WCN - 856

Friday 30.12.11 Issue 856

In this issue... Banchory Primary does BroadwayPage 5

Price 45p

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Alloa & Hillfoots

Hawkhill litter pick upPage 7

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An Alloa driver spent Christmas day in the cells

and may lose his pricey BMW after allegedly driving whilst drunk.

Police in an unmarked car spotted the 36-year-old driver swerving about the carriageway, during an early morning Christmas Eve drive in Alloa.

When the driver braked erratically police swooped and became concerned the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

When the driver refused to provide breath samples for analysis, he was hauled into

custody where he is awaiting a court appearance.

Police have now requested court officials to consider seizing the BMW vehicle which is worth over £20,000.

The driver was stopped as part of the national ACPOS Festive Drink Drug Drive Campaign which saw nine people detected last week.

Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson, ACPOS lead on drink driving, said: “As we continue through the festive season and more people will undoubtedly be socialising with friends and family, I would urge anyone who has a drink to avoid driving.

“We highlight weekly along

with the statistics the incidents that have been extreme, for example the very high readings or those who are inexperienced or disqualified drivers. I would like to remind everyone that these are the exceptions to the rule and the majority of offenders caught are those who take a few drinks and take the chance to drive home or to work.

“As we move in to the new year party season, I would ask everyone to consider these statistics and remember that no matter what the level of alcohol is in your body.

“If you are over the limit even by a small amount, you will lose your licence, you will receive a fine and

you will be arrested and treated like any other criminal.

“The message must get out to those drivers who continue to risk their lives and the lives of other road users. Don’t risk it. Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“I would encourage anyone who suspects that a person is driving or attempting to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs to contact the police.

“They can either call the police direct via their local office or 999 or through the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 where the information will be treated in confidence of anonymity.”

Drink driver may lose his BMWPolice have requested the courts seize the £20,000 car

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Boxing Daydelight for Clackmannancouple at the birth of their baby

Full story on page 5

By Alison Mann

weecountyFriday 30.12.11 2

ContactsNEW ADDRESS:38 Primrose Street,AlloaFK10 1JG

Advertising & Bookings01259 [email protected]

Editorial & Production01259 [email protected]

In your weecounty

this weekFamily Announcements P2

District News P10What’s on in your Wee County

Entertainment P14Puzzles with crossword compeition, pet of the fortnight and those dodgy parking pics!

Lifestyle P15 Feng-shui your love life

Recruitment P16if your New Year’s resolution is to start a new career, then have a look here

Services P17Looking for a plumber, builder, roofer in your area, check out what the weecounty

services has to offer

Motoring P18-20Fixing your beloved car, or flogging your old run around, have a read at the weecounty

motoring for some tips and hints

weecounty Sport P21-24A roundup of the local sports events happen-ing in and around the Wee County

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Have a great day!From all the canicrosers

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BIRTHDAYS

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Surprise a friend or relative with a special birthday or anniversary greeting in the WeeCounty News.Simply send in a suitable photograph together with your remittance for £9.00 (inc. VAT) (cheques made payable to HUB Media Ltd., by 4pm of the Wednesday that the greeting is to appear or call 01259 404 006.Name ...........................................................................Address ..............................................................................................................................................................Tel: ...............................................................................Email Address: .............................................................Message Only 1 word per box

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Happy Birthday

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Lots of Love, John Paul, Brian and Brandon

xxx

It was in the paradise o’ FifeThat place whaur she began her lifeIn a Saline collier’s rowA’ thae long hard years ago

The thirtieth o’ May nineteen fourteenThe finest day that’s ever beenFor that’s the day when she was bornOn a bright and sunny summer’s morn

In the early years o’ her lifeHer faimily moved awa fae FifeT’was wi a horse an’ cairt they cameThe Parklands noo became her hame

From there she walked doon tae the schuleIn the village o’ ForestmillFor what she learned she wisnae sorryA richt guid teacher was Miss Laurie

Her schule days soon were left behindTae get a job was on her mindShe didnae hae to go that farFirst at Westerton, then Pitfar.

Her teenage years spent on the landMilking Inch’s coos by handWhen she married big Wull HopeWi’ a large faimily she had tae cope

But cope she did in truth tae tellShe put us a’ afore herselEven when she was in painWe never heard her once complain

Her family grew year by year

Ten o’ us she had tae rearTwa sets o’ twins that were her prideShe took the hale lot in her stride

A lifetime o’ hard work and toilDidnae put her aff the boilLong days spent at the kitchen sinkWould’ve driven maist folk ower the brink

Last year she had a richt bad fa’And broke her airm against the wa’Twa bones in her leg and shoulder taeFor a while she was in a gie bad way

Hospital didnae get her doonSpent sixteen weeks in Dunfermline toonWithoot her widnae be the sameWe’re just gled tae hiv her hame

Noo she’s getting auld and bentYer flowers wid be o’ heaven sentA gift like that wid be sae kindA worthier soul ye’ll never find

She’s earned respect fae a’ she’s metBy the fine example that she’s setWe hope she’s here in twenty fourteenTae get her telegram fae the Queen

We couldnae ask for ony mairShe reared us a’ wi lovin careThrough thick and thin she’d never switherIt maks us proud tae ca’ her mither

Duncan HopeDollar

THE LIFE O’ JESSIE HOPE Give someone the gift of Flowers

The weecounty news has teamed up with Flowers by

Arrangement to bring you a competition to give someone special a beautiful bunch of flowers every month.

We are excepting nominations from readers who think someone deserves a little treat. It could be that they’ve overcome illness, are having a special birthday or are just a special person that deserves some recognition.

Whatever the reason, let us know and we’ll pick one winner who will receive some flowers.

Send your nominations, plus your name, address and telephone number to:weecounty Flower Competition, The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG.Email: [email protected] Facebook: post your nominations on the Wee County News facebook page.

Nominations for January will close on January 25th and a winner will be announced on January 27th. The editors decision is final.

Last month’s winner of the flowers was Jessie Hope from Dollar who was nominated by her son Duncan who compliled the following poem about his mother.

ANNOUNCEMENT

COOKAfter a short illness at Forth

Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert on Wednesday 28th

December 2012, Robert (Bert, of Alva), aged 82

years. Beloved husband of the late Mary, a dearly loved dad of Gordon and Kenneth and father-in-law of Hazel.

Also a much loved and devoted grandad to Julie

and step grandad to Stacie and Amanda.

Will be sadly missed.

For funeral details please contact Hillview Funeral

Services on 01259 725999.

weecounty Friday 30.12.11 3

By Alison Mann

News Brief

Central Scotland Police are currently

investigating a robbery which occurred in Tullibody.

Around 6pm on Monday, December 26th the news agents at Tullibody Post Office, Stirling Street was robbed.

Police are appealing for information in relation to anyone who was seen acting suspiciously in the area.

Inquiries are at an early stage and anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Post office robberyA Clackmannanshire charity is

set to benefit from thousands of pounds of money gained from criminals.

Venture Trust, Clackmannanshire, was awarded £4,716 from the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund.

The money is part of more than £6.5million to be spread over Scotland which has been seized from criminals.

The CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund is administrated and delivered by YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work.

Following the latest allocation of grant funding from the fourth round of the Fund, 6,580,199 pounds has now been distributed to 641 separate organisations delivering diversionary youth work activity across all 32 local

authority areas in Scotland.Cabinet Secretary for Justice,

Kenny MacAskill said: “CashBack is making a real difference in the lives of young people across the country and I am delighted to announce the latest tranche of over 1.33 million pounds for the Youth Work Fund, which means that over 6.5 million pounds has now been awarded for projects which are helping our youngsters to make positive choices and realise their full potential.

“Since 2007, we have invested over 44 million pounds of criminals’ seized cash into our communities through sporting, cultural, community, youth and third sector organisations. This has made a significant difference reaching over 600,000 young people across the length and breadth of the country and helping to build a brighter future for Scotland.”

The Venture Trust help people gain

skills that they need for the rest of their lives through running wilderness programmes.

Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, Jim Sweeney, added: “YouthLink Scotland is delighted to play an integral role as a primary partner in delivering the innovative and highly successful CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund.

“Youth work positively engages with more than 300,000 young people in Scotland, helping to build their skills, self-confidence and sense of community cohesion through a range of challenging and exciting activities.

“For the many young people and communities it engages with every day, youth work represents the ultimate form of preventative spend, offering fantastic value for money.

“The CashBack Youth Work Fund has supported and helped to deliver exciting youth work initiatives right

across Scotland and has become a catalyst for first class partnership work underpinned by meaningful involvement from local communities.”

Criminal money to fund charity

Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice

Venture Trust to benefit from seized money

Alloa Academy Notes

It was the Senior End of Term Ceilidh and last day

singalong at Alloa Academy before the festive break. A packed audience enjoyed the singalong whilst the Seniors had fun dancing the day away.

Eagle Inn110 HIGH STREET, TILLICOULTRY

Mix of Traditional Pub Food and Chinese Meals available

7 Days a Week from 4-9pm.Bookings Welcome

Tel: 01259 750 423

SUNDAY IS HOGMANY.Tickets still on sale for Hogmanay Party on 31st

Tickets cost £10 which includes a snack and drink licensed to 3am with a Hogmany Disco

2nd Jan - New Year Party 2-12WISHING ALL ARE CUSTOMERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR

A song and dance

weecounty4 Friday 30.12.11

By Alison Mann

Do you have a complaint against this newspaper?If you have a complaint about any item in this newspaper which concerns inaccuracy, harassment, intrusion or discrimination, write to our editor about it.

If you remain dissatisfied please contact the Press Complaints Commission - an independent organisation established to uphold an editorial Code of Practise for the Press. This nespaper will abide by their decision.

Press Complaints Commission1 Salisbury SquareLondon EC4Y 8AE

Tel: 0171 353 1248Fax: 0171 353 8355

A new hub is giving Clackmannanshire residents

a chance to volunteer as a carer.

The Hub is the new home to the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI) and the Ace Recycling furniture outlet.

The new accommodation has been created in the former Forma Furniture Store on the Whins Road.

Malcolm McArdle, ACE Chief Executive said: “We are absolutely delighted to have relocated our furniture business to the Whins site. It’s a terrific space and we’ll be able to offer people a much more appealing experience when they come shopping for bargain furniture.

“But I’m just as delighted to be welcoming the CTSI to the Hub. They have a major role to play in promoting and encouraging local groups, including Social Enterprises like the ACE furniture outlet, so it’s brilliant that they’ll be based in such a central, spacious building which is far more accessible than their previous home.”

The CTSI is the leading organisation for developing the

third sector in Clackmannanshire, which includes community, social enterprises and charitable groups, as well as volunteering organisations, or people looking to volunteer.

It will be based on the ground floor of the Hub, and the team are encouraging people to drop-in and find out what’s going.

Robert Walters, Chief Executive of the CTSI said: “We were set up by the Government to act on behalf of community groups, helping them with issues like accessing funding, or managing their finances – even running meetings. But we’re also there to help put people interested in volunteering in touch with local groups in need of help.

“Both of these roles mean being based in a central location where people feel free to drop in at any time is really important, and we couldn’t be happier with our new accommodation.

”We have the luxury of space, which means we can also offer training and meeting facilities to local groups. Meeting space is always at a premium and we have some really lovely space to offer. There’s going to be so much going on at the Hub, this is only the beginning.”

ACE’s furniture outlet specialises in selling refurbished furniture and household items – everything from sofas to small electrical items, books to bric-a-brac. And with new bespoke space to fill, the firm is appealing to local people to hand in their unwanted items and pack the new store with quality goods.

Malcolm said: “The money we make goes to create and support local jobs, and we also make regular donations to local

charities. At the moment we’re working with Action for Children to donate money from the furniture store to projects in Alloa and Stirling.

”At this time of year people are traditionally getting ready for Christmas, throwing out old sofas and getting their house sorted for Santa! All we ask is that people give us a call and we’ll come and collect the furniture from their home. We can help good causes and make good pieces of furniture

available to local people who are looking for a bargain.”

ACE and the CTSI would like to thank local businessman John Marshall for his help in making the move to the Whins possible.

If you have furniture or other items to donate to the ACE furniture outlet, call 01259 215090.

The CTSI officially moves into the Hub on December 5. To speak to someone, call 01259 213840.

Clackmannanshire Council has agreed in principle to

freeze council tax for another year.

Finance Secretary John Swinney has welcomed the confirmation that all councils in Scotland have agreed to freeze the council tax for another year.

All 32 councils have confirmed, in principle, to accept the Scottish Government’s funding offer for next year, which also maintains maintain police and teacher numbers.

That means a household in the average council tax band will have saved over £500 by the end of 2012-2013 as a result of the council tax freeze since 2007-2008.

As a percentage of income, households with the lowest income gain the most from the council tax freeze.

Mr Swinney said: “We work closely with local government

to deliver better outcomes for people and communities across Scotland.

“Despite the most dramatic reduction in public spending ever imposed on Scotland by the UK Government, over the next three years, local government will receive a larger share of Scottish Government funds than in 2007-08.

“Like the Scottish Government, councils face a number of competing pressures on their budgets, so I am delighted the package I offered to local authorities has been accepted in principle by every council. This will see the council tax freeze continue for another year, putting over £500 into the pockets of hard pressed households since 2008, while maintaining teacher numbers and the number of police officers on our streets - benefitting every household in Scotland.”

New HUB for volunteers

Council agrees in principle a tax freeze for Wee County

HUB is home to CTSI and Ace Recycling furniture outlet

We can help good causes and make good pieces of furniture available to local people who are looking for a bargain.

weecounty photos

you can order photos from:38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG

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Banchory primary pupils really got into the

festive spirit with their spectacular Christmas show.

All primaries at the school participated in the show called; ‘Banchory does Broadway’ which was a new format to the traditional festive shows.

This year, the productions included Toy Story, Sound of Music and Bugsy Malone.

Boxing day baby...

A Clackmannan couple were celebrating this

Christmas when their baby daughter, Lacey-Lily arrived into the world on Boxing Day. Narelle Mackin (20) and Dean Dalgleish (19)

from Clackmannan were over the moon when little Lacey-Lily arrived at 12.41am on Boxing Day, weighing 8lb 3oz at the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. The Wee County News

caught up with the proud parents whilst they were still in the maternity unit. Narelle said; “I had gone into labour at 0830 in the morning and everyone kept saying that we would have a Christmas baby.”

Banchory primary does it broadway style


An Alloa woman is making the most of her retirement

by starting up a new care service in the area.

Alison Ferguson, 55 has just launched Flourish Home Support Services alongside her partner Karen Richardson, 28,

Alison retired early from her role as a psychiatric nurse in November and decided she wanted to concentrate on giving local people a choice in how they receive their care.

Flourish Home Support Services provides high quality support to people who require care services, including those with physical and mental disabilities, which allows them to remain in their own home.

Alison is well placed to provide this service, having worked in the health and social work sector for 40 years. She trained as a psychiatric nurse at Bellsdyke Hospital and through this she was given the opportunity to furnish the newly built day care centre at Carronbank House, Denny which incorporated a Reminiscence area, Snozeolen room and Personal Care facility.

This led her to help develop the award winning Caledonia Clubhouse. She also became the only person in the Forth Valley to achieve the tough Leadership and Management of Care Services Award in April 2011. Karen is also highly experienced in the care industry, with ten years experience.

Wee County care set to Flourish

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Alison took the decision to launch her own business as she wanted to offer something different, she said: “We felt people live longer and it’s cheaper for them to stay in their homes so we wanted to offer a quality home care service.

“I’ve always worked in care and although I’m retired I wanted to keep my nursing registration up to date by continuing to work.

“On a personal level, I’ve travelled over the bridge for

many years and I want to work in Alloa, where I belong.”

Alison would like to take on private clients from the local area, she would also like to encourage people who receive Self Directed Support to discuss choosing Flourish Home Support Services to provide their care with their social worker.

To find out more contact Alison on 07719 045 799 or e-mail [email protected].

weecountynews

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Friday 30.09.11 Issue 843In this issue... Alva Illuminations

Page 13

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D Day for Alva PoolThe fate of the Alva pool now rests

in the hands of Clackmannanshire council as members of Ochil Leisure Enterprises handed in their business plan today (Friday).

The group rallied round support and handed their plan to the council, which if accepted could create much needed jobs in the area as well as providing obvious health benefits.

Their proposal outlines their plans for

keeping the Alva pool open for members of the community.

Simon Kindlen, spokesman for the group said: “At our most recent meeting we discussed the project and came to the conclusion that it’s about more than the pool.

“It’s also to do with the health of a community and the wealth of a community and creating jobs.

“It is a fallacy that you can’t make

money from a pool.“It will be a cultural community hub

as well.”OLE had previously written a letter

to Clackmannanshire council informing them that the report submitted today would be an ‘interim business plan’.

Time constraints meant they could not produce a full report.

Within the letter, signed by Jenny Paterson, the group state the interim

business plan will: “Summarise research to date and include financial modelling to show what scenario will be sustainable and provide health and community benefit.

“The second stage will be to engage a team of consultants to undertake in depth research and business planning on behalf of the group.

“Ochil Leisure Enterprises are currently exploring a number of options

By Alison Mann

Continued on page 13

Friday 16.09.11 Issue 841In this issue...Support local talent

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01259 210 666T ulliallan Castle could be home

to a single Scottish police force after Kenny MacAskill

dismissed Glasgow and Edinburgh it was revealed this week.Currently being used as the

national police training academy, Tulliallan is ideally situated to service the whole of Scotland, and is very ac-cessible in all directions of travel.

Plans for a single police and fire service have already been an-nounced in the Scottish Parliament but the Justice Secretary has hinted that the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan could be home to the headquarters.MacAskill believes the new

headquarters should not be based in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Indica-tion of this is evident as Strathclyde Police Headquarters at Pitt Street in Glasgow is currently for sale at £2.5m (although they are believed to be moving to a new £38m office in Glasgow’s east end.)If not the home for the headquar-

ters, Tulliallan will play a major role in the new single force. When asked about the new

headquarters he said: “It will not be Edinburgh or Glasgow. Tulliallan seems fine as a place as any for a chief constable to be based.”

The single police force could be up and running as early as April 2013

but the Scottish Government should have Royal Assent by next summer.

MacAskill added: “As President of ACPOS Chief Constable Smith will lead the reform on behalf of the police service.“I know people in the services will,

like Chief Constable Smith, rise to the challenge and shape and deliver new services we can be proud of,

services which build on the strengths of what we already have.“In the police service, the ACPOS,

ASPS, SPF, SPSA and SCDEA are looking forward, not back, and are determined to work constructively with Government to deliver an effec-tive and efficient new Scottish Police Service.

“In fire & rescue, all eight Chief

Fire Officers and the FBU are looking forward, not back.“I know this journey is at times a

challenging one - change is always a tough call - but this is a journey which the whole of Scotland is on.”

Plans for the single police force outline the force would be split into 32 divisions to stave off centralisa-tion.

Scottish Police HQ coming to Wee County?By Alison Mann

Tullibody’s Leona is hitting all the right notes

at Open Mic UK Competition American Retro GlassCentre Pages

Renowned artist Petra Kaiser visits Retro Glass in Alloa

09.09.11

In this issue...

Wee County sports

Alloa man drowns in Caribbean

Page 3

Lornshill athletic track

officially opened Page 9

Win tickets to

Premier League snooker

Page 24Page 29-32

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PASSERS-BY have been alarmed

by evidence of vandalism on

Parliament Walk, the tree-lined path

leading to 14th-century Alloa Tower.

Two decorative objects have been

damaged – the reflective Sentinal statue

figure at the start of the walk and one of

the slender “tribute” trees halfway down.

The figure, designed by artist Rob

Mullholland as part of last year’s

Imagine Alloa project, is one of several

such artworks dotted around the town

– made from marine grade polished

stainless steel which has a highly

mirrored surface.

Each figure, standing at over 2.7

metres and weighing nearly a ton,

creates its own shape and form.

In this case, the upper body and one

of the upraised arms have been dented

several times - clearly in an act of

vandalism.

The tree has been broken over on the

lower part of the trunk and now lies at

a 45-degree angle, again signs show

deliberate interference

Several of its branches have also

been sheered. Each of the trees along

the path, which also leads to the Tesco

superstore, carries a tribute plaque ‘in

loving memory of Mark Lovell’.

The Wee County contacted Central

Scotland Police regarding this, but they

were unavailable for comment about our

enquiry at the time of going to print.

Have vandals been busy?

WELL, here we are again… better

late than never, and certainly

not trying to pretend that you have not

noticed our absence.

We won’t bore you with the technical

and economic details, but we will simply

say “thanks” for reminding us of just how

missed in the community The Wee County

News has been.

No one is pretending, either, that these

are not challenging times for the print

journalism industry generally and we are

deeply aware of the depth of readers’

affection as we return to print.

Over the next few weeks there will be

further developments across our portfolio

which will see the launch of new titles

and some old ones reappear.

We believe that this community

appreciation will provide the foundation

of a new and trail-blazing stage in the

long and honourable history of the Wee

County News.

Our paper is nothing without the help

and support of the local community. It

is that relationship which keeps us going,

enabling us to deliver the news each and

every week. In the past, there may have

been some issues but that was the past.

Going forward, we would like to think that

we will become the best newspaper in

the County once again, not only in terms

of readership but in sales too.

Our advertisers are important to us

also, and we would like to work with

them during this difficult economic time,

as we appreciate the challenges that

businesses face on a day to day basis.

Remember, if you have something to

share with us, please do get in contact –

we are happy to talk and share with you

your news stories!

Do join us in the journey. It’s going to

be – like the paper itself – informative,

exciting and fun.

Your weecountynow out on a Friday!

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Members of the community help during the Hawkhill litter pick up day

By Alison Mann

SlimmingWorld

SlimmingSlimmingI

Worldbecause...

Join a warm and friendly group near you today...

Mondays at 5.30 and 7.30pmForth Valley Christian Church, Greenside Street, (opposite Lidl)AlloaTel June 01786 475511 Tuesdays at 5.30 and 7pmTillicoultry Community Centre, Institution Place, Opposite co-opTillicoultryTel Helen 01786 818461

Wednesdays at 5.30pmTullibody Civic Centre, Abercromby Place, TullibodyTel Margo 07879 477921

Send in your completed crosswords alongside your name, address and telephone number to be in with a chance of winning this week’s meal for two.SEE PAGE 14

Congratulations to Mrs S Goldie, Tillicoultry who won a meal for two at the Bridge Inn in our crossword competition last week.

CROSSWORD COMPETITION WINNERLAST WEEKS CROSSWORD ANSWERS

The new initiative, set up to relieve the petrol price

burden for Scots bargain hunters, gives out free petrol vouchers during the winter sale to all shoppers spending £500 or more.

Customers visiting Sterling Furniture’s network of nine stores across Scotland and spending £500-£999.99 will automatically be given a £15 petrol voucher and those spending £1000 or more will receive a £30 petrol voucher as part of the Sterling Fuelback scheme.

The petrol vouchers are valid between Monday 26 December 2011 – Monday 30 January 2012.

Gordon Mearns, Managing Director, Sterling Furniture, said: “The Sterling Fuelback scheme is a completely new initiative for Sterling and the first time we have given our customers something as tangible as a fuel

voucher as soon as they shop with us.

“Petrol is one of the biggest areas of expense for householders today and we want to help alleviate some of the challenges of increased living costs by giving our customers something back at a time when they need it most.

“There are many great bargains in our winter sale with up to 50% off many of our ranges from dining sets to bedroom furniture, sofas and accessories and with the added incentive of a petrol voucher there has never been a better time to shop at Sterling.”

The flagship Sterling Furniture store in Tillicoultry continues to be one of the UK’s largest furniture stores spanning over 200,000 sq ft with a design house, homestore, garden centre, foodhall, Hub Café and Butterfly Inn Restaurant.

Sterling kicks off winter sale by giving out free fuel vouchers

Sterling Furniture launched a new shopping incentive on Boxing Day – the Sterling Fuelback scheme – to mark the start of the winter sale which offers up to 50% off furniture and home accessories.

Hawkhill Community Association has been

working alongside the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface to help local people.

They took part in a listening event which allowed them to find out what Clackmannanshire’s assets are and how they could draw upon them.

Following this event the group help a litter pick event in November, which saw local people take to the streets with bin bags and litter grabbers to gather up winter litter.

Gary Allan, Association Treasurer said: “At the listening event people told us the look and feel of the estate was important to them, so we organised a litter pick, which was a brilliant thing to see.

“By involving the community we’re empowering people, giving them back a sense of control of their own community. And the council worked with us that day,

offering a `rubbish amnesty’ where they toured the estate, offering special uplifts.”

The Association is also keen to take over a piece of land next to the centre and develop it as a community garden, something which the CTSI is helping to make happen with the council who own the land.

Robert Walters, Chief Executive of the CTSI explained: “We’re working with the Association and the council to help discussions around a piece of land in Hawkhill. A big part of what we do is act as go between, putting groups in touch with the right person, helping them look at funding options and how to make sure their plans and strategies are on a sound footing.”

The Hawkhill Association is now planning a special evening for older people in the community on January 20, where their waiters for the evening will be members of the Senior Youth Club.

Gary added: “We’re trying to encourage trust and

understanding between the generations – with a bit of bingo thrown in.

“We’ll collect our local older people and treat them to a slap up meal at a time of year that’s traditionally a bit bleak and lonely for some. Again, we’re doing this as a result of the feedback we received at our listening events – and it’s the community taking the lead.”

For more information on what the CTSI can do for your group, call Robert, Hazel Donaldson or the CTSI’s new Organisational Support Officer, Maureen Hill. Maureen is there to support community groups on all issues around governance, management, funding and finance issues.

You can also pop into the CTSI offices at The Hub (in the old Forma furniture store next to Beatsons) or visit the website www.ctsi.org.uk.

To find out about the latest events at Hawkhill, drop in on the community centre at 132 Hillcrest Drive, Alloa, or call 01259 218139.

Hawkhill litter pick up

Robert Walters, Chief Executive of the CTSI

weecountyFriday 30.12.118

It was Christmas Eve, the snow lay deep over the land and the wind blew cold. This was turning

out to be the worst winter for years and his aching bones told him so. He had been walking for hours looking for shelter, but had been pushed on from one place to the next, until he could go no further. Old Tom had lived this way all his days, keeping to himself, never bothering anyone, living off the land, the odd rabbit for some hot stew, vegetables from the fields and sometimes a few hen’s eggs. But Father Time was catching up with him and now when he needed help, no one wanted to know. On the farm road, drifts of snow piled high along the fences on both sides, with only tracks of a tractor barely visible. Tom looking about, with the snow still falling heavily and no buildings in sight, sat down for a breather. Pulling his old ex army overcoat, he had managed to liberate from a farmers barn years previously, tighter around him, was his only shield from the swirling snow and the snarling wind, a wind that was saying, ‘I’m going to get you this time Tom.’ Pushing himself deeper into the snowdrift to escape the worst of the wind only helped for a while, until in the end he felt compelled to seek better cover. He waited a few minutes more then on aching limbs, forced himself to stand and slowly but slowly, one foot after the other he made his

way painfully along the old tracks until suddenly he was sheltered from the wind and snow. Looking around he thought, ‘that’s strange’. But no more surprising than to see over to his left, deep in the woods a glow from a fire and a man dressed all in white sitting beside it. Tom hesitantly moved over towards the stranger, who on turning around as he approached, said, ‘Hello Tom, come join me. You look like you could do with a heat and a bite to eat?’ Welcome words Old Tom thought, not since before he had had the disagreement with his brother and left home, had he heard them. Tom sat down without a word and let the heat spread through his body. Feeling his joints ease and the pain disappear he stretched out his hands towards the fire, rubbed them together, ‘My this is a grand fire, how did you manage to kindle it with all the green wood and the wind?’ The man looked at Tom and smiled, ‘What wind?’ Tom then asked himself the same question. There wasn’t a wind, only the warmth from the fire. Unsure how to ask whom he was speaking to, he stared at the flames as they danced around the logs. Just as he was about to ask, the man said, ‘You don’t need to know my name Tom, just that I’m a friend and have been by your side all your life, guiding you, but now it’s time for you to make amends with your brother.’ That was the last thing he remembered about the man dressed in white. It was five days later Old Tom came to in a nice warm soft bed in the nearby farm suffering from hyperthermia. Opening his eyes; he stared until they focused on a man standing before him with tears running down his cheeks. Slowly he recognised his brother. Having not seen one another in twenty five years, Tom was bewildered how his brother could have found him, ‘How, how did you know where to find me?’ His brother wiping the tears from his eyes replied, ‘I didn’t, the dogs woke us up and we found you lying on our door step.’

The best gift of all

Every month the Wee County News will be publishing a short story by one of the members of the Alloa Writers Club. Here is the first piece by John Glass, entitled The Best Gift of All.

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DISPLAY ENTRY ATLeisure Bowl, Parkway, Alloa

- VERY NICE

Past Masters Degree Team after P M’S Degree held

within The Masonic Hall Dirleton Gdns. Alloa on Thursday 15th Dec 2011---

Back row -Left to -Right---PM Geoff Hainsworth--PM John McClleland--RWM Walter Livingstone--PM Hamilton Kerr McGlone--PM William P Bridgeman--PM John Stanley Crossan

Front Row Seated-Left to Right---IPM Robert Somerville--PM Campbell Robertson--RWM for the degree PM John Henry Blady--PM Alan Willocks--PM David George Drysdale.


Superintendent Gordon Dawson is the new Area Commander for

Stirling and Clackmannanshire and took up the post on Monday December 19.

He replaces Superintendent Alan Douglas who has been promoted to Temporary Chief Superintendent with responsibilities for Specialist Operation and Governance.

Superintendent Dawson has 27 years service with the force and joined in 1984 as a constable in Bo’ness. He has worked in CID across the force and the Drugs Unit. He was Detective Chief Inspector responsible for the Crime and Drugs; the Sub Area Commander for Grangemouth and latterly the Director of Intelligence. Supt Dawson is recognised nationally for his work on internet safety and is a graduate of the Open University with a Bachelor of Law (Honours).

He said: “I am delighted to be in charge of policing Stirling and Clackmannanshire to lead a highly

committed and motivated team of police officers, police staff and special constables. I am looking forward to building on the existing good working relationships with partners to improve the quality of life in our communities.

“Our communities have made it clear they want to have officers who are highly visible to them. I am fully committed to delivering a quality policing service that is influenced by local needs and that means having the right number of officers, in the right places, at the right time. Together with our partner agencies and with your help, support and encouragement, we can make a positive difference to our communities.

“I can assure everyone within Stirling and Clackmannanshire of our ongoing determination to stop anyone intent on criminal and antisocial behaviour, as well as our commitment to improving the lives of everyone who lives, works and visits our communities. I need people to continue coming forward with

information and to keep telling us what the problems and issues area. Without this we can’t do our job effectively.”

The photograph above shows Sophia Norton receiving a formal presentation of the funds totalling £634,

which Sophia raised for the Bumble Bee Fund at the Rotary Club of Alloa Annual Hill Walk. This took place in June, and was organised by Vice President Alastair Spowage, on the right of the picture. President Graham Kerr congratulated Sophia on her efforts at the Hill Walk and raising funds which have gone to help give a young lad a better quality of life.

Nativity at CraigbankTalented Craigbank

Primary Pupils have been treating audiences to performances of their nativity play.

The Primary one to three pupils treated parents, grandparents, carers and residents of Hillview Nursing Home to performances of their nativity play, Mend the Manger.

Audiences were further entertained by primary seven pupils singing a selection of Christmas favourites, which they had also recently performed for the residents of March

Glen. All classes enjoyed

Christmas parties, with primary one and primary two pupils receiving a special visitor – Santa Claus.

The school is also very grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the Christmas Fayre, held on Saturday December 3. Almost £1500 was raised by pupils, who worked with the Parents’ Association, running stalls selling items made or collected, in addition to many other fundraising activities.

New Area Commander for Stirling and Clackmannanshire

Gordon Dawson, new Area Commander for Stirling and Clackmannanshire

Clackmannanshire fundraisers have been

asked to sign up to the Three Peaks Challenge to help Breast Cancer Campaign.

The challenge runs from July 13 to 15 and sees participants attempt to scale the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in just 24 hours to help the charity continue to beat

breast cancer.Renowned for being one of

the toughest challenges in the UK, the Three Peaks is perfect for anyone looking for a new physical test. Participants will hike approximately 24 miles and climb and descend over 10,000 feet in just 24 hours.

Supporters need to sign up before April to take part and allow enough time to prepare,

train and fundraise for the leading breast cancer charity.

Kelly Walton, Breast Cancer Campaign’s Events Executive, said: “Whether you’ve resolved to get fit, lose weight or be more adventurous in 2012, this could be the perfect challenge to help you achieve your New Year goals. Not only will participants have the experience of a lifetime,

they’ll also be helping the charity continue funding vital breast cancer research.”

Further dates planned in 2012. For more information on this or any of Campaign’s UK Challenges please contact 0207 749 4114, email [email protected] or visit our website www.breastcancercampaign.org

The Rotary Club of Alloa said goodbye to Santa on Sunday after hosting him for the past four weekends

at the Sterling Homestore.President Graham Kerr would like to thank Sterling

Homestore for their sponsorship of this successful event which will benefit children’s charities and also Triple S supplies, Devonside for the supply of quality gifts

which all the children enjoyed The children’s visit was enhanced by the presentation of professional produced photographs.

President Graham would also like to thank the number of loyal visitors who have made a point in visiting Santa at Sterling over the past five years, some of them have travelled from as far as the west coast just to see Santa.

Goodbye Santa

Are you up for the three peaks challenge?

ROTARY CLUB OF ALLOA UPDATEThe Bumble Bee Fund is based in Cape Town, South

Africa. They research into SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and support families with children of this illness. South Africa does not have any social care and support for people with disabilities. The money went to help buy a special wheel chair that doubles as a standing frame.

It was bought in the UK and shipped out to South Africa for a little boy called Marc (pictured left), who suffers with this illness as does his sister. He cannot walk and just gets round on his knees. This special chair means that he can get round on his own and the standing position helps with his muscles.


Clackmannanshire pen-sioners are being asked

to take a benefits check to ensure they are accessing the lowest energy rates.

Housing Minister and MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown has urged the elderly to take the check on offer through the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline.

More than 34,000 peo-ple have now been referred through the Scottish Govern-ment’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline to services which max-imises income through check-ing eligibility for benefits. The average increase for pen-sioner households who get an increase in income is 1,681 pounds per year.

Mr Brown, Minister for Housing said: “As we head towards 2012, European Year for Active Ageing and Solidar-ity between Generations, it is vital that our older people are accessing benefits due to them. We are talking about sizable amounts, which can make a real difference to the income our pensioners re-ceive.

“Through the Home Energy Scotland Hotline our service includes energy efficiency

advice. We want to help en-sure that more money stays in our pensioner’s pockets by securing the best deals from the energy companies to heat their homes.

“Many people fail to claim for what they are entitled to in benefits and tax credits sim-ply because they don’t know it’s there. We all have a job to do to make sure that older people across our communi-ties know that there are ser-vices available to help maxim-ise their income.”

Mike Thornton, Director of the Energy Saving Trust, who deliver the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on behalf of the Scottish Government, added: “We have referred over 34,000 people for ben-efits checks and for those pensioners where the refer-ral generates an increase in income, this averages 1,681 pounds per household. Cou-pled with an average reduc-tion of 130 pounds in annual energy costs for those switch-ing to social tariffs, receiving rebates or discounted rates, the one-stop shop through the Home Energy Scotland Hotline is continuing to help people most in need to save money.”

BT announced last week that more than

3,800 homes and business-es in Alva will have access to faster broadband by next summer.

The Clackmannan-shire town is among 47 Scot-tish communities – passing 186,000 premises – included in the latest roll-out plans for BT’s next generation broad-band service delivered over copper lines. (A full list is at the end of this release.)

The BT investment makes available broadband speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) – more than double the maximum speeds previously available to the ma-jority of UK homes and busi-

nesses. Today’s announce-

ment means that the technol-ogy will be available to more than 1.5 million homes and businesses in Scotland by next summer – equivalent to about 72 per cent of all prem-ises.

The new next generation broadband network is avail-able on an open, wholesale basis to all companies provid-ing broadband services.

This investment is in addi-tion to BT’s on-going £2.5 bil-lion UK roll-out of super-fast fibre-based broadband, which is expected to bring even fast-er speeds to two-thirds of UK premises by the end of 2014.

Brendan Dick, director BT

Scotland, said: “BT’s roll-out of faster broadband across Scotland is gathering pace. Earlier this month we announced plans which will make super-fast, fibre-based broad-band available to 695,500 homes and businesses by the end of next year. Now we are able to confirm a further major investment in faster broadband

speeds over copper lines.“Nobody is doing more than

BT to roll-out faster broad-band across Scotland. At a time of economic uncertainty these major improvements will provide a big boost for Clackmannanshire business-es and offer many additional educational and entertain-ment opportunities for local households.

“And we want to go further. We want to work with the pub-lic sector to find ways of bring-ing faster broadband to areas which are geographically and commercially more challeng-ing.”

Clackmannanshire Council leader Sam Ovens said: “The

Council very much welcomes this latest announcement from BT, and I’m sure our lo-cal business community will too. Faster broadband is go-ing to play a key role in the future success of the region. In an increasingly competi-tive and technological world it is vital that local businesses and households have access to high-speed sophisticated communications.

“Just like roads and rail-ways, broadband is a vital part of the essential infrastructure of Scotland. I’d like to thank our business community who have played no small part in helping to deliver this project, and I’m absolutely delighted that all their efforts are now paying off.”

David Watt, executive direc-tor, Institute of Directors Scot-land, added: ““This is more good news from BT. Faster, next generation broadband is one of the fundamental building blocks which will play a pivotal part in growing the nation’s economy. It’s great to see the faster broadband footprint spreading across Scotland and in these tough economic times it gives Scot-tish businesses something to look forward to in the new year.”

Have you done your benefit check?

Faster broadband is coming to AlvaNews welcomed by Clackmannanshire Council

Alison MannMy Christmas dinner triumph

HAVE YOUR SAYDo you have something you want to say, or something for Alison to talk about: [email protected] are now in Alloa. Come and visit us at 38 Primrose Street

Christmas is now, sadly over and almost a

distant memory, however I am still feeling fat after my huge dinner! After worrying about cooking my first Christmas meal I have to say, I did alright (well in my opinion anyway).

With help from my dad, who acted as sous chef and chopped up many carrots, onions and even made bread crumbs, I managed to put together a feast.

Granted, I was cooking all day as I hadn’t organised my timing quite right and dinner was an hour late but at least everyone was hungry!

I managed to whip up a delicious Lancashire Cheese and Onion Pie, and a Pecan

and Vegetable Loaf for the veggies. There wasn’t a collapsed pie or smooshy mushroom in sight. They loved their options.

I also managed to cobble together some turkey, chipolatas, Brussels sprouts and yummy garlic roast potatoes.

There was a minor hitch though, as we had no white pepper to hand, it meant the pie just “wouldn’t taste quite right” according to Simon Hopkins, but I don’t think the veggies noticed.

After stuffing our faces we took a rest but were so full we didn’t even manage to fit in the fresh fruit and scone topping pie that was planned.

I didn’t even get to eat the leftovers on Boxing Day as I spent the day on my boyfriend’s family’s farm in Dumfries which ended up in a fun but muddy dog-walking experience.

I loved every moment of Christmas this year and will definitely be cooking dinner this year, hopefully improving on it.

Hope everyone has a very happy new year!


Sunday night dance: Old time, modern and sequence dance will be held in Alloa Town Hall from now until April 15 2011 from 7pm for 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Admission is £5. On January 29, J Morgan’s Spicy Music will be providing the entertainment. Bring your own refreshments.

Alloa Writers: The Alloa Writers Club will be off until Monday, 9 January 2012.

Alloa Carers Centre: Alloa Carers Centre is working with Community House and has a weekly coffee morning at Community House, 23 Maree Court on Mondays between 10am and noon. All carers welcome.

Alva Baptist Church: Coffee mornings are held in the church each Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am. Go and join them for a friendly chat over a hot drink and home baking.

Community Council - The next Meeting will be held on Monday 9th January, 2012 at 7.00pm in Alva Baptist Church. Community Business will be discussed. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Community Council Agenda/Minutes can be viewed at Alva Cap/Library or on line at www.alvacommunitycouncil.co.uk

Clackmannan Community Council: The next meeting will be held in Clackmannan CAP on Monday 16 January 2012 at 7om. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Clackmannan Parish Church of Scotland: On Saturday we

remember 2011 as the year comes to a close at 6,30 pm in the Bruce Memorial Hall. Come along with your favourite hymn that may have inspired or comforted you this year and share it with us. On Sunday welcome the New Year at 11.00 am. in the church.For more information on these and other activities please visit our web site at www.clackmannankirk.org. Anyone requiring the services of a minister should contact the Revd Scott Raby on 211255.

Coalsnaughton Burns Club: Cash bingo every Monday in the lounge. Contact 01259 750517. Eyes down at 8.15pm, finished by 9.45pm.

Fruit Barra: The Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra is open in Coalsnaughton Village Hall from Monday to Friday 10am until 5pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa at Coalsnaighton’s Community Cafe Society. If you have an hour or two to spare to help, please call into the hall. Telephone 01259 759099.

Dollar Bowling Club: Thanks to everyone who has supported the bingo teas. The bingo teas resume in 2012 on Monday 30 January at 7.30pm.

Dollar Museum: The Museum shop has a great range of exclusive items which would make ideal Christmas gifts. Besides Christmas cards there are fridge magnets, coasters, key rings, mugs, tea towels and notepads. All are designed especially for Dollar Museum. The 2012 calendar has 12 colour photographs of local views and comes in a DVD-size box which, when open, sits on a desk or table. All these items can be sent easily by post. The Museum is open at weekends until Christmas - Saturdays 11 - 1 and 2 - 4.30 and Sundays 2 - 4.30. Entry is free and there

is still time to see this year’s exhibition on Farming.

New Zumba Fitness Class: The classes are held on Wednesdays in Maguire Gymnasium, Dollar Academy, from 8.15pm to 9.15pm. Call Irene on 07743785103.

Wee County Walkers: Why not join in the free walks led by the Wee County Walkers? Become fitter as you enjoy and easy interesting walk. For more information contact Jane on 01259 290316 or 07825 052677. Walks resume from Monday 9 January, weather permitting.

Charity Shop: The Cats Protection charity shop in Alloa Road, Fishcross, is open on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm selling good second hand clothing, bric-a-brac, books and new goods.

Tulliallan and Kincardine Parish Church: The New Year’s Day service is at 10.30am and will be led by Rev. Douglas Aitken. Please note that there is no tea and coffee after the service. Next Choir practise Thursday 12 January. The Men’s Club resumes on Monday 9 January. Anyone requiring the services of a minister can contact Rev. Douglas Aitken on 01383 852730. The Guild resumes on Tuesday 10 January.

Menstrie Pensioners Association: The Christmas Dance held on Friday 9 December was a very enjoyable evening enjoyed by 88 members and non-members. The next meeting will be a visit to Aladdin performed by Forefront Children’s theatre in Alloa Town Hall on Wednesday, 18 January.

Menstrie Parish Church: The next Guild meeting is the

Festive Dinner on Tuesday 17 January in the church hall at 6.30pm for 7pm. Anyone not paid their monies for the dinner (£10.50) should do so as soon as possible to Mrs Edna Crawford. Thanks to everyone who brought gifts of food for the Alloa Food Bank and those who assisted in any way with the hospitality during all the Services and activities leading up to Christmas. Rev Mairi Lovett conducted worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The New Year’s Day service will be at 11am.

Muckhart Quilters: The group meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Coronation Hall from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Mavis 781473 or Sue 743226.

Craigbank Primary: Primary 1 enrolment for August 2012 intake – enrolment dates are: Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 January, 2012 between 1.45pm – 2.45pm. Please ensure you bring your child’s birth certificate.

Tillicoultry Community Council:

There are a limited number of tickets available for Tillicoultry Community Council’s Hogmanay Hoolie taking place in the Devonvale Hall. Tickets £10 each, this includes supper and live music from Darloch Ceilidh Band. For further information contact Robert – telephone 01259 751103.

Devon Angling Association: The Annual General Meeting of the Devon Angling Association will take place at The Royal Arms, Tillicoultry, on Tuesday 10 January at 7.30pm. All members are invited to attend.

Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908252104 or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.

What’s on in your weecounty

Do you have an event you would like to publish in ‘whats on in your wee county’?Email the details to:[email protected] call: 01259 404006

Sauchie Hall7pm till 1am

Tickets £10.00

LIVE BAND PIPE BAND SINGERS

For Tickets contact

01259 725222 or 01259 721646No alcohol to be brought in as bar will be available. • Over 18s only

SAUCHIE HOGMANAY BASH

Alloa

Clackmannan

Dollar

Kincardine

Menstrie

Muckhart

SauchieAlva

Fishcross

Coalsnaughton

Tillicoultry

Tullibody

Tullibody

Friday 30.12.11 12 Friday 30.12.11 13

DONNY’SCARPETSBEST QUALITY - BEST SERVICE

We offer FREE QUOTES and FREE DELIVERY on all carpets, rugs, vinyl, laminate.

Main Street, Tillicoultry • 01259 752 999 • www.donnyscarpets.co.ukalso in Camelon and Bathgate

EVERYTHING REDUCED

OPEN - 30th and HALF DAY on 31st December • NORMAL BUSINESS resumes on the 4th

CLEARANCE SALE1000s REMNANTS TO CLEAR

*in Camelon and Bathgate

BEDS FROM£79

EXTENSIVERUG RANGE

WARNINGProfessionally

fitted by registered

Karndean fitters

Guarantee sent direct to you from Karndean£9.99per sqm

Picasso & Renoir

CLEARANCE £19.99per sqm

Night Tile from

Friday 30.12.11 12 Friday 30.12.11 13

DONNY’SCARPETSBEST QUALITY - BEST SERVICE

We offer FREE QUOTES and FREE DELIVERY on all carpets, rugs, vinyl, laminate.

Main Street, Tillicoultry • 01259 752 999 • www.donnyscarpets.co.ukalso in Camelon and Bathgate

EVERYTHING REDUCED

OPEN - 30th and HALF DAY on 31st December • NORMAL BUSINESS resumes on the 4th

CLEARANCE SALE1000s REMNANTS TO CLEAR

*in Camelon and Bathgate

BEDS FROM£79

EXTENSIVERUG RANGE

WARNINGProfessionally

fitted by registered

Karndean fitters

Guarantee sent direct to you from Karndean£9.99per sqm

Picasso & Renoir

CLEARANCE £19.99per sqm

Night Tile from

weecountyFriday 30.12.11 14 entertainment

SUDOKU

We are on the prowl to find the Wee County’s dodgy parkers but we need your help! Unfortunately, we cannot do this campaign on our own – so please send in your dodgy parking pictures to [email protected]. Does one of your colleagues suffer from dodgyparkingitis? If so, take a picture of the evidence and send it to us! Don’t worry, all identities will be protected and vehicle registrations blanked out.This is all in the name of good fun, and in no way are we personally attacking any individual or group.

DODGY PARKING

Answers on page 18

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT THETO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN all you have to do is complete the crossword below and send it to: Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa, FK10 1JG *Terms & conditions apply

Name: ................................................................. T:. ............................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................

CRO

SSW

OR

D

Across1. Constant (6)4. Evidence of past injury (4)8. Haggard (5)9. Fiends (5)10. Salutary (10)13. Clearly (10)17. Dialect (5)

18. Copious (5)19. Part of an egg (4)20. Pressing (6)

Down1. Mentor (4)2. Evade (5)3. Point (3)5. Breed of dog (5)

6. Answer (6)

7. Outcome (6)

11. Mystery (6)

12. Collector’s item (6)

14. Motionless (5)

15. Oversight (5)

16. Portable shelter (4)

18. Atmosphere (3)

4 Friday 16th December 2011 Re-GENTHE

Sizzling Suzie’s Winter Warmers

It’s that time of year again. When you have to decide how to use up all the stuff cluttering up the freezer before you hit the shops for Christmas essentials like big bags of ice for all your drinks!! Only kidding, my bottom freezer drawer is always full of ice. ☺ One thing I love about Christmas is that you buy and eat stuff you would normally never have at any other time of year. Which reminds me that I need a new nutcracker. (No jokes about Karen or Paula please Ed!) heehee. If like me you are expecting some visitors over the festive season, then here a few ideas for some tasty canapés. Most can be made in advance, make you seem like the hostess with the mostest and really leave the freezer shop bought ones standing. Any sandwich cut into shapes with a festive cookie cutter is always a winner.

Yorkshire PudsReady made small Yorkshire puddingsCold cooked thinly sliced roast beefHorseradish sauce (optional)Gravy

Make up some good quality gravy mix or like me defrost some you made with last weeks roast dinner. Place some beef, ¼ tsp of horseradish and a tbsp of gravy into each pudding. Alternatively you can use roast pork and apple sauce or chicken and stuffing. Reheat in a hot oven 190c for about 10-12 min.

Mini BruschettaToastGarlic clovesFresh chopped tomatoes with seeds removedFresh mozzarellaBasil leaves

Using a pastry cutter cut out the bread into small shapes before toasting. Rub each toast with a cut garlic clove. Top with some tomato, mozzarella and a basil leaf.

Mini sausage rolls1 pack of ready cooked mini sausages1 pack of ready made puff pastryMustard/or ketchup

Roll out the pastry and cut into small squares. Dab a spot of mustard or ketchup in the middle and roll up a sausage diagonally. Bake in a hot oven 190c for 10-12 min.

Retro Cheese/and pineapple hedgehogLarge orangeCheese cut into cubesCan of pineapple chunksCocktail sticks

Cut a small slice out of the orange so it will stand without rolling. Skewer the cheese and pineapple onto the cocktail sticks and push into the orange. Not only will it give your guests a laugh but I guarantee it will get eaten!!

Mini mincemeat puffsJar of good quality mincemeatPack of all butter puff pastryBeaten eggSugar

Using a fancy shape cut out the pastry. Add a tsp of mincemeat and using the beaten egg as a glue top with another shape. Prod with a fork to make steam holes. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar before baking in a hot oven 190-200c for 15-20 min until well risen golden and crispy. Have a bowl of whipped cream or a jug of single cream on the side.

Well folks take care, have a good one and see you all in the New YearLove Susie xx

Anne is a Spiritualist Medium, Tarot reader and a Reiki Master & available for private consultation, healings and church services

contact, ANNE on 07506723569 Email [email protected] or visit www.angelanne.co.uk

Your Horoscope Predictions

By Anne Smith

Taurus (21 April - 21 May)

Gemini (22 May - 21 June)

Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

Leo (24 July - 23 Aug)

Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept)

Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

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Angel Anne Spiritualist Medium/Psychic &Tarot

Taurus (21 April - 21 May)

Gemini (22 May - 21 June)

Cancer (22 June - 23 July)

Leo (24 July - 23 Aug)

Virgo (24 Aug - 23 Sept)

Scorpio (24 Oct - 22 Nov)

Sagittarius (23 Nov - 21 Dec)

Capricorn (22 Dec - 20 Jan)

Aquarius (21 Jan - 19 Feb)

Pisces (20 Feb - 20 Mar)

Time for you to take a big leap forward on any creative projects that have felt stuck for the last few months, as Venus will be in your career house until the 21st you will have the passion and drive to make good progress. The Moon is in Aries on New Year’s Day, so you may be in the mood to party all night long, your intuitions are also high at this time, so trust your gut instincts.

Raw, honest discussions with friends and family will lead to deeper bonds. As you learn to trust your own mind and emotions, you’ll be able to share more of yourself with the people that you love. When your ruler Venus moves into your career zone on the 22nd, you’ll feel like you can once again rule the world. You also get an extra special bonus when lucky Jupiter goes direct in your sign on Christmas Eve.

Your ruler Mercury goes direct on the 13th, providing some much needed stability; you’ll be able to cope with daily stress much better after that. The New Moon on Christmas eve puts in you in the mind set of being around those who love you, wither it is family, friends or a lover, it is a time of heart felt communications, try to find time for some fun too.

Time out is needed if possible can you arrange to be at a place of relaxation to down load all of that stress, a yoga or meditation class or at least sequester yourself in the comfort of your home, you’ll feel safe and protected, after the eclipse a sense of calm and peace will return, but only if you effectively deal with the issues that come up in a positive manner.

Long standing issues you’ve had with friends or any groups you’re associated with will come under the microscope. If you must break ties, try not to mourn too long, as it’s for the best. You’re leaving toxic associations behind so that you can move into a newer and brighter phase next year, one that will engage your creative life fully and see you achieving goals in personal and working life.

You may be going through a whole range of confusing feelings about your job, are you in the right line of work? If not, you may feel like it’s time to move on, or circumstances may move you. On the other hand, you may be vying for a new position and feel incredibly anxious about whether you’ll get it. This month is all about you wanting more for you, so sit up take notice but in a constructive manner.

The planets are sure to rock your scales this month, you may be wishing you could crawl under the covers and avoid all means of communication, the inevitable transformation following the chaos is all for the good. Take quiet time at home to ponder and reflect over all of the amazing lessons you learned in 2011and set about making changes for the better.

Change might be painful, but it’s always good in the long run. You can shed layers upon layers of yourself this month, especially the parts that no longer fit. Now that you’ve pinpointed any problem areas in your thinking, you can uproot any negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ideas. What you say to yourself is utterly crucial now; make sure those mind-messages are positive.

Mercury goes direct on 13 December and communication will cease to be an ongoing migraine, your ruler Jupiter goes direct, on the 25th and work and money are on the verge of a major acceleration. After too many fits and starts over the past four months, you’ll be psyched to get back in the saddle again.

It’s recently been difficult to focus, let alone form clear sentence structures, but it gets better as the next few weeks unfold. The Winter Solstice on 22 December marks not just the first day of the Sun entering your stars, but also the return of lighter, longer days. On 24 December, just a few days later, the New Moon in Capricorn invites you to start drafting your New Year’s resolutions for 2012.

Your ruler Uranus is finally coming out of retrograde on 9th December, after putting your life in limbo for the past few months. Your creative fires will be reignited without leading you to burnout. Then Mercury goes direct on the 13th, easing up any stress around communication with family, friends and colleagues, and life is more balanced from the 15th.

Duality and mixed messages could be a huge test of your faith this month. But the good news is that Mercury and Jupiter will both come out of retrograde, bringing communication and luck back you’re your everyday life. (They go direct respectively on the 13th and the 25th). On Christmas Eve, the New Moon in Capricorn marks the perfect moment to sit down and write down your plans for 2012.

Aries (21 March - 20 April) Libra (24 Sept - 23 Oct)

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With so much action going on behind the scenes it might be best to keep your thoughts to yourself. If there is something important you really do want to get off your chest, best to keep things private and confidential for the time being. Someone around you could be needy now and you are best advised to take a more sympa-thetic stand.

Aries Mar 20 - Apr 20

Taurus 20 Apr - 20 MayWhether you feel your intentions have been misconstrued or just simply want to keep your true feelings to yourself, you could risk a misunderstanding or dispute with a friend or colleague over money. Love and romance is well starred and you may have trou-ble putting the brakes on your more self-indulgent side.

Gemini 21 May - 21 JunWith Mercury conjoining Mars in the career zone of your solar chart the sparks could fly with further emphasis indicated on the work front. It’s time to assert yourself. While in part this may indicate a heavier workload, even at short notice, but also the impression that you’re being offered an opportunity to shine.

Cancer 22 Jun - 22 JulSomeone may come up with a promising financial proposition that may be tied to education, spirituality or exotic faraway places. This might not be the only such offer that has come up lately, don’t be too put off by the other party’s eagerness to get you on board. You may find this hard to believe but some people think you are special.

Leo 23 Jul - 22 AugYou might find it easier than usual to get your hands on the resources to help you achieve your goals. How-ever, you may be in as much danger of asking for too much as you are for not asking for enough. Yyou could do with a bit of help and support right now but too much help and too much interference by others is only likely to distract you.

Virgo 23 Aug - 22 SepYou may be getting a little tired of being told how popular you are right now, you may be even getting used to it and enjoy basking in the attention. Meantime, if there are any of you left scratching your heads wondering what the fuss is about then you should soon get the wake up call you’ve been waiting for.

Libra 23 Sep - 23 OctIt is said that the wise carry their possessions with them whereas with you it seems like it’s your duties and responsibilities that you’re carrying. If you’ve felt the weight of the world on your shoulders lately then astrological activity over the next week should present you with an opportunity to make some sudden changes that put the spring back in your step.

Scorpio 24 Oct - 21 NovYour desire to be free from con-straints, to take a chance on life and love and do your thing could become irresistible. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to let you hair down, you’ve toed the party line for so long now that you need and deserve to have a little fun, although you might be out of practice.

Sagittarius 22 Nov - 21 DecThis could be a disruptive week on the home, family or domestic front. For some of you this is likely to re-volve around property, for others, the events are likely to be experienced as more personal. Either way, financial matters, contracts and important com-munications are not necessarily going to be straightforward.

Capricorn 22 Dec - 19 JanA communication breakthrough is indicated but it may involve going over, or opening up some of your more private thoughts and feelings. In fact you may find that somehow it can be very therapeutic to talk open and honestly with those that matter to you. Now that is not to say it’ll be easy, and it may take time, but it’ll

Aquarius 20 Jan - 18 FebIt looks like the changes that have been in the pipeline lately will soon make themselves apparent. With Sat-urn, your planetary ruler, changes on the work front could not only offer an opportunity to rearrange your finances you could also be freed up from some concerns that have prevented you from doing your thing.

Pisces 19 Feb - 20 MarWith the entering Pisces, your Sun sign this week, you are right to feel there is something major going on, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it yet. With your new yearly cycle underway, this is a time for fresh starts or new beginnings that will affect you personally. Being personal it can bring a new perspective on life and love or simply a new look.

Alcohol sales go through the roof at New Year as do

the number of people suffering from hangovers. Here, we explore the cures some more scientific than others that could rid revellers of their nausea and headaches the morning after the night before.

AVOID, AVOID, AVOID!It may sound dull to some but the best way to cure a hangover is to avoid getting one in the first place by not drinking at all. Alternatively, theres a few things you could do before going out to make the morning after a little easier, such as eating a hearty meal to slow down alcohol absorption, or eating full fat yoghurt to give the stomach a protective lining.You could also take a milk thistle supplement, known as silymarin, to protect the liver from damage. Vitamin B and C supplements could prepare your body for what it is about to lose and will speed up the rate that the liver processes the alcohol.

WATERMuch of the pain of a hangover is caused by dehydration, so drink water before you go to bed and again when you get up. However, make sure its water youre

drinking and not cola or coffee, which might make you feel better for a short time but the caffeine within them will only lead to more dehydration. A glass of fruit juice could help to replace the vitamins the body has lost and the natural sugars in the juice would boost your energy levels and help rid your body of toxins.

HAIR OF THE DOGSome people swear by a Bloody Mary or a pint of beer the morning after the night before, but while drinking another alcoholic drink in the morning may seem to improve a hangover, this is just a temporary effect and is only postponing the misery. It actually stops the liver processing alcohol thats already in your system, so the levels of metabolic poisons created when your body processes alcohol temporarily drops. Then they rise again even further as the new alcohol, on top of the old, starts being processed again.

RAW EGGSRaw eggs are said to be a common hangover cure because of their protein and antioxidant content, but many people find they just increase the feeling of nausea. If you think you could stomach

raw eggs, heres a cocktail to try:

THE VIRGIN FOGCUTTER* teaspoon Worcestershire sauce* drop Tabasco* raw egg* teaspoon lemon juice* salt and pepper to tasteMix together and drink

LIGHTEN UPAvoid drinks that contain large amounts of congeners - the toxic chemicals that are formed during the fermentation of alcohol - as these tend to cause more severe hangovers. Generally, congeners are found in dark-coloured drinks such as red wine, brandy, and port.Also, drink water or soft drinks between each alcoholic tipple,

which will make you consume less booze and automatically reduce the severity of your hangover.

FULL ENGLISH BREAKFASTThe sheer number of calories in a full English will help to give the body a much-needed energy boost. Eggs and meat are rich in the amino acid cysteine, which is thought to be good at clearing out toxins. However, it will also contain a lot of fat that would not be good for you if eaten too often.

How to cure your New Year hangover

weecounty Friday 30.12.11 15lifestyle

To submit your pet please send a photo of your pet to [email protected] or post your photo to The Wee County News, 38 Primrose Street, Alloa FK10 1JG with your name, your pets name, breed, age and his or her likes and dislikes. * although we will try, we cannot guarantee the return of any photos posted to us.

Age: 2 and a bit years

Breed: Border Collie

Likes: tennis balls and cuddles

Dislikes: fireworks

Finn was rescued after being abandoned in a boarded up house in Ireland. He was on ‘death row’ in a pound in Ireland when he was brought here to be fostered by Karen Connal, only to discover she was rubbish at fostering and he is now a permanent member of the Connal family. He has since gone on to compete in CaniX at Crufts and is excelling in the agility ring.

Finn

PETof the week

weecounty recipes

Short Bread - Perfect for HogmanayA quick and irresistibly, delicious Shortbread recipe. Shortbread is eaten around Christmas time and is part of a traditional Scottish New Year. Although, it is just too good for once a year, why not eat it year round? The success of a ‘shortie’ as shortbread is also known is to handle the dough with care. Do not pound or knead heavily, and make sure your hands and the dishes you use are cold. The resulting shortbread will then be be light and crumbly with a dense buttery taste. Choose the method you prefer for ‘rolling’ out the dough. You can either roll with a pin, or press directly into a tin or a shortbread mould if you have one.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Depending on method up to: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ sticks/225g butter• Tiny pinch of salt• ½ cup/110g fine/caster sugar , plus extra for sprinkling• 2 cups/225g all-purpose/plain flour, plus extra for dusting• 3 ½ oz/100g cornstarch / cornflour

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F/170°C/Gas Mark 3. In a large bowl cream together the butter, salt and sugar. until light and fluffy and pale in colour. This can take at least 10 minutes. Alternatively use a food mixer. Mix together the flour and cornstarch and sieve into the bowl of butter and sugar. Mix quickly and thoroughly to bring all the ingredients together but do not over mix. Tip the mixture onto a lightly floured work surface and bring knead lightly and quickly to form a loose dough. then either: Roll out the dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper to ¼”/1 cm thick. Prick the surface all over with a fork. Cut

into desired shape or rounds using cookie cutters. Place the shortbreads on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 25 mins or until pale brown and crisp. Sprinkle the warm shortbreads with fine sugar and leave to cool on a wire cooling rack. Grease a Swiss roll tin 9” x 13”/23 x 33cm with butter. Press the dough into the tin and press with your fingers to level the surface, prick all over with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown. With the shortbread still in the tin, cut into squares or fingers, leave to cool for 15 minutes then carefully remove to a wire cooling rack. Store in an airtight tin or box.

Are you stuck in a love rut? If you’ve been single for some

time or your current relationship is going nowhere, try looking around your home for the answers. It may sound daft, but according to the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, your love life can be turned around with a few simple changes to your bedroom.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice believed to utilize the laws of both heaven (astronomy) and earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive Chi or positive energy. A key element of Feng Shui is creating a smooth flow of Chi through your space. When it is blocked, the energy becomes stagnant and you are likely to feel blocked in life, and your enthusiasm for matters of the heart will be low.

Balancing and correcting the chi of your bedroom could help to rectify this and bring your relationship back to life.

Stephanie Roberts, Feng Shui expert and author of the Fast Feng Shui book series has provided some quick and easy ways to enhance your love life by improving the energy of your home.

MAKE ROOM FOR LOVEIf you want to attract a new

romantic partner or move a casual relationship closer to commitment make sure there is space for that person in your home. Look at your closets, shelves and dressers, especially in the bedroom. If they are all filled to capacity with your own stuff, make clearing some room for your current or future partner a priority. When you are done, take a moment to visualize your loved one’s belongings finding a home there.

DE-CLUTTER YOUR BEDROOMWhen your bedroom is cluttered

and untidy, the energy in there will be low and slow. Clutter is a sure sign that Chi is stuck, so roll up your sleeves and clean the place up if you want to jump-start your love life. Ring a bell, shake a rattle, or clap your hands loudly around the room to clear out old, stale energy.

DON’T WORK OUT IN THE BEDROOM

When you exercise in the bedroom, or store your sports equipment there, you bring the energy of hard work and exertion into your romance space. Do you want your relationship to feel like a tough workout? If not, move your workout stuff somewhere else and your relationship is likely to move

along more smoothly. REMOVE OLD RELATIONSHIP

ENERGYGo through your home - especially

your bedroom - and remove anything that reminds you of past failed relationships. This could be an ex-boyfriend’s old sweater you find in the cupboard, photographs of you with a previous partner or even a gift that reminds you of a giver with whom you are no longer in love.

REMOVE NEGATIVE IMAGERYThe images with which you

surround yourself can have a powerful effect on your love life. Feng Shui clients who complain of difficulty finding romance have often surrounded themselves with images of a person alone. Inappropriate imagery includes anything that represents solitude, loneliness, aggression, hard work, conflict, or disagreement in any way.

OPEN THE DOOR TO LOVE.Make sure both the front door

of your home and the door to your bedroom open easily and completely. Doors that stick, squeak, or only open part way are blocking the flow of romantic energy and opportunity into your home.

Feng-shui your love life

MOVE YOUR BEDIf one side of your bed is against the wall, the person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered in the relationship. If possible, place the bed so there is equal space on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in the relationship. The ideal position of the bed will be on the opposite side of the room from the door, but not directly in line with it.

BRING ROMANTIC CHI INTO THE BEDROOM

If possible place romantic imagery on the wall opposite the foot of the bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed), and whatever area of the room you first see when you enter. Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or decorative pillows).

Feng Shui your bedroom to invite love into your life.

Pictured enjoying the snow with Jura (left) and Tiree (centre)

weecountyFriday 30.12.11 16 recruitment

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Final part of the short story competitionPage 2Bellshill Park & Ride works begin

Page 3Annual Dog Fun Day

Page 9SportsA round up of all your local sport

Pages 17, 18, 19 & 20

Local propertiesFOR SALE & LET on pages 13

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26th August - 8th September 2011

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Cut The Coupon Cut The Cost

*T&C ApplyJinky returns to Viewpark

I t was a day that brought Viewpark to a standstill. It was a day that many will

remember for a long time to come, and for some, it was

the climax of a long hard project, as the statue and

memorial garden in memory of footballing legend, Jimmy

Johnstone was unveiled.

They turned out in their numbers (estimated to be

in excess of 3,000 in total) to witness the official unveiling

of the statue for one of their own, a Celtic legend, a

Scotland legend, but more importantly, a Viewpark

legend.The statue and memorial

garden take pride of place on Old Edinburgh Road, just a few

hundred yards from Jimmy’s home as a child.Jinky, who was idolised

across the country for the footballing great that he was,

died in 2006 after suffering and battling with Motor

Neurone Disease since 2001.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive

neurodegenerative disease that attacks the upper and

lower motor neurones. Degeneration of the motor

neurones leads to weakness and wasting of muscles,

causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and

difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

The muscles affected first tend to be those in the hands,

feet and mouth. In Scotland, it’s expected that over 150 people will

suffer from the condition each

year and there are currently continued on page 10

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207mmx69mm-2for1_v1 copy.pdf 2 06/04/2011 17:21

Agnes Johnstone with Bertie Auld officially open the Jinky Memorial Garden

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The birth of Hubmanpage 2Male carer group CHAPS

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page 3 Charity Zumbathon raises

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16th - 29th September 2011

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Windmills Cafe seek Scottish votes

Representatives from the three Scottish charities with First Minister Alex Salmond - Photo courtesy of Saunders Imaging

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S taff from Windmills Cafe in Motherwell joined

forces with the two other Scottish charity

finalists from the National Lottery Awards in a visit

to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

With just 1 week to go until voting closes in the

National Lottery Awards finals, Windmills cafe, a

training cafe supporting young people aged between

18 and 25 with learning difficulties, are seeking the

communities support and votes to win the ‘Best

Education Project’ category which would see them

scoop a prize fund of £2,000.On Thursday, 8th September, Windmills staff

Margery McBain and Karen Matusavage were joined

by trainees Cara, Anthony and Lynsey on the trip to

Holyrood to publicise the ‘Scottish Vote’ for the 3

Scottish projects in the finals of this years awards.

They joined forces with Sense Scotland and The

Dean Cauvin Trust, the only other Scottish projects to

make it through to the finals.Trainee Lynsey was beaming with pride having been

continued on page 3

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F our Perth Strathtay Harriers athletes travelled to Grangemouth

stadium on the 7th September

to compete in the Scottish Disability Sport Senior Athletics

Championships.Typical Scottish weather of rain,

sun and strong winds did not stop the

Perth stars competing against the

best disability athletes in the country.

Our team comprised of Louse Brett,

Michael Rice, Kevin Rice and Finlay

Skeet, all members of the clubs

performance squad.Louise Brett competed in 4 events

in her class, 60m, 100m, 200m and

Soft Ball and had a clean sweep of

Gold medals. As we near the end

of the season Louise continues to

dominate her T37 class (Cerebral

Palsy) sprints events and is only 1.5

seconds off the qualifying time for the

200m event at the 2012 Paralympics

Michael and Kevin Rice had good

runs in their 800m race despite the

challenging weather conditions.

Highlight for the Perth athletes was

the Soft Ball event, Kevin winning

Gold in his class event with a throw of

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15th - 28th September 2011

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continued page 2

Athletic success for Perth disability stars

Perth athletes warming up at Grangemouth

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Louise Brett with one of her 4 Gold medals

Friday 16.09.11 Issue 841In this issue...Support local talent

Page 4 Price 45p

weecountynews

Alloa & Hillfoots


front and rear No Deposit






inspection for £50 plus parts, batteries and vat.

24hr Phoneline:0800 318 083www.glendalesecurity.co.uk

VIP CARSAIRPORT & CONTRACT4, 6 or 18 Seats24/7 ServiceLocal reliable Company

01259 210 666T ulliallan Castle could be home

to a single Scottish police force after Kenny MacAskill

dismissed Glasgow and Edinburgh

it was revealed this week.Currently being used as the

national police training academy,

Tulliallan is ideally situated to service

the whole of Scotland, and is very ac-

cessible in all directions of travel.Plans for a single police and fire

service have already been an-nounced in the Scottish Parliament

but the Justice Secretary has hinted

that the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan could be home to the

headquarters.MacAskill believes the new headquarters should not be based

in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Indica-tion of this is evident as Strathclyde

Police Headquarters at Pitt Street

in Glasgow is currently for sale at

£2.5m (although they are believed to

be moving to a new £38m office in

Glasgow’s east end.)If not the home for the headquar-

ters, Tulliallan will play a major role in

the new single force. When asked about the new headquarters he said: “It will not

be Edinburgh or Glasgow. Tulliallan

seems fine as a place as any for a

chief constable to be based.”The single police force could be up

and running as early as April 2013

but the Scottish Government should

have Royal Assent by next summer.MacAskill added: “As President

of ACPOS Chief Constable Smith will lead the reform on behalf of the

police service.“I know people in the services will,

like Chief Constable Smith, rise to

the challenge and shape and deliver

new services we can be proud of,

services which build on the strengths

of what we already have.“In the police service, the ACPOS,

ASPS, SPF, SPSA and SCDEA are looking forward, not back, and are

determined to work constructively

with Government to deliver an effec-

tive and efficient new Scottish Police

Service.“In fire & rescue, all eight Chief

Fire Officers and the FBU are looking

forward, not back.“I know this journey is at times a

challenging one - change is always

a tough call - but this is a journey

which the whole of Scotland is on.”Plans for the single police force

outline the force would be split into

32 divisions to stave off centralisa-

tion.

Scottish Police HQ coming to Wee County?

By Alison Mann

Tullibody’s Leona is hitting all the right notes

at Open Mic UK CompetitionAmerican Retro Glass

Centre Pages

Renowned artist Petra Kaiser visits Retro Glass in Alloa Reporter/Trainee Reporter

Are you looking to make the next move that will put your career on the right path? Or

perhaps hoping to take that first step into the world of journalism?

Hub Media is looking for a talented reporter /trainee reporter to join its team working on the Wee County News, based in Alloa.

The successful applicant will be adaptable and able to cover news and sport while bringing exciting ideas to the table.

We are looking for an ambitious reporter or graduate with a qualification in journalism, shorthand and knowledge of Scots Law. The ideal candidate will have an excellent news sense and the ability to remain calm while working to a strict deadline.

This is an opportunity to join an expanding company who have a strong portfolio of newspapers across South Lanarkshire, Perthshire and Clackmannanshire. Three papers will be launched from the Alloa office in the very near future and you will play a key part in shaping their content.

A car owner would be preferred. Send written applications, including CV and clippings to:Hub Media LtdScott MocharEllismuir House, Ellismuir Way, UddingstonG71 5PWTel: 01698 803909Email: [email protected]

Call Centre AgentJob No: ALL/22970Employer Reference: SO0178SOC Code: 7211Wage £10.40 Per Hour + Weekend, Evening, Night EnhancementHours 36 hours per week, Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 14 December 2011Closing date 20 January 2012Pension details No details heldDescription - Services to PeopleTelecare/MECS Responders (Relief) hours as required MECS Responders work as part of a larger team of staff who provide a quality care service, to service users in their own home. You will be required to work on your own initiative responding to calls for assistance from service users - tasks will include personal care, assisting people who have fallen, and assessing emergency situations. You will work co-operatively with the service’s contact centre to deal with all calls appropriately and timorously. You must be available to work both day and evening shifts within a rota managed by the Team Leader Should you have difficulty in accessing the documents and application form and wish to request a paper application pack please call 01259 452234 (24 hrs) and leave your details along with the reference number of the post.How to apply-You can apply for this job by visiting www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/fe/tpl_ScottishPortal01.asp?newms=jj&id=118503&aid=11667Opens new window (unless Javascript disabled) and following the instructions on the webpage.Employer Clackmannanshire Council

Domestic AssistantJob No: ALL/22979Employer Reference: HCO31873SOC Code: 9233Wage £12646.40 per annumHours 16Location Alloa,Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 19 December 2011Closing date 02 January 2012Pension details No details heldDescription To work as part of a team to maintain

a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene within the Care Centre, whilst ensuring a safe, comfortable environment at all times.Daily Cleaning:-Empty waste bins and wipe out-Vacuum throughout.-Shake out cushions.-Clean dining rooms / lounges / lavatories.-Clean taps and sinks.-Clean soap dishes.-Clean toothbrush holder s.-Spot clean all floorings. Weekly Cleaning: -Polish all mirrors-Clean all pipework in lavatories.-Dust handrails and radiators.- Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure. Disclosure expense will be met by applicant. Job Reference: HCO31873How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Southern Cross Healthcare at HC-1, [email protected] HC-1

Kitchen AssistantJob No: ALL/22980SOC Code: 9233Wage £12646.40 per annumHours Days & hours to be agreedLocation Alloa,Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 19 December 2011Closing date 02 January 2012Pension details No details heldDescription Kitchen assistant required to assist in organising and controlling the efficient and economic production of quality food within the allowed budget, whilst maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Job Reference: HCO31874How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to jobs at HC-1, [email protected] HC-1

Cleaning OperativeJob No: ALL/22942Employer Reference: Sterling MillsSOC Code: 9233Wage £7.50 Per HourHours 12 hours over 5 daysLocation Sterling Mills,Tillicoultry FK13Duration Temporary

Date posted 02 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription A cleaning operative is required to work in a busy retail shop. Experience is preferred and must be able to work on your own initiative, candidates must be able to start work immediately.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Michelle Dixon at Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd, [email protected] Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd

Door to Door Sales PersonJob No: ALL/22961SOC Code: 7121Wage £12,500 PER ANNUMHours 40 HOURS PER WEEK, MONDAY-FRIDAY, 12PM-8PM WITH BREAKLocation Alloa,Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 08 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription The ideal candidate will be motivated and driven to hit and exceed achievable targets. You will also be customer focused. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone wanting to build their sales skills into a career within a progressive and established multinational market leader. Ideally you will either have some sales experience or a military, authorities background and eager to move into a sales career. Full driving licence is essential. This is a rewarding door to door sales role where you will be provided all of the necessary tools and technology to achieve great results. You will be advising potential customers on the benefits and savings available for them when switching to a competitive package for their home energy, as well as providing solutions for them to save on their usage. Employer states OTE £29,972.00 or call Kevin on 0191 230 3947How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kevin Tinkler at Prime Time Recruitment, [email protected] Prime Time Recruitment

Assistant Manager/ManageressJob No: ALL/22954SOC Code: 1163Wage £6.50 PER HOUR

Hours 30 HOURS PER WEEK,4-5 DAYS FROM7,10.00AM-6.00PMLocation TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration PermanentDate posted 06 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Previous experience in a similar role essential. Duties include all aspects of assisting in the day to day running of a busy home store including cash handling, dealing with customers, planning staff rota’s and other duties. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22954, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open

8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

SupervisorJob No: ALL/22963SOC Code: 7111Wage Meets Nat Min WageHours 35 HOURS PER WEEK, 5 DAYS FROM 7, BETWEEN 9AM-6PMLocation TILLICOULTRY, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration TemporaryDate posted 12 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Previous experience is preferred but not essential. Duties include supervising assistants, customer service and housekeeping duties. Post or hand in CV to storeHow to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Kitsty Green at Alexon, Unit 23 Devon Vale, TILLICOULTRY, Clackmannanshire, FK13 6HQ.Employer Alexon

Deisel MechanicJob No: ALL/22952SOC Code: 5223Wage Meets Nat Min WageHours MON - FRILocation Alloa,Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 06 December 2011Closing date 30 December 2011Pension details Pension availableDescription Oran Environmental Solutions is currently recruiting for a Diesel Mechanic. The role requires supporting the Process Operations Manager, Process Manager and other maintenance staff by ensuring that all mechanical equipment is maintained to guarantee operational and Health & Safety requirements.To apply for this role it is essential that you have experience working on all or some of the following - JCB, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Telehandler or Load Alls. You will be Time Served in a mechanical discipline and hold a full driving license. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Erin Hamilton at Oran Environmental Solutions, [email protected] Oran Environmental Solutions

PlumberJob No: ALL/22929SOC Code: 5314Wage £10.00 PER HOURHours 16-30 PER WEEK OVER A 7 DAY ROTA BETWEEN 7AM-5PMLocation Alloa,Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 23 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Must have relevant extensive experience. Gas safety certification would be an advantage but not essential. Duties include general plumbing and heating, boiler and bathroom installs.How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to John O’ Malley at Alpha Plumbing Services, [email protected] Alpha Plumbing Services

CleanerJob No: ALL/22858SOC Code: 9233Wage EXCEEDS NAT MIN WAGE

Hours 10 HOURS BETWEEN 8.30AM-4.30PM MONDAY-FRIDAYLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration PermanentDate posted 03 November 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Experience an advantage but not essential as training will be provided. Duties include, mopping, hoovering, ironing and other cleaning duties as required. Must have access to transport. This is a permanent job initially working 10 hours per week with the potential to increase to 30 hours per week. Applicants to email a CV and referencesHow to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Tanya Paterson at Diamond Domestics, [email protected] Diamond Domestics

Hotel Duty ManagerJob No: ALL/22945SOC Code: 1221Wage £6.50+ per hourHours 30-40 per week, 5 days over 7, between 7am and 12 midnightLocation Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13Duration PermanentDate posted 02 December 2011Pension details No details heldDescription Must be 18+. Experience within a hotel industry is essential. Must hold a personal licence. Duties will include staff training and supervision, cash handling, liasing with suppliers and contractors, reception duties, food and beverage. Due to the nature of the role the postholder may be required to stay overnight as and when required. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010. How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Rutherford at Bridge Inn, [email protected] Bridge Inn

Female Support WorkersJob No: ALL/22740SOC Code: 6115Wage £6.30 TO £7.25 PER HOURHours RELIEF & PART TIME 12-30 HOURS AVAIL - DAYS/EVENINGS/WENDSLocation CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK12Duration PermanentDate posted 27 September 2011Pension details Pension availableDescription Female only. Driving License, telephone and access to a vehicle is essential. ILS provides high-quality community based care services across Scotland. Experience would be beneficial, however full training will be given. You will provide physical, personal and domestic support to our service users in their own homes. You will have a genuine interest in working with people and will use your excellent communication skills to enhance peoples quality of life through promoting independence within the home and community. Must be a PVG Scheme Member and hold a full scheme record for working with vulnerable adults, if successful the cost of this is 59 which will be met by the applicant although 30 of this cost will be reimbursed following 6 months satisfactory employment. The employer claims an exemption to the Equality Act 2010.How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22740, please telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234. Lines are open 8.00am - 6.00pm weekdays only. All calls are charged at local rate. Call charges may be different if you call from a mobile phone. Alternatively, visit your local Jobcentre Plus Office and use the customer access phones provided to call Jobseeker Direct. The textphone service for deaf and hearing-impaired people is 0845 6055 255.

weecounty Friday 30.12.11 17services

VAN/ VAN DRIVER

weecountyservices

To advertise in this section, call theWee County sales team NOW

PLUMBING AND CENTRAL HEATING

Domestic & Commercial231/2 hour service

call on 01259 21566807831 386072

Robert Shepherd Plumbing Ltd

UPHOLSTERY

Reid Tree & Garden Services• Tree felling, shaping & trimming• All other landscaping services available• Mono blocking, patios & paths laid Pathways & drives gravelled• Slabbing & walls repaired or replaced• Fences & turfing• All types and sizes of trees supplied and planted from 1mtr to 10mtrFor free estimate and advice telephoneMr. Reid: 0800 0432375 / 07979 634002

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Ewan DouglasPLUMBING24HR EMERGENCY REPAIRS

NO CALL OUT FEEMob: 07861 498 692Complete bathroom installations

FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 01259 215 036www.ewandouglasplumbing.co.uk

Alex HillELECTRICAL SERVICES

Offering electrical services and installation work to

industrial, commerical and domestic premises

Tel/Fax: 01259 210 445Mob: 07957 395 522

NORLAND JOINERYAll types of joinery work undertaken,

loft conversion specialists, extensions, kitchens etc.

Free estimates

Tel: 07831 284 618www.norlandjoinery.com

01259 404 006

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G.J.S.LANDSCAPES & FENCINGProperty Maintenance• FENCING • DECKING • SLABBING

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Contact Central Storage, Stirling01786 470954 - 07879 895 824

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ALL ~ WORK ~ GUARANTEEDCALL YOUR LOCAL ENGINEER NOW

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N & GPlastering

Plastering, Interior and exterior painting and Tiling work

all undertaken at competitive ratesCoving installation

Full liability insuranceQuality assured FREE Estimates

Contact Gary on:01259 210 311 or 07909 923 556

BUILDERS

Roofs R UsUp to 15 Years Guarantee On All New Roofs

• Slating & Tiling• UpVC cladding• All cement work & led work undertaken• Roofs cleaned and coated• Gutters repaired, cleaned & renewed

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT

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VAN 4 UHouse Clearances, Rubbish Uplifts,

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GARAGE DOORS

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CCTV Basic Package4 Cameras, Monitor, Recorder, Mouse and Installation

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Limited QuantityPlus VAT

Best wishes for 2012 to all our advertisers

and readers~~~~~

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE

call Heather on 01259 404 006

weecountyFriday 30.12.11 18 motoring

Motoring

PETROL PRICESUNLEADEDASDA - Alloa - 128.7Morrisons - Alloa - 128.9Tesco - Alloa - 129.0Highest - 131.9DIESELASDA - Alloa - 136.7Tesco - Alloa - 137.9Morrisons - Alloa - 137.9Highest - 143.9Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.

TOYOTA AURIS TR V VT1.6 PETROL

Silver, 29700mls , 5 door, rear parking sensorsTax end of April 2012Mot end of Feb 2012

WILL PUT NEW MOT ON CAR FOR BUYER.Service history, 2 owner from new

First class condition

£5350 ono tel 01324 472682

David Morton LtdCars - Vans - All Scrap Metal

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Falkirk

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Call us first, contact us on 07810 621 355 www.revive-uk.com7 Kingseat Drive, Tillicoultry FK13 6RE

BritishFranchiseAssociation

SUDOKU ANSWERS

PUZZLE ANSWERS from page 14

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

for last weeks Crossword competition answers

see page 7

This week in the final Motoring of the year and

as we head deep into Winter, the weather forecast is not looking to get any better. A new cold snap is on the way! Great, everyone likes the snow – don’t they? As comedian Michael McIntyre said in a recent live performance, only when it is snowing are you allowed to wake up the wife mid sleep without any repercussions! However, as we have seen recently the average motorist is likely to get stuck at some point in the snow. Also, as some local authorities are not as switched on as others when preparing the roads this will just add to the chaos. One way to potentially overcome the hazards of winter driving is to buy the latest ‘must have’ SUV (4x4). The SUV has risen in popularity over the past few

years and the manufacturers have realised this with nearly all car manufacturers now offering some form of SUV. That said, the ‘must have’ SUV is from those premium badges such as BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Range Rover. So can Mr & Mrs average really afford a premium SUV in the current climate? Well, the answer is simple - yes you can! Even more so if you are prepared to shop around and opt for an older model in the range or indeed a higher mileage vehicle. We set ourselves a challenge at HUB MEDIA HQ – to find some premium badge SUVs for under £11,000 (but must have toys such as xenon lights and sat nav) – the price of a new fiesta! So here are our top 5 recommendations for premium SUV motoring on a budget!

Well there you have our top 5 premium SUV’s on a budget. Like any purchase, shop around and haggle for a deal. One tip would be to put a private plate on the car – that way only the train spotters would know how old it actually is!

THIS WINTERS TOP 5 SUV’s

1) Range Rover Vogue – The Range Rover has always been the pinnacle of motoring, the distinguished gentlemen’s choice. The countryside green wellie brigade’s preferred taxi. A new one will cost anything upwards of £64,695 . We found a 2002 (52) plate, Range Rover Vogue TD6, fully loaded with 135,000 miles for just £10,500. Very similar to the current model too! Bargain!

2) BMW X5 – when this car launched back in 2001 it really did shake up the premium SUV market. And, you could argue that it is the best in its class – picking up many awards in its time. The new model was launched in 2007 but we found a 2002 (02) plate 3.0i Sport X5 with 95,000 miles for sale at £9,500. New, it would have cost in the region of £35,000 with the new model starting from £40,000.

3) Mercedes M Class – Mercedes were early entrants into the premium SUV market and wanted to offer their customers a luxury SUV and take on Land Rover. One thing about the ML is that they generally were well equipped, but really did lack on ride quality. They changed it back in 2005 with the all new M-Class, but we found a 2003 (03) Facelift ML320, 102,000 miles for just £7,495. This car would have been around £33,000 new.

4) Lexus RX300– It is well known that when you buy a Lexus – you buy Japanese precision engineering and is highly unlikely to break down! The RX300 was a new and bold step for Lexus back in 2003 – and actually won over many of those who doubted it. Fully loaded and offered rear reversing cameras to help you park. Luxury motoring indeed. We found a 2003 (03) RX300, 100k for £7,995. New this would be around £34,000.

5) Volkswagen Touareg - The Touareg was something different, introduced in 2003, a first for VW, it sold pretty well. For some bizarre reason VW decided to launch with a 5.0 V10 Diesel engine – great performance but somewhat thirsty! With VW you know what you are paying for – excellent, reliable build quality. We found a 2003 (03) 5.0 V10 Diesel Touareg for

£10,995. This would have cost around £45,000 new.

weecounty Friday 30.12.11 19Motoring

www.macraeanddick.co.uk

Stirling Ford 0845 644 9336

Images available for illustration purposes only. Terms & conditions apply. To qualify for free MOTs for life your vehicle must have a valid Gold Card and be serviced at a Macrae & Dick Service Department or Rapid Fit. Full Gold Card terms & conditions are available at www.macraeanddick.co.uk. Prices/offers correct at time of going to print and subject to alteration/withdrawal without notice. **Cashback consists of either a direct payment, contribution towards a fi nance deposit or a reduction in the vehicle purchase price.

Cashback offer applies to all cars but any car purchased on fi nance will be subject to any additional terms and restrictions that the particular fi nance company may impose.

**Excluding: Land Rover and Jaguar locations

Free MOT’s for life10% off service repairs

£500 cash backon all used vehicles

sold in January**

PLUS

WAS £6,995

SALE PRICE

£5,495

06 56 Ford Fiesta 2.0 ST

SALE PRICE

£8,995

11 60 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

SALE PRICE

£13,995

11 11 Ford S-MAX 2.0 Zetec

SALE PRICE

£17,495

10 10 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium

WAS £9,995 WAS £14,995 WAS £17,995

07 57 Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic, Teseo Blue, 20,214 miles ................................£3,495 05 55 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 Breeze, Silver Lightning, 51,200 miles ...................£3,695 04 54 Ford C-MAX 1.6 TDCi Zetec, Tango Red, 37,000 miles ...........................£4,495 06 56 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec, Moondust Silver, 62,265 miles ................£4,495 57 07 Nissan Note Se 1.4, Blade Silver, 35,826 miles ......................................£4,995 08 08 Peugeot 207 1.4sw S Est, Aluminium, 38,292 miles ...............................£5,995 07 56 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi Elite, Silver Lightning, 51,499 miles ...............£5,995 08 08 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec Climate, Moondust Silver, 32,422 miles ............£5,995 08 58 Mazda6 1.8 TS, Knight Black, 59,022 miles ............................................£6,495 09 59 Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 Sxi, Flame Red, 27,650 miles ...................................£6,495 09 09 Ford Ka 1.2 Style, Scuba, 15,997 miles ...................................................£6,495 09 09 Ford Ka 1.2 Style, Blush, 12,489 miles ...................................................£6,695 08 08 Volvo S40 1.8 S, Silver Flake, 46,458 miles .............................................£6,995 07 07 Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi Titanium, Tonic Blue, 57,908 miles .......................£6,995 10 10 Ford Ka 1.2 Style+, Moonlight, 8,202 miles .............................................£6,995 09 09 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Style, Colorado Red, 9,248 miles .................................£6,995 08 58 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium, Squeeze, 17,046 miles ...................................£7,995 09 59 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Panther Black, 20,692 miles .............................£7,995 09 09 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium, Colorado Red, 24,061 miles ...........................£8,495

08 57 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi Edge, Sea Grey, 23,299 miles .............................£8,495 10 60 Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i TR, Eclipse Black, 4,330 miles ............................£8,495 11 11 Ford Ka 1.2 Tattoo, Moonlight, 10 miles .................................................£8,995 11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Moondust Silver, 4,241 miles .............................£8,995 08 58 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Titanium, Hot Magenta, 25,758 miles ............................£8,995 11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Edge, Ink Blue, 4655 miles ..........................................£9,495 11 11 Ford Ka 1.2 Zetec, Scuba, 2,576 miles ....................................................£9,995 11 11 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Climate, Moondust Silver, 4,458 miles .................£9,995 11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec, Frozen White, 7,154 miles ...................................£9,995 11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.4 Titanium, Hot Magenta, 4,220 miles ............................£10,495 11 11 Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, Moondust Silver, 2,255 miles ..........................£10,995 11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec , Panther Black, 8,429 miles ..................£13,995 11 11 Ford Focus 1.6 Ti-VCT Zetec, Moondust Silver, 3,462 miles.................£14,495 11 11 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec, Micastone, 2,888 miles .............................£15,995 11 11 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X, Panther Black, 8,923 miles ...........£16,995 11 11 Ford Mondeo 1.6 SCTi Titanium Ecoboost, Midnight Sky, 4,697 miles .£17,495 11 11 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Cc-3 Coupe Cabriolet, Panther Black, 3,276 miles ..£18,995 11 11 Ford S-MAX 2.0 TDCi Zetec Auto, Ink Blue, 2,002 miles ......................£18,995

weecountyFriday 30.12.11 20 motoring

Weekend FixturesSat 7th JANUARY 2012

Christmas Comes Early at

BROOK STREET AUTOS!

20% OFFALL LABOUR

MUST BE ARRANGED ON BOOKING**Terms and Conditions Apply

MOTSMotorcycles £25

Cars, Vans etc

£30.00 Class 7 £35.00 Must be arranged on booking.

Terms & conditions apply

HALF PRICE MOT

with Full ServiceMust be arranged on booking.

Terms & conditions apply

FREE CHECKS on Tyres, Light/

Antifreeze*Terms and Conditions Apply

Valid until end of January 2012

weecounty Friday 30.12.11 21sport RUNNING

FANZONE

PETER HILL PAIRS - SPONSORED BY OAKWOOD & ABERCROMBY

The Ladies & Gents finals will be held in the Oakwood on Friday Jan 6th.

All players please be in the venue for 715pm

SCOTTISH MIXED PAIRS

The County play offs will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 1230 reg. There is still time to enter this event and is open to all wee county darts league players

ALLOA MASTERS QUALIFER

The First of Four qualifiers will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 2pm Reg. Entry is £5 all names to Davie Hanson asap. This is open to all players

FACEBOOK PAGE The League & County

have a new Facebook page with all the latest news updated daily along with league results on the night, please visit Clackmannan County Darts

CAPTAINS MEETING The first meeting of the

new year will be held in the Oakwood on Tues Jan 10th with a 7 30pm start , Names & Fees for the Ladies & Gents County Doubles will be taken £5 per pair plus £4 league fees. Tenders will also be taken for the Wee County News Cup and the County Doubles.

ALLOA MASTERS FINALS

The Masters Finals will be held again in Alloa Town Hall on Friday Aug 17th, Pro Players Gary Anderson , Darryl Fittion & the bad boys of Darts Ted Hankey & Paul Nicolson will take on 4 qualifiers for the title.

Organizer Davie Hanson said this week that more than half the venue had already sold out as ticket sales from all over the UK have went crazy for this one ! Any Tables or Tickets that have been booked must be paid by the end of Jan 2012 Tel 07872078715

DARTS

The latest race in the Central Athletic Club

Cross Country Series on the morning of Saturday 17 December saw an almost doubling of numbers from previous fields as the athletes made light of the frost bound conditions.

As the race unfolded it was Under 15’s Aidan Cameron and Iain Davies who raced stride for stride at the front of the field. A slight mix-up on the final turn caused some confusion but didn’t seem to overly disturb either of these talented athletes and it was Aidan who prevailed in 5min 3secs as Iain eased off near the line (5.10). It was good to

see Lewis Hetman contesting the event, coming home in a more than useful 5.26, a few strides ahead of Under 13 Andrew Quinn (5.27) with Ewan Randfield (5.29), Lewis Strachan (5.36), Rory Strachan (5.38), Gary MacFarlane (5.40) and Scott Fleming (5.41) also finishing strongly. Campbell McNicol (5.50) also looked good as he held off Ben Parkinson (5.51) while there was also some quality running from Ross Hutchison (6.03), Lewis Stewart (6.05) and James Thomson (6.06). Thomas Hanson (6.07) and Neils Gouw (6.08) showed great character with their runs

while Calum Findlay (6.19), Michael Hewitt (6.26), Comhnall Ferguson (6.33), Craig Agnew (6.38), Jonathon Hanson (6.39), Jonathon Kerr (6.46), Ruari Doherty (6.49), Thomas Robertson (6.51), Ross Mason (6.52), Stephen Gallagher (6.57), Jack Thomson (6.58), Josh McArdle (7.03), Ross MacKinlay (7.03) and Kyle Howie (7.04) all underlined their potential as they raced home. Anthony Eckersley (7.22) stuck well to his task with Scott Gracie (7.38), Callum Peebles (7.43), Stuart Thomson (7.51), Tom Roberts (8.07) and yet another Stuart Thomson (8.15) all striving

hard throughout. Under 13 Girl Catriona

Laing caught the eye with a mature run to win the Girls race in 5min 36secs ahead of Kate Gallagher and Roisin Bonucchi, both 5.43. Evie Gallagher (5.53), Eilidh Russell (5.55), Jenny Walls and Beth Gallagher, both 5.56, came through in close order just ahead of another strong effort from Heather Scott (6.01). Jane Brisbane and Shannon MacFarlane crossed the line together in 6.07 ahead of solid runs from Helen Mitchell (6.31), Lauryn Turnbull (6.36), Pippa Samphier (6.38) and Skye Henderson (6.39). Sophie

Rose (6.55), Sian Scott-Angell (7.05), Darcy Baxter (7.12), Ellie Bryce (7.15) and Elizabeth Winton (7.20) came through in style with Amy Peebles (7.40), Kirsty Reay (7.43), Rena Fleming (7.48), Aithne Lawrence (7.48), Sophie Poulter (8.11), Alison Mitchell (8.13) and Ellie Thomson (8.33) all racing for the line.

With numbers flowing through there was great effort all round but some missed times and places from Eve Cairney, Catherine Abbess, Ariane Nelmes, Freya Poulter, Eve Ogilvie, Charlie Gallagher, Claudia Price, Ben Greengrass and Ben Petrie.

More turn out for Kings Park race

There was an excellent turn out for Central Athletic Club’s Boxing Day Outing at

Gartmorn Dam, Sauchie. With the majority of athletes opting for a long

training run to ease the Christmas indulgences, it was again left to the Club’s youngsters to continue the traditional Race around the Dam.

With extreme winds it was never going to be a day for records but Jack Kerr proved his

resilience in the tough conditions to cover the three miles in a tasty 18min 55secs.

Ben Parkinson overcame the challenge in 21.14 followed by a strong run from Skye Henderson (22.06). Ross McCorgray ran strongly throughout to finish with 23.49 followed to the line by Alana Henderson with Jenny Walls (24.20) and Sandy Holl (24.41) in close pursuit. Jenny Holl picked herself up from an early fall to finish in 28.55 just ahead of Darcy Edwards (29.08).

Boxing day racing at GartmornChristmas RaceCentral Athletic Club’s

eagerly awaited Christmas Handicap was held around the traditional two and a half mile course at the University of Stirling on the evening of 22nd December. For once the conditions were excellent, far from the icy problems of recent years. This is one of Central’s most competitive events with the runners vying all the way round the winding course with concern of swifter athletes sweeping past.

Winner of the handicap was the lively Gillian Kernochan with Jonathon Barlow in second, having closed in throughout. Gordon Milne, Colin Sinclair, Ainsley Normand, David Lindsay, Cameron Campbell, Lynsey Millard, John Millar and Ian McDonald all came through in close order to

make up the top ten. Top times on the

night came from Alex Hendry with an excellent 12min 14secs in 14th overall. Alistair Hay is coming back to fitness and form and here ran 12min 39secs ahead of gutsy runs from Michael Wright (13.19), Under 20 Scott Green (13.20) and Andrew Butchart (13.29). Jennifer Emsley underlined her recent form as fastest female (15min 1sec) ahead of Under 20 Catriona Buchanan (15.36), Jennifer Hutchison (16.17) and Ainsley Normand (16.34) while Under 17 Emily Greenan won the Junior prize with 16.45. In a quality Masters competition Alex Milne took the honours with 15.05 ahead of Liam McCabe (15.34), Roger Greenaway (16.00), Robert Hutchison (16.15) and Simon Barlow (16.22).

The start of the race at Kings Park

weecountyFriday 30.12.11 22 sport FOOTBALL

MANAGER’S COMMENTSAlloa Manager Paul Hartley:

“The first half we were tremendous today, I said at half time although we were 1-0 in front, Elgin City were still very much in the game.

“We came out in the second half and were terrific again, some of our football was great , good goals, and I was pleased with the overall performance, even after going down to ten men again, our goalkeeper makes a great save from the resultant penalty kick.

“We then seen the game out which is pleasing and more importantly this was a great result for us.

“We go top of the league which is good for the club and reward for the players but there is a long way to go, a lot of hard work to

be done, the players have worked ever so hard to get to this position – so we must keep it going and maintain the standards which we have set.

“We are there just now but we know there is a chasing pack and we will hope to stay there.

“We know we have great spirit and commitment, the players work ever so hard for each other, Stevie May up front was absolutely different class, he ran his socks off, but it was a team performance in which there was not one failure and that was pleasing.”

weecounty Friday 30.12.11 23sport FOOTBALL

Irn Bru Division 3: League Table

IRN BRU DIV 3 RESULTS

Pld W D L W D L GD PtsALLOA 17 5 3 0 4 3 2 6 33STRANRAER 17 5 2 2 4 2 2 19 31ANNAN ATHLETIC 16 6 2 1 3 2 2 9 31QUEEN’S PARK 16 4 3 1 3 1 4 4 25BERWICK 17 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 23ELGIN 14 5 1 1 1 3 3 6 22CLYDE 16 3 2 3 2 4 2 4 21MONTROSE 16 3 1 3 2 1 6 -11 17PETERHEAD 16 1 3 4 1 1 6 -11 10EAST STIRLING 17 2 2 5 0 1 7 -29 9

SATURDAY, 24 Dec 2011Annan Athletic 2 Berwick 2Watson (18) Gibson (og 77)Harty (41) Gribben (82)

Queen’s Park 2 East Stirling 0Watt (38)Smith (67)

MONDAY, 26 Dec 2011Alloa 3 Elgin 0Docherty (16)Cawley (59)Ry McCord (90+2)

Clyde 1 Stranraer 1Neill (28) Grehan (18)

Peterhead 2 Montrose 3Strachan (74) Strachan (og 15)Bavidge (90+4) McGowan (62) Crawford (90+2)

Fixtures: SATURDAY, 31 Dec 2011Stranraer v Annan Athletic

MONDAY, 2 Jan 2012Berwick v MontroseClyde v Queen’s ParkEast Stirling v AlloaPeterhead v Elgin

MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Elgin City Manager, Ross Jack:

“We got beaten by the better team they took their chances, but I think we can still be in the promotion hunt come May but we have to be better than today.”

Wasps look for ‘Shire winAs Alloa head over the water

to play East Stirling next week, they will be without Ben Gordon who will sit out a two game ban due to him being sent off against Elgin.

Fraser Forrest will come into the side, and Steve Masterson will be looking for a starting place after coming on as a sub. Robbie Winters will also be looking for a starting position as he has found himself on the bench as of late.

The ‘shire caused a big upset recently at the Recs as they held Alloa to a draw, with the Wasps goal coming very late on. Despite being firmly rooted to the bottom of the league, it will be a hard match that the Wasps need to win to keep the pressure on in the race for the Third Division title.

Kick off at Ochilview is 3pm.

Photograph by JAMES HENSBY

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weecounty sportWEE COUNTY DARTS UPDATE Page 21

The boxing day fixture list threw up a home tie for the Wasps

against the last team to beat them, Elgin City.

Alloa were looking for revenge as Elgin thumped them 5-0 in the Highlands in what was a bad day at the office. Since then, the Wasps have gone 8 games unbeaten in the league and still maintain their unbeaten at home status.

Manager Paul Hartley added Steve Masterton who was back after his injury and Fraser Forrest to the Alloa bench. Loan signings Steven May and Kevin McHattie, both who have been in fine form since arriving at the Recs, both kept their place in the starting line up. Robbie Winters also found himself on the bench.

Alloa had the better of the early play and you could see that the Wasps were up for the challenge. The visitors did force a good save from Bain from a corner as the keeper managed to get a hand on the ball pushing the ball to safety.

May was starting to come into the game and was beginning to irritate the Elgin defenders with his weaving across the pitch, full of energy.

Defender Gordon pulled off a good block moments before Mark Docherty put Alloa ahead on the 16th minute. A good run and cross from the right by Ryan McCord found Docherty at the back post, and from

GREAT WIN PUTS ALLOA TOP

12 yards shot high into the net past Clark, sending the home crowd wild.

Alloa had a very good spell and could have added more, only to be denied by the Elgin keeper Clark. He saved well from Cawley’s efforts as the Wasps piled on the pressure.

It really should have been two-nil in the 25th min but Cawley saw his net bound shot tipped onto the bar by Clark.

Elgin’s top scorer Craig Gunn nearly brought his side back into the game as he rattled the bar with a long range effort in the 32nd minute. Minutes later, Gunn had a good chance from a free kick but could not find the target.

The Wasps went in at half time

one in front after a very entertaining first half.

Alloa came out for the second half full of running and were denied again by an inform Clark. May’s effort was pushed over the bar by the goalkeeper.

Alloa eventually added to their tally on the 59th minute. Cawley collected the knock down from May and the Wasps top scorer saw his shot slip through Clark’s hands in the visitors goal from 15 yards-much to the fury of the goalkeeper for a schoolboy error.

The game was to come to light in the 65 min when referee Robertson awarded Elgin a spot kick after a challenge by Ben Gordon on

sub Paul Miller. The official must have deemed it as a goal scoring opportunity and red carded the centre half.

Bain was to become a hero saving the spot kick from Crooks, turning it past the post, keeping the Wasps two goal advantage intact.

It was a big turning point in the game as Elgin seem to lose heart and it was Alloa who could have been three up in the 73rd min, May raced clear but his shot was well saved by Clark.

Alloa’s titles hopes were left in the dark after the floodlights failed in the 75th minute and the referee brought the match to a halt. Chairman Mike Mulraney was down

on the pitch assuring the officials that the lights would be back up and running. Within minutes the lights where fully working again and the match resumed.

Alloa secured the victory as they went three up as the match approached stoppage time. May chased down a long ball from Young as he went head on with Clark who was rushing out of his box. The clearance fell to Ryan McCord 18 yards out and he rolled the ball into the empty net.

It was the least the home side deserved as it one of their best displays of the season and one that took the wasps two points clear at the top.

Alloa 3Elgin City 0

Wasps Chairman Mike Mulraney takes to the pitch after the floodlight failure

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