WIN A MEAL FOR TWO SEE PAGE 18 • FIND US ON FACEBOOK
weecounty Alloa & Hillfoots
news
Friday 16.12.11 Issue 854
In this issue...
weecounty Design & Print
Now
e Open in th
weecounenwts y rose office, Prim p in Street - po llo! and say he
See our specials offers on page 6
Business Cards Business Starter Packs Promotional Goods Design Corporate Branding Flyers Brochures Newsletters
Mountain rescue team to receive bigger budget
Rockathon hits Alloa this Sunday
Page 5
Page 7
Social work services slammed over ‘self-serving dishonesty’ Councillors fury over lack of transparency By Alison Mann
at Gary Moff Services Contract
er l Manag 246200 Genera (0) 7850 433 434 Mob: +44 +44 (0) 1236 09 • Fax: retronix.com Ext: 209/3 Web: www. 433 345 4EF ix.com • (0) 1236 nd ML5 Tel: +44 offat@retron ridge, Scotla Email: gary.m Road, Coatb Caldeen Ltd, North Retronix
JM JOINERY
& Building Maintenance Limited 41 Vale of Bonnyview Bonnybridge Falkirk FK4 1BN t: 01324 810069 m: 07856 001961 e: johnmcnab@sky.com w: www.jmjoineryandbuilding.vpweb.co.uk
38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG
Tel: 01259 404 006 Email: weecounty@athenaprint.com
JIM’S TAXIS MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 4 & 6 seaters available
Tel: 01259 217272 Tel: 01259 218080 ALL TYPES OF WORK UNDERTAKEN: COURIERS, AIRPORT, PRIVATE HIRE
Price 45p
C
lackmannanshire councillors have demanded more transparency after being kept in the dark for months about damaging concerns about social work services by a Sheriff. Social work officials had been made aware that a local Sheriff had written a note containing concerns that the service was not up to scratch in June. However, it was not until Councillor Mark English and Gary Womersley brought the note to the attention of new Chief Executive Elaine McPherson in November that the general body of elected members were told of the note. During a special meeting of the council held on Wednesday, December 14 councillors noted a report which advised councillors of issues of procedure and practice relating to accommodated children and what action management would be taking to remedy this. Councillors were also told there would be an independent review ordered by the Chief Executive. During the meeting councillors had the opportunity to question Deirdrie Cilliers, Chief Social Work officer about a Sheriff’s note which branded the service as “self-serving and dishonest” amongst other serious concerns which sparked the production of the report and action plan. Councillor Craig Holden asked Ms Cilliers what she believed was meant by “self-serving dishonesty” to which she replied it was
DONNY’S
CARPETS
BEST QUALITY - BEST SERVICE
“indicating case reporting” and elaborated some social workers had been stating reports had been written straight after an interview when it had in fact been written before the court date it was needed for. In the report presented on Wednesday one of the points on the action plan state that some social workers will be given more training on report writing to ensure it is done correctly in future. Councillors were also angry they had been kept in the dark regarding the existence of the Sheriff’s note until it was brought to the attention of the new Chief Executive. Council leader Rev. Sam Ovens expressed his disappointment that councillors had not been made aware of the note earlier and promised there would be more scrutiny in the future. Councillor Donald Balsillie thanked Cllrs English and Womersley for highlighting the Sheriff’s concerns as he believed “without this we would not be discussing this today.” Other councillors at the meeting echoed this sentiment. Councillor George Matchett spoke of secrecy within the council which prevented elected members from finding out about potentially damaging information such as this. He, alongside other councillors, welcomed the paper which should help ensure the most vulnerable people in society are cared for effectively. Councillor Womersley ended the meeting by stating the welfare of children was always his first priority in bringing the issue to the public domain.
Alloa & District Round Table organised a Christmas Party extravaganza for Clackmannanshire pensioners at Alloa town hall - picture special see pages 16 & 17
ALL STOCK FITTED BEFORE CHRISTMAS New bed department - Beds from £79 Karandeen from £9.99m2 limited stock Main Street, Tillicoultry • 01259 752 999 • www.donnyscarpets.co.uk also in Camelon and Bathgate
weecounty We can send your weecounty LETTERS In your feelings when it weecounty www.flowersbyarrangement.net arrangement matters most. this week We can send your Give someone
2
Friday 16.12.11
Dear weecounty,
Family Announcements District News
P2
P14
What’s on in your Wee County
Entertainment
P18
Puzzles with crossword compeition, pet of the fortnight and those dodgy parking pics!
Lifestyle P19 Lip Gloss
Recruitment P20-21 Christmas Lifestyle
P22
The Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas
Services P23 Looking for a plumber, builder, roofer in your area, check out what the weecounty services has to offer
Motoring
P24 - 25
Fixing your beloved car, or flogging your old run around, have a read at the weecounty motoring for some tips and hints
weecounty Sport
P27 - 32
What is happening with the weather? Just when we thought we had passed the snow successfully we were hit with gale force winds! What terrible winter weather, I can’t wait Arrangements Quality Handmade until it stops and Spring returns. I’m glad Order before 2pm everyone stayed safe last week though and for Same Day Service I hope this continues if it happens again. he weecounty news has teamed up Marjorie HayesLocal Reliable Company with Flowers by Arrangement to
the giftwhen of it feelings Flowers matters most. TQuality Handmade Arrangements
Dear weecounty,
Editorial & Production 01259 404006
weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk
Whatever the reason, let us know and we’ll pick one winner who will receive some flowers. Send your nominations, plus your name, address and telephone number to: weecounty Flower Competition, The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG. 13,weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk Mill Street, Alloa, 87-89, Stirling Street, Alva, Email: Facebook: Clacks, FK10 1DT Clacks, FK12 5ED post your nominations on the Wee County News facebook page.
I have to say I really enjoyed your picture spread on the Continental Market. I very much enjoyed visiting it and loved to look at the pictures. I think it’s such a positive event to bring to the local area and I really hope it continues. I hope next year more and more vendors decide to sell their foods at the market and it gets bigger and bigger. Anna Jack, Alloa BIRTHDAYS
Happy Birthday
Q!
From all at the weecounty and the HUB Publisging Group, for all your dedication and hard work in keeping our readers amused.
Pop in and see us at our new office!
01259 404006 sales@hubpublishing.co.uk
We are excepting nominations from readers who think someone deserves a little treat. It could be that they’ve overcome illness, are having a special birthday or are just a special person that deserves some recognition.
01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037 13, Mill Street, Tel: Alloa, 87-89, Stirling Street, Alva, Nominations for this month will close on December 23rd and a winner will be announced on December 30th. The editors decision is final. Clacks, FK10 1DT Clacks, FK12 5ED Tel: 01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037 Family Announcements Dear weecounty,
Contacts
Advertising & Bookings
bring you a competition to give someone Orderabefore forofSame special beautiful2pm bunch flowersDay everyService month.
Flowers around Local Reliable Company the corner or Flowers around corner or around the world, the around the world, from a single rose from a single rose a magnificent to a magnificent tobouquet. bouquet.
I have become so disillusioned with Christmas this year. Everyone is rushing out and buying such expensive gifts when we should all be saving. For this reason I am cutting down this year, opting to make gifts rather than spend myself into debt trying to buy expensive gifts. I have made a lovely chutney which I have decorated with brown paper and I plan to give it to all of my friends alongside some other homemade delicacies. I hope people like them and it maybe makes them think about how much money they are spending, when really it is the thought that counts. Mavis McGregor, Alva
weecounty NEW ADDRESS: 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG
arrangement
FUNERAL SERVICES
Funeral Orders of Service
Personalised funeral orders of service, designed to suit your needs.
Call Athena Design
01698 803 909
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RAMSAY Sadie and family would like to express their sincere thanks to all relatives and friends for their support and kindness during their recent bereavement. Special thanks to the staff at Forth Valley Hospital, to Rev Donnie Thomson for this lovely service and also to all the staff at Hillview Funeral Service for their care and compassion. £300 was raised for Strathcarron Hospice.
TAYLOR
Suddenly but peacefully at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on Wednesday 14th December 2011 Danny aged 75 years beloved husband of Betty, dearly loved dad and papa to all his family. Funeral will take place at Dunmar House Hotel Alloa on Wednesday 21st December at 11am thereafter to Sunnyside Cemetery to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Family flowers only please. Hillview Funeralcare on 01259 725999
Do you have a complaint against this newspaper? If you have a complaint about any item in this newspaper which concerns inaccuracy, harassment, intrusion or discrimination, write to our editor about it. If you remain dissatisfied please contact the Press Complaints Commission - an independent organisation established to uphold an editorial Code of Practise for the Press. This nespaper will abide by their decision. Press Complaints Commission 1 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8AE
Tel: 0171 353 1248 Fax: 0171 353 8355
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Councillor leaves labour party after being rejected to stand By Alison Mann
A
Labour councillor who has been a member of the party for over 30 years will now serve independently after being rejected as a candidate for the forthcoming election. Eddie Carrick resigned from the Labour party on Monday, meaning he will now serve his Clackmannanshire West ward as an independent councillor. Mr Carrick has served as a councillor in the area for ten years, alongside George Matchett, and put himself forward to be re-elected to stand in the May 2012 elections. However, the councillor was shocked to find his seat was being contested 24 hours before a vote at the local branch to decide who would stand for election. He and Mr Matchett put themselves forward and Jim Stalker also showed interest in acting as councillor for the ward. After the vote, it is understood Mr Carrick lost
out to Mr Matchett by one vote after receiving one vote, while Mr Stalker received four votes. Mr Carrick is now contemplating whether to stand as an independent councillor to allow local people to decide who should represent them. He said: “George Matchett and I put ourselves forward for the next election and thought we were doing a good job. “We weren’t expecting to be challenged. Why challenge us when we are doing a good job? “I was disappointed Jim Stalker was standing in an area where he knew there were two sitting councillors. “I’m disappointed in Jim and the party for allowing this to happen. If the people of my constituency put me out then that’s fine. “For these reasons I have resigned from the Labour Party and the Labour group.” Mr Carrick is currently the sustainability portfolio holder and has been asked by the Labour party to continue
working in this role. He added: “My portfolio is huge, it’s a lot of work and I must be doing a good job if Labour want me to continue holding the post.” Jim Stalker has paid tribute to Mr Carrick and said: “It is correct that I have been selected as one of the Labour Party candidates to contest the Tullibody and Menstrie Ward in the Local Government Elections in May 2012. The selection of candidates was a democratic process organised according to Labour Party rules and I am delighted that I have been chosen to go forward with the trust and support of party members. “No individual has the right to participate in the selection process without challenge, and the Labour Party in Scotland is keen to attract new candidates with new ideas. “I was born and brought up in Clackmannanshire and continue to be involved with many local groups and community projects. It would be a great honour
Help find Alvin... A
n Alloa family are asking local people to help get their kitten Alvin home for Christmas. Little Alvin, just six months old, managed to sneak out of the Roach family’s Earl’s Court home on Friday, December 9 around 9pm and has not found his way back. The grey and brown tabby was given as an early birthday present to two-yearold Darcy who would love him to come home. Her brother, Noah, four is also missing Alvin and would love to have him back for Christmas. Neighbours have told mum Gillian they saw little Alvin trying to get into another house and Gillian hopes if someone is looking after him they will contact her to bring him home. She has posted over 200 flyers through doors in her area, put up posters, contacted Cat’s Protection and make shops and ice cream vans aware that Alvin is missing. Because of Alvin’s age he does not wear a collar and is of a very friendly nature. Gillian hopes if someone sees him out or if someone has mistakenly taken Alvin in they will get in touch. Gillian said: “We’ve got two
other cats and they’ve never ran off, Alvin just sneaked past me out the door. “He doesn’t get out much so we’re wondering if he’s got lost or has went into someone else’s house to keep warm. “He’s very much loved, we’re all missing him and would like him back for
3
News Brief Wee County Walkers to take a well earned festive rest
to serve the people of Clackmannanshire, in particular the residents of Tullibody and Menstrie.” Mr Carrick added that his work as a councillor for the people of Tullibody and Menstrie would not change. He has been instrumental in improving Clackmannanshire for local people such as installing roundabout
art and naming the Clackmannanshire Bridge. He said: “For the people of Tullibody and Menstrie as far as I’m concerned nothing will change. I’ll still carry on representing the people to the best of my ability.”
Wee County Walkers are taking a break from their weekly treks for the festive season. The last trek will take place this weekend, Saturday 17th December and are expected to resume on or around Monday 9th January 2012. Contact Jane McArdle on 07825052677 for further information on Wee County Walkers and their treks. The group would also like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
Eagle Inn 1 1 0 H IGH ST R EET, T I LLIC OU LT RY
24th and 26th Dec STEVIE MACK - Karaoke DJ 9-late
Christmas Day. “If you see him or he’s in your house, please get in touch.”
OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 12-12 Hogmany tickets now on sale at the Eagle. Tickets cost £10 which includes a snack and drink licensed to 3am with a Hogmany Disco
If you have any information regarding Alvin please contact Gillian on 07851459171.
Mix of Traditional Pub Food and Chinese Meals available 7 Days a Week from 4-9pm. Bookings Welcome
Tel: 01259 750 423
Optical Dispensary 0845 5198 474 • WWW.ALLOASMARTSPECS.COM We supply an exciting wide range of top quality and designer frames
Complete spectacles from
£19.00
SINGLE VISION INCLUDING : ANTI REFLECTIVE OR HARD COATING All optician prescriptions accepted Prescriptions dispensed for adults of 16 years plus and who are not registered blind or partially sighted
10% OFF
WITH THIS ADVERT
Your prescription is your property so YOU decide where to buy and choose the best deal for you Save £’s compared to internet / traditional opticians - get friendly and professional advice and support All our spectacles inlcude as standard Multi Anti reflective lenses with hard / anti scratch coatings.
DESIGNER FRAMES FROM £45 Bifocal lenses supplied from £35 Varifocal from £45 NHS vouchers accepted for ages 16+ who are not registered blind or partially sighted
45 High Street, Alloa FK10 1JF
0845 5198 474
Mon - Fri 9.00 to 5.30 Sat 9.00 - 5.00
4
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Activ8 Christmas Fair S
auchie residents were treated to a bit of festive fun at the weekend as Activ8 held their annual Christmas fair. The group hold the fair every year but this year brought something extra special to Sauchie – an ice rink, where both adults and children enjoyed skating on the synthetic rink. The Christmas Fair held on
Saturday, December 10 included a bouncy castle, bucking bronco and vast array of stalls for locals to enjoy. Sandra Gruar, of Activ8 said: “It went really well, the ice rink on Friday night and the Christmas fair on Saturday. “It was just something a little different for the people of Sauchie, a lot of people turned up.”
Sandra Gruar and the Rudolph ride
Robyn Tasker getting into the Santa spirit
Tiger face - Aiden age 6
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
5
Mountain rescue team delighted at increased budget By Alison Mann
O
chils Mountain Rescue Centre welcomed the Justice Secretary to their base to celebrate an increased government budget to rescue teams. Kenny MacAskill visited the Fishcross base to announce the Scottish Government is increasing its annual grant funding to the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland (MRCofS). An extra £12,000 will be added to the existing £300,000 budget, which will be distributed to the 27 Mountain Rescue Teams, including Ochils. Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams assist the police with land-based search and rescue and its volunteers provide a vital public service to those who use Scotland’s hills and mountains, saving hundreds of lives every year. As well as making £312,000 available to help fund the work of Scottish Mountain Rescue during 2011-2012, the Scottish Government has also agreed to provide a one off grant of a further £12,000 towards communications equipment and will continue to provide £15,000 partnership funding towards a Project Manager post this year. Overall funding from the Scottish Government to the MRCofS in 2011/12
“this extra funding will allow them to continue to deliver a first-class, front-line, voluntrary service” will therefore total £339,000. Speaking during a visit to Ochils Mountain Rescue Centre, Mr MacAskill said: “Mountain Rescue Team volunteers went out over 500 times last year to seek and rescue those in need of assistance - frequently in difficult mountainous terrain, poor weather conditions and often at night. I sincerely thank everyone associated
with our Mountain Rescue Teams for providing an outstanding emergency service to the communities in our mountains, hills and rural areas. “Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams represent the best traditions of community service and this extra funding will allow them to continue to deliver a first-class, front-line, voluntary service, free at the
Beware of unlicensed taxi’s By Alison Mann
C
lackmannanshire festive party goers have been warned to ensure they do not fall victim to unlicensed taxi and private hire vehicles. The Council’s Licensing Team is raising awareness of this particular issue in order to protect the public, as well as safeguarding the interests of legitimate members of the taxi and private hire trade. All official taxis and private hire drivers are subject to thorough background checks as part of the licensing process and vehicles are tested
to ensure that they are safe and fit to transport members of the public. Councillor John Biggam, Convenor of the Council’s Regulatory Committee, said: “This is the season to be jolly, but it is also a time of year when we need to keep our wits about us. As well as reinforcing the don’t drink and drive message, we are also keen to ensure that people only use licensed taxis and private hire vehicles to get to and from festive events. “Just as you would think twice about getting into a stranger’s car, we would urge you always to book your taxi or private hire
car through a known and reputable company, rather than use an unlicensed service. Also book it in advance or keep a list of telephone numbers of reputable firms in your mobile phone.” Passengers are also reminded that over Christmas and New Year taxi fares operate at a slightly higher rate, normally between 24-27 December and from 31 December to 3 January. Customers should check the price of a journey with operators at the time of booking. The Licensing Team would like to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.
today, which together with the additional funding for communication equipment and a Project Manager post, will considerably enhance our voluntary mountain rescue service provided to those who may be in need of assistance. “Scottish Mountain Rescue are proud to provide a worldclass voluntary search and rescue service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The significant number of over 26,000 deployment hours in 2010 represents a huge commitment from our dedicated volunteers. “I am deeply grateful to all of our emergency response partners throughout Scotland and to all Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams that continue to provide a vital voluntary public service to assist the police with land-based search and rescue.” Deputy Chief Constable
point of delivery, in the face of increasing demand and often in extremely challenging conditions.” Jonathan Hart, Chair of the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland, said: “Scottish Mountain Rescue are very grateful for the Scottish Government’s continued financial support, announced
Andy Cowie of Northern Constabulary, who is ACPOS’ Mountain Rescue lead, said: “On behalf of all of the Chief Police Officers in Scotland, we are delighted at the continued funding provided by the Scottish Government, which enables Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams to provide a world class service. There is no doubt that without the bravery and commitment of these volunteers, the police in Scotland would find it very difficult, if not impossible, to fill the gap that would be created. “We enjoy a very strong working relationship with individual teams across Scotland and the MRCofS, and hope with this continued Government funding that this partnership will be as productive and rewarding for our communities, for many years to come.”
BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS
OAP DISCOUNT 10% SPECIAL OAP DAYS Tuesday and Thursday 20% 3 Medywn Place, Alloa • T: 01259 220 354
weecounty photos See a picture you like in the weecounty? Get your copy from only £5! you can order photos from: 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG or telephone: 01259
404006
or email: weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk
weecounty
Christmas Messages ... 6
Friday 16.12.11
Acting Chief Constable Derek Penman Central Scotland Police
O
ver the past year officers and staff from Central Scotland Police have worked hard in your communities to keep you safe and address your concerns. And during the festive season we will continue to work hard and help make Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling a safe place for you, your family and friends to enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Officers will be out in strength ensuring that criminals are deterred from committing any crimes and that anti-social behaviour and disorder are not given a chance to escalate. We want you to be safe and while we will do our part we also need you to do yours. Do not allow yourself to become vulnerable especially through excess alcohol – make sure you know how you are getting home, don’t try to drive after drinking alcohol and make sure that somebody knows where you are. Also, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security the morning after a night out. Don’t assume you will be safe to drive. You could be over the legal drink drive limit and be putting yourself and other road users at risk. The past 12 months have been exceptionally busy and challenging. And as we move into 2012 our focus will remain on delivering excellent local policing. Our priorities will remain as policing our communities, protecting the most vulnerable and building trust, confidence and satisfaction in Central Scotland Police and those who serve and work in it. The force was recently recognised for the outstanding work it does in the Scottish Policing Awards. These awards should give the public confidence in their officers and the confidence to come forward with information and work with us to keep the Forth Valley safe and vibrant. Excellent work is being done daily by police and staff. And that will continue as we prepare to become part of the national police force. Community policing will continue to be at the forefront and communities across the Forth Valley should enter the new year in the knowledge all our officers and staff are intent on making sure the public is safe. I would like to wish everyone a safe and peaceful festive period.
Provost Derek Stewart Clackmannanshire Council
W
ithout doubt, 2011 has been a good year for Clackmannanshire. Businesses, community groups and individual members of the community have seen some tremendous successes and achievements. We have welcomed an array of distinguished visitors, including Royalty, when HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex came to Diageo at the end of November, and we have seen the Rt Hon George Reid installed as the new Lord Lieutenant. The Council has helped and joined in with numerous celebrations, including Armed Forces Day and the Homecoming Parade for the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in June and the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit back in February. In the sporting arena, as well as individual and team success, without doubt one of the biggest headliners was Alloa’s selection to be on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route and we all look forward to what will be a historic day on 13 June next year. One event that I have particular affection for is the Citizen of the Year Award, recognising the commitment and dedication that local people and groups make to help improve the quality of life in Clackmannanshire. February saw the eighth
consecutive staging of this event. It has also been my great pleasure, along with the Deputy and Lord Lieutenant, to attend 100th birthday celebrations and a 105th birthday which coincided with the Royal Wedding on 29 April, along with 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries throughout the year, marking these tremendous personal landmarks. It goes without saying that, on behalf of Clackmannanshire Council, I wish residents, businesses, community groups and all those associated with our marvellous wee county a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Gordon Banks MP Ochil & South Perthshire
I
would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Wee County News as they issue their first Christmas edition of the paper, and wish them every success for the future. I would also like to thank them for allowing me the opportunity to send you this Christmas message. My thanks go also to the constituents of Clackmannanshire for allowing me to represent them at Westminster – which is of course, a privilege and something that I find extremely satisfying and rewarding. I really enjoy my work, but when I achieve a good result for a constituent who has been having problems with one issue or another – that is when I feel that I am doing the job I set out to do as an MP. Looking back, I remember saying that 2010 that had been a tumultuous year, but as we reach the end of 2011, if anything this year has been even more so. I wish I could say that the UK had moved on from the economic downturn, but in truth our situation is frightening and there are no signs that things are going to change anytime soon as the Eurozone crisis dominates our headlines and leaves us wondering what the effect will be on our economy. However, this discussion is best left for another time. Christmas is traditionally a time when we like to celebrate with our families, however, it can be a difficult time for others like the frail and/or elderly and those who live on their own. Please spare a little time to give them a quick phone call – just to let them know someone is thinking of them. The best present for many, I’m sure, would be a neighbour or friend popping in to say a quick hello or Merry Christmas. Also, in my thoughts and in the thoughts of many, many others, I’m sure, are those serving in the armed forces who are spending the festive season far away from their loved ones. I would like to send them and their families my very best wishes and thanks for the sacrifices they make to keep us all safe. Finally, a special mention for the emergency services and NHS staff who work even harder during this busy period to ensure that our hospitals and public services are operational and there for us when required. Remember, if there are any issues you would like to discuss my contact details are; The Constituency Office, 49-51 High Street, Alloa FK10 1JF. Tel; 01259 721536 or email gordon. banks.mp@parliament.uk Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2012.
Keith Brown MSP Clackmannanshire and Dunblane
W
ith Christmas now just around the corner, I would like to thank the Wee County News for offering me this opportunity to send my constituents across
Clackmannanshire a message. This time of year gives us the chance to reflect upon the previous twelve months, to remember the good times and the bad and to think about how we can make next year better. 2011 has brought many challenges for households throughout Clackmannashire and I hope that you get a chance to relax and celebrate over the festive period. At this time of year my thoughts are with those whose loved ones cannot be with them - in particular those who are ill or infirm. I would like to include in this, the men and women of our Armed Forces who are posted away from home. It is difficult to be away from the people you care about at this time and my best wishes are with them and their families during this holiday season. It has been a busy year in my constituency office, with a great deal of you coming in to see me with a wide variety of concerns and issues. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can be of any help. It is a privilege to serve as your MSP and I look forward to continuing my work in the New Year. Whatever you have planned for the holidays, I hope all of you enjoy spending time with family and friends and that your festive celebrations are happy and relaxing. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dr. Richard Simpson MSP Mid Scotland and Fife
I
t’s been good to see the Wee County News back in our shops in Clackmannanshire again these past months and it’s a real pleasure to be able to send this Christmas message to readers. Congratulations to staff at the paper once again and well done. The year 2011 will not go down in many of our diaries as a great year. To try and see the glass half full, the UK is not as badly off as many of our EU partners; unemployment in Ireland is over 14% and in Spain 23%. But this is little comfort to our young graduates. I just hope next year will be better for all of those affected, wherever they are. At Christmas our thoughts and thanks turn to those whose efforts sustain our communities now and throughout the year. Police, firefighters, ambulance workers, nurses and other health professionals, care workers and all in our public sector. This is a time for unity. We need a vibrant private sector but we also need a strong public sector. When I think of the cuts in benefits combined with the price that many who are not very well off are paying for the greed and incompetence of our investment bankers, I feel angry. When I see the increases that the directors of the top one hundred companies paid themselves this year, I feel even more angry. But I hope like me, you will draw some strength from recognising the largely unrewarded efforts of our unpaid carers and the many people who give their time to support those who need help. We owe them all a debt - which this year is even more than usual. As we approach Christmas, I’d like to send a message of thanks and my good wishes to service men and women who are stationed at different corners of the world and the same to their families who are separated from them. We are very thankful for the sacrifices they make for us, not only at this time but all the year round. On closing I’d like to wish the constituents of Clackmannanshire a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Music feast this Sunday in Alloa A
lloa residents will be getting their Rock and Roll Shoes on as the Rockathon hits every pub in the town. Co-owner of Loop Music Studio, Stephen Dewar, 23 has been working with members of local Rockabilly band Hot Rock ‘n’ Boogie to give Alloa’s music scene a much needed boost. The Rockathon will take place on Sunday, December 18 and will see the band play in 9 venues in one day, ending in the Old Brewery at 11pm. The Rockathon will be no mean feat for the band as they will have to run to each new venue carrying their instruments – including a double bass and PA system. The free event is the first of its kind and has been designed to inspire bands to bring live music to Alloa while giving local pubs a boost in customers. Stephen said: “Hot Rock ‘n’ Boogie have played all over the country and were a bit miffed that there’s not a great local scene. “We decided the band should play every pub in Alloa in one day. Since we began organising it three pubs and a music store have closed down so it shows how much we need live music to come to the area so people start visiting the pubs more.
“We’ve been handing out flyers to advertise the event and everyone seems to be excited about the idea. Even if they just come to one venue then hopefully that’s a pub they’ve never been to and they’ll go again. “I’ve lived in Alloa all my life and I’d never been to the pubs. I never knew Crams had a built in PA system to use and for me, as the co-owner of a music studio, not to know that is ridiculous. How many other people don’t know about these things? “Hopefully people will turn up and become interested in getting bands playing in Alloa and supporting local pubs at the same time.” Through his work at Loop Music Studios Stephen comes into contact with many bands from the area
and knows there could be a great live music scene if people knew the facilities existed. To find out more, and to view the schedule for the day visit the Facebook event page ‘Alloa Rockathon 2011’.
Menstrie clean up M
embers of Menstrie Community Council cleaned up woodlands owned by the community. The clean up was part of CSV Action Week. Les Sharp, Chair of the Community Council said: “As we were clearing away the rubbish we had collected and putting it safe for the Council to uplift I had Aiden Halley sit on the wall above the pile of rubbish for a photo, mainly for the papers to let people see what we had achieved, but also to go to CSV as part of our report.” The picture was selected as runner up in the Action week’s reports and the competition was sponsored by Devine Chocolate and the group won 25 bars of milk chocolate. Aiden decided to share his part of the prize with his classmates at Menstrie Primary as they had contributed to the clean-ups success.
Les with Aiden and pals with their chocolate bars.
CROSSWORD COMPETITION WINNER LAST WEEKS CROSSWORD ANSWERS
Congratulations to Stephanie Mapplebeck from Clackmannan who won a meal for two at the Bridge Inn in our crossword competition last week. Send in your completed crosswords alongside your name, address and telephone number to be in with a chance of winning this week’s meal for two. SEE PAGE 18
7
Drink driving clampdown F ive people have been caught drink driving in Clackmannanshire in just one week after police launched a drink drive campaign. During the first week of the annual ACPOS Festive Drink Drug Drive Campaign, police officers have detected five offenders in the area who have been driving while over the legal alcohol limit. The vehicle forfeiture scheme was also extended to coincide with the launch of this campaign and during the first week it has been requested that consideration be given to seizing offenders vehicles during this period. Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson who is the ACPOS lead on Drink Driving said: “As most of Scotland was gripped by severe weather which made driving conditions hazardous for everyone, it is astonishing that anyone would consider driving whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs. “The message needs to get out to those offenders who chose to take the risk and drink and drive, that it is illegal, dangerous and at times a fatal decision. We have extended the vehicle forfeiture scheme this year to target those who provide a high reading and as the statistics
show a considerable number of offenders will, on conviction, face the added consequence of losing their vehicle for good. “It is encouraging that with the support of the public and all law enforcement partners we have removed over a hundred drivers from our roads for the next twelve months, however we must continue to educate all drivers that it is not worth the risk and when they are faced with the decision on whether to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs, they will decide to leave the vehicle and seek other forms of transport. “I would encourage anyone who suspects that a person is driving or attempting to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs to contact the police. They can either call the police direct via their local office or by dialling 999 or through the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 where the information will be treated in confidence of anonymity.”
8
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Alison Mann My pressure test; making Christmas dinner Y
ou’ve probably noticed, but it’s almost Christmas. I love this time of year and have got my Christmas tree twinking in the corner and have presents wrapped and ready. However, by far my favourite part of Christmas has to be Christmas dinner. Seeing the family, feasting on two different kinds of soup, turkey and all the trimmings, calorie laden desserts and don’t forget the veggie option for dad and the sister.
According to britishturkey. co.uk, in Christmas of 2008 the UK ate 10 million turkeys, 25 million Christmas Puds, 250 million pints of beer and 35 million bottles of wine. That’s a big hangover and a lot of cooking. Now, normally my mum slaves over a hot stove, cooking my family a tasty dinner but this year it’s all changing. In my wise ways, I offered to take it off her hands this year, let her put her feet up and possibly contract food poisoning (here’s hoping not). I’m not so frightened of the turkey, it can just cook away in the oven. The problem is the veggies – there have been many disasters. From the pie where all the mushrooms fell to the bottom into a smooshy mess to the one that just fell over, they’ve not had a good time on Christmas day. So I’m looking for some
inspiration, a tried and tested veggie option (a proper one, no fish or wafer thin ham please) that will impress on Christmas day. I have already got my dessert sorted, a scone fruit pie and macaroons – one has to work! Might have a frozen pavlova in the freezer as back-up though as watching too much Master Chef will probably have me balancing macaroons on cling film over a jar and dotting it with some sort of cream before frosting it, which I’m sure will all end in tears. So I need the good people of Clackmannanshire to furnish me with their favourite Chrimbo recipes for me to try out and impress my family during my first ever Christmas cook off. Anything will do, but a veggie option would be most appreciated. Or let me know what you’re planning
to give me some inspiration. Alternatively, if you have any spare or surplus food that I could pass off as my own – that may also work! Send any recipes or ideas to me at alison@ hubpublishing.co.uk .
We are now in Alloa. Come and visit us at 38 Primrose Street
HAVE YOUR SAY Do you have something you want to say, or something for Alison to talk about: alison@hubpublishing.co.uk
MP visits Royal Mail office T
S
anta was able to broadcast his festive message across the whole of the Wee County and most of Central Scotland at the weekend, as Steve Courtney from Central FM popped in to have a word with him. He reminded the Wee County children that they have to be nice all year round, otherwise they may not get a visit from him.
M&Q’S
MAIN STREET, BANNOCKBURN SCOTLAND. FK7 8LX
Private Function Room Available To Book... Phone:
01786 812256 or 812056
day ed Every d hes Serv erve S u n Bar Lunc e M Evening Nights and New Saturday Friday &
Sunday All Day 12.30 Lunch MENU - 7.00
Saturday Cabaret 2011 Now Booking For Christmas Party Nights Hogmanay Dinner and Cabaret with Chris Small
January RE-TAKE THAT
he Wee County’s MP has been out visiting local posties as they sort thousands of pieces of Christmas mail. Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire paid an early morning Christmas catch-up visit to the Royal Mail’s Sorting Office in Alloa recently. Gordon is a regular visitor and is well aware of the pressures for staff at this time of year. Christmas brings many hundreds of thousands extra items of mail to be sorted and delivered through this office each year. Gordon Banks MP said: “The Christmas rush is a hectic time for staff at sorting offices and Alloa is no different. It’s good to see how they handle the onslaught of mail and parcels, and their dedication is admirable. The staff are focused on ensuring that everyone receives their mail on time. “It was interesting to hear how the profile of delivery items is changing with a growth in packets, largely driven by internet shopping
Gordon at the Alloa sorting office and this in itself poses new challenges for Royal Mail. “A year ago the Government were pushing the Postal Services Bill through Committee in the House of Commons so it was interesting to speak to staff about their concerns of a sale to the private sector and the implications that this could
have on stamp prices and the universal service obligation. And we should remember that our postmen and women deliver the mail in all weathers. Their job is particularly difficult at this time of year as the snow starts to fall - they deserve all our thanks.”
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Festive Fun in Clackmannan C
lackmannan Church was drenched in Christmas cheer at their annual Christmas festival. Local groups, businesses, charities and families put on 37 beautiful displays that managed to capture and show the wonderful magic of Christmas. The event, which is now in its sixth year, included displays from the Boy’s Brigade, the Community Council, Clackmannan Primary school and Samantha Blues Hairdressing. With fierce competition this
year, the judges finally settled on the coffee morning ladies display as the winner of the festival with their knitted cake creations. The church choir and praise band also performed during the event and attendees took part in the traditional festive carol singing. Rev. Scott Raby said: “It went very well, although the weather was a wee bit of a problem. We did have a lot of good interest from local people. A great amount of community spirit was build up through it.”
Stephen Raby and Calum Wyllie
We’ve picked you the best ever Christmas, for a lot less
CHOICES CHOICES CHOICES
Box lady: Mary Jack
weecounty news CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ARRANGEMENTS Editorial/Advertising Copy Deadlines For Friday 30.12.11 - Wednesday 28.12.11 (4pm) For Friday 6.1.12 - Wednesday 4.1.12 (4pm) Editorial to weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk Adverts to sales@hubpublishing.co.uk Telephone: 01259 404 006 Scott, Vicki and all the staff wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2012
S RE TO TS W S IF NE RE G
MO
• Open late until 7pm this Fri • Santa’s here! Visit him on Sat & Sun • 12pm to 4pm • Don’t forget! Free parking every day
Sterling Mills, Tillicoultry. sterlingmills.com
9
10
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Alloa to get superfast broadband H
omes across Alloa will benefit from super-fast broadband as part of BT’s £2.5billion development of its optical fibre broadband. Alloa is the first part of Clackmannanshire to be included in the latest part of the company’s upgrade scheme which are due to be completed during 2012. BT’s local network business, Openreach is driving forward plans to make super-fast fibre broadband available to two-thirds of UK homes and businesses by the end of 2014. The innovative network features a mix of fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and fibre to the premises (FTTP) technologies. Speeds are vastly superior to those previously available to many UK homes and businesses. FTTC, delivered to street cabinets, currently offers download speeds of up to 40Mbps with 10Mbps upstream. Openreach has said it will roughly double these speeds next year. FTTP, where the fibre goes directly to homes and
businesses, offers speeds of up to 100Mbps, rising to 300Mbps in the spring. This compares with 6.8Mbps, the average actual speed of all UK broadband according to Ofcom’s latest research published in July 2011. Brendan Dick, director of BT Scotland, said: “This is the biggest fibre broadband announcement we’ve made to date in Scotland, almost doubling the number of exchange areas being upgraded, and our first fibre deployment in Clacks. “It marks a major investment in infrastructure which will give the country a tremendous boost. Next generation broadband is essential for our nation’s economic growth so it’s brilliant to be ending 2011 on such a high note. “Super-fast broadband will be welcomed by families in Alloa because it will help improve their quality of life and leisure and open new doors through online learning and fast access to information and services.” Councillor Rev. Sam Ovens, Leader of Clackmannanshire
Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Alloa and for our local businesses. The Council has been working with its business partners for a number of years to provide a great environment for companies. Now Alloa will have not only superb access via the transport network but also via the super-fast broadband network. “I am delighted that BT is planning to install fibre
SHOP LOCAL IN ALLOA THIS
For some it’s a joy, for others it’s a chore, but like it or not there is no avoiding the need to get stuck into the Christmas shopping at this time of year.
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeer & Sleigh
Children of all ages can let Santa know what they wish for this Christmas.
Santa’s Reindeer will arrive early on Saturday morning in preparation to pull Santa through the town at midday. Santa will be joined by Provost Derek Stewart.
Date: 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec 2011 Location: Gordon McFarlane Jewellers, 41 Mill Street, Alloa. FK10 1DW Time: 12 noon – 4 pm Charge: £5.00 Includes photo with santa and a gift
Date: 17th Dec 2011 Location: High Street, Alloa Time: 10 am reindeer arriving, procession starts at 12 noon
broadband and it will be an excellent boost to firms of all sizes in this area, making Clackmannanshire an even more attractive location for business than it already is.” Internet users with a fibre broadband connection can do much more online, all at the same time. A family can download a movie, watch a TV replay service, surf the net and play games online simultaneously. The latest chart hit can be downloaded in around two seconds, a CD in 30 seconds
and a feature length HD film in 10 minutes. Upload speeds are the fastest in the UK, with large video and data files being sent almost instantly and posting hi-resolution photos on Facebook, takes seconds. Faster upstream speeds also boost flexible and remote working, slashing office overheads and improving employees’ worklife balance. Large graphic and video files can be sent immediately online instead of being
physically delivered to customers on hard disk. And high quality voice and video calls will enable businesses to save time travelling to clients without losing direct customer contact. Unlike other companies, Openreach offers network access to service providers on an open, wholesale basis, supporting a competitive market. For further information on Openreach’s super-fast broadband programme visit www. superfast-openreach.co.uk
Council festive hours C
lackmannanshire Council will be closing over the Christmas period and residents are asked to take note. Most Clackmannanshire Council offices will be closed from Saturday December 24 and will re-open on Wednesday January 4 2012. For the convenience of customers the Council Contact Centre, the Alloa One-StopShop, registrar’s office and adult care offices will be open on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday December 30. Alloa Library and cash collection point will also be open, but on reduced hours. Over the festive period there will be some changes to waste collection days. Collections of bins and recycling boxes due on Monday December 26 will now be carried out in advance on Saturday December 24. Similarly, collections of bins and recycling due on Monday January 2 will also be carried out two days earlier on Saturday December 31. In the event of severe weather, customers are asked to present their bin on its day of collection and collections will be carried out as soon as weather permits. Forthbank Recycling Centre at Bowhouse Road, Alloa will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. ALLOA LIBRARY WILL BE OPEN: Saturday 23 December Wednesday 28 December Thursday 29 December Friday 30 December Saturday 31 December
9am - 1pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 1pm
CASH COLLECTION: Weekdays Saturdays
9am - 4.30pm 9.30am - 12 noon
Other than existing bookings, the following hours will apply for leisure facilities: TULLIBODY CIVIC CENTRE: Closed 24 - 27 December inclusive Open 28 - 30 December inclusive Closed 31 December - 3 January inclusive Dumyat, Dollar Civic Centre, Bowmar Centre, Sauchie Hall, Alloa Town Hall and Cochrane Hall: All Closed 24 December - 3 January inclusive TILLICOULTRY COMMUNITY CENTRE: Closed 25 December - 3 January inclusive MECS (Mobile Emergency Care Service is not affected by the holiday arrangements. When offices are closed, emergencies requiring Council services, such as urgent housing repairs, can be reported on tel: 01259 450000. The Emergency Duty Social Work Team is available by phoning 01786 470500. Full details are available on Clacksweb.org.uk
weecounty By Alison Mann
T
he Ochils Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT) hosted an event that saw all teams in Central Scotland take part in a joint exercise. On Saturday, December 10, the team hosted the Central Scotland Mountain Rescue Group (CSMRG) joint exercise. Teams from Lomond, Killin and Moffat Mountain Rescue Teams visited the local branch as well as representatives from Central Scotland Police (Assistant Chief Constable Allan Moffat), the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) and the Community Defibrillation Team of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The Scottish Ambulance Service Air Wing cancelled due to dense fog preventing the helicopter from landing. However, the OMRT would like to thank them for their brave attempt to attend. The aim of the annual joint exercise is to allow neighboring mountain rescue teams to work in mixed groups while under the pressure of having to complete a diverse range of tricky and often highly technical tasks within a tight timescale. It is important for the teams to be able to slot into this shared mode of implementing mountain rescue as every year they are asked by the police to assist in major real live rescues together. It is vital that the teams can spontaneously merge into one highly effective and cohesive unit as and when required. Sharing experiences and exchanging good practice has been found to be an ideal way of achieving this. The exercise involved the teams working their way around five different scenarios against the clock. These included rescuing an individual who was stranded on a ledge in the quarry at the Wallace Monument and searching for a missing person on the steep snow covered slopes above Witch’s Craig near Blairlogie. They also set up a technical rescue from the top of Alva Glen quarry and lowered a loaded stretched down the quarry face then ensuring the each team member abseiled safely down. In Dollar Glen the group searched and located three separately located people in the glen and provided appropriate casualty care. Finally, in Coalpots Woods, near Fishcross the group took part in an exercise designed to test individual team
Friday 16.12.11
11
Ochils was the destination for rescue exercise
member’s ability to micronavigate using a map and compass and locate various markets placed in the woods.
The group have thanked Fat Man’s of Alloa for providing the catering service at the end of the exercise.
12
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
weecounty Alloa & Hillfoots
news
House Sales •Classified Public Notices • Recruitment Articles For Sale •Personal Motoring Situations Vacant Births, Deaths & Marriages Advertising is an investment not an expense
Alloa Academy Notes Inter-House competition
Congratulations to pupils in Schaw House who have won this week’s Inter-House competition and gain 15 points for the House. Bruce were in second place gaining 10 points with Erskine in third place gaining 5 House points. 2B2 and 1S1 recorded the highest number of pieces of excellent work.
Christmas Ceilidhs
Our Christmas ceilidhs are coming up fast. Tickets are available for both ceilidhs at break and lunchtime in the school. The cost is £3.00 per ticket. The ceilidh for S1-S3 will take place on Monday 19th December 6.30 – 9.30 and the S4-S6 ceilidh will take place on Wednesday 21st December 7.00 – 10.00pm. There will be a live band at both events.
Christmas Concert Event The Christmas concert on Monday 12th December was a lovely experience which gave a wide range of students the chance to show off their musical and artistic talents. Particular thanks are due to the students who performed at extremely short notice due to the sudden medical absence of members of the party! Entertainment was highly varied and included an instrumental group, instrumental and voice solos, a strings group, a rock group, a choir and community singing
with an action-packed, highly memorable version of “The Twelve days of Christmas�. Refreshments were served by members of the Enterprise and Employability class and Christmas crafts were also on sale. The Art works on show were testament to the high levels of effort and ability of the staff and pupils of the Art department. All who attended thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Thanks to all tutors and to Mrs Young for a great event.
S4 Prelims
for Start-up Stirling, but have made this into a House competition with items collected by House captains in each House group area. The House collecting the highest number of items will be awarded 15 points. Startup Stirling puts together packs of goods to help homeless people set up when they get accommodation. We are looking for tinned goods, (baked beans, spaghetti, soup, fruit, peas) dried goods (pasta, rice salt, jam) or toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tissues).
Contact our sales team on
01259 404 006 sales@hubpublishing.co.uk
Your weecounty now out on a Friday!
y weecount
ts Alloa & Hillfoo
09.09.11 ... In this issue
news
Oh, look
Page 24
in the best newspaper terms we will become again, not only in once portfolio the County but in sales too. ts across our to us of new titles further developmen of readership are important with see the launch which will Our advertisers like to work time, old ones reappear. community we would and some also, and that this difficult economic during this the challenges that We believe provide the foundation will in the them to day basis. to appreciation trail-blazing stage Wee as we appreciate and face on a day the of a new history of businesses if you have something – long and honourable Remember, do get in contact help with us, please and share with you County News. nothing without the It share is to talk community. Our paper we are happy of the local to us going, news stories! journey. It’s going and support which keeps and your the in each us relationship informative, join news – is that Do have to deliver the paper itself – like the enabling us In the past, there may past. be fun. every week. that was the that exciting and issues but to think been some we would like Going forward,
W
als Have vand
Page 29-32
... who’s back
Page 3
better we are again‌ certainly ELL, here never, and have not late than that you to pretend not trying absence. the technical noticed our bore you with we will simply We won’t details, but how and economicfor reminding us of just County say “thanksâ€? community The Wee missed in the these been. either, that News has the print No one is pretending, times for we are are not challenginggenerally and industry of readers’ journalism of the depth deeply aware return to print. be we there will affection as few weeks Over the next
y
Wee Count sports
s to Win ticket e Premier Leagu snooker
Lornshill athletic track d opene officially Page 9
Alloa man drowns in Caribbean
Price 45p
NOW OUT ON A FRIDAY • NOW OUT ON A FRIDAY • FIND US ON FACEBOOK
weecounty Alloa & Hillfoots
been busy?
of walk and one start of the halfway down. figure at the “tribute� trees alarmed artist Rob the slender have been designed by on ASSERS-BY year’s The figure, of vandalism as part of last of several by evidence the tree-lined path Mullholland one Walk, project, is Parliament y Alloa Tower. Imagine Alloa dotted around the town 14th-centur been leading to polished such artworks objects have marine grade Two decorative Sentinal statue – made from which has a highly the reflective damaged – stainless steel over 2.7 mirrored surface. standing at a ton, Each figure, weighing nearlyform. metres and and own shape body and one creates its the upper been dented In this case, arms have of upraised an act of the - clearly in several times over on the vandalism. been broken The tree has trunk and now lies at of the signs show lower part angle, again a 45-degree
P
Protectin
Home Burglar Alarmscial & Commer ne: 24hr Phoneli
County g the Wee
‡
In this issue... . Included services WKH se. 2 Major OOHUV PXVW PHHW Respon UP LQVWD d with Police RQVH DOD Monitore LFH 5HVS policy criteria WWLVK 3RO ing acpos )RU 6FR demand
for 21 Years
VIP
we can provider County no service only Wee If you have batteries a one time offer you for ÂŁ50 plus parts, n inspectio and vat.
ER[HV ÂżUH DODUP LQFOXGLQJ 'HYLFHV rear front and LPXP
UGHU 0LQ ‡ No Deposit DQGLQJ 2 XU KO\ E\ 6W ‡ … 0RQW &RQWUDFW )XOO 3DUWV ODER ‡ 0RQWKQW\ 5H /DXQFK 6SHFLDO HG ‡ :HH &RX UYLFHG 0DLQWDLQHG 5HSDLU ‡ &&79 6H
CARS
85 +20("
7&+,1* <2 :+2 ,6 :$
weeco unty
318 083ity.co.uk 0800lendal esecur
Alloa &
www.g
Friday
In this
Hillfoots
16.09.11
issue...
Issue 841
Support
VIP
CARS
AIRPORT
news
Friday 30.09.11 Issue 843
interference have also deliberate its branches trees along Several of Each of the been sheered. also leads to the Tesco plaque â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the path, which carries a tribute superstore, of Mark Lovellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Central loving memory contacted but they The Wee County regarding this, our Scotland Police for comment about were unavailable going to print. the time of enquiry at
& CONT
4, 6 or 18
RACT
Seats
24/7 Serv
ice Local reliab le Company
news
local tale
Tullibo dyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leona at Open Mic UK is hitting all the right Compe Page 4 tition notes
nt
America
666
4, 6 or 16 Seats
24/7 Service
Local reliable Company
01259 210 666
Price 45p
Scottis coming h Police HQ to Wee County T ? n Retro
Glass
Renow ned visits Retro artist Petra Kaiser Glass in Centre Alloa Pages
By Alison
Mann
ulliallan Castle could be to a single force after Scottish policehome dismiss Kenny MacAsk ed Glasgow it was reveale and Edinburill d this week. gh Current nationa ly being used as the l police training Tullialla academ n y, the whole is ideally situated cessible of Scotland, and to service in all is Plans for directions of very actravel. a single service have already police and fire nounce been d in the Scottish anbut the Justice Parliam Secreta ent that the ry has Scottish at Tullialla Police Collegehinted headqu n could be home arters. to the MacAsk headqu ill believes the arters should new in Edinbur not be gh or Glasgow based tion of this is evident . IndicaPolice Headqu as Strathc arters lyde in Glasgow is current at Pitt Street ÂŁ2.5m ly for (althoug h they are sale at be moving Glasgow to a new ÂŁ38m believed to â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s east office in end.) If not the ters, Tulliallahome for the n will play headquarthe new a major single but the role in When asked force. Scottish have Royal Governm about the headqu ent should Assent arters he new MacAsk by next be Edinbur said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It services summe will gh or Glasgow of ACPOS ill added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As which build not seems Preside r. of what fine as . Tullialla nt we already on the strength will lead Chief Constab a place chief constab n le Smith the â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the have. as any s Fire police service.reform on behalf Officers The single le to be based.â&#x20AC;? for a ASPS, SPF,police service, and the of the forward the ACPOS, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know SPSA FBU are and running police force , not looking people looking could forward and SCDEA are like in as early â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know back. , not back, determi as April be up the Chief Constab the services will, ned challen this journey is le 2013 challen ging one with Governmto work construand are at ge and Smith, rise to Protec new services a tough - change times a shape and ting the ent to deliver ctively tive and call we can deliver Wee which the - but this is is always efficien an effecCount be proud a journey t new Scottish Service whole of y for of, . Plans for Scotlan 21 Years Police â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fire d is on.â&#x20AC;? Â&#x2021; 'HYL the single outline & rescue, Burglar police force FHV LQ the all eight Alarm FOXGLQ front 32 division force would Chief J ÂżUH and rear & Comm s Home Monit s to stave be split into DODUP Â&#x2021; No Depos tion. ored off centrali ER[HV ercial with Police )RU 6 it saÂ&#x2021; Â&#x2026; 0 FRWWLV 24hr Resp K 3ROL Phon onse. FH 5H Â&#x2021; 0R RQWKO\ E\ 6WDQGLQJ eline: 2 Major VSRQV QWK &R dema H DODU servic 2UGHU Â&#x2021; :HH & nding QWUDFW 0LQLP )XOO 3 acpos P LQVWDOOHUV es Includ XP DUWV Â&#x2021; &&79 RXQW\ 5H /D policy ed. PXVW www ODERX XQFK 6 criter PHHW 6HUYLF .glen U If you ia WKH SHFLDO HG 0D dale secu have LQWDLQH no servic offer you G 5H rity.c e provid a one SDLUHG inspec o.uk er we tion for time only can Wee Count ÂŁ50 plus and vat. parts, batter y ies
01259 210
AIRPORT & CONTRACT
0800 318 083
:+2 ,6 : $7&+,1*
<285
+20(
"
Alva Illuminations
Scouts
Page 13
Page 14
Price 45p
D Day for Alva Pool By Alison Mann
T
he fate of the Alva pool now rests in the hands of Clackmannanshire council as members of Ochil Leisure Enterprises handed in their business plan today (Friday). The group rallied round support and handed their plan to the council, which if accepted could create much needed jobs in the area as well as providing obvious health benefits. Their proposal outlines their plans for
Burglar Alarms Home & Commercial
keeping the Alva pool open for members of the community. Simon Kindlen, spokesman for the group said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At our most recent meeting we discussed the project and came to the conclusion that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about more than the pool. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also to do with the health of a community and the wealth of a community and creating jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a fallacy that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make
money from a pool. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be a cultural community hub as well.â&#x20AC;? OLE had previously written a letter to Clackmannanshire council informing them that the report submitted today would be an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;interim business planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Time constraints meant they could not produce a full report. Within the letter, signed by Jenny Paterson, the group state the interim
business plan will: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summarise research to date and include financial modelling to show what scenario will be sustainable and provide health and community benefit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The second stage will be to engage a team of consultants to undertake in depth research and business planning on behalf of the group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ochil Leisure Enterprises are currently exploring a number of options
Continued on page 13
:+2 ,6 :$7&+,1* <285 +20("
Protecting the Wee County for 21 Years Â&#x2021;
24hr Phoneline:
0800 318 083 ZZZ JOHQGDOHVHFXULW\ FR XN
'HYLFHV LQFOXGLQJ ÂżUH DODUP ER[HV front and rear Â&#x2021; No Deposit Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026; 0RQWKO\ E\ 6WDQGLQJ 2UGHU Â&#x2021; Minimum 36 Month Contract Full Parts ODERXU Â&#x2021; weecounty 5H /DXQFK 6SHFLDO Â&#x2021; &&79 6HUYLFHG 0DLQWDLQHG 5HSDLUHG
Monitored with 3ROLFH 5HVSRQVH 0DMRU VHUYLFHV ,QFOXGHG )RU 6FRWWLVK 3ROLFH Response alarm installers ,I \RX KDYH QR VHUYLFH SURYLGHU must meet the we can offer you a one time demanding acpos only Wee County inspection for ÂŁ50 policy criteria SOXV SDUWV EDWWHULHV DQG YDW
Editorial & Production
01259 404 006 weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk
The S4 prelims, knocked off course by industrial action and high winds finished on Tuesday of this week with the re-scheduled PE exams. We are grateful to our chief and deputy chief invigilator for all of their organisation and to the parents who came in to help with ionvigilation. Our classroom assistants did a fantastic job working out timings for timetables and acting as readers and scribes. It was noted by all involved that the conduct of S4 pupils was, as expected, excellent.
Pupil Council Meetings
Meetings of all year group Councils will be taking place this week. Representatives have been elected from every House Group. The council meetings are chaired by one Senior Prefect and one House Captain.
Christmas charity collection
We will again be collecting household items
Christmas events
On Tuesday 20th December, we will be welcoming our chaplains into school to conduct our 3 Christmas assemblies. On Wednesday 21st we will have the famous Alloa Academy Penultimate event with pupils completing a quiz, and attending activity â&#x20AC;&#x153;zonesâ&#x20AC;? in the morning and the teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; show in the afternoon. On Thursday 22nd during period 3 and 4 there will be a whole school sing-along and pupils will be dismissed from school at lunchtime. School will resume on Monday 9th January at 8.40. Merry Christmas to all parents and friends of the school.
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
MP supports carers rights T
he Wee County’s MP joined a debate on supporting unpaid carers on Carers Rights Day. Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire joined a panel of politicians and professionals on the debate. The debate highlighted the theme “Money Matters” and brought together carers and decision-makers to address the key issues and barriers carers face today. The panel included Gordon Banks MP, John Swinney MSP and Florence Burke from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Panellists discussed the issues faced by unpaid carers and considered financial barriers including increases to statutory day care services and fuel costs. Carer’s allowance is currently paid at £55.55 per week. Unpaid carers provide substantial or regular care in the home
for a friend or relative who may have a serious illness, disability or mental illness. Every year, over £720 million worth of benefits go unclaimed by Carers in the UK who do not realise they are entitled to financial support. This event is part of a national awareness campaign helping people caring for friends or family members to access all the financial and practical support they are entitled to. Gordon Banks MP said; “Research shows that carers save the UK economy £119 billion per year, including the £10.3 billion saved in Scotland. Aside from the altruistic compassion the UK’s 6 million carers show they are also taking the strain off Government provision. “Because of this it is in the national interest for Governments and local authorities to treat and
13
provide for carers in an appropriate manner and to recognise their service through financial contribution and respite services. “The caring agenda is an issue I have been involved with over the years and it is one which I remain committed to.”
Children’s ward visited by Santa S anta Claus came to town early this year to make a special visit to the Children’s Ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. He was joined by an elf and a snowman and together they helped launch a special Christmas party. The highlight came when Santa presented the children with gifts. A large number of the presents were donated by Serco, the facilities management company at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, who
also co-ordinated the other donations from kind hearted local businesses and wellwishers. Forth Valley Royal Hospital Children’s Ward Manager, Frances Hislop, said: “There is never a good time to feel unwell, but no child wants to be in hospital at Christmas time. It’s been great to give the children an extra special festive treat. “They had a brilliant time at the party and their little faces lit up as they saw Santa
walking through the door.” Mike Mackay, Contract Director for Serco, said: “People have been very generous with their donations. Putting a smile on a child’s face is priceless and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped make this Christmas party a success.” The party marks the first Christmas for the new Children’s Ward, which opened when maternity and children’s services moved to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in July 2011.
Reindeer in Alloa this weekend J
ust a reminder that the Alloa Town Centre BID will be bringing Reindeer to Alloa this weekend. Santa and his friends will be in the town centre on December 17 from 10am and will take a procession through the town at 12noon. The winner of the Wee County’s competition to win a ride on Santa’s sleigh will also be drawn during the day. Santa Claus will also be in his grotto in G R McFarlane Jewellers, Mill Street, Alloa on December 15 to 17 and 22 to 24. The grotto will be open from noon until 4pm where Santa will meet children and listen to what they would like for Christmas. Visiting the grotto costs £5, which includes a photo and gift. The Town Centre BID are also running their annual Christmas Window Competition this year as part of their drive to promote Alloa as a vibrant place to shop. To enter businesses simply need to decorate their windows, take a picture and e-mail it to the BID office at Andrew@ atcbid.com. The winner will be revealed on December 22. First prize is £250, second prize is £100 and third prize is £50.
14
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Alloa Writers: The Alloa Writers Club will be off until Monday, 9 January 2012.
Alva Alva Baptist Church: There will be a candle light Carol Service in the church on Christmas Eve at 7pm followed by mince pies and hot drinks. Our Christmas Day service starts at 11am. All welcome. The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 11 January. Darby and Joan Club: Domino result -1 Mrs M Nolan, 2 Miss W Eames, consolation Mrs V Spence. Whist result – 1 lady Mrs May Hill, consolation Mrs M Gillespie. 1 gent Mrs M McGhee consolation Mrs C Shephers. New members welcome every Wednesday 1.45pm.
Clackmannan Clackmannan’s Festival of Christmas: The festival last week suffered from the weather again this year. However, thanks are due to everyone involved with making this year such a successful community event again. At the end of Saturday, the sum raised for church funds was £1364 and there are promises of more to come.
Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra: The Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra is
Coalsnaughton Burns Club: Cash bingo every Monday in the lounge. Contact 01259 750517. Eyes down at 8.15pm, finished by 9.45pm.
Dollar Dollar Parish Church: This Sunday 18 December the service for the fourth Sunday in Advent will be led by Rev. Ernest Sangster. There will be a service at Wardlaw House, Station Road, Dollar at 5pm. Monday 19 December, the Monday Housegroup will meet at 10am at the home of Susan Duthie. Further information from Muriel Simpson 742953. Dollar Museum: The Museum shop has a great range of exclusive items which would make ideal Christmas gifts. Besides Christmas cards there are fridge magnets, coasters, key rings, mugs, tea towels and notepads. All are designed especially for Dollar Museum. The 2012 calendar has 12 colour photographs of local views and comes in a DVD-size box which, when open, sits on a desk or table. All these items can be sent easily by post. The Museum is open at weekends until Christmas - Saturdays 11 - 1 and 2 - 4.30 and Sundays 2 - 4.30. Entry is free and there is still time to see this year’s exhibition on Farming.
Fishcross Wee County Walkers: Why not join in the free walks led by Wee County Walkers? Become fitter as you enjoy and easy interesting walk. No need to
Kincardine Scottish Country Dance Class: The classes take place in the hall each Wednesday from 8pm to 9.30pm for a 10 week session before Christmas. Go along and give it a try.
Menstrie Bingo Tea: The village Christmas bingo tea that had to be cancelled due to the weather, has been rescheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) 15 at 7.30pm. Carers: Do you help to look after someone? Free Carer Information sessions start on Thursday 3 November in Menstrie Parish Church Hall at 1.30pm – 3.30pm. First session “Caring and Stress”. Either phone Ian on 07824 381280 for more information, or just come along. All carers welcome.
Muckhart 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.
H
OGMANA H Y IE Sauchie Hall 7pm till 1am
SH BA
Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2011 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On December 18 J Kawalskie will be providing the music. Bring your own refreshments.
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.
SAU
Alloa
open in Coalsnaughton Village Hall from Monday to Friday, 10am until 5pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa at Coalsnaughton’s community cafe Society. If you have an hour or two to spare to help, please call into the hall. Telephone 01259 759099.
C
What’s on in your weecounty
Tickets £10.00 LIVE BAND PIPE BAND SINGERS For Tickets contact
01259 725222 or 01259 721646 No alcohol to be brought in as bar will be available. • Over 18s only
Sauchie Sauchie and Fishcross U F Church: Last Sunday morning, the Church Choir presented a message in song and narration entitled “The Very First Christmas”. A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols took place in the evening. The Women’s Association Christmas Party is on Thursday from 2 p.m. There will be no Bible Study or Choir Practice this week. The Friday Club for Kids (Leo Club) meets from 6 until 7.30 p.m. On Sunday the children of the Kites Group and Leo Club will lead us in our Christmas Family Service. This will also be our Christmas Gift Service. Tea will be available afterwards in the hall. The Choir will present a Christmas message at the Evening Service, at 6.30 p.m.
will take place at The Royal Arms, Tillicoultry, on Tuesday 10 January at 7.30pm. All members are invited to attend.
Tullibody Tullibody Healthy Living: Tullibody Fruit Barra will be open on Thursday 22nd December for the collection of christmas orders only. If you would like to place an order you can do so by calling us on 01259 724374 or pop into our office at 13 Tron Court. All orders must be placed by monday 19th December. Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact AnnMargaret on 07908252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.
Tillicoultry
Do you have an event you would like to publish in ‘whats on in your wee county’?
Devon Angling Association: The Annual General Meeting of the Devon Angling Association
Email the details to: weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk or call: 01259 404006
Carpet Bowls: Held each Wednesday afternoon noon to 2pm in Sauchie Hall. £2 entry includes tea and coffee. Bowls are provided, just wear sensible shoes. Ideal for beginners.
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Sauchie fruit and veg taster sessions Activ8 educate tastebuds with a fruit fest ealthy Sauchie residents were given a taster of the tasty food the local Fruit Barra has to offer. Sauchie Activ8 hold the popular Fruit Barra every Wednesday 10am until 1pm, but held the taster session so people could try what was on offer. The taster session went down well with local residents who were able to try sweet potato, parsnips and butternut squash, lightly seasoned and spiced, roasted in the oven.
C
lackmannanshire Council is reviewing its civic licensing duties and as part of the first phase of the review is considering taxi, private hire car and street trader licensing. Councillor John Biggam, Convenor of the Regulatory Committee said: “Most people use a taxi, private hire car or street trader at one time or another so it is something that needs wide public consultation. It is important that the conditions contained within the licences relating to taxis and private hire cars are reviewed periodically so we have the best possible service to users. I urge all users and providers to take this opportunity to make their views known so we can give the people of Clackmannanshire the services they desire.” As part of the review the Council also aims to raise the awareness of the rights and the responsibilities of both service users and service providers. Survey questionnaires have been created to
Little Lewis, left, (age 2) enjoying his fruit taster
Warning over bogus charity workers B ogus charity collectors could be targeting homes in Clackmannanshire so residents have been asked to be vigilant. Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane is urging constituents to be on the lookout for bogus charity collectors – a growing problem that is estimated to cost UK charities up to £50 million in lost income annually. Mr Brown said: “The increase in bogus charity collections is a real concern and something that has causing a great deal of damage to charities across the nation. “Obviously charities lose out because donations they should be receiving are being diverted to bogus collectors but more damaging still is the potential loss of public confidence as charity supporters express growing concerns and fears over donating goods.”
Review of civic licensing By Alison Mann
H
“Charity collections of household goods are an important way of not only reducing waste and preserving the environment, but of generating vital funding for good causes. Collectors deliver branded bags to households asking the public to fill them with unwanted clothes and goods for a set collection date. “Whether collected goods are passed on for resale at charity shops, sold overseas or recycled, they can generate a solid income stream for good causes. “Fraudulent collections have increased considerably in recent years with the Fundraising Standards Board recording an increase of 100% in public complaints about the issue and the Charity Retail Association reporting that 10% of a recent sample of bag collections were found to be bogus. “The National Fraud Intelligence
Bureau affirms that bogus collections are carried out by organised criminals, with links to money laundering, human trafficking and serious violent offences. Typically, goods collected by such gangs are transported to Eastern Europe where they are sold at a considerable profit. “Nevertheless, it is important for people to remember that the large majority of collections are legitimate. Charities really need your support, so it’s simply a case of ensuring that your goods go exactly where you want them to go. “By making a few simple checks, you can give with confidence to the charities that so desperately need our support. “And, if you have suspicions that a collection is not legitimate, make sure you report it. The more intelligence is gathered, the more the authorities can identify, arrest and convict those involved.”
15
gauge the opinion of the users and providers of these services and the public in general in shaping how taxi, private hire car and street trader services will be provided over the next few years. Paper copies of the questionnaires are available in main Council buildings and the survey questionnaires are also available online at ClacksWeb at clacksweb/ council/consultationlist/?c onsultation=192. The completed forms can either be handed into Council offices or posted back to the address on the questionnaire. The results from this consultation exercise will be available early next year and any recommendations for changes to the conditions attached to future licences will be made in discussion with the providers. Additional copies of the questionnaire will be posted out on request. Please contact the licensing administrator on 01259 450000 if you would like the Council to include your views on local taxi, private hire car and street trader services.
weecounty news CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR ARRANGEMENTS Editorial/Advertising Copy Deadlines For Friday 30.12.11 - Wednesday 28.12.11 (4pm) For Friday 6.1.12 - Wednesday 4.1.12 (4pm) Editorial to weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk Adverts to sales@hubpublishing.co.uk Telephone: 01259 404 006 Scott, Vicki and all the staff wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2012
16
Friday 16.12.11
Pensioners Christmas party a hit!
O
ver 450 senior citizens from across Clackmannanshire were treated to a brilliant Christmas day out this week, as the annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party was held on Tuesday in Alloa Town Hall. Organised by Alloa and District Round Table, it is the largest event of its kind across Central Scotland which included various entertainment from Hillfoots Hobos and their ceilidh music, carol singing from Sunnyside Primary, an extract from this year’s panto by
the Forefront Theatre Group and headlining the event was world champion Elvis impersonator and local man, Jonny Lee Memphis. The free tickets for the popular event were distributed by Community Police from Central Scotland Police and by Clackmannanshire Council Community Wardens. Attendees were able to tuck into homemade stovies and ice cream, whilst being entertained at the event, which has been taking place annually for years. Diagio were very kind in
SEASON GREETINGS TO ALL OUR CLIENTS. Good luck to all new businesses in clackmannan that started this year
www.bgateway.com 01259 726 430
providing a bar and staff to give the senior citizens a drink when they arrived. Colin Lynch, who sits on the organising committee for the Round Table said: “The event went really well, we got good feedback on the day. “The senior citizens seemed to enjoy the show, it was a good day out for them. “The day wouldn’t have been possible without Central Scotland Police and Clackmannanshire Council who helped so much. “Thanks also to local band Nae Danger for providing the PA system, it was a huge
help. Thanks also go to the Hillfoots Hobos, Sunnyside Primary, Forefront Theatre Group, Jonny Lee Memphis and Diagio for providing the bar.” The event was a real local show, something which the Round Table planned to do. Colin added: “We tried to have local acts for local pensioners. “For us it went well, we like to support local causes and charities. To help provide this event for over 400 pensioners in Clackmannanshire is good for the community. It’s good to give something back.”
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our customers past, present and future
MORNING ROLLS FRESH EVERY DAY SELECTION OF CAKES
GLASS & STEELE Ltd
Family Restaurant and Takeaway
Major brands stocked. Sales, Accessories, Spares and Cycle Repairs High Quality Bike Ranges Viking and Piranha Motorcycle and wheelchair and pram repairs.
WE’LL GET YOU MOVING
would like to wish customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Orders taken for birthday cakes Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm 59-63 Mill Street , Alloa • 01259 725 450
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
w w w. s m s a l l o a . c o m
Mac’s Taxis We are working over the festive season
Do not risk it ... get us to drive
Tel: 01259 215 572 (wheelchair access in taxis)
Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Lost and found, contact Michelle 01259 210708 Neutering contact Lorna 01259 720405 All other enquiries including admissions contact Sandra 01259 213692 Admission by arrangement only Wishing all our customers, members and adopters a very Merry Christmas
Best wishes for the festive season CHRISTMAS CLUB NOW OPEN
01259 215236 • 36 Mar Street Alloa
W AR ee C TW ou OR nt K yN PR ew OO s F
BAXTERS
Would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Tel: 01259 219 500 Whins Road, Alloa
email: mail@marshallconstruction.co.uk www.marshallconstruction.co.uk
he Harviestoun T Country Hotel and Restaurant, Tillicoultry
Still time to treat your family or friends to a sumptuous Christmas or Hogmanay meal in our Courtyard Restaurant or in the Tobermory Function Suite. Elizabeth and staff thank all patrons for their continued support and wish all, a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year www.harviestouncountryhotel.com • e-mail info@harviestouncountryhotel.com . Telephone: 01259 752 522
The Auld Hoose Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
01259 731260
26 Forth Street, FK10 4LX
Friday 16.12.11
Libby's
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL For All Your Surfacing Needs Covering Central Scotland • Family Run Business FREE ESTIMATES All Work Guaranteed • Distance No Object BEST WISHES FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
Libby's Fashion, 34 Main Street, Larbert, Stirlingshire, FK5 3AW, Scotland, UK
www.manorcrescent.co.uk 6 Manor Crescent, Tullibody Alloa
Listers
HAIR • BEAUTY • NAILS
Helen, Derek, Samantha and Angela wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
11 Mar Street, Alloa • 01259 722021
Private Hire Taxi Company
M.G INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES LTD
CROWN INN
All Ex Stock Available for Next Day Delivery
With over 20 years experience in the industry we also have full 77pride Stirling Street, technical backup and ourselves on ourAlva competitive pricing
FREE HOGMANAY PARTY
All enquiries welcome Withavailable THEnow DERIVATIVES New Tool Catalogue
Doors close 10pm
Block 2 Units 3&4, Alva Industrial Estate COME ALONG EARLY Alva, Clackmannanshire, Scotland FK12 5DQ
Stephen, Tracey and the boys wish everyone all the762 best762 for 2012 Tel: 01259 Fax: 01259 762 763 Accounts: 01259 762 764 E mail: sales@mg-supplies.com
from
Manor Crescent Dental Centre
Buchan Town cars Wishing all/ our customers past and present a • WINDOW VENTS SFS HINGES • PLASTIC PACKERS: FLAT / WEDGE BRIDGENew / FRAME Merry Christmas and a /Happy Year • WINDOW SCREWS/ FRAME FIXINGS / CONCRETE SCREWS Tel: 01259 762 762 • Fax: 01259 762 763 • HAMMERFIXINGS / POLYPINS / WOOD & DRYWALL SCREWS Accounts: 01259 762 764 • TEFLON SHEETS & JIGS / ABRASIVES / ADHESIVE TAPES Email: /sales@mg-supplies.com • EXPANDING FOAMS SILICONES / FILLERS & ADHESIVES • PAPER PRODUCTS / JANITORIAL & CLEANING PRODUCTS • WORKWEAR & SAFETY PRODUCTS
Seasons Greetings
for fashion head to toe Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Elizabeth Anne. (01324) 552282 www.libbysfashion.co.uk • libbysfashion@hotmail.com
8 Cushenquarter Drive, Plean, Stirling, FK7 8ED Tele/Fax: 01786 812277 Mobile: 07789 760 999
17
Festive greetings to our customers from all at Buchans. All the best for 2012 Going out - let us take you there 01259 213 215 • 01259 725 213 01259 217 777
THE
PRIMROSE BAR
Billy & Liz would like to thank all their customers and wish them all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR OUTSIDE BARS AVAILABLE
tel: (01259) 213 914
Still accepting NHS patients with early appointments available
01259 219 977
HILL STREET GARAGE Thomsons of Alloa
Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a great 2012 from Graham, David and Tam
TEL: 01259 722042 GARAGE
weecounty news We wish all our advertisers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
d
s
ur
9 9 9
s
ur
9
ER
ed.
ork
PW
m
Friday 16.12.11
THE
Your Horoscope Predictions By Anne Smith Libra (24 Sept - 23 Oct)
Aries (21 March - 20 April)
Time for you to take a big leap forward on xxxx
any creative projects that have felt stuck for the last few months, as Venus will be in your career house until the 21st you will have the passion and drive to make good progress. The Moon is in Aries on New Year’s Day, so you may be in the mood to party all night long, your intuitions are also high at this time, so trust your gut instincts.
Taurus (21 April - 21 May)
Raw, honest discussions with friends xxxxxxxxx and family will lead to deeper bonds. As you learn to trust your own mind and emotions, you’ll be able to share more of yourself with the people that you love. When your ruler Venus moves into your career zone on the 22nd, you’ll feel like you can once again rule the world. You also get an extra special bonus when lucky Jupiter goes direct in your sign on Christmas Eve.
Gemini (22 May - 21 June)
Your xxxx ruler Mercury goes direct on the 13th, providing some much needed stability; you’ll be able to cope with daily stress much better after that. The New Moon on Christmas eve puts in you in the mind set of being around those who love you, wither it is family, friends or a lover, it is a time of heart felt communications, try to find time for some fun too.
Cancer (22 June - 23 July)
Time out is needed if possible can you xxxxxxxxx arrange to be at a place of relaxation to down load all of that stress, a yoga or meditation class or at least sequester yourself in the comfort of your home, you’ll feel safe and protected, after the eclipse a sense of calm and peace will return, but only if you effectively deal with the issues that come up in a positive manner.
Leo (24 July - 23 Aug)
Long standing issues you’ve had with xxxxxxxxx friends or any groups you’re associated with will come under the microscope. If you must break ties, try not to mourn too long, as it’s for the best. You’re leaving toxic associations behind so that you can move into a newer and brighter phase next year, one that will engage your creative life fully and see you achieving goals in personal and working life.
Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept) xxxxxxxxx You may be going through a whole range
The planets are sure to rock your scales xxxxxxxxxx this month, you may be wishing you could crawl under the covers and avoid all means of communication, the inevitable transformation following the chaos is all for the good. Take quiet time at home to ponder and reflect over all of the amazing lessons you learned in 2011and set about making changes for the better.
Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov)
Change might be painful, but it’s always xxxxxxxx good in the long run. You can shed layers upon layers of yourself this month, especially the parts that no longer fit. Now that you’ve pinpointed any problem areas in your thinking, you can uproot any negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ideas. What you say to yourself is utterly crucial now; make sure those mindmessages are positive.
Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec) Mercury goes direct on 13 December xx and communication will cease to be an ongoing migraine, your ruler Jupiter goes direct, on the 25th and work and money are on the verge of a major acceleration. After too many fits and starts over the past four months, you’ll be psyched to get back in the saddle again. Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan)
It’s recently been difficult to focus, let xxxxx alone form clear sentence structures, but it gets better as the next few weeks unfold. The Winter Solstice on 22 December marks not just the first day of the Sun entering your stars, but also the return of lighter, longer days. On 24 December, just a few days later, the New Moon in Capricorn invites you to start drafting your New Year’s resolutions for 2012.
Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb)
Your ruler Uranus is finally coming out of xxxxxxx retrograde on 9th December, after putting your life in limbo for the past few months. Your creative fires will be reignited without leading you to burnout. Then Mercury goes direct on the 13th, easing up any stress around communication with family, friends and colleagues, and life is more balanced from the 15th.
Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)
of confusing feelings about your job, are you in the right line of work? If not, you may feel like it’s time to move on, or circumstances may move you. On the other hand, you may be vying for a new position and feel incredibly anxious about whether you’ll get it. This month is all about you wanting more for you, so sit up take notice but in a constructive manner.
Duality and mixed messages could be a xxxxxxxxxx huge test of your faith this month. But the good news is that Mercury and Jupiter will both come out of retrograde, bringing communication and luck back you’re your everyday life. (They go direct respectively on the 13th and the 25th). On Christmas Eve, the New Moon in Capricorn marks the perfect moment to sit down and write down your plans for 2012.
Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church services
contact, ANNE on
entertainment weecounty
Re-GEN
07506723569
Email angelanne@btinternet.com or visit www.angelanne.co.uk
Angel Anne
Spiritualist Medium/Psychic &Tarot
Food for the soul
Recently featured in “Pick Me Up” Magazine And the Scottish Sun Is AvailableFor Readings Every Wednesday Day time & Thursday Evenings in Baillieston Glasgow £30 per reading To book call Anne on 07506723569 Visit www.angelanne.co.uk or follow her on FB
OH DOGGY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! Sizzling Suzie’s Dogs Trust issues advice to keep dogs Winter Warmers happy and healthy this winter
It’s that time of year again. When you have to decide how to use up all the stuff cluttering up the freezer before you hit the shops for Christmas essentials like big bags of ice for all your drinks!! Only kidding, my bottom Trustisadvises: freezerDogs drawer always full of ice. ☺ One thing I love about Christmas is that you buy and eat stuff you would • never Let your dog’s coat time grow,of and if youWhich have a puppy, short- normally have at winter any other year. me haired old dog it is anutcracker. good idea to(No buyjokes him a sensible coat to reminds that or I need a new about Karen or out Paula keep theplease chill. Ed!) heehee. If like me you are expecting visitors season, then Snow can • Keepsome your dog on a over lead ifthe it isfestive snowing very heavily. here a fewbe ideas for some tasty canapés. Most canofbe disorienting and can affect a dog’s sense smell so he could made in you seem like the hostess with advance, become make lost easily. the mostest andsure really freezer shop • Make yourleave dog isthe microchipped andbought wearing an ID tag in ones standing. Any sandwich cut into shapes with a case he does get lost. festive cookie cutter is always a winner.
As Britain continues to endure a cold and icy snap, our four-legged friends need a little extra care and warmth to ensure they cope with the wintery conditions.
• Grit used to melt snow can cut their paws and make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach when you come indoors after Yorkshire Pudsa snowy walk. Ready made small Yorkshire • Antifreeze is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs! Keep it well out puddings of their reach. Cold cooked thinly sliced roast beef • Never leave your dog in a car during extreme weather, hot or Horseradish sauce (optional) Gravy cold. • Do not let your dog walk on frozen ponds – the ice may not be Make up some quality thickgood enough to gravy take his weight. mix or like defrost with • me If your dogsome does you fall made through thelast iceweeks neverroast be tempted to go dinner. Place some beef, ¼ tsp of horseradish and a tbsp of gravy after them but encourage them to swim back to you. into each pudding. Alternatively you can use roast pork and apple sauce or chicken and stuffing. Reheat in a hot oven 190c for about 10-12 min. information visit For more
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/w/winter Mini Bruschetta to download a free ‘Winter and Cold Weather’ factsheet. Toast Garlic cloves Fresh chopped tomatoes with seeds removed Fresh mozzarella Basil leaves
DODGY PARKING
WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THE TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN
Using a pastry cutter cut out the bread into small shapes before all you to do isacomplete theTop crossword toasting. Rubhave each toast with cut garlic clove. with some tomato, mozzarella and a basil leaf. below and send it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose
Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply
Mini sausage rolls
ACROSS 19. Bed on a ship or 1 pack of ready cooked mini train (4) sausages 1. Elementary (6) 1 pack of ready made 4. Sort (4) puff pastry 20. Conflict (6) Mustard/or ketchup 8. Made known (9) Scintilla Roll out the9.pastry and(4)cut into smallDOWN squares. Dab a spot Law (7) of mustard 10. or ketchup in the middle 1. and rollofficer up a sausage Season (6) diagonally. 13. Bake in a (6) hot oven 190c 2. forIntended 10-12 min. (5) Fluent 3. Solitary (4) 15. Unguent (4) Retro Cheese/and pineapple 5. hedgehog 18. Reptile (9) Watercraft (5) Large orange Cheese cut into cubes Can of pineapple chunks Cocktail sticks
6. Conclusion (3) 7. Sound (5) 11. Violent disorder (7) 12. Flower (5) 14. Diadem (5) 16. Obviate (5) 17. Passport endorsement (4) 18. Young mammal (3)
Cut a small slice out of the orange so it will stand without rolling. Skewer the cheese and pineapple onto the cocktail sticks and push into the orange. Not only will it give your guests a laugh but I guarantee it will get eaten!!
Mini mincemeat puffs
CROSSWORD
S S
18
Jar of good quality mincemeat Pack of all butter puff pastry Beaten egg Sugar Using a fancy shape cut out the pastry. Add a tsp of mincemeat and using the beaten egg as a glue top with another shape. Prod with a fork to make steam holes. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar before baking in a hot oven 190-200c for 15-20 min until well risen golden and crispy. Have a bowl of whipped cream or a jug of single cream on the side.
Well folks take care, have a good one and see you all Name: in the New Year .................................................................. T:. ............................................ Love Susie xx Address:.....................................................................................................................
We are on the prowl to find the Wee County’s dodgy parkers but we need your help! Unfortunately, we cannot do this campaign on our own – so please send in your dodgy parking pictures to weecounty@ hubpublishing.co.uk. Does one of your colleagues suffer from dodgyparkingitis? If so, take a picture of the evidence and send it to us! Don’t worry, all identities will be protected and vehicle registrations blanked out. This is all in the name of good fun, and in no way are we personally attacking any individual or group.
SUDOKU Answers on page 25
weecounty
lifestyle
Friday 16.12.11
Goodbye gloss F
rom June Sarpong to Victoria Beckham since the late 1990s celebrities have rarely gone as far as the corner shop for a pint of milk and a newspaper without slapping on their lipgloss. And where celebs go the beauty pages and the public follow. So for a good ten years we’ve been stocking up on Juicy Tubes, slapping on Stila Lip Glaze and coveting DuWop’s magical Lip Venom. But all of a sudden, and not just because winter is calling, the lip has gone seriously matte again. Rule One: Think Modern. If we’ve learnt one thing from gloss it’s that lips should shine. Fashion may be harking back to the 1980s but our make up shouldn’t have to thanks to ever more creative formulations. The new generation of lipsticks have a subtle shine or shimmer to them,
even the most matte lip colours have a moisture to them which old school ‘sticks were devoid of. Check out MAC for lipsticks which are easily separated in to eight different ‘finishes’ from lustre to glaze. Rule Two: Bold is Best After years of glossing it may come as a shock to swipe on a slick of lippy straight from the bullet but deep pigmentation is where it’s at. This winter bold, deep reds and plums take over from a summer of oranges and pinks so jump right in the deep end. A killer red lip may seem hard to wear but can be so flattering. Pillar box red is universally flattering - try Shu Uemura’s Rouge Unlimited in RD190. Rule Three: Be Prepared What the Scouts said applies to make up artists too. Where the sheen of lip gloss was forgiving when wearing
PET of the week
lipsticks nothing is more essential than a good foundation. Two simple ways to ensure an excellent lip are to gently brush with a dry toothbrush to remove dry flakiness and encourage blood flow and to use a great lip salve as often as needed. Rule Four: Neat or Not? Take a close look at any recent beauty shots from and you’ll see two distinct trends - the ‘done’ lip and, of course, the ‘undone’ lip. The done lip is more carefully applied using a base of lip liner and layer
upon layer of brushed on colour whereas the undone lip is more romantic, patted on to the centre of the lips for a fairy tale rosebud pout or gently smeared beyond the lipline using a finger. Which you choose should depend on the rest of your face and your outfit but, mostly, which you feel most comfortable in. Rule Five: Lips Alone It’s an old rule but a good one. When wearing a statement lip, a face needs little else. A swipe of mascara, a pat of powder and a dusting of blusher and you’re ready to go.
19
Think modern for gloss
weecounty recipes Duchesse potatoes A
tasty twist on traditional mash to serve either with Christmas lunch or the coldcuts on Boxing Day, these Duchesse potatoes are given extra flavour by the addition of the stock paste and spring onions. Instant mash works just as well if you_ in a hurry. You_ need a piping bag and a nozzle. Serves 6.
Age: 6 years
Fudge
Lives: A life of luxury Breed: Moggie
Likes: Being pampered Dislikes: Being out in the rain
To submit your pet please send a photo of your pet to weecounty@ hubpublishing.co.uk or post your photo to The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG with your name, your pets name, breed, age and his or her likes and dislikes. * although we will try, we cannot guarantee the return of any photos posted to us.
INGREDIENTS 450g (1lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes for boiling 1 tbsp vegetable stock paste 4 spring onions, finely chopped 1 egg, beaten a knob of buttersplash of milk METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6 and lightly grease a baking tray. 2. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the potatoes. Cook for approximately 20 minutes until soft. Drain and mash well until smooth. 3. Stir in the vegetable stock paste until evenly distributed throughout, then add the spring onions and stir well. 4. Add the beaten egg, a knob of butter and a splash of milk. Mix well. 5. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag. Pipe onto the baking tray in small portions a few inches in diameter. 6. Transfer to the oven and cook for 15 minutes, until piping hot and golden brown.
20
recruitment
Friday 16.12.11
CLEANING OPERATIVE Job No: ALL/22942 Employer Reference: Sterling Mills SOC Code: 9233 Wage £7.50 Per Hour Hours 12 hours over 5 days Location Sterling Mills Tillicoultry FK13 Duration Temporary Date posted 02 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description A cleaning operative is required to work in a busy retail shop. Experience is preferred and must be able to work on your own initiative, candidates must be able to start work immediately. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Michelle Dixon at Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd, mdixon@ platinumenvironmentalgb.co.uk. Employer Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN IND/ EL/SLD Job No: ALL/22877 Employer Reference: IND/EL/SLD SOC Code: 5241 Wage £14.00 - £20.00 PER HOUR Hours 40 HOURS PER WEEK, DAYS, MONDAY TO FRIDAY Location KINCARDINE FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 08 November 2011 Closing date 15 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Dutton International require Industrial Electricians for work on power station in Scotland. Candidates must be time served with proven track record and also hold a current CCNSG Card (SCATS) for installation and maintenance work. Temporary position 3-6 months. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Ian McLean at Dutton International Ltd, ian. mclean@duttoninternational.com. Employer Dutton International Ltd PRODUCTION OPERATOR Job No: ALL/22958 Employer Reference: Production Operator SOC Code: 8139 Wage Meets National Minimum Wage Hours 9-5 Mon-Fri Location ALLOA, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 07 December 2011 Closing date 06 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Temporary Position
may lead to permanent. Required to prepare documents for scanning. Remove bindings, sort paper and complete internal paperwork. Applicant must have high levels of concentration and manual dexterity essential. Regular lifting will be required. A signed Confidentiality Agreement will be required by the successful candidate. Minimum Wages. Applies.Applicants should apply in writing to: CADmeleon UK Ltd block B, Castle St Ind Est, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EU . How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Hunter at Cadmeleon Technical Services, Block B, Castle Street Industrial Estat, ALLOA, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1EU. Employer Cadmeleon Technical Services SECURITY OFFICER Job No: ALL/22962 SOC Code: 9241 Wage MEETS NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE Hours 2/7 Location ALLOA FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 09 December 2011 Closing date 16 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Security Officer required for part time position 18 hours per week. SIA License is required and must be able to start straight away. Driving license also preferred. How to apply You can apply for this job by telephoning 01236 438040 and asking for Kailley Fleming. Employer Palmaris Services Door to Door Sales Person Job No: ALL/22961 SOC Code: 7121 Wage £12,500 PER ANNUM Hours 40 HOURS PER WEEK, MONDAY-FRIDAY, 12PM-8PM WITH BREAK Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 08 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description The ideal candidate will be motivated and driven to hit and exceed achievable targets. You will also be customer focused. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone wanting to build their sales skills into a career within a progressive and established multinational market leader. Ideally you will either have some sales experience or a military, authorities background and eager
to move into a sales career. Full driving licence is essential. This is a rewarding door to door sales role where you will be provided all of the necessary tools and technology to achieve great results. You will be advising potential customers on the benefits and savings available for them when switching to a competitive package for their home energy, as well as providing solutions for them to save on their usage. Employer states OTE £29,972.00 or call Kevin on 0191 230 3947 How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin Tinkler at Prime Time Recruitment, kevin. tinkler@primetime.co.uk. Employer Prime Time Recruitment TEACHER OF ART - ALVA ACADEMY Job No: ALL/22957 Employer Reference: CLA0598 SOC Code: 2314 Wage £21,438 - £34,200 per annum Hours 35 hours Location Alva, Clackmannanshire FK12 Duration Temporary Date posted 07 December 2011 Closing date 14 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Applications are invited from suitably qualified GTC registered teachers. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. You will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by Clackmannanshire Council and the cost of this check which will be deducted from your salary. Should you have di fficulty in accessing the documents and application form and wish to request a paper application pack please call 01259 452234 (24 hrs) and leave your details along with the reference number of the post. 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=112829&aid=11667Ope ns new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council
ASSISTANT MANAGER/ MANAGERESS Job No: ALL/22954 SOC Code: 1163 Wage £6.50 PER HOUR Hours 30 HOURS PER WEEK,4-5 DAYS FROM7,10.00AM-6.00PM Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 06 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience in a similar role essential. Duties include all aspects of assisting in the day to day running of a busy home store including cash handling, dealing with customers, planning staff rota’s and other duties. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22954, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255. BAR STAFF Job No: ALL/22967 SOC Code: 9225 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours 15+ PER WEEK OVER 7 BETWEEN 7AM - 2AM Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 12 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Must be over the age of 18 due to the serving of alcohol, previous experience would be an advantage but not essential as full training can be given. Duties are serving customers, till and cash handling and keeping bar area clean and tidy. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010. Applicants to apply in writing for the attention of Kenno, please mark in subject line of email Claremont Lodge How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Kenno at Claremont Lodge Hotel, info@ claremontlodgehotel.co.uk. Employer Claremont Lodge Hotel SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/22963 SOC Code: 7111 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage
weecounty Hours 35 HOURS PER WEEK, 5 DAYS FROM 7, BETWEEN 9AM6PM Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Temporary Date posted 12 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience is preferred but not essential. Duties include supervising assistants, customer service and housekeeping duties. Post or hand in CV to store How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kitsty Green at Alexon, Unit 23 Devon Vale, TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6HQ. Employer Alexon DEISEL MECHANIC Job No: ALL/22952 SOC Code: 5223 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours MON - FRI Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 06 December 2011 Closing date 30 December 2011 Pension details Pension available Description Oran Environmental Solutions is currently recruiting for a Diesel Mechanic. The role requires supporting the Process Operations Manager, Process Manager and other maintenance staff by ensuring that all mechanical equipment is maintained to guarantee operational and Health & Safety requirements.To apply for this role it is essential that you have experience working on all or some of the following - JCB, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Telehandler or Load Alls. You will be Time Served in a mechanical discipline and hold a full driving license. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Erin Hamilton at Oran Environmental Solutions, recruitment@oran-es.co.uk. Employer Oran Environmental Solutions PLUMBER Job No: ALL/22929 SOC Code: 5314 Wage £10.00 PER HOUR Hours 16-30 PER WEEK OVER A 7 DAY ROTA BETWEEN 7AM-5PM Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 23 November 2011 Pension details No details held Description Must have relevant
weecounty extensive experience. Gas safety certification would be an advantage but not essential. Duties include general plumbing and heating, boiler and bathroom installs. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Malley at Alpha Plumbing Services, john@ alpha321.com. Employer Alpha Plumbing Services
CLEANER Job No: ALL/22858 SOC Code: 9233 Wage EXCEEDS NAT MIN WAGE Hours 10 HOURS BETWEEN 8.30AM-4.30PM MONDAY-FRIDAY Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 03 November 2011 Pension details No details held Description Experience an advantage but not essential as training will be provided. Duties include, mopping, hoovering, ironing and other cleaning duties as required. Must have access to transport. This is a permanent job initially working 10 hours per week with the potential to increase to 30 hours per week. Applicants to email a CV and references How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Tanya Paterson at Diamond Domestics, diamonddomestics@yahoo.co.uk. Employer Diamond Domestics
as and when required. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Rutherford at Bridge Inn, davidrutherford22@ yahoo.com. Employer Bridge Inn
FEMALE SUPPORT WORKERS Job No: ALL/22740 SOC Code: 6115 Wage ÂŁ6.30 TO ÂŁ7.25 PER HOUR Hours RELIEF & PART TIME 12-30 HOURS AVAIL - DAYS/EVENINGS/ WENDS Location CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK12 Duration Permanent Date posted 27 September 2011 Pension details Pension available Description Female only. Driving License, telephone and access to a vehicle is essential. ILS provides SCANNER OPERATOR high-quality community based Job No: ALL/22943 care services across Scotland. SOC Code: 8139 Experience would be beneficial, Wage Meets National Minimum however full training will be given. You will provide physical, personal Wage Hours 09.00am - 17.00pm and domestic support to our service users in their own homes. You will have a genuine interest in Telesales Executive working with Are you looking to make the next move that people and will put your career on the right path? will use your This is an outstanding opportunity to join an excellent expanding newspaper group. communication You will be part of a dynamic and friendly skills to sales environment, where rewards reflect enhance effort. peoples quality of life through We will expect you to have drive, promoting determination and flair. independence A lack of sales experience is not an issue as within the we pride ourselves on our excellent in-house home and training. community. But we will expect you to have excellent Must be a PVG
Issue
Sports
A round
Page
Jinky
return
s to V
Issue Numb
er 27
Com munit y in Unity
Windm
Hubm
an
ills Ca
ESS carer group Agnes2 Johns tone with CHAP S PAsecur Bertie funding I CKeS* Auld officia Male
page
t was a Viewpa day that brough rk to a It was stands t till. remem a day that many berpage
lly open
They numbe turned out rs (estima in their in
for a3long will come, From moneity Zumbathon and the climax for some, time to
ÂŁ129
excess ted y for The project raise it was witness of 3,000 in to be of Sama, as theaslong hard of the the official total) to memor ritan statue unveilin ial garden sstatue and their own, for one g of footbal Premier page 207mmx6 in memor Scotlan a Celtic of Johnst ling 8 9mm-2fo legend y competitioLeague Snooone waslegend r1_v1 , Jimmy import d legend, but ,a copy.pd antly, ker unveiled. f legend a Viewpa more n 2
of the C
M
page 9
ps
from
sport
page 14,
fe seek
ÂŁ149 .99! ÂŁ4.99 2/4et South Y
CM
MY
CY
01698
K
803 How 909 muc
wishaw@th answ ers to ehubpaper.c HUB om closing
T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply date (13th Octotbe
r 2011)
sperth
.co.uk
Repre
of the
w, ML2
Lun ch
loo,
Manse
(Mon-Sat)
We cater
Kids
Please
BAR /
Vouc
RESTAU
ÂŁ4. 99
Louise
PER
Brett
with one
THâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S
LAR
S from
of her
GES
4 Gold
RANT
buff
medal
Buf ÂŁ9.9 9 our fet
ly Gath
arpets
T CAR
PET
F
(Mon-Thur
es, Fami
01738
ic
Perth
on page
446928
3
BAR
/ REST s) 5pmathlete Strathtay AURA s travell Harrier Manses stadium 12am NT ed
to Grange Road, to compe on the 7th in her mouth Newm Lanark Septem te ains, class,
s
Perth
athlet
es warm
ÂŁ3.99 m2 T WOOL VINYLS CARPETS from ÂŁ4.9 & WILT DISCOUNTS 9 m2 ONS from AVAILABL ÂŁ9.99 OFFERs E ON COM m2 FITTING PLETE ROLL WITHIN Cha ngin S STO
ing up
at Grang
emout
h
CKIS
FREE ESTIMA FREE TES MEASU RING SER FREE g the hrs on way FITTING VICE FREE STOCK you QUALI buy qual CARPETS TY UN ity carp ON SELECT DERLAY ets 56 ED CARPE CANAL TS STREET, PERTH 01738 582277
Special
YOUR FIRST FOR RENTAL PROPERTY
ment and
second Deliv stop the disabil ting eries 200m s off theevents and is ral Our team ity athlete against 4.30p the fromevent only 1.5 qualify Michae comprised s in the countrym till Michae at the 2012 ing time for late l Skeet, Rice, Kevin of Louse Brett, . Paralym the runs in l and Kevin all pics perform members Rice and Finlay BAR / challen their 800m Rice had good ance squad. of the RESTAU race despite clubs Louise RANT Highlig ging weathe Brett the Vouc r ht compe the Soft for the Perthconditions. her Two ted athlete Gold in Ball event, BAR / in 4 events s was Kevin RESTAU his class 20% off winnin RANT event all takea g Vouc with way orders her Thre contin a throw of over ÂŁ15. Valid ued page e until 15% Off 2 Terms 30th Septem your next and Condit ber 2011. (excluding sit in meal ions apply drinks) Valid Fri, Sat & until Sun Only Terms 30th Septem and Condit ber 2011. ions apply
et Valid only ÂŁ8.9 until Terms 30th Septem 5 and Condit ber 2011. ions apply
e asy c
CARPET
rn Mag
Eve ning
mn
-3pm
de Parti
FRE
Freepho ne 08081 446 663
www.fp jamesir ufinancialservi vine@p ositivem ces.co.uk ortgage s.co.uk
Manage
1 County
eringDisabil in the Soft Ball 60m, 0169 shire s & Even in advaE througho ity Sport Scottish ber Champ and had 100m, 200m Gold medals ut 3834518 3834 nce to ionship tsSenior Athleti a clean 12 and s. Typical . As of the sweep cs - 3834 avoid Autumnsun2011 Scottis 29season we near the end of Open h weathe and disappo 7 dominate her Louise continu Perth strong winds r 12p.m of rain, . Days T37 class intm stars es - tillPalsy) compe best ent did not latesprints (Cereb to
her One
Eve ning
eries from m till late
1 Ros e Cres cent Perth PH1 1NS
Easte
ut Autu
12pm
for outsi
eat for
book
RESTA URAN
Road, T Lanark Newmains,
01698 shire 38345 383412 1Open 383429 12p.m 7 Days Deliv . - till late
4.30p
e in the
Througho
latest sport page 15 &
BAR /
, Water
Letting,
www.aspro Mainten Place, Septem scoop perty.co.uk Perth PH2 ance. â&#x20AC;&#x2122; categor votes to win seeking the a prize courte ber 2011 mail@aspro 8EE On Thursd the y which fund of sy of Saund perty.co.uk Holyroo ÂŁ2,000. would â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Marger ay, 8th Septem see them ers Imagi Scottis d to publici y ber, h project se the by traineeMcBain and ng â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scottis They joined s in Karen Windmills s Cara, forces the finals of h Voteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Anthon Matusavage staff Dean Cauvin with Sense this years the 3 y and Lynsey were joined make Trust, awards it the only Scotland on the . Trainee through to trip to the finals.other Scottisand The Lynsey h project was beamin s to g with Buff et continpride having been ued
Indulg
16 BAR / R I n d i a E S TA U R A N n Cu isine T
R E S T
IndianA U R A N T Cuisin e w Road
157 Wisha
You proper r local ty exp ert
Athle ti Perth c success fo disab ility s r tars
the ting young Windm people ills cafe, a aged betwee page 5 n
page 11
votes
We have and varieda large properti list es for of Perth rent and Tayside. through in include Properti out es apartmeflats, houses nts, furnishe and or unfurnis or long-ter hed with d Call today! m leases. short
Issue
senta
Grub
HUB Round Sports up
Wisha
700700
Playgrou p
Tel: 016 8EN 98 375835 / 375 566
24
weeco unty Alloa &
Friday
In this
Hillfoots
16.09.11
Issue
issue...
841
Suppor
VIP
CARS
AIRPORT
& CON
4, 6 or 18
24/7 Ser
Local reliab le
t local
Tullib odyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leona at Open Mic UK is hitting all Comp Page etition the right notes 4
talent
Company
news
Scott cominish Police H g to W Q ee Co T unty Americ an Ret
By Alison
Mann
ullialla n to a singleCastle could be home Scottis force h police after dismis sed GlasgoKenny MacAs it was kill w and reveale Edinbu d this Curren rgh week. nationa tly being used l Tullialla police training as the n the whole is ideally situateacademy, of Scotlan d to service cessibl d, e in all directio and is very Plans acservice for a single ns of travel. have already police and nounce been an- fire d but the in the Scottis Justice h Parliam that the Secreta ent at TulliallaScottish Police ry has hinted headqu n could be College home arters. to the MacAs kill believe headqu s the new arters in Edinbu should not tion of rgh or Glasgo be based this is eviden w. IndicaPolice t Headq uarters as Strathclyde in Glasgo at Pitt ÂŁ2.5m w is curren Street tly (althou be moving gh they for sale at to a new are believe Glasgo d ÂŁ38m wâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office to If not the east end.) in home ters, Tullialla for n will playthe headqu the new arsingle force. a major role but the When in Scottis headqu asked about have Royal h Govern arters the new ment should be Edinbu he said: MacAs Assent by next â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will rgh or seems summe service of ACPOS kill added: not fine as Glasgow. Tullialla â&#x20AC;&#x153;As r. s chief consta a place of what which build will lead Chief Consta President n on as any we ble Smith police the reform for a The single ble to be based. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the already have.the strengths on behalf service police and runnin police Fire Officer â&#x20AC;? ASPS, . â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know of the SPF, SPSA service, the g as earlyforce could forward s and the looking like Chief people in ACPOS as April be up FBU are the service , not , forward and SCDEA determ 2013 the challenConstable looking , not back, are â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know back. Prote s will, ined Smith, cting and are challen this journey with Govern to work new servicege and shape rise to the Wee ging one is ment to constructively and s we can a tough tive and Coun - change at times a deliver ty for be proud deliver is always which call - but this Service efficient new an 21 of, Â&#x2021; 'HY Burg Years the is a . Scottis effeclar Alarm h Police Plans whole of Scotlanjourney LFHV L â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fire QFOXG front & rescue & Comm s Home d is on.â&#x20AC;? outline for the single , all eight the Â&#x2021; No and rear LQJ ÂżUH DOD ercia 32 division force wouldpolice force Moni Chief Depo UP ER l tored sit Â&#x2021; [HV 24hr s to stave be split Â&#x2026; 0 tion. )RU 6 with Phon off central into FRWWLV Polic eline Â&#x2021; 0R RQWKO\ E\ 6W e K 3RO isa: LFH 5 Response Â&#x2021; :HH & QWK &RQWUD DQGLQJ 2UG dema HVSRQVH D . 2 Majo HU 0L www nding Â&#x2021; &&79 RXQW\ 5H /FW )XOO 3DUWV OD QLPXP r servi ODUP .gle nda acpo LQVWD ces DXQFK 6HUYL ERXU Inclu s polic OOHUV FHG 0 6SHF lese y criter PXVW PHH ded. If you LDO DLQWDL curi QHG ty.co ia W WKH offer have no 5HSD .uk servic LUHG inspe you a one e ction time provider for ÂŁ50 only Wee we can plus and vat. parts, County batte ries
01259 210
666
Price 45p
ro Gla
Renow ned artist visits Petra Retro Kaise Glass Centr in Alloa r e Pages
TRACT
Seats
vice
709
difficul ties swallow with speech ing and , The muscle breathi tend to s affecte ng. d first feet and be those in the hands, mouth. In Scotlan d, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that over expecte 150 people suffer d from the will year and conditi there on each are continu currently ed on page 10
tives fromNumber taff from Pink Turb h is the 10 Sforces Windm the three ills Cafe with HUB Laufinalist Scotti Serving Pert in Mother s from the two Dinner an Xma sh charit to nch the Scottis the Nationother Scottis well joined ies with h and Surr Set Mea s With just h Parliam al Lottery h charity First Minis ound 18 and l at 1 week centre Awards ent in 25 Nationa to go Edinbu in a visit pages 6:45pm Cra commu with learnin ter Alex ing Area l Lottery until voting rgh. s 15th Salmo Awards Educat nities suppor g difficulties, ? closes igie training cafe suppor - 28th nd - Photo finals, ion Project t and are in
Send all
8 740
Septem ber 2011
Scottis h
Methv
01738
,6 :$ 7&+,1*
<285
+20
7 DAYS
Cost
n Rd, Bellshi ll ML4 Mon 1AG Sat & Fri 8am Sun 8am 7pm - 5pm
2011
Motor (MND) Neurone Diseas is
of muscle causing ss s, mobilit increasing loss y in the limbs, of and
:+2
HUB Media Ltd Scott Mochar Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Uddingston G71 5PW Tel: 01698 803909 Email: scott@hubpublishing.co.uk
16th - 29th
rial
2001.
just
15 & 16
Memo
17:21
en Street Email Free : info@ Perth Mea athen www. aprint.com l for athen www 2 .pcsolution aprinCom t.com petiton CMY
ERETTE
OPEN
73 Hamilto
mber
! EE
Lunch Buff
the Jinky
Garde garden n take pride Old Edinbu of place rgh hundre on d yards Road, just home from Jimmya few as a â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jinky, child.
e neurod a progres across who was idolised sive egener THEfootbal the country that attacks ative disease ling great for the PE the upper lower died in motor that he 2006 RT Degene neurones. and was, and battling after sufferin HS ial neuron ration of HI with Neuron g the motor es leads RE e Diseas Motor and wasting to weakne e since
. 06/04/2 rk The statue 011 and memor
Lapto
latest
& THE BEST
LAUND
n Cut The
FR
HUB Spo rts up
Round * Terms details and condition given on requests apply,
LARGEST , OLDEST
RS
Coupo
iewpa rk
STAR T UP SPEC IAL
Char
1987
Tel: 0169
Septe
HAW
0800 318 08 3
Send your CV with a covering letter by post or email to:
26th Augus t - 8th
WIS
THE
9
up
Starting your own busin ess? for a chan Or just time inclusive ge? An all package be for could you!!! The birth of
HIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S
CLEANE
Dry Clea ned for ÂŁ10. 00 *T&C Apply
er 51
of all Pages your local sport 17, 18, 19 & 20
BUSIN
LANARKS
DRY
SINCE
Cut The
2 Suits
Numb
! EE
communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative. In return, we will give you a first class salary and excellent bonus potential. If you think you have what it takes, contact us today.
Local prop FOR SAL erties E on pag & LET es 13
Final par the sho t of compet rt story ition Page Bellshi 2 ll Ride wor Park & ks beg in Page Annual Dog Fun 3 Day
FR
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
Find your way to success !
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.
Monday-Friday Location ALLOA, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 02 December 2011 Closing date 06 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Temporary Position may lead to permanent. Required to operate a computer controlled high speed document scanner 3000 pages per hour. Applicant must be computer literate, high levels of concentration and manual dexterity essential. Regular lifting will be required. A signed Confidentiality Agreement will be required by the successful candidate. Minimum Wages. Applies.Applicants should apply in writing to: CADmeleon UK Ltd block B, Castle St Ind Est, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EU. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Hunter at Cadmeleon Technical Services, Block B, Castle Street Industrial Estat, ALLOA, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1EU. Employer Cadmeleon Technical Services
EE
Reporter/Trainee Reporter A
Scheme Member and hold a full scheme record for working with vulnerable adults, if successful the cost of this is 59 which will be met by the applicant although 30 of this cost will be reimbursed following 6 months satisfactory employment. The employer claims an exemption to the Equality Act 2010. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22740, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.
FR
HOTEL DUTY MANAGER Job No: ALL/22945 SOC Code: 1221 Wage ÂŁ6.50+ per hour Hours 30-40 per week, 5 days over 7, between 7am and 12 midnight Location Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 02 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Must be 18+. Experience within a hotel industry is essential. Must hold a personal licence. Duties will include staff training and supervision, cash handling, liasing with suppliers and contractors, reception duties, food and beverage. Due to the nature of the role the postholder may be required to stay overnight
21
Friday 16.12.11
ww w.p ink tur ban .co m
MECHANICAL FITTER Job No: ALL/22918 Employer Reference: Mechanical Fitter SOC Code: 5222 Wage EXCEEDS NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE Hours 70 HOURS OVER 7 DAYS Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 17 November 2011 Closing date 15 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description We are looking for people who have served a recognised mechanical engineering apprenticeship and or substantial on the job experience with regular appraisals assessments or a technical reference from previous employer to demonstrate competence.C CNSG Safety Passport is also required. We are ideally looking for fitters who have experience of overhauling valves. Terms and conditions are as per the NAECI terms and conditions. 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 or to kevin.devine@weirgroup.com. Employer Weir Services Limited
recruitment
("
?
ss
22
Christmas Lifestyle
Friday 16.12.11
weecounty
The Twelve Days of Christmas - not just a nursery rhyme T
here are so many traditions surrounding Christmas that we take for granted without ever thinking about their origins. One of the most popular the singing of The Twelve Days Of Christmas - has its origins in a much darker period of history than one might imagine.To most people, the carol is a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written, and was a good deal more than a pretty melody about a list of strange gifts.Between 1558 to 1829, Catholics in England were emancipated and prohibited from any practice of their faith either private or public - by
law. It was, in fact, a crime to be a Catholic.”The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written in England as a “catechism song” to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. It was a memory aid, used in the times when to be caught with anything in “writing” indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you imprisoned, it could get you hanged, drawn and quartered - a rather peculiar and ghastly punishment that didn’t appear to be practised anywhere else.The gifts described in the song are not gifts in the traditional sense of the word; rather, they are hidden references to the teachings of the
Catholic faith. For example, the “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, but to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so...”
THE OTHER SYMBOLS HAVE THE FOLLOWING MEANINGS: Two Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments Three French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues Four Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists Five Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace. Six Geese A-laying = the six days of creation Seven Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments Eight Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes Nine Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit Ten Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments Eleven Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles Twelve Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.
The gifts of Christmas past W
Whats under the tree?
e participate in many festive gift-giving traditions without really thinking further than how they might affect our credit cards, but do we ever stop to think how they originated? We take a look back across the ages to see how the custom of gift giving developed. Gift-giving customs can be traced back as far as the winter solstice in Roman times, when high ranking officials were expected to present gifts to their Emperor during the Roman festival of the Kalends on the first day of January. In fact, Caligula, during his reign, made it compulsory, and would stand impatiently at the front door of his palace waiting for them to arrive. Originally these gifts, known as ‘strenae’, had taken the form of branches of evergreen taken from the grove of the goddess Strenia, but Caligula was not very keen on olive branches. So the Roman dignitaries began to give gifts of honey and cakes as symbols of their wish that the new year might be full of sweetness, and gold that it might bring prosperity. That made Caligula much happier, as he was very keen on prosperity, especially his own. The words ‘Kriss Kringle’ mean Christ-Child and is the basis of a medieval legend, that the infant Jesus himself gave presents. This helped to establish Christmas Day as an occasion for
Christians to give gifts. In those days presents were very modest and included such things as cakes, fruit, nuts, dolls and items of clothing. Boxing Day - now an excuse to finish off the Christmas turkey with a plate of pickles - was originally a gift-giving occasion, as its original name of Offering Day suggests. It takes its modern-day name from the ancient practice of opening boxes that contained money given to those who had given their service during the year, such as servants, housemaids, postmen, lamplighters, parish watchmen and the like. It can also be linked to an older Christmas tradition in which wealthy homeowners would give their servants the day off on the 26th to visit family as a thanks for ensuring their Christmas ran smoothly. It was also the day when alms boxes, placed in churches on Christmas Day, were opened and the money inside was then given to the priest or used to help the poor and needy. During the seventeenth century it became the custom for apprentices to ask their master’s customers for money at Christmas time. They collected this money in earthenware containers, which could be opened only by being smashed. On Boxing Day the apprentices would eagerly have a ‘smashing time’, hence the expression, seeing how much they had collected.
weecounty
Services
Friday 16.12.11
weecounty services 01259 404 006
23
To advertise in this section, call the Wee County sales team NOW
VAN/ VAN DRIVER
GARDENING SERVICES
Reid Tree & Garden Services
• Tree felling, shaping & trimming • All other landscaping services available • Mono blocking, patios & paths laid Pathways & drives gravelled • Slabbing & walls repaired or replaced • Fences & turfing • All types and sizes of trees supplied and planted from 1mtr to 10mtr For free estimate and advice telephone Mr. Reid: 0800 0432375 / 07979 634002
My Van and Me.com • Van and Driver Hire from £25p/hr • Handyman Services • Decorating / Fencing / Removals etc.
Call Jim on: 01259 730839 or 07411161223
G.J.S.
SECURITY
VAN/ VAN DRIVER
VAN 4 U
LANDSCAPES & FENCING
Property Maintenance
• FENCING • DECKING • SLABBING • TREE FELLING • LAWN MAINTENANCE • CHIPPING • TIDY UPS • EXTERIOR PAINTING • BRICKWORK • GUTTERS REPAIRED & CLEANED • GARDEN WALLS • MONOBLOCKING • DRAINAGE
FREE ESTIMATES CALL GORDON TEL: 07917 196 653 01324 619 402 ALL YOUR NEEDS IN ONE www.gjslandscaping.co.uk
weecounty package
CCTV Basic Package
4 Cameras, Monitor, Recorder, Mouse and Installation
£899.98
Plus VAT
Limited Quantity
www.glendalesecurity.co.uk
0800 318 083 UPHOLSTERY
RE-UPHOLSTERY Cintique • Ercol • Wade • Parker Knoll Frazers • Duresta • Reid etc
Re-upholstery + Re-covering FREE Scatter Cushions • FREE Arm Covers FREE Estimate Also Loose Covers & French Polishing Leather Repair Specialists
OAP Discounts • 7 Days Service
NU-REST
RE-UPHOLSTERY
Your Local Master Upholsterers
PLUMBERS
Ewan Douglas
All areas including Falkirk, Stirling, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Grangemouth, Bo’ness, Linlithgow, Alloa & Dunblane
PLUMBING
Central Plumbing & Heating
Mob: 07861 498 692
Boiler Repair Service & Installation Showers, Bathrooms & Burst Pipes
24HR EMERGENCY REPAIRS NO CALL OUT FEE Complete bathroom installations FREE ESTIMATES
Tel: 01259 215 036
www.ewandouglasplumbing.co.uk
Your local gas safe registered heating engineers
24 Hour Call Out OAP Discount
Tel 07736 888891 centralplumbing1@hotmail.co.uk
Robert Shepherd Plumbing Ltd PLUMBING AND CENTRAL HEATING
231/2 hour service
Domestic & Commercial call on 01259 215668
07831 386072
BLINDS
CALL FREE 0500 454549 All major credit cards accepted. Interest Free Credit • Details On Request • Typical APR 0%
* 50% of all Fabrics
STORAGE
SELF STORAGE Secure 20ft
Storage Containers to rent Short or long term
Contact Central Storage, Stirling 01786 470954 - 07879 895 824 GARAGE DOORS
House Clearances, Rubbish Uplifts, Single Item & Garden Rubbish Clearance 07938 722 394 TV AERIAL SERVICES
INGLIS
INSTALLATIONS T/V. Aerials • Repairs Sky Digitial. Free to view services & Extra points. Tel: (01506) 824 614 or text JOB to 07541 288 165 ELECTRICIAN
Alex Hill
ELECTRICAL SERVICES Offering electrical services and installation work to industrial, commerical and domestic premises
INDUSTRIAL AND HOME BLINDS LOUVRES, VENETIANS, ROLLERS WOODEN and PLEATED SAVE £££’s BUY DIRECT
BUY 1 BLIND GET ONE
FREE
ON SELECTED RANGES
FREE MEASURING, ESTIMATING & FITTING CLEAN AND REPAIR SERVICE AVAILABLE
Tel:
01259 212 837 and 01259 211 302
UNIT 2, Bridge Motor Factors, Broad Street, Alloa, FK10 1AN BUILDERS
Roofs R Us Up to 15 Years Guarantee On All New Roofs
• • • • •
Slating & Tiling UpVC cladding All cement work & led work undertaken Roofs cleaned and coated Gutters repaired, cleaned & renewed
COMPETITIVE PRICES
01324 808 722 0800 303 2217
MANZIE
ROOFING SERVICES
24hr CALL OUT
service@manzieroofing.co.uk www.manzieroofing.co.uk For a free estimate call
PAINTER & DECORATOR
01259 210 849/07907400 566
PAINTING & DECORATING
Interior Decorating FREE ESTIMATES No job too small Call 01259 752 340 or mob: 0788 420 6186
TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE call Heather on 01259 404 006
All areas covered Family Run Business
WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT
Tel/Fax: 01259 210 445 Mob: 07957 395 522
Colourway
SPECIALISTS IN FLAT ROOFS
SLATING / FELTING / TILING / SHEETING / CLADDING / GUTTERING / uPVC FACIAS ROUGH CASTING / BUILDING WORKS
TV AERIALS
Aerials STIRLING
T.V. AERIALS DIGITAL AERIALS Satellite installations and repairs ALL ~ WORK ~ GUARANTEED
CALL YOUR LOCAL ENGINEER NOW
0800 5118 300 MOBILE 0770 218 7010
INSURANCE APPROVED CONTRACTOR
PLASTERING
N&G
Plastering
Plastering, Interior and exterior painting and Tiling work all undertaken at competitive rates Coving installation Full liability insurance
Quality assured FREE Estimates Contact Gary on: 01259 210 311 or 07909 923 556
JOINERY
NORLAND JOINERY All types of joinery work undertaken, loft conversion specialists, extensions, kitchens etc. Free estimates
Tel: 07831 284 618
www.norlandjoinery.com
24
motoring
weecounty
Christmas Comes Early at Friday 16.12.11
BROOK STREET AUTOS!
MOTS Motorcycles £25 Cars, Vans etc
£30.00 Class 7 £35.00 Must be arranged on booking. Terms & conditions apply
HALF FREE PRICE CHECKS MOT on Tyres, Light/ with Full Service Must be arranged on booking. Terms & conditions apply
Antifreeze
*Terms and Conditions Apply
20% OFF ALL LABOUR MUST BE ARRANGED ON BOOKING* *Terms and Conditions Apply
Valid until end of January 2012
weecounty Motoring
Friday 16.12.11
25
Motoring Supermini’s: would you have one?
I
t was not so long ago that supermini’s became fashionable and the must have car, but let’s not forget that they have been around for years. The only difference being they were not ‘cool’ to have and tended to be bought by older people who went to the shops and back doing around 4,000 miles a year. The Micra, Corsa and Fiesta
PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 18
SUDOKU ANSWERS
CROSSWORD ANSWERS for last weeks Crossword competition answers see page 7
started to attract a different clientele with their ‘boy racer’ versions, although the engines were the same, just the styling was differet, then along came BMW with their Mini, shaping the world of supermini’s as we know it today. Step up Audi with their new A1 – but is it any good to tempt buyers away from their beloved mini? Performance The A1 is available with a selection of turbo engines to choose from 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol units and a nice little 1.6 diesel. The 1.2 is best used for town driving, but the 1.4 and the diesel are different, fast yet make excellent cruisers. The 1.4 is available with the very nice Audi twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox.
different to the next, main difference being firmer suspension and bigger wheels as. Whilst the A1 isn’t as alert in corners as a Mini, but it’s still great fun to drive – just what good supermini’s are all about Costs The price of the entrylevel car is attractive, and can get quite ridiculous but resale values are among the best in the class. At the moment, the A1 is an extremely desirable little car. A standard engine stop-start system helps towards excellent official fuel consumption figures and low CO2 emissions, which keep running costs low. Quality Whilst the A1 is the smallest and cheapest offering from Audi, it shares the same qual-
Ride & Handling As you would expect, there are three trim levels to select from. Each offering something
PETROL PRICES UNLEADED ASDA - Alloa - 128.7 Tesco - Alloa - 128.9 Morrisons - Alloa - 128.9 Highest - 130.9 DIESEL ASDA - Alloa - 137.7 Tesco - Alloa - 137.9 Morrisons - Alloa - 137.9 Highest - 143.9 Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.
ity that we have come to love and expect from Audi. The switches and dials have an expensive look and feel.
Safety The A1 has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating and offers essential items beyond the basic airbags and anti-lock brakes. It has stability control with an electronic rear differential to help you safely round corners especially if you are travelling far too fast into them!
Space If you compare the Audi A1 to a Mini they are poles apart. The A1 has a bigger boot than the Mini’s but whilst the Mini can seat four adults, the Audi’s rear seats are not really suitable for adults due to the sloping roofline. Toys There are SE, Sport and S line trim packages offering not only different levels of equipment, but also firmer suspension and bigger wheels as you progress up through the range. The one to go for? The 1.4T, it’s fun yet frugal. Not quite as fun as a Mini but certainly worth buying due to the strong residuals.
TOYOTA AURIS TR V VT 1.6 PETROL
Silver, 29700mls , 5 door, rear parking sensors Tax end of April 2012 Mot end of Feb 2012 WILL PUT NEW MOT ON CAR FOR BUYER. Service history, 2 owner from new First class condition
£5350 ono tel 01324 472682
ices David Morton Ltd r P p To Cars - Vans - All Scrap Metal Paid
01324 612 876 Glen Works, Glen Village, Falkirk
26
weecounty
Friday 16.12.11
Fuss free ways to decorate I
f you have just splashed out a small fortune buying your dream home, the chances are that funds are now pretty tight. That is nearly always the case for first time buyers, who once they have moved into their new nest must think about how best to decorate and furnish it without breaking the bank. First think about décor. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. It’s better not to go for anything too fussy - keep it clean and simple and add splashes of detail with the occasional throw, textured cushions, strong statement artefacts and wall decorations. Even an eyecatching ceramic bowl filled with fruit can give a room designer detail. Many big furniture stores sell end of line items and have sections where they keep slightly damaged, but very inexpensive models. Also keep in mind that most furniture stores periodically sell off used furniture when they get rid of showroom samples or floor models. Ask about both possibilities when you shop. If you have any wholesale furniture warehouses in your area, consider stopping by. Buying wholesale furniture is almost always cheaper than buying retail. Maybe that coffee table wouldn’t look right your living room as it looks now, but sanded down and stained and it will look quite different. Flea markets and charity
5 Scott Court, Alva Offer over £54,000 Home Report £63,000
shops can be a great source of inexpensive, one-of-a-kind interior decorating materials. If you fall in love with a piece of discount furniture, bare in mind that moving it can be an issue. Some vendors will deliver, but only at the end of the day in the case of a market and only for an additional fee. Don’t be afraid to bargain. Flea market vendors expect it, and with a little negotiation inexpensive items can become even cheaper. When looking for home furnishings, try to think outside the box. You might not want to eat off that set bright pottery plates but they might make colourful wall hangings. Unless you have a large home, select furniture and accessories on a small scale. They’ll fit into most spaces as you move them around in your home. Storage is in short supply in most homes. Select furniture pieces that offer drawers or hanging space, such as a chest of drawers or an armoire. When furnishing a living room or family room, choose two-seater sofas rather than one huge sofa. They’ll be easier to move and can be used forming a corner seating area opposite each other to create a conversation spot, or separately in different rooms of your home. Select a pleasing natural or neutral colour such as tan, camel, navy, dark green or black for upholstered
• Spacious Ground Floor Flat • Reception Hallway • Lounge • Modern Fitted Kitchen • Two Double Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Electric Heating • Double Glazing • Allocated Parking • Ideal First Time Buy
Flea markets can be a great source of inexpensive, one-of-a-kind decorating materials. furniture pieces. This will be your anchor colour. Make sure the fabric is durable so it holds up under years of use. Gather together a collection of pillows, fabrics and accessories that harmonise with your anchor colour. You’ll be able to change the look with the seasons, giving your furniture a new, fresh look throughout the year. On a green sofa for example, you might choose yellow floral pillows for summer and camel tapestry pillows for autumn. Buy lamps, vases, side chairs and pillows in pairs. They’ll add symmetry and continuity to a room.
When you’re arranging furniture try to use furniture or accessories in unexpected ways, such as a loveseat at the end of a bed or a big
dresser that holds videotapes and DVDs. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Find what works best for you in your present
situation. If you’ve selected items with versatility in mind, you’ll end up with an arrangement that’s just right.
Why not advertise your property with the Wee County News? Call
01259 404006
or email sales@hubpublishing.co.uk
weecounty sport
Friday 16.12.11
27
GOLF
Muckhart Golf Club D
espite the tough times being experienced by many golf clubs it was a delighted Ian Barker, Captain of Muckhart GC, who presented a profitable
in Good Health
set of figures at the club’s AGM on Sunday 11th December. Ian reported the 27 hole club was financially very sound with a strong balance sheet and no debt, an achievement all the more noteworthy considering the poor weather, the uncertain economic climate, and further investment being made during the year on green keeping equipment and refurbishment of the gent’s shower room in the clubhouse. The priority in the forthcoming year will again be investment in
the courses which have received consistent praise from members and visitors for their condition and presentation. A sign of this growing reputation is highlighted by the club confirming they have been asked to host a Midlands Alliance event as well as the Perth and Kinross County Autumn competition in 2012. A successful Open Day in September brought in over 40 new members, but there are still a few places available for new members, and those interested should contact the club on 01259 781423. There was however one
note of sadness at the end of the evening with the retiral of the clubs secretary Alison Houston after 6 years in post. Alison was thanked by Ian Barker for her hard work in the pivotal role she has played in the development of the Club, and presented with a large bouquet of flowers while announcing the club have also named a new Junior Competition in her honour. Alison is pictured here flanked by new Club President Chris Page on the left and Jim Kean who replaces her as Club Secretary.
POOL PEDRO BAGS SCOTTISH TITLE
F JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Junior Football League Home Away TEAM
P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
Tayport 10 Oakley United 7 Newtongrange Star 9 Glenrothes 9 Broughty Athletic 10 Broxburn Athletic 7 Sauchie Juniors 6 Ballingry Rovers 9 Penicuik Athletic 7 Arniston Rangers 10 Downfield 8 Armadale Thistle 10
1 3 2 2 0 2 2 1 2 1 1 1
2 1 1 2 2 1 0 2 0 1 1 3
2 0 2 0 3 0 0 1 2 3 2 2
3 4 13 4 8 5 10 7 7 15 7 3 4 2 10 9 9 7 4 11 7 6 6 8
4 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0
1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 0 2 1 2
0 0 1 3 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2
8 8 9 9 8 5 7 5 4 6 8 4
1 6 8 14 7 7 7 7 4 11 8 8
6 11 4 -2 -7 2 2 -1 2 -12 1 -6
Managers Comments U
nfortunately the Neilston v Sauchie game was called off last week due to the poor weather. This week we are once again hoping to get this game declared playable so that we finally get the Emirates Scottish Cup tie played as it has priority over other matches. It’s going to be a hard task ahead for the players and one in which we are going to have to put full focus on and be determined to come together as a team to win the game. The players have trained hard again this week and it would be great to get this game played and out the way for Christmas and New Year. We can take a few days and come back in the New Year still being in this competition and with a chance in
all competitions. We will be trying our hardest to get a game played on Saturday, if our Scottish Cup tie is called off then we are try to arrange to play our Fife and Lothians Cup tie against Newburgh Juniors at Recreation Park. Please check the club website on Saturday morning for confirmation on which game will be getting played. Sauchie Juniors are holding their Christmas party this Saturday night at Beechwood Park. There will be a good turn out of players coming along so if you would like to join us for the festive celebrations please contact the club for tickets. Fraser, Davie & Simy
18 17 12 12 12 11 11 10 9 9 8 8
ollowing on from the final of the men’s Scottish final a couple of weeks ago, Pete Smith (Locker Room A) went one step further last weekend at the Seniors (over 40’s) national event when he continued his recent good form to return with the title. With an entry of 55 players from all over Scotland taking part including a few internationalists present it was never going to be an easy passage through and a 6-4 victory in his opening match got a few nerves settled. A second victory came following a 6-3 win and this saw him through to a potentially difficult last 16 match versus Scotland A team player Iain Gillies (Inverness). A good quality match from both players with Pete gaining momentum now and another 6-3 win was secured. An even better performance in the quarter-final saw Pete into the semi’s with a 6-2 victory to set up a tie with Glasgow’s Anton Riley and in a cracking game this match went right to the wire with Anton failing on his second last ball in the deciding frame to hand Pete the passage into the final with which he gladly took with a 7-6 win. The final was against Pete’s fellow Scotland B1 team-mate Paul Harkness (Dumfries) and with the first couple of frames shared a contentious foul-shot call against Paul from the referee seemed to upset Paul for a period but Pedro was in no mood for sentiment and stepped up a gear to seal a magnificent 7-3 victory and the Scottish title with it. Congratulations from all within the Clacks Pool League on securing another Scottish title.
Week 12 Results:A LEAGUE:Inn 4 Alva Golf Club 5 Peppes 3 Oakwood A 6 Crown A 5 Locker Room B 4 Locker Room A 6 Crown B 3 Allanbridge 5 Oakwood C 4 B LEAGUE:Hammies 2 County 7 Oakwood B 5 Rileys 4 Cairn A 6 Crosskeys 3 Weirs 3 Cairn B 6 Oakwood D 7 Upstairs 2
Graham Henny Cup
(Sponsored by the Crown) Last 16:- First leg ties were taking place this week with return matches due next Tues night and the draw is as follows:Oakwood D v Peppes Alva Golf Club v Oakwood A Locker Room A v Cairn A Cairn B v Gartmorn Allanbridge v Rileys Inn v Locker Room B County v Crosskeys Crown A v Oakwood C All winners from these ties please remember all quarter final matches revert to one leg and all matches are scheduled to be played in the Crown with all dates available at clackspool.net
County Doubles 2011/12
(Sponsored by the Oakwood):Congratulations to S.Dobbie/C.Inkster, D.Dowell/G.Ross, S.Smith/G.Sneddon and K.Glass/J.Glass who all booked their place in the finals night to be held in the Oakwood on Fri 20th Jan and will be joined by last week’s winners to battle it out for the title.
Clacks v B’Burn Xmas Singles:-
Reminder to all players that this year’s annual tournament takes place this Sunday in Riley’s Stirling with all players to be before 1pm when the draw will take place.
28
sport
Friday 16.12.11
DARTS YOUNGER CUP SPONSORED BY ABERCROMBY ARMS
The Johnstone Arms took the title beating Star B 5-3 in a very close final. Thanks are passed on to Madge and all at the Abercromby for sponsoring the Cup.
MIXED PAIRS -
The Scottish Mixed Pairs will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 12 30 reg.
ALLOA MASTERS QUALIFERS
The first Alloa Masters qualifier will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 2 pm reg, entry £5 (there are still 4 places left for this event).
COUNTY AWAY AT HIGHLAND
The County are away to Highland on Saturday Jan 28th. The squad will be staying up at Inverness for the night and returning Sunday morning. County squad players who have not played this season please return county shirts or a charge will apply.
RUNNING
Central do well in the east C entral AC continued dominance of Men’s endurance racing in the East of Scotland in winning the Senior Men’s title at the East District Cross Country Championships at Aberdeen, with a third placing for the Masters Men’s Team a welcome reward. These races were also the selection races for teams of fifteen for the Inter-District match at Holyrood on January 7th as part of the televised Edinburgh Cross Country and a number of athletes were able to make a strong case for selection. The races were held in freezing conditions over a testing course with hard underfoot conditions and each race featuring a long uphill finish. The Senior Men’s race
BLAIR CUP SEMI FINALS & FINAL The A division Blair Cup will be held in the Oakwood this Friday Dec 16th. All players please be in venue for 715pm.
The Gents prelims will be held on Monday Dec 19th at the Abercromby and Oakwood all players must be in venue for 715pm, The following players will play in the Abercromby: D Mckee & A mcluckie, S Mckee & J Docherty, C Mcpherson & J Turnbull, C Baxter & B Keenan, J Goldie & K Glass, S Vaugan & J Flanagan, D Mathers & C McLaran, R Hall & S Wilson, J McKinsley & R Bond, B Hamill & T Harper, P Hartley & J Jenkins, A Ashbridge & N Wainright , C McCormack & K Hunter, S Hawkes & B McLaren, D Cadger & G Westwood, J Connal & J Connal, S Gilles & J Flyall, G Crawford & D Moon, S McAlister & D Keenan, A Burns & G Smith, D Wilkinson & C Murphy , D Frazer & B Dennis, T Thomas & Partner , G Hill & G mcmullan , J Willing & R Somerville, C Graham & E Hughes, J Derrick & Kyle , A Sutherland & M Civerlk , A Flanagan & C Hunter, G Laverty & S Laverty, S Uttley & J scott, B Allan & G Stevenson , G Quinn & I Quinn, A Paterson & D Ritchie, L Richardson & Partner.
incorporated the Under 20 and Masters Races over a course of some 9.6 kilometres. Central’s Alex Hendry and Ross Houston underlined their recent quality form as they battled round in the leading group of athletes. As the race unwound it found Alex locked in contention for the Gold and Silver medals with the experienced Murray Strain (Hunters Bog Trotters). Try as he may Alex could not open a telling gap on his rival as they sped round the final lap and, in spite of a spirited finish on the uphill stretch, had to settle for Silver (31min 31secs). Alex did however have the consolation of leading his Central’s Men’s colleagues to Team Gold through good runs from Ross Houston (sixth, 32.36); Matthew Sutherland (eighth, 32.58); Michael Wright (twelfth, 33.24), Lewis Millar (18th, 33.55) and Scott McDonald (19th, 33.57). Alasdair Anthony provided the back-up in 24th (34.19) while Alex Milne (78th, 39.55), Under 20 runner David Lindsay (79th, 40.01), David Eckersley (84th, 40.34), Hugh Buchanan (89th, 41.01), Alan Gall (115th, 46.21), John Millar (128th, 50.03) and Kenny Hislop (134th, 54.20) proved their fitness in the freezing conditions. Indeed Alex Milne, David Eckersley and Hugh Buchanan finished as third Masters Team on the day.
Coming home strong: Matthew Crawford works through the field to finish fourth in the under 13 race
Alva Gc V Gartmorn, Oakwood Lounge V Abercromby A
PETER HILL PAIRS SPONSORED BY OAKWOOD & ABERCROMBY
weecounty
FANZONE
Battling it out: Alex Hendy run stride for stride with eventual senior winner Murray Strain of Hunters Bog Trotters Jennifer Emsley and Lindsay Morrison also battled hard in the Senior Women’s race (6.5 kilometres) finishing ninth (24.48) and twelfth (25.22) respectively with a much depleted team completed by Jane Waterhouse (47th in 29.53. Both leading Senior Ladies will be hopeful of making the East team for the Inter-Districts. Matthew Crawford was Central’s only runner in the Under 13 Boys Race over a testing 3.2 kilometre course. In an exciting race Matthew moved through the field with confidence to come home in fourth overall (11min 39secs) to ensure selection for the Inter District match. In the under 13 girls race Eilidh Russell was also the sole Central runner and finished a competitive 13th place in 13.46
The Under 15 Boys faced a 4.3 kilometre challenge and on the day Aidan Cameron was Central’s top finisher in a very handy 14th place (16.29). Iain Davies was making a comeback after illness and here had to settle for 21st (17.40) ahead of a gritty effort from Kieran Potter (23rd, 17.56), while Gary MacFarlane stuck well to his task to finish 36th (19.11) as the Central Team finished sixth overall. For the Under 15 Girls, Eilidh MacCorquodale had to battle a cold as she finished tenth in 18.36. Roisin Bonucchi had an improved run as she stuck in well behind Eilidh to finish twelfth in 19.05 and Shannon MacFarlane gave another solid performance in 16th place with 21.41.
weecounty sport
Friday 16.12.11 29
RUGBY
Top level coaching session for Dollar pupils
Scotland attack coach drops in with a film crew to offer some advice
G
regor Townsend, former Scotland player and now attack coach with the national team, visited Dollar Academy last Friday to take a coaching session with the school rugby teams. In total, 22 pupils were involved in the master class, which lasted two hours and was recorded by an international film crew as a coaching module to be used on www. therugbysite.com Commenting on the visit, Mr Rob Moffat, PE Teacher at Dollar Academy said: “We’re really delighted to have Gregor visit us for a coaching session with the boys and very grateful for his time. Our pupils are all very excited about the class and thrilled that the footage
will be used on such a high profile rugby training website.” Dollar Academy has always had an outstanding reputation for PE, with continual investment in resources and training opportunities for its pupils across a range of sports. Dollar Academy has achieved rugby success this year with the U-16 Rugby team reaching the finals of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup at Murrayfield on 26th November, which they unfortunately lost.
RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 Results Sat 10th December Kinross P Harris Acad FP P Carnoustie HSFP P Blairgowrie RFC P
CALEDONIA DIV 1 RESULTS 10 December Highland P Aberdeen Uni Gordonians P Caithness
Weekend Fixtures Sat 17th December
Weekend Fixtures: Sat 17th December Strathmore
Alloa
v Highland
Played W
ABERDEENSHIRE HILLFOOTS RFC ORKNEY MACKIE ACADEMY FP STRATHMORE RFC HIGHLAND RFC GORDONIANS RFC GLENROTHES CAITHNESS RFC ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RFC
12 12 12 13 12 11 11 12 11 12
10 8 7 7 4 6 3 3 4 2
D
L
0 1 0 0 3 0 1 2 2 1
2 3 5 6 5 5 7 7 5 9
F : A
Bonus
Points
278:142 282:196 282:259 291:277 178:193 203:222 247:267 189:286 170:210 250:318
7 6 7 7 3 3 7 4 1 7
47 40 35 35 25 23 21 20 17 12
v Blairgowrie RFC
RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS
RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Team
Stirling Uni Madras Fife South Alloa
Team
Played
GRANGEMOUTH STAGS RFC ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY MADRAS RUGBY HARRIS ACADEMY FPRFC STIRLING UNIVERSITY RFC ALLOA KINROSS BLAIRGOWRIE RFC FIFE SOUTHERN CARNOUSTIE HSFP
10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 11 10
W
10 9 8 8 5 3 3 3 2 0
D
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
L
F : A
Bonus Points
0 323:43 1 373:116 3 274:187 2 214:200 5 232:223 7 123:144 7 124:261 7 113:220 9 94:231 10 88:333
5 8 7 4 5 4 2 1 2 2
45 44 39 36 25 16 14 13 10 2
30
sport
Friday 16.12.11
FOOTBALL continued from page 36 HT ALLOA 1 QUEEN’S PARK 0 Alloa took the game to Queen’s but both May and Winters had their efforts saved well by the inform Parry. Cawley broke free from the half way line but was fouled on the edge of the box by Longworth who was lucky to stay on the park, referee Anderson deemed the challenge as a yellow card, much to the dismay of the home support. May’s thunderbolt free kick was tipped over by Parry as the Wasps looked to add to their tally. As Queen’s pressed for the goal that would bring them level, it was Jim Bough who found himself free in the box, from a Queen’s corner but shot straight at Bain from 8 yards. Queen’s made a double change in the 70th min to try and get back
into the game and it was sub Daly who should have levelled but his 10 yards shot was right at Bain. Longworth must have been wondering what he had to do to score after he broke into the Alloa box only to see his weak shot go wide. The Wasps did have the ball in the net as the match was closing. The ball was floated over from the right and as Queen’s goalkeeper Parry jumped to collect he was bundled over the line. The referee deemed the challenge on the goalkeeper as an infringement and ruled the goal not to stand. Queen’s had loads of the ball but couldn’t take their chances and it was the home side who saw the game out and claimed a vital three points in their quest for promotion. FULL TIME: Alloa 1 Queen’s Park 0 ATT 422
Managers Comment Talking after the win, manager Paul Hartley said; “We were delighted to collect full points as Queen’s Park played very well today, they were probably the better side. We scored a really good goal and stopped playing after that a bit “One thing for sure is the players attitude was first class, the will to win was great, we saw the game out, we defended really well and kept a clean sheet – so for this we are really pleased. “We can still claim to be the only team in the Division which has an unbeaten home record in league matches, so we will look to keep it going, we know we are strong at home. “Queen’s Park try to play a similar game to ourselves. I thought the two players who joined the club in midweek on loan were terrific today, Stevie May worked his socks off, he gave me everything and young Kevin McHattie was different class at left back, he had a really good first half he was strong, he has had a good grounding at Hearts and knows the position well, no I was pleased with both of them. “The team as a whole were great and I have to be pleased with that.”
ALLOA HEAD TO BERWICK
A
lloa make the long trip to Berwick this weekend looking to keep the unbeaten run going. Berwick are managed by ex Alloa man, Ian little and he will be looking to put one over his ex employers no doubt. Paul Hartley is hoping Steve Masterton can make a least the bench and Fraser Forrest might be fit as well – all being well. Berwick took a share of the points the last time the teams met at the Recs with a 1 each draw. A win will keep the pressure on league leaders Annan before they arrive at the Recs mid January.
weecounty
weecounty sport
Friday 16.12.11
31
FOOTBALL
IRN BRU DIV 3 RESULTS Saturday 10th December Alloa 1 Queen’s Park 0 Doyle (6) Stranraer 6 East Stirling 0 Stirling (pen 30) Stirling (pen 32) Winter (33) McColm (58) Taggart (63) Moore (83)
Weekend Fixtures: Saturday 17th December
More action shots from the match which saw Wasps retain their unbeaten home run.
Berwick v Alloa East Stirling v Clyde Elgin v Annan Athletic Montrose v Queen’s Park Stranraer v Peterhead
Irn Bru Division 3: League Table ANNAN ATHLETIC ALLOA STRANRAER ELGIN BERWICK CLYDE QUEEN’S PARK MONTROSE EAST STIRLING PETERHEAD
Pld W 15 6 15 4 15 4 13 5 14 3 13 3 14 2 15 3 15 2 13 0
D 1 3 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 3
L 1 0 2 1 3 3 1 3 5 3
W 3 4 4 1 3 2 3 1 0 1
D 2 2 1 3 2 3 1 1 1 1
L GD Pts 2 9 30 2 3 29 2 18 27 2 9 22 2 4 21 1 7 19 4 -1 19 6 -12 14 6 -27 8 5 -10 7
weecounty sport CENTRAL ATHLETICS WIN IN THE EAST Page 28
Still unbeaten at home Wasp’s keep pressure on Annan
Alloa 1 Queens Park 0
By Sports Reporter
A Wee County News is registered at the Post Office and is published weekly, every Thursday by HUB Media Ltd., Suite 17, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park, Uddingston G71 5PW. Printed by Newsquest, Cambuslang, Glasgow.
lloa added on loan duo Steven May from St Johnstone and Kevin McHattie from Hearts to the starting line up to face Queen’s Park. Steve Masterton, Ross McCord and Fraser Forest were still missing through injury, young Kenny O’Brien kept his place on the bench, whilst Graham Holmes who took a bad
knock at Montrose last week, passed a late fitness test to take his place in the starting line up. As the fog lifted just in time for kick off, it was the home team who started the better with Cawley and new boy may linking up well to play Winters in but his shot from 12 yards was saved well from Parry . Alloa were rewarded when they took the lead in the 12th minute with a great move down the left between Cawley and May and it was
weecounty Now Open in the
weecounty news office, Primrose Street - pop in and say hello!
Design & Print
the on loan winger who played an excellent ball to the back post and the on rushing DOYLE shot high into the net from 15 yards . The home side should have added to the score through Cawley but his curling shot from 18 yards was well saved by the Queen’s keeper Parry. When Gardner Speirs side settled, they came more into the game and had good chances when Jamie Longworth, then Martin McBride
Goal or not? Referee decided it was a foul.
tested Bain in the Alloa goal. It was Longworth again in the 38 min who had a great chance, one on one with Bain but from 10 yards shot wide. As Alloa pushed for a second goal it was Cawley who had the chance but saw his shot saved by Parry.
All your design and print needs right on your doorstep
38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG
Tel: 01259 404 006
Business Cards • Business Starter Packs • Promotional Goods Design & Corporate Branding • Flyers • Brochures • Newsletters
Email: weecounty@athenaprint.com • www.athenaprint.com
A trading style of athena design & print ltd.