Events

Kippen Drama Club – 2016 Christmas Panto

Rick Dekker

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

Uncategorized

Christmas Carols

Rick Dekker

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

Events

The Dr. Railton Scott Annual Cancer Appeal

Rick Dekker

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

Police Report

Rick Dekker

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

General Information

Top tips for garden wildlife this winter

Rick Dekker

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.

Editorial

In The Next Issue (Issue #2)

Rick Dekker

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.

Clubs

Kippen Tennis Club

Rick Dekker

We are a small friendly club situated in Oakwood in the heart of Kippen. Our aim is to provide a facility for all levels and ages of people interested in playing tennis.
If you have high aspirations, or just fancy a hit then a beer in one of the village pubs, then KTC will be the place to be (beer for over 18’s only.)
Our tennis facilities include two all-weather floodlit courts, clubhouse with small kitchen, changing rooms, showers and toilets.
We_play in the Central Scotland Doubles League entering three men’s teams, one ladies team and various junior teams playing across a number of divisions.
Mixed Doubles is played in the Autumn & Winter Leagues, and this year entering the Men’s Singles League and Ladies over 45 League.
We run regular practice evenings, club competitions, social tennis, social fundraising nights and have very popular coaching programmes.
Club Coaching
Chris Jewell is Head Coach, LTA Qualified. Chris is involved with Active Stirling and the Balfron Cluster of clubs (Kippen, Strathendrick and Strathblane).
Calum Warwick, LTA Qualified Coach, has been an active member of the club for many years participating in both Junior and senior levels within the club.
To book & for further information/updates please check our web page http://www.kippentennisclub.org.uk/
Or contact Chris Jewell – Head Coach
thetoonster@hotmail.com (07837339558)

Like us on facebook @ Kippen Tennis Club
email the club at kippentennisclub@googlemail.com

Clubs

Kippen Bowling Club

Rick Dekker

Just something to keep in mind for when winter leaves us and spring comes along, that the Kippen Bowling Club will be opening again during the month of April. The exact date will be announced in the Observer, as will the notice of the Annual General meeting of the club which usually takes place at the end of February.
Monday night is a club night where we have lots of fun playing for points and there are various competitions throughout the bowling season for those who are interested. All ages – young and not so young – will be made most welcome.
In case you don’t know where the bowling club is it is down Fore Road past the church and in on the left after Oxhill.
Agnes McLaren