The Wee County News - Issue 864 by Vicki O'Hare

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Tuesday 21.2.12 Issue 864

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Tuesday 21.2.12 Issue 864

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Community tribute to former Provost

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Page 10

Sauchie event marred by youth disorder

By Alison Mann

ne hundred drunk youths caused chaos outside a music event aimed for youngsters in Sauchie at the weekend. The event, held on Friday (February 17) evening in Sauchie Hall, was supposed to be an enjoyable rave for under 18’s but it soon got out of hand when yobs showed up outside. Some of them were visibly drunk, many were shouting and running around outside the venue and some were even fighting amongst themselves. The young DJ who organised the event was completely unaware of the carnage happening outside as 200 clubbers inside enjoyed the music and the atmosphere.

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One witness at the event said: “Some of them started causing trouble before the event had even started. “A lot of them outside had been drinking and were causing chaos. It was quite scary to be honest and the police had to come and calm them all down.” A spokesman for Central Scotland police said: “We had reports of a rave event with 200 teens attending from across the county. Numerous incidents of disorder were reported outside the hall before, during and after the event. Around 100 more youths were reported to be outside under the influence of alcohol.” A toilet inside the venue was also damaged during the event.

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Congratulations to the SNP Administration on their budget, we in Menstrie are particularly pleased to see that a long standing issue is to be resolved. From the roads budget, we are to have Park Road South finally sorted out, ‘tarmacked’ and brought up to standard. This un-adopted road, which is heavily used by school children, the elderly and for access to property is an eyesore and treacherous in the winter months and when wet and has been number one on the priority list for the last five years but with no funds available to fix the problem. At last it has been recognised as a necessity for the people who use the road and we will be able to walk safely to and from the school and shops.

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How nice to find that this paper is not afraid to encourage We are excepting nominations from some political debate, I refer to Mr Scobbies reply to my readers who think someone deserves a little letter of the previous week, and how nice to see that treat. It could be that they’ve overcome Mr Scobbie took my advice and actually explained his illness, are having a special birthday or are doubts about the fitness of Cllr Murphy to fill the role just a special person that deserves some of provost. Although his reply sites lack of experience, recognition. when Cllr McAdam, who unlike Mr Scobbie or myself, has actually filled the roll, did not mention this as being any Whatever the reason, let us know and encumbrance. I find his explanation somewhat spurious, to we’ll pick one winner who will receive some say the least. flowers. Mind you it’s a pity that he did not keep that advice of Send your nominations, plus your name, mine in mind for long, as he then went back to his old ways address and telephone number to: by implying that only voters without any sense would vote weecounty Flower Competition, The Wee for Tina Murphy come the council elections. Sadly, without County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa letting us know exactly why he seems to think that, he is of FK10 1JG. course, as he keeps reminding us, entitled to his opinion, Email: weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk but if the public are to put his criticism down to more than Facebook: just political bias then clarification is surely called for. post your nominations on the Wee County News facebook page. Perhaps though Mr Scobbie finds it difficult to be specific when it comes to reasoned argument. He seems Nominations for this month will close on February 22nd and a winner will be to imply that drivel has played a prominent part in my announced on February 24th. The editors decision is final. correspondence to the local press over the years, so why doesn’t he give us at least one example complete with his reasons as to why it is drivel. With me having the right of reply, of course, said reply will contain some further questions for him to try and answer - something his colleagues have consistently failed to do over the years where my letters were concerned! With reference to my political bias, of course if someone has any connections or loyalty to any political party, then that person is biased toward them, this does not mean though that they are automatically wrong when asking questions of someone who’s loyalty lies elsewhere or indeed of another party. When that person or party asked fails to answer, then the public are entitled to draw their own conclusions as to who is in the right! With regard to my being well aware of who he is, I am aware that there was a Labour Councillor named Alex Scobbie from Tullibody. Finally, I do find it strange that Mr Scobbie can criticise me for sarcasm in the very same letter where he finds it okay to attack someone for their performance as a councillor without giving one reason for that criticism, but then perhaps he can’t, as for me, if he does reply, especially to the test I have set him, then I promise that my reply will not contain the merest hint of sarcasm. I can’t say fairer than that, so over to you Mr Scobbie.

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I would urge Mr Mitchell not to be too hard on ex-councillor Scobbie. To be honest, during my spell as Provost, I never had cause to chastise Alex, simply because he never said, nor contributed anything to justify it. Come to this of it, Alex never said or contributed anything of note. Good or bad. As for Citizen Smith whoever you are, if you want any information on covering up – identify yourself, visit me at Greenfield or 8 Dorothy Terrace and I will give you something to mull over. In conclusion – I do not need to shout long and hard, about my support for the workers and their professional standing and reputation. Neither will I hide behind a nom-de-plume.

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weecounty £3m Maggie’s centre to open at new hospital

Tuesday 21.2.12

News Brief

By Alison Mann

new Maggie’s Centre will be developed at Forth Valley Royal Hospital which will provide vital support to thousands of people in the area affected by cancer. Two cancer charities will work together to develop the new centre. Walk the Walk, the grant-making breast cancer charity, has pledged a grant of £3million to bring a Maggie’s Centres to the region. The funds are part of the monies raised at Walk the Walk’s iconic MoonWalk Edinburgh, which sees thousands and thousands of women and men Power Walking a half or full marathon in brightly decorated bras. This is the second time that the two charities have united to create vast and lasting improvements to cancer support across Scotland, following on from the hugely successful Maggie’s Gartnavel Centre in Glasgow, which opened in October 2011 and was fully funded by Walk the Walk. Maggie’s will provide an expert programme of emotional support and practical advice, all within an inspiring, homely Centre. The Centre will be based just a short walk from the Oncology Unit at Forth valley Royal Hospital and will serve the cancer populations of the Forth Valley, taking in Larbert, Dunblane, Falkirk, Stirling, Alloa and Grangemouth. More than 1600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Forth Valley every year. Walk the Walk and Maggie’s are encouraging people to sign up to this year’s MoonWalk Edinburgh, which takes place on Saturday, June 9 (www.walkthewalk.org). This is the seventh MoonWalk Edinburgh with the theme ‘Midnight at the Oasis’, and Inverleith Park, where the opening party is held, will be transformed into an oasis of mystery, colour and intrigue. Nina Barough CBE, Founder of Walk the Walk, said: “Having celebrated the opening of the new Maggie’s centre at Glasgow’s Gartnaval Hospital in October 2011, it is with great pleasure that Walk the Walk have made the decision to become the principle funder of yet another new Maggie’s centre, this time at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Falkirk. “As this area does not currently have a Maggie’s facility and the wonderful service that they provide, it is very special that Walk the Walk have been able to make a contribution to the community in this way and we shall eagerly await another wonderful healing environment emerge for the people of Falkirk and the surrounding areas.” Maggie’s CEO, Laura Lee, said: “We are overwhelmed by Walk the Walk’s generosity and commitment to making sure that people across the Forth Valley do not have to go

lloa Writers are cosponsoring a free, two hour, poetry workshop with poet and tutor Charlie Gracie. The workshop, supported by the Scottish Book Trust, takes place in Resonate Arts House, Unit A3 North Castle Street, Alloa (around 100yds from Lime Tree House) on Monday February 27. Doors open 6.45 for 7 pm start. There will also be an opportunity to purchase Charlie’s poetry collection – Good Morning. Writers, at whatever level, are encouraged to take this opportunity to learn from an experienced poet. Prior booking is advised, email: derenz@mypostoffice.co.uk, or Tel: 01259 218454

through a cancer journey alone. At Maggie’s we help people to live the best life possible with, through and beyond cancer. It is truly wonderful that through the support of Walk the Walk we will be able to complete our network of Centres across Scotland.” Professor Fiona Mackenzie, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been chosen as the site for a new Maggie’s Centre. “This will be a wonderful new facility for the many hundreds of people from across Forth Valley who are treated for cancer every year. Maggie’s Caring Cancer Centres

are internationally renowned for the excellent support and advice they provide to patients and their

families and we look forward to working with them on this exciting new development.”

lackmannanshire Libraries held a prize draw as part of National Libraries Day earlier this month. The event was a great success and there were over 200 entries in the draw. The following people have won the prizes: 1st prize - £25 gift voucher - Mrs Marilyn Gray, Alva (used Alva CAP) 2nd prize - £20 gift voucher - Mr John Bain, Tillicoultry (used Tillicoultry Library) 3rd prize - £15 gift voucher - Mrs A Miller, Alloa (used Alloa Library). National Libraries Day was designed to raise awareness of libraries, encourage more people to join and experience what local libraries have to offer. The theme of the day was ‘Use it, Love it, Join it’.

Alloa couple lose £1000s to conmen By Alison Mann

n elderly Alloa couple have been conned out of a four figure sum of money by cruel conmen. Five men visited the couple’s home in Dirleton Gardens on Friday, February 10 and offered to carry out work in their garden. The trusting couple paid for the work but the heartless thieves demanded more cash from the pair which was also handed over. Police are keen to trace the men. One of the men is described as being 5ft 7ins tall, stocky build, with short dark hair and was wearing working clothes. He spoke with an Irish accent. A second

man is described as being about 60 years of age, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall, slim build with short grey hair. He also spoke with an Irish accent. A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said: “We would advise anyone to be cautious when agreeing for any work to be carried out. Always seek to get quotes from reputable firms.” Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

Oban model looks attractive to OLE

Simon Kindlen (OLE), Neil Matheson, Nick Wesley, Roger Elliot, Patricia Ward(OLE) OLE visit Atlantis Community Leisure Oban Sarah Robertson of OLE, May Atkinson TCAG visit the Kabin community centre

Tim Ball & Farquhar Willson at the first OLE meeting By Alison Mann

embers of Ochil Leisure Enterprises have been busy working towards re-opening the Alva Pool for the people of Clackmannanshire. The group recently had its first meeting with the new administration in Clackmannanshire Council. The meeting with Gary Womersley, Mark English and Donald Balsillie of the SNP administration was constructive. On of January 28, delegates from the OLE management committee visited The Kabin a community space for the Loanhead area. The centre has become the hub for the community bringing people together from all walks of life and it amounts to a vibrant place for people to meet and run groups. On the February 2 they visited the Atlantis Community Leisure centre in Oban. Twenty years ago they took over the management of the local pool, with the facility staying under council ownership. In the first year they doubled the number of users of the pool. With ongoing investment, they built further facilities turning it into a fully fledged sports complex that is hub the whole community. It is run as a social enterprise with all profits going back into the business and is a model OLE would like to consider. A spokesman for the group said: “The OLE management committee is completing several organisational tasks. OLE is formally constituted with Companies House, it is awaiting final

recognition with the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator, it is registered under the data protection legislation and it is registered with the disclosure authorities to promote the safety and protection of users of the facilities. “Groups have been submitting applications for the use of the facilities at the Alva Pool Complex. We still welcome applications and encourage anyone or any group that has a possible use for the facilities to fill in the group application form and send it to us. Group applications forms are available on-line at the OLE website:www. ochilleisureenterprises.org “The management committee would also like to thank the members of Ochil Leisure Enterprises (OLE) for attending last Tuesday’s members meeting at the No 5 Inn. We would also like to thank the No 5 for hosting the event for us. It is always good to hear from our members and all the comments have been noted and will be looked into.” The community is encouraged to get involved with OLE and this is can be done by visiting OLE on the website or by telephoning 07874889938. Work will begin on the initial clean up and minor repair programme being identified by the OLE management committee. The group intend that Clackmannanshire Council, OLE members and volunteers from the local community will be able to bring the Alva Pool Complex up to the standards expected by the public and sports organisations alike.

Another Burns celebration

Odds slashed on independence By Alison Mann

etting agents William Hill have cut their odds that Scots will vote in favour of independence when they get the opportunity in a Referendum. William Hill have cut their odds from 3/1 to 5/2. Hills also offer 4/11 that the Referendum will take place in 2014 and 7/1 that the country will become independent by 2020. Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe said: “Although the betting suggests an ultimate ‘no’ to independence at any Referendum, the money we have taken is almost all for a ‘yes’ vote- and every bet struck since David Cameron spoke on the issue has been for ‘yes’.”

By Alison Mann

odge St Servanus No 771 celebrated their annual Burns supper on February 17. The artistes during the night were

Ewart McAuslane, Jim Weir MBE and Amy Walker played the role of Poosie Nancy. Euan Tait performed as piper during the evening and Douglas Buck, Russell McKendrick, Gordon Guthrie, Ian

O’Connor and Rev George T Sherry also took part in formal proceedings. Guests at the supper were treated to a delicious meal of lentil broth, steak pie, haggis, neeps, tatties, peas and het tea, bannocks and kebbuck.

weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

Housebuilder backs youth football project Pictures by Jim Hensby

By Alison Mann

ousebuilder Taylor Wimpey has teamed up with Alloa Athletic by sponsoring the youth and community football programme at Recreation Park, to mark the official opening of their new East of Scotland development in Alloa. Known as “Taylor Wimpey Time” – children aged from 4 – 15years are encouraged to come along to the Club between 6pm-7pm each week night (Monday-Thursday) for the chance to play football and receive coaching at the Club’s ground at a substantially reduced charge. This initiative kickstarts a number of ideas being progressed with Alloa Athletic FC and Taylor Wimpey as Karen Armstrong, sales and marketing director said: “Taylor Wimpey East Scotland is delighted to mark the opening of its new development of family homes at Ochil Gardens in Alloa through our sponsorship of this youth and community project at Alloa Athletic FC.

“Taylor Wimpey is keen to become fully involved in the local community during the construction of our development of 49 new homes, and this initiative is a great and fun way to do that whilst encouraging an active participation in a healthy lifestyle. We’re keen to play an active role in everyday life in Alloa, and we hope to announce further links with the Club at a later date.” Commenting on the Club’s new association with Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, Alloa Athletic FC Chairman Mike Mulraney said: “Alloa Athletic FC sits at the heart of the local community, and we’re delighted to receive support from Taylor Wimpey to sponsor our youth and community football programme that’s offering around 10 subsidised hours of football for the kids of Alloa – giving them the chance to play right here at the Club.

Local group give daycare centre a make over

pening More Doors have given the Daycare Centre at Strathcarron Hospice a donation to redo the decor, storage and curtaining in the craft room. The photograph shows some of the members of Opening More Doors visiting the room to see it and to see some of the work taking place there.

We’re looking forward to working with Taylor Wimpey as their development at Ochil Gardens progresses.” Taylor Wimpey East Scotland’s Ochil

Gardens in Alloa is open from Thursday to Monday from 10.00am until 5.30pm. For further information visit www.taylorwimpey. co.uk/ochilgardens or call 0845 671 3172.

weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

Chipweek: Scots prefer curly fries A

we live affects whether we like ours thick, thin or curly, with a dollop of ketchup or dipped in mayo, as well as our favourite places to enjoy them. The research reveals that people living in Scotland are more likely than those in any other region to choose a portion of curly fries with their meal – and more than twice as likely as those in South. The Scottish are also more likely than people from other parts of the country to opt for spicy brown sauce with their chips, and also choose to a greater degree to eat their chips – curly or

‘Chip Map of Britain’ has shown Scots choose curly fries with their meal ahead of traditional chips. The map was unveiled to mark Chip Week which started yesterday (February 20) and will end on February 26 and shows regional differences in chip-eating habits. Based on new research into Brits’ chip preferences, the map is the creation of Potato Council, the organisation working on behalf of potato growers and purchasers. The survey shows that while we are a nation of chip lovers, where

otherwise – in a restaurant. Kate Cox from Potato Council says: “There is no doubt we’re a country of chip lovers, but the research shows that regionality plays a part in how we like to eat them. Chip Week is all about enjoying chips in our own way, so we hope the map helps inspire dinner choices across the country.” Scots wanting to celebrate Chip Week can log onto www. chips.lovepotatoes.co.uk to view the map and to access a guide to local chip shops and a new series of delicious recipes to help you cook perfect chips at home.

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and its efforts are borne out by the fact that we still have a higher employment rate than the UK as a whole. “But all that is put at risk, and more Scots put on the dole queue, by the Westminster government’s insistence on continuing on a path of savage cuts, instead of increasing capital investment and working to help businesses access financial assistance. “With control of all the economic and financial levers, the Scottish Government could do even more maximise our economic potential, boost competitiveness and create jobs. “We now urgently need the promised jobs summit of the four finance Ministers to take place, in order to prioritise action for job creation across the UK.”

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no job at all, even if it’s on far lower pay and shorter hours, but people cannot afford to do this indefinitely. We desperately need more full-time jobs paying decent wages.” MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Keith Brown said: “Too many Scots are paying the price for the UK government’s ill-judged economic policies and while Scotland’s employment rate remains higher and economic inactivity rate lower than the UK as a whole, and the Scottish claimant count decreased for the fifth month in a row, the numbers of people who are unemployed remains unacceptably high. “The SNP Scottish Government is using every economic lever available to it to create jobs, boost investment and build growth

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lackmannanshire has come top of a list of employment blackspots for January. Although figures have got better over the past year, more people are fighting for jobs in Clackmannanshire than in other areas. According to the TUC Clackmannanshire has 1,893 claimants for 27 vacancies in January, meaning 70 people were after each job. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: ‘These figures are bad, although thankfully not quite the disaster we saw at the end of last year. ‘It’s encouraging to see a small rise in employment, but this is entirely down to people taking part-time work because there are no fulltime jobs available. ‘Any job is better than

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Tuesday 21.2.12

Paratrooper thanks MP Sell out

By Alison Mann

former Paratrooper injured in Iraq has thanked Gordon Banks MP for helping him claim the insurance money he needed to rebuild his life. Joe Davidson, 40 was serving as a private military contractor in 2007 when he sustained a serious spinal injury which has left him in great pain ever since. Joe had been a Paratrooper in the Royal Engineers for 11 years when he suddenly found he could no longer do his job fighting for his country. When he returned to Tullibody he was faced with another struggle, claiming the insurance money rightfully owed to him to allow him to recover from the injury that leaves him in a lot of

pain. When he tried to claim from insurers he hit a brick wall and found it difficult to believe what they were telling him. He then contacted Gordon Banks MP who has fought the former soldiers corner ever since and just last week resulted in Joe receiving the insurance funds he needs to live his life. Joe has needed two serious operations to allow him to live a more comfortable life and the insurance money will ensure he can recover. He said: “When Gordon Banks got involved it helped people listen a bit more. It still took a year and a half but if it wasn’t for Gordon Banks I really believe I’d still be arguing my case now. “He wrote to the Treasury

Minister and the Prime Minister as this is not just affecting me, there’s hundreds of others like me. “I think he was the main driving force behind it, they wouldn’t have taken me seriously otherwise and I couldn’t afford a solicitor so I went to my MP. “If I compare what Gordon Banks did for me with guys from different areas who went to their MPs they didn’t take it seriously and Gordon Banks did. “Sometimes I’d receive e-mails at 1 in the morning and he’d meet me at weekends. He’s a busy guy but he always took time to meet with me.” Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said: “It has been a privilege to help Mr. Davidson with these issues, but unfortunately it has been a long drawn-out process for him. Working closely with constituents is a real benefit of this job and I am always glad when I have been able to make a difference on their behalf – although this is not always possible – but I try my best to do my job as effectively as I can.” Joe, who has never been involved in politics added: “I never voted and didn’t really do politics and all of a sudden I needed my MP. I will now vote for Gordon Banks as I know how good he is. “I am so grateful to him and the sacrifices he makes to help.”

concert for Mary’s Meals By Alison Mann

he Rotary Club of Alloa held a sell out concert in Tillicoultry and raised over £4000 for development charity Mary’s Meals. The concert was held on February 17 in the Devonvale Hall, starred the internationally acclaimed group Gaberlunzie who were supported by the Central Scotland Police Pipers. The event was arranged by the International Committee of the Rotary Club, under the stewardship of Rotarian Hector Nicolson and raised in the region of £4,500. Because of the generous sponsorship of Alloa Community Enterprise; Hillview Funeral Services, Sauchie and Arkwright, Birtwistle & Co., Employment Law Specialists, Glasgow, every single penny of the monies raised will be given over to the charity. Abeer Macintyre, Head of Supporter Care of Mary’s Meals said: “I am indeed indebted to my good friends in the Rotary Club of Alloa who dedicated considerable time and effort in arranging this fabulous concert. The charity feeds over 600,000 hungry children in schools every day in Africa, Asia, Central America and Eastern Europe.

“People may rest assured that the fantastic amount raised by the Rotary Club of Alloa, and which will be managed by the Mary’s Meals charity, will feed 400 children for a whole school year as it costs the charity just £10.70 per year to provide a daily life transforming meal in a place of education. “On behalf of the charity, I would also like to thank the capacity audience and entertainers for supporting this worthwhile cause” President of the Rotary Club of Alloa Graham Kerr said: “The Rotary Club was delighted to undertake this charity fund raising event for the sole benefit of Mary’s Meals. We are well educated through television images and the like of starving and Malnourished children on several continents. “As a Club, we are also well aware of the excellent work the Mary’s Meals charity does globally and are absolutely delighted at the support so freely given by all sponsors, raffle donors and Devonvale Hall Management. We are also very much appreciative of the very large number of people who turned out in support of the event which proved so popular that cries of ‘same again next year’ reverberated round the hall”

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weecounty 90 year old Ruby, first resident at Alloa Park Drive

Tuesday 21.2.12

By Alison Mann

First Resident Ruby Shepherd with her daughters (left to right) Roberta, Margaret and Robina and care assistant Angela White. First Resident Ruby Shepherd with her great grandson Aarran.

new multi-million pound luxury care home in Alloa has welcomed its first resident. Ruby Shepherd, 90, was given a warm welcome to Parklands, the state-of-theart, purpose-built care home in Alloa Park Drive which represents a £4.7million investment by Meallmore, one of Scotland’s leading providers of nursing and residential care. Mrs Shepherd, who has seven children, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, has moved to Parklands from nearby Maryhill in Glasgow. The former school cleaner arrived with her family including five year old great grandson Aarran Black. She was also presented with a bouquet of flowers by care home manager Julie Wyllie. Her daughter Roberta said: “We choose Parklands because it is like a five star hotel. We are delighted she

can live 10 minutes away from us.” The 62-bed home that offers nursing care for frail elderly people, with specialist help for people who suffer from dementia and its related conditions officially opened on Friday, 20 January. Care home manager Julie Wyllie said: “We are looking forward to welcoming a steady stream of new residents in 2012. We never underestimate what a big step it is moving to a new environment but our first class team of carers will go to every length to make sure the move for Mrs Shepherd is as smooth as possible.” Parklands also include an activity and reminiscence room, six dining rooms, as well as a hair and beauty salon for its elderly residents. Meallmore now has 19 homes in Scotland for elderly and frail people.

and understand a little of how we feel as this will help us not to get stuck in the bereavement journey. If you have felt the pain of bereavement then

eventually you may be able to help somebody who is going through the same pain. Often what we need most is simply somebody to listen.

Coping with bereavement C

oping with bereavement is a part of life we never want to face but it is sadly a part of the cost of living and loving. The more deeply we love

the more severe the pain of loss can be but there is help out there to help you deal with the pain. It is helpful to know that the grief we feel is completely

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natural and does not mean we are falling apart. There are many stages people go through during a period of bereavement but these can come at different times for different people. We are all different people and so we all have unique feelings. It is possible to swing from one stage to another, or indeed hardly experience one stage at all. This does not mean that the grief of one person is deeper than another, simply that we have different ways of experiencing and coping with loss. Many people can feel

isolated and lonely and can feel the pain physically through headaches, stomach pains and other complaints. This means during a period of bereavement it is so important to look after yourself and to eat and sleep properly. This does not mean bereavement is something treated lightly, like a phase someone goes through. It can take a long time to heal people can learn to live again. Nevertheless one thing that the bereaved nearly always have in common is that it takes time to recover. We need to be able to give time to express ourselves

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weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

Pupils learn about health and safety By Alison Mann

upils at St Mungo’s Primary School were given a lesson on health and safety by Taylor Wimpey. As production at the company’s latest development Ochil Gardens in Alloa gets into full swing, Taylor Wimpey is keen to promote the dangers associated with playing near any construction site, and raise awareness of the children’s need to be extra vigilant as work progresses on the site at Ochil Gardens in the town. This type of activity and involvement with local schools has proven an effective deterrent in the past as Ewan Robertson, Production Director of Taylor Wimpey East Scotland explains: “Health and

safety in and around our construction areas is of vital importance to Taylor Wimpey, and taking this type of proactive approach with local schools allows us to reinforce just how important it is for children to stay away from building sites. “Our lesson plan delivered by our Health & Safety consultants allows us to deliver a very important message in a fun and interactive way. Having the chance to chat to the children in school serves as the perfect reminder for the children that building sites are not playgrounds!” Loretta Balmer is Acting Headteacher of St Mungo’s Primary School: “I’m delighted to welcome Taylor Wimpey into our school to highlight the dangers associated with children

playing near any construction site. Given the development of new homes is now underway in earnest, we will have a significant amount of construction work in the local area for some time. “It’s great that Taylor Wimpey understands the importance of our children’s safety, and has created such an interactive and proactive approach to appeal to our pupils.” Offering 49 new homes with a choice three bedroom semi detached as well as three and four bedroom detached styles to choose from, Ochil Gardens, on the outskirts of Alloa will boast an impressive range of new homes for buyers looking to make their next property move. For more information visit www.taylorwimpey/ ochilgardens.

TOWIE star visits Stirling shop

Taylor Wimpey health & safety consultant Ian Holden, Pupils L-R Michaela Scott (p2), Charley McNally (p1 sitting), Mairead Morton (p2 standing on bench), Catherine Park (p4), Taylor Wimpey site manager: Paul Denham

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aria Fowler star of ITV’s TOWIE has been shopping in Dress Diva, Stirling’s popular fashion boutique. While there Maria had her nails manicured in the beauty room, showcased some of the bridal dresses and signed autographs for her many fans. Dress Diva is owned by young business woman Laura Farrant (22) and offers an array of eye catching exquisite fashion dresses together with beautiful bridal and wedding gowns. The beauty room nails the art of topping tips with manicures, pedicures, glittering gems to colourful acrylics our salon demonstrates the finest in waxing, tanning, massage and makeup. Maria commented “Love the store, feel like I’m back in Essex”

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Tuesday 21.2.12

Community tribute to former Provost By Alison Mann

he Sauchie community gathered together at the weekend to throw a surprise thank you party for Clackmannanshire’s former provost, Councillor Derek Stewart. Local groups and residents wanted to come together to celebrate the nine years that Derek had served as provost of Clackmannanshire and decided to do this by organising a surprise celebration party in his honour. Residents, political colleagues, friends and family filled Sauchie Hall and awaited the arrival of Cllr Stewart. Once through the main doors, the Bowmar Pipe Band played Cllr Stewart in to the hall where everyone then took to their feet to show their appreciation, giving him a standing ovation and a lengthy round of applause. Derek Stewart had served as the Provost of

Clackmannanshire from 2003 until January 2012, when the SNP removed the Labour Administration in a vote of no confidence and replaced him with SNP member for Clackmannanshire West, Tina Murphy. Members of the community presented gifts to Cllr Stewart and his wife Marjory, including a signed football t-shirt from the local football team, Sauchie Juniors. The Labour group, who had been invited along to join in the celebrations for the long-serving councillor also presented Derek and his wife with a token of their appreciation. Derek Stewart is currently a Scottish Labour Candidate for Clackmannanshire Central in the Local Government Elections in May this year. After making his way around the packed hall to thank everyone individually for coming, Derek took to the stage to give a speech; at

Cllr Stewart with his labour party colleagues and former Lord Lieutenant, Sheena Cruickshanks times emotional, reflective and comical. Cllr Stewart told the gathered audience: “I have enjoyed every moment, both as councillor and as the Provost of Clackmannanshire; it’s been a privilege to be in a position

where I could help decent, honest and hardworking people. My wife Marjory and I would like to thank everyone for this evening of celebration - it has meant such a lot to us both.” Sandra Gruar of the Active 8 Group said: “Derek has served

Derek Stewart surrounded by family and friends who surprised him with a party to celebrate his nine years as Provost.

this community for over 23 years and as the Provost of Clackmannanshire for almost a decade. It is hard to believe that he no longer holds that title. We didn’t want our appreciation for what he has done for Sauchie and Clackmannanshire over

the years to go un-noticed, and several members of the community had approached us with the same sentiments so we decided that we would organise a celebration to thank him for the work he has done and continues to do”.

weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

Schools:

Alison Mann

Alloa Academy Inter-House competition

Congratulations to pupils in Erskine House who have won last week’s Inter-House competition and gain 14 points for the House. Schaw were in second place gaining 12 points with Bruce in third place gaining 10 House points. 3E2 gained the highest number of equipment awards while 1S1 had the highest homework return rate.

Curriculum for Excellence Information Evening

Thank you to all parents who turned out for the CfE Information Evening on Tuesday 7th February. We hope that you found it informative and helped to give you an understanding of the curriculum which your children are following at this point and the way forward. The presentation from the evening will be available on the school website.

Option Choice Information Evening

The Option choice information evening will take place on Thursday 1st March. All interested parties are invited to attend at the following times: S2@ 6.00pm; S4 and S5@ 7.00pm. Please come along and find out about the procedures to support your children in making the right choices for their future.

Young chef of the Year

Matthew Hollingsworth represented Alloa Academy at the national finals of young chef of the Year in Dundee on Saturday. He came third in the overall competition which is a fantastic achievement. We are all extremely proud of Matthew.

Girls Rugby

There will be a special training session for girls aged 12 – 18 interested in playing rugby at Wallace High School on Tuesday 21st February 3.10 – 6.00 p.m. The aim of the session is to develop basic core rugby skills and to help promote girls rugby both in schools and clubs in Central Scotland. Girls will have the chance to meet Sara Dixon who plays for the Scottish International Team.

Assemblies

Assemblies next week will follow a different pattern with S5/6 assembly taking place on Monday 20th February; S4 on Tuesday 21st Feb; S1 on Wed 22nd; S2 on Thurs 23rd and S3 on Fri 24th February. S4/5/6 assemblies will focus on responsibility in the senior school and the application process for Prefectship. S1, S2 and S3 will be focused on Literacy across Learning.

I love Pancake Day! T

oday is Pancake Day! Hooray. It really has to be one of my favourite days, aside from my birthday of course. I know that traditionally, Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday if I’m being correct) is meant to precede Lent. This means I should be giving up eggs, oil, dairy products and other luxuries – but I’m not. I’m just going to make lots and lots of yummy pancakes. I’ve always loved Pancake Day. I remember when I was at primary school I’d go to my gran and grandpas every day after school until my mum picked my sister and I up. Now, much fun was always had during these afternoons but none more so than on Pancake Day. We always knew it was coming and knew gran would have the pancake batter ready and chilling in the fridge so we could get cooking at

3pm when school was over. She had a proper griddle that cooked the pancakes to perfection, and my sister and I would always eat them as soon as they came off – nice and warm. It was a real chore trying to make sure there was at least one left for our parents when they came to collect us after work. Today I will be re-living these memories and making pancakes myself griddle but I’m sure a frying pan will do just fine. Slightly put off by the carton of pancake mix they sell in the supermarkets, I decided to venture on-line for my recipe. It was quite confusing as all the pictures accompanying the recipes seem to be for flat, almost crumpetlike pancakes, not the thick ones I

By Laura Fyfe

o you’ve started your business and it’s the centre of your world: it’s exciting and interesting and a little bit of you expects everyone else to be just as excited. The website goes up, the fliers go out and you wait for the interest in the general public out there to spark… and it doesn’t happen. The flood of fascinated customers you expected is, at best, a trickle of polite enquiry. Don’t let that initial excitement deflate too much: when it comes to starting up, the greatest challenge I have found is simply getting the word out. But what that “word” will

be is crucial to decide upon. What do you offer that no-one else does? Remember: you do have something important to offer others – otherwise you wouldn’t have started up in the first place. You need to let them know it’s available! You’re actually doing people a favour! Marketing seems to require that you become pretty shameless. Know what your market is and know what you offer them, then get that message to them whatever way you can. Despite the fact that your business is the centre of your universe, it’s only (initially at least) a tiny blip on the local scene. People have to know about it to become customers. In these early days of starting up,

National entitlement Cards

See a picture you like in the weecounty?

Timebank

A presentation on the Timebank - a system in which pupils can carry out volunteer work and work towards rewards - will be given during lunchtime on Thursday 1st March. Pupils from all year groups are welcome to attend. More information on this will be shared via the Pupil PowerPoint in House Groups.

hope my recipe turns out just the same as my grans. I hope you all enjoy Pancake Day as much as I will! Let me know how your pancake making went by sending me an e-mail at alison@hubpublishing. co.uk.

Do you have something you want to say, or something for Alison to talk about: alison@hubpublishing.co.uk

Creativity rubik’s cube seeks enquiring minds…

weecounty photos

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.

made in my youth. Following this I learned Scottish pancakes go by the name of ‘drop scones’ on the internet but I soon found a yummy recipe to try on the BBC website. I will purchase self-raising flour, caster sugar, eggs and milk and

HAVE YOUR SAY

Science Observations

Over the next two weeks classes in Science will be observed by members of the Senior Management Team. We are greatly looking forward to experiencing “The Shampoo challenge” in person and finding out what good learning looks like in science.

Get your copy from only £5! you can order photos from: 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG or telephone: 01259

404006

or email: weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk

I think perhaps the foundation of any successful business is persistence (or sheer stubbornness!). Nurse your determination, hold on to it, steel your resolve and use it to fuel your efforts. Get your posters up, get your fliers and leaflets out, find and follow up on advice about the best places to advertise to access your market, use social networking on the internet – and don’t forget about the personalised power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Polish up your elevator speech as well as your shoes and get out there to networking events. After all, success is often as much about who you know as what you know. You never know what doors could open as a result of a quick, enthusiastic conversation with a new contact. It’s also a good idea to research and enter as many competitions as possible. What have you got to lose, after all? In November, I entered a business competition. I didn’t expect for it go anywhere – in fact, I nearly didn’t enter it because at that time, I was still in the very early stages of planning. I didn’t really consider “Figment Creative Expression Ltd” a fully fledged business yet. Yet, bearing in mind my new motto: “Nae cheek, nae chance”, I hunched over my laptop and filled in the form. A few weeks ago, I heard back from the paper: I had been shortlisted! The next week, I heard I was in the top 3! Now: I’m an award winning entrepreneur! I still cringe whenever I say that: tooting your own horn is hardly a Scottish virtue. But still, starting a business can

be a long, hard slog: a marathon punctuated by moments of sprinting. You need to draw on the excitement of such achievements to buoy you up when you’re lacking energy. And you will, at times. As well as starting a business, I’m an English teacher. Right now, it’s the busiest time of year for teachers of English: prelim marking, folio marking and exam preparation. It’s pretty much all-consuming, taking up my early mornings, late evenings and weekends. But I have to remember that my writing classes are still there. If I let my marketing drop by the wayside, some aspiring writers of Central Scotland may not get to hear know about the opportunities now open to them! So: blank pages seek well brandished pens… 5-week taster sessions of Figment writing classes are available in Stirling, Bridge of Allan and Falkirk, starting this week. You can go to www. figmentcreativity.co.uk, e-mail Laura at paige.turner@live.co.uk or phone 07709495043 for more information.

weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

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

How to help 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 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.

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Tuesday 21.2.12

What’s on in your weecounty Alloa

Alva

Nursery Class Enrolment: Claremont Nursery Class will be enrolling pre-school and pre-pre school age children for the nursery class (commencing August 2012) on Wednesday, 29th February and Thursday, 1st March, 2012 between 9.30am and 3.30pm (excluding 12.30 – 1.30 p.m.). Application forms will be available from the school office on the above dates. Please bring along your child’s birth certificate and proof of residency. For further information or if the above dates are unsuitable, please call 01259 214978. 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 creche 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 dont 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 March 11, David Vernon 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. Alloa and District Round Table: The Ultimate Ladies Night is being held on Friday, February 24 in the Dunmar House Hotel from 7pm. There will be entertainment from Johnny Lee Memphism, JoJo Sutherland and Nae Danger. There will also be a disco, dinner, goodie bags, raffle, prizes, music and dancing. Tickets cost £30 and are available from the Leisure Bowl reception, the Claremont Lodge Hotel or by calling Lithium Systems on 01259 727847.

Ceilidh: In Cochrane Hall on March 10 from 7.30pm until 11.30pm. Jack Delaney and his band will provide the music for the night and a supper will be provided. On this occasion it will be a bring your own bottle event and will cost £8 per ticket. If anyone fancies a good night out, with good entertainment and good company please call Andy or Pat on 01259 723413 for tickets. If we are out, please leave a message on the machine and we will get back ASAP. 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. Alva Games Bingo Tea: The next prize bingo tea will be held on Wednesday 22 February at 7.30pm in St John Vianney Church Hall, East Stirling Street Alva. All welcome.

Clackmannan

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 Oder 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. The 36th Stirling (Clackmannan) Company: The Boys’ Brigade meets 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. On Monday at 7.30 pm the Guild welcome David Andrews of The Gideons. On Tuesday the Coffee Morning is open from 10.00 am in the Church Massive selection of CDs, Vinyl & DVDs Hall and the 50s / 60s / 70s / 80s / 90s - Rock - Punk - Folk Coin-a-day count takes Classical - Blues - Jazz - Indies - Soul - etc. place at 1.00 Buy, Sell and Exchange! pm. and at 7.00 pm. the ADMISSION FREE Kirk Session meet with the PHONE (01360) 440 546 FOR DETAILS

RECORD & CD FAIR

SUNDAY 26TH FEB CLAREMONT LODGE HOTEL Kellie Place, Alloa

Presbytery to discuss Our Vision, Our Journey. On Wednesday in the Bruce Memorial Hall the Church Choir meets for practice at 6.45 pm and at 8.00 pm. you can join the Prayer Group for the start of our 2012 Lent Study course. 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: On Friday 24, will again be open from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm with a simple Soup & Bread lunch and a new selection of recently acquired, extremely reasonably priced, quality clothes.

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 Ochil Hills Community Church: Sunday (26th February) we have our Messy Church at 4p.m. in our normal meeting place, Dollar Civic Centre, Park Place. Messy Church is a “once –a-month” church for adults and children to join together. It’s for all ages and involves some creative activities exploring a Biblical theme, a celebration time followed by a meal together. If anyone is curious to see what it’s all about, please come, you will be most welcome. We are used to catering for unknown numbers and there is always sufficient food. We start at 4pm and finish by 6 p.m. Please note that there will be no Morning service this Sunday. Dollar SWRI: The next meeting of the Institute will be on Monday 5th March, when Mr Ian Whyte will be talking about a Charity Walk round Britain. This will be held in the Civic Centre at 7.25 pm. Competitions `1. A British Scenic Photograph. 2. 3 pieces of Tiffin. Table-Top-Sale: Tables are still available for the table-top-sale in Dollar on Saturday 31 March. You can sell old toys, bric-abrac, plans, craft work, etc. Tables cost £10. For more information or to book email alloaoffice@centralcarers.co.uk or telephone 01259 226839. Dollar newspaper and magazine collection: Dates for 2012 –6 March; 3 April; 1 May; 5 June; 3 July; 7 August; 4 September; 2 October; 6 November; 4 December. Dollar Boys’ Brigade: Dollar Boys’ Brigade are selling quiz sheets with all proceeds going to Stirling and District Battalion funds. All answers are countries and the closing date for entries is 9 March. Quiz sheets are available from Brian Devlin’s, Jeanette Littlejohn, Muckhart Kirk, Jessie Condie (743219) or BB boys and leaders. Hope you enjoy trying to solve the clues. The draw for winners will take place at Company Section on 16 March. Dollar Museum: The Museum is now closed and will re-open on Easter Saturday 7 April, when a new exhibition will be displayed. Thereafter opening times are Saturdays 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm and Sundays 2pm to 4.30pm. The Museum is at the top of the East Burnside. Entry is free and all are welcome. Bowling Club: A games night will be held in Dollar Bowling Club on February 24. Darts, dominoes and pool or just come for a good blether. All welcome.

Fishcross Wee County Walkers: Why not join in the free walks led by the Wee County Walkers? Become fitter as you enjoy and easy interesting walk. No need to book. Meet us in the car park beside Cats’ Protection just before 2pm on Tuesday. Back in time to meet the children coming out of school. Walks are suitable for all ages and abilities. Find out about local history as we walk. Put on comfortable footwear, dress for the weather and enjoy. Short, safe walks open to everyone. For more information contact Jane on 01259 290316 or 07825 052677. Come on your own or bring a friend. 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.

Kincardine Kincardine History Group: The next meeting on Wednesday 22nd February, should be of local interest. Dick Clark will be presenting “Alloa Burgh - 150th Anniversary (Victorian Fair)”. Visitors will be welcome. Tulliallan Bowling Club: Friday February 24 Ladies night with Martin Bannan £15. Saturday 17 March cabaret Kool Kats £5.

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. Cancer Support Group: The group will be in the Dumyat Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Drop in for a chat and a coffee, everyone welcome.

Muckhart Muckhart SWRI: The next meeting will be the book review on Tuesday 21 February at the home of Mrs Johnston. 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 Sauchie Community Group: Sauchie Community Group are holding a soup and sandwich lunch on Thursday March 1 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. Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Chuch: The Rev Bill Izett conducted both services on Sunday 19 February. The Scripture lesson was taken from Isaiah Ch 12 and Philippians Ch2, v 5-11 and was read by Mrs Marion Thomson. In his sermon Rev Izett told the congregation that actors try to live and portray other characters, but it’s nothing to do with their real lives. Jesus was not acting. He always had the nature of God as He was God and to be a Christian we need to have a clear understanding of the person of Jesus. There will be an additional meeting of the Kirk Session on Tuesday 21 February at 7 pm. 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 at 10 am. Donations of baking would be appreciated. Sauchie and Fishcross U F Church: The theme last Sunday morning was Struggling with Telling Others? Senga Awlson read part of 2 Corinthians chapter 9. In the evening, the theme was Contrasts which Prove What we Are The reading being part of Galatians chapter 6. The Women’s Christian Fellowship meets on Wednesday February 22 at 7.30 p.m. when Ian Paget will be the speaker. The Women’s Association meets on Thursday at 2.15 p.m. when the Gideons International will present a programme. Bible Study.and Prayer is at 7 p.m. Followed by Choir Practice 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. Rev Paul Sewell will speak at the Men’s Fellowship on Monday at 2 p.m. The Congregational Board will meet the same day at 6.45 p.m. followed by the Congregation’s Annual Business meeting at 7 p.m. 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 Centenary 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 Friends of Clackmannanshire: On this 23rd February a prize bingo in air of parents and friends of Clackmannanshire’s children will be held in the Masonic hall. 50p entry. Eyes down 7.30 Tullibody and Cambus Amateur Gardening Club: The next meeting will be held on 21 February at 7.30pm in The Gallery, Civic Centre, Tullibody. The speaker will be Geoff Bailey keeper of archaeology at Falkirk Council, who will talk about Calendar Park. All welcome. Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908 252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318. Lodge Ladywell 1474: The next meeting will be on February 28 at 7.30pm. The meeting on the evening will be a second degree. Jim Steadman Secretary.

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

weecoun

Tuesday 21.2.12

R E T N E O T E IM T L IL T S

AGE CATEGORIES ars 0-1 years, 2-3 years and 4-5 ye

-•-•- Competit

1st Prize for each category is: goodies PLUS an Eden Gift Bag, packed full of ion experience. a professional photographic sess rked with childs full Send us your pictures (clearly ma and your contact details).

name, age

.co.uk • by email: wcn@hubpublishing tiff format) (300dpi or higher in jpg, pdf or • or by post: wee county news, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG Closing date for entries: 29.2.12 Sponsored by:

(12 noon)

Eden Beauty Emporium Entries and Voting coupons will be printed in the paper in the following weeks

HOW TO VOTE - collect the voting slip and wait until we print the entries in their correct categories with their specific photograph ID number

weecounty news

-•-•- Competition 2012 -•-•I would like to vote for ___________________________ (photo no. _________) , age group ______________

Post or deliver your entry to: wee county news, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG

Sample of the photograph session you could win

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Tuesday 21.2.12

tion 2012 -•-•-

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Tuesday 21.2.12

Book review: All Cheeses Great And Small

entertainment weecounty

Why we all need a short break

Proven to lower cholesterol

For couples stuck in a rut, a short break away could be just the tonic you need to get your love life back on track.

Life after Blur for James also included getting married, buying a gargantuan rambling Cotswolds farmhouse, and discovering a passion for making his own varieties of blue dairy and goat produce. All Cheeses Great and Small, published March 1st, is the story of how this decadent musician - who emerged during the raucous Britpop movement - came to live what sounds like such a rural idyll, and make a success out of cheese. The old place he bought was as much in need of reinvigoration, it would seem, as the man in question, so a tale unravels of fresh mental beginnings, home improvements, and, inadvertently, a new business venture. James’ cheeses Blue Monday, Farleigh Wallop and Little Wallop - all proved success stories, with foodies up and down the country nodding to their quality. As for the churner, we also see him embrace maturity and truly settle down. This is all heartwarming and positive stuff, contained in a book that will appeal to many. It’s important to note though that James launched an Asda range of cheese last year, with flavours including Tomato Ketchup and Tikka Masala. ‘Do You Really Call This Cheese, Alex James?’ asked a Telegraph columnist scornfully. Certainly some Brits would, hence the supermarket deal, a closing point that hopefully emphasises the diversity in different people’s palettes.

etting away from it all for a few precious days has led to a multibillion pound short break industry. While the destinations for short breaks are ever growing from the UK, it almost doesn’t matter where you travel to. It’s what you do and who you do it with that matter; not necessarily where you go. The great weekend escape has become a much needed tonic for today’s manic lifestyles and long-suffering relationships. Not everyone uses the short break to sightsee or soak up culture; sometimes it’s just a lay in without interruptions, a day spent without chores or ringing phones and undivided time spent with the other half. Some people don’t even plan on leaving their hotel room, but that is a pleasure reserved for young love. For couples who are more familiar with each other, most simply enjoy being able to spend quality time together. Short breaks are also a perfect time to relax in each other’s company, whether being pampered at a spa or just taking a walk. Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman comments, “The British have now developed proper escape plans to counterbalance the fact that they work the longest hours in Europe. “People can act out the growing need to be physically and

90 tablets £12.95

DODGY PARKING

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THE TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN all you have to do is complete the crossword below and send it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply ACROSS 1. Pub (6) 4. Take for granted (6) 9. Weird (7) 10. Take place (5) 11. Expiation (9) 12. Sense organ (3) 13. Stage whisper (5) 15. Paragon (5) 20. Sphere (3)

22. Vortex (9) 24. Tine (5) 25. Ameliorated (7) 26. Cure (6) 27. Extremely bad (6) DOWN 1. Tropical bird (6) 2. Asinine (7) 3. Ambit (5) 5. Yelled (7)

6. Relative (5) 7. Mistakes (6) 8. Varieties (5) 14. Injured (7) 16. Foreshorten (7) 17. Barrel maker (6) 18. Wild and savage (5) 19. Blot (6) 21. Flower (5) 23. Part of a play (5)

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 CROSSWORD

h, cheese: great dairy product of the Gods, multifarious sandwich filler and indulgent after-dinner delectation. Few things give people greater pleasure than a piece of the good stuff, so it’s unsurprising that even a former rock rebel has turned to churning his own as a means to reinvent.Alex James was the bassist in one of Britain’s best-loved bands of the 90s and early noughties. Blur sold more records than one cares to imagine, but that wasn’t the only excess involved in their story. For want of a better word, their antics were notorious. Bit of Blur was the controversial memoir James published which told, in great detail, about the experiences and non-cheese related substances one indulges in whilst part of an internationally popular guitar outfit, and in which he confessed to spending ‘a million pounds’ on cocaine and champagne.Everyone knows some books of this kind cause a stir, but this publication started a fire. The statement could, if interpreted badly, be considered a boast, and in something of a challenge to the star he was invited to visit Columbia, where roughly 80 per cent of the world’s supply of the drug is produced, to witness for himself the catastrophic violence the industry wreaks in the country. The resulting Panorama programme was eye-opening viewing, and between then and now there have been several more TV appearances, including a spot on Never Mind The Buzzcocks as host, and even a stint on a reality show, but nothing quite so dramatic. This may have left you wondering what all this has to do with cheese, if Mr James didn’t continually make cheesy references. In other words, most will already know there’s another story in the background here.

geographically removed from their everyday surroundings in order to truly get away, psychologically and emotionally. “In fact, it has been found that when it comes to dealing with stress, frequent short breaks are more effective than infrequent long holidays. “What is interesting is that most people spend their weekend breaks in a low-key way involving time alone with their partner, dining and R&R, as opposed to the frenetic activity and nightlife sought by previous generations.” The short break has also become a tool for putting back a spark in a rut of a relationship. They are often used as a last ditch attempt at saving a relationship. If you are planning a short break to rev up your love life or to rescue a dwindling relationship, it doesn’t matter where you go, but it really does matter what you do, says psychosexual counsellor, Frances Emeleus. She advises that you make an effort to look at your best while you are away together, which means leaving your comfy clothes and PJs at home. “We tend to give our lover the worst sides of ourselves: it’s not very respectful. You don’t need to be constantly tarted up, but it’s good to make an effort for each other. “While you’re away, recognise that things are so much better when you’re in touch with each other,” recommends Emeleus. “Commit yourselves to remaining Plant Sterols 750mg close when you get home.” High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease Whatever your need for a short and the European Commission has recently break is, it doesn’t have to break confirmed that plant sterols are proven to lower cholesterol. the bank or involve spending half your time flying abroad. Booking a quiet weekend away in one of Britain’s many cities, rural retreats www.healthspan.co.uk or coastal towns allows you to get FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77 on with what’s really important.

Name: .................................................................. T:. ............................................ Address:.....................................................................................................................

weecounty

lifestyle

Tuesday 21.2.12 17

Creating a greener and healthier home M

ost of us are concerned about the effect that we are having on our planet and do our bit towards reducing our carbon footprints. Many people now recycle regularly and have given up using plastic bags for shopping, opting instead for the much nicer re-usable bags. Our cars are checked annually for emissions and new models are far more efficient and environmentally cleaner. All good, basic steps in trying to make our world a better place to live in, but are we doing enough? Do we give as much thought to what damage we may inadvertently be doing to our

health by our choice of furnishings and décor in our own homes? Unbeknown to most of us we have for years been filling our homes with potentially toxic materials that are not only harmful in their manufacture and use to the planet, but also to ourselves when placed in our homes. To improve your home environment and enhance your quality of life, use green eco-friendly décor and furnishings. By choosing these readily available products you can greatly enhance the air quality in your home which is obviously good for your health.

PET of the week

When re-decorating use paints that are chemical, heavy metal and volatile organic compound (VOC) free. There are plenty to choose from that are suitable for all painted surfaces; washable, durable and, as they are completely non-toxic, they immediately improve the air quality in your home. These natural paints are also very kind to the environment in general. For flooring, look for the carpets made from natural plant fibres or wool. Other carpets are produced using materials derived from petroleum which is a pollutant; most of us will have noticed the chemical smell coming from a newly laid conventional carpet. This is not the case with those made from natural fibres, which produce no pollutants during either manufacture or daily use and are far healthier for your family to walk, sit or crawl on. If your preference is for wood flooring, there is now a wide range of boards made from sustainable woods such as bamboo and cork. In your kitchen go for countertops made from recycled materials such as crushed stones, glass or porcelain rather than ones made with conventional materials which

weecounty

Ruby Breed: Ruby is a flat breed retriever Age: Ruby is nine months old and will celebrate her first birthday in May

Lives: With her owners Christine and Sandy in Tillicoultry but likes to hang out in the Mayfair Hair Salon, Alloa.

Likes: Ruby is such a clever dog and loves to go to dog

training school in Alva where she learns how to behave. She is also very playful and loves to play with her toys. Ruby is popular with the customers in the Mayfair and loves all the attention she gets from them. She likes to splash around in muddy puddles and really enjoys meeting other dogs.

Dislikes: Ruby loves company so the main thing she

dislikes is being left on her own, especially when that means she’s outside in 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.

need toxic adhesives and chemicals to fit them. Kitchen cabinets have generally been made from synthetic wood and the glues used in their construction emit PVC, VOCs and other toxic vapours. There are now, fortunately, a few glues which are free from formaldehyde. Cabinets made from bamboo are becoming popular because of their attractive finish and the sustainability of the bamboo. In the garden, for lighting a pathway or entrance porch, choose

the now common solar lights which come in various designs and sizes and give off sufficient light for these outdoor areas. Solar powered water features are both attractive and energy saving. Not only are these products free to run, but there are no cables or cords lying around your garden or patio. With just a little research and thought we can all take a step further forward in protecting our family and our planet next time we re-decorate or do some DIY.

Shake off those aches & pains

Devil’s Claw JointAid – 60 tablets £13.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77

recipes

Spanish tortilla A

classic Spanish omlette contains only potatoes, onion and egg, but this version has colourful vegetables and lean sliced ham for an extra filling and flavourful meal. Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 400g new potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 5mm thick pieces 4tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 green pepper, deseeded and sliced 6 large eggs 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley freshly ground black pepper 200g lean cooked ham, chopped 6 cherry tomatoes, quartered

METHOD 1. Bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the potato slices and return to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes, or until potato is beginning to soften. Drain and set aside. 2. Add half the oil to a large pan with a flameproof handle and heat. When hot, reduce heat to medium, then add the onion. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the

garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes until both onion and garlic are softened. 3. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring, until tender. Remove pan from heat. 4. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, parsley and a pinch of black pepper. Stir in the green pepper, the ham and tomatoes, then add the potato mixture from the pan and combine well. Preheat the grill to medium. 5. Add the remaining oil to the pan and return to the heat. When the oil is hot, pour the mixture into the pan and spread out

evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes on low, shaking the pan, until the base is set. 6. Loosen the edges of the omlette with a spatula, then place the pan under the grill for 5 minutes until the mixture is set and golden brown. When cooked, slide out onto a chopping board and allow to cool for 3 minutes, before chopping into wedges and serving.

recruitment

Tuesday 21.2.12

NURSE RGN Job No: ALL/23146 Employer Reference: hco032614 orchard SOC Code: 3211 Wage Competitive rates of pay apply Hours Full Time, Part time and Casual hours available Days/nights Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 16 February 2012 Closing date 15 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description RNA or RGN Level 1 required. To register as a nurse or midwife in the UK visit www.nmcuk.orgOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled). HC-One is a care provider with a clear vision and we are looking for qualified nurses both RGN or RMN with excellent clinical skills to help us become the kindest care home operator in the UK. Our colleagues are really important to us and they are at the forefront of changing the ways we deliver care and would like to invite you to be part of this exciting new development. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to demonstrate a positive can do will do approach coupled with good communication and interpersonal skills to succeed. Flexibility and a passion for caring combined with the ability to make a difference, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a kind, supportive and calm approach to Residents in our care. . successful candidates will be required to undergo a CRB, PVG or AccessNI. Apply Online URL: How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written

application to Recruitment Hub at HC-1, jobs.48770.776@hcone.aplitrak.com. Employer HC-1 Operation Administrator Job No: ALL/23145 SOC Code: 4150 Wage ÂŁ14,811 per annum pro rata Hours 21 per week, MondayWednesday, between 8am-5pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 16 February 2012 Closing date 29 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Skills required: Proficient in MS Office. Desirable skills: Previous experience in a similar role. Must have at least 2 standard grades at grade 3 or above (or equivalent) including English and Maths, or equivalent experience. This role is to provide general administrative services for the Operations function within the establishment. Your focus will be on the prisoner visits booking system, the input of staff attendance, hours and leave, and production of staff weekly rotas. You will be self-motivated and pro-active with well developed communication skills, computer literate. Must have the ability to work to strict deadlines ensuring accuracy and attention to detail. Disclosure Scotland check required, expenses met by employer. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.sps.gov.ukOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer HM Prison Glenochil

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Job No: ALL/23144 SOC Code: 4150 Wage ÂŁ6.08 PER HOUR Hours MIN 25 HRS PER WEEK, MONDAY-FRIDAY , VARIED HOURS Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 16 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have experience of working in a office environment, basic computer skills and qualifications in computers would be an advantage but not essential. Duties will be contacting and dealing with clients, dealing with paperwork, invoicing, filing and general customer service. The applicant would be required to work form 10am- 2pm on every fourth Saturday. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to John O Malley at J Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley, john@ omalleyproperty.com. Employer J Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR Job No: ALL/23116 Employer Reference: CLA000633 SOC Code: 4113 Wage GRADE 4 / ÂŁ16,819 - ÂŁ18,959 (PRO RATA) Hours DAYS TO BE CONFIRMED Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 09 February 2012 Closing date 22 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Finance Corporate Services Business Support - Lime Tree House

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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.

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Business Support Administrator Job Summary a) To assist in the provision of an efficient, effective and flexible administrative support by working as part of the Business Support Team.b) To provide a customer focused service as the first point of contact for internal and external customers. Enquiries will range from colleagues requesting advice, to members of the public looking

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for the information on any aspect of Council services.c) To provide business support services of a standard that demonstrates attention to detail, good judgment, effective organisational skills and excellent team working.d) The job holder requires procedural knowledge of their own job and an understanding of the work of others. .Please note if you are selected for interview you will be notified by e-mail. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/ fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=j j&id=122381&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council VEHICLE TECHNICIAN Job No: ALL/23117 Employer Reference: ATR223 SOC Code: 5231 Wage ÂŁ17800 to ÂŁ23000 Per Annum Hours 5 DAYS PER WEEK Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 09 February 2012 Closing date 23 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description This Vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Autotech Recruit Ltd who is operating as an employment agency. We have an immediate vacancy for the following: ROLE: Vehicle Technician for repairs and servicing. ENVIROMENT: Auto centre Fast fit. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: This role requires candidates to be educated to at least Level 3 in City Guilds,. BTEC, NVQ, IMI or equivalent. HOURS: 40 to 42.5 per week. BASIC SALARY: 17.8K. BONUS: 2K to 4K which is uncapped. OVERTIME: Available. ANNUAL LEAVE: Minimum 25 days. PENSION: Yes. Email CV to andrew@autotechrecruit.co.uk or call any of the numbers below. How to apply You can apply for this job by telephoning 01234 860622 or 07766 745309 and asking for Andrew. Employer Autotech Recruit Ltd CAFE MANAGER Job No: ALL/23132 Employer Reference: Tesco - Alloa SOC Code: 1223 Wage ÂŁ18000 PER ANNUM Hours 40 HOURS PER WEEK, DAYS AND TIMES TO BE AGREED Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 February 2012 Closing date 16 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description You will be managing a team, running a Cafe Restaurant within

weecounty a store environment. The Cafe is open 7 days a week. As the Cafe Manager you need to be commercially aware, with the presence and personality to influence the day-to-day business, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll maximise the performance of your team. Leading by example and setting high standards, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enhance sales and provide our customers with great service. The Person, previous supervisory experience, retail and commercial skills are a must, financial awareness to complete weekly business returns, motivated to deliver consistent high standards of food and service quality. Friendly and approachable, with the management skills to develop and manage a team, a can-do attitude and computer literate. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Ivan MacKenzie at Compass Group Resourcing (COM), ivan.mackenzie@ compass-group.co.uk. SPECIALTY DOCTOR IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE Job No: ALL/23129 Employer Reference: 0212047 SOC Code: 2211 Wage ÂŁ36,807 - ÂŁ68,638 PER ANNUM Hours 1 TO 40 PER WEEK, FULL AND PART TIME AVAILABLE Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 February 2012 Pension details Pension available Description We are delighted to invite applications for Specialty Doctors in Emergency Medicine for the state-ofthe-art Emergency Department within Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert. This is an exciting time to join NHS Forth Valley which completed the move into a purpose built hospital in 2011.These substantive posts will compliment and consolidate â&#x20AC;&#x153;shop-floorâ&#x20AC;?. Emergency Department specialist cover during and outside normal working hours. These posts have been created to deliver safe and accessible emergency care and will allow greater specialist support to the Emergency Department. For further details please speak to Dr Melanie Kava Emergency Medical Consultant and Clinical Lead, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert. Telephone number 01324 566132 (Mrs Marion Nicole, ED secretary). APPLICATIONS IN THE FORM OF A COMPREHENSIVE C.V. How to apply You can apply for this job by obtaining the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application form from and returning it to Recruitment line at NHS Forth Valley Primary Care, dg.recruitment@nhs.net. Employer NHS Forth Valley Primary Care

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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 Spray Painter Job No: ALL/23128 SOC Code: 5499 Wage £7.60 per hour Depending on Experience Hours 39 hrs per week, monday - friday , 7am - 3:30pm Location Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 February 2012 Pension details Pension available Description Previous experience in a similar role would be advantageous. Fork Truck licence would be advantageous The job will involve preparation of steel assemblies for painting with and aid of 9 inch and 4 inch grinders/sanders. This is a physically demanding role as it may involve lifting weights. The candidate will have to undertake a medical. Immediate start. Or call James at : 01259 751573 How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Mr James Travers at Lemac Engineering, 3 Barnpark Drive, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6BZ or to james@lemaconline.com. Employer Lemac Engineering Chef Job No: ALL/23135 SOC Code: 5434 Wage Negotiable depending on experience Hours 32-40 per week, 5 days out of 7, between 10am - 10pm Location Dollar, Clackmannanshire FK14 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must be of Commis Chef standard and be willing to learn. Must have an awareness of health and safety issues. Duties include preparing and cooking lunches and evening meals. Will be working as part of a team of Chef’s. Company states good career progression. Hours and days will be discussed at interviews. How to apply You can apply for this job by telephoning 07976 406517 ext 0 and asking for David Morby. Employer Tourmakin STORE MANAGER Job No: ALL/23134 Employer Reference: FO11797 SOC Code: 1163 Wage £21000 to £26000 Per Annum Hours 39 hours to include evenings and weekends Location ALLOA, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 14 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description The Co-operative Food is changing - and we are looking for Store Managers to join us on our journey and strengthen our management team across our stores nationwide. As a Store Manager you can expect to manage in one of our stores leading a team to provide a first class service.You will set an example of exceptional management and develop and drive the performance of your team. You will deliver high standards, drive sales, keep costs within budget and provide excellent customer service. Our aim is to recruit Store Managers that can make a difference and bring a leadership style that will inspire and bring the best out of our in store teams. If you have a strong background in Retail and Management, visit www.co-operative. jobsOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) to apply on line.

How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.co-operative.jobsOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Co-operative Group Supervisor Job No: ALL/23090 SOC Code: 7111 Wage £6.13 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 £6.10 per hour Hours 24 + per week, between Mon-Fri, between 7am-3pm Location Menstrie, Clackmannanshire FK11 Duration Permanent Date posted 01 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description We are looking for someone to be 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 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 £13.85 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

Tuesday 21.2.12

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 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 applicant’s expense. 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@kidz-world. co.uk. Employer Kidz World Ltd

NURSERY NURSE (FLOATING POSITION) Job No: ALL/23080 SOC Code: 6121 Wage NEGOTIABLE 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

Actuator Tech Job No: ALL/23009 Employer Reference: actuator technician SOC Code: 5241 Wage Exceeds 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

Motors weecounty

Tuesday 21.2.12

3 NIGHT

Rome

S FROM

£269pp

3 NIGHT

S FROM

£229pp

Berlin

3 NIGHT

Krakow

S FROM

£229pp

Departures until June 2012

A city that never fails to impress with a magniﬁcence and history that will engage even the most seasoned traveller. Return direct ﬂights from Prestwick or Edinburgh to Rome & 3 nights central 2 hotel with breakfast from only £269pp.

It’s hip, it’s happening, it’s Berlin. Experience a city full of life that has seized the future with grit and determination. Return direct ﬂights from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Berlin & 3 nights central 3 hotel with breakfast from only £229pp.

As one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow is effortlessly photogenic and exudes a charming and magical atmosphere for you to savour. Return direct ﬂights from Edinburgh to Krakow & 3 nights central 3 hotel with breakfast from only £229pp.

4 NIGHT

S FROM

£299pp

Budapest

4 NIGHT

S FROM

£269pp

Prague

3 NIGHT

Madrid

S FROM

£239pp

Departures until June 2012

Soak up the history and grandeur of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Return direct ﬂights from Edinburgh to Budapest & 4 nights central 4 hotel with breakfast from only £299pp.

Escape to a place of hidden alleyways, cobblestone streets and medieval mystery. Return direct ﬂights from Edinburgh to Prague & 4 nights central 4 hotel with breakfast from only £269pp.

Go mad in Madrid, a lively city that will enrapture lovers of all things Spanish. Return direct ﬂights from Edinburgh to Madrid & 3 nights central 3 hotel with breakfast from only £239pp.

FROM BY RAIL ND A L T O C S

9 NIGHT

12 NIGH

S FROM

TS F

£1049RpOpM

£899pp

Venice, Florence & Rome

Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Departures until June 2012

Think romance, mystery, stunning architecture, priceless art, canals and piazzas. Follow the tourist route or fall in with the locals, whichever way you choose nobody ever leaves these cities disappointed.

Once home to Bohemian Kings and Habsburg Emperors, these cities tell of a rich and ancient history. Sitting astride the Vltava and Danube Rivers their very fabric oozes the magical aura of times gone by.

12 nights from only £1049pp, including return rail travel from Scotland to London, overnight accommodation in London on outbound, return standard class travel on the Eurostar to Paris, overnight sleeper from Paris to Venice returning from Rome, 3 nights central 3 hotel with breakfast in each city, rail travel from Venice to Florence and from Florence to Rome.

9 nights from only £899pp, including direct ﬂights from Edinburgh to Prague returning from Budapest, 9 nights central 3 hotel with breakfasts staying 3 nights in each city, rail travel from Prague to Vienna and from Vienna to Budapest, and transfers between airports/stations and hotels.

Prices include return direct ﬂights, rail travel and accommodation as stated • airport taxes (where applicable) • one piece of hold luggage per person Extra nights and hotel upgrades available at a supplement

To book call 01242 536 908 (quote the hub) or visit www.citiesdirect.co.uk/thehubpaper Opening hours Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm & Sat 9am to 4pm

HOLIDAYS OPERATED BY CITIES DIRECT ATOL 5501 PROTECTED. ALL PRICES ARE FROM, PER PERSON, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND BASED ON TWO SHARING A TWIN/DOUBLE ROOM. SINGLE ROOMS AT A SUPPLEMENT. HOTEL UPGRADES, EXTRA AND FREE NIGHTS SUBJECT TO LIMITED SELECTED DATES. TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

weecounty motors

Tuesday 21.2.12

Motoring

Keeping your car and its contents safe H

open with the keys inside. Another classic example is the motorist who switches on the engine to defrost the car on his driveway and then pops back indoors. Opportunist thieves are quick to act, and it only takes seconds to jump into the car and drive away. If a car is stolen in this way it is quite likely that the insurance company will refuse to pay out, taking the view that the theft was committed due to the owner’s negligence. While it would appear that keys are safe inside the house this is not always the case. Do not leave keys lying in full view of the door or letterbox, and be wary of unexpected and unknown callers. Leaving valuables on view in a parked car is asking for trouble, so ensure they are out of sight and thus not a temptation to a thief. It is a good idea not to leave clothing on the seats as this can look as though PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 18 something is concealed SUDOKU ANSWERS beneath and a window may get smashed for the sake of an old work jacket or the dog’s travel rug. Valuable items can now be security marked, and although this does not prevent theft at least you have the satisfaction that these items will be difficult for the thief to pass on. While modern cars are becoming more CROSSWORD ANSWERS difficult to drive away with, there is no window that can’t for last weeks Crossword be smashed or item that competition answers can’t be grabbed in minutes, see page 6 so keeping temptation out of the way is the best policy. Always be aware of where you UNLEADED are parking your car. If it Morrisons - Alloa - 131.9p is going to be ASDA - Alloa - 132.7p left at night try to ensure Tesco - Alloa - 132.9p there is good Highest - 132.9p lighting not only for the DIESEL sake of the car, but also Morrisons - Alloa - 138.9p that of the ASDA - Alloa - 138.7p motorist if they are Tesco - Alloa - 139.9p going to be returning Highest - 145.9p to the car Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print. during the

aving your beloved car or items from it stolen is not only distressing but also very inconvenient. Unfortunately this type of crime is an everyday occurrence in the UK and will probably happen to most of us at some point during our driving lifetime. Police statistics show that public car parks are the most likely place for this crime to take place, with 48 cars targeted out of every 10,000, as opposed to only 11 outside the home or workplace. The greatest rise in car related crime is where the car is accessed with a key, and although it would seem absolute folly to leave car keys in the ignition of an unattended car, this happens more often than you may think. Drivers will fill up with petrol and then go into the station to pay leaving the car

PETROL PRICES

hours of darkness. Choose manned car parks when out and about whenever practical; they may cost a bit more but they are statistically safer for you and your car. Invest in a handbrake or steering lock for about £20 as thieves are deterred by anything which makes their job harder. If there is no immobiliser on your car look into having one fitted, and put stickers on your car windows stating that the vehicle is security protected, even if it isn’t. While manufacturers are improving car security systems year upon year with more sophisticated devices, it is still the responsibility of motorists to play their part in keeping their cars safe so that they can keep on motoring.

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sport

Tuesday 21.2.12

POOL Week 20 Results

RUNNING

A League:- Oakwood C 2 Inn 7 Locker Room A 5 Crown A 4 Allanbridge 4 Oakwood A 5 Peppes 6 Locker Room B 3 Crown B 6 Alva GC 3 B League:- Cairn A 9 Hammies 0 Oakwood D 6 Cairn B 3 Rileys 6 Weirs 3 County 9 Gartmorn 0 Crosskeys 4 Upstairs 5 Unfortunately, Hammies bar are no longer able to fulfill their fixtures and have been removed from the league – results from the second set of fixtures are null and void and the league table will adjusted accordingly. County Singles Results:- D.Glover 3 M.Scott 2 S.Martin 3 D.McIntosh 1 D.Ross w/o P.Nolan M.Polley w/o B.Lynn S.McKendrick w/o R.Polley C.Kerr w/o S.McEwan K.McCaig 3 J.Hutchison 2 M.Watson 3 G.Gillies 2 M.Empsom 3 S.McKenzie 0 N.Brown 3 S.Selbach 1 C.Inkster 3 E.Richardson 2 S.McAllister w/o D.Berrie P.Smith 3 J.Sharp 1 S.McPake w/o S.Smith A.Banks 3 G.Young 0 A.Anderson 3 A.Forbes 2 E.Lewcio 3 J.McCaig 0 The last 64 ties begin this Thurs and results will appear here next week. Scottish IM1 Finals:- The first Scottish ranking event finals took place at the weekend in the Red Triangle Cumbernauld, with the 5 players from Clackmannanshire all looking to make their mark. Unfortunately the first round became a stumbling block with 4 of the 5 falling at the first hurdle with the following results:- Darren Mooney 2 Gary Gracey 6 Billy Snaddon 0 Mark Boyle 6 Gordon Jaglar 4 Martin Jones 6 Michael Boyd 2 Graeme Rae 6 he one success was Pete Smith who successfully won his first game 6-2 to see him through to the Sunday, where he continued his run with a 6-2 win to see him into the last 32. He faced his fellow Scotland team-mate Fred Williams and earned a hard-fought 6-4 win, setting up a match against Billy Snaddon’s conqueror Mark Boyle. After finding himself 2-0 down, Pedro played some of his best ever pool to reel off 6 frames in a row and book his place in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately his run came to an end with a 7-4 defeat to Livingston’s Keith Robertson who eventually lost in the final to Glasgow’s Jayson Shaw. Another tremendous tournament for Pete with the ranking points gained taking him up to provisional No.9 in Scotland, a marvellous effort. Scottish IM2 Qualifying:- A quick turnaround following on from the first finals with the qualifying for the second ranking event taking place this Sunday 26th Feb in Rileys Stirling with the finals scheduled for the weekend of 21st/22nd April in Hustlers Pool Hall Rosyth. Full draw and scheduling can be found at clackspool.net League Cup Sponsored by Oakwood:- The draw for the final cup of the season took place at last weeks meeting and the full draw again can be viewed at clackspool.net with prelim ties being due on Tues 28th Feb.

DOLLAR GOLF

Mixed Texas Scramble Saturday 18th February 2012

t was four seasons golf for the Mixed Scramble at Dollar on Saturday 18th February when snow, sleet, hale and rain swept the slopes with occasional bursts of welcome sunshine. However, none of this deterred the teams of four players taking part and the

weecounty

(L-R) Jerry Cant, Carol Hak, Roy Hogg, Charles Murray. scores returned reflected a high standard of scramble golf. 1st Carol Hak, Jerry Cant, Roy Hogg, Charles Murray (6.5) 56.5; 2nd Carol Caren, Bradley Caine, Terry Young, Gareth Davies (5.6) 57.4; 3rd Di Dunning, Kenneth Christie, Jim Roche, Robert Hamilton (6.9) 59.1

Central AC in National Cross Country C

entral Senior Cross Country Teams delivered top performances at the Scottish National Cross Country Championships at Callendar Park, Falkirk with the defence of the team title by Senior Men, a nail biting win by the Under 20 Men and the Ladies pulling off a Bronze Team placing. Scottish Marathon Champion Ross Houston led the Senior Mens Team to victory picking up the Individual Bronze medal with a typically all out effort as he covered the traditional three lap 12,000metre course in 40min 20secs. Alex Hendry, in his first year in the Senior age group, underlined his Trophy winners: the senior and under 20 men celebrate winning their trophies promise with a superb fifth (Ross Houston, Andrew Hood , Michael Wright, Andrew Butchart, Cameron Milne, place (40.50) while Lewis Alex Hendry and John Newsom). Millar had his best ever result in these Championships in eleventh (41.39). John Newsom sped through in 15th (41.54) and it was Matthew Sutherland (23rd, 42.18) and Michael Wright (26th, 42.42), with another real breakthrough, which closed in on the Team title with 83 points and ensure a clear victory from Shettleston Harriers (121). Essential back-up was provided by Alasdair Anthony as he finished 51st with a 44min 17secs effort as a total of 21 of Central’s Senior Men completed the race. The Under 20’s Men Team performance: three Central teamBattle for podium place: : Race was held over two laps mates, Una Britton, Karen Montador and Alison Ross Houston makes ready to for 8,000 metres and saw McDonald, push up the hill in the senior women’s take over bronze medal place Central’s Scott Green and race. from team-mate Alex Hendry. Andrew Butchart pushing each other throughout to be first race after an injury break, found it unlucky to finish just outside the team rewarded with eleventh and twelfth tough going as she came 46th in 34:45, medals in fourth place, with Kathryn places in 27min 54secs and 28min 1sec Hazel Dean (50th, 35:04), Isla Campbell Gillespie producing a storming last half respectively. Here it was Cameron Milne (75th, 36:15), Claire Brisbane (156th, mile to take second place in 15:53. Eilidh (16th; 28.47) and Andrew Hood (17th; 40:42) with some 234 finishers. New MacCorquodale had another strong run 28.51) who closed in the Team scoring recruit Una Britton, over for a period at for seventh in 16:34 with Roisin Bonucchi as the team retained the Marshall Team Stirling University from the Republic of 45th 18:59 and Shannon Macfarlane, Trophy for the third year in succession. Ireland and ineligible for team events, ran 58th in 19:26. The Under 15 Boys race There was some good back-up in this in a Central vest but as an individual and saw Jack Kerr well to the fore in 25th with age group through Duncan MacArthur added further interest with a fine run in 15.13 ahead of gutsy efforts from Sam (29th; 30.05), Tom Watson (33rd; 14th place in 31:43. Davidson (37th; 15.36), Aidan Cameron 30.23), Ross Milne (41st; 32.15), David The younger age groups provided (41st; 15.42) and Scott Balloch (44th: MacKinlay (50th; 33.54), David Lindsay much encouragement for the future. In 15.46) as the Team finished seventh (53rd; 34.49) and Sandy MacLarty (59th; the Under 20 Womens race Catriona overall. Stuart McKinney (52nd; 16.16), 43.41). Buchanan worked her way through much Cameron Harris (65; 16.32), Iain Davies The Senior Women also had a clear of the field to finish a classy sixth in 17:56 (69th; 16.45), Keiran Potter (73rd; 16.51) target for team medals, and came home over 4,800metres whilst in the Under 17 and Gary MacFarlane (76th; 17.01) all with a set of Bronze team medals. Kerry race, Emily Greenan continued her fine worked well throughout to show good McPhee was first Central finisher in cross country form with 17th in 19.48 progress in this age group. twelfth place with a time of 31:30 over with Amy McCabe in 45th with 25:31. Kate Gallagher led home the Central the 8 kilometre course. After a fast first The Under 17 Men competed over a Girls in the Under 13 race with 13th lap up with the leaders, Kerry had to 6,400metre course and here Central’s in 15:18, ably supported by sister Evie hang on as team-mate Jennifer Emsley Conor Kerr stuck well to his task to come Gallagher in 24th in 15:43 and Eilidh moved through the field to take 13th through in 18th with 26min 10secs Russell 37th in 16:13. The Under with 31:34. Lyndsay Morrison finished while Sam Fraser (42nd; 28.40) and 13 Boys race, over the same 3200 in 25th in 32:37 with Karen Montador Lewis Hetman (61st; 31.21) again having metres course, saw Matthew Crawford (29th, 32:53) also having to hold off a capable runs for the Club. in contention throughout as he battled team-mate, in this case Alison McDonald The Under 15 races were held over a 4 to the line for an excellent fifth place, (30th, 32:57). Fiona Thompson with a kilometre course and here the Girls were covering the course in 13min 16secs.

weecounty sport

Tuesday 21.2.12

RUGBY

Local sides back to winning ways Caithness............................3 Hillfoots.............................17

illfoots took the long bus journey north this week to take on Caithness in Thurso. Leaving on the Friday, with conditions rumoured to be good for the following morning, spirits were high and players were eager. The weather the following morning dampened the mood slightly with gale force winds, snow, rain and hail stones battering the northern coast. Hillfoots kicked off into the wind and the heavy pitch showed from the start, this was clearly going to be a game for the forwards. Both teams started well and let little through the defences. An infringement at a ruck gave Caithness a chance at goal which they gladly converted taking a 3-0 lead early on. Hillfoots started gaining momentum from this point and began a relentless attack on the home-sides line. Good forwards play saw the ball get picked and driven to within 5 metres of the line. A

Kinross RFC........................5 Alloa RFC......................... 15

quick shout from unmarked winger Gavin Paterson alerted Gregor Manson to pass to him on the blind side and score in the corner. Unfortunately Manson failed with the conversion, which was acceptable in the conditions. Both defences proved impenetrable for the rest of the first half and it played out 5-3 in favour of the visiting side. After stern words to pick up the spirit and fire up the boys, Hillfoots needed to dig deep for the rest of the game. The second period began much like how the first ended with both defences solid. A few good lines from the backs especially Andrew Hamilton and Calum McGee, working hard to break the line, saw Foots gain good yards up the pitch. After more rumbling from the forwards towards the line, a pick and go saw Sandy Penman crash over for ‘Foots second try of the day. This seemed to lift the squad and they were now running hard yards against a

tiring Caithness side. More backs moves broke the line and a couple of passes wide got ‘Foots in the red zone again. Play switched back across the pitch and was once again being driven forward by the pack. Another pick and go round the fringe this time by Chris Beetham, saw him dive for the line, only to be tackled inches short. He managed to recover the ball and get it back to Penman, who crashed over the line for his, 2nd of the day and 11th of the season. Andrew Hamilton stepped up and slotted the kick for the extras. A couple of plays later, the ref blew for full-time. A huge victory for Hillfoots on their travels and a good step towards catching league leaders, Aberdeenshire. Hillfoots travel north again this coming weekend, to face Aberdeen Uni. A bus will be travelling from the club and support is more than welcome. Visit our website at www.hillfootsrfc.com

Foots battle hard in close fought encounter Hillfoots 2nd xv ..................25 Dundee HSFP .....................29

oots , came up against a strong Dundee side which was heavily subsidised with University players and did well to run them close. Foots .,welcomed newcomers Louis Coutts, Calum Graham and Jack Wilson who were having their first game with us and they all took to senior rugby like ducks to water fitting in very well. Kicking off uphill and with a strong tail wind Foots., put pressure on Dundee from the start and shortly into the game the Foots., tight 5 showed real purpose taking the first of many scrums against the head and Paul Bowyer put in a well weighted kick pinning Dundee into their own 22 mtrs. Callum Graham took the ball on and when he was stopped Keith Slade and Mark Johnston combined to put Paul Bowyer clear and he barged over for a try converted by Jamie Murchie. With Paul Bowyer line kicking well Foots., were enjoying the best of the action but Jack Wilson sharp when making a good ‘mark’ to clear Foots., line. The Foots., forwards then produced a series of drives with Mitch McEwan finally getting the touchdown.

DIV 1 - RESULTS Sat 18th February 2012 Aberdeen Uni 15 : 23 Glenrothes 22 : 25 Highland 15 : 7 Caithness 3 : 17 Aberdeenshire 26 : 5

Orkney Mackie Acad FP Strathmore Hillfoots Gordonians

However after a series of penalties the ref had finally had enough and sin binned one of the Foots., forwards for 10 mins. Dundee took advantage and worked the ball to their pacey winger who outpaced everyone to score a try which they converted. Jamie Murchie kicked a penalty shortly before half time. Half time Foots., 15 - Dundee 7 Playing with the wind Foots., seemed to have the advantage with Jack Wilson having a good run. Dundee had other ideas and with Foots., unable to resist giving away penalties managed another try from their pacey winger. Dundee then kicked a penalty before Foots., got another try , this time from Keith Slade after another quick heel from a 5 mtr., scrum and then a powerful drive . Unfortunately Dundee got two further tries , the second rather bizarrely a penalty try. Last blood went to Foots., with Jack Wilson going over for a try after Mike Kilbank fielded a Dundee kick and put Paul Bowyer into space and Paul put Jack clear. Final score Foots., 25 - Dundee 29 Despite many fine performances Foots., were unable to avoid numerous penalties

DIV 1 - FIXTURES Sat 25th February 2012 Aberdeen Uni : Hillfoots Gordonians : Strathmore

which proved to be their undoing . Once again a plea for more players at training as that would help to iron out some of our woes.

BUS TIMES Roy Milne CSC bus for Wed’s game v Dunfermline at Celtic park ko 7.45pm departs: 5.30pm - Menstrie-Holytree 5.35 - Alva -Cairn 5.45 - Tillicoultry = Volunteer 6 pm - Alloa - Peppes 6.10 - Tullibody = Inn 6.25pm - . Stirling - Marches roundabout seat’s available. Bus for Sat’s game v Motherwell at Celtic park ko 3pm departs: 12.30pm - Menstrie-Holytree 12.35 - Alva -Cairn 12.45 - Tillicoultry = Volunteer 1 pm - Alloa - Peppes 1.10 - Tullibody = Inn 1.25pm - . Stirling - Marches roundabout Seat’s available for more info contact website www.roymilnecsc.net

DIV 2 - FIXTURES Sat 25th February 2012

DIV 2 - RESULTS Sat 18th February 2012 Grangemouth Kinross Fife South Madras Stirling Uni

33 : 10 5 : 15 5 : 0 26 : 8 12 : 15

Harris Acad FP Alloa Blairgowrie RFC Carnoustie HSFP St. Andrews Uni

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Team ABERDEENSHIRE HILLFOOTS RFC ORKNEY 1 MACKIE ACADEMY FP HIGHLAND RFC CAITHNESS RFC STRATHMORE RFC GLENROTHES GORDONIANS RFC ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RFC

P 15 14 4 16 15 15 13 15 13 14

W D L 13 10 8 8 9 7 4 3 3 2

0 1 0 0 0 2 3 2 1 1

2 3 6 8 6 6 6 10 9 11

F:A 387:161 309:199 308:312 323:356 281:252 259:243 185:208 218:377 257:328 275:366

Diff.

Blairgowrie RFC : Kinross Carnoustie HSFP : Alloa Harris Acad FP : FifeSouth St. Andrews Uni : Madras Stirling Uni : Grangemouth

win for Kinross could have brought them level on league points with their visitors on Saturday at the King George V Playing fields and with the home sides recent improvement in form, Alloa fully expected a tough afternoon. However, the visitors adapted to the blizzard conditions much quicker than their opponents and straight from the kick off, Graeme Ross caused havoc in the home side defence with a powerful drive and with quick ball out to the backs, Alan Keir was on hand to touch down near the corner for a score within the first minute. Alloa were keen to make use of the wind at their backs and the early lead was doubled before the Tayside team could regroup when another superb handling move released young Winger, Mark Murray who did well to finish off the move with a neat side step to wrong foot the Kinross Full Back. The home side looked a little shell shocked at this stage and they had no answer to the onslaught and were once again left scratching their head when Murray doubled his tally, when he was on hand to pounce on a lovely weighted, Colin Jess chip. The windy conditions made kicking difficult and unusually for Alan Keir, he was unable to convert any of his side’s

conversion attempts. Alloa have been guilty this season of letting early leads slip, but as the sides turned around at half time, they were in no mood to concede anything to their opponents even when facing a strengthening wind and despite having to concede territory and possession during the second period they defended their line manfully and only leaked the one try minutes before the end of the match. All in all this was a very pleasing performance, and result, for the local side. Equally pleasing was the fact that despite missing 7 players from their regular starting line-up, they travelled with a full 22 man squad, which included 2 players from their promising under 18 side. Fraser Smith, who was making a welcome return to the side after a lengthy absence, performed well at Centre, as did double try scorer, Murray. However, the Man of the Match award deservedly went to another long term absentee, Graeme Ross for his powerful display at Second Row. Alloa face another improving side, when they travel to Carnoustie on Saturday. The bus will leave Earlsfield at 12 noon sharp to allow supporters time for a quick pre-match refreshment - Please contact Derek Brydie if you wish to book lunch at Carnoustie.

BOWLING

even local bowling clubs will form a new partnership next month with the aim of developing the sport of lawn bowling and increasing membership of clubs throughout Clackmannanshire. In setting up the Clackmannanshire Bowls Forum, the clubs at Alva, Alva South, Menstrie, Alloa East, Dollar, Alloa, and Wasp Indoor have been joined by Bowls Scotland in submitting an application for funding to support a four year plan to introduce bowling to pupils in P5 in all Clackmannanshire primary schools, a festival, coach education and afterschool clubs. Significant effort in the drive for new club members is being targeted at junior members, with the hope that some families may also be encouraged to join and take part in the sport. Councillor Mark English, Inclusion Portfolio Holder, said: “There are over 15 bowling groups and clubs in Clackmannanshire and it is hoped more clubs will join the partnership as time goes on. There are a great bunch of dedicated volunteers behind this partnership who are keen to reap the benefits for their sport and their club. Bowling will be a great addition to the sporting opportunities already available to our pupils and will compliment the other activities such as football and rugby.” Colin Hutchison, National Development Officer for Bowls Scotland said: “There is a junior coaching project in Fife, however this new Clackmannanshire Bowls Forum is the first of its kind in Scotland and at Bowls Scotland we are keen to see this model rolled out in other areas. “Scotland already has a number of world class bowlers and with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 and the recent extension to the bowling rinks at Kelvingrove, this is a very exciting time to be involved in bowling.” Prior to the launch of the Clackmannanshire Bowls Forum in March, if any other clubs are interested in joining the partnership, they should contact Clackmannanshire Council Sports Development team on 01259 450000, or email sportsdevelopment@clacks.gov.uk

he AGM was held on Sunday the 19th of February and it was decided that opening day would be held on Saturday the 7th of April. There will also be a Race night on Friday the 2nd of March at the club and horses are on sale now. Please show your support for your club. There will be a committee meeting on Monday the 5th of March.

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS P

226 10 62 110 6 48 -4 7 39 -33 7 39 29 5 37 16 3 31 -23 3 25 -159 6 22 -71 7 17 -91 7 12

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

P 13 13 15 14 15 14 14 15 13 14

W D L

13 12 12 9 7 5 3 3 3 2

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 1 3 4 8 8 11 12 10 12

F:A 469:59 462:138 387:248 277:284 313:319 186:196 162:401 115:317 128:274 156:419

Diff.

410 8 60 324 10 58 139 9 53 -7 6 44 -6 7 35 -10 4 26 -239 5 17 -202 3 15 -146 2 14 -263 3 11

sport

Tuesday 21.2.12

JUNIOR FOOTBALL continued from back page further saves from Bonnar and Bell, however it looked like one of those days for the Sauchie players and supporters. The best chance of an equaliser came from a corner, where the ball fell to defender Kenny Feaks, after a header from Morgan and from six yards out he blasted the ball over the bar to the relief of the Newburgh team and management. That was to prove to be Sauchie last throw of the dice and the game finished with Newburgh victorious. Newburgh displayed a lot of effort and determination and thoroughly deserved their win over Sauchie. Overall a poor performance from Sauchie, who over the last few

weeks have been producing some very entertaining and winning football. The only consolation for Sauchie was it was a cup match and no league points dropped. Their closest rivals for the ACA Sports Premier League, Oakley, lost on Saturday, which was some good news for Fraser Duncan and his management team. Next Saturday, the Sauchie players need to lift their performance as they face a difficult task in the form of Tayport Juniors. Although it is a home match with 2.15 kick off, Tayport are considered one of the favourites to be promoted, so this Saturday promises to be a cracking match.

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weecounty sport

Tuesday 21.2.12

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Managers Comments

t was not our day on Saturday when we suffered a Fife and Lothians Cup defeat to the hands of Newburgh Juniors. It was very disappointing to lose out in this cup tie, as like any manager you want your team to do well in every competition but in truth Sauchie were very poor on Saturday and we were not up to standard. It’s been a great season so far with the lads battling their way through the games and we now find ourselves third in the premier league with a game in hand that if we win would see us go top of the table. The players have let themselves down in this match but it’s going to go down as a bad day at the office. The only real positive from Saturday was that it was not a league game and we never dropped any points. Newburgh Juniors must take credit for the way they played as they defended well and hit us on the break, which worked for them and caught us out on several occasions. The conditions again were very poor with the surface at Beechwood getting worse and not helping our style of play, but it was the same for both teams and we should still have been able to change our style to cope with this. We had too many players off there game on Saturday, struggling to show any conviction and unable to dig in to get ourselves back in the game after Newburgh took the lead in the second half. We had several chances but our poor

judgment on the very poor surface cost us the cup tie. Well done to Newburgh juniors as this is a huge result for them and a big scalp so very well done. The team have a massive game this week when Tayport are at Beechwood for the premier league clash. Tayport are one of the favourites for the title so it’s a huge game for us and we must do better to achieve the three points and really stake a claim for promotion. With few players missing at the weekend most should be back for Saturday’s game. There’s also great news that James Donaldson has been given the all clear from his MRI scan and will now start the long road to getting fit again and get in the team, his goals were vital for our side. I’m looking forward to Saturday and the players will be working hard this week to make sure we are ticking over and raring to go for this match. See you all there, Fraser Duncan

Junior Football League Home Away TEAM Oakley United Glenrothes Sauchie Juniors Tayport Penicuik Athletic Newtongrange Star Broxburn Athletic Ballingry Rovers Broughty Athletic Downfield Armadale Thistle Arniston Rangers

P W D L F A 10 3 2 1 17 9 12 3 2 0 12 8 9 4 0 0 9 3 12 1 3 2 4 5 11 4 0 2 15 8 1 4 2 2 3 10 8 13 3 2 2 15 9 12 3 2 1 15 11 14 0 3 4 7 17 14 2 1 4 11 20 13 2 3 2 10 8 12 1 1 3 4 11

W D L F A 3 1 0 13 6 3 1 3 15 17 2 2 1 10 7 4 2 0 8 1 2 1 2 7 6 2 3 2 19 13 1 2 3 6 12 1 2 3 6 14 4 1 2 9 11 1 2 4 10 13 0 2 4 6 12 1 2 4 8 17

GD Pts 15 21 2 21 9 20 6 20 8 19 8 17 0 16 -4 16 -12 16 -12 12 -4 11 -16 9

sport

Tuesday 21.2.12

FOOTBALL

weecounty

Another bad day in Elgin for Alloa By Sports Reporter

lloa went into this game hoping to get their title challenge back on track after a shock home defeat last week to Berwick Rangers. Despite the defeate, manager Hartley set out an unchanged side. Midfielder Steve Masterton was still having to sit out through injury. The weather conditions in the north were very wintery as the early morning snow was still laying but the playing surface was good. The home side fresh from their midweek hammering of Peterhead, full of confidence, got off to a flyer. After only 40 seconds, Elgin took the lead. Big target man Paul Millar latched on to a Daniel Moore pass and ran on behind the Alloa rearguard to slot past the stranded Bain. The Wasps did however have plenty possession but nothing to show for it and it was Elgin who could have went further ahead when Gunn shot into the side netting from a Miller pass. Alloa’s on loan hitman, Stevie May found himself into a good area but his final ball went a begging at the far post, as his team mates could not make up the ground in time. Elgin then increased their lead

in the 36th min, Cameron won the ball in the middle of the park, his low cross into the box was hammered home by Gunn for the hitman’s 15 goal of the season. The wasps never gave up and it was full back Ross Mckinnon who tried his luck from 25yards but his free-kick rattled the cross bar with Clark well beaten. The Wasps, unlucky not to have scored but at the same time lucky only to be two down at the interval. And a minute after the restart Alloa should have got back into the game when Mark Docherty played in James Doyle but he shot wide with only Clark to beat. There was further misery for the Wasps in the 67th min when Elgin made the league leaders pay for their missed chances. Gunn played in Cameron and his low cross found Leslie unmarked to slot home from 10 yards. Alloa manager Paul Hartley made attack minded tactical changes bringing on Robbie Winters, and big target man Armand One but to no avail. It was the highlander’s day and a second win at home over the division three leaders. With Alloa now only five points clear, the chasing pack will try and close the gap even further over the coming weeks. Att: 600

Managers Comments ... Elgin Manager: Ross Jack “Scoring after 40 secs you couldn’t ask for a better start and we stayed on the front foot all game. “The conditions weren’t great but it was the same for both teams. “We played some great stuff and I am delighted with the result.”

Alloa Manager: Paul Hartley “That was a sore one to take but I can tell you this, those players in there know that. “Take nothing away from Elgin they are a good side. “We’ve done really well to get to the top but it’s harder work staying there, we have to look forward to the Clyde game. “I will making changes for that one as I have said all season, it’s a squad game, we will now use that squad. “We now have to grind a few results out and get back to winning ways. “We didn’t perform the way I know we can and that’s disappointing. To many players didn’t perform today, we have to freshen things up.”

FANZONE

weecounty sport

Tuesday 21.2.12

FOOTBALL

IRN BRU DIV 3 - RESULTS SATURDAY 18th FEBRUARY Berwick Rangers 1 Annan Athletic 3 East Stirlingshire 1 Queen’s Park 2 Elgin City 3 Alloa Athletic 0 Montrose 1 Peterhead 3 Stranraer 1 Clyde 0

IRN BRU DIV 3 - Fixtures: TUESDAY 21ST FEB 2012 Queen’s Park v Berwick Rangers Clyde v Elgin City SATURDAY 25TH FEB 2012 Alloa Athletic v Clyde Berwick Rangers v East Stirlingshire Montrose v Elgin City Peterhead v Annan Athletic Queen’s Park v Stranraer

Irn Bru Division 3: League Table ALLOA ATHLETIC Stranraer Queen’s Park Annan Athletic Elgin City Berwick Rangers Peterhead Clyde Montrose East Stirlingshire

Pld W 25 8 25 8 23 6 24 7 22 9 23 3 24 4 23 4 24 4 25 3

D 3 2 3 4 1 4 4 3 2 3

L 1 3 2 2 1 4 4 5 5 7

W 7 5 6 4 1 4 3 2 2 0

D 3 5 1 3 4 4 1 4 2 2

L GD Pts 3 14 51 2 23 46 5 16 40 4 8 40 6 8 35 4 -2 29 8 -10 26 5 -1 25 9 -20 22 10 -36 14

weecounty sport The Wasps lose again away to Elgin City

Page 26 & 27

SAUCHIE IN SHOCK CUP EXIT

Sauchie Juniors 0 Newburgh Juniors 1 By Mark Wallace

auchie Juniors crashed out of the Fife and Lothian’s Cup at the hands of East Region team, Newburgh. The result was a shock as Sauchie were match favourites to advance into the next round. Over the past two seasons, Sauchie have been the team that has collected the scalps of many top teams, however on the Saturday the reverse happened to them. The team selection from manager, Fraser Duncan had several changes from the team that won last Saturday due again to factors such as suspensions and injuries. Darren Dolan made a rare appearance in goals replacing Bryn Halliwell. Daniel Ashe, Kenny Feaks, Steven Rennie, Steven Dolan and Darren Cummings were the other positional changes replacing Jon Tully, Alan Comrie, Chris Purdie, Scott Mackison and Ally Burns. The surface at Beechwood Park was again heavy and cut up as the game progressed, not allowing for flowing football from either team.

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.

The early exchanges were fairly equal with Brian Morgan coming closest for Sauchie with a thirty five yard free kick. Mark Bell the number six for Newburgh contributed with a couple of attempts at the Sauchie goal but nothing to really threaten Darren Dolan in his goals. As the first half progressed Sauchie were being restricted to attempts from outside the Newburgh box, who themselves played a system of hitting Sauchie

on the break. The second half continued in the same vain as the first half with few clear-cut chances. Dolan was called into action on the fifty-fifth minute when he dashed out to block a shot from the advancing Mark Bell. The resulting corner was cleared. Sauchie Juniors responded with Steven Bell making a shooting chance for himself when he beat the left full back, only for his shot to be saved by Craig Houston in the Newburgh goals.

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Sauchie created a better chance after Ashe got to the bye line and his low cut back was met by Adam Bonnar, who’s shot was blocked for a corner. The resulting corner was met by Bell who flicked the ball from the near post into the six yard box, however the ball was cleared. On the sixty fifth minute, Newburgh hit Sauchie on the break and Alan Ferguson got into the box being defended by Steven Hutchison on a very muddy pitch. Ferguson managed to hit the ball

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through the unlucky Hutchison and with Dolan unsighted, the ball went into the Sauchie net to put the visitors into the lead. Sauchie spent the rest of the match trying to get the equaliser. Sauchie were to come close on several occasions with substitution, Alan Comrie, who had earlier replaced Steven Rennie, beating the goalkeeper with his shot, which hit the bar. Houston in the Newburgh goals was called into action to make

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