Author: laurahendersonsite

Events

Vintage Market

laurahendersonsite

The second Vintage Market took place in the Village Hall on 22 October, with a whole lot of new stalls and their enthusiastic vendors, selling quirky and unique items.

We faced some competition from the Great Pumpkin Event in Arnprior, but still had good sales and donations at the door of £165, for the Village Hall Fund. Thank you to everyone who took a stall or emptied their purse on the day.

It was great fun again, but Christine and I have regretfully decided not to organise another Vintage Market in 2018. If you, or anyone you know, would like to take it on, we are happy to pass on our vast (!) store of knowledge – just get in touch.

Sue Bryans (sue.bryans@btinternet.com)

Events

Arnprior Pumpkins

laurahendersonsite

Situated just outside Kippen is Arnprior Farm, the location of Arnprior Pumpkins, which last year broke all records when they held their annual pick-your-own event.  On the day we arrived, it was dry but the field with the pumpkins was full of mud – mud like we’d never seen before!   Interestingly, the field was also full of happy children literally wallowing in said mud!  There was a great atmosphere, but you could tell that Duncan and Rebecca McEwen were surprised by the volume of visitors they had attracted.

We managed to grab them for a brief chat and they explained that this was their third year and the event just keeps growing and growing.  We spoke to several folks who had driven for miles to visit including one family who had come from Rothesay and another from Oban!

Of course, the success of the social media campaign had a down side.  The volume of traffic almost overwhelmed the village, but we are told that plans are already afoot for more traffic control and parking this year.

It’s great to be able to report on a story like this and we wish them continued success including their Arnprior Lambing which, we hear, is their next venture.

Alison Bradley

 

 

Police Report

Police Report

laurahendersonsite

PC Scott Craigie is the Police Scotland Ward Officer for the Forth and Endrick area, which incorporates Kippen and surrounding areas. He is based at Balfron Police Office, and can be contacted at the office, on 101 or at ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk .

He regularly publishes information and appeals online. The local Twitter feed can be found at @StirlingPol, and the local Facebook page can be found at ‘Forth Valley Police Division’.

The current ward priorities for the Forth and Endrick area continue to be Antisocial Behaviour, Road Safety, Theft and Community Engagement and Reassurance.

 

Antisocial Behaviour

There has been no antisocial behaviour of note within the village since the last issue.

 

Road Safety

Since the last edition of The Wee Vine, the Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership and Police Scotland have continued to perform speed enforcement and hi-visibility patrols in and around Kippen, resulting in a number of motorists being prosecuted where appropriate. Regular such patrols and checks will continue in an effort to improve road safety and driver behaviour.

 

 

Theft

There has been a theft by housebreaking in the village and recently there has been an attempted housebreaking at house on the road between Kippen and Fintry therefore would ask members readers to remain vigilant.

 

 

Community Engagement and Reassurance

PC Graham has recently left his role in community policing at Balfron, fortunately he has taken up a role within response policing at Balfron so his knowledge has not been lost.  There is presently an ongoing process to identify a replacement for PC Graham and an officer should be in place by the time of the next issue.

 

Your View Counts

Our online public consultation process ‘Your View Counts’ launched on Friday 4 August. Members of the public are invited to help inform our policing priorities across the country by telling us what’s important to you.

This is the second year we have run the ‘Your View Counts’ consultation. Analysis of survey results, together with crime stats and other community and partnership meetings are used to determine our priorities.

http://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/decision-making/public-consultation/local-policing-consultation/

The confidential survey only takes 15 minutes to complete and is open all year round meaning that if an individual’s priorities change a survey can be re-submitted.

The response to the consultation process will be continuously monitored and quarterly progress reports will be published on the Police Scotland website and the intranet.

 

Rural Watch Scotland

“‘Rural Watch Scotland’ is an extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement and endorsed by  the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) and Forth valley Rural Crime Group aimed specifically at the rural communities of Scotland and aims to bring all the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch to all rural communities irrespective of location, size or demographics.

Rural watch is an online community for any member of the public where appeals, crime prevention tips and safety alerts can be posted by those who subscribe which can be viewed by all members. Subscription is free and the sharing of information on the forum is a great example of real time crime prevention in action.

The objectives of Rural Watch Scotland are to:

  • Reduce crime and the fear of crime by providing the right information, to the right people, at the right time.
  • Encourage people to think about safety and security for themselves, their neighbours and their community.
  • Improve community cohesion and well-being by supporting communities to develop ‘their watch, their way’.
  • Work in partnership with national and local service providers to develop more resilient communities that are better prepared against threats, intentional or unintentional, such as crime or extreme weather.

The experience of Neighbourhood Watch throughout Scotland and elsewhere across the world is that members of Rural Watch Scotland will be less likely than non-members in the rural community to be a victim of crime.

By joining the Rural Watch Scotland scheme members can receive alerts and advice by phone, text or email. By keeping members informed about crime and other threats in specific areas, Rural Watch Scotland can help prevent crime, keep communities and residents safe, and member’s responses to these alerts can help catch criminals or be better prepared to deal with other threats to communities. To join Rural Watch Scotland simply:

Neighbourhood Alert.

This is a community messaging system which sends alerts regarding crime, safety and resilience to communities. Ruralwatch is an information platform that has been set up by what was formerly Neighbourhood Watch, however the big difference being that any members of the local community can sign up to have the relevant alerts sent to them by various means including E-mail or Text message. To receive free alerts simply register at:

http://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

Did You Know

Kippen Community Quilters

laurahendersonsite

We are delighted to announce that we are nearing the completion of our next charity quilt.  We raised a lot of money last time at our quilt coffee morning when we raffled the quilt.  It was such a success that we are now planning another event, hopefully, in May but tickets for the new quilt raffle will be sale before that!

All our members have taken part in making this new quilt and we are holding a massive quilting session in the Reading Rooms where we meet to try to finish it so that we can post photos on our Facebook page.  Once the dates are confirmed for our next show, we will also share that on Facebook too.  We meet every 2 weeks depending on the availability of the Read Rooms but if you are interested, we would be delighted to chat with you are our next show.

 

Did You Know

Historical Enquiries

laurahendersonsite

The Wee Vine is the recipient of some queries, unrelated to the magazine, but interested in aspects of Kippen’s history. A couple of these are included here – if anyone has any knowledge in these areas or can help the original sender, then please reply to the Wee Vine at enquiries@theweevine.org.

Firstly, Cleckhimin (or Cleckhnin). This was apparently a house towards the north-west of the village, close to the Dovecot at Laraben, where William Leckie Buchanan was born on 17/2/1793. His parents were James Buchanan and Helen McFarlane. This enquiry was accompanied by a photo of an old map, as shown here.

Secondly, the Boquhan Brickworks. We received a query from a gentleman who collects samples from all historical brick and tile-works in Scotland, but whose collection is singularly deficient in anything from here. A photo of the Works is shown, they were located behind the railway station (now the Brewery), as well as an outline of the plot occupied.

Stuart Thomson

VTRA00100 - Kippen Tile workers at Kippen StationBrickworksscreen_shot_2013

Did You Know

KIPPEN KIRKYARD PROJECT

laurahendersonsite

Behind the locked gates of the Old Kirkyard work is proceeding!

Starting at the west side (against the Smiddy wall), flat grave slabs, long since buried beneath the overgrowing turf, have been exposed to reveal inscriptions, with names long since forgotten. In many cases the turf can be rolled back easily to reveal a fascinating ‘mirror image’ of the inscription, as can be seen from the accompanying photograph. Many older memorials have simply initials or no inscription at all, but thanks to archive material, the name of the deceased can usually be traced.

However, the archive material, having come from various sources, can be confusing. For example, the lair plan, dating from 1873, appears to have been prepared in conjunction with a handwritten record of the purchaser of each lair, begun in 1873 also, but with no information as to when that purchase was made; subsequent burials have then been added up to the 1960’s. However, clearly burials in the kirkyard took place from the late 17th century when the kirk was built, and indeed many pre 18th century stones exist, but are not necessarily recorded in the 1873 archive. It is hoped that with further onsite research, some of these gaps can be filled.

nae cloth

In view of the apparent escalating costs for the work which is required before the gates can be reopened, it has been decided to apply in the first instance for Heritage Lottery funding. Having submitted an initial enquiry which generated some sound advice as to how best to proceed, the application itself has become quite a protracted exercise and is still ongoing.

However, as a result of the many letters of support which have been sent to Kippen Heritage, for inclusion in the forthcoming submission, hopefully the next issue of the Wee Vine will have something positive to report in this respect. Thanks therefore to Friends of Kippen Kirk, Kippen Community Council, Kippen Primary School, Scottish Wildlife Trust and the various departments of Stirling Council; Cemeteries, Archaeology and Ranger Services, for their support.

Irene Chapman

Kippen Heritage

 

Did You Know

Calendar

laurahendersonsite

“Great Pics!” a Facebook friend commented “you should make a calendar!” …. and so, it began.

I wanted to create a calendar that would give everyone a smile, and what better way to do that than with animals… luckily, I have a few.

Next on my agenda was to use the calendar to raise funds for my 2 favourite charities: Contact the Elderly and Strathcarron Hospice… both charities very personal to my own heart.

Strathcarron Hospice very kindly put me in touch with their local publisher, Eddie Shotliff, who enabled me to create the calendar and sell at a low price (£5), but with maximum profits for both charities.

Once the calendar was created I had great support with selling it from the local community: McNicoll’s Country Store, Rhubarb Lime, Judyjamjar, Feeds & Stoves (Callander) and the Inn at Kippen. I also sold it via Facebook, Friends and Family.

Fusion Flowers magazine assisted with reduced postage costs for overseas customers. So now my calendar is all over the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Europe!

Thank you to everyone who bought a calendar as I have reached my target and raised £400 for each charity!

Ali Thom

Contact_elderly_calendar2018

Did You Know

Rural South West

laurahendersonsite

Your Place, Your Priorities

Stirling Council is developing a place-based approach that will help us to plan, design, and deliver services differently around people, families and communities. Within the Rural South West area, the aim is to test a place-based approach. The learning will inform its introduction in other areas.

The first event was held in Balfron High school on 24th October. Individuals, community

organisations, local business, the Council, the Voluntary Sector and Partners (49 people) came together to discuss a place-based approach.

The purpose of the event was to:

  • Explore a definition of place-based approach for the Rural South West area.
  • Gain greater insight from participants about – Your Place – what groups, assets, facilities, and activities there are in each community.
  • Use information and knowledge available to discuss Your Priorities.

Need to Consider

  • Subcontracting integration
  • Infrastructure not growing with community
  • Commercial property being lost to housing

Rural South West Communities

Arnprior, Balfron, Buchanan, Buchlyvie, Carron Valley, Croftamie, Drymen, Fintry, Gargunnock, Kippen, Killearn, Strathblane

General Points

  • Needs to be simple
  • define community – Rural South West not descriptive enough
  • Communities are proactive with strong Community Spirit
  • Share best practice

Thoughts on Place Based

  • Place is where we derive meaning. It’s emotive, personal and connects with wellbeing and spirituality.
  • Partnership working to resolve community issues
  • Delivers on issues raised
  • Relationship between Council, groups, and Community Councils
  • Services being provided locally – local services for local people – services Village to Village

Communication is key

  • Addressing this would be a quick win
  • Communication needs to be clearer with 2 way feedback,
  • Use range of tools and connect to communities web pages, Facebook and local community newspapers,
  • Communication between communities
  • Communication from Community to Council
  • Consultation

Thoughts on Priorities

  • Stirling focussed priorities
  • Priorities are not local priorities, they are themes
  • Local priorities cannot be generalised, they have to be local
  • The next stage is to collate individual community issues

Your Place

You gave an insight into the groups, activities, facilities and assets in each village. We have now added this information which will be shared at the next session.

Your Priority

Older People

  • Transport to hospital
  • Information Communication
  • Activities, Clubs
  • Access to Hospitals/ Outpatients
  • Neighbourhood Model of Care

Transport & Environment

  • Public Transport
  • Bus Shelters
  • Timetable/Accessing
  • Connectivity – Types, Demand responsive transport (DRT)
  • Hospital – Patient & Visitor Transport
  • Roads, Pavements & Parking
  • Roads Maintenance
  • Paths – Cycle/Walking
  • Electric Travel Funding

Access to Services

  • Communication
  • Health
  • Broadband & Telecommunication Connectivity
  • Housing
  • Education
  • Library / Local Office
  • Public Toilets
  • Economic Development

 

Staying connected

To make sure everyone is kept informed please ensure we have your preferred contact details.

For further information contact:

Ian Denvir, Community Link Officer                         (01786) 233947

denviri@stirling.gov.uk

Bunty's Thoughts

Shopper’s Nightmare!

laurahendersonsite

20170627_145348I’m a supermarket trolley
just lurking by the door.
I’ve three good wheels that glide
and one that drags along the floor.

The unsuspecting are my prey
the nervous and the fraught.
I really set them twitching
by not doing what I ought.

I always go my own way
choosing which aisle to course.
If they want tea or coffee
then I make for the sauce.

They can push or pull or kick me
but try with all their might.
Whenever they turn to the left
I still turn to the right.

I collide with other shoppers
and relish what is said
between the one with bloody ankles
and the one whose face is red.

So you’ve had a brief encounter
with a trolley that’s for sure.
It was me, the shopper’s nightmare
Always lurking by the door.

Nedra Lowe

Bunty's Thoughts

SENIORS & COMPUTERS

laurahendersonsite

As we SILVER SURFERS know, sometimes we have trouble with our computers.

I had a problem yesterday, so called Eric, the 11-year-old next door, whose bedroom looks like Mission Control and asked him to come over.

Eric clicked a couple of buttons, and solved the problem.  As he was walking away I called after him, “So what was wrong?”

He replied, “It was an ID ten T error”.

I didn’t want to appear stupid, but nonetheless enquired,

“An ‘ID ten T error’? What’s that? In case I need to fix it again.”

Eric grinned.   “Haven’t you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?”  “No” I replied.

Write it down, he said, and I think you’ll figure it out. So, I wrote it down – ID10T.

I used to like Eric, the little shit-head. If you are not a Senior yet, then send this to someone who is.