WIN A MEAL FOR TWO SEE PAGE 18 • FIND US ON FACEBOOK
weecounty Alloa & Hillfoots
news
Friday 10.2.12 Issue 862
In this issue...
PHONE CITY MOBILE PHONE SERVICE CENTRE We Buy And Sell New & Used Phones (Trade-In Available)
Professional Screen & Handset Repairs Instant Unlocking CHARGERS - BLUETOOTH - FASCIAS CAR KITS - PHONE CASES - COVERS POUCHES - PHONE CHARMS - SIM CARDS - MEMORY CARDS
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm 64 Drysdale Street - ALLOA CLACKMANNANSHIRE - FK10 1JL
01259 928312 Quality Blinds at Affordable Prices
ABC BLIND
Price 45p
Theft at sorting office causes postboxes to be sealed
Primrose Street Feature
Page 5
Page 12 - 13
Father supports campaign after death of his daughter By Alison Mann
ALL MOBILE PHONE & I POD ACCESSORIES
ALLOA
STILL ONLY
COMPA
NY
Tel: 01259 211 505 Domestic & Commercial
The Only Blind Company You Need To Call Quality Service Guaranteed. Vertical, Roller Venetian and Velux Free Estimates WHINS ROAD, ALLOA
T
he dad of a Menstrie toddler who died after she got tangled in a blind cord has backed a Gaelic safety campaign on the anniversary of her tragic death. Muireann McLaughlin, 2 died in her home four years ago this week after becoming accidentally entangled in the looped cord of a window blind. Her father, Angus, is now supporting the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in launching Gaelic safety advice leaflets. The Make it Safe leaflets that advise families about the best ways to reduce the risks posed to children by looped cords or chains have already been distributed. Now those leaflets have been translated into Gaelic and Polish and are available in hard copy or as a PDF file. Muireann is one of at least 21 children who have died in similar circumstances across the UK since 1999 (with 10 deaths occurring since the beginning of 2010). RoSPA suspect that there have been very many more near-misses. To combat the problem, RoSPA has been working with the UK government, and the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), to help make new blinds safer. It is hoped that changes to the manufacture and sale of window
Angus and Kate at the official launch of the RoSPA blind cord campaign last year backed by the then Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing blinds will take effect within the next 12 months. An awarenessraising campaign including leaflet distribution has been taking place alongside the drive to make products safer. Angus McLaughlin, Muireann’s father, said: “Though nothing will ever bring my beautiful daughter back, we can at least try to prevent other families being devastated in the same way, by spreading the word about this ‘hidden’ hazard.
“The Make it Safe campaign is an important first step in helping to make new blinds safer and in raising awareness among members of the public. “Being a proud Scot, I am also pleased to see that the potentially life-saving advice contained in those leaflets is now available in Gaelic. “It’s just as encouraging to see that the leaflets have also been translated into Polish. It’s vital that as many people as possible get to
Are ‘U’ a Landlord We provide a full Tenant Finder Service with
‘NO’ Upfront Fee’s or Agency Fee Commission Call today for full Details
read - or hear - about this important initiative.” Local MP, Gordan Banks commented on the campaign by saying; “Every year there are deaths because of looped blind cords and the Government has made slow or no progress in preventing these unnecessary deaths. There was a strong guide given from the EU, Canada and the US that these continued on page 5
Home Reports Mortgages Conveyance
Fixed Fee Selling (Any Property) £99 Registration & £299 Sale Completion Fee
(t) 01259 220832 www.kispropertycentre.com
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
2
Friday 10.2.12
Family Announcements
P2
Services P14 Looking for a plumber, builder, roofer in your area, check out what the weecounty services has to offer
District News
P15
What’s on in your Wee County
Entertainment
P18-19
Puzzles with crossword competition, stars, recipies, pet of the week and those dodgy parking pics!
Recruitment P20-21 Lifestyle P22 Fitness and Fun
Property P23 To rent or buy?
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
Dear weecounty, We have, through the letters column of this paper, recently witnessed a spat between Mr Alex Scobbie of Tullibody and Cllr McAdam, now leaving apart any personal issues there appears to be between those two gents, could I comment on what seemed to be the main issue, at least at the start, which was Cllr Murphy becoming provost, something which Mr Scobbie did not seem too keen on, now like the rest of us he is entitled to his opinion, but given that in last weeks issue he clearly states that he will continue to air any of his views in a genuine and constructive manner, could he please do just that and tell us exactly why he thinks that cllr Murphy will not make a good provost? I would also be obliged if he would tell us in the same constructive manner what he believes to have been drivel from the SNP over the last twenty five years. Could he also tell us, in a constructive manner of course, why he thinks that his opinion with regard to the qualities required for the post of provost should be more pertinent than Cllr McAdam’s, particularly given that the councillor has actually filled that very role? Finally could he also tell us, in a constructive manner of course, if he is the same Alex Scobie who was also a Labour councillor for several years. So we can judge for ourselves how much his letters might have been inspired by political bias, (should that be the case)? Jim Mitchell, Sauchie
Quality Handmade Arrangements the giftwhen of it feelings Order before 2pm forFlowers Same Day Service
matters most. Local Reliable Company TQuality Handmade Arrangements
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, from a single rose from a single rose a magnificent to a magnificent tobouquet. bouquet.
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.
Dear weecounty, The “Independent Audit Thrown Out” headline raised my trade union hackles as the selfish and thoughtless SNP’s trooped out comments worthy of a Dickensian mill owner. It will cost too much money and yet their continual harping about the legitimacy of the financial dealings of the previous administration will have raised questions and not a few doubts about the ability, financial wisdom and reputation of Chief Officers throughout the council. For none of them said “We are being forced, by the administration to action processes which would represent financial misleading in this Nominations for this month will close on February 22nd and a winner will be council.” But the SNP have shouted long and hard about the announced on February 24th. The editors decision is final. Financial Mismanagement with no thought for the workers and their professional standing and reputation. It’s good to see things don’t change the SNP always have plenty to say but don’t have the BIRTHDAYS wherewithal to back it up with actions. My thoughts go to the council staff who now have an administration who don’t give a damn about them, and who have publicly questioned their skills and undermined their professionalism and so convinced are they by their own arguments they won’t pay to prove it nor to assert the competencies of their staff. With you be standing up for the workers in May? Or the Tartan Tories? I know who I’ll be supporting. Citizen Smith
01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037 13, Mill Street, Tel: Alloa, 87-89, Stirling Street, Alva, Clacks, FK10 1DT Clacks, FK12 5ED
Tel: 01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037
BIRTHDAYS
weecounty Sport P26-32
HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY ABBIE DUNCAN
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
Happy 13th Luissa
Love mum and Ella xxx
Happy 13th Luissa
from your wee pal Clint xxx
From your wee sister Ella xxx
FUNERAL SERVICES
Funeral Orders of Service
Personalised funeral orders of service, designed to suit your needs.
Call Wee County Design & Print
01259 404006
HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY FRASER HALL Love Mum and Andy
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Patersons respond to APRA complaint Company takes direct action By Alison Mann
A
lloa Park residents are delighted after Paterson’s Quarries leapt into action to clean up mess left by various truckers. Members of Alloa Park Residents Association (APRA) were disgusted after seeing lorries from various companies parking on the ground near the Alloa Business Park and leaving litter and human waste behind them. The group had noticed on many occasions, Patersons Quarries lorries parked in the area so wrote a letter to complain about the state of the land near their homes. In response to the letter Gordon Carlton, Patersons Quarries Transport Manager, leapt into action and visited the site for himself. After seeing the waste left in the area and talking to local residents he brought some workers and a sweeper to clean up the area. On Wednesday, February 8
he and his workers picked up litter from the area and power washed the pavements so it is now clean. Mr Carlton knows Patersons Quarries drivers were not the only ones using the land but offered to clean it up to show their commitment to the community. He has also barred drivers from parking on the land and even set up a barrier on their GPS system so if they venture into the area he will be notified and drivers will be disciplined. APRA are delighted with the speedy response they have received in relation to their complaint. Alan Ruiz, Secretary with the Alloa Park Residents’ Association said, “I’m delighted that Pattersons Quarries have taken this complaint so seriously and have restored all of our members faith in their company and profession. “We understand it is not only Patterson’s Quarries
that have been using the area as a truck park but the fact they have been so prompt and proactive to address residents’ concerns is testimony to their commitment to work with the local community”. Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane had written to Patersons Quarries following APRA’s complaint. He said: “I am delighted that Paterson’s have taken the initiative to prevent their drivers from using the area to park their trucks and although they were not solely responsible, they have taken steps to clean the area up and I am grateful for that. “This is not an area designed for trucks to stop in, and therefore does not have the appropriate facilities for this use. I would encourage other drivers and companies to follow suit.” Gordon Carlton said: “I hope this will let all residents know that we at Patersons are a very professional
Beware of bogus PPI scam
company and what has happened will not be tolerated from our company in any way. “I do thank the residents for bringing this appalling situation to my attention and I hope I have satisfied all that I treat my job in a very professional manner at all times.”
Top Quality LUXURY
Supplied & Professionally Installed
By Alison Mann
W
ee County residents are being warned of bogus telephone callers saying people are owed a significant sum of money in relation to Loan Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council Trading Standards have issued the warning following a number of complaints made to the Trading Standards Consumer Advice Team about the scam. The caller asks the victim to buy a UK Credit Voucher or UKASH Voucher for £200, to cover an administration fee. The caller states that once the money has been paid, a lawyer will then visit your address with the cash payment from the PPI Scheme. They then call you back and ask for the UKASH voucher number. Once the victim gives them the voucher number - they
Incl VAT
then ‘cash’ the Voucher online – and the victim never sees the lawyer or the ‘refunded’ PPI money. Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: “ It is always very concerning to hear about these types of scams. There has been a lot of media coverage on the mis-selling of Payment Protection Insurance and it comes as no surprise that fraudsters are attempting to capitalise. They can be very convincing and often quote your name and address details. Our advice is that if you receive such
• Old bathroom and tiles completely removed • Your new suite supplied and fully installed • A choice of either bath or shower installed • 10m of wall and 3m of floor tiles fitted an unsolicited telephone, do not divulge any personal information. The best thing to do is to hang up the phone.” If you have received such an unsolicited telephone call and wish to talk to a member of the Trading Standards Team, please phone 0845 277 7000.
We also supply and install
LUXURY Call to arrange a FREE no obligation survey KITCHENS Full range on display
Suite shown above for illustration purposes only. Suites supplied may vary
J.W. Bennie Ltd 6 Dundas St Grangemouth 01324 482815 www.jwbennie.co.uk
Showroom Open Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 10-4
Serving The Local Community For Over 50 Years
3
4
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Top traffic cop retires after 31 years in job By Alison Mann
back I’ve got nothing but good memories. It’s important to remember the number of people who have died on the roads and the reason we do what we do. Traffic cops get a bad name but everything we do is to stop people getting hurt.” Chief Inspector McMillan has had a varied career, a highlight of which was escorting Green Goddesses through the area when fire-fighters chose to strike. He has also had the chance to drive Royalty around the area during various visits. He was tasked with driving, the Queen, Princess Anne and Princess Diana to Stirling Castle during her visit. He has also had some comical moments during his career. He helped co-ordinate the clearing of 3,000 chickens from the M80 when a truck crashed in 2007.
T
he Head of Road Policing at Central Scotland Police has retired after a fascinating career which has seen him drive Princess Diana to Stirling Castle, heard 3,000 chickens from the M80 and show a genuine ambition to make the roads safer for everyone. Chief Inspector Donald McMilllan retired from his post on Tuesday, February 7 after 31 years serving with Central Scotland Police. The Clackmannanshire man has spent the last 24 years of this working to make the roads safer for everyone who uses them. He also served as Depute Area Commander in Alloa in 2005/2006 before becoming Head of Road Policing. He said of his retirement: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it; looking
He said: “We co-ordinated the recovery, the chickens weren’t too pleased. It had a huge impact on Central Scotland and brought it to a standstill. We had to put diversions in place and get the message out.” Chief Inspector McMillan has also herded sheep by wheelbarrow and chased bulls and cows during his career. Aside from the light-hearted accidents he has dealt with road deaths across the Central Scotland area. He said: “Road death has a horrendous impact on everyone and everyone involved, including emergency responders. I’ve been to several which involved work colleagues and friends. Death from a road accident is unexpected in every occasion. People using mobile phones or driving without seatbelts may think this is a trivial
offence but when you see the consequences of these actions we know the reason for doing what we do.” Now that he has retired, Chief
Inspector McMillan will be taking time to relax and spend time with his wife. He also hopes he can put his experience and expert knowledge to use in the future.
Scots week at Craigbank Address to a Haggis to P4-7 pupils. The music teacher taught all classes a fantastic variety of lively and amusing Scottish songs. The week culminated in a whole school Scottish Concert on Friday afternoon. All classes performed a song, dance, poem or drama on a Scottish theme. The concert was opened by Mr Ward playing the bagpipes accompanied by drummers Hannah Miller and Iona Mackenzie of P6A, both members of the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band. Beth Corkish, a pupil at Alva Academy, also entertained pupils with a wonderful display of Highland Dancing. The concert was brought to a close with the whole company singing Burns’ most famous song, Auld Lang Syne. A fantastic time was had by all! Winners of the Scots Poetry and Scots Art competitions were presented with certificates at a special Burns’ Assembly.
By Alison Mann
C
raigbank pupils enjoyed a whole week of activities organised during ‘Scottish Week’ to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. All pupils learned a Scottish poem for the annual Burns’ poetry competition and produced associated artwork. Pupils also learned about the Scots language and about the life and works of Robert Burns. Pupils wrote stories about Scottish monsters, designed a tartan, and created drama sketches. They also learned about the Highland games and the history of the Burns’ supper. Ewan Cameron of the Alloa Burns’ Club treated the P1-3 children to a recitation of Address to a Haggis and David Smith, of the Smith Museum in Stirling, did a presentation about the life of Burns and also a recitation of
Do you have a complaint against this newspaper? Hannah Miller and Iona MacKenzie
Labour hit out over defeated motion By Alison Mann
L
abour Councillors have hit out after a motion calling for an independent auditor to look into allegations of financial mismanagement was defeated. The decision was made during the full council meeting that Bobby McGill’s motion would not pass, as reported in last week’s Wee County News. The Labour group have repeatedly called for the investigation in response to continuing allegations of financial mismanagement and “jobs for the boys” from the SNP group. Labour Group Leader; Councillor, the
Rev. Sam Ovens who retires from active politics this year expressed his sadness and disappointment at the tactics used by the SNP and said: “After 42 years of public service, it is of great concern to see the SNP group use tactics that both damage the personal integrity of individual councillors and the reputation of the council. There is no doubt in my mind that the SNP deliberately nurtured the climate of mistrust that is expressed in certain letters that have been sent in to the local press. An independent audit would have laid these rumours to rest - once and for all.” Councillor George Matchett, expressing his distaste for Councillor Craig Holden’s
comments about Councillor McGill’s “persecution complex” said: “What price do you place on an individual’s personal and political integrity?” Councillor Cadenhead said: “Why were the SNP Administration and Councillor Holden so keen to rule the debate “out of order” or “incompetent? Why the rush by both to curtail the debate and deny Councillor McGill the chance to sum-up and answer the questions put to him? “Why have the SNP Administration remained silent when asked to distance or disassociate themselves from the anonymous, cowardly and libellous allegations of “jobs for the boys” and inappropriate financial dealings?”
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 10.2.12
Postbox keys stolen
5
Theft at Alloa sorting office results in sealed postboxes
By Alison Mann
P
ost boxes in Clackmannan were sealed after keys were stolen from Alloa sorting office during a break-in. Electrical equipment was also stolen from the Sorting Office during the break-in which happened between 2.10pm on Saturday, February 4 and 4.40am on Monday, February 6.
The break-in meant post boxes in Clackmannan had to be sealed as the locks were changed. A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said: “We appeal for anyone with information or who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the area of the sorting office to come forward.” A Royal Mail spokesman said: “A number of keys for postboxes in the town of
Clackmannan have been stolen. These postboxes are now being sealed for security reasons and customers are advised to use their local Post Office branch to post items of mail in the meantime. “Royal Mail is now arranging as a matter of urgency for the locks on these postboxes to be changed. Once this has happened they will be
unsealed, and this process should be completed over the next few days. Royal Mail apologises to customers for any inconvenience this has caused.” Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Shopkeeper has licence endorsed for selling alcohol to unders 18s
Visit www.rospa.com to view the leaflets in Gaelic, Polish, English and Welsh and to read more about the campaign and register support.
DONNY’S FULL HOUSE
•
£349
•
LET DONNY TURN YOUR HOUSE UPSIDE DOWN!!!
Bathroom 2x2 mtrs Vinyl
•
We offer FREE QUOTES and FREE DELIVERY on all carpets, rugs, vinyl, laminate and hardwood flooring.
Bed roo 3x4 m Two mtrs
•
bed, playpen or highchair near a window Keep pull cords on curtains and blinds short and out of reach Tie up the cords or use one of the many cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties that are available Do not hang toys or objects that could be a hazard on the cot or bed Do not hang drawstring bags where a small child could get their head through the loop of the drawstring.
BEST QUALITY - BEST SERVICE
One oom Bedr mtrs 3x4
products should be constructed in a safer way and I’m disappointed that this hasn’t happened. This is literally an issue of life or death and I will continue to press the Government to take the necessary action. I will be writing to Minister Ed Davey’s successor - Norman Lamb who was appointed last week - on the matter.” Jennifer Henderson, RoSPA Scotland’s home safety officer, said: “I’m sure when most families think of child hazards in the home they think of things like bleach bottles, steep stairs and hot pans. But what about blind cords?
“We’re working hard to make it clear to families that looped cords can pose a risk to their youngsters. That’s why we’ve helped produce advice leaflets in both Gaelic and Polish so the message can start to be taken into as many different communities as possible.” RoSPA’s own research indicates that most accidental blind cord deaths happen in a bedroom, involving children aged between 16 and 36 months. To reduce the risk of looped blind cords or chains, the Make it Safe campaign advises the following: • Install blinds that do not have a cord, particularly in a child’s bedroom • Do not place a child’s cot,
CARPETS
£349
continued from page 1
DONNY’S
Livi ng 4x4 Room mtr s
Make it safe campaign cont.d
agreed adding: “The issue of supplying alcohol to minors is something the licensing board must take seriously. “I realise the business has been sold, however we are looking at your personal licence. As with driving offences, if you step out of line your licence can be endorsed and I see this as no different.”
Hall 5x4 mtrs
shopkeeper has had his licence endorsed after selling alcohol to underage teenagers. The offence was marked on Mohammed Sarwar’s personal drink licence after a hearing before Clackmannanshire Council’s licensing board on Thursday February 2. During the meeting councillors discussed the offence which was previously heard at a meeting of the board on December 8. During this meeting it was found Mr Sarwar had sold alcohol to a 17-year-old in the Premier Shop, Menstrie. Following this, several mandatory recommendations were set which included installing
communication with the police.” Mr Allison also told the board Mr Sarwar had now sold the business and the premises licence is held by someone else. He added: “I urge the board to take the view the actions taken previously on December 8 that a written warning and the various requirements should be sufficient.” However, councillors decided to endorse Mr Sarwar’s personal licence. Councillor Alistair Campbell said: “It is important that we sent out the message that a transgression of this type won’t be ignored. “We have to give out the message to all licence holders in this county.” Convenor Kenny Earle
n Kitche trs 3x3 m Vinyl
A
a CCTV system, all sales of alcohol being entered through a till with a printing facility, a refusal book should be kept. A written age verification policy should be retained in the shop at all times and evidence of staff training records in relation to this policy should be available to a police officer or licensing standards officer for inspection at any time. During Thursday’s meeting councillors heard Mr Sarwar had installed a CCTV system straight away and had made a refusal book available. His solicitor, Brian Allison said: “Mr Sarwar is anxious to fully comply with the recommendations. The installation of a CCTV system has taken place with very quick effect. He is currently awaiting further
60m2 Carpet Supplied • 13m2 Vinyl Flooring FREE Delivery • Fitting Service Available
By Alison Mann
STAIN FREE FOR LIFE RANGES AVAILABLE WE WILL BEAT ANY LIKE FOR LIKE QUOTE
Main Street, Tillicoultry • 01259 752 999 also in Camelon and Bathgate • www.donnyscarpets.co.uk
6
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Alison Mann Giving blood is easy and we all should do it
O
n Saturday I gave blood for the first time since 2005 and the second time I’d ever given blood. I remember the first time I gave blood, I had just left school and couldn’t give blood with everyone else during school because I had just had my ears pierced. When everyone else was donating blood and I couldn’t but I wanted to do it so much and was annoyed I couldn’t. When I finally managed to do it, I went with my dad, who gives blood religiously and has done for as long as I can remember, and swore I too would keep it up. That didn’t happen though. I got various piercings as you do when you’re younger so had to wait a year between each to give blood. Then I visited Tanzania and believed I couldn’t give blood for one year after that because it was a malaria zone. I’ve made up for it now though, as I donated on Saturday. Because it
was my second time I was given a little badge with my blood-type on it stuck onto a fact sheet. I found this particularly interesting. It told me that in Japan blood-types are a national obsession! I found this fascinating as here, no one really cares and many people don’t even know their blood type. Apparently the Japanese believe your blood type influences your personality, choice of career and partner. So, with my 0- blood apparently I am open, friendly, strong, self-reliant and optimistic with good leadership abilities. Prince Charles, the Queen, Ronald Reagan and Al Capone all share my blood type. I also found that 8% of the population have my blood type but my blood can be given to almost any other type so is used a lot in emergency situations…super blood. Aside from these facts my sheet
WE ARE NOW IN ALLOA. Come and visit us at 38 Primrose Street
also told me that only 6% of the Scottish population who are eligible actually give blood. This really shocked me and made me feel bad that I hadn’t given in seven years. It was so easy to do, I just showed up, filled in a form, chatted to a nurse and tried to relax. Taking the blood took no time at all even with my slow coach blood and after a cuppa and a biscuit I was on my way. Pretty easy when you think it could potentially save someone’s life. Even if 12% of the eligible population gave blood it would make a huge difference and supplies might not run low. What do you think about blood donation and do you do it? Let me know at alison@ hubpublishing.co.uk. Find out more about donating blood at www. scotblood.co.uk/
HAVE YOUR SAY
RUNNING WITH DOGS
CANI-SPORTS Sunday, 26 February 2012 10:00 until 13:00 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallion Road, G62 8EL
Canicross race plus Bikejor/ Scooter race, Junior (2k) and Adult (5k) classes. Advance Entry fee - £5 for adults £3 for Juniors (late entries adults £10, Juniors £8) This will be a fun event with classes for all levels and a fun run (no prizes for fun run class). The course will be mainly on forest tracks in the Craigallion Plantation on the other side of Craigallian road, start and finish will be within Mugdock park.
Do you have something you want to say, or something for Alison to talk about: alison@hubpublishing.co.uk
APRA hope to improve Black Devon access M
embers of the Alloa Park Residents’ Association (APRA) are working with Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Community Projects Fund to improve access to the Black Devon Wetland Route. The route, which passes adjacent to the Alloa Park development in south east Alloa is hidden from the public but has now been clearly sign posted and a beautiful hedge and planting has been installed to encourage walkers to use the area once more. The community group, which was formed in 2011, was successful in their application for a £1,000 grant to CSGN Community Projects Fund and hope that this will now result in more people using the route and recognising the fantastic health benefits that walking has to offer. Neil Turner, the Acting Chair of the
residents association said: “I’m delighted that people now know that the route exists. It is a beautiful part of Alloa, especially since we cleared over 20 tonnes of fly tipped waste from the River before Christmas, and we want to encourage people to take advantage of the fantastic green network that we have in this area. We want to thank CSGN for their support in this project and we are confident from the feedback we have received from residents to date, that we will see the route becoming established as a scenic route to Clackmannan and Central Alloa”. APRA continues to work on other projects to the benefit of Alloa Park residents and the wider community. More information and photos can be found on their website at www.alloapark.org
Council give green light for Help for Heroes
C Sponsored by
Application form http://homepage.ntlworld.com/connal/Canisportscotland.html
lackmannanshire Council’s licensing board have granted a license to hold a charity event for Help for Heroes. The annual event will be held again in Alloa Town Hall after board members agreed licence terms during a meeting on Thursday, February 2. The event, now in its
third year, will take place on February 17 in Alloa Town Hall. The event will be held in memory of Kevin Mulligan, a paratrooper who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 as just 25. Three bands will perform during the event, Nae Danger, Fever and Straight Shooter. There will also be a raffle during the night to help raise funds for the
soldier’s charity. Tony Duffy will also DJ at the event. The event kicks off at 7.30pm and ends around 1am. Tickets for the event cost £10 and can be bought at Floral Gems and Peppes, Alloa.
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Manifesto focuses on delivery By Alison Mann
L
abour candidates for Clackmannanshire launched their manifesto with the support of local members ahead of the election in May. The candidates, joined by party members and supporters met with Margaret Curran MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, in Clackmannan Town Hall on February 4. Former Provost, Derek Stewart said: “We were pleased to have the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Margaret Curran MP, join us for the launch of our manifesto. It is crucial that we protect our vital services in Clackmannanshire and the manifesto reflects this. “Our focus over the next five years will be to continue to deliver these services to the highest possible standards, whilst also concentrating our efforts on improving the standard of our roads and paths, developing our school build programme and delivering equal opportunities for all in Clackmannanshire. New Candidate for Clackmannanshire East, Kathleen Martin, said: “The Clackmannanshire Scottish Labour Party’s passion, pride and dedication to the wee county will not falter and our greatest priority will continue to be the delivery, protection
and creation of opportunities for every resident of Clackmannanshire.’ Margaret Curran MP, Shadow Secretary of Scotland Said: “The Scottish Labour Party in Clackmannanshire is dedicated, honest and hard working. They have and will, continue to stand up for the rights of residents in this county and will continue to deliver the services that people desperately need during this time of economic hardship. “With devastating cuts from the SNP in Holyrood and the Tories in Westminster it is vital that we have the Labour Party in administration in Clackmannanshire to stand up and protect the people of this area. “I am pleased to join the candidates today (Saturday) to launch their honest and deliverable vision for the next five years for Clackmannanshire.”
7
CROSSWORD COMPETITION WINNER LAST WEEKS CROSSWORD ANSWERS
Congratulations to Alan Ure from Sauchie 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
CLACKMANNAN CAR CENTRE
01259 222 944 The NEW name for quality used cars in the Wee County
7-11 ALLOA ROAD, CLACKMANNAN FK10 4HG • OPEN 7 DAYS Good cars always purchased for cash • All cars guaranteed • Licenced Credit Broker
Mention the Wee County News and receive
COMPLIMENTARY Breakdown Cover
CITROEN C4 Grand Picasso 2.0i 16V VTR Plus EGS, 5 Drs, Auto, Seven Seat MPV, High Spec Full Service History 57 Reg, 23500 mls only £5895
54 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE 1.6 Man Lovley Met Blue Paint, CD, Alloys, Full VW ser hist, Fantastic Condition & Great Value Only £5750
TOYOTA Avensis 2.0 D-4D T3-S, 5 Dr, Man, Hatchback, Dsl, 07 Reg,, Metallic Silver, Navigation system, 38900 mls FSH Only £7495
RENAULT Clio 1.4 16v Dynamique, 3 Doors Petrol, 2006 56 Reg, 76K Main Dealer Service History, Blue , Hatchback, Very Nice Only £3995
Ford Focus 1.6i 16v Zetec 5DR , In Nice Condition and low miles , Mot Not Due Untill Oct 2012, 5dr Hatch Back with 99hp engine Only £2195
SAAB 95 ESTATE ARC 3.0 V6 TID 68k Metallic paint, full leather, MFSW, Heated front seats Only £3395
Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S, 59 Reg Only 7000 Miles, 1 Owner From New, Air con. Elec Windows, Alloys, Metallic Paint, Rear Spoiler, Fogs Only £8995
SKODA OCTAVIA 1.6 FSI ELEGANCE 5 DOOR Hatch Back Only 23000 mls with a full Skoda History, Air Con, Elec Wdws, Great MPG Only £5495
Volvo S80 2001 4dr 2.4 Auto, Climate Control, Full Factory Leather, Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Multi Function SW, FSH 76000 Miles VGC Only £2295
BMW 118d M-Sport 2008 3dr Auto Diesel 38k With Full BMW Service History, BMW M-Sport Pack, MFSW Climate Only £11495
Vauxhall Astra 2.2i 16v 2003MY Elegance, 5 Dr Hatch, Only 72000 Mile, Elegance Spec Incl CD Multi changer Air Condit, Cruise Control Only £1895
7 SEAT Hyundai Trajet MPV People Carrier, Great Spec 5 Doors, Manual, Estate, Petrol, 71000 m, FSH Blue 12 month mot ,PAS , only £2195
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 Turbo Diesel 5dr Auto 4x4, 81000 Mls, FSH, Folding Rear Seats, Immobiliser, CD Player VGC 4X4 Only £4895
Saab 95 3RD Gen 4Dr Saloon 185hp LPT , Linear Model with , Silver Met paint with a full factory leather Int FSH Duel Zone Climate Only £1995
Vauxhall Zafria 2006 MY Design 7 Seater MPV 1.9 Tid Diesel,6sp Man, Air Con, Half Sports Leather, Alloys, Tinted Glass, MFSW 69800 Mls Only £5995
Jaguar XK8 COUPE 1998 Blue, Dove Leather, Power Seats, V.G.C, Auto Box, Mot Nov, Tax June Only £3995
TOYOTA MR2 1.8 VVTi, 2 Doors, Manual, Petrol, Convertible Roadster, 2005 Model, 25000 miles with a full service record £5695
Honda XL 1000 V-8 VARADERO 996 cc Tourer 2008 Model Heated Grips Engine Bars Givi Top Box Bagstar Tank Bag 11800 miles Only £5195
www.clackmannancarcentre.co.uk
8
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Helping hand to quit smoking
C
lackmannanshire residents are being given a helping hand to get healthy and quit smoking with free advice. A Stop Smoking Roadshow set up in Asda, Alloa on Monday, February 6 offered smokers good practical advice on quitting the habit. During the roadshow, visitors were given leaflets and a DVD that is packed full of advice and Smokeline advisors were on hand to give some free information. Visitors were also able to take a lung ageing and carbon monoxide test during the event, which helped some smokers take their attempts to quit seriously. Fiona Kaszta, 52 used the lung aging test and found she had lungs aged 72, she said: “I’m shocked, I’ve been trying to stop and have really cut down but I’m definitely going to try harder now.” William Conlan, 55 found his lung age was 79 and said: “I can’t believe it, I’ve tried to stop before and managed for 12 weeks but I’ll be giving it another try.” Those who missed the roadshow can get help to quit smoking from numerous services across the NHS Forth Valley area. The area has a comprehensive smoking cessation service and
residents can find help in many ways. One of which is visiting a community pharmacy and signing up for a pharmacy scheme where pharmacists give advice and provide free nicotine replacement products to help. Residents can also attend community clinics, there are four in Clackmannanshire. They take place in Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre on Tuesdays from 6.30pm, Alva Health Centre on Mondays from 5.30pm, Clackmannan Health Centre on Tuesdays from 5.30pm and Tillicoultry Health Centre on a Tuesday from 5.30pm. Free Nicotine replacement products are available when visiting Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre. In between following a pharmacy scheme and visiting a clinic people can phone Smokeline for free advice and information on giving up smoking. Quitters can also take part in online web chats with a Smokeline adviser. Alternatively, people can also visit their local GP surgery where a nurse should be able to help plan when and how to stop smoking. Joanne O’Suilleabhain, Senior
Locals taking advantage of free advice to stop smoking Health Promotion Officer for NHS Forth Valley said: “It’s never too late to stop smoking. In fact, one in five smokers who use the NHS to stop smoking in Scotland are actually 60 and over. It doesn’t matter what age you are or how long you’ve been smoking you can do it. “As soon as
OPENING WEEKEND
you give up you feel better. Within 20 minutes your pulse starts to reduce. Within one day or quitting Carbon Monoxide levels return to normal and in several days the nicotine leaves the blood stream.” Joanne also highlighted the benefits to your wallet by giving up smoking. Statistics have shown that someone smoking 20 cigarettes per day spends roughly
Finalists Revealed for Citizen of the Year By Michelle Henderson
Caring Clackmannanshire residents have been th th th nominated to receive the prestigious Citizen of the Free sessions on everything Year award this month. The top citizen will be recognised during a Gala Awards Ceremony at Alloa Town Hall on February 23. Twelve hard-working people were nominated for the VIBRO MANIA MONTHLY award and eight have made UNLIMITED the final cut, who will attend SPRAY TANS the glamorous awards. LOSE A DRESS SIZE IN 3 WEEKS Tone up & lose weight fast All nominees will be given Improve circulation the red carpet treatment as Reduce cellulite £34.99 & MUCH MORE three awards are presented UNLIMITED USE OF OUR - Citizen of the Year, Sports FULLY AUTOMATED SPRAY FAB SAVINGS ON TAN BOOTH WITH A CHOICE Council Awards and the WEEKLY+MONTHLY BLOCKS OF 3 COLOURS Enterprise in Education Award. FAKE BAKE The top award, Citizen of the ORIGINAL Year will be presented by ONLY SLIM M IN G & TAN N IN G Lord Lieutenant George Reid, who also sponsors the award. BOTTLES The ceremony will be a COME ALONG TO OUR FANTASTIC OPENING WEEKEND WHERE YOU CAN TRY OUR joint event organised by INTESIVE STATE OF THE ART TANNING EQUIPMENT IN OUR FANTASTIC SHINY NEW Clackmannanshire Sports SALON……. OR WHY NOT POP IN FOR A VIBRO SESSION AND JOIN THE CRAZE……….. OR GOING OUT THIS WEEKEND GRAB A SPRAY TAN IN OUT FULLY AUTOMATED BOOTH AND Council and the Council’s A L L A R E F R E E !! Educations Service. J O IN O U R M A IL IN G LIS T @ W W W .S U N S H A C K .B IZ O R L IK E U S O N Diageo are also showing their F A C E B O O K F O R S O M E F A N T A S T IC S A V IN G S & F R E E O F F E R S support for the ceremony and will be providing the N EW SALO N : SH ILLIN G H ILL, A LLO A reception drinks whilst, (N E X T T O S U B W A Y ) T E R M S & C O N D IT IO N S /Q U E S T IO N S … ? C A L L O U R H E A D O F F IC E 0 1 6 9 8 Glencairn Crystal have once
Fri 17 , Sat 18 , Sun 19
FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE! FREE T A N N IN G
/
+
V IB R O TANS
/
SPRAY
+ 20% OFF
£15
458307
£2,500 per year on the habit. NHS Forth Valley will be holding a roadshow in Asda, Alloa on 14 March for No Smoking Day. This event will give potential quitters information and advice on how to take the leap and quit. More information can be found online at www.canstopsmoking. com or by calling Smokeline on 0800 848484.
again provided a gift for each of the eight finalists. Provost Tina Murphy said: “Thank you to everyone who made a nomination to the 2011 Citizen of the Year award. “It was truly inspirational to hear about the wonderful work of all our nominees and it will be an honour to meet them at the Clackmannanshire Awards.” The nominations for Citizen of the Year are, Chris Calder, Lewis Green, Val Hume, David Hunter, Erin McNeil, Janet Morrison and Elaine Pitcairn for their work throughout the community and family life. Three people have been nominated for the Junior Sports Personality of the Year, Sarah McMahon for her success in Tae Kwon Do, Brian Harper for his participation in Wrestling and Sammi Tasker for her continued effort towards Motorcycling. Other sports awards include school team of the Year with nominees as follows; St Bernadette’s Boccia team,
Alva Academy Senior Rugby team and Alva Primary Athletics team. Team of the Year award is also being competed for by Tullibody Wrestling Club, Hillfoots under 18’s Rugby Football Club and Hillfoots Rugby Football Club. Another award being presented is ‘Triumph Over Adversity’ award and the nominations are Marc Miller for swimming, Kevin Wallace for Bowling and Meggan Dawson-Farrell for Athletics. The nominees for the Service to Sport award are Colin McLaren and Alan Harper for Wrestling, Mary Greaves for Swimming and Morag Jamison for Gymnastics. The last award to be presented is the Enid Barton Coach of the Year Award with nominees including Mike Robins for wrestling, Liane Rooney for Tae Kwon Do and Alan Harper and Colin McLaren for Wrestling. Growing in Excellence Awards are also due to be given out at the ceremony to council staff for the second year running.
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Popularity of home meal delivery service grows The popularity of Class Cuisine’s individual meal home delivery service is growing, with more and more satisfied customers signing up for the service every week. Clackmannanshire was the first Councils in Scotland to offer a range of delicious dinners, frozen, and delivered to your door when it launched the service in November 2010. This service is open to everyone and delivery is free to people living in Clackmannanshire. The individual frozen meal service is provided by Class Cuisine, the Council’s catering service which also produces school meals and meals on wheels. Council Leader Gary Womersley said: “I’m delighted to hear that Class Cuisine’s individual
meal home delivery service is proving popular. These meals are ideal for elderly people who do not qualify for meals on wheels, as well as many other people such as those who don’t have time or the inclination to cook. It’s very reassuring for customers to know, that as well as being nutritious, these meals are made locally and delivered locally by Council staff based in Sauchie, helping to support jobs at Class Cuisine.”
Her comments are echoed by fellow customers Andrew Telfor in Alloa who said: “The quality of the meals is very good and they are exceptional value for money.” And Annie Laird in Clackmannan who said: “The meals and service are brilliant and the delivery driver is lovely.”
Councillor Womersley met one of Class Cuisine’s content customers, Margaret McPhie in Clackmannan this week (pictured).
A brochure which promotes the service is widely available in Council offices and online at www.clacksweb.org.uk/ community/mealservice/. A variety of soups, main meals and desserts are on offer and the brochure contains photos of all the meal ranges: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, fish and vegetarian.
Mrs McPhie said: “The meals are lovely, they really do taste like home cooked food. They are not to over spiced or salty and they are very good value for money.”
Janet McIntosh in Sauchie, added: “I am very pleased with all my meals and the service provided.”
Over 70 dishes are available, each developed by the Council’s catering staff and cooked at Class Cuisine in Sauchie. They are then immediately frozen
to preserve flavour and nutrients. Once ordered, the food is delivered to the customer. You can keep it in your
freezer and then heat it up in the oven or microwave when you want it. The minimum order is £20. For more information call 450000 or visit ClacksWeb.
Class Cuisine Individual meals home delivery service
For people who love local food
Class Cuisine, the Council’s catering service, offers a range of delicious individual frozen dinners delivered to your door made at our kitchen in Sauchie. This service is open to everyone and delivery is free to people living in Clackmannanshire. To find out more pick up one of our brochures, call 450000 or see our webpage at www.clacksweb.org.uk/community/classcuisine/
9
10
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Gordon Banks MP
T
here is never a shortage of issues to discuss with you, but I feel that I must mention again an issue that has been dragging on for 5 long years for many constituents in the Ochil and South Perthshire Constituency – the Farepak Hamper compensation fiasco. As I have said previously, it is disgraceful that people are still waiting for compensation whilst liquidation administration costs are now running into millions of pounds. Many of those affected could ill afford to lose this money and the news that 200 people have died whilst waiting for the payout is quite simply shocking and totally unacceptable. The government must act now, they must take steps to ensure that the individuals who are waiting are compensated and soon. This will not take away the angst and frustration that people
have already suffered but please let them finally draw a line under this situation. I was concerned to read in the Federation of Master Builder’s (FMB) latest State of Trade Survey report that 22%, or 1 in 5 small and medium building firms have been forced to cut jobs because of the 20% VAT hike last year. The survey, which covers the fourth quarter of 2011 also reports that 50% of the firms - who operate mainly in the domestic repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) sector blame the decline in demand for this type of work on the VAT increase. Other research commissioned by the FMB estimates that almost 4,000 jobs were lost in the housing RM&I in 2011 because of the rise and warns that the total employment loss to the UK economy as a result of the VAT rise in this sector could be 17,360 by 2020.
The research also shows us that a targeted reduction in the VAT on just the labour element of RM&I could create 34,400 jobs by the end of 2012. Having worked in the construction industry for many years, I have made repeated calls for a cut in VAT to 5% for these services. It’s ridiculous that the Coalition Government is putting building firms under this pressure at a time when the UK economy is struggling so badly. There is no logic in an increase in VAT to 20% when they should be doing all they can to bolster businesses so they can flourish and stimulate the local and national economy and in turn play their role in deficit reduction through economic growth. It will be disastrous to ignore warnings such as the FMB report – after all, declining orders and the loss of jobs were forecast at the outset of the VAT rise
and we are now reaping the consequences of this. To close, I would like to congratulate Forth Paving, an Alloa business that has recently been the recipient of the Regional Award in the category of Most Creative Use of Marshall’s Products in Marshalls Register Awards for 2011. The firm specialise in landscaping and one of their installations in Dollar landed them the prize. It’s great to hear of local success in the midst of all the economic gloom. Well done. Remember, if there are any issues you would like to discuss my contact details are; The Constituency Office, 49-51 High Street, Alloa FK10 1JF. Tel; 01259 721536 or email gordon.banks.mp@ parliament.uk
next four years who are best placed to deliver better quality services for our people and the debate on the referendum will be a chance for Scotland to assert our determination to run our own ballot here in Scotland without interference from Westminster. The Scottish Government wants to hear the views of the people of Scotland on how the Referendum should be shaped—whether Scotland or London should control it, what should be asked, who should be eligible to vote and so on. I believe the Referendum should be built in Scotland, by the people of Scotland, rather than controlled by outside influences and for this reason, I hope as many people participate in the “Your Scotland, Your Referendum� consultation as possible, whatever their
views, and that the people of Clackmannanshire and will take this opportunity to express their opinions. A copy of the Scottish Government’s independence referendum consultation can be found at http://www.scotreferendum. com/consultation/http:// www.scotreferendum.com/ consultation/, along with details of how to respond. As always, if you would like to speak to me about any issues or concerns, please contact the constituency office in 01259 219333 for details of my regular surgeries or to make an appointment.
Keith Brown MSP
L need...at a good price.
3ULFH LQFOXGH V WLOHG VSODVK EDFNV Bui lding 21/< ,QF 9D RQO\ DYDLODEOH W R ILUVW FXVWRPHUV W \HDUV H[SHULHQ FH ZH ZRUN
Â&#x2026;
er All of this out; Get togethg a Ladies day Join us for let you down. ative, relaxin
NT THE REGEHamilton Shopping
),;(' 35,&( )XOO\ ),77(' .LWFKHQV
We are always on time & wont
ring day and pampe ns on: Demonstratio
Show looking for Charity Fashion
A Mediumship
of In Aid
spice ws Ho a St Andre McKenn ve
d by Ste
Hoste
Y ENTR
FREE
(Sandwiches
Anywhere
you need
High Sta
TipTop clean
cleaned
ndards
ing , the
nt
The Rege
285947 : 01698
7DZ re ML3 Email - tiptopmobilecleaningservices@ rkshi
ilton, Lana
re, Ham
Working hours are Mon .com
ntre regentce
www.the
Anne Smith
and home
lashes corner eye
for all
ent MacDougall Semi-Perman an Laura Anne By Beautici we will do the of Attractionâ&#x20AC;?
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Law Cakes to take away) & Great Talk onjob Wish rate (And One s of Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
company
live.co.uk
Fri 6am - 7pm (Out of hours
Â&#x2021; &KRLFH RI GLIIHUHQ \HDU JXDUDQWHH W VW\OHV RI NLWFKHQV Â&#x2021; XQLWV [ PP Z DVVLVWHG EXLOW XQGH RUNWRSV SOLQWKV IDQ LQWHJUDWHG H[WUDFWR U RYHQ EXLOW LQ KRE PRQREORFN WDSV U KRRG VWDLQOHVV VWHH 7LOHG VSODVKEDFNV O VLQN Â&#x2021; )5(( 3ULPD RYHQ KRE KRRG
All aspe cts
Â&#x2021; /DPLQDWH
of joinery work unde rtake
)ORRU
n
Â&#x2021; 3ULFH LQFOXVLYH RI Â&#x2021; /RIW &RQY V Â&#x2021; 'RRUV Â&#x2021; :LQGR FRQQHFWLRQ RI HOHF RLQHU\ ILWWLQJ SOXPE HUVLRQV Â&#x2021; *D ZV Â&#x2021; . LQJ WULFDO ILWPH UDJH &RQYH LWFKHQV QWV WLOLQJ DQG GHOLYH Â&#x2021; GLIIHUH UVLRQV U\ QW VW\OHV WR FKRRVH EXGJHWV IURP 5DQJHV WR ILW D OO Â&#x2021; )XOO\ *8$5$17(( OLNH IRU OLNH EDVLV ' 1RW WR EH EHDWHQ R Q SULFH RQ D
7HOHSKRQH 12 : IRU \RXU )5 (( SODQ DQG GHVLJQ
Telephone
ic Hall G69 whill Mason trust. only ÂŁ10 12 noon â&#x20AC;˘ Garro the day for May starts more. available on es and much Sunday 1st Massage â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also stall, manicur Hot Stone
you can
Telephone: 07592 467529
Cent Shopping
Medium Angel
We Specialise in: ort break Comf â&#x20AC;˘ Insurance Cleans â&#x20AC;˘ New Build CleansDemonstration and Virgin Vie Clarins and â&#x20AC;˘ OfďŹ ces Talk skin by Helen Brown after your on Looking â&#x20AC;˘ Factories Consultant Make-up & & Evening â&#x20AC;˘ Residential Property on on Day Demonstrati â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial Property oon Tea and Aftern Comfort break baked cream scones)
0 - 7pm
ber 201
25th Octo
ion
Demonstrat
d Glasgow by Renowne
M ode l Rege nts Top
and Joiner y
WR PDNH \RX KDSS\
an inform We do the jobs and with friends youforhate! with Talks
Centre
y an V Â&#x2021; l ca mp HV Lo Co XVLQ ble Q E lia UX Re LO\ DP
ut!
Ladies Day O
Mobile Cleaning Services
All the cleaning you will ever
Â&#x2021; )
Tip Top
Fed up being let down, or just not getting t a ticke what you pay for. y ÂŁ20â&#x20AC;? for â&#x20AC;&#x153;onl
Please call for more details
: 078253 KITCHEN Email: 60 .uk DESIGN COMP ckdbuildingandjoinery@g736 mail.com ngelanne.co ANY Visit www.a 69 For Tickets ne 075067235 Or Telepho and and cupcake erapy, Swedish make-up, candle V & Clarins
Aromath Virgin Also Raffles,
on request)
A5 Flyers* Single Sided, 135gsm Glossy, Full Colour Tel
Flyers 5000 for ÂŁ95.00 10000 for ÂŁ149.00 No Artwork? Let us design it for you from ÂŁ25.00 Full *Prices based on artwork supplied.
Logo Design from
ÂŁ75.00
Re-Brand from
ÂŁ295.00
Tel: 01259 404006
weecounty@athenaprint.com * Offer available throughout January 2012. Subject to terms & conditions. Artwork must be supplied print ready with 3mm bleed and crop marks. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer
ast week I was delighted to have the opportunity to pay a visit to the local Asda in Alloa to hear about their innovative Community Life Programme which will be launched shortly in the store and aims to make a real difference to the local community. This will see the introduction of a community board, space which can be used by local groups and organisations to meeting for free and customers will be given the opportunity to help decide which local causes to support financially through the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chosen by You, Given by Usâ&#x20AC;? programme. If you would like to find out more about the meeting space that is available or to nominate a local charity, cause, school or community project for a financial donation, contact
Community Life Champion, Kirsty McCormack at ASDA on 01259 226600. There is no doubt that 2012 is going to be a very important year for Scotland. The Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, the local council elections in May and the run up to the Independence Referendum will all be going on. The Jubilee celebrations will be a chance for the whole country to recognise the great service the current Queen has given to our country; the Olympics will give our top athletes the chance to excel and help get across the message about the importance of sport to our national life; the local elections will give people throughout Scotland the chance to put people in charge of our councils for the
Workshops for wee county writers C lackmannanshire residents with a flair for writing will be able to attend a variety of workshops organised by the Alloa Writers. The group have announced their Spring programme of workshops, part funded by the Scottish Book Trust and free to any writer with an interest in developing their skills. The first workshop is with writer Charlie Gracie who says his work reflects two interests - the natural world and the human condition. He explores how these reflect each other. He probes what lurks, what glimmers, beneath the surface of what we see around us. Charlie has had poetry and short fiction published in a variety of journals
and anthologies in Scotland and Ireland. His first poetry collection, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Morningâ&#x20AC;?, was published in September 2010 by diehard as a handcrafted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;metallicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hardback and re-released in paperback in 2011. Originally from Baillieston, Glasgow, Charlie Gracie now lives in Thornhill, Stirling. He has been writing poetry most of his life and was first published in The Sunday Mail at age seven. He has worked in conjunction with other artists and musicians over the years. This includes other poets, a sculptor, dancers, musicians and filmmakers. Charlie will be running the Alloa Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; poetry workshop on Monday February 27 from 7pm to 9pm in the
Resonate Arts House Unit 3A North Castle Street Alloa FK10 1EU (just down from Lime Tree House). Venue opens at 6.30 pm. Anyone interested, please email derenz@mypostoffice.co.uk or Telephone 01259 218454. And see www. alloawriters.org.uk for information on the second workshop scheduled for Monday March 12 in the same venue, is with writer Ian Macpherson who is appearing in the Ayewrite festival in Glasgow. Alloa Writers meet on the second and fourth Mondays monthly in Resonate Arts House, Unit 3A North Castle Street Alloa between 7pm & 9 pm. All writers are welcome to attend.
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Labour party celebrate Burns
T
he Lodge of Alloa No. 69 Annual Burn’s Supper was held in the Alloa masonic hall on Saturday February 4. Front row (left to right) Sam Cowie Tam o’ Shanter singer, Peter Doyle, Immortal Memory, RWM Walter Livingstone, Chairman, John Blady.Toast to the Lassies Back row (left to right) Nathan Evans,piper, Stan Crossan, Selkirk Grace and Addressed the Haggis, Gordon Walker,Holy Wullies Prayer, Jackie Hunter, Poosie Nancy, Hamish McEwan, Replied to the Lassies, Jim Strathie, Singer.
T
he Ochil and South Perthshire Labour branch celebrated Burns recently with their annual celebration, held at the village hall in Coalsnaughton. The traditional themed event was kick-started when a piper officially set the tone, before the members
and guests tucked into some delicious haggis, neeps and tatties. Music was provided by some of the best local talent. Attendee’s included, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Margaret Curran MP, local MP Gordon Banks, local MSP Dr Richard
Schools: Alloa Academy Inter-House competition
Congratulations to pupils in Schaw House who have again won this week’s Inter-House competition and gain 14 points for the House. Erskine were in second place gaining 12 points with Bruce in third place gaining 10 House points. Class 1E1 topped the list for excellent co-operation, while 2S2 recorded the highest number of merits for outstanding effort.
Army Experience
Congratulations to all 10 of our students who attended an Army Work Experience last week. The 5 boys and 5 girls did exceptionally well and won several of the challenges in which they competed against teams who have spent 10 weeks in training rather than just the 5 days which our students had. All Army personnel were highly impressed by the conduct and commitment of the students and contacted the school to let us know of this. Well done to all involved.
Senior rugby
Well done to the Senior Boys rugby Team who competed in such a sportsmanlike manner against Alva Academy last Thursday. The game was a great success and we hope that the experience can be repeated.
11
Swimming success
Congratulations to Craig Alexander who represented the school in the Scottish Schools Swimming Championship and reaching 11th place. Well done on this fantastic achievement in the boys 13-14 200m breaststroke.
National entitlement Cards
Application forms will be issued this week to all S1 pupils for National Entitlement cards and Youth Services staff will be in school on Thursday 23rd February to take the necessary photos for the cards. Any pupil who does not have a National Entitlement card should call in at the School Office to request an application form.
S5/6 Prelims
S5/6 prelims continue this week and will be completed by the end of the week. The timetable can be accessed via the school website. Good Luck to all students involved.
Holiday Week
The school will be closed to pupils for the whole of the week beginning Monday 13th February. Staff will be taking part in In-Service activities on Monday and Tuesday. All of our time will be spent working around the Curriculum for Excellence, with S1 and S2 Learning Walls to be constructed and joint work with the staff at Alva and Lornshill Academies on preparation for the National 4 and National 5 courses.
Tossing the caber at S1 Scottish Day
Simpson (Shadow Public Health Minister) and Ken MacIntosh MSP (Shadow Cabinet Secretary). The candidates standing for election at the forthcoming local elections where also in attendance.
Kincardine writer on BBC documentary A
Kincardine writer took part in a fascinating documentary shown on BBC on Tuesday evening. Audrey HolmesMcCormick, 80 was interviewed as part of Singapore 1942: End of Empire which was shown on Tuesday on BBC Two. The second part of the show will air next Tuesday at 9pm on BBC Two. Mrs HolmesMcCormick became fascinated by the Argyll’s and wrote a book called Moon over Malaya for which she interviewed many members of the Royal Argyll’s. The Australian documentary company who made the new programme were keen to gain Mrs HolmesMcCormick’s knowledge so filmed an interview with her. Part of the interview appeared during the documentary shown on BBC Two. Mrs Holmes-McCormick said: “I met a few Argylls and we met in my house to go over their history. They were such terrific men and we talked about their history and the regiment’s history.” The BBC documentary shown on Tuesday told the story of the Japanese Imperial army pushing British Empire forces over 600 miles southward down the Malay Peninsula. On January 27, 1942, General Percival received a signal from high command permitting him to withdraw to Singapore Island. The Royal Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were the last to crossover the causeway linking Singapore Island to mainland Malaya. The programme showed them defiantly piping themselves across. Episode one is available to view on BBC iplayer and the second episode will air on Tuesday, February 14 at 9pm on BBC Two.
12
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
Primrose Street Alloa’s little gem P
rimrose Street is full of unique shops and quality businesses and should make up a vital part of any Wee County residents shopping day. Whether nipping out for supplies, looking for some pampering or want to browse some great products – Primrose Street has it all. Aside from that you can shop knowing you will be supporting local people and local businesses that are keeping the area in which you
live alive and thriving. To highlight this little Alloa gem, the Wee County News have taken a walk along Primrose Street to bring you the best places to shop when you next go out. We took a walk into Primrose Street and the first shop we hit was the Alloa Framing Company and we were hit with lots of bright colours and lovely products. As the name suggests, Alloa Framing Company can frame whatever you desire,
Interesting items at...
lloa Stirling Sales Room AAntique & Modern Furniture White Goods
Proprietor: Willie Nicol • Fax: 01259 212131 37 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JJ Tel: 01259 211000
13 Wallace Street, Stirling FK8 1NS Tel: 01786 474622
Quality used CDs and DVDs
32 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 3HL
DVD’s - great stock of Box Sets available
CDs
Computer Games
Playstation 2 + 3 X Box 360
Wii
Nintendo DS
Good stock of VHS Videos COMPUTER GAMES IN STOCK cash or exchange
10 - 5 Mon - Fri • 10 - 2 Saturday
with a quick turnaround and with a quality finish. Customers can feel free to drop in or perhaps buy one of the beautiful photographs of the Ochil Hills by Jim Christie. The shop also sells a wide range of wool, accessories, haberdashery, buttons as well as baby clothing, toys and home knits. This is all provided with in a friendly atmosphere in a shop that has been under the current ownership for 10 years and has been on Primrose Street for many, many more. The next shop on the street is the Alloa and Stirling Sales Room which is a treasure trove of curiosities as well as the necessities you need for your home. Owned by Willie Nicol the shop moved from Stirling to Primrose street eight years
ago. Customers can find all manner of antique and modern furniture and home items. They also sell fridges, freezers, cookers, tumble dryers and many other electrical appliances Wee County residents need for their homes. They also buy gold and silver in the shop. It’s a fantastic shop to pop in a browse and the owners will make you feel at home with their excellent, friendly service. Crossing the street and starting at the top we came to the Locker Room bar, a great local pub which was taken over by new ownership one week ago. The new management are keen to let people know it is the same friendly, welcoming pub it has always been with
MAYFAIR HAIRDRESSERS
SPECIAL SENIOR CITIZENS OFFERS
MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY WITH CHRISTINE, HILARY AND JULIE
Cut & Blow Dry only £11.00 Come inside to find out about our many other offers
Thursday & Saturday Offers
WITH SANDRA
15% Discount OFF all treatments
Nicole (2nd year training) requires models Thursday & Saturday PHONE NOW FOR APPOINTMENTS
36 Primrose Street, Alloa • 01259 723 275
the same well-known faces behind the bar. The Locker Room offers a selection of lager and beer, cider and spirits all at competitive prices. Customers can also relax and enjoy football and many other sports on one of four flat-screen televisions. There are also two pool tables available to use which add to the excellent experience when visiting the Locker Room. Next on our list is CVS Clackmannanshire, a local charity and social enterprise providing the following services for community and voluntary organisations across the county. A range of office service delivering accredited training courses for individuals and groups, developing a befriending project and delivery of their Holistic Opportunities Programme. The small staff team comprising Administrator
Sharon, Development Worker Lorna and Manager Ross are happy to meet and discuss the range of services with any community or voluntary group. Please call on 01259217852or call in at the office 12/14 Primrose Street. After popping into CVC Clackmannanshire we visited A. Sinclair Family Butcher, a real local traditional butcher. It’s definitely the place to go whether it be for everyday meals or special dinners – owner Andrew will have something to tempt your taste buds. Having been on Primrose Street for five years he is keen to let people know that Primrose Street shouldn’t be forgotten when locals are our shopping and there are great shops with quality products. He certainly proves this by selling a mouth-watering eight types of sausage including irn bru, haggis, pork apple and cider and sweet
weecounty news ANY LOCAL NEWS STORIES CONTACT.
alison@hubpublishing.co.uk
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
13
Primrose Street has such a variety of shops, with bright colours and lovely products
chili as well as beef. He also stocks the ever popular Stornoway Black Pudding, chops and tasty chicken breast glazed with pepper, Chinese chicken, Moroccan and sweet chilli and lime. Aside from delicious, fresh produce A. Sinclair Butcher will offer that friendly, personal service you can only find on your doorstep. The next shop on the street is X-Change, a great store to help you beat the recession. X-Change, owned by John Mylcheest was opened seven years ago and has been providing the Wee County with quality used CDs, DVDs and games ever since. John is proud to have a business in Primrose Street and is grateful to the kind people of Alloa who have visited his shop year in year out. People can bring their old games to X-change to trade in this shop which really serves
into the shop. Mayfair knows people are struggling through the recession so try to keep prices low for their customers. They cater for all ages, young to old and offer a range of services including perms, tints, highlights though cap as well as foils. All customers are made welcome and the shop is wheelchair friendly. Gift vouchers are available if you want to treat that special someone to a lovely new hairstyle. Finally, we got back to the Wee County News office which is situated in the centre of Primrose Street. the county. John even keeps videos in stock for those who still use video recorders for their entertainment. He also has no special offers because he knows his prices are the lowest around. X-Change is definitely a shop to visit on any shopping trip to pick up a bargain or that film you just have to see. For a top quality haircut we just had to visit Mayfair Hair Salon, a business which has been established for 45 years and in Primrose Street for 22 of these. The business is made up of talented stylists Christine, Hilary, Julie, Sandra and Nicole who is almost qualified. Shop owner Christine decided to change the business to allow stylists to rent a chair five years ago and has attracted talented stylists
Traditional family butchers.
Sinclair Family Butchers
FREEZER ORDERS AVAILABLE Now selling Stornaway Blackpudding
22, Primrose St, Alloa , FK10 1JG • Tel: 01259 724257
offers the following services at competitive rates to community and voluntary organisations and small businesses:Meeting/Training Room for up to 14 participants Photocopying Service – B/W and Colour Equipment Hire – Laptops, Projectors etc For further information contact Sharon on 217852, e-mail Sharon.mckay@cvsclacks.org.uk 12/14 Primrose Street Alloa FK101JG
Wool-Sirdar & King Cole Hand Knits & Shawls - Orders Taken Frilly Dresses, Socks & Tights Baby Clothing Picture Framing Service Pram Sets £25 Alloa Framing Co 49 Primrose St., Alloa. FK10 1JJ 01259 722 094 2 Cute 3 Mayfield Street, St. Ninians. FK7 0BY 01786 471 358
Courtesy of Clackmanna shire Council
LOCKER ROOM
Sports Bar
Primrose Street ,Alloa
Open Hours Mon- Wed 12-11Pm Thur - 12-12Am Fri - Sat 12-1Am Sun 12-12Am
weecounty news “Wee” are here to help with all your advertising needs. Also: • Brochures • Leaflets • Business Cards • Business Starter Packs • Promotional Goods • Design sales@hubpublishing.co.uk 38 Primrose Street, Alloa 01259 404 006
14
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
weecounty services 01259 404 006 To advertise in this section, call the Wee County sales team NOW
Promote your business
D
o you find advertising your business difficult? A service business, eg plumber, joiner, tiler etc, can be the most challenging of all to advertise. If it is a business offering home services, this can be very personal by nature, because rather than selling products, what you are really selling is your own, and your employees, skills and talents. Here’s how to get the most from your advertising in the Wee County Services Section. 1 WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE. What are you best at? Having a specialised service can help a small service business take advantage over competitors in the same field. 2 FOCUS ON BENEFITS. Rather than talking about your qualifications and experience, shift the focus to the benefits that your potential client will receive. This is what your future clients are interested in hearing about. For every feature that you list about your service, it’s the benefits of those features that you want your audience to remember. 3 TARGET YOUR EFFORTS. Who most needs what you
have to offer? You can’t market to everyone. Even the giant companies know exactly the customer they are trying to reach. Consider the age range, income level, interests and gender of your target audience. Learn as much as you can about this group. Although there are many other factors that you can consider, these few will get you moving in the right direction. 4 MATCH THE MESSAGE TO THE MARKET. You’ve determined who your target market is and why they need what you have to offer. Now it’s time to assess how this group can best be reached. What do they read, view and listen to? What products do they purchase? How are other businesses reaching this group? This will help determine what your most effective marketing strategies will be. 5 CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET. There are low cost ways of advertising within the weecounty news, and you don’t need premium spots to accomplish your goals. Most businesses spend about 2 to 5% of their gross sales on
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
advertising. If yours is a new business, you can project this figure from what you anticipate your sales will be. 6 DETERMINE COST PER AD. Multiple smaller ads are more effective than one big ad that could eat into your entire budget. Many successful businesses run solely off of classified ads in newspapers. Special interest pieces can be had for the cost of a press release or just letting the news department know that you exist, and what makes you unique. 7 BE CONSISTENT. When you find what works, stick with it. Familiarity with an ad will often bring in customers that don’t respond the first few times they see it. They need to know that you’re going to be around when they need you. Don’t let up on your advertising when you’ve got all the business you need. If you want to stay busy, steady advertising is the key. To discuss this further or to take advantage of advertising within the weecounty services section, call our sales team on 01259 404006.
TV AERIAL SERVICES
INGLIS
INSTALLATIONS T/V. Aerials • Repairs Sky Digitial.
LEARN TO DRIVE
Call for our latest offers - Pass Plus • Nervous Drivers • Motorway Tuition • Block Booking • Intensive Courses Phone 07525 498586 or 01259 217556 www.ace-driving.co.uk JOINERY
NORLAND JOINERY All types of joinery work undertaken, loft conversion specialists, extensions, kitchens etc. Free estimates
Tel: 07831 284 618
www.norlandjoinery.com
BUILDING WORK & JOINERY
CKD Building & Joinery All aspects of Building & Joinery. Laminate floors, doors, windows, kitchens, loft conversions, garage conversions No job too small. Email or call for a free quote. CKDBuildingandjoinery@gmail.com Tel: 07825 373 660
PLASTERING
N&G
Plastering
Plastering, internal and external. Painting, handyman. Any other work considered Fair Rates Full liability insurance
Quality assured FREE Estimates Contact Gary on: 01259 928 277 or 07909 923 556
Free to view services & Extra points. Tel: (01506) 824 614 or text JOB to 07541 288 165
ROOFING
J&M ROOFING Slating, tiling, gutters cleaned and repaired. Flat and garage roofs. UPVC, plastics & dry verge. FREE WINTER ROOF CHECKS ~ FREE ESTIMATES ~
Tel: 0800 858 9778 or 01259 207684 PLUMBERS
Ewan Douglas PLUMBING
24HR EMERGENCY REPAIRS NO CALL OUT FEE
Mob: 07861 498 692
Complete bathroom installations FREE ESTIMATES
Tel: 01259 215 036
www.ewandouglasplumbing.co.uk
ELECTRICIAN
Alex Hill
ELECTRICAL SERVICES Offering electrical services and installation work to industrial, commerical and domestic premises Tel/Fax: 01259 210 445 Mob: 07957 395 522
GARDENING SERVICES
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
HORSE SERVICES
BLINDS
CENTRAL FREELANCE HORSE SERVICES
INDUSTRIAL AND HOME BLINDS
Providing a friendly helping hand with anything horse related Great Rates and Packages for Every Horse Owner
T: Nicola 07791 012 788 UPHOLSTERY
LOUVRES, VENETIANS, ROLLERS WOODEN and PLEATED SAVE £££’s BUY DIRECT
BUY 1 BLIND GET ONE
FREE
ON SELECTED RANGES
RE-UPHOLSTERY 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
FREE MEASURING, ESTIMATING & FITTING CLEAN AND REPAIR SERVICE AVAILABLE
Tel:
01259 212 837 and 01259 211 302
UNIT 2, Bridge Motor Factors, Broad Street, Alloa, FK10 1AN
CALL FREE 0500 454549 All major credit cards accepted. Interest Free Credit • Details On Request • Typical APR 0%
* 50% of all Fabrics
PLUMBING & CENTRAL HEATING
Robert Shepherd Plumbing Ltd PLUMBING AND CENTRAL HEATING
231/2 hour service
Domestic & Commercial call on 01259 215668
07831 386072 LANDSCAPING
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
ROOFING
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 VAN/ VAN DRIVER
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
PAINTER & DECORATOR
Colourway PAINTING & DECORATING
Interior Decorating FREE ESTIMATES No job too small Call 01259 752 340 or mob: 0788 420 6186
LANDSCAPING
VAN/ VAN DRIVER
H L Landscapes
VAN 4 U
All tree work, hedges trimmed, gravel laid, turfing, slabbing, patios, driveways, all hard and soft landscaping. FREE ESTIMATES Call direct 0800 747 1750 or 07765 887 880
House Clearances, Rubbish Uplifts, Single Item & Garden Rubbish Clearance 07938 722 394
weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
15
What’s on in your weecounty Alloa Bowmar users group: the next meeting of the Bowmar users group will take place in the centre on Monday 27th February at 7pm. A representative from Clackmannanshire council will be present at this meeting, members of all groups using the centre, and residents of the bowmar community are welcome to attend. Waggs: Clackmannanshire women and girls group are always looking for new members with fun ideas, if you are looking for something different to do on a Monday night why not come along to the bowmar centre 6.30 Till 8.30. You can join our Zumba class, relax and have a cuppa and a chat, learn a new craft, browse the centre library, swap books, make new friends as well. We are presently working out our monthly activities and we’re interested in learning new skills.. So if you are female, aged 10 to 110, and would like to join us we will be pleased to see you. We have a crèche most nights so no worries about the bairn. We are quite a musical lot, so there could be the odd karaoke night, we try to put on a festive show each December,which involves singing, dancing, comedy etc...You could be a budding star, but don’t worry it’s not compulsory. For more information phone Aileen on 07519656215 or heather on 07709189880. Sunday night dance: old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in alloa town hall from now until april 15 2012 from 7pm for 7.30Pm until 10.30Pm. Admission is £5. On February 12, j Kawalskie will be providing the entertainment. Bring your own refreshments. Alloa carers centre: alloa carers centre is working with community house and has a weekly coffee morning at community house, 23 Maree court on Mondays between 10am and noon. All carers welcome.
Alva Cap: come along and join our free rhyme, song and storytelling sessions for under fives at Alva cap on Thursdays from 10am - 10.30Am Alva baptist church: coffee mornings are held in the church each Wednesday from 10am to 11.30Am. Go and join them for a friendly chat over a hot drink and home baking. Community notice board: the notice board is situated outside the cap/ library. Groups and individuals and ‘not for profit’ organisations can advertise activities and display posters here. See the notice board for further details.
Clackmannan Clackmannan community council: the next meeting will be held in clackmannan cap on Monday 20
February 2012 at 7.00 Pm. Maureen hill of the Clackmannanshire third sector interface is coming along to let us know about the organisation. There will be the usual reports from the wardens and the community police and a councillor’s report. All welcome to come along. The 36th Stirling (Clackmannan) company: the boys’ brigade meet in Clackmannan town hall on Fridays from 5.30 Pm. New recruits will be made most welcome and parents should contact the leaders for details of the session’s programme. Contact Kathy for anchor boys on 07891389542, Lucy for junior section on 07538693554 and bill for the company section on 216763. Clackmannan parish church of Scotland Sunday morning worship is at 11.00 Am and our monthly afternoon service for those who cannot manage to the morning service is at 3.00 Pm. In the Bruce memorial hall. On Monday at 7.30 Pm the guild will have a speaker about the guild project - a place for hope. On Tuesday the coffee morning is open from 10.00 Am in the church hall. On Wednesday in the Bruce memorial hall the church choir meets for practice at 6.45 Pm followed at 8.00 Pm. By the prayer group. For more information on these and other activities please visit our web site at www.Clackmannankirk. Org. Anyone requiring the services of a minister should contact the Revd Scott Raby on 211255. The thrift shop: held in the town hall on Fridays during the school term. We are always looking for gents’, ladies’ and children’s clothing. Come along, have a browse, a cuppa and a chat. Special for 10 February - we invite you to join us for a bread & soup lunch. We will be open from 11am to 3pm to run in conjunction with the thrift shop. Clackmannan bowling club: the a.G.M. Will take place on Sunday the 19th at 11am in the clubhouse all members are requested to attend. Anyone who has still to book for the 11th the list will be closed on Sunday the 5th (please book and pay at the bar).Poker is still on Fridays and pool on Thursdays. Please support your club. Cap: come along and join our free rhyme, song and storytelling sessions for under fives at Clackmannan cap on Wednesdays from 10.30Am - 11am Clackmannan chapter no. 464 Order of the eastern star: a bingo tea will be held on Tuesday February 28, 2012 in the masonic hall, Clackmannan at 7.30Pm. Admission and tea 60p. All welcome. An invitation is extended to all members, 60 years and over (accompanied by their partner) to the senior members dinner which is being held on Tuesday march 13, 2012 in the masonic hall, Clackmannan, 6.30Pm for 7pm. Names by 10 February to secretary 01259 215470. Lodge Clackmannan1303: senior members dinner will be held on Wednesday march 28 in the masonic hall, Clackmannan at 7pm. All senior members 65 or over with their wife/ partner, also widows of senior members are invited to attend. Names to be given to any member of the lodge by Wednesday march 21 or telephone 214463 or 722770.
Coalsnaughton Coalsnaughton burns club: cash bingo every Monday in the lounge. Contact 01259 750517. Eyes down at 8.15Pm, finished by 9.45Pm. Fruit Barra: the Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra is open in Coalsnaughton village hall from Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa at Coalsnaighton’s community cafe society. If you have an hour or two to spare to help, please call into the hall. Telephone 01259 759099.
Dollar Dollar S.W.R.I. - At the February meeting of the institute, reverend Mary Henderson took us on a light hearted journey about the history of belly dancing, of her experiences on learning how to dance, by appearing in colourful costume and a presentation of the various elements and skills involved. DOLLAR HISTORY SOCIETY: at the next meeting of dollar history society we shall welcome as our speaker Dr. Ben marsh of Stirling university. Marking the recent 150th. Anniversary of the outbreak of the American civil war, Dr. Marsh’s talk is entitled John brown’S body and the American Civil War?, Which will give us the opportunity to understand more about that dreadfully destructive conflict. The meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th. February in dollar academy dining hall and will begin at 7.30Pm. Visitors are very welcome and are asked to pay £2. Pupils and students can always come free of charge. Churches together: dollar and district churches together will be holding their annual coffee morning supporting crossroads caring Scotland - Clackmannanshire in the Burnside hall, dollar on Saturday 18 February 10am - 12noon. Admission: adults £3 schoolchildren £1.There will be a bottle stall, preserves, baking and other goods. Advance donations of miscellaneous bottles to Tony Herdman, 5 East Burnside, Dollar (01259 742761) or at hall from 9am. Dollar newspaper and magazine collection: dates for 2012 – 7 February 6 march; 3 April 1 may; 5 June 3 July 7 August; 4 September; 2 October; 6 November; 4 December.
Fishcross Charity Shop: The Cats Protection Charity Shop in Alloa Road, Fishcross, is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm selling good second hand clothing, bric-a-brac, books and new goods.
Menstrie Menstrie Tiny Tots: a club run by mums for mums. This voluntarily organised
group meet during term time on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am until 12noon at the Dumyat Centre. All ages from babies to three-years-old are welcome. A healthy snack and drink are provided. A chance for mums and children to interact together through play and planned craft activities. £1.50 Per visit – first session free. For more information call in or telephone sarah on 01259 761098.
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. Sauchie and Fishcross U F church:
Sauchie the theme last Sunday morning was struggling with failure? Willie Wilson read part of the letter to the Hebrews. In the evening, the theme was overcoming the flesh the reading being part of Galatians chapter 5. The women’s Christian fellowship resumes on Wednesday February 8 at 7.30 P.M. When Kay Brown will be the speaker. The women’s association meets on Thursday at 2.15 P.M. Guests will be David Wyatt and friends. Bible study and prayer meets at 7 p.M. Followed by the choir at 8.10 P.M. The Friday club for kids (leo club) meets from 6 until 7.30 P.M. Services on Sunday will be as usual at 11 a.M. And 6.30 P.M. The Kites Group and Crèche will meet at 11 a.M. The congregational board meets on Monday at 7 p.M. Sauchie and Coalsnaughton parish church: the rev Bill Izett conducted both services on Sunday 5 February. The scripture lesson was taken from Philippians ch1, v 27-30 and Ephesians ch4 v17-27 and was read by Colin Greeve. In his sermon Rev Izett told the congregation that as Christians our way of life should be as the gospel requires. Paul told the Philippians to conduct themselves in such a way so that god would give themry the victory. We should act out of love for Jesus and try not to give in to temptations. This echoed the message in the children’s address that it’s easy to get into the swamp but much harder to get out of it. We need someone strong, i.e. Jesus to help us. There will be a meeting with Sue in the committee room after the 11 am service on Sunday 12 February. The next meeting of the congregational board will be on Wednesday 22 February - please note change of date. A pancake coffee morning to raise funds for the summer holiday club will be held on Saturday 25 February. Donations of baking would be appreciated. Sauchie community group: Sauchie community group are holding a soup and sandwich lunch on Thursday March 11.30Am until 1.30Pm in Sauchie resource centre, also at this event, tea, coffee, biscuits and sales tables. Tickets are £3 and can be bought by phoning laura on 725337. The next public meeting of Sauchie community
group is Thursday 23 February 7pm in sauchie resource centre. The guest councillor is Derek Stewart there will be a police report as well as other items on the agenda, these meeting are open to anyone who wishes to come along and air their views or find out more about what is happening in the Sauchie area. Pycc: st valentines day disco on Saturday february 11 at 7.30Pm in sauchie hall. Tickets are £5 for adults, children go free. All are welcome. There will be a tuck shop, soup and stovies for sale. Bring your own beverages. Cap: come along and join our free rhyme, song and storytelling sessions for under fives at Sauchie cap on Tuesdays from 2pm - 2.30Pm
Tillicoultry Zumba class: a zumba class is held in Tillicoultry community hall on Wednesday’s from 8pm – 9pm. Contact 01259 721886 for information. Cap: come along and join our free rhyme, song and storytelling sessions for under fives at Tillicoultry library on Thursdays from 10am - 10.30Am
Tullibody Lodge Ladywell 1474: regular meeting February 14. Degree on this evening will be second degree. There will also be a ballot. Starts at 7.30Pm. Tullibody and cambus girlguiding: to join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908 252104 or girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.
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
Love Is In The A 16
Friday 10.2.12
It is fast approaching that time of the year again. It is the day when florists think that Christmas has come early, the day of the red rose, the day of ‘I love you’ and when you are permitted to send messages ‘from a secret admirer’ – it is of course, Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day:
S
S
o, according to the government economists, the UK might be on its way out of the recession but does that mean we all have wads of cash to splurge on our loved ones? I suspect that for many, we will be doing Valentine’s Day on a budget again this year! Here are some of our top tips to get you through the Big Day on a budget: On a budget and in a recession: how romantic. But although for some 14 February may be just another day, for others it is the chance to spoil their partner – and with many of us counting the pennies these days no one will hold it against you if you resort to some cost-effective creativity in the name of love and frugality. Here are our top tips to a cheap but cheerful Valentine’s (it’s the thought that counts anyway) - right?
1. Stay in and save some cash!
If the thought of eating out on Valentine’s day with a restaurant full of couples makes your cringe, then stay in. And if you’re a hopeless cook fear not – the supermarkets appear to be pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s. Check your local supermarket as they are offering some crazy deals for those staying in. You can pretty much get all you need for a meal, including a bottle of wine for around £10!
2. Cut the cost of chocolates
Let’s face facts, the next biggest cost on Valentine’s Day after the flowers is the mandatory Chocolates. Go to MyVoucherCodes.co.uk to get 20% off all online Valentine’s orders from Thorntons. For luxury chocolates for less, the Chocolate Trading Company is doing a gift-wrapped box of five-choco hearts for less than £3. Just make sure you order them in plenty of time!
3. Get creative with cards and gifts
An area where you can save some money is on a card. Why would you want to spend anywhere from £5 or more in some cases on a mass-produced card covered in tacky hearts and silly puppies with lovesick eyes when you can make a more meaningful masterpiece yourself for less? You can purchase glitter card pieces for around a £1 and multicoloured paper prints from £2 -£3 to get you started. Or if you want to keep it even more simple, make cards out of newspapers or magazines for a love note that is totally free. If making cards gets you going, why not make a gift too: bake a cake or make a scrapbook or see our guide for more inspiration. Your loved one may actually appreciate it more when you have gone to lots of effort to make them a card from scratch.
4. Try a Cheap Late Minute Break
It is probably too late to get a bargain flight to New York for the 14th, but if you stay in the UK you could still find a budget weekend break if you act quickly. Try your local travel agent to see what they have on offer. Alternatively, go to lastminute. com and see what you can get from there…
5. Buy them something they want
For those who are less romantic, and Valentine’s Day is just another day then it doesn’t have to be all hearts and roses – instead of splurging money on chocolates and cards surprise your other half by buying them something you know they already want and will appreciate more if you get it as a gift (plus it proves you’ve been listening to them if you surprise them with something they mentioned off-hand). That way, at least the money won’t be a waste.
A history ...
pring is almost upon us and, like the rest of nature, our thoughts are turning to romance. As bulbs begin to peep out of the ground and birdsong our gardens, there is a noticeable change in the air as St Valentine’s Day approaches. Embracing a time of year that is historically associated with love and fertility, St Valentine’s Day encompasses the marriage of Greek gods Zeus and Hera and the Ancient Roman festival of Lupercus, the god of fertility. There is some dispute over the original date of this festival but since 496 St Valentine’s Day has been celebrated on February 14 when Pope Galasius named it in memory of a third century Roman priest. While there were two other St Valentines, one a priest in Italy and another who lived and died in Africa, it is widely accepted that the Bishop of Interamna (now Terni in northern Italy) is the basis for the modern saint. Valentinius was a devout Catholic who dared to flout Roman Emperor Claudius II’s edict which banned soldiers from marrying, as he believed it weakened their military resolve and focus. Instead, all young Roman men were ordered to worship their twelve gods and every February 15 they celebrated a fertility festival where the men were allowed to choose a sexual partner from the young women gathered. But Valentinius encouraged the men to shun the heathen practice and dedicate themselves instead to Christ and the sanctity of marriage. He preached Christ at the threat
of death and officiated secret weddings on February 14. He continued to conduct marriages in secret between young people, sometimes as young as twelve, and was eventually arrested. During his imprisonment, Valentinius taught Julia, the prison commander’s beautiful but blind daughter, about Roman history, arithmetic and God.Spurred on by her faith, he prayed for her and she received her but only in time to read his last note on of his execution, urging her to devote he God and signed “from your Valentine”. He was killed the next day, February 1 270 AD, and Julia and many whose live touched remembered him every Februa 14, by sending notes and gifts to others celebrate his life. That tradition has gro rapidly worldwide and an estimated one cards are now sent each year, making i second largest card-sending holiday of year after Christmas. However, many centuries later, St Val continues to be the source of fervent discussion and disagreement. Far from passion and heat of the Italian capital, Celtic nations are at loggerheads over w lay claim to the saint’s holy relics. Franc friars in one of Glasgow’s most deprive insist they were asked in 1868 to look a the remains by a French family who own
11
Air, Or Is It?
Friday 10.2.12
17
What is Valentine’s Day about? Here are some facts: Valentine Cards
Every year around 1 billion Valentine cards are sent. After Christmas it’s a single largest seasonal card-sending occasion.
Valentine’s Day
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first Valentine greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailer’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today.
sight n the eve er life to
14, es were ary s to own e billion it the the
lentine
m the two who can ciscan ed areas after ned
other religious relics. The relics spent more than a century in a side aisle of St Francis’ Church, Glasgow, and in recent years were kept in a wooden casket in a cardboard box, on a wardrobe in a nearby chapel house. They were recently moved to the church of Blessed St John Duns Scotus in the Gorbals and were put on display for a special Valentine’s service in a bid to bring a little romance to the Scottish city. However, the Scottish ceremony did not find favour across the Irish Sea where the remains of St Valentine are said to repose in a casket at Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin. The Irish say they were passed on as a gift from Pope Gregory XVI to the respected Dublin Carmelite, Father John Spratt. Whatever the truth of the matter, it is unlikely that the confusion will not detract from the true message of the saint’s day. Proven to lower cholesterol
Plant Sterols 750mg – 90 tablets £12.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77
Valentine Flowers/Roses
Of the 73% of people who buy Valentine’s Day flowers are men, while only 27 percent are women. The red rose was the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. The colour red stands for strong romantic feelings making the red rose the flower of love.
Cupid
Cupid is a symbol of Valentine’s Day. Cupid was associated with Valentine’s Day because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards and gift tokens holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to use magical arrows to arouse feelings of love.
Love Letters and Poems
Verona, the Italian city where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters every year sent to Juliet on Valentine’s Day. The oldest surviving love poem till date is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing, around 3500 B.C.
Valentine Gifts
The most beautiful and incredible gift of love is the monument Taj Mahal in India. Built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife it stands as the emblem of the eternal love story. Work on the Taj Mahal began in 1634 and continued for almost 22 years and required the labor of 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia. Amongst the earliest Valentine’s Day gifts were candies. The most common were chocolates in heart shaped boxes.
RED ROSES OR NOT? R
ed Roses have long been the flower of choice for Valentine’s Day. They are closely linked to love, but beware, each colour sends out its own message apparently, so choose wisely...
WHITE ROSE: You’re heavenly or I’m worthy of you. Innocence and purity are also inferred. YELLOW ROSE: An offering of joy and gladness. Sometimes it means jealousy. RED ROSE: I love you, as well as having respect and courtesy for you. BURGUNDY ROSE: You are bestowed with unconscious beauty.
PINK ROSE: You have grace and gentility. DARK PINK ROSE: An offering of gratitude and appreciation. LIGHT PINK ROSE: An offering of admiration or sympathy. CORAL/ORANGE ROSE: A sign of enthusiasm and desire for the recipient (most often given to men by women).
?
Suld S
d
s
h
9
s
ur
9 9e ded) 9
s
ur
9
0ER
ed.
ork
:
9
PW
m
y, W
Friday 10.2.12
entertainment weecounty
Re-GEN THE
Your Horoscope Horoscope Sizzling Suzie’s ’s Views! Predictions Predictions Autumn Spring Spreads Delights
Q
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!
puppy everyone. -Thank goodness all that election By Anne Smith HiEddie
Aries (21 March - 20 April)
You in eclipse a mind-set of giving advice xxxx The are Lunar will bring in change and notand of one I would for you this to willlisten, leave you feeling suggest that you take heed of the unsettled but allows you to let go of advice you would give to others who and no longer you. as this is what the answers toserves your own Fun is the key word for youyou thismay month problems, those around say things thatAries fill inloves the missing as sociable to partyblanks and this of what is going on around you at is the perfect month foe it, enjoy! this time.
Taurus (21 April - 21 May)
Your inner strength your credit xxxxxxxxx The harvest moon is ontothe 17th May this sometimes attracts theearth wrong isbut a great time for you as an people around you, don’tinto let people sign, you will be drawn nature, iftake youadvantage follow your instinct take of your goodand nature that walk you lettogosay ofNO! all the this month andwill learn The negatives of on thethe past andgives embrace lunar eclipse 10th you thea fresh as this is indeed timewith for energystart for love as Pluto gets cosy your yearwill to begin and a new Venusnew passion reignite. way of thinking.
Gemini (22 May - 21 June)
This month you decide to jump of the xxxx sun The enters your sign on the 22nd fence and stand withgoing your beliefs, of May and wefirmly are just into a you are a force to beand reckoned new moon phase a newwith you,and you it is a good timereleased to make those seem to have somemoves of the and start from planning forpast 2012!and Pluto helps demons your a lighter you gethappier love backGemini into theisfore front of much surfacing. Time to blow away and your mind as the pastthe hurtcobwebs dissolve away start again. from the 10th. (22 June June -- 23 23 July) July) Cancer (22
The moon in Gemini with xxxxxxxxx Being so perfect is so and exhausting the lunar eclipse on theyourself 10th it isand trying to do everything important that you to listen not allowing others helptoisand futile. trustcannot your instincts ruled You continueasinyou thisare manner, by the and you intuition will you aremoon not perfect admit it; Time now your way thinking, be attoanchange all-time high, soof believe time needed! whatout youisfeel this month and nothing can go wrong.
Leo (24 (24 July - 23 Aug) Leo July - 23 Aug)
A natural creative you are at your xxxxxxxxx Ahappiest time ofwhen new-you adventures, new can let your interest’s which may with seemitsdaunting imagination run away self at first, is putting the and withbut theitsun in your you sisterinsign centre stage and youmonth know it of Sagittarius this isbefore the ideal you aretoplaying thethe starring for this come to fore. A role greatand loving minute of organize it. Change plannerevery you can wait to theis good. Christmas night out and with you in charge it should go with a bang!
Virgo (24 (24 Aug - 23 Sept) Virgo Aug - 23 Sept) xxxxxxxxx The force is strong with you this month
The new moon on the 17th May as you have a charismatic pull as you gives you a chance to re-evaluate exuberate energy and drive along your life; you are deciding what and with practicality, willshould sit up go. who should staypeople and who and take notice,thing and some youdewill This is a good as youofare feel that you cluttering forcan theachieve rest ofanything, the years; well you stand and get the some of can, you so may hearupfrom an old recognition flame, resistyou thedeserve. power of temptation by exploitation??
(24 Sept Sept -- 23 23 Oct) Oct) Libra (24
Forewarned is forearmed as they say so xxxxxxxxxx Mercury has been direct from be be more confused theprepared 23rd oftoApril which helpsthan you usual with Neptune and Saturn in opposing clarify communications around you, corners you will feel like running away however, you seem to have takenbuton loyalty pulls you the other way, from the an air of authority on how you deal 10th it is important to keep your mind with people, a word of caution…. open to new possibilities and allow others Pride comes before a fall, oh wee to contribute as this will help balance gentle Libra where art thou! your mind.
Scorpio (24 (24 Oct Oct -- 22 22 Nov) Nov)
xxxxxxxx You know youitwant As with allwhat projects takesthis time month astoyou see to thefruition, target insight for them come just you through all ask aplough farmer,your yourway money situation the to achieve yourtime goals, will tape improve but it takes and ifnurturing, those around youalso don’t agreeyou i would suggest you have noforqualms inof leaving makewill a budget the rest the them behind, year and stick atogreat it. month for completing projects.
Sagittarius (23 (23 Nov Nov -- 21 21 Dec) Dec) It is important to celebrate and xx You have at last come to alife place to enjoy it, but it is also important to of peace and life is ticking along deal with important issues, yes you smoothly. You are a very friendly hunches are good this month but and chatty sign and because you are leaving practicalities to chance could feelingyou sostress relaxed may lettry slipto cause at ayou later date, oneprepared or two things that you should be and keep communications keep until to yourself, careful of who clear the 14thbe with Mercury you tell your secrets to! retrograde. Capricorn (22 (22 Dec Dec -- 20 20 Jan) Jan)
Reminiscing up brewing the past xxxxx There seemsand to dragging be a storm can sometimes be good but if there as you feel a surge of emotions are grudges there then that’s ready to surge forward and where erupt they best left,No, you no, cannot like aare volcano…. she change has the past and it is a waste time and suppressed again, youofknow it would be foron you blow and of energy, trygood to focus thetofuture all that steam asbe suppressing your remember it can as great as you feeling make you ill,can! try to let want to will make it, and you go, scream if only a little.
Aquarius Aquarius (21 (21 Jan Jan -- 19 19 Feb) Feb)
xxxxxxx With Virgo you feelsothe After Mars a fewin difficult weeks seem pull andturned a driveathat willand Make you to have corner you can asee force beshine reckoned theto sun once with, more.allow This is the energy this to push you a great timeoffor organising as Saturn forward new project the plantonto of structure putswhich order into both love and are life.aMake the delight you as you creative mostand of this period idea and spend sign a creative for thetime in activitiesis you enjoy. festivities worth all that planning.
Pisces Feb - 20 Mar) Pisces (20 (20 Feb - 20 Mar)
xxxxxxxxxx It is important to start of the month as Time to become a hamster and store you mean to go on, so try to keep your some wealth away for leaner times. thoughts and communications clear and Your finances are good at the moment uplifting, if you can remember to do this but communications travel then everything in yourand garden willare be not. Check details arrangement rosy Thethe eclipse onon thetravel 10th may make oncereminisce then twice to ensure youare have you about those who no the correctininformation, Tryremember to avoid making longer your life, try to the big plans theyour 17ththoughts May, ashigh! this good timesaround and keep
moon affects you concentration.
Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church services & available for private consultation, healings and church services
contact, ANNE on contact, ANNE on
07506723569 07506723569
Email angelanne@btinternet.com or visit www.angelanne.co.uk Email angelanne@btinternet.com or visit www.angelanne.co.uk
Angel ANGEL Anne ANNE
Spiritualist Medium/Psychic &Tarot
Psychic Medium Food for the soul
Recently featured in “Pick Me Up” Magazine Works all over the UK Giving Workshops, Talks, Running Food for the soul Courses, Private/Group Readings Recently featured in “Pick Me Up” Scottish Sun Runs Development Groups in Magazine GlasgowAnd andthe Teaches Reiki and How to read The Tarot Is AvailableForFor Readings Wednesday Day time More Every Information & Thursday Evenings in Baillieston Glasgow E-Mail angelanne@btinternet.co £30 per reading To book call Anne on 07506723569 Visit; www.angelanne.co.uk Visit www.angelanne.co.uk or follow her on FB Telephone 07506723569
my pockets. Last time my mate Spanner went through airport Ho, ho, ho! Yes Christmas is just around the corner and if you security, he tried to barge the havenít your Christmas hurry up. am feverdone is over. Easter isshopping over, thethen wedding is Iover asking for Johnny Depp again this year. What? A girl can dream security man on the chest, and and the schools are back to normal. Nothing to canít she? Santa has had his letter early from the wee fella got shot with a taser. If only we’d forward to but the nights getting longer thislook year so last my shopping done. This time last yearand we thought to go First Choice; we’d In our edition ofisQsallViews, were in andEddie the country a state of emergency the days getting warmer. Itwas hasinit’s though. never have had such hassle. I pitfalls really, really hate the First yousnowed heard about the Cairn almost. least the weather isnít too bad, at the moment and Who Finally, there’s the bit where Choice holidays advert. Your garden needs weeded and generally TerrierAt puppy, the newmowing, addition fingers (and toesUpon ) crossed it stays way. Ifthat youguy arewith like the me glasses he sips from someone elses doesit to our family. reading ofhard histhatgraft overhauled. Despite the is so much youexploits, will let the supermarkets take the strain drink. Just try that if you go on thinkof hethe is- chopping the king? The way he people have suggested looking out onto a spruce garden than an andnicer peeling. I love all the Xmas ready prepared stuff. holiday to Airdrie, pal! It will be gets driven outAlthough of his street in that he could serve as inspiration I will the main course I have to been findcar a with people overgrown weed filled As ityet has the last holiday you ever have. open topped forbe mymaking column (like the dogmeadow. in dish as an shop boughtAnd Wellington that mine, but I can do itbeen the night he’s unusually warm these last weeks it has cheering, simply because “Marley Me”). Well, hebeats bitesfew before ready pop inthings, the oven. so much and energy going ontime holiday. Then people, heto wrecks he Saves hard trying tothe fathom what to make for dinner.though, You the way andurinates I get to enjoy day. Ithe do same love re hashing he getsleftovers salutes from everywhereby takeface stuffit. out freezer in the morning and by the pilot of as letís We the all buy though are feeding anthe army. plane and airport staff; logic a Millwall fan couldasserve as we the This year I willitbe making as Ihave I don’t hate trifle. the time comes todessert cook ittoo you gone right else getting see anyone inspiration. offI’ve thehad idea. this week come up withtreatment, and such preferential a fewSo kids stop me inI have Beef Wellington money is as street to ask if they pat in alltheir athe few dishes that arecan lovely weathers.. A good as his. Ferrari have apparently 1 Large beef fillet or Then there’s Eddie. But alarmingly, a couple gorgeous stir fry that takes minutes, even lessthe if way he’s revealed their “dramatic” new car tenderloin simply allowed to breeze through stopped me to ask if they could you buy prepared vegetables. I airport have also come for the 2012 season. Why is it 1 large packet of pre-rolled security andup even barge borrow his poo so as they could ‘“dramatic”? Was it trained at the all with butter puff pastry filling warmdoorstep, chicken salad. can man roaston the chest. theYou security put it a on someone’s Royal Shakespeare Company? 1 small mild onion Imagine he actually turned out to your own light it, and chicken run away.or buy a cooked hot one from Or does it throw a tantrum if it 1 medium course patethoughbe my a terrorist; theyou CCTV footage It supermarket. didtub getofme thinking the I prefer to roast own as doesn’t win a race? 6 large mushrooms finely shown in the high court would do you remember that show “You get to use all the fantastic roasting juices into the F1 is anything but dramatic chopped be hilarious- ‘Let me get this Are What You Eat”, whereby a 2 beaten eggs dressing. I have also McKeith come up with a lovely old him to waltz these days. Yes, there will be straight; you allowed woman called Dr Gillian 6 former World Champions blast thepeople’s past dessert. whichthe themetal weans detectors wouldfrom analyse poo and Onethrough Fry off the beef until well browned and sealed all over Allow to only did competing this year, but unless unchallenged, and not tell them how disgusting their will absolutely love. cool completely. Chop the mushrooms and and gun on we can get them all in the exact youonion fail tovery findfinely a machine diet was? A woman has set up a fry off in a little butter. Allow the cool completely. Spread some same car then it’s fair to say his person, you even gave him a practice near Airdrie whereby she pate over the pastry. Spread the mushroom and onion mix over that races will be won and lost “High-5”?’ does just that. That has given me the pate. Place the beef at the edge on top of the mix and roll. in the pitlane, in qualifying, or by Last time I went through an idea as to how to use Eddie’s Place on a baking trap with the join underneath. Cut one or two Sebastian Vettel. airport security, I got forced to poo for a practical joke, and 3 skinned chicken breasts sliced into 1 inch pieces air vents in the pastry. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for remove my shoes and empty make a woman faint.... OR 2-3 steaks cut and into golden 1 inch strips 30-35 minquick 170c.fry Until puffed 1 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp crushed garlic Madeira sauce/ gravy ½ a savoy cabbage shredded finely 1 beef stock cube 4 spring onions cut into ½ inch pieces 1 glass of Madeira or sherry 2 carrots cut into ribbons with a peeler Butter 2 courgettes cut into ribbons with a peeler TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN Small pack of sugar snap peas or mange tout Makeall up you the stock addto thedo wine sherry and cook until have is orcomplete the down crossword Large handful of beans sprouts smooth and slightly thickened. Just before serving whisk in one Small can of horse chestnuts drained below and or two knobs of coldsend butter.it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose Handful of roasted peanuts Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply ½ bottle of sweet chilli sauce Serve with vegetables of your choice. Large splash of soy sauce ACROSS 19 Concur (5) 5 Endanger (7) 1 pack of egg noodles 1 Dock (5) or rice noodles 21 Ashen (5) 6 Fire (5)
progress
holidays
Ferrari F1 car revealed
Sweet Chilli Stir-fry
Fresh fruit flan
2 tbspmade oil 4sweet Sore (7) 22 Before (7) 1 ready flan case 23 Least Difficult (7) Strawberries 8 Rubbish (7) 9 Sacred Song (5) 24 Viper (5) Kiwis Heat oil in10aBoulders very large non (5) Mandarin segments stick frying or (7) wok. Have DOWN 11 pan Sincere 1 sachet of gelatine 12 Real 1 Bet (5) the heat on high(6) . Add the 14beef Blemished (6) 2 Fruit (7) and fry off Cut,chicken slice andor17 arrange the fruit Ancient Japanese 3 Emblems (5) very quickly. Add the ginger on the flan case. Make Warrior (7) up the 4 Fragments (6) gelatine as on the instructions and garlic. Add the vegetables andand pourfry over. Allow to set them quickly moving completely and serve with soft whipped cream.
and finally
Are you looking for a laugh? Then why are you reading my column! Ok, enough of the self-depricating humour. If you’d like some recommendations for this years Glasgow International Comedy Festival, then read on! If you’re not easily offended and like biting humour, can I suggest Mark Nelson Unleashed? If you like tatoos and a damn fine showman, there’s Billy Kirkwood’s “Show Me Your Tattoo”. If you’re a bit older, there’s Mr Rod Hunter with Life Begins At 50 with a guest appearence by my hilarious friend Graeme Mackie. Finally, there’s the fantastic Des Clarke, and my good pal Mr Rob Kane with Kane’s World. More details can be found on www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com of these shows. However, can I suggest that you deliberately seek out Rob kane’s poster for the show, as it is the best poster I have seen for a comedy show in a long time!
DODGY PARKING
WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THE
7 Restricted (7) 12 Relieve Of Blame (7) 13 Abbreviate (7) 15 Concerned (7) 16 Straightforward (6) 18 Relocates (5) 19 Main Artery (5) 20 Mistake (5)
all the time to prevent sticking. Add the nuts and chestnuts. Addathe noodles soy sauce I hope you all have wonderful Christmas , andand lookchilli forward to sauce. cooking seeing youContinue in the New year for another minute to heat the noodles stirring continuously. Love Susie xx
Ice cream sandwiches
Ps.. good luck to all the weans in their nativity plays and remember Santaís elves are always watching!! xx 1 small tub of soft scoop vanilla ice cream 1 small pack of digestive biscuits Strawberry jam Chocolate spread
CROSSWORD
L
18
Oh No 50!!!
Happy 50th DadSpread one biscuit with Hope you have ajam another with chocolate spread and spoon on some fab day!! ice cream close to make a
Lots of love yer Wife sandwich. You can use any flavour combinations you Linda, John, Paula, like. I love chocolate ice Gemma, Kara, Isla-rose, cream with lemon curd. Don’t knock it until you’ve Cian tried itand heeJack hee.
Name: .................................................................. T:. ............................................ 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 24
weecounty W
hatever your hobby craft, at some point you will find yourself overflowing with creations. You can’t give them all away as presents, so selling them on provides the perfect solution. It can make you money to fund your hobby and provide you with a sense of satisfaction when you make something that other people are prepared to buy. The process of selling at craft shows can be daunting for many people. Nothing is more soul destroying that setting up your wares and coming home with it all at the end of the day. Sometimes that fear is enough to put people off from even trying. For those who do try and come home disappointed, it may not be the goods they are selling that prevented sales. There are some basic rules of selling at craft shows for any chance of success. Knowing the type of buyers that you are likely to encounter is one of the best ways to increase your chance of good sales. Try to get a sense of what sort of crowd you are going to encounter and what other crafts are likely to be there. This way you can either cater your product
lifestyle
selection to that crowd or head to a craft show more likely to appeal to your products. Obviously, you won’t do as well selling just adult jewellery at a family-orientated craft show, but you will do well if you can cater for children as well. When you arrive at a craft show you will be given a blank stall, and it’s up to you to create an appealing display. Small items like beaded jewellery will look lost when set out on stalls, so suitable displays are vital for successful sales. You can add decorative finishes, but make sure that they don’t detract from your display. If you surround your items with lots of decorative flowers, some people may think you are selling those instead. One important point to remember is that people like to pick up items for closer inspection, so unless they are very small or valuable, set your items out so that people can have a closer look. The next time you’re walking around a craft show, start noting down ideas for your own display. One of the biggest hindrances to sales is inflexibility over pricing. The problem with homemade crafts is setting the price low enough to
PET of the week
Friday 10.2.12
19
Small items like beaded jewellery will look lost when set out on stalls, so suitable displays are vital for successful sales. attract buyers but high enough to cover the cost of production, both in terms of money and time. The fact is that you may not get the price that you would hope for. There are two options when it comes to setting a price. Many craft sellers don’t put price tags on their items. This can help to open a friendly dialogue up between seller and buyer and allows you
to be more flexible over the price, depending upon how low you are prepared to go to secure a sale. However, this can be frustrating for potential buyers, especially if you’re busy. If you decide not to put price tags on, it’s wise to quote a price a few pounds more than you might normally ask as most people at craft shows expect to haggle.
Though you may be uncomfortable with this at first, you may just help to secure a sale by making the buyer feel like they have a good deal. Another good sellers’ trick is to create coordinating items so you can offer buyers a deal to buy more than one piece. Customers like getting a bundled deal and you will sell more for just a little discount.
Plays a role in the smooth working of joints Glucosamine 1,000mg – 360 tablets £13.95
www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77
weecounty
recipes
Lamb and feta stuffed peppers T
his traditional Greek recipe combines minced lamb, rice and feta cheese with in a delicious fresh red pepper case. We’ve used red peppers, but green work just as well. Serves 6.
Ruby
Age: Flat Coat Retriever Breed: 9 months
Lives: Mayfair Hair dressers Likes: Going to doing training Dislikes: Going outside to her kennel 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.
Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 6 medium red peppers 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 150g cooked white rice 225g lean minced lamb 150g feta cheese, crumbled 250ml passata 250ml water 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Method 1. Preheat oven to 190C/Gas Mark 5 2. In a frying pan, heat the oil on medium. Add the onion and cook gently until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute. 3. Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds with a sharp knife, then stand the peppers on a baking dish.
4. Combine the cooked onion mixture, salt, allspice and pepper in a bowl. Mix in the rice and cooked lamb, then add the crumbled feta and fold in gently. 5. Divide the mixture equally and stuff the peppers. 6. In another bowl, combine the passata, water and lemon juice. Pour over the peppers, then cover the dish with foil. 7. Transfer to the oven and bake for
45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for a further 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the juices from the bottom of the tray.
20
recruitment
Friday 10.2.12
HOUSING SUPPORT OFFICER Job No: ALL/23089 Employer Reference: CLA000631 SOC Code: 3232 Wage ÂŁ22,995 - ÂŁ25,885 (PRO RATA) Hours MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 01 February 2012 Closing date 14 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description To provide, as part of a team, a Housing Support service to vulnerable people. .The post holders will work as part of a team providing a responsive and effective housing support service:1. Support and assist vulnerable service users to maintain permanent sustainable tenancies, overcoming social isolation, improving the quality of their lives and preventing repeat homelessness.2. Help service users achieve greater independence.3. Work closely with, often taking instruction from, other specialist support agencies.4. Ensure a growing focus upon the prevention of homelessness. 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. This is a fixed term position, duration unknown. www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/fe/ tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=jj&id= 121386&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/ fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=j
Duration Permanent Date posted 06 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description At EnergyLinx we have an excellent opportunity to join our inbound team in our contact centre. Working directly for Energylinx as an Energy Advisor, your primary role is to help members of the public through the process to compare and switch energy suppliers. Previous experience in telesales and/or the energy market is preferable, but not essential to apply for this role. As part of the application, you will complete a disclosure Scotland check. For a change to join our team, write or email to us at the address below, include a current CV and tell us what makes you the ideal candidate. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kenny Griffith at Energylinx Ltd, Hilton House, Alloa Business C, The Whins, ALLOA, Clackmannanshire, FK10 3SA or to customerservices@energylinx.co.uk. Employer Energylinx Ltd
j&id=121386&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/23090 SOC Code: 7111 Wage ÂŁ6.13 per hour Hours 20 HOURS PER WEEK INCLUDES WEEKENDS Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 01 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have supervisory experience. Must have the ability to sell and must be flexible Monday-Sunday. Duties will include customer service, supervising staff, covering store in managers absence and will be working as part of a team. Please take CV to employer address. How to apply You can go and see the employer about this job without telephoning beforehand. Ask for Scott Farquharson at Yeomans Outdoor Leisure, Unit 31, Devon Vale, TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6HQ. Employer Yeomans Outdoor Leisure
COOK Job No: ALL/23096 SOC Code: 5434 Wage ÂŁ6.10 per hour Hours 24 + per week, between Mon-Fri, between 7am-3pm LocationMenstrie, Clackmannanshire FK11 Duration Permanent Date posted 01 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description We are looking for someone to be
ENERGY ADVISOR (INBOUND) Job No: ALL/23106 SOC Code: 7211 Wage ÂŁ6.15 per hour plus uncapped commission Hours 20hrs per week, Monday to Saturday, between 9am-6pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10
Find your way to success Issue
Bellshil Ride worl Park & ks beg in Page Annual Dog Fun 3 Day
Page
Sports
A round
Page
return
s to V
page
Com munit y in Unity
ills Ca
t was a Viewpa day that brough rk to a It was stands t till. remem a day that many berpage
ÂŁ129
fe seek
THE
* Terms details and condition given on requests apply,
of the C
M
Lunch
Lapto page 9
latest
ps
from
sport
page 14,
just
15 & 16
Y
CM
MY
Buff
CMY
01698
K
803 How 909 much
Methv
closing
T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply date (13th Octotbe
r 2011)
01738
PERT
16th - 29th
perth.co.uk
Repre
RE
Wisha
w, ML2
BAR /
, Water
loo,
Manse
We cater
Kids
Please
BAR /
Vouc
ut Autu
12pm
RESTAU
Even
eries from m till late
e asy c PER
CARPET www.fp jamesir ufinancialservi vine@p ositivem ces.co.uk ortgage s.co.uk
Special
OFFERs
with one
THâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S
LAR
S from
of her
4 Gold
medal
RESTAU
RANT Vouc her Two 20% off all takea way
ing buff
et Valid only ÂŁ8.9 until Terms 30th Septem 5 and Condit ber 2011. ions apply
Brett
ly Gath
BAR /
arpets
GES T CAR
PET
F
ic
Perth
on page
446928
3
BAR
/ RESTA s) 5pmathlete Strathtay s travelle Harrier URAN Manses stadium 12am
T to competon the 7th d to Grange Road, Newm in her mouth Lanark Septem e ains, class,
second Deliv stop the disabili ting al eries 200m s off theevents and is Our team ty 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 challen their 800m Rice had good ance squad. of the race despite clubs Louise Highlig ging weathe Brett the r ht compe the Soft for the Perthconditions. ted athlete Gold in Ball event, BAR / in 4 events s was Kevin RESTAU his class winning event
RANT Vouc her Thre e 15% Off your next (excluding sit in
orders over ÂŁ15. Valid until Terms 30th Septem and Condit ber 2011. ions apply
Freeph 08081 446one 663
Louise
Buf ÂŁ9.9 9 our fet
(Mon-Thur
es, Fami
with a
throw
contin
ued page of 2
meal drinks) Valid Fri, Sat until & Sun Terms 30th Septem Only and Condit ber 2011. ions apply
s
Perth
athlet
es warmi
ÂŁ3.99 m2 T WOOL VINYLS CARPETS from ÂŁ4.9 & WILT DISCOUNTS 9 m2 ONS from AVAILABL ÂŁ9.99 E ON COM m2 FITTING PLETE ROLL WITHIN S STO
ng up
at Grang
emout
h
CKIS
FREE ESTIMA FREE TES MEA SURING SER FREE g the hrs on way FITTING VICE FREE STOCK you QUALI buy qual CARPETS TY UN ity carp ON SELECT DERLAY ets 56 ED CARPE CANAL TS STREET, PERTH 01738 582277
Cha ngin
YOUR FIRST FOR RENTAL PROPERTY
Manage
ment 1 www.asproCounty Place, and Mainten perty.co.uk Perth PH2 ance. mail@aspro 8EE perty.co.uk
01738
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 (Cerebr to
RANT
her One
1 Ros e Cres cent Perth PH1 1NS
mn
de Parti
FRE
rn Mag
Eve ning
-3pm
for outsi
eat for
book
RESTA URAN
Road, T Lanark Newmains,
Easte
ÂŁ4. 99
Througho
01698 shire 38345 383412 1Open 383429 12p.m 7 Days Deliv . - till late
4.30p
e in the
(Mon-Sat)
/ R I n d i a E S TA U R A N n Cu isine T
R E S T
IndianA U R A N T Cuisin e w Road
Letting,
Septem scoop â&#x20AC;&#x2122; categor votes to win seeking the a prize courte ber 2011 On Thursd the y which fund of sy of Saund Holyroo ÂŁ2,000. would â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Marger ay, 8th Septem see them ers Imagi Scottis d to publicis y ber, h project e 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 s to g with Buff et continpride having been ued
Indulg Lun ch
latest sport page 15 & 16 BAR
157 Wisha
n
of the
You proper r local ty exp ert
Athle ti Perth c success fo disab ility s r tars
the ting young Windm people ills cafe, a aged betwee
page 11
votes
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
senta
page 5
Grub
Tel: 016 8EN 98 375835 / 375 566
24
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
news
Tullib odyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leona at Open Mic UK is hitting all Comp Page etition the right notes 4
talent
Scott cominish Police H g to W Q ee Co T unty Americ an Ret
Company
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 Scottis ry has at Tullialla h Police 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 as Strathc Headqu in Glasgo arters lyde at ÂŁ2.5m w is current Pitt Street ly (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 ble police the reform to be based. for a The single â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the already have.the strengths on behalf service police and running police Fire Officers â&#x20AC;? ASPS, . â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know of the force could SPF, SPSA service, the as early and the forward 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 Burgl the is a . Scottis effecar Alarm h Police Plans whole of Scotlanjourney LFHV LQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fire front & rescue FOXGLQ & Comm s Home d is on.â&#x20AC;? outline for the single J ÂżUH , all eight the Â&#x2021; No and rear ercial DODUP 32 division force wouldpolice force Moni Chief Depo ER[H tored sit Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026; 0 24hr s to stave be split V 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 &RQWUDF DQGLQJ 2UG dema HVSRQVH D . 2 Majo www nding Â&#x2021; &&79 RXQW\ 5H / W )XOO 3DUWV HU 0LQLPXP r servi ODUP .gle nda acpo LQVWD ODE ces Inclu DXQFK 6HUYL s polic OOHUV RXU 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
vice
709
Septem ber 2011
Scottis h
HSHI
700700
Playgrou p
HUB Spo rts up
Round
8 740
Bellshi
ll ML4 Mon 1AG Sat & Fri 8am Sun 8am 7pm - 5pm
2011
tives fromNumber taff from Pink Turb is the 10 Sforces Windm the three ills Cafe with HUB Laufinalist Scotti Serving Pert s from the two other in Mother Dinner an Xma sh charit to nch the Scottis the Nationa Scottis well joined ies with h and Surr Set Mea s With just h Parliam l 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 ter Alex ing Area commu with learnin l Lottery until voting rgh. s 15th Salmo Awards Educat nities suppor g difficulties, ? closes igie training cafe suppor - 28th nd - Photo finals, ion Project t and are in
Send
all answ wishaw@th ers to ehubpaper.c HUB om
:+2
HUB Media Ltd Scott Mochar Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Uddingston G71 5PW Tel: 01698 803909 Email: scott@hubpublishing.co.uk
mber
n Rd,
E!
ÂŁ149 .99! ÂŁ4.99 2/4et South
en Street Email Free : info@ Perth Meal athen www. aprint for athen www. .com 2 pcsol aprintCom .com petiton utions CY
Tel: 0169
E FR
HUB Spo rts up
7 DAYS
Cost
lly open They the Jinky numbe turned out Memo rs (estima in their in rial Garde garden n take pride Old Edinbu of place rgh hundre on d yards Road, just Motor a few home from Jimmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a (MND) Neurone Disease s Jinky, child. is 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 Disease Motor and wasting the hands, to weakne mouth. 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 conditio there n each are continu currently ed on page 10
excess ted y for The project raise it was witness of 3,000 in to be of 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 Johnsto ling 8 9mm-2fo legend, y competitioLeague Snookne waslegend, r1_v1 importa d legend, but Jimmy a copy.pd ntly, a more f legend. er unveiled. n Viewpa 2
Round
ERETTE
OPEN
E!
er 27
an
Male
for a3long will come, From moneity Zumbathon and the climax for some, time to
& THE BEST
LAUND
n Cut The
E FR
Issue Numb
Windm
Hubm
ESS carer group Agnes2 Johns tone with CHAP S PAsecur Bertie funding I CKeS* Auld officia Char
RS
Coupo
iewpa rk
STAR T UP SPEC IAL
Starting your own busin ess? for a chan Or just time inclusive ge? An all package be for could you!!! The birth of
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
WIS
THE
9
up
LARGEST , OLDEST
CLEANE
Dry Clea ned for ÂŁ10. 00 *T&C Apply
er 51
of all Pages your local sport 17, 18, 19 & 20
BUSIN
HIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S
DRY
SINCE
Cut The
2 Suits
Numb
Jinky
2
LANARKS
! EE
Local prop FOR SAL erties E on pag & LET es 13
Final par the sho t of competirt story tion
ww w.p ink tur ban .co m
Are you looking to make the next move that will put your career on the right path? This is an outstanding opportunity to join an expanding newspaper group. 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.
FR
Telesales Executive
responsible for the day to day running of the take away. Must have experience in cooking, able to make good home cooked dishes, soups plus cooking food to order, including breakfasts using a griddle etc. Must have basic food hygiene qualification and be able to prepare and cook meals. If opening, will be required to set up, make soup etc from fresh ingredients. Working quickly and efficiently from written
,6 :$ 7&+,1
* <285
+20(
"
?
ss
orders. Must be able to work under pressure in a fast paced environment. Must be flexible to work additional hours to cover holiday and holiday. Permanent subject to the completion of a 6 week trial period. Driver with own transport an advantage as limited public transport. Must be available for an immediate start. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23096, 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. DEPUTY MANAGER - RMN OR RGN Job No: ALL/23107 SOC Code: 1185 Wage ÂŁ13.85 PER HOUR Hours ROTA BASIS Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 06 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description You will be a Registered Nurse, able to support the manager by overseeing the effective day to day management of the home. You will have clinical lead within the home with responsibilities for audit and staff supervision. Previous management experience is essential. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23107, 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. NURSERY MANAGER Job No: ALL/23112 Employer Reference: NM1/2012 SOC Code: 6121 Wage NEGOTIABLE Hours 8AM-6PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 07 February 2012 Closing date 20 February 2012
weecounty Pension details No details held Description Nursery Manager required. You must be able to direct, train and motivate our team and maintain high standards of care, communication and presentation. First impressions are the key so you must have an eye for detail. Responsibilities include managing the nursery budgets, leading by example and providing a role model to the staff team by effective leadership adhering to company policies and complying with SCSWIS requirements, maintaining the day to day operations within a busy nursery, upholding standards of care and HS, administrative and financial functions. Qualifications and experience required - NVQ level 3 in childcare or equivalent, degree in childhood studies or willing to train, post qualifying with managerial experience, high level of knowledge and organised. Enhanced PVG required at applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expense. How to apply You can apply for this job by obtaining the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application form from and returning it to Gail Morrison at Kidz World Ltd, gail@kidzworld.co.uk. Employer Kidz World Ltd CLEANING SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/23063 SOC Code: 9132 Wage ÂŁ8.00 Per Hour Hours 8.00-4.30pm, Monday-Friday Location ALLOA, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 26 January 2012 Closing date 13 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Cleaning Supervisor required to work within the main factory and office areas of a leading glass manufacturer. Duties will include supervision of 17 staff including auditing and coaching. Other duties such as mopping, sweeping, cleaning and dusting will be incorporated into this role. Hours of work will be Monday Friday 8.00am 4.30pm with weekend work as required, although a great deal of flexibility regarding working hours is essential. The rate of pay will be 8.00 per hour for all standard hours with overtime rates being paid where applicable. Previous experience within a cleaning supervisory position would be an advantage as this is a new role within the factory. Ongoing temporary assignment. Please contact Kirsty Kidd or Wendy Halliday on 01259 218822 Ext 4239 agy. How to apply You can apply for this job by telephoning 01259 218822 ext 4239 and asking for Wendy Halliday. Employer Search Recruitment
Reporter/Trainee Reporter A
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.
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
weecounty recruitment CATERING ASSISTANTS P/T Job No: ALL/23074 SOC Code: 9223 Wage Meets National Minimum Wage Hours 25 hours per week Location TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 27 January 2012 Closing date 17 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description We require Part Time Catering Assistants for our busy Hub Cafe within the Sterling Furniture complex at Tillicoultry. We are looking for people with a flexible approach to hours as the job includes weekend work and possible evenings until 7pm. Good customer service and people skills required. Previous relevant experience is preferred but training will be given. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23074, 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. CLEANER Job No: ALL/23083 SOC Code: 9233 Wage Competitive rates of pay apply Hours up to 16 HOURS PER WEEK MONDAY TO FRIDAY 5.30PM-7.30PM Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 31 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have previous experience and be willing to work. You will be cleaning a children’s nursery in a large house. Duties will include mopping toilet floors, hovering, polishing and any other tasks as required. Immediate start. Applicant must also be hard working and enthusiastic. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer. Please email your CV to lsr@btinternet.com or flyingstartalloa@ btinternet.com How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to The Manager at Flying Start Nursery, The Old Manse, Main Street, Sauchie, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 3JX or to flyingstartalloa@btinternet.com. Employer Flying Start Nursery EVENING SECURITY Job No: ALL/23081 SOC Code: 9241 Wage EXCEEDS NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE Hours 2 DAYS ON 6 DAYS OFF ON A ROLLING PATTERN Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 30 January 2012 Closing date 15 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must be age 18+. Providing early evening and through the night Security for the Sterling Tillicoultry complex.The position entails door security from 6pm-8pm with CCTV monitoring then perimeter patrols at regular intervals. You will also require to liaise with the Security Team at Sterling Mills Retail Outlet Village. Hours of work are 6pm-8am on a two day on 6 day off rolling pattern and this includes paid
breaks. Applicants should note that appropriate background checks will be made prior to any appointment being made. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010 How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23081, 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. WELFARE BENEFITS OFFICER CLA000630 Job No: ALL/23088 Employer Reference: CLA000630 SOC Code: 3534 Wage £22,995 - £25,885 (pro rata) Hours Part Time,18 Hours Per Week Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 31 January 2012 Closing date 13 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Services to Communities Community & Regulatory Services Welfare Benefits Officer Salary : Grade 6 / £22,995 - £25,885 (pro rata). Permanent : Part Time18 hours per week Job Summary To deliver training and provide information, advice and assistance on matters relating to Social Security benefits. To seek to improve up-take of Social Security benefits within. Clackmannanshire consistent with the Council’s corporate policies and objectives. As has been the case in the past the Money Advisor and Benefit Advisor posts which are being advertised at the same time can be held by the same person. 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. J. Reference... CLA000630 How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/ fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=j j&id=121288&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council HANDY PERSON Job No: ALL/23079 SOC Code: 9121 Wage Negotiable depending on experience Hours 12-16 hours per week 2-5 days over 7 between 8am-6pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 30 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have working knowledge of various trades for example plumbing, carpentry, painting and decorating etc. A full driving license and own transport are essential. Duties include general maintenance to rented properties in and around the local area. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Mr Brian Walls at Rapid Rentals, 14 Gannel Hill View, Fishcross, ALLOA, Clackmannanshire, FK10 3GN. Employer Rapid Rentals NURSERY NURSE (FLOATING POSITION) Job No: ALL/23080 SOC Code: 6121 Wage NEGOTIABLE
Friday 10.2.12
Hours FLOATING - VARIES Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 30 January 2012 Closing date 23 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Joining a professional, established and friendly team. To be considered for the position you will need a level 3 child care qualification, good knowledge of the Birth to 3 and Curriculum for Excellence, experience as a key worker, friendly, hard working and have a positive can-do attitude. You must be able to work at least 16-20 hours per week on a shift basis. As a Nursery Nurse you are a key member of the early years team responsible for delivering high quality care and learning opportunities for children, based on the needs and interests of those children. Some of your duties will be:- promote positive relationships with parents, children and colleagues, ensure health, safety and wellbeing of the children, support the childrens development learning, build relationships with groups of children. CRB check required, cost met by applicant. Contact employer for application form How to apply You can apply for this job by obtaining the employer’s application form from and returning it to Gail Morrison at Kidz World Ltd, gail@kidzworld.co.uk. Employer Kidz World Ltd
National Minimum Wage Hours 70 hours over 7 days Location alloa FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 10 January 2012 Closing date 31 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description ensure understanding and compliance with permit to work requirements Attend pre-job briefs given by the Supervisor to ensure tasks are clearly understood Carry out Point of Work Risk assessment prior to commencing tasks Carry out Actuator tasks in full compliance with Weir and customer HSEQ procedures, including compliance with Weir 5 Key Safety Values.Refer problems clarifications whilst carrying out the works to the appropriate Supervisor.Complete necessary documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Served a recognised electrical mechanical engineering apprenticeship or 5 years on the job experience with regular appraisals assessments to demonstrate competence.Client Contractor National Safety Group Safety Passport.Pay is as per the NAECI blue book, this role would be a temporary role and would be paid at Grade 5. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin Devine at Weir Services Limited, The Harlands, New Alloa, Alloa, Clackmananshire, FK10 1TB. Employer Weir Services Limited
21
Hours APPROX 20 HOURS PER WEEK -EARLYS, LATES, SLEEPOVERS Location ALVA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK12 Duration Permanent Date posted 25 January 2012 Closing date 13 February 2012 Pension details Pension available Description We require an experienced Support Worker to provide care and support to a young woman who sustained spinal injuries 7 years ago and depends on her wheelchair for mobility. You will join an established team of Support Workers, led by a Senior Support Worker and Case Manager. Our client is due to move into a new house which will afford her more independence. As well as providing all aspects of personal care, you will perform routine household and gardening duties and help care for two cats and three small dogs. We anticipate you will be offered 20 hours per week, leading to a permanent contract within a few months. You will have a full, clean driving licence. Females only need apply. Dislosure will be required. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23056, 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.
TRAINEE DEPUTY MANAGER SUPPORT WORKER Job No: ALL/23027 Job No: ALL/23056 SOC Code: 7111 SOC Code: 6115 Wage Negotiable depending on Wage EXCEEDS NATIONAL MINIMUM experience WAGE Hours 39 hours, 5 days from MondaySaturday between 8am & 8pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 16 January 2012 Due to expansion and increased workload we require experienced IFAs to Pension details Pension available join our team. Working with a broad level of clients ranging from corporate Description Must have previous to HNW individuals, you will provide tailored financial planning to meet those management experience and needs of our clients. Advice will be given to clients on the whole spectrum of hold a full driving licence. Duties to planning requirements. include assisting the manager with the day to day Successful candidate will also have experience in managing introducers. running of the store and other associated duties as required. Employed and Self Employed positions available and will see candidates How to apply You can apply working to set quarterly targets. Rewards for managing and increasing funds for this job by sending a CV/ under management alongside the generation of new business are given. written application to Shona Burnet at Brighthouse, Shillinghill, Alloa, Successful advisors will see on target income in excess of £100,000. Scotland, FK10 1JX or to alloa@ brighthousestores. co.uk. Employer Brighthouse
FINANCIAL ADVISERS WANTED
OTE £100,000
Contact us at info@urbanblack.co.uk
ACTUATOR TECH Job No: ALL/23009 Employer Reference: actuator technician SOC Code: 5241 Wage Exceeds
or on 0808 108 1186 for further information.
Urban Black Associates, Lomond Suite, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park, Uddingston, G71 5PW. Urban Black Associates is a trading style of Urban Black Ltd.
22
Lifestyle weecounty
Friday 10.2.12
yourself fit
Health & Fitness
Cardiovascular (CV) exercise CAN make you fat!
N
ow that’s a bit of a statement don’t you think? The majority of people would think otherwise. ’I’m moving more so how can it be making me fat?’ The answer to that question a little later. Have you ever watched the London Marathon on TV? Have you noticed how many overweight runners take part? Sure they must have trained for the big day, after all 26 miles 385 yards is no mean feat and they must have trained for it if they want to stand a chance of completing it right? So why then, after all that training are people still overweight? It’s all to do with the type of training and the time spent doing it, oh and a hormone known as cortisol. If you are to embark on a ‘weight’ loss program a lot of people tend to go for the jogging aspect as their form of exercise. Initially the weight will shift, lasting for around 6-8 weeks, then perhaps hit a plateau. Your body has become used to what you are doing to it, it has adapted and no longer has to change. Next part of the thought process is to run a bit further taking a bit longer, and this is where the problem lies. Longer and further is not better, it is actually detrimental to your body. When you exercise, the body is stressed and releases cortisol into the system. Cortisol is known as the flight or fight hormone and as such mobilises glucose, protein and fat into the bloodstream for instant energy to deal with the situation you are in. If you don’t exercise intensely enough then this energy doesn’t get burned and will end up being stored around the waist area in the organ known as the omentum .You may also get a spike in your appetite. This is true for all stressful situations in your life! The best way to control cortisol is to keep exercise time down to 20-30 minutes, and work really hard. Do this and you will get an afterburn effect that will allow you to burn fat long after you have stopped exercising. Another benefit of intensity is that the last thing you will want to do is eat, whereas with steady state CV exercise you will feel hungry afterwards as you are effectively working up an appetite. Another downside to consider is the catabolic effect on your muscles. That means your muscles start to get broken down and used for energy, not a good thing at all. Look at the difference in build between an elite marathon runner and an elite sprinter. The marathon runner will have a higher body fat percentage than the sprinter and it’s all down to the way they train. Muscle is metabolically active, meaning the more muscle and lean tissue on your body then the harder your body must work to maintain it. In other words you’ll burn more calories just by sitting still. The problem with muscle loss on the other hand is that the metabolism will slow down resulting in the storage of fat more easily. Earlier on I mentioned weight loss. Sure the scales will show you have lost weight but is it muscle you have lost or fat. I can guarantee if you train with intensity, short in duration you will lose fat, keep and even build lean tissue and ensure cortisol levels don’t rise by too much.
www.pinpoint-fitness.com john@pinpoint-fitness.com 07500 806 308 pamela@pinpoint-fitness.com 07736 931 124 Fat loss, 1 to 1 personal training and group training
M
ost of us want to stay fit, but exercise can be dull. If you are not the type who likes to pump iron in the gym, sweat it out pounding the pavements or swim length after boring length in your local pool, how are you going to hone your figure the way you want it? By dancing, that’s how. One of the smartest ways to exercise, say sports psychologists, is to do it while also doing something you enjoy, such as dancing. You’re not only more likely to do it for longer but more likely to do it more intensely. Singing and bopping along while your favourite performer’s CD is on the player is one way of doing it. But better still is to enrol in a dance class.
Great for kicking those calories is the sexy salsa, the Latin dance craze that first hit Britain in the mid-70s. It’s a heady fusion of Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances performed to hot rhythms. Over the past few years it’s become much more mainstream and hugely popular, with classes and salsa nights now widely available. It’s super-sociable and sexy and offers one hot workout. Generally, it’s pretty energetic and involves lots of steps and turns so you’ll get an aerobic workout doing it. How many calories you burn depends entirely on how long and how intensely you do it, as with any exercise. To really see the fatblasting effects though you need to do it non-stop
for at least 20-30 minutes at a time, intensively and regularly, at least a few times a week. Salsa specifically focuses on moving the hips from side to side and turning. Rotating the torso is something most people neglect in their workouts. “Our bodies are designed to twist and turn,” says Nick Hudson, head trainer at Holmes Place Academy. “These days we lead sedentary lifestyles, which means we don’t work the muscles that rotate our spines enough, which can make us prone to injury. Salsa is a good way of gently waking these torso muscles up and helps to lightly tone your midriff as well as your legs.” If salsa doesn’t sound like
your thing, there are loads of other dance styles which you may find more appealing, each one working on your body in a different way but all brilliant at keeping you trim and healthy. Tap is tipped to be the next big thing. It’s energetic and exuberant fun. Belly dancing has soared in popularity lately as a glamorous way to exercise, plus you get to wear sexy outfits. Ballet is the latest keep fit craze of the stars, jazz is young and funky, while flamenco will allow you to stamp your feet in fiery passion. Check out what’s on offer in your area by looking in a local further education prospectus. It is a good place to start and costs are always affordable.
Fight back this winter
Pelargonium Cold & Flu Relief – 30 tablets £10.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77
weecounty property
To rent or buy?
N
otwithstanding the fact that the UK property market is in the doldrums, a range of opportunities exists for people to either continue to invest in the rental property market in some shape or form or to at least climb on the property ladder, so beloved of the British population. Drawn by below market-value prices and the growing number of properties being repossessed, some property investors are looking to increase their portfolio with the added benefit of purchasing assets with ready made tenants. Such people, facing difficulty meeting mortgage commitments, are selling their home for up to 80 per cent of its value to landlords and then staying on as tenants, but with absolutely no guarantee that they can stay long term. The practice, known as ‘sale and rent back’ is growing in popularity at a time when many people cannot afford mortgage payments, coupled with the options for re-mortgaging being severely restricted. It has also attracted its share of negative publicity ensuing in an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading that found no grounds to ban the concept. Chris Norris, product manager for NLA Rentback, part of the National Landlords Association said: “Homeowners entering into this kind of arrangement need to carefully weigh all up of their options, but it does offer a suitable alternative to repossession.”
Some critics of the scheme find it wrong that property investors are able to buy property at a discount simply because the seller is desperate to avoid repossession and its associated stigma, but there are those that counter that sale and rent back properties are often only viable for landlords as the reduced price paid means that rental payments will cover mortgage payments. This is one area where the Mortgage Rescue Network (MRN) warns potential investors to be wary of ensuring that mortgage payments can be met because if not, tenants risk losing their home for a second time with no recourse available to them. Phil Martin, a director of MRN, said: “At the end of the day, the agreement put in place by landlords and their tenants constitute business dealings but while the landlord is in it for a profit, they should take the tenant’s financial situation into account when setting rental payments.” Another option that is growing in popularity for those desperate to either stay or get on the housing ladder is one which interestingly, for once, is of obvious benefit to both seller and purchaser. Faced with a declining pool of people who cannot afford to buy or who cannot immediately secure finance, some house builders are offering the opportunity
whereby properties can be rented before deciding whether to buy. The concept has been welcomed by Norris who said: “Rental options deliver choice, flexibility and best of all affordability that millions need and with this kind of arrangement in place people have decent places to live in while deciding what the future holds as well as house builders standing a much stronger chance of selling properties otherwise left standing empty.” The ‘rent first, buy later’ scheme is heading a series of measures which the government hopes will breathe new life into the housing market and essentially works by allowing tenants to rent a property at 80 per cent of the market value for a fixed period of up to three years, during which time they can save for a deposit. The project is open to those with household earnings under £60,000 per annum and is aimed primarily at first-time buyers who the whole housing market is hugely dependent on. Although the scheme is designed to encourage and assist people to invest in property, critics see it as another route to people over stretching themselves when it comes to taking on a mortgage.
Friday 10.2.12
Norris said: “People will still need to be highly regimented in how they save money because lending institutions will still require large deposits while there is also the issue of not knowing what the mortgage market will be like in three years time when the fixed rental period is up.” Another element to bear in mind for aspiring property owners is the fact that after their rental period expires and they elect not to purchase the property they have been living in, landlords are under no obligation whatsoever to renew tenancy agreements. 
There appears to be no ideal scenario to solving the current housing crisis but as Norris commented: “The country’s band of property owners and investors appear to be the winners at the moment because not only are bargains to be had in what is a buyer’s market but demand in the rental sector is high driven by those needing homes but who cannot afford to buy one.”
Chris Norris is product manager for NLA Rentback.
The Super Sunshine Vitamin Strength Vitamin D3 25mcg – 240 tablets £9.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77
240 tablets £9.95
23
24
motors
Friday 10.2.12
Motoring
weecounty
The potential dangers of part worn tyres T
he safety of vehicle tyres has been the focus of much media attention over the last few months. More tyre manufacturers’ commercials have appeared on television and Quentin Wilson, best known for his stint on BBC’s Top Gear, states that drivers are not sufficiently educated in tyre quality and maintenance, which is a significant factor in UK road death and injury. One much debated aspect of tyre safety is the use of second hand, part-worn tyres where the depth of the tread is less than in new tyres, but in the current economic climate these tyres are becoming a more popular choice as people try to stretch tight budgets and make savings. Critics argue that part worn tyres are not only dangerous, with unknown faults, but also represent false economy, whereas PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 18
SUDOKU ANSWERS
supporters argue that they are inexpensive and an effective method of fitting better tyres to a car. Despite some drivers suggesting that all tyres being used on the roads are effectively part worn, recent findings have shown that 50% of UK drivers who purchase these tyres do not know about the dangers CROSSWORD ANSWERS associated with them. One aspect that is for last weeks Crossword particularly disturbing about competition answers this growing trade is that see page 7 the origin of these tyres is not known. A recent trading standards investigation UNLEADED conducted by Birmingham ASDA - Alloa - 131.7p City Council Tesco - Alloa - 131.9p uncovered part worn Morrisons - Alloa - 131.9p tyres with Highest - 136.9p embedded
PETROL PRICES
DIESEL ASDA - Alloa - 138.7p Tesco - Alloa - 138.9p Morrisons - Alloa - 138.9p Highest - 144.9p Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.
nails, tread well below the legal requirement, cords that were exposed and, in one particular case, a 17-yearold tyre.During the course of the investigation, a quarter of the 190 part worn tyres examined had structural defects. A huge 90% were illegal because they lacked the correct legally-required identification marks for part worn tyres. However, clouding the debate is the suspicion that the major tyre manufacturers are exaggerating the potential danger of fitting part worn tyres because the purchase of them affects their profits. While there are laws in place that dictate the regulations as to the type of tyres that can be sold, their condition and the fact that they must be marked to identify them as used tyres, part of the problem lies in motorists not being
educated in the law or indeed knowing what to look for on a tyre in terms of relevant markings. Most would be reliant on a supplier being able to tell them that the tyre is in a legal condition and that it is marked correctly, but unscrupulous and disreputable suppliers may be economical with the truth. Nevertheless, since tyres are a major safety component of any vehicle it seems obvious that if you don’t know the history or origin of them it is best not to buy them. If your budget dictates that you must, then it would be logical to research, perhaps on the internet, to gain greater knowledge of the industry and the regulations governing it, before effectively gambling with your life. One thing is certain while new tyres may stretch the budget a little further,
drivers will always know their origin and history, and can be confident that they meet the required legal safety
rices Top P Paid
regulations. This article was downloaded from www. freefeatures.com.
David Morton Ltd
Cars - Vans - All Scrap Metal
01324 612 876 Glen Works, Glen Village, Falkirk
Proven to lower cholesterol
Plant Sterols 750mg – 90 tablets £12.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77
weecounty motors
Friday 10.2.12
THE RIGHT CAR AT THE RIGHT PRICE. Outstanding service comes as standard. 07 56 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Style, Panther Black, 40,385 miles .... £4,495
10 10 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, Blush, 19,501 miles ....................... £7,495
10 10 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Titanium, Sea Grey, 36,497 miles... £9,995
06 06 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec, Sea Grey, 53,125 miles. £4,995
08 58 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Vision, 25,297 miles ............... £7,495
10 10 Ford Focus 1.6 Titanium, Ocean Blue, 10,345 miles . £10,495
07 57 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style, Tango Red, 41,200 miles ......... £5,295
08 58 Mazda5 1.8 TS2 7 Seater, Copper Red, 36,476 miles.. £7,495
10 10 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT Zetec S, Sea Grey, 25,812 miles.. £10,495
07 57 Peugeot 207 1.4 S, Aluminium, 39,312 miles .............. £5,495
09 59 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 SRI, Black Sapphire, 39,434 miles .. £8,495
11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT Zetec S, Black, 13,068 miles .. £11,495
05 55 Suzuki Vitara 1.6 16v SE 4x4, Clear Beige, 45,554 miles .... £5,495
10 10 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Morello, 7,887 miles .............. £8,795
10 60 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Sport (Sat Nav), Silver, 18,340 miles .. £11,995
06 56 Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVTi T2, Sunburst Red, 34,441 miles . £5,495
10 59 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Avalon, 17,750 miles .............. £8,995
11 11 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec Sport, Colour Choice........£11,995
08 58 Peugeot 308 1.4 S, Hurricane Grey, 15,180 miles ....... £5,995
09 59 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Moondust Silver, 16,297 miles . £8,995
11 11 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Zetec, Silver, 1,412 miles ...... £13,595
08 08 Ford Focus 1.6 Style, Panther Black, 52,602 miles..... £5,995
11 60 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Colorado Red, 5,622 miles ..... £8,995
10 10 Ford S-MAX 1.8 TDCi Zetec, Sea Grey, 20,358 miles £13,995
05 55 VW Passat 2.0 TDI SE, Starlight Black, 51,373 miles.. £6,495
09 09 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec, Avalon, 30,659 miles ....... £9,195
11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec, Colour Choice.............. £13,995
07 57 VW Golf Plus 1.9 TDI Luna, Steel Grey, 42,512 miles.. £6,995
11 60 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Panther Black, 21,218 miles.... £9,495
11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec Auto, Ink Blue, 13,208 miles £15,995
10 10 Peugeot 207 1.4 S, Onyx Black, 24,019 miles.............. £6,995
11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Moondust Silver, 7,036 miles . £9,695
11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec Estate, Silver, 8,998 miles . £15,995
08 58 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Ocean Blue, 47,115 miles ........ £6,995
11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Edge, Ink Blue, 5,946 miles ................ £9,795
11 11 Ford Mondeo 1.6 SCTi Titanium, Midnight Sky, 4,894 miles . £15,995
08 58 Toyota Yaris 1.3 TR, Decuma Grey, 22,936 miles......... £6,995
10 60 Ford Focus 1.6 Ti-VCT Zetec S, Sea Grey, 23,113 miles .. £9,995
10 60 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium, Black, 10,320 miles ... £21,495
07 57 Ford C-MAX 1.8 TDCi Style, Ocean Blue, 43,418 miles ... £6,995
11 60 Ford Focus 1.6 Sport, Vision, 23,658 miles ................. £9,995
10 60 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium, Frozen White, 9,464 miles.. £21,995
08 58 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 Design, Black Sapphire, 23,286 miles .. £6,995
11 61 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, Midnight, Delivery Mileage............ £9,995
11 11 Ford S-MAX 2.2 TDCi 7 Seater, Midnight Sky, 5,631 miles .£22,495
08 58 Honda Jazz 1.4 Sport, Sirius Blue, 21,512 miles ........ £7,495
10 60 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Edge, Panther Black, 11,428 miles... £9,995
11 11 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium, Midnight Sky, 5,624 miles .. £23,695
07 56 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Ghia X
06 06 Mini Cooper 1.6 Supercharged
09 09 Volvo S40 1.6 D S
07 57 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 T VXR
Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, Air Conditioning
Remote Locking, Power Steering, Alloy Wheels
Climate Control, Radio/CD, Power Steering
Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Remote Locking
ONLY
ONLY
ONLY
ONLY
£4,995
£6,995
£9,995
£10,495
Stirling Ford 0845 644 9336 www.macraeanddick.co.uk Images available for illustration purposes only. Prices/offers correct at time of going to print and subject to alteration/withdrawal without notice.
25
26
sport
Friday 10.2.12
Roy Milne CSC bus for Sat’s game v Inverness CT at Celtic park ko 3pm departs: 12.30pm - Menstrie-Holytree 12.35pm - Alva -Cairn 12.45pm - Tillicoultry = Volunteer 1.00pm - Alloa - Peppes 1.10pm - Tullibody = Inn 1.25pm - Stirling - Marches roundabout seat’s available. for more info contact website www.roymilnecsc.net
DARTS
COUNTY TEAM The County Squad will be at home in the Oakwood against Tay Valley on Saturday Feb 11th. All players please be in the venue for 10am.
WEE COUNTY NEWS CUP SPONSORED BY GARTMORN The Wee County Cup semi finals and final will be held this Friday Feb 10th in the Gartmorn Alva G c v Oakwood Lounge, Gartmorn v Oakwood A , all players be in venue for 715pm.
COUNTY SINGLES The Gents County Singles Prelims will be held on Friday March 2nd, with the Ladies & Gents Finals being held one week later on Friday March 9th. Reg time is 715pm both nights.
ALLOA MASTERS FINALS The Masters Finals will be held in Alloa Town Hall on Friday Aug 17th. Tables & Tickets can be booked now from Davie Hanson Tel 07872078715 Please note only a few Vip Tickets remain, The event features Scotland’s Gary Anderson, The Dazzler Darryl Fitton and the bad boys of Darts Ted Hankey & Paul Nicolson. The First local qualifier to take on the pros is John Goldie from Alloa.
SUPER LEAGUE The Ladies & Gents Super league will be held on Saturday March 31st with a 1230 reg at the Oakwood. This is open to any of the County Squad and any player from the wee county league who does not play for another County All names to Davie Hanson asap
weecounty
RUNNING
Waterhouse triumphs again
T
he Scottish National Masters Cross Country Championships at Kilmarnock saw a record entry of over 500 of Scotland top senior runners to face a tough course in worsening conditions. The women tackled a 6000 metre course with Hazel Dean first Central AC runner home as she came home in 10th place overall and fifth in her W45 category in a time of 25:51. But it was Jane Waterhouse who again triumphed to win her W55 title with a 24th place overall and 28:19 time, further building her legendary status with her 12th age group championship title. For the men, their 8000 metre course cut up badly in worsening conditions, and a strong Central contingent made light work of these conditions. David Eckersley was first Central finisher with 44th palce overall, 9th in his W45 age group and a time of 33:02. Steve Laing took on contenders in the W50 category and finished 53rd overall in 33.37 and 8th in his age group. Liam McCabe was 85th in 35:23 as his marathon training pays off with greater endurance leading in Hugh Buchanan (102nd, 36:22), Alan Gall (127th, 38:24), John Millar (163rd, 42:46) and George McHardy (177th , 47:47).
Tough going: Hugh Buchanan fights hard to push on the pace on a sheltered part of the rainswept Kilmarnock course
Legendary status: Jane Waterhouse drives forward to take a record breaking 12th age group title.
BOWLING
T
T
his years A.G.M. will be on Sunday the 19th of February at 11am all members are requested to attend.
he valentines meal is this Saturday the 11th at 7 for 7.30pm. Please support your club
GOLF
COUNTY GOLF FIXTURES FINALISED
The 2012 County Golf fixtures are all ready for the start of the new golf season. The season tees off with the County Spring Meeting on the 21st April with the A division at Braehead and the B division at Tulliallan. County Secretary Tommy Johnson is keen to see local golfers support the events at local clubs---- “The six Clubs in the County Golf Union all run a wide selection of events----including Open competitions for men and women, Boys opens, senior opens and team events. The Golf Union are very keen to encourage local golfers to support these events--- entry fees are modest with good prizes on offer, and a further bonus is that travelling to the local courses is quite easy” So…. for local golfers who have never entered these events, 20123 would be a good time to start.
CALLUM IN CONFIDENT MOOD Local supporters of Callum Macaulay (Tulliallan) must have been very pleased with his recent fine performance in India when he
finished 3rd in the first Challenge Tour event of 2012. Indeed Callum was the joint leader after 6 holes in the final round and a curry lunch celebration looked possible. In the end he finished with a share of 3rd place, earning some money, but more importantly putting him into second place in the Challenge Tour rankings. Callum will be hoping that his form will continue--- it’s just a pity that he has to wait till March and April when the Tour really gets going.
TOP JUNIOR GOLFER AT ALLOA
As well as lifting the top Junior Boys trophies in Clackmannanshire, Brian Macadam (Alloa) had success at his home Club with wins in several events----- so its no surprise that he also took the most improved junior award at Alloa Golf Club for 2011. At the presentation earlier this week, Alloa Junior Convenor Euan Boyd expressed the hope that there would be better participation in 2012, and more juniors would develop their golfing skills. Alloa Golf Club runs a good “Go Golfing” programme, and it has had good support in 2011.
MIDLAND ALLIANCE
After a break of a month, the Midland Alliance started again at Lundin Links at the end of January with Bob Stewart (Tulliallan)scoring a scratch 69 for 4th equal place. In the handicap section Alloa’s Ray Barton shared third place with a net score of 65. In the latest event at Arbroath, the only Wee County success came in the team event with Harry Salmond taking the top prize with his partners J Irwin and G Wilkie (both Muckhart). With over half the season completed, the only local players doing reasonably well in the Order of Merit are Bob Stewart(Tulliallan) and Chris Westland (Alloa) who both share 7th place.
The prizewinners at the Alloa Golf Club Junior Presentation: left to right Brian Macadam (top prize winner) Angus Boyd (back) Jamie McEwan (front) Calum Boyd (back), Gregor McEwan (front) and Junior Convenor Euan Boyd (back)
CLACKMANNAN COUNTY GOLF DINNER
County golfers are reminded of the Clackmannan County Golf Dinner to be held on Friday 2nd March at Braehead Golf Club.
Details are available on clubhouse posters and the price is very competitive at £22---- just compare that with the Scottish Golf Dinner at £75!..... and you don’t have to travel a great distance The dinner has proved to be an enjoyable evening, resulting in increasing demand for tickets over the last few years
weecounty sport
Friday 10.2.12
POOL Graham Henny Cup Final:-
This final took place last Friday night in the sponsors venue, the Crown and turned out to be a titanic battle between the current top two sides in the A division that went right down to the wire. The Crown coming out on top 5-4 with captain Richard Polley potting the winning black to seal the trophy in a fitting tribute to their former team-mate. The Locker Room boys had their chances but failed to take them in a couple of the vital frames which proved to be their downfall and wholeheartedly congratulate the Crown in their victory. Gordon Smith,a former team-mate of Graham Henny is seen presenting the Alva boys with the memorial shield.
RUGBY Week 18 Results
A League:Crown B 3 Oakwood A 6 Peppes 4 Locker Room A 5 Locker Room B 4 Alva GC 5 Allanbridge 4 Inn 5 Oakwood C 2 Crown A 7 Week 14 Outstanding Match:Crown A 7 Oakwood A 2 B League:Oakwood B 9 Upstairs 0 County 6 Oakwood D 3 Cairn A 6 Weirs 3 Rileys 7 Cairn B 2 Crosskeys 8 Gartmorn 1
next month and was quickly followed by Steven Smith(Locker Room B) into the Under 18 A squad with Steven being given the added bonus of captaining the side.Congratulations to you both from all within Clacks Pool.
County Singles Prelims:-
The first few matches of the 2012 County Singles sponsored by the Cairn Alva began last night (Thurs) with all results appearing here next week.
More Monthly Meeting:Internationals The monthly meeting from the County!:- takes place this Mon 13th Congratulations to Greg Wardlaw (Oakwood D) in being choosen for the Under 23 B team for the Europeans in Bridlington
Feb at 8pm in the League Sponsors venue of the Azad Tandoori Restaurant Alloa.
Super 11’s Warm-up:-
The Clacks B team took part in an 11’s warm up event in the Red Triangle Cumbernauld last Sat with the boys agonisingly missing out on a semi final spot by one frame!! All good experience for the boys and all now looking forward to the main event at Craigtara in Ayr next month with the B1 team at Pettycur Bay also.
FANZONE
27
Local rugby sides, Alloa and Hillfoots were not in action last week due to the start of the RBS six nations, which saw Scotland host the ‘auld enemy’ England at Murrayfield.
do battle with the side directly below them in the league.
They both this week are also not in action, with limited league games taking place. Alloa will be back in league action on the 18th February when they travel to Kinross to
Hillfoots face a tough match DIV 2 - Weekend Fixtures against Caithness away where Sat 11th February 2012 they will look to keep their good form. Hillfoots ran out Stirling Uni : Harris Acad FP 32-14 winners when the sides Blairgowrie RFC : Carnoustie HSFP last met back in October.
Alloa won a close match against Kinross 8-5 back in October and would like to see another win next weekend.
DIV 1 - Weekend Fixtures: Sat 11th February 2012 Highland : Aberdeen Uni Caithness : Gordonians Aberdeenshire : Mackie Acad FP
RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Team
Played W
ABERDEENSHIRE HILLFOOTS RFC MACKIE ACADEMY FP ORKNEY HIGHLAND RFC CAITHNESS RFC STRATHMORE RFC GLENROTHES GORDONIANS RFC ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RFC
13 13 14 13 13 13 12 14 11 12
11 9 7 7 7 6 4 3 3 2
D
L
0 1 0 0 0 2 3 2 1 1
2 3 7 6 6 5 5 9 7 9
F : A
Bonus Points
314:149 292:196 291:287 285:297 241:235 221:221 178:193 196:352 247:267 250:318
8 6 7 7 5 2 3 4 7 7
52 44 35 35 29 26 25 20 17 12
RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS Team
Played
GRANGEMOUTH STAGS RFC ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY MADRAS RUGBY HARRIS ACADEMY FPRFC STIRLING UNIVERSITY RFC ALLOA KINROSS BLAIRGOWRIE RFC CARNOUSTIE HSFP FIFE SOUTHERN
12 12 14 12 13 13 13 12 13 14
W
D
12 0 11 0 11 0 9 1 6 0 4 1 3 0 3 0 2 0 2 0
L
F : A
Bonus Points
0 436:49 1 447:126 3 361:240 2 257:234 7 284:294 8 171:191 10 157:386 9 128:269 11 148:393 12 110:317
7 10 8 5 6 4 5 1 3 2
55 54 52 43 30 22 17 13 11 10
28
sport
Friday 10.2.12
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Nine man Sauchie take the points Sauchie Juniors 2 Downfield Juniors 1 By Mark Wallace
S
auchie Juniors returned to League business on Saturday, facing Dundee team, Downfield Juniors, who like Sauchie were promoted to the Premier League as Champions of their own regional division. The venue was at Alloa’s Recreation Park, after the poor weather made Beechwood unplayable again. Sauchie made two changes bringing in Steven Hutchesion and Darren Cummings for Steven Dolan and Adam Bonnar respectively. The game started at a high tempo with Sauchie taking the match to The Spiders, however the game was quickly going to be affected by some very poor decision making from an over zealous referee. Sauchie had the better of the early exchanges with Cummings coming close with a chance. Again Sauchie lost a goal at a corner kick, after eight minutes, with Martin finding himself unmarked in the box, blasting the ball into the roof of the net. The defences’ inability to deal with the high ball has now cost them three goals in two matches. Controversy struck on the fifteen minute mark when Sauchie manager Duncan Fraser was sent to the stand for demonstrating with the referee. Fraser was complaining over inconsistency in his manner over two similar tackles, choosing to punish Sauchie, however allowing an earlier Downfield tackle to go unmentioned. Three minutes later, Graeme King was sent off for a foul on the Downfield number nine. It appeared at worse a yellow card, however the
referee immediately pulled out a red and Sauchie were now a man down. The game continued to be spoilt by poor refereeing, with neither team being able to get into their stride due to the continual stopping for minor incidents. Sauchie, although a man down, continued to press for an equaliser. Burns hit the post on the twentynineth minute after getting on the end of a Brian Morgan’s cross. Carroll and Cummings with their running continued to give a slower Downfield defence problems. On the forty-first minute Sauchie were rewarded with a goal, coming through a penalty. The ball was adjudged to have hit the hand of a Downfield player after a shot from Morgan. Morgan promptly took the ball and put Lindsay in the Downfield goal the opposite way. On the stroke of half time, Sauchie were forced to make a change after Kenny Feaks appeared to fall awkwardly. After being stretchered off, Feaks was replaced by Adam Bonnar. The second half continued with Sauchie pressing the Downfield defence, with the midfield of Comrie and Purdie controlling the middle of the park. Sauchie had further chances from Cummings, Morgan and Carroll, until making the break through with another Brain Morgan goal. After a ball through from Alan Comrie, Morgan ran into the box and blasted the ball past the advancing Lindsay. As the game progressed, Downfield enjoyed their best period of the match, starting to take advantage of having an extra man. Overall for all their pressure and
possession, they failed to cause the Sauchie defence and Halliwell in the goals, any real difficulties. On the sixty fifth minute Sauchie Juniors welcomed the return of young Daniel Ashe from injury, coming on for Gary Carroll. Again, Sauchie took control and played some entertaining football resulting in several shots on the Downfield goals. With ten minutes left, Sauchie were reduced to nine men, after Cummings was send off for abusive language, after frustration at another poor refereeing decisions. For the rest of the match, Sauchie continued to show the strength and steel that won them the league last season and finished the match as if they were the team with the extra players advantage. Overall Downfield were disappointing in their creative play and it does look as if they will struggle for the rest of the season. Overall it was a satisfactory victory for Sauchie who had to contend with several controversial decisions from an inconsistent referee. The fact that they won the match with nine men, again demonstrated the strength that this group of players have as a team. They continue their promotion hopes with a league visit to Broxburn Athletic, at Albyn Park next Saturday with ko 2pm. Although they are four places below Sauchie in the league it will still be a big test for the Sauchie players.
weecounty
weecounty sport
Friday 10.2.12 29
JUNIOR FOOTBALL Picture by James Hensby
MANGERS COMMENTS ...
S
aturday’s game against second bottom side Downfield had the potential to cause us an upset with them achieving a very good result last week by drawing with Broxburn away. We knew it would be a difficult game, as all games are in this very tough league. Like I have said before, it’s a hard game every week for our players and its vital we collect points every week to keep us in the race for potential promotion or a high league finish. We know what our aim is now and we need to push as hard as we can to get that. Downfield Spiders turned up with a few decent results behind them, and it was vital we got a good start in this game - it possibly could not have went any worse. We lost a very slack goal from a corner against the run of play after squandering a few early chances, then were reduced to ten men after Kingy was judge to have committed a serious foul. It looked nothing more than a foul at most but like all aggrieved managers say, referees do a difficult job and not always right. So to be down to ten men and a goal behind it looked like mission impossible. Our team stuck together and played some excellent football from back to front creating chances, and in honesty I could see an equaliser coming. The equaliser did come from a good penalty from Brian Morgan after his shot was handled by the Downfield centre half. So ending one each at half time and down to ten men was a bit better. The lads were pulled together at half time and focused on the importance of winning the game and not getting caught out with a man less. In the second half we again played some good football and Downfield were finding it difficult to contain us and great play from Adam Bonar and a very decisive ball from Gary Caroll played Brian Morgan in to go through on goal and finish well. We were then reduced to 9 men after a few words were exchanged between one of our players and the referee. This resulted in Darren Cummings receiving a red card. Darren was a little upset about some of the refereeing decisions and like I said they do a difficult job. Overall a great effort and very pleasing to now be sitting in fourth place and with one game in hand we can move to one point off the leaders and give ourselves a real fighting chance. We again have a difficult game this week away to Broxburn in the league, so it’s vital to try and pick up something from this game. We still have a few injuries hanging about and with now two players suspended we will be down in numbers but we still know what’s expected from our squad. Once again thank you for your support and please continue to support the players.
Junior Football League Home TEAM Oakley United Tayport Glenrothes Sauchie Juniors Newtongrange Star Broughty Athletic Penicuik Athletic Broxburn Athletic Ballingry Rovers Armadale Thistle Downfield Arniston Rangers
P W D L F A 9 3 2 0 14 5 11 1 2 2 3 4 11 3 2 0 12 8 8 4 0 0 9 3 1 2 2 1 3 9 7 14 0 3 4 7 17 9 3 0 2 13 7 11 3 2 1 15 6 11 2 2 1 12 9 12 2 3 2 10 8 13 1 1 4 8 18 11 1 1 3 4 11
Away
W D L F A 3 1 0 13 6 4 2 0 8 1 2 1 3 11 14 1 2 1 7 7 2 3 1 17 10 4 1 2 9 11 2 0 2 6 5 1 1 3 5 11 1 2 3 6 14 0 2 3 5 10 1 2 4 10 13 1 2 3 6 14
GD Pts 16 21 6 19 1 18 6 17 9 16 -12 16 7 15 3 15 -5 13 -3 11 -13 9 -15 9
30
sport
Friday 10.2.12
FOOTBALL
Managers Comments ... GARDNER SPEIRS
W
e got back into the game in the second half but that’s no good when we were two nil down we need to be doing that at 0 0 Alloa are a good passing side we gave them to much room to play and if any team allows them that they will kill off any team in this division .
PAUL HARTLEY
A
great win, Hampden Park is a difficult place to come to, they have only been beaten twice here this season and that has been by us. “Great three points for us today, so the run goes on – the players were fantastic today their work ethic and their determination not to get beat is evident. “They just don’t want to lose a game – you can see that in them, they way we defend, the team spirit from every single one of them. “The goalkeeper had a great game as well, the keeper has to be ready, concentration levels have to be high, and have to be ready to make a save. “Scott had a fantastic save in the first half, it was absolutely first class, he also had one in mid week against Peterhead, Scott is a terrific young goal keeper, he will go a long way in the game, he is only 19 but he is still learning. Everybody was great out there – I am really proud of my players the way they perform week in week out for me because that is three tough games we have had and come out of it with flying colours but we know there is a long, long, way to go, we don’t get carried away, it’s an old cliché but it’s one game at a time for us. We have got good footballers at this club, but there is no point in having that alone, you need to have the other side you need the work ethic as well and we have all of that in abundance. We have instilled it in the players that we expect high standards, expect them to work hard, expect them to enjoy it and they are doing that just now, they are playing at the top of their game and long may it continue.There’s a long way to go in the title race but all we can do is keep winning , as we keep winning others around us drop points , Queens are a good side and that was an other test for our players but we played some good football out there to keep the run going
Berwick are the visitors this week A
lloa manager Paul Hartley this week praised big Keeper Scott Bain, saying; “I know what Scott is capable off, I watched him at Aberdeen when I was there with him. “Over the last few weeks he has kept us in the games, especially against Peterhead and now Queens Park. “Sometimes people just see what the out field players do but it’s a team game and Scott as shown he has a bright future in the game.” Hartley said that Bain works hard in training and that he is now showing the results of his hard work on a match day. “His double save against Peterhead was out of this world.”
Hartley also said; “ He did the same against Queen’s, he made some great saves, am sure he is enjoying his football here. “He’s only 19 and still learning he has a great future in the game.” As Alloa look forward to a home game against Berwick this week, they welcome back former player Ian Little to the recs. Little was named Berwick manager recently and is looking forward to his return and with ex wasps Noble and McDonald in the ranks it will be a tough game for the wasps. Alloa go into the game with a full squad, and are unbeaten against the borders side and are looking to continue their 15 match unbeaten run kick off at the recs 3pm.
weecounty
weecounty sport
Friday10.2.12
31
FOOTBALL
IRN BRU DIV 3 - RESULTS SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY Berwick P Peterhead P due to frozen pitch East Stirling 2 S.Maxwell 3 L.Horner 46
Stranraer 2 S.Stirling 33 C.Aitken (pen) 89’
Elgin P Clyde P due to frozen pitch Montrose 1 J.Winter 45+3’
Annan Athletic 1 A.Muirhead (pen 78’)
Queens Park 1 Alloa 2 M.Daly 85’ K.Cawley 29 R.Little 41 (og)
IRN BRU DIV 3 - Fixtures: SATURDAY11TH FEB 2012 Alloa v Berwick Annan Athletic v Elgin Clyde v East Stirling Peterhead v Stranraer
Irn Bru Division 3: League Table ALLOA STRANRAER ANNAN ATHLETIC QUEEN’S PARK ELGIN BERWICK PETERHEAD MONTROSE CLYDE EAST STIRLING
Pld W 23 8 23 7 22 7 21 5 19 7 20 3 21 4 22 4 20 3 23 3
D 3 2 3 3 1 4 3 2 2 3
L 0 3 2 2 1 3 4 4 5 6
W 7 5 3 5 1 3 2 2 2 0
D 3 4 3 1 3 3 1 2 4 2
L GD Pts 2 21 51 2 24 42 4 12 36 5 17 34 6 8 28 4 18 25 7 9 22 8 17 22 4 8 21 9 8 14
weecounty sport Nine-man Sauchie in league win
Page 28-29
Bain keeps Wasps title challenge alive By Sports Reporter
A
lloa headed to the National Stadium to face Queen’s Park at the weekend off the back of yet another home win, further extending their unbeaten run to 14. Similarly, Queen’s had also been in good form with some good wins and had not been beaten at Hampden since the Wasps left with all three points back in September. Manager Paul Hartley made just one change to the team that beat Peterhead midweek, Ryan McCord was back in the first eleven after serving a two match ban and Steve Masterson dropped onto the bench. On a rain soaked and miserable day, the home side started the best of the two, with both Ian Watt and Craig Smith looking menacing but their play in the final third let them down. Alloa soon took hold of the midfield area with Ryan McCord and Darren Young taking control in what would become a good old-fashioned midfield battle. Queen’s had some good play but found Bain in the Wasps goal equal to the task – in what would eventually be his best game of the season (in our opinion). McCord had a good chance to put the visitors ahead as he raced through on goal, trying to fend off a defender, but ended up colliding with
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.
Queen’s Park 1 Alloa Athletic 2 Ryan McCord’s 1st real chance for the Wasps the goalkeeper allowing the ball to be cleared. Stevie May was causing some problems for the Queen’s defence with his weaving in and out, looking menacing but nothing came of it. Wasps defender Gordon had a good headed effort cleared by Queen’s although it may have gone wide. And in the 29th min the Wasps stung the spiders. Steve May robbed Queen’s centre half Paul Gallacher out wide on the right and squared to Kevin Cawley who slammed home from 18 yards. Queens responded well and only a great double save by Scott Bain from Paul McGinn then Darryl Meggatt kept the visitors in front. Despite having some good play, it
was the away side who went two up in the 41st minute. McCord won the ball midway inside the Queen’s half, turned and played in Doyle who was making ground down the right wing. Doyle’s ‘shot-cross’, was turned into his own net by the big Queen’s centre half who was sliding in and could do nothing about it, forcing the ball past a helpless Parry. Jubilation for the Wasps and their band of travelling fans who were now well and truly in fever pitch. Manager Hartley must have been delighted with his team as they went in at half time ahead by two goals. Queen’s started the second half as they started the first, full of running and Bain had to be at his best turning away a net bound Jamie Longworth
weecounty Now Open in the
weecounty news office, Primrose Street - pop in and say hello!
Design & Print
effort. And the big keeper who this week was praised by this manager Paul Hartley, kept his side two up saving well from McGinn who’s 15 yard effort was net bound until Bain tipped over. Alloa were the passengers in the second half and had only a few chances of note during the second half. The home side had most of the play and the pressure, and Queen’s got their reward late on with six minutes left, sub Daly produced a delightful lob to bring is side back into the game. Queen’s were truly spurred on by the goal and now had genuine belief that they could take something from the league leaders. Their fans,
who at half time must have thought they were down and out, were now creating a noise and getting behind the team. Queen’s piled on the pressure and Bain was forced to make a string of saves as the home side kept coming at the visitors defence. The Wasps literally resorted to eleven men behind the ball to see out a vital away win, and that is exactly what they did, when the official finally ended the match after 4 minutes of added time. Everyone at the club must be delighted with the unbeaten run of 15, and the ex Aberdeen keeper must take some credit for the win, especially after a string of excellent saves.
All your design and print needs right on your doorstep
38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG
Tel: 01259 404 006
Business Cards • Business Starter Packs • Promotional Goods Design & Corporate Branding • Flyers • Brochures • Newsletters
Email: weecounty@athenaprint.com • www.athenaprint.com
A trading style of athena design & print ltd.