The Wee County News - Issue 865 by Vicki O'Hare

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Tuesday 28.2.12 Issue 865

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Pages 15-17

MSP quizzed further over £15,000 council payout By Alison Mann

he Wee County’s MP has called for Keith Brown MSP to come clean over the use of thousands of pounds he received as a severance when he left Clackmannanshire Council. Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane was criticised in the national press over the weekend for not setting the record straight over the money. Now Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, has called for Mr Brown to publish the details as soon as possible, so the MSP can move on. Mr Brown was given £15,000 severance pay when he retired as a councillor, alongside the 1,200 other Scottish councillors who opted to retire in 2007 in order to let new talent in. However, he then went on to serve as the county’s MSP in 2007, sparking criticism over whether he should have taken the payout. In May 2008 Mr Brown defended his position, stating all of the money was to go to local charities and good causes and re-iterated this position in June 2010. A national newspaper asked the Minister where the money had gone four-years on and received no answer, causing criticism of the MSP. However, Keith Brown has now defended his position and has re-

Keith Brown MSP iterated his stance from June 2010. Mr Brown’s office confirmed: “As has been said before, all the money has already been distributed or committed to a number of local good causes which will see the entire fund accounted for. And

as stated previously, a statement to that effect will be issued by a solicitor and notary public at that time.” Mr Brown will not release the names of the local charities and good causes, however when all of

CLACKMANNAN CAR CENTRE

the money has been distributed, Watters-Rule of Tillicoultry, are to audit and confirm the disbursement of the full amount and these results will be made public. MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, Gordon Banks said: “Keith Brown, on his own web site made it clear before the Scottish Parliament elections in 2007 that he had “no intention of accepting the £15000” pay-off from Clackmannanshire Council. “To later say that his “intention was always to give the money to local groups and charities after the election” is a total contradiction of his position. “I understand that Mr Brown says the cash is all dispersed or committed and to be able to do so he must have a record. So to draw a line under this saga he simply needs to publish the list of who, how much and when. “So come on Keith end this speculation publish the list tomorrow so you can move on.” The controversy stemmed from the decision to give 1,200 long-serving Scottish councillors retirement. When Keith Brown retired, however, he became MSP for the area. During his 2007 election campaign Mr Brown had said he would not accept the money if elected to the Scottish Parliament. In May 2008 he announced he was to give the money to local charities and groups within two years.

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As someone who has voted for Eddie Carrick in 2007, I would like to offer the councillor some advice. I received your election propaganda this week, but I am not interested in it, I am not interested in speaking to you and I am certainly not interested in ever voting for you again. I look for honest and integrity from those that I choose to lead me and you have proved yourself to be neither. So can I suggest you go back to Sauchie where you live and run for council there, because the people of Tullibody don’t want you!

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I was slightly bewildered to receive an election leaflet from Eddie Carrick this week in my mail box. The thing that stood out most to me was his final line, “People before Party Politics.” I don’t know Eddie Carrick, so I an unaware if he is a joker or not, but this must be a laugh. He resigned from a political party because he was not selected to fight the local authority election in May, he voted to remove the long serving provost, he voted to remove a Labour Administration, he voted in and sided with an SNP Administration and he voted through cuts from the SNP Government. His election leaflet says he is an independent coucillor but has voted every time with the SNP throughout 2012. This is either a poor attempt at comedy or a typing error. In my opinion, it should it read, “Eddie Carrick, Party Politics before People?”

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he Wee County News have teamed up with Hillfoots Beauty Spa to offer one lucky mother a special treat for Mother’s Day. The Alva salon are offering one super mum a fantastic pampering package. The package consists of a £60 pampering voucher. This entitles the winner to an indulgent garra ruffa fish pedicure which will leave their feet feeling divine. They will also be treated to a relaxing back and shoulder massage, gorgeous Shellac Nails and a mini-facial which will leave the lucky lady looking radiant. What’s more the lovely daughter who nominated their mum will win a £40 voucher to spend on a fashionable Lipsy dress from the Spa. Hillfoots Beauty Spa is a luxury spa which offers something for everyone. The shop can offer fish pedicures, services from the nail bar and treatments from the full beauty room. It also has a vibrating plate to help customers drop a dress size and sells Lipsy

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Tuesday 28.2.12

Cop accused of ‘stealing’ Alva man’s wife

News Brief Local Hero Awards 2012

Cop forced to resign over affair allegations

n award winning cop has been forced to resign from Central Scotland Police after complaints were made against him - including one that he stole the wife of an Alva man who had called his force for help. Central Scotland Police Constable Douglas Dishington was “required to resign” by the chief constable of Central Scotland Police, Allan Moffat, after a disciplinary meeting last week. A Central Scotland Police spokesman said on Saturday: “Following a misconduct hearing, an officer has resigned from service.” The move follows a decision to drop criminal proceedings against the Stirlingbased officer, who had at one point appeared in court charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. A total of two complaints were received by the force after Dishington became involved in a tangled domestic web. Tony Godley, of Alva, complained that Dishington, 45, had started dating his wife Rebecca Godley, 41, shortly after Dishington had been round to their former matrimonial home in Stirling at Tony’s request. Mr Godley, 44, had called the police in attempt to “give a fright” to his allegedlyunruly stepdaughter Kayleigh, now 17. But Dishington is said to have given his personal mobile number to Mrs Godley, now Rebecca Watkins, before starting an affair with her shortly afterwards. Mr Godley also complained that Dishington had given lifts to his 12-year-old son, also called Tony, in his police car.

This included picking him up from school, and driving him home, as well as allegedly on another occasion driving him in the car while he had his blue lights on. A friend of Mr Godley said: “Dishington’s a snake. It is right he is not in the position of police officer any more. “He came into Tony’s house, in his role as a police officer, and Tony trusted him, but then Dishington runs off with his wife. “Tony was also concerned about his son’s welfare. He shouldn’t be getting lifts in a police car, especially when the blue lights were on.” Rebecca Watkins said: “It wasn’t my ex-husband who phoned about my daughter, it was me. And I never spoke to Dougie that night. I was upstairs talking to a WPC and my husband was talking to Dougie downstairs. And Dougie didn’t give me his mobile phone number until I started going out with him two months later. “Actually, we met on a night out. My daughter was cleared by the PF of taking the money from Jamie Hutton’s house. It was supposed to be all in pound coins, but the CCTV shows her leaving in skinny jeans and a top and swinging her arms. There’s no way she could have been carrying all that money. That’s why she wasn’t prosecuted.” The second complaint came from Kayleigh’s father, Jamie Hutton, 44, of Fallin, near Stirling. He alleged that Dishington provided a false alibi for Kayleigh, whom Mr Hutton accused of going round to his house when he was out and removing cigarettes and £1350 in cash. Prior to last week’s

hearing, held in Dunblane Police Station under Central Scotland Police’s disciplinary code, Dishington had been suspended over Mr Hutton’s complaint, which at one stage had led to him being charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. The case, which had called on petition at Alloa Sheriff Court in November 2010, was later dropped. Mr Hutton, who gave evidence at the misconduct hearing, said: “I was out of the house and got a text from my daughter asking where I was. “I later found out she’d been in the house and when I got home the money and cigarettes were missing. “I asked the shop round the corner if I could see their CCTV. “You can also see my daughter going in the house, and leaving shortly afterwards.” He said his daughter was charged with theft, but the case was later dropped due to “lack of evidence.” He said: “I was a witness at the hearing, and Dishington gave an alibi for Kayleigh, saying she wasn’t there, but the CCTV shows she clearly was. “I think the alibi is a large reason why he lost his job. “He behaved irresponsibly and brought the force into disrepute.” Asked about the allegation that he had provided a false alibi for Rebecca’s daughter, ex-PC Dishington said on Sunday morning: “My misconduct hearing is entirely private and restricted. I cannot divulge what was said in the hearing otherwise the police will sue me.”

Diabetes UK local meetings By Alison Mann

iabetes UK Forth Valley Voluntary Group has regular meetings in Stirling and Clackmannanshire. The meetings are informal and aim to provide support to people affected by diabetes in the Forth Valley area. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they have diabetes themselves or are

carers or friends of someone with diabetes. The group have many interesting guest speakers, with talks on subjects which are diabetes related and others which are of general interest. The next meeting is to be held in the Mayfield Centre Stirling on Tuesday March 6 starting at 7.30pm and will

take the form of the AGM. The Group warmly invites all interested to attend this very important Meeting. The Speaker will be Bob McQueen, Area Liaison Coordinator for Diabetes UK (Scotland) who will bring a Presentation entitled The Way Adead’. Visit the Website for more details.

entral FM is delighted to announce the launch of Local Hero Awards 2012 in association with Diageo. Following on from the success of previous years we are once again giving the people across the Forth Valley the opportunity to nominate those deserving unsung heroes in their community. The prestigious event which is now in its sixth year recognises the commitment and dedication of the local people who go to extraordinary lengths to help their fellow citizens. Robert McElroy, Technical Director, Diageo said “ Diageo is delighted to support Central FM ‘Local Hero Awards’ . The Awards are a source of pride for us all in Forth Valley and allow us to applaud andcelebrate some of the remarkable contributions individuals are making both within their local communities and across society.”

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Tuesday 28.2.12

MEP talks Europe at Dollar Academy

2,000 signatures for Holyrood petition

Scottish MEP paid a visit to Dollar Academy to meet with pupils and talk to them about the European Union. Catherine Stihler visited the school on Monday, February 27 and met with pupils from Junior 1. In a presentation that covered all aspects of the European Parliament, Catherine included many interesting facts from some of the 27 member states along with stories from her personal experiences at the parliament. She finished with a 25 minute question and answer session, which allowed the young Dollar pupils the opportunity to quiz her on various aspects of her role and

Scotland¹s involvement with Europe. Catherine Stihler was elected to the European Parliament in 1999 as the youngest British MEP. She is currently the EPLP¹s Spokesperson on Consumer Rights and one of the six MEPs who represent Scotland in Brussels and Strasbourg. Dollar Junior School class teacher, Mrs Orla Dunn, who organised the visit, commented: “The children are currently studying the EU in Geography, so this was a great opportunity for them to learn from someone so involved in European politics. Ms Stihler gave a very informative presentation, which really brought the topic to life. The pupils really

Top crime writer to visit Alloa library

top Scottish crime writer is set to visit Alloa Library next month as part of a ‘Meet the Author’ event. Quintin Jardine will visit the Alloa Library on Wednesday, March 28 at 7.30pm. He is the creator of three much-acclaimed detectives, Bob Skinner, Primavera Blackstone and Oz Blackstone, each one a very different, but very compelling character. The Bob Skinner novels are set in Edinburgh, and feature fictional chief constable Bob Skinner, marketed as ‘Britain’s toughest cop’. There are 21 novels in the series, most recently one best-seller, ‘Grievous Angel’. Quintin was born in Motherwell in 1945, and studied law at Glasgow University. A varied career followed, including as a journalist, a political information officer, and media relations consultant. He gradually turned

to novel writing, and his first book, Skinner’s Rules, was published in 1993. Councillor Mark English, Depute Council Leader, said: “Following the success of the visit by Alex Grey last year, Quintin Jardine promises to be a compelling speaker. Talks by authors help bring books to life and give you the opportunity to understand the writer’s inspiration and influences and this is a great chance to hear an excerpt from his forthcoming novel.” Tickets for the event are priced £3, £2 for concessions, and can be purchased from Alloa Library, from all our libraries and CAP offices or by calling us on 450000. There will also be an opportunity to buy copies of Quintin’s books on the night or you could borrow the entire collection of Quintin’s novels from your local library.

enjoyed her visit and we¹d like to thank her for her time spent with us this morning.” “I was delighted to visit Dollar Academy today to talk to the Junior 1 pupils about my work in the European Parliament.” said Catherine, “The pupils’ knowledge of the EU was very good and I was extremely impressed by the host of varied questions they asked me. “It was great to have the opportunity to look at how the EU was established and explain a bit about how the Institutions have developed since then. The pupils’ enthusiasm allowed for lots of interesting discussion.”

embers of Clacks Kinship Carers will be handing a petition to Members of Parliament at Holyrood in an attempt to receive better recognition for the important work they do. The group have collected over 2000 signatures from supporters across Clackmannanshire and they will meet with other Kinship Carers on March 1, to hand the petition to Sandra White MSP and Mark McDonald MSP. The group found out in January 2010, the money they receive to look after children was being cut but were told so close to the meeting during which the decision was made, they felt unable to make a difference. Since February 2010 the Kinship Carers in Clackmannanshire, helped by CVS Clackmannanshire, have been working tirelessly to receive the recognition they deserve. The petition they are handing in on March 1 will see them ask Ministers that Kinship Carers receive a parity of respect with Foster Carers. This means the Kinship Carers would receive the respite they need and

enough money to support the children they have committed themselves to caring for, who often have emotional and behavioural problems. Kinship Carers are family members who take on children whose parents can no longer look after them for various reasons. However, they do not receive the same rights as foster carers. The group receive some support from local groups and people. They recently received a donation of £500 from Alan King on behalf Cormorant Alpha Charity Fund. The Cormorant Alpha is an Oil Production Platform located in the North Sea, approximately 120 miles North East of the Shetland Islands with a crew of 175. Whilst onboard they hold various Fundraising activities. The group are also raising funds through a bingo tea, for which they are asking for donations of unwanted gifts and toys. These can be handed into the CVS Clackmannanshire office on Primrose Street. To find out more about the Kinship Carers call CVS on 217852.

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Police HQ to be based at Tulliallan By Alison Mann

t was announced last week that the headquarters for the single police force will be held at Tulliallan until a permanent venue is chosen. The President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPOS) also confirmed the Police Service of Scotland is expected to begin operating from April 1 2013. Their immediate command team will be based in the interim at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, Fife. Chief Constable Kevin Smith said: “The public will still be able to access policing services as they would today. “What Tulliallan provides is an interim command base for the new Chief Constable and their team which offers a practical and pragmatic solution to allow the new organisation to establish itself and the key relationships with the Scottish Police Authority. “This will allow the new chief constable and the new Scottish Police Authority more to time to consider what they need in terms of a new headquarters for a new service, and where in Scotland that should be best situated. “Support functions normally associated with Headquarters bases are expected to continue in the immediate future to be located throughout the country.” Chief Constable Kevin Smith, who is leading the police reform programme, said work was focussing on April 1 as the first day of the unified service responsible for delivering policing to communities across the length and breadth of the country.

Confirming the plan, Mr Smith said the service was committed to making the changes needed to move from the current structure of eight forces, the Scottish Police Services Authority and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency to a unified service. Mr Smith said the aim was to create a force which delivers high quality, responsive, effective and efficient policing within communities while also increasing capacity across the service at a national level. All of that needs to be delivered with a much reduced budget across both non-staff and staff costs. He said: “This marks an important new chapter in the history of policing in Scotland. Right across the service, in each force and organisation, officers and staff are working on building the Police Service of Scotland.” MSP for Clackmannanshire and

Dunblane, Keith Brown, has welcomed the announcement that the interim headquarters of the Police Service for Scotland will be based at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan. Commenting, Mr Brown said: “Tulliallan is an ideal location and I welcome the decision to base the new headquarters here. “Having the new service headquarters based so close to ClackTop mannanshire could be Quality beneficial to LUXURY the area and as the local MSP, I look forward to exploring any positive opportunities.”

Speeding pregnant driver in road traffic incident

Tuesday 28.2.12

Do you have any Queen’s Coronation memorabilia?

esidents are being asked to dig out photos and memorabilia of the Queen’s Coronation for an exhibition that will be held this summer to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It is hoped that the touring exhibition will include Coronation memorabilia, photographs of the Queen’s visits to Clackmannanshire in 1963 and 1997, reminiscences of Her Majesty’s Coronation and local visits, as well as a look at the changes in the county and how people live during the last sixty years. Provost Tina Murphy said: “A photographic exhibition showing how Clackmannanshire celebrated that historic occasion in 1953 will be a wonderful tribute for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. “We have a quite a lot of items in our own museum collection, but we now need local people to help our museum service put together this exhibition by lending us any photographs and memorabilia they may have.” Clackmannanshire will also play a significant role in the lighting of thousands of beacons across the UK, with at least four beacons along the Ochils. These may be supplemented by flares at locations such as Clackmannan Tower and Alloa Tower. Meanwhile, many communities in Clackmannanshire are

organising their own celebrations. Plans include a celebration featuring Dollar Academy Pipe Band at Arndean Farm prior to the lighting of the beacon on Law Hill; a torch lit procession in Menstrie prior to the lighting of the beacon on Dumyat; a Diamond Jubilee Ball in Alva; and a Jubilee street party and BBQ in Muckhart. Tullibody, Cambus & Glenochil Community Council are also considering holding an event. Groups including community councils, the Scouts, Guides and schools, are all involved. The events are being coordinated by Lord-Lieutenant Rt Hon George Reid and the Depute Lord Lieutentants. Lord-Lieutenant Rt Hon George Reid said: “ Sweet and sugar rationing ended in 1953 and a lot of Tullibody women baked Coronation cakes. Does anyone have any old photos or other mementoes of local celebrations in the county? “The exhibition should remind us of just how much country – and the community of Clackmannanshire – have changed in the last 60 years.” If you have any photographs of the county from the 1950s, memorabilia from the Coronation or the Royal visits in 1963 and 1997, or if you would like to be interviewed about your memories of 1952/3, please contact Susan Mills, Museum and Heritage Officer, on 01259 216913 or email: smills@clacks. gov.uk.

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Driver causes pedestrian to be hit by car

pregnant driver in Sauchie was reported for dangerous driving after not stopping at a zebra crossing, hitting another car that then hit a pedestrian on the crossing. Luckily the pedestrian sustained only minor injuries and the driver and her baby were unhurt. The woman was caught during The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) day of action on February 22 that focused on speeding and inappropriate driving. There were also four people caught driving at excessive

speed in Central Scotland during the day of action, two of which were reported for dangerous driving. Chief Superintendent Derek Robertson from Lothian and Borders Police, who is the ACPOS lead for Casualty Reduction said: “This day of action on speeding and inappropriate driving was the last in the series of national ACPOS Campaigns for the 2011/12 Strategy. “As can be seen from the figures, far too many drivers continue to drive at excessive speeds or in a dangerous or careless manner on the roads of Scotland on a daily basis poten-

tially putting their lives and the lives of others at risk each time. “Among some of the offences detected during our day of action lie some serious incidents involving pedestrian injury, dangerous driving and speeding near schools. Our message is clear - speeding and inappropriate driving risks lives, young and old. “As we see the end of this year’s Campaign the new 2012/13 Campaign begins as we continue to endeavour to reduce the number of people who continue to take unacceptable risks and endanger the lives of road users. “

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Tuesday 28.2.12

Alison Mann

Film festival delivers a gem being knocked down by a Ford Ka. He enters the afterlife, not full of fluffy clouds, free food and eternal happiness, but the world as we know it except you can’t actually touch anything and you have to ‘sign-on’ every week at a registry for the dead. This saw the heavy-eyed characters get into some comical situations. In one scene Mark stands behind a living man to read the newspaper. In another the dead have idle conversations behind doors until a living person opens it so they can run through. It really is a feat to make the afterlife a dull trek through a bureaucratic non-event hilarious and utterly engaging. It’s not all watching what the afterlife would be like if run by form-filling damp squibs though. The film also saw Mark try to get

‘up there’, the glowing staircase we never quite see the end of. He meets Rash, a mile-aminute talker straight from the streets, who joins Mark as a carer for the dead, ushering newbies to the registry. The pair happen to lose a recently deceased boy who actually killed Rash while driving his Punto. The pair travel to Newport (which one I hear you ask? There’s four) to find the lad and this journey sees Mark learn that he doesn’t just need to want to get ‘up there’ he needs to learn to be selfless and to stop moaning. After all, as director Zam Salim said during the Q&A after the film, there’s got to be some small level between real life and the afterlife as we don’t want miserable people ruining it for the rest of us!

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Rain fails to dampen Scottish Labour Local Government Candidates Big Campaign Weekend

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Dr. Richard Simpson, MSP Mid Scotland and Fife said; “I believe that Kathleen will be an asset if she is elected as a councillor for the Clackmannanshire East Ward in May. “She is a hard worker, and her casework experience will be beneficial in standing up for the community – I wish her every success for the future.”

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“It was great to be able to meet so many Clackmannan residents - even though it was such a wet morning. “I’ve been a Community Councillor for several years, and I’m interested in the issues that affect Clackmannan and Clackmannanshire so it was informative to be able to listen to residents’ concerns.”

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he rain did little to dampen the spirits of Clackmannanshire’s Scottish Labour Candidates as they began their Big Campaign Weekend meeting the people of Clackmannan. The response was positive as candidate for Clackmannan East, Kathleen Martin went door-knocking and meeting Clackmannan residents. Kathleen was joined by the other Scottish Labour Candidates for the May 2012 Local Government Elections, and numerous colleagues and supporters. Dr. Richard Simpson MSP, was also present and helped to deliver the remaining issues of The County Rose, the party’s local newspaper which has been circulated throughout the county during the month of February. Scottish Labour Candidate Kathleen Martin said;

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weecounty

Tuesday 28.2.12

Peter takes charge at Lornshill

By Alison Mann

ornshill Academy has a welcomed new headteacher into the school. Peter Allan comes to Clackmannanshire from Jedburgh Grammar School, where he had been Rector since 2008. Mr Allan’s appointment follows the retirement of former headteacher Danny Murphy and a subsequent 18 month period of Acting Headship by Jackie Dunlop. Mr Allan said that one of his main aims is to ensure that the school retains a sharp focus on raising attainment and he will be working closely with subject departments and support staff in the school in seeking to improve performance. He added: “At the same time we must rise to the challenge of providing all our young people with

planned opportunities to broaden achievement and to succeed in their learning. We must work in partnership with all stakeholders to confront the very concerning statistical evidence from Skills Development Scotland which indicates that around 20% of our school leavers access Jobseekers Allowance as they do not have the “positive destinations” of employment or further study.” Councillor English, Inclusion Portfolio Holder said about Mr Allan’s appointment: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Peter on his appointment and look forward to the contribution he will make to the continuing improvement at Lornshill Academy. I would also like to thank Jackie for the valuable contribution she has made over the past 18 months as Acting Headteacher.” Mr Allan believes that in developing young people’s life and work skills there is a clear need

to go further with vocational skills provision in many Scottish schools. He is enthusiastic about Clackmannanshire’s three secondary schools current dialogue with Forth Valley College about the possibilities of aligning timetables across the schools to facilitate pupils choice of introductory and taster vocational skills courses provided in the College and he is keen to explore opportunities to develop partnership working with the business community in the area to enhance this important element of the curriculum. He added: “A fundamental responsibility for all is providing an educational experience which helps equip all our learners with the flexible skills and positive attitudes to prosper in the future, both in our local area and in the wider national and global context.” Mr Allan was born in Toronto, Canada, and came to Scotland at the age of four when his family settled in Coatbridge. After secondary school he went to Glasgow to complete his degree in English and French before taking a year’s placement in Montpellier in France. He returned to Scotland to a teaching position in Grange Academy, Kilmarnock, where he also spent two years outside mainstream provision working in a Support Unit for behaviourally challenging young people before moving to

Galashiels Academy in the Scottish Borders as a teacher of English and French then Assistant Principal Teacher of Guidance. Seven years later he moved to Peebles High School as Principal Teacher of Guidance and taught English and Religious and Moral Education. In 2000 he was promoted to the Senior Management Team where he worked for two years as Assistant then Depute Headteacher, leaving to take up the Rector of Jedburgh Grammar post in 2008. Teaching runs in the family: Mr Allan’s wife is Principal Teacher of Guidance in Galashiels Academy and his daughter is a teacher in the Pupil Support department of Peebles High School. Mr and Mrs Allan’s three sons work in banking, retail and the construction industry. “I am proud and delighted to be appointed Headteacher of Lornshill Academy,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know the pupils and staff of the school and to serving the school and its community by working in close partnership with all parents and carers, associated primary school colleagues and all support agency professionals who have a stake in the success of the school.” In his spare time Mr Allan enjoys hillwalking, cycling and is also a water boat enthusiast when the weather allows.

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weecounty

Tuesday 28.2.12

Public toilets: keep or close? By Michelle Henderson

t was announced that Clackmannanshire Council are in talks about whether Alloa’s public toilets at Maple Court should be reopened or not. The talks ares set to continue until Monday March 5th and a questionnaire on the issue was published online. More than 150 have already completed the questionnaire, along with face-toface consultation with local business, shoppers and visitors to the local area. Alloa Community councillors have insisted that they are talking to a wide range of people, including the elderly, the disabled and parents about this local ongoing issue. The action has taken place after the council agreed last month to conduct a review on the issue and to stop the planned demolition of the building until a decision was made. The questionnaire, now back on the Clackmannanshire council website, gives people the chance to rate their preferences from three chosen options: no change from the current situation; re-open the Maple court toilets; or re-open them while other alternatives at where other public toilets could be placed, for example the refurbished Speirs Centre. Partnership Portfolio Holder, Councillor Holden said: “This is your chance to have your say on the future of the public toilet provision in Alloa town centre, so I would encourage as many people as possible to fill in the short questionnaire.” The results of the consultation are due to be published on the ClacksWeb next month.

he people of Clackmannanshrie are currently being consulted about the toilets in Maple Court and whether they should be re-opened. Michelle Henderson asked people shopping in Alloa if they would fill in the questionnaire and what they think about the issue. Culn, 42, Tullibody A. I would fill in the questionnaire and I don’t think they should open the toilets again. They are high for trouble as people used to hang about outside the toilets. Linda Robertson, 53, Alloa A. I think the toilets are missed, really missed and I think it is a shame because they were lovely toilets and then they go and close them. I know it is all down to money at the end of the day but it would be good if they could be re-opened again.

Jonathon Beresford, 33, Alloa A. I think it is a good idea. I agree with it as it might create another couple of jobs in the local area so yeah I don’t see why they were shut down in the first place. Especially these new public toilets that they are thinking about putting in. I think they are not friendly enough basically a nice friendly face when you walk in. Stanley Brenbur, 57, Sauchie A. It is a good idea to open the toilets yes. You cannot expect people to hold the toilet in or go to a supermarket for a toilet.

Dave Spence, 52, Tullibody A. I would fill out the questionnaire and I think there has to be public toilets in a town, you have to have them somewhere.

Susan Collison, 81, Clackmannan A. It is a good idea because we really need them up here but I would not fill out the questionnaire due to my bad eyesight.

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ollar Academy pupil Rory Neil will be celebrating a very special birthday on Wednesday as the only leap year baby in the school.

Rory, a pupil in Primary three will celebrate only his second birthday on Wednesday. This is because he has missed his actual birthday

in previous years due to the leap year. The youngster is pictured above celebrating his special and unique birthday with his Primary three classmates.

weecounty

Tuesday 28.2.12

Council spend £65,000 to help Alloa’s parking problems By Alison Mann

lackmannanshire residents are set to benefit from a new car park being created on the former health centre site in Alloa. The car park will be situated at Marshill and will be open to the public at the end of this month and will provide free, long term parking as part of the Council’s parking strategy for Alloa town centre. Councillor Womersley said: “The availability of parking in Alloa town centre is a critical issue, which is why

we are currently spending £65,000 on resurfacing this site to create a new car park. While in the longer term this could be a valuable development area, it will provide free parking facilities for over 100 cars in the immediate future.” Councillor Carrick added: “This car park will provide free parking just a short walk away from the town centre, which should give shoppers more access to short-stay spaces nearer the town centre.” The Council has spent a total of £300,000 acquiring this important site.

Eddie Carrick and Gary Womersley

Traffic cops donate £500 to Coalsnaughton school boy

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By Alison Mann

aring cops have donated money to a Coalsnaughton school boy in the hope he can fulfil some of his wishes in 2012. When the Road Policing Unit at Central Scotland Police decided to hold a raffle at Christmas they had no idea what to do with the £500 they made, so they asked staff and officers to come up with suggestions. Numerous ideas were put to the team who had organised the raffle, but it was sevenyear-old Mark Nairns who really caught their attention. Just eighteen months ago, Mark’s parents, Gill and Will noticed Mark was tiring easily; a series of tests and procedures were carried out and Mark was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Myopathy, a degenerative muscle-wasting disease. The family was rocked by a further blow when they found that the disease was genetic and that, although affected to a lesser degree, Gill was also a carrier of the condition. To compound matters, Will is a Production Manager with the Ministry of Defence

and is currently on a year’s tour of duty in Afghanistan. Since Mark’s diagnosis, the Nairns have set about converting the family home to accommodate Mark’s specialised equipment and a wheelchair. In addition to shortened school hours, Mark also has a support helper, but nothing phases him and while he knows his limitations, he still cannot resist the opportunity to indulge in the things he loves like any other seven-year-old boy. Constable Gordon McColl, who gifted the money to Mark during his recent visit to Central Scotland Police Headquarters in Stirling to see the Road Policing Unit and try out a few of their vehicles, said: “We knew the Nairns were hoping to take Mark to Spain and Disneyland Paris this year, so we thought the money would come in handy for him during these holidays. “He’s a really keen and competitive gamer though, so there’s a chance it’ll all have gone before he even gets on the plane. But the money is there for him to do whatever he wants with it and we honestly couldn’t have found a better person to accept it.”

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Tuesday 28.2.12

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n Monday night at the meeting of Inner Wheel Club of Alloa President Jessie Stuart welcomed physiotherapist Joan Watt to the Meeting. Joan has a vast experience of working with sporting competitors and gave an interesting and informative talk about her experiences of working with athletes who will be competing in the Commonwealth Games when it comes to Glasgow and those training for the Olympic team in London.

top international pianist delighted crowds as he entertained at a concert held in Dollar Academy last weekend. Perth-born Alasdair Beatson enthralled an audience of over 100 when he performed a concert of music by Mozart, FaurĂŠ, Ravel and Schubert in the Gibson Hall, Dollar Academy on Saturday. The concert was the fourth in this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music in Dollar programme organised by the Dollar Music Society. Alasdairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance suggests this fine young pianist could do for the piano, what Nigel Kennedy did for the violin in the 1990s. His enthusiastic, animated playing style, coupled with his quietly-spoken, amusing insights to the pieces he played, brings a freshness that will help make classical music appeal to a wider audience. Jan Bradley, Chairman of the Society said:â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alasdairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing was very special. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks to the support we receive from Enterprise Music Scotland, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to bring first-class musicians right to the heart of the community. Judging by their enthusiastic response, particularly to the stunning Schubert finale, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the varied programme.â&#x20AC;? The last concert in the Music In Dollar season is on Saturday, March 17. It will feature the Glasgow String Quartet (two violins, viola and cello), four leading players from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra who will play works from the classical repertoire including pieces by Barber, Beethoven, Ravel and others. As usual, the concert will be held in the Gibson Hall, Dollar Academy, starting at 7:30. Tickets will be available on the door, priced ÂŁ8.00. Children are admitted free.

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Dr. Richard Simpson MSP

cottish Labour led a recent parliamentary debate on Kinship Care - another area where the Scottish Government has plenty to say in terms of warm words but the reality is something different. In the spending review 2007, the Government promised a strategy and better support, including allowances and access to psychological and education services. The 2011 spending review does not mention kinship carers at all, and the carers strategy makes no mention of kinship care either. What needs to be done? The Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) requirement needs to be enshrined in law. COSLA and the Government should agree to fund allowances properly and fully. There should be new definitions to tackle the inappropriate divisions between formal and informal kinship carers, which should embrace both permanent and temporary placements. Every child placed in kinship care should be assessed, and every kinship carer should be offered assessment and an emergency plan. The Audit Scotland report on cardiology services in Scotland shows that people in deprived communities â&#x20AC;&#x153;are not always getting the same level of treatment as the rest of the populationâ&#x20AC;?. This is a shaming

report for the Scottish Government at a time when we are seeing services cut, staff lost and treatments delayed in the NHS across Scotland. This report poses big questions for the SNP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they should be seeking to address this issue now because it is unacceptable that people in poorer communities cannot get the treatment that would help to save their lives. Whilst the news that 63 voluntary organisations across Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social care sector are to receive a portion of just over ÂŁ900,000 to spend on staff development and raising standards was welcome, the fund has been cut by almost ÂŁ300,000 by the Scottish Government. This is very worrying given that the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland have evidence that suggests that social care organisations - as many as 60% - are already having to make radical cuts to their staff training and development budgets. We cannot afford to let training slide because this is bound to result in a skills shortage that will ultimately affect quality of care for the vulnerable and this cannot be allowed to happen. I submitted a motion in parliament recently welcoming the Court of Session judgement against Imperial Tobacco in

seeking to prevent the ban on the display of tobacco and vending machines in Scotland. As we approach No Smoking Day which takes place on March 14th, it is vital that measures like these are put in place to discourage young people in particular from starting smoking; which is still considered to be the largest cause of premature death and health equalities inn Scotland. I urge the Scottish Government to implement new provisions as soon as possible and to consider further measures to prevent tobacco firms from using non-tobacco products such as lighters and clothing in order to circumvent the legislation and promote smoking by the backdoor. Please remember; I can be contacted on; Tel. 01786 446515 or email at richard.simpson.msp@scottish. parliament.uk or by letter to Constituency Office. 22 Viewfield Street, Stirling FK8 1UA or for more information at www. richardsimpson.info or on Facebook.

weecounty

Tuesday 28.2.12

Food for thought.... N

HS Forth Valley is the best mainland health board in Scotland for dishing up tasty food to patients. Figures just released by the Scottish Government show that hospital menus tailored to special and personal diets scored a 100% success rate and that more than 90% of patients were happy with the food they received. The roll-out of the latest

nutritional database also revealed that NHS Forth Valley scored full marks in menu planning and foodbased standards, with the offer of at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day and fish twice a week. Much of the catering is now managed by the services company Serco and food is freshly prepared at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

The restaurant, which has extensive views across the River Forth, has been designed to create a lively and vibrant atmosphere with theatre-style cooking, where fresh dishes are made to order. It has already received a Healthy Eating Award for helping to promote healthier options. In addition to thousands

Healthy eating event for St Bernadette’s children of patients at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the catering service also freshly cooks and prepares meals for over 400 community patients across Forth Valley. This includes Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre. Serco Contract Director Mike Mackay said: “We are very proud of the awardwinning catering service we provide for patients and the community across Forth Valley. All food is freshly cooked on site by skilled

orth Valley College’s new Alloa Campus held a healthy dining event for ten lucky families of children attending St Bernadette’s School. The event was held on February 2012 for the charity Braveheart. The ten families enjoyed a healthy and nutritious roast chicken dinner cooked by Forth Valley College Chef Ype van der Schaaf and served by Front of House Co-ordinator Craig Anderson. May Richmond, Braveheart Development Officer for

Clackmannanshire, had come up with the idea for the event following on from a talk she had given at the school about the importance of having a healthy diet to keep your heart healthy. May said: “The event proved to be a great success and showed how it is possible to eat healthily on a budget – by shopping locally the cost of the meal for a family of four was a bargain at only £5. “It was great to see the parents getting involved with something the children

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had invited them along to and I hope we can run more events like this in the future in conjunction with the fabulous team from the College.” Ype van der Schaaf said: “We were delighted to provide the catering for this event. Braveheart do some fantastic work in the local area and it was great to support the cause. It also provided us with the opportunity to demonstrate the excellent service we can offer and we would be delighted to get involved in more events in the future. Our external catering service allows our students to get practical experience and customers benefit from great food at value for money prices. If you would like more information about Braveheart or to join a group please call May on 01259 290323 or 07795 283804 or email may.richmond@nhs. net. For more information on the catering services offered by Forth Valley College please call Craig Anderson on (01786) 272317 or catering.campus@forthvalley. ac.uk

chefs using nutritional guidelines, and we have great support from the NHS Forth Valley dietetic team.” NHS Forth Valley Chief Executive Professor Fiona Mackenzie added: “To come so high in the ratings is great news and staff are to be congratulated. Ensuring that patients are well fed and their nutritional needs are catered for while they are in hospital is a key priority. We always provide healthy food choices and cater for special requirements. In our

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stroke wards for example we use picture menus so patients can indicate their dietary requirements. At a time when many patients are frail or vulnerable, we need to ensure that they get the right support to help them recover.” Boards are measured according to a traffic light system with green indicating compliance above 90% to achieve the Government target. Forth Valley scored 100% in six out of the seven categories.

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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 unique. you moving in the right direction. 7 BE CONSISTENT. When you find what 4 MATCH THE MESSAGE TO THE works, stick with it. Familiarity with an ad MARKET. You’ve determined who your will often bring in customers that don’t target market is and why they need what respond the first few times they see it. you have to offer. Now it’s time to assess They need to know that you’re going to how this group can best be reached. be around when they need you. Don’t let What do they read, view and listen to? up on your advertising when you’ve got What products do they purchase? How all the business you need. If you want to are other businesses reaching this stay busy, steady advertising is the key. group? This will help determine what To discuss this further or to take advantage your most effective marketing strategies of advertising within the weecounty services will be. section, call our sales team on 01259 5 CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET. There 404006. are low cost ways of advertising UPHOLSTERY 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 Cintique • Ercol • Wade • Parker Knoll can project this figure from what Frazers • Duresta • Reid etc you anticipate your sales will be. Re-upholstery + Re-covering 6 DETERMINE COST PER AD. FREE Scatter Cushions • FREE Arm Covers Multiple smaller ads are more FREE Estimate effective than one big ad that Also Loose Covers & French Polishing could eat into your entire budget. Leather Repair Specialists Many successful businesses run solely off of classified ads OAP Discounts • 7 Days Service in newspapers. Special interest NU-REST RE-UPHOLSTERY pieces can be had for the cost Your Local Master Upholsterers of a press release or just letting All areas including Falkirk, Stirling, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, the news department know that Grangemouth, Bo’ness, Linlithgow, Alloa & Dunblane you exist, and what makes you

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weecounty

Tuesday 28.2.12

What’s on in your weecounty Alloa 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. 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 don’t worry it’s not compulsory. For more information phone Aileen on 07519656215 or Heather on 07709189880. Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2012 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On 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. Play Alloa: Easter Playscheme places are now available. Please see your session coordinator for a booking form. The Easter Playscheme will run from 10 -13 April in the Lesser Hall at Sauchie Hall. Pre-booking is required. The Monday Group (for over 16s) has received £4000 funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland. This will help to support the group over the next 6 months. Parents/Carers are advised to check out the group’s website at playalloa.co.uk for news and up to date calendar dates. Play Alloa provides play and social opportunities to children and young adults with additional support needs from Clackmannan District. Please let us know if you would like to carry out any fundraising activities on behalf of Play Alloa or make a donation towards our services. For further information please contact Maria Malcolm, Project Manager, Play Alloa by phoning 07800859161 or emailing playalloa@aol.com. Cambus and district Bowling

Club: There will be a bingo tea in the Clubhouse on Tuesday 13 March 7 for 7.30. In aid of Claremont under 17s Football Club.

Alva Community Council - The next meeting will be held on Monday 12 March, 2012 at 7.00pm in Alva Baptist Church. Community Business will be discussed. Members of the Public are welcome to attend. 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.

Clackmannan 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. 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 when, to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, the Sunday School focus the service on “The Big Brew” - an event helping families to flourish. Brew-up with us, enjoy a cuppa and support the Traidcraft Stall that will be there and taking orders for Real Easter Eggs. On Monday at 7.30 pm the Guild meet for fellowship. On Tuesday the Coffee Morning is open from 10.00 am in the Church Hall. On Wednesday in the Bruce Memorial Hall the Church Choir meets for practice at 6.45 pm when new members will be made most welcome and at 8.00 pm. you can join the Prayer Group for the second of our 2012 Lent Studies “Finding a Voice”, a reflection on the film “The King’s Speech”. 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: The thrift shop will be open on March 2nd from 1.30 pm — 3.30 pm with a selection of recently acquired, extremely reasonably priced, quality clothes. On 9th March we will again have a Bread and Soup Lunch but from 11.30 am — 2.30 pm this time. CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Clackmannan CAP on Wednesdays from 10.30am - 11am Lodge Clackmannan1303: Senior members dinner will be held on Wednesday March 28 in the Masonic Hall, Clackmannan at 7pm. All senior members 65 or over with their wife/ partner, also widows of senior members are invited to attend. Names to be given to any member of the lodge by Wednesday March 21 or telephone 214463 or 722770.

Coalsnaughton Coalsnaughton Burns Club: Cash bingo every Monday in the lounge. Contact 01259 750517. Eyes down at 8.15pm, finished by 9.45pm. Fruit Barra: The Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra is open in Coalsnaughton Village Hall from Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa at Coalsnaighton’s Community Cafe Society. If you have an hour or two to spare to help, please call into the hall. Telephone 01259 759099.

Dollar Dollar 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-a-brac, 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 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 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 and Coalsnaughton Parish Church: The Rev Bill Izett conducted

both services on Sunday 26 February. The Scripture lesson was taken from Jeremiah Ch 29 v 4-14 and was read by Mrs Shirley McCouat. In his sermon Rev Izett told the congregation that God alone knows the plan He has for us personally and for all of us as people of God. God loves us deeply and dearly. He blesses us in many different ways and He will continue to do so. We do not journey through life alone. The Pancake Coffee Morning to raise funds for the Summer Holiday Club raised the sum of £500. Anyone wishing to join the Strollers on Wednesday 29 February should meet at the Post Office at 12.50 pm to catch the bus for Stirling. The World Day of Prayer Service will be held at 7.30 pm on Friday 2 March. All Welcome. 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 Tillicoultry Flood Action Group: A meeting of the above group open to all members of the community will be held in the Devonvale Hall on Monday, March 5 at 7pm when representatives of Clackmannanshire Council will be presenting their plans for the proposed pumping station. A home flood prevention exhibition in the Hall will also be open to the public from 4pm. 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 World Day of Prayer: This service will be held on March 2 in St Serf’s church at 7pm. It has been written by Christian woman of Malaysia – “her justice prevail”. All welcome Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908 252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.

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

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Tuesday 28.2.12

-•-•- Competition 2012 -•-•-

Some of the entries so far

STILL TIME TO ENTER

AGE CATEGORIES ars 0-1 years, 2-3 years and 4-5 ye 1st Prize for each category is: goodies PLUS an Eden Gift Bag, packed full of sion experience. a professional photographic ses

rked with childs full name, Send us your pictures (clearly ma and your contact details). • by email: • or by post:

age

w A n d re

nt h (5 mo

wcn@hubpublishing.co.uk tiff format) (300dpi or higher in jpg, pdf or wee county news, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG

Closing date for entries: 7.3.12 Sponsored by:

(12 noon)

G e o rg i

Eden Beauty Emporium

a (15 m o nt h s

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

th s) yrs 11 m A b b e y (2

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

Ky le (4 y rs)

)

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Tuesday 28.2.12

Citizen of the Year By Alison Mann

dedicated Clackmannanshire volunteer has been named Citizen of the Year 2011 during a glittering awards ceremony. David Hunter was officially named as Clackmannanshire’s Citizen of the Year 2011 during the Clackmannanshire Awards ceremony on February 23 in Alloa Town Hall. He received the reward in recognition of his decades on voluntary service to groups and organisations in Clackmannanshire. A volunteer driver for Strathcarron Hospice for the past 16 years, David also

helps disabled people with their shopping and visits the ill and housebound members of the Ludgate Church. He is chairman of Friends of Alloa Tower, has been a member of Alloa Musical Players for 58 years and has served on the committee of Clackmannan Field Studies Society for 12 years. He was presented with his prestigious honour by Lord-Lieutenant George Reid. Lord Lt George Reid said: “Clackmannanshire is a caring community and it is right those who give their time and talent to others should be recognised.”

continued on page 16

weecoun

Tuesday 28.2.12

Photographs by Jim Hensby

“it is important that we recognise, and applaud the hard work that is done by all of those nominat - Provost Tina Murphy

continued on page 15 A panel of judges made up of Trustees of the Lord Lieutenant’s Fund selected eight finalists in the Citizen of the Year category who were invited to attend the gala awards ceremony. As well as receiving a certificate, each finalist received a crystal vase sponsored by Glencairn Crystal. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Sheila Bulloch. Amongst the many guests who enjoyed the award ceremony was Citizen of the Year 2010, Anna Forbes. The Enterprise in Education Award celebrates school/business partnerships and the contribution and engagement local business and partners have made in supporting enterprising activities in schools. The overall winners of the Determined to Succeed Award were: Abercromby Primary School and IBM Abercromby Primary School was approached by IBM 18 months ago in relation to their ‘Engineer a Robot’ event. This offers up to 60 children from P7 a hands-on experience where teams of participants learn how to design,

build and programme an actual, physical robot using programming software. They also learn how to produce a Powerpoint presentation summarising their findings. Each team is assisted by at least one IBM engineer. The event provides experience of the world of work and enables children to see the relevance of their school work in a real world context. It also allows them to apply the co-operative learning and technology skills they have learned in the classroom, at the same time as assuming a role within a team with real responsibilities. It provides a situation parallel to that of employment in the real world. Some children may even be inspired to pursue a career in engineering. IBM staff also benefit from the experience. It enables them to bring their skills and passions into the school community, develop their own skills and attract young people into engineering. In conjunction with the overall awards, the Sports Council Awards recognise outstanding ability, dedication and achievement in sport over the past year.

nty news

ted”

Tuesday 28.2.12

This year’s winners are:

Junior Sports personality of the Year - Sponsored by the Wee County News Brian Harper - Wrestling

Junior wrestling champion, Brian Harper is 1st in the Scottish, Welsh and English rankings and 1st in the Great Britain school boys and cadets categories. He won silver medals in the Latvia and France International events. The Tullibody wrestler is a member of the Scottish development squad, is a Scottish elite athlete and is in the Great Britain National development squad. Brian is on track to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow.

Senior Sports Personality of the Year - Sponsored by Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser Adam Ashe - Rugby

Adam Ashe is a Scottish Rugby Elite Development player. He was part of the Scotland 7s squad in season 2011/12 who played in Australia, Dubai and South Africa, and has signed a contract to play for Glasgow Warriors. Equally comfortable in any of the back-row positions, Adam attended Alva Academy and has played club rugby for Hillfoots and Stirling County. He has represented Scotland at under-17 and under-18 level.

Triumph Over Adversity - Sponsored by Machin Associates Meggan Dawson-Farrell - Athletics

Megan has broken every Scottish record from 100m to the half marathon. She is a member of Scottish Athletics disability sport national squad. She was selected to be the face of disability sport for the Scottish Government’s Active nation Campaign. Over the last year she has won 18 gold and 6 silver medals at various events and is on course to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow.

Enid Barton Coach of the Year Award Liane Rooney -Tae Kwon - Do

A 6th Dan with Alloa School of Taekwon-D,o Liane is coach to European and World medalists from Clackmannanshire. She is assistant coach for the ITF European and World Championships in Estonia and The Netherlands. At the World Championships the team won 2 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze. And at the 2011 Martial Arts Games the team won 5 silver and 7 bronze medals.

School Team of the Year - The Judy Collier Trophy Alva Primary Athletics Team

Alva Primary has won the Clackmannanshire Schools Athletic Championships for the last eight years. During this time they have gained 62 gold, 42 silver and 25 bronze medals. The team holds 12 championship records. The team fosters positive beliefs, increases self esteem and the work they do is a major part of the ethos of culture and achievement of the school.

Team of the Year - Sponsored by Russel + Aitken Hillfoots Rugby Under 18’s

Over the last 18 months this team has been formed from a disbanded under 16s team. Through the efforts of a number of key players they doubled the numbers of players in the squad. They entered their 1st league at the start of 2011/12 and have had incredible success, currently topping their league against much more experienced sides.

Young Leader/Volunteer - Sponsored Stephen Campbell in association with Braveheart Alison MacFarlane - Alloa Academy

Alison is a Youth Sports Trust platinum Ambassador and volunteers at events such as cross country, after school clubs and interschool badminton events. She assists the PE department by getting fellow pupils to take part in interschool events and keeps them informed of exercise and sports events. She is an enthusiastic, dedicated volunteer who motivates and encourages others to get involved in volunteering and participation in activities and sport.

Service to Sport - Sponsored by SALSC Mary Greaves - Swimming

Mary has contributed over 20 years’ service to swimming. She was a highly respected member of the swimming team and was a great asset. Swimmers who worked with Mary always greatly improved their swimming skills. Mary was a committed, reliable and hard working coach who had a fantastic way of motivating and inspiring children and other coaches in sport. Clackmannanshire council were next up to present their round of awards, aimed primarily at the individuals and teams that go above and beyond. The presentation of the Growing in Excellence awards, sponsored by Diageo, given to Council staff which celebrated our culture of providing outstanding customer service and leadership. The awards were given to: Excellent Customer Service: Revenue Team Partnership Project: Young Parents Project Leadership: Maryann Deas Team of the Year: Fraud Team Overall Award (sponsored by Councillor Womersley) : Development Quality Team Provost Murphy said: “It is important that we recognise and applaud the hard work that is done by all those who have been nominated for awards. “Everyone at this event is a winner, because you are all highly thought of in your community. It is amazing to look around the hall and see how many different clubs and activities are represented. “It has been fantastic to hear about all the caring people, the talented sports people and those who have worked hard to raise the bar in what they do.”

Tuesday 28.2.12

Your Horoscope Predictions By Anne Smith Aries (21 March - 20 April) As a fire sign you are naturally inquisitive, xxxx

your communication and insight this month will allow you to see through the façade of those around you. Certain people who have exposed themselves as underhand, will now be shown the door and you will brush yourself down and start again, aim high as you can see where the future is taking you know.

Taurus

(21 April - 21 May) Jupiter is still working behind the scenes xxxxxxxxx helping you clear away all unwanted debris from your life, endings can be difficult in one way but refreshing in another, from March you will find a new belief system within you as you strive to reach your goals and grab success with both hands.

Gemini (22 May - 21 June) The xxxx sun has just entered into Pisces and with Neptune already in your sign you will find it very hard this month to tell the difference between reality and fiction, What to do? Try not to make any major decisions this month and make more of an effort to gather facts. Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

Libra (24 Sept - 23 Oct) With Saturn in your sign you feel its xxxxxxxxxx weight like the world on your shoulder you have a strong work ethic and feel you must carry on regardless, however it is important that you take as much time out to try to bring in a little lighter energy, as all work and no play!!. Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov)

You may find yourself examining your xxxxxxxx everyday beliefs and ideals as a Scorpio you are always questioning matters of importance when connected to what matters to you most, loyalty among friends and family. You can rest easy my friend as those who love you are well under you magical spell and those who you have not captured soon will be.

Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec) Saturn returns to your sign every 7 xx years and those of you with its return will fell a great deal of frustration and change, not always in a good way as you face a harsh reality, try to remember past problems and don’t make the same mistake as the price may be higher this time around! Capricorn

Uranus is making its influence felt in xxxxxxxxx your chart as you try to make yourself an “individual” it is the planet of sudden change and you feel a great sense of freedom. You can expect a strong urge to change your life and your world, don’t expect it all to go your way though as resistance is futile.

(22 Dec - 20 Jan) You have already started making xxxxx changes in your life and the rest of the year will be the same, self-improvement is your biggest focus and with Uranus in your sign giving you a sense of freedom some of your changes will be radical. Family and those nearest and dearest will see the biggest changes, will they like it? You will have to wait and see!

Leo (24 July - 23 Aug) You may be feeling a little hemmed in xxxxxxxxx with the day to day humdrum of your working life, with Pluto in your work zone this year you will make terrific headway. You will get the extra focus you need this month to pursue and make your dreams become a reality. Go get them!

Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb) Time to Feng Shui your mind; clear xxxxxxx away all the psychic debris and your ruling planet Uranus to bring in that sense of freedom. It is a time to try to go with the flow as you have no real control this month so let go, loosen up and enjoy.

Virgo

(24 Aug - 23 Sept) xxxxxxxxx If you allow tension to take over then you will lose the focus or attention on what you are hoping to achieve and as your sign is ruled by the stomach you could end up with a nervous tummy or indigestion, so chill. You may be feeling a little weary with all in your world but things are about to take a turn for the better, try to hold on.

Q’s Views! THE AMARONE BOMBER In our last edition of Q’s Views, we laughed at the man who at the time of writing was barricaded inside Amarone Resturant in Glasgow, claiming that he had a bomb. Thankfully the police got him out without a struggle or any injuries. However, I feel the press missed a trick with the headline. Obvious choices would have been “Am-A-Phoney” or “Am-A-Moron” (see what I did there; clever take on the name Amarone eh?). My personal choice would have been “Idiot In Hiding After He Wrecks Friday Night In Glasgow”. TRUE STORY Many years ago, a friend of mine who ran a production company received a phone call from an enthusiastic American representing the WWE wrestling. Apparently the WWE were coming to the UK, on tour, wanted to make a DVD of the tour, and wondered if he would be interested in filming the Scottish leg of it. My friend jumped at the chance; not only would this be a nice little earner, but he might also meet Hulk

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

Hogan. A month of correspondence by phone and email took place between him and the American, then suddenly ceased completely. He could no longer reach the American by phone or email, and wondered if he’d done something wrong? The answer came a few weeks later when a woman phoned him, and explained that the “American” was in fact her son from Scotland. Her son had “issues”, and believed that if he arranged a WWE tour himself by impersonating an American, they would come. As a result, several companies and a major venue planned to sue him as they’d expended a lot of time and money on a tour that would never happen. I remembered this tale last week, and wondered if the same guy had taken over Rangers under similar pretences…. NESTLE CHAIRMAN SPEAKS (NONSENSE) I don’t like Nestle. Hate them to be honest. So much so that I boycott their products. Therefore the comments of CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe about how child labour is ok because

he did it as a child whilst on holiday don’t surprise me. When my mate Spanner was a boy, he used to dog school to go down to the pond and fire frogs through the air by sticking a straw up their backsides and blowing. But just because he did it when he was a child, doesn’t mean it makes it ok for kids to do it now. However, according to Mr Nestle it’s perfectly acceptable. Remember kids; child labour and torture of frogs is wrong. Especially when you should be getting an education instead. By the way, child labour is just the tip of the iceberg with Nestle. Go on line sometime to see what I mean if you don’t know what I’m talking about. AND FINALLY What’s the difference between The Sun On Sunday and The News of The World? Nothing! Did you like that joke; I wrote it myself! Re-branding the paper under a different name doesn’t alter the fact that they hacked people’s phones, because they felt their right to a story was greater than the rights of murder victim’s families. It may be only

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. Utensil (5) 3. Path (5) 7. Disregarded (7) 9. Send out (5) 10. Military command (5) 11. Mythical beast (7) 12. Taste (6) 14. Movie house (6) 18. Bet (7)

Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

xxxxxxxxxx The return of Neptune to you sign can see you living within a fantasy world, so we have to try to keep grounded this month and keep focused on facts, written facts, please write down everything you need to achieve and tick it of once you have accomplished it, or you may just think you have, as it is difficult to tell reality from fantasy for you this month.

20. Deduce (5) 22. Awkward (5) 23. Roamed (7) 24. Finished (5) 25. Small boat (5) DOWN 1. Mariners (7) 2. Possessed (5) 3. Boredom (6) 4. Legal excuse (5)

5. Svelte (7) 6. Beer mug (5) 8. Relating to country life (5) 13. Tycoon (7) 15. Dialect (5) 16. Condense (7) 17. Worshipped (6) 18. Forgo (5) 19. Graded (5) 21. Criminal (5)

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

contact, ANNE on

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

CROSSWORD

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

Spiritualist Medium/Psychic &Tarot

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

07506723569

Angel Anne

50p, but so is a roll of kitchen roll out of Tesco (and it is a more informative read). Needless to say, I urge people not to buy it. Instead take 50p, flush it down the toilet, and cut out the middle man in wasting your money. Unless of course you’re planning a good practical joke, like 2 lads I know. Their work colleague hates Rupert Murdoch more than I hate Nestle, so much so that he won’t buy any papers by News International, boycotts all output from Fox TV and studios, and refuses to watch any Sky channels. Indeed, it must be a bummer if he invites you round to his house to watch the football, only to be told “Sorry lads; I thought it was on ESPN, we can’t watch it!” Anyway, they waited up until 1am for the first ever copy of The Sun on Sunday to go on sale, and bought a copy. They then posted it through his letterbox with a letter attached saying “To our loyal customers”. Fair play to him for boycotting Murdoch, but I did enjoy that prank!

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

weecounty

lifestyle

Tuesday 28.2.12 19

Turning to stone

f you’re heading to a beauty spa or salon for a bit of “you time”, the chances are that hot stones therapy will be on the menu. This treatment has grown in popularity over the past five years, but, like many alternative therapies, it dates back thousands of years. Hot stones are believed to have been used within many ancient cultures, but the therapy used today has its roots in India. Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, believes that an energy source called prana flows through the body, in a similar way to the Oriental qi. Yogis work with this energy source using breathing techniques, meditation and poses to harness the prana for healing. There is also a tradition of using natural tools such as herbs, flowers,

crystals and heated stones.¨Healers originally used rocks from river beds and warmed them in hot coals or hot water. By placing the hot stones along the energy centres of the body, they are thought to stimulate an internal healing process. Connecting the flow or paths of energy was used to rebalance the physical body, mind and spirit. Seven semi-precious stones are used in most treatments to bring balance to the chakra centres. The heat retention capabilities of the smooth stones make them excellent thermotherapy tools. When warmed, the heat they give off warms muscles and quickly relaxes clients. As the result the healer can work deeper and more specifically than they would in a regular massage. Heat immediately

PET of the week

relaxes muscles, which makes hot stones therapy ideal for drawing out muscle pain and discomfort. There is no single way to practise hot stone therapy, so treatments will vary from spa to salon. Some will place the stones traditionally on the energy centres using a ritualistic technique, which also involves lying on cloth-covered stones. Others will combine the gliding techniques used in Swedish and Lomi-Lomi massages, where a little oil is applied to the stones so the therapist can iron out tense muscles. The stones are often used on pressure points throughout the body and any particular problem areas. The therapy adopts reflexology practices, as the feet contain nerve endings that connect with all other areas of the body. Therapists often incorporate small hot stones, which are placed between the toes to stimulate the nerve endings in the feet. They will also massage the feet using the stones in the same way a reflexologist would. Lymphatic drainage is also

Hot stones work on the body’s energy centres. possible by combining cold marble and warm stones. This combination is also effective for increasing general circulation to vascularrestricted areas of the body.

Whether you believe in prana energy or chakras, hot stones therapy is a sensual, totally relaxing and deeply therapeutic treatment for you to enjoy.

Shake off those aches & pains

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

weecounty

recipes

Pasta Arrabiata T

his delicious pasta dish is packed full of mediterranean flavour, yet is ready in under 30 minutes for a simple and healthy midweek supper.

Tamaska Breed: Malamute Age: He is 2 years old, rescued from Celtic Animal Life Line in southern Ireland when he was 18 mths

Lives: Ali & Vivian Black Likes: He likes to bikejor, scooter, canicross and cooling down in muddy puddles.

Dislikes: Waiting at start lines and not being at the front where ever he goes.

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.

Serves 4. INGREDIENTS 250g penne pasta 1 tbsp olive oil 4 rashers bacon, cut into thin strips 1 large red onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic crushed 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato puree 2 tbsp fresh basil, torn pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper To garnish: extra handful torn basil grated Parmesan cheese METHOD 1. Add the pasta to a large pan of boiling salted water. Return to the boil and cook according to the pack instructions for 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the bacon, onion, garlic and chilli. Fry gently over a medium heat until the onions are soft - about 5 minutes. 3. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Cook

for a further 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. 4. Add the basil, then season to taste with the salt and pepper. Add the pasta, toss to cover with the sauce and heat through until piping hot. 5. Garnish with the extra basil and serve immediately with grated Parmesan.

recruitment

Tuesday 28.2.12

VISITOR CENTRE ATTENDANT Job No: ALL/23161 Employer Reference: CLA000648 SOC Code: 9239 Wage ÂŁ14,510 - ÂŁ16,331 (PRO RATA) Hours 32 HOURS PER WEEK Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 23 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description To assist in the day to day operation of the facility and ensure quality service to the community and centre users. Should you have difficulty in accessing the documents and application form and wish to request a paper application pack please call 01259 452231 (24 hrs) and leave your details along with the reference number of the post. Please note that 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=jj&id= 123179&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council AREA BUSINESS MANAGER Job No: ALL/23159 Employer Reference: Clacksmax SOC Code: 1132 Wage ÂŁ18000 TO ÂŁ21000 PER ANNUM Hours 37.5 HOURS OVER A 5 DAY WEEK Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE, STIRL FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 23 February 2012 Closing date 31 March 2012 Pension details No details held

a high performing council and the internal audit and fraud service is an important function within Support Services. The service has recently restructured and the new internal audit and fraud team will provide a robust and cost effective service in these key areas for the Council. Reporting to the Revenues and Payments Service Manager, we are looking to appoint a team leader with experience in a complex environment. The Council is going through a period of significant change with several critical projects underway. The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/fe/ tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=jj&id= 123186&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council

Description Area Sales Manager responsible for the promotion and sale of services on the Clacksmax High Speed Rural Broadband Network to both Commercial and Private subscribers markets. Applicants should have a proven track record in sales management preferably in the IT Sector. A company car will be provided upon completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. A mileage allowance will be paid during the probationary period. A full job specification can be provided by applying to job.clacksmax@briskona.com and attach a CV. In addition to a proven sales track record applicants should fully conversant with MS Office applications and capable of creating reports and spreadsheet etc. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.briskona.comOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Briskona Ltd

TRANSCRIPTIONIST/AUDIO TYPIST Job No: ALL/23149 SOC Code: 4217 Wage ÂŁ6.08 TO ÂŁ7.00 PER HOUR Hours 15-37.5 PER WEEK MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 8AM AND 9PM Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 17 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description We have an opportunity to join our established team in the centre of Alloa, which is key to the first class service our clients receive. Primary duties; To produce neat, well presented files and analogue documents on a word processor from digital sound tapes with a typing speed of approximately 60

Audit & Fraud Team Leader Job No: ALL/23162 Employer Reference: CLA000649 SOC Code: 4111 Wage ÂŁ39,326 - ÂŁ44,281 Hours 36 hrs a week Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 23 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Clackmannanshire Council is seeking to appoint to the position of Audit and Fraud Team Leader. The post is offered as a permanent position within the Revenue and Payments team. Clackmannanshire Council is regarded as

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Chef Job No: ALL/23157 SOC Code: 5434 Wage Negotiable depending on experience Hours 35 hours shifts between Mon - Sun 8am-6pm/10am-6.30pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 22 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience and qualifications are preferred. Your duties will involve preparation and cooking of food for residents. Before confirming an appointment for this vacancy, the successful candidate is required to obtain Protection of Vulnerable Group PVG. Expense will be met by the applicant. How to apply You can apply for this job by telephoning 01259 750703 ext 0 and asking for Patricia Mangan. Employer Marchglen Care Centre SALES PERSON/SALES MANAGER Job No: ALL/23153 SOC Code: 1132 Wage MEETS NAT MIN WAGE OTE ÂŁ50,000 Hours 40 HOURS PER WEEK OVER A 7 DAY ROTA, DAYS AND EVENINGS Location SCOTLAND FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 21 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have strong track record in sales, preferably selling bathrooms and kitchens direct to the public. Will be working in both the showroom and visiting customers at home. This is a unique opportunity for a true sales professional to pick up the reins and with the full backing of the directors, grow the business and sales team throughout Scotland, there will be an excellent package on office for the right person, with the hunger , ambition and ability to help this company to achieve its goals. Benefits include: Company car. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23153, 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.

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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.

Telesales Executive

wpm, to provide a professional service to clients ensuring confidentiality is adhered to at all times, to adhere to strict deadlines for daily workload. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Kirsty Lang at Intelligent Office UK, Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa,

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weecounty 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.nmc-uk.orgOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled). HCOne 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, Monday-Wednesday, 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 proactive with well developed communication

Reporter/Trainee Reporter A

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

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

weecounty recruitment 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 £6.08 PER HOUR Hours MIN 25 HRS PER WEEK, MONDAYFRIDAY , 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 O’Malley, john@ omalleyproperty.com. Employer J O’Malley SPECIALTY DOCTOR IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE Job No: ALL/23129 Employer Reference: 0212047 SOC Code: 2211 Wage £36,807 - £68,638 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 “shop-floor”. 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 employer’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 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,

Tuesday 28.2.12

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 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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Dollar Golf Club Bar & Catering Franchise Available Requirements would be mainly Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Additional hours would be available to cover special events during the week. For further details contact: Scott - 07711 148 762 Dug - 07703 572 344

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 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.

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

Tuesday 28.2.12

Health & Fitness

But I don’t want to bulk up!

My response is “you won’t!”

Thinking the box

lifestyle weecounty

Who and what am I on about?

emales and weight training, that’s what I’m on about!

Lifting weights is the best fat burning exercise you can do and that applies to both males and females. A good weights session can mean that your metabolism is ramped up for almost two days after you have left the gym. ‘Bulking up’ does not happen from lifting weights alone. Far from it actually. There are many factors that come into it. Namely how much food you eat, how much sleep you get, and a hormone known as testosterone. Males have an awful lot more testosterone than females, about 10 times more. In a nutshell, women do not have enough of this hormone to become big naturally! THE BENEFITS OF WEIGHT TRAINING ARE PLENTY: 1. Weight bearing exercise helps strengthen the bones. The perfect way to stave of osteoporosis which affects 50% of women. It will also strengthen the joints. 2. Lifting weights with the appropriate intensity will increase the production of growth hormone, which burns fat like crazy, build lean tissue and is really good for your hair, nails and skin. People that lift weights regularly do look younger than their peers. How much growth hormone do you produce through jogging for example......None! 3. By burning fat through weight training you will appear leaner, more defined, or to put that another way ‘toned’. Your wobbly bits such as ‘bingo wings’ will disappear. Just think how much more confident you will feel in your own skin. 4. Maybe a bit obvious, but you will become stronger, which can only be a good thing for day to day life right? 5. The more lean tissue you have on your body, and the stronger you are, then the longer your life expectancy will be. 6. Muscle is metabolically active. This means that the more of it you have, the more calories you will burn to maintain it even when you are sitting on your backside doing nothing! 7. Muscle looks better under the skin. Nice and smooth. Fat on the other hand... 8. Weight training heavy enough and often enough will help with insulin sensitivity. This can be the difference between your food being stored as fat somewhere on your person or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. 9. A good intense workout with weights can be over in 45 minutes making it time efficient. Repeat this 3-4 times a week and you will get all manner of health benefits. 10. You will get a cardiovascular benefit when lifting weights. You don’t have to run endless miles, which can compromise muscle and also increase the risk of injury. There is no need to fear lifting weights, after all you probably already do it unwittingly. Maybe lifting the kids up and down, carrying heavy bags when out shopping. The key to getting the body you crave is intensity. That means the weight you lift has to be heavy enough to force your body to adapt. It is pointless picking up a dumbbell you can lift endlessly, as this won’t stress the body. Endless cardio sessions will not change your body shape. It may make you a smaller version of yourself, but if you want more bang for your buck then lift weights and don’t worry, you will not ‘bulk up’...

www.pinpoint-fitness.com john@pinpoint-fitness.com 07500 806 308 pamela@pinpoint-fitness.com 07736 931 124 Fat loss, 1 to 1 personal training and group training

Switch on, switch off - TV is many people’s idea of a spare time activity.

f you struggle to name a hobby that interests you, chances are you are the kind of person who sits for hours on end in front of the telly. Watching TV may not sound much like a hobby, and in many ways it isn’t, but it is the number one choice for leisure time for millions of people. And as far as hobbies go, watching TV is probably one of the most detrimental to your health, even if it won’t give you square eyes. It is time consuming, noncommunicative, passive and sedentary - so sedentary that you don’t even have to think or move, apart from blinking your eyes. Yet many people choose watching TV over the thousands of other hobbies out there that are skilldefining, constructive, activity-based or lifestyle enhancing. Even people who might count watching TV as a

hobby would probably agree that it is frequently boring and a waste of time, but it’s something to do. Most, too, would be surprised if they totalled up the hours spent, or wasted, this way every week. Try it and work out how much of the year you spend in front of the box. You may be horrified if you work it out over a lifetime. Critics and parents who ban their children from watching too much TV would claim that passively watching warps minds of creativity. They believe viewers become slaves to it, instinctively switching on and becoming transfixed. No one can argue that it promotes laziness and non-interactive behaviour. Telly addicts, however, would say that it provides a relaxing break for minds after a taxing day at work or school. If you are one of those who claims that watching the box helps you to relax, can

you really justify the sheer amount of time and talent wasted every week, year or lifetime? If you have other talents or old interests that have lain buried for decades, you could use that time to do something creative and stimulating. Taking up a more constructive hobby can enrich your life skills and provide a good example to your children. You can choose a hobby that will involve the whole family in an active way instead of all blindly staring at the box every night. There is an infinite number of things you could do instead. The trick is to find something that gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment; something that can give you the sense that you have accomplished something. TV is often just a fallback for people who don’t plan other, more constructive things to do. Interesting things to do won’t just fall into your lap,

so plan your days to include at least some stimulating activity, even if it’s just reading a book for an hour or playing a board game with the children.

weecounty property

Tuesday 28.2.12

Woo-hoo would buy a HAUNTED HOUSE?

ou might think that phantom fiends and ghostly apparitions sound a bit far-fetched, but nearly half of us wouldn’t even think of buying a house if it was rumoured to be haunted. A survey by online estate agency HotProperty. co.uk, found that British home-buyers are a very superstitious bunch. For some home-buyers the prospect of a haunted house is seen as exciting, while others would not even view a property that’s reported to suffer from strange goingson. As a result, the nation is split over the prospect of a supernatural housemate: almost half of the 540 respondents in the property portal’s poll said they would not buy a house that was rumoured to be haunted. The remainder seem to be perfectly happy to co-habit with a supernatural guest. Managing director of HotProperty.co.uk Shawn Luetchens says: “I am not sure which is more worrying - that half of UK buyers wouldn’t buy a house that

Spooked: half the population wouldn’t buy a house they thought might be haunted.

was rumoured to be haunted or that the other half don’t see it as a problem. “This could have implications for sellers who think their house might have an unwanted supernatural guest. It seems it is a Catch 22 whether or not to let prospective buyers know a house may be haunted. In

the end it really comes down to the buyer’s individual beliefs.” How superstitious you are about haunted property does seem to depend upon where you are living, as a survey by Yorkshire Bank Mortgages reveals. It seems that just seven per cent of Londoners believe that their

house may be haunted, compared with 15 per cent of residents in the North East. Buyers in the North West are the most likely to pull out of a “spooked” sale, with 43

per cent saying they would consider withdrawing their offer. More than twice as many North East residents would consider selling their haunted

house than those in the South West, where they’re least likely to sell up and leave their ghostly resident behind. Spotting faults in a property is something every discerning homebuyer is well aware of but detecting other types of faults could prove harder, says Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s head of retail. “We all know to look out for damp patches and cracks in the walls when viewing a home, but it could prove a little trickier to spot a supernatural problem with your potential property. Doing your research in the local area can really pay off when it comes to negotiating a sale price.” Yorkshire Bank’s research found that currently 10 per cent of homeowners think their home is haunted. Interestingly, 79 per cent of people didn’t view sharing their home with a ghostly presence as a reason to sell up.

The Sunshine Vitamin

Super Strength Vitamin D3 25mcg – 240 tablets £9.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77

240 tablets £9.95

motors

Tuesday 28.2.12

Motoring

weecounty

Top car choices for sons and daughters P

redicting who will buy which type of car has always been difficult for vehicle manufacturers, but nevertheless they do not make cars without knowing the target market and matching each model to specific demographic groups. There are naturally exceptions, but generally demographics play a huge part in how new models of cars are marketed. Large saloon and estate cars are usually aimed at families and are often driven by Dads. Mums tend to be less concerned with visual appeal and performance so are likely to choose MPVs or SUVs for the security that a

bigger car offers. As people get older they are more inclined to drive a car that is reliable with cheaper running costs and perhaps some extra space for trips out with the grandchildren. SONS AND DAUGHTERS The young male driver is likely to go for a car which is both sporty and cool but this will depend on how much money they or their parents have available and their restrictions on what they will permit their sons to drive given safety concerns. Daughters often choose cars that are smaller and easier to drive, with phone devices and music being a priority. Naturally these are broad generalisations and stereotyping people in terms of which cars they are likely to purchase by sex or age could easily

RON SEALEY INDEPENDENT VOLVO SERVICING & REPAIRS Over 30 Years Experience • Professional Service All Electronic Repairwork Undertaken Problems discussed on a 1 to 1 basis Genuine Volvo parts used All major credit cards accepted Workshops rear of 17 WILSON STREET, COWDENBEATH Tel: 01383 611 144 • Mob: 07973 156 575 Home: 01383 611 344

PETROL PRICES UNLEADED Morrisons - Alloa - 132.9 ASDA - Alloa - 132.7 Tesco - Alloa - 133.9 Highest - 140.8 DIESEL Morrisons - Alloa - 139.9 ASDA - Alloa - 139.7 Tesco - Alloa - 140.9 Highest - 145.9 Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.

attract criticism, yet this seems to work for the car manufacturing industry. Using these demographics and looking at vehicles currently on the market we have come up with some suggestions for parents who are thinking about purchasing a car for their sons or daughters, some of which are cheap and others less so. SONS: CITROEN DS3 The Citroen DS3 came onto the market in 2010 and since then has won many prestigious awards for its style and performance in the supermini range. French manufactured, this car was the primary model of the premium DS line. Citroen have long been renowned for their outstanding diesel and THP petrol engines both in terms of performance and running costs. The DS3 can be customised with a whole range of technology including an MP3/CD player, cruise control and LED running lights. However, the style options that are available with this car really make it a popular choice. There is a wide and diverse range of exteriors to choose from together with purchasers being able to select contrasting roof and wing mirror colours. Also available are alloy wheels and wheel caps. The DS3 sits in the more

expensive end of the market but is hard to beat for style and performance. SUZUKI SWIFT An absolutely fantastic supermini, the Suzuki manufactured Swift will match perfectly with the image that most young male drivers want to create. Despite being relatively compact it does have a magnificent sporty look and the latest models have more gadgetry than the previous range. Technology includes a USB port, Bluetooth and a CD player and the style is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning of peers. With very economic running costs and a variety of engine sizes to choose from, the Swift has great performance and has attained the Euro NCAP maximum 5 stars for safety due to its ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) which is standard across the range, anti-whiplash front seats and additional safety kit. DAUGHTERS FORD KA The Ford Ka has been in the marketplace for several years and is particularly popular with female drivers making it an ideal choice for a daughter’s first car.

Wide rear haunches defined the previous model of the Ka, but the latest model is much more dynamic and stylish, synonymous with the appearance of all recent models in the Ford range. Featuring straight lines and angles, the Ka has been redesigned with a range of options to customise the interior. With a range of engine sizes available the Ka is efficient, reliable and economic on running costs. FIAT 500 Over the years Fiats have become the “in” car to own and the Fiat 500 is not only one of the most stylish but has a distinctive and appealing retro look. It’s a great car for travelling around too and very easy to fit into the smallest of parking spaces. There is a comprehensive range of exterior colours available and owners can add chrome inserts and stripes if desired, including Gucci or Diesel trims to give the car a more fashionable look on the special edition Fiat 500. These cars are not only stylish and visually appealing but more environmentally friendly with lower CO2 emissions. The latest TwinAir

two cylinder engine puts the Fiat 500 under the 100g/km emission limit, allowing free movement around London without congestion charges. As first cars go, you can guarantee that your son or daughter will be attracted to these models and that each one has its merits in terms of economy, style, gadgetry, performance and safety.

Plays a role in the smooth working of joints

360 tablets £13.95 Glucosamine 1,000mg Glucosamine is one of the UK’s most popular supplements and is taken by millions of people on a daily basis. Healthspan’s Optiflex Glucosamine provide 40% more glucosamine per gram compared to glucosamine 2KCl.

www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77

PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 18

SUDOKU ANSWERS

es David Morton Ltd c i r P Top Cars - Vans - All Scrap Metal Paid

01324 612 876 Glen Works, Glen Village, Falkirk

CROSSWORD ANSWERS for last weeks Crossword competition answers see page 7

weecounty

motors

Tuesday 28.2.12

THE RIGHT CAR AT THE RIGHT PRICE. Outstanding service comes as standard. 04 54 Vauxhall Corsa Energy Twinport, Black Sapphire, 27,184 miles ... £3,495

09 09 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Sea Grey, 39,500 miles............ £7,995

10 60 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Edge, Panther Black, 11,428 miles ... £9,995

05 54 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Flame, Vitro, 35,000 miles ................. £3,995

09 59 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 SRi, Black Sapphire, 39,434 miles ... £8,495

11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Panther Black, 2,500 miles .. £9,995

06 06 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Freedom, Moondust Silver, 34,300 miles . £4,495

10 10 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRi, Silver Lightning, 22,610 miles .. £8,495

11 11 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Moondust Silver, 22,131 miles .... £9,995

07 56 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Style, Panther Black, 40,385 miles ... £4,495

10 60 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Studio, Colorado Red, 6,957 miles ..... £8,495

10 10 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S, Sea Grey, 14,572 miles ...... £10,495

06 06 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec Climate, Tango Red, 54,996 miles .... £4,495

09 59 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Squeeze, 19,657 miles .......... £8,795

10 10 Ford Focus 1.6 Titanium, Ocean Blue, 10,359 miles .... £10,495

07 57 Ford Fiesta 1.25, Tango Red, 41,200 miles ................. £5,295

10 59 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Avalon, 17,939 miles ............. £8,995

10 60 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec, Frozen White, 9,770 miles .... £10,495

05 55 Suzuki Grand Vitara 16v SE, Clear Beige, 45,000 miles . £5,495

11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Edge, Ink Blue, 5,946 miles ............... £8,995

11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S, Panther Black, 13,068 miles ...... £11,495

06 56 Toyota Corolla 1.4 T2 VVT-i, Sunburst Red, 34,441 miles ... £5,495

11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Moondust Silver, 7,036 miles .... £8,995

11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S, Panther Black, 12,787 miles... £11,995

08 58 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Vision, 25,297 miles .............. £6,995

09 59 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Moondust Silver, 16,297 miles .... £8,995

11 11 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec, Panther Black, 8,833 miles ... £11,995

09 09 Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Active, Black Sapphire, 23,251 miles .... £6,995

11 60 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Colorado Red, 5,600 miles ........ £8,995

11 11 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Zetec, Silver, 1,412 miles ..... £12,995

10 10 Ford Ka 1.3 Style, Midnight Blue, 7,520 miles ........... £6,995

08 08 Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi Bellagio Coupe, Red, 30,413 miles .. £8,995

11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Ink Blue, 13,208 miles ........ £12,995

08 58 Toyota Yaris 1.3 TR, Decuma Grey, 22,936 miles........ £6,995

09 09 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec, Avalon, 30,659 miles ...... £9,195

11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec, Ink Blue, 8,467 miles .... £13,995

08 57 Ford C-MAX 1.8 Style TD, Ocean Blue, 43,418 miles ..... £6,995

11 60 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Panther Black, 21,218 miles ........... £9,495

11 11 Ford Mondeo 1.6 SCTi Titanium, Midnight Sky, 4,197 miles .. £14,995

08 58 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Ocean Blue, 47,115 miles ........... £6,995

09 09 Ford Focus Zetec TD, Avalon, 40,000 miles................ £9,495

09 09 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium Estate, Silver, 48,012 miles .... £15,995

10 10 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, Blush, 19,501 miles ...................... £7,495

10 59 Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec, Frozen White, 15,918 miles..... £9,495

11 60 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium Estate, Black, 10,987 miles ... £20,495

10 10 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Exclusive, Black Sapphire, 17,703 miles....£7,495

09 09 Volvo 1.6 Saloon S40 S D, Titanium Grey, 19,782 miles ...... £9,995

11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Titanium, White, 4,190 miles .....£20,995

09 09 Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 Design, Black Sapphire, 28,000 miles .. £7,795

10 60 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec S, Sea Grey, 23,113 miles......... £9,995

10 60 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium, White, 9,464 miles .... £21,495

09 59 Seat Leon S 1.9 Emocion TDi, Techno Grey, 53,520 miles .. £7,995

07 57 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 VXR, Flame Red, 21,821 miles ..... £9,995

11 11 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium Est., Midnight Sky, 5,624 miles . £22,995

08 08 Renault Twingo 1.2 Extreme

09 59 Renault Megane 1.6 Expression

07 07 Audi A3 Special Edition 1.9 TDi

10 10 Vauxhall Corsa 1.6 VX Racing Edition

Power Steering, Electric Windows, Radio/CD

Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Heated Rear Screen

Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Door Locking

Power Steering, Cruise Control, Alloy Wheels

ONLY

£4,495

£7,495

£8,995

£12,995

Stirling Ford 0845 644 9336 www.macraeanddick.co.uk Images available for illustration purposes only. Prices/offers correct at time of going to print and subject to alteration/withdrawal without notice.

sport

Tuesday 28.2.12

POOL

DOLLAR GOLF

Week 21 Results A League

Oakwood A 7 Oakwood C 2 Inn 4 Locker Room A 5 Locker Room B 1 Crown B 8 Alva GC 3 Allanbridge 6 Peppes v Crown A (Postponed)

B League

Gartmorn 0 Oakwood B 4 Weirs 7 Upstairs 2

weecounty

Oakwood D 9 Cairn A 5 County 2 Rileys 7

Unfortunately the Gartmorn are unable to fulfill their fixtures and as per the league constitution have been removed from the B league with all fixtures and table being adjusted.

County Singles Results

S.Martin 3 D.McIntosh 1 D.McKenzie 2 M.Boyd 3 S.Anderson 3 G.Smith 0 B.Wraith 3 B.Davies 2 B.Thursby 0 K.Glass 3 G.Taylor 3 D.O’Sullivan 2 D.Glover 1 M.Flemming 3 G.Polley 3 J.McGurk 0 D.Ross 3 M.Polley 2 S.McKendrick w/o C.Kerr M.Watson w/o K.McCaig M.Empson 3 N.Brown 2 G.Ross 0 C.Inkster 3 S.McAllister (bye) P.Smith 3 S.McPake 0 A.Banks 3 A.Anderson 1 The finals night for the 8 qualifiers has been confirmed for Fri 13th April in the sponsors venue of the Cairn Alva with a 7.30pm start.Thanks again to Stevie and the Cairn for their continued sponsorship and enthusiasm.

Scottish IM 2 Qualifying

The second round of scottish qualifying took place on Sunday in Rileys Stirling with a few players absent for this one due to either work or personal circumstances. Group 1 saw Billy Snaddon convincingly qualify for his second scottish finals in a row with a 6-0 victory over Lex Dick,followed by a 6-2 victory over Barry Wraith. Group 2 was a battle all the way with a few tight games but in the end it was the Locker Room’s Alan Banks who came through with a 6-4 win over IM1 qualifier Michael Boyd,a nervy 6-5 victory over Brian Allan after squandering a 5-2 lead and a very good 6-3 win over young Grant Polley. Group 3 was full of some the most promising youngsters in Clackmannanshire and it was Steven Smith who prevailed producing his best pool yet with a 6-3 win over fellow internationalist Greg Wardlaw, a 6-4 win over a stubborn David McKenzie and a final 6-3 win over Ryan Hutchison. Group 4 went to form and experience with the seeded player Darren Mooney coming through with a 6-3 win over Frank Jaffray to be followed by a convincing 6-1 win over Steph Selbach. Good luck to 4 qualifiers joining top 16 player Pete Smith at the finals in Hustlers Pool Hall in Rosyth on 21/22 April.

Scottish Grassroots Tournament

This qualifier will take place on 7th April in Rileys Stirling and all names and £5 entry fee have to be with the SPA this sunday to guarantee entry.Please contact Pete Smith before Saturday if you wish to enter.

BOWLING

Clackmannan Bowling Club

This Friday the 2nd of March 8pm, there is a race night. The club asks that members show their support your club by supporting these events. Opening day this year is on Saturday the 7th of April. This Wednesday the 29th the county secretaries meeting will take place in our club house at 7pm.

Bradley hits top score Saturday 25th February 2012 Polish Cup (Round 11)

lthough damp at times the playing conditions were generally good for the penultimate round of the 2011/2012 Polish Cup played on Saturday 25th February. It was a high scoring round and by Bradley Caine in particular who notched up 46 Stableford points. However, the competition remains wide open and the overall winner will only emerge with the final round to be played on 10th March. Div 1: 1st Bradley Caine (9) 46 pts; 2nd Kenneth Christie (7) 45 pts; 3rd Gareth Davies (9) 42 pts. Div 2: 1st Robert Hamilton (14) 43 pts; 2nd Robert Stewart (13) 38 pts; 3rd Stephen Leitch (13) 38 pts.

DARTS McCLAY CUP 2012 - SPONSORED BY PEPPES

The Oakwood Lounge team added yet another cup to their growing list beating Oakwood A 7-4 in the Final. Thanks were passed onto Peppes in Alloa for Sponsoring the Cup.

J A CUP - SPONSORED BY RED LION

The Star B team took the Cup with a fantastic win in the Final 3-1 over the Johnstone Arms. Thanks are passed onto The Red Lion for Sponsoring the cup.

CAPTAINS MEETING

The next captains meeting will be held in the Oakwood on Tuesday March 6th with a 730pm start. Fees for the County Fours will be taken £12 per Four plus £4 league fees due. Tenders for County Fours 7 boards needed and Bulls Eye sheild & Skol Cup.

COUNTY SINGLES PRELIMS

The Gents County Singles prelims will be held this Friday March 2nd in the Johnstone & Abercromby. All players please be in venues for 715pm. The Following players are in the Johnstone - J Docherty, C Mcpherson, I Quinn, J Mccaig, S Calder, M Ritchie, K Hunter, C Hunter, A Flanagan D Robretson, B Keenan, K Glass, C Mclaren, J Flanagan, D O Rouke, B Dennis, G Burns, S Gavin, R Japp, D Henderson, D Hulston, B Stewart W Cadger, A Mclean, D Wilkinson, F Tully, L Richrdson, I Syme, D Keenan, S Mcalister, B Mclean, M Preston, P Neil, J Hannigan, M Civelek, J Mack, D Hooper,

FANS ZONE

E Hughes, A Johnstone, A Scobbie, A Primrose, J Mackulwicz, J Young, G Crawford, S Todd, D Jennings, S Muir, S King, C Dove, S Uttley, W Foxton, D Carberry, A Haggerty, G Mckinsley, D Hastings, N Wainright,D McNicol, M Mcara, S Philliben, R Somerville Jnr, R Somerville Snr, J Mcauley. All the rest are at the Abercromby.

INTER COUNTY AWAY TO FIFE

The County Squad are away to Fife this Saturday March 3rd. Mini Bus Times - Alloa Town Hall 8am, Tullibody Cross 810am, Oakwood 820am, Tilly Bus Stance 830am.

ALLOA MASTERS 2012

The Alloa Masters will be held on Friday August 17th with Top players Gary Anderson Ted Hankey Paul Nicolson & Darryl Fitton taking on 4 qualifiers for The Title. All Vip Tickets have now sold out. Limited Standard Tables & Tickets plus some balcony tickets remain please tel 07872078715 asap to book. Deposits must be paid for Vip Tables this month or they will be re sold !

weecounty sport

Tuesday 28.2.12

SQUASH

High quality squash at Bridge of Allan T

qualifies for the 45’s, and his movement, speed and racquet skills were enthralling the spectators especially in a hard fought final with Peter Buchan from Stonehaven. In spite of the hard matches Frank never lost a set. There was also another ex Bridge of Allan player – Peter O’Hara, now at Newlands – successfully defending his over 35 title and also doing so without dropping a set. Peter is maintaining his international form and playing at the top level. Runner-up was Owen Hadden from Giffnock. The over 45 final was an all Dumfries affair with Jimmy Wells overcoming his clubmate Ronnie Carter in a fairly tense final and this after he had won a very close Semi-final which went the full five sets only two hours earlier. Jimmy is a delight to watch with elegant movement and superb racquet skill and his club – Dumfries - produced more winners than any other club. There was another wonderful player making a surprise appearance at this Tournament. He was a British number one just before Peter Nicol went to the top of the World rankings. His name is Brian Beeson from Tyneside. Brian was a loyal supporter of the Open Bridge of Allan tournament of about 25 years ago which was organised by Peter Fairlie and brought most of the World’s top ten players to Bridge of Allan, Brian actually won that tournament beating Chris Robertson the

he annual Open Squash tournament staged at the Bridge of Allan Sports Club at the week-end produced some of the most outstanding matches ever seen at a Masters Squash event and thrilled a capacity audience in what proved to be a superbly organised Tournament. Taking the Ladies first there was a disappointing entry for the two Age Groups – over 35 and over 50 - but they more than made up for that with the quality of the Squash. Sue Strachan from Dumfries just finishing ahead of Hayley Cooper of Dalgety Bay to win the 35’s title. In the over 50’s there was some exceptional matches forcing Pauline Douglas , the Scottish international and a world title winner at this level from Johannesburg, to play at her very best to hold on to her Bridge of Allan title for the fourth year running. It is clear that as most of the Scottish team were here they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Home internationals in May. Pauline paid a large compliment to the Club and the organisers by saying this is one Tournament she loved coming to as there was always a brilliant friendly atmosphere during the event. A close runner-up was Faith Sinclair from Dumfries. There were a number of outstanding matches in the Mens Groups, two of them involving a former Bridge of Allan Junior who now lives and plays in Bristol. Frank Ellis played in the over 40’s although he

then World no. 3 in the final. He is now Coach at Newcastle University and showed he had retained his skills and his tactical genius for the game winning the over 50 event fairly comfortably in what was one of the largest entries. He beat Robin Ridley of Dumfries 3-0 in the final. In the over 55’s , which also had a large entry, Martin Sullivan of SSRC beat Ernie Cowell of the Aberdeen Club 3-2 in a tight match. There was another hard match in the over 60’s where John Rae who seems to keep improving with age showed great speed and athleticism around the court. The over 65 event was won by Mike Gibson from the Waverley club getting the better of Dave Brown 3-0 in the final. There were two terrific matches in the over 70’s – both involving Andrew Rugg Gunn, a Scot living in Sidmouth who is making a come- back after having both hips replaced, was losing in his first game 8-2 against Myron Evans from Northern Ireland in what was a great display of skill and speed for this age group before coming back to not only win that game but to take the next two and proceed to the final where he had an even harder match with Dumfries player Abbie Robertson. Andrew however has always been a player of great grit and determination and he needed all those qualities to edge out Abbie 3-2. Yet another Dumfries player took the over 75’s title. David Rogan who has also been a great supporter of this

RUGBY

tournament showed what a good tactician he is on the squash court , allied to a very delicate touch, in getting the better of Alex Hamilton of Bridge of Allan. There was a bit of History made at the week-end as the Club held what we think is the first over 80 event in Gt Britain although we know there is at least two more planned for this year in London (GB vets) and in July the World Championships are coming to Birmingham with their first over 80 event. To mark the occasion the President of Scottish Squash and John Dunlop came to record the match and made a special presentation to the two finalists – Andy Jack from Bishopton and Alex Hamilton, Bridge of Allan. These two adversaries have fought many battles in the past and have been responsible for pressuring the authorities to commence all the age groups from 65 upwards and watched how they grew and flourished afterwards. On this occasion Alex managed to win after holding off a determined fight back by Andy. He therefore became Bridge of Allan’s only winner. In his closing speech the Tournament Director Walter McAllister thanked all the competitors for the good spirit the games were played in and also pointed out the tremendous support we continued to receive from the eight Sponsors and especially the main Sponsor SKN Electrical.

‘Foots win last away match of the season

Alloa unlucky not to win tough away encounter

Aberdeen Uni 9 Hillfoots RFC 19

Carnoustie RFC 9 Alloa RFC 3

‘

closer to the line. A few pick and go’s, orchestrated by Nicolson at scrum-half, got Hillfoots within scoring distance and a final drive by the forwards saw captain, Gavin Spowage, crash over for the 3rd try of the game. Unfortunately Hamilton missed the kick from out wide but the try gave ‘Foots to see out the game comfortably. This was a game of outstanding defence, most notably in the centre partnership of Hogg and McGee, which ultimately resulted in a well earned man of the match for Hogg. There was another credible mention for the game, as second row stalwart, the engine house of Hillfoots and the man of many words, David ‘Davie’ Cree played his 100th 1st XV game for Hillfoots and plans on 100 more. Congratulations DIV 2 - FIXTURES Davie! DIV 1 - FIXTURES DIV 2 - RESULTS Saturday, 03 March 2012 Hillfoots host Aberdeen side, Saturday, 03 March 2012 Sat 25th February 2012 Gordonians at Tillicoultry this Blairgowrie RFC 44 : 16 Kinross Kinross : Carnoustie HSFP Orkney : Highland Saturday. Kick-off will be 3pm and we Carnoustie HSFP 9 : 3 Alloa Blairgowrie RFC : Harris Acad FP Aberdeen Uni : Glenrothes welcome as much support as possible Harris Acad FP 45 : 7 FifeSouth Alloa : S t. Andrews Uni Mackie Acad FP: Caithness for this final push for the league Fife South : Stirling Uni Strathmore : Aberdeenshire St. Andrews Uni 50 : 32 Madras championship. Stirling Uni 7 : 39 Grangemouth Madras : Grangemouth Hillfoots : Gordonians

Foots travelled to Aberdeen on Saturday, to take on bottom of the league, Aberdeen Uni. This was to be Hillfoots last away trip, of a long travelling season, so ambitions to carry on the winning ways were soaring. The University side are always a young, quick, counter attacking team and are never to be underestimated. The visitors got off to a flyer! Turning the ball over after their kick-off, they passed through the backs to position themselves metres from the line and within the first minute, powerhouse prop, Sandy Penman dived over the line for the opening score. Gregor Manson added the extras to take ‘Foots 7 points clear early on. This early score seemed DIV 1 - RESULTS Sat 25th February 2012 Aberdeen Uni 9 : 19 Hillfoots Gordonians 14 : 16 Strathmore

to awaken the Uni side and they began a good attack of their own. The Hillfoots defence held strong and allowed nothing through, until an infringement at a ruck gave Aberdeen a chance for 3 points with a penalty. After another few plays stalled in the centre of the park Aberdeen slotted another penalty and brought the game to within a point. ‘Foots rallied together and began driving towards the goal line. Play flowed well and the backs were moving as a unit down the park. Hillfoots were awarded a penalty just over the half-way mark and a quick thinking tap from full-back, Andrew Hamilton saw a 10 metre dash popped off to a hurtling Robbie Hogg, who stepped and palmed-off his way under

the post for a 40 metre try of a individual brilliance. Manson kicked the conversion and the game was in the visitor’s hands as the half-time whistle blew. Hillfoots rang the changes at half-time which saw Iain Nicolson, Keith Slade and Jason Morgan all come off the bench. The game had slowed in the second half and with numerous errors from the ref, for both sides, the frustration started to show. The game broke down and play was erratic. The Uni side got another penalty for a ruck infringement and their centre happily slotted for 3 more points. ‘Foots tried to calm their play and soon got back into the flow of it. The visitor’s scrums were starting to dominate and they were soon driving themselves

his was not a match for the purists as both sides slugged it out up front and failed to capitalise on the few chances that came their way. The first half saw Carnoustie edge territory and possession, as would have been expected with the strong wind at their backs, but were limited to 2 penalties. In reply, an Alan Keir penalty ensured that Alloa were only 3 points behind at the break. The visitors could have been forgiven for feeling confident at being able to turn around the scoreline in their favour. However, Carnoustie are involved in a fight to keep their Midlands Div 2 status and had other ideas as they pulled out all the stops to thwart any Alloa attacks and indeed managed to double their lead when they were awarded an early penalty. The games major talking point came with 10 minutes to go when Brian Ireland slipped a pass to Gregor Sneddon and the big Prop charged over much to the delight of the Alloa players. However, the referee decided that he saw a forward pass somewhere in the move much to the astonishment of both teams. This decision seemed to deflate the visitors and Carnoustie managed to hold on for a very important 4 points. This result highlights the fact that there are no easy games in this league and Alloa now have to pick themselves up for a home game V second placed side, St Andrews University. 3pm KO.

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

P 15 15 14 16 15 15 14 15 14 15

W D L

13 11 8 8 9 7 5 3 3 2

0 1 0 0 0 2 3 2 1 1

2 3 6 8 6 6 6 10 10 12

F:A 387:161 328:208 308:312 323:356 281:252 259:243 201:222 218:377 271:344 284:385

Diff.

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS P

226 10 62 120 6 52 -4 7 39 -33 7 39 29 5 37 16 3 31 -21 3 29 -159 6 22 -73 8 18 -101 7 12

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

P 14 14 16 15 16 15 14 15 16 15

W D L

14 13 12 10 7 5 4 3 3 3

0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 1 4 4 9 9 10 12 13 12

F:A 508:66 512:170 419:298 322:291 320:358 189:205 172:290 178:445 122:362 165:422

Diff.

442 9 65 342 11 63 121 9 53 31 7 49 -38 7 35 -16 4 26 -118 3 19 -267 5 17 -240 3 15 -257 3 15

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Tuesday 28.2.12

weecounty

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Great home win puts Sauchie top! Sauchie Juniors 2 Tayport Juniors 1

By Mark Wallace

fter the dismal performance last week against Newburgh, the Sauchie team responded with a determined and positive display against three time Scottish Cup winners, Tayport Juniors. Although relegated last season from the Super League, Tayport are one of the favourites for promotion this season. This was evident in the several changes in personnel from the team that Sauchie beat last season in the East of Scotland Cup. After an early morning pitch inspection, the game went ahead at Beechwood Park. Much credit must be given to the Sauchie ground staff, who had the pitch looking better than it has in previous weeks. Sauchie made several changes from the team that lost last week with the return of Bryn Halliwell, Jon Tully, Alan Comrie, Chris Purdie and from suspension, Graeme King, in place of Darren Dolan, Steven Dolan, Daniel Ashe, Steven Rennie and Steven Hutchison. The game started with the early exchanges very much shared, although Tayport had the best chance when their number seven, Simon Murray beat two Sauchie defenders and whipped the ball across the goal line, with the advancing Tosh failing to make contact. Darren Cummings responded with a twenty five yard

shot which went over the bar. This was to be Cummings last involvement as he was replaced by Burns, after failing to recover from an early collision with the Tayport goalkeeper. On the twentieth minute, Halliwell produced a fantastic goal line save from Kevin Milne who met a cross, placing his header goal bound. After this moment, the Sauchie team, with Comrie and Purdie in the central midfield starting to put their stamp on the match, spreading the ball wide to runners, Morgan and Bonnar. Sauchie opened the scoring on the twenty fourth minute. A Sauchie corner was cleared as far as Gary Carroll, who from outside the box hit his shot into the goalkeeper’s right corner, leaving Scottish Junior International, Iain Ross with no chance. At the other end, Jon Tully was forced into heading the ball off his own line, again from another header from Kevin Milne. On the forty minute mark, Sauchie increased their lead, again with another cracking shot, this time from Alan Comrie. Jon Tully pushed the ball forward, which Ally Burns trapped and went on a run holding off three Tayport players before placing the ball into Comrie’s path, where he hit the ball sweetly and again leaving Ross with no chance. Sauchie saw out the rest of

the half, being able to go into the changing rooms two nil up over their close rivals. The second half saw, Tayport take the game to Sauchie as they tried to claw themselves back into the match. The Sauchie defence of Feaks, King and Tully were able to deal with most of Tayport’s attacks. Tayport were at every opportunity trying to get the ball to winger, Simon Murray, who appeared a quick and tricky player. It appeared that King took responsibility for marking the fast winger. The Sauchie spirits was evident when King threw himself at a shot to block it. Roberto Morris saw his shot just go over the bar ten minutes in and then Halliwell was forced into action when he tipped a Robert

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404006

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Smith shot over the bar. On the sixty fifth minute, Tayport made the break through from their pressure, when ex Hibs player, Paul Tosh met a thrown in and headed the ball over Halliwell in the Sauchie goals. This left a nervy last twenty five minutes for the Sauchie support as Tayport continued to enjoy their procession. However, Sauchie continued to attack when they had the opportunity and Bonnar and Burns both had chances at the Tayport end. As the minutes ticked away, Tayport became more physical in their approach, with Morris booked for persistent fouling. Murray managed to get a shot in from three yards, which Halliwell managed to block. On the eighty third minute, the experienced, Morris ran twenty five yards to argue with the linesman and the referee over a decision that went against his team. His rants ended with him receiving his second yellow card and leaving Tayport with ten men. Burns appeared to be elbowed in the face two minutes late, with Ross in the Tayport goal rushing out of his area and then grabbed Burn’s shirt, trying to lift him. At this point no one knew the extent of Burn’s injury and it was a poor judgment from Ross, who

could have made matters worse. Lucky for him, referee, J Burns who had a very good match, did not see the incident. With an extra five minutes injury time, the game fizzed out with Tayport unable to break down the stubborn Sauchie defence. At the final whistle there was much relief from the Sauchie players and management, who acknowledged that they had won a difficult match against a very good team. It was a hard but testing match for the Sauchie team, who scored two cracking goals and were able to soak up the Tayport’s possession, which at this level will happen. Obviously the Sauchie players have taken on board the advice and instructions at training this week from their managers Duncan and Beatson. For the first time this season Sauchie now find themselves at the top of the league with two games in hand over second place, Glenrothes. This Saturday Sauchie travel to Volunteer park, where they will meet for the fourth time this season, Armdale juniors in the East of Scotland Cup, with kick off 2.30pm. These matches always tend to be close affairs and Sauchie can expect the same again this week end.

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Tuesday 28.2.12 29

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Managers Comments

irstly I would like to say a big thank you to the work that has been carried out on our pitch this week by several members and other parties. What a difference it made, it really improved the surface and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut up as badly as it had in previous weeks. It was a huge game for the team and club as a whole against Tayport Juniors this week, a real table-top battle. We managed to pull off a great result winning 2-1. Going into Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game was very important for us after a very poor result last week. The players were keen to get this game played and get it out their systems and what better game to do that than against one of the favourites to win the league. We had a very hard week in training and the players all worked very well and although the team is still carrying several injuries we managed to clear up suspensions and get re-grouped. We started the game brightly and looked the more offensive team with Tayport appearing to only have one forward which suited us and we played some good football, still on a difficult surface but much better. A great strike from Gary Carroll who has been really benefiting from doing the things we have been telling him to do in games and he is looking like a real danger in games with his composure and good football ability. Gary struck one into the top corner on a half volley from outside the box clipping the post on the way in and sent us on our way leaving Tayport stunned. Some very good forward play also from Darren Cummings and Stevie Bell was causing problems and creating good openings for the team. Unfortunately Darren picked up an injury after a clash with the goalkeeper and later had to come off, Ally Burns took his place up front and settled in to the game very quickly and his strength and direct style of play would be a real test for the back four of Tayport. After some good chances for both sides it was Bryn Halliwell and Jon Tully both had goal line clearances, Bryn with an outstanding point blank save and Jon with a superb brave goal line header to keep the score down and after these two chances we showed great composure with our four midfielders working hard as usual Chris Purdie and Alan Comrie in the centre and Brian Morgan and Adam Bonar in the wide areas and worked very hard to compete and try to get pushed forward. The players then broke away after a Tayport chance and played some good football and the ball was played into Ally Burns who held off the opposing centre half

and created a chance for Alan Comrie who struck the ball again from outside the box and it nestled in the bottom corner on the stroke of half time, which is a great time to score in any game. At half time we rallied the lads as the second half we knew Tayport would throw everything at us which they did but with some very good defending from Greame King, Kenny Feaks and Jon Tully we stopped any real chances at our goal, until Tayport managed to pull one back. With the score line sitting at 2-1 we knew it would be a real test to hold out in the last 15 mins as Tayport were now getting their spell in the game. After some nervy moments and some good battling and play from our team we held on and what a result on our home patch to beat a side who are a well respected team and difficult to beat in any circumstances. You wont hear this often but credit does go to the referee on Saturday who I felt controlled the game and done well. Overall, a superb victory and now with results elsewhere going our way we now find ourselves for the first time this season at the top of the East Premier League, which is a great achievement for our young squad especially after only being promoted this season so well done to the players and long way to go with a massive amount of hard work to be done but we are on the right track. Special thanks goes to Rab Mcadam who has been involved with the club for many years and has put in a huge amount of work and support for the club over the years, who has decided due to health reason that he needs to cut back on the extra work involved at the club on the back burner. Thanks very much Rab and great to see you at games. From myself and all the players at the club thank you and we will be trying our best to win this league and your praise for the team Rab will only spur the boys on to hopefully another outstanding season. Thank you. Next Saturday, we are away to Armadale Thistle in the East of Scotland Cup. Please come along and support the team. Fraser Duncan

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

P W D L F A 10 5 0 0 11 4 11 3 2 1 17 9 13 3 3 0 14 10 12 4 0 2 15 8 13 1 3 2 4 5 14 3 2 2 15 9 1 4 2 2 3 10 8 13 3 2 2 16 13 14 0 3 4 7 17 14 2 4 2 11 9 14 2 1 4 11 20 12 1 1 3 4 11

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

GD Pts 10 23 15 22 2 22 8 20 5 20 1 19 8 17 -5 16 -12 16 -4 12 -12 12 -16 9

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Tuesday 28.2.12

FOOTBALL continued from page 32 to beat he literally miskicked in front of goal and his effort sailed wide. A minute later Clyde had a great chance to take the lead when John Neil raced clear at the other end, but the big Alloa keeper saved well to keep the score blank. Cawley and May were running at the Clyde backline trying desperately to create chances but again, the final ball was letting the Wasps down, and when the delivery was finally good, no-one was able to take advantage of the chances. Both sides could sense that a goal was there for the taking and when the game headed into the last quarter, it was Alloa who took the lead. Good work form McKinnon on the left and his low cross found Alloa skipper Young at the back post, and from 12 yards out his shot flew past the stranded Feeley. It was the skipper’s first goal for the Wasps and could be a very important goal the title race. Five minutes later Steve May was in on goal with only Feeley to beat but the keeper saved well to deny the on loan striker. Right on the final whistle, a strange decision by the stand side linesman rulled Cawley was offside, despite the striker running back to his half as Ryan McCord was running through on goal from the halfway line. The Alloa striker clearly wasn’t involved in the play and to the amazement of the Alloa beach the ref blew for offside. Clyde did have one last go at the league leaders in the 90th minute when Ben Gordon pulled down McQueen on the edge of the box. Hays free kick was deflected for a corner and Bain held well from the inswinging kick. FT Alloa 1 Clyde 0 ATT 719

Managers Comments ... Clyde Manger Jim Duffy; “Every mistake we made today we got punished for. There no way we deserved to get beat today as we played well enough to win.”

Alloa Manager: Paul Hartley “I think it was just about winning today and getting the three points, it was a little nervy in the first half but we came out in the second half and played a lot better. “We are a better team than we showed in the first half but credit to Clyde they came here and played well, they had a good game plan, we got frustrated at times and couldn’t get our passing game going. “I tried to tell the players at half time to relax and go and play the football we know they can play. “Although we are now eight points clear no one will be getting carried away, we will keep our feet on the ground - and will keep taking a game at a time – we are in a nice position, it’s where we want to be but we have got to try and stay there.” “Every game is difficult, there is no easy games that is for sure but I think three points was the key thing for us today.”

MANAGERS EMOTIONS

weecounty

weecounty sport

Tuesday 28.2.12

FOOTBALL

IRN BRU DIV 3 - RESULTS SATURDAY 25th FEBRUARY Alloa Athletic 1 Clyde 0 D Young (76) Berwick Rangers 0 East Stirlingshire 2 J Dingwall (40) K Turner (84) Montrose 2 Elgin City 3 T Masson (29) M Boyle (51) C Gunn (6, 42, 70) Peterhead 3 Annan Athletic 2 C Tully (55) A Muirhead M Bavidge (60, 79) (pen 15, 45) Queen’s Park 3 Stranraer 2 D Murray (33, 62) C Malcolm (24) O Ronald (81) C Aitken (42)

IRN BRU DIV 3 - Fixtures: TUESDAY 28TH FEB 2012 Berwick v Peterhead Elgin v Clyde Montrose v Queens Park SATURDAY 3RD MAR 2012 Annan Athletic v Alloa Clyde v Montrose East Stirling v Peterhead Elgin v Queens Park Stranraer v Berwick

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 D L W D L GD Pts 26 9 3 1 7 3 3 15 54 26 8 2 3 5 5 3 22 46 25 7 4 2 6 1 5 17 44 25 7 4 2 4 3 5 7 40 24 9 1 1 3 4 6 10 41 25 3 4 5 4 5 4 -4 30 25 5 4 4 3 1 8 -9 29 25 4 3 6 2 4 6 -3 25 25 4 2 6 2 2 9 -21 22 26 3 3 7 1 2 10 -34 17

weecounty sport Sauchie Juniors go top of their league

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What a time to score your first goal! Skipper Young grabs the winner to keep the Wasps title challenge on track By Sports Reporter

lloa welcomed Clyde to Recreation Park at the weekend hoping to get back to winning ways after two defeats back to back against Berwick Rangers and Elgin City. For the arrival of Clyde, Wasps boss Paul Hartley made two changes to his starting line up, bringing in experience in the shape of Winters and Masterson with Holmes and Docherty dropping to the bench. Clyde had signed on loan keeper Neil Feeley from Celtic overnight and he started in goal for the bully-wee to ease their goalkeeping crisis. Alloa started the game at a fast pace and it was Steve May who came close from 20 yards. Good play from Masterton and Cawley set the on loan striker up but his shot was well saved by Feeley. A stubborn Clyde team matched Alloa all over the park, inspired by captain Paul Hay trying to get his young side going. Pollock’s direct running at the Alloa defence near paid off, as he slipped past two defenders, his weak shot went wide off Scott Bain

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Alloa 1 Clyde 0 in the Alloa goal – much to the relief of the home crowd. With McCord, Cawley and Young now getting to grips in the middle of the park, it was Cawley who was very unlucky not to put the Wasps in front as Feeley saved well from his powerful shot. Winters then had a go from the edge of the box but seen his shot dip agonisingly closed just over the bar. Alloa had some very good possession but never really had the chance to fully test the on-loan

Celtic goalkeeper in the Clyde goal, who at times did look somewhat nervous. Feeley nearly dropped a cross from the left hand side but managed to grasp at the second attempt, then felt the wrath of manager Jim Duffy for throwing the ball out to an unaware defender – nearly gifting Alloa an gilt edged opportunity. Duffy blasted out; “He has got to want the ball – don’t just give it to him!” The visitors had some good play but on reflection, the first half

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belonged to Alloa, who managed to put together some good, fast flowing football, which at times was highly entertaining but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. As the half time whistle sounded it was the away side who could have taken the lead, Hays free kick from 30 yards flashed pass with Bain stranded. HT 0-0 Into the second half and both sides decided to lift their game.

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Young and Masterton came close for the home side early on. A tactical change by Hartley on the 56th minute saw Graeme Holmes take to the pitch on for Winters and the sub should have put is side in front. His one-two with Cawley took him beyond the Clyde back line but with just the keeper

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