WCN - 855 by Vicki O'Hare

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO SEE PAGE 18 • FIND US ON FACEBOOK

weecounty Alloa & Hillfoots

news

Friday 23.12.11 Issue 855

Santa and reindeer hit Alloa streets

£250,000 for St John’s Church

In this issue...

Price 45p

Page 3

Page 8

weecounty Design & Print

in Now Open

the

weecounenwts y rose office, Prim p in Street - po llo! and say he

See our specials offers on page 6

Business Cards Business Starter Packs Promotional Goods Design Corporate Branding Flyers Brochures Newsletters

at Gary Moff Services Contract

er l Manag 246200 Genera (0) 7850 433 434 Mob: +44 +44 (0) 1236 09 • Fax: retronix.com Ext: 209/3 Web: www. 433 345 4EF ix.com • (0) 1236 nd ML5 Tel: +44 offat@retron ridge, Scotla Email: gary.m Road, Coatb Caldeen Ltd, North Retronix

JM JOINERY

& Building Maintenance Limited 41 Vale of Bonnyview Bonnybridge Falkirk FK4 1BN t: 01324 810069 m: 07856 001961 e: johnmcnab@sky.com w: www.jmjoineryandbuilding.vpweb.co.uk

38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG

Tel: 01259 404 006

BED Sauchie street named WORLD after local man Burnbank Road Falkirk FK2 7PE (Behind Dreams)

Family run business

By Alison Mann

Email: weecounty@athenaprint.com

JIM’S TAXIS MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 4 & 6 seaters available

Tel: 01259 217272 Tel: 01259 218080 ALL TYPES OF WORK UNDERTAKEN: COURIERS, AIRPORT, PRIVATE HIRE

BED Family run business

SO MANY BEDS YOU WILL THINK YOU ARE DREAMING second this motion. When it comes to street names they need to reflect the community. I think there are others who may have made a civic difference but we also need to remember those who have made a difference to the community.” Provost Derek Stewart added: “This was a well liked and well respected youngster. Through the tragic circumstances in which he lost his life there have been a two fundraising events which have raised a huge amount for charity. This is a fitting tribute to the family and the young man.” His mum Mary, 54 had found out in September that Clackmannanshire Council planners were looking for a name for the street so wrote them a letter outlining why it could be named after her son. She enlisted the support of Provost Derek Stewart and Councillor Gary Womersly, who knew Kevin personally. Mary said: “I decided to type a letter up to tell them we lost our son last June, so

we would like to nominate Kevin to have the street named after him. “We suggested Kippen Drive, because he drove everywhere, but we are absolutely delighted to have the street named Kippen Place. “He went past that area every day on his way to Craigbank Primary School and stayed in Sauchie for almost 22 years. “I would really like to thank everyone who made this possible, particularly the councillors, Derek Stewart and Gary Womersly.” Kevin was well loved in Sauchie and had a bright future ahead of him after working hard to obtain a SVQ in Retail Sales Profession and another SVQ in Business Management. He worked in sales at Beatsons. Around 800 people attended his funeral and hundreds of people have turned out for the past two years to attend a memorial football match. Mary and Kevin’s dad Billy, 56, alongside Kevin’s friends have raised around £6,000 for charity in his name.

SUMMER SALE

Sauchie street is to be named after a popular car enthusiast who died in a tragic motor accident. Kevin Kippen will be immortalised when the sign goes up in ‘Kippen Place’ which is to be named after him. Kevin was 21 when he was killed in a car accident while driving his prized white BMW in June 2010, leaving the whole community devastated. However, his heartbroken parents suggested to council bosses in September that a street to be created at the former workshops in Graygoran be named after their son. At a Clackmannanshire council planning committee meeting yesterday (December 22) the decision was confirmed. During the Council meeting, all councillors voted for naming the street Kippen Place. Councillor Womersly, seconded the decision and said: “I am delighted to

NOW ON WITH UP TO 50% OFF

Burnbank Road falkirk FK2 7PE (Behind Dreams)

WORLD

LARGEST SELECTION OF KIDS BEDS IN FALKIRK

BEST PRICES GUARANTEED!

Tel: 01324 629421

They have given money to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital, the Dogs Trust where Kevin rescued his dog Crackle and Brake. The Kippen’s chose to help Brake as they have helped them through losing their son. The charity helps those who have lost someone through a road accident in every way and raise most of their funds themselves. The street sign will be another way Mary and Billy can remember their son, Mary said: “It means a lot to us. When you think about it, the street will be there for life and will allow the Kippen name to be carried on. “It’s a small thing but it means a lot to us and we’ll enjoy passing it every day.” Billy added: “We’d like to thank the whole community for supporting us and the councillors have been such a help too. “The sign means that in years to come people can talk about Kevin and his friends can tell people about him and why the street’s called Kippen Place.”

0 5 AY D O T G

IN P X U E - S BO

SALSTART

F F %O

weecounty We can send your weecounty LETTERS In your feelings when it weecounty www.flowersbyarrangement.net arrangement matters most. this week We can send your Give someone

Friday 23.12.11

Dear weecounty,

Family Announcements District News

P14

What’s on in your Wee County

Entertainment

P18

Puzzles with crossword compeition, pet of the fortnight and those dodgy parking pics!

Lifestyle P19 Christmas around the world

Christmas Lifestyle

P20

Turkey tips and the reason for stockings

Services P21 Looking for a plumber, builder, roofer in your area, check out what the weecounty services has to offer

Recruitment P22-23 Motoring

P24 - 25

Fixing your beloved car, or flogging your old run around, have a read at the weecounty motoring for some tips and hints

weecounty Sport

P26 - 32

weecounty Contacts NEW ADDRESS: 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG

Pop in and see us at our new office!

Advertising & Bookings 01259 404006 sales@hubpublishing.co.uk

Editorial & Production 01259 404006

weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk

After reading that your reporter is looking for Christmas food ideas I’d really like to recommend a cookery book. Rachel Allen’s Home Cooking really is fantastic and I know there will be many ideas in it. Quality Handmade Moira, via e-mail

Arrangements the giftwhen of it feelings Order before 2pm forFlowers Same Day Service

matters most. Local Company I would just like to say howReliable much I enjoyed TQuality Handmade Arrangements watching the reindeer in the town on Saturday. Dear weecounty,

It was such a great day out, really different and I am pleased people put in the effort to put it on. My kids really enjoyed it too, hopefully it’ll be an event carried on in the future. Mrs Brown, Alloa

arrangement

he weecounty news has teamed up with Flowers by Arrangement to bring you a competition to give someone Orderabefore forofSame special beautiful2pm bunch flowersDay everyService month.

Flowers around Local Reliable Company the corner or Flowers around corner or around the world, the around the world, Dear weecounty,from a single rose from a single rose So often we hear about negative things people a magnificent do in our community, and rightly so, we need to to a magnificent tobouquet. hear abut them. However, I would like to thank a do-gooder. I bouquet. was out shopping in the town centre on Monday, picking up a few items for Christmas. I had my mobile telephone and a few other items in a small tote bag which I dropped without realising. By the time I had realised this my bag was no where to be seen and I had no clue where I lost it.

We are excepting nominations from readers who think someone deserves a little treat. It could be that they’ve overcome illness, are having a special birthday or are just a special person that deserves some recognition. Whatever the reason, let us know and we’ll pick one winner who will receive some flowers. Send your nominations, plus your name, address and telephone number to: weecounty Flower Competition, The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG. 13,weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk Mill Street, Alloa, 87-89, Stirling Street, Alva, Email: Facebook: Clacks, FK10 1DT Clacks, FK12 5ED post your nominations on the Wee County News facebook page.

01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037 13, Mill Street, Tel: Alloa, 87-89, Stirling Street, Alva, Nominations for this month will close on December 23rd and a winner will be announced on December 30th. The editors decision is final. Clacks, FK10 1DT Clacks, FK12 5ED

Tel: 01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037

When I returned home I received a phone call from someone who had found my bag and would like to return it. I felt this was such a kind thing to do as some people may just pick up my items and keep them. So I would like to say thank you to that kind person. Jean Kidd, Alloa BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday

Nikki

Hope you have a great birthday Lots of love Scott & Vicki xx FUNERAL SERVICES

Birthday Greetings only

£9

Surprise a friend or relative with a special birthday or anniversary greeting in the WeeCounty News. Simply send in a suitable photograph together with your remittance for £9.00 (inc. VAT) (cheques made payable to HUB Media Ltd., by 4pm of the Wednesday that the greeting is to appear or call 01259 404 006. Name ............................................................................ Address......................................................................... ...................................................................................... Tel:................................................................................ Email Address:.............................................................. Message Only 1 word per box

Funeral Orders of Service

Personalised funeral orders of service, designed to suit your needs.

Call Athena Design

01698 803 909

WEE COUNTY NEWS, HUB Media Ltd, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park, Uddingston G71 5PW

or email weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

£250,000 to help St John’s By Alison Mann

t John’s Church has been awarded a total of £250,000 towards repairing the historic church building. The Alloa church has been given £150,000 by Historic Scotland and further £100,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is going towards repairs for the church building. The money will be used to protect the church, which sits in the Old Alloa Conservation Area, from the damp entering the stonework and damaging the interior. The recent awards bring the total raised to £275,000 but £39,600 still needs to be found. Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund said: “Scotland has an amazing variety of churches, each one reflecting the social history of its community as well as the

architectural influences of the time. “They give each town and village a sense of identity while providing an important venue not just for worship but for a wide array of community groups. “HLF is delighted to be able to help the congregation secure the future of St John’s and hope that over the Festive period, visitors through its doors will take time to appreciate the history and heritage around them.” Celebrating the grants and supporting the ongoing appeal for further support The Most Reverend David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church said: “I am delighted these grants have been made to St John’s. They are a small congregation located in an area of social deprivation.

OLE: Merry Christmas

Members of the church celebrate the funding news They face many challenges yet they have consistently been one of the most outward-looking for our congregations. “In particular they have engaged with the community and its issues through the Community House and they have been great encouragers of inter-church co-operation. I believe they deserve support.”

Alvin found safe and well! T

wo Alloa children were given an early Christmas present this week when their kitten Alvin was returned home. As reported in the Wee County News last week, Alvin went missing on December 9 from his home in Earl’s Court. However, the six-monthold tabby was returned by a neighbour who had taken Alvin in after he scratched at his door. Little Alvin was taken in after the neighbour had heard scratching at the door. The following day,

Kate Middleton, who is responsible for fundraising at St John’s said: “We are so very grateful and encouraged to receive these large grants making it possible to correct the poor state of the stonework and do some roof repairs. “We will do all the work necessary to complete the Heritage Lottery Stage 1, in particular to find the

outstanding amount so we can proceed to Stage 2. We plan to approach more trusts and we hope people in Alloa and around will support us with this final round of fundraising. “We have an enthusiastic fundraising group known as the ‘Haggai Team’ who can be seen in the photo celebrating these wonderful awards.”

embers of Ochil Leisure Enterprises have issued a thank you to everyone who supported them and helped in the campaign. They would also like to wish supporters a Merry Christmas, Douglas Skilling, a spokesman for the group said: “We’d like to thank everyone who helped us to save the Alva Pool Complex from demolition and wish them a happy Christmas.” OLE are keen for local groups hoping to use the complex to get in touch, they can accommodate anything from swimming lessons to Zumba and will welcome everyone into the facility. Applications can be downloaded from www.ochilleisureenterprises. org.uk or can be picked up from all local libraries. The forms must be handed in by December 31. “OLE are continuing to work towards having the complex opened in Spring 2012. We are hoping the local community will support us by using the swimming pool, games rooms and cafe. “We’re hoping negotiations for the hand over will be complete early in the New Year and we will certainly need help from volunteers to get it ready for opening.”

ALLOA Food and Wine as m t s i r h C Merry

the concerned neighbour chapped doors in his street but could not find who Alvin belonged to. The neighbour then had

Eagle Inn 1 1 0 H IG H ST REET, TIL L IC OU LTRY Sat 31st - Hogmany Party 2nd Jan - Regulars party 2pm onwards All the staff and management wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 12-12 Hogmany tickets now on sale at the Eagle. Tickets cost £10 which includes a snack and drink licensed to 3am with a Hogmany Disco

Mix of Traditional Pub Food and Chinese Meals available 7 Days a Week from 4-9pm. Bookings Welcome

Tel: 01259 750 423

to leave for a few days, so took Alvin to his mothers in Tullibody where he would be safe. It was only when he returned home he realised the Roach family were Alvin’s owners and missed him. Darcy, two and Noah, four were delighted to have their feline friend back home and went to collect him. Their mum, Gillian said: “We’re so happy to have him back and glad he didn’t travel far and was looked after well. “Thanks to everyone who helped us look for him. “We had lots of phone calls from people asking if we’d found him and saying the hope we find him soon so we’re happy to let everyone know he’s back home. “It’s like he’s been on a wee holiday.”

Milk 2 litre ............................................................................................... £0.89 Glens Vodka 70cl ...................................................................................... £8.99 Glens Vodka 1 litre ............................................................................... £13.29 Bells Whisky .......................................................................................... £11.99 Grouse Whisky ..................................................................................... £11.99 Buckfast .................................................................................................... £6.49 Irn-Bru 2 litre .......................................................................................... £1.00 Coke 1.25 litre ......................................................................................... £0.89 Pringles .................................................................................................... £1.00 Hot Dogs .................................................................................................. £1.69 Irn-Bru (Sugar Free & Original) 6 x 330ml cans ................................ £1.69 Highland Spring Water 2ltr ................................................................... £0.50 Nescafe Original 100g ............................................................................ £2.60 Coca Cola & Diet Coke 500ml bottle ..................................Any 2 for £1.50 Schweppes Original & Diet Lemonade 2ltr ............................... 2 for £2.20 Sourz Apple or Cranberry 70cl ..................................................... only £9.25 GREAT MEAL DEALS AVAILABLE ~ COME INSIDE FOR MANY MORE OFFERS ~ ALLOA FOOD & WINES (Ex Victoria Wines) 27 High St, Alloa, FK10 1JF T: 01259 211 121

Opening Hours: Mon -Sat 8am - 10pm • Sun 10am - 7pm All offers subject to availability instore. Open Xmas Day 11am - 4pm New Years Day 8am - 10pm

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

Alison Mann

Fascinated by North Korea..... I

was awoken on Monday morning by my boyfriend specifically telling me that Kim Jong-il had died - something he knew I’d be interested in. Thinking about it, that might seem strange to some people, why would I care that a dictator who apparently led millions people into starvation had died? Well, it’s because I recently became fascinated with the tragic

country of North Korea after reading ‘Nothing To Envy’ by Barbara Demik. This wonderful book contained interviews from North Koreans who had defected to South Korea and gave an amazing insight into the country, of which, very little is known.

Kim Jong-il (left) Kim Jonh-un (above)

This meant, when the leader died it was like the main character in a book I was reading had just died. I eagerly began to read everything I could about the news of his death. Seeing thousands of people crying openly in the street really brought me back to the book, as one of the interviewees described the death of Kim Il-sung in 1994. The woman talks about going to a statue of the leader and forcing herself to cry as not doing so could land her in serious trouble. It led me to wonder how many of the distraught faces plastered over news channels were showing real grief, or was it rehearsed tears to avoid being sent to a work camp? I also wondered if it may be fear. Fear of what will happen now that their leader is gone that causes the tears? To go through your life under a dictatorship and being told what to do then be thrown into a period of uncertainty must be terrifying.

Pyongyang, North Korea In the book, one interviewee talks will Kim Jong-un turn the country about escaping from North Korea around or will there be a violent and into China, how baffled they power struggle? were at the technology and even Whatever the outcome, I think it’ll just the amount of clothing and food be a while before the fascinating on offer. country is illuminated on the map I wonder what will happen now, and people find out what really goes will more aid organisations be on behind the wall of steel. allowed in to help the people out of starvation, Do you have something you want to say,

We are now in Alloa. Come and visit us at 38 Primrose Street

DONNY’S

CARPETS

HAVE YOUR SAY

or something for Alison to talk about: alison@hubpublishing.co.uk

We offer FREE QUOTES and FREE DELIVERY on all carpets, rugs, vinyl, laminate.

WARNING LE

BEST QUALITY - BEST SERVICE

A S E C N A CLEAR

EVERYTHING REDUCED

HALF DAY - Christmas Eve • CLOSED - Christmas Day, Boxing Day & 27th December OPEN - 28th 29th 30th and HALF DAY on 31st December • NORMAL BUSINESS resumes on the 4th

Main Street, Tillicoultry • 01259 752 999 • www.donnyscarpets.co.uk also in Camelon and Bathgate

weecounty

Tillicoultry HUB back in business M

embers of the Tillicoultry Community Action Group have been celebrating reinstatement of the Community Centre in the area. The group had campaigned tirelessly after finding out the service could be lost. They gained support from the whole community against council budget cuts which would see the community centre closed. During a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on Thursday, December 15 the creation of a new community hub took a step forward after the consultation exercise. Following the meeting, members of the TCAG celebrated at the Woolpack Inn on Monday. Group chairperson Bill Nicholls said, “Thursday’s decision by the council to reinstate public services and provide accommodation for the users of the Community Centre was a great reward for the campaigning efforts of this community and the Community Action Group.

Six drink drivers caught this week! S ix more people have been caught drink driving in Central Scotland during the annual Drink Drug Drive Campaign run by police. This is the second week of the national campaign which saw five people caught driving under the influence of driving during the first week. The scheme has also seen the vehicle forfeiture scheme extended so motorists driving having taken alcohol or drugs face having their care seized. Over 50 cars have been seized nationally over the two weeks since the campaign has been in place. Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson who is the ACPOS lead on Drink Driving said: “This is a worrying pattern and I can assure members of the public that all partners

“It would be easy to forget that back in March we faced the loss of all of these services and facilities as well as threats to our Primary School and a High Street killing supermarket. Our success here underlines the vital importance of speaking up for your community. “Our campaign attracted support from right across the community. Groups, individuals, churches and existing organisations all came together because the council proposed to impose outcomes that they had not discussed with the community and we were not about to stand for that. This just shows what a united community can achieve. “We would also like to mention the work done by some councillors to reverse the earlier decisions and the efforts of council staff to work for a better outcome. There won’t be a better Christmas present than this one.” The hub, which will cost £400,000, was approved by the Council in principal in the summer. It will be located

in the former Family Centre building and will include, a new modern library and CAP with an information and service point, a youth space for young people’s activities, meeting space for the toddlers group, young mums group and baby group/baby massage , a multi-functional meeting and community space and a new IT learning suite providing internet access and computing classes. Central Scotland Police has also agreed to share the building, using the upstairs space as an office. NHS health visitors are also keen to explore the possibility of providing services in the hub. Several members of the group who have been leading this campaign from the beginning joined in the celebration. Sally Carberry, who is also chairperson of the Primary School’s Parent Council said, “At the start of this it seemed that the council planned to use the school for a variety of incompatible activities and

they hadn’t bothered to talk to us. As a result of our campaign we have reached agreement on better nursery provision and a range of improvements to school facilities. Ours is a good school that’s now going to get better. Well done Tillicoultry.” Group member Claire Mckay who has taken the lead on reinstating the services to children and families in the Former Family Centre said: “Now that the Council has got round to listening to our community and understanding just how important these services are to vulnerable and not so vulnerable people they just had to come to the same conclusion as we did back in March. We look forward to the work starting to get the Family

Centre building sorted and we can celebrate again when we reopen for business”. Commenting on the next steps, group member Archie Drummond added: “The council decisions on the former Family Centre and Early Years Services are a fantastic reward to the 2,111 people who petitioned the council and packed the public meetings. I think it is also fair to acknowledge the important support we got from Keith Brown MSP and Councillor Donald Balsillie at key stages in our campaign.” The Council also agreed to redevelop the existing library/ CAP building into three social houses for rent at a cost of £150,000 and to invest a

Friday 23.12.11

further £150,000 in enhancing the nursery and improving Firpark ski centre to allow increased community use. Council Leader Sam Ovens said: “The impressive plans that we have approved today represent an investment of nearly £1 million in Tillicoultry. There is a lot of enthusiasm in the community for a hub and bringing as many services as possible together under one roof is a logical move. There will also be improvements to Tillicoultry nursery and the development of much needed housing. I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultation process - their views and comments have been very valuable in shaping the new hub.”

CROSSWORD COMPETITION WINNER LAST WEEKS CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Congratulations to Mrs T Brown, Alloa who won a meal for two at the Bridge Inn in our crossword competition last week. Send in your completed crosswords alongside your name, address and telephone number to be in with a chance of winning this week’s meal for two. SEE PAGE 18

involved in tackling these offences are doing their utmost. “However, we cannot do this alone, first and foremost we need the message to get out to those offenders who consider and then choose to take the risk to drink and drive, that it is illegal, dangerous and at times a fatal decision. “We need to educate these people and hope that in the future when they face that decision or consider driving whilst unfit, they will decide to take alternative transport and not drive. They will choose to keep their licence by not getting behind the wheel. “We have extended the vehicle forfeiture scheme this year to target those who provide a high reading or

he Harviestoun T Country Hotel and Restaurant, Tillicoultry

Still time to treat your family or friends to a sumptuous Christmas or Hogmanay meal in our Courtyard Restaurant or in the Tobermory Function Suite. Elizabeth and staff thank all patrons for their continued support and wish all, a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year www.harviestouncountryhotel.com • e-mail info@harviestouncountryhotel.com . Telephone: 01259 752 522

refuse to provide a sample for analysis and as the statistics show a considerable number of offenders will, on conviction, face the added consequence of losing their vehicle for good. During the first two weeks of this campaign, we have asked the court to consider seizing over 50 vehicles, where on conviction these vehicles will be sold or destroyed. “I would encourage anyone who suspects that a person is driving or attempting to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs to contact the police. They can either call the police direct via their local office or by dialling 999 or through the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 where the information will be treated in confidence of anonymity.”

Luxury Bathroom Package Deal

Superb QUALITY Suites

Supplied and Installed

FROM ONLY

£2995 subject to site survey

All Of This Included In The Price

LUXURY KITCHENS

• Old Bathroom and tiles completely removed • Your choice of new luxury suite fully installed • Down lighters supplied and installed • Achoice of either bath or shower installed • Towel rail or ring and toilet roll holder • 15m of wall and and 4m of floor tiles fitted

THE

PRIMROSE BAR

Billy & Liz would like to thank all their customers and wish them all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR OUTSIDE BARS AVAILABLE

tel: (01259) 213 914

Supplied And Installed

Call to arrange a FREE no obligation survey

Suite shown above for illustration purpose only. Suites suppplied may vary.

James W. Bennie & Son 6 Dundas St, Grangemouth 01324 482815 showro o m Op e n i n g Ho u r s Mo n - F r i 9 - 5 Sa t 1 0 - 4

w w w. j w b e n n i e. c o. u k

weecounty New Chief Inspector

Friday 23.12.11

Housing boost for Sauchie By Alison Mann

wenty five new council houses are set to be built in Sauchie as part of a £2million project. The decision to invest in the build was made during a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on Thursday, December 15. The move follows the successful award of £750,000 by the Scottish Government under the Innovation and Investment Fund. The proposed new houses will be built at the former Forth Valley College annexe at Hallpark and aim to prevent and alleviate homelessness. The total cost of the project is likely to exceed £2 million. Council Leader Sam Ovens said: “The Council loses an average of £15,000 for each failed tenancy. For homeless people this further impacts on a range of Council and other public services including social services, educational attainment and health. However, there is also the human cost to consider - a failed tenancy affects the self esteem and potential life outcomes of not only the tenant, but the whole family. “This plan focuses on the importance of assisting those

who need support to sustain their tenancy. This project will also help us to reduce our reliance on expensive and less effective accommodation such as B&Bs.” There will be 25 new flats in two blocks, 10 onebedroom flats and 15 twobedroom flats, including one which 3 Medywn Place, Alloa • T: 01259 220 354 is fully

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

OAP DISCOUNT 10% SPECIAL OAP DAYS Tuesday and Thursday 20%

wheelchair accessible. The Council will now seek tenders for the construction works to take place with work expected to start on site by summer in 2012. The Council has also agreed to join a partnership which will deliver new mid market rent houses in Clackmannanshire. The National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative was set up by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Futures Trust and aims to boost the supply of affordable housing while also stimulating the construction industry. Contractors with local schemes ready to be built currently have the opportunity to register an interest to deliver new housing under the NHT initiative. If bids are received which meet the priority criteria the Council, along with 15 other local authorities, will enter into a detailed tendering process. The

weecounty photos See a picture you like in the weecounty? Get your copy from only £5! you can order photos from: 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG or telephone: 01259

404006

or email: weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk

Twenty-five new council houses have been given the green light process will begin in April 2012 and the houses will be built by 2015. Under NHT developers and local authorities jointly fund the purchase of newly-built homes so they can be made available for rent at below market rates, for a period between five and 10 years. Councillor Ovens added: “We’re delighted to be part of the National Housing Trust programme, which demonstrates our commitment to increasing the number of houses available for rent in our communities. In these challenging financial times, this initiative opens the doors to build more affordable housing in Clackmannanshire and complements our plans for new build. By working with the private sector, we can tackle the chronic shortage of affordable rented housing in our area, while also giving a boost to the local economy, particularly the construction industry.” A further report will be presented to Council with details of any bids received for approval.

SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL OUR CLIENTS. Good luck to all new businesses in clackmannanshire that started this year

www.bgateway.com 01259 726 430

lackmannanshire’s new Chief Inspector is aiming to continue on the good work done by his predecessor. The Chief Inspector, with 26 years experience in the force, took up his new role last month. He has highlighted anti-social behaviour as an area to work on, including vandalism, localised drug dealing and driving offences. Chief Inspector Sneddon was keen to highlight that Clackmannanshire is a safe place to live but there are some aspects he’d like to keep on top of. He said: “Clackmannanshire is a safe place to live. I have indentified priorities which I will look at but will continue to provide and improve on the service people currently receive.” The new Chief Inspector, who was born and brought up in Stirling, will be in his role throughout the transition to a single police force and he is keen for local people to know they will still receive the same service. He added: “I want to reassure everyone the service they receive will be maintained. They should see no change in the front line.”

Seasons Greetings from Forth Valley College “Thank you for your ongoing support with our new Alloa Campus” 0845 634 4444 www.forthvalley.ac.uk

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

Festive wishes for a waste free Christmas Overflowing bins and extra bags of rubbish are a common sight over the festive period. The Council is urging everyone in Clackmannanshire to continue recycling and make sure their blue bin and box are ready for the festivities. Local residents are already expert recyclers, and we hit a huge 55.5% recycling rate for the first quarter of 2011. We are well on our way to reaching the Scottish Government's target of 70% for 2025 and Clackmannanshire Council are urging as many people as possible to Recycle for Scotland. Councillor Eddie Carrick, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability said: "The festive season is a great time to recycle more and the Council has made great efforts to constantly provide new ways for householders to recycle a greater range of materials."

The range of items to recycle is increasing all the time. If Santa brings you the latest fashions and electrical gizmos then why not recycle the items you no longer need. Place old clothes and fashion accessories into a bag to go out with your blue box collection.

As the cost of food increases why not use Christmas as the opportunity to reduce the amount of food waste you produce. Here are a few hints and tips to reduce your waste and save you pounds over the festive season.

Storage Tips

Those broken and out of date small electrical gadgets and your used household batteries can also be recycled in your blue box. For larger items, take them along, with your old Christmas tree to Forthbank Recycling Centre, Bowhouse Road, Alloa. Old Christmas trees will be chipped for use on paths or as a mulch around shrubs.

Preparation Tips

If you are concerned about unexpected guests, make sure any extra food you buy can be stored in your freezer until it is needed.

Remember to use your blue bin for food and drinks cans as well as cartons and plastic packaging. And, don't forget all the Christmas cards, paper and cardboard packaging too. For more recycling information or to request delivery of a blue box visit www.clacksweb.org. uk or call 0500 545 540.

The big Christmas food shop does not need to be stressful. Plan ahead and make a list to avoid buying unwanted items or too much food that will just go to waste. Count how many people you are catering for and decide on the meals you are going to prepare. By making a list the shopping trip will be a lot easier and you are more likely to buy only what you need, saving you money and reducing waste. Over the festive season we buy a lot of food in advance, but always remember to check your fridge and freezer to see what you already have and check for storage space before you go shopping.

When food shopping, look out for product date labels. Make sure you use food within its use by date and remember to follow storage instructions so you can enjoy your food at its best.

Using Leftovers No matter how much we all enjoy our Christmas dinner some leftovers are inevitable. But this good food doesn't have to go to waste. Cool the leftovers as quickly as possible and store them in the fridge. Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website at www. wasteawarelovefood.org.uk for an extensive collection of delicious recipes created by top chefs so turkey sandwiches are not the only option on the Boxing Day menu.

Remember to Recycle this Christmas All your paper, cardboard, plastics, and cans in your blue bin and your glass, textiles, unwanted electricals and batteries in your blue box. For more information call freephone 0500 545 540 or visit www.clacksweb.org.uk

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

Santa and his reindeer a hit in Alloa

eindeer broughta some festive cheer to Alloa on Saturday and local residents seemed to enjoy the show. Alloa Town Centre BID had arranged for Santa and his reindeer to make a procession along Alloa high street on Saturday, December 17. Two youngsters were given the chance to ride with Santa in his sleigh and visitors got a chance to glimpse the six festive animals. Around 400 people attended the Christmas event, which pleased Alloa Town Centre BID manager Andrew Mitchell. He said: “It was a fantastic day, a lot of extra people came to the town. “It certainly helped to

create a bit of a buzz and a lot of festive cheer. Everyone that I’ve spoken to about the event really enjoyed it. “I also want to thank the Churches Forum for singing carols during the event and on the weekend before.” The event was so successful that the BID are planning to create a Christmas Group which will meet early next year to discuss plans for next year. This year was the first time the reindeer visited the town centre, however Santa’s Grotto has been in the town for the last three years. The Christmas Window Competition has been running in the town for the past four years.

Wee County children get a chance to meet Santa and Rudolph in the streets of Alloa

Do you have a complaint against this newspaper?

Santa’s little helpers Lilly, from Clackmannanshire in Santa’s Grotto

Buchan Town cars Private Hire Taxi Company

Festive greetings to our customers from all at Buchans. All the best for 2012

anta and his little helpers stopped to pose for the Wee County camera last week, whilst out and about at Sterling Furniture Store. Many of the Wee County’s children had the opportunity to meet Santa and even have their picture taken with him. They even had the chance to tell him what they would like for Christmas this year.

Going out - let us take you there 01259 213 215 • 01259 725 213 01259 217 777

If you have a complaint about any item in this newspaper which concerns inaccuracy, harassment, intrusion or discrimination, write to our editor about it. If you remain dissatisfied please contact the Press Complaints Commission - an independent organisation established to uphold an editorial Code of Practise for the Press. This nespaper will abide by their decision.

Press Complaints Commission 1 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8AE

Tel: 0171 353 1248 Fax: 0171 353 8355

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

Dollar make charity donations TOP NAMES

OF 2011

he sum of £55,000 which was raised at a mammoth sponsored event by the pupils and staff at Dollar Academy was presented to five charities on Monday 19th December. Representatives from the charities, The St Francis Rehabilitation project in Kenya, HorseBack UK, Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Struan School and Bravehearts Children’s Trust were invited to attend a special assembly at the school, where they each received a cheque for £11,000. For several of the charities, this amount represented the largest donation they had received from a single donor this year. This year’s biennial Dollar Academy Sponsored Walk took place on Friday 30th September and involved the entire school population of 1250 pupils and 200 staff walking routes around the Ochils to Glendevon, Dollar Bank and round the extensive school grounds. The beneficiary charities were selected by pupils on the Form VI Charities Committee, who chose a selection of local and international causes,

ack and Amy have been listed as the top baby names of the year in Clackmannanshire. In 2011, seven tots were named Jack and six named Amy, proving they were the most popular names in the county last year. Logan and Emily joined the popular names to take first place. The results were released by the Registrar General. Clackmannanshire has followed a trend, as Jack has been the top boy’s name for the past nine years. Other popular names include Harry, James and Jamie – monikers given to five newborns and Ellie, Grace and Leah for girls. George MacKenzie, Registrar General for Scotland, said: “The list of favourite baby names provides a fascinating insight into Scotland’s people.” While Clackmannanshire appear to have named their babies sensibly, some unique names cropped up in the national statistics. There was one boy named Boo-Tiger, a Cosmo and a Cosmos, Jesuslovesme and one girl named Paloma – perhaps after the singer Paloma Faith. each with special significance to the children. Mr Geoff Daniel, Deputy Rector at Dollar Academy, commented, “We would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s event, which has helped raise such an impressive total. Our

pupils are, quite rightly, proud of their efforts, which they are aware will make a considerable contribution towards the work of these important charities. We enjoyed the walk and we’re delighted to be handing over this sum of money.”

Crams Bar 8-10 Candleriggs Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 1EA

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

weecounty news CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ARRANGEMENTS Editorial/Advertising Copy Deadlines For Friday 30.12.11 - Wednesday 28.12.11 (4pm) For Friday 6.1.12 - Wednesday 4.1.12 (4pm) Editorial to weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk Adverts to sales@hubpublishing.co.uk Telephone: 01259 404 006 Scott, Vicki and all the staff wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2012

from all the staff and management at Crams Bar

The Sandwich Club wishes all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are open 28th 29th and 30th and normal business hours from the 4th onwards 4 High Street, Alloa

01259 215655

Friday 23.12.11

weecounty

weecounty New support for vulnerable families

Friday 23.12.11

Alloa court facing axe

By Alison Mann

lackmannanshire council has approved a framework which will improve the way vulnerable families with children under five are supported. The framework was discussed and agreed by councillors during a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on December 15. The new model will be operational from April 2012. The new service is more targeted with improved early intervention and is being delivered through co-ordinated partnership working. This will ensure that the Council identifies families at the earliest point possible and focuses on sustained improvement in the life chances of these vulnerable families and their children. Councillor Janet Cadenhead, Regeneration Portfolio Holder, said: “Maintaining the status quo in this critical and sensitive area of work is not an option, if we are to achieve transformational change and improve the outcomes for children and families in Clackmannanshire. “The time has come to shift our focus to ensure our services and those of our partners are working together to deliver much more flexible, targeting, effective and best value services to meet those families most at need and vulnerable. “By ensuring our children and families get the help they need, when they need it, will give our children the opportunity to thrive and longer term this will reduce the intergenerational cycle of dependency in Clackmannanshire.” The key priority in establishing the new model was ensuring that services make the most effective use of existing resources and target the most vulnerable children and families in Clackmannanshire. Senior officers from the Scottish Government’s Early Years Team have confirmed that the model is ‘very much in line with the thinking’ of the Government’s direction for services for families.

lloa Sheriff Court could face closure as part of a cost cutting plan by the Scottish Government. The plan could see dozens of courts across the country close, including the local court. The threat follows a 20 percent cut in funding from the Scottish Government which has seen 120 jobs already axed from the Scottish Court Service (SCS). A list has now been drawn up of courts which are thought to be too close to other courts to justify keeping them open. Some are simply not busy enough. Alloa Sheriff Court could face closure because it covers a town of less than 20,000 and is within 20 miles of another, bigger court. Another measure highlighted in the review is a plan to end jury trials in two thirds of the country’s 49 sheriff courts. This would result in serious cases – including sex crimes and assaults – being heard in centralised courts. A spokeswoman for the Scottish Court Service said: “The Scottish Court Service is facing a future where budget levels will reduce and there will be major service reforms arising from Lord Gill’s review of civil courts, Sheriff Principal Bowen’s review of sheriff and jury trials and recent recommendations announced in Lord Carloway’s

Studio’s in Glasgow and Stirling with weekly classes from complete beginner to professional level.

We also teach aerial hoop!

Call: 07754 806 296

Email: pole-princess@hotmail.com Website: www.www.pole-princess.com Special Promotion – Beginners classes only £25 for a full block

report. “We have initiated a review which looks at what business should be done in different locations around the country and an internal discussion document was prepared to promote this conversation with SCS staff and judicial members to help us discuss practical issues and to assist us to develop options for delivering the service in the

future. As part of our fact finding, we wanted to make sure we fully understood local issues and could take these into account along with other business analysis work we are undertaking. That is the stage we are currently at. “When this review work is complete it will be our intention to produce ideas for further discussion and at that stage we will want to

‘A Little Too Late’ book finally returned during amnesty

L Have fun, get fit and feel fab!!!

Alloa Sheriff court could close as part of a cost cutting plan

ibrarians across Clackmannanshire have had some comical titles returned to them during the book amnesty. One forgetful borrower returned a novel entitled ‘A Little Too Late’ and added to the 94 overdue library books returned in the first week of an amnesty being held by libraries across Clackmannanshire. ‘Lost Luggage’ by Colin Brake has also now been found and Allan Ahlberg’s ‘The Cat Who Got Carried Away’ has been carried back. After an absence of five years, the reader who borrowed ‘Mastering Japanese’ must now be fluent and ‘Personal Computing Demystified’ has been handed in by someone who could well be an expert in the field.

The book amnesty, which runs to the end of January, provides the opportunity for anyone who has an overdue library book to return it free of charge, as they will not incur the usual late fees. A box is available in each of Clackmannanshire’s eight libraries/CAPs where customers can drop off overdue books.

involve a wide representation of interested groups and individuals to help us develop and improve our proposals. “It is too soon to speculate on the future of any particular court but any proposal to close a court will require a full public consultation to be undertaken and ultimately, a decision by the Scottish Parliament.”

ROUND THE WORLD STOPOVERS, BUDGET, INDEPENDENT & ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERTS

MAIN STREET, BANNOCKBURN SCOTLAND. FK7 8LX

Private Function Room Available To Book... Phone:

01786 812256 or 812056

1000s of discounted tours worldwide Open to the public 7 days a week at Stirling University

www.unicorntravel.co.uk Tel: 01786 472023 day ed Every d hes Serv erve S u n Bar Lunc e M Evening Nights and New Saturday Friday &

Sunday All Day 12.30 Lunch MENU - 7.00

Saturday Cabaret 2011 Now Booking For Christmas Party Nights Hogmanay Dinner and Cabaret with Chris Small

January RE-TAKE THAT

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

MSP officially opens new office

Help a hedgehog By Alison Mann

he Wee County’s MSP, Keith Brown welcomed well wishers as he officially opened his new office this week in Alloa town centre. The MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane gave attendees tea and cakes as he opened the new Drysdale Street office. He told supporters during the opening

that he was happy to be in his new office. Mr Brown said: “I’m absolutely delighted. This is a fresh, modern and warm office, especially for all the staff. We have a private area to see constituents. “It represents a fresh start, given we have just had an election and a fresh mandate.”

ee County residents are being urged to help hedgehogs if they are found during the winter months. Staff at the Scottish SPCA’s Wildlife Rescue Centre are caring for 40 hedgehogs at the moment, the majority of which are too small to survive outside during the cold weather. Centre manager Colin Seddon said:”Hedgehogs should be hibernating by now but there will be some out there who won’t survive without help. “Most of the hedgehogs in our care have either been caught out by the bad weather and didn’t have enough time to store up the necessary body fat to go into hibernation or are from late litters, which is common. “These youngsters will be out foraging for food such as earthworms, beetles, slugs, snails, insects, fruit and carrion but they’ll be finding it very difficult because of the cold weather. “Many of them have arrived in our care weighing between

Wildlife Assistant Krystal Aitchison with hoglet 300g and 400g, almost half of their ideal weight. “We would be particularly concerned if a hedgehog is out during the day and would urge anyone who finds one to call us so we can come and collect it. “They should try to contain it by picking it up using gardening gloves or a thick towel and placing it in a secure box. It can then be left with fresh water and tinned cat food until we arrive. “Hedgehogs will struggle as the temperatures drop, so if anyone spots one during the freezing winter weather they should call us immediately. “The hedgehogs will be

released once they achieve a suitable weight of over 600g and the weather warms up to give us consistent night time temperatures of over four degrees centigrade.” Anyone who finds a hedgehog this winter is urged to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Warning over drug use P

KEITH BROWN MSP for Clackmannanshire & Dunblane Representing the communities of Blairlogie, Bridge of Allan, Clackmannanshire & Dunblane

For an appointment or details of Surgeries contact our

NEW OFFICE NOW AT: Unit 4, Townhead Institute 39 Drysdale Street, Alloa FK10 1JA

01259 219 333

The first surgery of 2012 is in the Constituency Office on Friday 13th January from 10am - 12 noon. The Scottish Parliament is responsible for Health, education, Justice, Transport, Communities, Sport, Rural Affairs, Enterprise, Culture, Environment and Local Government. keith.brown.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

olice have warned people to be safe during the festive period by knowing the dangers of drug use. The availability of ecstasy (MDMA) has increased in recent months and a rise in tablet prices has added to a perception of better quality. Judging the quality of a tablet is impossible without scientific analysis. In addition this drug in crystal form is likely to have a very high MDMA content and therefore should be avoided like all illicit substances. Of major concern are tablets which look like ecstasy that have been found to contain PMMA (paramethoxymethylamphetamine). PMMA is a Class A drug responsible for a number of deaths across Europe. Detective Inspector Tommy Crombie of the SCDEA and ACPOS drugs co-ordinator, said: “An alert was issued in July 2011 and since then this drug has been found in drug-related deaths in Scotland. PMMA has been found in tablets in Scotland where they are known as ‘Einsteins’ which have an ‘E=mc2’ logo. “PMMA and other harmful substances could be present in many illicit drugs including powders, products sold as ‘legal highs’ and ecstasy tablets in all sorts of colours and with all sorts of logos. Like all illicit drugs, there is no way to tell what’s in them until it’s too late.” Katy Mcleod of Crew 2000 is also reminding users about the dangers associated with MDMA use. She said: “Fatalities with MDMA based ecstasy are relatively rare but users can experience some unpleasant side effects especially at high doses or where it is with

mixed with other substances. With drugs such as PMMA being possibly in tablets, negative side effects and potential of overdose are more likely. “Although users report similarities to effects of MDMA, many argue that effects can feel less potent than MDMA which can result in users re-dosing and thus increasing the risks. If you are determined to use ecstasy, please follow harm reduction advice of: starting with half a pill, wait at least an hour before re-dosing, avoid mixing with other drugs inlcuding alcohol, take breaks from dancing and stay hydrated if dancing but don’t go over a pint of water in an hour.” Austin Smith of the Scottish Drugs Forum also points out that signs of an ecstasy overdose could include: hyperthermia (very high body temperature or overheating), dehydration, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties, seizures, severe nausea and vomiting and muscle spasms. If you experience any medical difficulties from use of ecstasy and other drugs, please contact the local Accident and Emergency Department, GP or NHS 24 on 08454 242424 For further information advice or support, contact Crew on 0131 220 3404 or visit their website www.crew2000.org.uk or contact Know the Score on 0800 587 5879.

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

Elderly to be treated better By Alison Mann

new strategy has been created to ensure Clackmannanshire’s growing older population are treated with dignity and respect in their own homes. The numbers of households in Clackmannanshire headed by someone aged 75 and over is projected to increase by 115 per cent to 5,490 by 2033. The Older People’s Housing Strategy stresses the importance of supporting people to remain at home independently for as long as possible, rather than premature or inappropriate admissions to care homes or hospitals. It aims to promote a range of housing and support services, enabling older people to choose the services which are best for them. A key focus will be placed on preventative services that are crucial in helping to reduce accidents and emergency hospital admissions. The Spending Review marked a decisive shift towards preventative spending, focussing on delivering better outcomes and value for money. Housing Minister Keith Brown said: “The hallmark of a civilised nation is the way in which it treats its older citizens. Clackmannanshire’s older people

have made, and continue to make, an invaluable contribution to our society. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in their old age. “This national strategy sets out our vision for housing and support for older people, along with a framework for delivery. It aims to help older people in Clackmannanshire to live independently, comfortably and safely at home in their

communities where they are valued as an asset and their voices are heard. “The vast majority of older people will continue to live in mainstream housing. However, there is still a vital role for providers of sheltered housing and extra care housing in reaching out to support older people in the wider community “Against this demographic backdrop we face the most

National design competition for Clacks students

lackmannanshire students with an eye for design have the chance to grab a prize by producing a logo for Scotland’s National Food and Drink Conference. The winning logo will be printed on shopping bags and promotional material for the March conference, with the winning student receiving £300 and £100 going to each of the two runners-up. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland produces some of the world’s finest food and drink and the National Food and Drink Conference is a great opportunity to highlight what we have to offer. “This competition is a great opportunity for young people in Stirling and Clackmannanshire to get involved in something which directly links food and learning. Food and health has such a central place in Health and Wellbeing within Curriculum for Excellence - which takes a much wider approach across the whole school from

three to 18 years. Through this competition, students nationwide will have the chance to showcase their creativity whilst helping us showcase our world class larder.” The competition is also open to further and higher education students studying in Scotland. Anne Macleod, Subject Mentor for Creative Studies at Scotland’s Colleges said: “We are excited to be working with the Scottish Government to support a fantastic competition which promotes food and drink as a topic for learning in further education.” Full details, rules and an entry form are available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk./ Topics/Business-Industry/ Food-Industry/nationalstrategy/Competition The competition is open to anyone studying part or fulltime at any school, college or university in Scotland and the closing date is February 10. The conference takes place at the Perth Concert Hall on

challenging financial situation since devolution, with a cut of 12 per cent in real terms to the Scottish Government’s budget, and 32 per cent in the capital budget by 2014-15. “It is therefore important to invest resources wisely in Housing, Social Care and Health. This new strategy has been developed in partnership with Cosla. We will work together to deliver the best housing based solutions for our older people.” Age Scotland said: “Age Scotland is proud to be associated with this Strategy, which we believe has tremendous potential to have a positive impact on older people. “From the focus on preventative support to the need for comprehensive information and advice, the Strategy addresses each of the key areas in which change is necessary if we are to achieve our shared ambitions of enabling older people to remain at home for as long as possible, and as active citizens within their communities. “There is much to do, and the role of local authorities is central to the Strategy’s full implementation. That’s why Age Scotland is delighted that COSLA have fully endorsed the Strategy and we look forward to seeing the progress made by its members towards improving later life for Scotland’s older people.”

Christmas Party goes down a treat

T March 7. To register go to: http://www.scotland.gov. uk/Topics/Business-Industry/ Food-Industry/nationalstrategy/Conference2012

he annual Christmas party on 7th December went very well and a good time was had by all. Thanks to all involved in the organisation of the party. Thanks to Diageo for refreshments and to their overseas helpers.

The next meeting will be held in Clackmannan CAP on Monday 16th January 2012 at 7.00 pm. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Over 400 applicants for 100 jobs

n Alloa care home set to open next year has already received hundreds of job applications. Meallmore have received 400 applications for the 100 jobs created at the new care home to be opened in 2012. The state-of-the-art, purpose-built care home in Alloa Park Drive represents a £4.7million investment by Meallmore, one of Scotland’s leading providers of nursing and residential care. Meallmore are in the process of recruiting a wide range of staff, from Registered Nurses and Senior Care Workers to Chefs and hospitality staff for the 62-bed care home. The home will offer care for frail elderly people, with a specialist help for people who suffer from dementia. Care home manager Julie Wyllie said: “I am very pleased by the huge response we received to our recruitment drive. In this time of economic uncertainty, I am pleased that we are able to create jobs for our local community and help get people back into work. We have been overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of the applications and I look forward to working with such a talented team.” Meallmore now have 18 homes for elderly and frail people in Scotland. Parklands in Stirling will be the sixteenth, while another home is currently under construction in Glasgow’s Bearsden.

Mary and George McAulay would like to wish all family and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The Auld Hoose Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

01259 731260 26 Forth Street, FK10 4LX

HERE FOR ALL YOUR PETS NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVE SEASON Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all my customers past, present and future Unit 3, The Trade Center, Bruce Street Alloa FK10 1RX 01259 211 123

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

What’s on in your weecounty Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2011 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On January 29, J Morgan’s Spicy Music will be providing the entertainment. Bring your own refreshments.

Clackmannan Community Council: The annual Christmas party on 7th December went very well and a good time was had by all. Thanks to all involved in the organisation of the party. Thanks to Diageo for refreshments and to their overseas helpers. The next meeting will be held in Clackmannan CAP on Monday 16th January 2012 at 7.00 pm. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Alloa Writers: The Alloa Writers Club will be off until Monday, 9 January 2012.

Alva Alva Baptist Church: There will be a candle light Carol Service in the church on Christmas Eve at 7pm followed by mince pies and hot drinks. Our Christmas Day service starts at 11am. All welcome. The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 11 January. Community Council - The next Meeting will be held on Monday 9th January, 2012 at 7.00pm in Alva Baptist Church. Community Business will be discussed. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Community Council Agenda/ Minutes can be viewed at Alva Cap/Library or on line at www. alvacommunitycouncil.co.uk

Coalsnaughton Coalsnaughton Burns Club: Cash bingo every Monday in the lounge. Contact 01259 750517. Eyes down at 8.15pm, finished by 9.45pm.

Dollar Dollar Museum: The Museum shop has a great range of exclusive items which would make ideal Christmas gifts. Besides Christmas cards there are fridge magnets, coasters, key rings, mugs, tea towels and notepads. All are designed especially for Dollar Museum. The 2012 calendar has 12 colour photographs of local views and comes in a DVD-size box which, when open, sits on a desk or table. All these items can be sent easily by post. The Museum is open at weekends until Christmas - Saturdays 11 - 1 and 2 - 4.30 and Sundays 2 - 4.30. Entry is free and there is still time to see this year’s exhibition on Farming. New Zumba Fitness Class: The classes are held on Wednesdays in Maguire Gymnasium, Dollar Academy, from 8.15pm to 9.15pm. Call Irene on 07743785103.

Fishcross Charity Shop: The Cats

Tulliallan and Kincardine Parish Church: The Tulliallan Primary School Christmas Service takes place on Thursday 22 December in the church at 9.30am. The Watch-night service on Christmas Eve is at 11.30pm. The Christmas Day service is at 10.30am and will be led by Rev. Douglas Aitken. Please note that there is no tea and coffee after the service for the next two Sundays. Next choir practise Thursday 12 January. The Men’s Club resumes on Monday 9 January. Anyone requiring the services of a minister can contact Rev. Douglas Aitken on 01383 852730. The Guild resumes on Tuesday 10 January. Congratulations to Aaron Brown, primary 7 and Madison DiazMac, primary 3, who were the winners of the Tulliallan and Kincardine Church Christmas Card design.

Menstrie Carers: Do you help to look after someone? Free Carer Information sessions start on Thursday 3 November in Menstrie Parish Church Hall at 1.30pm – 3.30pm. First session “Caring and Stress”. Either phone Ian on 07824 381280 for more information, or just come along. All carers welcome.

Muckhart Parish Church: This Sunday 25 December: Muckhart and Glendevon will join together

Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact AnnMargaret on 07908252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.

Sauchie Sauchie Community group: Hogmanay Party will be held on December 31 in the Mansfield Arms Lounge, Sauchie from 8pm until 12.30am. Doors open at 7.30pm. There will be a raffle, disco and piper playing early in the night. Bring your own food. Adults tickets cost £3, children £1 and under 3’s go free. Contact Laura on 01259 725337 for tickets. Carpet Bowls: Held each Wednesday afternoon noon to 2pm in Sauchie Hall. £2 entry includes tea and coffee. Bowls are provided, just wear sensible shoes. Ideal for beginners.

OGMANA H Y IE Sauchie Hall 7pm till 1am

Tickets £10.00 LIVE BAND PIPE BAND SINGERS For Tickets contact

01259 725222 or 01259 721646 No alcohol to be brought in as bar will be available. • Over 18s only

Muckhart Muckhart Quilters: The group meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Coronation Hall from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Mavis 781473 or Sue 743226.

Tullibody

SH BA

Park Primary Nursery Class: Christmas Fayre will be held on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th December.Park Primary Nursery Class is delighted to have raised just over £250 from our Christmas Fayre. Many thanks to everyone from nursery who donated prizes and baking etc. We have used the money raised to pay for transport to the Pantomime at MacRobert Centre, Stirling.We would like to say a special thank you to the local businesses and retailers who supported us by giving us a donation to our raffle. Thanks to : United Glass, Cabelo Arte, Alloa Fishmonger, Andy Sinclair Butchers, MacDonalds, Baxters Bakery, and Tesco.

Kincardine

Clackmannan

for a Christmas Day Service in Muckhart Parish Church at 10am led by the Muckhart Worship Group. There will be no service at Glendevon Parish Church. Saturday 24 December: Watchnight Service at Muckhart Parish Church at 11.30pm.

Alloa

Protection charity shop in Alloa Road, Fishcross, is open on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm selling good second hand clothing, brica-brac, books and new goods.

Tillicoultry Devon Angling Association: The Annual General Meeting of the Devon Angling Association will take place at The Royal Arms, Tillicoultry, on Tuesday 10 January at 7.30pm. All members are invited to attend.

Do you have an event you would like to publish in ‘whats on in your wee county’? Email the details to: weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk or call: 01259 404006

weecounty

Friday 23.12.11

EMERGENCY

Alloa Academy Notes

CONTACT NUMBERS

Inter-House competition

ELECTRICITY ScottishPower (all times) 0845 272 7999 Scottish Hydro-Electric (all times) 0800 300 999

Congratulations to pupils in Erskine House who have won this week’s InterHouse competition and gain 15 points for the House. Bruce were in second place gaining 10 points with Schaw in third place gaining 5 House points a complete reversal of last week’s result. 2B1 topped last week’s lists for both excellent citizenship and excellent co-operation. Well done to all class members.

GAS Transco Emergency (escapes) 0800 111 999 FIRE Central Brigade HQ 01324 716996 Stirling Fire Station 01786 472223 Allo Fire Station 01259 724112

Cross-Country event

The Clackmannanshire Schools Cross Country Event took place on Tuesday of last week in extremely difficult running conditions and foul weather. Alloa Academy was represented by over 50 pupils all of whom performed well despite the wind and the rain. Special congratulations go to our medal winners: Jodie Currie, Martin Mcnee, Aiden Cameron, Shaun Morrison, Shaun Johnston and Nikki Reid. S5 boys won the team event. Well done to them. Our Young Ambassadors once again made a valuable positive contribution to this event – thanks to all of them.

HOSPITALS Bannockburn Hospital 01786 483112 Stirling Community Hospital 01786 434000 Falkirk Community Hospital 01324 624000 Forth Valley Royal Hospital 01324 566000 NHS HELPLINE 0800 22 44 88 (National freephone servcie. Information is covered by trained counsellors 8am 10pm, Mon - Sun) NHS24 08454 24 24 24

Aidan Cameron Gold Medal S4 Boy

Jodie Currie Silver Medal S2 Girl

POLICE Central Scotland HQ 01786 456 000 WATER Scottish Water 0845 600 8855 Floodline 0845 988 1188 ROADS/LIGHTING CLARENCE 0845 277 7000 DENTAL Patients not registered 01324 620999 DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE Drugs Hotline 01786 456211 Addictions Support & Counselling 01786 450721 Signpost Recovery 0845 673 1774

Both of our junior and senior ceilidh events were extremely well-attended and a great time was had by all. A big thank you is due to Jack Delaney and his band who,once again, inspired our dancers to great performances. Mr Mackenzie kept things moving along in his usual festive style and the level of fashion savvy was extremely high. Look out for photos of the events.

December Newsletter

The December newsletter is now available on the school website. It contains reports about the work of each faculty and many great photographs of the events which have been going on in g the school. If you wish to have a paper copy of the newsletter, please call into the School Office.

Jeans for Genes

Thanks to all pupils and staff who helped organise or contributed to the Jeand for Genes Appeal. We received a letter of thanks and a certificate for the £745.11 raised during our appeal day.

HMIE Follow-Through Report

All pupils received a copy of the HMIE follow-

through report last week. Should you not have received a copy, please contact the School Office.

Pupil Council Meetings

Meetings of all year group Councils took place this week. On the agenda were items concerning the merit system, school catering, the buddy system and mini-rewards.

Christmas charity collection

We are continuing to collect household items for Start-up Stirling, and have had a good response so far. Thank you to all pupils and families who have made a donation. There is still time before the end of term to donate tinned or dried goods. Start-up Stirling puts together packs of goods to help homeless people set up when they get accommodation and they will be extremely grateful to receive the goods donated by Alloa Academy.

Next term’s dates

School will resume on Monday 9th January at 8.40. The mid-term

holiday will be the week beginning Monday 13th February and pupils will be back in school on Monday 20th February. Staff have two days on In-Service on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th February. The last day of the term will be Friday 30th March, when we will close for the two-week Easter holiday. Tracking and monitoring letters for S3-S6 will be issued on the following dates next term: Tuesday 10th January; Mon 30th January; Mon 5th March; Thurs 29th March

Merry Christmas to all parents and friends of the school.

RAPE CRISIS Central Scotland Rape Crisis 01786 471771 CHILDLINE SCOTLAND 0800 1111 CHILD DEATH HELPLINE 800 282986 VICTIM SUPPORT Stirling and district 01786 445782 SAMARITANS (Falkirk (24 hrs) 01324 622066 or 08457 909090 ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND Action on Dementia (24hrs) 0808 808 3000 WOMEN’S AID Alloa - 01259 721407 Stirling - 01786 470897 FAMILY MEDIATION Stirling - 01786 472984

Christmas Ceilidhs

Muddy, Wet + Happy - Jordan Duncan S1

With Samaritans you get the time and space to talk about your feelings. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

MP LE

Robbie Jack S2

OPEN SECRET Stirling (childhood abuse) 01786 448504 CARERS CENTRE Stirling - 01786 447003 PARKINSON’S Stirling - 0808 800 0303 COUNCIL ON DISABILITY Stirling - 01786 462178 ACTION IN MIND Stirling & district - 01786 451203

Friday 23.12.11

Thank you to

Shads Store

Gartmorn Store

Glen Convenience

Thank you to

Evelyn’s

Premier

Papershop

Mansfield Ave Sauchie

Sauchie

Gartmorn Road Sauchie

Fairfield Road Sauchie

Main Street Sauchie

and tha to all our

Main Street Sauchie

Thank you to

Co-op

Glen Groceries/ Corner Shop

Co-op

Bottle Shop

Stirling Street Alva

High Street Tillicoultry

Stirling Street Alva

Thank you to

Premier 24 Stirling Street Alva

Thank you to

M&A Foodstore Myrton Gate Alva

Thank you to

Co-op

Azad

Scotmid/ Co-op

Inglewood Store

Falconers

Co-op

Ochil Street Tullibody

Newmills Tullibody

Alloa Road Tullibody

Woodside Drive Alloa

Lornshill Cres Alloa

Tullibody Road Alloa

Thank you to

Asda

Whins Grocery

Orlandes

A&A News

Anna’s Larder

Snacks

Whins Road Alloa

Thank you to

Morrisons

Mona’s

H&M Woodbridge

Co-op

A&T Foodstore

Co-op

Clackmannan Rd Alloa

Muckhart

Park View Alloa

Kerse Green Clackmannan

High Street Alloa

Main Street Clackmannan

Candleriggs Alloa

Lochies Road Clackmannan

Bank Street Alloa

High Street Kincardine

Friday 23.12.11

Thank you to

Co-op

Key Store

Post Office

Thank you to

Botterills/ Spar

Filling Station

Post Office

Stiring Road Tullibody

Main Street Sauchie

Main Street Coalsnaughton

Thank you to

Premier

R&K Stenhouse

Manzoor

High Street Tillicoultry

Thank you to

Main Street Menstrie

Thank you to

Main Street Sauchie

ank you r retailers Main Street Menstrie

Thank you to

High Street Tillicoultry

Thank you to

K Mamood News Plus/ Premier

Dovecot Road Tullibody

Tron Court Tullibody

Fir Park Tillicoultry Thank you to

Cafe Tron Court Tullibody

Thank you to

Ghafoor/ Lifestyle

Moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News

Shop Smart

Card Shop

News Plus

BestOne

Hill Street Alloa

Mills Street Alloa

Shillinghill Alloa

Alloa

Thank you to

Medwyn Store

I Saleem

Mohamid Amin

Tesco

Fossoway

Sandraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Medwyn Place Alloa Thank you to

Londis High Street Kincardine

Harris Court Alloa Thank you to

Village News/ Lifestyle

Elphinstone St Kincardine

Menteith Court Alloa

Auld Brig Road Alloa

Thank you to

Post Office

Co-op

Papershop

John Menzies

Kincardine

Dollar

Crook of Devon

Dollar

Clackmannan Rd Alloa

Fullerton Drive Glasgow

9 9 9

ed.

ork

Friday 23.12.11

THE

Your Horoscope Predictions By Anne Smith Aries

Aries (21Mar March April) 20- -20 Apr 20 Time youintoCapricorn take a big leap xxxx With for Mars you’llforward have aonreal any creative projects that have felt stuckand feeling of liberation as the obstacles for few months, Venusbeings will beto lackthe oflast energy of recentastimes in your career house until the 21st you will ease. However, with Mercury retrograde, have the passion and drive to make goodlet in your eagerness to get ahead, don’t progress. The fighting Moon is spirit in Aries onirrational New your natural turn Year’s Day, so everything you may be –in the mood to and obscure including party all night your intuitions are also reason. Try tolong, avoid making major commitments till so January, butgut if you really high at this time, trust your instincts.

can’t wait, double check the small print.

Taurus (2120April May) Taurus Apr- 21 - 20 May

Raw, honest discussions with friends xxxxxxxxx With Marswill in lead Capricorn as Mercury and family to deeper bonds. As begins three-week period, you learna to trust yourretrograde own mind and you need to avoid attractive individuals emotions, you’ll be able to share more of with attractive get-rich-quick schemes. yourself with the people that you love. You also need show a certain financial When your ruler Venus your self-restraint where anmoves objectinto of love, career on the 22nd, you’ll feel like you or lust,zone is concerned. Communication can once again rule the world. You also problems are likely and you may findget an extra to special bonusyourself when lucky Jupiter it hard articulate without goes direct in your on Christmas Eve. coming across as sign too blunt or critical.

Gemini (2221May - 21- June) Gemini May 21 Jun

Your ruler Mercury goes direct on the xxxx It must be frustrating having to deal with 13th, providing some much needed those whose imagination as limited stability; you’ll be able toiscope with as daily their enthusiasm. Thisafter maythat. slowThe youNew down, stress much better especially where commercial or property Moon on Christmas eve puts in you in the matters However, with love mind setare of concerned. being around those who Mercury, your ruler, retrograde you, wither it isplanetary family, friends or a lover, there be no better itforis three a timeweeks, of heart feltcould communications, timetotofind taketime things review the try forslowly someand fun to too. practical elements of your situation.

Cancer (2222JuneJun- 23- 22July)Jul Cancer

Time out is needed if possible can you xxxxxxxxx Life at the may seem little more arrange to moment be at a place of relaxation to than a process dealing with minororissues, down load all ofofthat stress, a yoga problems and details. Tiresome as these meditation class or at least sequester are, having to review yourself in the comforttheofway yourthings home,are done feel has been illuminating, if not alarming. you’ll safe and protected, after the For this reason, the cycle symbolised eclipse a sense of calm and peace willby last week’s but Newonly Moon could be of tremendous return, if you effectively deal importance. Only once youupknow with the issues that come in a what positive needs to be done can you eliminate what manner. doesn’t work and begin to use what does.

Leo (24 Leo 23 July Jul -- 23 22Aug) Aug

Libra (2423Sept Oct) Libra Sep- 23 - 23 Oct

The planets are sure to rock your scales xxxxxxxxxx With Mars in Capricorn, Venus in Scorpio this month, you may be wishing you and Mercury retrograde, you’re likely to be hotly could crawl the covers and avoid pursued, eitherunder personally or professionally byall means of who communication, thetaking inevitable individuals may have trouble no for an transformation following is all answer. So if you’re really notthe sure,chaos keep quiet, sincethe attempts be diplomatic rather than rock for good.toTake quiet time at home to the boat could get you in hot water. Dazzling as recent ponder and reflect over all of the amazing developments involving people or activities that lessons you learned in 2011and set aboutare dear to your heart may havebetter. been, you may still making changes for the be feeling a little subdue or even dejected.

Scorpio (2424 OctOct - 22 -Nov) Scorpio 21 Nov Change might be painful, but it’s always xxxxxxxx

This week maylong not run. find you a very good in the Youincan shed layers communicative Therethis maymonth, even be certain upon layers ofmood. yourself individuals who you might think you’ll never speak especially the parts that no longer fit. towards Now to again. Nevertheless, taking the first step that you’ve pinpointed problem areas reconciliation may not onlyany achieve miracles, youin your thinking, you canhand. uproot negative may also gain the upper Thisany might be good timing, since you could be hearing thought patterns andsoon replace them about with some extraordinary ideasyou or offers want tois healthier ideas. What say toand yourself compare notes with friends and family. Appealing utterly crucial now; make sure those mindas these are, don’t expect snap decisions. messages are positive.

Sagittarius (23 Sagittarius 22Nov Nov- -21 21Dec) Dec Mercury goes direct on 13 December

xx No Sagittarian likes waiting, particularly and communication will cease to be an when matters are pressing. But if you ongoing migraine, Jupiter consider the changesyour that ruler took place goes the 25th workwhy andit duringdirect, recenton weeks, it will and be clear money on the of a major would beare unwise to verge forge ahead, however acceleration. fits and convinced you After are oftoo yourmany priorities. This perspective be hard but this starts over may the past fourwon, months, you’ll underlines doing things be psychedthetoimportance get back inofthe saddle once and doing them right. Don’t commit again. to too much now, keep your options open.

Capricorn (22 22 DecDec - 20 -Jan) Capricorn 19 Jan

It’s recently been difficult to focus, let xxxxx With Mercury retrograde conjoining Mars, others alone form clear sentence structures, but seem to be as going of the wayweeks to challenge itmay gets better theout next few unfold. whatWinter you do and say. Oronat 22 leastDecember that’s what you The Solstice marks mayjust expect mayday be tempted to cutentering corners or not theand first of the Sun your stars, facts but also thesleeve. return ofthat’s lighter, keep certain up your Now all very longer December, justbeainfew well anddays. good,On and24 while you might not the days later, the New Moon in Capricorn mood to talk turkey you need to be careful not to get invites start drafting your New yourself you into atocomplicated communication labyrinth, Year’s resolutions for 2012. and crossed wires. full of rumour, misunderstandings

Aquarius (2120 JanJan - 19- Feb) Aquarius 18 Feb

Long standing issues you’ve had with xxxxxxxxx While your recent self-indulgence may have left friends or any groups you’re associated you feeling worse for wear, it looks like you’ve with will come under the microscope. If still a fair amount of socialising left to do but you must break ties, try not to mourn too you don’t to blow a hole in your finances. So long, as it’s for the best. You’re leaving whether it’s you noble sense of integrity or an toxic associations behind so that you can insatiable desire for rich food, your reluctance move a newer and brighter to turninto down an invitation could bephase your next year, oneand thatso,will youryourself creativeas a undoing tryengage considering life fully and see you goals piece in valuable resource, notachieving quiet a museum personal and working life. nonetheless. yet, but precious and scarce

Your ruler Uranus is finally coming out of xxxxxxx Just when things seemed to be going so retrograde on 9th December, after putting well, you find you’re plagued with irritating your life in limbo forbacks, the past little difficulties and set and few with months. Mars Your creative fires will be reignited conjoining retrograde Mercury in Capricorn, you without leading you to burnout. Then need to be careful. You’ll be in uncompromising Mercury direct on theas13th, mood withgoes a tongue as sharp a bee’seasing ass, but up any around with you mightstress sting the wrongcommunication person. Now is the time family, friends is to face facts and and get itcolleagues, all over with.and This life requires diplomacy; particularly you may need more balanced fromsince the 15th. others help or support to carry out your plans.

Virgo

Pisces (2019Feb - 20 Mar) Pisces Feb - 20 Mar Duality and mixed messages could be a xxxxxxxxxx

Virgo (2423Aug - 23 Sept) Aug - 22 Sep xxxxxxxxx You may be going a whole While you Virgos havethrough gained an enviablerange

of confusing feelings your job,out areof reputation for your abilityabout to create order you in sometimes the right it’s linebest of not work? not, youto chaos, to beIftoo keen may feel like neatly it’s time to move on, or put everything in place and over-commit circumstances may move you.for Onthree the weeks, other yourself. With Mercury retrograde you really keep yourfor options, your hand, youneed maytobe vying a newand position diary,feel as open as possible. Consequently, you may and incredibly anxious about whether find yourself trying settle the current you’ll get it.preoccupied This month is alltoabout you crop of unresolved withnotice wanting more forsituations, you, so combined sit up take confusion over certain personal decisions. but in a constructive manner.

If recent events have appear to have been conspired huge test you, of your thisretrograde, month. But the the to frustrate with faith Mercury a clear good thatone Mercury air talknews with aisloved or friendand mayJupiter be necessary will both come out of retrograde, bringing and give you a chance to blow off some of that communication and luck back you’re your steam that’s being boiling away inside you recently. everyday life. (They go direct respectively The situation is unlikely to prove a dead issue but at on the 13th and the 25th). On Christmas least you’ll get some breathing space and a chance Eve, the New Moon in Capricorn marks the to take a more practical, down-to-earth view of perfect moment to sit down and write down matters. You are urged to take your time dealing with your plans for 2012. issues so that no loose ends remain.

Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church services

contact, ANNE on

entertainment weecounty

Re-GEN

07506723569

Email angelanne@btinternet.com or visit www.angelanne.co.uk

Angel Anne

Spiritualist Medium/Psychic &Tarot

Food for the soul

Recently featured in “Pick Me Up” Magazine And the Scottish Sun Is AvailableFor Readings Every Wednesday Day time & Thursday Evenings in Baillieston Glasgow £30 per reading To book call Anne on 07506723569 Visit www.angelanne.co.uk or follow her on FB

Sizzling Suzie’s Q ’s Views! Winter Warmers

The Wee County is pleased to have the infamous ‘Q, from Airdrie’ writing for the Entertainment Pages, to give you all some comic relief. As a regular contributor to the Glasgow Metro newspaper, and a regular in the comedy scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Q has given the Wee County an exclusive column, which we are sure will have you wanting for more in the next edition of the Wee County!

Q & SPANNER’S TOP 2 - Darth Vadar (from the It’s that time of year again. When you have decide “Starto Wars” movies) MOVIE BADDIES how to use up all the stuff cluttering up the freezer 1 - Margaret Thatcher (from Last myshops mate for Christmas before youweek hit the essentials like big “The Iron Lady”) Spanner was round at my bags of ice for all your drinks!! Only kidding, my bottom We stand by our number house for theisfirst time since freezer drawer always full of ice.1☺choice. One thing I love Think about it; I got married. Actually, come about Christmas is that you buy andat eat stuff youthe would least with others you to think of it, it was the first normally never have at any other time of say year. Which could “Thank time he since he nutcracker. (No jokes God that reminds mewas thatround I need a new wasn’t real”. brought horrible DVD Ed!) heehee. about Karenthat or Paula please If like me you “Human Centipede” round for are expecting some visitors over the festive season, then usatofew watch in for 2010. That film canapés. THE BIG MAN here ideas some tasty Most can be wasinpure, undiluted and time of writing, made advance, makeevil you seem likeAt the hostess with only now that I can find the freezer investment banker Alan theit’s mostest and really leave shop bought thestanding. strength to talk about it. cut into Pollock is an internet hero ones Any sandwich shapes with a Anyway, a few beers a winner. known as “The Big Man” for festive cookieafter cutter is always we started coming up with hurling a passenger off a “Lists” (e.g- Top 5 Comedians, train after he allegedly had no Top 5 Supercars ticket. Some think he should Yorkshire Puds etc). I’m sure you have your own lists Ready made small Yorkshire get a knighthood, others think puddings of favourite things, but below he should get the jail. Coldiscooked thinly slicedBaddies, roast beef our Top 5 Movie It has been said that if Alan Horseradish sauce (optional) which I’m 100% sure you’ll Pollock is charged, then by Gravy agree with. the same logic the heroes who battered terrorists at Make up some good quality gravy T101 “Themade with Glasgow Airport in 2007 mix5or- like meCyborg defrost (from some you last weeks roast dinner. Terminator”) Place some beef, ¼ tsp of horseradish and a tbsp of gravy should have been charged into4each pudding. Alternatively you cantoo use .roast pork and However, there is a big - The Kiddy Catcher (from apple sauce or chicken and stuffing. Reheat in a hot oven difference in the190c 2 incidents. “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”) for about 10-12 min. The heroes of Glasgow Airport 3 - Hannibal Lecter (from had no time to react and wait “Silence of the Lambs”) Mini Bruschetta for police assistance; lives Toast Garlic cloves Fresh chopped tomatoes with seeds removed Fresh mozzarella Basil leaves

were at stake. Alan and the conductor, on the other hand, did. A quick call to the police would have had them waiting at the next station, and given the lad the opportunity to question the wisdom of his actions in the back of a police car (assuming of course he was guilty of fare dodging). Perhaps even the mere threat of police intervention would have seen the lad leave quietly. Who knows. The moral to the story is this- if you have time to think before acting, then do it. You should never forget that the basis of Scots law is that people should act reasonably, so a jury may not concur overwhat you think constitutes reasonable behaviour. Most of all, you should never forget that the vast majority of people have mobile phones that come fitted with cameras.

JAMIE OLIVER

I settled down with a glass

of mulled cider with the wife on Wednesday...ok it wasn’t mulled or in a glass but judging by the bench marks of honesty on TV recently I was telling the truth, honest guv! I feel sorry for Lord Attenbrough regaring the Frozen Planet debacle, he’s always been a hero of mine and he genuinly wanted us to be emersed in his tundra spectacular, and we were until the Daily Mail picked holes in it. So cider in hand I’m currently watching ‘Jamie’s Christmas With Bells on’ (yes I can type, drink and view and none of it’s post production) and wonder why oh why he’s sent Jules and their army of kids out to spray a florishing green countryside scene white! Every time the wind blows the painted shrubbery revels the obvious greenery, mate we know you film it in the summer, take your lumberjack GAP sponsored jacket off, you must be boiling!

DODGY PARKING

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THE TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN

Using a pastry cutter cut out the bread into small shapes before all you havetoast to with do isa cut complete toasting. Rub each garlic clove.the Topcrossword with some tomato, mozzarella and a basil leaf. below and send it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose

Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply

Mini sausage rolls

Across 19. Rear part of a 1 pack of ready cooked mini ship (5) sausages 1. Aquatic mammal (5) made puff pastry 20. Smooth fabric (5) 1 pack of ready 4. Striped equine (5) Mustard/or ketchup 7. Watered (9) Down 8. Flows back 1. Relinquished Roll out the pastry and cut (4) into small squares. Dab a (6) spot Tennisinstoke (5) 2. Atmosphere (3) of mustard or10. ketchup the middle and roll up a sausage 13. Arm (5) 190c for 3.10-12 Boundary diagonally. Bake in a bone hot oven min.of a 14. Disparaging surface (4) remark (4) 4. Stringed instrument Retro Cheese/and pineapple hedgehog 17. Essential (9) (6) Large orange Cheese cut into cubes Can of pineapple chunks Cocktail sticks

5. Confound (7) 6. Desiccated (4) 9. State of equilibrium (7) 11. Bird of prey (6) 12. Implement for writing or drawing (6) 15. Optical device (4) 16. Small snakes (4) 18. Colony insect (3)

Cut a small slice out of the orange so it will stand without rolling. Skewer the cheese and pineapple onto the cocktail sticks and push into the orange. Not only will it give your guests a laugh but I guarantee it will get eaten!!

Mini mincemeat puffs

CROSSWORD

S S

Jar of good quality mincemeat Pack of all butter puff pastry Beaten egg Sugar Using a fancy shape cut out the pastry. Add a tsp of mincemeat and using the beaten egg as a glue top with another shape. Prod with a fork to make steam holes. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar before baking in a hot oven 190-200c for 15-20 min until well risen golden and crispy. Have a bowl of whipped cream or a jug of single cream on the side.

Well folks take care, have a good one and see you all inName: the New Year .................................................................. T:. ............................................ Love Susie xx Address:.....................................................................................................................

We are on the prowl to find the Wee County’s dodgy parkers but we need your help! Unfortunately, we cannot do this campaign on our own – so please send in your dodgy parking pictures to weecounty@ hubpublishing.co.uk. Does one of your colleagues suffer from dodgyparkingitis? If so, take a picture of the evidence and send it to us! Don’t worry, all identities will be protected and vehicle registrations blanked out. This is all in the name of good fun, and in no way are we personally attacking any individual or group.

SUDOKU Answers on page 25

weecounty

lifestyle

Friday 23.12.11

Christmas around the world W

hile the spirit of the season remains the same the world over, for every different country you’ll find a way of celebrating Christmas, thanks mainly to the cultures of varying countries giving birth to their own festive traditions. We take a look at some of the differences across Europe and beyond.

ENGLAND Of course, we all know that a traditional English festive season includes Father Christmas, stockings on bed posts and mince pies. But did you know that carolling originated in England, too? Wandering musicians would travel from town to town, visiting the homes of the rich and hoping for a hot meal or money in return for a festive performance.IrelandFood forms a big part of the Irish Christmas, with plum pudding the traditional desert as well as the usual mince pies and fruitcake. It’s tradition in these parts to leave a mince pie and a bottle of Guinness as a snack for Santa. GERMANY Adventszeit - literally ‘the time before Christmas’ - runs from the

1st to the 24th December and German houses can be found decorated with Christmas wreaths containing four candles, which are lit every Sunday until Christmas Eve. The Weinachtmann - ‘the Christmas Man’ looks like Santa and brings gifts. There’s also a unique German tradition called Christbaumloben, in which people visit friends on the 26th December to praise their Christmas trees.

ITALY Christmas in Italy generally begins after the Feast of Immaculate Conception on December 8th. By the second week of December, Christmas trees are lit across the city and in most houses. Some may display the Presepe - a customary miniature decoration depicting the birth of Jesus, not unlike our nativity scenes. Santa Claus plays little part in a traditional Italian Christmas. Instead, they believe that Jesus visits houses with gifts, but unlike many of their European counterparts, Italian children don’t hang stockings on the mantelpiece. FRANCE Christmas in France is called Noel, which comes from the phrase

‘bonnes nouvelles’ - the good news, referring to the Gospel. In big cities, the story of Christ’s birth is re-enacted with puppets in cathedral squares. French children have their own Father Christmas in Pere Noel, and they leave their shoes out before bed on Christmas Eve, hoping to find them filled with gifts the next morning. SWITZERLAND Christmas in Switzerland resounds with the ringing of the bells. The tinkling of the bell heralds the arrival of the white clad angel called the Christkindli with presents. Three candles are lit when she arrives, and she hands the presents from baskets held by her helpers.

FINLAND Though not celebrated as fervently as in many other European countries, Christmas in Finland has its own charm. A tree is usually decorated a few days before Christmas and there’s a special Christmas Eve breakfast: rice porridge, cinnamon, sugar and milk. An almond is hidden in the porridge and whoever finds it first is believed to have great luck all through the following year. Unlike most parts of the world, the presents are opened on Christmas Eve. They believe that since Santa Claus lives in Finland, he visits them first.

PET of the week

Even the way one wishes Merry Christmas varies across the boundaries. If you’re travelling during the festive season, here’s how to deliver a festive greeting to the natives England - Happy Christmas Ireland - Nodlig mhaith chugna Germany - Frohliche Weihnachten France - Joyeux Noel Spain - Felices Pascuas, Feliz Navidad Switzerland - Vessle Vanoce Italy - Buon Natale Finland - Hauskaa Joulua Russia - Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

weecounty recipes Mulled wine C

, s k n i T Roxy, a k i M Tess &

Age: Roxy - 7 Tinks - 2 Tess - 7 Mika - 4

Lives: With Erin in Tillicoultry

Likes: Walks along the Devon, swimming, having a shower with blow dry and people Dislikes: Postman

To submit your pet please send a photo of your pet to weecounty@ hubpublishing.co.uk or post your photo to The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG with your name, your pets name, breed, age and his or her likes and dislikes. * although we will try, we cannot guarantee the return of any photos posted to us.

hristmas isn’t Christmas without a glass of mulled wine by the tree. Follow our simple recipe for a delicious glass of festive cheer. MAKES 1 LARGE POT. INGREDIENTS 2 clementines 1 lemon 1 cinnamon stick 1inch piece of ginger, peeled and cut in half small handful whole cloves 150g sugar 500ml water 2 bottles red wine

METHOD 1. Grate the zest from the clementines and lemon, and place the zest in a large pan along with the cinnamon stick and ginger. 2. Peel one of the clementines. Slice the peeled fruit and add

the slices to the pan. 3. Press the cloves into the skin of the unpeeled clementine, then add the whole thing to the pan. 4. In a separate pan, bring the water to the boil and add the sugar, dissolving, then pour

into the first pan. 5. Add the wine to the pan with all the other ingredients, then cover and heat gently on a very low heat until warmed through. 6. Sieve into glasses before serving warm.

Friday 23.12.11

Terrific Turkey Tips

lifestyle

Stocking up A

golden-brown succulent turkey is traditionally the centrepiece of a Christmas meal but what should you do to ensure it doesn’t come out like a dog’s dinner? From basting to standing time and even making sure you stuff the right end (yes, really), follow our guide to the perfect bird and you can’t go far wrong. 1. Choose the best you can afford The road to the perfect turkey starts with a single step: buying a good one with the best flavour. Most turkeys available in supermarkets are intensively farmed or even battery-reared, negatively affecting the quality of the meat. For the best, most succulent bird, go free-range. Free-range birds are reared slowly in better conditions, leading to a more flavourful festive feast. If you’re buying fresh from the local butcher, don’t forget to order it well in advance and arrange to pick it up in time! 2. Buy the right size There’s no need to buy a bird big so big that you’re stuck with cold cuts and turkey curry for the whole of January, but making sure you allow enough for everyone goes a long way towards a harmonious Christmas dinner. As a rough guide, allow 500g/1.2lbs of raw meat per person, plus a bit extra in case of unexpected guests. 3. Don’t skimp on defrosting If you don’t want to be serving Christmas dinner on Boxing Day, avoid the rookie mistake made by many novice festive chefs: not allowing enough time for the turkey to defrost. A frozen bird must be completely thawed before cooking to avoid any holiday tummy nasties, so check the instructions on the packaging and follow to the letter. A big bird can take a couple of days to thaw, so make sure you don’t leave it until last thing on Christmas Eve. For the best results, remove the packaging and place the turkey in a tray at the bottom of the fridge to catch any liquids. In a 4 degrees celsius fridge, allow 10-12 hours per kg (but check the temperature of your fridge first). Defrosting at room temperature (20 degrees celsius) will take about 2 hours per kg, but remember to put the bird back in the fridge once defrosted until ready to cook. Food safety first: always put the bird in the bottom of the fridge, to avoid contamination by gravity thanks to any stray juices. 4. Safely stuffing There’s some debate as to whether it’s safe to stuff the main cavity of a bird before cooking; some say there’s a risk of bacteria growth before the internal temperature reaches safe levels, while others wouldn’t dream of cooking an un-stuffed bird. As an alternative, stuffing between the skin and the breast meat can give a lovely flavour and stop the meat from drying out, while stuffing the main cavity with an onion can enhance the flavour of both the bird and the gravy. If you’re making your own stuffing, you can prepare it a couple of days in advance and refrigerate, but if your recipe includes raw egg, make it on the day. Finally, don’t stuff too tight - leave enough room to allow for expansion during cooking. 5. Perfect cooking Place the turkey in a roasting tin and rub with butter, then cover loosely with foil; this will help the bird to brown without drying out the meat. Covering the thighs with streaky bacon can stop the tops from burning. Allow about 20 minutes per 500g/1.2lbs, but don’t forget to include the weight of the stuffing in your calculations (weigh it beforehand and add to the weight of the bird). Half way through cooking, remove the foil and, using a baster or a large serving spoon, baste the turkey with the juices in the bottom of the pan, then do this every 20 minutes until cooked. To test if it’s cooked through, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the leg. When the juices run clear, you’re done. If in any doubt, return to the oven for another 30 minutes. Don’t forget to let the turkey rest at the end; this will make it easier to carve. Cover and leave for 30 minutes at room temperature.

weecounty

ccording to folklore, the tradition of the Christmas Stocking dates back to the days of a kindly nobleman whose wife had died of an illness leaving him and his three daughters in despair. After losing all his money in useless and bad inventions the family had to move into a peasant’s cottage, where the daughters did their own cooking, sewing and cleaning. When it came time for the daughters to marry, the father became even more depressed as his daughters could not marry without dowries - money and property given to the new husband’s family. One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of

the father, stopped by the nobleman’s house. Looking in the window Saint Nicholas saw that the family had gone to bed. He also noticed the daughters’ stockings. Inspiration struck Saint Nicholas and he took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them one by one down the chimney and they landed in the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry and he lived a long and happy life. Children all over the world continue the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings. In some countries children have similar customs, in France the children place their shoes by the fireplace, a tradition dating back

to when children wore wooden peasant shoes. In Holland the children fill their shoes with hay and a carrot for the horse of Sintirklass. In Hungary children shine their shoes before putting them near the door or a window sill. Italian children leave their shoes out the night before Epiphany, January 5, for La Befana the good witch. And in Puerto Rico children put greens and flowers in small boxes and place them outside the front door.

The Christmas Truce of 1914

t’s hard to imagine the First World War stopping for Christmas, but according to record, that’s exactly what happened as several informal truces occurred at various points along the trench-lines of Northern France and Belgium in 1914. It may well be that there were other places where truces took place, but our precise knowledge of events is limited by the amount of direct eyewitness testimony which has so far been discovered. Nevertheless, there are enough trustworthy reports to convince us that something extraordinary happened that first Christmas of the war, and that it was not entirely an isolated happening. The image of opposing soldiers shaking hands with each other on one day and then deliberately trying to kill each other the next is a powerful one, and one which is part and parcel of remembrance of the Great War. It was, perhaps, a last example of open-handed chivalry before the squalor and horror of the next three years changed the old world for ever. Far from wishing to attack, some Germans seemed inclined to make Christmas a quiet period, in which they could enjoy memories of home. The Germans had originated the tradition of bringing Christmas trees into their houses and decorating them, a practice which was introduced into England by Queen Victoria’s German Prince Consort, Albert. In 1914 the practice was still not as widespread in the UK

as it was in Germany. The Germans had brought Christmas trees into their trenches and dugouts in various places, and had decorated some parts of their parapet. It appears that the Germans took the lead in making informal contact with their enemies by calling across NoMan’s Land to attract their attention, after which one or two particularly brave men took the courageous step of standing upright on their parapets. The first contacts were made on Christmas Eve, but it was on Christmas Day itself that most of the fraternisation took place, following a particularly cold and misty dawn. There had been a heavy overnight frost in Northern France and Belgium, and the surface of the ground was frozen. The truce was taken as an opportunity to meet, to shake hands, to show family photographs and to exchange small items of food and tobacco. Even the

Royal Welsh Fusiliers, ordered to stay in their trenches, joined in the spirit of things, flinging tins of bully beef and jam towards the Germans, with seasonal greetings like, “Here you are, you hungry b******s!” For the most part of the day, the opposing armies took advantage of the opportunity to repair and drain their trenches, and to bury their dead. The truce ended just as it had begun: by mutual agreement. A Captain from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers recalled how, after a truly “Silent Night,” he fired three shots into the air at 8.30 a.m. on December 26th and then climbed onto his parapet. A German officer who had given him a beer the previous day also appeared on his parapet. They bowed, saluted and climbed back into their trenches. A few moments afterwards, the Captain reports hearing the German fire two shots into the air and, as he said, “the War was on again.”

weecounty

services

Friday 23.12.11

weecounty services 01259 404 006 To advertise in this section, call the Wee County sales team NOW

Reid Tree & Garden Services

• Tree felling, shaping & trimming • All other landscaping services available • Mono blocking, patios & paths laid Pathways & drives gravelled • Slabbing & walls repaired or replaced • Fences & turfing • All types and sizes of trees supplied and planted from 1mtr to 10mtr For free estimate and advice telephone Mr. Reid: 0800 0432375 / 07979 634002

G.J.S.

LANDSCAPES & FENCING

Property Maintenance

• FENCING • DECKING • SLABBING • TREE FELLING • LAWN MAINTENANCE • CHIPPING • TIDY UPS • EXTERIOR PAINTING • BRICKWORK • GUTTERS REPAIRED & CLEANED • GARDEN WALLS • MONOBLOCKING • DRAINAGE

FREE ESTIMATES CALL GORDON TEL: 07917 196 653 01324 619 402 ALL YOUR NEEDS IN ONE www.gjslandscaping.co.uk

Ewan Douglas PLUMBING

Central Plumbing & Heating

Mob: 07861 498 692

Boiler Repair Service & Installation Showers, Bathrooms & Burst Pipes

24HR EMERGENCY REPAIRS NO CALL OUT FEE Complete bathroom installations FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 01259 215 036

www.ewandouglasplumbing.co.uk

My Van and Me.com • Van and Driver Hire from £25p/hr • Handyman Services • Decorating / Fencing / Removals etc.

Call Jim on: 01259 730839 or 07411161223

Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2012 to all our advertisers and readers UPHOLSTERY

VAN/ VAN DRIVER

RE-UPHOLSTERY

VAN 4 U

Cintique • Ercol • Wade • Parker Knoll Frazers • Duresta • Reid etc

Re-upholstery + Re-covering FREE Scatter Cushions • FREE Arm Covers FREE Estimate Also Loose Covers & French Polishing Leather Repair Specialists

OAP Discounts • 7 Days Service

NU-REST

RE-UPHOLSTERY

Your Local Master Upholsterers

All areas including Falkirk, Stirling, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Grangemouth, Bo’ness, Linlithgow, Alloa & Dunblane

PLUMBERS

Your local gas safe registered heating engineers

24 Hour Call Out OAP Discount

Tel 07736 888891 centralplumbing1@hotmail.co.uk

Robert Shepherd Plumbing Ltd PLUMBING AND CENTRAL HEATING

231/2 hour service

Domestic & Commercial call on 01259 215668

07831 386072

SECURITY

VAN/ VAN DRIVER

GARDENING SERVICES

CALL FREE 0500 454549 All major credit cards accepted. Interest Free Credit • Details On Request • Typical APR 0%

* 50% of all Fabrics

STORAGE

SELF STORAGE Secure 20ft

Storage Containers to rent Short or long term

Contact Central Storage, Stirling 01786 470954 - 07879 895 824 GARAGE DOORS

House Clearances, Rubbish Uplifts, Single Item & Garden Rubbish Clearance 07938 722 394 TV AERIAL SERVICES

INGLIS

INSTALLATIONS T/V. Aerials • Repairs Sky Digitial. Free to view services & Extra points. Tel: (01506) 824 614 or text JOB to 07541 288 165

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE call Heather on 01259 404 006

weecounty package

CCTV Basic Package

4 Cameras, Monitor, Recorder, Mouse and Installation

£899.98

Plus VAT

Limited Quantity

www.glendalesecurity.co.uk

0800 318 083

ELECTRICIAN

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Alex Hill Colourway

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

Offering electrical services and installation work to industrial, commerical and domestic premises

Interior Decorating FREE ESTIMATES No job too small Call 01259 752 340 or mob: 0788 420 6186

Tel/Fax: 01259 210 445 Mob: 07957 395 522 BUILDERS

Roofs R Us Up to 15 Years Guarantee On All New Roofs

• • • • •

Slating & Tiling UpVC cladding All cement work & led work undertaken Roofs cleaned and coated Gutters repaired, cleaned & renewed

SPECIALISTS IN FLAT ROOFS All areas covered Family Run Business

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT COMPETITIVE PRICES

01324 808 722 0800 303 2217

MANZIE

ROOFING SERVICES

24hr CALL OUT

service@manzieroofing.co.uk www.manzieroofing.co.uk For a free estimate call

01259 210 849/07907400 566 SLATING / FELTING / TILING / SHEETING / CLADDING / GUTTERING / uPVC FACIAS ROUGH CASTING / BUILDING WORKS

TV AERIALS

Aerials T.V. AERIALS STIRLING

DIGITAL AERIALS Satellite installations and repairs ALL ~ WORK ~ GUARANTEED

CALL YOUR LOCAL ENGINEER NOW

0800 5118 300 MOBILE 0770 218 7010

INSURANCE APPROVED CONTRACTOR

PLASTERING

N&G

Plastering

Plastering, Interior and exterior painting and Tiling work all undertaken at competitive rates Coving installation Full liability insurance

Quality assured FREE Estimates Contact Gary on: 01259 210 311 or 07909 923 556

JOINERY

NORLAND JOINERY All types of joinery work undertaken, loft conversion specialists, extensions, kitchens etc. Free estimates

Tel: 07831 284 618

www.norlandjoinery.com

Recruitment

Friday 23.12.11

Call Centre Agent Job No: ALL/22970 Employer Reference: SO0178 SOC Code: 7211 Wage £10.40 Per Hour + Weekend, Evening, Night Enhancement Hours 36 hours per week, Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 December 2011 Closing date 20 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description - Services to PeopleTelecare/MECS Responders (Relief) hours as required MECS Responders work as part of a larger team of staff who provide a quality care service, to service users in their own home. You will be required to work on your own initiative responding to calls for assistance from service users - tasks will include personal care, assisting people who have fallen, and assessing emergency situations. You will work co-operatively with the service’s contact centre to deal with all calls appropriately and timorously. You must be available to work both day and evening shifts within a rota managed by the Team Leader Should you have difficulty in accessing the documents and application form and wish to request a paper application pack please call 01259 452234 (24 hrs) and leave your details along with the reference number of the post. How to apply-You can apply for this job by visiting www. myjobscotland.gov.uk/fe/tpl_ ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=jj &id=118503&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council Customer Service Assistant Job No: ALL/22973 SOC Code: 6211 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours 25 to be arranged Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description You will be the friendly face engaging with our customers and processing bets on our state-of-the-art betting system. As a Customer Service

Assistant you are key in making our customers feel welcome and we strive to continuously deliver excellent customer service. Our shop environments are modern and the atmosphere is thrilling and exciting. We are a fast-. paced 7 day - a - week business and our busiest times are very much dictated by the sporting calendar. Bearing this in mind you must be flexible and adaptable. If you would like a role where no two days are the same and if delivering customer service comes naturally, apply now and become part of the thrilling gambling action. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting atsv7.wcn. co.uk/company/williamhill/ login.cgi?owner=5044480& ownertype=fair&jcode=1224 664&extOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer William Hill Maintenance Engineer ASPA15303 Job No: ALL/22977 Employer Reference: ASPA15303 SOC Code: 5241 Wage £22000 to £25000 Per Annum Hours 40 per week over 5 Monthurs 7.30-4.30 Fri 3.30 Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 15 December 2011 Closing date 12 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Due to growth in the business our client, a worldwide manufacturing organisation based in Alloa are currently seeking an experienced Maintenance Engineer to join their existing Mechanical Maintenance team. Key responsibilities will include: planned preventative maintenance, breakdown, and repair. You will be working on a wide range of plant and equipment including Pneumatics, valves, conveyor systems, fans, pumps and hydraulics. Candidates will be time served in the Mechanical environment (Trade papers must be provided) and have a sound knowledge and understanding of the above requirements. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Recruitment at

Aspirare Recruitment Scotland, 52 Castle Street, HAMILTON, Lanarkshire, ML3 6BU or to cv@ aspirare.co.uk. Employer Aspirare Recruitment Scotland Domestic Assistant Job No: ALL/22979 Employer Reference: HCO31873 SOC Code: 9233 Wage £12646.40 per annum Hours 16 Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 19 December 2011 Closing date 02 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description To work as part of a team to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene within the Care Centre, whilst ensuring a safe, comfortable environment at all times.Daily Cleaning:-Empty waste bins and wipe out-Vacuum throughout.-Shake out cushions.Clean dining rooms / lounges / lavatories.-Clean taps and sinks.-Clean soap dishes.-Clean toothbrush holder s.-Spot clean all floorings. Weekly Cleaning: -Polish all mirrors-Clean all pipework in lavatories.-Dust handrails and radiators.Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by applicant. Job Reference: HCO31873 How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Southern Cross Healthcare at HC-1, jobs.83735.776@hcone.aplitrak. com. Employer HC-1 Kitchen Assistant Job No: ALL/22980 SOC Code: 9233 Wage £12646.40 per annum Hours Days & hours to be agreed Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 19 December 2011 Closing date 02 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Kitchen assistant required to assist in organising and controlling the efficient and economic production of quality food within the allowed budget, whilst maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Job Reference:

HCO31874 How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to jobs at HC-1, jobs.43221.776@hcone.aplitrak. com. Employer HC-1 Cleaning Operative Job No: ALL/22942 Employer Reference: Sterling Mills SOC Code: 9233 Wage £7.50 Per Hour Hours 12 hours over 5 days Location Sterling Mills, Tillicoultry FK13 Duration Temporary Date posted 02 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description A cleaning operative is required to work in a busy retail shop. Experience is preferred and must be able to work on your own initiative, candidates must be able to start work immediately. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Michelle Dixon at Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd, mdixon@ platinumenvironmentalgb.co.uk. Employer Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd Door to Door Sales Person Job No: ALL/22961 SOC Code: 7121 Wage £12,500 PER ANNUM Hours 40 HOURS PER WEEK, MONDAY-FRIDAY, 12PM-8PM WITH BREAK Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 08 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description The ideal candidate will be motivated and driven to hit and exceed achievable targets. You will also be customer focused. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone wanting to build their sales skills into a career within a progressive and established multinational market leader. Ideally you will either have some sales experience or a military, authorities background and eager to move into a sales career. Full driving licence is essential. This is a rewarding door to door sales role where you will be provided all of the necessary tools and technology to achieve great results. You will be advising potential customers on the benefits

weecounty and savings available for them when switching to a competitive package for their home energy, as well as providing solutions for them to save on their usage. Employer states OTE £29,972.00 or call Kevin on 0191 230 3947 How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin Tinkler at Prime Time Recruitment, kevin. tinkler@primetime.co.uk. Employer Prime Time Recruitment Assistant Manager/ Manageress Job No: ALL/22954 SOC Code: 1163 Wage £6.50 PER HOUR Hours 30 HOURS PER WEEK,4-5 DAYS FROM7,10.00AM-6.00PM Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 06 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience in a similar role essential. Duties include all aspects of assisting in the day to day running of a busy home store including cash handling, dealing with customers, planning staff rota’s and other duties. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22954, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255. Supervisor Job No: ALL/22963 SOC Code: 7111 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours 35 HOURS PER WEEK, 5 DAYS FROM 7, BETWEEN 9AM6PM Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Temporary Date posted 12 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience is preferred but not essential. Duties include supervising assistants, customer service and housekeeping duties. Post or

weecounty hand in CV to store How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Kitsty Green at Alexon, Unit 23 Devon Vale, TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6HQ. Employer Alexon

Plumber Job No: ALL/22929 SOC Code: 5314 Wage ÂŁ10.00 PER HOUR Hours 16-30 PER WEEK OVER A 7 DAY ROTA BETWEEN 7AM-5PM Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 23 November 2011 Pension details No details held Description Must have relevant extensive experience. Gas safety certification would be an advantage but not essential. Duties include general plumbing and heating, boiler and bathroom installs. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Malley at Alpha Plumbing Services, john@ alpha321.com. Employer Alpha Plumbing Services

written application to Tanya Paterson at Diamond Domestics, diamonddomestics@yahoo. co.uk. Employer Diamond Domestics

Find your way to success Issue

Sports

A round

Page

Jinky

Starting your own busin ess? for a chan Or just time inclusive ge? An all package be for could you!!! The birth of Hubm

Issue Numb

er 27

Male

page

ills Ca

t was a Viewpa day that brough rk to a It was stands t till. remem a day that many berpage

fe seek

THE

Lapto

latest

from

sport

page 14,

Lunch Buff

just

15 & 16

Methven

01738

Email Free : info@ Mea athen www. aprint.com l for athen www 2 .pcsolution aprinCom t.com petiton CY

CMY

01698

803 How 909 muc

closing

T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply date (13th Octotbe

Perth

sperth

.co.uk

r 2011)

w, ML2

of the

BAR /

Manse

Kids

01698 shire 38345 383412 1Open 383429 12p.m 7 Days Deliv . - till late

4.30p

e in the

(Mon-Sat)

We cater

Please

BAR /

Vouc

RESTAU

Louise

PER

her One

Brett

www.fp jamesir ufinancialservi vine@p ositivem ces.co.uk ortgage s.co.uk

with one

THâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

LAR

S from

of her

GES

4 Gold

buff

medal

Buf ÂŁ9.9 9 our fet

ly Gath

arpets

T CAR

(Mon-Thur

es, Fami

YOUR FIRST FOR RENTAL PROPERTY

Perth

on page

ment

446928

BAR

/ REST s) 5pmathlete Strathtay AURA s travell Harrier Manses stadium 12am NT ed

to Grange Road, to compe on the 7th in her mouth Newm Lanark Septem te ains, class,

PET

Perth

athlet

es warm

ÂŁ3.99 m2 T WOOL VINYLS CARPETS from ÂŁ4.9 & WILT DISCOUNTS 9 m2 ONS from Special AVAILABL ÂŁ9.99 OFFERs E ON COM m2 FITTING PLETE ROLL WITHIN Cha ngin S g the

Manage

01738

second Deliv stop the disabil ting eries 200m s off theevents and is ral Our team ity athlete against 4.30p the fromevent only 1.5 qualify Michae comprised s in the countrym till Michae at the 2012 ing time for late l Skeet, Rice, Kevin of Louse Brett, . Paralym the runs in l and Kevin all pics perform members Rice and Finlay BAR / challen their 800m Rice had good ance squad. of the RESTAU race despite clubs Louise RANT Highlig ging weathe Brett the Vouc r ht compe the Soft for the Perthconditions. her Two ted athlete Gold in Ball event, BAR / in 4 events s was Kevin RESTAU his class 20% off winnin RANT event all takea g Vouc with way orders her Thre contin a throw of over ÂŁ15. Valid ued page e until 15% Off 2 Terms 30th Septem your next and Condit ber 2011. (excluding sit in meal ions apply drinks) Valid Fri, Sat until & Sun Terms 30th Septem Only and Condit ber 2011. ions apply

et Valid only ÂŁ8.9 until Terms 30th Septem 5 and Condit ber 2011. ions apply

e asy c

rn Mag

Eve ning

-3pm

de Parti

FRE

Freepho ne 08081 446 663

CARPET

Letting,

15th

eringDisabil in the Soft Ball 60m, 0169 shire s & Even in advaE througho ity Sport Scottish ber Champ and had 100m, 200m Gold medals ut 3834518 3834 nce to ionship tsSenior Athleti a clean 12 and s. Typical . As of the sweep cs - 3834 avoid Autumnsun2011 Scottis 29season we near the end of Open h weathe and disappo 7 dominate her Louise continu Perth strong winds r 12p.m of rain, . Days T37 class intm stars es - tillPalsy) compe best ent did not latesprints (Cereb to

RANT

Eve ning

eries from m till late

1 Ros e Cres cent Perth PH1 1NS

Easte

ÂŁ4. 99

ut Autu

12pm

for outsi

eat for

book

RESTA URAN

Road, T Lanark Newmains,

Tel: 016 98 375835 / 375 566

You proper r local ty exp ert

We have and varieda large properti list es for of Perth rent and Tayside. through in include Properti out es apartmeflats, houses nts, furnishe and or unfurnis or long-ter hed with d Call today! m leases. short

Issue

ugho

latest sport page 15 &

16 BAR / R I n d i a E S TA U R A N n Cu isine T

, Water loo, 8EN

votes

Athle ti Perth c success fo disab ility s r tars Indulg

page 11

HUB Spo rts up

Round

R E S T

STO

ing up

at Grang

emout

CKIS

FREE ESTIMA FREE TES MEASU RING SER FREE FITTING VICE FREE you CK QUALI buy qual CARPETS TY UN ity carp ON SELECT DERLAY ets 56 ED CARPE CANAL TS STREET, PERTH 01738 582277

24 hrs on STO

way

weeco unty Alloa &

Friday

In this

Hillfoots

16.09.11

Issue

issue...

841

Suppor

VIP

CARS

AIRPORT

& CON

4, 6 or 18

24/7 Ser

Local reliab le

t local

Tullib odyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leona at Open Mic UK is hitting all Comp Page etition the right notes 4

talent

vice

Company

news

Scott cominish Police H g to W Q ee Co T unty Americ an Ret

By Alison

Mann

ullialla n to a singleCastle could be home Scottis force h police after dismis sed GlasgoKenny MacAs it was kill w and reveale Edinbu d this Curren rgh week. nationa tly being used l Tullialla police training as the n the whole is ideally situateacademy, of Scotlan d to service cessibl d, e in all directio and is very Plans acservice for a single ns of travel. have already police and nounce been an- fire d but the in the Scottis Justice h that the Secreta Parliament at TulliallaScottish Police ry has hinted headqu n could be College home arters. to the MacAs headqu kill believes the new arters in Edinbu should not tion of rgh or Glasgo be based this is eviden w. IndicaPolice t Headq uarters as Strathclyde in Glasgo at Pitt ÂŁ2.5m w is curren Street tly (althou be moving gh they for sale at to a new are believe Glasgo d ÂŁ38m wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office to If not the east end.) in home ters, Tullialla for n will playthe headqu the new arsingle force. a major role but the When in Scottis headqu asked about have Royal h Govern arters the new ment should be Edinbu he said: MacAs Assent by next â&#x20AC;&#x153;It rgh or seems summe service of ACPOS kill added: Glasgo will not fine â&#x20AC;&#x153;As r. s chief constaas a place w. Tullialla of what which build will lead Chief Consta President n on as any we ble Smith police the reform for a The single ble to be based. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the already have.the strengths on behalf service police and runnin police Fire Officer â&#x20AC;? ASPS, . â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know of the SPF, SPSA service, the g as earlyforce could forward s and the looking like Chief people in ACPOS as April be up FBU are the service , not , forward and SCDEA determ 2013 the challenConstable looking , not back, are â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know back. Prote s will, ined Smith, cting and are challen this journey with Govern to work new servicege and shape rise to the Wee ging one is ment to constructively and s we can a tough tive and Coun - change at times a deliver ty for be proud deliver is always which call - but this Service efficient new an 21 Years of, Â&#x2021; 'HY Burg the is a . Scottis effeclar Alarm h Police Plans whole of Scotlanjourney LFHV L â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fire QFOXG front & rescue & Comm s Home d is on.â&#x20AC;? outline for the single , all eight the Â&#x2021; No and rear LQJ ÂżUH DOD ercia 32 division force wouldpolice force Moni Chief Depo UP ER l tored sit Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026; 0 [HV 24hr s to stave be split tion. )RU 6 Phon off central into FRWWLV with Polic eline Â&#x2021; 0R RQWKO\ E\ 6W e Resp K 3RO isa: LFH 5 onse Â&#x2021; :HH & QWK &RQWUD DQGLQJ 2UG dema HVSRQVH D . 2 Majo HU 0L www nding Â&#x2021; &&79 RXQW\ 5H /FW )XOO 3DUWV OD QLPXP r servi ODUP .gle nda acpo LQVWD ces Inclu DXQFK 6HUYL ERXU s polic OOHUV FHG 0 6SHF lese y criter PXVW PHH ded. If you LDO DLQWDL curi QHG ty.co ia W WKH offer have no 5HSD .uk servic LUHG inspe you a one e ction time provider for ÂŁ50 only Wee we can plus and vat. parts, County batte ries

01259 210

666

Price 45p

ro Gla

Renow ned artist visits Petra Retro Kaise Glass Centr in Alloa r e Pages

TRACT

Seats

709

ion Project t and www.asproCounty Place, and Mainten - Photo - 28th Septem are scoop perty.co.uk Perth PH2 ance. â&#x20AC;&#x2122; categor votes to win seeking the a prize courte ber 2011 mail@aspro 8EE On Thursd the y which fund of sy of Saund perty.co.uk Holyroo ÂŁ2,000. would â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Marger ay, 8th Septem see them ers Imagi Scottis d to publici n y ber, h project se the by traineeMcBain and ng â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scottis They joined s in Karen Windmills s Cara, forces the finals of h Voteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Anthon Matusavage staff Dean Cauvin with Sense this years the 3 y and Lynsey were joined make Trust, awards it the only Scotland on the . Trainee through to trip to the finals.other Scottisand The Lynsey h project was beamin Lun ch s to g with Buff et continpride having been ued Thro

page 5

Grub

8 740

Septem ber 2011

700700 Repre

,6 :$ 7&+,1*

<285

+20

7 DAYS

Cost

n Rd, Bellshi ll ML4 Mon 1AG Sat & Fri 8am Sun 8am 7pm - 5pm

2011

Scottis h

:+2

HUB Media Ltd Scott Mochar Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Uddingston G71 5PW Tel: 01698 803909 Email: scott@hubpublishing.co.uk

16th - 29th

HSHI

finals, suppor Playgrou ting young Windm in the people ills cafe, a p aged betwee

IndianA U R A N T Cuisin e w Road

157 Wisha

Wisha

Street

PERT

senta tives fromNumber taff from Pink Turb h is the 10 Sforces Windm the three ills Cafe with HUB Laufinalist Scotti Serving Pert in Mother s from the two Dinner an Xma sh charit to nch the Scottis the Nationother Scottis well joined ies with h and Surr Set Mea s With just h Parliam al Lottery h charity First Minis ound 18 and l at 1 week centre Awards ent in 25 Nationa to go Edinbu in a visit pages 6:45pm Cra commu with learnin ter Alex ing Area l Lottery until rgh. s Salmo Educat nities suppor g difficulties, ? igie training cafe Awards voting closes nd

Send

all answ wishaw@th ers to ehubpaper.c HUB om

Tel: 0169

mber

! EE

ÂŁ149 .99! ÂŁ4.99 2/4et South MY

ERETTE

OPEN

of the

page 9

& THE BEST

LAUND

n Cut The

lly open They the Jinky numbe turned out Memo in rs in excess (estimated their rial Garde to be garden of n take pride Old Edinbu of place rgh hundre on d yards Road, just Motor home from Jimmya few as a (MND) Neurone Diseas â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jinky, child. is e neurod a progres across who was idolised sive egener difficul the country that attacks ative . ties 06/04/2 rk footbal disease swallow with speech The statue 011 ling great for the the upper lower ing and motor , that he and memor 17:21 died in 2006 The muscle breathi Degene neurones. and was, and battling after sufferin ial tend to s affecte ng. neuron ration of with Neuron g d first the motor es leads feet and be those in e Diseas Motor and wasting the hands, to weakne mouth. e since In Scotlan of muscle causing ss 2001. d, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that over s, mobilit increasing expecte 150 people loss y in the suffer d limbs, of from the will year and and conditi there on each are continu currently ed on page 10

y for The project raise 3,000 it was witness of in Sama, as theaslong hard of the the official total) to memor ritan statue unveilin ial garden sstatue and their own, for one g of footbal Premier page 207mmx6 in memor Scotlan a Celtic of Johnst ling 8 9mm-2fo legend y competitioLeague Snooone waslegend r1_v1 , Jimmy import d legend, but ,a copy.pd antly, ker unveiled. f legend a Viewpa more n 2

* Terms details and condition given on requests apply,

LARGEST , OLDEST

Coupo

iewpa rk

Com munit y in Unity

Windm

ESS carer group Agnes2 Johns tone with CHAP S PAsecur Bertie funding I CKeS* Auld officia

for a3long will come, From moneity Zumbathon and the climax for some, time to

ÂŁ129

HUB Spo rts Round up

1987

73 Hamilto

Septe

HAW

0800 318 08 3

Send your CV with a covering letter by post or email to:

26th Augus t - 8th

s to V

WIS

THE

return

of all Pages your local sport 17, 18, 19 & 20

Char

HIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

CLEANE

Dry Clea ned for ÂŁ10. 00 *T&C Apply

er 51

STAR T UP SPEC IAL Start

BUSIN

LANARKS

DRY

SINCE

Cut The

2 Suits

Numb

! EE

You will be part of a dynamic and friendly sales environment, where rewards reflect effort. We will expect you to have drive, determination and flair. A lack of sales experience is not an issue as we pride ourselves on our excellent in-house training. But we will expect you to have excellent communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative. In return, we will give you a first class salary and excellent bonus potential. If you think you have what it takes, contact us today.

Local prop FOR SAL erties E on pag & LET es 13

Final par the sho t of compet rt story ition Page Bellshi 2 ll Ride wor Park & ks beg in Page Annual 3 Dog Fun Day

This is an opportunity to join an expanding company who have a strong portfolio of newspapers across South Lanarkshire, Perthshire and Clackmannanshire. Three papers will be launched from the Alloa office in the very near future and you will play a key part in shaping their content. A car owner would be preferred. Send written applications, including CV and clippings to: Hub Media Ltd Scott Mochar Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Uddingston G71 5PW Tel: 01698 803909 Email: scott@hubpublishing.co.uk

excellent communication skills to enhance peoples quality of life through promoting independence within the home and community. Must be a PVG Scheme Member and hold a full scheme record for working with vulnerable adults, if successful the cost of this is 59 which will be met by the applicant although 30 of this cost will be reimbursed following 6 months satisfactory employment. The employer claims an exemption to the Equality Act 2010. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22740, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

re you looking to make the next move that will put your career on the right path? Or perhaps hoping to take that first step into the world of journalism? Hub Media is looking for a talented reporter / trainee reporter to join its team working on the Wee County News, based in Alloa. The successful applicant will be adaptable and able to cover news and sport while bringing exciting ideas to the table. We are looking for an ambitious reporter or graduate with a qualification in journalism, shorthand and knowledge of Scots Law. The ideal candidate will have an excellent news sense and the ability to remain calm while working to a strict deadline.

Female Support Workers Job No: ALL/22740 SOC Code: 6115 Wage ÂŁ6.30 TO ÂŁ7.25 PER HOUR Hours RELIEF & PART TIME 12-30 HOURS AVAIL - DAYS/ EVENINGS/WENDS Location CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK12 Duration Permanent Date posted 27 September 2011 Pension details Pension available Description Female only. Driving License, telephone and access to a vehicle is essential. ILS provides high-quality community based care services across Scotland. Experience would be beneficial, however full training will be given. You will provide physical, personal and domestic support to our service users in their own homes. You will have a genuine interest in working with people and will use your

Hotel Duty Manager Job No: ALL/22945 SOC Code: 1221 Wage ÂŁ6.50+ per hour Hours 30-40 per week, 5 days over 7, between 7am and 12 midnight Location Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 02 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Must be 18+. Experience within a hotel industry is essential. Must hold a personal licence. Duties will include staff training and supervision, cash handling, liasing with suppliers and contractors, reception duties, food and beverage. Due to the nature of the role the postholder may be required to stay overnight as and when required. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending Telesales Executive a CV/written Are you looking to make the next move that application will put your career on the right path? to David This is an outstanding opportunity to join an Rutherford at expanding newspaper group. Bridge Inn,

Reporter/Trainee Reporter A

davidrutherford22@yahoo.com. Employer Bridge Inn

E FR

Cleaner Job No: ALL/22858 SOC Code: 9233 Wage EXCEEDS NAT MIN WAGE Hours 10 HOURS BETWEEN 8.30AM-4.30PM MONDAYFRIDAY Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 03 November 2011 Pension details No details held Description Experience an advantage but not essential as training will be provided. Duties include, mopping, hoovering, ironing and other cleaning duties as required. Must have access to transport. This is a permanent job initially working 10 hours per week with the potential to increase to 30 hours per week. Applicants to email a CV and references How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/

Friday 23.12.11

ww w.p ink tur ban .co m

Deisel Mechanic Job No: ALL/22952 SOC Code: 5223 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours MON - FRI Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 06 December 2011 Closing date 30 December 2011 Pension details Pension available Description Oran Environmental Solutions is currently recruiting for a Diesel Mechanic. The role requires supporting the Process Operations Manager, Process Manager and other maintenance staff by ensuring that all mechanical equipment is maintained to guarantee operational and Health & Safety requirements.To apply for this role it is essential that you have experience working on all or some of the following - JCB, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Telehandler or Load Alls. You will be Time Served in a mechanical discipline and hold a full driving license. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Erin Hamilton at Oran Environmental Solutions, recruitment@oran-es.co.uk. Employer Oran Environmental Solutions

Recruitment

motoring

Friday 23.12.11

Motoring

weecounty

2012 New BMW 3 Series

MW has announced the updated version of perhaps its most popular model – the 3 Series. The 3 series used to be the baby of the bunch until the 1 series came along but sales have still been strong in the 3. BMW have managed to get the balance right with previous 3’s, so it would be no shocker that the new 2012 model is also exceptionally good. • Performance Initially, you have the choices of petrol 320i and 328i and the 320d diesel. Both give excellent performance and BMWs fine flexibility. The petrol car is smooth through the range and will hit 60mph in less than six seconds. The diesel (which will probably be the best seller) is also very nice and have good grunt. Its extra torque means its better lower in the range and doesn’t need to be worked as hard. • Handling In the past, it has been argued that on occasions the 3 series have suffered PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 18

SUDOKU ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS for last weeks Crossword competition answers see page 5

from a firm ride and is not to everyone’s taste. That was further the case if buyers opted for the sport model, which added sports suspension. The rear-wheeldrive chassis is however, as you would expect, beautifully balanced, making it probably the best car in its class to drive. • Owning BMW are working hard at keeping the running costs of their cars down. Each generation produces less CO2 and increased economy. The 3 Series’ engines return excellent economy, especially the 320d Efficient Dynamics, which averages the best part of 70mpg. It also emits just 109g/km of CO2, making it attractive to business users. Traditionally, BMWs do have good resale values and the 3 series will probably be no different there. • Toys Audi A4’s are top of the class in terms of the ‘wow’ factor, but in terms of quality the 3 series is not far behind. The entry-level car gets climate control, alloys, cruise control and Bluetooth. Opt for SE trim and you add dualzone climate control, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. With the Sport version, BMW

PETROL PRICES UNLEADED ASDA - Alloa - 128.7p Tesco - Alloa - 128.9p Morrisons - Alloa - 128.9p Highest - 131.9p DIESEL ASDA - Alloa - 137.7p Tesco - Alloa - 137.9p Morrisons - Alloa - 137.9p Highest - 143.9p Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.

give you sports seats and sports steering wheel, as well as a smarter interior. Modern models have cloth/leather trim. Luxury and M Sport models get leather seats and larger alloys. M Sport models also get a unique bodykit and uprated suspension • Safety Standard safety equipment includes six airbags and Dynamic Stability Control, which includes ABS, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control. Among the options is the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems), while an alarm is also standard on every model. • Space There is plenty of room in the front and rear: enough head- and legroom to easily fit a couple of six-footers, in fact. The boot, is a decent size, capable of taking nearly 500 litres. BMW also have an option of split folding rear seats to give extra space if required.

TOYOTA AURIS TR V VT 1.6 PETROL

Silver, 29700mls , 5 door, rear parking sensors Tax end of April 2012 Mot end of Feb 2012 WILL PUT NEW MOT ON CAR FOR BUYER. Service history, 2 owner from new First class condition

£5350 ono tel 01324 472682

ices David Morton Ltd r P p To Cars - Vans - All Scrap Metal Paid

01324 612 876 Glen Works, Glen Village, Falkirk

weecounty Motoring

Christmas Comes Early at Friday 23.12.11

BROOK STREET AUTOS!

MOTS Motorcycles £25 Cars, Vans etc

£30.00 Class 7 £35.00 Must be arranged on booking. Terms & conditions apply

HALF FREE PRICE CHECKS MOT on Tyres, Light/ with Full Service Must be arranged on booking. Terms & conditions apply

Antifreeze

*Terms and Conditions Apply

20% OFF ALL LABOUR MUST BE ARRANGED ON BOOKING* *Terms and Conditions Apply

Valid until end of January 2012

weecounty

Sport

Friday 23.12.11

COLTS

DARTS BLAIR CUP - SPONSORED BY OAKWOOD

PETER HILL PAIRS FINALS

The Ladies & Gents Finals will be held in the Oakwood on Friday Jan 6th please be in the venue for 715pm.

The Oakwood Lounge team retained the Blair Cup with a 5-3 win over the Gartmorn. The League would like to thank the Oakwood for sponsoring the cup

BLIND PAIRS

The annual Xmas Blind Pairs will be held in the Oakwood on Friday Dec 30th. This is open to Ladies & Gents and is £2 per player reg on the night 730pm All Names to Davie Hanson asap.

SCOTTISH MIXED PAIRS

The Scottish Mixed Pairs will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 12 30 reg.

CAPTAINS MEETING

ALLOA MASTERS QUALIFER

The first meeting of the new year will be held on Tuesday Jan 10th with a 730pm start. £4 League fees will be due plus names and fees for the Ladies and Gents. County Doubles £5 per pair, please note this is also the last transfer meeting of the year.

The first qualifier will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 2 pm reg. Entry £5 , There are still four places still left for this please contact Davie Hanson asap.

POOL - WEEK 13 RESULTS A LEAGUE:-

Oakwood D 5 Peppes 4 County 6 Crosskeys 3 Alva Golf Club 3 Oakwood A 6 Inn 4 Locker Room B 5 Rileys 7 Allanbridge 2 Crown A 6 Oakwood C 3 Cairn B w/o Gartmorn

Locker Room B 2 Locker Room A 7 Oakwood A 6 Inn 3 Crown B 6 Oakwood C 3 Allanbridge 5 Peppes 4 Crown A 6 Alva Golf Club 3 Only 6 frames split the top two teams, Locker Room A and the Crown A with the Oakwood A looking to join them with a game in hand.

CLACKS-BANNOCKBURN ANNUAL XMAS SINGLES:-

B LEAGUE:-

County 5 Oakwood B 4 Gartmorn 2 Weirs 7 Rileys 4 Cairn A 5 Cairn B 4 Upstairs 5 Oakwood D 9 Hammies 0 Two teams battling it out for top position with the Oakwood D only ahead on frame difference, the County are right behind them with the Cairn A looking to catch them.

GRAHAM HENNY MEMORIAL-SPOSORED BY CROWN ALVA

First leg ties of the last 16 of this cup took place last week with the result of the night definitely going to the Cairn A of the B league shocking the A league leaders Locker Room A, with a 6-3 lead to take to Alva with them this week. All results were as follows:Locker Room A 3 Cairn A 6

This latest event took place last Sunday with a very healthy entry of 46 players from both leagues looking to take the title from last year’s holder Pete Smith. And it didn’t take long for the trophy to be wrestled from his grasp when in the first round Pete was beaten 4-2 by Barry Wraith. Other notable results were Alan Banks beating Gary Scott 4-0 and County team captain Mikey Polley quietly making his way through the tourney. The semi finals were reached and had a very ‘Alva’ feeling to them with Mikey Polley(Crown A) playing team-mate Mike Watson and Barry Wraith also from the Crown A up against the one representative from the Bannockburn league to make the semi-finals Gary Gillies. Barry Wraith continued his good form becoming the first player through to the final with a comprehensive 5-2 victory,

ensuring it would an all Crown A final. The other semi-final was a battle of contrasting styles with the more attacking Mikey Polley up against the tactical Mike Watson. This match was close all the way to 3-3 with Mikey managing to shake Mike off to triumph 5-3. The final was a potting feast between two team-mates with the utmost respect for each other’s ability and this was reflected in the final score. Barry coming through the very tight encounter 5-4 to lift the trophy and title. Congratulations to Barry and commiserations to Mikey. Thanks must go the Bannockburn League and to host Rileys for making this event happen on a yearly basis.

BELOW: After match photo of the two teams together

MONTHLY MEETING:-

The next meeting will take place on Mon 9th January when all County Singles names and entry fees have to be in or your name will not be in draw. The Clackmannanshire Pool League would like to wish all its players a very merry Christmas and a happy new year as after this week’s matches the league has a break until Wed 11th January.

RUGBY Weekend Fixtures: Sat 14th JANUARY 2012

CALEDONIA DIV 1 RESULTS 17th December

Aberdeen Uni - Hillfoots Gordonians - Strathmore Aberdeenshire - Mackie Acad Caithness - Orkney Highland- - Glenrothes

Strathmore - Highland Highland no team

Played W

ABERDEENSHIRE HILLFOOTS RFC ORKNEY MACKIE ACADEMY FP STRATHMORE RFC HIGHLAND RFC GORDONIANS RFC GLENROTHES CAITHNESS RFC ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RFC

12 12 12 13 12 11 11 12 11 12

10 8 7 7 4 6 3 3 4 2

0 1 0 0 3 0 1 2 2 1

2 3 5 6 5 5 7 7 5 9

F : A

Bonus

Points

278:142 282:196 282:259 291:277 178:193 203:222 247:267 189:286 170:210 250:318

7 6 7 7 3 3 7 4 1 7

47 40 35 35 25 23 21 20 17 12

Alloa

Kinross Harris Acad FP Carnoustie HSFP Blairgowrie RFC

P Blairgowrie RFC

- - - -

Stirling Uni Madras Fife South Alloa

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Team

Weekend Fixtures Sat 7th JANUARY 2012

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 Results Sat 17th December

Team

Played

GRANGEMOUTH STAGS RFC ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY MADRAS RUGBY HARRIS ACADEMY FPRFC STIRLING UNIVERSITY RFC ALLOA KINROSS BLAIRGOWRIE RFC FIFE SOUTHERN CARNOUSTIE HSFP

10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 11 10

10 9 8 8 5 3 3 3 2 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

F : A

Bonus Points

0 323:43 1 373:116 3 274:187 2 214:200 5 232:223 7 123:144 7 124:261 7 113:220 9 94:231 10 88:333

5 8 7 4 5 4 2 1 2 2

45 44 39 36 25 16 14 13 10 2

weecounty sport

Friday 23.12.11

COLTS

More of the muddy action

EQUESTRIAN

Joanne ends year on a high

ROY MILNE CSC BUS FOR

Xmas Eve Sat’s game v Kilmarnock at Celtic Park ko 1.30pm departs:

Wed 28th game v Rangers at Celtic park ko 19.45pm depart’s;

11.00am - Menstrie=holytree 11.05am - Alva = cairn 11.15am - Tillicoultry = Volenteer 11.30am - Alloa - Peppes 11.40am - Tullibody = Inn 12.05am - Stirling - Marches roundabout seat’s available.

5.15pm - Menstrie=holytree 5.20pm - Alva = cairn 5.30pm - Tillicoultry = Volenteer 5.45pm - Alloa - Peppes 5.55pm - Tullibody = Inn 6.05pm - Stirling - Marches roundabout seat’s available.

The club would like to wish all local Celt’s a very Merry Xmas for more info contact website www.roymilnecsc.net

FANZONE

aulter Joanne Eccles has ended her year on a high, being unbeaten in every competition she has competed at. Her latest wins come from the recent World Cup Qualifiers in Salzburg (2-4 December) and Paris (9-11 December) where she took the individual female honours in her bid for a place at the World Cup Final, which takes place 4-5 February 2012 in Bordeau. “I’ve had to use my old routine for the Qualifiers but I have been working on a new one for next year that I am really excited about,” commented Joanne, “I hope to be part of the World

Cup Final in February and I am aiming to keep up the standard and improve on last year - I would love to come home with a medal next year.” Joanne’s sister Hannah was also out competing at both the World Cup qualifiers, finishing 4th in Paris and 8th at Salzburg. Both sisters compete on W H Bentley, lunged by their father, John Eccles. The two wins from the World Cup come at the end of a successful season, which saw Joanne take the European title – making her World and European Individual female vaulting Champion heading into the New Year.

Chef d’equipe for the vaulting team, Lucy Bell commented on the 2011 vaulting season; “We have had a really successful year, rounded off by two great wins from Joanne and strong performances from Hannah Eccles at the recent Qualifiers. “The success of the vaulting squad at this summer’s European Championships highlights how hard the whole team have worked during 2011 and we look forward to further successes in 2012. Joanne’s unbeaten record is just fantastic; it really puts the icing on the cake and tops off what’s been a hugely successful season for her”.

sport

Friday 23.12.11

weecounty

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

auchie’s cup replay against Neilston was once again called off and to avoid having another week of no game being played, they organised a friendly match against a team from the South Division - Stoneyburn Juniors.

MANAGERS COMMENTS

his game was a good exercise for both teams and provided us with a platform to try several changes in personnel. It also gave us the chance to look at some formation changes. The game was played at a good pace and we started very well by keeping good possession and doing things simply at the correct times. We took the lead and made it two shortly after with some good exchanges and good finishing for a change. Something we were looking for after some poor finishing in recent weeks. We allowed our performance levels to drop for a ten minute period in the first half but it’s good to see that the players realised this and went back to simple things which helped us win the game 6-1. This really was a convincing win for us and it was good to see our players perform well and get out of the game what we wanted. It was important to gain a little confidence from this game and a few of our players getting on the score sheet with some cracking goals. The rules have been set again for this week that we must try to get our Scottish cup tie played. This unfortunately means that the lads will need to play on Christmas Eve, but I have let them know it’s their own fault for not beating Neilston in the last game. So now we must make sure that we do it this time around. As some people might know, it will set up a cracking Scottish cup tie with whoever wins playing hosts to Bo’ness, who we have already beaten this season. Heads are firmly focused on this week’s task though which will be a very hard and competitive game against a hard working team who will try to do what it takes to put a spanner in the works of our team. A top performance is required and let’s just hope the weather improves slightly and it will let us get the match played. Many thanks for your support so far this season. We still have a long season in front of us, it’s going to be a big year for the club and one in which we need to make happen by continuing to strive forward and work for everything we can, including a place in the fourth round of the Scottish cup on Saturday. Merry Christmas to all from Sauchie Juniors players and Management team.

RUNNING

Good turn out at Cross Country Champs

record entry of primary and secondary school pupils participated in the Clackmannanshire Cross Country Championships which were held on Tuesday 13th December in West End Park, Alloa. Over 420 young people from P5, P6, and P7 represented their schools and ran the one mile course in the morning event; over 150 pupils from S1 to S6 represented the area’s three secondary schools in the afternoon event. The primary school children ran well in the morning with the weather holding out to be mostly dry although a little chilly. Unfortunately this changed for the worse by the afternoon, with the secondary school pupils racing in rain, snow and gale force winds. However the weather did little to dampen the spirits of the racers nor the quality of the running, with one of Alva Academy’s senior pupils crossing the finish line with a stylish cartwheel. 17 of the 19 local primary schools were represented - most of our primaries have running clubs and many pupils had been practicing for several weeks prior to this event. The hard work of the teachers and coaches was evident to see with an impressive class of running. Sincere thanks and praise go to the team of Young Ambassadors who supported and helped encourage the runners throughout the course. Many thanks also to

Sports Development staff for the set up and organisation of the event. In the primary event, 4th to 10th placed individuals in each event received a lapel badge, with 1st to 3rd placed individuals in each event winning medals. The overall school team winning each race were awarded trophies. In the secondary event, 1st to 3rd placed individuals in each year group were awarded medals, with the overall winning school team from each year group receiving a certificate of merit. This event is also a qualifier for the Forth Valley Schools Cross Country event, this year it will be hosted by Active Stirling at Queen Victoria School, Dunblane on Thursday 8th March 2012. From the Championships, the top 20 P6 girls, P6 boys, P7 girls, P7 boys, S1/2 girls, S1/2 boys, S3/4 girls, S3/4 boys, S5/6 girls and S5/6 boys will qualify for this event to represent Clackmannanshire.

PRIMARY RESULTS

WINNING TEAMS

P5 Girl 1. Sian Scott-angel, Tillicoultry 2. Holly McLachlan, Muckhart 3. Skye Henderson, Tillcoultry

P5 Girls P5 Boys P6 Girls

Muckhart Menstrie Alva

P6 Boys P7 Girls P7 Boys

Tillicoultry Alva Craigbank

P5 Boy 1. Euan Smith, Menstrie 2. Keiran Bisland, Clackmannan 3. Guy Lindsay, Alva P6 Girl 1. Jade Lockie, Sunnyside 2. Morgan Hamilton, Tillicoultry 3. Hannah Miller, Alva P6 Boy 1. Zac Butterworth, Tillicoultry 2. Connor Mcewan, Tillicoultry 3. Lewis Downie, Menstrie

SECONDARY RESULTS S1 Girls 1. Eilidh Russell - Lornshill 2. Jodie Currie - Alloa 3. Jessica Stitt - Alva S1 Boys 1. Michael Docherty - Lornshill 2. Daniel Kepsli - Lornshill 3. Jordan McNab - Lornshill

P7 Girl 1. Chloe Hutcheon, Claremont 2. Jemma D’Ath, Muckhart 3. Zoe Westland, St.Johns

S2 Girls 1. Shamsa Scott-Angell - Alva 2. Olivia Betton - Alva 3. Louise Baird - Alva

P7 Boy 1. Morgan Brown, Menstrie 2. Telfer Gray, Craigbank 3. Callum Breingan, Alva

S2 Boys 1. Ewan McDonald - Alva 2. Liam Gray - Lornshill 3. Duncan Fraser - Alva

S3 Girls 1. Eilidh McQuoradale - Lornshill 2. Hazel Bryce - Alva 3. Laura Clark - Alva

S6 Girls 1. Zoe Coulter - Alva 2. Julie Cook - Alva 3. Nikki Reid - Alloa

S3 Boys 1. Marin McNee - Alloa 2. Johnny Short - Alva 3. James McNeil - Alva

S6 Boys 1. Brendon McNulty - Alva 2. Sean Johnston - Alloa 3. Logan Bonnar - Alva

S4 Girls 1. Shannon Sinclair - Lornshill 2. Lisa Hardman - Lornshill 3. Allana Henderson - Alva

TEAM S1 Girls S1 Boys S2 Girls S2 Boys S3 Girls S3 Boys S4 Girls S4 Boys S5 Girls S5 Boys S6 Girls S6 Boys

S4 Boys 1. Aiden Cameron - Alloa 2. Graham Bruce - Lornshill 3. Jamie Piggott - Alva S5 Girls 1.Stacy Hardman - Lornshill 2. Megan McBeth - Lornshill 3. Kirsty Forsyth - Lornshill S5 Boys 1. Gregor Dryden - Alva 2. Ross Burke - Lornshill 3. Sean Morrison - Alloa

- Lornshill - Lornshill - Alva - Alva - Alva - Alva - Lornshill - Alva - Lornshill - Alloa - Alva - Alva

Anyone interested in developing their running and athletics skills should contact Lisa Houston, Sports Development 01259 452347.

weecounty sport

Friday 23.12.11 29

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Junior Football League Home Away TEAM P W D L F A Tayport 10 1 2 2 3 4 Oakley United 7 3 1 0 13 4 Newtongrange Star 9 2 1 2 8 5 Glenrothes 9 2 2 0 10 7 Broughty Athletic 10 0 2 3 7 15 Broxburn Athletic 7 2 1 0 7 3 Sauchie Juniors 6 2 0 0 4 2 Ballingry Rovers 9 1 2 1 10 9 Penicuik Athletic 7 2 0 2 9 7 Arniston Rangers 10 1 1 3 4 11 Downfield 8 1 1 2 7 6 Armadale Thistle 10 1 3 2 6 8

W D L F A 4 1 0 8 1 2 1 0 8 6 1 2 1 9 8 1 1 3 9 14 3 1 1 8 7 1 1 2 5 7 1 2 1 7 7 1 2 2 5 7 1 0 2 4 4 1 2 2 6 11 1 1 2 8 8 0 2 2 4 8

GD Pts 6 18 11 17 4 12 -2 12 -7 12 2 11 2 11 -1 10 2 9 -12 9 1 8 -6 8

sport

Friday 23.12.11

FOOTBALL

Wasps come close to taking the points Alloa throw away a two goal lead Berwick Rangers 2 Alloa Athletic 2

lloa travelled to Berwick on Saturday with a chance to go top of the 3rd division. Manager Paul Hartley made a few changes for the encounter with young Kenny O’Brien coming in for Robbie Winters as he dropped to the bench. Ben Gordon passed a late fitness test to take his place in the Alloa defence, a welcomed boost for the travelling fans. Berwick had ex wasps Chris Townsley and Stuart Noble in their starting line-up, and Ian Little, in charge at Berwick was looking for a win against his ex team. Alloa started with Cawley and May up front and it was Cawley who had the first chance, played in by Ryan McCord but shot wide from 12 yards. Noble and Gribben was causing the Wasps some trouble with their direct running and it was Noble who broke free and from 15 yards his shot was well saved by Bain. Berwick’s top scorer, Darren

Gribben was played in by Noble but his weak shot went well wide, much to the relief of the Wasps defence. Alloa who looked menacing at times in the first half, went in front literally on the half time whistle. Ryan McCord was played in by May and from 15 yards, kept his cool to smash the ball high into the net. One-nil Wasps. Alloa made a half time change bringing on Armand One for the young Kenny O’Brien. The big striker should have made it two-nil Wasps but his shot was well parried from 10 yards. It was then Cawley the visitor’s top scorer who was in on goal only to see his shot well saved by Barclay. Then with an hour gone, after sustained pressure on the Berwick goal, Alloa went two-nil up. Good play between Cawley and McCord played in May, and from 18 yards the on loan star fired home his first goal for his new club.

The Wasps should have killed the game off moments later when Armand One was through one on one with the keeper but shot weakly at Barclay who made a comfortable save. Berwick made a double substitution with Gray and Deland coming on and made an immediate impact, changing the game for the home side. In the 77th min, Deland was on hard 10 yards out to poke home after Docherty cleared off the goal line, and eight minutes later Gray smashed home from 18 yards after Darren Young’s miss pass fell to him. Berwick could have stolen the points in the closing minutes as Gray played in Noble, but he shot straight at Bain in the Alloa goal. Alloa brought on Winters and Campbell in a last gasp attempt to take all three points but the home side shut up shop to claim a deserved point.

MANAGER’S COMMENTS Alloa Manager Paul Hartley: “We had the game won but you can never think too far ahead – we were well on top in the second half and looked like we could score more but credit has go to Berwick Rangers in the way they fought back. “After they scored their goal we sort of panicked a bit and a mistake killed us – but we don’t blame anybody, although it was a bad decision which has cost us, but we have to keep going – we are still undefeated

in the last eight league games. “I am disappointed as today we had a good opportunity to go top of the league. We started the second half well which we have done for most of the season and Steven May got his first goal for the club which he thoroughly deserved as he had worked his socks off.”

weecounty

weecounty sport

Friday 23.12.11

FOOTBALL

IRN BRU DIV 3 RESULTS Saturday 17th December Berwick 2 Deland (78) Gray (84)

Alloa 2 Ry McCord (44) May (61)

East Stirling 1 Turner (45)

Clyde 1 Cusack (90+2)

Stranraer 2 Moore (80) Stirling (90+3)

Peterhead 1 Deasley (58)

Elgin Montrose

P Annan Athletic P Queen’s Park

Weekend Fixtures: Saturday 24th December Annan Athletic v Berwick Queen’s Park v East Stirling

Weekend Fixtures: Monday 26th December Alloa v Elgin

MANAGER’S COMMENTS Berwick Manager, Ian Little: “I am delighted with a point, we battled well. And we could have won it at the end. All credit to my players they gave me everything. After going two nil down I thought the game was over but the two substitutions changed the game.”

Clyde v Stranraer Peterhead v Montrose

Irn Bru Division 3: League Table STRANRAER ANNAN ATHLETIC ALLOA ELGIN BERWICK QUEEN’S PARK CLYDE MONTROSE PETERHEAD EAST STIRLING

Pld W 16 5 15 6 16 4 13 5 16 3 15 3 15 3 15 3 15 1 16 2

D 2 1 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 2

L 2 1 0 1 3 1 3 3 3 5

W 4 3 4 1 3 3 2 1 1 0

D 1 2 3 3 2 1 4 1 1 1

L GD Pts 2 16 30 2 9 30 2 12 30 2 6 22 3 16 22 4 11 22 2 8 20 6 11 14 6 7 10 6 5 9

weecounty sport SAUCHIE SCORE GOALS FOR FUN IN FRIENDLY

Wasps seek revenge for Highland Hammering

Page 28 & 29

Colts cuff Crieff Alloa Colts in fine form on a bitterly cold day

lloa manager Paul Hartley is tipped to make changes to the starting line-up this weekend for their SFL Third division home tie against Elgin City. It is hoped that Steve Masterton will be declared fit and Robbie Winters will back into the manager’s thoughts for a starting place, after starting against Berwich Rangers on the bench. The last encounter is one that Wasps fans would no doubt, like to forget, as the highland side beat Alloa 5-0 back in October, with two Wasps players being sent off. Since then, Elgin have had mixed fortunes in the league yet sit fourth with three games in hand over the Wasps The home side will be looking for revenge for that heavy defeat and keep their promotion/title winning dreams alive. Kick off at the Recs 3pm

FREE

Bosch Vacuum Cleaner with this Washing Machine

worth £100

Colts try scoring star, Marc Murray runs at the Crieff defence as Alloa look to add more to their tally

Alloa Colts 61 Crieff Colts 12 Wee County News is registered at the Post Office and is published weekly, every Thursday by HUB Media Ltd., Suite 17, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park, Uddingston G71 5PW. Printed by Newsquest, Cambuslang, Glasgow.

ith Alloa’s 1st xv’s cancelled early morning through a frozen pitch morning as Blairgowrie needed an early decision before travelling, the

colts waited longer before confirming to Crieff that they should take their chances and come down to Earlsfield. he longer grass on the 2nd xv certainly helped however conditions were decidedly crusted at kick-off. In the event Crieff travelled down with only 11 players however

Alloa had good numbers and supplemented their visitors with 4 players to even up the sides. Indeed it was Alloa players Greg Anderson and Shane McLaughlin who scored the two Crieff tries. The home side dominated throughout and scored nine tries via Marc Murray (3), Daniel Murrell, David Jess, Lee Cairney, Fraser

Laundry | Refrigeration | Cookery | Cleaning | Small Appliances

home appliance centre

NOW OPEN

10%

extra saving & free delivery

9 Mill Street, Alloa, FK10 1DT 01259 728528

Watson, Joe Shand and Lewis Usher. Lee Cairney kicked eight conversions from nine attempts at goal. The colts are next due in action on New Year’s Eve when they host Grangemouth. See more of the action on pages 26 & 27.