The Wee Whist meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Reading Room. All are welcome and we would be very happy to see new faces. The more players the better!
Bella Crawford
Author: Rick Dekker
Kippen Community Quilters
The Idea
Three Kippen women met together informally for about year, sharing their passion for quilting, sewing, talking about quilting and learning from each other. They thought that others might enjoy such a group and so to identify interest a small piece was placed in the Grapevine in March 2013, inviting people to come to the Reading Room to discuss. On the morning of the meeting, we consoled ourselves with the thought that we would be happy if even one or two people came.
Nine women attended and were enthusiastic at the prospect of setting up such a group, agreeing we might have the start of something good. However, we soon learned that this was not a new notion for Kippen, as there had been a quilting group established for several years but which had ceased functioning. Some of those present had been part of that original group and were keen to participate in the formation of a new group. We made decisions re. venue, frequency of meetings, cost etc. and agreed a rough format which has been built upon since. The group runs on democratic lines without a committee, any decisions /changes being discussed within the group. There is no teaching as such but we help one another.
Several quilters from Aberfoyle and elsewhere then joined us and our total number now stands at 18. The level of skill ranges from novice to good although no one will admit to that. Quilters never think their work is “good enough”. Everyone works on whatever they choose to make and advice is available if sought. When it comes to layering up the three layers of a quilt before the top is quilted we often get together around the table and tack it as a group.
We have been involved in several projects:
- One person organised a teaching session on bag making
- A known teacher was invited to run a class on a specific topic
- A group quilt was sewn as a raffle prize
- A small quilt show was run to raise money for the Reading Room
- Everyone made Christmas items for a morning
- We are currently planning our next group quilt to raffle
Today
The last three years have been tremendous fun and the group seems to go from strength to strength. The hum in the room can be heard at the front door with everyone sharing their knowledge and expertise. That is to be highly valued, but the friendships made are to be prized above all. They are an extraordinary group of women. Currently, we are at capacity for numbers but if anyone is interested in joining the group we will happily start a waiting list.
Contact cmkilgour@yahoo.co.uk for further information.
An old tradition returns
The 1st Carse Cubs Pack (Kippen) held their Fireworks & Bonfire night on the 1st of November at Kippen Football Pitch. It has been some years since we had a display in Kippen on the field.
We were in luck as the weather was fine and clear, but very cold, so we looked forward to a large and hot bonfire. A number of cubs met everyone and greeted us to the event, which was well attended.
Tea and coffee were for sale, there was a Skinners BBQ, plus a stand selling brightly coloured items that proved very popular with the youngsters. The BBQ did a roaring trade and large queues formed.
After a little while the bonfire was lit and kept us warm. This was followed by an impressive display of fireworks. The highlight was the rockets providing a glorious splash of colour, plus a posse of cubs pushing a pram with a guy shouting loudly “penny for the guy”
Special mention was made to Skinners, Rhubarb & Lime, The Cross Keys, McNicolls Country Store and Fallen Brewing for their support.
All monies raised went towards helping local Cubs and Beavers units and a donation went to Kippen Sports Development Fund and Kippen Primary School’s smart-board appeal.
Well done to everyone involved.
Kippen Christmas Market
Kippen playgroup & toddlers has been running in our village for many years now, in fact some of our present mums were brought along to the group by their own parents.
We pride ourselves on our longevity and feel that it really is down to the unique way in which we operate, as most playgroups are in local authority partnership but we are fully independent.
Our small committee of mums all have a vested interest in the group having children at playgroup, toddlers or both. We run two playgroup sessions per week. Tuesday 9.30-12pm and Friday 9.30-12pm. From age 2 to pre-school.
We employ two fantastic play leaders who run our playgroup. Both have a great passion for early years’ education and this shines through in the smiles of the children at each session.
Toddlers run on a Thursday 10.15-12pm where we welcome children from birth to pre-school. This is a very important part of our group. Being a new mum can be very tough and in a rural area like this can be socially isolating. We offer a relaxed and friendly place for mums to bring their children. A space where they can really feel a part of their community.
We receive no external funding so it is down to the committee to raise the funds that we need to operate and currently have two main fundraisers – the bottle stall at the Street Fayre and our Christmas market. Our market is our main fundraiser. With months in the planning and a team of parents working feverishly behind the scenes we have become quite skilled at hosting a wonderful festive event that draws people from all over and some of our stall holders come back year after year.
We would not be able to raise the funds without our exceptionally popular raffle and we have built up a great relationship with a host of local businesses who very kindly donate prizes year after year.
The generosity of the people of Kippen and the surrounding area really do show that community spirit is alive and well. This year we raised just over £3,500. This will go a long way towards keeping our group running for another year.
Dawn Warttig
co-chair
Kippen playgroup & toddlers.
Kippen Drama Club – 2016 Christmas Panto
The stars were out from 15-17 December when Kippen Drama Club entertained us with their panto extravaganza Knight Fever- An Arthurian Panto by Damian Trasler, David Lovesy & Steve Clark.
We attended the Friday night performance and have put together a selection of photographs. You can view more on our website.
Everyone had a great evening and the cast kept us entertained with one liners, song and dance and the odd ad lib remark.
Well done to all cast and crew and to Fintry Drama Club for the loan of the stage turntable.
Denis Bradley
Christmas Carols
The hardy singers even did some indoor carols after a few carols outside in the seasonal sleet. Thanks to the young people returning from university who helped make us sound rather better, and brought the average age down considerably. Thanks to Debby McGregor and Cross Keys for the mulled wine and mince pies, to Winnie Dunlop for organising the collection for Strathcarron Hospice (at least £125, well done), and thanks to everyone who turned out and contributed.
Di Blackmore
The Dr. Railton Scott Annual Cancer Appeal
Once again the annual whist drive will take place in the Village Hall on Friday 3rd February at 7pm. We are very pleased to welcome The Rev Ellen Larson Davidson as our President this year and the committee has already met to start off this year’s appeal.
We would welcome bookings for tables which can be done through Stuart Thomson at stuartsthomson@aol.com or 01786 870529.
If you would like to learn to play whist or just brush up your skills there will be lessons in the Reading Room on Tuesdays 17, 25 and 31 January at 7.30pm
Do come and help to keep this village tradition going in its 51st year!
Naomi Hirst
Police Report
PC Raymond Murphy and PC Steven Graham are the ward officers for the Forth and Endrick area, which incorporates Kippen and surrounding areas. They are based at Balfron Police Office, and can be contacted at the office, on 101 or at ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk
They regularly publish 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 are Antisocial Behaviour, Road Safety, Theft and Community Engagement and Reassurance. As this is the first edition of The Wee Vine, the following is a summary of local policing activity over the past few months. In future, we’ll publish local policing activity since the previous edition of The Wee Vine.
Antisocial Behaviour
Recently, there has been very little antisocial behaviour reported in the Kippen area. Of the few incidents reported to police, all were minor in nature and localised. None of the incidents resulted in prosecution.
Road Safety
Since September, there has only been one road traffic collision recorded in the Kippen area, which occurred on the B822 between Kippen and Fintry. Two vehicles were involved, with one occupant sustaining minor injuries.
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 given advice regarding their vehicle or manner of driving, or prosecuted where appropriate.
Regular such patrols and checks will continue in an effort to improve road safety and driver behaviour.
Recently, speeds of 85mph by a minibus and 86mph by a car have been recorded on the A811 near to Kippen by the Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership.
Theft
There have been no thefts reports in the Kippen area since September 2016.
However, local residents are reminded of the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to Police Scotland or CrimeStopper, no matter how trivial it may seem – it could be the missing piece in a bigger puzzle!
Community Engagement and Reassurance
As well as regularly high visibility patrols in the area by local officers, PC Murphy and PC Graham regularly visit Kippen on routine patrol, carry out road safety duties including speed enforcement, assist with local community issues, visit Kippen Primary School and other local businesses and attend Kippen Community Council meetings.
Crime Prevention Suggestions
During the darker evenings,
- 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.
- 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.
- If anyone would like further crime prevention advice, please contact PC Raymond Murphy or PC Steven Graham who will be happy to assist.
Air Weapons Surrender Scheme
The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 came fully into effect on 31 December 2016. The new law requires any person who possesses, purchases, uses or acquires an air weapon to have a certificate to hold them legally.
It is now an offence not to have a certificate for these purposes, unless you are exempt. You are able to apply to Police Scotland for a certificate.
Further details can be found on the Police Scotland website at http://www.scotland.police.uk
Police Scotland Public Consultation Survey – Your View Counts
The Police Scotland Public Consultation Survey is still open. The survey allows local residents to provide feedback to Police Scotland in relation to a variety of topics, including their views on what they feel local policing priorities should be in their communities.
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, and everyone is encouraged to participate in it.
The survey and further information can be found at http://www.scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts
Top tips for garden wildlife this winter
While many garden animals sleep away the cold weather, birds are still on the go! If you’d like to attract more this winter, here are some top tips:
One of the best garden bird foods is black sunflower seeds. These will be enjoyed by house sparrows and finches. If you don’t like the shells, buy sunflower hearts for no-mess.
Peanuts can naturally contain a toxin which is poisonous to birds, so make sure any you buy are marked aflatoxin-free! Never put out peanuts in net bags, as birds can get their feet caught.
Try putting out nyjer seeds. These are commonly available, but you will need a special feeder. Nyjer seeds can attract goldfinches, siskins and even redpolls. They can be a bit messy, but I think it’s worth it!
Fats are good, particularly in very cold weather. They can commonly be bought in balls (cut off any nets, see above) or in half coconut-shells. Cooking fats from roast meats aren’t suitable, as they can mess up a bird’s plumage as well as going rancid.
Suitable kitchen scraps include bruised apples (very popular with blackbirds!) little bits of cake or pastry, and mild grated cheese. Avoid anything salty or dairy, and white bread as it’s just an empty filler.
Water in winter is really important, as birds need to bathe regularly. There’s no easy way to stop a bird bath freezing (don’t use chemicals!!) but a shallow dish that can be turned over and re-filled, works for me.
Feeders and water dishes should be cleaned regularly. Practice good hygiene (wear gloves etc.) and move feeders to new locations every so often.
In The Next Issue (Issue #2)
We have a few things planned already for issue 2.
Events such as the Burns Supper, and the Cancer Whist will be covered. (We already have a few photos from the Burns Supper to provide a sneak preview.)
As you will have seen, the current issue contains comprehensive coverage from the Primary School, thanks to Head Teacher Carole Logan and her staff and pupils. We hope to extend this to Arnprior Nursery as from the next issue.
Also, while we have coverage of a number of sports and activity clubs in the village, there are still more from whom we would hope to attract articles.
Moreover, as stated in our acknowledgement of help provided by supporters, we would welcome comment, criticism, requests. If, for instance, you are concerned about which is the concern of the Community Council, Stirling Council, the bus company, or any other external body, let us know by emailing us at enquiries@theweevine.org and we will endeavour to get the relevant body to give a response.
We would also welcome photographs (minimum size 1MB please), preferably accompanied by a few lines of text. We do work closely with the Kippen Facebook site, and will happily share content.
The Wee Vine 