District Digest

Alloa Bowling Club: The club will be holding it’s next quiz night on Friday 5 December at 8pm. Teams of up to four with at least one member per team. Entry £5 per team.

Alloa Spiritualists: The medium on Sunday was Sharon Wolfe, there were 39 people present and five messages were given, her talk was on hope. There are still a few tickets remaining for the Christmas rally on 7 December with four mediums and a supper. Tickets available from Margaret on 07918964182.

Alloa Bridge Club: Latest results - N/S 1 Margo Webster and Jim Paterson; 2 Jimmy Hamilton and Eric Howman; 3 Joyce Scales and Linda Sommerville. E/W 1 George and Tom Boyle; 2 Nance Ross and Bob McIntyre; 3 Christine Wallace and Moira Bain.

St. John’s Episcopal Church: Service on Sunday 7 December is at 10.30am and includes Young Church. Rev. Graham Willey will preside and preach. Refreshments are served after the service and provide time for informal chat. Today (Wednesday) 3 December there will be a short reflective service at 12.30pm followed by a soup and sandwich lunch. A short Communion Service follows at 1.45pm. On Wednesday 10 December there will be a short reflective service at 12.30pm followed by a soup and sandwich lunch. On Wednesday 10 December at 2pm a Meditation Service for Advent will be led by the Mothers’ Union, and will include Meditation, Advent Carols and Bible readings, refreshments will be served. Later that evening at 7.15pm a fun quiz will be held in church - all welcome. Thursday 11 December at 7.15pm will be the church council meeting. A Christingle Service will be held on Sunday 14 December at 3.30pm. The AGM has been postponed until 18 January. Everyone is very welcome at all services. The church office is open on Wednesday and Friday from 10am to noon.

Moncrieff UF Church: Communion Service on Sunday was conducted by Rev. Andrew MacMillan Interim-Moderator. The church café continued on Monday from 10am to noon and Monday 8 December will be the last 2014 day of the cafe which will close over the Christmas/New Year period and reopen on Monday 19 January 2015. Christmas coffee and crafts morning is on Saturday 6 December in the church hall from 10am to noon. Over the period of vacancy should any member require help of any kind please contact your elder in the first instance. Moncrieff Church Hall is available on a number of days in the week for hire for meetings and other events. Contact Graeme Forrest on 07711370369 for further information.

Moncrieff Church Boys’ Brigade Company: All sections of the Company continue their normal meetings on Tuesdays and Fridays. Company Section Boys have also been coming along to table tennis coaching on a Tuesday and to badminton on a Wednesday. Parents of Anchor and Junior section boys are reminded of the return now required in respect of the pantomime visit in January. New members are welcome in all sections; the Anchor Boys (age 5-P3) and the Junior Section (P4-6) meeting in Moncrieff Church Hall on Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7pm respectively and the Company Section (P7+) meeting on Fridays at 7.15pm in Alloa Academy. Anyone with queries, or seeking further information about any section of the Company should telephone 212023.

St Mungo’s Parish Church of Scotland: Grateful thanks to all who helped and attended the Christmas Market on Saturday in the town hall. The grand total raised was £4,000. The annual manse Christmas party will be held this Friday 5 December from 6pm. Go along and join in the supper buffet and enjoy an evening of poetry and song, including a performance by Thursday’s Child. American friends will also be attending. If you have been collecting 10p a day jars, please hand the money into Anne Gulland’s or John Carruthers as soon as possible. The next family film night is on Friday 12 December at 7.30pm when they will be showing Frozen. Sang would like children, if possible, to dress up as their favourite movie character. Juice and sweets will be provided but a donation would be most acceptable. Tickets are now available for next year’s Burns’ Supper and Ceilidh on Saturday 24 January. £20 ticket includes a three course meal and ceilidh with music by Jack Delaney and his band. See Roberta Milne for tickets.

The Lodge of Alloa No 69: The next regular meeting will take place on Thursday 4 December at 7.30pm. Business - minutes, correspondence, AOCB, F.C. degree. All welcome. www.alloa69.co.uk. A C Robertson PM/Secretary 07877088167.

Alloa Christian Outreach: Rev. Lynn Mack gave members part of her testimony at their recent meeting. Morag Reekie presided and Charlene Ferguson did two readings. The next meeting will be held in Alloa Baptist Church Hall on Wednesday 10 December at 10.15am for tea and coffee. This is the last meeting for this session - re-starting on Wednesday 7 January.

The Gate Charity: Community cafe now open at The Gate Centre on Fridays at noon to 2pm. Gate lunch special £2.95 (homemade soup, sandwich and a drink). Great prices, nutritional food and a friendly service. Soup Pot open Tuesdays noon to 1pm. Donations for the Crisis Foodbank can be delivered Monday - Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm and are greatly appreciated as they could not operate this service without the community’s support and generosity. To get involved in The Gate’s projects, please contact Marie, Centre Manager on 01259 218 766.

Alloa Town Hall: A tea dance will be held every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. All welcome.

Alloa Elim Church - Greenside Street: Every Sunday at 11am. Connect Youth Club every Friday at 7.30pm to 9pm. web: alloaelim.org.uk. email: alloaelim@yahoo.co.uk. twitter: @alloaelim.

Alloa Community House: Community House continues to be a busy thriving resource for the local community. They run something for all ages - children, young people, mums and dads, grannies and grand-dads. All activities are provided free of charge. You can find them on Facebook or visit their website www. communityhousealloa.com. Please see the activity programme or call Elaine McDonagh, Project Manager 01259 725424 for further information. Activity Programme - Monday 10am to noon Carers Group; 3.30pm to 5pm After School Club; 7pm to 8.30pm Youth Group; Tuesday 10am to noon Coffee Drop-in; 3.30pm to 5pm. Kids Praise Time and Crafts; 7pm to 9pm Agape Group; Wednesday 10.30am to 1pm Adult Helping Hands; 3.30pm to 5pm After School Club; 5pm to 5.45pm Family Tea Time; Thursday 12.30pm to 1.30pm Over 50’s Lunch Club; 1.30pm to 2.45pm Adult Craft Group; 3.30pm to 5pm After School Club; 7pm to 8.30pm Youth Group; Friday 3.30pm to 5pm After School Club.

Alloa Baby and Toddler Group: The group which meets in the Session House of St Mungo’s Parish Church, Bedford Place, Alloa on Fridays from 10am to noon is now operating a waiting list. For information or to book a place please telephone 07486056606 or contact Alloa Baby and Toddler Group on Facebook.

Alloa Community Arts: Meet every week on the top floor of Alloa Town Hall. The craft class meets on Mondays between 1pm and 4pm and art classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays between 1pm and 4pm. Classes run throughout the year and are informal and friendly. New members are always welcome. For more information telephone Mary on Alloa 730205 or 07759 161122.

Hawkhill Community Centre: Mondays Community Cafe 11am - 2pm. Tuesdays Community Cafe 11am - 2pm. Circuit Training 6pm - 7pm. Yoga 7pm - 8pm. Wednesdays Community Cafe 11am - 2pm. Wednesdays Nifty Fifties 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Active Start Childrens play 1.15pm - 1.45pm. Junior Youth Club 4pm - 6pm. Type II Diabeetes Group 7pm - 8.30pm. Thursdays Community Cafe 11am - 1pm. Yummie Mummies 1pm - 3pm. Street Dance 6pm - 7pm. Roller Disco 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Fridays Community Cafe 11am - 1pm. Computing for beginners 10am - noon. Senior Youth Club 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Saturday Guitar Lessons 2pm - 3pm.

Play Alloa: You can find them in their own base within Hawkhill Community Centre, 132 Hillcrest Drive, Alloa, FK10 1SB. Telephone number is still 07800 859 161 and you can still contact them at playalloa@aol.com. Their website has been updated and is a regular place for news and developments - www.playalloa.co.uk.

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.

Rotary Club of Alloa: In addition to its normal meetings at Gean House in Alloa on Wednesday lunchtimes, The Rotary Club of Alloa, Clackmannanshire will be meeting on Thursday evenings at the Hollytree Hotel in Menstrie. Fellowship and food will be available from 5.30pm, with the business starting at 6.30pm. Anyone interested in learning more about the club shouldvisit their website or talk to any member.

St Mungo’s RC Parent and Toddlers Group: A waiting list is now operating and a place on the list can be booked by telephoning 07511927795.

ALVA Alva Bridge Club: Latest results - N/S 1 Dorothy Coulter and Alfred Moore +2550; 2 Sandra C Hopkins and Pat Booth +2290; 3 Helen McKillop and Tony Cervi +1910; 4 Alan and Ethelwyn Coales +1860. E/W 1 Ken Ross and Ian Young -620; 2= Andy Younger and Alison Millar; 2= Muriel Macleod and Betty Huntly -1170; 4 Hilda Courtney and David Thornber -1300.

Christmas Messy Church Special: The next Messy Church event happens in Alva Parish between 4pm-6pm on Sunday 7 December. All are welcome to enjoy the special Christmas crafts and carols. For all the hard pressed mums at this time of year they supply a meal afterwards so you don’t need to think of cooking. All welcome but please note that due to safeguarding regulations children must be accompanied by an adult.

Alva Community Council: The next monthly meeting will take place on Monday 8 December at 7.30pm in Alva Baptist Church. Every welcome. Alternatively if you have any item you wish to have mentioned / discussed, please email info@alvacommunitycouncil.org.uk or write a note and visit the Alva CAP where there is a zip folder into which items for discussion may be placed. Also you can keep up to date by visiting the ACC website: http://www.alvacommunitycouncil.org.uk or with Alva Community Council on Facebook and Twitter @AlvaCommCouncil accounts.

Lodge St Servanus No 771: Monday 8 December at 7.30pm special meeting followed by Christmas prize draw. Please take all monies and counterfoils. Saturday 13 December at 5pm Installation followed by Festival of St John. Monday 15 December at 7.30pm Regular Meeting. Business - minutes, correspondence, reports, ballot followed by a First Degree.

Darby and Joan Club: Domino and whist latest results - Domino 1 Mrs L Nolan, 2 Mrs I Emslie, consolation Mrs M Burt. Whist - 1 lady Mrs M Hill, consolation Mrs E Campbell. 1 gent Mr D Shepherd, consolation Mrs L Couston. New members will be made welcome every Wednesday at 1.45pm in the Cochrane Foundation Hall, Croftshaw Road, Alva.

Age Concern: Whist and dominoes latest results - Domino winner Mrs M Stewart, consolation Mrs I Thomson. Ladies whist Mrs E Campbell, consolation Mrs J Beattie. Gents Mr G Burt, consolation Miss M Crichton. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 11 December at 2pm in Alva Parish Church Hall.

Alva Community Council: Alva community event and late night Christmas shopping on Thursday 4 December at 6.30pm to 9pm. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with Alva Primary’s Carol Singers at entrance to Cochrane Park at 6.30pm. Why not go and enjoy Alva’s Christmas Lights and late night Christmas shopping with local traders whilst enjoying festive refreshments, including mulled wine at the local shops and partake of tea and shortbread at Nichols opticians. Parking at Ochil Leisure Centre and behind Glentanna Mill. Toilets at Higglety Pigglety on Stirling Street.

The Cochrane Foundation: Beneficiaries Christmas Gift - pay-out date is Thursday 4 December at 1.30pm to 3.30pm. This notice applies to persons who have been admitted onto the roll of beneficiaries on or before 31 October 2014. If you are collecting payments for a number of people can you please take a list to the office prior to the pay-out date.

Knitting Group: A knitting group will be held at Parkland Centre, Alva at 7.30pm to 10pm. Calling all machine and hand knitters. Go along on the first and third Monday of the month for a friendly evening in the company of experienced machine and hand knitters.

Carpet Bowlers: Carpet bowlers are wanted at Alva Parklands on Monday and Friday afternoons at 1.45pm to 3.15pm.

Ochil Leisure Centre: An exercise class will be held on Fridays from 10am until 11am. It is suitable for all levels. Go along and give it a go. Contact the centre on 01259 763831 for more information.

Alva Baptist Church: A craft club will be held on Thursdays at 10am to noon. Card making materials supplied or take your own work ie knitting, cross stitch, etc. and enjoy the company.

Community Notice Board: The notice board is situated outside the CAP/library. Groups and individuals and ‘not for profit’ organisations can advertise activities and display posters here. Anyone wishing to use this facility please see the notice board for further details.

CLACKMANNAN Bargains and Bites: Bargains and Bites are taking a break until January 9 next year. The volunteers would like to thank everyone who supports them every week and look forward to seeing you every Friday in the New Year.

The Clackmannanshire Credit Union: The union is pleased to be able to offer it’s services from noon on Fridays in Clackmannan Community Access Point. If you are interested in joining or finding out what it can do for you, please go along and speak to someone in confidence.

The 36th Stirling (Clackmannan) Company: The Boys’ Brigade meets every Friday in Clackmannan Town Hall and want to welcome new members in all areas. Parents should contact the leader for details of the programme for the session contact Kathy for Anchor Boys on 07891389542, Lucy for Junior Section on 07743085909 or Bill for the Company Section on 216763.

Clackmannan Parish Church of Scotland: Sunday morning Worship for the Clackmannan Parish Church of Scotland: Sunday morning Worship for the second Sunday in Advent is at 11am in the church. This is the Christmas Gift Day when they invite you to buy an extra present to donate to Alloa Women’s Aid. (Please mark presents suitable for boy/girl with age or teenager or mother). Sunday School and Vision groups meet during morning Worship. On Monday in the church hall the Musical Allsorts meet for practice. The Guild go for their Christmas celebration the week after. On Tuesday the coffee morning is open from 10am in the church hall and the Kirk Session meet at 7pm in the Bruce Memorial Hall. On Wednesday at 6.45pm the church choir meet for practice and will be glad to welcome new members. This is followed at 8pm by the Prayer Group. For more information about church activities please visit website www.clackmannankirk.org.uk. Anyone requiring the services of a minister should contact Rev. Scott Raby on 211255. Concert: On Friday 5 December Con Brio will provide musical entertainment for everyone in the church. Entrance for 7.30pm will be by a suggested donation of £5 at the door.

Festival of Christmas: Opens on Thursday 11 December from 10am until 7pm daily with lots of musical entertainment throughout and closes with a time of carol singing on Saturday. Craft goods suitable for Christmas will be on sale.

Clackmannan Community Council: The OAP Christmas lunch is on Wednesday 10 December at 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm. Tickets at no cost will be available to anyone of pensionable age residing in Clackmannan, Kennet, Helensfield, Forrestmill and surrounding farms on Friday 5 December at Clackmannan CAP office from 9.30am to 11.30am. If you know of anyone who would normally attend but are unable to due to ill health or are now housebound please let a member of the community council know. Entertainment will be provided along with pre-lunch drinks.

Clackmannan Bowling Club: The senior citizens members Christmas lunch will be held on Friday 19 December at 2pm. Menu in club house.

The Clackmannan Society: The society is in its 63rd Year - The society will commence their winter 2014-2015 programme as usual in the Church Hall, High Street, Clackmannan at 7pm on the following dates, to which all who have an interest in local and social history will be made most welcome. Tea/coffee/sandwiches will be served. 2015 - January 17 - Michael McGinnes, Stirling Smith Museum & Art Gallery - “Surprises from the Museum Collectiom”. February 14 - Colin Hunter, retired school headmaster” - “Tiree Island Life”. March 19 - 64th AGM and members night. The society welcomes all who have a like minded interest.

Zumba: Zumba classes on Thursdays at 6.15pm to 7.15pm in Clackmannan Town Hall. £3.50. Zumba is the perfect way to keep fit and have fun while dancing to amazing music. All are welcome. Jenna Graham - 07930254979.

Active 50s Exercise: On a Thursday morning in Clackmannan Town Hall from 11am to noon - £3. Zumba Class: A new Zumba class will be held in Clackmannan Town Hall on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm. For more information telephone 01259 721886 or 07881762687.

Ian McLean’s School of Dance: The class will be held in Clackmannan Town Hall every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. For more information telephone 01259 721886.

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

Coalsnaughton Cafe Society: The society are holding a Christmas lunch on 12 December and you will be entertained by the children from the local primary school singing beautiful Christmas carols. Prices £5 per person. Mother and Toddler Group every Wednesday from 1pm till 3pm and a youth club every Thursday P1-P3 from 6pm till 7.30pm and P4-P7 from 7.30pm. till 9pm.

DOLLAR Dollar Parish Church: This Sunday 7 December second Sunday in Advent at 11am, Nativity Service and Gift Service at Dollar Parish Church led by Rev. Jerome O’Brien. All will be welcome to go to the Burnside Hall after the Nativity Play where the Sunbeams will be providing tea, coffee and mince pies. Also on Sunday 7 December: Messy Church for Muckhart and Glendevon - at the Coronation Hall at 4.30pm till 6.30pm. Theme for this Sunday “Messy Christmas”. For more information please contact:- Fran McNicoll, fmcnicoll2014@hotmail.co.uk or 781455. Friday 5 December: The Friday Night Thing. This is for all secondary school pupils in Dollar, Glendevon and Muckhart at 7pm in the Burnside Hall. For more information please go to the church website: www.dollarparishchurch.org.uk.

Dollar History Society: Dollar History Society’s next meeting is on Tuesday 9 December when the speaker will be Mr Peter Ireland, Classical Scholar and former teacher. Mr Ireland’s talk is headed ‘A History of Greek Art in 10 favourite pieces’. The meeting will be held in the Dollar Academy dining hall at 7.30pm. Membership subscriptions for the session are £12 for individuals and £20 for couples. Visitors are very welcome and are asked to pay £3. Pupils and students can always go free of charge.

Dollar Bridge Club: The results of the seventh round of the club championship held on 27 November are as follows. N/S 1 Kit and David Gow -1460; 2 Sheila Williams and Jim Paterson -1470; 3 Jutta Griffiths and David Thornber -3060. E/W 1 Sandy Greenhill and Tom Sommerville +4950; 2 Kathy Marshall and Kay Anderson +4050; 3 Ken Ross and Ross Whitehouse +3080.

Dollar Episcopal Church: The church begins its course of study for Advent in the parish rooms adjacent to the church from Thursday 4 December and every Thursday through to Christmas at 10.30am and 7.30pm culminating in the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 6.30pm on Sunday 21 December, which will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Everyone is welcome, even if you do not normally go to St James’s Church. All information about St James’s activities and details of contact can be found on the website www.stjamesthegreatdollar.org.uk and for any matters of urgency, the Rector, Rev. Andrew Frearson can be reached on 01259 742494.

Masonic: A regular meeting of Lodge Craiginnan will be held in the scout hall on Tuesday 9 December at 7.30pm when the Mark Degree will be conferred.

Dollar Museum: The museum will be open every week-end until Christmas, Saturdays 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. Sundays 2pm until 4.30pm. Admission is free. There is the new exhibition “Mining and Quarrying around Dollar” plus the old favourites are still there such as Granny’s Kitchen and the Devon Valley Railway.

Dollar Civic Centre: Information for community and voluntary groups. Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface is providing an information surgery for community and voluntary groups to give help and information in areas such as funding, constitutions and policies. Go along and speak to Maureen Hill CTSI Organisational Support Officer at Dollar Civic Centre. These meetings take place on the last Thursday of every month from 1pm to 2pm.

FISHCROSS Charity Shop: The Cats Protection charity shop in Alloa Road, Fishcross, is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1pm to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm selling good second hand clothing, bric-a-brac, books and new goods.

KINCARDINE Kincardine History Group: The next meeting is on Wednesday 10 December at 2pm in the Hepburn Room of the Community Centre. The interesting topic is “Droving and The Falkirk Trysts” and is presented by Mr Ian Scott. Visitors are always welcome if the subject is of particular interest to them.

Tulliallan and Kincardine Parish Church: Annual Carol and Candles Service takes place this Sunday evening 7 December at 6.30pm. The service this Sunday 7 December is at 10.30am and will be led by Rev. Alec Shuttleworth. Tea and coffee will be served after the service. The Young Church meet at 10.30am. The retiring collection last Sunday realised £179.92. Men’s Club Christmas Dinner will be held on Monday 8 December at 7pm for 7.30pm at Tulliallan Golf Club. The following evening Tuesday 9 December, the Guild Christmas Dinner takes place at 7pm for 7.30pm at Tulliallan Golf Club. The Scottish Country Dance Class meet each Wednesday evening from 8pm to 9.30pm in the hall. As a result of the table top sale held on Saturday 29 November by the fundraising committee the excellent sum of £446 was raised. Thanks to all who donated, supported and helped on the day. There will be a “Celebration of Christmas in Song and Story” on Saturday 13 December at 7pm in the church.

MENSTRIE Menstrie Pensioners Association: Pantomime on Tuesday 16 December - pick up by bus at 6.15pm at Dumyat Centre. Meal will be held on Wednesday 21 January 2015. Names to Edna on 761616.

Menstrie Parish Church: Rev Gaston conducted worship on Sunday and the first Advent Candle was lit. Bible readings were from Joshua 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 1:3-9. The sermon was “A City in Flames” and how the early Christians in Rome were persecuted for their faith and were prepared to die for it. We can make a conscious and deliberate choice to live a new life with a living hope if we have the courage to live for our faith. Communion will be celebrated this Sunday at 11am. All welcome. Advent Reflections are at 10.15am. Christmas Card Party - go along with your cards and get writing and include an extra card to send to someone suffering for their faith and help raise funds for Iraqi and Syrian families. All donations go to Open Doors. There will also be an opportunity to donate at end of service this Sunday. The Christmas Fayre - a huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make the Fayre a big success. Total raised to date is in excess of £3000. Christmas Messy Church is on Sunday 14 December from 3pm to 5pm. Go and join them for family fun, celebration and food. Gaelic Parent & Child (0-5) Group - Croileagan Clach Mhanainn: The group meet every Tuesday from 10am to noon in Menstrie Parish Church Hall. Everyone will be made very welcome. No knowledge of Gaelic required, just an interest. For further information contact Kerry on 01259 220308. £1.50 per session first session free. Menstrie Bowling Club: The club is now open every Friday evening at 7.30pm to 12.30am. Go along to enjoy a game of dominoes, cards, pool or just enjoy some good company.

Zumba Classes: Zumba classes with Audrey Crawford will be held on a Thursday from 6.45pm to 7.45pm in Menstrie Parish Church, Menstrie. For further information telephone 07515 534902. Ditch the workout and join the party.

Menstrie Matters: Anyone wishing to contribute can they please contact Linda at menstriematters@gmial.com or 07412689608. Anyone wishing to advertise please contact Linda as soon as possible with full payment by October 31. It would be really good to get more community involvement.

MUCKHART Muckhart Parish Church: This Sunday 7 December second Sunday in Advent at 9.30am Gift Service at Glendevon Parish Church with the congregation of Muckhart Parish Church led by Rev. Jerome O’Brien. There is no service at Muckhart Parish Church on Sunday 7 December. Also on Sunday 7 December: Messy Church for Muckhart and Glendevon - at the Coronation Hall at 4.30pm till 6.30pm. Theme for this Sunday “Messy Christmas”. For more information please contact:- Fran McNicoll, fmcnicoll2014@hotmail.co.uk or 781455. Friday 5 December: The Friday Night Thing. This is for all secondary school pupils in Dollar, Glendevon and Muckhart at 7pm in the Burnside Hall. For more information please go to the church website: www.dollarparishchurch.org.uk. Saturday 13 December: Muckhart Christmas Fayre in the Coronation Hall from 10am to noon. There will be baking, craft, a bottle stall and children’s activities. For further details contact Sheena on 781391or email at sheena.c.anderson@btinternet.com.

SAUCHIE Sauchie Community Group: The group’s Christmas Party on 6 December in the Mansfield has had to be cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.

Craigbank Primary School: Primary 7 pupils have been writing advertisments for the Christmas Fair. The teacher has chosen one and the advert is: Come to our Christmas Fair, We’ve taken a lot of care, Don’t ignore, Come and explore, We would love to have you there! Free entry at Craigbank Primary School Fair on Saturday 6 December at 10am to noon in the gym hall.

Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Church: Rev. Margaret Shuttleworth conducted the service on Sunday 30 November. The Scripture readings were 1 Corinthians 1 v3-9 and Mark 13 v24-37. In her sermon Rev. Shuttleworth told the congregation that when we wait in queues in December we should look upon this not as a trial but as a moment of grace as it allows us to experience what Advent is about, ie waiting for the celebration of the transformational birth of Jesus at Christmas. The current total for the amount raised at the Christmas Fayre is £2,230. The amount raised at the recent Fayre at Sauchie Hall was £90.90. The Young Church would like to thank everyone who contributed to their recent Toilet Twinning Appeal - the final total raised was £600. Communion Services will be held on Sunday 7 December at 10.30am and Monday 8 December at 2.30pm. The retiral collection will be for the Missionary Partners in Zambia.

Sauchie & Fishcross UF Church: Last Sunday morning the theme was “Andrew and God’s Call”. The Bible reading was taken from sections of Matthew chapter 4 and John chapter 1. At the evening service we considered “Reasons for Comfort”. The Bible reading was part of Isaiah 40. The Bible Study and Prayer Meeting is on Wednesday at 7pm. The Women’s Association have a Souper Thursday at 12.30pm. There is no meeting at 2.15pm. The Children’s Club meets on Friday from 6pm. Communion Services are this Sunday at 11am and 6.30pm. Kites Group and creche at 11am. Kirk Session meets at 10.50am. “Come for Coffee” is on Monday morning from 9.15am to 11.30am. All welcome - no charge. The Kirk Session meets at 6.30pm followed by the Congregational Board at 7pm. The congregation are seeking nominations for new elders from members of the congregation. Nomination forms are now available. These should be returned by this Sunday evening. Sauchie Pensioners Club: Members please note that the Christmas dinner is in The Oakwood Bar, Sauchie on Saturday 13 December at 1pm; Sauchie Hall on 9 December at 1pm; 16 December in the Town Hall, Alloa.

Sauchie Community Group: Hogmanay Party and dance in the Mansfield Arms on Wednesday 31 December at 6.30pm to 12.30am. Disco and raffle on the night. Tickets £3 for adults and £1 for children. Tickets must be booked and bought in advance to avoid disappointment - telephone Laura 725337.

Sauchie Community Group: Sauchie Tiny Tots - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 9.45am to 11.30am, Sauchie Resource Centre, £1.50 per child. First visit free. Art Club, Tuesday 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Various types of art work - drawing, painting etc. £1 entry. Carpet Bowls, Wednesdays 12pm to 2pm, £1.50 entry. Soup and sandwich lunch, second Thursday of each month 11.30am to 1.30pm. Soup or stovies, selection of sandwiches, tea/coffee biscuits. £2.50 entry. All the above activities are held in Sauchie Resource Centre across from the Mansfield Arms.

Cancer Support Group: The Cancer Support Group is held in the Health Centre Building, Clackmannanshire Community Health Care Centre, Hallpark, Sauchie (enter from the Sunnyside Brae entrance). The group is on every Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Drop in for a chat - everyone welcome.

Sauchie Active8: Every Monday - 10am to 12pm Gym Crackers 50p, 10am to 1pm Internet Café FREE, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Advanced Spanish Class. Every Tuesday - 1pm to 3pm Over 50s Exercise Class FREE, 6pm to 8pm Teen Nite FREE, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Sign Language Class. Every Wednesday - 10am to 1pm Internet Cafe FREE, 10am to 1pm Fruit Barra, 10am to 11am Zumba £3, 1.30pm 3.30pm Computer Class for beginners FREE, 6pm to 8pm Youth Club £1, 6pm-7pm Ladies Keep Fit, 7pm to 8pm Beauty Hour £1 for both. Thursday 7.15pm to 8.15pm Ladies Zumba £3. Friday 10am to 1pm Internet Café FREE, 10am to 12pm Toddlers Gym Crackers 50p, 1.30pm to gone Food Bank FREE, 6pm to 8pm Teen Nite FREE. Also Café open every Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am to 1pm. Contact Sandra Gruar for more details: 01259 215972.

TILLICOULTRY Tillicoultry SWRI: Hoping for a splendid 78th birthday rural dinner for the Tillicoultry ladies on 4 December! So get your glad rags on and be at the lovely Gean House at 6.30pm for 7pm. Don’t forget your gift, your specs and comfortable shoes. See you there.

EU Congregational Church: Pastor Peter McCool will conduct the two Communion Services at 11am and 6.30pm. The evening service will also be a Memorial Service for those who have lost husbands, wives, relatives and friends. This is also pastors gift day. Choir practice at 7pm on Thursday. All welcome to any of the above.

Tillicoultry Parish Church: Today (Wednesday) - Advent Bible Study in Lesser Hall at 3pm; Vestry Hour at 6.30pm; Choir practice at 7.30pm; Girls’ Brigade all sections 6.15pm to 9pm. Thursday - Boys’ Brigade 6.15pm to 9pm. Sunday (December 7) - The Sacrament of Holy Communion at 9am and 10.30am. Fair Trade goods will be on sale. Advent Bible Study at 7.30pm; Monday (December 8) Sewing Circle at 7p; Tuesday (December 9) Country Dancing at 7.30pm; Thursday (December 11) Thursday Club at 2pm. On Sunday 28 December most of the hymns will be chosen by the congregation who are invited to list their three favourite hymns.

The Murray Trust: Applications for a small Christmas grant are requested to be made to the Trustees by Tillicoultry pensioners whose income consists of State Pension and Benefits only and organisations having a connection with Tillicoultry. Application to The Secretary, The Murray Truse, 18/22 Bank Street, Alloa by Monday 8 December 2014.

Tillicoultry Bridge Club: Latest results - 1 Dorothy Coulter and Linda Sommerville 60 per cent; 2 Jimmy Hamilton and George Smith 58 per cent; 3 Margo Webster and Kit Gow 56 per cent; 4 Sam Harris and Helen McKillop 55 per cent; 5 Liz Duncan and Winnie McDermott 54.8 per cent; 6 Fraser Evans and David Gow 53 per cent.

Lodge Ben Cleuch 782: The next bingo tea will be held on 12 December at 7.30pm. The Christmas raffle tickets are now on sale for members to purchase and the New Year dance tickets are available from most lodge members upon request - £12.50 per adult.

Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton & Devonside Community Council: Tickets are now available for Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton & Devonside Community Council’s Hogmanay Ceilidh taking place this year at Coalsnaughton Hall. Tickets £10, entertainment being provided by Davie Sinclair’s Craigenroan Duo. Take your own drink and nibbles. Tickets usually sell fast, so early booking is recommended. For further information and tickets, contact: Robert McClelland on 01259 751103; Billy Shepherd on 01259 750775.

Zumba Fitness Classes: Classes will be held in Tillicoultry Parish Church Hall on Mondays from 7pm to 8pm with Irene Kane. For further information call 0774 3785103.

Zumba Class: Zumba classes every week in Tillicoultry Centenary Hall on Wednesdays at 8pm to 9pm. For more, call 01259 721886 or 07881762687.

TULLIBODY Lodge Ladywell 1474: Annual installation RWM and office bearers will take place on Saturday 6 December at 4pm. Tuesday 9 December - FC Degree, tyles at 7.30pm. The meeting on Tuesday 23 December has been cancelled.

Tullibody Healthy Living: Older Adults Christmas Lunch to be held on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 December in St Serf’s Church hall at noon to 2pm. Are you a Tullibody, Cambus or Glenochil resident? Three course lunch and entertainment. Tell your friends and neighbours. To book your place now pop into the office or telephone 724374.

Tullibody Healthy Living Fruit Barra: Please note there will be no Fruit Barra on Thursday 11 Dec due to Older Adults Xmas Lunch and orders can be taken just now for the last barra on Thursday 18 Dec. The office will then be closed for the Xmas and New year break.

Tullibody and Cambus Girlguiding: To join the leadership team. Contact Ann-Margaret on 07908 252104, or Girlguiding Clackmannanshire on 01259 211318.

Slimming World: Every Wednesday in the Civic Centre, Tullibody at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Further details from Margo - telephone 07879 477 921.