Category: Did You Know

I remember asking my father what some of the funny symbols were in his books we found in his grocery store. My parents bought, and still run, a grocery store and livestock feed business in a tiny village in South Dakota. Many of my childhood memories are of Larson’s Feed & Grocery. On that day my brothers and I were in early primary school, we found Dad’s algebra and geometry textbooks from his teaching days. I vividly remember sitting at his desk to be taught algebra before we had even learned multiplication at school. He has patience by the bucket load and took time to help us learn.

To this day, I have a soft spot for geometry, because of the experience of my daddy teaching me its beauty even when it was hard. I will admit I did pursue other academic loves as I grew up, but the love of learning started at Daddy’s desk.

I know for some people learning has harsh and difficult memories of struggling at school or being punished for failing to achieve certain standards. But school isn’t the only place of learning. From the moment of our birth, for as long in our life as we continue the practice, we are learning new skills, new abilities, new thoughts, new challenges.

One of the aspects of my life now as a minister is to help people learn about God and God’s love for them and the whole world. And the best part is that I’m continuing to learn along with people of all ages, as God is seen all around us in creation, in each other, and in our relationship with God.

When Jesus was alive, he shared many stories and experiences with the people who followed him. One day after Jesus had been praying himself, some of his followers asked him ‘Lord Teach us to Pray.’ (Luke 11:1) And Jesus shared with them a prayer that we still use today and maybe you memorised too. In the weeks leading up to our Easter celebrations (and maybe after too), some of us in the local churches are looking at the words Jesus taught his disciples on prayer that we call the Lord’s Prayer.

I love learning new things about Jesus, God, the Bible and God’s love for the whole world every day. I love learning by asking questions and growing in my relationship with God. I find prayer a helpful tool as I try to understand life. Prayer is my wee blether with God. Prayer is my studying life at God’s desk struggling to learn new things. Prayer is time with God who loves us as beloved children.

Whether or not you believe what I believe, I hope you are learning every day, you are challenging yourself to grow in not just your favourite things but also something new. I hope in this season of planting and blossoming you will experience wonder and awe in the beauty of creation.

Happy Easter & Blessings, Ellen

A new booking system for the council‐backed rural transport service (DRT) has been launched in Stirling giving customers a simpler and more flexible way of booking and managing their journeys.

Registration and booking requests for DRT can be made at http://www.stirling.gov.uk/drt, allowing users to manage journeys 24 hours a day/7 day a week.

Phone bookings can still be made Monday to Friday, 9am‐3pm on 01786 404040.

We’re delighted to inform you about the launch of FROG, a new national platform that aims to signpost citizens in every community, including Stirling, to the services, help, support, events and attractions that are local to them.

Frog was developed in partnership between Stirling Council and Glasgow based Frog Systems as a tool to tackle multiple health and social issues, including reducing loneliness, isolation, and to encourage citizens to lead healthier lifestyles.

Community groups are the life blood of any local area and yet many without funding or marketing skills struggle for visibility in their area.

Frog offers a simple but extremely effective solution to this problem. Every Community group or organisation across Scotland can upload a listing onto Frog for FREE.
Benefits of your listing on Frog
• Detailed Organisation profile
• List unlimited events
• Unlimited job adverts
• Visibility in your local community
• No set-up cost or fees
Visit Frog today

Frog does not seek to replace current group websites, rather centralise the information and signpost the local community to the opportunities available within their local area.

Best Regards,
The Frog Team
Switchboard: 0300 124 6868 l Email: connect@frog.net l Frogquarters, 423 Paisley Road West, Glasgow, G51 1PZ

On Sunday 30th September almost 200 runners turned up at Kippen Sports Field to take part in the annual five-mile trail race. This was a record number of runners and the event was, once again, a great success. The winning female was local Kippen woman, Catriona O’Donnell with a time of 33:31. The Male race was won by Duncan Robinson with a time of 28:13.

The runners up were Hilary Robinson 33:59, Neill Barton 28:14, Joanne McEvoy 34:18, Matt Williamson 29:50.

Several Under 16s also took part in the five- mile race and the fastest male was Rory Boyd with a time of 35:17 and fastest female was Summer McDonald with a time of 35:55.

Special mention for the youngest runner in the race Jack Bradwell, age 10, who completed the route in an amazing 36:25.

Thank you to our sponsors Skinner Butchers, Fallen Brewing, Rhubarb Lime Deli and the Inn at Kippen. Also, thanks to Sophie James – Bluebells on the Green for the fantastic photography and to the local farmers for access to their land. Finally, a huge thanks to all our helpers, timers and marshals.

Kippen Trail Race 2019 date to be announced soon – see you there.

£2836 was raised for Cancer Research by the recent Ladies’ Lunch in Fintry. Once again Culcreuch Castle provided a lovely meal for more than 100 guests. The entertainment was provided by vocalist Alan Parker’s super selection of popular and familiar songs, all delivered with real style and pzaz! Allan certainly knows how to get a party started and many ladies were soon up dancing.

CRUK receives no government funding and relies on public fundraising and donations to continue its work. Strathendrick Local Committee would like to thank everyone who came along to enjoy the event as well as individuals and businesses who supported with donations or prizes.

Particular thanks to local companies for their support:- Glengoyne Distillery, Buchanan Castle Golf Club, Endrick Trading, Culcreuch Castle, Ailsa Lindsay Therapist, Benview Nursery, CJ Hair & Beauty, Coffee Kiln, Endrick Blooms, Fintry Sports Club, Georgia Boyd, Karen Degg, Kids Town, Knockhill Racing Circuit, Lake of Menteith Hotel, Loch Katrine Sailing, Skinner’s Butcher, Studio 63, The Beauty Room, Woodlane of Doune, Wonderland Balfron, Avon, XAV Events, Woodwinters.

Lesley Keighley

After two years, Stirling Council produced a proposal in July to address complaints regarding the Cambusbarron detour on the Aberfoyle C11 daytime and Balfron C12 evening bus routes. This proposal

returned both C11/C12 buses to their original routes and provided links to Forth Valley College and Stirling Community Hospital. The proposal was overwhelmingly accepted by commuters at a Consultation in Aberfoyle on 17th July. Despite losing no services, on 18th July Cambusbarron rejected it. As a result, it was deferred.

As this diversion was added to both routes with no prior consultation we found it incredible that this one village, so near to Stirling, could override the views of the majority. Buchlyvie Community Council wrote a letter, supported by 5 other Community Councils across wards 1and 2, asking for the immediate implementation of the new proposal to relieve pressure on our dwindling C11/C12 routes. Local Councillors, from both wards, pledged their support and met with transport officers. A formal complaint was lodged with Stirling Council. Officers have since decided it is best to separate the two communities. Initially they proposed to restore the C11 but not our C12, despite us arguing that both services be changed simultaneously. To make a change that would suit Cambusbarron would have required extra funding. Officers have now been told to develop a plan to change the C11 without incurring extra costs. They are trying to achieve this as we go to print. We have received conflicting reports on a decision re the C12. A total of 15 plus Communities are adversely affected by the Cambusbarron detour.

This situation has meant the campaign for Sunday Transport has been somewhat neglected. However, all local Councillors and Community Councils have been asked to continue to pursue this. Below are some of the issues that people without transport struggle with on a Sunday.

Connecting to and from trains/buses in Stirling and Glasgow

Hospital appointments or visiting

Accessing other villages on this route

Visiting relatives in Care Homes

Attending different Churches/Church events

Young people cannot stay overnight on a Saturday with friends unless parents ferry to and fro. They also cannot access Stirling independently to shop or socialise.

Villagers cannot go to pubs or attend events like beer festivals in different villages without having to drive.

No access to Christmas Lights celebrations in Stirling, always held on a Sunday.

With regard to the upgrade of the 8 Balfron Buses highlighted by Bruce Crawford, it appears only one has reached Balfron to date. The seats have been reupholstered with new fabric. However, like the Butchers Boy in the Stirling Observer, you do have to look out for it. We look forward to the remaining 7 arriving at Balfron …preferably water tight and with a fully working heating system going into the winter months.

Valerie Brand

Herald moth, photographed by Jack Sutherland, and identified by June Waley.

I love the title of a book on my shelves: ‘In the Midst of Chaos.’ Much of my life currently feels in the midst of chaos – recovering from summer holidays, finding a way into the back-to-school routine, remembering all the activities that are getting underway again, and begin to plan for Christmas. Yes, I said it – CHRISTMAS! As a minister, I’ve been thinking about Christmas for a wee while already; if I don’t I wouldn’t survive the unexpected events appearing between now and then.

I don’t know about you, but I feel that life feels chaotic at times. I remember my grandmother using the very vivid description of how NOT to approach life with ‘she’s running about like a headless chicken.’ I can picture it; I helped kill chickens at a friend’s farm.  Hand up – I have been the darting, dashing, mindless mother, wife, minister and community member, and it breaks my heart that I may have missed something in the midst of my chaos.

At times, I must force myself to stop and wake up, so I am mindful of life and all its fullness. Take a breath, refocus, remember, and BE in the moment. ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46: 10) is one of my favourite passages to remember when I feel life getting me. It’s hard to find peace or calm when I feel pulled into the whirlwind, but if I remember to pause I’m able to be alert and aware of things I may have missed otherwise.

I don’t always get it right. I have been known to look like a woman on a mission out walking to visits or to the shop and seem to ignore someone who tries to catch my eye. I’m sorry if my whirlwind has blasted past and I haven’t seen you. I am trying to remember to see the world and all that is in it with God’s eyes that are not hurried or frantic. God’s love is steadfast and true and even calming in the midst of the storms of life. Jesus told the wind, waves and his worried friends to ‘Be still, be at peace.’ As I do my best to follow Jesus’ way, I am reminded of God’s peace in the midst of chaos that is not only for me but that I can be for others. I don’t have to be chaotic just because life feels chaotic.

May you find space to breathe, pause, and BE in the moments of your life. May you know peace in the midst of chaos. Peace & Blessings, Ellen

Mark your calendars –
Remembrance Day (11^th November) – marking the 100^th anniversary of end of World War 1 at War Memorial at the Cross at 10.50 am followed by worship in Kirk from 11.15 am

Messy Church at Kippen Kirk on Sunday 18^th November, 3-5pm ‘Light in the Darkness’

Messy Nativity at Morning Worship 11.15 am on 16^th December at Kippen Kirk,

Carols by Candlelight 16^th December 7 pm at Kippen Kirk,

Messy Christmas EVE! At Norrieston Church Hall afternoon (time to be confirmed) concluding with Family Service in Norrieston Church – Watchnight in Kippen Kirk (Christmas Eve from 11.15 pm)

Christmas Day All-Age worship at 10.00 am in

Kippen Kirk

Stephen Kerr MP has pledged his support to the “Rural Crime Reporting Line”, a new service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about rural crime.

Launched by the National Farmers’ Union in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, farmers, rural businesses and the public can ring 0800 783 0137 or visit http://www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk to anonymously give information about crime relating to:

• large-scale, industrial fly-tipping
• hare coursing
• machinery theft; or
• livestock theft

Rural crime is a serious issue for farmers, rural businesses and those who live in the countryside, and it can have significant impacts on a farm or another rural business.

Stephen Kerr MP said: “Rural crime can have devastating impacts and I recognise that is a very important issue for many of my constituents in Stirling. I fully support this new initiative by the NFU and commend them for their ongoing work to tackling these serious issues.
“I am committed to working with the NFU in our efforts to tackle rural crime and begin to rid this blight on our countryside.”