Category: Clubs

Our Club curls from late September until late March, so we are now halfway through the season. It has been very busy with our regular club matches, tournaments against local teams and two of our players travelled to Kent to take part in a National competition.

We have missed seeing some of our members on the ice because of illness or mishap but some new members have quickly taken up the brush and are most welcome.

A team of Fiona Robertson, Naomi Hirst, Grant Coubrough and Nander Robertson brought glory by winning the Stirling Area Christmas Bonspiel, a match which has been widely enjoyed for many years.  Naomi also won 1st prize for her elfin outfit.

Curling is an excellent way to keep fit when it is too wet for golf and the dog does not want yet another walk, so why not try this sociable and friendly game.

There are training sessions held at the Peak  http://www.trycurling.com/

Kirsty Cuthbert

Secretary

kippencurlingclub@gmail.com

 

 

The outdoor season at the Kingdom of Kippen Bowling Club is now well and truly finished. Some of our members are however playing indoor bowling at Fintry Sports Club where there are 4 super indoor rinks.

Our closing date this year was Sunday 15th September and, although the numbers attending were fairly small, good fun was had by all.

The annual Prize Giving was held at Fintry Sports Club on Sunday 17^th November when all the trophies were handed out – some bowlers even winning more than one!  A lovely meal was provided by Brenda and her staff and a great time was had by all.

Our AGM will be held late February or early March. The exact date will be publicised in due course.

A reminder to all readers – there is a Bowling Club in Kippen, and a warm welcome is extended to anyone.

The Committee

 

We opened the season in the Reading Room with a welcome to members old and new.

Our Chair, Les Watson, reminded us of the large number of outdoor curling ponds which once existed all over Scotland.  Kippen village had three of which only one remains, although it is many years since a curling stone was thrown on it.  These ponds gave great winter entertainment before the days of television and online shopping.

We are delighted to welcome some new members to the Club and look forward to a busy season.

Anyone interested in trying curling – a sociable and friendly game – can take advantage of training sessions held at the Peak http://www.trycurling.com/

Young and old, super fit and not so agile are all welcome.

Kirsty Cuthbert

Secretary

 

kippencurlingclub@gmail.com

 

Records for 2019

1. Outing to Balmore on Friday 17th May

15 members played . Par for the course was 66

1 round Stableford of full Society handicap for the Cauldhame Cup

Winner —– Pete Turner—— – 36 points

R/U ——— Robert Lindsay —- 33 points (ih 16)

3^rd ———– David Campbell —33 points (ih 15) better than Denis Buchanan(13)

Nearest the pin on the 16^th hole – David Campbell

Magic 2’s – The winners were Denis Buchanan and Ian Galloway

Weather – Lovely sunny afternoon but windy

Course—Excellent condition with greens some good, some not so!

2. Outing to Balfron on Wednesday 19th June

14 members played in the afternoon for the Robert Chapman Greensomes Trophies

Winners —– Ian Leith and Rob McQuater ————45 points

Runners Up – Denis Buchanan and Ross MacNish—39 points

Nearest the pin at the 6^th hole was won by Pete Turner

Weather – Windy but dry

3. Outing to Elmwood on Saturday 20th July

14 members played morning and afternoon

Am round for the Denholm Cup

Winner —– Rob McQuater —- 38 points

R/U ———  Alistair Donaldson 35 points. (ih 18 points)

3^rd ———–  Peter Baker ——–35 points. (ih 16 points)

Nearest the pin for the Jack Hay Cup on the 9^thhole was won by David Campbell

Magic 2’s – winner was Rob McQuater

Pm round Greensomes for the Millar’s of Falkirk Goblets

Winners —–  Denis Buchanan and Colin Dick ——- 39 points

Runners up –  Ian Leith and Alasdair McCall ——— 34 points

Weather –  Luckily the weather forecast was wrong!  We had a warm rain free day

Course – Although obviously well used and the greens were taxing

4. Outing to Aberdour on Sunday 1^st September

11 members played in the afternoon for the Jubilee Cup.

Winner ——-  Rory Duff ———— 34 points (inward ½ 19 points)

Runner up —  Ian Leith ————- 34 points (inward ½ 18 points)

3^rd ————-   Iain Allan ———— 34 points (inward ½ 15 points)

Nearest the Pin at the 12^th hole for the Iain Gillies Trophy was won by Rory Duff

Weather- Forecast was for rain but there was only one small shower

Course- Although obviously a well-used course but the greens were poor

Magic 2’s – No winner so the monies will be carried forward to next year                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

5. The Railton Scott Memorial Trophy was decided as the player with the most points over the two single rounds at Elmwood and Aberdour

Winner ——- Denis Buchanan —– 66 points

Runner up — Ian Leith —————63 points

6. Scott Davidson Memorial Trophy—Ross MacNish beat Hamish Louttit by 32 to 30 points at Buchanan Castle
7. Crown Hotel Cup – Les Watson beat David Campbell by 3 and 2 at Callander

 

Eighteen 1st Stirlingshire Carse Colony Beavers started back after the summer break with an initial emphasis on the health and fitness badge.  Local resident John Smith kindly opened his heavenly blueberry orchard for the Beavers to collect from and learn about this truly super ‘super-food’.  Brambles were gathered too and will be made into jam for some of the local community.  The Beavers have a packed term ahead of them, filled with adventuring and learning.  It is intended for them to be involved with the Remembrance Service in November and to host an afternoon tea for a ‘Contact the Elderly’ group in Kippen.  Also planned is some foraging in the woods, learning about some international dances and brushing up on personal and road safety.  Many thanks to: – Ellen Larson Davidson, Annabel Gaywood, Jeeka Jarvis and Neil Stewart who voluntarily help and support each meeting allowing the Beavers to have fun and learn.  We are always looking for more parent helpers so if you are interested, please contact: adrianjchamberlain@gmail.com for more info on Beavers.

Adrian Chamberlain

Cricket 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 26^th 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

 

 

Although we are still hoping for a wonderful summer, plans are well in hand for the winter curling season. This begins with a social event in the Reading Rooms for curlers, seasoned and new. If you are interested in hearing about the game of curling, do join us at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 3rd September.

Shortly after that the season opens with a Bonspiel followed throughout the winter by Club and inter-Club matches.

The Peak organises excellent curling taster sessions and coaching for all ages. No need to worry if your knees are a little creaky – several play with a cue which avoids going down to deliver the stone.

Please speak to our President, Les Watson, Toll House or contact our Secretary, Kirsty Cuthbert on 01786 870347 or kirstycuthbert@outlook.com for more details.

 

Kirsty Cuthbert

The bowling season is well and truly under way at the Kingdom of Kippen Bowling Club.  Our programme is made up and we have many competitions open to both members and other bowling clubs.

We have friendly games with neighbouring clubs and these are always good fun especially the ‘goodies’ afterwards.

Monday nights are informal club nights so why not come along and join us?  We are situated in Fore Road just down from the Inn at Kippen on the same side of the road.

Hope to see some new faces.

Agnes McLaren

Secretary

01360 850264

 

The Cubs and Leaders took part in the 100-year Remembrance Ceremony and Service to mark the end of the First World War.  The Cubs read out the names on our War Memorial and placed our ‘poppy crosses’ on the War Memorial, which the Cubs made during one of our sessions.  From there we went to the Church and one of our Cubs carried the Union flag into the Church.

Our ever-popular Firework and Bonfire night was held on Tuesday 6^th November at Kippen Football Pitch. This is our big fund-raising event of the year and, despite a bit of rain at exactly the point the fireworks were set off, was a huge success.  I am delighted to announce that we raised £950 on the night.  As part of the Scouting ethos, and with our community in mind, the funds were distributed to the following groups:

Stirlingshire Scouting Association
Kippen Primary School
Kippen Sports Development Fund
The Reading Rooms
Kippen Village Hall
Reading Rooms Garden
Flower Tubs in Main Street
Outdoor Equipment for your local Cubs

We’d also like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who sponsored and supported this event as well (in no particular order – you are all awesome!):

Trossachs Search and Rescue
The Woodhouse
The Inn at Kippen
The Cross Keys
Sheree Hairdressing
McNicolls Country Store
Rhubarb Lime
Skinner’s of Kippen
Weir Forestry
Kippen Community Woodland group
Kippen Sports Development Fund
Bobby Wilson (Stephen Paul Associates)
Martin and Janet Hobson
John Lamb
Jaimie McLean
Andrew Struthers

We hope you enjoyed the night as much as we did, and thank you once again for your kind donations. This event could not run and be such a huge success without the support and generous donations from you, our community.

Also this term, the Cubs took a visit to the pumpkin patch at Arnprior Pumpkins, made chips and home-made ketchup from the produce we grew in the Reading Rooms garden, made our own guys for the bonfire, had a fabulously fun Halloween party and were able to participate in a wall climbing experience at The Peak, which was led by one of our leaders, Iain MacKinnon who has recently qualified as a wall climbing instructor.

 

As I write we are making plans for our end of term Christmas party.  This is always a fun event with lots of games, laughter and party food.  This event also marks the end of my time at Cubs.  My son is leaving Cubs at Christmas and moving to Scouts.  He also plays rugby at Strathendrick Rugby Club, where I am also one of the coaches for his team.  As the Rugby Team progress, so does the commitment from the coaches, so it seems like the most natural time to hang up my Cub necktie and hand over the reigns of this fantastic wee group to Iain MacKinnon and the other leaders.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this fantastic bunch of amazing kids, who never cease to amaze me.  It wouldn’t be such a huge success without the commitment and dedication of the wonderful team of assistant leaders I had around me, each one bringing different skills and ideas to this fabulous group.  It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been involved, and I know it will continue to be a huge part of our community for many years to come.

Derek Shanks

1stcarsecubs@mail.com

2018 has been a busy year for the Reading Rooms. Our thanks go to all who have supported the rooms this year, either as users, helpers or, most of all, as committee members.

A substantial programme of restoration has been completed, involving our tower, roof repairs and all external areas needed to make the building wind and watertight.

Internally we gradually realised that we had major problems of wet and dry rot, requiring expert treatment.

Thanks to help from Windfarm funds, all this work has been carried out, and we are now quietly tidying up and restoring decoration.

None of this has prevented our users from being very active in the rooms.

Keep Fit classes under Andy Carlin continue to be very popular.

A very successful series of film shows has been introduced by Mike Flint, using our projector and screen facilities, and this series will continue, hopefully, on a permanent basis.

The main room continues to be a great attraction for children’s parties, particularly involving a children’s film on the screen.

The Summer Ice Rink has had spasmodic use, but we are hopeful that, as nearby villages have resuscitated their own rinks, Kippen may start to field a team, perhaps reviving the historic league matches between the clubs.

The under five Ballet Classes continue to be held, with the leader transferring across to the Primary School after each session, to hold classes for the older children.

Both the Quilters and ‘The Rural’ continue to use the main hall on a regular basis.

Wee Whist continues, with much fun and laughter, meeting on every second Wednesday of the month.

Callanetics and Qi Gong classes are being conducted on a trial basis.

Upstairs, we are now able to offer a warm room which is ideal for committee meetings and for councillor’s clinics.  A second room (the tower room) will be ready use in the next few weeks.

The Children’s Library, which was originally established as an ‘open air’ venture, is currently housed upstairs, in cosy quarters, but it is, as yet, little used, and requires volunteers from the village for its management.

Kippen Heritage will shortly move into their new quarters upstairs, hopefully reviving the project for digitising existing paper records.

Finally, we can report that much progress has been made with plans for our Kitchen Project. Discussions are in hand with the Community Trust, and planning work is in hand to try to reduce the cost of this project and to obtain the necessary funds before we can commence work.

Our next Jumble Sale will be held on 23^rd March.

We look forward, during 2019, to developing the Reading Rooms to their full potential as a service to the village as a great venue both for clubs, institutions and for private parties.

Jeremy Gaywood