really listen to you, giving you the chance to offload. This is a free service available to all. They are only a phone call away. To meet with a listener please telephone either 07949845752 or 07947972770. Listeners are also available on Mondays at the Moncrieff Church cafe from 10am to noon.

Cancer Support Group: The Cancer Support Group is held in Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, Hallpark, Sauchie. Enter through the out of hours entrance of Sunnyside Brae from 6pm to 8pm on a Friday night. Drop in for a chat. Everyone welcome.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers – Care with Confidence: Do you look after someone who could not manage without your help? Care with Confidence sessions can help develop the skills and knowledge you need to continue in your caring role. New June to December Programme with sessions in Sauchie, Alva, Menstrie and Dollar. Telephone Ian McCourt or Stella MacDonald on 01324 611510 for more information.

Alloa Circle Dance Group: The group meet every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm in Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Church Hall, Main Street, Sauchie. Circle Dance is a very accessible and community orientated form of dance which encompasses traditional and choreographed dances to music from all around the world. It is non competitive and does not require a partner. For more information please contact Maria Miller on 01259 220679.

Play Alloa: Play Alloa provides play and social opportunities to children and young adults with additional support needs from Clackmannan District. Please let them know if you would like to carry out any fundraising activities on behalf of Play Alloa or make a donation towards their services. For further information please contact Maria Malcolm, Project Manager, Play Alloa by telephoning 07800859161 or emailing playalloa@aol.com.

Gamblers Anonymous: Call the helpline on 0370 050 8881 or visit www.gascotland.org.

Stirling Speaking Society: The society meets in Dunblane on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Leighton Room of Dunblane Cathedral Halls, from 8pm to 10pm. If you need to brush up your skills of presentation and persuasion or just want to enjoy some company and learn new skills in an informal way, please join them. Find out more at www.stirlingspeakingsociety.wordpress.com or email them at stirlingspeakingsociety@yahoo.co.uk.

Slimming World: Go along to one of the local groups to learn how to change your eating habits, still eat all of your favourite foods and lose weight too. Children aged 11-15 are also welcome, free of charge, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. To find a group near you in, Alloa, Tullibody, Tillicoultry or Kincardine, call June on 01786 475511 or visit www.slimming-world.com.

Cats Protection: The shelter and shop are both open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm as well as Saturdays and Sundays 1pm to 4pm.

Beginners Pilates: Beginners Pilates will be held every Sunday from 6pm to 7pm in Clackmannan Town Hall. To book a space call Lorna on 07533 173 335.

St Andrews First Aid Clackmannanshire Company: The company covers local events like gala days, football, Alva Games. If you wish to book them for First Aid cover please contact Nita Kane on 01259 218706. Please give as much advance notice as possible. Anyone interested in volunteering with them should contact Ian Millar by email at ian345millar@btinternet.com.

Stirling Folk Club: The club is held in Stirling Rugby Club, Causewayhead Road, Stirling. Live music on Monday’s at 8pm. Details from 01259 761435 (secretary), 01786 811627 or eurep@aol.com, www.stirlingfolkclub.co.uk. Visitors and musicians welcome.

Braveheart Association: Braveheart is an organisation that runs local support groups throughout Clackmannanshire for adults living with heart problems. The groups are free to attend and meet once every three weeks for two hours. Each group is led by two trained volunteer Health Mentors with additional input from health professionals. If you would be interested in attending a group in your area, contact Gail Barton on 01259 290323 or 07795 300131 or e-mail her on gail.barton@nhs.net. More information on www.braveheart.uk.net.