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Tuesday 3.4.12 Issue 870
In this issue...
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‘Super-Gran’ Zipslide
Fuel Crisis Hits the Wee County
Page 3
Page 9
Menstrie Grandmother zipslides across the River Clyde for Alzheimer charity
Panic buying causes chaos across the Wee County as petrol stations run dry
POLICE HUNT
TEENAGE ATTACKERS
By Gary Smith and Michelle Henderson
B
oth a Police underwater crew and dog handlers searched Gartmorn Dam for evidence over Sunday and Monday after yet another teenage girl was allegedly
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assaulted in Clackmannanshire over the weekend. Walkers were turned away on both days while Police continued to investigate the area for vital clues that would help with their enquiry. The assault, which occurred on Saturday evening, is the second of its kind in the Wee County area in the past week. Police say the investigation is still in its very early stages and would not make a comment. The dam has become something
of a ‘safe-haven’ for teenage drinkers in recent months according to locals who were present on Monday. It is understood that the victim was with a group of friends who were taking advantage of last week’s good weather to celebrate a birthday and camp at the dam. At this time it is not believed that the alleged assault is connected to any others that may have occurred in Clackmannanshire over the last week. Continued on page 9
‘BEASTS’ AGAINST SHARING CELLS S
ex offenders at Glenochil Prison have been complaining to prison bosses this week over the idea of sharing a cell with other convicted sex predators. The news was broken off the back of a report published by the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Brigadier Hugh Monro has revealed “a disproportionate number of complaints to inspectors” about doubling up in the segregated sex
offenders wing of Glenochil Prison, here in Clackmannanshire. Mr Monro found “fair progress” has been made at the prison since the last full inspection back in 2010, but said the impact of sex offenders arriving from Peterhead prison has been “considerable”. A decision was taken back in October 2010 to transfer 150 convicted sex offenders from Peterhead to Glenochil. Continued on page 5
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Tuesday 3.4.12
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Dear weecounty, I would like to set the record where Labour’s local candidates have shamelessly rewritten history to suit their own ends. It was money received by the council from the SNP governments £60 million town regeneration fund, that brought about the improvements to the town, £2 million worth. Labour are also claiming credit for the Clackmannashire bridge, this idea was supported by All parties but was entirely funded by the SNP government. That’s the same SNP government who’s Small business bonus scheme benefited 64% of small businesses in Clackmannanshire. There is one item they were claiming credit for however, where they seem to have gone a bit quiet and that’s with regard to education, they were boasting about providing new secondary schools, that is until they started being asked about the true cost of them. So far not one of their candidates has come up with the answer, could this be because they don’t know? And could they also have gone quiet because such boasting begs the question, why did you let these schools, which were built at different times, get into such a state in the first place? Time for at least one of Labours candidates to answer or we will draw our own conclusions.
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We are excepting nominations from readers who think someone deserves a little treat. It could be that they’ve overcome illness, are having a special birthday or are just a special person that deserves some recognition. Whatever the reason, let us know and we’ll pick one winner who will receive some flowers. Send your nominations, plus your name, address and telephone number to: weecounty Flower Competition, The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG. 13,weecounty@hubpublishing.co.uk Mill Street, Alloa, 87-89, Stirling Street, Alva, Email: Facebook: Clacks, FK10 1DT Clacks, FK12 5ED post your nominations on the Wee County News facebook page.
Dear weecounty, Tel: 01259 723 988 Tel: 01259 760 037 Candidates for the Clackmannanshire Council Nominations for April will close on April 20th and a winner will be announced on April elections have been announced. I see from the Party 24th. The editors decision is final. line-ups the SNP are fielding twelve candidates, if all were elected this will give them a majority (as our Council has eighteen members, the election of ten from any one party is required). Labour is the next biggest but is fielding only nine candidates. This means that Labour cannot form a majority. Labour lacks ambition. If Labour is to fulfil its promises to the electorate, it must either form a minority administration or a coalition. Either way my point is Labour from the very start is faced with reaching a compromise with the Conservatives (five are standing), the Liberal, or one of the three Independents. The electorate needs to be informed who Labour propose to form a coalition with and on what terms. I live in Tillicoultry and remember only too well last year’s closures and failures in consultation as the Labour administration failed into the only sunset. As the elections are just a month away and again we find Labour cannot form an administration in its own right we need to be informed now. We want to know with Labour’s lack of ambition with whom will they form any coalition?
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Andrew Gadsden, Tillicoultry Dear weecounty, I am surprised that Archie Drummond, the Independent candidate for the Hillfoots, is not standing for the SNP in the forthcoming election. As far as I was aware he is a party member, and has been active, especially during the Scottish Parliament election 2011 for that political party. It would be good to have Mr Drummond clarify if he was removed from the SNP or if this was his own decision and either way, to ask why he is now standing against the party he supported for so long. Anon
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weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
Menstrie ‘Super-Gran’ completes zipslide Grandmother slides across River Clyde for charity
News Brief Old Brewery granted extra hour
By Gary Smith
M
enstrie grandmother Caroline Crawford endured a terrifying zipslide across Glasgow’s River Clyde on Saturday 24th March in support of the charity Alzheimer Scotland. So far, her voyage across the river, watched by her sister, son and grandson, has raised an outstanding £2, 218 for the charity. Mrs Crawford, 66, who has been involved with various charities and community councils throughout her life, had the idea whilst considering various ways of raising funds for the charity. Their altruistic help when her husband, Jimmy, was diagnosed with Picks Disease - a rare neurodegenerative condition that is closely related to Alzheimer Disease – inspired her take her very own leap of faith. Although there is no cure for the disease, Alzheimer Scotland, which relies on fundraising activities and donations, can help both the sufferer and their families in a wide range of ways. Services provided by the charity include day centres, home support, carer education and one-to-one support. Without the help of the charity, many people who suffer from neurodegenerative conditions, and their families, would have almost nowhere to turn to; with the charity’s help, quality of life is much improved for all concerned. Mrs Crawford, whose husband is now in residential care, has carried on working with the charity; specifically at events for sufferers and their carers. She also attended the European Dementia Conference in Warsaw last year and told her story, from the perspective of a wife and carer, to a room full of professionals from all over the globe. What drives Mrs Crawford on is
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The Old Brewery in Alloa has been granted an extra hour of opening time by the council at the latest licensing meeting. The local pub, popular with many had put in a plea to keep the pub open an extra hour on Easter Sunday, leading into Easter Monday. Councillors saw no problem with the request as it is a bank holiday and it is Easter. The vote was unanimous.
Devonpark Inn Tillicoultry granted licence
Devonpark inn is being given a new lease of life as a new family orientated restaurant is going into the premises. Councillors were very happy to award the restaurant the licence to open as they feel it will bring more jobs to the area and are happy to see the premises being opened again. They also feel it will give the county of Clackmannanshire more choice and variety.
her determination to help others to cope with the situation they are experiencing. She recognizes, through first-hand experience, the help that the charity can give and, naturally, and also selflessly, aims to give as much as she can back to Alzheimer Scotland. In 2010 there were 72,000 diagnosed
cases of Dementia in Scotland – a staggering figure; more than 1% of the population! If you would like to donate to Mrs Crawford’s charity fund, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/ caroline-crawford or, alternatively, call Alzheimer Scotland on 0808 808 3000.
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weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
School show is a monster hit A
group of primary school children set off for their Easter holidays after staging three outstanding productions of the Rocky Monster Show. During the last week of term primary three and four through to P7 pupils of Craigbank Primary School staged a fantastic production of the Rocky Monster Show under the direction of Head Teacher, Rhona Robotham. She was assisted by Music and Drama specialist teacher David Faulds and primary six class teacher Miss Fiona Allan. Between them, they worked tirelessly, guiding the pupils through all their rehearsals to the big moment when curtain finally went up for the three shows in front of packed and enthusiastic audiences. The principal acting and singing roles were played by pupils Jonathan Payne, Dale Carberry, Max Womersley, Hannah Miller, Alexander Payne, Laura Cunningham, Ryan Inscoe, Keira Quinn, Duncan Caldwell, Anna Leishman, Emma Swan and Sophie Mackie. The sparkling “Superbs” were played by pupils Leakin Gilchrist,
Erin O’Hare, Eilidh Weir and Abbey Kettrick. All pupils from P3/4-P7 were involved as the chorus in dancing and singing routines throughout the shows. Mrs Robotham said: “The audiences were greatly entertained and were impressed by the very high standards of the performance of the pupils “All pupils involved enjoyed a wonderful experience, developing not only their performance skills but also their self esteem and confidence. It was a truly worthwhile and memorable event for all concerned.”
Blue Team win Devil’s Kitchen event C
RED WHINE: (from left to right) Sarah McLaughlin from Alloa, Callum Jenkins from Kincardine, Joanna Majerowska from Alloa and Jane Campbell from Tullibody, had a great time despite being on the losing Red Team.
ompetition was fierce in the Forth Valley College kitchen recently, but it was the Blue Team who eventually triumphed in their annual Devil’s Kitchen charity event. Now in its fifth year the competition - based on the popular TV show ‘Hells Kitchen’ and organised by the College’s Hospitality Department – took place in the Training Restaurant at the College’s Middlefield Building in Falkirk on the evening of Friday 9 March This year’s event proved very successful with diners in the Forth Valley area and a total of 105 diners enjoyed a complimentary refreshment on arrival, a three course meal, coffee and the chance to win some superb raffle prizes. The Blue and the Red Teams – were tasked with preparing and serving a three-course meal. Teams were comprised of 16 students in total – several from the Clackmannanshire area - with eight in the kitchen and eight serving in the restaurant. Aiveen McAllister, FVC Hospitality Department Curriculum Quality Leader (CQL), said: “This year’s event was very exciting and
very well attended. Everyone had a a great time, but lecturer Scott Dougall’s Blue Team just edged it over colleague Mandy Fraser’s Red Team. We still don’t have a final tally for the money raised, but it is close to £4,000 and we look forward to presenting CHAS and Strathcarron Hospice their donations soon.”
Stress control classes continue in Clackmannanshire By Michelle Henderson
I
f you are feeling stressed and want to be more in control of 2012 then this might be something for you. Stress control classes have arrived in Clackmannanshire and are being described as world class because of the difference they are making. These fantastic classes were developed by Dr Jim White, who is the STEPS team leader at NHS Glasgow, and are being shown all over the world. These classes are free and are taking place at Forth Valley College, Alloa in the evenings. The classes run over six sessions and teach you about how to deal with anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, poor sleep and panic attacks. Each week you attend you will be given leaflets to help you and take away as well as being issued with a free relaxation CD.
These fantastic classes are being supported by Clackmannanshire Councils Mental Health Services. The six sessions all have different reasons and purposes and a new thing will be taught to you every week you attend. The sessions will go as follows: Session 1: Information about stress Session 2: Control your body: relaxation, exercise Session 3: Control your thoughts: learn to think your way out of stress Session 4: Control your actions: boost self confidence Session 5: Control panic Session 6: Control sleep problems; control your future To register for these fantastic classes contact Carsebridge House on 01259 215048.
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weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
‘BEASTS’ AGAINST SHARING CELLS
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By Michelle Henderson Continued from front page: With regards to sex offenders, the report added: “There is very strict separation of these prisoners from others within the regime and this causes restrictions particularly in terms of access to activities and programmes.
“Overcrowding has become more acute since the original inspection and the instances of ‘doubled up’ single cells in Harviestoun Hall caused a disproportionate number of complaints to inspectors.” Commonly known as ‘beasts’ by the prison population, they are regarded as the lowest
of the low and may find themselves in the firing line by fellow prisoners. For their own safety, prisons throughout the UK segregate ‘beasts’ from those convicted of ‘harder crimes’. Glenochil Prison has a design capacity of 670 prisoners and the total number of prisoners
Top crime writer’s visit hailed a success
serving sentences as we speak sits at about 620, although SPS has confirmed that it has currently been running between 719 and 749. Overcrowding is not just a problem here in Clackmannanshire, but all over Scotland, and in many prisons, cell sharing has become a reality. In Scotland there are around 8500 prisoners but only enough room for 7140. ‘Beasts’ in Glenochil are not keen on the idea of this becoming a way of life whilst
behind bars, particularly after the influx of fellow ‘beasts’ from Peterhead. All the commotion at the prison has arisen after the report findings were released, and due to the rise in offenders, the report brought up the current issue of cell sharing. Glenochil Prison is at the stage of assessing the issue. An SPS spokesperson said, “We note the progress being made as highlighted in the report. The prison population has grown over a number of
years and this was reflected in the prisoner numbers at the time of the Inspection visit. “The recent opening of HMP Low Moss has assisted in creating additional capacity across the SPS estate and this will help alleviate some of the issues raised in the report” The annual report covers everything so this was something that was due to come up eventually, especially as the crime rate keeps increasing.
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he people of Clackmannanshire turned out in force this week to meet and greet one of the country’s foremost crime writers, Quintin Jardine. Quintin’s first novel, “Skinner’s Rules”, was published in 1993, and was nominated for the John Creasey award by the UK Crime Writers’ Association. His appearance at Alloa Library on Wednesday proved to be an outstanding success, with a sellout audience of over 75 people attending the popular event. Librarian Tracy Docherty said: “This was the largest turnout that the library has every had for the visit of an author. “The event was a sell-out which added to the evening as the event was held in the main library and it gave off a very intimate setting to the talk.” Quintin, 66, originally from Motherwell, Lanarkshire, began the evening by explaining how he ventured into writing novels, which evolved from his reading of a badly written novel on holiday and thinking how he could have written it better. He explained where his main character ‘Skinner’ came from and how it has been 20 years since he signed his first book contract. Quintin then went on to outline other characters that have appeared throughout the years of his glittering career as an author. Quintin has written 21 novels, featuring senior
Edinburgh policeman Bob Skinner - “Britain’s toughest cop” according the novelists’ publisher. Like his creator, Skinner lives in Gullane, East Lothian, and has a second home L’Escala Catalunya in Spain. Tracy added: “He read from one of his books ‘As Easy As Murder’ and also read the foreword from his forthcoming book ‘Funeral Note’.” The evening then moved on to a lively question and answer session that provided more insight into the audiences’ favourite character, Skinner. Tracy added : “One question that was asked was ‘Who would Quintin want to play Skinner if any of his novels were turned into scripts for television?’, and he replied he would like the British actor Idris Elba, but revealed that his wife would rather have Brad Pitt play the role.” There was then a chance for the audience to buy Quintin Jardine novels and have them signed personally on the spot. The evening finished off with the author mingling with the audience over refreshments. Brian Forbes, Customer Services Manager commented: “Feedback from people who attended was very positive. It was a great night, full of interesting conversation. Quintin Jardine praised the knowledgeable audience and was keen to return at a future date. “We hope to bring more popular authors to Clackmannanshire in the coming months, helping raise the profile of our library service with current and new users.”
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weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
SNP get their election campaign up and running
New willow tunnel at Craigbank Primary
Clackmannanshire Thistle arrives at Sauchie & Fishcross
P
upils at Craigbank Primary School have been improving their school grounds. Recently the Eco Committee and class 7P planted a butterfly garden in the infant playground. The pupils are hoping that the flowers and plants that have been planted will attract butterflies and other wildlife to encourage biodiversity. The school has also worked with a willow specialist to plant a willow tunnel in the school grounds. The children really like the new additions to their playground and are looking forward to seeing the wildlife these attract.
Gordon Banks MP Working hard for Ochil and South Perthshire
T
he local Clackmannanshire Central landmark of Auchinbaird Windmill was the location that oversaw the start of the SNP’s Local Government Election Edition of the Clackmannanshire Thistle being delivered to Fishcross and Sauchie on Friday evening. Branch Convener, Jim Mitchell said, “ Since the formal launch to our campaign last week, there has been an enthusiasm from all branch members to get out and about within the ward. We’ve started with the delivery of the Clackmannanshire Thistle, which will be the first of various communications we will be having over the course of the election campaign.” SNP Clackmannanshire Central candidate, Gaynor Hamilton (pictured front right) said: “Everyone has been really motivated to get the good, positive SNP achievements highlighted to every constituent within the ward. We have achieved so much in even a small time in Administration at the Council and are keen to maintain this momentum after May. As with all wards, Clackmannanshire Central was a winner after the SNP’s recent budget
with a range of initiatives that will benefit all sectors within the ward. The feedback re initiatives planned and funded to improve the appearance of Main Street, Sauchie and traffic calming in Main Street have been well received by everyone”. Fellow SNP Clackmannanshire Central candidate and current Council Leader, Cllr. Gary Womersley also added:“It’s been fantastic hearing the feedback that we’ve been getting as a local branch campaign team to the range of initiatives introduced by the SNP. You can really see that people are starting to talk positively about local politics again. It really has been heartening for myself and all the team to see how well received we are when campaigning in all parts of the ward. People really have noticed the aspiration and good stewardship we’ve brought to the Council compared to the well-documented failings of the previous Labour Administration. Seeing
people’s desire to return a further SNP administration post-May has really just driven all the team on to do even more and better. It’s been a real boost for all our
activists and volunteers to see the level of support for the SNP on the streets we’ve visited and will continue to visit between now and May”
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weecounty
St Bernadette’s take to the streets for charity
S
t Bernadette’s Primary School in Tullibody held a sponsored walk last Thursday in aid of Nankhwali Primary School in Malawi. All of the pupils left the school at 11am for the course that was a couple of miles in length, assisted by teachers and parents. St Bernadette’s has been fundraising for this school for about 6 years now and has held a number of events over the years to help raise funds.
Tuesday 3.4.12
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Local Woman Wins Poetry Competition By Gary Smith
M
enstrie woman Mary McLuskey has won a poetry competition at the first ever Lomond Writer’s Gathering. Mary, who is aged 51 and is the vice chair of Ochil Writers’ Group, has been writing both poetry and fiction for a few years and is also a soprano in ‘Our Front Room’ – an all female, Stirling based a capella group. Her poem, ‘My Dad’s a Hero’, won 1st prize in The Best Adult Poem category of the competition and she
is naturally delighted with her success, “I wrote it for him as a way of telling him how much I admire him and am flabbergasted that other writers thought it worthy of a prize.” Ochil Writers’ Group was founded in 2010 and has gone on to make a significant contribution to the Menstrie area. The group currently have a couple of spaces available; any interested parties should email Monika Mackenzie at runglee@ btinternet.com
My Dad’s a Hero By Mary Mcluskey
ing A hero they said without understand ing land ch Bea Gold at n, whe ent That mom e nois the of id Just a boy, not a man, so afra toys boys big of hes Around me the clas The water was cold and unforgiving Dragging at legs already shivering Up, on to the beach and over the top all stop! No matter what, Please God, let it your foes Then silence and gathering parts of se repo in lay it too, d han d’s A frien A hero indeed I got out of that hell But never can I forget those who fell Heroes all, no matter what side It’s the Generals I cannot abide et What ever we do, we must not forg . met dom free is hero a of price The
Lodge Laidywell 1474 Next regular meeting
10th April at 19-30 hours The degree on evening will be a second degree. The degree will be done by Lodge Dunfermline no 26, Jim Steedman, Secretary.
Rotary give £500 to Scottish Autism F
undraiser Alex Drinkell of Scottish Autism and Jasmine Miller, Head Teacher of New Struan School were invited to lunch with Alloa Rotary Club. Alex gave a most informative presentation on the nature of
Autism, and Jasmine gave a talk on her work at New Struan School. The photograph shows President Graham Kerr presenting a cheque for £500 to Alex with Jasmine looking on.
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weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
Hat’s the way to do it
Teachers and pupils show off their Easter Bonnet’s
P
upils and teachers at Lornshill Academy got into the Easter spirit in the perfect fashion with a wonderful Easter Bonnet parade. All 54 tutor groups took part in a competition at the school last week, just before they set off for their Easter holidays The event was organised by each of the Houses, with each tutor group asked to design, make and model an Easter Bonnet. The bonnets were then judged at each House Assembly by Head Teacher Peter Allan and Office Manager, Sandra Taylor, who were ably assisted in reaching a difficult decision by two of the school’s senior pupils. Each tutor group paraded their design, modelled, in most cases, by a staff member. Marks were given for catwalk performance, creativity and how well they caught the essence, mood, colour and spirit of Easter.
Head Teacher, Peter Allan said: “The designs were great. Some were very elaborate, some simply effective, but all were the result of careful planning and teamwork.” The bonnets were modelled one by one in assembly, accompanied by a catwalk commentary. This was followed by the Easter Bonnet Parade, led by various “Easter Bunnies”. The overall winners were: Devon D17 - David Baillie’s tutor group; Forebraes F01led by history teacher Rosie Shannon’s group ; and Grange G14 - the group organised by Principal teacher of home economics Roseanne Grattan and home economics teacher Rowena Barnet. Mr Allan added : “The whole event was a great end to the term and a terrific way to send everyone off on to enjoy their Easter break. All of the tutorial groups should be congratulated on their outstanding team work.”
Provost unveils model of Tullibody house P rovost Tina Murphy unveiled the model of Tullibody House (1710--1963) on Saturday 31/3/12 at the opening of the group’s exhibition for this season. The house was situated next to the Orchard Farm between Cambus and Alloa and was the seat of the Lairds of Tullibody, namely, the Abercromby family for 250 years. Previous to the Georgian house there had been a Scottish tower house possibly for several centuries. The Seaton family of Touch, Cambusbarron, married into the Hay family of Tullibody in the 1400s. Approximately 50 people attended the opening and 3 families who were directly
linked to Tullibody House were present. The exhibition will last throughout the season until the end of September.
The Heritage Centre at Abercromby Place, Tullibody, is open on Saturday afternoons 2--4pm or by arrangement at other times.
Scottish Movie is a hit at the Glasgow Film Festival
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Who are the singing chefs? a) Justin & Colin b) Jock & Jeremy c) Ant & Dec Send your entries to us at weecounty@ hubpublishing.co.uk or via our facebook; facebook.com/WeeCountyNews. Mail 38 Primrose Street Alloa FK10 1JG. Closing date is 16th March 2012
By Michelle Henderson
T
he Glasgow Film Festival is an event that happens yearly and gives new Scottish directors the chance to show their new films to the public for the first time. One new film that was shown was Night is Day. The film directed by Fraser Coull, is a Sci-fi movie about a young man called Jason having secret supernatural powers, which he keeps in secret. The film is set in Glasgow and his powers help him to protect the city of and protect the people living in it. This film started off as a short college film that Fraser created while he was at college and then because of its success, he decided to make it into a web series, which showed Jason fighting different people in different episodes. After a while he decided to make the series into a feature length film with the help of Scottish producer Gavin Orr. The film’s budget came from donations of the public, with the help of their sponsor a character idea. The idea was that the public would pick their favourite character and donate some money. This money was then used to create this wonderful film. The film also contained a little piece of history
with the use of Gaelic language, which was used by the evil creature in the film known as the Caillech. Caillech is an old saying used in the Gaelic language to define mythological figures. After the film there was a Q and A session held, allowing the audience to ask questions to the cast and production team. When asked if they would change anything if they had of had more money, Producer Gavin Orr, a Forth Valley College lecturer from Falkirk said, “He would not have changed a thing. The last two years have been one hell of an experience and it’s been great.” He then went onto add, “If we had of had more money it would have been ideal. We did contact organisations to help us with the funding of the film but they turned us down because of our lack of experience. All our budget was used for what you have just seen on the screen and we used what we had and this is what we came up with.” The preview was attended by the cast, the public and supporters of cast members. Forth Valley College lecturers who work alongside Gavin, the Producer and John McCall, who worked behind the scenes, also went along to support them.
weecounty
Panic Buying Hits Wee County’s Petrol Stations By Gary Smith
Continued from front page:
alarm!” Panic buying of fuel has escalated in recent days following clumsy statements from Government ministers as talks on the fuel tankers driver’s strike resume. They have advised that no strike action will take place over Easter. The petrol retailers association has reported an 81% rise in sales over the past few days and an AA statement, released on Thursday, estimated that as much as £32 million in extra excise duty. Sales of Diesel are also up by 41%. In the meantime, staff at Menstrie’s Jet Station are left wondering about future deliveries and possible disruptions.
In the other reported incident in the Wee County, a local girl aged just 13, was indecently assaulted by a man as she was walking home with friends near the retail park near Clackmannan. Police have said that incident took place around about 9pm on Saturday evening on a path close to Carnach, near the local Morrisons store. After raising the alarm her friends came to help her and thankfully she was unhurt, just shaken up and very upset. The suspect currently being looked for was described as being in his late teens/early 20’s, was wearing dark clothes and his face was partially covered and is believed to have a tanned complexion. Police are asking for anyone with information on either of these to come forward.
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• You can store up to 30 litres of petrol in two appropriate 10-litre metal containers and two appropriate 5-litre plastic containers. ACO Ramsay added: “It is of critical importance that should there be a fire in a property in which petrol is stored, our firefighters are informed of this at the earliest opportunity. Petrol and Diesel are potentially dangerous substances and we would recommend that the public keep any storage of these substances to a minimum”.
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If individual still feels it is necessary to follow to have a store of fuel, CFOAS urged people to follow the advice below: • Do not fill a container more than the capacity printed on the label. • Do not store petrol inside a domestic premises. • Store petrol in a place that is not part of or attached to a building used as a dwelling. • Petrol must be stored in approved plastic or metal containers of the sort that can typically be purchased from filling stations.
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he Chief Fire Officers Association of Scotland (CFOAS) urged members of the public not to take any unnecessary risks following reports of a potential petrol strike last week. The move followed reports that talks over a possible fuel tanker strike, raising the potential for bulk-buying of fuel. CFOAS Chair, Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel said: “The safety of the public and our firefighters is our priority and we would ask that the public focus on keeping themselves safe and not putting their families or our firefighters at an increased risk” Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the CFOAS lead for Prevention and Protection, added: “Clearly any form of flammable liquid stored in the home or indeed in garages or outbuildings presents a potential hazard to both occupiers and firefighters. “It is therefore vital that this risk is fully considered prior to anyone taking such a course of action.”
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everish panic buying of fuel hit the Wee County last week when, at 4.30pm on Thursday, Menstrie Petrol Station’s pumps ran completely dry. All diesel was sold out by 2.00pm and the petrol pumps emptied less than two hours later. With the next expected delivery not due until between 6am and 7am Friday morning, Wee County motorists were forced to head to Stirling for their fuel; a journey which many motorists were left wondering whether to make at all. One elderly motorist stated that the fuel shortage was “stupid and ridiculous, all because government ministers are causing
Tuesday 3.4.12
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Residents petition Council to save Devonway Bus Service C
lackmannan residents Kathleen Martin and Barbara Kenny have handed over a petition with nearly 300 signatures to former Provost Derek Stewart at Greenfield last Friday (30th March) in an attempt to save the condemned C68 council supported Devonway bus service. Councillor Stewart had successfully fought to have the service introduced some years before, and he has been vocal about his concern and disappointment that the Devonway route is being axed. Clackmannan residents have been campaigning furiously in recent weeks to try to save the service which will hit frail and elderly passengers the most, and leave them struggling
to reach their destination without paying for taxis or depending on others for transport. A copy of the petition has also been sent to the Traffic Commissioner. Scottish Labour Councillor Derek Stewart said; “I argued for the bus route into
Devonway because I was concerned that frail and elderly passengers were unable to walk the distance to the bus stop on the main road. Demand has not diminished and the administration need to listen to the wishes of Clackmannan residents and leave
the service in place so those who use don’t have to face this major disruption to their lives.” “If we are reelected in May, we will reverse this decision.” Kathleen Martin said; “Many residents in Devonway are really worried about the withdrawal of
this service and are already panicking about how they will get to where they need to go. It is very unfair to pull this route when people depend on it as they do. Those in this position see it as another blow to their attempts to remain independent as they grow older.”
MP speaks out on C68 Devonway Bus service
F
weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
ollowing moves to withdraw the C68 bus service from serving Devonway in Clackmannan, Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire said,“I was speaking to users on Sunday and was surprised to hear from some of them that passengers appear not to have been given tickets or asked to show their concessionary pass when boarding. I am concerned that if this is happening, council officers are receiving unreliable user data - as I understand that low user numbers in the Devonway area was one of the factors considered by council officers during the decisionmaking process on where to cut existing local bus services. I had this issue raised with First Scotland East by my office the
following day and am disappointed that the company was less than helpful on this matter and seemed more intent on providing advice about the seriousness of such comments. Quite frankly I have no reason to doubt the words of my constituents who thought the matter was more confusing than conspiratorial and if necessary I feel sure that some of them will be prepared to make these statements to First Scotland East, although there should be no need for them to do so if they wish to retain their anonymity. This service is of real importance to the users and I cannot stand aside and see it removed from this area without good cause. I recently met representatives of First Scotland East and had a
good meeting with them when I was advised that the concessionary fares payment from the Scottish Government has ceased as there is no money left for this financial year and wonder if this may have any relevance to my constituents’ ‘experiences’.”
I will be writing to First Scotland East, Clackmannanshire Council and the Transport Minister on this matter as I want my constituents provided with an explanation and also I will be calling for Clackmannanshire Council to put a hold on the withdrawal of
this service. I believe that when nearly 300 local residents in the area have signed a petition against removal of this service the authorities need to sit up, take notice and reconsider a potentially flawed decision.”
Brian Doyle standing as an Independent candidate
V
oters in Clackmannanshire Central will now have a wider choice of representatives in council election on 3 May. Brian Doyle a founding member of Hutton Park Community Action Group will stand as an Independent Candidate offering a TOTALLY Independent Voice with NO Interference or political input! Most communities in Clackmannanshire know how badly they have been let down year after year by the parties whose politics are simply not conducive to Local Elections, as they cannot make decisions, “which are not in the parties best interest”, whereas, if elected I shall make my decisions on behalf of the Electorate! Hutton Park, Gaberston and Sauchie & Fishcross have been virtually left to their own devices over the past 30/40 years possibly longer, hence the current state of disrepair; lack of community spirit, and a distinct lack of trust in the Council! Oh yes they put up fencing as part of ILM [Intermediate Labour Market] which was grant aided, yes some of us have New kitchens & bathrooms but don’t forget tenants are actually paying for these from the 2% above inflation annual cost on our rents, on a similar point, Labour keep pontificating about how they put up three new schools, surely they must remember every resident in Clackmannanshire has to pay for this via the annual Council Tax Bill for the next 30+ years so I think the time is here for open and honest governance of Wee County! “LOCAL COUNCILS SHOULD BE LOCAL & NOT RUN BY PARTY POLITICS” Having engaged with Council Officers and external agencies over the past 15 years, knocking my head against a brick wall on behalf of the community on subject of windows, roofs, amenities [Lack Of] around 2004/5 I was told by a member of council, “This area is the Cinderella of Clackmannanshire!” Although I have managed to assist/help many of our tenants/residents with some of their problems Brian Doyle lives in a council flat in Hutton Park where he has resided since 2003 after his marriage broke
down, prior to that in Earls Court Alloa 1996-2003, he has just returned to his Social Science & Psychology Degree Course studies at Open University (Put on hold in 2009/2010 due to Prostate Cancer) despite my non involvement with party politics, I do have a vast knowledge of what’s wrong with communities in area. My background is in Hotel & Catering where I trained as a Chef then introduced into Management becoming youngest large hotel manager in UK at 21 without qualification [simply working 24/7 to increase my knowledge] - I then had a spell in Salford Manchester as Training Officer in YTS and Community Programmes before moving to Alderney in Channel Islands and after 3 great years as General Manager overseeing 3 hotels moved to Guernsey where I leased 2 of them winning many accolades for Healthy Eating & Living and left islands 1995. My decision to stand in this election was to repay those who stood by me when I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2009/10 but more importantly to try and bring some of my life experiences to council chamber, it is also my sincere wish that more, and more residents & tenants get involved in their communities, believe me you will enjoy the experience and, now is the time to get involved especially as the New Scottish Housing Charter comes into effect, giving Tenants much more say and involvement in what is happening in their area – my motto has always been, “Together Everyone Achieves More”
Happy couple celebrate 60 years together... A nother Couple this week celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in the Wee County is Mr & Mrs Franklyn from Tullibody. Back in 1950, Sadie and Frank met at the Mayfair dance hall in Alloa, when at the time Frank was living in a work hostel in Sauchie whilst he worked in the Devon pit like most other men. Sadie’s family like many others moved from Motherwell to Tullibody and surrounding areas to follow the work in the pits where her brother’s and father also worked. Sadie was touring Europe as a professional swimmer
and had just finished a tour of Germany when she returned home and met Frank. The couple married Thursday 29th March 1952 and have 3 sons, Stanley, Mathew and Stephen, 6 Grandchildren and 1 great grandchild named Harrison. Sadie says that she was first attracted to Frank because of his dance moves and the fact that his nickname was ‘the prince’, she reflects the happy memories of that time and thought she was dating royalty. Their secret of 60 years says Sadie is lots of hard work and the ability laugh, cry and love.
weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
All things bright and beautiful
Green fingered patients showcase the fruits of their Publication: at Forth Valley Royal ROOF artwork
bunkered
A
Road, Glasgow G4 9UD carnival of colour is about to blossom 3
isolated. However since at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, thanks they have been to the to the green-fingered efforts of elderly groups their social skills patients inthat wards across the area. have andaccountable they ur responsibility to check all information within the advert is correct; we increased will not be held for any inaccuracies or false information ed within it. If you do fruits not contact us by the deadline date stated within have the email, wenew cannot guarantee The of their labours are due made friends and that we will be able to complete any es received after the stated deadline. Failure to respond may result in the advertmuch being printed as shown below. to appear in eight “greenhouses” sited chatted more freely.” throughout the hospital and its grounds. The portable These will include felt birds and tropical greenhouses each have a flowers, plants in old-fashioned china cups different theme. One will and mosaic planters. contain ‘seed bombs’ in Greenhouse Gallery is the culmination of small butterfly and flower a year-long arts programme between Artlink shapes. These are made Central and NHS Forth Valley and is designed from paper pulp with seeds to ‘bring the outside in’ for those who no sprinkled through and then longer have access to a garden. The project dried. When the paper is Ward 5 Bannockburn Hospital; Units 3 and began with patients being asked about their moistened the seeds can be 4 Old Age psychiatry Falkirk Community memories of gardening, and what plants and planted in a garden. Hospital; Ward 4, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, flowers they liked in particular. It was the Another greenhouse features a crossword Orchard House Day Hospital; Ward 1 brainchild of Artlink Central Development theme with plants in tea cups and teapots Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Artist Christine Hilditch, who worked with a – to reflect having a cuppa and cake whilst Centre and Ward 1, Bo’ness Hospital. small team of artists. pondering the clues! And there are bunches “The exhibition will be open to the public She explained: “I used to care for my of felt tropical flowers providing a riot of from Friday 30 March 30th until Friday 27th grandparents and I know how much they colour. April 2012. It forms part of NHS Forth Valley’s loved their garden. I have noticed that the Babs McCool, NHS Forth Valley Charitable wider art strategy which is designed to involve patients who have been involved have grown Arts and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, added: “The patients, staff and local people in a wide in confidence. Some like to stay in their own artists worked closely with NHS Forth Valley range of art projects across Forth Valley. “ rooms and as a result have become quite staff and patients in the following wards:
LEASE SEE DEADLINE DATE WITHIN BODY OF EMAIL
S
This is a low resolution pdf for proofing purposes
A
4 Ball Open Day offer of £50 per group of 4 Friday 13th July
Muckhart Golf Club
Estab li shed 1908
Come and join us this season at Muckhart GC located within an hour’s drive from the main cities in the central belt. With 3 nine hole loops of equal standing rotated to provide an 18 hole course of the day and 9 holes always available for casual play. We offer a very competitive annual membership fee of £530 with discounts for students and under 30s, and a £400 country membership for those living more than 20 miles away. Please visit our Facebook page and website to get further information.
Tel: 01259 781423 E-mail: jim@muckhartgolf.com
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s the new golf season gets underway, lovers of the game are blessed with some fantastic courses here in Clackmannanshire. Although the weather this week has turned wintery, last week we did have some glorious sunshine, allowing us to get back on the course and dust off the cobwebs. Golf is one of the most enjoyed pastimes in the UK and particularly here in Scotland – the home
of golf. Now is no better time than ever to pop along and join your local golf course. Even golf has been affected by the worldwide global recession and to combat this, there are
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minutes to complete a registration form but you must make sure we receive it by Wednesday 18 April.” Registration forms are available by calling 01786 892289 or you can print a form from www. aboutmyvote.co.uk Andy O’Neill, Head of the Scotland Office at the Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is also reminding voters that they can still vote even if they can’t make it to the polling station on 3 May. He said: “Even if you will be away on holiday, or think you might be caught up in work you can make sure you have your say by applying to vote by post or proxy. You can print off the forms from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk”
some very good deals available for new members, as clubs try to attract new blood. Playing golf is highly sociable and you can meet some new friends to share a drink with at the 19th.
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Advert funded by 2014 Big Lottery Fund
Authorisation to proceed to print
404006
ith less than two months to go, residents of Clackmannanshire are being reminded to make sure they can take part in the local council elections on Thursday 3 May. Returning Officer Elaine McPherson is encouraging people to make sure they are registered to vote in time for the elections. She said: “You must be on the electoral register to have your say on who sits on your council. If you have recently moved to the area, or moved house it is important to make sure that you register at your new address otherwise you won’t be able to vote in Clackmannanshire. “It only takes a few
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Tuesday 3.4.12
Dog mess is still a major problem By Gary Smith
T
here is still, in 2012, a very negative common bond that all towns and villages in the Wee County share – Dog’s mess. Although all towns have facilities available where ‘doggy bags’ can be picked up free of charge; the problem still persists. Keep Britain Tidy has recorded an overall reduction in dog’s mess since 2001 but still insists that it is a major problem that the majority of people in the UK are strongly offended by. The obvious incident in relation to dog’s mess is standing on it, having to wipe your shoes clean, or sometimes being unaware and trailing it in doors. Dog mess is also a serious health risk, especially to young children, who can innocently come into contact with it if it’s lying about the streets and parks. Toxocariasis, the infection carried by Round Worm, for instance, can be found in the mess and causes tummy upsets, soar throats, asthma and, in severe cases, fits/ seizures and even blindness. The eggs can remain active for up to ten years and are immune to both disinfectants and frost. However, most dog owners
are very responsible and use the free bags to pick up their dog’s mess. Akin to all matters such as this – the majority receives the blame for a very small minority’s non-compliance. Les Sharp, Local SNP candidate for Clackmannanshire West has continually campaigned against the disgusting practice of leaving dog’s mess behind, “I know it’s not a nice subject but I find myself getting increasingly annoyed by silly comments made by people in an attempt to justify why they don’t pick up their dogs mess. “Like most people I used to believe that the worst thing about dog poo was stepping in it or getting it on the wheels of pushchairs or bikes but after some research I’ve discovered there is a far more sinister consequence and there is no such thing as leaving dog poo to break down “naturally”. “Whether on a path, in a park, a farmer’s field or even in the hills, Dog’s mess is a serious health risk to both humans and animals alike. Please use the facilities provided by the council and bag it and bin it!”
Stirling Castle to hold event for Easter By Michelle Henderson
S
tirling Castle is offering visitors a fantastic Easter treat this year, supplying entertainment that is due to span over the Easter Weekend from Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th April between 12pm and 4pm. Some of the entertainment being provided will include, jugglers, magicians, being able to meet a wizard that is one thousand years old and watch jovial jesters. Also on, Stirling Castle is celebrating the 350th birthday of Mr Punch, who is coming to the Castle in his own style, along with the Crocodile, the Sausages, the Policeman, the Doctor, Joey the Clown Jack Ketch, the Ghost and the Devil. The Executive Manager of Stirling Castle, Gillian Macdonald said, ““This is going to be a magical weekend for all the family. Come along and find out all about James IV’s personal alchemist, John Damian,
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who foolishly tried to fly from the castle walls, marvel at the amazing magicians and enjoy the Punch and Judy puppet show.” All these activities are included in the admission price: Adults £13.00, Concession £10.00 and a Child £6.50. They are holding a magic event up at the Castle on Saturday 7th April so people can go and see the Castle without all the crowds. The event will run from
8.00pm – 10.30pm but doors will be open from 7.30pm. The event will include magic tricks, dark stories about the Castle’s history and very quick fire humour which is aimed at an adult audience. A bar will be available and tickets are available for people 12 and over. Tickets cost: Adults £15.00, Concession £10.00, Historic Scotland member £10.00.
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Dollar Rugby Star in National Team D
ollar Academy pupils continue to play a major role in the future of Scottish Rugby, with Billy Dineen (FV) representing his country at the Scotland v’s England U17 match at Greenyards, Melrose on the 25th March. The match, played in glorious sunshine, saw Scotland off to a strong start with an early run of the ball and the first to score. Despite this early promise and two impressive second-half tries, the visitors emerged 33-15 winners. Mr David Knapman, Rector of
Dollar Academy commented: “Dollar Academy has a long history with Scottish Rugby and we’re very proud that this is continuing in our current generation with Billy Dineen’s
selection in the U17 squad. Sport is an important part of school life here at Dollar and we’re delighted to see our pupils do so well on an international stage.”
News Brief
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weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
15
What’s on in your weecounty Alloa Alloa IBC Senior Section: Closing day events will be held on Friday the 13th of April. Note that the AGM will start at 10 a.m. followed by the presentation of prizes and a two hour drawn sweep. A good attendance would be appreciated. Alloa Bowling Club: the club is holding a bingo tea in the club house on Tuesday 3rd April at 7.30pm. Please take your own cup. Alloa East End Bowling Club: a bingo tea will be held on Wednesday 4 April. Take your own cup. 50p entry. Alloa Christian Outreach: Rev. David Fraser gave an inspiring address on ‘God alone can heal’ at the recent meeting. Margret Wood presided and the mail members sang. The next meeting will be held in Alloa Baptist Church Hall at 10.15am fir tea and coffee. All are very welcome. Wee County Walkers: get to know your area better – have fun and become fitter! Free short walks – only about one hour- with walk leader! No booking required. In Alloa at noon every Friday outside Tesco’s. Walks are suitable for all abilities. Short, safe walks open to everyone. Put on comfortable footwear, dress for the weather and enjoy. Go on your own or take a friend. Patons Bowling Section: all members, ladies and gents, are reminded that the opening of the green will take place on Saturday 7 April at 2pm. At the AGM (gents) Brian Ramsay was elected President with Harry Spence as his Vice President. Ladies President Susan McNab, Vice President Rena Hubter. Members fees are now due, early payment will help the treasurer. Pilates Class: Pilates classes every Wednesday from 6pm 60 7pm at Lornshill Academy, Alloa. Contact Lorna on 07533173335 to book. WAGGS: Clackmannanshire Women and Girls Group are always looking for new members with fun ideas, if you are looking for something different to do on a Monday night why not come along to the Bowmar Centre 6.30 till 8.30. You can join our Zumba class, relax and have a cuppa and a chat, learn a new craft, browse the Centre library, swap books, make new friends as well. We are presently working out our monthly activities and we’re interested in learning new skills.. so if you are female, aged 10 to 110, and would like to join us we will be pleased to see you. We have a creche most nights so no worries about the bairn. We are quite a musical lot, so there could be the odd karaoke night, we try to put on a festive show each December, which involves singing, dancing, comedy etc...you could be a budding star, but don’t worry it’s not compulsory. For more information phone Aileen on 07519656215 or Heather on 07709189880. Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2012 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On April 15, David Vernon will be providing the entertainment. Bring your own refreshments. Alloa Carers Centre: Alloa Carers
Centre is working with Community House and has a weekly coffee morning at Community House, 23 Maree Court on Mondays between 10am and noon. All carers welcome. Play Alloa: Easter Playscheme places are now available. Please see your session coordinator for a booking form. The Easter Playscheme will run from 10 -13 April in the Lesser Hall at Sauchie Hall. Pre-booking is required. The Monday Group (for over 16s) has received £4000 funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland. This will help to support the group over the next 6 months. Parents/Carers are advised to check out the group’s website at playalloa.co.uk for news and up to date calendar dates. Play Alloa provides play and social opportunities to children and young adults with additional support needs from Clackmannan District. Please let us know if you would like to carry out any fundraising activities on behalf of Play Alloa or make a donation towards our services. For further information please contact Maria Malcolm, Project Manager, Play Alloa by phoning 07800859161 or emailing playalloa@aol.com.
Alva COMMUNITY COUNCIL - The next Meeting will be held on Monday 9th April, 2012 at 7.00pm in Alva Baptist Church. Community business will be discussed. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Community Council Agenda/Minutes can be viewed at Alva Cap/Library or on line at www. alvacommunitycouncil.co.uk Alva South Bowling Club: opening day will be Saturday 14 April at 2.30pm. the format will be as in previous years, President’s team against Vice-presidents tea,. President George Dewar looks foward to welcoming a large turnout of members for the start of the 2012 season. All members are asked to donate a raffle prize. Fibro Friends Group: Meeting will be held on the second Friday of every month at 2pm in the 150 shop, Alva. For more information call 08448 872 425 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 CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Clackmannan CAP on Wednesdays from 10.30am - 11am Zumba: With Ian at Clackmannan
Town Hall Monday nights 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Have fun and get fit at the same time.
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.
the free walks led by the Wee County Walkers? Become fitter as you enjoy and easy interesting walk. No need to book. Meet us in the car park beside Cats’ Protection just before 2pm on Tuesday. Back in time to meet the children coming out of school. Walks are suitable for all ages and abilities. Find out about local history as we walk. Put on comfortable footwear, dress for the weather and enjoy. Short, safe walks open to everyone. For more information contact Jane on 01259 290316 or 07825 052677. Come on your own or bring a friend. Charity Shop: The Cats Protection charity shop in Alloa Road, Fishcross, is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm selling good second hand clothing, bric-a-brac, books and new goods.
Dollar Dollar Museum re-opens on Easter Saturday, 7 April. The new exhibition celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Included are many artefacts and numerous photographs of the Coronation Celebrations that took place in Dollar on 2 June 1953: the Fancy Dress Parade; the Sports; Five-a-side Football; the Tree Planting in the Memorial Gardens and the Bonfire on Gloom Hill. In addition there is a further display of photographs taken during the Queen’s visit to Dollar on 28 June 1963. Might you or someone you know be in any of the photographs? The permanent Devon Valley Railway Exhibition has been added to by several volumes of newly printed Devon Valley Railway photographs covering the line from Alloa to Kinross. Upstairs there is a small exhibition on the Japanese gardens at Cowden Castle and one on Dollar Academy. The Museum is open until Christmas 2012 on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm and 2pm until 4.30pm; on Sundays from 2pm until 4.30pm. The Museum is at the top of the East Burnside, entry is free and all are welcome. Dollar History Society: At the next meeting of Dollar History Society our speaker will be Mr. Alfie Ingram of Dundee, who will tell us about Wades Highland Highways. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10th. April in Dollar Academy dining hall and will begin at 7.30pm. Visitors are very welcome and are asked to pay £2. Pupils and students can always come free of charge. Dollar newspaper and magazine collection: Dates for 2012 – 3 April; 1 May; 5 June; 3 July; 7 August; 4 September; 2 October; 6 November; 4 December. Dollar Museum: The Museum is now closed and will re-open on Easter Saturday 7 April, when a new exhibition will be displayed. Thereafter opening times are Saturdays 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm and Sundays 2pm to 4.30pm. The Museum is at the top of the East Burnside. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Fishcross Wee County Walkers: Why not join in
Menstrie The annual Duck race will be held in the Midtown Gardens Menstrie on Sunday 8th at 2pm. This is a great event with Craft Stalls, burgers, egg painting, egg rolling and much more. Menstrie Tiny Tots: A club run by mums for mums. This voluntarily organised group meet during term time on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am until 12noon at the Dumyat Centre. All ages from babies to three-years-old are welcome. A healthy snack and drink are provided. A chance for mums and children to interact together through play and planned craft activities. £1.50 per visit – first session free. For more information call in or telephone Sarah on 01259 761098. Cancer Support Group: The group will be in the Dumyat Leisure Centre every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Drop in for a chat and a coffee, everyone welcome.
Muckhart Muckhart Quilters: The group meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Coronation Hall from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Mavis 781473 or Sue 743226.
Sauchie Sauchie and Fishcross U F Church: On Palm Sunday, the choir presented ‘Behold His Love’ at the Morning Service. This was a message in song and narration. In the evening, the theme was ‘Palm Sunday Experiences’, the Bible Reading being from the beginning of Matthew chapter 21. The Women’s Christian Fellowship meets on Wednesday April 4 at 7.30 p.m. The Women’s Association meets on Thursday at 2.15 p.m. An afternoon of Christian Praise will be led by Gillian Greer and Lois Boa. The Maundy Thursday Communion Service is on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the U F Church. The Good Friday
Service is at 7 p.m. in Sauchie Parish Church. Easter Day Services are as usual at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The choir will share five songs in the morning. The Kites Group and Creche meet as usual at 11 a.m. SAUCHIE AND COALSNAUGHTON PARISH CHURCH : The Rev Bill Izett led both services on Sunday 1 April. The Scripture lesson was taken from Matthew Ch21 v1-11 and was read by Colin Greaves. In his sermon Rev Izett referred to GK Chesterton’s poem, “A Special Moment” in which a donkey despises himself. However, after he carried Jesus he regained his self esteem. Rev Izett told the congregation that there is a purpose for all of us in life no matter how useless we might think we are. Everyone has a value to God and He has a place for us in His Great Plan as we are children of the Kingdom of God. Easter services will be held on Thursday 5 April at 7 pm in the UF Church and Good Friday at 7 pm in the Parish Church. CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Sauchie CAP on Tuesdays from 2pm - 2.30pm
Tillicoultry Zumba Class: A Zumba class is held in Tillicoultry Centenary hall on Wednesday’s from 8pm – 9pm. Contact 01259 721886 for information. CAP: Come along and join our free Rhyme, Song and Storytelling sessions for under fives at Tillicoultry Library on Thursdays from 10am - 10.30am
Tullibody Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908 252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318. Healthy Living: Residents of Tullibody, Cambus or Glenochil with a Clackmannanshire Council Access to Leisure Card can swim free MondayFriday at 9am to 5pm at the Leisure Bowl. Pop into the Tullibody Healthy Living Office, 13 Tron Court, Tullibody to find out how you can get your Tullibody Healthy Living Free Swim Card or telephone 01259 724374.
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
16
weecoun
Tuesday 3.4.12
AGE GROUP 2: 13mths-3yrs entrants
-•-•- Competit
nt hs) N o. 1 A ly xs (1 4 m o
Nataniel (14 months) No.2
Lacey (15 months) No.3
HOW TO VOTE - cut out and fill in the voting slip then delivery or post to the Wee County Office (address below)
weecounty news
-•-•- Competition 2012 -•-•I would like to vote for ___________________________ (photo no. _________) , age group: 13 months - 3 years
Post or deliver your entry to: wee county news, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG
Georgia (15 months) No.4
nty news
Tuesday 3.4.12
tion 2012 -•-•-
Leon (18 months) No.5
Rebecca (2 years) No.6
Ellie (2 1/2 years) No.7
Kyle (3 years) No.8
Abbie (3 years) No.9
Mia (3 years) No.10
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Tuesday 3.4.12
THE
Your Horoscope Predictions By Anne Smith Aries (21 March - 20 April) Things seem to be settling now and those plans you put into action at the beginning of last month seem to be coming into fruition. You will soon be feeling more settled and will be able to take the foot of the gas for a while, some of you feel in need of a break and may plan in some down time!
Libra (24 Sept - 23 Oct) Come to my home to find peace and balance I will help you with arbitrations and decisions although I will not judge you or others! My you are in full swing Libra opening your heart to all those in conflict, try looking to help those closer to home and you will feel the benefit too.
Taurus (21 April - 21 May) There has been a lot of unsettlement around you in the last few months, your energy has been pulled one way then other, the time has come to take heed of what you have learned from this testing time and put plans into action for the future.
Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov) Open my eyes that I may see what the future holds is in front of me, open my ears that I may hear words of wisdom that are given to me! Yep that right everything you are looking for is right there in front of you so what’s stopping you? Go get it!!
Gemini (22 May - 21 June) You have had things on hold of late unable to make decisions as your mind was working over time, you can now breathe a sigh of relief as the fog has lifted from your mind and new and exciting opportunities are on the horizon, try to believe in yourself, as we do!.
Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec) Time to get back to reality as all this fantasy will cause trouble no end, trust me! Practicalities and loyalties need to be looked at as some commitments are for the long haul. Once you can see this then your life will be a lot smoother and a lot less complicated!
Cancer (22 June - 23 July) At last you can begin to make progress as Mercury completes its cycle within your sign from Friday communications are clearer and family life settles as well as work and a new boss may have a new project for you which will help you to get noticed. !
Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan) A difficult week with Mars and Pluto in your sign this week for the full moon on Sunday.will push you well and truly out of your comfort zone, so buckle up and get ready to let go and tell people what you truly think! Be brave!
Leo (24 July - 23 Aug) Seem to me as if you are allowing other peoples situations get on top of you which is causing you stress. Time to let go you can’t solve the problems of the world, focus on what’s right for you this week and you will take a big leap forward.
Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb) The beginning of the week may be a little difficult you will feel as if you are hitting a wall at times, but by the end of the week everything goes swimmingly and you will receive that well deserved pat on the back as you will have made a great breakthrough!
Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept) Memories of those who are no longer around you are on your mind as you always get nostalgic around your birthday, can I reassure you that death is only a transition and those you lobe are nearer than you think! Push those plans that have been on the shelf forward now.
Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar) A great week to trust your intuition as we are heading into a full moon and your sixth sense is at an all-time high, try to make sense of a little dispute around those close to you as you may be able to help them sort it out. Try to pay attention to detail at work as it is important.
Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church services
contact, ANNE on
weecounty
Re-GEN Re-GEN North
07506723569
Email angelanne@btinternet.com or visit www.angelanne.co.uk
ANGEL ANNE Psychic Medium Food for the soul Recently featured in “Pick Me Up” Magazine Is AvailableFor Readings Every Wednesday Day time & Thursday Evenings in Baillieston Glasgow £30 per reading To book call Anne on 07506723569
Anne’s Spirit Art Cards For Divination
Sizzling Suzie’s Q ’s Views! Summer Spreads
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!
HORROR MOVIES Last Friday Claire was on a girly night out, so I decided to get a couple of DVDs in to which as I counted down the clock until it was time to go and pick her up. As I looked through a selection of DVDs for my viewing, I saw a horror film entitled “A Horrible Way to Die”. Is it me, or are the titles of horror films lacking imagination these days? THE VOICE I have been critical of TV talent shows in the past, and I still don’t like them. However, fair play to the BBC for “The Voice” whereby the contestants are judged purely on their singing ability, and the judges are human beings who don’t carry out ruthless character assassinations for the sake of viewing figures. The show has inspired my mate Spanner to try and appear on it. On seeing a contestant go through to the next round following his cover of Elton John’s Rocket Man, he wants to do the same song…as performed by William Shatner. Type it into Youtube and you’ll see what it’s like; you have to wonder if Shatner was tanked up when he decided to do it. LEAGUE TWO VIOLENCE A referee was forced to send off 5 players for their part in a massive
brawl following the League Two clash between Crawley and Bradford. Whilst this story is national news, it is nothing compared to what happens in the world of Scottish Junior Football. It is said that Scottish Junior Football is a law unto itself. And that the derby game between New Cumnock and Auchinleck Talbot is a law unto itself WITHIN the law unto itself. I miss the days when STV would show the Scottish Juniors Cup Final; our family used to watch it and bet on how many players would get sent off. THE TITANIC Don’t give James Cameron any more of your money folks- DON’T go and see this awful film again. I don’t care if he won an Oscar for it; that’s no excuse. I went to see it in 1998 and am still scarred by the experience, so much so that I walked out before the end, and thus don’t know what happened (i.edid they hit the iceberg?) The Titanic disaster was the worst maritime disaster ever, and one in which a Dundee man died. Indeed, whilst the world’s press went with headlines about the scale of the disaster, the Dundee Courier decided to underplay things with the headline “LOCAL MAN DIES IN NORTH ATLANTIC SHIPPING ACCIDENT”.
They have even built a replica of the Titanic ballroom in Belfast in the hope it will become a tourist attraction. Worryingly, people want to get married in it even though it is effectively a replica of the scene of 1500 deaths. If they wanted to get married in a mock-up of the trenches of World War 1 they’d rightfully be branded disrespectful, so why shouldn’t the same logic apply to the set of the Titanic. AND FINALLY Have you seen Homeland on Channel 4? Do you think that Sergeant Nicholas Brodie (played by Damian Lewis) is a hero, or a threat? Millions are tuned in to find out. However, given that a second series is coming out, my reason for tuning in is not to find out if Brodie is traitor, but the find out how Agent Carrie Mathieson (played by Claire Danes) still has a job with the CIA at the end of the series? Some of the things she’s done so far makes the phone hacking scandal look quite tame by comparison.
DODGY PARKING
CROSSWORD Across 1. Seafarer (7) 4. Attain (5) 7. Catlike mammal (5) 9. Type of rock (7) 10. Respire (7) 11. Gaze (5) 12. Resembling a horse (6) 14. Unit of time (6) 18. Pandemonium (5) 20. Melodious (7)
22. Elusive (7) 23. Fibbing (5) 24. Foe (5) 25. Distinguished (7) Down 1. Gruesome (7) 2. Variety show (5) 3. Elevated (6) 4. Parts of a ladder (5) 5. Fruit (7)
6. Precipitance (5) 8. Colossus (5) 13. Unwitting (7) 15. Tripod (5) 16. Joy (7) 17. Hinder (6) 18. Pancake (5) 19. Glossy (5) 21. Percussion instrument (5)
We are on the prowl to find the Wee County’s dodgy parkers but we need your help! Unfortunately, we cannot do this campaign on our own – so please send in your dodgy parking pictures to weecounty@ hubpublishing.co.uk. Does one of your colleagues suffer from dodgyparkingitis? If so, take a picture of the evidence and send it to us! Don’t worry, all identities will be protected and vehicle registrations blanked out. This is all in the name of good fun, and in no way are we personally attacking any individual or group.
SUDOKU Answers on page 25
weecounty
lifestyle
Tuesday 3.4.12 19
Inspiring change through sport across the world T
he power of the Olympics to inspire change and engage young people across the world through sport is the vision of London 2012’s legacy programme, International Inspiration. Delivered by the British Council, UNICEF and UK Sport, it aims to reach out to children by offering them the chance to get involved in sport, physical education and play. Top UK athletes including David Beckham, Denise Lewis and Baroness Grey-Thompson are acting as International Inspiration Ambassadors, highlighting how the programme is transforming children’s lives around the world. The foundation behind the scheme has achieved its goal of reaching 12 million children in 20 countries, particularly in the developing nations, a year ahead of schedule. In Azerbaijan, one of the first countries chosen to be part of International Inspiration in 2007, more than 105,000 children and young people have taken part in sports camps, festivals and community events. The foundation is working in seven districts across the country with remarkable results, particularly in reaching children displace by the conflict with Armenia and youngsters living in institutions. Playgrounds have been renovated to provide safe places for children of all backgrounds and abilities to have fun and practice sport, while teachers in 45 schools have received PE training. Additionally,
new legislation shaped by the foundation will provide more inclusive sport for children and young people. In Brazil’s north-eastern region, which home to 13 million children, the foundation’s efforts are focused on providing opportunities to play sport for a population that has few qualified PE teachers and school sports facilities. Since 2007, more
Shift workers and elderly most in need of a social life
than 700,000 children and young people have taken part in the programme and there has been an amazing 80% increase in the number of PE teachers in 13 of the 26 local authorities. Segundo Tempo, a national after-school scheme which focuses on sport, is being supported by the foundation, giving four million disadvantaged young people the chance to play
S
ocial isolation among the older generation has long been recognised as a problem in today’s society.The fragmentation of the traditional family and losing touch with friends and colleagues when working life comes to an end conspire to increase loneliness levels in later life. However new research has discovered that another group shift workers - experience a similar level of exclusion and are less likely to be part of society. The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, points out that the Government promotes work as the best route to personal wellbeing, with joblessness going hand in hand with low income and social exclusion. But the research shows that working outside the usual 9-5 can also have implications for people’s opportunities to engage and feel part of the community. Dr Matt Barnes, who led the study, says: “Feeling part of society usually involves participating in certain activities such as sports, the arts, volunteering or social networking.”Our research shows that older people and those who work unusual hours face particular barriers to participating in such activities.”In fact an amazing twothirds of workers are employed
sport. And, through a project initiated by the Greater London Authority and the Youth Sport Trust, Brazil’s Segundo Tempo model is being piloted in London. In Ethiopia, the foundation’s aim is to promote inclusion by targeting
girls and marginalised children and providing leadership training for young people. 15 schools in the UK are each being linked to a seperate Ethiopian school, so that they can share best practice, culture and learning. And with the help of the country’s government, International Inspiration is working to strengthen the provision of physical education, sport and play in schools and communities.Brazil, Bangladesh, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, South Africa, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Zambia are also signed up, with Egypt being named as the 20th and final country to join the programme. It will now embark on a two-year sports plan following the launches in Ghana, Ethiopia and Tanzania. International Inspiration is now focusing on ensuring that initiatives are sustainable and will leave a lasting legacy in all 20 countries after the final year of the programme in 2014. Ambassador Baroness GreyThompson says: “Sport is a powerful means of engaging young people and allowing them to channel their energy in a positive way. International Inspiration will give young people the access to sport that I had growing up, that which inspired me to achieve things in life that I am proud of, including my Paralympic gold medals.”
outside traditional office hours and although shops and other facilities are beginning to adapt, these workers still find their leisure opportunities constrained by the limited availability of services, as well as other people with whom to spend their free time. Compared with people who work a standard week - between 8am7pm, Monday to Friday - these workers spend less time socialising and taking part in groups, especially if they work evenings or weekends. On average, evening workers spend just under seven hours a week on activities and Sunday workers just over five hours, compared with more than eight for those who work normal hours. The study also found that older people face big barriers, with over a million socially excluded. Spending time with friends can be crucial for older people dealing with life-changing events like bereavement, illness or retirement, each of which can result them becoming even more isolated. The study found that older people
who live alone spend a lot of time with friends and acquaintances, but on average, they can face 11 hours with only themselves for company on a week day and ten and a half hours alone at weekends. Over a third of the time older people spend with friends is devoted to participatory activities mostly visiting or receiving visitors, celebrating birthdays and catching up on the phone, while religious activity is also important. Women are more likely than men to relax with friends but their opportunities to do so are limited by housework and caring for others. The results suggest that local government and charities need to recognise that social participation is vital if people’s quality of life is to be improved.”It is clear that social participation is important for an improved quality of life, both in older age and among those still working,” says Dr Barnes. “Improving the accessibility of public transport and other facilities and services would go a long way towards increasing social inclusion in Britain.”
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Pelargonium Cold & Flu Relief – 30 tablets £10.95
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20
entertainment
Tuesday 3.4.12
FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT Job No: ALL/23255 SOC Code: 9223 Wage ÂŁ6.37 PER HOUR Hours 8 HOURS PER WEEK 4.30PM6.30PM 4 DAYS FROM 7 Location ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 28 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience in a similar role would be preferred, but not essential as full training will be given. Must have good communication skills, good customer care and ability to work as part of a team. Duties will include assisting with preparation and service of food, to ensure that all foods are produced and served in a hygienic manner, and kitchen cleaning and washing of crockery and cutlery using a dishwasher. Due to working environment applicants will need to under go a vetting clearance and be eligible to work within the UK. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23255, 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.
Location ALVA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK12 Duration Permanent Date posted 24 March 2012 Closing date 09 April 2012 Pension details Pension available Description We require an experienced Support Worker to provide care and support to a young woman who sustained spinal injuries 7 years ago and depends on her wheelchair for mobility. You will join an established team of Support Workers, led by a Team Leader and Case Manager. Our client is due to move into a new house which will afford her more independence. As well as providing all aspects of personal care, you will perform routine household and gardening duties and help care for two cats and three small dogs.You will have a full, clean driving licence. This position is initially offered on an agency basis but it is anticipated you will work 20 hours per week. Specialist training provided. Females only need apply. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/23248, 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 hearingimpaired people is 0845 6055 255.
BREAKFAST STAFF / CHAMBERMAID Job No: ALL/23257 SOC Code: 9224 Wage MEETS NAT MIN WAGE Hours 10 HOURS PER WEEK 5 DAYS OUT OF 7 MORNING / AFTERNOON Location MENSTRIE, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK11 Duration Permanent Date posted 29 March 2012 Closing date 26 April 2012 Pension details No details held Description The advertised position is for a housekeeper breakfast team member. The job will involve serving breakfast to hotel residents followed by cleaning and refreshing of guest bedrooms, cleaning of front of house areas and dealing with guests checking out of the hotel. All applicants must have excellent communication skills and have experience within the hospitality industry, preferably within the housekeeping department. Full in house training will be given to the successful applicants. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Rod Nisbet at Broomhall Castle, broomhallcastle@hotmail.co.uk. Employer Broomhall Castle SUPPORT WORKER Job No: ALL/23248 SOC Code: 6115 Wage ÂŁ8.59 PER HOUR Hours EARLYS, LATES, SLEEPOVERS
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Are you looking to make the next move that will put your career on the right path? This is an outstanding opportunity to join an expanding newspaper group. You will be part of a dynamic and friendly sales environment, where rewards reflect effort. We will expect you to have drive, determination and flair. A lack of sales experience is not an issue as we pride ourselves on our excellent in-house training. But we will expect you to have excellent communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative. In return, we will give you a first class salary and excellent bonus potential. If you think you have what it takes, contact us today.
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Pension details No details held Description Previous experience preferred but not essential as training can be given. Must have good customer service skills, be friendly polite, reliable. Duties to include advising customers, cash handling and keeping the store clean and tidy. Applicants can also telephone. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to JOANNE WALKER at Home Curtains and Bedding, Unit 7, Devon Vale, TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6HQ. Employer Home Curtains and Bedding TEAM MANAGER Job No: ALL/23249 Employer Reference: FO12721 SOC Code: 1163 Wage ÂŁ16800 to ÂŁ19900 Per Annum Hours 39hrs to include evenings and weekends Location TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 26 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description As part of the management team ensuring great standards & excellent customer service by leading, developing & inspiring the store team in conjunction with the Store Manager whilst putting the Customer & the Community at the heart of everything we do. You will manage the work of the store team whilst developing & motivating, take accountability for the team. &operation in the Store Managersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; absence, implement operational policies & procedures & stock & cost control procedures. You will have: Experience of work within a retail or Customer Service environment, Food retail experience preferred; Excellent people management skills with experience of coaching & developing; Knowledge of store operational procedures; Awareness of relevant legislation; Excellent communication skills; Knowledge of store based systems; Understanding of budgets & targets. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.co-operative.jobsOpens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Co-operative Group Bookkeeper Job No: ALL/23251
weecounty SOC Code: 4122 Wage ÂŁ13,200 per annum Hours 35 per week, Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-3pm Location Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 27 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Bookkeeping vacancy in an accountancy practice. Previous all round experience desirable , training given to the right person. SAGE experience an advantage. Computerised payroll, good telephone manner and accurate figure work. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Patricia Ballantyne at Business Intuition, 150A High Street, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6DT. Employer Business Intuition Tyre Fitter Job No: ALL/23253 SOC Code: 5231 Wage Negotiable depending on experience Hours 46 hours per week, MondaySaturday 8.30am-5.30pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 27 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have previous extensive experience. A drivers licence is required. Fast fit experience is essential. Duties include tyre fitting. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Jim Kennedy at J K Tyres and Autocentre Ltd, jktyres@live.co.uk. Employer J K Tyres and Autocentre Ltd SALES PERSON Job No: ALL/23254 SOC Code: 3542 Wage UP TO ÂŁ100,000 PER ANNUM Hours 40+ 5/7 DAYS, HOURS TO BE ARRANGED Location DOLLAR, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK14 Duration Permanent Date posted 28 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Local sales person required for Scottish Parks. We are looking to recruit a local highly motivated and enthusiastic sales negotiator working in the caravan/ park home industry. The successful candidate will have experience in the
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 entertainment selling environment, experienced in car sales/estate agents/double glassing welcome, immediate start. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Theresa Gill at Life Style Living, reception@ lifestylelivinguk.com. Employer Life Style Living Teacher of Home Economics Job No: ALL/23243 Employer Reference: CLA000686 SOC Code: 2314 Wage £21,438 - £34,200 per annum Hours 35 hours per week Location Alloa FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 22 March 2012 Closing date 04 April 2012 Pension details No details held Description Working within the Enterprise Faculty of the school, the teacher will teach and support the learning of pupils in accordance with the policies of the Faculty and the school. Teaching will consist of Home Economics classes across the school and Social and Vocational Skills classes in S3 and S4. Success in the teaching responsibilities of the post will be determined by the improved learning outcomes, participation and successes achieved by the young people for whom the teacher is responsible.. Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by employer. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland. gov.uk/fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.as p?newms=jj&id=122381&aid=1 1667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council SHOP MANAGER Job No: ALL/23232 SOC Code: 1234 Wage £10000 to £11000 Per Annum Hours 5 DAYS OVER 6 BETWEEN, 9:00AM - 5:00PM Location Alloa FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 20 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Previous experience would be an advantage. Must have proven charity retail experience, be able to open shop and complete administration paperwork. Duties include maximising sales and control costs in line with agreed operating plan, agreeing and implementing store plan targets for sales, staffing, average selling price and customer satisfaction. Applicant must also have IT skills as use of a computer is required. You should also have a proven track record of working with and managing a team of Trainees and Volunteers. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Maxine Clark at Salvation Army Trading Co Ltd, hr@ satradingco.org. Employer Salvation Army Trading Co Ltd
Commis Chef Job No: ALL/23229 SOC Code: 5434 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours 24+ per week, 5 days out of 7, between 8am - 9pm Location TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 18 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description The role would suit an experienced, motivated, forward thinking individual who possesses the ability to work unsupervised in the kitchen and produce a high standard of cookery. Would consider taking on a beginner as an Apprentice Commis Chef if an outstanding candidate arose. The successful candidate will be in sole charge of the kitchen whilst the Head. Chef has days off, and will work together with the Head Chef at weekends and on busy nights. Immediate start. Full training will be given on site. Please email your current CV and a covering letter to the employer or ring 01259 750252. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to John McDade at Bridge Inn, 1 High Street, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6AA or to info@bridgeinntillicoultry.com. Employer Bridge Inn Poultry Worker (Weekends) Job No: ALL/23244 SOC Code: 9111 Wage Meets Nat Min Wage Hours 16 hours per week, Saturday and Sunday, 8am - 4pm Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 22 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description We are currently seeking a part-time poultry worker reporting directly to the farm manager the position would suit someone with a keen interest in agriculture and farming. Previous experience preferred but not essential. Duties will include looking after the animals, feeding, mucking out, collecting eggs and all other associated tasks as required. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Fiona Barker at Vion Food Group, Fair View Mill, Ingliston, NEWBRIDGE, Midlothian, EH28 8NB. Employer Vion Food Group BUSINESS SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR 1 Job No: ALL/23204 SOC Code: 4113 Wage £14,510 TO £16,331 PER ANNUM Hours DAYS TO BE CONFIRMED Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 09 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Finance & Corporate Services Business Support - HMP
Tuesday 3.4.12
GlenochilBusiness Support Administrator 1 Salary: £14,510 - £16,33 Permanent: Full Time36 hours per week Job Summary To assist in the provision of an efficient, effective and flexible administrative support by working as part of the Business Support Team.To provide a customer focused service as the firstpoint of contact for both internal and external customers. Enquiries will range from colleagues requesting advice, to members of the public looking for the information on any aspect of Council services. 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. How to apply You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland. gov.uk/fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.as p?newms=jj&id=124327&aid=1 1667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage. Employer Clackmannanshire Council
well organised. An ability to work unsupervised will be required. If you are well organised and enjoy working with figures and getting them to add up properly then this job could be for you. Part-time considered. Salary 15k - 18K depending on qualifications and experience (pro rata if part time) . How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/ written application to Julie Kirk at Greenpower, julie@ greenpowerinternational.com. Employer Greenpower SIA SECURITY OFFICER Job No: ALL/23218 SOC Code: 9241 Wage MEETS NAT MIN WAGE TO START Hours 45 PER WEEK, 5 DAYS FROM 7, SHIFTS Location Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13 Duration Permanent Date posted 15 March 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must be age 18+. SIA licence and CCTV licence required. Will be working as part of a team and also on your own. Must be customer focused. Driving licence preferred but not essential only due to the location of the work. This job involves working a shift pattern so applicants must be flexible. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written
21
application to Thomas Rae at Origin RPS, thomasrae@origin-rps.com. Employer Origin RPS FLORIST Job No: ALL/23166 SOC Code: 5496 Wage Negotiable depending on experience Hours 20 PER WEEK, 6/7 DAYS BETWEEN 9AM-5PM Location ALVA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK12 Duration Permanent Date posted 28 February 2012 Pension details No details held Description Must have previous experience of working in a florist. Must also have customer service experience and excellent customer service skills as will be customer facing. Main duties will be running the front of the shop, making up arrangements, cash handling, customer service and any other associated tasks as required. Applicants can apply by email to sanwar1@btconnect.com, or by telephoning 01259 760037. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Mr Saeed Anwar at Flowers By Arrangement, 87-89 Stirling Street, Alva, Clackmannanshire, FK12 5ED or to SANWAR1@BTCONNECT.COM. Employer Flowers By Arrangement
Bookkeeper Job No: ALL/23202 SOC Code: 4122 Wage EXCEEDS NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE Hours VARIOUS Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10 Duration Permanent Date posted 09 March 2012 Closing date 06 April 2012 Pension details No details held Description Due to continued expansion of Due to expansion and increased workload we require experienced IFAs to the business join our team. Working with a broad level of clients ranging from corporate over the last few years we are now to HNW individuals, you will provide tailored financial planning to meet those looking for an experienced book needs of our clients. Advice will be given to clients on the whole spectrum of keeper to assist our Accounts planning requirements. Manager in the day to day financial Successful candidate will also have experience in managing introducers. management of the company. Priority areas Employed and Self Employed positions available and will see candidates of work will be accounts working to set quarterly targets. Rewards for managing and increasing funds processing including under management alongside the generation of new business are given. management of invoices and purchase orders, data entry to Successful advisors will see on target income in excess of £100,000. Sag Line 50 and Quicken and general b ookkeeping duties as directed by the Accounts Manager. We are looking for Urban Black Associates, Lomond Suite, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, someone who has a rigorous Tannochside Park, Uddingston, G71 5PW. approach to bookkeeping, is Urban Black Associates is a trading style of Urban Black Ltd. meticulous and
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OTE £100,000
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or on 0808 108 1186 for further information.
22
lifestyle weecounty
Tuesday 3.4.12
Real Spain on the Costa Blanca I
f you’re looking for a cultural break to Spain but you don’t want to stray too far off the well-beaten tourist track of the Costa Blanca, consider Altea. Despite lying just north of Benidorm and within an hour of Alicante by car, the city has the feel of an unspoiled Spanish fishing village. Remarkably, it has managed to retain its small-town charm and natural beauty despite the invasive spread of tourism in the area. It is the Costa Blanca, but not as you know it.
Altea is nestled in the edge of the mountains of the Sierra de Bernia and offers some of the most beautiful views of the Costa Blanca. Local regulations banning high rise hotels and buildings mean Altea is the area’s least overdeveloped city and certainly the most attractive. Its Spanish feel
attracts tourists who want to break away from the usual offerings of towns and cities with endless British pubs, fish and chop shops and clubs. Altea has an attractive harbour and seafront boulevard alongside the pebbly but picturesque beach that surrounds the town. At its centre is the Plaza de la Iglesia, a popular gathering spot in the evening with beautiful views of the Mediterranean, and from which lead narrow cobblestone streets. By day you can stroll through the Old Town (Casco Urbano), which sits atop a hill overlooking the sea and is dominated by the famous church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo, a piece of Mediterranean architecture with a blue tiled doomed roof. From there you can lazily meander through attractive
Altea offers the Costa Blanca without the English pubs. cobblestone streets, past whitewashed houses, watch the fish unloaded daily at the busy harbour, relax on the pebbled beaches or shop at the weekly craft market near the harbour, where you can buy arts and crafts from local artisans. The market is open from Easter through to September. A short drive to the little hillside villages surrounding
PETS of the week
Altea is a must, especially La Nucia to the north, which has a bustling Sunday market. Evenings in Altea are a far cry from the chaos of Benidorm. Eating good food comes before drinking gallons of beer. The Old Town has plenty of cosy bars and charming restaurants in which you can enjoy the evening. The Campomanes
marina has a good but somewhat expensive choice of bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you can go for an informal meal at Altea la Vieja’s chiringuitos, which are simple restaurants on the beach. If you are looking for fivestar accommodation, the Hotel Melia Altea Hills is your best choice, although it is
located 3km out of town. The hotel overlooks Altea Bay and the historic town and offers superb facilities including the a health and beauty spa. A selection of three and two-star hotels are located directly on the main beach promenade of Altea, including the popular three-star Hotel Cap Negret and the two-star Hotel Altaya.
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weecounty
recipes
Banana Bread
D
on’t throw away those over-ripe bananas - put them to good use with this delicious banana bread recipe. Moist and sweet, it can also be toasted for some extra flavour at breakfast time. Serves 12.
Jekyl
Breed: Domestic short hair Age: 5 Lives: in Sauchie with Michelle and Scott
Likes: sleeping, food and cat nip toys Disliked: my husband unless he has food
Oscar
Age: 5
Lives: in Sauchie with Michelle and Scott Likes: walking and attention
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 250g plain flour 1tspn bicarbonate of soda a pinch of salt 115g butter 115g dark brown soft sugar 2 eggs, beaten 500g over-ripe banana, mashed METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 and lightly grease a 23cm loaf tin. 2. Mix together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a large bowl. 3. Using a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Stir in the beaten eggs, then add the mashed banana and blend until well mixed. 4. Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture in the first bowl from Step 2 and stir together to combine. 5. Pour the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 60 minutes. To check if the
bread is cooked properly, insert a knife into the middle of the loaf. The bread is done when the knife comes out clean. 6. Leave in the tin for 10 minutes to cool, then turn out onto a wire rack.
weecounty motoring
Tuesday 3.4.12
Motoring
23
Park life A
VW Passat estate drives up, it stops half way into the road, the driver gets out, slams the door shut and, as he walks away from the car, he aims a remote control back at it. The car then proceeds to reverse park itself into the available space, turns off the engine and activates the door locks. No jokes about the parking skills of any particular sections of the population, but it sounds like a dream for many people who feel reversing skills are not the strongest element of their driving. In fact it’s not a dream. It’s a reality. The scene above was plated out at this year’s Hanover Fair in April, where Volkswagen premiered its Park Assist Vision system. This has the ability to guide a Passat prototype with absolute precision into a perpendicular parking space - the kind available in car parks. As any supermarket shopper knows, these parking spaces are often too narrow to allow drivers and passengers to get in and out of the car comfortably. So why not get out before parking? Park Assist Vision will enable that. VW has already launched a semiautomatic park-steering system, the Park Assist, in its Touran, Tiguan, Passat and Passat estate to help drivers parallel park. The concept system at the Hanover Fair, which is capable of perpendicular parking fully automatically, adds to that. The only thing the driver needs to do is select an available space
Back up: did that VW just park itself? on the monitor of the navigation system, set the selection lever of the automatic-drive vehicle (DSG) to P and get out of the car. The driver can, of course, choose to stay in the vehicle until the vehicle has been manoeuvred into its space. The system works because two cameras, located in the left and right exterior mirrors, are responsible for gauging the dimensions of the parking space. The video signals are transmitted to a 2GHz high-performance computer, which then analyses them and sends commands to the steering
PETROL PRICES UNLEADED ASDA - Alloa - 137.7 Morrisons - Alloa - 136.9 Tesco - Alloa - 136.9 Highest - 146.9 DIESEL ASDA - Alloa - 143.7 Morrisons - Alloa - 143.9 Tesco - Alloa - 143.9 Highest - 151.9 Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.
and drive systems. If the driver has initiated the parking manoeuvre, the Park Assist Vision will reverse the vehicle into the parking space in accordance with the previously computed course and using electromechanical power steering, the electronic
parking brake, DSG and the engine power produced by the idling mixture. Two additional cameras at the front and rear of the vehicle as well as the system’s ultrasound sensors monitor the operation and will stop the vehicle if necessary. The driver
may also interrupt the manoeuvre at any time using the remote control. This new driver assistance system is still in the trial phase of development, and a date has not yet been set for introduction of the system to series production.
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PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 20
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24
property
Tuesday 3.4.12
weecounty
A guide to buying property in Scotland
W
ith such different legal and real estate systems to contend with to the ones we’re used to elsewhere in the UK, buying a property north of the border can seem like a daunting prospect. Follow this essential guide to buying in Scotland and rest assured that you’ll avoid the pitfalls. DECLARING AN INTEREST In England and Wales you would normally make an offer on a property before consulting a solicitor. However in Scotland it is important to have a solicitor employed from the very start of proceedings. On finding the potential property of your dreams contact your solicitor who will lodge a ‘declaration of interest’ with the seller’s agent. It is at this point that the survey and conveyancing will begin. MAKING YOUR OFFER At the point at which your survey returns and you agree it to be acceptable you may be able to put in a straight offer to the seller. However more likely in Scotland is a closing date - the day
by which all offers but be received in order that the seller can choose which one to accept. This is the part of Scottish buying which can prove heartbreaking. Prices tend to be advertised as ‘offers over’ which gives little indication of the expected sale price. To make an offer you will not only include the price you are willing to pay but your ideal completion date and any other conditions. With this in mind the buyer will not necessarily accept the highest offer but the one most acceptable to their situation. The agent may contact your solicitor to clarify any points or conditions of your offer but normally once a seller has chosen his or her buyer all parties will be immediately notified. At this point the seller’s solicitor will issue a qualified acceptance and release any papers relating to the property giving your solicitor a certain length of time to check through and raise queries. Assuming everything is now acceptable to both parties the offer is made legally binding and
withdrawal can from this point be considered a legal issue. BUYING Financially speaking there are no differences between buying in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. When both parties are ready to complete a purchase funds will be released by the bank but in the meantime insurances and other financial necessities will be set in place. Stamp duty is also payable. DISPOSITION On settlement day your money will be transferred to the seller’s solicitor who will release the disposition and any papers relating to the property. When funds are received, as in the rest of the UK, the keys will be released to you, the buyer. You should thoroughly check the property for defects and register them with your solicitor who will request that the seller rectifies them. Your solicitor will arrange for the disposition to be stamped and registered along with mortgage documents with the Land Registry (or Sasine).
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weecounty
sport
Tuesday 3.4.12
25
BRAEHEAD GOLF Gents Saturday 31st March Captain v. Vice Captain
y a D n e Op
The season gets off to a flying start with the Annual Captain versus v Vice Captain’s challenge. Played in summer conditions on pristine greens the members got the new season off to a great start. In the top game Captain Aaron Pirrie and his partner Drew McCrindle were worthy winners when Drew finished with a great four on the last to win by one hole. Their opponents were Vice Captain Scott Smith and veteran Brian Christie. The Captains team ran out worthy winners.
Seniors Wednesday 28thMarch Senior Sweep
A good entry and some excellent scores were returned. Willie Blair returning an impressive gross 75 giving a net score of 64. In second place was Jim Duff with a fine net 68.
Friday 30h March Sweep
A very good entry and very good conditions saw Brian Christie come out on top with a one under par 67. 1st Brian Christie (6) 67 2nd Peter Cunningham (23) 68 3rd Dougie Hawke (22) 70.
Summer Competitions;
Various entry forms have now been posted and all members of the Seniors Section should get their names up as soon as possible First is the Walter Smillie Cup on the 11th April. And the Stableford Shield on Wednesday 18th April.
Seniors Challenge 16th April.
Everything is now in place for this sixteen a side match. A Club photo before the match and High Tea after should make it a very good days golf.
Sun. 25th March “Strollers”
This was the last meeting of the season and it was appropriate that Allan McCann the secretary was joint winner wth a net 71, sharing the lead with Brian Christie. Gerry Feeney won the Strollers Cup with Jim Syme and Dougie Hawke runners up. Brian e winning the Scratch Prize.
Juniors Coaching.
There will be junior coaching by our professional Jamie Stevenson during the Easter holidays. Juniors should consult notice board for details.
Ladies
The Mail on Sunday Team competition brought one of the favourites, Stirling Ladies to Braehead. In a very close contest which resulted in Sarah Walker the Ladies Captain having the unenviable task of going down the 19th hole to decide the tie. Unfortunately Sarah lost on the putting green and Stirling move on to the next round. The ladies do not have to wait long to try and reverse the result as they have been drawn against their friends from Stirling in the Sunday Mail Foursomes.
COUNTY GOLF BRAVE TRY BY COUNTY GOLF TEAM It was always going to be a tough Provan Salver opening match over the fast running links at Monifieth against a strong Angus County team containing two local Club Champions. In the end, although Clackmannan County fell by 5 matches to 2 with one half, there were some close matches, but the necessary turn around did not happen in the matches that were down after nine holes. Best performances of the day came from Braehead’s Scott Moffat---- 1 up at the turn he fell one behind on the inward stretch; however thanks to two good winning putts at 17 and 18 he snatched a victory. The other win came from Steve McIvor---- never behind in his match and closing out his opponent on the 17th green. Ross Benvie looked to
heading for a win with a 3 hole lead, but had to settle for a half in his match. With two further matches in the Provan Salver---- both matches at home----big wins will be needed to have a chance of winning the trophy from the other three Areas. The next match is against Fife at Braehead this weekend. MATCH RESULTS (Clackmannan names first) 1. Scott Borrowman (Dollar) lost to Ross Bell,(Downfield) 2/1 2. Darren Hulston (Dollar) lost to Raymond Perry (Monifieth) 3/2 3. Jamie Aitken (Alloa) lost to Maurice Lindsay (Broughty) 5/3 4. Steven Horne (Tulliallan) lost to Ross Coull (Downfield) 1 hole 5. Michael Robertson (Alva) lost to Steven Smith (Downfield) 5/4
Ladies Captain Sarah Walker having some fun with her friends on the first tee.
(L to R)- Captain Aaron Pirrie, Lady Captain Sarah Walker, Lady Vice Captain Linda Fraser and Mens Vice Captain Scott Smith
President Rab Docherty wishing Captain Aaron Pirrie a successful season in the traditional manner.
DOLLAR GOLF Dollar Juniors at the Home of Golf
Celebrating their runners-up position for the RBS Junior Club of the Year in the SGU Annodata Scottish Golf Awards 2012 the Dollar Juniors took the day out to visit St Andrews on Saturday 31st March. There they were greeted by Hannah Fleming, museum and heritage assistant curator, and treateDollar Golf Club - Results
Dollar Juniors at the Home of Golf
Celebrating their runners-up position for the RBS Junior Club of the Year in the SGU Annodata Scottish Golf Awards 2012 the Dollar Juniors took the day out to visit St Andrews on Saturday 31st March. There they were greeted by Hannah Fleming, museum and heritage assistant curator, and treated to some fascinating insights into the history and development of golf over the years. Of particular interest was the golfing wear of the past and some of the more modern exhibits including the R&A captain’s red jacket and Ian Poulter’s infamous claret jug trousers. The day also included sessions on the practice ranges, a picnic and a Texas Scramble competition over the historic Himalayas putting area. An unforgettable day for the youngsters and for any Juniors looking to join in the fun there is a “Taster Event” on Tuesday 17th April from 4.30pm to 6.00pm – come and see the new micro and mini courses at Dollar Golf Club.
Saturday 31st March 2012 - MacMillan Cancer Medal Div 1: 1st Vic Allan (6) 65; 2nd Stewart Drummond (11) 66; 3rd Steven McPherson (5) 67 Div 2: 1st Gordon Hyde (19) 68; 2nd Angus McLean (13) 70; 3rd Graham Johnston (21) 70.
Sunday 1st April 2012 - Moir Medal
Dollar Juniors at St Andrews including the R&A captain’s red jacket and Ian Poulter’s infamous claret jug trousers. The day also included sessions on the practice ranges, a picnic and a Texas Scramble competition over the historic Himalayas putting area. An unforgettable day for the youngsters and for any Juniors looking to join in the fun there is a “Taster Event” on Tuesday 17th April from 4.30pm to 6.00pm – come and see the new micro and mini courses at Dollar Golf Club.
Saturday 31st March 2012 - MacMillan Cancer Medal Div 1: 1st Vic Allan (6) 65; 2nd Stewart Drummond (11) 66; 3rd Steven McPherson (5) 67 Div 2: 1st Gordon Hyde (19) 68; 2nd Angus McLean (13) 70; 3rd Graham Johnston (21) 70.
Div 1: 1st Bradley Caine (9) 65; 2nd Robert Smith (7) 66; 3rd Charles Murray (6) 68. Div 2: 1st Robert Stewart (13) 67; 2nd Stuart Morrison (13) 68; 3rd Rab Bonnar (18) 68.d to some fascinating insights into the history and development of golf over the years. Of particular interest was the golfing wear of the past and some of the more modern exhibits
Sunday 1st April 2012 - Moir Medal
6. Scott Moffat (Braehead) beat Danny Elder (Carnoustie) 1 hole 7. Steve McIvor (Alva) beat Campbell Donaldson (Downfield) 2/1 8. Ross Benvie (Braehead) halved with Steven Cargill (Arbroath) Clackmannan 2 ½ Angus 5 ½
CALLUM TAKES A BREAK Despite taking a break from the Challenge Tour, and missing the Kenya Open, Tulliallan’s Callum Macaulay has only dropped two places (6th to 8th) in the rankings, The Challenge Tour events in Europe start up in around a month’s time.
GOOD START BY LAWRENCE Alva’s Lawrence Allan made a good start to the Junior Golf season with a 7th place finish from 42 Scottish elite junior golfers in the first of the Scottish Hydro Junior Tour events. Finishing with two birdies for a 70 in the final round, and adding to his first two rounds of 72 and 71 gave him a level par performance for the 54 holes over the par 71 Gullane No2 course, and must have given him a confidence boost for the upcoming Scottish Boys Championship at
Murcar----- also a links course. As the current County Golf Champion, Lawrence is entitled to a place at the Scottish Champion of Champions at Leven this weekend, but has sensibly declined it---- to play 72 holes on the weekend before the Scottish Boys Championship is not really a good idea. Clackmannan will have two representatives in the event---a pair of Scotts--- Scott Moffat (Braehead) and Scott Borrowman (Dollar). UPCOMING COUNTY GOLF COMPETITIONS County golfers are reminded that entries will be closing next week for the County Spring Meetings and Boys Championship. On the 14th April, Tillicoultry Golf Club holds the long established Waddell Shield.
Div 1: 1st Bradley Caine (9) 65; 2nd Robert Smith (7) 66; 3rd Charles Murray (6) 68. Div 2: 1st Robert Stewart (13) 67; 2nd Stuart Morrison (13) 68; 3rd Rab Bonnar (18) 68.
AND FINALLY-------- FOR LOCAL HANDICAP GOLFERS— Golfers ( and probably many nongolfers) will be eagerly awaiting the Masters Golf at Augusta this week— will it be Tiger, Rory or someone else at the top on Sunday over the difficult course?----- but just how difficult? Experienced golf course rater Michael Niven (Alloa) casts his eye over the Masters scene “Scotland uses the same rating system as the USA for golf courses.
Taking into account information that is publically available--- mainly length, and 10 other factors including water hazards, trees, speed of greens and slopes of greens ---- it can be estimated that the Standard Scratch Score of Augusta is 77.6 which would round up to 78. (Incidentally, the same figure was arrived at by an American commentator) That would be 6 over the par score of 72…… Schawpark has a par and SSS of 71 which would make Augusta at least 7 strokes harder……. If a golfer at Augusta this week goes round in 66 then he is playing to a plus 12 handicap.” Food for thought and emphasising the huge difference between the top amateurs and top class professional golfers.
26
sport
Tuesday 3.4.12
RUNNING
3 medals for Central in road race C
entral AC came home with three sets of medals from the National Road Relay Championships, held in perfect conditions on Saturday 31 March in Livingston. The event was the normal 4 stages for ladies and 6 stages for the men of pavements, cycle tracks and underpasses, with alternating short (3.15 miles) and long (5.85 miles) laps using the same basic course of the previous 13 years. Central’s teams pulled off a remarkable double win, repeating the feat of 2008, with the Senior Men and Senior Women’s teams winning the National Road relay championships at Livingston. For the Central women’s quartet it was a series of remarkable performances over the alternating short and long legs that saw them lead in all four legs, win by almost two minutes and post the second fastest time in the history of the event. Lyndsay Morrison took on the first leg and set the standard for the day, coming in just a couple of seconds in front of a strong Edinburgh AC team and setting what was the fastest time for the short leg for the day with a time of 17min 42secs. Jennifer Emsley then set about increasing the lead with a powerful run on a long leg, which she achieved in 34.39. Claire Couper making her debut for the Club put in another fast time of 18.12 increasing the lead to almost two minutes. Final changeover was to Kerry McPhee whose 34.03 was another time to hit the record books, as the team came home in 1.44.36 just one second off the course record. In the 6 Stage Mens Championships Central Athletic Club’s ‘A’ Team expected to be in competition for the Gold medals taking on holders Shettleston Harriers. Central’s experienced Internationalist Robert Russell ran the first leg to record 15min 18secs with the fastest short leg time of the day and open up a 4second lead from Ron Hill Cambuslang with Shettleston a further 2seconds behind. John Newsom ran a fine second leg for Central (29.16) and while Scottish Cross Country Champion, Derek Hawkins, Kilbarchan AAC, (27.57) led at this point, having run the fastest long lap of the day, Central crucially extended their lead over Shettleston and Ron Hill Cambuslang to some 47 seconds. Michael Wright picked up the third leg challenge with a fine 16.09 effort bringing Central back into first place and pushing their main rivals further back. Alex Hendry has had a fine Season over the Country and here ran a mature fourth leg (29.46)
Setting the standard: Lyndsay Morrison pushes ahead to set up a lead over Edinburgh that was never challenged. while Shettleston’s ex Eritrean Cross Country International Tewolde Megnisteab pulled back some time the gap was still 45seconds. Lewis Millar is another Central athlete showing fine recent form and here he sped through his leg in 15.34 to ensure a comfortable lead was passed on to Scottish 10K Champion Ross Houston. Meanwhile Shettleston and Ron Hill Cambuslang were locked together in a battle for Silver and Bronze. Ross’s solo run on the last leg was the third fastest of the day as he brought Central’s Team home in first (28.48) some 1min 45secs ahead of Shettleston who held off a spirited challenge from Ron Hill Cambuslang by just 4seconds. For the Ladies Master’s team the hunt for the medals always looked to be on after Shona Aiken put in a first leg time of 20.41 in second place. Second leg runner Tricia Milne made good progress on the longer leg with her London Marathon training standing her in good stead to achieve 39.42. Jane Waterhouse was third away with a short
leg time of 21.30 and with Hazel Dean bringing the team home in 40.44 it was Bronze medals and overall 14th team in the race and a total time 2:02.37. Central’s third Ladies team of Morag Adam (25:45), Claire Brisbane (43.30), Linda Sneddon (25.41) and Kirsty McKay (48.05) were 30th team overall. Central’s Mens ‘B’ team finished in an improved 14th overall following a strong runs from Barry Sturrock (17.32) in 18th. Matthew Sutherland (30.58) pulled the team up to eleventh while 800metre specialist TomWatson (16.49) saw the team in eighth. Ian McDonald (35.00) held things together well with the team in fifteenth and Chris McHardy came through in 18.28 (sixteenth) before Will Hensman (34.03) rounded things off to bring the team home in fourteenth. Central’s Mens ‘C’ team saw Stuart Watson (20.29); Jonathon Barlow (34.45); Sandy MacLarty (24.51); Kenneth Hislop (46.20); David Lindsay(19.20) and John Millar (46.05) finish 46th overall. Central’s ‘D’ Team doubled as the Club’s Master’s Team and here Alex Milne (17.55), Douglas Finlay (37.00), Hugh Buchanan (20.31), Phil Hendry (37.07), David Eckersley (18.32) and Liam McCabe (37.05) finished as seventh Masters team and 37th overall. George McHardy (25.20) and Allan Gall (44.02) came through as an incomplete team with both proving their fitness.
Winning ways: Central’s squad score a double win in the road relays.
weecounty
Final cross country series at Kings Park
T
Enthusiasm abounds at the start of the Kings Park race.
he sixth and final race of Central Athletic Club’s CrossCountry Series was held in Kings Park, Stirling on Sunday 1st April in excellent conditions and 53 young athletes tackling a course of just over a mile with great enthusiasm. Under 15 Boys Jamie Paterson and Iain Davies battled all the way to the finish with Jamie just prevailing in 4 min 48secs while it was Under 13 Kate Gallagher who came through to take the Girls race in an impressive 5min 24secs. Lewis and Rory Strachan had good runs to finish in 5.00 and 5.04 respectively with Rory winning the Under 13 Boys race and Ross Hutchison (5.09) winning the Under 11 Boys race. Eilidh Russell ran well as second Under 13 Girl (5.27) while Jenny Walls scored yet another win (5.29) in the Under
11 category ahead of a fine effort from Heather Scott (5.35) The overall Series trophies went to:Under 13 Girls – First Kate Gallagher, Second Eilidh Russell, Third Sophie Rose; Under 11 Girls - First Jenny Walls, Second Heather Scott, Third Skye Henderson; Under 15 Boys - First Jamie Paterson, Second Iain Davies; Under 13 Boys – First Campbell McNicol, Second Scott Fleming, Third Jack Maxwell; Under 11 Boys – First Ben Parkinson, Second Ross Hutchison, Third Thomas Hanson; Under 9 Boys – First Jonathon Hanson, Second Kyle Howie; Thanks are due to Derek Easton and Sam Fraser for their work with the youngsters throughout the Series and to Ian Fleming, Paul Davies and all the other helpers and recorders.
POOL
European Championships 2012 A
s reported last week a total of 5 wee county pool players had been selected to play for the various teams at the championships taking place in Bridlington England with all players enjoying their week with various amounts of success. In the Men’s A section Pete Smith’s(Locker Room A) play by his own standards was very inconsistent and his form was fluctuating all week but still managed to help the team reach the semi-finals where they lost to the eventual winners England. Sandra Bell(Oakwood D) had a very enjoyable week in the Ladies B2 team with an opening win over the Scotland Ladies B1 team the highlight but they too fell at the semi-final stage. Greg Wardlaw(Oakwood D) had a very similar week to his local teammate Sandra with the Under 23’s B2 team with an opening day win over the Scotland B1 side only for them to gain revenge in the semi-final and knock them out.Greg also having a good run
in the Under 23 B singles reaching the quarter-final. Steven Smith(Locker Room B) was appointed Under 18 A team captain and led the team also to the semi-final against England where a poor start saw them 10-4 down only for them to fight back to 10-9 but the gap proved too much and they eventually lost 13-9. The highlight for the local players was definitely the form of Billy Snaddon(Locker Room A). Playing for the Scotland Men’s B1 team his side were devastating all week and reached the final undefeated where they came up against the other Scotland team the B2’s and in a great display of attacking pool and clinical finishing they clinched the trophy with a 17-9 victory. Billy had continued his good form in the European B singles event with a few impressive victories on his way to the final against fellow scotsman Chris
Week 26 Results A League Crown B 5 Crown A 4 Peppes 7 Oakwood C 2 Oakwood A 6 Alva Golf Club 3 Re-arranged Match:-Crown B 5 Allanbridge 4 Locker Room A v Allanbridge(Postponed-Being played Tues 3rd April) Inn v Locker Room B(Postponed-Being played Wed 11th April) B League County 7 Cairn B 2 Crosskeys 5 Weirs 4
Payne from Paisley. In a highly entertaining and high quality match Snadz gained himself a 5-4 lead needing one frame for victory but such was the standard that Billy only had one more shot in the match with Chris taking out two cracking finishes to snatch the title from Billy’s grasp. A great effort from Billy and congratulations to him from all in Clacks pool. I’m sure more players from this area will get the chance to represent their country in the not too distant future.
County Singles last 16 The four remaining ties take place this Thurs night 5th April in the sponsors venue of the Cairn Alva with the 4 winners looking to book their place in the finals night again in the Cairn on Fri 13th April.The ties line up as follows:Ed Lewcio v Steven Dobbie Greg Wardlaw v Sandy Douglas Billy Snaddon v Ryan Hutchison Denis Lindsay v Brian Corkhill Good luck to all players. Monthly Meeting The next meeting takes place in the sponsors venue the Azad Tandoori Alloa on Monday 9th April where teams are asked to make sure all outstanding teamsheets are handed in and any outstanding monies owed are paid thanks.
weecounty sport
Tuesday 3.4.12
27
RUGBY
Hillfoots finish season with a bang Hillfoots 56
A
Glenrothes 24
fter a couple of weeks off, Hillfoots welcomed Glenrothes RFC to Tillicoultry, for the final game of the season. With Glenrothes facing relegation and Hillfoots defending their “Unbeaten at home since 2010” record, there was a lot to play for in the game. A minute silence was held before kick-off, in memory of one of Hillfoots former club captains, Bob Dewar, who sadly passed last weekend. The Hillfoots boys were confident after winning their previous four fixtures and took to the game early on, making breaks and running lines that have been key components of previous games. The lads were fired up and it was
easy to see as almost straight from the kick off, the pressure was deep in the Glens half. A darting run for the line and keen offload by Calum McGee saw centre partner, Robbie Hogg break through the defence and open the scoring for Hillfoots. Unfortunately Andrew Hamilton couldn’t add the extras. This set the ball rolling for ‘Foots as in quick succession came tries from Hamilton and Iain Nicolson to stretch the home-side 17 points in front, with no reply. A slip in the defensive concentration allowed the visitors in for an unconverted try. This only sparked a three try burst from the Hillfoots forwards, with Gregor McIntosh scoring two and second-row stalwart, David Cree getting the
sixth try of the first half for ‘Foots, with Hamilton only converting one. The commanding lead got to the heads of the home-side and again their abilities in defence were being questioned, another Glens try slipped through and it brought in half-time at 34 -12 in favour of Hillfoots. Half-Time: Hillfoots 34-12 Glenrothes Strong words from the visiting coaching staff clearly got their team fired up for the second half as they scored first, early on, fortunately unconverted. ‘Foots picked themselves off and shook off the halftime break and in his final game for Hillfoots, Sandy Penman took his (personal best) try tally up to 14 with a second half score. A brilliant
well supported run up the wing in front of the home crowd allowed Penman over for the seventh try in what was turning into a routing. Hamilton converted with ease on this one. The backs were incredible from this point forward, shipping the ball well to the wings and injecting pace wherever possible. Breaks from Hogg, McGee and Hamilton allowed the Hillfoots attack in behind the Glens defence and it wasn’t long before, Hogg grasped his second of the day. The ‘Foots pack were now at it, turning ball against the head and stealing from rucks all over the park, making it easy for the backs run fluently. Gavin Paterson ran in the penultimate try for ‘Foots mid-way through the second half with a good break up the wing and well supported run, he scored in the corner making it 51-17 to the locals. The day wasn’t finished there as the visitors had one last burst in them and a good break from their
number 8 saw them dive over to claw it back, but converting the try still left them 27 points adrift. With only minutes to go ‘Foots were off again, this time McGee breaking down the right hand wing, in front of the home support, dummied the opposing winger then passed inside to a motoring McIntosh who signed off his hat-trick. A well worked and well earned try for the young Hooker. A few plays later brought the referees whistle for full-time. The man of the match award went to Sandy Penman, a deserved prize after a fantastic day and season, and a great way to end his senior career at Hillfoots. A brilliant day for the support and a massive win for all involved at Hillfoots. It has been a fantastic season and the players have achieved well beyond expectation finishing second after a league reconstruction, technically promoting the club two leagues. A massive well-done to everyone involved and time for a well earned break.
Great season for Hillfoots Rugby Club 2
011/12 has been a very successful season for Hillfoots RFC. The first and second XVs have gone from strength to strength under coaches Kevin Manson and Neil Davies and are playing a very attractive, fast and skilful brand of rugby. Few teams have been able to live with us this season with the seconds winning their league and the firsts finishing as runners-up in theirs. The first XV are now unbeaten at home for almost two years. These performances have exceeded the targets set at the beginning of the season and are the result of many weeks and months of solid commitment at training every Tuesday and Thursday and a growing sense of belief amongst our young squad of players. This season has seen the retirement of one of the finest players ever to pull on the maroon and blue shirt. Sandy Penman is Hillfoots through and through and has enjoyed many highs in his long career, including twice captaining teams to Scottish Cup success at Murrayfield. I know I speak for all the players when I say that it’s been an honour to play alongside Sandy over the past few years and we hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement. The season is not quite over. The mini and junior sections continue to play on with hundreds of kids from the ages of 5 to 18 receiving top-quality coaching and competing successfully week in and week out, with the Under 18s one game away from clinching their league title. The club is touring to Cardiff later in April and the Cast-Tups (Over-35s) will be competing and socialising at the Scottish Golden Oldies Festival at St Andrews in May. And we’re already working towards continued success next season. Gavin Spowage - Club Captain
H
illfoots look back on what has been a very successful season for both senior and junior sections. The 1st XV surpassed all expectations finishing 2nd in the league, while the 2nd XV clinched top spot in the Midlands Div 1 reserve league. The pleasing aspect this season has been the strength and depth of the squad. When injuries or work commitments forced changes the players that came in stepped up to the mark. A strong 2nd XV, not seen for many years also helped with the success of the club. The U-18s at the time of going to press are 1 win away from winning the Midlands U-18 Div 2, a huge success after the troubles from the previous season. The junior section has also had phenomenal success with a huge growth in numbers, testimony to all the hard work put in by the committee and the coaches at all levels. Kevin Manson - Head Coach his has been a very successful and encouraging season throughout the club with growth in numbers at mini, youth and senior levels. Hillfoots RFC have deservedly been recognised by their peers and were awarded the RBS Club of The Month for October 2012, this award was in recognition of the work being undertaken throughout the club and in particular the development of Hillfoots under 18’s who recently were recognised at the Clackmannanshire Sports awards as ‘Team of The Year’. Hillfoots RFC are also in the running for “SRU Club of The Year” which will
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RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 1
U18’s to host USA touring team A
lloa RFC under 18’s play host to a touring side from the USA at Earlsfield on Saturday (7th April - KO 10.30am). The Buffalo side, who are based in New York, are visiting Scotland for the first time and are bringing over more than 50 members for a series of fixtures which culminates in the Alloa match. The boys from both sides, along with the ARFC Mini’s section, will then be bussed through to Murrayfield in the afternoon to take in the Heineken Cup Quarter Final clash between Edinburgh and French side, Toulouse. With over 30,000 tickets sold the Edinburgh match is already confirmed as a Scottish club record attendance and promises to be an exciting match. Ex – ARFC player, Grant Gilchrist looks set to start the match. The 6ft 7 inch Lock Forward, who was schooled at Lornshill and received his
grounding in the game at Alloa RFC, has also represented his country at under – 18, under – 19 and under – 20 level. U18 coach, Alex Jess says” The American boys are really looking forward to both matches and we
be decided at an awards dinner held at Murrayfield Stadium on 25 May 2012. The growth of Hillfoots RFC is down to presenting the club as a place where people want to play rugby and also ensuring that Hillfoots is a safe environment for parents to bring their kids along to learn and play rugby, this is further emphasised in that Hillfoots RFC are the first Sports Club in Scotland to be accredited with “Positive Coaching Scotland” and “The Bill McLaren Foundation” which relates to the proper conduct of those involved as players, coaches, parents and spectators. The success of Hillfoots RFC teams, senior, junior and mini is there to be seen, we have some very exciting and talented players and highly qualified coaches. At Hillfoots RFC we are looking to the future, to improve our playing and clubhouse facilities to ensure that we continue to make Hillfoots RFC a club that people want to be associated with. However it would remise of me not to mention that Hillfoots RFC success is down to the commitment and enthusiasm of its players, coaches, parents, club members and Management Committee, everyone a volunteer. Finally from myself and everyone at Hillfoots, we would like to thank each sponsor, as without them the club would not survive, never mind thrive. Peter Norman - President
have laid on a lunch at the club prior to leaving for Edinburgh which will hopefully allow the lads from each side to form lasting friendships, which I believe is still Rugby’s greatest quality.” DIV 1 - RESULTS Saturday, 31 March 2012 Aberdeen Uni 32 : 24 Mackie Acad FP Strathmore 44 : 3 Orkney Hillfoots 56 : 24 Glenrothes Gordonians 98 : 22 Highland
DIV 1 - FIXTURES Saturday, 14 April 2012 Orkney : Glenrothes
DIV 2 - RESULTS Saturday, 31 March 2012 Fife South 38 : 7 Kinross
DIV 2 - FIXTURES Saturday, 14 April 2012 Blairgowrie RFC - Carnoustie HSFP
Team ABERDEENSHIRE HILLFOOTS RFC ORKNEY MACKIE ACADEMY FP STRATHMORE RFC HIGHLAND RFC CAITHNESS RFC GORDONIANS RFC ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY RFC GLENROTHES
P 18 18 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 17
W D L
15 14 10 9 7 9 7 5 5 3
0 1 0 0 3 0 2 1 1 2
3 3 7 9 8 9 9 12 12 12
F:A 454:192 437:255 386:373 361:391 304:321 323:406 276:306 417:459 403:450 262:470
Diff.
B
P
262 12 72 182 8 66 13 9 49 -30 7 43 -17 5 39 -83 5 37 -30 3 31 -42 10 28 -47 10 27 -208 7 23
RBS CALEDONIA REGIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS Team ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY GRANGEMOUTH STAGS RFC HARRIS ACADEMY FPRFC MADRAS RUGBY STIRLING UNIVERSITY RFC ALLOA FIFE SOUTHERN KINROSS BLAIRGOWRIE RFC CARNOUSTIE HSFP
P 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 17 17
W D L
17 17 12 12 8 6 5 4 4 3
0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
1 1 5 6 10 11 13 14 13 14
F:A 715:196 647:130 393:353 461:387 364:401 244:305 184:391 195:566 196:385 183:468
Diff.
B
P
519 15 83 517 12 80 40 9 59 74 11 55 -37 9 41 -61 6 32 -207 5 25 -371 5 21 -189 3 19 -285 4 16
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Tuesday 3.4.12
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Sauchie Juniors 1 Broughty Athletic 1 continued from back page
Sauchie’s recent run of wins was missing as they struggled to find their form. On the twenty seven minute mark, Sauchie were forced to make an early substitution, as Steven Hutchsion went down with what appeared a knee injury. This was a blow to the team as Hutchison has been a consistent performer with his tackles and energy since having a run in the team. Gary Carroll came on as his replacement. Sauchie continued to enjoy most of the possession in the first half, however without the biting finish to their play. Morgan had a couple of free kicks which were defended by the Broughty wall. Every time, the wall was never the full ten yards and they would in unison move two feet forward. Obviously a training ground exercise. The first half ended goalless, even though Sauchie had further chances from Tully, Purdie and Bell. Although enjoying most of the possession, Broughty Athletic played a large part of the first half with eleven players behind the ball and stifling any of Sauchie’s better chances. Within three minutes of the restart, Broughty Atheltic opened the scoring through their number nine, Ross Lunan. Once again the goal came from a set piece. The free kick was floated into the box, where Lunan was first to make contact, to header past Dolan in the Sauchie goals. Sauchie retaliated with two free kicks, which normally Morgan would at least got the goalkeeper to save, where they hit against the short distance wall. Dolan was later called into action to save a low and hard hit shot from Lunan. From a free kick Sauchie had a great chance to equaliser, when Tully crossed the ball into the box which Bell met and headed on to Kenny Feak, who with an unchallenged header,
managed to put over the bar from seven yards out. Sauchie continued to press for an equaliser, but a feature of the match was the over physical challenges from the Broughty team, where they continued to add to their collection of yellow cards. Broughty’s defence continued to stand strong, not allowing Sauchie any chances from inside the box. With fifteen minutes remaining Sauchie Juniors got their deserved break with an equaliser from Alan Comrie. The ball was played into the Broughty box and Ally Burns shot was blocked. Alan Comrie got onto the end of it at the edge of the box to lash it pass the helpless MacPherson. Broughty had their own chances with Farquharson having his shot saved by Dolan after the equaliser. With just under ten minutes remaining Burns was carried off after being on the end of a crunching Broughty tackle. James Donaldson made his welcomed return after being out for a lengthy period with an injury. The match was to end with Broughty reduced to nine men after Gary Ogilive received his second yellow card for hand ball and Kris Brash for foul on Garry Carroll, that earned him his own second yellow card. Sauchie will see this match as two points dropped where as the Broughty management and players celebrated their point. Overall a poor day at the office for the Sauchie players as they struggled to break down a team that came to defend and used spoiling tactics. The Sauchie players must learn from these types of games as they will come up against this style again within this league as teams battle not to be relegated. These were the first points dropped at home this season and the results from their rivals were favourable for Sauchie. They again find themselves at home in the League, this time meeting Ballingry for a 2.30 kick off.
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Tuesday 3.4.12 29
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
Managers Comments
S
aturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game was very tough and physical for the lads and we managed to salvage a point after going behind but in fairness, we really should have had all three. We played some good football and managed to really dominate Broughty for most of the game, only losing a goal from a set piece which our defenders know must improve as our defensive record is good but set piece defending needs to get tighter. The game was a physical battle and we lost Steven Hutchison early on after he seemed to go over on his knee so we are anxiously waiting on results back from that injury. Steven has been doing very well for us and will be missed by the team with big games coming up. We equalised through a fine effort from Alan Comrie and had lots of other chances but we seem to struggle to be ruthless and finish teams off with the amount of chances we create. Well done to our players for working hard on a tough surface against a strong and very defensive Broughty side. Our players must realise that a lot of teams will come to Beechwood now and be very defensive, as we can open teams up with our football and pace within the side. The other teams in the league all dropped points as well so we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
be to hard on the team as its our first points dropped at home this season, so we need to now push on and win our next two home games against a very organised and hard to break down Ballingry and Broxburn. Both of these teams are climbing the table and we now find ourselves below them. It will be a tough run in and its all getting very tight and our main aim is to keep getting through games and allowing it to be in our own hands. Hopefully we will see a good turn out on Saturday for our league fixture. Big thank you to our training gear sponsor Bar Aldos for a lovely team meal on Saturday night. Fraser Duncan
Junior Football League Home Away TEAM Penicuik Athletic Tayport Oakley United Broxburn Athletic Sauchie Juniors Glenrothes Newtongrange Star Ballingry Rovers Downfield Broughty Athletic Armadale Thistle Arniston Rangers
P W D L F A 17 6 1 2 18 8 18 3 4 2 11 6 16 3 3 2 19 12 17 5 2 2 22 14 13 5 1 0 12 5 18 4 3 2 18 15 1 9 4 2 3 16 9 17 3 3 3 17 17 18 3 1 5 15 23 19 0 3 6 9 22 17 2 4 2 11 9 15 1 2 5 5 15
W D L F A 3 2 3 12 10 5 2 2 14 8 5 2 1 18 10 3 2 3 9 13 3 2 2 12 9 3 2 4 18 21 2 4 4 21 19 3 2 3 9 15 2 3 4 14 15 4 3 3 11 17 0 3 6 9 19 1 2 4 8 17
GD Pts 12 30 11 30 15 29 4 28 10 27 0 26 9 24 -6 23 -9 19 -19 18 -8 13 -19 10
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Tuesday 3.4.12
FOOTBALL
THERE’S A BUZZ ABOUT THIS TEAM A By Sports Reporter
lloa kept their title challenge firmly on track at the weekend with a positive win at Montrose. Despite playing most of the game with just ten men, Alloa showed the chasing pack that they have what it takes to win the Third Division title. There was an early set back for the Wasps when Ryan Harding was red carded for a tackle on Montrose hitman Martin Boyle early on. Having to make a quick reshuffle of his side, it meant Hartley taking off in-form Robbie Winters to make way for sub Mark McCullagh to slot into the Alloa back four. The new formation left on loan striker Steve May up front as the lone front man. The home side had some good play, taking advantage of the extra man and it was Montrose winger Jamie Winter who was the first to
test Bain in the Alloa goal but the big keeper held the ball well. Graeme Holmes had a good run into the Montrose box looking for a route to goal, but his effort was turned round the post by Andrews. With Alloa captain Darren Young
Montrose 0 Alloa 2 rallying his troops it was the Wasps who finished the first half the strongest. With the Alloa back four in great form, Montrose must have thought it wasn’t going to be their day after chances from Boyle and Winter never really came to much.
MANAGERS COMMENTS ...
Montrose manager Ray Farningham; a very unhappy man at the end saying; “In my eyes it was never a penalty our man clearly won the ball, that was never a penalty! It changed the game but we never hurt Alloa when we had 11 men. They are a good side they keep the ball well.”
Alloa Manager: Paul Hartley
delighted with the “I’mresult, particularly as we
played for 70 minutes with ten men. We’ve already shown we can play with ten men this season. We were really good today, fantastic, we have already showed that this season, there have been a couple of games when we were down to ten men and we have managed to win it plus get a clean sheet. I am delighted and it is another game ticked off and I was delighted especially with the second half performance. It looked like a penalty from where I was but sometimes you don’t get a clear view – I have no complaints about our sending off, it was a red card all day so it evened up a little bit. A game at a time is all we keep saying. There is no title talk in the dressing room we just want to see where it takes us at the end of the season. “At the start of the season our aim was to get in the top four and we have managed to do that.
”
At half time, manager Hartley would have had some decisions to make – ride out for a draw for risk all and go for the win. Alloa came out for the second half full of running and in the 56th min should have went in front. Ryan McCord’s long ball sent Steve May clear but the on loan striker’s shot was well saved by Andrews. May came agonisingly close again in the 76th min when his 12 yard shot crash off the post. The game however burst to life in the 79th min when Steve May burst away from Alan Campbell and the Montrose defender was judged to have fouled May inside the box, with the big defender red carded as a consequence. Montrose players were unhappy at ref Nat Northcroft’s award, claiming the defender played the ball before the man. After a few minutes delay, Ryan McCord cooly slammed home the spot kick, putting the Wasps ahead with just over 10 minutes left on the clock. McCord made the points safe for the Wasps in the 85th min, Darren Young’s low shot rattled the post but McCord was on hand 10 yards out to shoot into the empty net – two – nil Alloa. A hard fought three points for the league leaders in a game that showed real character and great experience to play for 80 % of the game with ten men and still win. Alloa had great service all over the park but the back four of Gordon, Doyle, McKinnon , and sub McCullagh they kept the Montrose front pair at bay and must take a lot off credit for the three points.
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IRN BRU DIV 3 - RESULTS SATURDAY 31ST MAR 2012 Berwick Rangers 3 Clyde 0 D Handling (31, 35) L Currie (88) East Stirlingshire 0 Annan Athletic 4 G Bell (5) M McGowan (62) J Steele (70) L Underwood (83) Elgin City 1 A Macphee (58)
Stranraer 2 M Moore (67) S Stirling (74)
Montrose 0
Alloa Athletic 2 R McCord (pen 80, 83)
Queen’s Park 0
Peterhead 1 R McAllister (54)
IRN BRU DIV 3 - Fixtures: SATURDAY 7TH APRIL 2012 Alloa v Elgin Annan Athletic v Berwick Clyde v Stranraer Peterhead v Montrose Queens Park v East Stirling
Irn Bru Division 3: League Table Alloa Athletic Stranraer Queen’s Park Elgin City Annan Athletic Berwick Rangers Peterhead Montrose Clyde East Stirlingshire
Pld W 31 11 31 10 31 8 31 10 31 7 31 4 31 5 31 4 31 4 31 4
D 3 2 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4
L 1 4 3 3 5 7 6 8 8 8
W 0 7 8 4 5 6 6 4 2 1
D 3 5 2 5 4 6 1 2 5 2
L GD Pts 3 27 69 3 28 58 6 19 54 6 13 50 6 4 44 4 -2 40 9 -11 38 10 -24 29 8 -12 27 12 -42 21
weecounty sport Wasps within touching distance of league title
Picture says it all!
Page 30 & 31
Sauchie fail to take chances and drop points at home
Sauchie Juniors 1 Broughty Athletic 1 By Mark Wallace
A
Wee County News is registered at the Post Office and is published weekly, every Tuesday by HUB Media Ltd., Suite 17, Ellismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Tannochside Park, Uddingston G71 5PW. Printed by Newsquest, Cambuslang, Glasgow.
EASTEND
fter the highs of beating a Super League team last week, Sauchie came crashing back to the ground with a scrappy performance against Broughty Athletic. Having beaten Broughty earlier in the season, four - two, Sauchie should have been confident of adding a further three points in their pursuit of promotion. However it never turned out this way as Broughty set up their stall to defend and disrupt any of Sauchie’s movement, in a rather aggressive manner. Sauchie players did not help themselves with a lot of stray passes and difficulty in creating clean
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cut chances in the last third. Fraser Duncan stuck with the same team that won away from home against Hill Of Beath, meaning that Darren Dolan retained his place in the Sauchie goals. Sauchie started the first half with early chances from Bell and Cummings, with neither shot causing Chris McPherson, in the Broughty United goals any real concern. On the fifteen minute mark, a great pass from King allowed Cummings to get into the box and rather than shoot, he laid the ball off to Bell, who failed to get his shot in. This was followed up with some exciting
interplay involving Morgan, Comrie and Bell resulting in a Sauchie corner. As the game started to settle, the match was unable to flow due to constant whistling from the referee, P Stewart. Broughty were also very physical in their tackles resulting in a couple of early bookings which were to cost them later in the match. Sauchie struggled to raise their game, being drawn into a long ball game with a lot of high balls being pumped into the air. The usually consistent creative midfield play from Comrie and Purdie which has been a major feature in
continued on page 28
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