The Wee County News - Issue 860 by Vicki O'Hare

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Friday 27.1.12 Issue 860

In this issue...

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£7.5 million development of Kilncraigs

177th Alloa Burns Club event

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Page 9

Political dog fight? Not us! Labour committed to winning local election in May

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t was announced this week who the Scottish Labour Party have selected to stand in the forthcoming local elections in May. At a special meeting in Alloa town hall on Monday, the candidates were announced by the Labour party in front of supporters, MP Gordon

Banks, MSP Dr Richard Simpson and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Planning, Sarah Boyack MSP. The nine candidates who will stand have been selected for the tough battle with the SNP in what has been continued on page 16

Woman lives in FEAR after Post Office robbery

By Alison Mann

woman has been left traumatised after a terrifying robbery from a Tullibody Post Office and cops are urging witnesses to come forward. The woman had been working in the Post Office, Stirling road on Boxing Day but has been left too traumatised to return to work after

she was threatened by a man who stole a four figure sum of money. The robbery happened around 6pm on December 26. The suspect is believed to be in his late teens or early twenties, around 5 ft 6” tall and was wearing dark clothing and had his head and face covered. Detective Inspector Donna

Bryans said: “Thankfully the woman was not hurt. However she has been left too frightened to go back to work. The person responsible has not just taken the money but he has also taken this woman’s confidence to go about her daily business.” She added: “I am appealing for anybody who may have knowledge

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of this robbery or who may know somebody who has more money than usual or who may have been acting a bit strange around Boxing Day.” Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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It seems the Labour Party members are attempting to blacken Councillor Carricks name in order to justify his de-selection and replacement with a carpetbagger. Take my word for it – the decisions was not political – and time will tell the real reason. As for ex councillor Scobbie’s attack on Councillor Murphy’s provostship – well Alec it seems your capacity for drivel has not abated. The provostship is perfectly safe in Tina’s hands. Councillor Walter McAdam, Clackmannanshire North

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Are you cushy? Do you have a nice warm cosy home? Do you have plenty food, fuel and all the mod cons that modern society provides? Like PCs, play stations, a satellite TV, a nice car? If so you are very lucky, and I bet you have worked very hard for it. Is this standard of living something you appreciate or have you ever thought what it would be like to have nothing? No home, job, little food, and heat, no purpose in life. I’m not talking about some third world country, I’m afraid we live in a divided society. If you were lucky enough to be born into a stable loving environment you will have had the opportunities to get on in life. For many people in this area that was not the lucky straw they drew when they were born. In this country there are a large number of people living on the breadline, old and young struggling to cope with ever increasing living costs, especially food and fuel and no hope of it getting better. In 1948 the welfare state was born, and its ethos was to look after people from the cradle to the grave, paid for by national insurance subscriptions, deducted from workers wages. Gone were the five giants of “want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness”. The conservative led liberal coalition is striving to dismantle this safety net. If you are one of the cushy ones you won’t know what it’s like to live off £65 quid a week. To sit in the dark in case the power card goes off. Shop for the cheapest sell by date food, dress from charity shops (good value as they are). The welfare state was brought in by a Labour government that had its roots in the working class and has since always tried to make life fairer for all levels of society. We are facing local government elections in May, and at a later date possibly an SNP generated referendum asking us to vote for separation from the UK. How do you think the poor in our society will fare in a separated Scotland? Do we care? Whenever a country’s economy is threatened by recession or lack of growth, it’s always the weaker section of society that suffers, through cuts in local expenditure, and unemployment caused by lack of liquidity in the economy. To consider a nationalist programme at this time is foolish. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Things are not perfect in Scotland, but without the butter of being part of the United Kingdom I fear Scotland will end up, down on its uppers. Frank Anderson, Menstrie

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Peacefully at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on 24th January 2012 Robert aged 75 years. Beloved husband of Mabel, much loved dad of Suzanne and George, devoted papa of Rachel and father in law of Jimmy. Forever in our hearts Funeral service to be held on Tuesday 31st January at Clackmannan Town Hall at 10am thereafter to Tillicoultry Cemetery Cooperative Funeralcare Alloa 01259 724211

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£7.5m new council HQ given the green light Development of the Kilncraigs site could generate over 100 jobs

lackmannanshire council have given the green light to a new £7.5million investment in the development of the Kilncraigs site – a move that could see council employee’s housed within the one building. The Council’s ongoing commitment to regenerate Alloa Town Centre, has taken a major step forward, with the approval of the investment to refurbish the 1936 building and former Paton’s School ensuring that they are fit for business purposes. It was intially agreed in principle in September 2010 to progress with the ambitious project that will eventually see all Council staff currently based at Greenfield and Lime Tree House being co-located at the Kilncraigs complex. This plan will see the restoration and sustainable long-term use of two of the area’s most important listed buildings while enhancing the vitality and viability of the wider town centre. To carry out the building and renovation works, Clackmannanshire council have selected local firm Marshall Construction as the successful bidder to deliver this multi-million pound

project. Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability portfolio holder added; “The Kilncraigs development comes on the back of the successful Imagine Alloa project which brought significant improvements to the town centre. It is also follows the opening of the new Forth Valley College campus, the ongoing work to create a modern library and customer service centre at the Speirs Centre and Alloa Town Hall’s refurbishment. “I am confident that our faith in the town centre is encouraging others, including those in the private sector, to invest and make Alloa a better place to visit and do business. The recently announced stateof-the-art dental centre which is coming to Drysdale Street is a good example.” It is expected that Council staff will relocate to Kilncraigs during early 2013 and is anticipated that this move will further progress the Council’s efficiency strategies and result in savings such as reducing records managements costs, travel between buildings and enhancing flexible and mobile working opportunities. It is estimated that the project will create and sustain

n audit of Central Scotland Fire and Rescue service has shown an effective force but one that needs to improve. The Accounts Commission published a report yesterday (January 26) on the findings of the Best Value audit of the force. It found that the force is low cost, below the national average and spends £50 per head of the Central Scotland population which is £3 below the national average. Central Scotland Fire and Rescue was also found to have extremely low sickness and absence levels. However, the Commission also found that there was not a “culture of improvement” within the force and there needs to be a greater focus on

preventative measures. Fires have fallen in Central Scotland over recent years but have started to rise lately and the Commission suggest more home visits could be the solution to this. The Commission praised the amount of fire-safety audits in non-commercial premises but said it must carry out home safety visits to bring preventative measures in line with the rest of Scotland. The Joint Fire and Rescue Board of Central Scotland Fire and Rescue was also criticised within the report calling it “passive and not proactive”. The report suggested the board take a greater scrutiny position. The collaborations between Central Scotland Fire and Rescue were praised during the report but it needs to continue improving the

News Brief Mary’s Meals Charity Concert Pre booked tickets, which are priced at £10 / £8 concession, and includes the concert programme, can be obtained from Rotarian Hector Nicolson by e-mail hectornicolson@yahoo. co.uk or from Rotarian Ian Stuart at 01259216586 or the SMS Garage in Bedford Place.

(L-R; Alan Booth, Scott Alexander, Cllr Eddie Carrick, Robert Marshall, Stephen Crawford and Cllr Gary Womersley approximately 136 jobs in the local economy during the construction phase, whilst Marshall Construction has also committed to providing additional apprentice positions, unpaid work placements arranged through Clackmannanshire Works as well as other benefits for the local community. Council Leader Gary Womersley said: “Today’s announcement shows this Council’s commitment to the ongoing regeneration of Alloa Town Centre, particularly during the current economic downturn. This is an opportunity to cut the cost of running three corporate buildings in Alloa, while creating a modern, efficient and flexible working environment for our staff. It will bring new opportunities for streamlined working

Fire and Rescue needs to improve By Alison Mann

Friday 27.1.12

service. Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said: “Central Scotland Fire and Rescue provides an effective service and it is encouraging to know that it wishes to improve and change. “It still needs to do more to ensure that it is providing Best Value. There needs to be a stronger focus on management of performance and risks and councillors on the fire board need to do more to scrutinise and challenge strategy and performance.” Chief Fire Officer Kenneth Taylor said: “We are pleased that the Accounts Commission has recognised that CSFRS provides an efficient and effective, low cost service to communities. Our budgetary planning processes, management of financial affairs and consideration of

as well as creating and sustaining over 100 local jobs during the construction phase. “This plan represents a huge investment in the town centre and wider local economy by this council. We have estimated that appointing a local building contractor alone, will generate a benefit of £9.5 million to the local economy. Savings in annual property related running costs are also anticipated to exceed £3m over the life span of the project.” Marshall Construction managing director, Scott Alexander commented, “We are delighted to have been selected as main contractor for this local prestigious project and look forward to working closely with the council and their development partner. We

have a long association with the council and are pleased to have this opportunity to continue and develop that relationship. This project comes at a time where there are unprecedented challenges within the construction sector and therefore it is all the more pleasing that Marshall have been selected for this local project. This project will provide continued employment for our locally employed workforce engaged on the project as well as creating new employment opportunities in partnership with the council. We applaud the Council in their commitment to this major project at this time and look forward to delivering a first class facility and considerable investment for the local community.”

staff issues were also viewed in a positive light. “We continue to make steady progress through performance management in widening out the measures of effectiveness regularly reported both to the senior management team and to the Fire Board and its sub committees. All of this will assist in embedding a ‘continuous improvement’ approach to business.” He added: “The Service continues to work with partners to ensure a joined up approach to community safety matters in the broader sense to ensure that our efforts are focussed into areas where maximum benefit can be achieved and the most vulnerable members of the community are protected, as opposed to simply meeting quotas. “We will continue to build upon the extremely positive working relationships with

members of the Board and to expand the learning opportunities offered to members to assist them in their scrutiny roles relating to service initiatives.”

February meeting for Diabetes group The Diabetes UK Forth Valley Voluntary Group will be holding a meeting in February. The group has regular meetings in Stirling and Clackmannanshire which are informal. The group aim to provide support to people affected by diabetes in the Forth Valley area. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they have diabetes themselves or are carers or friends of someone with diabetes. They have many interesting guest speakers, with talks on subjects which are diabetes related and others which are of general interest. The next meeting is to be held in the Mayfield Centre, Stirling on Tuesday, February 7 at 7.30pm where the speaker will be Mr Bert McKenzie, Stirling Astronomical Society. Visit the website for more details http:// forthvalleyvoluntarygroup. diabetesukgroup.org

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Friday 27.1.12

Hard hitting road safety event aimed at young drivers By Michelle Henderson

new hard hitting road safety event that will be viewed by more than 4,000 teenagers has been announced to take place at Stirling University. Central Scotland Road Safety Partnership and other rescue services have organised the event that will take place on Monday, January 30th. The event will see emergency service personnel being joined by victims of road traffic collisions along side their families. With an expected audience of more than 4,000 teenagers, the organisers hope that they will learn to drive slower and safer on the roads across Scotland. The week long scheme will

Access Forum AGM date set

he Clackmannanshire Access Forum will hold its Annual General Meeting in February. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 28 at Alloa Town Hall. The Forum was created in 2001. It provides independent advice to the Council and other bodies about access rights, rights of way and core paths. Members include representatives of community organisations, recreational users, national agencies, land managers and the Council. The Annual General Meeting will report on the work of the Forum and its achievements in 2011 and elect Forum members to each of the stakeholder groups. This will be followed by two presentations, one on the Ochils Landscape Partnership and the other on the evolution of access in Scotland. The presentations will be made by Dennis Toon from OLP’s Executive Committee and former Access Forum chair Alistair Lawson. All will be made welcome. Doors open at 6.30pm and the Forum AGM is from 7-8.30pm in the town hall’s main hall. If you will be attending the meeting or, if you require further information about it, please contact the Council’s Access and Countryside Projects Officer on 01259 452409 or email mdean@ clacks.gov.uk

let teenagers hear from young people that have been involved in terrifying collisions and will see reenactments of those events. They will also listen to stories from bereaved families and emergency service personnel, who have been apart of these incidents. In 2011 alone, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Services attended a total of 116 road traffic collisions with a total of 9 deaths, 111 serious injures ad 28 serious casualties. The worrying statistic form this being that these people were aged between 17 and 25. Group Manager for Community Safety at Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, Gordon Pryde, said: “Safe Drive Stay Alive is an innovative partnership event, targeted towards young people that are statistically more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision. “Through this event, people that have been directly affected by a road traffic collision have the opportunity to share their very serious and long lasting experiences of irresponsible driving. The message we are sending out through this event is hard hitting but we want young people to remember it and it could help save their lives.” The Head of Specialist Support Services at Central Scotland Police, Chief Inspector Brian Johnston also made a statement saying: “’By attending a performance of Safe Drive Stay Alive, young people will see for themselves just how devastating the effects of a road crash are. “Young people account for 12% of the driving population but sadly they are also involved in 31% of all road crashes and this is wholly

unacceptable. Safe Drive Stay Alive will highlight the dangers young drivers and their passengers face every time they get into a car and make them aware of their responsibilities. “Young people should never be afraid to speak up and get out if they feel that the person driving the car is not safe but also they should be aware that by causing a distraction they can be the cause of a crash.’’ Murray McEwan, Community Development Officer for the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “Ambulance crews experience firsthand the tragic circumstances that result from taking unnecessary risks while driving. This campaign has a profound effect on those who see it and will help to save young lives.” On Thursday, February 2nd, the event will be open to all young drivers and their parents, along with general public, with the aim being to show how effective the event is

and the impact this has on young drivers. The event will start at 7pm and finish about 8.30pm. To book tickets to this FREE event phone the MacRobert Arts Centre Box Office on 01786 466666.

Former Provost speaks out By Alison Mann

he former provost has spoken about his new role as shadow spokesperson for sustainability. Councillor Derek Stewart spoke out to try to put an end to negative spin he believes surrounded the former Labour administration. He criticised the SNP description of the commissioning of a Traffic Impact Assessment as “75k for a car parking survey.” He said: Whilst car parking is a component of any Traffic Impact Assessment, the survey was commissioned to evaluate the impact of the increased traffic need for the new Forth Valley Campus, and the overflow from Kilncraigs as more council staff move to the building from other buildings to lower Council costs. Accident prevention; the safety of

both pedestrians and vehicles was paramount to Clackmannanshire Council and the then Labour administration.” He added: “On a personal note, I find it slightly ironic that Councillor Carrick, when a member of the Labour Administration, was the most prominent supporter of introducing car parking charges along with his independent counterpart Craig Holden, who also voiced his support for these charges in Alloa at the last budget. “Now that both of these councillors are supporting the new SNP administration, I hope that this does not mean that we will need to continue to fight to stop any unfair and unwanted charges being introduced. “I would like to assure the residents of Clackmannanshire, that should we return a Labour Administration in May, we will continue our policy of ‘Free Parking in Clackmannanshire.”

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.

Former Provost Derek Stewart The former Provost also thanked local people for their support, saying: “I have been completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of good wishes I have received from all parts of the county, all walks of life and all political persuasions. “It’s good to know that people saw me as a non-partisan figure working for the good of our community.”

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Friday 27.1.12

60 years of marriage for Alloa couple

ee County shoppers have been urged to be on their guard when using ATM cash machines. Central Scotland Police are urging the public to look out for card skimming devices places on machines. A Central Scotland Police spokewoman said: “Card skimming devices have been discovered on ATM’s in Tullibody, Denny and Bo’ness. “Customers using cash machines should look for anything suspicious or out of place. The skimming machines can take many forms including devices applied directly to the machine over the card slot to read the card and using cameras to capture PIN numbers as customers type them in. “Always take care when entering your PIN and be aware of people loitering in the area of cash dispensers and report anything untoward. “Anyone who notices anything suspicious at any cash dispenser should contact the bank or building society who manage that machine.” The devises were found in Bo’ness on Saturday January 14, in Tullibody on Monday January 16 and Denny in December. Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

n Alloa couple celebrated 60 years of marriage this week after meeting in a factory. Claude and Alice Stokes celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Monday, January 23 after marrying back in 1952. The pair met in 1950 while working at Paton’s Factory, Alice as a knitting advisor and Claude as a chemical analyst and later a process controller. They first locked eyes when Alice entered Claude’s laboratory to fetch water for her iron, loving a joke, Claude began teasing her and they began dating. Alice, 85, said: “We just seemed to hit it off. At first we met on out lunch hour and walked around Woolworths after having lunch in the canteen. Or we walked to the harbour, that was nice.” When Claude, 93 proposed, he ventured to Edinburgh where Alice worked in a shop at the time and popped the big question. Due to Claude’s accommodation stopping taking lodgers the pair only had three and a half weeks to organise the wedding so they could move into a house together in Glebe Terrace, Alloa. Miraculously, Alice organised everything and they married in the Seaman’s Mission Hall, Grangemouth on a snowy January day. Alice added: “It was snowing and miserable on

our wedding day.” After the wedding the pair headed to London for Honeymoon, catching shows such as Swan Lake. Their married life has seen them have one daughter, Claudette Dowling, 58, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Claude said of his secret to a happy marriage: “Be to one’s virtues very kind, Be to

one’s faults a little blind.” Alice added: “We’ve never really quarrelled, we’ve done well. We have our little differences but we always sort it out.” The pair received a card from the Queen and Provost Tina Murphy and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Neil MacFarlane presented them with a flower arrangement from Clackmannanshire Council.

Claude and Alice receive a special card and flowers to celebrate their diamond day

Park primary school praised by inspectors and design, and music who “support and enrich children’s learning” but n Alloa primary school noted pupils need more has been praised for opportunities to progress their polite children and their drama skills. teacher pupil relationships. Inspectors noted in the Inspectors found that Park report: “The headteacher primary school and nursery and staff are committed class also had high-quality to improving learning support for vulnerable and teaching through children and their families self evaluation” and were and the headteacher led satisfied this would lead to improvements were having a improvements so stated they good effect on the school. would not re-visit the school as part of the inspection. The school and nursery received six ‘good’, one ‘very good’ and one ‘satisfactory’ grade. Councillor Mark English, Inclusion 1000s of discounted tours worldwide Portfolio Holder, Open to the public 7 days a week at said: “This is a very good report Stirling University and shows the commitment of the headteacher and her staff to

By Alison Mann

ATM scam warning issued

By Alison Mann

The report, published by HM Inspectorate of Education on Tuesday stated that “Children are learning and achieving well” and are proud of their school. Inspectors found the nursery curriculum to be broad and balanced but noted it could be improved by effectively using the Curriculum for Excellence. The report praised specialist teachers in physical education, art

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delivering a consistently good standard of education at Park Primary School. There is much to praise in HMIe’s findings and the school is very well placed to take on board the recommendations for improvement. The school and the wider community should be very proud of this report.” Head Teacher Adrienne Aitken added: “We are delighted that the Inspectors recognised the progress, hard work and commitment made by Park School community. I am particularly pleased that our children have been recognised for their manners and enthusiasm and the staff for their commitment. We continue to be very proud of our school and our achievements. We will continue to do the very best we can for our children, families and wider community.”

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Friday 27.1.12

Alison Mann Mastering the art of knitting

have finally started learning to knit after leaving my nice new needles lying in the cupboard with the instruction book gathering dust.

With a spring in my step, I ventured into John Lewis at the weekend and bought two balls of multicoloured chunky wool and thick knitting needles and felt excited about the task ahead. I was already imagining what my newly knitted creation would look like. I even learned from the nice sales assistant to check the lot number of my wool so I don’t have a scarf that doesn’t match. I really appreciated the tip as this was all alien to me. When I got home, however, it all seemed a bit confusing as I read the ‘how to knit’ part of my book. All this talk of slipknots and casting on scared me, but I soldiered on, eager to master

my knitting so far ...

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the art of knitting. I managed the slipknot quite easily but casting on was terrible, no matter how hard I tried it just did not work and the frustration was growing inside me. Throwing my needles away I decided to give up and get a lesson from my mum the next day. Turns out I should have done that all along. My mum showed me simply how to cast on and after, well quite a few attempts, I finally got it. Then she showed me how to knit and join my two balls of wool together and to my shock it actually looks quite good. One problem though, is my wool is far too small and when I’d finished my first ball my scarf looked more like a woolly hanky than a scarf so I had to order three more balls of wool so I can finish it. I also popped out to get a crochet hook to pull stray ends through, only to realise when I told my colleague Lynn, I in fact needed a darning needle. I am enjoying my new granny hobby and am keeping note of all my problems so I can learn. Hopefully it doesn’t all fall apart!

HAVE YOUR SAY

Local companies to get involved in broadband project By Michelle Henderson

nstallation and training companies across Clackmannanshire are being given an opportunity to get involved in the development of highly anticipated ClacksMax Wireless Broadband project. The concept of ClacksMax is to produce a high-speed broadband network to rural areas such as Forth Valley, where the population density is very low. The project is being partfunded by the Scottish Government and the European Community Forth Valley and Lomond leader 2007 - 2013 programme. Briskona, the company given overall command over the project by Clackmannanshire and Stirling Councils are looking for installation companies to start work on the project straight away. They are also looking for experienced companies willing to train the installers on how the system should be put together. ClacksMax Broadband is due to offer speeds of upto 12MB when using the service and is due to cover areas such as, Alloa West, TiIlicoultry, Bandeath/

Throsk and Touch Estate in Cambusbarron. Briskona’s Managing Director, Steve Bluff commented on the service saying, “ We hope to employ local installation teams and are keen to hear from experienced installers. They must have a track record of similar work, such as TV aerial and satellite TV, and have their own vehicles, requisite insurance, ladders and PPE. We will provide customer premises equipment (CPEs) and specific equipment training. We are also working with local companies to provide installation training for inexperienced installers so

that ClacksMax can be rolled out as widely and as quickly as possible.” To purchase the broadband only, prices start from £19.99 with no telephone line required. Phone packages and bundles can also be added on, with phone calls costing less than traditional UK landline charges. Customers are still able to keep their existing phone and number. Anyone interested in taking part in the trials should telephone 0845 415 4498 and to find out more about being part of the installation and training teams, please e-mail: jobs. clacksmax@briskona.com.

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

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Friday 27.1.12

Life saving device for Mountain Rescue By Alison Mann

he Ochil Mountain Rescue Team have been donated a defibrillator to help them continue their life-saving work. Chris Tiso, Chief Executive of Tiso, presented the equipment to Dr Paul Holmes, a volunteer for the team and fellow members on January 12. The defibrillator was donated by the Sandpiper Trust, who were represented by Penny and Aly Dickson. The charity was set up by the family and friends of fourteen-yearold Sandy Dickson, from Perthshire, who drowned in a remote lake in Canada. Since then the Trust has worked towards improving Immediate Care in Scotland by providing standardised medical equipment, known as the Sandpiper Bag, to doctors, nurses and paramedics for use on a voluntary basis in

orth Valley College learners can have all the latest information at their fingertips with the launch of a new college app for smartphones. The handy app, developed by the College and digital agency tictoc, has been designed for learners who want quick and easy access to college information and updates anytime, anyplace. Features include access

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response to accidents and emergencies. Chris Tiso is a long-time supporter of the Mountain Rescue organisation. At first sceptical of

the Sandpiper Bag, he redesigned it and in 2008 presented 500 bags to the trust and continues to support their cause. OMR will now be able to take

Forth Valley College creates its own smartphone app F

to the college website and Moodle, the College’s Virtual Learning Environment, which hosts course materials, discussion boards plus much more. Users can also receive the latest news and events, find a direct link to the College’s Facebook page and view useful college contact details. Learners also have the option to select only the news and updates which is

their new defibrillator for use on excursions to the local hills. It will add an essential medical device to their existing equipment that may prove to save lives.

concert by Borders’-born mezzo-soprano Jennifer Logan is guaranteed to lift the post holiday blues – as an audience of around 80 found out to their delight on Saturday. The concert, the third in Music in Dollar’s season, was held in the Gibson Hall, Dollar Academy. Jennifer was accompanied by Stuart Hope on the piano, and what a team they were. Between them, they played, sang and even danced, their way through a light-hearted programme of songs on the theme of ‘Dance’. Performances of songs made famous by the likes of Flanders and Swan, Noel Coward, Joyce Grenfell and Gershwin thrilled the audience, perhaps bringing back memories of a gentler humour we seldom see today. Jennifer sang beautifully, and tap-danced her way through a couple of numbers in the first half. In the second half, Stuart showed he was much more than an accompanist, by performing a wonderful Scott Joplin concert waltz. Jan Bradley, Chairman of Dollar Music Society, was delighted at the turnout. She said: “Many of the audience were attending one of our concerts for the first time. We hope they enjoyed themselves and that they’ll be back for our next concert on 25 February, when Perth’s own pianist, Alasdair Beatson will perform pieces by Mozart, Ravel, Schubert and Fauré.

users can choose to receive organisations, such as information in a way which colleges, to contact them by suits them. They’re also mobile to keep them up to really cost effective ways for date with what’s going on us to promote key messages and through working closely to both prospective and with Forth Valley College, relevant to their department current learners. the App we’ve developed and campus. “We’re also pleased enables them to do just The app is available to to be one of the sector’s that. Colleges need to use download now for i-phones whatever technologies their and androids via the Apple App leading colleges in digital target markets are using in Store and Android Market sites communication technology and see this as a key focus order to communicate, not respectively. Jennifer Logan for delivering a high quality just with students but with The creation of the app performing at learning experience for the staff and the wider business is one of a number of new last Saturday’s community and hopefully developments being launched 21st century learner.” concert in Melanie Russell, Director through this App, Forth Valley at the college to promote Dollar. at tictoc comments: can do just that.” engagement with learners “Our research shows Visit www.forthvalley. and make information more that young people are ac.uk for more info on how to accessible. An i-pad version extremely attached to their download the app. will also be available later this month with a new mobile phones! They now expect website also in the pipeline. Lyndsay Condie, Communications and Marketing Manager said: “We’re delighted with our LAST WEEKS CROSSWORD ANSWERS new app. The wide range of Congratulations to new technology and digital Mrs E Swatton, from communication channels available mean there’s Alloa who won a meal for two increasing demand from our at the Bridge Inn in our crossword competition learners for information which is instant and easily accessed. last week. Our new developments meet these needs and ensure that

CROSSWORD COMPETITION WINNER

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

Students promote the new smartphone app

Saturday January 28th till Saturday 4th Feb

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weecounty

Friday 27.1.12

Pupils enjoy multicultural event By Alison Mann

illicoultry and Alva school pupils were treated to presentations from classmates during a multicultural afternoon. Pupils from Hungary, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Peru, Pakistan and Poland who attend the schools showed their classmates customs, culture and food from their country. The event was organised by second language teacher Patrycja Butkowska, who also gave a talk on her homeland, Poland. The children who made presentations brought along their parents to help explain items they had brought to best represent their country. David and Duncan McConchie showed items from the Czech Republic, including a delicious cake and Sara Anwar and Malaika Barbab showed Pakistani dress and food to their fellow school mates.

Sara said: “We’re showing things from Pakistan, we’ve got the flag, some information about the country, clothes we will wear later and some food.” Hungarian pupils Marko Hetesi, Kyra Hetesi and Zsombor Toth showed off many books, fames, money from Hungary, cook books and lots of chimney cake. Kedin Serrano showed off clothing made from Alpaca wool, a history book, photographs of Machu Pichu and tasty quinua. Kedin said: “I’m showing things from my country and what it’s all about.” Ms Butkowska said: “I’m doing it to promote the different languages and cultures in the school. “It’s also to boost the children’s confidence. This is their day, they’re in the limelight and showing where they’re from. “I’d like to thank all of the children and parents who contributed to this event,

they’ve worked so hard. I’d like to thank staff members too.” Ms Butkowska arranged both events to tie in with ‘Scotland Week’ during which pupils celebrated Scottish culture. The pupils from the four countries were joined by their parents to describe national costumes, offer food tastings and display traditional artefacts and posters. With a big focus on Scotland Week, during which

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Alva Primary School also held their annual Burns Supper, the schools had been keen to provide an opportunity for those who don’t come from Scotland to share their customs. Councillor Mark English, Inclusion portfolio holder, said: “The schools already look at global citizenship, but this is the first time they have narrowed it down to look at the customs and cultures of these individual countries. It is important for children who come to Scotland from other countries to keep their cultures alive. Involving their parents also reinforces the message that parents also have a role to play in the school life.”

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Friday 27.1.12

177th celebration of Burns

lloa Burns Club held their annual celebration last weekend and it proved to be a successful evening. The night marked the club’s 177th annual celebration and was held at Dunmar House Hotel on January 20. During the gathering the group feasted on a traditional meal including Sowps O’Kail, Tripe and Ingans and Chieftain O’the Puddin Race wae Neeps and Nips. The group also heard ‘Scot’s wha hae’ and the traditional Burn’s supper toasts. Thomas Brennan read the Immortal Memory.

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lackmannan Car Centre opened this month and will help you find the perfect motor. Gordon Macdonald and Roy Kirk opened the Clackmannan business this month, joining forces to bring the area a quality business and a wealth of experience. The pair have expert knowledge in car sales with Gordon having worked for Eastern Western, Saab and BMW GB and Roy having worked at Arnold Clark and ran a Vauxhall showroom. The new business, on the former Ewen Cooper Cars

site, gives customers the chance to purchase a quality used car from £2,000 to £10,000. The store offers everything from convertibles to 7 seaters and family cars all offered with expert advice and experience from Roy and Gordon. The pair can also help track down specific vehicles customers are looking for. All cars purchased from the Clackmannan Car Centre are HPI’d, have an independent used car check and come with warranty as standard. The warranty can be extended and the company

can offer finance, subject to terms and conditions. Part exchange is also an option and the store also pays cash for cars and are currently actively looking to buy good quality, second hand cars. Gordon said: “We’re here to help customers make the right decision to find the right car for them. “We offer a friendly, personal service alongside a wealth of experience in the automotive trade.” Find out more about Clackmannan Car Centre by visiting their website at www. clackmannancarcentre.co.uk

weecounty

Friday 27.1.12

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lackmannanshire residents are being urged to sign up to become a part of the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel. A new nationwide campaign is aiming to recruit over 600 new volunteers, 15 of which will come from Clackmannanshire. Local people are being asked to apply if they think they have what it takes to help a child out of a dark place. The month-long drive will seek to find the right type of individual to ensure the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel system offers the best support to neglected, troubled and abused children across Scotland. There are currently around 2,500 panel volunteers in Scotland who regularly attend hearings to address the needs and behaviour of children and young people who face serious problems in their lives. These problems can include a child being abused, a child failing to attend school, the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents having difficulty looking after them, or a child committing an offence. Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;By committing time to the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel, people can improve the lives of vulnerable youngsters across Scotland. Those interested in getting involved donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require qualifications or experience; they just need to care about the welfare and wellbeing of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign also promotes the role of employers in supporting employees who wish to become panel members

CASE STUDY: Anthony Apperley

nthony, 57, from Alloa has been a Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel member for seven years. The dad of two first heard about the opportunity to volunteer through the national recruitment campaign on the radio and decided to get involved. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coming from a large family and having kids around, I had always been interested in the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel. My sister is a welfare worker and I felt that I could really help to make a difference to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working in the Prison Service, I could see that the bad choices people make as young people can often lead to dangerous risks and crime. I wanted to help children to avoid that life and make the right choices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I went along to the recruitment night it inspired me to get involved. Everyone was very helpful and I felt positive by how friendly and open all of the members were.â&#x20AC;? To serve on the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel, volunteers have to carry out thorough training and extensive preparation in advance of each hearing to enable them to make difficult and emotional decisions about the welfare of the child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The training is great and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real comfort to know that you are all in the same boat and can lean on each other. You cover all of the topics needed to gain the required knowledge and the mock panels really help to build your confidence. The training takes place every second weekend for about six months and you need to prepare in advance and be aware of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required of you. He continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to my area of work I possibly found it easier than some others to deal with the challenges that we face, but being a Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel member has also

and highlights the benefits to supportive employers of having their staff involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel is an invaluable service which provides a hugely significant support network to young people who require it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

helped me immensely. I now find that I listen more and do not prejudge people before hearing their story. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very important to give the child time to present their observation and try to understand their point of view. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joining the panel has changed me for the better. It fits in well with my family life and my employer is very supportive. No qualifications are required to join the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel but volunteers must have a desire to help vulnerable children in their community. Anthony continues, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that people considering the panel know how to listen to people and can understand their problems to provide support. You have to be a team player and help to reach a collective decision. You must always remember that it can be very difficult for people to come to a panel and talk to strangers about their problems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are interested in the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel then go for it! Not only is it a great way to give back to your community but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way of meeting different people and making new friends. It can be a challenge but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a worthy one as you can change a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction in life for the better.â&#x20AC;?

therefore encourage as many people as possible to come forward and get involved.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; No qualifications are needed as full training is given to help prepare panel members of the difficult decisions they will face.

To register your interest in becoming a panel member, call 0845 601 2770 or text CHILD to 61611. Further information on the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panel is available at www. childrenspanelscotland.org

Banks hits out over carbon capture

ordon Banks MP recently took part in a Westminster Hall debate in the Houses of Parliament in order to advocate for the future of carbon capture in Scotland. Gordon Banks MP said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The previous Labour Government established the carbon capture and storage competition. However, at the end of last year the Coalition Government took the decision to end Longannetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the process and with

it issued a significant blow to jobs and hi-tech investment in Central Scotland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a real need and benefit to come up with a Carbon Capture and Storage solution for coal-fired power stations and in doing so this would deliver the UK a real export opportunity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many of my constituents have worked at Longannet over the years and this investment gave hope for many for the future. However this is now

lost and with it CCS has been dealt a severe blow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would have liked to see the Scottish Government playing a constructive role in trying to bridge the apparent funding shortfall rather than pushing out even more hot air. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A mixed energy policy is vital and this means a solution to CCS for coal fired generation and I am so disappointed that a real opportunity has now been lost.â&#x20AC;?

Gordon Banks talking in Westminster

weecounty

Friday 27.1.12

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Friday 27.1.12

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o you find advertising your business difficult? A service business, eg plumber, joiner, tiler etc, can be the most challenging of all to advertise. If it is a business offering home services, this can be very personal by nature, because rather than selling products, what you are really selling is your own, and your employees, skills and talents. Here’s how to get the most from your advertising in the Wee County Services Section. 1 WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE. What are you best at? Having a specialised service can help a small service business take advantage over competitors in the same field. 2 FOCUS ON BENEFITS. Rather than talking about your qualifications and experience, shift the focus to the benefits that your potential client will receive. This is what your future clients are interested in hearing about. For every feature that you list about your service, it’s the benefits of those features that you want your audience to remember. 3 TARGET YOUR EFFORTS. Who most needs what you have to offer? You can’t market to everyone. Even the giant companies know exactly the customer they are trying to reach. Consider the age range, income level, interests and gender of your target audience. Learn as much as you can about this group. Although there are many other factors that you can consider, these few will get you moving in the right direction. 4 MATCH THE MESSAGE TO THE MARKET. You’ve determined who your target market is and why they need what you have to offer. Now it’s time to assess how this group can best be reached.

What do they read, view and listen to? What products do they purchase? How are other businesses reaching this group? This will help determine what your most effective marketing strategies will be. 5 CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET. There are low cost ways of advertising within the weecounty news, and you don’t need premium spots to accomplish your goals. Most businesses spend about 2 to 5% of their gross sales on advertising. If yours is a new business, you can project this figure from what you anticipate your sales will be. 6 DETERMINE COST PER AD. Multiple smaller ads are more effective than one big ad that could eat into your entire budget. Many successful businesses run solely off of classified ads in newspapers. Special interest pieces can be had for the cost of a press release or just letting the news department know that you exist, and what makes you unique. 7 BE CONSISTENT. When you find what works, stick with it. Even if your chosen method doesn’t work as well as you’d hoped, it often pays to stay with it for a few more months. Familiarity with an ad will often bring in customers that don’t respond the first few times they see it. They need to know that you’re going to be around when they need you. Don’t let up on your advertising when you’ve got all the business you need. If you want to stay busy, steady advertising is the key. To discuss this further or to take advantage of advertising within the weecounty services section, call our sales team on 01259 404006.

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weecounty Scotland’s Euroquiz T for Primary Schools

Friday 27.1.12

Tilli’s French connection

By Michelle Henderson

rimary six pupils in Clackmannanshire and Stirling are set to take part in the national Euroquiz, which has been set up by the award winning Scottish European Educational Trust. The trust is a registered charity that was set up in 1993 to provide information to schools, colleges and universities about the European Union. This is why they are hosting this event that will see fifteen schools take part in the first heat, which is being held at Alva Primary School on Friday, March 2nd. Teams will be split up into four and will compete to reach the national final, with the winning teams competing in the final against 29 other Scottish local authorities. The final will be held at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Monday, May 14 this year. The questions being asked come from the topics of Geography, History, Sport, Culture, the EU and General Knowledge. For further information contact Shona Wallace, Education Officer of Stirling Council or Craig Rennie, Head Teacher of Alva Primary.

illicoultry residents gave a very warm welcome to some special French guests last week, as part of a three day twinning event with Crevecoeur Le Grand. A welcome reception for the French guest was held on Friday night at Hillfoots Rugby Clu, where the guests were welcomed formally by Hillfoots chair Peter Norman. A further welcome was extended by Chris McCallion, Chair of Tillicoultry Community Council and new Clackmannanshire Provost Tina Murphy then took to the floor to welcome the The Mayor of Crevecoeur Le Grand, Andre Coet, in her first public engagement in her new role. The Mayor formally acknowledged the local welcome, commenting on the hospitality offered to his party and the breathtaking scenery of Clackmannanshire. He presented the Provost with some wine specific to the Picardy region. Provost Murphy then thanked him in a speech, welcomed the twinning proposal, which she highlighted as being beneficial to both villages and presented the Mayor with a Clackmananshire Crest on behalf of the Council. A short presentation about Crevecoeur Le Grand was given to the guests before, Gerry Docherty gave a Toast to the Haggis. A buffet and drinks on the evening were provided by Hillfoots Rugby Club, with contributions from many local businesses such as Hillfoots Country Butchers and the Woolpack Inn. The reception very well attended by groups from the community and local businesses. On the Saturday, the group were given a tour of the local area which started off at Sterling Mills where complimentary coffee and cakes were provided by BB’s Muffins. From there, the group went onto Sterling Warehouse where Homestore Manager Andrew Butchart had organised a tasting

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

session for the visitors with food such as haggis, sauces, venison pate and oatcakes being offered up to the guests. Goody bags, packed with Scottish Fayre were also generously given to the party. Next on the agenda was a visit to Mrs Tilly’s where they were given a tour of the factory, a further tasting session and yet another goody bag full of their products, then to kilt makers Daiglen of Tillicoultry, where the guests saw the workroom and the selection of tartans that the firm use to produce the kilts. The Eagle Inn provided some lunch before a special trip too Stirling Castle, where the guests were given a guided tour of the Castle and Palace, followed by retail therapy in the Thistle Marches. Once back in Tillicoultry, dinner was provided at The Woolpack Inn, followed by an impromptu whisky tasting session and a party at Hillfoots Rugby Club. Claire McKay, part of the

New Provost Tina Murphy welcomes Mayor Andre Coet (above), French guests enjoy the party (below) organisers said; “Support from the community has been fantastic from our community groups to our local businesses, everyone has contributed to make this weekend a success for both our guests from France and the locals who were lucky enough to be involved in the project.

“This is the start of a very positive move for the village - we now have many sporting and educational opportunities for the kids and families of Tillicoultry and it was evident from the enthusiasm of all involved that this twinning will be advantageous.”

£4.7 million luxury care home opens in Alloa

new luxury care home in Alloa officially opened on Friday, 20th January creating more than 100 jobs. Parklands, the state-of-the-art, purpose-built care home in Alloa Park Drive represents a £4.7million investment by Meallmore, one of Scotland’s leading providers of nursing and residential care. Marshall Construction will hand over the keys to the 62-bed home that will offer nursing care for frail elderly people, with specialist services for people who suffer from dementia and its related conditions. Care home manager Julie Wyllie said: “It is a huge boost to the Forth Valley area to have a care facility of this standard and quality, and it will be a great benefit to the whole

community.” The development includes an activity and reminiscence room, six dining rooms to offer greater choice, as well as a hair and beauty salon for residents. Gerry Hennessey, Managing Director of Meallmore Ltd, said: “Parklands has been designed to offer the highest-quality facilities for our residents. We have been inundated with applications for the

jobs that we have created, from nursing and care staff, to hotel services and catering jobs. This has allowed us to put together a fantastic professional team to give our residents the highest standard of care. We are excited to be able to start welcoming people to what we hope will be a home away from home at Parklands.” Meallmore now has 19 homes in Scotland for elderly and frail people.

weecounty

Friday 27.1.12

Schools: Alloa Academy Inter-House competition

Burns Supper

Congratulations to pupils in Schaw House who have won this week’s Inter-House competition and gain 15 points for the House. Erskine were in second place gaining 10 points with Bruce in third place gaining 5 House points. 1B2 and 4E1 topped the list for completed homework – well done to all class members. From next week, a different amount of points will be awarded in the house Competition. In order to ensure complete fairness, the average number of merits per pupil in each class will be calculated and 1,2 or 3 points awarded to the highest scoring House in each year group. Additional points can be earned by pupils gaining Reading or other Awards in school and by sharing news about successes outside school with House Group Leaders.

We are looking forward to our annual Burns supper on Thursday 26th January in the assembly hall. Tickets are on sale in the school and are available for pupils in all years. In a new departure for us, there will be a spell of ceilidh dancing at the end of proceedings.

Alloa Rotary Club Young Chef of the Year Congratulations to Matthew Hollingworth who won the area final of this competition at Alva Academy last Tuesday evening. He now progresses to the next round of the competition in Dundee on 11th February and we wish him the best of luck. We are also proud of the fact that another Alloa Academy student, Mary Galbraith was the runnerup in the area final. Well done to both of these S6 students.

Careers Event All students in S4, S5 and S6 took part in a Careers Event in the assembly hall last week. With representatives from colleges, universities and local firms, the students had the opportunity to find out about a wide variety of options and pathways for their futures. Thanks to all who helped to organise this event.

What’s on ..

S5/6 Prelims S5/6 prelims will be starting on Thursday 2nd February. The timetable can be accessed via the school website. Good Luck to all students involved.

CfE Evening – a date for your diary Parents of children in Primary 7, S1 and S2 are invited to attend a presentation on the Curriculum for Excellence at the school on Tuesday 7th February at 6.00p.m. Information will be shared at this presentation about the way ahead for pupils moving into S3 next session. This will be followed by the usual Option choice Evening on Thursday 1st March

Alloa Clackmannanshire Tenants & Residents Federation are having Annual General Meeting on Tuesday January 31 at 2pm in Craigleith Room Alloa Business Centre. Miss Elaine McPherson Chief Executive of Clackmannanshire Council and Mr John Gillespie Head of Community & Regulatory Services will be attending. All welcome. Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2011 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On January 29, J Morgan’s Spicy Music will be providing the entertainment. Bring your own refreshments. Alloa Carers Centre: Alloa Carers Centre is working with Community House and has a weekly coffee morning at Community House, 23 Maree Court on Mondays between 10am and noon. All carers welcome. Alloa Bowling Club: A bingo tea will be held on February 6 in the club at The Glebe. Doors open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm.

Alva Alva Parish Church Guild: There is a meeting of the guild on Tuesday 31 January at 7.30pm in the Eadie Hall. Joanne McKerracher is going to tell members about the Diageo Archives. Anyone who is interested will be made very welcome.

CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Alva CAP on Thursdays from 10am 10.30am Alva Baptist Church: Coffee mornings are held in the church each Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am. Go and join them for a friendly chat over a hot drink and home baking. Community Notice Board: The notice board is situated outside the CAP/library. Groups and individuals and ‘not for profit’ organisations can advertise activities and display posters here. See the notice board for further details.

Clackmannan The 36th Stirling (Clackmannan) Company: The Boys’ Brigade meets in Clackmannan Town Hall on Fridays from 5.30 pm. New recruits will be made most welcome and parents should contact the leaders for details of the session’s programme. Contact Kathy for Anchor Boys on 07891389542, Lucy for Junior Section on 07538693554 and Bill for the Company Section on 216763. Clackmannan Parish Church of Scotland: Sunday morning worship is at 11.00 am. On Monday at 7.30 pm the Guild will be entertained by Mrs Rintoul and her country dancers. On Tuesday the Coffee Morning is open from 10.00 am in the Church Hall and at 7.30 pm the Church Trustees meet in the Bruce Memorial Hall to approve the 2011 Accounts. This is followed immediately by a meeting of the Kirk Session. On

weecounty

Friday 27.1.12

What’s on in your weecounty Wednesday in the Bruce Memorial Hall the Church Choir meets for practice at 6.45 pm followed at 8.00 pm. by the Prayer Group. For more information on these and other activities please visit our web site at www. clackmannankirk.org Anyone requiring the services of a minister should contact the Revd Scott Raby on 211255. Thrift Shop: The thrift shop is held in the Town Hall on Fridays during the school term from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. We are always looking for Gents’, Ladies’ and Children’s clothing. Come along, have a browse, a cuppa and a chat. New Zumba Class: A Zumba class will begin on Monday, January 30 in Clackmannan Town Hall from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Call 01259 721886 for information. CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Clackmannan CAP on Wednesdays from 10.30am 11am Clackmannan Chapter No. 464 Oder of the Eastern Star: A bingo tea will be held on Tuesday February 28, 2012 in the Masonic Hall, Clackmannan at 7.30pm. Admission and tea 60p. All welcome. An invitation is extended to all members, 60 years and over (accompanied by their partner) to the senior members dinner which is being held on Tuesday March 13, 2012 in the Masonic Hall, Clackmannan, 6.30pm for 7pm. Names by 10 February to secretary 01259 215470.

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

Dollar Dollar Parish Church: This Sunday 29 January – The service of morning worship will be led by Rev. Ernest Sangster. Tuesday 31 January – Praise and Prayer meeting. This is an opportunity to take some time to sing some hymns and to pray for each other. Just turn up at the Old Schoolhouse at 7.30pm and you will be warmly welcomed. Contact Trisha Tilly 01259 742094. Dollar Bowling Club: The next prize bingo tea will be held on Monday January 30 at 7.30pm. All welcome. Dollar SWRI: The next meeting of the institute will be held on Monday 6 February at 7.25pm in the Civic Centre, when Rev. Mary Henderson will be giving them a belly dancing extravaganza. Competitions – 1 Handmade tassel. 2 Music box. Dollar newspaper and magazine collection: Dates for 2012 – 7 February; 6 March; 3 April; 1 May; 5 June; 3 July; 7 August; 4 September; 2 October; 6 November; 4 December.

Fishcross Charity Shop: The Cats Protection charity shop in Alloa Road, Fishcross, is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm selling good second hand clothing, bric-a-brac, books and new goods.

Kincardine Tulliallan and Kincardine Parish Church: The service this Sunday 29 January is at 10.30am and will be led by Rev. Douglas Aitken. Tea and coffee will be served after the service. Creche facilities are available. Please note there is a retiring offering. The Young Church meet at 10.30am. Choir practices are every Thursday at 8pm in the hall. New members welcome. The Men’s club meet on Monday 30 January in the hall for a league bowling night. The

guild meet on Tuesday 31 January at 7.30pm in the hall when Con Brio will entertain. As this is an open night all are welcome. Anyone requiring the services of a minister can contact Rev Douglas Aitken on 01383 852730. The Scottish Country Dance class takes place each Wednesday at 8pm in the hall.

Menstrie Menstrie Parish Church: Rev. M Lovett spoke to children about how we keep ourselves healthy and in her sermon she talked about a healthy way of living, looking after our body which is part of the body of Christ. Readings were from Psalm 16 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. Fabric box collection takes place from now till 12 February. Tea in Two on Wednesday and Saturday 10.30am till 11.30am. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat. Prayer Group meets Sunday at 10.15am. Church Service Sunday at 11am. Menstrie Tiny Tots: A club run by mums for mums. This voluntarily organised group meet during term time on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am until 12noon at the Dumyat Centre. All ages from babies to three-years-old are welcome. A healthy snack and drink are provided. A chance for mums and children to interact together through play and planned craft activities. £1.50 per visit – first session free. For more information call in or telephone Sarah on 01259 761098.

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

Sauchie Sauchie and Fishcross U F Church: The theme last Sunday morning was struggling with

Prayer? Eleanor Lindsay read part of Matthew chapter 26. In the evening, the theme was the Problem of Falling Away? Dan Hossack read part of Galatians chapter 5.The Christian Explored continues on Wednesday evening from 7 until 8.30 p.m.The Women’s Association meets on Thursday at 2.15 p.m. Jean Armstrong will be the speaker. The Friday Club for Kids (Leo Club) meets from 6 until 7.30 p.m. Services on Sunday will be as usual at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The Kites Group and crèche will meet at 11 a.m. The Men’s Fellowship meets on Monday at 7 p.m. when the speaker will be Duncan Strathdee. Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Church: The Rev Bill Izett conducted both services on Sunday 22 January. The Scripture lesson was taken from Ch1 v12-20 of Paul’s letter to the Phillipians. In his sermon Rev Izett told the congregation that although Paul was in prison and had health problems, this did not stop him spreading the word of God. All the prison guards became aware that he was a Christian as God can bring results out of the most dismal of situations. We may be in a personal ‘prison’ because of our circumstances but sometimes God’s message is communicated when people are suffering. The fastest growing churches in the world are in places of persecution. The Thursday Circle is holding an Open Day on Thursday 2 February at 2.30 pm in the Church Hall. Entertainment will be provided by Wueen Victoria’s School, Dunblane. Everyone is welcome to come along and bring their friends and neighbours.

sessions for under fives at Tillicoultry Library on Thursdays from 10am - 10.30am

Tullibody Tullibody Retired Miners: Tullibody retired miners will meet in the Lodge Ladywell at 12.15pm on Friday 3 February. St Serf’s Church: There will be a soup and roll lunch on Saturday 28 January from noon until 1.30pm. Entrance costs £2.50. Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908 252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.

CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Sauchie CAP on Tuesdays from 2pm - 2.30pm

Tillicoultry Zumba Class: A Zumba class is held in Tillicoultry Community hall on Wednesday’s from 8pm – 9pm. Contact 01259 721886 for information. CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling

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

Friday 27.1.12

em having a uld make to th difference it wo ” d. te ec tion el bour administra La ard are; s.” rw th e fo ng t ur re at pu st fe ce’ for eas that will ne candidates ra ar ni n y e Watt, ke tio Th e ec th el of rty e pa Som for ar t and Graham dubbed a ‘two party’s message l – Derek Stew . ur ra y re nt bo hi bb Ce La ns Bo e – na th h an on rt le high ar tin, No d affordab control of Clackm over turned the st – Kathleen M – will be local an h Ea ns ut tio So , n. lly ec io ay el ca at e cK di uc M th ra ed ueline The SNP a few t for carers and McGill and Jacq rle and administration housing, suppor e th d and Kenny Ea at ea th nh previous Labour id ur de sa bo Ca La so t g al ne in ck Ja rv Stalker. ya se Bo Jim ng d lo SP b r M critical. Jo Matchett an be ge ll weeks ago afte or g wi in Ge t be – ke t to ar es d m W hopeful of ck switche employment candidates are tion of jobs, Cllr Eddie Carri ec ne no ot ni of pr e ople e te Th th vo d a an lowing ining ent the good pe creation independent, al ected to repres g sustainable tra el in g id to in ov . ur be pr ed bo th ss La wi r r pa along and fo focus fo confidence to be r aware kmannanshire hs has to be a rty are howeve ovide of Clac hemes for yout pr cil once again, sc to un ty co ili e th ab e e The Labour pa of th l th r ro is fo nt as ce co , fa rty ke ey ta pa th es that build from the the Labour of the challeng ey say, they can . nanshire th es e an ic er rv km wh se ac e Cl fre in ly quality previously. d come to elections not on work that done ve admitted od that the time ha ha go d ed at an st nd e P, la Sh ot t the SN but across Sc vote is eir plan and no ugh” and “every focus on the th are good ur bo La that it will “be to at trating on wh en nc t.” at the co un co to going s of ve in and not wh ring her addres what they belie , at g. Sarah Boyack du of the ay be doin “We are aware other parties m uncil, just the party said; rty pa leader of the co ty ur pu bo La de e er th rm ng Fo ci mmitted fa co es lly challeng e are fu y McGill said; “W bb Bo r fo s now. licie election. ve good local po to winning this d are “We need to ha otecting pr t od message an ou go ab a is ve it , ha ns e W tio “ ec el l le ca these lo to the peop of their services.” happy to take it d ry an ve le know what op pe l loca to have hire to let them ns ed na ne e an “W km ; id ac Cl She also sa our sto and focus on a strong manife

continued from page

NAME: Kathleen Martin WARD: Clackmannansh East

CURRENT STATUS: Can the Scottish Labour Par PREVIOUS EXPERIENC to Dr Richard Simpson Gordon Banks MP COMMENT: Having live my family in Clackman community that there i the difficulties and har intention to work with deliver opportunity for on issues of importan

NAME: George Match ett WARD: Clackmannan shire West

CURRENT STAT US: Councillor for Clackmanna nshire West/ Candidate for the Scottish Labour Party PREVIOUS EX PERIENCE: Councillor/ Po lice board COMMENT: Se rving as a Labo ur Councillor fo Clackmannans r hire for the pa st 9 years has and a privilege been an hono , but it is not a ur responsibility a firm believer I take lightly. I in the core La am bo ur and social just values of equa ice, principles lity, fairness which are at th Clackmannans e heart of the hire community . If re-elected to promote thes I will continue e values and w ork tirelessly on are important to local people issues which . I will also ensu community, of re that the loca which I am an l active and pass is well-represe ionate membe nted within Clac r, kmannanshire Council.

NAME: Jim Stalker WARD: Clackmannanshire West

idate CURRENT STATUS: Cand rty Pa r for the Scottish Labou E: PREVIOUS EXPERIENC Stage t on efr For of Co-Founder School our candidate for the COMMENT: As a new Lab e a significant ward I believe that I hav Clackmannanshire West d, I will the local council. If electe contribution to make to of ple peo siastic voice for the provide a new and enthu on and ssi pa h wit t en om I will repres Clackmannanshire, wh al issues, ted to working on vital loc dedication. I am commit deavour to en l wil and education, and such as unemployment . ire nsh na an people of Clackm improve the lives of the

NAME

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Friday 27.1.12

NAME: Graham Watt WARD: Clackmannanshir e Central

hire

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d and brought up ed my whole life, worke the strong sense of nd sta der nnanshire, I un wever, I also realise is in the wee county. Ho would be my It rdship that many face. st community to Ea ire nsh the Clackmanna s and to campaign r them and their familie nce to them.

NAME: Derek Stew art WARD: Clackmann anshire Central

CURRENT S TATUS: Clackmannan shire Central Councillor/ Candidate fo r the Scottish Lab our Par ty/ P rovost until early Ja nuary 2012 PREVIOUS EXPERIENC E: Councillo r/ Provost COMMENT: I have served the people of many years now. It has b Clackmannan een nothing shire for attended so but a pleasu many events re to have in Clackman par t in prom nanshire an oting this bea d to play my utiful county May, I will co . If I am re-e ntinue to fig lected in ht for the re continue to sidents in m talk up Clack y area and to mannanshir e at every op por tunity.

adenhead NAME: Janet C uth annanshire So hire South/ m k c la C : D R A W annans cillor for Clackm

US: Coun CURRENT STAT ur Party e Scottish Labo th r Councillor fo e Candidat l (2007-2010)/ ci un Co of d PERIENCE: Hea nshire for 9 PREVIOUS EX r Clackmanna fo r llo lth of ci un Co years. My wea ve been a uncil for many Co essfully COMMENT: I ha e cc th su of to d y ea ar ed as H ties necess ili ab d an e on s Years, and serv ill tim sk uring my s given me the local people. D of alth ns he experience ha er w nc ne co a y schools, interests and few. new secondar a 3 t represent the ve bu e ha I m l ci na hire coun train line, to w ne a with d re an Clackmannans hi llege ackmannans forth valley co e people of Cl th e centre, a new rv se to will continue If re-elected, I passion. d an dedication

E: Kenneth Earle

D: Clackmannanshire South

NT STATUS: Councillor for Clackmannanshire South

US EXPERIENCE: Councillor

ENT: I have had the privilege of serving the people of annanshire South for 9 years and I am seeking rein order to continue the professional and tireless which I have provided for the past 9 years. I have lived in annanshire for the past 30 years and recognise that many us are currently experiencing particularly difficult times. erefore ensure that I promote the interests of the local nity at every opportunity and do my utmost to represent es that affect the people of Clackmannanshire. I feel ed to serve as a representative for Clackmannanshire South and ask you to entrust me sent your interests for another years.

CURRENT STATUS : Candidate for the Scottish Labo ur Party PREVIOUS EXPERI ENCE: A councillor in the ce ntral region COMMENT: With challenging times ahead natio nally and locally, I fell that I have a lot still to offer po litics. It was alway honour to serve th s a great e people of Clackm annanshire. We ha so much brought ve seen to Clackmannans hire over the last the place has been ten years, transformed. If I am elected at the ballo I will make sure th at with every diffic t box, ult decision, the pe Clackmannanshir ople of e are at the heart of the decision m akers.

NAME: Robert McGill WARD: Clackmannanshire North

cillor for CURRENT STATUS: Coun / Council rth No ire nsh na Clackman Labour Candidate for Scottish E: Councillor/ PREVIOUS EXPERIENC uncil Co the of Deputy leader as a COMMENT: I have served nshire North na Councillor for Clackman ents as part of the y proud of my achievem sel en imm for 9 years. I am facilities and a schools, improved health council, such as our new ue the fantastic tin con I hope to be able to k. tloo ou mic no eco g stron annanshire over the r is doing within Clackm work that Scottish Labou ckmannanshire and I ply for the people of Cla next five years. I care dee munity that exists of the strong sense com by ed raw ove tly ten sis am con resenting the people refore committed to rep within the area. I am the es. My experience to the best of my abiliti of the local community councillor for the past ire council, serving as a within Clackmannansh s allowed me to have ha cil Leader of the Coun ty pu De as d an rs yea 9 erience will enable ing of the county. This exp ire North with a heightened understand na people of Clackman nsh the t en res rep d an ve me to ser dedication. of professionalism and an extremely high level

NAME: Jacque line McKay WARD: Clackm annanshire No CURRENT STAT rth

US: Council Ca ndidate for Sc ottish Labour PREVIOUS EX PERIENCE: Ch ief Executive an Director for th d Ar tist e Byre Theatre, St Andrews COMMENT: As a prospective Councillor for Clackmannans hire Council I w ill endeavour to the local comm work with unity, for the lo cal community a new voice an . I will offer d a fresh pers pective as a re of Clackmanna presentative nshire Nor th, and plan to wor local organisa k alongside tions to ensure increased empl opportunities oyment within Clackm annanshire. I the issues that recognise that affect people in Clackmanna upon the com nshire impact munity as a w hole, and will to represent th therefore work e interests of with determin everyone with ation and tena in the council city area.

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Friday 27.1.12

THE

Your Horoscope Predictions By Anne Smith Aries

Aries (21Mar March April) 20- -20Apr 20 xxxx The Lunar eclipse will bring in change This week’s full Moon falls in your for you and this leave you feeling relationship zonewill indicating that a number ofbut powerful are unsettled allowschanges you to let goon of the cards. Activity could prove to be who and what nopaving longer the serves the turning point, wayyou. to transform the whole landscape your Fun is the key word for you this of month life.sociable Go withAries the flow, finish unfinished as loves to party and this business and spring clean your personal is it, enjoy! lifethe soperfect you’ll bemonth free tofoe make the most of the great opportunities on the way. Taurus (21 April - 21 May)

Taurus

20 Apr 20 May Your inner strength is to -your credit xxxxxxxxx Yourthis lavish generosity makes difficult but sometimes attracts theit wrong to judgearound if you slept in thelet Hilton or on people you, don’t people a park bench. It’s nice to be invited take advantage of your good nature to more events than the mayor but this month and learn to say NO! The difficult to live in the manner to which lunar the 10th gives you Your the you’declipse like to on become accustomed. energy for love as on Pluto gets with credit card takes a life of cosy its own, Venus willstatements reignite. or it’ll be Checkpassion your bank your undoing.

Gemini (22 May - 21 June)

Gemini

21 May - 21 of Jun This to jump the xxxx month you decide As success beckons, likelybeliefs, to fence and stand firmlyyou’re with your be inundated with offers. However, you are a force to be reckoned with and impatience for something tangible versus itthe is apromise good time to make those of something bettermoves could and start 2012! Pluto helps leave youplanning in a tizzy.for Activities intended to open doors for you professionally you get love back into the fore front will of introduce you to a new social set who your mind as the past hurt dissolve away will be of help to you in the future. Don’t from 10th. ditherthe about what to wear if you get the invite or you may miss the boat.

Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

Cancer

22 Junand - 22 Jul The moon in Gemini with xxxxxxxxx Astrological activityon indicates the it is the lunar eclipse the 10th beginning ofthat a potential long-term important you listen to andcareer change, urging you to improve your trust your instincts as you ruled worldly status and realise yourare dreams. by moon and an youunexpected intuition will Youthe could be given andateven perplexing opportunity to be an all-time high, so believe exploityou yourfeel hidden what thisabilities monthand andtalents. Meantime, with Mercury retrograde, be nothing cantogo mindful not letwrong. temptation and desire cloud your usual good judgement.

Leo (24 July - 23 Aug)

Virgo

Libra (24 Sept - 23 Oct) Libra

Sep - 23 Octsay so Forewarned forearmed as they xxxxxxxxxxis23 With Venus to in dreamy you’ll be be prepared be morePisces confused than surfing onNeptune the crestand of aSaturn romantic wave, usual with in opposing temptedyou to will dropfeel everything for someone corners like running away but who makes yourthe knees With loyalty pulls you othertremble. way, from the suchitpromising aspects onyour the mind work front, 10th is important to keep best to notnew to cut corners. Desire for others more open possibilities and allow meaningful supportive to contributeand as this will help relationships balance will soon your mind.see you making space in your life

for new people.

Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov) Scorpio

24 Oct xxxxxxxx You know what you want- 21 thisNov If you’veas been away, planetary month youslaving see the target insight activity indicates fulfilling job you plough youra more way through allor vocational to exploit your the tape toopportunity achieve your goals, creative talents is on the way. You’ll be ifflavour thoseofaround youwith don’t agree the month a number you will have no qualms of aspects promising to free in youleaving up to them a great month for pursuebehind, your creative goals. Meantime, completing projects. don’t let a brief flirtation derail your bid

for greater freedom and creative selfexpression.

Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Sagittarius

22 Nov It life- 21 andDec xxis important to celebrate It must treated like a to to enjoybe it,confusing, but it is also important deal important issues, yes you herowith at work and a villain at home, hunches good month but especiallyare when youthis forget where you are. leaving practicalities to chanceyou’ll could Competing demands suggests fall cause stress at aputting later date, try toof on youryou sword again; the needs be prepared and keep communications others first again. However, you’re getting clear until the 14th with Mercury tired of playing second fiddle. In fact, a retrograde. growing urge to be yourself could see you taking a chance on life and love.

Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Capricorn

22 Dec - 19 Jan Reminiscing and dragging up the past xxxxx can sometimes goodtapped but ifthe there While it looks likebe you’ve power of positive thinking, you could have are grudges there then that’s where difficulty gapcannot between fact and they are bridging best left,the you change fantasy. break the past will have the pastAand it isfrom a waste of time and repercussions for youronhome and family energy, try to focus the future and life. Perhaps it involves a move or changes remember it canand befamily as great as months you within the home in the want toEstablish make it,the andhome you can! ahead. life that offers

you greater comfort and security.

Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Leo

Aquarius

A natural23 creative youAug are at your Jul - 22 xxxxxxxxx happiest you can your Your lovewhen and social lifelet is set to improve, or leastwith get less imagination runataway its self complicated. Youincould and with the sun yoursoon sisterbe sign embarking a significant of Sagittariusonthis is the idealjourney, month either a pleasure trip abroad or a for this to come to the fore. A great mental one via study, metaphysics planner you can wait to organize or cultural diversity. You’re aboutthe to Christmas nightthat out promises and with you in begin a period exciting charge it should go with a bang! opportunities and unpredictable change.

Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept)

xxxxxxx With Mars in Virgo20 youJan feel- 18 theFeb You could like that you’rewill walking a you pull and afeel drive Make and tightrope. afinancial force to beromantic reckoned with, You’ve allow someenergy excellent the of aspects this to promising push youlove, career and financial benefits but you need forward onto new project which to stay focussed. Keep putting one foot delight youand aredon’t a creative in front ofyou theas other make any sign a creativetillidea the majorand commitments you for get to the other festivities is worth all that planning. side (early May). Temptation may come in many guises.

23 Aug xxxxxxxxx The force is strong with- 22 youSep this month You’ve can deliver. it as you shown have ayou charismatic pullNow as you is time to put on your glad rags, loosen exuberate energy and drive along up and settle back.people While will artistic work with practicality, sit up is greatly enhanced, so is your appetite and take notice, and some of you will and you may have difficulty resisting feel youthing can that achieve anything, everythat sweet catches your eye. well youseriously can, so stand up to and getup the If you’re tempted team recognition youfollow deserve. with someone, your heart, not your head.

Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

Pisces

xxxxxxxxxx 19start Febof-the 20month Mar as It is important to you to go on, so try could to keep your The mean Astrological weather leave thoughts and communications clear you wondering whether to reach for and the uplifting, if you can remember to do umbrella or the swimsuit. Bring boththis then everything in your garden will be and hold onto your hat because things rosy on theAstrological 10th may make couldThe geteclipse interesting. activity you reminisce those future who are no of points towardsabout a potential source longer in your life, try to remember the income and change of lifestyle. Meantime, good and keep your high! don’ttimes let your optimism letthoughts you become

sidetracked by money matters.

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

Sizzling Suzie’s Q ’s Views! Autumn Delights

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

ADVICE NEEDED

capital of Europe for it. In

Ho, ho, ho! Yes Christmas is just around the corner and if you addition, many shoplifters in If you’re a dog expert,shopping then havenít done your Christmas hurry up. I am Eastern the UK come from I need you’re Depp help.again But ifthis year. What? A girl can dream asking for Johnny In the current you’re grossed out, I’d earlyEurope. canít she? easily Santa has had his letter from the wee fella economic climate, thissuggest year so my all done. we isn’t it nice youshopping skip thisispart of This time last year that there are some areas were snowed in and the country was in a state of emergency Q’s Views. Really, I would. You of the economy to almost. leastwarned. the weather isnít too bad, at the moment growing and haveAt been fingers (and toes ) crossed it stays that way. you are like meBritain suchIfan extent that Ok;letinthe New Year, Clairetake andthe strain you will supermarkets the chopping can of attract skilled workers got ourselves a Cairn Terrier andI peeling. I love all the Xmas ready prepared stuff. Although from Europe to boost our own I will be making theEddie. main course I have yet to find a puppy named He is dish as skillbase. Britain is becoming shop bought thatbut beats I can do it the night very cute,Wellington very loving, is mine,abut worldtime leader again. before ready to pop in the oven. Saves so much andonce energy still being toilet trained. Part and I get to enjoy the day. I do love re hashing leftovers though,followed This documentary of the problem is that if he as letís face it. We all buy as though we the are feeding army. lives ofan store detectives poo,behe immediately Thisdoes year aI will making dessert too as and I hatethe trifle. most notorious

tries to eat it, and I need

shoplifter in Brighton. I’d imagine it was easy 1 Large beef filletSpanner or My mate suggests enough for the programme tenderloin that if he poos then eats it, researchers to track down 1 large packet of pre-rolled that removes the problem some store detectives willing all butter puff pastry of him 1 small mildmessing onion up the to appear, but how did they housetub andofsaves 1 medium coursemoney pate on advertise for a shoplifter? a poop scoop (i.eno action 6 large mushrooms finely And why did this shoplifter chopped is needed). Is Spanner over appear on national TV, 2 beaten eggs the matter? simplifying revealing his identity to millions of people, and thus Fry off the beef until well browned and sealed all over Allow to ending his lucrative career as coolSHOPLIFTERS completely. Chop the mushrooms and onion very finely and OF THE fry off in a little butter. Allow the cool completely. Spread some a criminal? Maybe he heard WORLD UNITESpread the mushroom pate over the pastry. andMarvin onion mix over career about Baird’s the pate. Place at the edge the mix and roll. appearing Accordingthe to beef a Channel 4 on top as of a celebrity since Place on a baking trap with the is join underneath. Cut one or two documentary, shoplifting on The Scheme, and fancied air vents in the pastry. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for up 19%, and the UK is the 30-35 min 170c. Until puffed and golden trying it for himself? advice as to what to do. Beef Wellington

I was in Tesco yesterday, thinking about the programme as I did a bit of shopping. I was still thinking about it as I filled scanned my shopping and put it in bags at the self scan area. I was still thinking about it as I left the store...until a member of staff stopped me. In all my daydreaming, I had filled my bags and walked out without paying. Thankfully they saw the funny side. I’d have hated to become Airdrie’s equivalent of Anthony Worrell Thomson.

REALITY TV SHOW STARS WANTED I received an email from a friend recently about a new reality TV show set in Glasgow, one that will make The Scheme look like Downton Abbey. It is entitled Scum Fae The Drum (yes, you read that correctly). I still havent worked out if it’s a joke or not.

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THE

Madeira sauce/ gravy 1 beef stock cube 1 glass of Madeira or sherry Butter

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas , and look forward to seeing you in the New year Love Susie xx Ps.. good luck to all the weans in their nativity plays and remember Santaís elves are always watching!! xx

Oh No 50!!!

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

What alarmed me most was the part of the advert that said ‘A criminal record check may be required, though will not void a candidate’. Given the title of the show, I’d have thought a criminal record would be madatory. It requested a profile picture, so Spanner and I were going to fake a police line-up picture and submit that (and phone the programme makers saying “Awright man, Ah’m allowed wan fone call, so Ah’m fonin’ fur tae get oan yer show”). But in the end, we thought it best to encourage them. It will be interesting to see if the show is actually real.

AND FINALLY I watched “Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” just before New Year. I have to say; I didn’t think it was a very funny film.

DODGY PARKING

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN

Makeall up you the stock addto thedo wine sherry and cook until have is orcomplete the down crossword smooth and slightly thickened. Just before serving whisk in one below and or two knobs of coldsend butter.it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply Serve with vegetables of your choice. ACROSS 20. Drawn (7) 5. Dependable follower (7) 1. Floorshow (7) 22. Pouch worn with a kilt (7) 6. Go in (5) Fresh fruit flan Spooky flan (5) case 23. Diadem (5) 8. Magnitude relation (5) 1 ready made4.sweet 24. Admittance (5) 13. Reinforcement (7) Strawberries 7. Detection device (5) 9. Vertical (7) 25. Spiny anteater (7) 15. Reasoned judgment (5) Kiwis 10. Inactivity (7) DOWN 16. Musical passage (7) Mandarin segments 11. Measuring implement (5) 1. Transported (7) 17. Opportunity (6) 1 sachet of gelatine 12. Dictator (6) 2. Emblem (5) 18. Part of a church (5) Ecclesiastic 3. Tropical bird (6) 19. Ahead of time (5) Cut, slice and14. arrange the (6) fruit 18. Copious 4. Mistake (5) 21. Obviate (5) on the flan case. Make(5)up the gelatine as on the instructions and pour over. Allow to set completely and serve with soft whipped cream.

CROSSWORD

S S

Happy 50th Dad Hope you have a fab day!!

Lots of love yer Wife Linda, John, Paula, Gemma, Kara, Isla-rose, Cian and Jack

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

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

SUDOKU Answers on page 24

weecounty

entertainment

Friday 27.1.12

Spreading the news on New York

ew York is synonymous with movies, fame, bright lights and fantastic shopping. In fact the list of things it’s well known for could go on for pages. So it’s not surprising that many people can talk with authority on the city that’s so good, as they song goes, they named it twice. But what if you’re planning a trip and when it actually comes down to the nitty gritty of where to stay, great places to eat or even where the best shops are, you realise you don’t actually know that much detail? Where do you start? Never fear. Help is at hand. British Airways has launched a website that aims to provide you with all the answers to plan the perfect trip. The site has details of numerous places around the globe. But the information on New York is pretty darn good. The site offers ideas for activities in the Big Apple from cultural trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to afternoon outings such as the New York Official Heritage tour. And if it’s shopping you’re

after then you won’t need to avidly watch Sex and the City episodes for research. This website can point you in the direction of New York’s flagship stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue. And if you’re planning to get a little carried away on the shopping front and are saving your dollars for a spending splurge, BA can also make accommodation suggestions and booking options such as the New Yorker Hotel, which is minutes away from Macy’s and a great budget option.â€¨Planning for your trip in advance is always beneficial, so the site also offers tickets for guided New York shopping tours around the Soho and Nolita districts for people looking for something a little quirkier. This area showcases all the latest trends and innovative designer boutiques. If that’s not enough shopping for you, then how about joining the ever-so-popular Woodbury Common tour? Only 50 minutes from Manhattan, this Mecca of designer outlets has some 220 stores all

Shake off those aches & pains Devil’s Claw JointAid – 60 tablets £13.95 www.healthspan.co.uk FREEPHONE 0800 73 123 77

PET of the week

crammed with cut-price treasures. Shops include a Gap outlet, a Nike factory store, as well as Versace and Barney’s factory outlets to bag those bargains. Phew! This amount of shopping would put Carrie Bradshaw to shame.â€¨After you’ve finished mooching around the shops, you might fancy a bit of peace and quite. Heading to the Top of the Rock observation deck and quietly soaking up the sights of the city might just give you that. The deck is 70 storeys high and the panoramic views are unobstructed for 360 degrees. You can see all sorts from up there, including northern Manhattan’s landmarks - even the Statue of Liberty can be spotted in the distance. After all that activity, your tummy may well be rumbling. New York is well known for good food and has over 20,000 eateries to choose from. Sound a little overwhelming? Well, before you panic and head to the nearest McDonald’s, the website contains a whole list of recommendations such as the Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn voted best steakhouse in New York for 23 years running. That’s not a bad pedigree is it? For more information on New York and other global destinations visit www.britishairways.com/travel/ holidays/public/en_gb.

Want to wake up in a city that never sleeps?

weecounty

recipes

Mushroom and tomato beefburgers

dd mushroom and tomato puree to home made burgers to make the meat go further and give a delicious earthy taste. Use a food processor for the best texture. Serves 6.

Dash & Cooper

Uncle and nephew meeting for the first time

Lives: Dash in Fishcross, Cooper in Polmont

Age: 3yrs & 12 weeks

Likes: Retrieving and swimming

Breed: Flatcoated Retriever

Dislikes: Having their muddy feet washed

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

INGREDIENTS 1 small onion, sliced 175g mushrooms 500g lean minced beef 4tbsp fresh breadcrumbs 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs 1 tbsp tomato puree handful of fresh chopped parsley salt and freshly ground black pepper a little flour, to shape cheese slices, crusty rolls, lettuce and sliced onion for serving METHOD 1. Put the onion and mushrooms in a food processor and blend until finely chopped. 2. Add the mince, breadcrumbs, herbs, tomato puree, parsley and seasoning. Process in

short bursts for a few seconds until the mixture binds well. 3. Lightly flour your hands, then form the mixture into equally sized burgers. 4. Cook over a medium heat in a non-stick frying pan, or under a medium grill, for 12-15 minutes, turning once. 5. Serve immediately in a bun.

recruitment

Friday 27.1.12

DEPARTMENT MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/23019 SOC Code: 1163 Wage Negotiable Hours 5 days out of 7 Location TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 11 January 2012 Closing date 08 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Our Homestore at Tillicoultry offers a tremendous range - from soft furnishings to cookshop, from gifts to homewares - and we are looking for a Department Manager Supervisor to take up a key position in the team. Responsible for sales, stock, ordering, buying, standards, merchandising and not least providing excellent service to our customers, this position is ideal for someone with relevant experience, both of running a retail department and staff supervision.Successful applicants will be enthusiastic, enjoy pulling together as a team, flexible and with a thirst for retailing.This is a 7 day retail operation and there will be a requirement for evening work to cover our late night trading. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Janice Chalmers at Sterling Furniture Group Limited, Moss Road, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6NS or to hr@sterlingfurniture. co.uk. Employer Sterling Furniture Group Limited

advertised on behalf of Autotech Recruit Ltd who is operating as an employment agency. We have an immediate vacancy for the following: ROLE: Vehicle Technician for repairs and servicing. ENVIROMENT: Auto centre Fast fit. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: This role requires candidates to be educated to at least Level 3 in City Guilds,. BTEC, NVQ, IMI or equivalent. HOURS: 40 to 42.5 per week. BASIC SALARY: 17.8K. BONUS: 2K to 4K which is uncapped. OVERTIME: Available. ANNUAL LEAVE: Minimum 25 days. PENSION: Yes. Email CV to andrew@autotechrecruit. co.uk or call any of the numbers below. How to apply You can apply for this job by telephoning 01234 240503 or 07766 745309 and asking for Andrew. Employer Autotech Recruit Ltd

BAR SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/23004 SOC Code: 9225 Wage ÂŁ6.25 per hour Hours 35-45 Hours per week, 5 days from 7, shifts between 10am-1am Location Alva, Clackmannanshire FK12 Duration Permanent Date posted 05 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Applicants must be aged 18+ due to licensing laws. Applicants must have previous supervisory experience and be customer focussed. Duties will involve supervising bar staff, taking orders, serving customers, cash handling and keeping the bar areas clean and tidy. 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 Sarah Robertson at Crosskeys, robertson.sarah26@ googlemail.com. Employer Crosskeys

TEACHER OF ENGLISH CLA000621 Job No: ALL/23049 SOC Code: 2314 Wage ÂŁ21,438 - ÂŁ34,200 per annum Hours 35 per week, days and times to be arranged VEHICLE TECHNICIAN Location Alva, Clackmannanshire Job No: ALL/23051 FK12 Employer Reference: ATR223 Duration Permanent SOC Code: 5231 Date posted 20 January 2012 Wage ÂŁ17800 to ÂŁ23000 Per Annum Pension details No details held Hours 5 DAYS PER WEEK Description Alva Academy require Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire a Teacher of English. Applications FK10 are invited from suitably qualified Duration Permanent GTC registered teachers. Should Date posted 20 January 2012 you have difficulty in accessing the Closing date 02 February 2012 documents and application form and Pension details No details held wish to request a paper application Description This Vacancy is being pack please call 01259 452234 (24 hours) and leave your details along with the reference number of the post. Please Are you looking to make the next move that Jinky note that if you return s to V iewpa will put your career on the right path? are selected for rk interview you This is an outstanding opportunity to join an will be notified expanding newspaper group. Windm ills Ca by e-mail. fe seek Scottis h vote ÂŁ129 s You will be part of a dynamic and friendly Successful applicants sales environment, where rewards reflect are required Athle ti effort. Perth c success fo to provide an disab r ility s tars We will expect you to have drive, enhanced disclosure. determination and flair. Disclosure A lack of sales experience is not an issue as expense will be e asy c arpets met by employer. we pride ourselves on our excellent in-house How to apply training. You can apply But we will expect you to have excellent for this job by

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visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/ fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=j j&id=120485&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council AFTER SCHOOL CLUB SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/23053 Employer Reference: ASC Supervisor SOC Code: 6121 Wage NEGOTIABLE Hours MON-FRI Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 23 January 2012 Closing date 06 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Level 3 qualified supervisor needed for our expanding after school club within Kidz World Nursery, Alloa. Working with children age 5-12 you must be full of creativity, enthusiasm and energy to provide activities and care for our busy club. The club has its own dedicated room within the nursery and also has exclusive use of a 4000 sq ft soft play and services most of the schools within Alloa and Tullibody. Average of 16 hours per week for approx 38 weeks. Hours are 1-6pm Monday and 3-6pm term time only. Must have clean drivers license and own car as a pick up service will be a part of the job. Previous experience in a similar role is essential and must have knowledge of SCSWIS requirements. Experience of supervising staff would be preferable. Evidence of current PVG will be requested or will be required at successful candidates expense email gail@kidz-world.co.uk How to apply You can apply for this job by obtaining the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application form from and returning it to Gail Morrison at Kidz World Ltd, gail@kidz-world.co.uk. Employer Kidz World Ltd ICT SERVICES MANAGER Job No: ALL/23025 Employer Reference: CLA0613 SOC Code: 1113 Wage ÂŁ45,633 - ÂŁ49,875 Hours 36 hours Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 13 January 2012 Closing date 26 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Finance & Corporate Services Support Services - IT, ICT Service Manager. ÂŁ45,633 - ÂŁ49,875.

weecounty Fixed Term Contract or Secondment Opportunity until July 2013 36 hours per week. A leader with expertise in a complex environment who can demonstrate delivery of excellent service to customers against a background of change and financial challenge is required. The. Council is going through a period of significant change with several critical projects underway. The provision and development of ICT services during this time should support and enhance the transformational change, delivering benefits to customers and the public. Should you have difficulty in accessing the documents and application form and wish to request a paper application pack please call 01259 452244 (24 hrs) and leave your details along with the reference number of the post. Reference CLA0613 How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland. gov.uk/fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.as p?newms=jj&id=119823&aid=1 1667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council TRAINEE DEPUTY MANAGER Job No: ALL/23027 SOC Code: 7111 Wage Negotiable depending on experience Hours 39 hours, 5 days from MondaySaturday between 8am & 8pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 16 January 2012 Pension details Pension available Description Must have previous management experience and hold a full driving licence. Duties to include assisting the manager with the day to day running of the store and other associated duties as required. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Shona Burnet at Brighthouse, Shillinghill, Alloa, Scotland, FK10 1JX or to alloa@ brighthousestores.co.uk. Employer Brighthouse SENIOR AUTISM PRACTITIONER Job No: ALL/23026 Employer Reference: SA/795 SOC Code: 6115 Wage ÂŁ20,947 - ÂŁ24,686 Hours Flexible shift pattern Location Fife, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent

Reporter/Trainee Reporter A

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

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

weecounty recruitment Date posted 13 January 2012 Closing date 26 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description To support Autism Practitioners and Support Workers in the provision of a key-working service, through the development and implementation of care plans, based on individual assessment of needs and preferences of the service user. You will work closely and collaboratively with relevant agencies, developing close links in the local community, promoting the service and the organisation, coordinating finances within set budgets, recruitment and selection of staff, service development and strategic planning. Please forward an application form to recruitment@ scottishautism.org or by post to The HR Department, Scottish Autism, Hilton House, Alloa Business Park, Whins Road, Alloa, FK10 3SA. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer. To download an application form or for more information please visit our website at www. scottishautism.orgOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.scottishautism. orgOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Scottish Autism SLATER / ROOFER SUPERVISOR Job No: ALL/22984 SOC Code: 5313 Wage £11 PER HOUR Hours 42 A WEEK, MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 7.30AM AND 4.30PM Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 20 December 2011 Pension details No details held Description Must be time served and have written qualifications. Good communications and listening skills are essential. Previous supervisory experience would be an advantage. Must be able to motivate, take charge, arrange and supervise and accurately estimate works including HSC requirements. Must be capable of recording and collating information and accuratelyestimate materials and order same from suppliers. A full clean driving licence is essential. A basic disclosure Scotland is an advantage. Duties include supervising and working as part of a team carrying out various slating and roofing / engineering contracts. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22984, 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. COMMIS CHEF Job No: ALL/22996 SOC Code: 5434 Wage Exceeds Nat Min Wage Hours 40 PER WEEK, 5 DAYS OUT OF 7 BETWEEN 8AM-9PM

Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 28 December 2011 Closing date 11 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Fully qualified Commis Chef required. Must have Food and Hygiene certificates. Must be able to work under own initiative. Duties include cooking, general housekeeping of the kitchen, stock ordering, stock checks and any other related tasks. Please email your current CV and a covering letter to the employer How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Rutherford at Bridge Inn, info@bridgeinntillicoultry. com. Employer Bridge Inn ACTUATOR TECH Job No: ALL/23009 Employer Reference: actuator technician SOC Code: 5241 Wage Exceeds National Minimum Wage Hours 70 hours over 7 days Location alloa FK10 Duration Temporary Date posted 10 January 2012 Closing date 31 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Ensure understanding and compliance with permit to work requirements Attend pre-job briefs given by the Supervisor to ensure tasks are clearly understood Carry out Point of Work Risk assessment prior to commencing tasks Carry out Actuator tasks in full compliance with Weir and customer HSEQ procedures, including compliance with Weir 5 Key Safety Values.Refer problems clarifications whilst carrying out the works to the appropriate Supervisor.Complete necessary documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Served a recognised electrical mechanical engineering apprenticeship or 5 years on the job experience with regular appraisals assessments to demonstrate competence.Client Contractor National Safety Group Safety Passport.Pay is as per the NAECI blue book, this role would be a temporary role and would be paid at Grade 5. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin Devine at Weir Services Limited, The Harlands, New Alloa, Alloa, Clackmananshire, FK10 1TB. Employer Weir Services Limited GARAGE WORKSHOP CONTROLLER Job No: ALL/23012 SOC Code: 5231 Wage Exceeds Nat Min Wage Hours 46 hours per week Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 10 January 2012 Closing date 07 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Immediate start available. Must have good knowledge in the Fast Fit industry, and have a knowledge of the day to day running of a garage. Duties include dealing with telephone calls and members of the public. Tyre experience would be an advantage. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written

Friday 27.1.12

application to David Boyce at J K Tyres and Autocentre Ltd, jktyres@live.co.uk. Employer J K Tyres and Autocentre Ltd TRANSCRIPTIONIST/AUDIO TYPIST Job No: ALL/23003 SOC Code: 4217 Wage £6.08 TO £7.00 PER HOUR Hours MONDAY TO FRIDAY various hours/ part time 8AM AND 9PM Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 05 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description We have an opportunity to join our established team in the centre of Alloa, which is key to the first class service our clients receive. Primary duties To produce neat, well presented files and analogue documents on a word processor from digital sound tapes with a typing speed of approximately 60 wpm To provide a professional service to clients ensuring confidentiality is adhered to at all times to adhere to strict deadlines for daily workload. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kirsty Lang at Intelligent Office UK, Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1EB or to kirsty.lang@ intelligentofficeuk.com. Employer Intelligent Office UK

and have great attention to detail. You should also have the ability to multi task, have great communication skills and be IT literate. In return we offer plenty of opportunity to learn new skills, working for a company that offers great opportunities for progression. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kirsty Lang at Intelligent Office UK, Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1EB or to kirsty.lang@ intelligentofficeuk.com. Employer Intelligent Office UK

Commitment, loyalty, enthusiasm, energy, ambition and a passion for customer service. How to apply You can apply for this job by obtaining a Jobcentre Plus application form by selecting this link www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/es5.pdfOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled). Alternatively you can request an application form from any Jobcentre Plus Office and returning it to Mrs Lynn Hunter at Stephens Bakery, Unit 21 Dunfermline Business P, Primrose Lane, Rosyth, Fife, KY11 2RN. Employer Stephens Bakery

RETAIL ASSISTANT Job No: ALL/23015 SOC Code: 7111 Wage £5.25 (17 OR UNDER) £6.18 (18 OR OVER) PER HOUR Hours 17 PER WEEK, 5 DAYS OVER 7 BETWEEN 7AM-5PM Location Dollar, Clackmannanshire FK14 Duration Permanent Date posted 10 January 2012 Pension details No details held Description Duties involve serving customers, operating a till, handling cash, making filled rolls, baking savouries and light cleaning duties. Hours to be worked on a flexible basis as the bakery will be open 7 days a week. Training is provided. Must ensure highest standards of health and safety and hygiene. Excellent career prospects and opportunities to progress into management. We are looking for the following qualities:

SALON ASSISTANT Job No: ALL/23020 Employer Reference: alloa/02 SOC Code: 7111 Wage MEETS NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE Hours EVENING/WEEKEND Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 11 January 2012 Closing date 01 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description We are currently looking to recruit staff for our new salon opening in February. Applicants should be of smart appearance, reliable and able to work on own initiative. No experience is necessary as training can be provided however previous customer service or salon experience would be an advantage. Duties will include customer service, cash handling and general house

WORKFLOW CO-ORDINATOR Job No: ALL/23005 SOC Code: 4150 Wage £13.5K PER ANNUM Hours 37.5, 5 DAYS OVER 7, FLEXIBLE BETWEEN 7AM & 12PM Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 09 January 2012 Pension details Due to expansion and increased workload we require experienced IFAs to No details held Description Must join our team. Working with a broad level of clients ranging from corporate be able to type at least 60 wpm and to HNW individuals, you will provide tailored financial planning to meet those have excellent needs of our clients. Advice will be given to clients on the whole spectrum of knowledge of Microsoft Excel. planning requirements. Some supervisory experience and/ or knowledge of the legal Successful candidate will also have experience in managing introducers. sector would be an advantage. Responsibilities Employed and Self Employed positions available and will see candidates include monitoring the working to set quarterly targets. Rewards for managing and increasing funds main office to achieve daily under management alongside the generation of new business are given. output and quality targets, typing, data entry collation of Successful advisors will see on target income in excess of £100,000. statistics, cover for typists and shift leaders as required and all other associated tasks as required. This appointment will require you to be flexible, Urban Black Associates, Lomond Suite, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, committed, energetic, a team Tannochside Park, Uddingston, G71 5PW. player, customer focused, quality Urban Black Associates is a trading style of Urban Black Ltd. service oriented

FINANCIAL ADVISERS WANTED

OTE £100,000

or on 0808 108 1186 for further information.

business weecounty

Friday 27.1.12

Health & Fitness

New Year, New You

On your own at work Rhonda Brymer, consultant at Peninsula talks about Health and Safety: LONE WORKING

T T

he New Year is here bringing with it resolutions of health and fitness. Probably the same resolutions as last year, but this time it’ll be different. Or maybe not, especially if you repeat the same mistakes. Losing weight, or more specifically fat, doesn’t mean you have to exercise for hours on end or restrict yourself to a lettuce leaf at mealtimes. In fact, too much exercise and too little food will work against you! Firstly you must be ‘ready’ for change. You must embrace it, otherwise you will always stay where you are right now. You will have to put in the effort, you will need to change your lifestyle and put all notions of ‘going on a diet’ out of your mind. ‘Going on a diet’ is like getting on a bus, suggesting that when you reach your stop (goal weight) you will get off, and go back to eating the foods that got you overweight in the first place. Fat loss comes from about 80% diet with the rest coming from exercise. As far as exercise is concerned all you need is a well-planned, progressive exercise program. You don’t even need to go to gym. Intense exercise three times a week for 45-60 mins and you’re done. Do it right and you will be burning fat long after you have stopped, up to 48 hours, unlike the poor soul jogging away on the treadmill for a couple of hours whose fat burning will stop pretty much when they do. The key is in the intensity of the exercise not the duration. Ok, initially you might be a bit stiff and sore post workout but it is a very small price to pay when you consider the benefits to your health, confidence and the changes to your bodyshape. As you get used to exercise the soreness tends to recede. So its up to you, are you ready to change, have you got what it takes or are you going to be in the same place this time next year? Instead of getting in shape for the New Year or for a holiday or wedding, why not get in shape for YOU. Do it for your health, your body and your mind. In future articles we’ll take a look at some of the dietary myths that are preventing you from losing weight and what constitutes a good fat burning workout.

John leading the pre parkrun warm-up

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

he Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) call centre receives on average 150 calls per month about issues around Lone Working. There is no statistical information from the accidents and cases of ill-health reported to HSE to show how many are attributed to working alone. It is, however, generally accepted that the risks to people working alone can be higher than those working alongside others. An employee is a ‘lone worker’ if they work by themselves without close or direct supervision. The lone worker may be working, for example, unaccompanied on an isolated part of an otherwise busy worksite, working alone at night or on a public holiday, or be working away from their base workplace. Jobs that commonly fall into the ‘lone working’ category include installation and maintenance staff, sales representatives, those in small business workshops, in remote areas of a large site and many social and healthcare workers. Other than in very specific cases there is no legal requirement that specifically prohibits workers from working on their own. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to provide a safe and healthy environment for all employees and this duty of care extends to Lone Workers. They should not be at any greater risk than other employees. In practice this means that their employer needs to have a good idea of the types of hazards and risks that that the lone worker will face on a daily basis. The employer responsible for the health and safety of the lone worker will need to spend some time with the lone worker to see the hazards and potential risks that they face, the control measures used and to discuss the worker’s concerns about working on their own. It is important that the work and the risks involved can be properly controlled by one person. If one person is sent to do a job that can only be done safely by two, possibly personal liability is bound to fall on the employer or the manager who tacitly or directly authorised the task to one person. If the job is likely to be challenging and requires a management decision, this decision should not be left to the person working alone if it is not within their immediate and specific competence. Issues which should always be considered by employers of lone workers include: · Is the Lone Worker competent to work alone? Employees must be fully trained and experienced before working alone. Employees under the age of 18 must always be supervised.

Does the workplace present a risk for the Lone Worker? Might they, for example, be working in an oxygen deficient atmosphere, a confined space or working in areas where the possible build up of an explosive atmosphere would make the presence of mobile phones a positive danger. · Are there Company Policies and Procedures in place to eliminate, reduce or control the risks and are employees following these? Do you routinely monitor and check compliance. · Is the Lone Worker at risk of violence? The employee may be working alone at a client’s home or dealing with members of the public who could become confrontational or violent. They might be working at night as cashier in a petrol stations or similar business where they might be a target for people wanting to steal the takings. The hazards and risks are not difficult to control once they are recognised. The key, therefore, is to consider and asses the risks; then decide how they will be minimised or avoided. In summary, employers and managers need to: · Assess the risks. · Consult the workforce – this utilises the employees’ specific knowledge and insight in the assessment and also increases their awareness of

the risks and the controls. Check on any specific regulations or guidance relating to the work in question. · Consider training, experience and supervision of workers. Training is important to increasing employees’ awareness of the risks involved to them and others. · Monitor and review systems in place as to their efficiency and effectiveness. Remember that simple systems and procedures are often the best way to improve safety for lone workers. The system may only need to maintain regular contact between the Lone Worker and their supervisor by phone or radio or the introduction of a ‘buddy system’ where the absence of a routine call prompts action. Satellite tracking devices on vehicles can also assist in identifying the whereabouts of mobile workers in areas of poor radio or mobile telephone reception. In many circumstances, where the work is of low risk, a simple text message to a manager or supervisor at the end of a shift or working day to show that all is well will be all that is required. ·

For more information on Lone Working, or any other health and safety issue please contactRhonda Brymer on 0779 159 4463 or via email, Rhonda. Brymer@peninsula-uk.com

weecounty motors

Friday 27.1.12

05 55 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 Breeze

04 04 Audi TT 1.8 T Quattro

07 57 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 T VXR Sport

11 11 Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Titanium X Sport

WAS £4,295

WAS £8,495

WAS £10,495

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SALE PRICE

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PLUS £500 cash back on all used vehicles sold in January* Free MOTs for life 10% off service repairs *Excluding: Land Rover and Jaguar locations

04 04 05 05 07 07 08 58 07 07 08 08 07 07 09 09 05 55 08 08 10 10 08 58 08 58 07 57 08 58 08 58 10 10 08 58 08 58 11 11 09 09 08 57 08 58

Toyota Yaris 1.3 Colour Collection, Carlo Blue, 52,236 miles ......... £3,695 Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 SE, Diamond Black, 51,976 miles .............. £4,495 Nissan Note 1.4 SE, Blade Silver, 35,927 miles .............................. £4,995 Peugeot 308 1.4 S, Hurricane Grey, 15,180 miles ........................... £5,995 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Titanium, Tonic, 55,012 miles......................... £5,995 Ford Focus 1.6 Style, Panther Black, 52,602 miles ......................... £5,995 Toyota Auris 1.6 VVTi TR, Decuma Grey, 31,050 miles .................... £6,295 Ford Ka 1.2 Style, Scuba, 15,997 miles............................................ £6,495 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI SE, Black, 51,373 miles ....................... £6,495 Toyota Auris 1.6 VVTi TR, Eclipse Black, 44,711 miles .................... £6,495 Peugeot 207 1.4 S, Onyx Black, 24,019 miles .................................. £6,995 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Ocean Blue, 47,115 miles............................. £6,995 Toyota Yaris 1.3 TR, Decuma Grey, 22,936 miles ............................. £6,995 Ford C-MAX 1.8 TDCi Style, Ocean Blue, 43,418 miles ................... £6,995 Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 Design, Black Sapphire, 23,286 miles ............. £6,995 Honda Jazz 1.4 Sport, Sirius Blue, 21,512 miles............................. £7,495 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, Blush, 19,501 miles ........................................... £7,495 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Vision, 25,297 miles ................................... £7,495 Mazda5 1.8 TS2 7 Seater, Copper Red, 36,476 miles ...................... £7,495 Ford Ka 1.2 Tattoo, Moonlight, 156 miles ........................................ £7,995 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium, Colorado Red, 24,061 miles ................... £7,995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Edge, Sea Grey, 23,732 miles...................... £7,995 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Titanium, Hot Magenta, 25,758 miles ..................... £7,995

09 09 10 10 06 06 09 59 11 11 11 60 11 11 11 11 11 61 11 11 10 10 10 60 11 11 10 60 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 60 10 60 11 11 11 11

Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec, Panther Black, 16,561 miles........................ £8,495 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Morello, 7,887 miles................................... £8,795 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 T FSI GTI, Reflex Silver, 53,522 miles ............ £8,995 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec, Moondust Silver, 16,297 miles ..................... £8,995 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Panther Black, 10,646 miles ...................... £8,995 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Colorado Red, 5,622 miles .......................... £8,995 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Moondust Silver, 7,036 miles...................... £9,695 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Edge, Ink Blue, 5,946 miles .................................... £9,795 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, Midnight, Delivery Mileage ................................ £9,995 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium, Hot Magenta, 4,220 miles....................... £9,995 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Titanium, Sea Grey, 36,497 miles ................... £9,995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Sport (Sat Nav), Silver, 18,340 miles ........ £11,995 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Sport & Comms Pack, Colour Choice, 8,782 miles £11,995 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Sport (Sat Nav), Moondust Silver, 17,044 miles £12,495 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Zetec, Moondust Silver, 1,412 miles ......... £13,595 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec, Panther Black, 8,055 miles ............ £13,995 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec Powershift Auto, Ink Blue, 13,208 miles.. £15,995 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec Estate, Silver, 8,998 miles ............... £15,995 Ford Mondeo 1.6 SCTi Ecoboost Titanium, Midnight Sky, 4,894 miles . £15,995 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 4x4, Frozen White, 9,464 miles ...... £21,995 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 4x4, Panther Black, 10,320 miles............. £21,995 Ford S-MAX 2.2 TDCi Titanium X Sport 7 Seater, Midnight Sky, 5,631 miles . £22,495 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 4x4, Midnight Sky, 5,624 miles......... £23,695

Stirling Ford 0845 644 9336 www.macraeanddick.co.uk Images available for illustration purposes only. Terms & conditions apply. To qualify for free MOTs for life your vehicle must have a valid Gold Card and be serviced at a Macrae & Dick Service Department or Rapid Fit. Full Gold Card terms & conditions are available at www.macraeanddick.co.uk. Prices/offers correct at time of going to print and subject to alteration/withdrawal without notice. *Cashback consists of either a direct payment, contribution towards a finance deposit or a reduction in the vehicle purchase price. Cashback offer applies to all cars but any car purchased on finance will be subject to any additional terms and restrictions that the particular finance company may impose.

motors

Friday 27.1.12

weecounty

Motoring FOCUS RS – CAN IT REALLY SHIFT? F

on paper with 300bhp and a 163mph top speed, right now the new Focus RS is the hottest of hatches. Performance With a 300bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine under the bonnet, the RS's power output certainly hasn't been capped. The RS practically explodes off the mark, hitting 62mph in just 5.7 seconds and it doesn't give up the ghost until it reaches 163mph. Giving it just the sort of performance that you would expect from a high performance Ford. Quality & Reliability The RS combines goodquality materials with solid build. The basic mechanicals are well proven and have all been strengthened to cope with the car's mammoth power. The Focus is generally a reliable car with no major issues having been reported and the RS should be no different. Safety & Security PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 18 Electronic stability control is standard, along with driver SUDOKU ANSWERS and passenger front airbags, side curtain 'bags and seatbelt pre-tensioners, all of which earn the same five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating as the rest of the Focus range. The RS also has Ford's Passive Anti-Theft System immobilizer and remote central locking with perimeter alarm. Behind The Wheel CROSSWORD ANSWERS The RS has carbonfibre panels, three dashboardfor last weeks Crossword mounted dials and a leathercompetition answers clad RS steering wheel. The see page 7 most eye-catching items, however, are the Recaro sports seats, which feature side supports trimmed to match the bodywork. The UNLEADED seats provide ASDA - Alloa - 130.7 fantastic support for your Tesco - Alloa - 130.9 ribcage and are Morrisons - Alloa - 130.9 wide enough at the shoulder to Highest - 135.9 give plenty of freedom when DIESEL you're sawing away at the ASDA - Alloa - 138.7 wheel. Tesco - Alloa - 138.9 Space & Practicality Morrisons - Alloa - 138.9 The slimHighest - 143.9 backed Recaros make it Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print. relatively easy

ord have long had the pedigree of producing some fast ‘normal’ cars. If you look back through their history, Ford provided us with some real gems. Take the Escort RS2000 and Fiesta RS1800 of the 1990s for example as little more than warmed-up versions of existing models. Subtle changes in and around the cars differentiated them from the normal ones, but that was about it…. Back in 2002 when Ford launched the first Focus RS, they were launching to the world something slightly different Focus. The new Focus RS was a limited-run, thoroughly re-engineered, driver-focused machine. This new-generation Focus RS appears to follow in much the same vein; whether physically with its wider tracks and bespoke bodywork, or

PETROL PRICES

for passengers to slide into the rear of the RS. Also, the roominess and versatility that's such an essential part of the standard Focus hasn't been compromised. The boot is just as big, too, and the rear seats still split and fold. Equipment Pretty much everything you'd expect is standard, including: air-conditioning, a six CD player with DAB radio, keyless ignition with starter button, an alarm and a heated windscreen. Everything you need to get you from A to B quickly. However, if you want some extra comfort, you can upgrade with a £1500 luxury pack, which adds climate control and a DVD navigation system with seveninch touchscreen. On The Road At town speeds, and sometimes at sub-50mph speeds on really poor B-roads, the ride is firm, but the damping is excellent and 0-60mph 5.7 sec with speed the ride calms down significantly. And when Top speed 163 mph the roads get really tough the body control is absolutely first rate. Economy: Overall, the RS should be an easy car to live with, the Combined - 30.1 mpg refined engine and tall sixth gear making light work of Urban - 21 mpg long-distance cruising. Running costs (group 19 CO2 - 225 g/km insurance) could be more of an issue, although the BHP: 300 RS returned a respectable average of 24.8mpg (better than the ST); that can easily Torque: 325NM drop to single figures, though. A 62-litre tank helps boost Price: Around the range. Conclusion £25,000 Costing over £25,000, it is a lot to pay for a Focus. Although to others it’s exceptional value, considering 1.6 PETROL the performance on offer and the depth of chassis engineering, especially next to an Silver, 29700mls , 5 door, rear parking sensors Impreza STi or Tax end of April 2012 Evo X. What’s Mot end of Feb 2012 more, strong WILL PUT NEW MOT ON CAR FOR BUYER. demand and tight (if not Service history, 2 owner from new limited) supply First class condition should keep residuals strong.

Statistics

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rices Top P Paid

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weecounty motors

Friday 27.1.12

ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE

Family Run Business

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SUZUKI IGNIS 1.3 3 DOOR MET BLUE, NICE CLEAN CAR, LOW MILEAGE.............................................................................. £1995

MINI COOPER S 2 DOOR RED, BLACK ½ LEATHER, CHECKED ROOF ............................................................................................£SOLD

PEUGEOT 206 3 DOOR STYLE SILVER, BLUE TRIM ........£SOLD

RENAULT CLIO 1.2 3 DOOR WHITE WITH SUNROOF .... £1195

W VOLVO C70 2 LTR LPT CONVERTIBLE, SILVER, 2 TONE INTERIOR, ALLOY WHEEL, T+T ................................................. £2295

MERCEDES ML430 AUTO. GREY LEATHER, 7 SEATS, ALL THE TOYS, NO EXPENSE SPARED OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS. OUR OWN MD’s CAR............................................................................. £4695

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sport

Friday 27.1.12

DARTS COUNTY AWAY

The County are away to Highland at Inverness this Saturday Jan 28th, Coach Times Alloa Town Hall 6am, Oakwood 06.10am, Tullibody Cross 06.20am and Tilly Bus Stance 06.30am

COUNTY DOUBLES - SPONSORED BY ABERCROMBY-REDLIONJOHNSTONE The Gents Prelims will be held this Friday Jan 27th at the Abercromby & Johnstone, all players be in venues for 7.15pm.

The following names are in the Johnstone; M Brown & M Preston , J Mack & P Neil , J Hannigan & R Pollock , C Mitchell & L Clark, M Paterson & D Mcnicol, J Mcintyre & D Cadberry,D Cadger & S Muir, J Goldie & R Bond Jnr, G Fotheringham & S King, I Mclean & D Jennings, R Japp & D Hulston, D Henderson & S Dunnett, A Hunter & D O Rouke, B Dennis & D Frazer, J Willing & J Aitken, D Hanson & Partner, J Turnbull & C mcpherson, D Ritchie & A Paterson, M Ritchie & W Nelson, B Mcaden & S Calder, G Quinn & I Quinn, D Wilkinson & C Murphy, J Goldie & K Glass, D Mathers & J Flanagan, S Vaugan & S Robertson, T Anderson & A Primrose, C Graham & E Hughes, J Mackulwicz & A Scobbie, G Ritchie & B Allen. All the rest are at the Ab.

WEE COUNTY NEWS CUP - SPONSORED BY GARTMORN

The Semi Finals & Final will be held in the Gartmorn on Friday Feb 10th all players please be in venue for 7.15pm

CAPTAINS MEETING

The Next Captains Meeting will be held in the Oakwood on Tues Feb 7th 7.30pm start, names & fees for the County singles £3 per player minimum of 6 also £4 league fees , Tenders County Singles Maclay Cup & JA Cup.

COUNTY SUPERLEAGUE

The County Super League for Ladies & Gents will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday March 31st , This is open to all our County squad and members of the Wee County league who don’t play for other Inter County Teams.

ALLOA MASTERS QUALIFIER

The Next Masters Qualifier will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday March 31st. Entry £5 per player all names to Davie Hanson.

weecounty

RUNNING

Indoor League Match 3

Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, January 8th 2012 C

entral AC rounded off the indoor league season in style with a record 8 teams qualifying for the grand final in March. The UNDER 11 GIRLS were so dominant in their age group that for the first time in the clubs history they managed to qualify 2 teams for the final in the same age group after the clubs A team won the league and the B team took 2nd ahead of every other club first team. The team tested themselves out by swapping events for the match but it made no difference to the results as twins Abby and Lucy Davison recorded double wins, Abby taking the B 60m (9.91s) and Standing Long Jump (1.65m) and Lucy the A 60m (9.95s) and B 600m (2:12.4). Abby earned the prestigious title of top athlete of the entire league after remaining unbeaten for the whole season. Also winning were Sian Scott-Angell (A standing Long Jump, 1.64m) and Skye Henderson (A 600m, 2:09.9) and Elizabeth Thomson took runner up in the B standing Long Jump with Darcy Baxter and Charlie Gallagher completing the victorious line up. The UNDER 20 WOMEN cruised through to the final with 3 wins out of 3, Louise Anderson won the shot (7.55m) and was runner up in the Long Jump. Chloe McGregor provided her usual big haul of points taking 2nd in the 400m, High Jump, 60m Hurdles and 200m. UNDER 11 BOYS, Callum Robertson, Andrew Currie, Ross McKnight and Sol Jamarez produced an excellent performance to win the match to secure their place in the final as divisional runners up. The UNDER 15 BOYS were narrowly pipped for victory on the day but the

A team comfortably reached the final as divisional champions. Such was the strength in depth the B team almost joined them in the final losing out by the narrowest of margins. Tom Chandler took 2nd in the 60m hurdles and 3rd in the High Jump and 60m. Jamie Paterson also scored well with 3rd places at both 800m and 400m, in spite of having to rerun his 400m event after other athletes in his race broke early. Euan Lambert produced more points in the 200m (3rd, 26.8s), Long Jump (4th, 4.19m) and 400m and Robert Burns produced his usual dependable performance with 4th in the Shot (8.45m). Cameron McCrogray showed his versatility after his High Jump (1.40m) to take vital points in the hurdles and shot. Ewan Corbett also performed well in the 60m and Long Jump and Liam McGregor (60m), Cameron Hawthorn (60m), Iain Davies (800m) and Kieran Potter (800m) provided the remaining points. The uNDER 15 GIRLS also came close to qualifying 2 teams for the final with the A team winning the league to go through as champions and the B team taking 3rd to just miss out. Sarah Pearson was on excellent form again with another 2 victories in the 300m (44.9s pb) and hurdles. Amy Gullen ran a fine personal best in the 60m (8.64s) for 4th, Bevhan Trevis produced a good throw in the shot for 4th, Caitlin Edgar ran an excellent 300m (4th, 48.8s). Jessica Stitt also took 4th in the 800m (2:51.0), Anna Thomson was 4th in the Long Jump and Jodie Currie (800m), Isla Burns (Long Jump), Erin Travers (High Jump), Megan Davison (Shot), Matilda Williams Kelly (Shot) completed the winning team.

GOLF Saturday 21st January 2012 - Polish Cup (Round 8)

Norrie tames the wind D

espite the gales which swept the Dollar course on Saturday 21st January Norrie Cowan put together a superb round of power golf to win Round 8 of the Polish Cup with 43 Stableford points. Div 1: 1st David Borrowman (9) 37 pts; 2nd Andy Ure (12) 36 pts; 3rd Kenny Jackson (11) 35 pts.

Div 2: 1st Norrie Cowan (13) 43 pts; 2nd Robert Hamilton (14) 34 pts; 3rd George Marshall (14) 33 pts. Dollar winter offers include 18 holes of golf, soup and a filled roll for just £15, call 01259 742400 or visit www.dollargolfclub.com for further details.

The UNDER 13 BOYS took 2nd place in the league to qualify as runners up after a fine double win from George Stanger in the 200m (30.6s) and High Jump (1.35m). Kieran Halliday took 3rd in the 60m (9.04s) 1 place ahead of Brian Iroegbu (9.13s). Anthony Quinn was 4th in the 800m (2:37.9). Jack Houghton (60m), Matthew Chandler (200m), Jamie Price (800m), Alex Jamieson (60m Hurdles), Ben Parkinson (800m) and Ben Shiell (800m) added further points to take 2nd place on the day. The UNDER 17 WOMEN had to dig deep but made it through to the final on countback. Agatha WilliamsKelly produced another win in the shot (7.74m), Emily Batchelor was on good form with 3rd places in the 60m hurdles (10.05s) and the Long Jump (4.60m). Emma Boyle took 3rd in the 200m (29.2s), Roisin Bonucchi was

4th in the 800m (2:42.7) and Kirsty Forsyth was 4th in the 60m (8.75s). Tara Walls took 2nd in her heat of the 200m, Alanna Henderson set a new personal best in the Long Jump and Lydia Simpson added further points in the Shot as the team took 3rd. The UNDER 17 MENS team performed well with Matt Smith 2nd in the shot (10.88m) and Ross McDonald 3rd in the Long Jump (5.02m). Liam Halliday (60m), Lewis Hetman (800m) and Cameron Wilson (200m, 400m & High Jump) helped the team to 4th place overall. The UNDER 13 GIRLS finished a creditable 6th place with good performances from Anna Cameron (Long Jump), Erin Potter (60m), Jenny Walls (800m), Heather Scott (800m) and Leah Trevis (shot) and Central’s sole under 20 man, Peter Muirhead, produced a fine display in the 60m and Long Jump.

RACING

Ministox ACE Camie collects Barford Track championship at awards night.

he Final trophie presentations for 2011 championship winners . Took Place at Darlington on saturday night . Young Camie local Ministox ace aged 14 collected His award for winning the Track Championship down at Barford raceway in 2011. And His Great Northern Championship at Barford 2011. Presented by Barford Girls Laura Welsh and Kim Jennings. Cameron had won the track championship title in 2010, and was delighted to retain his title. This added to the successful 2011 season where he also won the Cowdenbeath Track Championship for his first time in 2011 and took his first National Points Championship. Along with Turner Trophie , and the mini Disco Trophie run over 4 rounds,that was sponsered by GA Autos Loanhead. The 2012 season is only a few weeks away. And with over 10 new Drivers between 11 and 16

coming into the sport it looks to be a very close season for all. The team are working hard on developing a new car for the season . As they sold the winning car at the end of season to a new driver. So they know that is only 1 off the quick cars that they will need to compete against for 2012 . Along with other local drivers Claire and Louise Honeyman. Who Have shown they are not afraid to mix it with the others on there way to victory. Cameron is looking to secure 2 new sponsers for the 2012 campain to assist . And Hopes to continue With Bridge Motor Factors, Northend Garage Dunblane. Jim Cuthill engineering, AA Components, A W Britton Joinery. And Craighead Building supplies. Thanks To all sponsers who, without there help we could not do the amount off meetings we attend throughout the year.

weecounty sport

Friday 27.1.12

RUGBY

Hillfoots continue winning form Mackie FP 0 Hillfoots RFC 10

illfoots travelled to Stonehaven to get the league restarted after the winter break. Mackie are always a hard team to play and the conditions wouldn’t make it any easier today. Despite the conditions, the game got off to a fast pace with the forwards controlling on both sides. Play was stalled for most of the first period in Mackies half, Hillfoots commanding the ball but not clocking the points. A few missed penalties prevented ‘Foots from getting a hold of the game. After a turnover on the halfway line from Nik Binning, Stuart McIntosh picked and made a break for the line. He displayed good hands to pass it wide, and eventually it reached Calum McGee out on the left wing who scored in the corner. Gregor Manson missed the conversion from out wide, but made a good attempt in the gale force conditions. Most of the play remained the same for the remainder of the half and with the wind driving into the homeside’s corners, it was hard to break out from those areas. The ‘Foots forwards excelled in the scrums through out the

match and showed no difference for the second try. Taking the scrum against the head, Gavin Spowage picked and made a 20 yard break before off-loading to Manson who popped out to Sandy Penman and then Penman passed to winger Kevin Aitken who would score in the same place as McGee earlier in the game. Andrew Hamilton had a go at this conversion, but the wind over powered the inside centre and the try went uncoverted. A few plays later saw the ref call for half-time, Hillfoots leading 10-0. The second period would eventually end scoreless but the character showed in the ‘Foots defence was impeccable. Each player gave it their all with the weather now against them and Mackie playing well into the corners. Even after losing Keith Slade to the “sin-bin” for a swinging arm offence, the travelling Hillfoots team let nothing through. This led to Mackie losing their concentration and discipline, giving ‘Foots the penalty advantage to clear their lines. The stallwart defence stuck out for the rest of the half and Hillfoots left Stonehaven with a great win for the season. Hillfoots host local league rivals, Glenrothes this Saturday at Tillicoultry. Kick-Off is 2pm and everyone is welcome to come down and support the team.

Hillfoots in action

Weekend Results: Sat 21st Janaury 2012 Mackie Acad FP 0 : 10 Hillfoots Glenrothes 7 : 36 Aberdeenshire Highland 8 : 13 Caithness

Weekend Fixtures: Sat 21st January 2012 Aberdeen Uni : Mackie Acad FP Strathmore : Orkney Hillfoots : Glenrothes Gordonians : Highland Aberdeenshire : Caithness

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

Played W 13 13 14 13 13 13 12 14 11 12

2nds too strong for Grangemouth HILLFOOTS 2nds 8 GRANGEMOUTH 0

oots took on a strong Grangemouth team on a storm lashed pitch at Tillicoultry in what turned out to be a hard fought battle. With the sides being evenly balanced and the weather doing its best to spoil any real running rugby it was the proverbial team,’who wanted it most’ who prevailed. It was good to welcome newcomer David Wilton and welcome back Derek Paterson after quite a few years up North and they both slotted in almost seamlessly. Playing downhill into a fierce wind Foots., soon found out that high kicks against the wind were pointless and so grubber kicks were mainly used throughout the first half, This technique being ably demonstrated by Jamie Murchie. Foots., put Grangemouth under pressure from the start and not long into the game the big Grangemouth standoff spilled the ball in

the tackle and Alexander Cameron put in a good run before feeding Gavin Paterson, when he was stopped the Foots., forwards recycled the ball to Jamie Murchie and the ball travelled via Mark Johnson, Chris Beetham and Alexander Cameron who beat his man to feed Keneth Mcvey who put in a crafty grubber kick and he and Alex did well to chase down the Grangemouth fullback thereby winning the ball. The ever present Graham Cree was up in support to drive on but the ball proved too slippery to control and Grangemouth were able to clear their lines through a huge line kick from their standoff. Mark Johnston came close to getting over for a try after the forwards took a scrum against the head but once again the ball was scrambled away by Grangemouth. With both sets off forwards battling hard Foots., did surprisingly well to once again hold

RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS Team

Played

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

12 12 13 12 12 12 13 12 14 12

12 0 11 0 10 0 9 1 6 0 4 1 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 0

F : A

Bonus Points

0 436:49 1 447:126 3 335:222 2 257:234 6 261:268 7 153:165 10 157:386 9 128:269 12 110:317 11 122:370

7 10 8 5 5 4 5 1 2 2

55 54 48 43 29 22 17 13 10 6

11 9 7 7 7 6 4 3 3 2

0 1 0 0 0 2 3 2 1 1

2 3 7 6 6 5 5 9 7 9

F : A

314:149 292:196 291:287 285:297 241:235 221:221 178:193 196:352 247:267 250:318

Bonus Points 8 6 7 7 5 2 3 4 7 7

52 44 35 35 29 26 25 20 17 12

Foots., then pressurised for the next 5 minutes but the stuffy Grangemouth defence were up to the task until with what turned out to be the last play of the game Allan Steele took a line out ball cleanly but unfortunately for Grangemouth one of their players tapped the ball back and Mike Kilbank reacting fastest scampered through to touch down for a unconverted try. Final score Foots., 8 - Grangemouth 0. This was another gritty performance by Foots., against a much improved Grangemouth side .This Saturday we have the return match of a double header against Grangemouth away and will have to be at our best to beat them.

a heavier pack and with jumpers Cameron Forbes and Graham Cree doing well in the lineouts the rest of the half was a stalemate. Foots., turned round at half time feeling happy after playing most of the rugby and surviving horrendous weather and a redoubtable challenge from Grangemouth. Playing with a strong wind in the second half Foots., could reasonably have expected Grangmouth to have folded but they had other ideas and came back strongly. The weather then began to have a increasingly adverse effect on the game by making it almost impossible to handle the ball. Paul Bowyer, (on for Jamie Murchie), bus for made a good break to put the pressure SUNDAY’S LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL v FALKIRK on. Mike Kilbank and Alexander at Hampden Park ko 3pm departs: Cameron then cut out promising 12.30pm - Menstrie=holytree Grangemouth moves. 12.35pm - Alva = cairn Foots drew first blood when 12.45pm - Tillicoultry = Volunteer Grangemouth were forced into 1.00pm - Alloa - Peppes conceding a penalty in front of their 1.10pm - Tullibody = Inn posts and Davy Dempster chipped the 1.25pm - Stirling - Marches roundabout ball neatly between the posts. seat’s available. for more info contact website www.roymilnecsc.net Weekend Fixtures

Roy Milne CSC

Sat 21st January 2012

Fife South : Kinross Alloa : Madras Carnoustie HSFP : Stirling Uni Harris Acad FP : St. Andrews Uni

Weekend Results Sat 21st January 2012 Kinross 23 : 26 Madras Grangemouth 31 : 6 Fife South St. Andrews Uni 32 : 7 Blairgowrie RFC Harris Acad FP 30 : 21 Carnoustie HSFP

BOWLING

AGM date set T

he list is up in the Clackmannan club house for the valentines meal on the 11th February. This years A.G.M. is on Sunday the 19th of February at 11am All members are asked to attend this is your chance to help your club go forward into a very busy season. Poker is on Fridays and pool on Thursdays. Please support your club. The club notice board is where you will find all information on your club for bowling and events.

sport

Friday 27.1.12

JUNIOR FOOTBALL

POOL BROTHERS SNATCH DOUBLES TITLE

ocker Room A brothers Joe & Kris Glass potted their way to a first county doubles title with a hardfought victory last Friday night at the Finals night held in the sponsors venue of the Oakwood Lounge Sauchie. A good crowd had gathered with the many people present all having differing opinions on who would take the title home with home support going with David Ross and his partner the current singles champion Brian Corkhill and an equally impressive support from Alva giving the other brothers in the competition Michael & Grant Polley their support. The last 8 kicked off first with what was agreed was all the favourites winning through to the semi-finals with the following scores:K.Glass/J.Glass 3 S.Dobbie/C.Inkster 0 B.Low/T.Kelly 3 A.Taylor/S.Harrison 1 G.Polley/M.Polley 3 G.Sneddon/S.Smith 1 D.Ross/B.Corkhill 3 D.Dowell/G.Ross 1 Special mention to the leagues future the youngsters 17 year old Steven Smith and 18 year old Grant Ross making their debut in a finals night and performed admirably. Commiserations to Sean Harrison whose tip came off just before his first match and had to use a borrowed cue. Semi-finals beckoned and possibly the first upsets with Grant and Michael Polley being beaten by the underestimated pair of Barry Low & Trevor Kelly from Allanbridge continuing a run of great results in qualifying and in the finals. In the other semi the Glass brothers had a very hard fought win over the home pairing of David Ross & Brian Corkhill. And so to the final with both pairings having chances to take the title but it was the other youngster 18 year old Joe Glass taking away a fine finish and with it the County title. Well played to Joe & Kris and unlucky to Barry & Trevor on a tremendous run. Many thanks to our continued sponsor Craigy Stewart and the Oakwood Lounge for a tremendous venue.

FANZONE

weecounty

IM 1 QUALIFYING RESULTS

The first round of qualifying for the Scottish finals took place last Saturday at the new venue of Rileys Stirling and the general consensus was of great playing conditions and the discounted drink prices were a sure fire winner!! Thanks to Sarah and Rileys for holding this event. Congratulations to Billy Snaddon, emphatically qualifying on his debut in the IM, Gordon Jaglar making his way through with a hard fought 6-4 win over team-mate Alan Banks, Darren Mooney defeating an ever improving Steven Dobbie and Michael Boyd justifying his first year as a seeded player beating newcomer Gordon Smith 6-2 to qualify. They join Pete Smith from the top 16 in the national finals in the Red Triangle Cumbernauld on 18th/19th Feb, good luck to all.

GRAHAM HENNY CUP Sponsored by Crown Alva

Congratulations to both Locker Room B & Crown A who booked their place last week into the cup semifinals taking place this week and next with the first one taking place on Tues past with the Locker Room A up against the Oakwood A and next Tues the Locker Room B versus the Crown A in the second semi. Good Luck to all teams.

WEEK 16 RESULTS

A LEAGUE: Peppes 1 - Crown A 8, Locker Room A 6 – The Inn 3, Oakwood C 3 – Oakwood A 6, Allanbridge 4 – Alva GC 5, Crown B 2 – Locker Room B 7. B LEAGUE: Hammies 2 – Weirs 7, Oakwood B 3 – Gartmorn 6, Cairn A 7 – Cairn B 2, Crosskeys 4 – Oakwood D 5, Rileys 6 – County 3.

Super 11’s Teams

Would all players please be reminded that the money for this event is due by the end of the month.

Sauchie unlucky in cup tie

Emirates Scottish Junior Cup 4th Round

Sauchie Juniors 2 Bo’ness United 3 By Mark Wallace

ootball can be a cruel game at times, which Sauchie found out on Saturday. In an entertaining and exciting Scottish Cup tie, both teams competed with no half measures. At Beechwood in front of Sauchie’s largest crowd of the season, Bo’ness, the back to back champions of the Super League, were the visitors in the 4th round of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup. Although Sauchie had beaten Bo’ness earlier in the season, two - nil in the League Cup, they came into the match as underdogs. Due to hard working efforts of the grounds staff at Sauchie the match was able to go ahead, although the pitch was to be a factor in Sauchie’s performance. The Sauchie Manager, Fraser Duncan, made one change from last week’s team that beat Arniston Rangers, bringing back from injury, Adam Bonnar for Scott Mackison. This appeared to be a more tactical change. Sauchie started the match with a strong wind against them, however they made the first chance of the match, when in seven minutes, Ally Burns raced through with the ball after beating the Bo’ness central defenders. Burn’s shot was blocked by the advancing Christie, in the Bo’ness goals, overall it was a great

opportunity for Sauchie to open the scoring. After this both teams started to create chances on a park that was getting muddier as the game progressed. On the eleventh minute, Scott Gibb’s free kick across the face of the Sauchie’s goals was unmet from anyone. A further curved shot from Bo’ness full back Steven Bonar, on the twenty first minute proved fruitless. Although struggling against a strong wind, Sauchie tried to play a passing game and created chances with Bonnar and Carroll having opportunities. The pitch was stopping the Sauchie full backs, Dolan and Feaks from making runs down the wings, a feature of their play in the previous matches. The loss of aerial attack was limiting Sauchie’s goal scoring opportunities. With the last the kick of the first half Bo’ness opened the scoring, through Chris Donnelly. A corner kick from Duffy was headed on from John Stewart and Donnelly blasted the ball over the Sauchie’s goal line. Although the half ended with Sauchie a goal down, they were by no means out of the match. The second half started with Sauchie having the advantage of the wind at their backs. They continued to press for an equaliser, with a header from

Bonnar saved on the line from Christie, further shots from Burns and Bonnar. On the sixty second minute mark, Cummings replaced Bonnar, who was finding it hard to use his trade mark running through the match. Bo’ness went further ahead in the sixty eighth minute through a very soft penalty. There appeared minimal contact from Dolan on the advancing Nicky Walker. Ian Nimmo duly stepped up to place the ball past Bryn Halliwell in the Sauchie goal. At two goals down against the Super League Champions many teams would have folded, however

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JUNIOR FOOTBALL

Pictures by James Hensby

Managers Comment...

Sauchie grasped the nestle and took the game to Bo’ness. On seventy four minutes, Sauchie were rewarded for their hard efforts with a goal courtesy of a header from Ally Burns, who met a Gary Carroll cross. Three minutes later this remarkable game had changed again with Sauchie drawing level through Gary Carroll netting a rebound from a blocked Burns’ shot. At this point it looked from the home crowd that Sauchie could push on and get a winner. In injury time, Bo’ness were award a controversial corner kick. Again Lee Duffy supplied the corner and there was a scramble in the penalty box, after Gibb’s header was blocked and Kevin Watt managed to get the ball over the line for Bo’ness’ third and winning goal much to the relief of the travelling support and management of Bo’ness. There was no time left for Sauchie to get an equaliser and Bo’ness marched into the fourth round. Overall Sauchie deserved at least a draw in a typical cup tie, although there was much debate regarding the awarding of the Bo’ness penalty. As a Premier League team, Sauchie came out of the match with much pride and their reputation enhanced, as well as recognising their ability to compete at a higher level. Now Sauchie must dust themselves down and response positively at their next game, which is a league match away to Tayport, on the Saturday, 29/01/12, ko 1.45pm.

aturday’s emirates Scottish cup-tie was a cracker and was always going to be a very hard game. The team prepared well and worked hard in training on two or three things we felt we could use to our advantage against Bo’ness. The game was in doubt in the morning as our pitch was struggling to handle the water that had fallen. However a pitch inspection in the morning was passed and the match referee agreed to go ahead with the game. We set our team up 4-4-2 to go at Bo’ness and let them worry about us going forward with our attacking threat. The game started well and several chances fell to both sides but overall pretty even and the pitch which is the everlasting thorn in our side was cutting up really badly, proving hard for both sets of players who were trying to play football. I felt we just shaded the first 45 mins against the Super League champions, and were left devastated when with the last kick of the ball in the half. We defended a corner but switched off and Bo’ness found the net. One nil down at half time but during the half time team talk we were full of confidence and knew we would get chances second half. After the break the visitors started well keeping the ball and for the first 15 mins of the second half were the better side. We then picked things up a bit and missed a chance when Ally Burns worked hard but could not finish it off. Brian Morgan was creating opportunities and Gary Carrol looked dangerous at times. We were given a real sucker punch when Bo’ness went to the other end and whilst Stevie Dolan looked to have pulled out of the tackle he was still penalised and the referee awarded a penalty to the visitors.

Nimmo scored the penalty and celebrated with his fans only for the referee to book the wrong player for celebrating which would of seen Nimmo leave the field with a second yellow. Two goals down and our young Sauchie players seemed to be down and out when we kicked into action. Darren Cummings replaced Adam Bonar and we went three up front and started to create problems. Brian Morgan headed a great goal to get us back in the tie. Two minutes later, balls into the Bo’ness box were causing them problems with some good saves from Scott Christie in goal. Searching for the equaliser we managed to push and got ourselves back in the game when Gary Carrol finished from close range. We were back in the cup tie, and the noise would have been heard in Stirling from the home crowd. Our team continued to force Bo’ness back and the game looked like heading to a replay until the referee judged a clear goal kick to be a corner. Bo’ness delivered the corner and a great save from Bryn Halliwell from the resulting header was then forced over the line to steal the game from our grasp. We were gutted and felt our players worked very hard and deserved more form the game but that’s football. Its a funny old game. I would like to take this chance to thank the support on Saturday. It was great to see and I am sure everyone agrees we have a side that is capable of doing really well and competing at the highest junior level. The Beechwood Park surface is very poor and needs urgent attention and drainage to allow us to use more regularly and to play the football we deserve to be able to play. Anyone out there who feels they could help or give advice on this problem please get in touch with the club. Thank you for supporting Sauchie Juniors. We now focus on the league and will try to finish with as much success as possible.

Junior Football League Home Away

TEAMS : Sauchie - Halliwell, Feaks, Dolan (S), King, Tully, Purdie, Morgan, Comrie, Burnsd, Carroll, Bonnar. Bo’ness United - Christie,Snowdon, Bonar, Gibb, Reilly, Duffy, Walker, Sheilds, Stewart, Nimmo, Donnelly.

TEAM P W D L F A Oakley United 9 3 2 0 14 5 Tayport 11 1 2 2 3 4 Glenrothes 11 3 2 0 12 8 Newtongrange Star 1 2 2 1 3 9 7 Penicuik Athletic 9 3 0 2 13 7 Sauchie Juniors 7 3 0 0 7 2 Broxburn Athletic 9 3 1 0 14 4 Ballingry Rovers 11 2 2 1 12 9 Broughty Athletic 13 0 3 4 7 17 Armadale Thistle 12 2 3 2 10 8 Arniston Rangers 11 1 1 3 4 11 Downfield 11 1 1 4 8 18

W D L F A 3 1 0 13 6 4 2 0 8 1 2 1 3 11 14 2 3 1 17 10 2 0 2 6 5 1 2 1 7 7 1 1 3 5 11 1 2 3 6 14 3 1 2 8 11 0 2 3 5 10 1 2 3 6 14 1 1 3 8 10

GD Pts 16 21 6 19 1 18 9 16 7 15 5 14 4 14 -5 13 -13 13 -3 11 -15 9 -12 8

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Managers Comments ...

alking after his sides impressive away win, manager Paul Hartley said; “We were great today, outstanding, I thought in the first half we could have been five or six goals up. “Some say the wind was a key factor in the first half but even in the second half I knew we would get more chances, but it was an outstanding performance throughout the game. The players deserve a lot of credit, it was a real team performance today, wonderful to watch, great work ethic. “Stranraer is a hard place to come to and a lot of people didn’t give us a chance today, we showed what we are about, we have got good players here at the club. “I thought we played all the football today, we were at it right from the off and I am really proud of the team. “The goal at the start of the second half by Stevie Masterton was a touch of class and really killed off Stranraer, Stevie May’s second goal was the icing on the cake - Stevie has scored seven goals in his last six games for the club and that is why he is here. “Overall the team performance was excellent. The score line certainly didn’t flatter us I thought we could have scored more goals but that’s me being a bit greedy. Some of the chances we had in the first half, if we had shown a little bit more composure in front of goal, we could have went in by a greater margin than 2-0. “We are in a good position – Stranraer, Annan and Queens Park are all still real threats so we will not get complacent that is for sure. We do have a game in hand against Peterhead but you still have to win them.”

evin McHattie has returned to Hearts after his 6 week Loan spell. Everyone at Alloa Football Club would like to thank him for his contribution to the team during his loan spell. Manager Hartley is still looking to add to his squad before window closes.

Docherty celebrates his goal

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IRN BRU DIV 3 - RESULTS SATURDAY 21ST JANUARY 2012 Annan Athletic 2 Queen’s Park 3 Winters (2) McBride (pen 19) O’Connor (90+2) McBride (pen 51) Smith (88) Clyde 0

Peterhead 1 Bavidge (3)

East Stirling 3 Montrose 1 Lurinsky (38) Winter (59) Lurinsky (pen 49) Turner (55) Elgin 4 Millar (35, 53) MacPhee (37) Leslie (49) Stranraer 0

Berwick 0

Alloa 4 Docherty (25) May (40, 69) Masterton (60)

IRN BRU DIV 3 - Fixtures: SATURDAY 27TH JAN 2012 Alloa v Montrose Annan Athletic v East Stirling Clyde v Berwick Peterhead v Queen’s Park Stranraer v Elgin

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

Pld W 20 6 21 6 19 5 20 7 18 7 20 3 20 3 20 4 19 3 21 3

D 3 2 3 2 1 4 2 1 3 2

L 0 3 1 2 1 3 5 4 4 6

W 6 5 5 3 1 3 2 2 2 0

D 3 3 1 2 3 3 4 2 1 1

L GD Pts 2 19 42 2 22 38 4 16 34 4 11 34 5 6 28 4 18 25 4 8 21 7 17 21 6 8 19 9 6 12

weecounty sport SAUCHIE UNLUCKY AGAINST BO’NESS IN CUP

Page 28 & 29

Hartley’s Wasps outclass Stranraer Alloa put some daylight between them and the chasing pack By Sports Reporter

lloa headed on the long road south to face fellow title challengers Stranraer, knowing that a win would put them four points clear at the top of the Scottish Third Division. Alloa where missing Graham Holmes for the top of the league clash but Steve Masterton was recalled to the side, filling in for the former Morton man. On a blustery day, it was the Wasps who started the better of the sides, taking advantage of the strong wind that was behind them. May and McCord setting up Cawley but his shot just missed the left hand post with Marshall stranded. With both Young and McCord in control for Alloa in the central midfield area, the Wasps had all of the attacking play. Gordon came close with a header after May flicked the ball on, but the defender’s effort went narrowly over. Moments later, the Stranraer keeper did well to push over a May long range effort from 20

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Stranraer 0 Alloa 4 Docherty guides home the Wasps first goal in what turned out to be a good day at the office for the league leaders. yards. Cawley was next to try his luck, forcing a good save from the goalkeeper after a good run down the left wing opened up some space. Loan striker May should have opened the scoring for the Wasps after finding himself clean through with only the keeper to beat. The striker calmly rounded the goalkeeper but seemed to take one to many touches and stumbled as he sent his effort towards the empty net – only to see it clash with the upright, much to the disappointment of the large Alloa supporters contingent behind the goal. Another long range effort forced

a good save from the Stranraer keeper before the Wasps eventually went ahead through Mark Docherty on the 25th minute. The midfielder collected the ball mid way in the Stranraer half and ran at the defence. He managed to twist and turn his way down the left side before cutting inside, releasing a low right foot shot into the bottom corner of the net. The home side tested Bain in the Alloa goal when had to be at his best when Grehan was set free by Kane but the keeper parried the shot wide. Alloa were further rewarded for their pressure and doubled their lead in the 40th min. Cawley found

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May in space and his strong drive from 25 yards flew past Marshall high into the corner, it was the on loans striker 5th goal in 3 games. And on the half time whistle Alloa could have made it 3 when Ryan McCord’s shot went inches wide. The home side came out fighting in the second half and both Malcolm and Grehan had chances to get them back into the game. But it was the Wasps who went further in front with Masterton on the 60th minute. He found himself in plenty of space in the middle of the park and unmarked. Moving to the edge of the box he released a cheeky ‘dink’ effort from 25 yards that held up in the wind leaving

keeper Marshall well beaten. And nine minutes later it was all over for the home side, Young set up May 12 yards out and the in form hit-man rapped up the points for Alloa drilling the ball into the net. Robbie Winters and Armand One both got a run out in the closing stages of the match and Cawley and May had chances to put the visitors further ahead but Mitchell in the home goal saved well. It was a first class performance from Alloa who sent out a strong message to the rest of the chasing pack. If they can maintain form like this, then without tempting fate, the title will be coming to the Recs in May. ATT 475

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