Author: laurahendersonsite

Did You Know

CONTACT THE ELDERLY PARTNERS WITH THE READING AGENCY TO HELP TACKLE SOCIAL ISOLATION THROUGH READING

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Contact the Elderly logo

The older person’s charity Contact the Elderly has linked up with Reading Friends to help tackle social isolation in the Forth Valley.

Working in partnership with the reading initiative, developed by The Reading Agency and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the programme will use a shared interest in reading to spark conversations and encourage new friendships among group members and volunteers.

Contact the Elderly works across the Forth Valley and the rest of Scotland to tackle loneliness and social isolation among older people through regular Sunday afternoon tea events for people aged 75 and over in need of companionship.

It’s predicted that by 2030, loneliness in the UK will reach an all-time high with seven million people experiencing it in the over-60s age-group alone. Research has shown that reading or listening to an audio book can be hugely beneficial in helping alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Contact the Elderly hopes that as well as encouraging intergenerational friendships, it will help the older people in the group evoke memories of much-loved books, discover new books and discuss shared experiences.

Morna O’May, Head of Service, Scotland at Contact the Elderly said:

“We are delighted to be working with The Reading Agency on this fantastic initiative as we look to expand our programme offering and reach more of Scotland’s most isolated older people. Reading and sharing an understanding of a book or poem can be an incredible way for people to connect.”

Debbie Hicks, Creative Director of The Reading Agency said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Contact the Elderly on an exciting new partnership that brings together Contact the Elderly’s successful tea party model with the social benefits of reading together. We know that tea and talk go perfectly together, and this partnership will take our reading befriending model in an exciting new direction. It will also allow us to work together to tackle loneliness for some of our most vulnerable and isolated communities.”

Contact the Elderly is looking to launch groups in Forth Valley between now and spring 2020.  Anyone interested in joining or volunteering with a Reading Friends group in the area should get in touch with Contact the Elderly Development Officer Jennifer Kaney, at Jennifer.kaney@contact-the-elderly-org.uk or on 01786 235034.

For further media information please contact Alison Shaw on 07760 193375 or alison@hummingbird-comms.com

Alison Shaw
PR Consultant
Hummingbird Communications (Scotland) Ltd
T: 01224 313724
M: 07760 193375
E: alison@hummingbird-comms.com

 

Did You Know

THE STIRLING MEMBERS’ CENTRE – NTS

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The Stirling Members’ Centre numbers about 200 people and membership is £5 per annum for individuals or £8 per annum for a complete household at one address.  When joining you will enjoy membership rates immediately but there will be no membership charge until the start of the financial year in October 2020 and you only pay for the talks.

We welcome new members who are also members of the National Trust for Scotland, but anyone who is not a member of the NTS will be welcome to any of our talks subject to places being available. The current rates for winter talks are £6pp for members or £7pp for guests.

Please come along – we are a friendly bunch!!

Our programme of talks held in the St Ninian’s church hall from October 2019 to March 2020 is as the following:-

Thursday 21st November 2019 at 2.30 pm

“Surveying St Kilda”

– illustrated talk by James Hepher

 

Thursday 12th December 2019 at 2.30 pm

”The Story of Dr John Roebuck and James Watt at Kinneil House”

– illustrated talk by Ian Shearer, Chairman of Friends of Kinneil House

 

Thursday 16th January 2020 at 2.30 pm

“Recent discoveries in Stirling’s Archaeology”

  • illustrated talk by Murray Cook, Archaeologist

 

Thursday 13th February 2020 at 2.30 pm

“Gardens and Designed Landscapes”

  • illustrated talk by Colin Wren NTS Gardens Manager

 

Thursday 12th March 2020 at 2.30 pm

“Glass & Light”

– illustrated talk by Alison Kinnaird, Glass Artist & Clarsach Musician

Contact details: Sandy & Margaret Moreland, Joint Secretaries, Tel: – 01259 761700

E-mail: – stirlingnts@gmail.com or see website: – http://www.spanglefish.com/ntsstirling

 

Did You Know

Three Corbies

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Three Corbies

Three corbies sat upon a wa’

Each one had a booklet graspit in its claw

Wi’ smiles upon their beaks, happy-sounding “Caw”

Reading Kippen booklets.

 

The first craw thocht Rennie awfy fine

Wi’ his graips and his coulters frae times lang syne

An’ the smiddy wi’ its forges sitting in a line

Up at Kippen Cross.

 

The second craw thocht “A boatyard canna be.

I’ve flown all over Kippen – nae watter can I see.”

Then he read the booklet, was happy as could be,

And flew down to Shirgarton.

 

The third craw was reading mony Tourist things

O’ Bonny Chairlie, and other Kippen kings

(Wi’ an advert for Dougalls sitting in the wings)

Frae a hundred years ago.

 

The fourth craw wasna there at a’

He’d flown down to McNicolls with money in his claw

And now he’s bought the booklets, bought them yin and a’

And brought back to his nest.

 

 

Police Report

Police Report

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PoliceScotlandPolice Report

Community Engagement and Reassurance

PC Steven Graham and PC Gary Martin are based at Balfron Police Office and can be contacted on 101 or at ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk. It is recommended that this email address is used by the local community for email contact.

Please remember that we regularly publish useful information and updates on social media, including appeals for information, updates about road closures and crime prevention advice. Our Facebook and Twitter pages can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/forthvalleypolicedivision

http://www.facebook.com/policescotland

http://www.twitter.com/stirlingpol

http://www.twitter.com/policescotland

Theft

There was a Theft by HB at a local licenced premises with a quantity of food stolen from the kitchen. Although no other thefts reported in the Kippen area, there has recently been Theft by Housebreakings reported in some of the villages in the Forth and Endrick area.  We remind residents to be ever vigilant and contact the Police should anyone see anything suspicious.

The earlier dark nights will be here soon so please remember to follow basic home security rules and help to make it harder for the thieves.

Please consider the following:

Use timer switches on lights and radios to make it look as if your home is occupied.

Ensure all doors and windows are secure when you leave and when you go to bed.

If possible use secure lighting at the front and back of your property.

Make sure all garden tools and ladders are locked away when not being used. Don’t give the     thieves the tools to break into your house.

Use a good quality lock on any garden sheds and outhouses.

Make a note of all makes, models and serial numbers of expensive items in your home.

If your house is fitted with an alarm then please use it. This is a good deterrent should thieves manage to force entry to your house.

Create a FREE and secure inventory of all your personal property at http://www.immobilise.com

If you note anything suspicious in your neighbourhood report it on 101.

We appreciate any calls in relation to suspicious persons or vehicles.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you observe anything suspicious as these types of reports are taken very seriously and your report may assist us with any ongoing enquiries. We have received a couple of these type of calls recently in Kippen which were investigated however no vehicle details were obtained and there was no trace on Police arrival.

There are guides on the Police Scotland website giving other ideas to protect property in rural areas:

https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/rural-crime

Road Safety

The Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership have continued to operate on the A811 near to Kippen. Notable speeds drivers have been caught doing are 94, 95 and 105 mph.

Local officers have and will continue to carry out high visibility patrols to improve road safety.

With the summer over, road conditions will be deteriorating in next wee while.  Please check and maintain your vehicle for road worthiness.

Supporters

MOLSON COORS AND FALLEN BREWING COMPANY JOIN FORCES TO DISTRIBUTE FALLEN CRAFT BEERS IN SCOTLAND

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fallen-logo

Molson Coors and Fallen Brewing Company announced today that they have entered into a distribution partnership that will bring Fallen’s Kippen, Stirlingshire-brewed craft IPAs, pilsners and porters into the Molson Coors’s Scotland portfolio.  Existing customers of Fallen Brewing will continue to be served by Fallen Brewing Company directly, while Molson Coors will help to increase the penetration of Fallen Brewing brands in the Scottish On Trade.

Paul Fallen, founder of Fallen Brewing Company, said:  “Working alongside the team at Molson Coors is a really positive step for our business.  We’re a relatively young company, with a very simple aim of crafting the highest quality beers whilst working within, and for our local community and environment.  Even though Molson Coors is a considerably bigger operation, we felt confident that we understood each other and that the Fallen Brewing brands would be in safe hands.”

Andrew Lawrence, Sales and Operations Director at Molson Coors Scotland, commented:  “We’re very proud of the progress our portfolio continues to make in the market.  With the Fallen distribution partnership, we’re now able to offer something authentically Scottish, of phenomenal quality, and with an incredible story.  Our portfolio and customer satisfaction scores continue to go from strength to strength, and we’re excited about our future prospects.”

The Fallen Brewing Company was founded by Paul Fallen in April 2012.  The Brewery now supplies to the independent on-and off-trade, including iconic venues such as Gleneagles and multiple retailers including Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporters

John Coubrough & Son, Joiners & Funeral Directors  

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My father, John, started the business in Thornhill in 1961, quickly gaining a reputation for quality joinery work. He had served his apprenticeship with Forrester & Montgomery in Thornhill who were joiners and undertakers. This was a common combination in those days. He was soon asked to take on undertaking services and from then the business grew with clients across Perthshire, Stirlingshire and beyond.

When I joined the business, my father insisted that I did a “proper” apprenticeship. At first this did not go down too well with me, but I did it and went on as many City & Guilds training courses as possible becoming the first joiner from Falkirk Technical College to gain the Licentiateship of The City & Guilds of London Institute in construction. With hindsight it was the right thing to do!

It isn’t always easy working with and restoring older buildings but it is interesting and can be hugely rewarding. When the project is finished and you stand back and see something restored to how it once was, or how a modern conversion or extension can fit in with older surroundings, it gives a great sense of satisfaction seeing a job well done.

After two or three years it was “suggested” to me that it was time to get involved in the funeral side of the business which, at around 20 years of age, I knew little about. I soon learnt that it is an extremely sensitive and emotional time for everyone involved and that discretion is vital.

As my father got nearer retirement I became more and more involved in the running of the business and took it over completely nearly 30 years ago. I have seen many changes since then.

On the joinery side, more and more products are bought in with fewer bespoke items being made in the workshop and only a fraction of doors and windows being made in timber. Maintenance free uPVC and aluminium are now the preferred choice of many but, whatever material I am asked for, it keeps me busy whether it is a small repair or a large extension to existing premises.

On the funeral side there are now fewer religious services as, with falling church attendance, more are opting for something secular. There has also been a huge change in funeral vehicles. In the past, converted estate cars and vans were the norm but nowadays we see plush purpose built hearses and limousines often costing well into six figures each. Dress code is another change, with coloured clothing rather than black becoming much more common now.

I am often asked about the role of a funeral director.

Well, for a start, it is a commitment. I am on call 24/7. My phone is rarely switched off, even on holiday.  My role involves removing the deceased to the chapel of rest, meeting the family to discuss their wishes for the funeral service, choosing a coffin, whether a burial or cremation is preferred and whether it is to be a religious or secular service. I also arrange printing of orders of service, floral tributes, newspaper obituary notices, catering following the service and supply of gravestones. I liaise with cemetery and crematoria authorities, the doctors who provide the death certificate and the clergy and celebrants for all types of services. For the content of the service there are a few rules but also many options which I try to accommodate without the service losing its dignity. Whilst dealing with everything there is, of course, legalities to be obeyed, especially the registration of the death and its circumstances. Sometimes the Police and Procurator Fiscal are involved. There is no compromise with them. Anything suspicious or a sudden death has to be investigated fully. This can take time. There are many things to think about when organising a funeral but I always try to treat everyone with the respect that they deserve.

Growing up and living in the Thornhill and Kippen areas all my life I know many of the families I meet very well. To me, this is more than a business, it is a service to our communities.

Grant Coubrough

Supporters

The Wee Vine Supporters

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Without our supporters, there would be no Wee Vine. They offer support in a variety of ways. All essential.

Firstly, our financial supporters.  Printing and other costs are totally met through the support of a number of local organisations. Currently, these are (in alphabetical order):

Auchenburn Bed and Breakfast

Brian Reynolds Carpentry (870531)

Cameron Skinner, Skinner of Kippen (870203)

Central Auto Repairs (Glengyle) (870254)

Classics@Kippen

Cliff Hewett – eMusic Tutor (870939)

Computer Division Ltd (469455)

Fallen Brewing Company (07500 906924)

Fusion Flowers Magazine (870204)

John Coubrough & Son, Joiners &Funeral Directors (870737)

Judyjamjar (870687)

McNicolls Country Store (870237)

Rhubarb Lime (870077)

Stephen Paul Associates (870906)

The Cross Keys (870293)

The Inn at Kippen (870500)

The Woodhouse (870156)

Each of our financial supporters is entitled to use the magazine to publicise forthcoming events, or significant awards obtained. Anyone who would like to

offer support in this way, can do so by contacting us atenquiries@theweevine.org.

Secondly, many thanks to those who have supported this issue by contributing articles. The Wee Vine is for Kippen, about Kippen and by Kippen. We would like to know about events as they happen, and also those which are planned. Also, organisations, clubs and their programmes and activities. Plus comments, queries, photos and anything else that takes your fancy.

“Letters to the editor” on paper or electronically are welcome from all.

And finally, those who support by offering help in many ways, such as the delivery of the magazine round the village.

Stuart Thomson

Welcome

Welcome to issue 11 of The Wee Vine

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This issue features the revival of the penpal tradition and updates from This issue features the revival of the penpal tradition and updates from Cricket, Curling and Bowling clubs. Kippen Cuppa has been very successful and is open every Thursday.

The Kippen Street Fayre was once again agreat success and we feature it throughout the magazine.

There is also an interesting story on The Two Kippens in the Did You Know feature plus just a reminder that the flower show in August is on!!

Please remember to send your stories with pictures (minimum 1MB) no later than 30 September 2019.

Your feedback about the Wee Vine is important to us so please get in touch with your comments/ ideas for this year.
Send to enquiries@theweevine.org If you wish todonate go to https://theweevine.org/donations/

Cover photograph supplied by Denis Bradley.

If you would like your photograph featured on the front cover send to enquiries@theweevine.org minimum size 1 MB. This should feature a seasonal picture at time of printing.

Special Feature

YOU’VE GOT MAIL – SCHOOLCHILDREN REVIVE THE PENPAL TRADITION

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For centuries they were the favoured form of communication – hand-written missives from thank you notes to love letters, or a long, newsy dispatch to friends and family.

Then the rise of the internet and mobile phones effectively killed off the art of letter-writing, with electronic messages increasingly replacing old-fashioned pen and paper.

But a 21st century initiative among Scots schoolchildren is currently reviving the penpal tradition – with a twist. The youngsters of Kippen Primary School in Stirlingshire are now letter-writing friends with a group of the older people from Contact the Elderly.

The charity, which aims to ease loneliness among the older generation through regular afternoon tea parties, has been actively encouraging young people to get involved in its work through its Future of Volunteering initiative.

And the inspiration for the Penpal Project came after the charity’s Executive Officer Morna O’May, saw a volunteer’s young daughter make and deliver Christmas cards to some guests. She realised the potential for greater inter-generational co-operation and approached Kippen Primary.

Both pupils and staff reacted enthusiastically, and the project is now in full swing in the P6/7 class, fitting deftly into the curriculum.

Class teacher Mrs Vicki Stone said:

“This is a vitally important project for all involved. It develops the children’s letter

writing skills but also links them with a person they might otherwise not have had the

pleasure of knowing. We hope that the class letters bring pleasure to our pen pals,

there is always excitement when we receive another letter.”

 

The pupils’ first topic of the year was World War II and their new penpals were a huge help to their research, happily sharing their personal memories of the conflict and giving the youngsters a better understanding of their community’s history.

The children say it has also given them a greater appreciation of their elders and their knowledge – as well as their funny stories.

And they were pleased the project had fostered a better connection with the older generation. They agreed: “It feels good to bring a little bit of happiness into someone else’s life, however small.”

 

As for the recipients, one Contact the Elderly guest summed it up:

 

“It’s so lovely to receive the letters from our penpals, it is interesting to hear what

they are doing at school. I didn’t think they would be very interested in anything I

had to say but they have been full of questions for me, some of them quite funny”

 

Currently the project only involves the P6/7 class, but other Kippen Primary staff and pupils could become involved in a School Tea Party planned for their new penpals.

Contact the Elderly is also aiming to roll out the penpal initiative to other schools in Scotland, potentially getting schools across the country on board.

The project was funded through the Stirling Soup Initiative and has already been highly commended in two categories of the Generations Working Together Awards – Innovation and Reducing Isolation and Loneliness. Morna O’May said

” It’s been such a huge success and is giving so much pleasure to both ends of the

generational spectrum. It would be fantastic to get more schools involved.

 

“The power of a personally-written letter just can’t be underestimated and in this

digital age it’s a real joy to see the youngsters reviving this dying art so

enthusiastically.”

 

And for anyone considering following their lead the Kippen Primary children have some useful advice:

“Writing might not be your favourite thing, but think about how happy your penpal

Will be when they receive your letter,” says Lily Bell, 11.

 

“Don’t worry if you aren’t the best letter writer,” counsels Robert Weir, also 11,

“they’ll just love to hear from you.”

 

To find out more about becoming a volunteer or guest of Contact the Elderly in Scotland, please contact morna.o’may@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or 01786 871264 or visit www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk.

 

Contact the Elderly:

For further media information please contact Alison Shaw on 07760 193375 or alison@hummingbird-comms.com

 

 

 

Alison Shaw
PR Consultant
Hummingbird Communications (Scotland) Ltd

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Clubs

Kippen Cricket Club

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cricket ballCricket season has reached its halfway point and, despite the variable weather to date, Kippen have managed to play 5 evening matches in the West Stirlingshire T20 League.

We are currently sitting top of the table with 3 wins from 5, but it has to be said that other teams have not been so lucky with the weather and, as rearranged matches get played, our top position may not be a true picture.

First match In May was away to Stirling County with victory for Kippen in the gathering gloom at New Williamfield. Kippen won by 9 runs with Keir Singleton and Gavin Cross top scoring in the Kippen innings with 26 and 28 runs respectively. Top bowlers were   Gavin Cross 3 wickets for 14 in 3 overs and Jacob Kelly with 2 wkts for 7 runs in 3 overs

The following week we lost out to Callander at Meiklewood in a close match by 2 wickets. Graham Brodie top scored with the bat with 35 runs not out and Dave Bentley had a great spell with outstanding figures of 3 wkts for 8 runs after 3 overs.

Next up was the visit of Milngavie to Meiklewood with Kippen victorious, winning by 7 wickets. Willie Anderson and Chris Jewell both scored 30 runs (and retired as per WSL rules). Best Bowler was Les Watson with 2 wkts for 10 runs in 3 overs.

Kippen then played Stirling County at Meiklewood in June and were again winners against the County side. It was a difficult damp pitch to play on that evening and Kippen struggled to reach a total of 86 with Andy Sullivan top scoring with 14 runs. However, County found the conditions even more difficult and were bowled out for 71, Kippen winning by 15 runs. Best bowler was Willie Anderson with 3 wkts for 7 runs in 3 overs.

Kippen travelled to The Garscube Sports Complex for the return match with Milngavie on 26th June, a beautiful evening, but the less said about the match that evening the better. Enough to say Kippen were well beaten!

So, we have home and away fixtures with Doune and an away fixture with Callendar to look forward to. With some luck with the weather, and further good play, Kippen could be in a good position in The West Stirlingshire League this season.

As always Kippen is looking for any new players of any age (Our current oldest player is over 70! And he opens the bowling) and gender, as we play a friendly level of competition and enthusiasm is more important than experience.

Sean Kelly