Did You Know

Ponderings from the Minister

Rick Dekker

‘Why?’  A common question in my life. It was my children’s favourite word for a while as they are young. Now their ‘Why?’ is more elaborate and a simple ‘because mummy says so’ no longer cuts it – nor should it. Their questions grow as they do and so do my questions as a mother.

‘Why?’ It’s a basic human question that drives our progress, our learning, our growth. Asking questions, discovering, and delving deep into understanding are all fundamentally human traits. We are hardwired to trial and error. Ever watch a young child learning to use a spoon? Hilarious and messy though it is, eventually a skill and understanding is gained. Remember learning to ride a bike or how to read?

Why, you may be asking yourselves, is this minister asking the question ‘why?’ Faith is also about asking questions, seeking answers, and wrestling with understanding. Faith, a little like learning to walk, cannot be learned from a set of instructions out of a book. While watching others can help us develop in faith, it is always a personal journey that NEVER ends.

I believe one of the most profound aspects of my walk of faith is that I am always on the GO being surprised and challenged. The firm foundation remains in Jesus, God with us on earth, but my relationship grows and develops every moment of every day. What a blessing that while God is the same yesterday, today and forever – God’s interaction with me is always calling me to grow and learn, never be satisfied with where I am and what has been before.

Why do I believe? The stories of Jesus in the Bible, the lives of the saints of the Church, the Spirit of God have touched my life and my heart, challenged me follow a way that leads to a fuller life here and now, knowing that the promise of eternal life awaits where joy will not end. God’s love has reached out to me in hardships, wonderment, relationships, words, silence, music, beauty, and while there are questions and doubts stirring within me there is always faith that God is with me, loving me as I journey in faith. I may never know the answers to every question, and that drives me crazy some days, however I know that seeking and searching are a gift from God who loves me.

Kippen Parish Church would love to welcome you to worship with us on Sundays when we gather at 11.15 am (except during July and August which is at 11 am).  All ages always welcome. Look out for Messy Church events on Sunday afternoons about once a month. Next Messy Church is in Aberfoyle Church Hall on 30th April from 2-4pm (look out for posters). Messy Church is organised fun and fellowship for all ages supported by people from several Carse churches. The afternoon includes singing, crafts, food, Bible stories, and prayers. Please look out for notices in the local paper, social media and noticeboards for further details about events at Kippen Parish Church and around the area churches.

The church also has an active Guild who meet from autumn to spring time and weekly coffee gathering (Wednesday 10.30-11.30 am) that meets after the Otago exercise class (Wednesday, 9.45 am, cost £2). We are also grateful to the community support of concerts and fundraising events that have taken place in Kippen Kirk.

As your parish minister, I am grateful to have found our way to this little slice of heaven on earth.

Blessings, Ellen

Rev. Ellen Larson Davidson
Minister of Kippen linked with Norrieston
Church of Scotland
Reg Charities: SC004286 (Kip) & SC028719 (Nor)

tel: 01786 871 249
elarsondavidson@churchofscotland.org.uk

Did You Know

Crimestoppers Scotland

Rick Dekker

Stirling It’s YOUR call to prevent crime

Crimestoppers Scotland is urging members of Stirling’s local communities to contact the charity anonymously about crime concerns.

The campaign which launches 3rd April will highlight the difference a call to Crimestoppers can make to people living in areas where crime can be problematic and people may not want to give information to Police or other law enforcement.

Contacting Crimestoppers really does make a difference. In 2015/16 Crimestoppers Scotland passed on 10,000 public calls to Police Scotland and other authorities. This meant: 477 criminals were arrested and charged – 35 guns, knives and ammunition were removed and £605,692 in the value of street drugs seized.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland said:

‘For various reasons, people may not want to speak to the Police or Law Enforcement, so independent charity Crimestoppers can pass on information to protect callers’ identities. Our message to Stirling’s residents is that you can do something about it, you can prevent crime, so let’s make Stirling safer, together.’

Crimestoppers bus adverts and social media will highlight how easy it is to make a call. Community partners across Stirling will also be equipped with the charity’s calling cards, banners and digital resources to share.

The campaign will also see each of Stirling’s seven secondary schools being equipped with free Fearless.org resources. (Fearless.org is the charity’s youth programme that provides a safe online site to give information about crime anonymously.)

Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information’ form via our website http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Did You Know, Uncategorized

HMRC & Apple Gift Card Fraud

Rick Dekker

The fraudsters are using the following contact methods to defraud people:

Voicemails: Fraudsters are leaving victims automated voicemails stating they owe HMRC unpaid taxes. When victims call back on the number provided, they are told that there is a warrant out for their arrest, unless they make payment via iTunes Vouchers.

Spoofed calls: Fraudsters are cold calling victims using a spoofed 0300 200 3300 number and convincing them that they owe unpaid tax to HMRC.

Text messages: Fraudsters are sending text messages requesting victims to urgently call back on the number provided. When victims call back, they are told that there is a case being built against them for an outstanding debt and they must pay immediately.

Fraudsters are using iTunes gift cards to collect money from victims because they can be easily redeemed and sold on. The scammers don’t need the physical card to redeem the value and instead get victims to read out the serial code on the back over the phone to them.

Action Fraud has been working with Apple (http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/gift-cards) and HMRC to warn people about this type of fraud.

How to protect yourself

HMRC will never use text message to inform about a tax rebate or penalty.

HMRC will never ask for any payment in the form of iTunes Vouchers.

HMRC will only post out a P800 tax calculations, in circumstances of under or overpayment of taxes, if you’re employed or get a pension.

Payments using iTunes Vouchers may not be recoverable.

Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should not trust the number you see on your telephone display as proving the caller is genuinely calling from HMRC.

Be protective of divulging other personal details such as National Insurance number, passport number and bank details over the telephone.

If you receive an unexpected call, whereby the caller requests an advance fee in the form of iTunes gift cards, the call should immediately be terminated.

Events, Uncategorized

Buchlyvie Garden Open

Rick Dekker

Avril Galloway will open her beautiful garden in Buchlyvie on Saturday 6th May. All proceeds from the garden open will go to Kippen Parish Church.

Please take this opportunity to come and see this lovely garden in the Spring with the many azaleas and rhododendrons.

The address is Culbuie House, Culbowie Road, Buchlyvie, FK8 3NY. Coming from Stirling, Culbowie Road is on the left as you are just about through the village.

See you there!

Naomi Hirst

Events

Burns Supper

Rick Dekker

Friends of Kippen Kirk Trust, FKKT, again hosted the biennial Burns Supper in the Village Hall in January, when nearly 100 people turned out on a cold night for a warm evening of Burns.

Sir Michael Hirst, the chair of FKKT, presided and the evening was rated a great success. Prior to an excellent meal provided by Skinners with tablet by Val Beaton, the Rev Ellen Larson Davidson of Kippen Kirk recited – word perfect – the Selkirk Grace. Then the Haggis was piped in by Kippen student, Douglas Graham, and expertly addressed by Paul Carey of Killearn. George Eastcroft, President of Blane Valley Burns Club, proposed the Immortal Memory. George has been a Burns enthusiast for over 30 years, and his very knowledgeable speech was well received.

Locals were very much to the fore in the subsequent speeches. Grant Coubrough gave a witty Toast to the Lassies, to which Aileen Green replied, partly in song. Grant’s wife Kath McKellar Ferguson arranged the musical part of the evening, with three outstanding young performers: Balmaha’s Eva Macfarlane (Mezzo Soprano) and Connor James Smith (Tenor) being joined by young Ossian Green on the fiddle. Douglas Graham piped again during the interval.

Everyone agreed that Paul Carey’s Tam O’Shanter set a new standard in entertainment. Complete with props, and his mock horse, Paul deserved the huge applause when he finished his outstanding recitation.

Bobby Wilson brought the evening to a close with his usual humorous Vote of Thanks, followed by the whole company singing Auld Lang Syne.

FKKT would like to thank local people for once again supporting this Burns Supper, and hope to hold the next in January 2019!

Michael Hirst

Competition, Uncategorized

Kippen Seats Competition

Rick Dekker

Win a £20 voucher courtesy of the Inn at Kippen and a second prize is Hug-A-Hog at Arnbeg Farm.

In our first competition all you have to do is spot where each of the photographs of Kippen Seats have been taken. Your answers should be an exact location in the Kippen area.

All correct answers will be drawn by 31 May and the winners will be advised by email/phone and will also be shown on our website.

email your answers & details to: enquiries@theweevine.org

Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4299
1.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4297
2.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4293
3.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4275
4.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4269
5.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4267
6.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4265
7.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4263
8.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4260
9.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4257
10.
Issue #2 - Seat Competition - IMG_4254
11.

 

Police Report

Police Report

Rick Dekker

PC Raymond Murphy and PC Steven Graham are the Police Scotland 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.

Road Safety

Since the last edition of The Wee Vine, there have been several minor road traffic collisions recorded on the roads in and around the Kippen area. However, one collision on the B822, involving two vehicles, did result in serious injury and as a result, one man was charged with an alleged Careless Driving offence.

One motorist was stopped and charged with numerous alleged road traffic offences, including driving without a Driving Licence or Insurance on the B822 at Kippen, whilst another was stopped and arrested for allegedly Drink Driving on the A811 near to Kippen.

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, a speed of 79mph was 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 the last issue of The Wee Vine.

However, local residents are reminded of the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to Police Scotland or CrimeStoppers anonymously, no matter how trivial it may seem. Over the past few months, we have received several such reports, and each of these has been investigated and the appropriate action taken. Such reports are always encouraged and welcomed.

Several of the reports received recently have been in relation to possible bogus work being carried out. Local residents are encouraged to look out for each other, and if they have any concerns about work being carried out at the properties of vulnerable neighbours, they should contact Police Scotland or Trading Standards at Stirling Council.

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.

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, is anonymous, and everyone is encouraged to participate in it.

The survey and further information can be found at http://www.scotland.police.uk/yourviewcounts.

Paper based surveys are available for those who wish, and these can be obtained by contacting Police Scotland, or at future Community Council meetings where local officers will ensure they are available.

Supporters

Recipe from Mark Silverwood -The Inn at Kippen

Rick Dekker

Twice baked parmesan, herb soufflé

Ingredients

For the soufflés

1 small onion, peeled, cut into wedges
275ml/10fl oz. whole milk, plus extra for topping up if needed
1 bay leaf
40g/1½oz butter, plus extra for greasing
40g/1½oz plain flour
100g/3½oz rennet free hard cheese if it’s for vegetarians or parmesan coarsely grated
1 table spoon wholegrain mustard
freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 free-range eggs (from Old Leckie Farm if you can!), separated
1 heaped tbsp. chopped chives, plus extra for garnish

Method

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Generously butter 6x150ml/5fl oz. ovenproof ramekins and line the bases with a disc of baking parchment. Place on a baking tray.

Put the onion milk and bay leaf into a saucepan & bring to a gentle simmer over a low heat. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Melt the butter over a low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. Once combined, return to the heat and cook for a minute, stirring as it cooks and begins to bubble. Remove from the heat.

Strain the milk through a sieve into a jug. You will need around 250ml/9fl oz. of the onion & bay leaf infused milk for the soufflé so put any extra aside or top up with fresh milk if there isn’t enough.

Stir the milk into the flour and butter paste off the heat. Once mixed, return to the heat and cook for 2 minutes, bringing to the boil, stirring constantly. You want the sauce to become smooth and thick. Once it does, add the parmesan, mustard and a grating of nutmeg and continue to cook for 1–2 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Stir in the chives and season – don’t be shy as the egg whites will soak up the seasoning so you want to add more than you usually would. Put the cheese sauce into a heatproof bowl and leave to stand for 5 minutes to cool.

Once cool, beat in the egg yolks one by one.

Whisk the egg whites in a bowl until stiff. Gently, fold a fifth of the egg whites, to start with, into the cheese, using a metal spoon Then, add the rest of the egg whites just as gently to maintain the consistency.

Spoon the soufflé mixture into the ramekins. Bake in the centre of the oven for 15-20 minutes until very well risen and golden-brown on top. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN WHILST THEY ARE COOKING! Once cooked to cool in the ramekins.

Once they are cold, line a baking tray with baking parchment and slide a knife around the edge of each ramekin. Carefully turn the soufflés out onto your hand. remove the baking paper disc from the base. Place on the tray upside down. The soufflés can now be covered with cling film and chilled for up to 24 hours before being baked again.

For the second baking, preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. Fifteen minutes before serving, remove the cling film from the soufflés. Bake for 10 minutes until the soufflés are hot. Serve immediately with roasted golden beetroot, salsify and fresh tomato sauce

Bunty's Thoughts

CLOOTIE DUMPLING

Rick Dekker

Whit ye need

Punna self raisin floor
Punna currants an a haunfa o’ raisins
Quartera punna suet
Haufa pun granulatit sugar
Fower wee teaspoonsfa o’ mixed spice
A big pincha saut, some mulk

How ye dae it

Rummle up the hale jing-bang in the boul, addin a wee tate mulk so’s ye get a dough that’s stiff an no runny
Tim some bilin watter oot the kettle inty the fit o’ the basin an’
Spread the cloot oan top o’ the watter
Coup the hale o’ yur dough oot the bowl an’ on tae the cloot in the basin. Draw the coarners o’ the clootie gather an’ tie wi’ the string. Don’t tie the string too tight or the dumpling might burst efter swelling upan’ ye’d be in a hangaua mess. Noo ye’ve a big bag o’d dough about the size o’ a fitba. Next ye pit a plate in the fit o’ the big poat. Then ye gently lower the dumpling oan tae the plate.
Efter theat poor as much bilin’ watter intae the poat as will cover yur dumpling.
Efter a’ this cairry-oan ye’ll mibbe want a cuppa tea an’ a fag or evena wee dram. Anyway whitivvur ye dae don’t let the dumplin simmer fur mair than three-an-a-hauf hoors. Efter that time wheech it oot the poat an oan tae a plate. Peel aff the cloot an’ therr ye hauv a dish fit tae set afore a dizzen Rural Judges.

Editorial

Welcome to the first edition of The Wee Vine

Rick Dekker

In a conversation at one of our local hostelries, the topic of the lack of a magazine in Kippen came up. After a long debate, a few residents of Kippen decided to have a look at the feasibility of starting a new magazine to keep the residents informed of local events.
We have spent some months in the build up to this issue and we do hope you will find this edition informative and fun.

Our intention is to produce the printed version quarterly, with a supporting website to cater for extra information and photographs plus more up to the minute information in between print runs.

We are keen to receive any articles during the year and you can send these plus photographs (minimum 1MB) to enquiries@theweevine.org.

We are grateful to the local businesses and individuals that have supported the launch of The Wee Vine but we will need continuous support as we are not funded by advertising. You can help us to keep publishing by sending any donation no matter how small to our PayPal account at enquiries@theweevine.org or click the donation button in the donations section on this website.

Our next magazine will be published in April and the deadline for inclusion is 31 March.